What the Hype?! WTF Edition

Turn up Peter Cetera on your 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Convertible and tighten your black belt, because this week we’re talking all about the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai! Micah and Pam dive into the storylines and characters over the first six seasons, reminisce on growing up karate kids, and discuss the producers' ability to transcend generations of fans. Are we team Johnny Lawrence or Team Daniel LaRusso? Cobra Kai or Miyagi-do? Do we find ourselves getting wrapped up more with the kids or the adults? Should we have seen the end of Season 6: Part 2 coming? What's it all building up to for February's grand finale? And, could there be a Mr. Miyagi spin-off series in the works?

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This episode contains major spoilers for ‘Fourth Wing’ and ‘Iron Flame’ by Rebecca Yarros. In our last ‘Empyrean’ episode, we got a ‘Fourth Wing’ primer, but now we are fully up to speed on all our reading! We talk s*x scenes, character development, romantic tension, political suppression, and more in this debrief of ‘Iron Flame.’ Soon, we’ll release a theories and predictions episode for the upcoming third installment to the series, ‘Onyx Storm.’ 

Looking for our Fourth Wing primer episode? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ughbIUCULZI 

Looking for a our smut episode? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-aWpfPVF-s

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Join us for a stroll down the witch’s road to unpack the latest Marvel Television series ‘Agatha All Along.’ In a refreshing move for Marvel, ‘Agatha All Along’ is simultaneously part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe without beating viewers over the head with unnecessary cameos. We address where ‘Agatha’ fits into the larger MCU story, but honestly, this is a story all its own with new characters and plenty of twists and turns along the way. We also discuss the current state of Marvel, and whether or not ‘Agatha’ represents a return to form for the MCU!

What were YOUR favorite parts of ‘Agatha All Along,’ and which Marvel property do you think we’ll see these characters in next?

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Calling all Sassenachs! This week on What The Hype, we’re diving into the world of ‘Outlander’! Join Pam, Laura, and Micah as they break down the basics of this beloved television series adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s best selling book series, which follows Claire— a World War II combat nurse who suddenly finds herself time traveling back to 18th century Scotland.

Our ‘Outlander’ newbies talk about what it’s been like watching season 1 for the first time, in addition to weighing in on Claire as a protagonist, who else is starting to stand out amongst the ensemble cast as one to keep an eye on, Claire and Jamie’s budding relationship, and much more!

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It's Spooky Szn! We're celebrating by diving into the world of Halloween movies! We're exploring the thrill of fear, our earliest memories of scary films, and the evolution of horror as a genre. We celebrate iconic films and their impact on audiences, look at the psychological aspects of fear and the cultural significance of horror narratives, and share personal favorites. Plus, we ask if scary movies are ONLY for Halloween, and what the point of these movies are in the first place.

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This week, What the Hype?! looks at the vibrant world of pop culture conventions! Tapping into our personal experiences attending cons like SDCC, NYCC, Harry Potter fan events, Star Wars Celebration, WonderCon, we share the highs and lows of con-going, and why so many people see it as an escape from reality.

We also talk about the sense of community and escape that conventions provide, as well as memorable moments from our own con trips (Warning: Do NOT touch Andrew's light saber).

Later, we chat about paying to meet and receive autographs from celebrities, and if it feels like fans are being preyed on (Don't be like Eric and take out a cash advance!). To wrap up, we share a list of tips to help you have the best con experience possible.

Follow What the Hype?! in your favorite podcast and social media apps, and don't forget to watch full video episodes on YouTube!

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In our second What the Hype?! on Heartstopper, the hosts react to season 3 of the Netflix graphic novel-to-TV series!

We look at Heartstopper's character development, how the show has matured, and its balance between happiness and realism in LGBTQ storytelling. Plus, we look at when to expect Heartstopper Season 4 / Graphic Novel 6, the series' evolving soundtrack (Has it gotten too mainstream?) and make recommendations for another queer books and shows now that Heartstopper is over for a while.

Check out Part 1 of our What the Hype?! Heartstopper coverage!

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Grab your pitch forks because in this episode of What the Hype?!, we're looking at why Banned Books deserve ALL the attention! We discuss the significance of Banned Books Week, explore the reasons behind book censorship and its impact on youth, identity, and society. We share our own personal experiences with censorship, and review the top challenged books of 2023, and how things are trending for Banned Books in 2024.

Report censorship by visiting this page on the ALA's website, and visit UniteAgainstBookBans.org to join the fight.

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In this week's episode of What the Hype?!, we're looking at music biopics! From Elton John to Whitney Houston to Queen to a forthcoming biopic about Britney Spears, these films give us inside-looks at lives of artists who we adore. But how much truth bending can we tolerate, and how do artists and viewers benefit from these stories? Plus, Eric, Andrew, and Pam look at forthcoming biopics and our favorites that we've seen.

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Grab your torches and dip them into the fire because on this week’s episode of What They Hype?! we’re talking all about Survivor! Join Micah, Andrew and friend of the show Christine Riccio as we dive into what's made Survivor arguably the most successful reality television show of all-time. What drew us in, what's kept us watching and why should you throw on a buff and join us? How do we feel about the evolution of the game? Are we cool with the New Era and all of its changes? Who are some of our all-time favorites? And which seasons captivated us the most? Plus, we offer some predictions for Season 47.

Find Christine's Survivor-inspired novel Attached at the Hip wherever you get books! Also check out her podcast Those Forking Fangirls, and find her on Instagram: @XtineMay

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It's showtime! Spooky szn is here and we're excited to kick it off with 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' but first we need to explain the hype behind the 1988 original. We surprise even ourselves when we realize what a cultural touchstone from our childhoods this movie is. Is that the secret ingredient that made audiences still turn out for Beetlejuice 36 years later? Join us as we embark to the Netherworld alongside the Ghost with the Most and Edgar Allan Poe's Daughter to get everyone HYPE for 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' which is in theaters now! GO SEE IT OR WE'LL SAY HIS NAME 3 TIMES!

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Baby, let the games begin! This week on What The Hype, Pam (our resident Swiftie) is joined by Andrew, Eric, and special guest, Meg, to talk about Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation!’ In an effort to better understand Swift’s sixth studio album, Pam takes us through a brief history of the events that lead to the birth of ‘Reputation.’ Armed with a crash course in Swiftie history, our panel wraps things up by discussing the album on the whole, in addition to detailing some of their favorite and least favorite moments on the record.

Plus, Pam predicts when Reputation (Taylor's Version) will finally be released!

Visit our YouTube channel to see Pam's presentation on Reputation!

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The supernatural comedy from 1984 starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis has stood the test of time. While some things (the proton pack) aged more well than others (Dr. Pete Venkman), this episode is devoted to exploring the movie as a whole. Have we learned everything we need to know about New York from the movie? What does each ghostbuster bring to the group? Is Dana Barrett such a cool character because she reminds us of Margaret Dumont?

In this episode of What the Hype?! Micah and Eric are joined again by Ivan Guerrero, Ghostbusters (and LEGO) super fan! We discuss our favorite ghosts, themes of the movie and why its anti-establishment characters are further grounded in heart once Winston joins the team.

Check out Ivan’s vintage movie trailer for ‘The Ghost Busters’ (1954)! https://youtu.be/kAboGO9MDsQ?si=yZhXSe5pxqz3Gm-2

Ivan can be found on YouTube at @WhoIsEyevan (https://www.youtube.com/@whoiseyevan) and on Instagram at @bulldoozerbricks (https://www.instagram.com/bulldoozerbricks/)

Don't forget to follow us in your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a friend about the show! We're also releasing full video episodes on YouTube!

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Dragons, Magic, Romance, oh Gods! Andrew and Pam introduce the Fourth Wing series to fandom newbies Laura and Eric, and the panel discuss why the first two books in the Empyrean series have gone viral online. We catch those who haven't read up to speed, look at what makes the books unique, and take on readers who've claimed that the story is unoriginal.

If you haven't checked out Fourth Wing yet, let us show you what the hype is all about! This episode is a spoiler-free look, except for mild spoilers about the first dozen chapters.

Stay tuned for another episode in which we take a deeper dive into Fourth Wing and the Empyrean series from Rebecca Yarros!

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Pam and Andrew welcome special guest and fellow podcaster Kaylan (host of Long Live Taylor Podcast) to talk about the annual pop cultural event that is the Song of the Summer. Together, they run through the history of the concept, break down the key components a contending single must have to qualify for the coveted title, and reminisce over past hits that ruled the airwaves between the months of May and August. Plus, Kaylan chats with us about working at a major record label in Nashville, and offers up some insight with regards to how TikTok is changing the game when it comes to solidifying hit singles. Finally, we predict which hit single will be crowned Song of the Summer 2024.

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On this week’s episode, Micah, Eric and Laura return to Westeros to discuss the hype around Season 2 of House of the Dragon. We connect the threads between the first two seasons of Game of Thrones and the first two seasons of House of the Dragon, share our favorite Season 2 storylines and characters and discuss whether or not the finale lived up to expectations. From rolls in the mud to dragonrider issues to weirwood edibles, join us as we break down the finale of HBO's hit series!

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Turn on your favorite lamp and keep an eye on your favorite toys, because this week we're discussing the wonderful world of Pixar! 'Toy Story' was the very first feature-length computed animated film, and it changed Hollywood forever. Nearly 30 years later, Pixar is still blowing our minds. We trace the origins of Pixar and discuss what makes these films unique, plus we dive into the studio's incredible storytelling power through movies like 'Inside Out' and the new sequel. Elsewhere, we discuss the studio's countless easter eggs and each of our favorite Pixar films!

Don't forget to follow What the Hype?! in your favorite podcast app, and engage with us on YouTube! We love seeing your feedback. Let us know what YOUR favorite Pixar movie is!

Check out our friends at Shaken and Disturbed for a great true crime podcast!

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Now that season 4 of ‘The Boys’ has wrapped, Laura, Eric, and Andrew come together to recap, review, analyze, and make season 5 predictions! Is Butcher still in there, or has he gone full Kessler? Will Ambrosius see her revenge? How will the team finally defeat Homelander once and for all? Get ready for ‘Generation V’ season 2 before the 5th and final season of ‘The Boys’ - we think Gen V is set up to have an even greater impact on the 5th season! We also plug some fun easter eggs to look into if you want to get more out of ‘The Boys’ universe.

Whether Ashley becomes a Hulk-esque supe next season or not, she will henceforth be known as Smashley.

Don’t forget to follow us in your favorite podcasting app and leave us a review! Let us know in the comments below what you thought of season 4 of ‘The Boys,’ and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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Things are heating up on What The Hype as we dive into the world of smut in romance and romantasy! This week, Laura and Pam are joined by special guest and romance author, Jennifer Hennessy (‘Degrees of Engagement’), to discuss spicy scenes in romance and romantasy reads. There’s no denying that there’s been an uptick in interest in spicy reads thanks to BookTok, but what makes for a good steamy moment while reading? And more importantly, what gives us the ick and automatically takes us out of the moment? Plus, Jen offers up some insider insight into the world of publishing, the use of euphemisms, and why she thinks smut can be hit or miss for readers.Keep up with Jennifer Hennessy online via Twitter (X) and Instagram, and check out her books right here on her website!

https://x.com/jennifercarolyn

https://www.instagram.com/jennifercarolyn/

https://www.jennifer-hennessy.com

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On this week’s episode, Micah, Eric and Laura soar into Westeros to discuss the hype around HBO’s hit series House of the Dragon. Taking place 100 years after the unification of the Seven Kingdoms but nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones, does House of the Dragon have what it takes to live up to its predecessor? Are dragons alone enough of a sell? On this primer episode, the hosts discuss their relationship to the original series, what drew them back in and share the storylines and characters they believe will make House of the Dragon a roaring success.

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