The Good Art Friends

American Football released their fourth LP, so it’s our sworn duty to cover this ethereal album. The episode starts with some background on the band and Jonathan’s history with them, before diving into the specifics of the LP at 14:40 when we break down our favorite lyrics, musical moments, and songs from this wonderfully weird record. Other art discussed in this episode: Playoff hockey; Prince Daddy and the Hyena; Indiana Jones and the Great Circle; Tactical Breach Wizards; Cast n Chill; Oracle of Ages.   Next month’s topic: The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke. Theme music by Practical DinosaurSend us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

Is 2025’s Eephus the quintessential baseball movie? That’s the question that Spencer and Jonathan discuss alongside returning guest Stephen (who is a host of the wonderful Batting Around podcast). The trio discuss the poignant and humorous moments from this delightful film and unpack how it captures the essence of baseball. This isn’t really a movie that can be spoiled, but, for what it’s worth, the theoretical spoilers start at 13:20.Other art discussed in this episode: Can We Hang Out Sometime by Good KidGregg Araki’s MoviesThe seasons, generallyBaseball in the Garden of Eden by John ThornDisco ElysiumUnder the IslandHere Comes the Pizza!Northwoods Baseball Sleep RadioNext Month: LP4 by American FootballTheme music by Practical Dinosaur (EP out now!)Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬. Catch Batting Around on Bluesky at @battingaround.bsky.social

Amaze! Amaze! It’s time to talk about Project Hail Mary, both the book by Andy Weir, and the movie by Lord & Miller starring Ryan Gosling. The episode starts with some spoiler-free discussion about space fiction and the works of Andy Weir, before soaring into the plot, production, and performances at 16:40. Other art discussed in this episode: Origami Angel, Super Nintendo by Keza MacDonald, On a Sunbeam, Baseball in the Garden of Eden by John Thorne, Cowboy Bebop, Seveneves and Anathem by Neal Stephenson, Cosmicomics by Italo Calvino, The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Theme music by Practical DinosaurSend us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

After a couple of seasons of talking about enjoying art, it’s time to talk about making art. In the first half, Spencer interviews Jonathan about his band Practical Dinosaur. Then Jonathan turns the tables and asks Spencer about the books he has published (29:25). Along the way, they discuss what drives them to create, where they find inspiration, as well as their favorite and least favorite part of the process. We hope this episode will compel you to make and share some art of your own!Check out Jonathan’s music here and Spencer’s writing here. Other art discussed in this episode: Wellness by Last DinosaursAhead of the Beat by SummerfussIt’s (probably) not rocket science podcast by The University of New MexicoAgnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather FawcettSend us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

Spencer and Jonathan are joined by Tyler and Ellie for the 2026 draft! Before turning their sights towards this year, they reflect on their 2025 picks. Then at 8:35 they take turns picking their most anticipated releases in the following categories: Movies, music, shows, and miscellaneous. Just how many Bill Lawrence properties will be selected? Tune in to find out!Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

Your favorite holiday tradition has returned, as it’s time for the second annual GARTS! That’s right, Spencer and Jonathan return to share their favorite art from 2025. Here are the nominees:Music: Forever is a Feeling by Lucy Dacus; Send a Prayer My Way by Julien Baker and Torres; NEVER ENOUGH by Turnstile; I've Felt Better by Dinosaur Pile-Up; Straight Line Was a Lie by The Beths; TOY by Dear SeattleMovies: Zootopia 2; Sinners; F1; Super-Man; Good Fortune; Ballad of Wallis Island; The Phoenician Scheme; Flow; RelayShows: Abbott Elementary; Pluribus; Andor; The StudioVideo Games: Hades 2; Tiny Bookshop; Donkey Kong Bananza; Spindle; Two Point Museum; He Is Coming; Ball x PitBooks: The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart; Katabasis by R.F. Kuang; Bury My Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. SchwabMiscellaneous: Shohei Ohtani’s NLCS Game 4; Art In Bloom at NCMA; The Good Art FriendsTune in to hear which won in each category!Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

Your favorite podcasters were so preoccupied with whether or not they could cover Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein, that they didn’t stop to think if they should. We hope that we did not create in vain as we discuss a film that seems like it was destined to be made the moment that Mary Shelley penned her story of a modern Prometheus 200 years ago. The episode starts off with Spencer and Jonathan sharing their experiences with Del Toro’s previous work and the character of Frankenstein. The spoilers start at 14:34 when we provide our general impressions, rate the performances, and unpack the political reflections. Tune in to hear us discuss a movie that begs the question “what if everyone was nicer to each other?!?”Other art discussed in this episode: Katabasis, Pluribus, Saturdays at Your Place, Carly Cosgrove, and Riley!Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.Shameless plug time! Spencer has published a novella called Marley’s Christmas. Bookshop | Amazon | Kobo | Apple | Barnes & Noble

Join us as we travel to the unknown this month in covering Patrick McHale’s timeless 2014 miniseries Over the Garden Wall. After sharing what’s good (Hades II and Kiki’s Delivery Service), we chat generally about the show’s origins. The spoilers start at 14:17 as we breakdown our favorite themes, episodes, and frog names.  To engage with the fandom, we recommend swinging by r/overthegardenwall. Here’s the post on favorite episode that we referenced in the episode. If you enjoyed Over the Garden Wall (which you undoubtedly did), consider checking out these tonally-similar works:CentaurworldWelcome to Night ValeGravity FallsA Monster CallsThe DecemberistsSend us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.Shameless plug time! Spencer has published a magical realism novella called Marley’s Christmas. Bookshop | Amazon | Kobo | Apple | Barnes & Noble

We sail the seas hunting for the elusive podcasting shards as we discuss The Wind Waker! We start off with some spoiler-free chatter, sharing our early impressions of the Switch 2, and our history with Zelda (the beloved Nintendo series, that is, not F. Scott Fitzgerald’s mercurial spouse), before diving into the details of this timeless game at 14:40. Along the way, we touch upon the once-bemoaned, now-celebrated art style, which gameplay mechanics have and have not stood the test of time, and the structure of the story. Other art discussed in this episode: Saturdays at Your PlaceThe many many books of Brandon SandersonLegendary Adventures’ The Development of the Wind WakerSend us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

Grab a weighted blanket and light some calming candles, because we’re talking about cozy art in this month’s Good Art Friends!(2:41) What’s Good: Dinosaur Pile-Up new album I've Felt Better, IMSA Race, Ryan North’s Fantastic Four run, Long Story Short.(7:01) Cozy Games: We chat about our experience playing cozy games over the years and attempt to define the genre. Along the way, we touch on Tetris, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, A Short Hike, Wylde Flowers, Sneaky Sasquatch, Tales of the Shire, the Haunted Chocolatier, and Witchbrook.(15:00) Tiny Bookshop: We start with an overview of this quirky and quaint game, then dip into mild spoilers starting at when we discuss our favorite characters, locations, items, and storylines from Tiny Bookshop. Subreddits referenced: r/CozyGamers & r/TinyBookshop (with this thread on best items highlighted)Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

It is time for our much-anticipated, much-requested, much-ballyhooed Miyazaki retrospective episode! Each month we’ve chatted briefly about a different Miyazaki movie and since we’ve covered all twelve, it’s time for us to cover his entire catalog. We counted down our five favorite films of his, preceded by a few honorable mention selections. There are some mild spoilers for each movie, so feel free to use the following timestamps to skip any that you have not yet seen (but also: go watch those, because every single Miyazaki movie is pure gold).3:59 | Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro9:24 | The Boy and the Heron10:55 | Ponyo12:38 | Princess Mononoke15:26 | Howl’s Moving Castle18:54 | The Wind Rises22:21 | Castle in the Sky26:06 | My Neighbor Totoro31:31 | Kiki’s Delivery Service35:55 | Spirited AwaySend us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

It’s the Sad Art Friends! In this episode, we share our favorite sad songs. Breakups! Familial strife! Funerals! Sick kids! Burnt boats! Tune in to wallow in all that delightful misery. You can listen to a playlist of all these sensationally sorrowful songs on Spotify and Apple Music. Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

This month’s episode starts with a chat about Studio Ghibli’s delightfully idiosyncratic Porco Rosso, before an opening conversation about Spanish Love Song’s 2020 album Brave Faces Everyone. We paused at 13:45 to listen to the album repeatedly for a few weeks, then engaged in a deep dive into the lyrics, music, and context for this beautifully challenging album. Interviews referenced: The Rodeo, The Alternative, Atwood Magazine, and a February 2021 Twitter thread that we won’t link to because, ya know, fascism. Next topics: Miyazaki in July and The Wind Waker in August.Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky at @goodartfriends.bsky.social‬.

The episode starts with a quick Miyazaki Minute on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1:35), before a spoiler-free introduction to Amal El-Mohtar’s 2025 novella The River Has Roots. The spoilers start at 11:37 as Spencer and Jonathan break down the story’s characters, lyrical prose, and conception of magic.Our topic next month is Spanish Love Songs’ 2020 album Brave Faces Everyone. Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky with Jonathan and Spencer.

Spencer and Jonathan have often been referred to as “The Podcasters Without Fear,” which makes them the perfect duo to tackle the Disney+ series Daredevil: Born Again. Before doing so, there’s a quick Miyazaki Minute on The Wind Rises (next month: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind). Then they engage in some spoiler-free conversation about their relationships with The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. They return at 23:30 to break down the nine episode season, touching on key themes, notable moments, and characters staring poignantly out windows. Next month: The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar Connect with us on Bluesky:Jonathan: https://bsky.app/profile/jduren9.bsky.socialSpencer: https://bsky.app/profile/spencermakesstuff.bsky.social

Spencer and Jonathan are joined by friends of the show Stephen and Tyler to pick the best baseball uniforms of all time. As is the case with all great podcast episodes, there is a disproportionate amount of vest-talk in this one.To view pictures of each of their picks, check out this Google Doc. Be sure to check out Stephen’s baseball podcast, Batting Around (Bluesky, Patreon)Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky with Jonathan and Spencer.

The Good Art Friends hasn’t coveredThe Princess Bride yet?!? INCONCEIVABLE! Well, that wrong has been righted, as Spencer and Jonathan dive into this timeless classic for their Valentine’s Day episode. Before discussing Cary Elwes’ luxurious hair, they announce their role in the Neurodivergent Podcast Collective, and recommend the incomparableAutistic Culture Podcast. There’s then a quick Miyazaki Minute on the other-worldlyCastle in the Sky (8:25) followed by some spoiler-free reminiscence on how they first engaged withThe Princess Bride (both the movie and book). At 16:00 they discuss the action, dialogue, and effects of this wonderful and whimsical movie. Connect with us on Bluesky:Jonathan: https://bsky.app/profile/jduren9.bsky.socialSpencer: https://bsky.app/profile/spencermakesstuff.bsky.social Remember: Life is pain; anyone who says otherwise is selling something; Spencer is currently doing both, as he is selling a supernatural thriller about vampires who prey on the vulnerable. Bookshop |Amazon |Barnes & Noble |Kobo***As You Wish***

What’s better than two good art friends? Four good art friends! Jonathan and Spencer are joined by Tyler and Ellie to draft media coming out in 2025. Each participant selected a movie, a show, a musical event, and a wildcard. Tune in for a competitive draft and a surprising amount of dinosaur talk! Send us a message at [email protected], or connect on Bluesky with Jonathan and Spencer.

December means many things: Short days, festive holidays, and--most of all--the Garts! That’s right, it’s time for our end-of-year awards! Spencer and Jonathan share their favorite art from 2024: Movies, music, shows, books, comics, and mustaches! Connect with us on Bluesky: Jonathan: https://bsky.app/profile/jduren9.bsky.social Spencer: https://bsky.app/profile/spencermakesstuff.bsky.social Shameless Plug! Pick up a copy of Spencer’s supernatural thriller The Staff and the Stake: Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

You will curse the day that you did not do all that The Good Art Friends asked of you! Not because we’re as domineering as the Phantom, but because we just ask you to engage with wonderful art such as The Phantom of the Opera. The episode starts with some spoiler-free discussion, before launching into our analysis of this haunting and moving musical at 19:22. We guarantee that your time with us won’t result in any Stockholm Syndrom, unlike Christine's time with the Phantom.  Note: The version that we cover in this episode is the 25th-anniversary production that was staged at the Royal Albert Hall.  Other art discussed in this episode: Princess Mononoke; a bunch of Zelda games; The Wood at Midwinter; Fame; Porgy & Bess; The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; Wuthering Heights; and The Bear. Coming up next month: The Garts! Our end-of-year awards! Shameless Plug! Pick up a copy of Spencer’s supernatural thriller The Staff and the Stake:Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

🎶  Good Art Friends Good Art Friends Talk about a comic book: Ultimate Spider-Man! Six issues are in the can, Look out, Here come the Good Art Friends! We recommend Tuning in To this book by Hickman With art by Checchetto; This comic is worth a go! Hey there! Let’s chat about Spider-Man! 🎶 We promise our podcasting will be better than our lyric writing in this episode where we break down the first issues of the 2024 Ultimate Spider-Man. The spoilers for these issues (which are available now as a trade paper-back or on Marvel Unlimited) kick in at 21:40. Other art discussed in this episode (there was a lot!): Pumpkin beers & ciders; Howl’s Moving Castle; V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic trilogy; Marvel vs Capcom; Sunday comics such as Peanuts & Family Circus; Saturday morning cartoons such as X-Men TAS and Spider-Man TAS; Brian Michael Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man run; Devil Dinosaur; It’s Jeff; Avengers Academy; Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye; Kieron Gillen’s Young Avengers; Maximum Carnage; G Willow Wilson’s Ms. Marvel; Chip Zdarsky’s Daredevil; Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Wonder Woman Historia; Ryan North’s Fantastic Four; Brian Vaughan’s Saga; N.K. Jemisin’s Green Lantern; Cody Ziglar’s Spider-Punk; Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay; Megalopolis; Eve Ewing’s Exceptional X-Men; Joe Kelly’s upcoming Eight Deaths of Spider-Man.  Shameless Plug! Pick up a copy of Spencer’s supernatural thriller The Staff and the Stake: Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

We start by wishing we could inhabit the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service for our Miyazaki Minute, before setting the table for My Chemical Romance’s 2006 release The Black Parade. At 14:10 we enter into the spoiler section of the show, and proceed to gush about the lyrics and arrangement of this remarkable concept album. Along the way, we reference the influences of the album, when MCR put the album in the casket in Mexico City, share interpretations of the overarching storyline, and wonder whether the record was cursed! Other art discussed in this episode: My Chemical Romance’s discography; songs with ridiculously long titles; Bright Eyes; Taking Back Sunday; crying on air; The Decemberists; Spanish Love Songs; Camus’ The Plague; The Corpse Bride; and the cozy concept of Autumn. Next month’s episode: Ultimate Spider-Man 1-6 (available as a trade paperback or on Marvel Unlimited) Shameless Plug! Pick up a copy of Spencer’s supernatural thriller The Staff and the Stake: Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The episode kicks off with a Miyazaki Minute on Spirited Away, before chatting about the state of video games. They discuss the benefits of video games developed by a small team and then transition into some spoiler-free talk about Animal Well. Then they analyze this beautiful, enigmatic pixel-art game (19:29). After that--since they’re feeling generous--they break down the long-awaited return of NCAA Football (32:23). Just how many points will Jonathan drop on Spencer? Tune in to find out! Other art discussed in this episode: Stardew Valley; Metroid Dread; Tunic; Death’s Door; Balatro; Hyper Light Drifter, A Short Hike, Celeste, Monster Train, Tecmo Bowl, and for some reason a bunch of James Joyce novels.  Shameless Plug! Pick up a copy of Spencer’s supernatural thriller The Staff and the Stake: Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The episode kicks off with some hockey-talk and a Miyazaki Minute on Spirited Away, before turning to Chad Harbach’s 2011 novel The Art of Fielding. Spencer and Jonathan have a spoiler-free chat about what makes for a great baseball story and what they should expect from this coming-of-age novel. Then at 15:12 they return after reading the book to dive into this beautiful, poetic novel. They discuss their favorite passages, themes, and quotes, before wrapping up by choosing player comps for each of the main characters.  Other art discussed in this episode: Various baseball movies, Hilda, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, and following a historically bad baseball team. Connect on Threads at TheGoodArt Friends or send us messages at [email protected]

This month Spencer and Jonathan dive into Sufjan Stevens’ 2023 album Javelin. The first half of the episode touches on the entirety of Sufjan’s career, then at 21:50 they dive into his latest record, in all of its lyrical and melodic beauty.  Also discussed in this episode: My Neighbor Totoro, 12-hour car races, Susan Cain’s Quiet, and cat towers. Next month’s topic: The Art of Fielding by Chard Harbach

Welcome to The Good Art Friends, where good friends discuss good art! In our inaugural episode, we tackle Hayao Miyazaki’s latest and last film, The Boy and the Heron. The first half of the episode is a spoilers-free discussion of Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films as well as our relationship with them. Then we enter into a spoilerific conversation on The Boy and the Heron (16:49).  Next month we’ll chat about Sufjan Stevens’ album Javelin, so be sure to give it a listen before tuning in! Contact us on Threads at TheGoodArt Friends and send us an email at [email protected]