Cool Talk with Attractive People

Welcome to Cool Talk, the biweekly podcast where two guys talk about what makes up a story. Going beyond reviews and criticism, we discuss the elements of storytelling using familiar works as examples.

Episode 36 - Memory Lane w/Steve Mizer 02/20/2018

Episode 36 - Memory Lane w/Steve Mizer The attractive people, Ryan Dalton and EJ Pennyman are again joined by their most recent guest, Steve Mizer. We sit next to a mattress and dig through our happy memories of story-times past. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/6279811

Episode 35 - Everything I Ever 01/30/2018

Episode 35 - Everything I Ever Pro Hero EJ Pennyman and anti-hero Ryan Dalton, digress immediately. Delaying the long expected Dr. Horrible episode. This episode is chock full of references to 2008s Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog with very little by the way of explanatory commas. We do, however, explain all the ways Dr. Horrible subverts our expectations. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/6203944

Episode 34 - Podcast! The Musical! 01/15/2018

Episode 34 - Podcast! The Musical! Special guest, Steve Mizer (tenor), joins your attractive podcast duet, Ryan Dalton (Baratone) and EJ Pennyman (Bass) to discuss musicals. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/6149678

Episode 33 - PSA: The Change of Life 01/02/2018

Episode 33 - PSA: The Change of Life No notes this time, just listen /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/6106786

Episode 32 - Fixing the Force 12/18/2017

Episode 32 - Fixing the Force In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton share a positive preview of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Not an optimistic one. This episode includes Tina voice. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/6056479

Episode 30 - Kids Ain't Right - Stranger Things Season 2 11/27/2017

Episode 30 - Kids Ain't Right - Stranger Things Season 2 Join hosts EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton for a lively discussion of the changes our beloved Stranger Things cast has made between seasons. In one 40 minute episode, we cover 9 40-odd minute episodes of the series. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5981952

Episode 30 - Perspectives on Structural and Emotional Storytelling 11/15/2017

Episode 30 - Perspectives on Structural and Emotional Storytelling Ryan Dalton is back from the upside-down to join EJ Pennyman for a podcast about enjoying movie. Ryan, ever the craftsman, discusses his love for solid constuction. EJ, the non-sentimental romantic, yearn for a story to tug on his heartstrings. Listen as we come to an agreement (yes, it actually happens). /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5946793

Episode 29 - EXTRA SPECIAL Stranger Things Season 1 Recap 10/23/2017

Episode 29 - EXTRA SPECIAL Stranger Things Season 1 Recap While Ryan is trapped in the upside down, your host EJ Pennyman and the Attractive Wife get together to discuss Stranger Things Season 1. We're stoked for Season 2 and hope you are too. Here's a full spoiler discussion of the Netflix streaming series. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5868727

Episode 28 - Glossary - Analysis, Deconstruction and Unpacking 10/09/2017

Episode 28 - Glossary - Analysis, Deconstruction and Unpacking We have words on three words. Join us for a brief glossary episode in which Ryan Dalton plugs diagramming sentences and EJ Pennyman speaks of learning English from foreign languages. Also, Ryan does the sign off. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5820719

Episode 27 - Well Written Persons of Character (Wonder Woman v Rei) 09/26/2017

Episode 27 - Well Written Persons of Character (Wonder Woman v Rei) We open off the rails with drinks and discussion of seasonal fashion. This episode "we" is: EJ Pennyman, Ryan Dalton, and - still on loan from Ox & Hare- Amy Shaw! This is a Star Wars episode, so we go a bit long. Get ready! /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5777409

Episode 26 - A Tale of Five Sisters 09/11/2017

Episode 26 - A Tale of Five Sisters FINALLY, the Pride and Prejudice episode. EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton discuss fictional female characters with special guest real life female character, Amy Shaw. We discuss the details of character of the Bennet sisters and other character's in Jane Austen's masterwork. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5727579

Episode 25 - Critics: This Isn't For You 08/29/2017

Episode 25 - Critics: This Isn't For You Impartial as ever, your attractive hosts, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton have a follow up to the episode about lazy crticism. Here is an episode about lazy writing. Can an auteur claim a work is not 'for the critics' as a defense of said lazy writing? /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5685429

Episode 24 - In Which We Take On Lazy Criticism 08/14/2017

Episode 24 - In Which We Take On Lazy Criticism We all have that "friend" that who feels required to point out every example of race-ist this, sex-ism that, and other -ist/ism. While many people in this world have unhealthy bias and treat people poorly, you as our attractive are above that lazy critcism. Listen closely for the definitive definition of cultural appropriation. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5640952

Episode 23 - Another Sad Podcast 07/31/2017

Episode 23 - Another Sad Podcast Are you ready to descend into melancholia with Eric and Ryan? Have you prepared your NPR voice? Even if you answer 'no' to both of those questions. Please join us to explore the entire spectrum of human emotion. In one episode. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5593702

Episode 22 - The Definitive Way to Enjoy a Story 07/19/2017

Episode 22 - The Definitive Way to Enjoy a Story Episode 22 - The Definitive Way to Enjoy a Story Pour yourself a nice beverage and join EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton as we pick up right where we left off. Worried that this episode will devolving into a list of reasons why EJ is right? Fear not attractive listener! This episode *evolves* from a list of why I'm right into the what breaks immersion and how this varies from person to person. We discuss in more detail what engages us in movies. Are you engaged by consistency and fun? Or do you ask for something else? Also, somehow EJ defends Michael Bay. Yeah, weird, I thought so too. Even weirder, RYAN defends Michael Bay. Yes, dear listener, we go there. For you. Mission Impossible The Bourne Trilogy James Bond, circa Daniel Craig Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5553635

Episode 21 - Ordering From the (YAR!!) Content Menu 07/03/2017

Episode 21 - Ordering From the (YAR!!) Content Menu Episode 21 - Ordering From the (YAR!!) Content Menu In this episode, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton deliberate the delicate decision of what (YARR!!) content to lavish with our precious money and attention. How do you decide? Do you watch trailers and read reviews? Do you wait for a friend to insist on taking you? Now we have so many ways to enjoy film and comics and games and TV and music it becomes important to have not just a good filter, but a good way to allow more information in. Speaking of awesome games, check out Horizon Zero Dawn. Perfect game, that. This episode's audible sigh occurs at 11:45 and 27:55 Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5501832

Episode 20 - So You Want to Go to ComiCon? 06/20/2017

Episode 20 - So You Want to Go to ComiCon? Fresh after Phoenix ComiCon, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton have some pointers to help you if you want to go to a big Con for the first time. Links to Stuff we talked about: Phoenix ComiCon - https://phoenixcomicon.com/ All Balboa Weekend - http://www.allbalboa.com/ Phoenix Lindy Exchange - http://www.phoenixlindyexchange.com/ Dinasaur comics on Patrick Stewart - http://qwantz.com/index.php?comic=916 Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5464252

Episode 19 - The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige: A Story In Three Acts 06/05/2017

Episode 19 - The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige: A Story In Three Acts Episode 19 - The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige - A Story In Three Acts In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton go into one of the most basic of basics, the 3 act story structure. We breakdown the filmmaking masterclass that is The Prestige, Christopher Nolan's best movie. Yup, that's it. My shortest intro for our longest episode. Enjoy. Spoilers for: -The Prestige No spoilers for: Books One or Two of the Time Shift Trilogy, The Year of Lightning and The Black Tempest, respectively Email the podcast at attractivepeople at cooltalkpodcast.com (Replace the at with @) Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5416063

Episode 18 - Universal Viewpoints Pt 2 - DC and Marvel 05/23/2017

Episode 18 - Universal Viewpoints Pt 2 - DC and Marvel Episode 18 - Universal Viewpoints Pt 2 - Marvel and DC After warming up with our lighthearted Pixar/Dreamworks discussion, EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton are rejoined by guest Justin from Cleveland to compare and contrast the universal tone and viewpoint of Marvel and DC comics, movies, and TV series. A good starting point for Marvel comics is the 2015 reboot. They pretty much restarted all franchises around that time. If you've seen the movies, this will be a comfortable place without re-doing origin stories. Also, check out the new Ms. Marvel (the kid) it's pretty good. As for DC, start with the 90's cartoons for Batman and Superman. If you insist on a comic for Batman, start with Under the Red Hood. After that, check out Hush. You Supes fans want to start with Superman for All Seasons by Jeph Loeb and Superman: Last Son of Krypton. Also good is the recent Flash TV series. Somehow we went through this entire podcast without me mentioning Justice League Age 8 (JL8) by Yale Stewart. It's exactly what it sounds, the Justice League at age 8. It's fun, it's free and it has the DC guys. Link: http://jl8comic.tumblr.com/ Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5380911

Episode 17 - Universal Viewpoints Pt I - Pixar and Dreamworks 05/08/2017

Episode 17 - Universal Viewpoints Pt I - Pixar and Dreamworks In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton are joined by guest, Justin from Cleveland, land that I love. We compare how studio viewpoints affect all the movies that they release. This is the first in a two part series where we compare and contrast Pixar and Dreamworks. Off the top, we love both and spread the love. This is a discussion of what to expect when you see the studio on the title card. PS- Dear listener, this episode is a week late due to a family emergency that EJ had to take care of. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5335872

Episode 16 - The Dance of Story and Delight 04/17/2017

Episode 16 - The Dance of Story and Delight Episode 16 - The Dance of Story and Delight In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton insist that you WATCH ARRIVAL FIRST! Seriously, don't listen to this episode until you watch Arrival. Okay, now that you, attractive listener have watched Arrival, WE HAVE WORDS. We discuss that most elusive and coveted of emotional responses: delight. You watched the movie, right? That's really important. Okay now for the real info. We discuss the important things about Arrival, namely it's story *SPOILER WARNING* and if that airtight, beautifully crafted story was delightful. In other news, the episode is live, and yes, I did read The Black Tempest. It's good, buy it. Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5268165

Fanmail 3 - In Defense of Rogue One 04/03/2017

Fanmail 3 - In Defense of Rogue One FANMAIL #3! In which a listener mounts a Spartan-esque defense of Rogue One: A Star Wars story. Does he fair better than the Spartans at Thermopylae? Listen to find out. Wonder about the actual Spartans at Thermopylae, check out Hardcore History Episode 58 part III: King of Kings. It's March, try a podcast! Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5187686

Episode 15 - Where We Talk About Death and Make you Sad and Stuff 03/21/2017

Episode 15 - Where We Talk About Death and Make you Sad and Stuff Episode 15 - Where We Talk About Death and Make you Sad and Stuff We discuss what legwork must be done to have a convincing Act 3 (late story) character death. Also, listen in pain along with EJ and Ryan as we listen to a couple bad death scenes. We make it up to you by listening to some poignantly awesome ones. Episode contains a suprise and a bonus! Since this is an episode about death, episode contains spoilers from: Star Wars Episode III (Bad) Star Wars Episode VII (Better) Batman v Superman (Bad) Iron Giant (Better Superman) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Good) Cowboy Bebop (Good Setup) Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5187988

Bonus Ep 1 - That Was Awesome! 03/06/2017

Bonus Ep 1 - That Was Awesome! In which, EJ Pennyman, Ryan Dalton, and guest, Tia, remind of you of several things that are awesome. We'll be back with a full episode for next week! Also, keep your ears open for a Fanmail episode! In other news for March, encourage your attractive friends to listen to a podcast, any podcast. Use #trypod in your post to join with some of your favorite content creators in expanding our medium. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5143064

Episode 14 - What's Up With Endings 02/20/2017

Episode 14 - What's Up With Endings This episode resulted from a spontaneous conversation we had between recordings. We is: EJ Pennyman, Ryan Dalton, and Tia. We discuss Interception, the hidden Chris Nolan movie. Episode complete with new digressions! listen to the new Hardcore History, Destroyer of Worlds. We spoil, er discsuss: The Giver - Movie and book Mass Effect 3 (well, EA spoiled this, but we discuss it) 2001: A Space Odyssey (can this be spoiled?) Jazz Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5097672

Episode 13 - Intentional Language 02/06/2017

Episode 13 - Intentional Language Due to a series of unfortunate events invloving cream soda, Ryan Dalton is banished. Host EJ Pennyman is joined by guest Tia as they explore how an authors choice of language sets the work's tone. Also, Ryan is forgiven and joins in our most bookish of episodes. We discuss the importance of intentality in diction to a works enduring appeal. Among our topics are diverse authors such as: Asimov Tolkein Brandon Sanderson Michael Crichton Jane Austen (!) Ernest Cline Please email us questions and comments at attractivepeople(at)cooltalkpodcast(dot)com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Also, leave us a review where ever you download the podcast. It helps others find the show. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5051128

Episode 12 - Character and FLClimax 01/24/2017

Episode 12 - Character and FLClimax A passionate (read: long) episode, In which EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton discuss the importance of character in earning cinema moments and how to show, not tell. Among our examples are such diverse elements as: dialog, silence, and emotional crescendo. Also, a deep cut clip from FLCL. We discuss: Rogue One: A Star Wars story Casino Royale The Sting FLCL Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com Be sure to check out The Black Tempest available April 25 wherever fine books are sold. /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/5018930

Fanmail 2 - Plot Vs Pacing 01/17/2017

Fanmail 2 - Plot Vs Pacing Fanmail 2 **UPDATED: This version is mixed properly. Sorry for the bad upload. In which an attractive listener agrees with how great Pacific Rim is. Discussion ensues. Also a plug for Ryan's upcoming novel: The Black Tempest at your local bookseller. (Amazon link here: http://a.co/1vVjXUs) Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/4996547

Episode 11 - Fairy Tales 01/09/2017

Episode 11 - Fairy Tales Episode 11 - Modern Fairy Tales We get an equipment update! This episode is recorded on new equipment. All to delight and entertain you, our dear listener. Rejoice as your host EJ Pennyman coins a new word: "Fairytaleyness". Witness to this coinage is Ryan Dalton. Fairy tales have been with us as long as we have told each other stories. For more on "A Hero's Journey" check out this episode of TED Radio Hour. http://www.npr.org/2015/12/18/458498466/what-is-the-blueprint-for-stories-about-heroes. We discuss: (500) Days of Summer Star Wars!!! - We finally go in depth on THE trilogy The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Reach us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch EJ on the tweeter at: @TextualPlacebo Catch Ryan at Twitter - @iRyanDalton RyanDaltonWrites.com /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/4975303

Episode 10 - Plot Uber Alles? 12/27/2016

Episode 10 - Plot Uber Alles? EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton Welcome to our tenth episode! EJ Pennyman and Ryan Dalton talk about different movie focii. Plot, character, and ideas are discussed as the posible focus of a story. We discuss the difficulty inherent in movies to be anything but plot-centric. Also, opinions on irony, actors, and the importance of a movie being delightful. Email us at attractivepeople@cooltalkpodcast.com Catch us on Twitter @TextulaPlacebo and @iRyanDalton Facebook Ryan Dalton Web: ryandaltonwrites.com /episode/index/show/cooltalkpodcast/id/4943661

Cool Talk with Attractive People

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