Episodes

  • Solaris (1972)
    Sep 17 2024

    Tarkovsky's "Solaris" Divides Our Hosts!

    Journey with us through the cosmos of pop culture in this week's episode of The Middle of Culture! Our hosts dive deep into the enigmatic world of Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 sci-fi classic, "Solaris." But before we blast off, strap in for our signature pop culture roundup:

    - Diablo 4: Is it heaven or hell?

    - Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn: Worth a re-read?

    - New sonic landscapes from A Swarm of the Sun and Oceans of Slumber

    - Eden's musical discoveries and galactic adventures in Star Wars Outlaws

    Then, brace yourself for an interstellar debate! Our hosts go head-to-head over Tarkovsky's "Solaris":

    🌟 Eden: "A transcendent masterpiece!"

    😴 Peter: "A snoozefest in space!"

    Is "Solaris" a mind-bending journey through human consciousness or a glacially-paced bore? Tune in as we navigate the vast expanse between "cinematic revelation" and "watching paint dry in zero gravity." Don't miss this cosmic clash of opinions on The Middle of Culture!

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    1 hr
  • TV Couples
    Sep 3 2024

    Get ready for an unexpected ride on this week's "The Middle of Culture"! Life threw us a curveball, but Eden and I rolled with the punches, delivering an episode packed with pop culture goodness.

    First, we dive deep into our recent obsessions:

    - Eden takes us on a journey through the grim darkness of Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader and the galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Outlaws.

    - Comic book fans, perk up your ears – Eden's got the latest scoop from the world of panels and speech bubbles.

    - Meanwhile, I confess my rekindled love affair with Diablo IV and drop a beat with a rundown of the hottest metal releases you can't miss.

    But wait, there's more! We cap off the show by dissecting the lifeblood of TV series – relationships. Which character dynamics elevated shows to new heights, and which ones made us reach for the remote? Tune in for our hot takes!

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Knights of the Zodiac (2023)
    Aug 18 2024
    This week on "The Middle of Culture," brace yourselves for an epic journey into cinematic chaos! Eden and Peter dive headfirst into the 2023 live-action adaptation of 'Knights of the Zodiac,' based on the beloved anime 'Saint Seiya.' But why would our intrepid hosts willingly subject themselves to this cosmic catastrophe? Buckle up because Peter's behind-the-scenes tale of how this movie made it onto their watchlist might outshine the film itself. Get ready for an episode that's equal parts hilarious commentary, nostalgic musings, and a masterclass in questionable decision-making. Trust us, you won't want to miss this zodiac-sized adventure!
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    55 mins
  • San Diego Comic Con 2024
    Jul 31 2024

    Join us for an insider's look at San Diego Comic Con 2024! This week on 'The Middle of Culture,' Eden and Peter share their unique perspectives on the world's biggest pop culture event. From Eden's presentation at the Comic Arts Conference to Peter's first-time experience, discover the highlights beyond the Hall H hype.

    Dive into their adventures on the bustling conference floor, gain insights from intriguing panels, and get the scoop on upcoming TV announcements from Ballroom 20. Plus, don't miss their exclusive thoughts on Apple TV+'s 'Silo' season 2 reveal!

    Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a fresh take on SDCC's academic side, fan experiences, and the future of your favorite franchises. Tune in for an episode that's as diverse and exciting as Comic Con itself!

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Speed Racer (2008)
    Jul 8 2024

    Buckle up for a high-octane episode of "The Middle of Culture" as hosts Eden and Peter, fueled by their passion for film, rev their engines for a deep dive into the Wachowski sisters' 2008 film "Speed Racer." At the time, it was a critical and commercial flop, but since its release, this visually stunning adaptation has gained a devoted following. But does it truly deserve a victory lap?

    Before hitting the track, our hosts share their current media obsessions:

    - Peter's self-inflicted productivity book challenge

    - Eden's adventures in the latest Final Fantasy XIV expansion

    Then, it's pedal to the metal as we explore:

    - The jarring disconnect between "Speed Racer's" initial reception and its cult status

    - Our honest, unfiltered reactions to this polarizing film

    - Are the movie's unique visuals just there to compensate for its shortcomings?

    - Are internet defenders genuinely onto something, or just along for the ride?

    - The ultimate question: Is "Speed Racer" worth your valuable viewing time?

    Join us for a nitro-boosted discussion that'll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about this controversial piece of cinema. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a skeptic, this episode is sure to fuel your pop culture engine!

    #SpeedRacer #CultClassics #WachowskiSisters #MovieReview #PopCulturePodcast #FinalFantasyXIV #ProductivityBooks

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Madame Web
    Jun 25 2024

    Madame Web: Marvel Masterpiece or Cinematic Catastrophe?

    Swing into the world of Sony's latest Spider-Verse entry! This week on 'The Middle of Culture,' hosts Eden and Peter face off in an epic showdown over 'Madame Web.'

    Is it a hidden gem or a box office disaster? Eden's fallen under the movie's spell, while Peter claims it's more toxic than a radioactive spider bite.

    Join us for a hilarious, no-holds-barred debate as we:

    - Unravel the tangled mess that is the plot

    - Debate the relative values of lifeless and wooden acting

    - Discuss Dakota Johnson's psychic powers

    Whether you're a die-hard Spidey fan or a casual moviegoer, this episode promises laugh-out-loud moments and hot takes you won't want to miss!

    Subscribe now and join the conversation: Is 'Madame Web' a cult classic in the making or a franchise-killing flop? Let's weave through this web of opinions together!

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Action Movie Bracket
    Jun 9 2024

    In this week's episode of “The Middle of Culture,” hosts Eden and I dive into a variety of topics, from personal anecdotes and life updates to a lively discussion about our favorite action movies. I share my experience of living the temporary bachelor life while my family visits Alaska, and Eden discusses their new work project focused on improving website accessibility. The episode’s highlight is an entertaining bracket showdown where we determine the best action movie from a list of 32 contenders, ultimately crowning a surprising entry as the winner.

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    59 mins
  • Loving live music
    May 28 2024

    On this week's episode of “The Middle of Culture,” Eden and I immerse ourselves in the world of live music! 🎸🎤 From our very first concerts to the most unforgettable shows, we share stories filled with energy, excitement and a touch of nostalgia.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Our very first concert experiences and the emotions that came with them.

    • The best concerts we’ve ever attended and what made them stand out.

    • Disappointing concerts that didn’t quite hit the mark and why.

    • Our all-time favorite concerts and the memories that make them special.

    • Unique concerts that hold a special place in our hearts for personal reasons.

    Whether you’re a music lover, a concert-goer, or love hearing personal stories, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for a journey through live music that will make you want to grab your tickets and hit the next big show!

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    1 hr and 14 mins