Retrospection Connection

Guess who's back (for a moment, at least)?! In this latest installment of Retrospection Connection, I chat with my friend (and former boss *shrieks*) Sam about a lovely film by the name of "Spirited Away". Maybe you've heard of it? It's a story of a young girl learning to stand on her own two feet for the first time, taking the fate of her family, friends, and herself into her own hands. I had an amazing time unpacking this movie with Sam, and I hope you get some enjoyment out of it too :)Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme"Ad Break" segment music creator: HoliznaCC0

In this episode of RC, I dove headfirst into HBO miniseries "Station Eleven" with my new friend, Gracie. For the uninitiated, "Station Eleven", based on a popular book of the same name, chronicles the immediate and long-term aftermath of a world-ravaging pandemic (which I’m sure no one can draw any parallels to in our reality). Seriously though, through watching the show, I was reminded that it’s sometimes important to confront ideas that make you uncomfortable; that’s where processing and healing can be found more often than not. Together, Gracie and I discussed themes of grief and loss, forging community in the face of struggle, and appreciating the beautiful, finite nature of the present moment. Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme. “Ad Break” segment music creator: HoliznaCC0.

Long ago, in the late 1900s, the world changed forever when a new human classification system dropped. All of a sudden, everyone had to know: were they a Carrie, a Samantha, a Miranda, or a Charlotte? That’s right, today’s piece of media is none other than the 1998 HBO juggernaut, Sex & the City. This episode holds an extra special place in my heart, not only because it allowed me to channel my inner New Yorker, but also because of today’s guest, fellow pop culture fanatic (and my friend) Carolina. In this episode, we engage in something of a deep dive into friendships, romance, and personal development, both in the context of Sex & the City and our own experiences as so-called adults. Without further ado, be sure to grab your favorite mixed drink or mocktail and listen in on our conversation! Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme. “Ad Break” segment music creator: HoliznaCC0.

Lately, I’ve been reminiscing on one of my favorite conventions of the classic sitcom, the “very special episode”. You very likely remember an episode of your favorite 80s or 90s sitcom that addressed an unusually heavy topic for the format. It was honestly a bit jarring most of the time, ham-fisted between plots chock full of frivolous hijinks and shenanigans. On occasion though, necessary and important conversations were sparked with these sorts of episodes, and they paved the way for modern sitcoms to integrate these topics more seamlessly. One such example is Netflix’s hit animated sitcom, BoJack Horseman, which chronicles the life of the titular character, trying (and often struggling) to make a new name for himself despite his troubled past and present. In this episode of RC, I chat with new friend and BoJack expert, Chris, on how this show and its characters contend with what it means to be a complicated human (or anthropomorphic animal), and to make the most of being alive despite the cards you’ve been dealt. I hope you enjoy!

Good news...this is officially Retrospection Connection's 13th episode! RC is officially a teenager, and this is something that we must celebrate. To mark the occasion in style, I got my friend (and future nurse girlboss), Emily, on the line with me to discuss another iconic piece of media that has something to do with teenagers, the 1999 classic film, 10 Things I Hate About You. If you love this movie like us, or if you haven’t even seen it, but enjoy movies that are 70% pure manipulation and a dash of cute romance shenanigans, you’ll definitely want to keep listening. We’ve got a great episode for you and it’s yours to enjoy! Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme. “Ad Break” segment music creator: HoliznaCC0.

In this episode of Retrospection Connection, I had the privilege of talking with my homegirl, Alexa, about a piece of media that so effortlessly captures the highs and lows of young Black life in LA: HBO’s 2016 hit comedy, Insecure. Creator and starring actress, Issa Rae, deserves her flowers and so much more for so expertly interpreting the thoughts, humor, expressions of love, and culture of so many Black folks; many of whom wouldn’t hesitate to deem it a modern classic. Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme. “Ad Break” segment music creator: HoliznaCC0.

In this episode of Retrospection Connection, we travel back to the year 2000 to discuss the iconic sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle! Fortunately for me, my new friend, Durel, came to chat with me about the show and, in the process, we unpacked themes of family, the intersection of race and class, what it means to be “gifted”, and making the most out of your lot in life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have looked back on this classic sitcom and to have made a friend in the process. Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme. “Ad Break” segment music creator: HoliznaCC0.

In this episode of RC, I decided to pull out my bootleg Sherlock Holmes hat and watch another mystery-esque project. 2006’s The Pink Panther, to be specific. To my surprise, this movie made me legitimately reflect on how I can show up more authentically, care less about what other people think, and be my own biggest fan. I’m forever grateful to my guest and friend, Alec, for exposing me to this unceasingly strange, yet disarmingly earnest and heartwarming film. Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme. “Ad Break” segment music creator: HoliznaCC0.

Taimur, a friend who shares life experiences and wisdom, explores Nickelodeon's 2005 animated TV hit, Avatar: The Last Airbender. They discuss themes of belonging and family, finding balance and stability, and the evolution of taste in media. The podcast explores how popular culture shaped their upbringing and provides insights into the characters and bending powers in the show. Finally, they discuss childhood games and their preferences for story-based video games.

In a first for Retrospection Connection, I’m joined by a returning guest! You heard me right, my girl Taylor is back and prepared to take us all where no man has gone before. We are discussing the worldwide pop culture institution that is Star Trek (specifically Star Trek: Voyager, for my super fans out there). I hope you enjoy, as we talk about the appeal of long-running franchises, making difficult life decisions, and the necessity of forging community in adulthood. Follow the pod on instagram @retrospectionconnection. If you’d like to hear about a particular tv show or movie, or be considered as a featured guest on “RC”, feel free to send an email to retrospectconnect2001@gmail.com. Theme music creator: Rummel Requerme“. Ad Break” segment music creator: HoliznaCC0.