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Trivially Crucial

by Trivially Crucial

A show about the importance of stories in all mediums, how they're constructed, how they're told, and how they enhance our lives. We love and care about books, movies, comics, games, television, and any other medium through which stories can be told. We're willing to dissect the stories we love and laud the stories we don't. Because stories matter.

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Episodes

  1. 053 - She’s a Space Secretary (Star Trek)

    Michael has been binge-watching a lot of Star Trek, so Mandy and Michael chat about it! Almost everything before the Kelvin-verse movie trilogy is covered (turns out there was so much to talk about that the TNG movies didn’t get much of an explicit mention). The topics in order are: The Original...

  2. 052 - Like Throwing Aquaman in Water (Superman 3 & 4)

    This episode is part of our Trivially Crucial Backlog - Episodes recorded previously and until now left unposted. In this episode the Superman run continues with a single episode for the 3rd and 4th Christopher Reeve Superman films. It’s a severe understatement to say these movies were found to…

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  3. 051 - Goodbye Sam and Dean (Supernatural)

    Years ago Mandy got Michael to start watching Supernatural, a show with plenty of horror-esque content in its first couple of seasons (Michael doesn't do horror). 15 seasons later it's time to bid adieu to the Winchesters and their 1967 Chevy Impala. In this episode you’ll hear about the finale,...

  4. 050 - The Power of Stories

    This episode is part of our Trivially Crucial Backlog - Episodes recorded previously and until now left unposted. For 49 episodes, Mandy and Michael have discussed how important stories are. They reflect the world, they help breed empathy, they help shape world views, and which stories resonate...

  5. 049 - Think Backwards (Zatanna)

    This episode is part of our Trivially Crucial Backlog - Episodes recorded previously and until now left unposted. Michael and Mandy spend some time chatting about Zatanna as written by Paul Dini, an author also known for his work on Batman: The Animated Series, Tiny Toons Adventures, and a whole...

  6. 048 - Mediums within Mediums

    This episode is part of our Trivially Crucial Backlog - Episodes recorded previously and until now left unposted. In this episode Michael and Mandy the power and utility of different storytelling mediums. What they’re good for, how they’ve been used well, and more. Follow us on twitter:...

  7. 047 - None Of It Makes Sense (Avengers: Endgame)

    Michael and Mandy discuss Avengers: Endgame, everything it means, its emotional impact, its plot issues, and hopes for the MCU moving forward.

  8. 046 - Some People Are Good People

    As we continue catching up, this episode is about Spider-Man: Homecoming. There's a lot of Spider-Man background and MCU meta-commentary before discussion of the film even begins, followed by plenty of Spoiler-free content.

  9. 045 - Everyone Gets Daddy Issues

    This episode covers Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 and how it signals odd views on parenthood, redemption, adorable baby tree goofiness, and everything the group of misfits gets up to.

  10. 044 - He's Into Robots

    Mandy and Michael discuss Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi bout 3 hours after Michael finished watching it on opening weekend. Listen to them working through initial thoughts even as they inevitably would change (and have changed) over the course of the next few days.

  11. 043 - Equally Hideous But Less Generic

    We're finally back with a much delayed live recording from Dragon*Con 2017. We go through the con day by day!

  12. 042 - Literal World Building

    The only appropriate thing to talk about for our 42nd episode is Hitchhiker's Guide. So we did. Bring your towel, sit back, and Don't Panic!

  13. 041 - Doing Something Wondery

    Mandy and Michael discuss Wonder Woman, which you should go see, intentionally making this a very quick turnaround–having seen the film then recorded, edited, and published this podcast episode all on release weekend.

  14. 040 - Like Living in New Mexico

    Mandy and Michael discuss Isaac Asmivo's "Nightfall" (1941), "The Dead Past" (1956), and "The Last Question" (1956)

  15. 039 - Adopt All Alien Babies

    Mandy and Michael break down and discuss the first two Superman films in great detail, continuing their dive into the DC film archives. These movies are quite different from more modern depictions and neither had seen the movies in quite some time, making them pretty fresh experiences.

  16. 038 - Don't Be Boys

    Mandy and Michael continue the read through of Wheel of Time with books 4 and 5 in the series: The Shadow Rising and The Fires of Heaven.

  17. 037 - How Clueless Can You Be?

    Mandy and Michael aren't done talking Batman, so they break down feelings on the Schumacher films, Batman Forever from 1995 and Batman & Robin from 1997.

  18. 036 - Leather Capital of the World

    Mandy and Michael discuss the two Tim Burton directed Batman films, 1989's Batman and 1992's Batman Returns. Feelings are very different across these two films, their characters, and the interesting choices made by a director who has a very distinct style and no loyalty to the source material.

  19. 035 - None of Them Know What They're Doing

    Mandy and Michael discuss one of Mandy's long-time favorite series, The Wheel of Time. Michael's first exposure is this journey into the first three novels, so two totally different perspectives make for a great conversation.

  20. 034 - A Fantastic Retcon

    In this episode Mandy and Michael discuss their thoughts and feelings on the first Star Wars anthology film, Rogue One, and what it means for Star Wars at large.

  21. 033 - That's Not an America Word

    Mandy and Michael chat about the first movie in the Harry Potter universe without a book predecessor. There's a lot to unwrap for the movie and the universe as a whole!

  22. 032 - Scar You For Wanting to Eat Fruits and Vegetables

    For Christmas, Mandy and Michael synchronized a viewing of The Muppet Christmas Carol and chatted at the same time. To listen to this, get the Theatrical release of the movie (iTunes, DVD, etc.) and sync up your viewing according to instructions spoken aloud. *Warning* Make sure any features of...

  23. 031 - No Snow in the South

    Netflix's third Marvel show, Luke Cage, is the topic du jour. It's a powerful show relevant to modern race discussions with an unapologetic focus on Harlem as representation of Black America. Come for the superficial superhero discussion, stay for the intense social themes, and enjoy Michael and...

  24. 030 - The Sydney Sanctum

    Magic and Sorcery makes its biggest impact in the MCU yet with Doctor Strange, and Michael and Mandy talk all about it. The film did a lot right while missing some major opportunities at the same time. It has plenty of material to talk about.

  25. 029 - My Next Villain is Zack Snyder

    Mandy and Michael have a fun discussion in which they draft their favorite villains from all sorts of movies, games, television shows, book series, and comics. It's fun and kind of random!

  26. 028 - Writers' Kryptonite

    Mandy and Michael talk about the first season of CBS's Supergirl just before the start of Season 2. They talk about aliens, love triangles, awkward production approaches, silly plot points, questionable writer decisions, and the most lovable pair of cross-universe superheroes this side of… anywhere!

  27. 027 - Voldemort Copulating

    Mandy and Michael discuss Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, its joys and flaws, the implications it has for characters, and the nature of author control and canon.

  28. 026 - No One Consulted Me

    Mandy and Michael talk about their love of all the various Marvel MCU TV shows, especially Agent Carter, and prep for the upcoming TV season.

  29. 025 - Abs With a B

    Dragon*Con 2016 is over and our fantastic nerdy duo chat all about it. They meander, ride high on caffeine, and talk all about hilarious wedding happenings and nerd convention shenanigans

  30. 024 - There are Dudes Everywhere

    Mandy and Michael chat about Ghostbusters, the 80s' various pieces of baggage, and the female star powered relaunch of the series.

  31. 023 - Questionable and Blasphemous

    Mandy and Michael talk about all 11 seasons of Supernatural, what it does well, where it goes wrong, and how much it salvages. If you haven't seen it all, that's ok! Let us guide you to the worthwhile bits!

  32. 022 - They Bang

    The Wicked + The Divine is a wonderful, musically-charged, multicultural, supernatural, modern-day comic. There's a lot to discuss in it.

  33. 021 - Insert Patriarchal Gender Epithet

    Mandy and Michael talk about Matt Fraction's Hawkeye, which is hilarious and well worth a read. The whole thing is covered, so brush up and then listen in!

  34. 020 - Because It's A Flying Deathtrap

    Mandy and Michael chat about the best space western ever shown, Joss Whedon's Firefly. They could both rematch the show infinitely, so there's a lot of passion here!

  35. 019 - Natasha Deals With Stubborn Men

    Mandy and Michael discuss Captain America: Civil War. Spoiler heavy for the entire MCU up to this point.

  36. 018 - Slap Kylo Upside The Head

    Mandy and Michael talk at remarkable length about the latest mainline entry in the Star Wars saga, with nitpicks and fangirl/fanboying galore.

  37. 017 - Chats With Coffee Priest

    Mandy and Michael talk about the first season of Daredevil.

  38. 016 - I Would Shoot You

    Mandy and Michael get very invested in Benedict Cumberbund's 3rd series as Sherlock Holmes

  39. 015 - I Don't Want To Hurt People

    Mandy and Michael discuss Mandy's favorite, Ender's Game, both in book and film forms.

  40. 014 - What's This?

    Mandy and Michael ran an experiment this time around, recording a commentary audio track to be listend to while you watch The Nightmare Before Christmas. Make sure to watch the movie normally first!

  41. 013 - Such a Ninja BAMF

    Mandy and Michael talk nearly endlessly to wrap up Book 1 of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

  42. 012 - I Don't Need Any Calming Tea!

    Mandy and Michael talk for an extended period of time on just the first 8 episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Tons of spoilers! Fans only!

  43. 011 - The Knowledge of Fandom

    The second "meta" episode, there's talk about general thought, thought in fandom, why conventions matter, and the podcast's future

  44. 010 - Everyone Dies in 7

    Mandy and Michael discuss the ending of the series: Books 5-7 (movies 5-8). There's a lot of death, a lot of emotion, a lot of growth, and the world changes. Join the end of this ride!

  45. 009 - Not All Candy and Quidditch

    This week, Mandy and Michael spend the entire episode continuing the Harry Potter discussion, this time sticking to just the 4th entry in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

  46. 008 - I Don't Know What Ron Is

    This week Mandy and Michael discuss their feelings on Harry Potter as a whole, then go in depth on the first three entries in the series: Sorceror's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, and Prisoner of Azkaban

  47. 007 - Kids Have Brains Too

    Mandy and Michael discuss quality, significance, and suggestions for children's media

  48. 006 - Weird Set of Mixed Metaphors

    This week Mandy and Michael discuss things that get in the way of appreciating, or learning to appreciate, different mediums or types of stories in mediums. Try not to take things for granted!

  49. 005 - He Is His Own Grandfather

    Mandy and Michael talk nigh endlesslessly about Time Travel in media. Over and over, round and round. The stories just keep going.

  50. 004 - People Need To Be Saved

    Michael and Mandy discuss Superman. For a long time.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A show about the importance of stories in all mediums, how they're constructed, how they're told, and how they enhance our lives. We love and care about books, movies, comics, games, television, and any other medium through which stories can be told. We're willing to dissect the stories we love and laud the stories we don't. Because stories matter.

HOSTED BY

Trivially Crucial

CATEGORIES

games hobbies arts tv film

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Trivially Crucial have?

Trivially Crucial currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Trivially Crucial about?

A show about the importance of stories in all mediums, how they're constructed, how they're told, and how they enhance our lives. We love and care about books, movies, comics, games, television, and any other medium through which stories can be told. We're willing to dissect the stories we love and...

How often does Trivially Crucial release new episodes?

Trivially Crucial has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Trivially Crucial?

You can listen to Trivially Crucial 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 Trivially Crucial?

Trivially Crucial is created and hosted by Trivially Crucial.
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