Come hang out with Two Gay Leos, a podcast where we give our little opinions.
…
continue reading
Another movie podcast by two know-it-all guys—Akhil Arora and Rohan Naahar—killing their careers and burning bridges in Bollywood one review at a time. New episodes weekly. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-long-take/support
…
continue reading
Comfort Creatures is a show for people who prefer their friends to have paws instead of hands! Every week, Alexis and Ella talk to guests about their pets or creatures that give them comfort, discuss their favorite fictional critters, learn about pets in history, and discover differences between pet ownership across the pond. Whether you have a giant sloth, two siamese skinks, or just know way too much about unicorns, every animal friend is welcome on Comfort Creatures!
…
continue reading
This week we become a very serious news podcast again, discussing everything from art and high culture to important medical discoveries. If you think this is us overstating somewhat well, we're offended quite frankly. Tune in to see how wrong you are.By Alexis Preston and Ella McLeod
…
continue reading
Angry Young Men, the three-part documentary about writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar’s partnership, is a massive missed opportunity. We discuss the show’s cagey approach to its legendary subjects, the overwhelming feeling of self-satisfaction, and the unearned points it tries to score for highlighting the plight of writers in the film business. We…
…
continue reading
*ROAR!* You would be forgiven for thinking that that was our best lion impression. In fact it was our best Leo impression because boy do those fire signs like to make their presence known! To demonstrate our love and appreciation for these sweet summer children, today's episode dives deep into Lions - we have myths, magic and much animal trivia bec…
…
continue reading
Chandu Champion finds director Kabir Khan returning to 83 territory, for better or worse. We talk about the film’s shoddy storytelling structure, its complete lack of interest in developing its protagonist, and its over-reliance on crutches like music and contrivances. We also discuss Khan’s tendency to underestimate his audiences’ intellect and hi…
…
continue reading
In Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey return as the murderous couple of hell who were introduced in 2021’s Haseen Dillruba. The sequel boasts an entirely different visual aesthetic and its romantic-thriller tone stands in contrast to the tongue-in-cheek pulpiness of the first film. We discuss what a huge mistake this is, w…
…
continue reading
We were today years old when we discovered that the Asiatic Black Bear is also known as... the Moon Bear! We think this is adorable and as its Moon Bear awareness day, we thought we'd tell you all about them. You can thank us later. Also, Alexis teaches Ella all about "splooting", thanks to a Ready Pet Go from Hansie! Send us YOUR pet stories (Read…
…
continue reading
This week we've listened to the universe - and our friends on discord - and will be doing a river deep dive on the most fearsome vegetarian that ever trotted menacingly across the land... The hippo! From their potential flying abiilities to their connection with Ancient Egyptian Goddesses tune in for our chat on these our favourite low riders. Spea…
…
continue reading
Happy birthday to us! Happy birthday to us! Happy birthday to Comfort Creatures! Happy birthday to us! It's out 100th Episode and it could not be more perfect that today is our Red Wall Part 2 episode! Join us for cake, a large glass of wine and a deep dive. We debate anagrams, discuss foxy naming conventions and, naturally, crown Constance queen o…
…
continue reading
Longlegs is the rare psychological horror movie that truly gets under your skin. Featuring an instantly iconic performance by Nicolas Cage, the movie creates an ominous atmosphere with the help of a measured pace and an unsettling reliance on silence. We discuss the film’s grounded first act and its rapid descent into full-blown supernatural horror…
…
continue reading
We are joined this week by our first ever returning guest! Katelyn Hempsted returns to update us on her pet ownership status and we discuss the cat distribution system, being a new paw-rent and the potiential for a castle commune. Also Simba may join a band and Cricket has been keeping a naughty little secret. Next week is not only our Redwall book…
…
continue reading
Happy (belated) Pride! This week we return to one our favourite subjects; those most comforting creature who wave the rainbow flag! We discuss Bonobos who like a bit of everyone, iconic lesbian swans, and penguin babies that have two dads! We also share an emotional Ready Pet Go, so get your tissues ready friends!…
…
continue reading
It's summer time and you know what that means? FLYING KITES! And we don't mean the kind attached to strings. This week we do a deep dive on these distinct birds with some very rich, and occasionally dark, mythology! (WARNING: there is mention of some dark and potentially triggering themes in the greek mythology portion of this episode) NEWS: Part 2…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
96: Badgers: the Good, the Bad, and the Stinky
37:09
37:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:09
Badgers! Are they adorable woodland creatures protecting other foresty friends? Well... maybe not! This week we learn that badgers are fascinating, tough, and surprisingly stinky! We discuss all things badgers, including our favorite and least favorite fictional badgers! Send us YOUR favorite (and least favorite) animals to comfortcreatures@maximum…
…
continue reading
They might as well have called Maharaj “Junaid Khan’s Launch Vehicle” because naming it after the villain makes even less sense. We discuss the film’s many irredeemable flaws, which include shaming the victim of sexual abuse, projecting a red flag male character as the protagonist, and resorting to the problematic trope of “fridging.” We also talk …
…
continue reading
In its third and potentially final season, Kota Factory seems to be responding to past criticism. We discuss the show’s sudden bout of self-reflection, and the confused manner in which it examines the harsh realities of towns like Kota and the industries they service. We also talk about its aversion to human moments, and why the handful of them thi…
…
continue reading
Spoiler Alert! Make sure to watch The First Snow of Winter if you're planning to as we do talk in detail about the plot! It's on Youtube! Okay, did you watch it? Great! Because this week we talk about the adorable BBC short film The First Snow of Winter and to celebrate some of it's fantastic characters (Voley and Puffy) we discuss Water Voles and …
…
continue reading
Dibakar Banerjee is going to have to make two good movies to compensate for whatever hellish assault on the senses Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 was. We discuss the film’s muddled social commentary, the frustration oozing out of every frame, and the general incoherence of the arguments. We also compare LSD2’s aesthetic and thematic shortfalls, especially w…
…
continue reading
Ella and Alexis haven't been able to meet lately, so this week we're sending audio letters to each other! We catchup on our pets, travels, and recent animal adventures!By Alexis Preston and Ella McLeod
…
continue reading
This week, Alexis took a visit to the San Diego zoo and has a LOT to report on! She goes through her top zoo sightings! Alexis was so excited by one animal in particular that she requested Ella do some research on Harpies! Tune in and find out why! Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rat…
…
continue reading
Crew, the new heist movie starring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, effectively weaponises middle-class angst against corporate overlords. We praise the film’s dedication to punching up, the instant relatability that it is able to generate for its characters, and its tightly constructed first half. But we also criticise its endless produ…
…
continue reading
Hi everyone! We had so much fun on our Live Stream discussing Book one of Redwall that we decided to release it as an episode as well! We'd love to hear YOUR thoughts on Part Two and we will announce that Live Stream date soon! Also small warning we do use some adult language in this episode. Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcre…
…
continue reading
Writer-director Kunal Kemmu’s Madgaon Express smartly avoids taking the sleazy route and mostly succeeds in finding the soul of its cartoonish characters. We talk about the film’s familiar set-up, and how it transports a Hangover-like premise to India. We also discuss the performances of Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi and Avinash Tiwary, while noting the…
…
continue reading
A CC record has been set - THREE CRIES IN AN EPISODE! This week we discuss Louis Wain, the guy who might just be responsible for changing the way Britain feels about cats. Plus we have a bumper Ready Pet Go from Meg, who tells us all about her "lesbian menagerie" (iconic). Also a look ahead to our next episode, where we'll be discussing the film 'T…
…
continue reading
Alexis, in true Snow White fashion, saved a baby bird! In honour of Pico's rescue and recovery, we discuss all things sparrow - biology, mythology and how loudly those little dudes chirp! Reminder: Read Book One of Redwall with us for the LIVE STREAM on May 12th at 12pm PST on Youtube. Follow us on Youtube @ComfortCreaturesPodcast. Make sure to fol…
…
continue reading
Why did three Vizslas cross the road? Tune in for the punchline! This week we're joined by writer and illustrator Bethanie Murguia. She tells us all about her new graphic novel Wagnificent as well as warming our hearts with tales about her three Vizslas Thunder, Luna and Cosmos. Also Persey, busy playing the nosey neighbour, has passed a torch to C…
…
continue reading
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s big-budget streaming debut, is yet another high-profile Netflix failure. A summation and culmination of Bhansali’s lifelong ambitions, the show represents everything that is wrong with his sensibilities and style-over-substance storytelling. We discuss the show’s flawed understanding …
…
continue reading
Ella has had QUITE the day, but ultimately has had a strong change of heart for our pigeon friends! Crumb got to visit his old pal Tugboat, who is as great as ever! Plus, we do a little research on Foxes after a recent garden visit and of course some fun fox mythology! Save the date and read along! Our Redwall Livestream for the Book One of book on…
…
continue reading
In addition to being a thought-provoking movie about how close we are to disintegrating as a society, Alex Garland’s Civil War is a rollicking cinematic experience. We discuss the film’s affection for journalism, the intricate character work that Garland is able to accomplish via action sequences, and the film’s stand-out moments. One of them invol…
…
continue reading
In honor of Ella's book release (THE MAP THAT LED TO YOU), Ella has some very fun history on sea dragons, both real and fictional! Then, Alexis did some research about nursery rhymes involving animals. Ever wondered why those mice were blind? Find out! We also have a Ready Pet Go from Melissa and Merlin as well as some updates on our Redwall readin…
…
continue reading
Is Amar Singh Chamkila a long-awaited return to form for director Imtiaz Ali, or is it another let-down from the once-promising filmmaker? We discuss the film’s inventive approach to the music biopic genre, if not narratively then at least formally. We also talk about Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra’s central performances as the slain husband-w…
…
continue reading
Lucy Rose is a fantastic writer, but more importatly she has a cat named Figgy! We learn abour Figgy's wild former life, her very particular favorite movie, and her rat hunting skills (spoiler: she's terrified of them). Ella and Alexis also have some updates about their pets, plus ELLA'S NEW BOOK IS OUT! THE MAP THAT LED TO YOU is available whereve…
…
continue reading
This week Ella has some exciting Snow Leopard news and Alexis discovers the greatest community effort possibly of all time: The Fishdoorbell (De Visdeurbel)! Plus, Ella has some cat DRAMA outside her window and Alexis struggles with Crumb's ear infection and Cricket's feelings. We also have a great Ready Pet Go from Katie! When we recorded this we …
…
continue reading
Aattam, the latest Malayalam-language gem that further solidifies the industry’s artistic stronghold on the cinema landscape of the country, offers an inventive spin on the whodunnit genre. We discuss the film’s gripping narrative, ambitious social commentary, and director Anand Ekarshi’s bold voice. We also talk about the many moral quandaries tha…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
84: Austin Taylor, Brenda Snell, and MaxFun Drive
1:06:43
1:06:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:43
It's week two of MaxFun Drive and we've got a full house this week! We are joined by Austin Taylor and Brenda Snell of Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries, and we've solved the biggest secret of all: They both have fantastic pets. Austin tells us all about the dramatic dynamics of pets Opal, Kat, and Karol. And Brenda discusses Angel the cat as well…
…
continue reading
Is Fighter another in the long and increasingly problematic line of hyper-nationalistic Indian action movies, or is its biggest problem that it can’t look beyond star Hrithik Roshan? We discuss the many missteps that director Siddharth Anand makes in his follow-up to Pathaan, the unnecessary songs and the momentum-killing asides, but we also talk a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
83: Drea Clark, Acting Animals, and MaxFun Drive
1:22:44
1:22:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:44
HAPPY MAX FUN DRIVE! To honor this exciting week we're joined by Drea Clark from Maximum Film! We learn about her current cats, chat the funniest cat names, and some of our favorite animal performances in films! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT SO FAR! The MaxFun drive is the exciting time of the year where we rally for your support to keep our podcast g…
…
continue reading
Murder Mubarak lowers the bar even further for Netflix India, and feels like a particularly annoying missed opportunity. We talk about the inept filmmaking, the strange structure, and the over-the-top performances of its ensemble cast. We also wonder how the finished film can look like something that was snatched away from director Homi Adajania an…
…
continue reading
Hear the full episode by becoming a member! Go to maximumfun.org/join to join! You will get this bonus episode plus all of the other BoCo from past years. Plus, cool gifts and the bragging rights to say you contribute to the art you love! Thank you! You make this show possible! maximumfun.org/joinBy Alexis B Preston, Ella McLeod, Blair Preston
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Go Fact Yourself #MaxFunDrive Kick-off Spectacular featuring Alonso Duralde, Drea Clark, Alexis B. Preston, and Ben Harrison
15:09
15:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:09
This special network wide event is a celebration of the MaxFunDrive! If you’d like to support podcasts you love for just $5 a month and get bonus gifts in the process, go to maximumfun.org/join. We’re kicking off the most exciting time of the year for the MaxFun Network with a trivia game show featuring hosts from tons of great podcasts. J. Keith v…
…
continue reading
It's Ella's birthday! What better way to celebrate than to talk about greek mythology surrounding Pisces! We also discuss some fun fish facts and the Angler fish and learn why they are the ultimate girlboss. Happy birthday Ella! We'll see you next week for the MAX FUN DRIVE! Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.…
…
continue reading
Merry Christmas, director Sriram Raghavan’s follow-up to the critical and commercial hit Andhadhun, is nothing to celebrate. We discuss the film’s lack of discernible aesthetic, the complete absence of any spark between stars Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, and its baffling climax. Along the way, we discuss the decision to reduce an important ch…
…
continue reading
This week Ella and Alexis honour the leap year by giving frogs their flowers and toads the praise they deserve. They also honour the arrival of Alexis' new niece with a deep dive into birthing -- warning... the episode is not for the squeamish. Or indeed for anyone who doesn't want to know about naked mole rat birthing. We also have a fascinating a…
…
continue reading
Dune: Part Two is being called one of the greatest sequels ever made. It isn’t. We discuss the problems that we’ve had with both Dune films, our issues with their cold tone, the seemingly rushed plot despite a nearly three-hour run-time, and the sheer number of characters to keep track of. But we also appreciate director Denis Villeneuve’s handling…
…
continue reading
This week Ella and Alexis chat lucky escapes and rodents performing daring feats of rescue! Also, some hot analysis of smart grumpy pups and happy bimbos, and a Guinness world record scandal! Plus, we have a Ready Pet Go from Ginger and Chonk. Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, re…
…
continue reading
All India Rank, the feature directorial debut of Varun Grover, is a refreshing change of pace for Bollywood, but still not as good as it could have been. We discuss all the ways in which the coming-of-age drama avoids making the same mistakes as 12th Fail or Kota Factory, its ability to evoke a particular time and place, and its reliance on tried-a…
…
continue reading
Best-selling YA thriller author Cynthia Murphy joins us this week to chat all about the marvel that is her pup Loli. We chat happy buses, snobby dogs and cat reincarnation. Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us @comfortcreaturespodcast on Instagram! J…
…
continue reading
Dunki, the third and final Shah Rukh Khan film of 2023, wastes all the goodwill he had built with Pathaan and Jawan. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Dunki ranks among the worst films we’ve covered on the podcast and is outdated to the point of being offensive. We talk about the film’s most insensitive scenes, Hirani’s disinterest in taking real-life g…
…
continue reading
Welcome to the something O'clock news, coming to you not at all live at no specific time from two separate continents! Tonight, with Ella and Alexis; Dogs now have ferries on cabins and Pigeons are NOT spies. This is a very serious news podcast now, ok everyone? Plus, we have a Ready Pet Go from Pear Tree and a cute little Valentine's Day history. …
…
continue reading
Bhakshak, starring Bhumi Pednekar, is the latest socially conscious call-to-action from Shah Rukh Khan’s production company, and even though it’s a more grounded film, its sensibilities aren’t too dissimilar from Jawan. We discuss what we liked and disliked about the film’s portrayal of hyperlocal journalism, its depiction of real-life atrocities, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
77: John-Luke Roberts and the Price of a Baguette
54:44
54:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:44
John-Luke Roberts, host of new Max Fun podcast soundheap joins us to chat about his childhood pets (a veritable menagerie!), the pigeons that he was once visited by, and our new campaign to have turtles as Kings! Send us YOUR pet stories (Ready, Pet, Go!) at comfortcreatures@maximumfun.org and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Follow us …
…
continue reading