RAANAP: Rob and Akiva Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Rob Cesternino (@robcesternino) and Akiva Wienerkur (@keev26) need a podcast and every week, Rob and Akiva spin a wheel of listener-submitted podcast ideas, and whatever the wheel lands on is what they podcast about next. This week, Rob and Akiva watch The Wizard of Oz.

Join Rob and Akiva as they dive into the whimsical world of “The Wizard of Oz,” exploring its cultural impact and the upcoming release of “Wicked.” Rob and Akiva unravel the film’s legacy, character dynamics, and production quirks, offering a fresh perspective on this timeless classic.

In this episode, Rob and Akiva discuss the chaotic state of the New York Jets, drawing a parallel to the unpredictable nature of Oz. They explore the film’s transition from black and white to color, its portrayal of Munchkin Land, and the use of real actors for the Munchkin roles. The hosts also delve into the potential CGI use in modern adaptations like “Wicked,” and the reinterpretation of the Wicked Witch’s character. They humorously critique the Scarecrow’s unexpected possession of a gun and the peculiarities of the witch’s guards, while also questioning the logic behind the Wicked Witch’s vulnerability to water.

Rob and Akiva discuss:

• The chaotic state of the New York Jets compared to the whimsical nature of Oz


• The transition from black and white to color and its impact on the film’s legacy


• The use of real actors for Munchkin roles versus potential CGI in “Wicked”


• The reinterpretation of the Wicked Witch’s character in modern adaptations


• Humorous critique of the Scarecrow’s possession of a gun and the witch’s guards

This episode offers a blend of humor and critical analysis, exploring the cultural significance and production quirks of “The Wizard of Oz.” Did the film’s iconic line, “There’s no place like home,” hold true for Dorothy and her companions?

For the link to the spreadsheet that Rob and Akiva use to compile ideas, check it all out here: Rob and Akiva Need a Spreadsheet (compiled by the great Will from America).

To submit an idea for a future episode of “Rob and Akiva Need a Podcast” to be discussed on the mailbag, submit it on this form: Rob and Akiva’s Mailbag Form.

Past Episodes of Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast

1. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #1: Perfect Strangers | Season 3, Episode 7 Recap – August 18, 2018


2. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #2: Calling Patriots at Jets in Madden – August 25, 2018


3. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #3: Watching Music Videos from 80’s, 90’s & Today – September 1, 2018


4. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #4: Top 10 or Trash? – September 8, 2018


5. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #5: All About May 22, 1998 – September 22, 2018


6. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #6: Wife Swap Quiz – October 12, 2018


7. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #7: Watching “Leprechaun” – October 20, 2018


8. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #8: Doing it “Backwards” – November 3, 2018


9. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #9: Your Tweets are Trash – November 10, 2018


10. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #10: Dad Advice Know-It-Alls – November 16, 2018


11. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #11: The Wizarding World of Rob & Akiva– November 22, 2018


12. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #12: TV’s Greatest Characters Play Survivor – November 30, 2018


13. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #13: Dinosaurs | Season 3, Episode 7 Recap – December 8, 2018


14. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #14: Kids Shows are Trash – December 14, 2018


15. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #15: Explaining STAR WARS to Akiva – December 23, 2018


16. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #16: Judging Judy – December 31, 2018


17. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #17: Pranking the Listeners – January 6, 2019


18. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #18: I Can’t Believe It’s Just Banter! – January 10, 2019


19. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #19: Conspirapod – January 18, 2019


20. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #20: Saved By the Bell | Season 3, Episode 7 Recap  – January 26, 2019


21. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #21: The RHAPchelor  – February 2, 2019


22. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #22: All About March 11, 1995 – February 9, 2019


23. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #23: Are Rob & Akiva Smarter than a Listener? – February 16, 2019


24. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #24: Millennial Bootcamp – February 24, 2019


25. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #25: Idea Bracket – March 3, 2019


26. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #26: Akiva’s Mystery Episode – March 10, 2019


27. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #27: The “Stan” Tournament– March 17, 2019


28. Rob & Akiva Need a Podcast #28: The TV Theme Song Tournament – March 25, 2019


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