Storytelling Saga

Ali shares a quick Courage the Cowardly Dog story called "Warm Whisper." This episode is dedicated in loving memory to the series' head writer, David Steven Cohen.

Ali discusses Disney's first feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).

Ali commemorates the 20th anniversary of Avatar: The Last Airbender by reflecting on what the show means to her, sharing a few silly memories based on what little she saw of it back when it was originally airing, as well as why she's always loved Kataang from the very beginning. Additionally, she expresses her infinite excitement for the new upcoming animated projects from Avatar Studios, including the limited series, Avatar: Seven Havens, and the first theatrical movie featuring the Gaang as young adults titled Aang: The Last Airbender. She also shares her love for the cast of the live-action Netflix adaptation of the series. To close out the episode, she shares a mushy Kataang story she wrote called "An Air of Certainty." "Will you go penguin sledding with me?"

Ali discusses Wicked: Part I, the long-awaited movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera as Elphaba and Glinda. "I hope you're happy, my friend."

Ali discusses three more Nicktoon Christmas specials: "When Santas Collide" (ChalkZone), "Have Yourself A Thornberry Little Christmas" (The Wild Thornberrys) and "A Rocket X-Mas" (Rocket Power).

Ali discusses the uplifting and incredibly emotional Pixar movie, Up, directed by Pete Docter.

Ali recaps her experience attending LA Comic Con for her third year in a row, sharing fun tidbits from panels featuring the cast of Rick and Morty and Avatar: The Last Airbender, as well as industry insights from other panelists about writing for animation, post-production, sound editing, and more. She also shares about meeting the voice actor behind the beloved Cabbage Merchant, James Sie, and almost missing the opportunity (but thankfully it worked out) to meet the voice of Aang, the Avatar himself, Zach Tyler Eisen.

Ali discusses the shredding Nicktoon, Rocket Power, created by Arlene Klasky and Gábor Csupó. Come along for the ride as she highlights all the ways this sports-centric series resonates with her now compared to when she watched it as a kid, namely all the sweet sibling moments between Otto and Reggie, the many hilarious lines from Twister stemming from his naive nature, the relatability of Sam aka Squid, Raymundo as an amazing dad and Tito as a wonderful fatherly figure, and much more, including what she thinks the four friends' careers would be and a whole bunch of details she didn't remember about the show—other than the iconic term, "shoobies," and the celebratory handshake, "Woogity, woogity, woogity, woogity!"

Ali discusses the profound animated movie that capped off the Disney Renaissance era, Tarzan.

Ali discusses the moving Disney Renaissance era animated film, Pocahontas.

Ali discusses Inside Out 2 written by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein and directed by Kelsey Mann.

Ali interviews writer, director, and producer, Craig Shemin, who shares about his work with The Jim Henson Company and various Muppets projects, including his two books, Sam and Friends: The Story of Jim Henson’s First Television Show and The Muppets Character Encyclopedia. He also shares about his experience on other shows he wrote for including The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss and Courage the Cowardly Dog, plus his personal favorite piece of Muppets memorabilia and much more!

Ali interviews actor and puppeteer, Jayden Libran, who shares about his work on various projects that include The Happytime Murders, Helluva Boss, Beavis and Butt-Head, Class Acts, and much more!

Ali discusses the sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, coming in hot with a few nitpicky narrative criticisms before delving into all the ways this series resonates with its darker and more mature themes, unique villains with a unifying characteristic, Korra's strength as the protagonist and how she stands out from Aang as the Avatar, and much more, including her thoughts on each of the romances culminating in a (potentially) hot take. "I'm [on a podcast], you gotta deal with it!"

Ali interviews actor and writer, Evan Marshall, who shares about his play, The AllStore, along with other projects pertaining to theater and film.

Ali recaps her experience attending Collect-A-Con Los Angeles, highlighting fun panels featuring beloved franchises including Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and more!

Ali discusses the documentary series, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. Listen at your own discretion.

Ali interviews illustrator and graphic designer, Michael Harring, whose projects include directing the movie, The Mountain, The River and The Road, illustrating the book, Magoo and His Magic Poo, developing a monster-themed collection called Wayward Ghouls, and much more.

Ali interviews co-creators of the comic book series, "Bobo & J-5: Journey to the Planet Pie!," Joseph Bricker (writer) and John Charles Bricker (illustrator).

Ali interviews Ashlee Wyatt, creator of the comic strip, "Fleaboy & Weasel."