The podcast that shares stories
Ali discusses the works of bestselling author, Mitch Albom, touching on the universal themes of life, love, family, faith and more that he beautifully depicts in his popular books, including his debut memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie, novels, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, For One More Day, The First Phone Call from Heaven, The Time Keeper and The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, as well as his latest memoir, Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family.
Ali discusses Tiny Toon Adventures created by Tom Ruegger, sharing her appreciation for these Looney Tunes counterparts chockfull of slapstick gags, meta humor and fourth wall breaking commentary, plus her love of the catchy theme song and being confused as to what “no relation” meant when she watched the show in reruns on Nickelodeon as a little kid. She also talks about that one banned episode, as well as the fun direct-to-video movie, Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation.
Ali discusses the creative cartoon about a global coalition of adult-fighting kids, Codename: Kids Next Door, created by Mr. Warburton. She reminisces about watching the pilot back when it originally aired that won the Cartoon Network viewers’ poll to be made into a series. She talks about favorite episodes she loved as a kid, plus a bunch she’d never seen until now, all the while sharing her thoughts on the dynamics of the five main characters, Numbuhs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. She also discusses the series finale, “Operation: I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S,” and she touches on the attempted spin-off series, Galactic: Kids Next Door.
Ali interviews animator and director, Aaron Long. He shares how he became a director on BoJack Horseman, memorable episodes and scenes he’s worked on for the show, his favorite contributions to Tuca & Bertie thus far, the inspiration for his indie cartoon series, Sublo and Tangy Mustard, favorite episodes and funny character names, as well as the character he relates to the most from his show. He also shares his thoughts on cartoon reboots, some of his all-time favorite cartoon characters and advice for young animators and creators.
Be sure to check out Aaron’s site, aaronlongcartoons.com, as well as his YouTube channel. You can also follow him on Twitter.
Ali discusses some of her personal favorite bottle episodes from various TV shows and what makes them so interesting, whether it’s hilarious character interactions, building tension between two characters or raising the stakes as an episode plays out in real time.
Ali and returning guest, Sylvie, discuss all things fanfiction, including their early days of reading and writing it, touching on various fandoms, genres and pairings, as well as collaborations, crossovers, clichés and general misconceptions about fanfiction. They also discuss the pros and cons of writing fanfiction, their thoughts on the successful fanfic turned bestselling trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey, and finally, their advice for writers.
Check out Sylvie’s website, sylviesoul.com, as well as her completed Hey Arnold! fanfic she talks about in the episode, Sailor Helga.
Ali discusses the defining moments of Beatrice Horseman (née Sugarman) as seen in flashbacks of BoJack’s terrible childhood, her own tragic childhood depicted in the season 4 episode, “The Old Sugarman Place,” further exploration of pivotal points in her life that led to her bitter adulthood all shown through her shaky memories in the fantastic penultimate episode of season 4, “Time’s Arrow,” BoJack delivering her eulogy in the standout episode of season 5, “Free Churro,” and finally her last appearance in the phenomenal penultimate episode of the series, “The View from Halfway Down.”
Be sure to also check out Episode 80 — The Final Season of BoJack Horseman + “Nothing Unsaid” and Episode 4 — BoJack Horseman + “Temporarily Forget.”
Ali discusses what goes into writing a TV comedy pilot in this special 100th episode of the podcast! She talks about the two main things any pilot should accomplish as well as the difference between a premise pilot and an episodic pilot, drawing examples from some of her favorites along the way while also talking about how the television landscape has changed over the years.
Here’s the article Ali mentions at the beginning of the episode: Good Place Creator Michael Schur on What We Lose When TV Gets Shorter.
Ali discusses the brilliant Pixar movie, Inside Out, directed by Pete Docter, praising the imaginative concept and emotional storytelling that make it one of the best Pixar films. Afterward, she shares an Inside Out story she wrote called “An Emotional First Date.”
Ali discusses the hilarious movie, Superbad, written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, sharing her favorite lines and her appreciation for the sweet moments that capture the genuine yet changing friendship between the two main characters.
