SmallBeans

BOLD: Send Us Your Q's!

For our next episode of BOLD: Conversations About Race, hosts Dahlia Ferlito and Ivette Alé plan to answer any and all questions or comments about the show so far, how you can get active, or the nuances of intersectional justice and equality. Have a question about something you heard on BOLD? A general query about racial justice and/or allyship? Send your questions or thoughts to boldconversationspod@gmail.com and we'll make a connection!

The Furry Movie (Feature-length Screenplay)

A while back, Swaim posted a 30-page version of a story called "Fur." That short was designed to help sell a feature called "The Furry Movie," loosely based on Mike's own adolescence. Although Mike and Abe still hope to make The Furry Movie one day, both the short and feature-length versions currently languish in a drawer. As such, we thought it would be fun to share it with our Beloved Beans, as those that can read might derive some joy from taking a look at the script! To t...

Streams from the Pit: Tony Hawk Pro Skater

Michael, Adam and Dave discuss burnout, an exciting upcoming episode of Some More News, Mike's IGN job, and do wicked kicky-flippies all the while.B story: Adam proves he's a real sk8-daddy.

317. Tales from the Pit: Your Mileage May Vary (Feat. Jason Pargin and Jordan Breeding)

The pit returns with a special episode. Michael speaks to Jason Pargin, former executive editor of Cracked.com and the current head of video, Jordan Breeding, about self-worth and career success. This conversation was partially inspired by Jason Pargin’s recent video regarding making yourself valuable (https://youtu.be/wFBr685TjNs). When you’ve found yourself a value to others and you still haven’t reached the success you feel you’ve earned, what is the healthy way to proceed?Jason Pargi...

Streams from the Pit: Night in the Woods

Abe and Mike reconnect after a long Swaim absence, discuss movies, and drop a ton of sneaky clues about upcoming Small Beans projects while playing Night In The Woods.

315. Directorpiece Theatre: How Patriot Games Ignores Its Own Rules

CIA analyst Jack Ryan has become a multi-decade obsession. It keeps being remade. Adam argues that the rules set up by Patriot Games are not feeding the political drama we have come to expect. It’s actually designed to be a family drama, something its successors fail to grasp.Features:Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty

314. The Cast and the Curious: Fast & Furious 6

We’ve begun lap six of nine. Real quick: name Gina Carano’s character in this movie. Bridgett knows! Sarah does not! While she continues to stan Han and Gisele, we still have to address that the number of characters in these films is getting ridiculous. Let’s break down what makes this installment of the franchise the fastest and most furious so far. Hint: it’s the last 30 minutes of this movie.Features:Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffithBridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.co...

313. Frame Rate: White Snake

If Pixar made a Chinese fable 6 years ago, it’d look a lot like this 2019 Chinese and American co-production. This most recent Pick the Flick takes us to the world of demons, humans, and utterly terrified dogs. Michael and Abe discuss the unique aspects of making an international kids film and how filmmakers will often water down narrative and character for a wider audience. Everyone thank minefreak555 for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, minefreak555.Features:Michael Swai...

312. Rough Stuff: Teresa Lee’s Teenage Crush Game

“The more I try, the harder it seems / But you’ve turned around, blocked me out, / deliberately trying to bloody my back / Falsely sweet words, masking your soul, / I’m trying to get past this. / Plastering on a fake plastic smile when all I want is to break down and cry.” - Teresa Lee, teenage poet. Bridgett and Sarah stare unblinkingly into the void of teenage crush strategies, angelfire webpages, Sadie Hawkins dances, and Teresa is our guide. And frankly, the poem is off the chain. Li...

311. Kings of King: Stephen King’s It (1990)

This one takes us to the unfortunate year of 1990 and the world of made-for-TV movies as Michael and Abe tackle the 3-hour two-part miniseries “It.” The king beans haven’t gotten to check in with each other for a while and this episode starts with a selfish catching up of each others’ lives and reminiscing about our past. Just like It, except for the bludgeoning and ripping asunder of a trans-universal spider and the coming-of-age orgies. Let’s see where they stack this one in the film...

310. Frame Rate: The House of Yes

A new Frame Rate logo! Holy wow! Michael Vincent Bramley, our very own MVB has updated our logo and we think it’s the beans!This Parker Posey vehicle was widely unseen by everyone. Let’s let Abe and Michael determine if that was a shame. In any case, it’s available for streaming and is the only incestuous Jackie O drama/thriller that came out in 1997. Even if you don’t listen, if you like Parker Posey and have never heard of this film, go check it out. She’s fantastic.Everyone thank Za...

309. Science or Whatever: Isaac Newton in Quarantine

Betcha didn’t expect a brand-spankin’ new podcast! This one takes us to the wonderful world of the physical. Science! Or whatever.Michael Swaim interviews actual scientist/engineer and lifelong friend, Griffin Rowell every episode about a topic that Griffin has researched and found does not get enough press. This episode takes us to 1666 and the “wonderful year” of Newton. Oh hey, he did all these things in quarantine. So listen and immediately feel like you’ve been squandering your st...

307. I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours: Hidden Gem Movies

Maggie’s Hidden Gem film is a fictional documentary. Adam’s choice is an Australian crime drama. Let’s all soak in their effervescence and hear their appeals as to why both of these films need to be in your library. Maggie got two cats!Topic brought to you by the Show You Yours Producers patreon tier.Features:Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzMaggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish

306. Directorpiece Theatre: Framing Demolition Man’s Two Worlds

Abe sets out to convince Adam that Demolition Man’s direction is sneaky complex, albeit flawed. Looking at camera, lighting, and production design, the past and the present are at odds in the film which begs the question: based on its own system of design who is the true hero of Demolition Man?Features:Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty

[IGN] Michael Describes Video Games - Halo

Among Michael's myriad IGN duties, he is sometimes called upon to humorously cram through the entire plotline of a game or series. Here's two recent instances he thought were fun enough to warrant sharing with the Beans, where his heart shall ever reside. Hope you bean them!

[IGN] Michael Describes Video Games - Senua's Sacrifice

Among Michael's myriad IGN duties, he is sometimes called upon to humorously cram through the entire plotline of a game or series. Here's two recent instances he thought were fun enough to warrant sharing with the Beans, where his heart shall ever reside. Hope you bean them!

304. Frame Rate: Fantastic Planet (Feat. David Christopher Bell)

Michael, Abe, and Dave are entranced by the 1973 animated French-Czechoslovakian film Fantastic Planet and its sci-fi, psychedelic landscapes. They deconstruct the larger metaphor of the film and stare into its general weirdness. It’s in the Criterion Collection, so it must be important!Everyone thank minefreak555 for generously donating toward this episode. We love you, you freak of mine.Features:David Christopher Bell: https://twitter.com/MovieHooliganMichael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM...

303. Rough Stuff: Chandler Dean & Carolina Treviño

Through the miraculous technology of wifi, Sarah and Bridgett bring their friends from the distant land of New York City, New York. Do you have what it takes to listen to four people sharing their past awkwardnesses? This one digs deep into the origin of Chandler and Carolina’s tale: the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. Pornography, discussing oral sex with the boys, the best boob joke in a movie? Checks all around, baby!Features:Uncertified Fresh Podcast: https://...

302. Directorpiece Theatre: Doctor Strange, The Spiderverse, & White Supremacy (Feat. Michael Swaim)

Michael Swaim stops by with a possible interpretation of Marvel’s Doctor Strange, a film with early publicity regarding the whitewashing of Asian roles in the film. As Michael points out that Stephen Strange and Sorcerer Supreme initials are SS, he uses a whip, he’s against the progress of time, and his main enemy is called “The Dark One.” Oh, dear. Oh, shucks. This is looking real bad, real fast.Features:Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORPAdam Ganser: https://twitter.com/there...

301. The Cast and the Curious: Fast Five

Sarah and Bridgett have arrived at the raison d'etre of the F&F universe: Fast Five. Sarah is officially acclimated to what the series is about as a whole. As the filmmakers retool and refine their art, this description writer feels that our hosts have done the same to their very own podcast. Sarah approves of Han and Gisele ill-fated hook up while Bridgett reminds her of what everyone's names are.Features:Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffithBridgett Greenberg: https://twitter...

300. Kings of King: Stand By Me

The Kings return to discuss the symbology of the coming of age classic Stand By Me. The simple story is at its best when it builds the atmosphere of that small window between childhood and adolescence. For the best podcast experience, find a dead body to look upon while you listen. Features:Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORPAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty

After Hours: The Finale

The series concludes. Kind of. Special thanks to everyone who donated! Stay tuned til the fundraising goal gets met for a special announcement.

298. I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours: Crush Playlist

It’s a bonus episode for the beans who have pledged the $10 tier this month! All for you, early and steamy.This episode Maggie and Adam make a playlist. Here’s the rules: each host will suggest six songs, be able to veto two songs, and a “catapult” round where they each get to unilaterally add one song to the playlist. The topic of the playlist is Old Crushes. The hope is that the collection of songs will serve as a Frankenstein’s monster of Adam and Maggie’s past partners.Here's...

297. Directorpiece Theatre: The Mask of Zorro and the Old Hollywood Studio Film

Early Access for patrons!Adam shines some light on how 1998’s Mask of Zorro represented the end of an era. 1999 was a big year for CG and with it came a whole new paradigm for how Hollywood created blockbusters. Abe is there as well.Features:Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty

Mike Wrote A Twilight Zone Spec!

Warning! This is a very macabre tale of horror set amidst the drugs and frenzy of the Burning Man festival. Swaim wrote it, but don't worry, he's okay. SPOILERS/TRIGGER WARNING: It features extreme violence, depressing conclusions about the nature of the human spirit, and descriptions of attempted sexual assault. Read at your own risk.

296. Frame Rate: Attack The Block (Feat. Adam Ganser)

The bruvs take some time to chat about the film that launched John Boyega’s career, the 2011 sci-fi adventure film, Attack The Block. Abe argues there’s more political symbology at play than most assume. Adam and Michael determine for themselves if this is a sneakily smart cult film or just a slightly updated, more adult version of Goonies. Make your own mind up, beans!Let's all thank Owain Rice for making this episode possible! Thank you, Owain! Be like Owain and mosey on over to the Pi...

295. I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours: The "Is This A Date?" Movie

So, there's a litmus test and we've probably all manufactured it as a test or have been unwittingly tested by someone at some point. There's a handful of films specific to you that you put on that really throws the romantic gauntlet down. Adam and Maggie wax poetic about their "Is This A Date?" movies. How'd they do? Will you date us? Please? I'm just going to spoil right now that Maggie's pick is "Let The Right One In" so chew on that, you teenage vampire...

A New Month, A New Tier!

We're just minutes away from the release of our new episode of ISYMIYSMY (I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours). Here at the bean factory, we decided to try a show exclusive tier. In other words, by pledging you not only get the community benefits of the lower bean tiers but additionally, you'll get the following (look at the tier for more information):- you get to pitch ideas for the episode topics every month!- You get to select said pitches in a monthly poll!- You get access to...

BROKED: LATE NIGHT CONCLUDES!!!!!!

295. Rough Stuff: Colin McLaughlin

Take a moment, theater kids, and breathe. This one is going to hit home for most schoolchildren who witnessed the problematic school plays we all had sit through. And for those of you who were in said plays, here's a tale that will make everyone feel uncomfortable from the one and only Colin McLaughlin. Bridgett and Sarah do as they always do: staring unblinkingly into the abyss that is self-torture and laugh like two maniacs who need their fix.Features:Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk...