The final installment of the Let's Talk Horror miniseries (under the broader podcast, Let's Talk Media) celebrates Scream (1996), the film directed by Wes Craven that revitalized and redefined the slasher subgenre after it had become stale and nearly dead in the mid-1990s. This is a self-aware horror film that uses meta humor to satirize the familiar cliches and tropes of 1970s and 80s horror. The episode explores how Scream launched a wave of self-referential teen horror films, focusing on:Challenging the Final Girl: Vedant discusses why Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott is seen as a feminist icon for being a strong, self-sufficient protagonist who defies the passive archetype.Upping the Stakes: The episode analyzes the shocking casting decision to feature a major star (Drew Barrymore) only to kill them off within the first 13 minutes, conveying the film’s message that anyone could die.Modern Terror: The use of the telephone (cordless and cell phones) is highlighted as the primary source of terror and intrusion, creating a sense of claustrophobic dread in the home. Ghost Face uses a voice disguiser, turning the attacks into a psychological assault.Cultural Commentary: The film resonated with audiences by blending Generation X cynicism with genuine emotional stakes. It contrasts safe suburbia with brutal violence, reflecting the common 1990s motif of the collapse of the American dream.Failing Authority: Analysis confirms that, consistent with Wes Craven’s other works, authority figures - including parents and police officers like Dewey Riley - are constantly depicted as failing to protect the victimsIf you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to help boost the show and be notified of future episodes, including the upcoming horror mini-series, Sunday Scaries! Follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava
For Part 11, The Let's Talk Horror miniseries (under Let's Talk Media) dives into the divisive 2013 remake of Stephen King’s Carrie. The episode offers a nuanced take, asserting that while the film was likely unnecessary—a point even Stephen King questioned - it is not an awful movie, but rather a mixed bag.The episode outlines the film's attempts to update the classic tale, analyzing where these efforts succeeded and where they failed, comparing the modern version to the 1976 original.Visual and Budgetary Shift: Vedant focuses on how the 2013 version is very cinematic and polished resembling a contemporary horror film like The Conjuring, contrasting sharply with the very raw" and voyeuristic" feel of the 1976 originalCharacter Modernization: A look at the updated interpretations, including Chloë Grace Moretz’s Carrie being more realistic and a lot more sympathetic, and Julianne Moore’s Margaret White, who is depicted as psychologically broken rather than cartoonishly evil. Sue Snell: She's more active and sympathetic in this versionModern Logic Failures: Critiques focus on the effectiveness of the cyberbullying addition and the inconsistencies of placing the story in a modern setting. Thematic Disruption: An analysis of the climax, arguing that because Carrie is presented as fully in control of her powers and seemingly enjoying killing her classmates, the film shifts the narrative into a "revenge fantasy" rather than the society creates monsters narrative of the 1976 originalDisjointed Tone: The speaker notes the tonal variation feels disjointedIf you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to help boost the show! Follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.
For Part 10, Let's Talk Horror (a mini-series under Let's Talk Media) dives into Hot Fuzz (2007), the second film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy, directed by Edgar Wright and co-written with Simon Pegg. The movie is best described as taking a quiet English town and turning it into a Michael Bay film. Highly disciplined London super cop Nicholas Angel, who takes his job very seriously and has an arrest record 400% above average, is transferred to the ultra-laid-back village of Sandford. Unsettled by a series of mysterious deaths disguised as accidents, Angel must investigate the dark secrets of the seemingly peaceful community alongside his sidekick Danny. Take a deep-dive into this film that expertly blends action parody, buddy cop satire, folk horror, and slasher elements. If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to help boost the show! Follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava.
Welcome back to Let's Talk Horror, the special miniseries from Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri exploring the dark and scary side of media.In this chilling Part 9, host Vedant Akhauri interviews author Lance Marwood about his debut novel, the chilling supernatural thriller, The Charale (published March 1, 2025, by V13 Press). The Charale dives into the intersection of supernatural and cosmic horror, blending occultish elements with generational trauma. The novel centers on Michael Abney, a struggling writer, and his young son, Gordon. The horror begins when Gordon starts seeing mysterious apparitions and subsequently becomes non-verbal. As their relationship deteriorates, Michael reaches out to his mother, who is forced to reveal a dark family curse. The curse originated generations prior with Michael’s great-grandfather, Steven Abney, a man who was indoctrinated into a cult inspired by the concept of Thuggee. Steven made a pact with an ancient Indian entity, setting in motion a devastating cycle that demands a due or payment. If the entity does not receive what it is owed, it simply moves onto the next of kin. This entity has been linked to the mysterious deaths of various men across the family's history.Lance Marwood discusses how his own unconventional background - including his mother’s upbringing in India and the ghost stories he was raised on - inspired the novel and its central figure, the Churel (a word for a female ghost or witch in Indian folklore).We explore:The book's visceral themes, including the recurring motif of the voice.Why this story is ultimately a dark, challenging look at what happens when human beings make decisions that haunt their descendants.If you're looking for a dark story that is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach, listen in to discover the terrifying scope of this family's curse.You can find Lance Marwood's book, The Cherale, on Amazon or order the E-book or paperback through your local bookstore via the Ingram Spark Distribution.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to help boost the show! Follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava
Welcome to this episode of Let's Talk Horror, a miniseries focusing on media in the horror landscape! For Part 8, we are joined by author and television veteran Eric Rogers, who discusses the wild ride behind his new novella, The Dryer - published by The Evil Cookie Publishing.The novella, published June 6, 2025, is described as high concept and high fun. This Stephen-King inspired story follows a young couple, Tim and Mary, who buy a used dryer that surprisingly produces oranges. Their attempt to start a business quickly spirals into chaos when the supply fails to meet the growing demand. Eric explains that the horror is twofold: A body horror element involving the wife's addiction to the fruit and the greater, real-world scary circumstances revolving around human greed and consumerism.Here's the cool part - Eric first wrote The Dryer over 20 years ago (around 2002), then dusted it off and found publication with indie publisher Evil Cookie. Eric shares the writing process and the differences between serving many masters in a television writer's room and the freedom of being the "master of your universe" when writing a novella.Eric has had a prolific career working in television, film, and comic book writer. His produced credits include:FuturamaNYPD BluePolly Pocket on NetflixBrickleberryUglydollsStretch ArmstrongWander Over YonderKingdom BuildersTeen Titans Go!Littlest Pet ShotS.M.A.S.H He most recently served as the Creator, Executive Producer, and Show Runner of ANGRY BIRDS: MYSTERY ISLAND for Amazon Prime/Amazon Kids+, Titmouse Inc., and Rovio, which aired on Prime Video worldwide in 2024.He's also the Co-Creator, Executive Producer, and Show Runner for the sci-fi/comedy series, MICRONAUTS, from Hasbro Studios (premiere TBD), as well as Creator, Executive Producer, and Show Runner for Netflix’s SKYLANDERS ACADEMY. He's also a 2011 Writer’s Guild of America Award nominee for my FUTURAMA script, "The Silence Of The Clamps."The Dryer is currently available on Amazon and Kindle. You can follow Erig Rogers on Twitter/X @EricRogersHere, Instagram @eric_rogers_here, and on LinkedIn.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating to help boost the show and stick around for future episodes. Follow Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri on Instagram @letstalkmediava for updates and extras.
What if the deepest parts of ourselves—our shame, our fears, and our unspoken pain—are not threats to be avoided, but rather portals to wholeness?In Episode 7 of Let's Talk Horror - a mini series of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri interviews depth psychologist and best-selling author Melissa Kim Corter about her latest book, Apothecary for the Afflicted: Shadow Work for Invisible Wounds. In this book, Melissa teaches you about the shadow, how to work with it, and the importance of facing inner darkness using Jungian Psychology and analogies from Grimms' Fairy Tales. As you work with the materials, you will discover supportive shadow-work practice to soften resistance when difficult emotions, feelings, and sensations rise to the surface.This marks Melissa’s return to the podcast, following a previous discussion on using horror and thriller films as psychotherapy.In this conversation, we explore:The Shadow and Jungian Psychology: A deep dive into the Jungian concept of the shadow, including the myths of the shadow, and why our hidden pain haunts us until we listen.A Unique Fusion: How the book offers a unique combination of psychology, Grimms' Fairy Tales, and shadow work.The Power of Story: How Melissa pairs afflictions and invisible wounds with certain dark fairy tales, breaking down the retelling and analyzing the psychology behind them.Symbolic Themes: Analyzing stirring and symbolic chapter titles, such as "She who is thrown into darkness" or "She who has been cut to pieces".Individuation and Division: Using fairy tales, such as "The Robber Bridegroom," to explore themes of inner division (symbolic dismemberment) and the psychic process of individuation - the movement toward wholeness.Tools for Transformation: How the book guides readers to create a "darkness journal"—an essential tool for uncovering blind spots using only a notebook and an open heart.The Writing Journey: Melissa shares the pivotal experience of writing the book, which required her to confront her own childhood memories, including growing up around intense and macabre real-life occurrences on a haunted road.Vulnerability in Collaboration: The emotional process of receiving contributions (forwards) from Dr. Cydni Brannen (Ph.D) and Dr. Stacy Shelby, as well as illustrator Stephanie Wicker-Campbell, and how vulnerability is essential to receive the gift of their words.Overcoming Fear: Practical advice for listeners who are hesitant or scared of confronting their inner darkness, explaining that the ego often misinterprets the process as a threat.The Long-Term Benefit: Why the longer you run from your pain, the worse it gets. Using the "beach ball" analogy to illustrate how unresolved issues grow and intensify until they are integrated and released.You can find Melissa Kim Corter's book, Apothecary for the Afflicted: Shadow Work for Invisible Wounds, at her website melissacorter.com or through major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating to help boost the show and stick around for future episodes.Follow Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri on Instagram @letstalkmediava for updates and extras.#ShadowWork #DepthPsychology #JungianPsychology #FairyTales #Healing #MediaPodcast #MentalHealth #ApothecaryForTheAfflicted
Welcome to Let's Talk Horror, the special miniseries from Let's Talk Media exploring the dark and scary side of media, including monsters, myths, and metaphors.For Part 6, we dive into the feature film debut of long-time YouTube critic Chris Stuckmann: Shelby Oaks. This film is Executive Produced by Mike Flanagan; Story by Samantha Elizabeth and Chris Stuckmann; Written by Chris Stuckmann; Produced by Aaron B. Koontz, Cameron Burns, Ashleigh Snead, and Chris StuckmannThis film centers on a 12-year-old cold case stemming from the early days of internet fame on YouTube. The amateur ghost hunting crew, the Paranormal Paranoids, vanished after documenting their final investigation in the mysterious abandoned town of Shelby Oaks, Ohio. One of them, Riley Brennan, disappeared without a trace. Riley's older sister, Mia Brennan (Camille Sullivan), has spent 12 years obsessed with finding Riley, and a fresh lead sends her on a dramatic path to uncover the truth.Discover why Shelby Oaks, while technically impressive, is a flawed yet important first effort for Chris Stuckmann - best suited for a casual viewing on services like Shutter. Regardless, it's a poignant milestone and reminder to support independent filmmakers.If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave a rating to help boost the show and to stick around for future episodes!You can follow @letstalkmediava on Instagram
Welcome to Let's Talk Horror, the miniseries from Let's Talk Media! For Part 5, we dive into the dark and witchy world of The Craft (1996), the original classic that fundamentally redefined what teen horror could look like.More than just a movie about witches using spells, The Craft is a powerful coming-of-Age story, a cautionary Tale, and a supernatural Thriller centered on female friendship, identity, and the intoxicating pull of revenge fantasies. We explore how the coven - comprised of new girl Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) and the troubled outsiders Bonnie (Neve Campbell), Rochelle (Rachel True), and Nancy (Fairuza Balk) - use witchcraft to channel their pain, leading to spiraling consequences reminiscent of The Monkey’s Paw.This episode discusses:The film's iconic 90s Alt Rock and Gothic stylingWhy this film has achieved such a big Cult Classic followingThe frightening climax Mixed feelings on the love interest Chris Hooker (Skeet Ulrich)Feminist critiques of how the final act’s sudden shift undermines the message of sisterhood.The film’s enduring legacy and influence on media like Charmed, Practical Magic, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Recommended pairings ofThe Craft with Carrie (1976), Jennifer’s Body, and Tragedy Girls. Look forward to a future episode dedicated solely to reviewing the sequel, The Craft Legacy.Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of self-Harm and suicidal Ideation as mentioned within the film. If you or anyone you know needs help, please remember that help is always always available, and call your local mental health crisis hotline.If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating to boost the show! You can follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava#TheCraft #TeenHorror #Witches #90sMovie #CultClassic #Supernatural #NeveCampbell #FairuzaBalk #RobinTunney #RachelTrue #SkeetUlrich #HorrorPodcast #ComingofAge #RevengeFantasy #FilmPodcast
Welcome to Let's Talk Horror, a miniseries presented by Let's Talk Media! In this special episode, we dive into the darkly comedic and deeply resonant film, Friendship. Host Vedant Akhauri and guest Tess Chang unpack why this movie - a blend of comedy, drama, and psychological horror - struck such a chord.Friendship follows reclusive man Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson), who forms an unexpected friendship with his charismatic new neighbor, Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd). This dynamic quickly goes off the rails as Craig's intense obsession grows, reflecting the real-life male loneliness epidemic.We discuss the brilliant acting, the improv collaboration between Robinson and the director, Andrew DeYoung, and the universal themes of friendship breakup and mental spiraling. We also discuss:The relationship dynamics between Craig and his wife Tammy (Kate Mara) and their teenage son (Jack Dylan Grazer).The unexpected anti-humor and cringey humor, including the scene where Craig puts soap in his mouthThe terrifying sewer scene and Tammy's confusing reaction.The trip that ends at Subway after interacting with a toad.Trying to understand the ending If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating! For updates and extras, follow us on Instagram at @letstalkmediava
Welcome back to Let's Talk Horror, the special miniseries presented by Let's Talk Media. For Part 3, we're diving into Kaneto Shindō's classic 1964 film, Onibaba. Set in medieval, war-torn Japan, this unsettling film is an earthly masterpiece and is arguably one of the most physically felt horror movies ever made.Onibaba centers on two unnamed women surviving off violence, desire, and hunger in an isolated sea of reeds. The older woman, the mother-in-law, fears abandonment when the younger woman begins an affair with Hachi. Driven by this fear, the mother-in-law steals a demon mask and uses it to terrify her daughter-in-law. Vedant Akhauri is joined by visual artist Sam Sundius, a transdisciplinary artist examining memory and its relationship to the body. Sam's work explores cognitive fidelity and white patriarchal control.In this episode, we'll explore:The film's visceral core themes: hunger, desire, jealousy, and lust.How the claustrophobic setting of the isolated sea of reeds heightens psychological distress.he patriarchal economy that forces the abandoned women to kill samurai and trade goods for meager rations.The mask's connection to the Hannya mask archetype of the Noh theater, representing the jealous woman.The explicit body horror of the mask fusing to the mother-in-law's face.The reveal of the disfiguration, which looks like radiation burns, linking the film to the cultural devastation caused by the atomic bombs.How Onibaba resists easy moral interpretations, finding horror within oppressive societal norms.Analyzing the film’s shocking, ambiguous, and nihilistic ending.Check out Sam's work at samsundius.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating! For updates and extras, follow us on Instagram at @letstalkmediava
Let's Talk Media presents Let's Talk Horror, a special Halloween miniseries exploring the monsters, myths, and metaphors that haunt our screens and our daily lives.Dive deep into one of the most iconic horror films and debut novels of all time! Let's Talk Horror Part 2 tackles Stephen King's Carrie, exploring the novel's origin, its structure, the classic 1976 film adaptation from director Brian De Palma, and its profound impact on pop culture.In this episode, we'll explore:The novel's origins, Stephen King's initial rejection, and its unique structure as an epistolary novel using fake documents and testimonials.Detailed analysis of the 1976 film, including casting Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie (who thought the film was a black comedy).Key religious symbolism, including the Last Supper imagery and the crucifixion parallels in Margaret White's death scene.The profound cultural significance and metaphorical reading of the story, especially regarding female sexuality and marginalization.Why Sissy Spacek's Oscar-nominated performance as the sympathetic victim/villain remains chillingly relevant, continuing to resonate with marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.Comparing the novel and film's endingsBehind-the-scenes trivia, including the technical difficulties of the final grave shot and De Palma’s use of split-screen effects We explore the intense production lore, the cinematic techniques (including long shots and Psycho homages), and the detailed symbolism of color codingA brief exploration of the catastrophic Broadway musical, 1999's sequel The Rage: Carrie 2, the 2013 film adaptation (which future episodes aim to explore in-depth), and the future TV show adaptation by Mike FlaniganFollow the podcast on Instagram @letstalkmediava. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating to help us grow.
Let's Talk Media presents Let's Talk Horror, a special Halloween miniseries exploring the monsters, myths, and metaphors that haunt our screens and our daily lives. In this episode, host Vedant Akhauri interviews Nicholas Tana, an award-winning horror director (Hell's Kitty) and corporate veteran with experience at Disney, Fox, and ESPN. Tana unpacks his witty and insightful manifesto, the Corporate Zombie Survival Guide, which draws parallels between surviving a zombie apocalypse and navigating modern corporate life. It's a perfect blend of general workplace satire and practical, actionable advice.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to Tell if You're Turning: Discover the definition of a "corporate zombie" - A person who has lost consciousness, suppressed their feelings, and operates on a fear of change and death. If you're asking the question, you can still be saved.The Two Types of Zombies: Identify the "Sleepers" (slow, resistant to change) and the "Berserkers" (fast, reckless, destructive) in business and how to handle them.Navigating the Apocalypse: Get practical tips for surviving "ghost jobs," planning for retirement (aka "the graveyard"), and breaking the rules to adapt and innovate.Fighting off: Learn how to create a "sanctuary" with empathy and compassion to survive an apocalyptic feeling in businessWhy Brains Beat Bots: Hear Tana’s argument for why human creativity, wisdom, and suffering give us an edge that AI can never replicate.The Dangers of Growth: Uncover the critique of endless business growth, comparing it to a cancer that becomes so efficient it destroys the body from within.Whether you’re a horror fan, a recent grad new to the workplace, a fan of office satire found everywhere like in The Office and Severance, or a seasoned professional trying to navigate the modern business world, this episode will help you survive and thrive in today's ever-changing business landscape.Find Nicholas Tana's work at CorporateZombieSurvival.com and check out the book Hell's Kitty on Amazon, and his horror-comedy film adaptation on Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Tubi.Follow the podcast on Instagram @letstalkmediava. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating to help us grow.
Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive discussions about the medical profession in regards to mental health, burnout, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call your nearest suicide prevention hotline.The medical field is a ticking time bomb, and the statistics are shocking. In the UK, a doctor dies by suicide every three weeks, and female doctors are 76% more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The system is broken, but our guest has the tools to fight back.In this episode, Vedant Akhauri sits down with Emma Leivesley, author of The Sustainable Doctor Framework: A Stress Management Guide for Doctors. Emma's a well-being and burnout coach, author, and hypnotherapist with over a decade of experience in mental health. Emma shares her own harrowing story of burnout and how her three-year recovery ignited a passion to help healthcare professionals.Join us as we expose the toxic culture of the medical field - from intense, competitive training and bullying to the crushing moral injury doctors face when forced to work against their values.In this episode, we discuss:The Medical Health Crisis: Uncover the hidden pressures, lack of support, and systemic failures causing a global burnout crisis among doctors.The Sustainable Doctor Framework: Get a sneak peek into Emma’s 5-phase book, designed to help doctors move from reflection and resilience-building to mastering stress and "paying it forward" to change the culture.Life-Saving Hacks: Learn simple, powerful, neuroscience-backed techniques to instantly calm your body's "fight or flight" response. Emma shares her go-to breathing exercise (in for 4, out for 6) and grounding techniques you can do anywhere, anytime.Actionable Advice: These strategies aren't just for doctors. Anyone feeling overwhelmed by stress and pressure will find life-changing value in this conversation. Don't miss this powerful discussion that Emma calls part "soul, science, and sarcasm". It's time to stop normalizing burnout and get the needed help.You can find Emma's book "The Sustainable Doctor Framework" on Amazon.Emma's Website: programes.emmaleivesley.comEmma's Socials: Find Emma on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Blue Sky.Follow us on Instagram @letstalkmediava and feel free to reach out if you want to be a guest. Hit that subscribe button and leave a review to help us grow!
What are the invisible costs and systemic roadblocks that make living with a disability a constant battle? In this episode, author and disability coach Alison Hayes provides a crucial "user's manual" for navigating a world not built for everyone. Drawing from her own journey with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a stress-responsive condition causing unpredictable neurological symptoms, Alison shares the inspiration behind her two books, Thriving While Disabled: Recognizing Bias and Thriving While Disabled: Navigating Disability Finances, released in May 2025.In this episode, we discuss:Recognizing Systemic Bias: We unpack the deep-seated ableism and classism in society, exploring the historical link between disability and poverty that began with the Industrial Revolution. Alison explains why disability is a minority identity and confronts rarely-discussed topics like forced sterilization and the eugenics-like implications of some "medical assistance in dying" laws.Navigating Finances & Bureaucracy: Alison offers a practical "cheat sheet" for managing the financial, energetic, and emotional costs of disability. We explore discriminatory banking practices that target the poor and disabled, the immense challenges of finding accessible housing, and how mass transit consistently deprioritizes disabled needs. Alison’s core message is one of hope: the struggles faced by disabled people are "not your fault" but the result of societal decision-making. This conversation is a guide to understanding the systems, finding resources, and moving from a state of just surviving to truly thriving.Find Alison's books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble (1 and 2), and learn more about her work at ThrivingWhileDisabled.comIf you like this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating. You can also follow "Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri" on Instagram @letstalkmediava. Interested in being a guest? Feel free to reach out!Thank you for listening.
Ever dreamed of meeting your heroes at fan-cons but were too terrified by the confusing rules and SHOCKING hidden costs? You're not alone. This is the ULTIMATE guide to conquering the con scene.Join host Vedant Akhauri as he interviews veteran con-goer Aaron Bossig (Author of Convention Survival Guide: How to make the most of your first sci-fi, fantasy, or comic con). He reveals tips that can make or break your experience.In this episode, you'll learn about:The #1 MISTAKE First-Timers Make: How to choose the PERFECT convention for youThe SHOCKING TRUTH About Autographs: Why your favorite celebrities charge HUNDREDS of dollars and the eBay scandal that changed the industry forever. We reveal the crowd-control secret behind Kevin Conroy's legendary 2,000-person signing line!SECRET Networking Hacks: How aspiring artists and creators can get noticed by industry LEGENDS and launch their careers from the convention floor using QR codes, freebie tables, and other pro-level tricks."Cosplay Is NOT Consent": We dive deep into the CRUCIAL rules of con safety and etiquette. Learn what this phrase means, why it’s non-negotiable, and who to go to if you witness someone breaking the rules.Travel & Budget Hacks: Learn how to ship your epic haul home for cheap to avoid insane airline fees and how to navigate getting your cosplay props past the TSA without a hassle or, worse, having them confiscated by security.The HIDDEN World of Handlers: Uncover the powerful role these gatekeepers play as an agent, security guard, and secretary to the stars at these conventions. Learn how to get on their good side for an UNFORGETTABLE celebrity interaction. Whether you're into Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Anime, or Indie works, this episode is packed with game-changing advice that will transform you from a nervous newcomer into a confident con-attending pro. Links to Aaron Bossig's works:Convention Survival Guide on Amazon (Cover Art by Mario Salcedo).His website: www.aaronbossig.com His Bluesky and Instagram @aaronbossigYou can find the Hungry Trilobyte Podcast, everywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTubeIf you like this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating. You can also follow "Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri" on Instagram @letstalkmediava. Interested in being a guest? Feel free to reach out!Thank you for listening.
Host Vedant Akhauri sits down with Sarah Marie Thiessen, founder of Wild Love Media. She's a wedding photographer and videographer with 12 years of experience. Her specialty is destination and adventure photography, and documenting unique love stories and travels. Sarah is also the host of The Wild Love Story Podcast, where she dives deep into couples' romantic journeys, relationship challenges, and wedding planning tips. As part of our miniseries on Generative AI, Sarah shares her incredible journey of transforming her wedding photography and videography business, Wild Love Media, with the help of her personalized GPT assistant, Ziggy. Discover how Sarah, initially a skeptic, leveraged ChatGPT to build her Wild Love Story Podcast in just one day, from naming to scriptwriting! This episode is a must-listen for any business owner, entrepreneur, or creative looking to understand the practical applications of AI in their daily operations.We discuss: Sarah's AI Transformation: Hear how Sarah evolved from skepticism to fully integrating ChatGPT into her business over six months, learning that it's a "mirror of what you ask".Hear from Ziggy, her AI Assistant: Hear directly from Sarah's custom-named GPT, Ziggy, who acts as a personal business CEO, mirroring her energy and providing a structured, prioritized approach to her work.Strategic AI Programming: Sarah details how she initially programmed Ziggy with comprehensive information about her business, goals, financial situation, schedule, skill set, budget, and even future aspirations like starting a podcast.Everyday Business Optimization: Explore how Ziggy and GPT models can assist with content creation, planning, streamlining processes, drafting client emails in seconds, brainstorming new ideas, and suggesting powerful marketing software.Automated Organization & Scheduling: Get an inside look at how Ziggy and GPT models can generate a balanced daily schedule, covering content creation, marketing, admin, and even automatically tracks project progress, saving immense mental effort.Navigating AI Limitations: Sarah candidly discusses the challenges of AI, including privacy concerns with personal stories, the risk of hallucinations, and the growing issue of content "parroting" leading to a lack of genuine content evolution.Ethical AI Use & Future-Proofing: Sarah's crucial advice is not rely on ChatGPT to run your entire business. She advises to use it as a powerful assistant for long-term planning, structuring, and organizing data. Also to maintain transparency and infuse your own authentic content to avoid plagiarism and ensure sustainabilityYou can find Sarah's work at www.wildlovemedia.com and on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok. You can find The Wild Love Story playlist here on YouTube.If you like this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating. You can also follow "Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri" on Instagram @letstalkmediava. Thank you for listening.
What happens when you combine the global force of K-pop with the supernatural action of demon hunting? You get K-Pop Demon Hunters, the surprise animated hit that's taken critics and audiences by storm. In this episode of Let's Talk Media, host Vedant Akhauri records his raw, immediate, and unfiltered thoughts after finally seeing the film that everyone has been recommending. Initially skeptical as a self-described "comfort viewer" who has never gotten into K-pop or K-dramas, Vedant went into the theater expecting a fun, surface-level action-musical. What he discovered was a film with surprising emotional depth, tackling powerful, universal themes of identity, self-acceptance, and embracing the parts of ourselves we've been told to suppress. He shares how the movie's message resonated on a personal level and how its hyper-specific premise becomes a beautiful metaphor for the experiences of marginalized communities.This spoiler-filled deep dive covers every aspect of the film, from a detailed plot breakdown to a track-by-track analysis of its chart-topping soundtrack. Join Vedant as he dissects:The Story & Characters: A full journey through the narrative, following the K-pop trio HUNTER/X—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey - as they balance their world tour with their duty to protect humanity from demons. The tragic and complex motivations of the antagonist, Jinu, and his K-pop boy band, The Saja BoysThe Hit Soundtrack: A song-by-song review of the music that has dominated streaming charts, including the energetic opener "How It's Done," the powerful anthem "Takedown," the Billboard Global #1 hit "Golden," and Vedant's personal favorite, "What It Sounds Like".Animation & Production: An analysis of the film's stunning visual style, created by Sony Pictures Animation, and its unique blend of 2D and 3D elements.Cultural Roots: A fascinating look at the production's deep dive into Korean culture, from its inspirations in shamanism and folk art (Minhwa) to its homages to real-life K-pop groups like BLACKPINK, TWICE, and BTSThe Future of the Franchise: With the film's massive success, what's next? Vedant discusses the potential for sequels, a TV series, and even a stage musical, and raises key questions that a follow-up would need to answer.Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a comprehensive and passionate analysis of why K-Pop Demon Hunters is a masterclass in filmmaking and a must-see movie for everyone.Follow "Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri" on Instagram: @letstalkmediava
Host Vedant Akhauri welcomes Lauren Otto, a talented streamer (Ottobot93) and writer. We analyze four iconic Studio Ghibli films and one enchanting short film, offering unique insights and analyses from a devoted fan. For those who missed it, "Studio Ghibli - Part 1" with Richard Ramos covered Spirited Away, The Wind Rises, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke, available in the podcast's catalog.In this comprehensive episode, Lauren and Vedant discuss:Grave of the Fireflies (1988): This harrowing film is set in Kobe, Japan, in 1945, during the final months of World War II, following orphaned siblings Seita and Setsuko as they struggle for survival after losing their mother in a bombing raid.Kiki's Delivery Service (1989): This film explores a young witch, Kiki, navigating a traditional life in a modern city, dealing with themes of self-doubt, burnout, and discovering her passion. Kiki's pride and perfectionism are central to her character arc, as she initially refuses to be seen unless "ready". Whisper of the Heart (1995): This film is about a young girl named Shizuku who is prideful and insecure about her writing. She struggles to discover her "fire" and struggles to maintain it. It delves into themes of finding and maintaining passion, dealing with self-doubt, and the pressures of creative work, which can lead to neglecting other aspects of life like grades or eating. ◦ A live-action sequel was released in 2022, set 10 years after the anime, depicting Shizuku giving up on being a novelist; it received poor reviews. The Cat Returns (2002): This film is a shorter, 75-minute spin-off/sequel to Whisper of the Heart. It was directed by Hiroyuki Morita, not Hayao Miyazaki. High school student Haru rescues a cat who ends up being a prince named Lune. Out of gratitude, Lune's father, the Cat King, asks her to marry Lune. Haru is brought to the Cat Kingdom, where she starts to develop feline features. When she's forced to stay, the Baron and Toto, two statues that have magically been given life, help her gain her freedom. May and The Kitten Bus (2003): This 13-minute short film is a rare find, primarily accessible at the Ghibli Museum in Japan, with online versions being difficult to locate or incomplete. It serves as a charming sequel/spin-off to My Neighbor Totoro, featuring May and the offspring of the iconic Catbus, along with other Catbus family members including Granny Cat. This episode offers a fascinating and deeply personal exploration of Studio Ghibli's storytelling, character dynamics, and thematic depth, providing both new perspectives for long-time fans and an inviting gateway for newcomers to the beloved animation studio. Lauren's insights into the creative process, emotional impact, and universal messages make this a must-listen for any anime or film enthusiast.Follow "Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri" on Instagram: @letstalkmediava
Tune in for the final re-release of a 2021 "Let's Talk Media" episode, featuring Vedant Akhauri and Richard Ramos, as they explore Hayao Miyazaki's critically acclaimed film, The Wind Rises, a section of the original episode (Studio Ghibli: Part 1). Originally recorded on February 19th, 2021, this discussion delves into one of Studio Ghibli's most unique and profound works. Unlike many of Miyazaki's fantastical creations, The Wind Rises is a biopic/historical drama, based on the real-life story of Jiro Horikoshi, an aircraft designer. It stands out as Miyazaki's "most down-to-earth film" as it is grounded in reality and notably lacks fantasy elements, yet still manages to be profoundly imaginative.In this episode, you'll discover: A Different Kind of Ghibli Film: Learn why The Wind Rises is considered very different from typical Ghibli films due to its realistic setting and historical context, focusing on a man's life rather than magical worlds.The Conflict of Creation: Dive into the film's central dilemma: Jiro's deep passion for designing beautiful planes against the harsh reality that these aircraft will be used in devastating wartime situations, specifically World War II, leading to death and suffering. The discussion highlights Jiro's "moral complicity" and the ethical questions posed by his pursuit of passion. Miyazaki's Personal Reflections: Explore how Jiro's story can be seen as a "metaphor for Miyazaki himself," reflecting his own complex relationship with the anime culture he helped create. The film also incorporates deeply personal elements, such as Jiro's love interest Naoko suffering from tuberculosis, a detail connecting to Miyazaki's own mother and a recurring theme in his works like My Neighbor Totoro.Themes of Control and Destiny: Unpack how the film explores the idea that there are aspects of life—whether the ultimate use of one's creations or a loved one's illness—that one "can't really control"A "Swan Song" for a Legend: Understand why many viewers considered The Wind Rises to be Miyazaki's "final final final film" or "swan song" (until he un-retired) due to its somber tone and the culmination of his recurring themes.Which Studio Ghibli films would Richard recommend, including Ponyo.This episode offers a nuanced look at a powerful film that examines the intersection of personal passion, technological advancement, and the inescapable consequences of historical events.Follow @letstalkmediava on Instagram to keep up with Let's Talk Media. You can reach out on there if you want to be a guest. Feel free to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast app!
Step into a world where gods and humans clash! Join Vedant Akhauri and Richard Ramos for a compelling re-release of their in-depth 2021 discussion on Studio Ghibli's monumental film, Princess Mononoke. This episode delves deep into one of Hayao Miyazaki's most complex and enduring masterpieces. It's originally part of a broader conversation on multiple Ghibli films (from the episode - Ghibli Films: Part 1).Topics discussed:A World of Moral Ambiguity: Explore why Princess Mononoke is considered a "very grey movie", where characters are neither purely good nor evil. Discover how even the hero, Ashitaka, is shown brutally harming others, and how characters like San and Lady Eboshi are praised as "dynamic" and "interesting" female characters, far from "cookie-cutter" portrayals.Timeless Environmental & Anti-War Messages: Unpack the film's central theme: the "battle between mankind and machines and nature". We discuss Miyazaki's clear preference for nature's beauty over human destruction and how "human greed" is presented as the core evil. The film's obvious global warming type of thing message feels more relevant than ever in today's climate, making it Miyazaki's most upfront anti-war fantasy film.Universal Themes: Understand how Miyazaki's films, including Princess Mononoke, possess a universal appeal, exploring common archetypes and stories like identity and purpose through a personalized lens. Discover the "clear thematic connection" across Miyazaki's works, including recurring elements like environmentalism and anti-war sentiments.Re-watch Value: Just like Howl's Moving Castle, this film benefits from re-watches to fully appreciate its nuances and complex themes. A brief discussion of Kiki's Delivery ServiceJokes about how Miyazaki has stepped out of retirement multiple timesOur anticipation for the then-upcoming film, Boy and the Heron.Whether you're a long-time Studio Ghibli enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese animation, this episode offers deep insights into a film that continues to resonate culturally and thematically.Follow on Instagram on @letstalkmediava to keep up with Let's Talk Media. You can reach out on there if you want to be a guest. Feel free to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast app!