Cosmic Circus Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Blue Beetle Movie Discussion | The Cosmic Circle Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

Xolo Maridueña stars as the scarab-tactic superhero Blue Beetle, which buzzed onto the big screen this past weekend. Blue Beetle, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, is the first live-action comic book film with a Hispanic lead. The long-anticipated picture is the third DC Studios release this year after Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash.

It's all about family in The Fast and the... er... Blue Beetle, and on this episode of The Cosmic Circle, we are joined by some fantastic family members. Writers Anthony Flagg and Wiktor Reinfuss swarmed in for our chat about the celestial scarab-powered superhero Jaime Reyes.

We talked about the movie's meaning on a cultural level, our favorite parts, including the charming and talented Xolo Maridueña, and our thoughts on the nefarious Victoria Kord, portrayed by screen legend Susan Sarandon. We even talked about that mid-credits scene and whether or not Jason Sudeikis really is Ted Kord.

And dear listeners, you won't want to miss our discussion of just how many times Wiktor has seen The Flash. So whether you're a lifelong DC Comics fan or someone who's just getting into the world of DC after James Gunn took over the studio, this podcast is for you.

You can listen to the podcast below directly or on most sites where you listen to podcasts. For email updates to The Cosmic Circle and Cosmic Cafe podcasts, subscribe here and follow us for updates on X (formerly Twitter) at @cosmicpodcasts!

[Warning: Spoilers from Blue Beetle are within the podcast! Avert your eyes and return to Gotham, Central City or Metropolis lest you be spoiled. ]

Secret Invasion Discussion | The Cosmic Circle Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

Six weeks ago, Secret Invasion began its journey on Disney+. The first Marvel Studios series of 2023 has come and gone, and it has left quite an impression on fans of the MCU. Whether you've loved it or hated it, Secret Invasion has definitely left people talking. So with so many differing thoughts and opinions on this divisive show, The Cosmic Circus writers couldn't wait to get together on a Secret Invasion wrap-up discussion!

Join host Brian Kitson and fellow writers Anthony Flagg, Ayla Ruby, and Uday Kataria as they break down every moment from Marvel's Secret Invasion! Which characters are their favorites? Which moments were they disappointed in? And where exactly do they think the MCU is headed in the aftermath of this series? All that and more can be found in this podcast!

Podcast credits and show notes

Contributors/Writers

Anthony Flagg

Ayla Ruby

Brian Kitson

Uday Kataria

Executive Producer/Editor

Lizzie Hill

Recorded on 06/25/23

Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Read the full article at: https://thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-37-secret-invasion-wrap-up-discussion/

Interview: Jordan Canning on Directing the Funniest ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Episode Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been serving up some chef’s kiss episodes that will surely be on “best of” lists for years to come. (And that’s not just because we see Captain Pike and Spock in the kitchen!) We recently had the chance to sit down over Zoom with director Jordan Canning, who helped bring the recent and hilarious season 2 episode “Charades” to the screen. Canning’s insights into the creative process behind “Charades” and her passion for Trek were, to quote Spock, “fascinating.”

[Warning: This podcast interview contains spoilers for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Proceed at your own risk.]

Host: Ayla Ruby of thecosmiccircus.com
Theme: "Coffee and You" by Vladislav Kurnikov via Pixabay.

For the full article for this interview visit: https://thecosmiccircus.com/exclusive-interview-jordan-canning-on-directing-the-funniest-star-trek-strange-new-worlds-episode/

’Barbie’ Movie Discussion | The Cosmic Circle Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

After months of buzz, the live-action Barbie movie finally hit theaters this weekend, and we're diving deep into this episode of the Cosmic Circle. The world's most famous doll has been brought to life by writer-director Greta Gerwig and her professional partner Noah Baumbach. After seeing the massively successful box office, it's safe to say we're in a Barbie world.

On this episode of the Cosmic Circle, we're joined by writers John Dotson and Uday Kataria to discuss the live-action Barbie film. Our cosmic conversation included everything from the pink world of Barbieland and the star-studded cast (including Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling) and awards buzz. We also discuss the film's true villain, the cultural phenomenon that is Barbieheimer, and why this movie has an important message for kids everywhere. So whether you're a lifelong Barbie fan or just curious about the hype and love listening to us talk, tune in for this fascinating discussion.

Podcast credits and show notes

Contributors/Writers

Ayla Ruby

John Dotson

Uday Kataria

Executive Producer/Editor

Lizzie Hill

Recorded on 07/24/23

Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Ep. 36 Timestamps: Barbie movie discussion (Spoilers)

00:18 - Intros

01:00 - Spoiler alert for the Barbie movie!

01:10 - First impressions on Barbie and it's themes.

08:30 - America Ferrera's monologue, hit or miss?

13:27 - Barbenheimer

19:30 - What was your movie-going experience?

21:19 - What does Barbie's massive box office success mean for movies in general?

32:41 - Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling's performances.

39:32 - Was Ken the villain of the story or was it someone or something else?

45:00 - Favorite Easter eggs or things that made you laugh

48:00 - Thoughts on the ending of the Barbie movie.

52:00 - Outros

Read the full article at: https://thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-36-barbie-movie-discussion/

Superman Discussion (Past and Future) | The Cosmic Circle Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

With Superman & Lois finishing its third season, My Adventures with Superman on Max now, and Superman: Legacy beginning to assemble its cast, now is the perfect time to reflect on the greatest hero of them all: SUPERMAN! Featuring in 85 years of comics, radio, TV, film, animation, and live action, no character has had a greater impact on comic book culture than the gentle giant Superman and the mild-mannered Clark Kent.

Join host Vin, Vic, and Anthony as they look back on the Man of Tomorrow, their favorite adaptations, and what they hope to see in the future. What are the best Superman storylines? What makes a good Superman adaptation? Do the red undies matter?? Tune in for all this and more!

(SPOILER WARNING for past Superman comics, shows, and movies)

Podcast credits and show notes

Contributors/Writers

Anthony Flagg

Vin

Wiktor Reinfuss

Executive Producer/Editor

Lizzie Hill

Recorded on 07/16/23

Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Read full article at: https://thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-35-superman-discussion-past-and-future/

The Best 2023 Television Series So Far! | The Cosmic Circle Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

The year is already half over, and it has been a cosmically wild ride. It feels like just yesterday we were all warming up a cup of eggnog for our Hawkeye rewatch and gearing up for the new year. New films and television shows have been released at a breakneck pace in 2023, and it's been hard to keep up with all the good stuff. (We've tried! Our Letterboxd accounts are proof.) But fear not, dear reader, for we here at The Cosmic Circus have done the hard work for you. We've scoured the airwaves and streaming services to bring you a list of the must-watch television shows of 2023.

On this episode of the Cosmic Circle, host Ayla Ruby is joined by writers Anthony Flagg and John Dotson to discuss their top five television shows of 2023 (so far). They'll also be sharing some honorable mentions. What do you think will make it to number one? Will your favorite be on the list? Tune in to hear what the Cosmic Crew says about the year's best television.

Podcast credits and show notes Contributors/Writers

Ayla Ruby

Anthony Flagg

John Dotson

Executive Producer/Editor

Lizzie Hill

Recorded on 07/09/23

Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Full article available at: https://thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-34-the-best-2023-television-series-so-far/

Interview with Sarah Collier and Hugh Ross of ’Outlander’ Jul 09, 2023

Show notes

Outlander crackles with tension in the latest episode of the hit show “Death Be Not Proud,” as Fraser’s Ridge and Jamie, Claire, and Ian are put to the test. Hugh Ross and Sarah Collier, who play Mr. and Mrs. Bug in the time-traveling historical drama, sat down with Cosmic Cafe host Ayla Ruby over Zoom for an exclusive interview to discuss the episode and what the shocking events, including that big death from the scorcher of an episode, mean moving forward.

[Warning: This interview contains spoilers for Outlander. Proceed at your own risk.]

Host: Ayla Ruby of thecosmiccircus.com
Theme: "Coffee and You" by Vladislav Kurnikov via Pixabay.

For the full article for this interview visit: https://thecosmiccircus.com/exclusive-sarah-collier-and-hugh-ross-on-the-shocking-last-episode-of-outlander/

Top Movies of 2023 So Far! | The Cosmic Circle Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

Can you believe we're already halfway through 2023? Time flies when there's so so many new films and television shows rolling out. There are so many standouts and quite a few upsets as well, that it almost seems impossible to keep up with everything that comes out in a year. Now that we're six months into the year, we here at The Cosmic Circus wanted to look back at some of the highlights from 2023's movies.

Join host Ayla Ruby along with well Cosmic Circus writers Brian Kitson and John Dotson as they rank their top five 2023 movies so far. What do you think will make it to number one? Will your favorite of the year make it on their list? You'll have to listen in to see what the writers have to say about the movies of 2023. A huge thanks to John for joining us on The Cosmic Circle, we can't wait to have you on again!

Podcast credits and show notes Contributors/Writers

Ayla Ruby

Brian Kitson

John Dotson

Executive Producer/Editor

Lizzie Hill

Recorded on 07/02/23

Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.
Full article with timestamps at: https://thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-33-2023-movie-discussion/

’Secret Invasion’ Episode 1 | The Cosmic Circle Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

Secret Invasion has finally arrived on Disney+, ending our dry spell of Marvel Studios content on the streaming service. This six-episode series sees the return of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) as you've never seen him before. The world has changed so much after the Snap, so much so that Fury doesn't know what to expect anymore. Secret Invasion has only dropped one episode, but already the excitement for this series has been building, so of course we have to get together and talk about it in our Secret Invasion premiere discussion!

Join host Brian Kitson, along with fellow writers Alex Perez, Anthony Flagg, and Uday Kataria as they discuss every exciting detail and disappointment from the first episode of Secret Invasion. These four discuss which new character is their favorite, the impact that a certain death has on the series and MCU, and where they think the show will end up.

Podcast credits and show notes Contributors/Writers

- Alex Perez
- Anthony Flagg
- Brian Kitson
- Uday Kataria

Executive Producer/Editor

- Lizzie Hill

Recorded on 06/25/23

Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Full article available at: https://the.cosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-32-secret-invasion-premiere-discussion-spoilers

’The Flash’ Movie Discussion | The Cosmic Circle Jun 18, 2023

Show notes

After a decade since it was first announced, The DCEU's The Flash has finally arrived in theaters. It's been a long journey to bring Barry Allen and his powers of lightning speed to the silver screen, but fans of the witty speedster are excited to finally see the final product. With the arrival of The Flash, the beginning of the end has begun for the DECU, with just two more films left to close out the chapter. So in honor of this new DC film, we couldn't wait to break it all down in our The Flash discussion.

Join host Brian Kitson, along with fellow writers Drew Reed and Wiktor Reinfuss as they break down the highs and lows from The Flash. Listen as they tell you their favorite parts, what didn't work for them, and just what cameo in the film is their favorite. They also speculate about the future of the DC films and how the DCEU can reach a proper swan song. All this and more can be heard in this newest exciting episode of The Cosmic Circle!

For email updates to The Cosmic Circle and Cosmic Cafe podcasts subscribe and follow us for updates on Twitter at @cosmicpodcasts!

Podcast credits and show notes Contributors/Writers