Mortified! The Friendship Quest
by Aaron & Leyla
Every Monday, hosts Aaron and Leyla bounce a media recommendation to one another in order to bolster - or in some cases, really, really test - their long-distance friendship. Join us for a discussion on anything from our favorite Terrible Boys to the profitability of grown men dressing up as Bulbasaur and loudly shouting their own names.
Episodes
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Mortified! Episode 220: French Polynesian Asexually Reproducing Woke Iguana Godzilla (Godzilla 98 & 14)
Aaron and Leyla begin their final unit of the year with a roar: it's Godzilla! We first cover the '98 and '14 films and discuss restraint in deploying your monster, what makes a "True" Godzilla, and being born pregnant. Puff Daddy "Come with Me" Wagner's Tarnhelm progression --- Our theme song is...
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Mortified! Episode 219: The Butter-skulls Return (Drunken Master, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)
This week, Aaron and Leyla wire to your rooftop to talk about Drunken Master and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon! Join us for discussions of bamboo's finest quality (its wiggles), Jackie Chan's range, and a lot of discussion about the passage of time. Also: We were absent in September because…
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Mortified! Episode 218: Finding the Juice Axis (Mortal Kombat I, Mortal Kombat II)
This episode, Leyla and Aaron continue their unit on fighting films with the 2021 and 2026 "Mortals Kombat!" We debate which of us is the shadow self of the other, zero in on the importance of adding texture to fight scenes, and assemble a character fighting game that includes Jerry Seinfeld.…
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Mortified! Episode 217: Rocky Does a Knock-y (Rocky & Creed)
This week, Aaron and Leyla go the distance by watching both Rocky (1976) and Creed (2015)! Join us for discussions of American masculinity, fatherless behavior, and the misuse of Tessa Thompson. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's Reference Kit Volume 2." Our...
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Mortified! Episode 216: One Sexy Thumb Thumb (Spy Kids 1 & 2)
This week, Aaron and Leyla learn how to play spies with Spy Kids 1 and 2! Join us for discussions of actors going full throttle for a childrens' movie, troubling franchise trends, and the next billion-dollar TV pitch in the post-Veep era. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album...
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Mortified! Episode 215: The Brave Heroes of the CIA (Mission Impossible '96, Bourne Identity '02)
This week, Aaron and Leyla rappel into two classics of turn of the century spy film with "Mission Impossible" and "The Bourne Identity!" We discuss the intimate friction of mole stories, sexy hair dyeing, and determine if Austin Powers is more competent than James Bond (he is and it's not close)....
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Mortified! Episode 214: All Sorts of Slurs (Goldfinger / Goldmember)
This week, Aaron and Leyla irradiate the Forts Knox of their minds with Goldfinger and Goldmember. Join us for an accounting of blondes, Leyla's pitch to co-produce Austin Powers 4, and the adventures of Mongrel Shortsterson and Pelmeni Bigtits. Patrick (H) Willems, The Daniel Craig James Bond…
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Mortifed! Episode 213: B-Cumby and the Case of God's Worst Wig (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)
On this episode, Mortified begins a new unit on spy media with the classic 1974 novel (and it's 2011 adaptation), Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy! We discuss the difficulty of grappling with dense texts, the limitations of the podcast as critical media project, and approve of the book's handling of...
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Mortified! RERUN: Can Someone Tell Us if Kuroko is Dead? (Sports Anime Sampler)
This week, Aaron and Leyla had a rough time and decided to give themselves a little break. We'll be back in two weeks with the beginning of our spy unit but in the meantime, we lick our wounds.
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Mortified! Episode 212: The Transcendent Experience of Watching Ads (SGF 2026)
This week, Aaron and Leyla indulge in the glorious tradition of watching advertisements for video games and going, "Ooh!" "Aah!" or "Neat, but not for me." We did not poison ourselves with Mountain Dew or hot wings this time, but if you have suggestions for future physical trials you can e-mail…
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Mortified! Episode 211: Glower, Glower, Glower, Work (Snow White and the Huntsman)
On this episode of Mortified, Aaron and Leyla continue their trek through TwIsTeD fairy tales with the 2012 dark fantasy film "Snow White and the Huntsman!" We enjoy a heaping serving of Charlize Theron, discuss the late 00's relationship with celebrities, and break down what makes Imagery so...
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Mortified! Episode 210: Make The Women Writhe (Red Riding Hood)
This week, join Aaron and Leyla on their TwIsTeD fairy tale retrospective on Red Riding Hood (2011)! Join us for missing Twilight, feverish concern about the lack of grains in this fantasy village, and some light cucking. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's...
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Mortified! Episode 209: The Guy with the App and the Guy from the Movie with the Tower (Hoodwinked)
This week, Leyla and Aaron embark on a new unit covering grimdark fairytales, starting with the 2005 animated mystery "Hoodwinked!" We celebrate an unnecessarily stacked cast, shout out Spiked TV, and dig into what's endearing about sincerity in an era of cynicism. CGY Not- Hoodwinked Director…
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Mortified! Episode 208: Aubrey Plaza's Salvage Yard (Megalopolis)
This week, Aaron and Leyla plunder the depths of their Emmersonian minds while watching Megalopolis! Join us for a lot of expressions of shock and disbelief, and ... also disbelief and shock. We rated this "technically a movie." --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album...
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Mortified! Episode 207: Ayn Rand's Mushroom Kingdom (The Fountainhead, Part 4)
Aaron and Leyla finally put down their ideological burden and finish their two-month journey of reading "The Fountainhead." We get the maddest we've ever been, get fully irradiated with yaoi, make a short pilgrimage to the cuck chair, and cap it all off with a special musical ending, for real…
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Mortified! Episode 206: It's Kink All The Way Down (The Fountainhead, pts2/3)
Content warning: There is discussion of fitional sexual assault from ~11:20 to ~21:20. This week, Aaron and Leyla drill down into the Fountainhead, parts 2 and 3! Join us for discussions of psychic kink negotiations, Rand re-inventing shounen dialogue and fight choreography, and the fact that…
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Mortified! RERUN: Turtleneck in the Streets, Scissors in the Sheets (Pretty Woman, Something's Gotta Give)
Hi gang! Leyla here. I'm not feeling too ✨jazzy✨ so this week Aaron has generously agreed to rerun an old episode, so I can have some time to reset and be ready to further discuss the Fountainhead next episode. Please enjoy! --- Original Description: This week, we round out our month of romance...
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Mortified! Episode 205: The Right Wing Pivot (The Fountainhead Part 1)
The prophesied right wing sellout moment has finally arrived. Leyla and Aaron, in an attempt to prepare for Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis," have decided to dive into a classic of objectivist philosophy, Ayn Rand's 1943 doorstopper, "The Fountainhead." Follow us down the rabbit hole as we...
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Mortified! Episode 204: Squeeze a Penny Into Aaron's Slot (The Matrix Revolutions)
This week, Aaron and Leyla give a deservedly short sendoff to the Matrix Revolutions! Join us for discussions of critical structural flaws, not knowing what Neo and Trinity would talk about at dinner, and let's say, several distractions. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album...
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Mortified! Episode 203: The Cake that Makes you Bust (The Matrix Reloaded)
On this episode of Mortified, Leyla and Aaron boot into the 2003 "Matrix Reloaded" to find out what exactly Neo does after he gets his Superman powers. We discuss Neo and Trinity's nonexistent romance, putting Ghosts in your mind control device, and whether the Matrix has a skybox. Links: Ed…
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Mortified! Episode 202: Yucky Goo Red Pill Time (The Matrix)
Happy New Year and welcome back to Mortified! the Format Refresh Quest. This week, Aaron and Leyla jack out about the Matrix! Join us for discussions of Keanu Reeves beautiful brown eyes, the function of a Chosen One, and praises for Lawrence Fishburn. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco,...
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Mortified! Episode 201: Best of 150-200
Hey folks, Leyla and I are taking this week off, but will be back in 2026 to kick off our 7th(???) season of the show. Until then, here's a quick clip show of some of the best moments from the last 50 episodes of the pod. Thanks for all your time, and we'll see you next year! Episodes used- 158,...
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Mortified! Episode 200: Hella Cinderellas (Cinderella 1950, 1997, 2015, A Cinderella Story, Bad Cinderella)
To celebrate 200 episodes of Mortified, Aaron and Leyla bust out a ballroom full of baddies and cover 5 different adaptations of the Cinderella fairy tale. We discuss the essential Cinderellements, examine why Aaron doesn't know any famous singers, and recoil in terror as Andrew Lloyd Weber…
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Mortified! Episode 199: The Crimes are In the Show (Wicked: For Good)
This week, Aaron and Leyla skywrite through Oz with Wicked: For Good! Join us for sex cardigans, yet another Starkid mention, and hashtag Free Toulouse. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's Reference Kit Volume 2." Our other projects: Aaron's TTRPGs Aaron's…
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Mortified! The Throwback Quest: Efficient Blood Ocean Cruising (Iron Lung)
We're rereleasing one of our favorite episodes: the April 2024 discussion of Iron Lung. Hope you enjoy, and we'll see you in 2 weeks for a discussion of Wicked: For Good! --- This episode, Aaron and Leyla check out the indie horror game "Iron Lung!" We discuss how playing together revealed our...
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Mortified! SCORPIO SEASON! Episode 197: Leyla's Yogurt Corner (Hugh Jackman Marathon)
This week, Aaron and Leyla complete yet another loop around the sun and celebrate with a Hugh Jackman marathon! Join us for a completely normal episode where none of the hosts have a meltdown, a celebration of Hugh Jackman's infectious joy, and an Oklahoma hello to an OK musical. --- Our theme…
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Mortified! Episode 196: Longing for Mitt Romney (The Cabin in the Woods)
On this spooky episode, Aaron and Leyla unleash the horrors of meta-commentary with the 2011 film "The Cabin in the Woods!" With sudafed in our snoots, we talk about what did work about Whedonistic writing, debate whether this is a satire at all, and wish better for Marcus from Detroit: Become...
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Mortified! Episode 195: Aaron's Own Pitard (Star Wars: Andor S2)
This week, Aaron and Leyla free themselves of the witness stand to return to Star Wars: Andor S2. Join us to discuss more evil logistics, hearty disagreements about the amount of context prequel/sequel media wants you to have, and Aaron being a # ally # feminist. Content warning for discussions…
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Mortified! Episode 194: Just Like Pokemon (Mockingjay Parts 1 + 2)
This week, Aaron and Leyla finally bring peace to Panem in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Parts 1 and 2! Join us to discuss booby-trapped Salt Lake City, some of our most left-field references, and a very 2025 lens on this 2014 film. Bad Cinderella Is One of the Musicals of All Time -...
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Mortified! Episode 193: The Orb Was Giving Nefarious (The Fifth Element)
This week, Aaron and Leyla travel to future-NYC to discuss the Fifth Element! Join us to avoid major American political news current and past, the value of alphabetical Wikipedia, and perhaps one of the top-five episodes most capable of characterizing what the entire project of the Friendship…
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Mortified! Episode 192: The Tummy Achey Silly Time (Catching Fire)
This week, Aaron and Leyla volunteer for the Quarter Quell in Catching Fire! Join us to discuss being a little bread boy meow meow, the desire for panache in fascism, and Leyla having watched this movie actually hungry. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's...
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Mortified! Episode 191: Polyamory Profiteering (Murderbot)
This week, Aaron and Leyla travel to the Corporation Rim to go rogue with Murderbot! Join us to wish for more serious hippies, be haunted by the movie Antz, and nitpick medical accuracy. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's Reference Kit Volume 2." Our other...
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Mortified! Episode 190: Pacing the Child Deaths (The Hunger Games)
This week, Aaron and Leyla enter the Coast Zone to accommodate unforseen events in their lives and watch The Hunger Games! Join us for a discussion of the YA sledgehammer, brooding 25-year-old teenagers, and God's most indecipherable camerawork. Jen Wang, 'The Prince and the Dressmaker' -...
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Mortified! Episode 189: Toxic Yuri Potential (M3gan 2.0)
This week, Aaron and Leyla try to unpack a confusing reading on artificial intelligence with M3gan 2.0! Join us for discussions of friend-shaped robots, strangely consistent paperclip motifs, and the desire to just go wahoo. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's...
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Mortified! Episode 188: The Ghost of Quibi (Fire Island 2022)
This episode, Aaron and Leyla bring the Prejudice to Pride with the 2022 rom-com "Fire Island!" We trundle through the meat rack to discuss the impact of COVID on our language, the sexual demographics of various streaming services, and celebrate queer media that is simply mid. SS Rajamouli in…
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Mortified! Episode 187: Incredible Yaoi Potential (RRR)
This week, Aaron and Leyla survive history once again to talk about RRR! Join us for discussions of scamming women romantically, bespoke whips, and a pitch for Hamilton 2. Billiam: The Mission Impossible Movies are Absolutely Insane https://youtu.be/kiKp3F5VrvA?si=PjN-qGAnJeTU-1zW Banana bread?...
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Mortified! Episode 186: Fast and Furious X-2: (Wild Speed Space Family)
Join Aaron and Leyla and Marti and Ange for a very special TTRPG actual play of Michael Elliot's "Wild Speed Space Family!" We tear through the streets of the fictional city of Los Angeles, give you a vore 101 lesson, and meet a contractually hot cyborg. Play WSSF! Play Marti's Games! Songs used:...
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Mortified! Episode 185: Multiple Dude Kebabs (Bahubali 2: The Conclusion)
This week, Aaron and Leyla return to Mahishmati with Bahubali 2: The Conclusion! Join us for mother-son conflict, a king's bad priorities, and a downright Clinton-esque flute solo. --- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's Reference Kit Volume 2." Our other projects:...
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Mortified! Episode 184: Post Yolk Clarity (Murder on the Orient Express)
This episode, Aaron and Leyla hop aboard Agatha Christie's novel and Kenneth Branagh's film, "Murder on the Orient Express!" We discuss a broken contract with the audience, pitch Poirot as Doctor Who, and long for the days when they still put woke in movies. Omni Viewer's analysis --- Our theme...
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Mortified! Episode 183: Smart and Sexy and The Guy (Bahubali Pt. 1)
This week, Aaron and Leyla gather 'round for an epic poem with Bahubali: The Beginning. Join us for Aaron's musical improv, a discussion of men's accessories, and yet another step toward our inevitable right-wing pivot. -- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's...
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Mortified! Episode 182: Exploding the Universe for a Dame (Genesis Noir)
This episode, Aaron and Leyla cover the 2021 intergalactic, interdimensional point and click game, "Genesis Noir!" We power through our respective illnesses to discuss the difficulty of preserving an ending's momentum, as well as how much we liked the kamehameha gun. Links: Waypoint Radio Genesis...
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Mortified! The Throwback Quest: Valentine's Day (2010)
We're dropping in a old episode to keep you sated during our brief hiatus. Enjoy our 2 year old thoughts on a 15 year old Rom Com! -- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's Reference Kit Volume 2." Our other projects: Aaron's TTRPGs Aaron's TTRPG Reviews aavoigt.com
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Mortified! Episode 181: Celebrating Womens' Wrongs (Ocean's 8)
We celebrate International Women's Day with the 2018 heist film, Ocean's 8! We talk about being gay for Cate Blanchett, the gender politics of all-women remakes, and put Nancy Pelosi on a team with Brennan Lee Mulligan and Crimew. Links: Anne Hathaway and Rihanna BTS where everyone is horny for...
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Mortified! Episode 180: No Respect For DJs (Love for 1000 More)
This week, Aaron and Leyla continue their journey outside their 2010s comfort zone with Love For 1000 More! Join us for Aaron's first (and last?) foray in to K-Dramas, unlikeable romantic leads, and as always, everything coming back to Naruto. -- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the...
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Mortified! Episode 179: Transatlantic Mind Virus (His Girl Friday)
On this episode of Mortified, Aaron and Leyla kick off our month of romance with the 1940 romcom, "His Girl Friday!" We talk about the importance of tension in comedy, the contradictions of 40s gender expression, and try to pull our mental states out of their steady nosedives. Watch His Girl…
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Mortified! Episode 178: Paint the Town Blue (Arcane Season 2)
This week, Aaron and Leyla return to Piltover with Arcane Season 2! We struggle through the plots of 17 load bearing characters, praise the power of vibes, and enjoy a cameo from special guest, Toulouse! -- Our theme song is "Obsolete" by Keshco, from the album "Filmmaker's Reference Kit Volume…
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Mortified! Episode 177: You're a Sick Bird, Mamedova (Chicken Police: Into the Hive)
This week, Aaron and Leyla are so clucking back with Chicken Police: Into the Hive. Join us for yet another hour of being critical of something we ostensibly liked, noir pastiche, and MICK!!! Jazz theme is Podcast Jazz Music by Denis Pavlov Music on Pixabay:...
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Mortified! Episode 176: Born Sexy Yesterday For Men (Hot Frosty/End of Year 2024)
To round out our year, Leyla and Aaron spend the holidays in Hope Springs with the 2024 Netflix Christmas Rom Com, "Hot Frosty!" We teach a snowman about cancer, pitch a Jennifer's Body Holiday Spinoff, and try to get Hugh Jackman on the show. We also talk about how we feel about this 5th season…
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Mortified! Episode 175: Piss Lord, Aaron Voigt (Wicked 2024)
This week, Aaron and Leyla and nine million tulips talk about Wicked! Join us for discussions of stop-and-go musical numbers, the way our bladders impacted our enjoyment of this film, and our favorite thing in the whole wide world: puppets. Everyone is Beautiful and No One is Horny:...
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Mortified! Episode 174: The Importance of Leashing Your Dog (The Wizard of Oz)
This week, Aaron and Leyla visit an American classic with the 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz!" We discuss mystics from Montana, the unconquerable power of practicals, and the fucked-upedness of dyeing horses with jello powder. Links: The Snow Queen (1957) Madewell X Alpha Industries Jacket Go Back…
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About this show
Every Monday, hosts Aaron and Leyla bounce a media recommendation to one another in order to bolster - or in some cases, really, really test - their long-distance friendship. Join us for a discussion on anything from our favorite Terrible Boys to the profitability of grown men dressing up as Bulbasaur and loudly shouting their own names.
Hosted by
Aaron & Leyla