Episodes

Muppet Treasure Island (1996) Does Tim Curry's Long John Silver Hold Up 30 Years Later? | Worth Your Time?
March 17, 2026

Muppet Treasure Island (1996) Does Tim Curry's Long John Silver Hold …

Aaron celebrates the enduring adventure, humour, and heart of Muppet Treasure Island , exploring why this beloved pirate tale still resonates with audiences in 2026. We discuss how the film blends musical comedy with classic ...

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How to Train Your Dragon (2025) What if Empathy was Stronger than Aggression? | Film Deep Dive
March 4, 2026

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) What if Empathy was Stronger than Agg…

Aaron and Brash explore the themes of purpose, belonging, and leadership in the live-action remake of 'How to Train Your Dragon.' They discuss character development, nostalgia for the original animated film, and the importance of empathy over aggression. The conversation delves into the dynamics of…

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Why the Scream Franchise Still Works | Meta Horror, Culture, and Ghostface Explained ft. Ben Wright
Feb. 25, 2026

Why the Scream Franchise Still Works | Meta Horror, Culture, and Ghos…

How did Scream manage to mock horror and reinvent it at the same time? In this deep dive, we break down the entire Scream franchise and explore why Ghostface remains one of the most culturally relevant horror icons. From Wes Craven’s original meta blueprint to the modern commentary on fandom, seque…

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Code 3 (2025) Why Burnout Breaks Good People | Film Deep Dive
Feb. 3, 2026

Code 3 (2025) Why Burnout Breaks Good People | Film Deep Dive

Aaron and Brash delve into the film Code 3, exploring its themes of burnout, passion, and the systemic issues faced by EMS workers. They discuss the characters, particularly Randy and Jessica, and how their experiences reflec...

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K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025) The Courage To Be Real and The Impact of Shame on Identity | Film Deep Dive
Jan. 21, 2026

K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025) The Courage To Be Real and The Impact of S…

What would actually change in your life if you believed you were allowed to be loved for who you are and not for who you are pretending to be? Aaron and Brash unpack the hidden emotional power of K Pop Demon Hunters , a film ...

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Why 2025 Reminded Us What Movies Are For and What Our Favourites Reveal | A Year in Film 2025
Jan. 13, 2026

Why 2025 Reminded Us What Movies Are For and What Our Favourites Reve…

Aaron and Brash look back on the films that defined 2025. From blockbuster standouts to emotionally resonant genre films, they present the Fandom Awards for Best Movie, Best Hero, and Best Villain of 2025, exploring why these choices mattered on a personal and cultural level. Along the way, the con…

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SpongeBob the Search for SquarePants (2025) Why SpongeBob Still Works | Film Deep Dive
Jan. 6, 2026

SpongeBob the Search for SquarePants (2025) Why SpongeBob Still Works…

Aaron discusses the value of the film 'SpongeBob: The Search for SquarePants,' highlighting its production quality, core messages about courage and vulnerability, and its overall tone and fun factor. He emphasizes the film's ability to entertain both children and adults, its strong production team,…

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Jingle All the Way (1996) Time Over Toys and Parenting Through the Holidays | Christmas Special
Dec. 23, 2025

Jingle All the Way (1996) Time Over Toys and Parenting Through the Ho…

Summary Aaron and Brasher discuss the 1996 Christmas film 'Jingle All the Way,' exploring its themes of consumerism, parenting, and the emotional dynamics between characters. They analyze the satirical elements of the film, particularly how it critiques the commercialization of Christmas and the pr…

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Batman & Robin (1997) Love is Not a Weakness | Failure Isn't Final
Dec. 16, 2025

Batman & Robin (1997) Love is Not a Weakness | Failure Isn't Final

Summary In this episode of the Fandom Portals podcast, hosts Aaron and Adam delve into the 1997 film Batman and Robin, exploring its themes of emotional connections, failure, and the complexities of love and control. They discuss the character dynamics between Batman, Robin, and Alfred, highlightin…

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Treasure Planet (2002) Masculinity, Father-Son Relationships and the Impact of One True Connection | Failure Isn't Final
Dec. 10, 2025

Treasure Planet (2002) Masculinity, Father-Son Relationships and the …

Summary Aaron and Brash explore the themes of Disney's Treasure Planet, focusing on how past wounds can affect new relationships, the significance of kindness, and the complexities of masculinity as represented by John Silver. They discuss the film's unique animation style, the impact of its releas…

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Eragon (2006) Book to Screen Adaptations and the Role of Mentors and Trusted Relationships | Failure Isn't Final
Dec. 3, 2025

Eragon (2006) Book to Screen Adaptations and the Role of Mentors and …

Summary Aaron and Brasher delve into the 2006 film 'Eragon', exploring themes of inner potential, mentorship, and the challenges of adapting beloved books into films. They discuss the film's shortcomings, particularly in character development and pacing, while drawing parallels to classic narrative…

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John Carter (2012) Empowering Others and Leading with Integrity | Failure Isn't Final
Nov. 25, 2025

John Carter (2012) Empowering Others and Leading with Integrity | Fai…

Summary Aaron and Brash explore the themes of leadership and integrity through the lens of the film John Carter. They discuss the film's failure at the box office, community insights, and the visual spectacle it offers. The conversation delves into character dynamics, the role of female representat…

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We Celebrate 50 Episodes! How A Movie Podcast Became A Community For Growth, Gratitude, And Geekery
Nov. 11, 2025

We Celebrate 50 Episodes! How A Movie Podcast Became A Community For …

Summary In this celebratory episode of the Fandom Portals podcast, hosts Aaron and Brash reflect on their journey through 50 episodes, expressing gratitude to their community and discussing the evolution of their podcasting themes. They explore the emotional connections that films create, the impor…

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Forrest Gump (1994) Staying True to Yourself When the World Shifts | Becoming your True Self
Oct. 15, 2025

Forrest Gump (1994) Staying True to Yourself When the World Shifts | …

Summary In our 50th episode, Aaron and Brash explore the themes of authenticity and personal values through the lens of the film 'Forrest Gump.' They discuss how staying true to oneself amidst life's challenges can lead to personal growth and meaningful relationships. This conversation delves into …

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Chef (2014) Sharing your Passions with the Ones you Love | Becoming your True Self
Sept. 23, 2025

Chef (2014) Sharing your Passions with the Ones you Love | Becoming y…

Summary Aaron and Brash explore the film 'Chef' directed by John Favreau, discussing themes of passion, creativity, and the importance of sharing one's love for food with others. They delve into the character of Carl Casper, his journey of self-discovery, and the relationships that shape him, parti…

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Zombieland (2009) Breaking Old Habits that Hold You Back | Becoming your True Self
Sept. 2, 2025

Zombieland (2009) Breaking Old Habits that Hold You Back | Becoming y…

Summary In this episode, Aaron and Brash explore the film Zombieland, focusing on its themes of personal growth, trauma, and the importance of connection. They discuss how the characters navigate their fears and vulnerabilities, ultimately forming a found family in a post-apocalyptic world. The hos…

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Mortal Kombat (2021) Fatalities, Fandom, and Fighting for Legacy (Crossover with Challenge Accepted)
Aug. 20, 2025

Mortal Kombat (2021) Fatalities, Fandom, and Fighting for Legacy (Cro…

Episode Summary: This special crossover episode brings together The Fandom Portals Podcast and Challenge Accepted Podcast as Aaron was a special guest to Frank as they stepped into the bloody arena of Mortal Kombat . From its...

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Why Living in the Present is Key to Self-Actualization | Becoming your True Self
Aug. 12, 2025

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Why Living in the Present is K…

Summary Aaron and Brash explore the themes of self-discovery and personal growth as depicted in the film 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.' They discuss the cinematography, character development, and the importance of connection and recognition in realizing one's true self. The conversation delves …

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Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) The Power of Unconditional Love and the Magic of Stop-Motion Animation with Tia Jackson
Aug. 5, 2025

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) The Power of Unconditional Love…

Summary Aaron and guest Tia Jackson delve into Guillermo del Toro's 2022 adaptation of Pinocchio. They explore the themes of grief, love, and acceptance, particularly through the character of Geppetto, who grapples with the loss of his son. The conversation also highlights the unique animation styl…

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The Tom Cruise Effect: Cinema's Last True Movie Star with Rhys Crook
July 29, 2025

The Tom Cruise Effect: Cinema's Last True Movie Star with Rhys Crook

Summary Aaron is joined by Rhys Crook from "The Crook Cut podcast" to discuss the career of Tom Cruise, exploring his evolution as an actor, his impact on cinema, and the highs and lows of his filmography. We delve into personal experiences with Cruise's films, analyze his character development, an…

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The World of Hollywood Stunts with Stephen Koepfer. Insights and Safety on Set
July 22, 2025

The World of Hollywood Stunts with Stephen Koepfer. Insights and Safe…

Summary Aaron interviews veteran stunt performer Steven Koepfer, who shares his journey into the world of stunts and martial arts. They discuss the importance of safety in stunt work, the various roles within the stunt industry, and the evolving perception of stunts in Hollywood. Steven also provid…

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From Horror Fan to Final Destination Bloodlines. How Jeffrey Reddick Changed Horror for Millennials.
July 15, 2025

From Horror Fan to Final Destination Bloodlines. How Jeffrey Reddick …

Episode Summary: Jeffrey Reddick, the creator of the Final Destination franchise, shares his journey from a young horror fan to a successful writer and producer in the film industry. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the creative process behind his iconic films, and the deeper themes explo…

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Avatar the Last Airbender Book 2 – Aang's Growth, Iroh's Grief & Earth-Shattering Character Arcs and Avatar News with Luke Newton)
July 8, 2025

Avatar the Last Airbender Book 2 – Aang's Growth, Iroh's Grief & Eart…

Episode Summary: In this highly anticipated sequel episode, Aaron is joined once again by Avatar expert and friend of the show, Luke Newton , to break down Book 2: Earth of Avatar: The Last Airbender . From Aang's inner confl...

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Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) – Lore Upgrades, Animated Carnage, and Badlands Teases
July 1, 2025

Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) – Lore Upgrades, Animated Carnage,…

Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into the high-octane, lore-deepening animated film Predator: Killer of Killers directed by Prey ’s Dan Trachtenberg. The hosts unpack the Predator Codex, dissect each gladiator-style hunt...

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