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Fireside Friends

by Ryan Persaud, Allen Ibrahim and Kaity marie

Welcome to Fireside Friends, a bi-weekly podcast that discusses various forms of media (movies, video games, short fiction, etc.) and how they reflect our lives. Hosted by Ryan Persaud, Allen Ibrahim, and Kaity Marie.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 30, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Episode 50 - Fireside Friends x Scanline Media

    The Fireside Friends crew are joined by Jen and Six from Scanline Media as they discuss Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse! You can follow Six and Jen's work at scanlinemedia.com. You can follow Jen on Twitter at @jbu3, and Six at @sixdettmar.

  2. Episode 49 - Otherworld

    Content warning: Our segment on Pulse features in-depth discussions and depictions of depression, suicide, and self harm. Our discussion of the film begins at 36:44. This month, we discuss Russian Doll, Final Fantasy 7, and Magia Record before diving deep into the 2001 Kiyoshi Kurosawa film Pulse...

  3. Episode 48 - "What The Junk?" with Fireside Friends

    Fireside Friends returns with an action-packed episode! Join us as we talk new Twilight Zone, Final Fantasy X, and Ao-chan Can't Study! before discussing The Lumberjanes for our shared experience. (Discussion on The Lumberjanes begins at 43:46.)

  4. Episode 47 - Gilbert Dead

    After an extended hiatus, Fireside Friends returns! Join Allen, Kaity, and Ryan as they catch up on the latest media discourse. Star Wars: Bad. Star Trek: Also bad. Anime: ...good? Now, imagine this: In segment two, the crew discusses the sad Netflix anime Violet Evergarden for their shared...

  5. Episode 46 - The Long Summer

    Fireside Friends returns with discussions about music, Marvel, Star Wars and more before discussing the queer webcomic Goodbye to Halos for their shared experience. Spoilers for Avengers Infinity War begin at around 29:00. Discussion of Goodbye to Halos begins at 34:22. You can send questions and...

  6. Episode 45 - Woke Mario

    This month, the Fireside Friends crew talks Full Metal Alchemist and recounts concert horror stories before discussing the 1979 film The Warriors for their shared experience!

  7. Episode 44 – We The Boys

    This month, the Fireside Friends are back on their bullshit with a discussion of the anime Sanrio Boys. How cute is the anime? Does it come off as a cynical marketing scheme? Do the boys kiss? The answer to all of these questions (and more!) can be found in our discussion. Also in this episode…

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  8. Episode 43 – Early Sonic, Late Mario

    This month, the Fireside Friends crew gathers in a circle around the fire for discussions about how technology fits into our lives. In our first segment, Jen Unkle joins us as we discuss navigating social media and how to manage time in our capitalist hellscape. In our second segment, we discuss...

  9. Episode 42 – Literature Club

    CW: We discuss Doki Doki Literature Club, which (poorly) handles themes of anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. We also touch on the transphobia present within the game’s fanbase. Fireside Friends returns with the original crew and a new format! In our first segment, we talk about anime, various…

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  10. Episode 41 – Goodbye, 2017

    Ryan and Allen take one final look back at 2017 and discuss their favorite media discussed on and off the podcast, their biggest disappointments, and their biggest surprises before looking ahead to what they’re excited for in the New Year. Next month’s shared experience is Doki Doki Literature Club!

  11. Episode 40 - Fear The Double

    Joel Bocko joins us to discuss Lost Highway. We talk about how the film uses its two protagonists to explore themes of exploitation by the hands of abusive men. We also discuss David Lynch’s use of VHS horror, as well as question his depictions of absurd house parties. Finally, we examine the…

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  12. Episode 39 – The Lost Episode

    In this recently recovered episode of Fireside Friends, Shannon Strucci joins Ryan, Allen, and Jen to talk about the 2007 film [REC]. We discuss the film’s use of its small budget, well-considered characters, and the found footage format. We mention the film’s Hollywood remake, Quarantine, as…

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  13. Episode 38 - Car vs. Truck

    Ryan, Allen, and Jen discuss Bound! We talk about the film’s portrayal of its queer relationship, the ways in which the film succeeds at building tension, and where it stands among the rest of the Wachowski films. We also address the heated Car/Truck debate. Are trucks considered to be a type of...

  14. Episode 37 - Crimes!

    Join Allen and Ryan as they commit crimes* and discuss the 1984 film, Repo Man! We talk about the film’s outrageous antics, and its themes surrounding white suburban punks and radiation research. We also reflect on Harry Dean Stanton’s vast career and discuss some of his most memorable roles. *No...

  15. Episode 36 – Papa John Misty

    John Stull joins us to read and interpret lyrics from Father John Misty’s latest album, “Pure Comedy.” Is this a good album? Does it have a solid political message? Are the lyrics evocative? The answer to all of these questions, of course, is no. However, we hope you enjoy listening to us…

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  16. Persona Non Grata – Episode 5

    Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5. This episode, Jennifer Unkle frees us from having to play any more of this game by guiding us through the remaining plot points. Hear us react to the game’s most ridiculous plot...

  17. Episode 35 - Mr Jackpots

    M joins us to discuss Twin Peaks: The Return! We talk about our favorite moments of the season, how much the new show fits in with the original series and Fire Walk With Me, and ruminate on how Twin Peaks will always be a show filled with mystery. Who is the dreamer?

  18. Episode 34 - It Just Ain't Your Story

    Jennifer Unkle joins us to discuss Don’t Take It Personally, Babe, It Just Ain’t Your Story by Christine Love! We talk about the issue of privacy in the digital age, the guilt of voyeurism in the context of visual novels, and the validation that comes with positive depictions of queer…

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  19. Persona Non Grata - Episode 4

    Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we explore Futaba’s palace, uncover the mystery of the hacker group Medjed, and check up on our social links.

  20. Fireside Friends: Special Announcement

    Fireside Friends has found a new home at Abnormal Mapping! What does this mean for the podcast going forward? Ryan and Allen walks you through the details. Thanks much to all of the people who have supported us up to this point. Your support and generosity means the world to us, and we wouldn’t...

  21. Fireside Friends 33 - Company Loyalty

    This episode we discuss the film Okja, talk about our eating habits, examine our company loyalty, and consider how it all intersects with our politics. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send...

  22. Persona Non Grata - Episode 3

    Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we talk about Kaneshiro's Palace, start some new social links, and gush over the game's best character, Makoto. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and...

  23. Fireside Friends 32 - Eyebrows

    This episode, Fireside Friends fully converts into an anime podcast as we discuss the six episode series of FLCL! Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at...

  24. Persona Non Grata - Episode 2

    Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Allen and Ryan as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we talk about Madarame's dungeon, check in on our social links, and dunk on the game's official sad boy, Mishima. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us…

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  25. Fireside Friends 31 - The Heart of the Cards

    Niel Jacoby joins us to talk about the extraordinarily cheesy Yu-Gi-Oh! anime. You can check out Niel's podcast over at spalltalk.blogspot.com and follow them on twitter @fuckinalpamare. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at...

  26. Fireside Friends 30 - Beyond the Pale

    This episode, Brenna joins us as we discuss Star Trek Beyond! You can follow Brenna on Twitter @verbranden. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions and comments to us at...

  27. Persona Non Grata - Episode 1

    Persona Non Grata is a mini-podcast series that follows Ryan and Allen as they make their way through Persona 5! This episode, we discuss our thoughts on the first dungeon, our favorite (and least favorite) characters, and the game's muddled politics. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can...

  28. Fireside Friends 29 - Gettin' Friendly

    Fireside Friends is finally back from hiatus! This episode, we discuss the film Four Lions and challenging various preconceptions about terrorism. Fireside Friends is now on Patreon! You can support us and recieve access to bonus content over at patreon.com/firesidefriends. You can send questions...

  29. Fireside Friends 28 - This Is Feminism

    We discuss Paper Girls Vol. 1 & 2, the reductive taxonomy of media, and the problems with male writers being upheld as feminists in the comics industry. Volumes 1 & 2 of Paper Girls includes issues 1-10. You can send questions and comments to us at [email protected], follow us on...

  30. Fireside Friends 27 - 24/7 Star Wars Chat

    Tzufit joins us as we discuss The Force Awakens, the absurdity of the prequel trilogy, and our predictions for the future of Star Wars. You can send questions and comments to us at [email protected], follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer…

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  31. Fireside Friends 26 - Pan Pan Pan

    Fireside Friends turns a year old this week! In celebration, the crew briefly talks about changes coming to the show before discussing Pan's Labyrinth. You can send questions and comments to us at [email protected], follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme…

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  32. Fireside Friends 25 - You Must Adapt

    Brenna joins us once again as we discuss "The Evaluators: To Trade With Aliens, You Must Adapt" by N.K. Jemisin. You can send questions and comments to us at [email protected], follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our podcast theme is "At Summer Pond" by The Orchestral...

  33. Fireside Friends 24 - Goodbye, 2016!

    We made it past the flaming hellscape that is 2016, and onto what is looking to be an even greater hellscape that is 2017. Despite all of the negativity in the world, the Fireside Friends crew found time to sit down and reflect positively on the media that they enjoyed in 2016. Note that most of...

  34. Fireside Friends 23 - Merry Krampus

    We talk Overwatch's holiday event, Pokémon Sun and Moon, and discuss Krampus for our shared experience! Discussion of Krampus begins at 41:04. You can send questions & comments to us at [email protected], follow us on Twitter, and review us on iTunes! Our break music this episode…

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  35. Fireside Friends 22 - Hardwired... To Self-Destruct!

    John Stull and Jackson Tyler join us as we read and interpret lyrics from Metallica's latest masterpiece, "Hardwired... to Self Destruct." You can find John's music at Jung Manhater and follow him on Twitter @SIBNAME. You can find Jackson's work at headfallsoff.com, follow them on Twitter...

  36. Fireside Friends 21 - It's Lit(ten)

    Editor's Note: Ryan's audio is awful for the first ten minutes, but it improves after that. Apologizes! Shaun Lau joins us as we talk about queer relationships in Yuri On Ice, fight over Pokémon Sun/Moon starters, discuss lack of representation of marginalized groups in media, and more before we...

  37. Fireside Friends 20 - Solving Racism

    Mike Moody joins us as we talk about the new Sims 4 expansion, Cowboy Bebop, Cardcaptor Sakura, the lack of skin color options in the new Animal Crossing: New Leaf update, and more before discussing Zootopia for our shared experience. You can find's Mike's music on Soundcloud and follow her on...

  38. Fireside Friends 19 - Misunderstandings: The Movie

    Shannon Strucci stops by as we talk about transphobia in a recent episode of Atlanta; We also talk Hannibal, Yuri!!! On Ice, Law & Order: SVU, and more before discussing Tucker & Dale vs. Evil for our shared experience. You can find Shannon's work at StrucciMovies, follow her on Twitter...

  39. Fireside Friends 18 - A Hint of Gay

    Kortney Terry returns to chat with us about magical girls, Luke Cage(and racists who think the show is "too black"), Atlanta, Hannibal, and more before discussing A Monster In Paris for our shared experience. You can follow Kortney on Twitter @Sparklykiss. Our break music this episode is "Mexican...

  40. Fireside Chat - Self Care Chat with Alex Zandra

    Alex Zandra chats with us about self care, self confidence, and the importance of creating and consuming art. If you missed the previous episode in which we talk to Alex Zandra about game design and Mirror's Edge, you can check that out here! You can find Alex Zandra's work at ZandraVandra.com,...

  41. Fireside Friends 17 - A Leap of Faith

    Alex Zandra Van Chestein talks to us about being an independent game developer, developing her game One Last Cup, navigating gaming communities as a marginalized creator, and more before discussing Mirror's Edge for our shared experience. You can find Alex Zandra's work at ZandraVandra.com…

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  42. Fireside Friends 16 - Amélie Lacroix

    Ryan swoons over Jem and the Holograms and gets mad at Nintendo (again), Kaity shares her appreciation of the otome game Mystic Messenger, and Allen gives us the latest on World of Warcraftand its newest expansion, Legion. The group then discusses the David Cronenberg film Cosmopolis for their...

  43. Fireside Friends 15 - Paprikast

    The classic Fireside Friends crew returns to talk about Until Dawn, Black Swan, Sex Criminals, awful gender roles, and more before discussing Paprika for their shared experience. Discussion of Paprika begins at 35:58. Works Discussed: She and Her Cat: Everything Flows, Until Dawn, Black Swan, Sex...

  44. Fireside Friends 14 - An Outraged Slime

    Shannon Strucci joins us to talk about The Lobster, David Lynch films, and more before discussing Undertale for our shared experience! You can find Shannon's work at StrucciMovies, follow her on Twitter @plentyofalcoves, and support her on Patreon. There are vague spoilers for The Lobster in...

  45. Fireside Friends 13 - The Spooky One

    Kortney Terry joins us as we talk about Rhythm Heaven Megamix, Star Trek Beyond, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, the Zero Escape series, and more before discussing Cibele for our shared experience. Our discussion of Cibele begins at 29:15. Works Discussed: Rhythm Heaven Megamix, Elite…

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  46. Fireside Friends 12 - Should I Stay or Should I (Pokemon) Go

    Brenna joins us to talk about the phenomenon that is Pokémon Go, as well as discuss Grandmother-nai-Leylit’s Cloth of Winds by Rose Lemberg for our shared experience! Discussion of Grandmother-nai-Leylit’s Cloth of Winds begins at 38:29. You can support Rose Lemberg on Patreon, which can be found...

  47. Fireside Friends 11 - Channing the Tatum

    Kaity shares her complaints with Overwatch's new competitive mode, Allen talks all things Game of Thrones following the end of the show's 6th season, and Ryan reflects on their journey of watching every Wachowski film before the group discusses Jupiter Ascending for their shared experience....

  48. Fireside Chat - Star Wars Battlefront

    We talk Star Wars, Overwatch, Star Trek, and more in a casual bonus episode of Fireside Friends. Our podcast theme is "April Elsewhere" by The Orchestral Movement of 1932 found via Opsound.org. "Remember Remember" by Dario Marianelli

  49. Fireside Friends 10 - My Beautiful Bird Dog Partner

    We talk Pee-wee's Big Holiday, the trend of subversive anime like Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto, the rewarding fanservice of the Warcraft movie, and the disappointments of X-Men: Apocalypse before discussing Carol for our shared experience. Discussion of Carol begins at 41:05. Works Cited:...

  50. Fireside Friends 9 - Live at the Trash Fire

    We talk about the disappointments of Daredevil Season 2, the missed opportunities of the Priyanka Chopra lead television show Quantico, and the perplexing personality of That Poppy before diving into V for Vendetta for our shared experience. Discussion of V for Vendetta begins at 38:47. Works...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to Fireside Friends, a bi-weekly podcast that discusses various forms of media (movies, video games, short fiction, etc.) and how they reflect our lives. Hosted by Ryan Persaud, Allen Ibrahim, and Kaity Marie.

HOSTED BY

Ryan Persaud, Allen Ibrahim and Kaity marie

Produced by Ryan Persaud

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Fireside Friends have?

Fireside Friends currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Fireside Friends about?

Welcome to Fireside Friends, a bi-weekly podcast that discusses various forms of media (movies, video games, short fiction, etc.) and how they reflect our lives. Hosted by Ryan Persaud, Allen Ibrahim, and Kaity Marie.

How often does Fireside Friends release new episodes?

Fireside Friends has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Fireside Friends?

You can listen to Fireside Friends on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Fireside Friends?

Fireside Friends is created and hosted by Ryan Persaud, Allen Ibrahim and Kaity marie.
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