Best Yellow Brick Pod Podcasts (2025)

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Peel Behind the Curtain Series: Professional Vocalist with Amber Sauer (plus Dancing with the Stars Wicked Night!) 1:17:41

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2h ago1:17:41

1:17:41

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue into the Peel Behind the Curtain series, where they break down truths and bust myths behind different industries and experiences. In today's episode, special guest Amber Sauer joins the pod to share her journey as a professional vocalist, singing for Wicked Night on Dancing with the Stars, and more! Show notes…

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'Wicked for Good' (2025) Reactions with Down The Yellow Brick Pod and Courtney Iventosch 1:39:48

16h ago1:39:48

1:39:48

This week, Madeline, Emilio and Julian discuss the recently released 'Wicked For Good', the second part of a pair of films that together have brought the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen. After chatting a bit themselves, the co-hosts invite back their guests from last year’s conversation about 'Wicked Part 1' - EmKay and Tara from the pop…

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Wicked in Brazil! Non-Replicas and More with Superfan Paulo Samu 1:26:50

1h ago1:26:50

1:26:50

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are thrilled to be diving into Wicked musical non-replicas, specifically Brazil's multiple productions, with superfan Paulo Samu! Rabbit holes include the theater scene in Brazil, major changes in the Brazil non-replicas, casting shout outs, and more! *Please note this episode contains Wicked musical spoilers :) Show N…

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'Eyes Wide Shut' (1999): Escapade, Cavalcade, Masquerade 1:50:55

14h ago1:50:55

1:50:55

Madeline, Emilio, and Julian continue their seasonal cycle of Unorthodox Holiday Movies with a discussion about "Eyes Wide Shut," Stanley Kubrick's enigmatic final feature from 1999. Marking their first discussion about a Kubrick film, the trio take an appropriately late-at-night stroll journey through the many layers of EWS, including its touches …

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"Wizard of Oz: The Official Graphic Novel of the Film" with writer and illustrator Soo Lee 52:21

5d ago52:21

52:21

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are joined by writer and illustrator Soo Lee to share all about Dynamite and Warner Bros. Discovery's new "Wizard of Oz" graphic novel celebrating MGM's 85th Anniversary! Soo shares about the process of adapting the MGM film to the page, the value of reading graphic novels, her own design process, and more! Check the n…

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SPOILERS! NYC "Wicked: For Good" Premiere and Initial Reactions (with Charlie Champion) 1:42:01

12d ago1:42:01

1:42:01

Send us a text SPOILERS ABOUND in this episode!! Tara and EmKay share about their experience attending the New York City premiere of "Wicked: For Good," their initial impressions of the film, and takeaways from sharing the experience with friends from near and far. Oz fan Charlie Champion then joins to share about seeing "Wicked: For Good" as someo…

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Slipperhood Series: Lauren Samuels (Former Elphaba "Wicked" National Tour) 1:17:37

12d ago1:17:37

1:17:37

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are joined by former tour Elphie and past contestant of Andrew Lloyd Webbers "Over the Rainbow" reality competition show, Lauren Samuels! Lauren shares memories of being a part of the show, highs and lows of playing Elphaba, and more! Show notes: Cakeworthy Margaret Hamilton From Cleveland, Ohio to the Land of Oz by Do…

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Wicked: One Wonderful Night - We Were There! And Final "For Good" Thoughts 2:01:50

14d ago2:01:50

2:01:50

Send us a text Oh what a thrillifying special NBC treated us to with Wicked: One Wonderful Night! Tara and EmKay break down highlights from their time at the Dolby Theater, favorite moments of the special, and share final Wicked: For Good thoughts before seeing the film. Show Notes: @JoliCreates Instagram @JoliCreates Tik Tok Oddment and Tweak Inst…

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Dads, Daughters, and the Revolution: "One Battle After Another" (2025) with Brendan McDonald 2:31:41

21d ago2:31:41

2:31:41

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio are rejoined by Brendan McDonald, former producer of the iconic podcast WTF with Marc Maron, for a bonus episode about Paul Thomas Anderson's latest masterpiece, One Battle After Another. Kicking off with a check-in on Brendan's life following WTF's end this past October, the group roll through the many hills of PTA's n…

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Celebrating Wicked Broadway's 22nd Anniversary with Emily Koch and Garett Hawe 1:37:08

19d ago1:37:08

1:37:08

Send us a text Tara and EmKay couldn't be happier to celebrate Wicked Broadway's 22nd anniversary! To help in the festivations are former Elphaba Emily Koch and former Ensemble/Boq understudy Garett Hawe! The duo shares about their time on the national tour, how Wicked brought them together, some Wicked Broadway trivia, and even a quick nursing/Bro…

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The No Place Like Home 2025 Retreat Recap & Attendee Shares! 1:29:05

26d ago1:29:05

1:29:05

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are elated to recap 2025's No Place Like Home Retreat, their annual Oz getaway! Rabbit holes include highlights of the retreat, a breakdown of main events, as well as shares from several attendees of this year's retreat. So many emotions. Thank you so much to ALL retreat attendees who made this year so special! Show No…

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MORE "Wicked: For Good" Updates!.. Again 1:00:03

29d ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Send us a text Oh what a celebration we'll have today! Tara and EmKay break down even more updates and featurettes from "Wicked: For Good"! EmKay shares broad thoughts (no spoilers) on the recent screening of Wicked: For Good starting at 12:52 and ends at 19:52. Show Notes: Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part I Bond and Grace Instagram: @downtheyellowbr…

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The Worst Noel: 'Black Christmas' (1974) with James Codoyannis 1:49:48

1M ago1:49:48

1:49:48

To kick off the latest cycle of "Unorthodox Holiday Suggestions", Emilio brings the original 'Black Christmas', Bob Clark's other holiday themed masterpiece from 1974, to the group just in time for spooky season. Joining the usual three cohosts is James Codoyannis, fellow cinephile and editor for film/TV who worked on the well-received, recently re…

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Obsessulated: The Plaza! (including the Defying Gravitea) 1:51:57

1M ago1:51:57

1:51:57

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are thrillified to dive into a new series: Obsessulated, celebrating corners of the universe they are obsessed with. Today's rabbit hole is NYC's iconic Plaza Hotel! Rabbit holes include the Plaza's countless Oz crossovers, experiencing 2025's Defying Gravitea, and a very special giveaway winner announcement! *Thank yo…

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Even MORE "Wicked: For Good" Updates! 51:59

1M ago51:59

51:59

Send us a text Oh what a celebration we'll have today! Tara and EmKay break down even more updates and featurettes from "Wicked: For Good," including Wicked Night on Dancing With the Stars! Show Notes: Oddment and Tweak Drawn by Bryan Drawn by Bryan RedBubble Drawn by Bryan TeePublic Instagram: @downtheyellowbrickpod #DownTheYBP Tara: @taratagtickl…

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Found Footage Evolution with Shaun Seneviratne: 'The Blair Witch Project' (1999), 'Creep' (2014), and 'Searching' (2018) 1:50:47

1M ago1:50:47

1:50:47

For their Audience Interrogation cycle "Close Up" episode, Emilio, Julian and Madeline hit record and explore a genre that they are, admittedly, not as familiar with: Found Footage Films. They are joined by writer/director/teacher/musician Shaun Seneviratne, a fellow cinephile whose been historically lukewarm on Found Footage films, but enthusiasti…

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Good Witch of the Concrete Jungle Series: Baby Love (Glinda in Fagtasia's "Wickedt: Part One") 1:24:27

1M ago1:24:27

1:24:27

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are thrillified to welcome to the pod, NYC's trans drag royalty, Baby Love!! Founder, director, producer, and star of Fagtasia, a drag parody show, Baby Love shares all about Fagtasia's "Wickedt: Part One." Rabbit holes include the creation of Fagtasia, changes to this new production, Baby Love's embodiment of Glinda, …

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"Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands" with Larry King and Axel Alonso 55:46

1M ago55:46

55:46

Send us a text Graphic novel lovers, listen up! "Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands" will be released November 11th, 2025, and Tara and EmKay are here to spread the word on this incredible Oz lit you'll want in your hands! Join for a conversation with co-writer Larry King and Chief Creative Officer of AWA Studios, Axel Alonso, to hear about what …

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Movies That Scarred Us 2:06:02

2M ago2:06:02

2:06:02

If you're a lover of movies, there is, without a doubt, a disturbing movie (or several) that you saw when you were too young to process it. With imagery and scenes that have lodged themselves in your brain. And since the memory of the discomfort that movie brought you is still there somewhere, it changed us in a small but meaningful way. For this b…

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"Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands" with Larry King and Kevin McCollum 1:01:20

2M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Send us a text Graphic novel lovers, listen up! "Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands" will be released November 11th, 2025, and Tara and EmKay are here to spread the word on this incredible Oz lit you'll want in your hands! Join for a conversation with co-writer Larry King and producer Kevin McCollum to hear about the inception of the Ultimate Oz …

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More "Wicked: For Good" Updates! 49:30

2M ago49:30

49:30

Send us a text Oh what a celebration we'll have today! Tara and EmKay break down even more updates and featurettes from "Wicked: For Good." Show Notes: Ultimate Oz Universe Bond and Grace Instagram: @downtheyellowbrickpod #DownTheYBP Tara: @taratagtickles EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod Etsy: ht…

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Pursuing the Money Shot: 'Nightcrawler' (2014) and 'Civil War' (2024) with Michael Cramer 2:04:58

2M ago2:04:58

2:04:58

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio continue their episode cycle on Audience Interrogation with a "Two-Shot" on Dan Gilroy's "Nightcrawler" (2014) and Alex Garland's "Civil War" (2024), and are joined for the conversation by Michael Cramer, professor of Film History at Julian's alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College. Looking at this surprisingly fitting pair …

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The Masters Behind the Curtain Series: Bowen Yang 1:13:42

2M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are thrillified and have officially been through, because today Wicked's own Pfannee, Bowen Yang, joins the pod! Rabbit holes include Bowen's long time love of the musical, his reaction to seeing the final film, a brief taste of what to expect from Pfannee and Shen Shen in Part 2, games galore, and so much more! Show N…

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Rock and Roll Re-Creation: 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' (2025) 1:39:44

2M ago1:39:44

1:39:44

As a bonus this week, Julian, Emilio, and Madeline gear up for Spinal Tap’s reunion in the new release “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues”. Released 41 years after the previously discussed “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984), this legasequel catches up with our hosts’ favorite semi-fictional heavy metal band. The group points out the impossibly high bar of …

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"Wicked: For Good" Final Trailer! 53:26

2M ago53:26

53:26

Send us a text Oh what a celebration we'll have today! Tara and EmKay break down the FINAL "Wicked: For Good" trailer. Rabbit holes include potential theories, unanswered questions, highlights from the social media channels, and so much more! Show Notes: Ultimate Oz Universe Withy Workshop Instagram: @downtheyellowbrickpod #DownTheYBP Tara: @tarata…

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Peel Behind the Curtain Series: Musical Theatre (Part 2) 53:41

2M ago53:41

53:41

Send us a text Tara and EmKay dive into a new series: Peel Behind the Curtain, where they will break down truths and bust myths behind different industries and experiences. In today's episode, rabbit holes include individual experiences with auditioning, budgeting as an actor, pay transparency with various jobs, and more! Show notes: @JoliCreates I…

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Peel Behind the Curtain Series: Musical Theatre (Part 1) 46:59

2M ago46:59

46:59

Send us a text Tara and EmKay dive into a new series: Peel Behind the Curtain, where they will break down truths and bust myths behind different industries and experiences. In today's episode, rabbit holes include individual experiences with auditioning, budgeting as an actor, pay transparency with various jobs, and more! Show notes: Drawn by Bryan…

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Spike Lee's 'Bamboozled' (2000) at 25 with Idris Goodwin 2:10:31

3M ago2:10:31

2:10:31

For the "Audience Interrogation" cycle's Suggestion Box episode, Emilio, Julian and Madeline go with a pick that's been a long time coming: 'Bamboozled', Spike Lee's unapologetically confrontational satire from 2000 about racial stereotypes and the media. The group welcomes back multi-disciplinary artist, professor, and fellow appreciator of satire…

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Slipperhood Series: Jeffrey McHale (Director of "It's Dorothy!") 1:32:57

3M ago1:32:57

1:32:57

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are joined by filmmaker and director of the new documentary "It's Dorothy!," Jeffrey McHale! Jeffrey shares about his journey to filmmaking, the documentary's debut at the Tribeca Film Festival, Tara and EmKay's involvement in the film, and more! Show notes: "It's Dorothy!" Jeffrey McHale "You Don't Nomi" Wicked: For G…

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Rerelease - 'This is Spinal Tap' (1984) 1:33:33

3M ago1:33:33

1:33:33

With 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' arriving to theaters this week, England's "loudest band" is coming back to the big screen! If you haven't yet listened to it, or would love to remind yourself of what makes the original film such a delight, don't miss our conversation from last year (originally released August 2024), where Madeline, Julian an…

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Wicked: Part I - Deleted Scenes with Caroline Norton (Part 2) 1:12:08

3M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Send us a text Tara and EmKay wrap up their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by return guest Caroline Norton to dive into the deleted scenes! Join for a discussion of the ten deleted scenes, opinions on which ones deserved to stay in, Caroline's fan writing, and more. S…

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Wicked: Part I - Deleted Scenes with Caroline Norton (Part 1) 1:01:55

3M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Send us a text Tara and EmKay wrap up their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by return guest Caroline Norton to dive into the deleted scenes! Join for a discussion of the ten deleted scenes, opinions on which ones deserved to stay in, favorite moments, and more. Stay tu…

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Wicked: Part I - Defying Gravity Part 3 with Patrick Clanton 59:36

3M ago59:36

59:36

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by return guest Patrick Clanton to dive into the ending of "Defying Gravity"! Rabbit holes include Patrick meeting Mother Elphaba herself, thoughts on the ending of the film, and more! Show no…

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Hindsight is 2020: 'Eddington' (2025) with Mariquita Reese 1:58:31

3M ago1:58:31

1:58:31

Continuing their episode cycle discussing films related to "Audience Interrogation", Emilio, Julian and Madeline strap on their masks, observe social distancing guidelines, and harken back to the recent past with 'Eddington', Ari Aster's darkly comedic Neo-Western and one of 2025's more polarizing and thought-provoking releases. In true lockdown fa…

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Queer Visitors Book Club and Drag Story Hour with Jonathan Hamilt 15:02

3M ago15:02

15:02

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are thrilled to be joined by Jonathan Hamilt to learn more about Drag Story Hour and the brand new Queer Visitors book club! Jonathan shares about the importance of providing spaces for people to learn more about queer history, celebrate the art of drag, and of course gather over a shared love of Oz. See show notes to …

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Wicked: Part I - Defying Gravity Part 2 with Patrick Clanton 1:33:15

3M ago1:33:15

1:33:15

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by return guest Patrick Clanton to dive into the ending of "Defying Gravity"! Rabbit holes include first reactions to this scene, sound design, the creation of the underscoring, and so much mo…

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Slipperhood Series: "A Hundred Magical Reasons" novel with author Laura DeNooyer 1:13:58

3M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are thrilled to be joined by another Slipperhood guest, Laura DeNooyer, author of the brand new novel "A Hundred Magical Reasons"! Laura shares her Oz DNA, her research process into L. Frank Baum's life, recommendations for an Oz vacation in Michigan, and more! Show Notes: Laura DeNooyer From Vanity Fair to Emerald Cit…

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Wicked: Part I - Defying Gravity Part 1 with Callum and Michael of Once Upon a VHS 2:20:08

3M ago2:20:08

2:20:08

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Callum Sinclair and Michael Lee Richardson of the incredible podcast Once Upon a VHS to dive into the first half of "Defying Gravity"! Rabbit holes include items in the background, Return t…

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"Wicked: For Good" First Look Breakdown! 1:01:10

3M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Send us a text Oh what a celebration we'll have today! Tara and EmKay break down the First Look of "Wicked: For Good" by highlighting new clips, theories, new merch, and more! Show Notes: Wicked: For Good | First Look Instagram: @downtheyellowbrickpod #DownTheYBP Tara: @taratagtickles EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/…

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In Dreams, You're Mine: "Blue Velvet" (1986) with Lily Desmond 1:47:12

4M ago1:47:12

1:47:12

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio begin a new episode cycle focusing on Audience Interrogation in film with a "View-nanimous" discussion on David Lynch's 1986 masterpiece "Blue Velvet," and are joined by returning guest, multi-talented musician and fellow Lynch fan Lily Desmond for the conversation. Marking their long-awaited first episode on a Lynch fi…

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Wicked: Part I - Balloon Escape scene with Robert Berg and James Taylor, Jr. 1:54:39

3M ago1:54:39

1:54:39

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Robert Berg and James Taylor, Jr., to dive into the balloon escape scene! Rabbit holes include Grimmerie lore, hot air balloon culture, the creation of Chistery, and so much more! Show note…

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Wicked: Part I - "Sentimental Man" with Kevin Bianchi of Sentimental Men Podcast 1:57:53

4M ago1:57:53

1:57:53

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by one half of Sentimental Men Podcast, Kevin Bianchi, to dive into "Sentimental Man"! Rabbit holes include a deep dive in the world of miniatures, details of the Wizard's costume, train route…

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Goin' Out West: Tom Waits on Film in 'Down By Law' (1986), 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' (1992), and 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs' (2018) 2:08:08

4M ago2:08:08

2:08:08

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio wrap up their cycle of Musicians on Film by diving into the filmography of Tom Waits, once dubbed a "performer, singer, actor, magician, spirit guide, changeling" by the great Neil Young. Joined by Madeline's dad Richard, the trio kick off the conversation by discussing Waits' starring role in Jim Jarmusch's "Down By La…

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Wicked: Part I - "One Short Day" with Matthew Mastronardi 2:19:56

4M ago2:19:56

2:19:56

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Matthew Mastronardi, as well as some voice notes from Patreon Brian Syms Jr., to dive into "One Short Day"! Rabbit holes include set inspiration from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, Idina an…

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Wicked: Part I - Train Scene 1:32:20

4M ago1:32:20

1:32:20

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they dive into the train scene before heading to the Emerald City! Rabbit holes include the construction of the Emerald City Unlimited train, the career of Bronwyn James, favorite cut moments and so much more…

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Ozcon International 2025 Recap! 1:26:50

4M ago1:26:50

1:26:50

Send us a text Tara and EmKay are joined by Ozcon co-chairs Colin Ayres and Dwayne Burgess to recap Ozcon 2025! Rabbit holes include favorite highlights from the weekend, background on the con, and so much more. Visit Ozcon for more! Show Notes: @collectorofoz @ozconnection Pippi Post Instagram: @downtheyellowbrickpod #DownTheYBP Tara: @taratagtick…

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Big Feminist Swings: "A League of Their Own" (1992) and "Don't Worry Darling" (2022) with Emilio's Sister! 2:03:05

4M ago2:03:05

2:03:05

For our Musicians-Turned-Actor cycle "Two Shot", Madeline, Emilio and Julian are swinging for the fences with an unexpected pair of films - Penny Marshall's 1992 baseball classic 'A League of Their Own' and Olivia Wilde's 2022 release 'Don't Worry Darling', featuring acting performances by Madonna and Harry Styles, respectively. The cohosts are joi…

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Wicked: Part I - “I'm Not That Girl” with Roxanne and Bailey Canales 1:59:21

4M ago1:59:21

1:59:21

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Roxanne and Bailey Canales to dive into “I'm Not That Girl”! Rabbit holes include parallels to current events, first crushes, and so much more! Show notes: "Wicked The Musical" - The Movie …

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Wicked: Part I - “Popular” with Gabi Brower and Chelly Robichaud 1:54:09

5M ago1:54:09

1:54:09

Send us a text Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Gabi Brower and Chelly Robichaud to dive into “Popular”! Rabbit holes include dream makeover moments, favorite moments of the scene, and so much more! Show notes: "Wicked The Musical" - The…

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In the Moon for Love: 'Moonstruck' (1987) with Jamie Homs 1:49:52

5M ago1:49:52

1:49:52

Julian, Madeline and Emilio pop some Asti Spumante and welcome back podcast favorite and social media maven Jamie Homs to talk 'Moonstruck', the beloved 1987 romantic comedy directed by Norman Jewison. A "Suggestion Box" entry from Madeline, the group makes time to highlight the film's musician-turned-actor Cher, and her lauded and iconic turn as L…