Deep Thoughts About Stupid Sh*t: A Pop-Culture Podcast

Send us a text One, two, Freddy’s coming for you… Today’s episode of Deep Thoughts gives Emily a chance to finally exorcise the boogeyman of every 80’s childhood: Freddy Krueger. Though neither Emily nor Tracie ever saw the influential 1984 film Nightmare on Elm Street, the burned and be-knived Freddy cast a long shadow over the culture, meaning the Guy sisters were completely unaware of the badass Nancy Thompson, protagonist and final girl (the last woman alive to confront the killer) who refuses to give in. Though the film hits some false notes in 2024–specifically, the “punishment” of Tina after having sex–Wes Craven has created a remarkably feminist film that allows a very normal teen girl to reclaim her power from an abuser. What a shame that our culture chose to make Freddy the enduring symbol of this iconic film, rather than Nancy. Content warning: discussion of child murder, death, and sexual predation Whatever you do…don't fall asleep. And do throw on your headphones to listen in! Mentioned in this episode: https://thegeekiary.com/a-feminist-look-at-a-nightmare-on-elm-street/18520 https://slate.com/culture/2015/09/wes-craven-s-secret-feminism-as-seen-in-nightmare-on-elm-street-and-scream.html https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/1281 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-enduring-importance-of-nancy-from-a-nightmare-on-elm-street%3famp https://papaeleele.wordpress.com/2015/07/03/a-nightmare-on-adolescent-street-by-richard-stange/ Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Fear is the mind-killer… On this week’s episode of Deep Thoughts, Tracie and Emily welcome their cousin Jake Cohen to talk all things Dune, from Frank Herbert’s influential series of novels to the 1984 David Lynch adaptation to the recent Denis Villeneuve films. The conversation ranges from the intricate and well-thought out worldbuilding to the political implications of an extra-planetary messiah leading the Fremen of Arrakis with the promise of sandworm-killing water. While Herbert’s grand vision inspired countless writers and filmmakers, Dune still retains some outdated fatphobia, homophobia, gender essentialism, and sexism that were more typical of the 1960s, when the book was written. The spice (and the podcast episode) must flow! Content warning: Discussion of child SA Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Podcasts are like onions…they’ve got layers. In this patron-exclusive bonus episode, Emily takes a look back at Shrek, the charming ogre who entertained her young son. Though the movie is still laugh-out-loud funny at times, those guffaws come with unfortunate sides of fat-phobia, misogyny, and bio-essential transphobia that is truly ugly (unlike Fiona the ogress who is merely green). More than two decades after its initial release, the Disney diss track that launched a franchise is responsible for some of the hilarious, the recognizable, and the shoddily-built furniture in our minds. Once upon a time, two sisters gave a whole new perspective on a beloved, twisted fairytale film. But only for patrons. Really, really. (Psst! You can be a patron, too! It's easy.) Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a text Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and listen to a podcast once in a while, you might just miss it. This week, Tracie shares her deep thoughts about the iconic 1986 teen movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off–and unfortunately the results are not as charming as Matthew Broderick’s smile. Not only is Jeannie unfairly made out to be a villain simply because she is tired of Ferris getting away with murder, but the Guy sisters are able to draw a straight line between the beloved portrayal of a wealthy, confident and privileged teen boy who faces no consequences…and Brock Turner. Although Ferris’s antics hit different nearly 40 years later, the character of Cameron is just as compelling as we remember him, and a queer reading of Alan Ruck’s hilarious and poignant performance of the neglected best friend (and possible true protagonist) adds some nuance to a film that never claimed to be deep. Be a righteous dude and listen in! Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Only try to realize the truth: There is no spoon. When Emily brings her deep thoughts about the Wachowski Sisters’ 1999 cinematic masterpiece, The Matrix, the Guy sisters are unable to contain the conversation to under an hour. (We’re not exactly known for our brevity.) This movie, possibly the most popular, successful, and influential piece of art created by trans artists to date, is ripe with symbolism, allegory, and questions about the fundamental nature of reality. As one might expect with a “text” this rich, it resonates with a host of other sources, from anthropologists of religion to Plato, contemporary sociologists to the late George Carlin. With a nuance and complexity that requires (and rewards!) repeat viewing, The Matrix is truly a masterpiece. We can only show you the pod. You have to listen to it. Referenced in this episode: How The Matrix universalized a trans experience — and helped me accept my own by Emily St. James Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! This week on Deep Thoughts, Tracie brings nostalgia, laughter, and the unfortunate realization that you really can’t go home again with her analysis of The Ren & Stimpy Show. While creator and tortured animation genius John K brought back the artistry and commitment to craft when his angry Chihuahua and sweetly dim cat graced our screens in the early 1990s, he did so with a big old side of emotional and psychological abuse of his fellow animators and predation on teenage female fans. We revisit the hilarity that still makes Tracie and Emily snort their drinks, the humor and story beats that haven’t aged well, and the complicated legacy of a brilliant artist who thought the rules didn’t apply to him. Throw on your headphones because It’s Pod, it’s Pod! It’s long and funny and good! CW: discussions of statutory rape and grooming. Mentioned on this episode: Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren & Stimpy Story Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text NERDS!!! On today’s episode of Deep Thoughts, Emily shares her analysis (and horrified shuddering) about the oddly influential 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds. Though the filmmakers thought they were writing the “gentle and funny underdog story” that Gene Siskel characterized the movie as, Nerds treats women as less-than-human trophies by using sexual assault as a punchline. While the film does accept Lamar Latrelle’s open homosexuality as NBD (but still pokes fun at stereotypical gay behavior), the majority of the humor relies on misogyny, racism, homophobia, and fatphobia while the film undercuts its own message by telling nerds they can beat the jocks at their own game–which continues to have devastating consequences 40 years later. Content warning: Discussions of rape by deception, revenge porn and pedophilia. Throw on your headphones and join us in the unenlightened early 80s… Mentioned in this episode: The Oral History of Revenge of the Nerds Reconsidering Revenge: How Revenge Of The Nerds‘ Misogyny Is Evident In Current Nerd Culture Siskel & Ebert - Revenge of the Nerds (1984) Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text O Captain! My Captain! Join us as Tracie brings her deep thoughts to the 1989 film Dead Poets Society on today’s episode. Though this beloved film was supposed to be a defense of the humanities (and remember, both Guy Girls were English majors at private liberal arts colleges), this rewatch made it clear the film thinks poetry is simply cute and that Robin Williams’s John Keating agitated for independent thought–as long as it aligned with his own. While the movie does not inspire like it once did, bringing a queer lens to the analysis offers some important lessons on becoming one’s full self. Is this a podcast I see before me? Earbuds toward my hand? Come, let me listen to thee! CW: Suicide and mentions of sexual harassment/stalking. Mentioned in this episode: Dead Poets Society Is a Terrible Defense of the Humanities by Kevin Dettmar (Atlantic) Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Hold on to your butts! On this week’s episode of Deep Thoughts, Emily shares her analysis of the 1993 film Jurassic Park. She describes the thrill of being the target audience for a summer blockbuster (she was 14 when it came out) and her discomfort with how the book portrayed the only two female characters as an annoying child and a cardboard cutout with breasts. She and Tracie talk about how the film that teaches us that life finds a way makes for an unexpected (and unintended) allegory for the importance of reproductive autonomy. And Emily explains why Muldoon’s final words of “Clever girl” are her favorite movie moment. Throw on some headphones and listen to the adventure 65 million 31 years in the making! Note: We had some technical difficulties during recording and lost a couple minutes of recording but Tracie mentioned some of the missing information in her synthesis. Specifically, in the missing section, Emily talked about Dr. Sattler saying “Dinosaurs eat man. Woman inherits the earth” and about Spielberg’s desire to cast Joseph Mazzello as Tim, which affected the ages of the children in the film compared to the book. Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Magic! Do as you will! Tracie brings her deep thoughts about the 1982 animated film The Last Unicorn, a lesser-known but beloved part of the traumatizing 80s movie canon. With gorgeous animation–the studio went on to become Studio Ghibli–this film tells an odd story about how mortality allows us to feel regret and reminds us there are no happy endings because there are no endings. Tracie and Emily’s conversation ranges from sublime (the gendered nature of power) to the ridiculous (I’m engaged to a Douglas fir!) and enjoys many pit stops through unicorn lore along the way. Don’t be a Schmendrick! Put on your headphones and listen to this episode. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/geek-therapy-professionals/202203/what-the-last-unicorn-means-us-today https://www.fantasy-animation.org/current-posts/mortality-over-legacy-an-analysis-of-the-last-unicorn Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text In the words of David Cassidy, in fact, while he was still with The Partridge Family, I think I love you… Join us this week as Tracie and Emily revisit the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral that they first saw in the theater together. Not only did this film launch Guy girls’ long-standing fixation on Hugh Grant, the floppy-haired embodiment of the word diffident, but it also tells a nuanced and progressive (for the early 90s) story of gay romance, subverts the expectations of female sexuality, and offers some lovely disability representation. While not everything holds up to 30-year hindsight–the characters are all posh white folks with lots o’ money and Andie MacDowell’s character is a bit of a sexy lamp–this brilliantly funny movie is well worth the rewatch. You are cordially invited to don your headphones and listen to this episode… Mentioned in this episode Four things to say about Four Weddings now it’s 25 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-84804/Four-Weddings-star-dies.html https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x752gdf Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a Text Message. Was it beauty that killed the beast? Or was it capitalism…aided by airplanes? On this week’s episode of Deep Thoughts, Tracie and Emily welcome Oberlin Professor Pat Day to talk about the ape, the myth, the movie legend: King Kong. Prof. Day walks us through how the original filmmakers in 1933 used new technology (A musical score! Claymation! The newly-built Empire State building!) to critique how technology destroys nature. The conversation covers all three versions of Kong: 1933 starring Fay Wray, 1976 starring Jessica Lange, and 2005 starring Naomi Watts, and we discuss the sexualized and racialized nature of Kong’s threat to the beautiful blond woman and what it means that Watts, unlike her predecessors, truly sympathizes with the doomed ape. Grab your headphones and join us on our voyage to Skull Island! Mentioned in this episode: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/king-kong-2005 (Note from Emily: I could have sworn it was Ebert who said that if Kong fighting one T-Rex is cool, then him fighting three is even BETTER, but that does not appear in his review here. If anyone can remember who said that back in 2005, please let us know!) Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text We’re not bad…we’re just drawn that way! In this episode, Emily brings her deep thoughts about a marvel of innovation and animation: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? This 1988 film, a self-conscious mashup of three different animation studios’ styles and the film-noir of the Chinatown films, is a unique vehicle for a conversation about the ways in which art begets art. It also leads to some musings on options for reviving old stories (or genres) in ways that don’t perpetuate old hurts and oppression. In the end, much like with our Deep Thoughts About Clue, we are left with a deep appreciation for the filmmakers who took their task seriously, but never themselves. P-p-please! Put in your earbuds and join us in Toontown! Mentioned in this episode: Manners and Monsters series by Tilly Wallace Dominic Noble: Who Framed Roger Rabbit Lost in Adaptation Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Now I had the time of my life…revisiting this classic! In today’s special patrons-only bonus episode, Tracie dives deep into the unexpected hit film Dirty Dancing. Join the sisters as they unpack Eleanor Bergstein’s very intentional and subversive storytelling that made abortion integral to the plot (which surprised the heck out of college-aged Emily when she realized the abortion subplot had sailed over her head as a kid). Though we still don’t know why it’s bad to put Baby in the corner, it’s delightful to learn that you can go home again…if you’re going home to Kellerman’s with the Houseman family. Plug in your headphones and shake those maracas as you listen to this episode. Content warning: Discussion of sexual coercion Mentioned in this episode: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/dirty-dancing-1987 Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes like this one, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Hell is only a word… This week on Deep Thoughts, the sisters welcome best-selling horror novelist (and Emily’s fellow Kenyon alum) Scott Kenemore to discuss the 1997 cult classic Event Horizon starring Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne. The wide-ranging discussion moves from the meaning of cosmic horror to the importance of intent when creating new technology to the satisfying dichotomy of advanced spacecraft bringing humans to their ancient fears. Much like the movie, this episode is a ride that will take you places you don't expect to go. (But with more laughter, thankfully). Where we’re going, we don’t need eyes to see…just some headphones to hear this episode! Content warning: Mention of suicide, self-harm, and sexual harrassment Want to learn more about Scott? Find him at scottkenemore.com x.com/ScottKenemore Pre-order his book space horror novel Edge of the Wire through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Bookshop.org (which helps support your local independent bookstore). Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text They’re subversive and they’re kooky, whimsical, sweet and spooky…The Addams Family! snap, snap On today’s Deep Thoughts, Emily overthinks The Addams Family–specifically the 1990s era films starring Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston as Gomez and Morticia. The sisters examine how The Addams Family uses horror tropes and subversions to humorous effect and to shine a light on the truly horrific aspects of mainstream culture. Both films pass the Bechdel test with flying colors, and Morticia and Wednesday provide well-rendered characters that are a delight to watch. But the films do give with one hand (Morticia is a strong woman with agency) while taking away with another (she’s characterized as a good mother first and foremost). Join us as we talk about the most open and accepting family in pop culture. Put on your headphones, cara mia, and take a listen! Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a Text Message. I really really really wanna zig-a-zig-AH! On this week’s episode of Deep Thoughts, Tracie and Emily delve into the global phenomenon of the Spice Girls. Tracie explains how she saw the inevitability of Spicy world domination while living in London in 1997 and decided to embrace the manufactured pop group’s grrl power, despite feeling leery of the mixed messages these sexualized young women were sending. Though the group became a feminism gateway for a number of young girls (and inspired Adele!) and emphasized the importance of friendship and solidarity, the sisters do have to grapple with the reality of Scary and Baby Spice’s horrifying nicknames and the overwhelming body scrutiny the women were subjected to. Here’s the story from A to Z–you gotta throw on your headphones and listen carefully! Mentioned in this episode Ms. Mojo: Top 20 Celebs Who Shot Down Homophobic Interview Questions https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/28/arts/music/spice-girls-girl-power.html https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/dec/13/spice-girls-feminism-viva-forever https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/spice-world-1998 Content warning: Mentions of eating disorders and body shaming Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text That’s so funny I forgot to laugh! On this week’s episode, Emily and Tracie welcome Mallory Henson to talk about her reverence for the TV show Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Mallory introduces the sisters to the path Paul Reubens took to develop the character of Pee-wee Herman and how the show recreated the joyful chaos of a child’s mind while also teaching intentional lessons on acceptance and intercultural curiosity. While not everything has aged perfectly–there was a misogynistic and fatphobic joke from the first season of the show that stuck like a splinter in little 8-year-old Emily’s mind–it’s clear that Reubens was a loving and joyful entertainer who delighted in making his fans happy. Connect the headphones, la-la-la-la, listen to the podcast, la-la-la-la For more from Mallory, check out her Instagram Content warning: Discussions of fatphobia Mentioned in this episode https://hommes.studio/journal/what-is-memphis-design-style/ Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Find us on Facebook or Instagram Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text Party Time! Excellent! [Extended guitar solo] On this week’s episode of Deep Thoughts, Emily revisits the most important cultural touchstone of the late 20th century: Wayne’s World. In addition to introducing an entire generation to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, this film presented a surprisingly complex characterization of Tia Carrere’s Cassandra and taught us that Milwaukee is the only major American city to have three Socialist mayors. While not everything holds up to 30 years of hindsight–the film doesn’t pass the Bechdel test, leans into the crazy ex-girlfriend trope, and makes a joke about police committing sexual assault–this remarkably sunny, silly, and sweet film still has a lot to offer modern audiences. Exsqueeze me? Baking powder? Why haven’t you started listening already? Content warning: Mentions of domestic violence, discussion of sexualized police violence Mentioned in this episode https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/waynes-world-1992 Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.

Send us a text It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s an unreasonable hatred for Hackensack, New Jersey! This week, Tracie brings her Deep Thoughts about the 1978 film Superman: The Movie. From the way this film helped legitimize comic books and superheroes as a valid art form to the huge influence Christopher Reeve’s Superman still has on our culture, this pillar of the Guy Girls’ childhood offers a lot to appreciate on a second look. But, not everything is rosy in Smallville and Metropolis, including the misogyny of Lois Lane’s inability to spell, despite being The Daily Planet’s best reporter, and a cavalier attitude about consent. Retreat to your own personal Fortress of Solitude and take a listen. Our theme music is "Professor Umlaut" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Learn more about Tracie and Emily (including our other projects), join the Guy Girls' family, secure exclusive access to bonus episodes, video versions, and early access to Deep Thoughts by visiting us on Patreon.