http://stephens.website/enTV & FilmCopyright Stephen Monteithhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/de55f8ca1402424721d5f0903c9820fc.jpghttp://stephens.website/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:05:59 +0000Stephen MonteithStephen Monteithstephenmarkmonteith@gmail.comMy purpose is to offer my perspective on sci-fi and fantasy topics in such a way as to promote positive interactions, entertainment, and criticism.yesepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-adaptations--59199722any adaptation.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59199722Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:02:12 +0000Stephen MonteithThere's nothing wrong with making an adaptation, as long as you get certain things right about it.  In this podcast, I discuss the essential elements to get right with any adaptation.any adaptation.]]>2695animation,avatar-the-last-airbender,cartoons,characters,comic-books,dc-comics,j.r.r.-tolkien,literature,lord-of-the-rings,man-of-steel,m-night-shyamalan,movies,nickelodeon,peter-jackson,rings-of-power,superman,the-hobbit,the-last-airbender,tv,zack-snydercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-week-of-march-10-2024-part-two--59090892https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59090892Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:52:53 +0000Stephen MonteithNews about Russia's continual oppression of Ukraine and its own people, as well as what it will *really* take to gain peace in the Middle East.2018benjamin-netanyahu,chuck-schumer,donald-trump,hamas,holocaust,israel,japan,joe-biden,jonathan-glazer,lgbtq+,lia-thomas,middle-east,ncaa,oscars,palestinians,russia,same-sex-marriage,transgender,ukraine,vladimir-putincleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-week-of-march-10-2024-part-one--59090886https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59090886Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:50:59 +0000Stephen MonteithSeveral lessons in giving credit where credit is due and *not* giving blame where it isn't, as well as news about TikTok, Republicans in Congress, and LGBTQ+ news across the country.2532china,colorado,don't-say-gay,florida,free-press,glenn-youngkin,gridiron-dinner,internet,joe-biden,journalism,katie-britt,ken-buck,lgbtq+,politics,privacy,ron-johnson,same-sex-marriage,social-media,tiktok,virginiacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-abortion-and-ivf--59059476https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59059476Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:29:25 +0000Stephen MonteithAbortion and IVF both exist for the same reason, the same purpose: to let a woman choose when to have a child.18262024-elections,abortion,alabama,elections,in-vitro-fertilization,ivf,jen-kiggans,mike-johnson,pro-choice,pro-life,reproductive-health,reproductive-rights,roe-v-wade,supreme-court,tommy-tuberville,virginiacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-week-of-march-3-2024--59004280https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59004280Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:56:51 +0000Stephen MonteithBetween Super Tuesday and the State of the Union address, a lot has happened in American politics this last week.2400congress,donald-trump,election-2024,elections,joe-biden,mike-johnson,nato,nikki-haley,politics,presidential-primaries,state-of-the-union,super-tuesday,ukraine,vermont,virginia,vladimir-putincleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-week-of-february-18-2024--58817485https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58817485Sun, 25 Feb 2024 19:21:34 +0000Stephen MonteithNew sanctions on Russia on the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine could lead to higher prices in the U.S. Also, some troubling news from CPAC and the presidential primaries.20182020-election,2024-election,alexei-navalny,cpac,donald-trump,jack-posobiec,january-6-2021,january-6th-insurrection,new-hampshire-primary,nikki-haley,presidential-primaries,republican-primaries,republicans,russia,south-carolina-primary,ukraine,vladimir-putin,war-in-ukrainecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-wga-and-sag-aftra-strikes--58816623https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58816623Sun, 25 Feb 2024 18:12:43 +0000Stephen MonteithProper compensation and regulating the use of A.I.-generated content were major points of concern in last year's Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild strikes; and they're major points of concern for *all* artists.2007a.i.-generated-art,a.i.-generated-content,sag-aftra,sag-aftra-strike,screen-actors-guild,strikes,wga,writers-guild,writers-strikecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-week-of-february-11-2024--58722919https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58722919Sun, 18 Feb 2024 15:14:49 +0000Stephen MonteithThe House of Representatives finally got their impeachment, and they may just get their shutdown. But judgment was meted out to Donald Trump this week, too. Also, some words about the Super Bowl and gun control in this week's episode.2241black-national-anthem,current-events,donald-trump,george-santos,gun-control,house-of-representatives,impeachment,joe-biden,kansas-city,new-york,politics,republicans,shutdown,super-bowl,taylor-swift,tom-suozzi,travis-kelcecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-mike-flanagan--58722430https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58722430Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:14:34 +0000Stephen MonteithMike Flanagan is at the top of his game when it comes to storytelling and horror. In this episode, I talk about what he's done and what I'd like to see him do next.2398adaptation,carla-gugino,doctor-sleep,edgar-allan-poe,fall-of-the-house-of-usher,haunting-of-bly-manor,haunting-of-hill-house,henry-james,horror,mark-hamill,mike-flanagan,movies,shirley-jackson,stanley-kubrick,stephen-king,the-shining,tvcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-week-of-february-4-2024--58648446https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58648446Sun, 11 Feb 2024 18:13:00 +0000Stephen MonteithAll three branches of the federal government saw some heated action this week, including an impeachment vote and an important case before the Supreme Court.177310th-amendment,14th-amendment,alejandro-mayorkas,congress,donald-trump,election-2024,federal-government,government-shutdown,house-of-representatives,impeachment,insurrection,james-lankford,january-6-2021,kevin-mccarthy,mike-johnson,senate,super-tuesday,supreme-court,u.s.-mexico-bordercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-rocky-franchise--58648060https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58648060Sun, 11 Feb 2024 17:22:33 +0000Stephen MonteithEven if your opponent would fight as hard as they can to get their way instead of you getting your way, you don't have to be enemies. That's what I learned from the Rocky movies. That's what I learned from Carl Weathers.22652024-election,barack-obama,boxing,brigitte-nielsen,carl-weathers,creed,creed-movies,dolph-lundgren,john-mccain,michael-b-jordan,phylicia-rashad,politics,rocky,rocky-movies,sylvester-stallonecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-2023--58224818
Here's the link to my homepage, where you can find links to each of my self-published ebooks on all eReader platforms: http://stephens.website/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58224818Sun, 07 Jan 2024 18:10:31 +0000Stephen MonteithIt's been close to a year since my last podcast, and what a year it's been. I'm not good at keeping things brief, but I'll do my best in this "lightning round" of 2023 highlights (and some lowlights). Here's the link to my homepage, where you can...
Here's the link to my homepage, where you can find links to each of my self-published ebooks on all eReader platforms: http://stephens.website/]]>2680anime,archer,bleach,doctor-who,donald-trump,elections,fall-of-the-house-of-usher,im-in-love-with-the-villainess,kevin-mccarthy,movies,netflix,politics,rebel-moon,republicans,spider-man,star-trek,star-trek-lower-decks,star-trek-picard,star-trek-strange-new-worlds,tvcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-donald-trump-on-meta--52751420https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52751420Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:10:47 +0000Stephen MonteithMeta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, has lifted their ban on Donald Trump's accounts. We'll see how they handle his inevitable lies and incitements in the future.504covid-19,donald-trump,facebook,instagram,january-6th,meta,social-media,verocleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-writing-mysteries--52658862https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52658862Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:24:53 +0000Stephen MonteithAre you writing the kind of mystery you like to solve? Can you solve it the way it's written? If you can't, then I guarantee your readers won't be able to. In this episode, I talk about how to write good mysteries.2564adrian-monk,agatha-christie,batman,benoit-blanc,columbo,detectives,encyclopedia-brown,glass-onion,hercule-poirot,jessica-fletcher,knives-out,mysteries,national-treasure,plot-twists,red-herring,riddler,ronald-knox,sherlock-holmes,star-trek-the-next-generation,writingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-james-cameron-s-avatar-franchise--52426308https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52426308Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:03:22 +0000Stephen MonteithJames Cameron has taken us to a new world, with new life and new civilizations. A lot of people around the world love the Avatar movies, but a lot of people have concerns about them. In this podcast, I talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly about...1634avatar,avatar-2,avatar-sequel,avatar-the-way-of-water,indigenous-people,james-cameron,lakota,native-americans,star-trek,star-warscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-role-of-thanksgiving--52001196https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52001196Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:42:39 +0000Stephen MonteithThe more we learn about the true history of our nation and how it was formed, the more injustices we'll notice in the world today, and the more motivated we'll be to correct them. That's what I think the purpose of Thanksgiving should be.862abraham-lincoln,addams-family-values,buffy-the-vampire-slayer,glenn-youngkin,history,immigrants,macy's-parade,manifest-destiny,native-american-reservations,native-americans,pilgrims,pocahontas,reservations,squanto,thanksgiving,the-west-wing,virginiacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-leaving-twitter--51973286https://stephens.website/stephen-lives/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51973286Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:26:53 +0000Stephen MonteithElon Musk's ostensible purpose in buying Twitter was to make it a "platform for free speech around the globe". It already was that. Now, it's just another free-for-all hellscape, and I want no part in it. You can find my other social media accounts...https://stephens.website/stephen-lives/]]>10022020-election,2022-elections,donald-trump,ed-markey,eli-lilly,elon-musk,hate-speech,january-6th,january-6th-attack,misinformation,paul-pelosi,social-media,twittercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-voter-turnout--51927313https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51927313Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:33:28 +0000Stephen MonteithYou may not think your vote makes much of a difference; but you're not alone. Voter turnout *always* makes a difference, and the 2020 and 2022 elections prove it.6502020-elections,2022-elections,2024-elections,alaska,arizona,california,donald-trump,elections,georgia,glenn-youngkin,joe-biden,michigan,midterm-elections,nevada,new-york,ron-desantis,runoff-elections,voter-turnout,voting,wisconsincleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-elaine-luria-versus-jen-kiggans--51808492https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51808492Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:21:16 +0000Stephen MonteithWhatever your politics or whatever issue is most important to you, Elaine Luria is objectively a better choice than Jen Kiggans for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, and I explain why in this podcast.880congress,democrats,elaine-luria,election-2022,election-day,gas-prices,independents,inflation,jen-kiggans,midterm-elections,midterms,military,navy,politics,republicans,va02,veterans,virginiacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-attack-on-paul-pelosi--51788783https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51788783Fri, 04 Nov 2022 18:51:06 +0000Stephen MonteithThis episode is not so much about the attack on Paul Pelosi, but rather the responses to the attack and what they tell us about the people responding.802adam-kinzinger,alex-jones,democrats,donald-trump,elaine-luria,glenn-youngkin,january-6th,kari-lake,liz-cheney,misinformation,nancy-pelosi,paul-pelosi,political-violence,republicans,violencecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-january-6th-committee-s-final-hearing-part-2--51602496https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51602496Mon, 17 Oct 2022 21:25:18 +0000Stephen MonteithThe House Select Committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol held its tenth and potentially final hearing last week. Here is my recap and my thoughts on their findings and conclusions, and on its bearing on the upcoming midterm...16982020-election,2022-midterm-election,adam-schiff,cassidy-hutchinson,donald-trump,elaine-luria,election-fraud,jamie-raskin,january-6th,jim-marchant,kevin-mccarthy,liz-cheney,mike-pence,nancy-pelosi,oathkeepers,pete-aguilar,proud-boys,secret-service,steve-scalise,subpoenacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-january-6th-committee-s-final-hearing-part-1--51602480https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51602480Mon, 17 Oct 2022 21:22:23 +0000Stephen MonteithThe House Select Committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol held its tenth and potentially final hearing last week. Here is my recap and my thoughts on their findings and conclusions.23102020-election,adam-kinzinger,bennie-thompson,donald-trump,elaine-luria,election-fraud,electoral-college,insurrection,january-6th,liz-cheney,mike-pence,oathkeepers,proud-boys,roger-stone,rudy-giuliani,scott-perry,sidney-powell,stephanie-murphy,steve-bannon,zoe-lofgrencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-2022-midterm-elections--51369400https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51369400Sat, 24 Sep 2022 15:58:50 +0000Stephen MonteithEven when there isn't a president or a governor or a member of Congress on the ballot, every election matters, as does every vote.18482022-election,abortion,city-council,congress,donald-trump,elaine-luria,elections,inflation,infrastructure,jen-kiggans,joe-biden,midterm-election,russia,school-board,senate,ukraine,veterans,virginia,virginia-beach,votingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-house-of-the-dragon-episode-1x04--51314090https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51314090Mon, 19 Sep 2022 22:30:59 +0000Stephen MonteithThis episode of the "Game of Thrones" spin-off "House of the Dragon" has made a lot of people uncomfortable (even though, as GOT fans, they *really* should be used to this kind of stuff by now). Content warning: I will be discussing sex, incest, and...2678consent,epic-fantasy,feminism,game-of-thrones,house-of-the-dragon,incest,king-of-the-narrow-sea,pro-choiceyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-star-trek-the-motion-picture--51188810https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51188810Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:26:53 +0000Stephen MonteithThe first Star Trek movie, released in 1979, has garnered a lot of criticism for its slow pacing and lack of action, especially compared to the next movie in the franchise, The Wrath of Khan. But does it deserve a reputation for being one of the...1009live-long-and-prosper,llap,star-trek,star-trek-day,star-trek-ii,star-trek-the-motion-picture,star-trek-the-wrath-of-khan,the-wrath-of-khancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-january-6th-committee-hearings-part-two--50731123https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50731123Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:28:06 +0000Stephen MonteithThe Select Committee investigating the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol held two more public hearings in July. This is my summary of their findings.23412020-election,2022-election,adam-kinzinger,bennie-thompson,dereliction-of-duty,donald-trump,elaine-luria,insurrection,jamie-raskin,january-6th-attack,january-6th-committee,liz-cheney,mark-meadows,mike-pence,oath-keepers,pat-cipollone,proud-boys,sidney-powell,stephanie-murphycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-january-6th-committee-hearings--50525973https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50525973Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:22:50 +0000Stephen MonteithThe House Committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 has begun to release its findings to the American people and to the world. Here is a brief recap of what we've learned so far. I don't care what political party you...22792020-election,adam-kinzinger,bill-barr,cassidy-hutchinson,congress,donald-trump,house-of-representatives,january-6th,joe-biden,john-eastman,kevin-mccarthy,liz-cheney,mark-meadows,mike-pence,pat-cipollone,robert-engel,ruby-freeman,rudy-giuliani,select-committee,tony-ornatocleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-2nd-amendment--49956470https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49956470Thu, 26 May 2022 16:32:44 +0000Stephen MonteithIf the Founders could see all the people, especially the children, who have died by gun violence, would they still have written the 2nd Amendment? My thoughts on the school shooting in Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on why we need gun...64314th-amendment,2nd-amendment,bill-of-rights,constitution,founding-fathers,gun-control,gun-laws,guns,national-rifle-association,nra,originalism,robb-elementary,school-shootings,supreme-court,uvaldecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-worldbuilding--49710146https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49710146Sun, 08 May 2022 11:51:44 +0000Stephen MonteithWorldbuilding is one of a writer's most important tasks. Whatever you write, whether it's regular fiction or science fiction, whether it's for books, movies, comics, television, or even video games, you need to build a strong foundation for it. You...1313anne-rice,comic-books,dan-brown,fantasy,fiction,harry-potter,j-r-r-tolkien,lord-of-the-rings,philip-k-dick,sci-fi,star-trek,stephenie-meyer,the-da-vinci-code,the-west-wing,twilight,watchmen,worldbuilding,writing,x-files,x-mencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-abortion--49656279https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49656279Wed, 04 May 2022 16:37:38 +0000Stephen MonteithThe United States Supreme Court is about to rule (again) on whether or not women have the right to an abortion. I talk here about who should have a say in that decision.138714th-amendment,abortion,pete-buttigieg,planned-parenthood-v-casey,pro-choice,roe-v-wade,samuel-alito,supreme-courtcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-maps-prologues-and-epilogues--49411670https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49411670Tue, 12 Apr 2022 14:27:05 +0000Stephen MonteithMany writers debate the use and necessity of maps, prologues, and epilogues in fiction. These are just some of my thoughts on the subjects.2009batman-v-superman,epilogues,fantasy-maps,lord-of-the-rings,maps,narration,prologues,william-shakespeare,writing,zack-snyder's-justice-leaguecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-autism-acceptance--49284970https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49284970Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:59:55 +0000Stephen MonteithApril is Autism Acceptance Month. What's the difference between "acceptance" and "awareness", and why is it so important to people who are actually autistic?1394aba,applied-behavioral-therapy,autism,autism-acceptance,autism-acceptance-month,autism-awareness,autism-speaks,autistic,autistic-self-advocacy-network,communication,hannah-gadsby,nothing-about-us-without-uscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-will-smith-slapping-chris-rock--49226398https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49226398Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:32:19 +0000Stephen MonteithWill Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. Is that really all there is to it? I talk about why I think there's a lot more.1077alopecia,chris-rock,jada-pinkett-smith,oscars,will-smithcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-wokeness-in-star-trek--49160451https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49160451Wed, 23 Mar 2022 03:30:35 +0000Stephen MonteithStar Trek as a franchise has always been "woke"; and with all the new series and episodes coming out (so to speak), it has the opportunity to boldly go where no series has gone before.1179james-t-kirk,lgbtq+,paul-wesley,representation,stacey-abrams,star-trek,star-trek-discovery,star-trek-strange-new-worlds,wokenesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-taxes--48762953http://stephens.website/, and you can contact me for inquiries about reviews at stephen@stephens.website.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48762953Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:19:32 +0000Stephen MonteithI've always been a writer, and a few years ago, I decided it was time to start acting like a professional one; and that meant paying taxes like one. You can find links to my ebooks on my website, http://stephens.website/, and you can contact me for...http://stephens.website/, and you can contact me for inquiries about reviews at stephen@stephens.website.]]>1049irs,pandemic,podcasting,self-publishing,taxes,writingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-january-6th-attack--48196318https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48196318Thu, 06 Jan 2022 23:04:30 +0000Stephen MonteithSo long as the people who planned and perpetrated this attack go free, and so long as there are those who seek to distort the facts about it, we'll never heal, and we'll never be united. That is why we can never forget January 6th.10422020-election,adam-kinzinger,congress,donald-trump,insurrection,january-6th,january-6th-attack,liz-cheney,mitch-mcconnell,never-forget,republicans,terrorism,us-capitolcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-star-trek-discovery-season-4--47888019https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47888019Sun, 12 Dec 2021 04:00:00 +0000Stephen MonteithStar Trek Discovery just began its 4th season, and the demand for it is higher than ever. Unfortunately, the haters are louder than ever.1468star-trek,star-trek-discovery,star-trek-discovery-season-4,star-trek-tng,star-trek-toscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-gun-control--47787963https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47787963Sat, 04 Dec 2021 23:41:35 +0000Stephen MonteithThousands of people are murdered with guns every year in the United States, including hundreds of mass shootings. We need meaningful gun control legislation at every level.684gun-control,guns,gun-violence,mass-shootings,school-shootingscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-getting-the-vaccine--44228053https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44228053Tue, 06 Apr 2021 21:05:02 +0000Stephen MonteithI got the first shot of the Moderna vaccine today, and I talk here a little about that experience.975coronavirus,covid-19,moderna,vaccinecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-restoring-the-snyderverse--44188371
What now?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44188371Sun, 04 Apr 2021 01:54:29 +0000Stephen MonteithThey've released the Snyder Cut. "Zack Snyder's Justice League" is now a bona fide worldwide phenomenon. What now?
What now?]]>1550justice-league,restore-the-snyderverse,warner-bros,zack-snyder,zack-snyder's-justice-leaguecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-how-zack-snyder-s-justice-league-is-different--43979440https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43979440Sat, 20 Mar 2021 20:38:46 +0000Stephen Monteith"Zack Snyder's Justice League" has finally been released, and it is a brand-new movie. I'm here to talk about what makes it different from the 2017 theatrical version.994dceu,joss-whedon,justice-league,zack-snyder,zack-snyder's-justice-leaguecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-wandavision-spoilers--43871611https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43871611Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:35:04 +0000Stephen MonteithWandaVision is being hailed as a bold and experimental miniseries. But is it really that different from the rest of the MCU? I talk about the show itself and what I feel were its missed opportunities.1298agatha-harkness,avengers,marvel,mcu,wandavisioncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-cancel-culture--43771877https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43771877Sun, 07 Mar 2021 02:26:51 +0000Stephen MonteithWhen racism and bigotry find their way into our entertainment, the least we can do is acknowledge and remove it.698cancel-culture,dr-seuss,gina-carano,j-k-rowling,the-muppet-showcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-awards-shows--43322953https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43322953Sat, 06 Feb 2021 19:21:24 +0000Stephen MonteithCan you ever really call a movie the "best"? More importantly, *should* you?1128aaron-sorkin,awards,golden-globes,oscars,spike-leecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-my-podcast-in-2021--43197627https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43197627Sat, 30 Jan 2021 10:08:11 +0000Stephen MonteithA lot of things have happened since my last podcast episode. Here, I talk about why I won't be talking about them, and what I *will* be talking about in the future.473donald-trump,entertainment,politics,trading-places,wonder-woman-1984cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-amy-coney-barrett--41445879https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41445879Tue, 13 Oct 2020 21:56:03 +0000Stephen MonteithI don't think Amy Coney Barrett should be on the Supreme Court, and here I talk about why.1116amy-coney-barrett,donald-trump,dred-scott,roe-v-wade,supreme-courtcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-fear--41374384https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41374384Fri, 09 Oct 2020 01:35:49 +0000Stephen MonteithWhat's so great about being scared that we'll actually pay other people to scare us, that we'll build a holiday around it?1012fear,halloween,horror,horrormovies,twilightzonecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-trump-having-covid-19--41335365https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41335365Tue, 06 Oct 2020 23:51:36 +0000Stephen MonteithNothing about Trump having COVID-19 makes sense.1615coronavirus,covid-19,donaldtrump,donaldtrumphascovidcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-future-of-star-trek--41230668https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41230668Wed, 30 Sep 2020 20:12:04 +0000Stephen MonteithWe could have as many as five Star Trek series at the same time, not to mention the movies. Here's what I know about them and what I'd like to see.2610startrek,startrekdiscovery,startreklowerdecks,startrekmovies,startrekpicardcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-music-and-pop-culture-in-star-trek--41100880https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41100880Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:13:22 +0000Stephen MonteithIt's always important to pick the right music for your show or movie. The task is a bit harder when it's Star Trek.1358music,music-in-star-trek,pop-culture,pop-culture-in-star-trek,startrekcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-money-in-star-trek--41063130https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41063130Tue, 22 Sep 2020 14:01:10 +0000Stephen MonteithWhat would it be like living in the world of Star Trek where you don't have to earn money to live? Would it really be a world without despair?1432economics,money,money-in-star-trek,startrek,startrekpicardcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-mature-content-in-star-trek--40964124https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40964124Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:20:51 +0000Stephen MonteithSwearing and sex and violence have always been part of Star Trek, and they always will be, whether we like it or not.2428mature-content-in-star-trek,sex-in-star-trek,startrek,swearing-in-star-trek,violence-in-star-trekyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-drugs-in-star-trek--40922191https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40922191Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:23:27 +0000Stephen MonteithYou may think Star Trek has always taken a hard line against drugs of any kind, but the truth isn't that simple.1380drinking,drugs,smoking,startrek,startrekpicardcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-comedy-in-star-trek--40817518https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40817518Thu, 10 Sep 2020 14:19:01 +0000Stephen Monteith"Lower Decks" is the first legitimate Star Trek comedy; but comedy has always been part of Star Trek.1139comedy,humor,lowerdecks,startrek,startreklowerdeckscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-representation-in-star-trek--40781547https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40781547Tue, 08 Sep 2020 21:32:40 +0000Stephen MonteithThe best thing Star Trek can do to fight discrimination is the same thing its always done.1441anti-discrimination,bludelbarrio,ianalexander,lgbtq+,martinlutherkingjr,nichellenichols,nonbinary,racism,representation,sexism,startrek,startrekdiscovery,startrekenterprise,startrekthenextgeneration,startrekvoyager,transgendercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-consistency-in-star-trek--40681553https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40681553Thu, 03 Sep 2020 19:13:08 +0000Stephen MonteithOver the past 54 years, only one thing has remained consistent in Star Trek: Its message.1650canon,generoddenberry,startrek,startrekdeepspacenine,startrektngcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-star-trek-month--40637168https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40637168Tue, 01 Sep 2020 17:42:44 +0000Stephen MonteithTuesday is usually for politics, but this month is all about Star Trek.146star-trekcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-dc-fandome--40536520https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40536520Fri, 28 Aug 2020 09:16:35 +0000Stephen MonteithDC Comics had a massive fan event last Saturday where they unveiled a number of future projects and highlighted their commitments to diversity and to the fans.1668dcfandome,justiceleague,thebatman,wonderwoman1984,zacksnydercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-2020-democratic-national-convention--40487690https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmN90VuLH6Y]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40487690Tue, 25 Aug 2020 16:15:59 +0000Stephen MonteithThe 2020 Democratic National Convention showed that, without sacrificing policies or principles, Joe Biden is still able to unite the country. Here's a link to his full acceptance speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmN90VuLH6Yhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmN90VuLH6Y]]>1833coronavirus,democratic-national-convention,donald-trump,joe-biden,kamala-harriscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-virtual-cons--40434350https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40434350Fri, 21 Aug 2020 08:05:31 +0000Stephen MonteithIn the time of coronavirus, conventions are going virtual.1026comic-con,conventions,dcfandome,dragoncon,virtualcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-voting-by-mail-2--40395658https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40395658Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:52:37 +0000Stephen MonteithNot everyone has the privilege of voting in person, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Voting by mail is the perfect solution...assuming our government allows it.771covid-19,donald-trump,elections,louis-dejoy,voting-by-mailcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-wearing-masks--40274587https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40274587Tue, 11 Aug 2020 23:00:35 +0000Stephen MonteithWhen I first talked about COVID-19 on my podcast, there were only 600 confirmed cases in the U.S. Now, there are over 5 million. Wear a mask.893coronavirus,covid-19,donald-trump,sturgis,wear-a-maskcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-ayer-cut--39925959https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39925959Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:02:54 +0000Stephen MonteithFan petitions, especially ones like Release the Ayer Cut that support filmmakers and their visions, are and will always be important.1433david-ayer,dceu,fan-petitions,release-the-ayer-cut,suicide-squadcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-america-s-secret-police--39886556https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39886556Tue, 21 Jul 2020 19:52:15 +0000Stephen MonteithDonald Trump has been giving us indicators for years now, and he's finally using federal agents as his own Secret Police.830donald-trump,portland,protests,secret-police,wall-of-momscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-idolizing-entertainers--38231926https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38231926Fri, 10 Jul 2020 01:33:35 +0000Stephen MonteithIn the last podcast, I talked about how raising monuments to people turns them into legends. Books and movies do the same thing to the people who make them.1145bryan-singer,fandoms,harry-potter,james-gunn,j-k-rowlingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-monuments--37391424https://api.spreaker.com/episode/37391424Tue, 07 Jul 2020 21:26:10 +0000Stephen MonteithPeople say we need monuments because they preserve history. I say monuments do the opposite.877christopher-columbus,george-washington,monuments,mount-rushmore,thomas-jeffersoncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-voting-by-mail--32667912https://api.spreaker.com/episode/32667912Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:36:30 +0000Stephen MonteithThese days, it seems like voting is harder than ever. Voting by mail can solve a lot of issues facing voters.692donald-trump,elections,mail-in-ballots,vote-by-mail,votingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-fanon--30363801https://api.spreaker.com/episode/30363801Fri, 12 Jun 2020 02:17:51 +0000Stephen MonteithOne of the best parts about being a fan is coming up with your own theories and stories about the stories you love. But when does it go too far? That's what I talk about in this episode of my podcast.1501fanfiction,fanon,headcanon,startrek,starwarscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-riots-and-protests--30082097
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/30082097Wed, 10 Jun 2020 01:15:44 +0000Stephen MonteithWhen is a protest not enough, and can rioting ever be justified?  I try to answer these questions in my podcast today.  Here's a link where you can read more about racial justice in the United States:...
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/mobilebasic]]>988martin-luther-king,protests,racism,riots,rodney-kingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-need-for-entertainment--29515331https://api.spreaker.com/episode/29515331Fri, 05 Jun 2020 02:16:23 +0000Stephen MonteithWhat role does entertainment play in our lives, and how important is that role?  That's what I talk about in this podcast.1329art,books,entertainment,movies,tvcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rewrites-star-wars-part-3--28663104https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28663104Fri, 29 May 2020 21:18:58 +0000Stephen MonteithIn Part 1, I talked about changes meant to enhance the Star Wars movies as we know them. In Part 2, I talk about changing the stories told in Episodes I-VI. In this part, I talk about changing Episodes VII-IX.2227fanfiction,movies,rewrite,starwarscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rewrites-star-wars-part-2--28663068https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28663068Fri, 29 May 2020 21:15:22 +0000Stephen MonteithIn Part 1, I talked about changes I would make that were meant to enhance the Star Wars stories as we know them. In Part 2, I change the stories themselves. This part has Episodes I-VI, while Part 3 has Episodes VII-IX.2474fanfiction,movies,rewrite,starwarscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-zack-snyder-s-justice-league--27975535https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27975535Thu, 21 May 2020 16:00:21 +0000Stephen MonteithAfter two and a half years of petitions and determination in the face of opposition that was almost as relentless as we are, they're finally going to release the Snyder Cut.2010dceu,hbomax,justiceleague,releasethesnydercut,zacksnydercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rewrites-star-wars-part-1--27381145https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27381145Fri, 15 May 2020 02:37:55 +0000Stephen MonteithAs much as I love Star Wars, there are definitely things I would change about it. This is the first in my new "Stephen Rewrites" feature.2698anewhope,attackoftheclones,empirestrikesback,georgelucas,jedi,returnofthejedi,revengeofthesith,sith,starwars,theforceawakens,thelastjedi,thephantommenace,theriseofskywalkercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-prequels--26891025https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26891025Fri, 08 May 2020 04:14:18 +0000Stephen MonteithOnce a story is told and you're wondering where to go next, sometimes the best place to go is back to the beginning...or even further.2501lordoftherings,prequels,startrek,starwars,thehobbitcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-star-wars-ranking-the-movies--26725346https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26725346Mon, 04 May 2020 22:20:30 +0000Stephen MonteithOn this day, May the Fourth, I am ranking all of the live-action Star Wars movies. May the Force be with me.2659maythefourth,starwars,starwarsmovies,starwarsprequels,starwarssequelscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-hobbit-and-lord-of-the-rings-film-trilogies--26470445https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26470445Fri, 01 May 2020 03:29:52 +0000Stephen MonteithPeter Jackson did a phenomenal job of adapting J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" for the big screen. Here, I share my thoughts about the extended editions of the two film trilogies.2100j.r.r.tolkien,lord-of-the-rings,movies,peter-jackson,the-hobbitcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-taking-coronavirus-seriously--26315999https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26315999Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:27:09 +0000Stephen MonteithIt's been six weeks since I asked the question "Are we overreacting to Coronavirus?" Unfortunately, I think we're underreacting.1519coronavirus,covid-19,quarantine,spanish-flu,wash-your-handscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-and-tv-everything-s-gonna-be-okay--26226582https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26226582Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:24:15 +0000Stephen MonteithHere are some movies and TV shows you can watch during quarantine.774autism,everythingsgonnabeokay,ladyandthetramp,startrekpicard,thetwilightzonecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-are-we-overreacting-to-coronavirus--23996366
Here's the link to the Twitter video I mention in the podcast:

https://twitter.com/davdchristmas/status/1239196410857340933]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23996366Tue, 17 Mar 2020 23:25:02 +0000Stephen MonteithPeople's reactions to the coronavirus, COVID-19, range from denial to sheer panic. What's the proper reaction, though, on a national, state, or personal level? Here's the link to the Twitter video I mention in the podcast:...
Here's the link to the Twitter video I mention in the podcast:

https://twitter.com/davdchristmas/status/1239196410857340933]]>1559coronavirus,covid-19,donaldtrump,mikedewine,pandemiccleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-monte-awards-horror-and-animated-movies--23808962https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23808962Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:17:28 +0000Stephen MonteithHorror and animation both have long histories in film, and both face their own challenges in embracing that history while still innovating for future movies.1017animation,horror,monteawards,movieawards,moviescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-the-coronavirus-biden-vs-sanders--23715783https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23715783Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:41:45 +0000Stephen MonteithWe have a global pandemic that's causing whole countries to shut down. Donald Trump's "leadership" at this time is exactly why we need someone, either Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders, to replace him as soon as possible.1800berniesanders,coronavirus,covid-19,donaldtrump,joebidencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-tv-carnival-row--23699311https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23699311Tue, 10 Mar 2020 03:40:31 +0000Stephen MonteithOrlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne star in a fairy tale that is definitely not for children. "Carnival Row" is available to watch on Amazon Prime.230amazonprime,caradelevingne,carnivalrow,orlandobloom,tvshowcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-monte-awards-comic-book-and-video-game-movies--23510429https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23510429Thu, 05 Mar 2020 16:58:55 +0000Stephen MonteithComic books and video games are difficult to adapt into movies. Even with all the recent success, some still go unnoticed.989comicbookmovies,comicbooks,movies,videogamemovies,videogamescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-my-vote-on-super-tuesday--23424642https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23424642Tue, 03 Mar 2020 11:19:40 +0000Stephen MonteithMy candidate in the Democratic Primaries, Pete Buttigieg, had to leave the race. What will I do now? For whom will I vote?960democraticprimaries,joebiden,petebuttigieg,supertuesday,votingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-monte-awards-fantasy-and-ya--23266011https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23266011Thu, 27 Feb 2020 23:22:44 +0000Stephen MonteithFantasy and Young Adult movies can tell us a lot about ourselves; particularly about the need to not lose your sense of wonder as you grow older.840fantasy,harrypotter,monteawards,movies,young-adultcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-tv-locke-key--23149862https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23149862Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:06:31 +0000Stephen MonteithYoung adult fiction, like other media, are shifting more towards streaming services. Today, I'm recommending Locke & Key on Netflix.253fantasy,locke-and-key,netflix,tv-recommendations,young-adultcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-2020-monte-awards--23008987
This year's Montes will be awarded on March 19th. You can watch last year's show on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjXP8wjyAV4]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/23008987Thu, 20 Feb 2020 23:23:43 +0000Stephen MonteithThe Monte Awards are a different type of awards show, one that shines a light on movies that don't get as much attention as blockbusters and Oscar-bait but still deserve it. This year's Montes will be awarded on March 19th. You can watch last year's...
This year's Montes will be awarded on March 19th. You can watch last year's show on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjXP8wjyAV4]]>781monteawards,movieawards,movies,post-apocalyptic,sci-ficleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-assault-weapons-nevada-caucus--22916996https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22916996Tue, 18 Feb 2020 16:09:24 +0000Stephen MonteithA Rembrandt in Pennsylvania, a Jetpack in Dubai, Assault Weapons in Virginia, and more in this episode of Stephen Talks Politics.1570assaultweapons,democraticprimaries,michaelbloomberg,nevada,virginiacleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-sonic-birds-of-prey--22895166https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22895166Tue, 18 Feb 2020 02:09:21 +0000Stephen MonteithBoth of these movies have faced skepticism from their franchises' fans. So, which one do I recommend?413birdsofprey,harleyquinn,jimcarrey,movies,sonicthehedgehogcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-love-in-fiction--22775262https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22775262Fri, 14 Feb 2020 17:17:43 +0000Stephen MonteithLove in fiction is almost exclusively between one man and one woman. But there are many other types of love out there just waiting to be shown on screen.1688lgbtq+,love,movies,polyamory,romancecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-iowa-and-nh-results-donald-trump--22710637https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22710637Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:26:09 +0000Stephen MonteithThis week, I talk about the results of the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary, and whether or not Donald Trump has learned anything from his impeachment.1504berniesanders,donaldtrump,iowacaucus,newhampshire,petebuttigiegcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-star-trek-genre--22613544https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22613544Mon, 10 Feb 2020 11:07:19 +0000Stephen MonteithWith the addition of Discovery and Picard to the decades-old franchise, I try to answer the question of what it takes to really be "Star Trek".2632startrek,startrekdeepspacenine,startrekdiscovery,startrekpicard,startrekthenextgenerationcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-coronavirus-iowa-caucuses-and-more--22415359https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22415359Tue, 04 Feb 2020 19:17:10 +0000Stephen MonteithThe coronavirus has spread to more than 20,000 people, the president is being impeached, and we don't know who won the Iowa Caucuses.1007coronavirus,impeachment,iowacaucuses,shannendoherty,worldcancerdaycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-super-bowl-liv--22386682https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22386682Tue, 04 Feb 2020 01:24:19 +0000Stephen MonteithI talk about my favorite parts of Super Bowl LIV, including the commercials, the Halftime Show, and the Puppy Bowl.926halftimeshow,puppybowl,superbowl,superbowl54,superbowllivcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-politics-impeachment-pete-buttigieg--22173083https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22173083Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:19:35 +0000Stephen MonteithThis is my first podcast devoted to politics. I cover the impeachment of Donald Trump and my pick for the Democratic presidential nominee. Hopefully, we can all talk about the important issues of the day respectfully.2585abuseofpower,congress,democraticprimaries,donaldtrump,douglassplan,endorsement,impeachment,johnbolton,levparnas,michaelharriot,obstructionofcongress,petebuttigieg,presidentialelection,racism,rulesoftheroad,senate,systemicracism,theroot,ukrainecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-tv-shows-the-witcher-star-trek-picard--22135559https://api.spreaker.com/episode/22135559Mon, 27 Jan 2020 22:23:05 +0000Stephen MonteithI'm expanding my Monday Recommends feature to include TV shows, books, and maybe more, along with movies. This week, I talk about The Witcher and the newest Star Trek series, Picard.417cbs-all-access,netflix,star-trek,star-trek-picard,the-witchercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-changes-in-2020--21997071https://www.twitch.tv/stephenmarkmonteith. I also have a new Twitter account for my horror, violent, and otherwise mature content, https://twitter.com/Hardcover_SM.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21997071Thu, 23 Jan 2020 21:26:31 +0000Stephen MonteithNew year, new things to talk about. I'll be expanding my podcast to cover a lot more topics, and I'll be starting broadcasts from my Twitch channel, https://www.twitch.tv/stephenmarkmonteith. I also have a new Twitter account for my horror, violent,...https://www.twitch.tv/stephenmarkmonteith. I also have a new Twitter account for my horror, violent, and otherwise mature content, https://twitter.com/Hardcover_SM.]]>544books,movies,podcast,politics,tv,twitchcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-just-mercy-little-women-dolittle-and-more--21903334https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21903334Tue, 21 Jan 2020 04:49:31 +0000Stephen MonteithIt's been a month since my last movie post. It's time to catch up on what I've seen and what I recommend.7521917,dolittle,just-mercy,little-women,underwatercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-aeronauts-star-wars-cats--21014021https://api.spreaker.com/episode/21014021Mon, 23 Dec 2019 22:08:16 +0000Stephen MonteithMy movie recommendations for this holiday season may surprise you.515aeronauts,cats,cats-movie,riseofskywalker,starwarscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-adam-driver--20903937https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20903937Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:55:25 +0000Stephen MonteithAdam Driver recently was forced to leave an interview before it completed. I have a *lot* of thoughts about this.1288adamdriver,anxiety,npr,starwars,terrygrosscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-black-christmas-jumanji-the-next-level--20799282https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20799282Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:16:17 +0000Stephen MonteithBlack Christmas and Jumanji: The Next Level are both the third installments in their franchises. How well do they stack up against what came before?583blackchristmas,dwaynejohnson,jumanji,jumanjithenextlevel,kevinhartcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-streaming-services--20693135https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20693135Thu, 12 Dec 2019 19:38:08 +0000Stephen MonteithI could subscribe to five different streaming services and I'd have more shows and movies to watch than I could ever watch in my life. So why would I need cable?958cable,disney-plus,hulu,netflix,streaming-servicescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-women-in-action-movies--20509464https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20509464Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:30:23 +0000Stephen MonteithElizabeth Banks, director of the new Charlie's Angels movie, thinks that men don't like female-led action movies. Is she right?1099actionmovies,aliens,charliesangels,elizabethbanks,terminatorcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-thanksgiving-also-blade-runner-and-other-dystopias--20338081https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20338081Thu, 28 Nov 2019 13:29:26 +0000Stephen MonteithHappy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good meal!1199achristmascarol,bladerunner,dystopia,gratitude,thanksgivingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-terminator-dark-fate-charlie-s-angels--20109555https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20109555Tue, 19 Nov 2019 04:28:56 +0000Stephen MonteithTwo popular franchises that have struggled at times are both back in theaters.585charlie'sangels,movies,terminator,terminatordarkfatecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-snyder-cut--20035806https://api.spreaker.com/episode/20035806Thu, 14 Nov 2019 22:27:20 +0000Stephen MonteithIt's been two years since the Justice League movie was released in theaters. It is well past time for Warner Bros. to release the Snyder Cut.1185justiceleague,justiceleaguemovie,releasethesnydercut,snydercut,zacksnydercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-batman-ranking-the-movies--19158333https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19158333Fri, 20 Sep 2019 01:56:23 +0000Stephen MonteithIt's Batman's 80th anniversary this weekend, and I'm ranking all the Batman movies we've seen on the big screen.1501batman,batmanmovies,batmanvsuperman,thedarkknighttrilogy,thelegobatmanmoviecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-dragoncon-2019--18965705https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18965705Sat, 31 Aug 2019 14:05:50 +0000Stephen MonteithDragonCon is an annual fan convention in Atlanta. Fans of what? Everything.271cosplay,dragoncon,dragoncon2019,fantasy,scificleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-hobbs-shaw-the-lion-king-and-more--18932270https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18932270Tue, 27 Aug 2019 19:51:11 +0000Stephen MonteithA lot of movies have come out this summer. Which have I seen, and which do I recommend?896hobbs-and-shaw,movies,ready-or-not,spider-man-far-from-home,the-lion-kingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-spider-man-ranking-the-movies--18891482https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18891482Thu, 22 Aug 2019 18:30:13 +0000Stephen MonteithSpider-Man has always been the victim of executive meddling, whether in the comics or cartoons or cinema. Here are my feelings about the franchise and my rankings for each of the solo movies to date.2680disney,mcu,sony,spiderman,theamazingspidermancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-remakes--18830379https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18830379Thu, 15 Aug 2019 23:05:42 +0000Stephen MonteithIt seems that most of the movies produced these days are remakes or sequels or adaptations. But is that really a bad thing? Can they still be called "original"?1799adaptations,movies,remakes,sequelscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-critics--18767339https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18767339Thu, 08 Aug 2019 21:06:49 +0000Stephen MonteithSummer is still the biggest season for movies, and critics are still the biggest factor in how well a movie will do. But should you really listen to their opinions?2100batman-v-superman,child's-play,cinemasins,critics,movies,nostalgia-critic,rotten-tomatoes,toy-story-4cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-child-s-play-toy-story-4--18360527https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18360527Mon, 24 Jun 2019 14:43:46 +0000Stephen MonteithTwo movies about toys coming to life when their owners aren't around and having adventures (but very different types of adventures).283childs-play,horrormovies,pixar,toystory,toystory4cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-men-in-black-international--18299072https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18299072Mon, 17 Jun 2019 17:41:52 +0000Stephen MonteithThe Men In Black franchise has always had Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones at the core. But that doesn't mean they'll always need to be.239chrishemsworth,meninblack,meninblackinternational,tessathompson,willsmithcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-x-men-movies--18266788https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18266788Fri, 14 Jun 2019 01:54:49 +0000Stephen MonteithThe X-Men movie franchise has had it's ups and downs, but I really feel it deserves more appreciation than it gets, especially now.2879deadpool,wolverine,xmen,xmendarkphoenix,xmendaysoffuturepastcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-dark-phoenix-the-x-men-movie-franchise--18230513https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18230513Mon, 10 Jun 2019 19:40:46 +0000Stephen MonteithCritics have been giving the X-Men movies grief for a long time, especially the latest one; but there are really only two X-Men movies I don't recommend. Which ones are they? Just listen.298darkphoenix,movies,xmen,xmenmoviescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-human-element--18198134
Remember to check out my website: http://stephens.website/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18198134Thu, 06 Jun 2019 21:57:17 +0000Stephen MonteithThe most important part of any story, even more so than the plot itself, is the characters. We need to be able to empathize with them if we're going to continue reading about and watching them. But do the characters need to be humans for us to care...
Remember to check out my website: http://stephens.website/]]>1104godzilla,godzillakingofthemonsters,planetoftheapes,starwars,xmencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-godzilla-king-of-the-monsters--18161767
Don't forget to visit my website to find links to my social media and all my writing: https://stephens.website/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18161767Mon, 03 Jun 2019 18:56:52 +0000Stephen MonteithCritics don't like "Godzilla: King of the Monsters". Audiences love it. How do *I* feel about it? Listen and find out. Don't forget to visit my website to find links to my social media and all my writing: https://stephens.website/
Don't forget to visit my website to find links to my social media and all my writing: https://stephens.website/]]>222godzilla,godzillakingofthemonsters,moviescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-story-twists--18127125
My Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ThePapermage]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18127125Thu, 30 May 2019 21:01:36 +0000Stephen MonteithIn a lot of cases, the "twist" is the most famous and popular part of a story. For me, though, it's my least favorite part. My Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ThePapermage
My Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ThePapermage]]>1449deadpool,jamesbond,movies,plottwist,startrekintodarknesscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/recommends-movies-aladdin-detective-pikachu--18096570https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18096570Mon, 27 May 2019 22:22:36 +0000Stephen MonteithThis is the first installment of my "Movie Recommendations" feature. I won't be reviewing movies or criticizing them, just telling you whether or not I recommend seeing them.351aladdin,detectivepikachu,disney,pokemon,willsmithcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-live-action-disney-remakes--18055507https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18055507Thu, 23 May 2019 16:16:12 +0000Stephen MonteithA lot of people have a cynical attitude about Disney remaking their older animated movies in live-action. It's really just part of the larger cynical attitude against remakes in general. I give my thoughts about them in this episode.1253aladdin,disney,movies,nostalgia,remakescleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-spoilers--17819936
I mention an article about spoilers in this podcast. You can read it here: http://nerdbastards.com/2019/04/29/nerdom-and-the-bizarre-culture-around-being-spoiler-free/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17819936Thu, 02 May 2019 22:56:32 +0000Stephen MonteithA lot of people care a lot about movies and TV shows. Do they care too much, though? When do you cross the line between "fan" and "fanatic"? I mention an article about spoilers in this podcast. You can read it here:...
I mention an article about spoilers in this podcast. You can read it here: http://nerdbastards.com/2019/04/29/nerdom-and-the-bizarre-culture-around-being-spoiler-free/]]>1496avengersendgame,casablanca,gameofthrones,spoilers,theusualsuspectscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-his-favorite-phase-in-the-mcu--17747753https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17747753Thu, 25 Apr 2019 22:50:42 +0000Stephen MonteithThe Marvel Cinematic Universe is over 20 movies long with a dozen TV shows and miniseries to its name. It's about to finish its third "phase" and move into a new one. But Phase One still is and probably will remain my favorite phase.782avengers,ironman,marvelcinematicuniverse,marvelstudios,mcucleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-star-wars-episode-ix--17679431https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17679431Thu, 18 Apr 2019 16:48:32 +0000Stephen MonteithWe got our first official teaser trailer for "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" last week. In this podcast, I'm going to talk about why I'm the least-interested I've ever been in seeing a new Star Wars movie.1017attackoftheclones,disney,episodeix,georgelucas,jjabrams,revengeofthesith,starwars,theforceawakens,thelastjedi,thephantommenace,theriseofskywalkercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-origin-stories--17606814https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17606814Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:48:13 +0000Stephen MonteithCharacters are the most important part of any story, and the origin story is the most important part of any character.1108batmanbegins,batmanvsuperman,captainpicard,casinoroyale,daredevil,dc,doctorwho,jamesbond,manofsteel,marvel,mcu,originstories,punisher,startrek,startrekthenextgeneration,superheroes,superman,thewalkingdead,thewestwing,wonderwomancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-disney-owning-fox--17397269
My website: http://stephens.website/
My ebooks: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/stephenmonteith]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17397269Thu, 21 Mar 2019 16:48:14 +0000Stephen MonteithThere are a lot of reasons to be concerned about Disney's recent acquisition of 20th Century Fox. But, there are reasons to be hopeful, as well. My website: http://stephens.website/ My ebooks: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/stephenmonteith
My website: http://stephens.website/
My ebooks: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/stephenmonteith]]>140820th-century-fox,disney,marvel,movies,x-mencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-the-future-of-the-dceu--17323256https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17323256Thu, 14 Mar 2019 15:10:02 +0000Stephen MonteithMovies based on DC Comics have always had trouble finding their own identity; figuring out what movies to make and with whom. Here are my ideas for the franchise.2100aquaman,batman,ben-affleck,cyborg,dc-comics,dceu,deadshot,death-of-the-family,flash,flashpoint,jared-leto,justice-league,kristen-stewart,legion-of-doom,movies,shazam,snyder-cut,superman,will-smith,wonder-womancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-being-a-grown-up-kid--17259481
(In this podcast, I referenced a Twitter thread from author Catherynne Valente. You can find it here: https://twitter.com/catvalente/status/1089293175360028674 )]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17259481Thu, 07 Mar 2019 20:57:57 +0000Stephen MonteithAn adult is merely a kid who has reached a certain age, and a kid is merely an adult who hasn't reached that age. I've always liked cartoons and comics and even dressing up as characters from them. The fact that I'm about to turn 38 doesn't change...
(In this podcast, I referenced a Twitter thread from author Catherynne Valente. You can find it here: https://twitter.com/catvalente/status/1089293175360028674 )]]>2510batman,bill-maher,brad-bird,cartoons,catherynne-valente,comic-books,comics,c-s-lewis,kids-of-all-ages,roger-ebert,walt-disneycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-what-he-s-up-to--17188820https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17188820Thu, 28 Feb 2019 21:47:15 +0000Stephen MonteithJust a brief explanation of what I've been up to the last few months and what I'll be doing the next few months.487aspergers,autism,monte-awards,twitch.tv,writingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/live-from-dragoncon--15619321http://stephens.website/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15619321Sat, 01 Sep 2018 13:37:23 +0000Stephen MonteithThis week's podcast is live from DragonCon 2018 in Atlanta, GA, right before the annual parade. Look for parade pics on my Instagram @stephenmarkmonteith, and visit my website http://stephens.website/http://stephens.website/]]>1087cosplay,dragoncon,dragoncon2018,fantasy,sci-ficleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-violence-in-movies-and-tv--15557228https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15557228Thu, 23 Aug 2018 21:02:19 +0000Stephen MonteithThere is, in each of us, a limit to the amount and type of violence we'll accept in our entertainment. Where do we draw the line? And why? I also share my thoughts about Ben Affleck's current situation, Kelly Marie Tran's article in the New York...2913avengers,batman-v-superman,ben-affleck,blood,empathy,hans-zimmer,kelly-marie-tran,lord-of-the-rings,man-of-steel,movies,star-trek,sucker-punch,television,violencecleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-nostalgia--15508125https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15508125Thu, 16 Aug 2018 17:20:06 +0000Stephen MonteithNostalgia can be a great thing, helping us remember the things we grew up with, the things that comforted us and helped make us the people we are. Nobody likes it when someone messes with our favorite franchises. But we need to be willing to let new...1921dccomics,nostalgia,oceans11,reboots,teentitanscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-james-gunn--15334730https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15334730Thu, 26 Jul 2018 11:31:13 +0000Stephen MonteithThis wasn't the podcast I was planning to do, and it's one of the hardest I've had to record, but I feel it's important.900disney,guardiansofthegalaxy,jamesgunn,jamesgunnfired,mcucleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-justice-league-as-an-ensemble-movie--15289910https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15289910Thu, 19 Jul 2018 19:45:05 +0000Stephen MonteithFor the last decade, people have been saying DC should make movies the way Marvel makes them. But shouldn't DC do things their own way, the way that's worked for them for almost 80 years?898batman,justiceleague,marvelcinematicuniverse,superman,wonderwomancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-wonder-woman--15244290https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15244290Thu, 12 Jul 2018 21:02:31 +0000Stephen MonteithWonder Woman is a phenomenal character who was created to be the equal of other superheroes, and time has proven that she is.899batmanvsuperman,dceu,galgadot,pattyjenkins,wonderwomancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-suicide-squad-and-storytelling--15198046https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15198046Thu, 05 Jul 2018 15:33:36 +0000Stephen Monteith"Suicide Squad" is generally considered to be the weakest film in the DCEU continuity, mostly because of its unorthodox style of storytelling. But could that "weakness" actually be a strength?899dc,storytelling,suicidesquad,warnerbroscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-jesse-eisenberg-s-lex-luthor--15149393https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15149393Thu, 28 Jun 2018 15:02:54 +0000Stephen MonteithA lot of people say Jesse Eisenberg's performance as Lex Luthor is one of the worst comic book movie performances ever. A lot of *other* people disagree, saying it's a layered, nuanced portrayal of one of comic book's greatest villains.898batmanvsuperman,jesseeisenberg,lexluthor,supermancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-a-sequel-to-man-of-steel-part-2--15099821https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15099821Thu, 21 Jun 2018 14:21:12 +0000Stephen MonteithThere are so many elements from "Man Of Steel", from the worldbuilding to the background stories, that are just waiting to be used in a sequel. This is how they could fit into "Superman: Birthright".899krypton,manofsteel,manofsteel2,superman,worldbuildingcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-a-sequel-to-man-of-steel--15050414https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15050414Thu, 14 Jun 2018 19:24:41 +0000Stephen MonteithAlthough Henry Cavill has portrayed Superman in three films over the last five years, many people think there should be a "proper" sequel to the movie that started the DCEU. Here's a way they could do it that may just make everyone happy, fans and...897brainiac,manofsteel,manofsteel2,supergirl,supermancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-haters--14992971https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14992971Thu, 07 Jun 2018 16:03:00 +0000Stephen MonteithYou don't have to like something, but you don't have to hate it. You certainly don't have to hate the people who made it or the people who DO like it.892fandom,ghostbusters,haters,kellymarietran,starwarsthelastjedicleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-avengers-infinity-war-part-2--14937695https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14937695Thu, 31 May 2018 16:08:56 +0000Stephen MonteithInfinity War is a phenomenally successful movie, the pinnacle of expanded cinematic universe movie efforts. But, narratively speaking, there are some big problems with it. Part 1 of this episode deals with how Marvel Studios could have led up to the...893avengers,infinitywar,marvelcinematicuniverse,mcu,thanoscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-avengers-infinity-war-part-1--14876654https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14876654Thu, 24 May 2018 14:47:32 +0000Stephen MonteithThe Marvel Cinematic Universe makes a big deal out of solo movies leading into team up movies. But this time, there's one solo movie they really shouldn't have skipped.895avengers,gamora,infinitywar,nebula,thanoscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-why-he-won-t-buy-the-justice-league-movie--14818972https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14818972Thu, 17 May 2018 14:56:06 +0000Stephen MonteithSix months ago, Warner Bros. released "Justice League" in theaters...but it wasn't the movie fans were hoping for. Just like the Richard Donner Cut of "Superman II" and the Ultimate Edition of "Batman v Superman", we want the Zack Snyder Cut of...895dceu,justiceleaguemovie,releasethesnydercut,snydercutcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/about-himself--14083436https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14083436Sun, 18 Feb 2018 19:31:36 +0000Stephen MonteithStephen talks briefly about himself, the things that led him to make a podcast, and the purpose of the podcast itself.889autobiographical,fantasy,sci-fi,writer,writingcleanfull