Best Jill and Francine Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 218- Endings Are Hard 50:49

1y ago50:49

50:49

Well, listeners, the time has come for the Ladies to say “bye (for now)” and travel some new roads. The last seven years have seen us through all sorts of ups, downs, conventions, new fandoms, and baking mishaps. Join as as we look back before moving forward.By Jill & Francine

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Episode 217- Heads Will Roll 1:09:08

1y ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Seven years of episodes and yet the Ladies have never talked about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow? Time to fix that. From the early colonial tale by Washington Irving to the Horseman making appearances in recently released books, we cover the timeline and scope of this beloved American (and perhaps British) tale. *SPOILERS* for various versions of The…

1
Episode 216- Haunted Cupcakes 1:05:36

1y ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Baking is art, and for those of us who can’t do, we like to stare in awe. With cooler temperatures outside come pastries hot out of the oven and all of the baking shows that are Halloween-themed. Let’s discuss (and maybe try to figure out why our brownies never come out right).By Jill & Francine

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Episode 215- Ineffable 1:49:09

1y ago1:49:09

1:49:09

After years of waiting, fans were given a new season of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s creation “Good Omens” on Amazon Prime. Venturing away from the original material, Aziraphale and Crowley are now free agents who can live as they see fit. That is, until a former archangel shows up with no memory. This supersized episode should be approached w…

1
Episode 214- Room for One More 1:05:57

1y ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Disney returns to the cinema with another take on their ride: The Haunted Mansion. Starring LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito and others, this star-packed film may be spooky- but not for the right reasons. *SPOILERS* for all versions of The Haunted Mansion, including the rides…

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Episode 213- Hi, Barbie 1:04:35

1y ago1:04:35

1:04:35

This summer’s (nearly) unexpected smash hit “Barbie”, directed by Greta Gerwig, has breathed new life into Mattel’s world. With a diverse cast of Barbies and Kens (and one Allan), Barbieland is near Utopia. So what happens when Stereotypical Barbie starts to have dark thoughts? It’s time to head to the Real World for answers! What could go wrong? *…

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Episode 212- It's the Mileage 1:08:58

1+ y ago1:08:58

1:08:58

Indiana Jones sets out on his final adventure- is it everything fans can hope for? He’s back fighting Nazis, riding horses in unexpected places, and chasing down an artifact that could change the course of history. Even heroes have their struggles- can Indy overcome his to get the ending he deserves? *SPOILERS* for the final film and some light spo…

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Episode 211- Back on the Road 1:33:11

1+ y ago1:33:11

1:33:11

After a wonderful summer break, the Ladies return to the convention circuit by attending Creation Entertainment’s Salute to Supernatural in San Francisco. How have cons changed since the pandemic? How are they the same? How amazing was everyone’s hair during their panels? Click here and find out.By Jill & Francine

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Episode 210- If We Burn, You Burn With Us 1:38:31

1+ y ago1:38:31

1:38:31

It’s come down to the final two films in The Hunger Games franchise, and the final showdown between the Mockingjay and President Snow. Will Katniss and the remaining rebels be able to defeat the Capitol and free Panem? *TRIGGER WARNINGS* apply for violence, substance use, PTSD, and other adult themes. *SPOILERS* for the final book and films 3 and 4…

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Episode 209- Tick, Tock 1:22:03

1+ y ago1:22:03

1:22:03

The Ladies take on the Quarter Quell as they review and dissect the film “Catching Fire” based off the book of the same name in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. *TRIGGER WARNINGS* apply for discussion of violence, trauma, PTSD, alcoholism, drug use, and other adult themes. *SPOILERS* for the second book and film, Catching Fire…

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Episode 208- Ever in Your Favor 1:36:53

1+ y ago1:36:53

1:36:53

Do you remember being in high school? That was a rough time for most of us, but the silver lining is that we didn’t live in Panem, the fictional setting of The Hunger Games. In this super-sized episode, the Ladies discuss the first book and film in the franchise- one as a newcomer and one as a someone who has been with the story since publication. …

1
Episode 207- Deep but Ridiculous 53:21

1+ y ago53:21

53:21

Sometimes all a person wants is to be entertained, or to be told a familiar story with a unique angle. Enter 2023’s “Renfield”, following the modern journey of personal growth and bug-eating-heroics of Dracula’s most famous minion. This film has been panned by critics- but should it be? Even with Nicholas Cage in a velvet suit? *SPOILERS* for Renfi…

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Episode 206- London Calling 1:06:23

1+ y ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Joe Goldberg- we mean Will Bettelheim- no, wait, Jonathan Moore- has crossed the Atlantic in search of Marienne after the conclusion Netflix’s season 3 of “You”. Settling into a literature professorship and an assortment of new rich friends, he has found himself in the genre he hates most: Whodunnit. Let’s discuss. *SPOILERS* through S4 of You, plu…

1
Episode 205- Something Rotten in Madre Linda 1:06:12

1+ y ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Before heading across the pond with Joe Goldberg, we need to remember what made him take that leap. In season 3 of Netflix's "You", Joe deals with the aftermath of Forty Quinn's death, marrying Love, and becoming a father- and it is suburban mommy-blogger/bros in the woods hell. Joe and Love no longer wolf each other... what are two serial killers …

1
Episode 204- Quantum Question Mania 1:11:05

1+ y ago1:11:05

1:11:05

The Ladies discuss Marvel Studios' latest outing at the cinema. Ant-Man and the Wasp have been living fairly normal lives since the events of Endgame, but there's trouble lurking in the basement of Hank Pym's house. Cassie Lang has accidentally sent out a signal to the Quantum Realm, and Janet van Dyne hasn't let on how much actually happened while…

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Episode 203- Vengeance is Hers 1:09:12

1+ y ago1:09:12

1:09:12

Reader, Adele Varens has had enough. Honestly, given the events of "Jane Eyre" and the time period she's living in, can you blame her? Author Betsy Cornwell rights a considerable literary wrong: the romanticizing of Mr. Edward Rochester. A story of vengeance, class, nationalism, lies, and the struggle for women to find their own independence in a t…

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Episode 202- The Forever King 1:11:42

1+ y ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Disney+ has released "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" on their platform and it's time for the Ladies to discuss. Wakanda has lost its king and guardian and is working to move forward and heal while the outside world comes for its vibranium. Wakanda also finds itself with a potential new threat lurking beneath the waves and another teenage genius ne…

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Episode 201- 2023 1:13:34

2y ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Hello world, it’s 2023! We are cautiously optimistic. Let’s discuss all the positives coming our way in Nerddom- new Marvel movies, fascinating books, and angels and demons and pirates returning to the small screen. What are you excited for?By Jill & Francine

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Episode 200- Good Afternoon 55:33

2y ago55:33

55:33

Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell tap-dancing in Victorian garb while singing about Christmas? What could go wrong? Oh, wait... This episode delves into the AppleTV original movie "Spirited", based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Also starring Octavia Spencer, Sunita Mani, and Tracy Morgan, will this movie become a fixture of the Holiday Movi…

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Episode 199- Full of Woe 1:29:27

2y ago1:29:27

1:29:27

It’s the holidays and that means time for family- The Addams Family. Netflix’s “Wednesday” is slaying records and inspiring a new generation of outcasts. Tim Burton focuses the series on Wednesday Addams and her time at Nevermore Academy, where she is hunted, haunted, and is the target of an attempted murder (she is having a great time). The Ladies…

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Episode 198- Earthlings Are So Weird 53:48

2y ago53:48

53:48

Merry Christmas from The Guardians of the Galaxy, who are on a mission to revive Quill's holiday spirit! Drax and Mantis decide the best thing to do is unite Quill with his hero: Kevin Bacon. What could go wrong? Turns out... plenty. *SPOILERS* for the MCU.By Jill & Francine

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Episode 197- Catch Yerself On 1:16:12

2y ago1:16:12

1:16:12

Our beloved Derry Girls series has come to its conclusion and is now available, in its entirety, on Netflix. The Ladies discuss the show's completion, the characters' arcs, and finding laughter in hard times. Coupled with one Lady's tales of a recent trip to Northern Ireland, this episode reflects the power of story and how fiction and reality inte…

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Episode 196- The Witches are Back 56:43

2y ago56:43

56:43

29 years after their defeat by Dani, Allison and Max, The Sanderson Sisters are back and searching for revenge and power. Three new teens (Becca, Izzy, and Cassie) defend Salem and it’s mayor. Billy Butcherson has had enough of the lies and Book has a mind of its own. Let’s talk about our childhood getting punched in the face. *SPOILERS* for both f…

1
Episode 195- Just Vamping 1:14:03

2y ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Before Bram Stoker introduced the world to Dracula, another Irish author named J. Sheridan La Fanu brought another vampire out of the dark: Carmilla. Why has this terrifying woman been buried in the shadow of The Count? A surprisingly feminist story for the time, this gothic horror short features vampires, LGBTQ+ representation, spooky portraits, a…

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Episode 194- Kitchen Geekery 1:10:07

2y ago1:10:07

1:10:07

Hobbits and hashbrowns, wizards and treacle tarts, hunters and roadside diners... many fandoms strongly connect to food, and store shelves are becoming jam-packed with toe-in cookbooks. Which ones are worth the price tags? Who are the target audiences? Fall usually sends many people back to the kitchen for family fun- so let's talk about the triump…

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Episode 193- Book-Ception 1:10:28

2y ago1:10:28

1:10:28

To celebrate the return to school and Banned Books Week, the Ladies are looking at books within books, shows, and movies. From The Spiderwick Chronicles and The Bro Code to the works of Chuck Shurley (Supernatural) and Jane Villanueva (Jane the Virgin), there are books within media that move the story along and sometimes take on a life of their own…

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Episode 192- In Your Dreams 1:21:05

2y ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Morpheus has ruled The Dreaming for eons, but when a magician captures him instead of his sibling, Death, worlds begin to crumble. After he escapes, he must find his stolen tools, repair the damage, capture rogue nightmares, and take his kingdom back. From the perspective of a Sandman newbie and a somewhat knowledgable Gaiman fan, the Ladies discus…

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Episode 191- Thor Four: Thor vs. Gorr 57:45

2y ago57:45

57:45

After a little summer vacation, we are back to discuss Thor: Love and Thunder. Directed by our beloved Taika Waititi, this latest Marvel movie outing follows Thor as he takes on The God Slayer and the things that, even as a god, he cannot change. Did we love it? Hate it? Want our own screaming Goat Boat? There’s only one way to find out, so click “…

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Episode 190- In Every Universe 1:19:12

2+ y ago1:19:12

1:19:12

After several off-air discussions and reading articles, the Ladies are finally ready to talk about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. What the heck happened? Is 616 broken somehow? Is Wanda wrong or right? Also, how cool is America Chavez? *SPOILERS* for the entirety of the MCU.By Jill & Francine

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Episode 189- Getting Away 48:03

2+ y ago48:03

48:03

For the first time in years, the Ladies packed up for a road trip and headed out to spend a weekend not thinking about... well, everything. After an incredibly tasty stop at Wahpepah's Kitchen in Oakland, we went to Berkeley, California to see Simu Liu (and some guy named Jeremy Lin- apparently a big deal if you like basketball) discuss "We Were Dr…

1
Episode 188- You Wear Fine Things Well 1:04:03

2+ y ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Happy Pride Month! Let’s talk about the incredible series from David Jenkins and Taika Waitit on HBO Max: Our Flag Means Death. With signature Kiwi humor, the delightful crew of The Revenge heads on adventures led by their mismatched captains Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. Featuring a diverse cast and multiple queer representations, this show is grou…

1
Episode 187- Laters Gators 53:36

2+ y ago53:36

53:36

Join the Ladies as they delve into one of Marvel’s latest outings on Disney+ - Moon Knight. Multiple heroes in one body compile Moon Knight, the avatar of the Egyptian god Khonsu, and it is up to Steven and Marc (along with a motley crew) to confront the servants of Ammit. Running the gamut from horror to humor, Moon Knight also introduces some wel…

1
Episode 186- Miller Time 1:06:00

2+ y ago1:06:00

1:06:00

Just in time for summer vacation, the Ladies head to Greece to discuss two of Madeline Miller’s works: The Song of Achilles and Circe. This talented author weaves ancient with modern and creates characters that are so real you feel like you know them. Bring a box of tissues and get ready to hear about witchcraft, fickle gods, real love, war, and ce…

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Episode 185- Welcome to the 60s 1:06:08

2+ y ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Mrs. Maisel has returned to the stage of Amazon Prime for her fourth season. From fashion, character development, and the potential repercussions that may come in the fifth and final season, we discuss. *SPOILERS* through Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. MaiselBy Jill & Francine

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Episode 184- No Way Home 1:12:39

2+ y ago1:12:39

1:12:39

After a long wait for it to come to digital, Spider-man: No Way Home has been released! The Ladies delve into the story of Peter Parker coming to understand what really makes a hero, the growth of Dr. Strange, and the multiverse of the MCU. Heavy on *SPOILERS* for the entirety of the MCU a well as the Sony Spider-man films.…

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Episode 183- The Legend, The Myth, the Retelling 56:13

2+ y ago56:13

56:13

Let’s talk about the latest literary trend: bringing back myths and fairy tales from around the world and telling them in fresh ways. Whether it’s Greek gods running casinos, multiple pantheons trying to make it in America, or Little Red Riding Hood not dealing with the Wolf’s nonsense any more, it’s time for old stories to be made new… within reas…

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Episode 182- The Good, the Bad, the Expanding Universe 48:53

2+ y ago48:53

48:53

In fiction, there is a world beyond what the viewer or reader may be initially aware of: the expanded universe. Most common in fantasy in sci-fi (but not exclusive to it), this can mean additional material like comics, books, shows, movies, games, etc. From Star Wars to some more unexpected properties, let’s talk about the world beyond what we migh…

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Episode 181- Bad Romance 1:04:47

2+ y ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Sometimes love is… well, not perfect. Sometimes that makes it even better. This Valentine episode goes out to all the dark romances- gothic, misguided, perhaps with unhappy endings- and what makes them worth celebrating. From the works of Tim Burton and Guillermo Del Toro to Carmilla and Warm Bodies, it’s time to take a waltz through imperfect love…

1
Episode 180- First World Problems 1:13:34

2+ y ago1:13:34

1:13:34

*TRIGGER WARNING*: discussion of difficult topics.One of the hardest things about consuming books, TV shows, movies, and other media is knowing when to draw a line between material and creator. Sometimes people aren't who we want them to be, even if they created something that means a lot to us. This episode delves into where that line is and how w…

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Episode 179- Harry Potter and the Last 20 Years: Part 2 1:02:56

3y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

On January 1, 2022, HBO released a Harry Potter cast reunion special and the Ladies are here to discuss the ups, downs, tributes and fandom. Covering all books and films released to date, there is some magic that never leaves… even when you thought it might have.By Jill & Francine

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Episode 178- New Year's...Again 33:25

3y ago33:25

33:25

Much like Bill Murray's "Groundhog Day", the world has found itself in a loop of repeated scenarios that are slowly making us all question our sanity. Hopefully, though, 2022 might be a little brighter (we hope! Knock on wood!) and the Ladies are here to talk nerdy goals and keeping things low pressure this year. Welcome to 2022! Every just... be c…

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Episode 177- Harry Potter and the Last 20 Years: Part 1 1:06:46

3y ago1:06:46

1:06:46

As if 2021 wasn't already wild enough, the shock that Harry Potter's first trip to the cinema was 20 years ago is hitting full force ahead of the cast reunion on HBO Max on January 1st. The Ladies discuss the Harry Potter books and films, the characters, and the problems with loving a fandom that has been both magical and cursed. Part one, with the…

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Episode 176- A Magical Trip 1:02:46

3y ago1:02:46

1:02:46

With 2022 on the horizon, let's take a quick trip back to October this year, and explore Disneyland and California Adventure parks in Anaheim. From old rides to new lands during spooky season, we have it covered! *SPOILERS* for the newest park rides: Web Slingers and Rise of the Resistance.By Jill & Francine

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Episode 175- Kind of a Shock to Everybody 1:16:06

3y ago1:16:06

1:16:06

This episode celebrates the release of “Yours Cruelly, Elvira” by Cassandra Peterson, also known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. With a 40-year career under her dagger-shaped belt, she’s done everything from dancing in Vegas to singing in Italy to starring in her own films. She’s also fought for animal rights and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community…

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Episode 174- Kaixo! (That Means "Hello"!) 1:41:03

3y ago1:41:03

1:41:03

This supersized episode takes us abroad to The Basque Country for two historical period films that are appropriate for October. "Akelarre" ("Coven") is set in 1609 during the Basque Witch Trials and tells the story of six teenage girls accused of being in league with Lucifer. "Errementari" is set in the early 1800s after the First Carlist War and t…

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Episode 173- Welcome to the Circus 1:05:27

3y ago1:05:27

1:05:27

The Ladies have finally seen “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”! It’s time to discuss the newest hero(es) in the MCU and how exploring new worlds brings up so many fascinating questions. What (or who?) are the Ten Rings? What lies inside the dark world? Who did they alert by using the Rings? And how freaking cute is Morris? *SPOLIERS* for …

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Episode 172- Don't Join This Club 59:20

3y ago59:20

59:20

Quincy Carpenter is a final girl. In fact, she's one of three that the media is obsessed with after each of them has escaped their own real-life horror movies. She's settled into a life of cupcakes and a quiet relationship with a lawyer named Jeff. She might just get to be normal after all. That is until another final girl is found dead and the oth…

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Episode 171- Don't Freak Out 1:01:37

3y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Taking an offbeat approach to the classic body-swap movie, 2020’s “Freaky” stars Vince Vaughn as the Blissfield Butcher and Kathryn Newton as Millie, an average high school girl. When the Butcher stabs Millie, they switch bodies- and both hilarity and horror ensue. Let’s kick off spooky season early with this horror-comedy currently streaming on HB…

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Episode 170- It Came From... 1:14:54

3y ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Stay out of the woods! And the ocean, and the mountains and... well, everywhere. This week, the Ladies talk creature features. Whether they be mainstream media or B-level SyFy material, there's something to appreciate about oversized sharks, spiders freed from volcanoes, huge snakes and yes, even zombie beavers.…

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Episode 169- The Long (Wait for) Cons 1:09:58

3y ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Covid changed a lot of things in the nerd world- it delayed shows and movies, altered the endings of some series, and prevented gatherings like San Diego Comic Cons. This episode, the Ladies discuss how some cons have changed to virtual gatherings, some are welcoming people back, and some are on hiatus. What does the future of cons look like?…

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