Episodes

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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