Informed Attraction

This week, Mackenna and Aubrey watched Candyman. This episode has a little bit for everyone: the history of the Chicago housing projections, discussions of white saviors, Tony Todd, girl boobs, and also Ryan Reynolds.  Hosted by: Mackenna Goodrich (she/they; @mack3nna) and Dr. Aubrey Hoffer, PHd (she/her; @hoff.phd) email us: informedattraction@gmail.com Theme music: Josh Capati Logo design: Freya Sierra  

Halloween continues with, well... Halloween! This week, Aubrey and Mackenna are discussing slasher films and how the primary villains often have traits that resemble physical disabilities. Aubrey has seen all of these movies. Mackenna has seen like three of them.  Hosted by: Mackenna Goodrich (she/they; @mack3nna) and Dr. Aubrey Hoffer, PHd (she/her; @hoff.phd) email us: informedattraction@gmail.com Theme music: Josh Capati Logo design: Freya Sierra Listening notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQS47mOc8EqAXK3W9OLl93zIhwR_xIxw3xcjPZfkn92V8DI-kef4OnwuyPNj-1p7u1ffWip3XGEhGKP/pub

Mackenna and Aubrey dive into the goth girlfriend trope, exploring the origins of iconic characters like Elvira and the intricacies of whimsigoth fashion. They dissect the manic pixie dream girl and sexy tragic muse tropes, discussing their impact on media and personal experiences. The conversation includes a deep dive into dating app dynamics, the fetishization of alt aesthetics, and how men often project fantasies onto alt partners. They round off with uplifting memes, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and finding genuine connections.

Dive into the world of the 'goth girlfriend' meme! The hosts dissect the cultural roots of goth and its representation in media, from iconic characters like Sam Manson to the Hex Girls. They tackle the impact of the 'big-titty goth girlfriend' phenomenon and how it affects alt girls. Explore the tension between authenticity and mainstream appropriation, alongside personal anecdotes of style evolution. With humor and depth, they challenge how media flattens subcultures into digestible archetypes, all while championing genuine self-expression.

Explore the fascinating world of female brand mascots through time! The hosts dive into Aunt Jemima's controversial history and rebranding journey. They dissect Betty Crocker's evolution into a corporate homemaker icon. A deep dive into Flo from Progressive reveals her unique, self-aware persona and how she reshaped mascot culture. The discussion also touches on the harassment faced by Lily from AT&T, sparking a broader conversation about objectification in advertising. A vibrant mix of nostalgia and critique awaits!

Dive into the whimsical world of M&Ms, where history meets hilarity! The hosts explore the cultural implications of the Green M&M’s redesign and its connection to broader societal debates. Enjoy playful banter, nostalgic candy tales, and quirky name games that keep the conversation light. The evolution of M&M mascots is dissected with humor, showcasing their impact on audiences over the years. Plus, uncover insights into ethical concerns in the chocolate industry. It's a sweet blend of fun and thought-provoking discussions!

This discussion dives into the quirky world of brand mascots, featuring the controversial likes of Tony the Tiger and Chester Cheetah. The hosts share humorous banter about their childhood cereal and snack preferences, while also touching on the absurdities of mascot-themed media. They explore the emotional connections to these characters and the implications of food marketing on kids. Listeners get a taste of nostalgia mixed with debates on unhealthy food advertising and the evolution of mascot identities.

Dive into the quirky world of brand mascots as they hilariously unravel the iconic Hamburger Helper Hand and the Rice Krispies elves. The hosts blend nostalgia and humor, exploring childhood food memories and the cultural impact of characters like the Kool-Aid Man. Amusing anecdotes about food adventures in unexpected places and reflections on wrestling with identity through mascots add a playful twist. They even tackle the strange allure and evolving designs of these queer icons, making it a delightful and entertaining discussion.

Join a humorous exploration of brand mascots like Mr. Clean and the Brawny Man. The hosts dissect the allure of these iconic figures and their impact on consumer culture. Dive into the paradox of Mr. Whipple's Charmin ads and laugh along with anecdotes about trendy toys like Squishmallows. Unpack the evolution of masculinity in marketing and the charming yet contentious legacy of Charmin's bear. Finally, ponder environmental concerns linked to toilet paper production and the cultural significance of these mascots in a playful yet thought-provoking discussion.

This week, the hosts dive into the differences between the play and film adaptations of 'The Whale,' discussing how character portrayals and themes differ significantly. They highlight Brendan Fraser's unexpected casting and the director's challenges in finding the right fit. The conversation touches on obesity, body image perceptions, and the need for authentic representation in media. They also reflect on the emotional depth of characters and critique the film's balance between sympathy and caricature, raising questions about societal stigma.