Have you ever heard of Gospel Bill? If not, let’s close that #blessed chapter of your life. Join Andrew, Chelsea, and the rest of the Dry Gulch Gang as we attempt to keep the devil out of our thoughts from way down deep inside God’s pouch. Confused? Don’t worry. We are, too.
Category: Potpourri
Ep 091: I Am The Fright Zone (“She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” S1E09)
Y’all… did you know the Netflix SHE-RA reboot is like, really really awesome?! This week, we’re back on Etheria for a way more nuanced plot and character discussion than we’ve ever had about this world. It’s almost like this show isn’t a half-hour commercial for toys! Join Chelsea, Andrew, Adora, and the other Princesses of Power (one of whom is Friend of the Pod Vella Lovell) as we do some actual learning in this time of virtual hugging.
Ep 90: Did I Hear Calculus? (“Diffrent Strokes” S7E24)
Figuring out if most VSEs of DIFF’RENT STROKES did more harm or more good, requires a degree in advanced mathematics. This one is no exception. Did we learn something about street buskers with epilepsy? Sure. But at what societal cost? All this and more will be pondered at length.
Ep 089: Miloš! (“The Office” S01E02)
Ah, THE OFFICE. So loveable. So quotable. So still finding its footing in this episode (but that’s a great thing!). Come along with three perennial OFFICE re-watchers as we join the ultimate fan of hugging and foe of learning — Michael Scott — and the rest of our heart’s coworkers on Diversity Training Day. Buckle up.
Ep 088: Emmy for Child Endangerment (“Kid Nation” S01E01)
Welcome to Bonanza City, where a group of 40 children will be allowed to form their own society — as long as it adheres exactly to the perameters the producers have laid out for them. In the early days of reality TV, it was quite literally the Wild West, and no one knows that better than the parents who signed the waivers that absolved CBS of responsiblity should their children actually die. Strap in, because this is gonna be a MEGASODE. It’s sinister as hell here in Kid Nation, and we all have a lot to learn.
Ep 086: Booksack: Child Noir (“EERIE, INDIANA” S1E06)
It’s 1991, PSA and VSEs are all the rage, but one show dares to be different: EERIE, INDIANA — TWIN PEAKS for TWEENS. If you remember this show (which ran for a single season and was a nearly-perfect ratings bomb), you probably remember it fondly. Join Chelsea, Andrew, and Very Special Guest Allie Fireel as we plumb the depths of this smart, layered show to arrive at a unanimous conclusion: NBC was not ready.
Ep 085: No. Problem!! (“ALF” S1E04)
We hate to break it to you, but if your childhood recollections of Gordon Shumway include character traits like “loveable,” “caring,” or “friendly,” you might want to rewatch ALF. Preferably with a good snack or a stiff drink close at hand. Join your hosts, Ronald Reagan (not really), Harry Shearer (yes really) and a very callus and unfeeling extraterrestrial as we debate nuclear disarmament and the addition of a second phone line as equally-weighted issues in the life of the Tanner family.
Ep 084: Miseri Bears (“Gummi Bears” S01E11a)
Can mythical anthropomorphic bears have sensitive, consent-filled filled relationships with the visually impared? Don’t get your hopes up. Join Chelsea, Andrew, Miles, Tummi Gummi, Duke Igthorn, and (Ka)Trina the shepherdess on an adventure where we learn a lot about self-sufficiency and nothing at all about sensitivity.
Ep 079: a-POD-calypse (“Parks and Recreation” S3E02)
It’s the end times, and all bets are off! Welcome to Season 4 of Hugging & Learning — the gas leak season. We’re kicking off this free-for-all with a discussion of a show near and dear to our hearts, and a premise that just hits a little different these days. Join Chelsea, Andrew, Miles, Leslie Knope, Anne Perkins, and the disease-ridden citizens of Pawnee as we discuss things that now ring nostalgic (gathering in large groups) and horrifying (kissing a person with the flu).
Ep 078: Sick Sugarburn (“Designing Women” S3E22)
Julia Sugarbaker takes on her most formidable opponent yet: the U.S. Constitution! Is pornography protected under free speech? Is it obscenity, or capitalism, or both? And what does TROOP BEVERLY HILLS have to do with any of this? Join your hosts, the women of Sugarbaker and Associates, Anthony, and a very aggrieved newsman to find out!