Episodes

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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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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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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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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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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June 24, 2025

Waterworld (1995) – Sinking Budgets, Soaring Stunts, Kevin Costner's …

Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into one of the most infamous cinematic epics of the '90s: Waterworld. They explore how this post-apocalyptic maritime adventure became the most expensive film of its time—complete with hurricanes, on-set injuries, and Kevin Costner’s controversial creative con…

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June 18, 2025

Fandom Round-Up: Karate Kid Gets a Glow-Up, Gotham Gets Gritty, and G…

Episode Summary: In this Fandom Round-Up episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast , Aaron and Brash return with a fun, insightful dive into everything they’ve been watching, streaming, or rewatching this week. From their mixed t...

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June 11, 2025

A Look Behind the Camera with Australian Filmmaker Michael Papaelefth…

Episode Summary: This week on The Fandom Portals Podcast , Aaron is joined by Australian filmmaker Michael Papaeleftheriou , who takes us deep into the creative and logistical journey behind his short film Crossroads . From e...

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May 31, 2025

Jersey Girl (2004) – Kevin Smith’s Sweetest Swing, Ben Affleck and JL…

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast , Aaron and Brash revisit Kevin Smith’s most divisive film: Jersey Girl . Departing from his usual vulgar wit and the View Askewniverse, Smith explores fatherhood...

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May 28, 2025

Weekly Round-Up: Minecraft Movie Misses, Murderbot Hooks Us In, and L…

Episode Summary: In this Weekly Round-Up episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast , Aaron and Brash catch up on what they've been into—and not all of it gets glowing reviews. From the chaotic fan-service of the Minecraft Movie ,...

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May 21, 2025

Ready or Not (2019) – Class Satire, Samara Weaving Shines & Wedding D…

Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash unmask the twisted charm of Ready or Not , the 2019 horror-comedy that turns wedding bells into warning sirens. In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast , the hosts deep dive into the fil...

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May 20, 2025

Weekly Round-Up: What Are You Into? – Final Destination, Mission Impo…

Episode Summary: In this bite-sized edition of The Fandom Portals Podcast , Aaron and Brash reveal what they’ve been watching, playing, and loving lately. From the gruesome legacy of Final Destination: Bloodlines to Tom Cruis...

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May 14, 2025

Star Wars: Caravan of Courage, An Ewok Adventure (1984) - Ewoks, War …

Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash celebrate Star Wars Day by diving deep into one of the galaxy’s most bizarre and beloved offshoots— The Ewok Adventure: Caravan of Courage and its sequel, The Battle for Endor . From childhood...

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May 7, 2025

From Advertising to Action: Screenwriter Jeremy Drysdale's Journey Th…

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron sat down with veteran screenwriter Jeremy Drysdale—whose credits span the cult film Grand Theft Parsons, the video game Battlefield 2, and the real‑time thriller In the Line of Duty. Jeremy shares his unconventional journey from …

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April 30, 2025

Iron Man (2008) - Forging the MCU: How Iron Man Reinvented Robert Dow…

Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into the 2008 classic Iron Man , exploring how Robert Downey Jr.’s personal comeback paralleled Tony Stark’s transformation , and how Marvel Studios’ bold gamble on a troubled actor resha...

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April 24, 2025

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) – Rocket's Journey from Trauma …

Episode Summary: We dive deep into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, exploring how this emotional conclusion to James Gunn's trilogy reveals that Rocket's journey was the heart of the series all along. Beneath the spectacle and...

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April 16, 2025

New Mutants (2020) - Are Horror and Superheroes a Perfect Match? Tran…

Aaron and Brash explore how Josh Boone's horror-inspired X-Men film New Mutants stands as a fascinating anomaly in superhero cinema. A psychological horror film disguised as an X-Men movie that dares to explore the trauma and...

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April 10, 2025

Fantastic Four (2005) Part Two - What Ben Grimm's "The Thing" and Ma…

Episode Summary: The Fantastic Four (2005) film shows how gaining superpowers forces its characters to confront deep personal struggles with identity, acceptance, and responsibility. Cosmic radiation transformed four astronau...

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April 9, 2025

Fantastic Four (2005) Part One - Exploring Doctor Doom's Marvel Legac…

Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into the 2005 Fantastic Four film, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and lasting impact on superhero cinema. They explore how the film targeted teenage audiences through its soundtrack...

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April 2, 2025

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) - Part Two: Raphael's Rage and Do…

Episode Overview: What makes a person gravitate toward Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, or Michelangelo? According to Aaron, a classroom teacher by day and podcast host by night, your favourite Ninja Turtle reveals more about yo...

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March 31, 2025

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) - Part 1: From Sewers to Stardom.…

Episode Summary: In this bodacious episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, hosts Aaron and Brash shell out their thoughts on the classic 1990 film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They reminisce about their first encounters with...

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March 28, 2025

Gabriel (2007) - Part Two: The Untapped Potential of Purgatory and th…

Episode Summary: We explore the character arcs of Gabriel, Sammael/Michael, and the fallen angels. We analyze Gabriel's journey from righteous archangel to grappling with humanity, his relationships, and pivotal moments. Aaro...

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March 25, 2025

Gabriel (2007) - Part One: The Low-Budget Fantasy Film That Defied Ex…

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast , Aaron and Brash take a deep dive into Gabriel (2007), an Australian indie film that took a bold step into the fantasy action genre with a budget of just $200,00...

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March 19, 2025

DragonHeart (1996) – Part Two: The fall of King Einon and Bowen's Her…

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast , Aaron and Brash continue their deep dive into Dragonheart (1996), exploring Einon and Bowen’s character arcs , the Spoiled King vs. Hero’s Journey tropes , and ...

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