Best Mutant Origins Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 252 Toys on Tap w/ Mecha Virus: Kaiju, Customs, and Comebacks 57:01

Play Pause

2h ago57:01

57:01

We sit down with Mechavirus for a fast-moving dive into his journey from Boston street art to kaiju customs to full-on vinyl production. Todd talks returning to the scene, the rise of DIY toy studios, and the spark behind his robot-meets-steampunk aesthetic. He breaks down early factory struggles, how tech changed the game, and why U.S. vinyl produ…

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#86 - The Original Peaceamaker (Kinda) 1:19:43

1h ago1:19:43

1:19:43

We discuss the original Charlton Peacemaker comic, briefly, before tackling the rest of the issues included in the new DC FINEST collection dedicated to the character. Plus, Justin goes wild for comic books in Montreal! Join our Patreon for bonus episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theveryfinecomicbookpod…

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035 - The Savage Dragon Vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crossover (1993) 50:10

6d ago50:10

50:10

On this episode, the guys take a look into The Savage Dragon Vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crossover co published by Image and Mirage comics. Written and Illustrated by Eric Larsen and Michael Dooney in 1993. Also check out the podcast Movie Smash where Dan guested on the podcast Movie Smash https://open.spotify.com/episode/4n6dHn5vhnDRWCMourLJBm…

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S5 E7: A World Without Cyrus Recognizing His Own Message 13:56

5d ago13:56

13:56

When Cybot disappears, he returns with a message…from another place and time. Do you want to buy the script? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesscript⁠ Want to listen to music from the show? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutestheme⁠ Looking for official Six Minutes merch? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesmerch⁠ For more great shows and to listen early and ad…

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Ep. 251 Toys on Tap w/ The Last Goldfish: From Museums to Mutant Fish Machines 48:52

2h ago48:52

48:52

Kelly Barfield grew up without TV, without many toys… but surrounded by ancient Egyptian artifacts. Now she designs toys at Kid Robot by day and builds her own wonderfully strange fish-themed empire by night. We dive in with Kelly as she unpacks how museums shaped her imagination, why humor is hiding in history, and how her journey went from car mo…

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"The Fantastic Mr. Frump," Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends 1:18:55

4d ago1:18:55

1:18:55

After a brief detour of Maddy and Ryan sharing some fun facts about Ms. Lion, it's time to get into an episode of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends that is hard to read as anything but gay: "The Fantastic Mr. Frump." The titular Mr. Frump is an old friend of Aunt May's who suddenly finds himself out of a job and down on his luck. Meanwhile, Doctor…

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S5 E6: A World Without Knowing the Identity of the Creepy Voice at WhittierCorp 16:00

12d ago16:00

16:00

Cyrus and Brynleigh are interrogated by a mysterious person. Do you want to buy the script? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesscript⁠ Want to listen to music from the show? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutestheme⁠ Looking for official Six Minutes merch? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesmerch⁠ For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit ⁠GZM…

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Ep. 250 Toys on Tap w/ Paul Kaiju: From Model Kits to Vinyl Legends 1:11:31

14d ago1:11:31

1:11:31

In this packed episode, we sit down with the legendary Paul Kaiju to trace his path from early model kits and “Wild West” vinyl experiments to becoming one of the most influential artists in the sofubi world. We dive into shipping nightmares, unexpected tariffs, and the obscure paint techniques behind iconic Japanese vinyl. Paul opens up about his …

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Introducing: The Left Arm Treasure Society 29:49

16d ago29:49

29:49

Episiode 1 "The Treasure" When 13-year-old Jonas moves into his late Grandpa’s house, he stumbles upon the mystery of a lost treasure that could be worth millions… and finds himself going head to head with a curse! Want more? Listen to Episode 2 "The Curse" right now on our Imagination Amplified podcast feed and be sure to follow for new episodes c…

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S5 E5: A World Without Cyrus and Brynleigh Remembering Cyleigh 14:27

19d ago14:27

14:27

Cyrus rescues Brynleigh from the water, but it's Birdie who discovers a new talent. Do you want to buy the script? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesscript⁠ Want to listen to music from the show? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutestheme⁠ Looking for official Six Minutes merch? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesmerch⁠ For more great shows and to listen early …

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"The Triumph of the Green Goblin," Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends 1:10:14

21d ago1:10:14

1:10:14

Maddy and Ryan circle back to the pilot episode of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, which you'd think would set up the show's premise and characters, but it doesn't. Peter and Bobby go on a double date to a comic book-themed dance where everybody's dressed up as Marvel heroes and heroines, which results in the most confusing possible introductio…

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Ep. 249 Toys on Tap w/ Sebastián Gómez: From Chile to the Toy Shelf: a Journey in 3D Art and Nostalgia 1:04:25

22d ago1:04:25

1:04:25

We sit down with 3D artist and toy designer Sebastian to explore his incredible journey from Chile to the U.S., where he arrived without knowing a word of English and found his voice through art and toys. From sketching Thundercats and TMNT to sculpting for Disney and landing a licensing deal with Mondo, Sebastian shares how a childhood love for co…

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S5 E4: A World Without a Friend to Jump in the River With 14:10

26d ago14:10

14:10

Brynleigh realizes she’s going to have to leave Nowhere without Holiday. Do you want to buy the script? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesscript⁠ Want to listen to music from the show? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutestheme⁠ Looking for official Six Minutes merch? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesmerch⁠ For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free…

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Ep. 248 Toys on Tap w/ Rick Kitagawa: Kaiju Coaching & Creative Courage 56:29

9d ago56:29

56:29

What if the monsters in your head could help you grow? In this episode, we sit down with Rick; artist, toy designer, and creator of Kaiju Coaching which helps to explore how “inner monsters” can fuel creativity instead of fear. From his early days in screen printing and co-founding a San Francisco print shop to sculpting vinyl figures, Rick’s story…

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034 - From Hell (9-16) 1:52:45

28d ago1:52:45

1:52:45

On this episode, we conclude the epic From Hell, with parts 9-16. Written by Alan Moore and art by Eddie Campell published from 1989 to 1999, currently printed in paperback form by Top Shelf Productions. Also check out the podcast Movie Smash where Dan will be guesting on a upcoming episode https://open.spotify.com/show/7yzB1QQEPWBZdDfJoASSSg Follo…

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S5 E3: A World Without High School Lab Partners 16:18

1M ago16:18

16:18

Jude makes his plea to Brynleigh while Cyrus seeks help from an old friend. Do you want to buy the script? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesscript⁠ Want to listen to music from the show? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutestheme⁠ Looking for official Six Minutes merch? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesmerch⁠ For more great shows and to listen early and ad-f…

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"The Origin of Iceman," Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends 1:01:33

1M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981) was not created during a time period when Bobby Drake was canonically gay, but watching "The Origin of Iceman" sure has Maddy and Ryan wondering about that. Thanks to the return of Video-Man (who has his own origin episode earlier in this series), Bobby Drake loses his mutant powers. Under the pretext of re…

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Ep. 247 Toys on Tap w/ Theo Cane: From Battle Bars to Toy Shelves: The Rise of Slimehouse TV 1:35:12

29d ago1:35:12

1:35:12

This week, we sit down with Theo Kane, the former battle rapper, filmmaker, and the creative force behind Slimehouse TV. From spitting bars to sculpting toys, Theo’s story is one of relentless creativity and reinvention. He shares how growing up with an antique-dealer father sparked his obsession with toys, how 90s plastic junk became modern treasu…

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033 - From Hell (1-8) 1:29:38

1M ago1:29:38

1:29:38

On this episode, in honor of this years Halloween celebration, the guys take a look at the classic From Hell issues 1-8. Written by Alan Moore and art by Eddie Campell published from 1989 to 1999, currently printed in paperback form by Top Shelf Productions. Also check out the podcast Movie Smash where Dan will be guesting on a upcoming episode htt…

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S5 E2: A World Without Robotics Competition Victories 15:37

1M ago15:37

15:37

The Anders family returns “home” and a glitchy Cybot spills all. Meanwhile, Nowhere might not be as empty as it first seemed. Do you want to buy the script? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesscript⁠ Want to listen to music from the show? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutestheme⁠ Looking for official Six Minutes merch? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesmerch⁠…

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#85 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin 1:21:27

1M ago1:21:27

1:21:27

We discuss the biggest money maker book for the Turtles in decades. Join our Patreon for bonus episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theveryfinecomicbookpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying The Very Fine Comic Book Podcast, please take the time to Rate it [on Spotify], R…

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Ep. 246Toys on Tap w/ David Coffman: The Secret Handshake Between Farm and Sofubi 1:19:30

1M ago1:19:30

1:19:30

From a farm in Gilroy to the world of animation and sofubi, David's journey is one of grit, creativity, and community. In this episode, We sit down with the artist behind Secret Handshake Toys to talk about how Saturday morning cartoons sparked a lifelong love of animation and toy collecting. David shares his path from Hallmark animator to indie to…

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S5 E1: A World Without Space and Time 17:52

2M ago17:52

17:52

As Season 5 begins, Holiday and Brynleigh find themselves in a void outside of space and time while the Anders family doesn’t seem to remember Holiday ever existed at all. Do you want to buy the script? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutesscript⁠ Want to listen to music from the show? ⁠https://tinyurl.com/sixminutestheme⁠ Looking for official Six Minute…

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"The Prison Plot," Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends 1:12:56

2M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Maddy and Ryan travel back in time to 1981, when Iceman was still closeted and also was one of the three stars of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. This show also introduced a new mutant character named Firestar who got added to comic book canon later on; she sure does look a lot like Mary Jane, who isn't present on this show. Also, she's only he…

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Ep. 245 Toys on Tap w/ Chance Priest: Handcrafted Chaos: Inside Chance’s Toy Empire and bootleg toy Obsession 1:07:01

2M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

After 2 years away, Chance returns to Toys on Tap with a massive update. From running a 45,000 sq. ft. warehouse to streamlining his operation, Chance opens up about the grind, the downsizing, and the auctions that keep his empire alive. He’s created over 200 handcrafted figures, each sculpted, molded, and painted by hand, while balancing the late-…

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Ep. 244 Toys on Tap w/ Toy Monster Podcast: Toy Monster Origins: Tattoos, Toys & the Art of Nostalgia 1:00:30

2M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

What happens when lifelong toy collectors turn their childhood obsessions into careers and creative ventures? In this episode of Toys on Tap, we sit down with Chris and Nick; tattoo artists, podcasters, and toy fanatics, to explore how toys have shaped every stage of their lives. From chasing the world record for Optimus Prime figures to turning no…

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032 - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon - Manga Chapter 1 1:09:53

2M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

On this episode, the guys take a look at their first Manga with Pretty Guardians Sailor Moon - Chapter 1 writte1991 and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi. It was originally serialized in Kodansha's shōjo manga magazine Nakayoshi in Also check out the podcast Dan guested on..... Radical Retro Rewind : Thundercats Reviews : Return to Thundera https://ope…

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Deadpool 2 (2018), Part 2 1:41:47

2M ago1:41:47

1:41:47

Ryan, Todd, and Maddy reconvene to discuss the second half of Deadpool 2 (2018), in which Deadpool and Cable do not kiss, to the chagrin of 2018-era Maddy. In 2025, though, we can all recognize what little gayness this movie could manage, which is Cable using his last bit of time travel juice to save Deadpool's life. Of course, after that, Cable wo…

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Ep. 243 Toys on Tap:Bootlegs, Basslines & Resin Dreams: The World of Pope Toys 59:20

2M ago59:20

59:20

This week on Toys on Tap, we sit down with Christian of Pope Toys for a deep dive into the wild intersections of collecting, customizing, and creating. From childhood Ninja Turtle hunts and Ghostbuster yard-sale scores to horror-inspired kitbashes and rare bootleg finds, the conversation traces how a love of toys evolved into a resin-casting practi…

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Ep. 242 Toys on Tap: From Punk to Kaiju: Paul’s Origin Story: Episode 1 43:48

2M ago43:48

43:48

This episode of Toys on Tap dives into the origins of legendary toy maker Paul Kaiju (Paul Copeland). From 1970s Chicago mornings watching Speed Racer, Kimba, and Son of Godzilla with his dad, to hunting Japanese die-cast treasures in Little Tokyo, Paul’s story is pure nostalgia. The path winds through skateboarding, punk shows, and even a career i…

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031 - More Fun Comics #67 (Dr. Fate Origin) 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

On this episode, the guys take a look at More Fun Comics #67 in which we dive into the first origin of Dr. Fate!! Written by Gardner Fox and art by Howard Sherman and published in 1941. Dan also guested on the Radical Retro Rewind Episode ThunderCats Reviews Bonus Number Seven "The Geek With A Beard" https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tGA9Jn2FFzBjqz…

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S4 E52: Out of Time, Everywhere and Nowhere 22:20

3M ago22:20

22:20

In the final episode of Season 4, timelines collide…and the Six MInutes universe might never be the same. For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit GZMshows.com SPONSOR SUPPORT: Support for Six Minutes is brought to us by ⁠⁠Acorns Early⁠⁠. Ready to teach your kids the smart way to earn, save, and spend? Get your first month on us …

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Ep. 241 Toys on Tap: Dinos, Mechs, and Making It Work: Tony Bui on Toy Design 1:10:45

2M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

This week we sit down with illustrator and toy designer Tony Bui to dive into his creative journey from Saturday morning cartoons and Street Fighter marathons to launching his own toy lines. Tony shares how he balanced art school with military commitments, made the leap from greeting cards to resin toys, and found his footing in the indie toy scene…

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Deadpool 2 (2018), Part 1 2:12:02

3M ago2:12:02

2:12:02

Maddy, Ryan, and Todd discuss the first half of Deadpool 2, which is thankfully an improvement over the first Deadpool movie, but it still has a lot of Vanessa and Wade's chemistry-devoid love story that should not be in the movie. Despite that, we finally get to bring back the long-missing "Who's Gay?" section, which says a lot about how much this…

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S4 E51: Out to Fix the Timeline 24:41

3M ago24:41

24:41

In the penultimate episode of Season 4, Holiday attempts to switch River and Sam with Monica and James, but Adam has other plans. For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit GZMshows.com SPONSOR SUPPORT: Support for Six Minutes is brought to us by ⁠⁠Acorns Early⁠⁠. Ready to teach your kids the smart way to earn, save, and spend? Get…

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Ep. 240 Toys on Tap: From Avocados to Animation: Tony Mora’s Creative Grind 1:21:38

2M ago1:21:38

1:21:38

In this episode, we sit down with artist and creator Tony Mora to unpack his remarkable journey across animation, web design, 3D modeling, and toy making. From his childhood in Bell Gardens, where anime and Godzilla shaped his imagination, to carving out a career in a turbulent creative industry, Tony shares how resilience and adaptability have gui…

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030 - Fantastic Four #1 (1961 First Appearance) 1:04:31

3M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

On this episode, the guys take a look at Fantastic Four #1 from 1961!! Written by Stan Lee and art by Jack Kirby. Published by Marvel Comics in 1961, this is the origin of the Fantastic Four. Also with a special ranking by Autumn on Fantastic Four Villians you sure to not want to miss!!! Dan also guested a episode of The Flicks And Friends podcast …

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S4 E50: Out to Sea on the Elixir Key 18:31

3M ago18:31

18:31

While forces converge on Neverland, our time travelers arrive at the Elixir Academy, where secrets are revealed. For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit ⁠GZMshows.com⁠ SPONSOR SUPPORT: Support for Six Minutes is brought to us by ⁠⁠Acorns Early⁠⁠. Ready to teach your kids the smart way to earn, save, and spend? Get your first mon…

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Listener Mail, September 2025 1:33:37

3M ago1:33:37

1:33:37

Maddy, Ryan, and Todd convene to answer listeners' questions, including ones about which five X-Men should go on a cross-country RV trip together, which X-Men would be able to stand eating ten hot wings in 5 minutes (without using their powers), various X-Men novelizations, and even some more discussion of what Magneto was doing in X-Men '97. In ou…

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Ep. 239 Toys on Tap w/Flaw Toys: Resin, Flaws, and the Road from Amsterdam to Thailand 57:26

3M ago57:26

57:26

Together, we trace Flaw Toys’ journey from Dutch toy-store summers to life in Thailand, exploring how an engineering career gave way to sculpting strange, resin-cast figures that embrace imperfection. Along the way, you’ll hear about early experiments, artistic flops that became fan favorites, and why “flaws” are actually the soul of handmade art. …

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S4 E49: There’s No Me Without You 16:10

3M ago16:10

16:10

Monica connects with her inner child…literally. For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit ⁠GZMshows.com⁠ SPONSOR SUPPORT: Support for Six Minutes is brought to us by ⁠Acorns Early⁠. Ready to teach your kids the smart way to earn, save, and spend? Get your first month on us when you head to ⁠AcornsEarly.com/sixminutes⁠ Learn more a…

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Ep. 238 Toys on Tap w/Unlucky Toys, Big Moves: Joseph’s Journey to Japan 56:17

3M ago56:17

56:17

From graffiti walls in Des Moines to the resin and vinyl toy scene in Japan, this week we sit down with Joseph of Unlucky Toys. At just 27, Joseph has already carved out a path through resin casting, graffiti-inspired design, and collaborations with artists across the U.S. Now, he and his wife are preparing for a huge move to Japan, where Joseph ho…

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#84 - Jonathan Hickman's Fantastic Four: Solve Everything 1:04:59

3M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

We discuss Jonathan Hickman's legedary run on the Fantastic Four, talk about the new movie, and wonder if Mike will actually read all of ONE PIECE (No) Join our Patreon for bonus episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theveryfinecomicbookpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoyi…

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S4 E48: Come Out and Say Hi, Adelaide 17:00

3M ago17:00

17:00

Monica’s bold decision puts the fate of the Anders family in jeopardy. For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit ⁠GZMshows.com⁠ SPONSOR SHOUTOUT: Support for Six Minutes is brought to us by ⁠Acorns Early⁠. Ready to teach your kids the smart way to earn, save, and spend? Get your first month on us when you head to ⁠AcornsEarly.com/…

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Looking back on The Gifted (2017-2019) 1:14:52

4M ago1:14:52

1:14:52

Having finished both seasons of The Gifted, Maddy and Ryan get together for a big reminisce about what worked, what didn't work, and the larger legacy of this show as an X-Men adaptation. The disappointing series finale cast a shadow over this recording and our feelings about the show as a whole, but we nonetheless had plenty to choose from when it…

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Ep. 237 Toys on Tap:From Dreams to Digital: Sculpting a Creative Life w/ More Horrific 51:28

4M ago51:28

51:28

We sit down with Mark, a digital sculptor who stumbled into the craft during the pandemic and turned late-night experiments of “Dreams” into a thriving career. What started as tinkering with clay shifted into the world of digital sculpting, where Mark now balances family life, a full-time job as a news director, and collaborations with major compan…

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#83 - Superman: Up In The Sky Is One Of The Best Superman Comics 1:20:11

4M ago1:20:11

1:20:11

We discuss one of the greatest Superman stories, which is less than 150 pages and was originally published as part of a reprint collections that could only be bought at Walmart. It is SUPERMAN: UP IN THE SKY by Tom King and Andy Kubert Join our Patreon for bonus episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/thevery…

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029 - The Man Of Steel #5 (1986) 1:34:06

4M ago1:34:06

1:34:06

On this episode, the guys take a look at The Man Of Steel #5 Written and Illustrated by John Byrne, Published by Dc Comics in 1986. This issue is the retelling of Bizarro Post Crisis on Infinite Earths. They also discuss the new 2025 Superman movie by James Gunn along with a ranking of the Superman Theater Movies by Autumn Cee! Dan also guested on …

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S4 E47: Testing Out a New Power 14:09

4M ago14:09

14:09

Cyrus’s transformation doesn’t go as planned. For more great shows and to listen early and ad-free, visit ⁠GZMshows.com⁠ SPONSOR SHOUTOUT: Support for Six Minutes is brought to us by ⁠Acorns Early⁠. Ready to teach your kids the smart way to earn, save, and spend? Get your first month on us when you head to ⁠AcornsEarly.com/sixminutes⁠ Learn more ab…

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Ep. 236 Toys on Tap: Inside Summer Slime – Building Community Through Art & Collaboration 1:07:47

4M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Step into the heart of the indie toy scene as we talk through Toys on Tap's first-ever experience at Summer Slime, a backyard gathering that’s as much about community as it is about art. From curated music and food to a unique lottery buying system, the event blends collector excitement with a laid-back, personal vibe. With careful pacing, ticketed…