The Macademia Nuts
We’re media academics who chat about pop culture, media industries, news, and pretty much all things media
Episodes
It’s the 100th episode, and it is a time to reflect on the Macademia Nuts’ journey, share humorous anecdotes about food preferences, and dive into the topic of unpopular opinions, particularly around reality TV and the concept of guilty pleasures. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of shame and embarrassment related to entertainment consumption, particularly focusing on the concept of guilty pleasures. The...
HBO is obsessed with Walton Goggins, and the Nuts are here for it. The Nuts are also interested in the success of video game adaptations, especially kid-centered adaptations like Super Mario and Sonic. They discuss the nostalgia factor that connects audiences of all ages to these films and the potential for future adaptations of other video game properties. The conversation shifts to the gaming industry, contemplating the future of...
Alec is very excited due to the news about the release of the film 'Coyote vs. Acme,' and the Nuts have thoughts about the film industry and the impact of mergers on movie releases. The Nuts collectively pour one out for Val Kilmer with a discussion about his legacy. The conversation shifts to a lively debate about the best Batman actors and concludes with thoughts on the future of Marvel and its characters. Other topics ...
The podcast is now completely tenured and well-rested after spring break. The Nuts discuss academic culture, tenure requirements, and gardening. Streaming strategies and popular culture naturally arise as discussion topics, and the Nuts explore various TV shows and movies, including the Lisa Frank documentary, the Righteous Gemstones, and White Lotus.
It’s an episode focused on the latest and greatest in streaming television, including the new season of Reacher, the upcoming show Andor, and the Apple TV series Silo. Oh, and the Oscars are coming up, and the Nuts wonder if anyone cares. Other topics include the state of contemporary films, the impact of reality TV, particularly TLC shows, and the recent transition of the James Bond franchise to Amazon. Finally, the Nuts review th...
Live from wherever you listen to podcasts, it’s Saturday night, or whenever you decide to listen to this episode. The Nuts celebrate the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, discussing its cultural significance and their personal experiences with the show. A hockey discussion gives way to a discussion of the growth of MLS, and Lindsey’s disappointment with Canadian teams in the NHL. The Nuts discuss the Gabby Petito documentary...
The Super Bowl happened, and the Nuts discuss the commercials, Kendrick Lamar, and maybe the game, a little. Alec wants to know why we don’t define culture in terms of decades anymore, and the Nuts have opinions about the 90s. Also, Lindsey is really good at determining what year songs were released. Of course, favorite movies, nostalgia, documentaries, and a host of other topics are also covered.
One of the Nuts has a former student competing on Survivor, and all three feel very old as they recount the series’ long history. Other topics include celebrity weddings and the upcoming Super Bowl. Alec tells the story of Steph Curry's experience with Nike, leading to a broader analysis of the recent controversial trade of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks. The hosts delve into the implications of market size and team val...
The Nuts have predicted Taylor Swift will produce an album of lullabies, and the proposal from Travis Kelce can’t come fast enough. Celebrity culture and sports, public perception, and the marketing strategies behind Hollywood celebrities dominate the conversation. Other topics of conversation include Gordon Ramsay, 'Band of Brothers', the Oscars, and other war scenarios. Finally, the Nuts address the Chinese AI DeepSeek ...
2025 is here, and the Nuts have thoughts. The expanded college football playoff has mixed reviews from fans and the Nuts, who believe NIL is significantly changing the landscape of college football. Alec has questions and thoughts about Jerry Jones's appearance on the television show “Landman.” The Nuts have thoughts about Texas. Other topics include Disney’s copyright lawsuits, live streaming events, Wicked, parasocial relati...
‘Tis the season for college football playoffs, and the Nuts discuss the excitement surrounding the inaugural 12-team college football playoff, the implications of the SEC's dominance in college football, and the potential future of the sport as it becomes more professionalized. Alec is disappointed that Lindsey is so accepting of Alabama’s rejection. In other news, the Nuts are unwilling to pay top dollar to view the re-releas...
Like the rest of the world, the Nuts may or may not have seen some or none of the recent boxing match featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. They delve into the challenges of streaming events and the metrics used to gauge audience engagement. The conversation shifts to holiday entertainment, including a review of the movie 'Hot Frosty' and the latest season of 'Yellowstone', with a focus on the confusing narrative ...
The Nuts are fully prepared to watch the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, and they wonder what this means for the streaming industry and how it affects viewer experiences. The conversation also touches on gaming achievements, family dynamics in gaming, and the return of the popular series Yellowstone, including character developments and audience expectations. The Nuts have plenty of thoughts about the new season. The histo...
Lindsey lied to her children about attending the Eras tour. So the Nuts delve into the rising costs of entertainment, particularly Disney trips, and reflect on the success of an esports championship. The conversation also touches on youth sports, participation, and the joy of simple treats like cookies. The Nuts reflect on the historical nature of recent elections, discussing the pervasive use of fear in political messaging and it...
The Nuts engage in a lively discussion about college football, including the new playoff structure and its implications. They also share their thoughts on Halloween movies, particularly the classic 'Beetlejuice,' and reminisce about animated series from their childhood, exploring how these shows shaped their experiences growing up. More childhood nostalgia gives way to a discussion of the influence of advertising on consu...
Lindsey is watching scary movies, and David has opinions. All of the Nuts have opinions about Halloween costumes, with much reflecting on childhood memories and current trends. Lindsey and Alec have cute kids in cute Halloween costumes. As always, somehow food becomes a topic of conversation, and Alec drags Lindsey and David into a conversation about America's Got Talent (AGT), and the implications of winning such competitions...
In this episode, the Nuts discuss their experiences with Hurricane Helene, the impact of natural disasters on communities, and the misinformation that often arises in the aftermath. They explore the role of media in disaster response, the prevalence of conspiracy theories, and the psychological effects of chaos and uncertainty. The conversation shifts towards sports, highlighting the unpredictability of both natural events and athl...
This week’s show is as focused as usual, with conversations covering the TV show Black Sails, the depiction of pirates in media, childhood memories of camping, Reese's chocolate and peanut butter snacks, and the Michelin Guide. Alec is excited about the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Texas, and Lindsey and David learn things about the guide they never knew they didn’t know. The conversation turns to a recent social media trend wh...
The series 'Chimp Crazy' has fascinated Lindsey, and Alec has many unexpected opinions about monkey ownership and monkey media. Other topics include the controversy surrounding YouTuber Mr. Beast, Alec’s difficult relationship with Florida State football, and ghost kitchens. In addition, the Nuts dive into the Emmy nominees for 2024, reality TV shows, and their current TV and documentary recommendations.
How else would the episode start than with a discussion of the most famous scholar in the Nuts’ field, the Breakdancer RayGun. As with most of the world, the Nuts are skeptical. Other embarrassing moments in the Olympics are discussed, as well as the Nuts’ talents in music (no correlation). The conversation ends with a discussion about the closing ceremony of the Olympics and the inclusion of artists like Kelly Clarkson and Celine ...
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