Justin Timberlake got a DUI, and Alec depended on very questionable sources on X for information about the arrest. Bridgerton season three was watched by all, and Lindsey was disappointed by the amount of saucy scenes, while Alec admitted he fast-forwards those. David and Lindsey are excited for ‘House of the Dragon’, though bracing themselves for …

The conversation revolves around the topic of end-of-year evaluations for academics, focusing on the anxiety and impact of student evaluations of teaching. David reads Lindsey her Rate-My-Professor reviews, and it gets awkward. Beyond professor stuff, the conversation covers a range of topics including teaching styles, late work policies, women's s…

Netflix has announced that they will stream NFL Christmas Day games, and the Nuts are once again forced to eat crow. Well, maybe only Lindsey. The Nuts discuss the forthcoming event, and speculate on the impact of Taylor Swift and Jason Kelce's relationship on the event. Lindsey and Alec get carried away. Other topics include frustrations with stre…

Lindsey scratched an item off of her bucket list as she attended the Kentucky Derby last week, and David and Alec have lots of questions. Based on Lindsey’s experience and the recent Roast of Tom Brady broadcast live on Netflix, the Nuts discuss the possibility of Netflix entering the live sports streaming market. The potential of different sports …

Taylor Swift's new album dropped, and of course the Nuts have to discuss it. The conversation explores the concept of long albums and the role of editors and producers in the music industry, as well as other creative industries. Other topics include summer classes, Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon, and other tragedies. The conversation then shifts to a dis…

The end of the semester approaches, and the Nuts have work to do. This week’s conversation begins with a collective discussion of the Amazon Prime documentary Red, White, and Wasted, which chronicles a low-income Florida family obsessed with mudding. Media discussions include the new Fallout series and the new Civil War movie. Baby Boomers are not …

Beyoncé has dropped her much anticipated album Cowboy Carter, and the Nuts wonder if this will finally net her the album of the year Grammy. Of course not all country fans agree, and the nuts discuss the origins and media systems that produce loyalty in the country genre. A discussion of influencer culture, and the modern impetus to sell to the hig…

This week’s current media makes this episode a bummer. A discussion of the documentary season Quiet on Set turns into a larger discussion about the culture of abuse in Hollywood. This leads to a discussion about the recent raid of P. Diddy’s homes, along with allegations of abuse and trafficking. Other topics include the public relations failures i…

Eventually, the Nuts discuss the 2024 Oscars, but there are so many more interesting things to talk about before that. Lindsey finished all 85 hours of The Sopranos, and she wants you to be impressed. The Nuts discuss trends, such as Member’s Only jackets and cargo pants. Viewing recommendations include Resident Alien, Poor Things, and Oppenheimer.…

David saw the Sony “Spiderverse” movie Madame Web so you don’t have to. It is as bad as you’ve heard. The Nuts discuss the new X-Men ‘97 series and David’s subsequent watching of the original X-Men series. A discussion of the popularity of Stanley cups leads to a discussion of marketing and viral trends, and how Alec was mocked for his Member’s Onl…

This week was the Super Bowl, so of course Alec starts the episode by ranting about his difficulties getting a new iPhone from AT&T and UPS. Somehow this leads to a discussion of Super Bowl advertiser Temu and their unique business model. The Nuts do get around to talking about the enormous ratings of the Super Bowl, the halftime show, favorite com…

The Nuts have a spoiler-filled discussion of the Netflix true-crime documentary American Nightmare. Also, somehow David was unaware that there have been multiple seasons of the broadcast television show The Conners. The Nuts discuss the Grammys, including Taylor Swift and Beyonce. David has a favorite Taylor Swift album. Finally, the Nuts discuss p…

For some reason, butter keeps coming up in this episode. We’re sorry. Other observations include the world is cruel to night owls, and true Southerners like grits. Topics include the usual television recommendations, Alec’s new video game obsession, and the implications of the ongoing Swift/Kelce relationship. The Nuts question statistics about the…

Alec is very proud of his recent video game conquests on his new Nintendo Switch; however, Lindsey has no idea about any of it, and David doesn’t play Switch that much. The Nuts discuss the history of the gender divide in video gaming. Other topics include NBC’s decision to broadcast an NFL playoff game on their streaming platform Peacock, the Emmy…

From good to disturbing, the Nuts watched the worst (and best) so you don’t have to - unless you want to. Lindsey and David discuss the good movie that is also disturbing, Saltburn, and they convince Alec not to watch it. Alec and David don’t have to work very hard to convince Lindsey not to watch Rebel Moon, which some people out there actually en…

Netflix has finally released a detailed report of their hourly viewership of over 18,000 shows, and the Nuts are giddy about it. The Nuts discuss the implications of these numbers for television production and streaming products moving forward. Taylor Sheridan is suing one of his Yellowstone stars, Cole Hauser, over coffee, and the Nuts decide if t…

Alec is very upset about FSU not making the college football playoff, and he takes it out on Bama graduate Lindsey. In fact, he takes it out on a lot of people, including the entire Southeast region and husky owners. The Nuts discuss the financial interests and media organizations involved in college football. Other topics include the new Indiana J…

David and Lindsey watched the Love Has Won documentary on HBO Max, and it has taken over their lives. They discuss the documentary, its shocking subject matter, and why Alec shouldn’t watch it. The Nuts then discuss cognitive dissonance and why people stay in cults, as well as how they could form their own cult. Other topics include college footbal…

Of course, the Nuts are excited about Thanksgiving Break, and they have strong opinions about last-minute class meeting times. The main conversation covers the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, and what it means for the future of streaming. David and Alec went to see The Marvels so you don’t have to. The Nuts try to figure out where the MCU goes from he…

Lindsey has read the Britney Spears biography, and David and Alec need the scoop. The Nuts then wrap up October by discussing The Exorcist and Monster Squad, which leads to a discussion of favorite movies the Nuts missed in the theaters - Lindsey and Alec discover they both have an appreciation for Kingdom of Heaven. Other topics include Marvel’s b…

Not only is Lindsey’s no-movie-theater streak broken, but this weekend she took her daughters to their very first movie in the theater. David and Alec interrogate her about the experience, and the Nuts discuss their first movie theater experiences (as well as what movies are appropriate for kids). The highlight of this week’s spooky Halloween episo…

The streak is broken! Lindsey finally ended her almost decade-long ban on seeing movies in the theater for the Taylor Swift concert film. A discussion of her children’s soon-to-be first trip to the movies turned to the lies we tell children. Of course, the Eras Tour movie’s box office and implications are discussed, as is a disturbing Reddit post i…

The Nuts begin this week’s podcast with a debate about which was a better outreach for the NFL: the game played in London, the Toy Story broadcast, or the Swift/Kelce relationship. Other debates include Mark Rober vs. Bill Nye as the greatest kids science host, superhero fatigue, and Halloween costumes. David leads the group in a game of guess-the-…

This week’s hot story is the potential relationship between Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce, dubbed “Traylor.” The Nuts discuss the gossip, the social metrics, the ratings, and the lonely lives of superstars. Alec and Lindsey make bold predictions about the length of the relationship. Other topics include Cameo, comic cons, and the price o…

The Nuts discuss recent celebrity apologies from Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Drew Barrymore as well as the ongoing Hollywood writer’s strike. They then imagine a shared cinematic universe of animals on cocaine. Finally, Alec encourages David and Lindsey to subject themselves to the 80s Disney 3D attraction film Captain Eo starring Michael Jacks…

With the weather-induced difficulties at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, the Nuts discuss whether the culprit in outdoor festival drama is God or capitalism. Speaking of capitalism, the Nuts discuss the tense negotiations between Disney and cable provider Charter Spectrum, and what this portends for the future of television. On a related note, the Nu…

Burning Man turned into a watery mess, and the Nuts have strong opinions. Specifically, David and Linsey are committed to attending Fyre Fest II for reasons only they can explain. In other concert news, the Nuts extensively discuss Taylor Swift’s concert strategy and upcoming concert film. The Nuts discuss concert films, in general, including Alec’…

Let’s just say the Nuts sing in this episode, and leave it at that. Other topics include Barbenheimer and the box office for the movie events of the summer, excellent basic cable shows, and NCAA conference expansion and upheaval in the entertainment industry. Finally, the Nuts end the episode by discussing the top television theme songs of all time…

It’s the Macademia Nuts’ 50th Episode Extravaganza! To celebrate, Alec pitches a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles spinoff podcast idea that is promptly rejected by his colleagues. In turn, David plans an adventure to see Oppenheimer in IMAX. The Nuts discuss the difference between actual 70mm IMAX screens and the “Liemax” format used in most theaters. …

Is The Idol the worst television show ever made? The Nuts discuss. In other terrible media news, the Nuts discuss the box office struggles of multiple tentpole motion pictures this summer, with the discussion turning to larger media financial struggles, including Disney’s issues with Disney+ and ESPN. Finally, the Nuts discuss the concept of jumpin…

A submarine imploded on the way to the Titanic, and the Nuts have thoughts. Alec’s Yellowstone journey has started, and he’s self-reflective, David and Lindsey don’t like sad Pixar movies - so, all of them - and the Nuts discuss actors who are indistinguishable from their iconic characters. Alec compares media addiction to travel sports, and the Nu…

This week’s conversation starts with a skeptical discussion of the newly announced Apple Vision. The Nuts are not pleased with the price point. However, the Nuts are pleased with the upcoming Wes Anderson movie, Asteroid City. The Nuts discuss their favorite Wes Anderson movies. Somehow this leads to a discussion of controversial picks for overrate…

This week, the Nuts have a lot of doubts about Disney+’s content strategy as the Network begins removing low-rated original programming from their network. The Nuts also discuss the end of the Galactic Starcruiser experience at Disney. Show discussions include The Great, dated media on streaming, Class of 2009, and Bama Rush.…

As is typical, the Nuts talk about food. Specifically, they discuss how channels like the Food Network are necessarily focused on sight over flavor and smell, and what this means for foodie culture. A discussion of Silo turns to the series Lost and J.J. Abrams’ “mystery box.” Alec confuses David and Lindsey by saying “The Beef” when he means “The B…

It’s the end of the semester, and the Nuts have a lot to say about the end of spring and pending summer plans. Lindsey expresses her terror at hooding a doctoral student, and the Nuts describe their love/hate relationship with graduation ceremonies. Lindsey gives her opinion of the coronation of King Charles, the team discusses the writer’s strike …

This week, the Nuts begin with a discussion of prominent media industry layoffs, most notably the firing of top-rated host Tucker Carlson by Fox News. David speculates about a connection between the firing and the settled Dominion lawsuit. From media beef to television beef, the Nuts spend the rest of the episode discussing the Netflix series Beef.…

The Macademia Nuts are back at full capacity, and they are eager to discuss the end of the semester and the seasonal nature of professor life. Alec went to see the Super Mario Bros. movie, and much ado is made about the movie and the future of the franchise in entertainment. David wants Alec to see the new Evil Dead movie, and the Nuts are excited …

This week, two Nuts begin with a discussion of travel and the benefits of academia. David and Lindsey chat about the entertainment industry pay gap. David speculates about the plot of the new Barbie movie. Excitement breaks out when the conversation turns to the characters in the HBO hit show Succession. A trip down AEJMC memory lane leaves Lindsey…

Sans Lindsey, David, and Alec plow ahead with an episode-long conversation about the Netflix survival series, Outlast. The discussion focuses on the series’ villains and the limits of extrapolating reality show behaviors to the real world. Throw in a little bit of psychology, a lot of reality television production techniques, and some media theory,…

The Macademia Nuts finally catch up on the Oscars, and express a lack of enthusiasm for future viewing. Other topics include controversies surrounding superhero actors, Christian re-editing services, The Mandalorian, and the history of Tex-Mex food. This leads to an extended discussion of food, including robot food delivery. The Nuts shamelessly be…

Spring Break keeps Lindsey from joining the podcast, and so David and Alec are forced to discuss Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Is Marvel struggling to find its footing managing its streaming strategy? This leads to a larger discussion of Disney’s streaming strategy with so many fractured offerings. Finally, the Nuts dive into this year’s Oscar…

Spring Break has Alec on a camping trip, so David and Lindsey discuss one of Lindsey’s upcoming research projects and what all they have been watching. Joking over Alec’s Glamping spills over into a review of the jungle landscape that is Lindsey’s campus office. Discourse over Lindsey’s research project digresses to comfort watching picks. David tr…

This week is a meandering discussion that includes NCAA conference expansion and media rights, streaming television numbers, cocaine, board game debates, nerd culture, and Marshall McLuhan. And not necessarily in that order. We also discuss iMDB, which once again causes the podcast to spiral. Good luck, listeners.…

This week, Alec and David are forced to record sans Lindsey due to Lindsey’s service commitments, though Alec makes an accusation involving Mardi Gras. This leads to a discussion of class attendance policies and changes to the classroom after COVID-19. The Nuts dissect how Zoom was able to become the dominant streaming meeting brand over Skype. The…

The NFL championship was this week, and without fail the Macademia Nuts have opinions. Everything was fair game, including the halftime show, the game itself, and – of course – the commercials. The Nuts imagine who would be involved in the greatest halftime show ever. David argues Alec’s and Lindsey’s tastes when recommending the series Legend of V…

This week, the Nuts talk about the Oscar nomination controversy surrounding Andrea Riseborough, which leads to a larger conversation about how technology rules typically trail technology innovation. David watched the much-maligned series Velma so the rest of us don’t have to. Other topics include the streaming show Poker Face, streaming movies You …

The Oscar nominations are out, and the Macademia Nuts have opinions. The Nuts discuss the frontrunners, and Alec proposes a theory based on the success of last year’s best picture winner and Apple TV’s new commercial starring Timothy Chalamet. David provides his parameters for eating crow on Avatar 2’s box office success. Weekly viewing discussions…

The new season and new year of the Macademia Nuts podcast begins! The Nuts discuss their holiday adventures and the pending semester. Other topics include the Golden Globes, David’s Avatar 2 prediction, and the challenges faced by movie theaters. Will the end of the superhero fad signal the end of moviegoing as we know it? This leads David to discu…

Alec proposes a new podcast introduction as written by ChatGPT, a new AI writing tool. The Nuts discuss the implications of AI for college assignments and writing, in general. The Nuts evaluate their weekly viewing, including Andor and Wednesday, which somehow devolves into a discussion of the War of 1812. The Nuts rely on ChatGPT to resolve all co…

This week, the Macademia Nuts make bets on whether or not Avatar 2 will recoup its outlandish budget, and its potential impact on the recent replacement of Disney C.E.O. Bob Chapek by former C.E.O. Robert Iger. The Nuts dissect a flurry of recently available movie trailers, with too much attention given to Cocaine Bear. Other topics include Timothy…