Best Michael Fragomeni Podcasts (2025)

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Ten Days Of Halloween: The Black Phone (2021) Review And Discussion 7:10

Play Pause

15h ago7:10

7:10

In this episode, Mike and Allison discuss the 2021 film, The Black Phone, commenting on its historicity, as well as its level of graphic intensity. Mike also says a few things about Generation X. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s1e1-the-official-story/id1534934131?i=1000495548526By Dr. Fragomeni

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Ten Days Of Halloween: WWII B-17 Homage Episode 11:59

8h ago11:59

11:59

In this episode, Mike and Allison discuss the "B-17 bomber" scene from the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal and how it compares to the (2025) homage episode of Love, Death & Robots called "How Zeke Got Religion".By Dr. Fragomeni

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Ten Days Of Halloween: Longlegs (2024) Review And Discussion 11:32

7h ago11:32

11:32

In this episode, Mike and Allison discuss the 2024 film, Longlegs and comment on its marketing, as well as whether it resonates as either entertainment or art.By Dr. Fragomeni

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Ten Days Of Halloween: Nosferatu (2024) Review And Discussion 16:42

4d ago16:42

16:42

In this episode, Mike and Allison compare the 2024 remake of Nosferatu with F.W. Murnau's 1922 original and Werner Herzog's 1979 masterpiece.By Dr. Fragomeni

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Ten Days Of Halloween: Late Night With The Devil Review And Discussion 11:57

2d ago11:57

11:57

In this episode, Mike and Allison return with their "10 Days Of Halloween" series. The subject of day 01 is the 2024 feature film, Late Night With The Devil.By Dr. Fragomeni

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Distinctiveness And Degrees of Misspeaking 31:46

7d ago31:46

31:46

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss mispronunciation and other forms of misspeaking. They insist that there are degrees of mistakes in a hierarchical order, driven by context, distinctiveness, and commonality. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Pe…

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The Semiotics of Trumpism 38:01

12d ago38:01

38:01

In this episode, Mike and Peter do a deep dive into the field of Semiotics and apply it to Pam Bondi, Trump, and MAGA, with some pop-cultural references along the way. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affai…

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Mimicry and Mockery In Today's Politics 27:13

1M ago27:13

27:13

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the differences between mimicry and mockery and how they're being used in today's political landscape. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern …

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Who Are The Spokane 9? And Why You Should Know About Them 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

In this episode, Mike and Peter welcome Bajun Mavalwalla whose son was arrested by the FBI for peacefully protesting ICE actions in Spokane, WA. This story has far-reaching implications for every American citizen. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Pe…

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The Sport Of Politics 16:51

2M ago16:51

16:51

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the influence that professional sports, and primarily the NFL, have had on politics and the American voting psyche. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia…

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What Happened To Critical Thinking? 18:44

2M ago18:44

18:44

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss critical thinking and why it's a diminishing skill in American society. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington U…

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"They" is it a Capital Crime? Pt.3 10:36

2M ago10:36

10:36

In this third and final episode on the pronoun "they", Mike and Peter compare its potential capitalization with other languages that capitalize similar pronouns. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of …

1
"They" is it a Capital Crime? Pt.2 17:30

2M ago17:30

17:30

In this second of three episodes, Mike and Peter discuss the many uses of the pronoun "they", as well as the controversy of potentially standardizing its capitalization when used to refer to trans and nonbinary people. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkele…

1
"They" is it a Capital Crime? 13:18

2M ago13:18

13:18

In this first of three episodes, Mike and Peter discuss the many uses of the pronoun "they", as well as the controversy of potentially standardizing its capitalization when used to refer to trans and nonbinary people. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley…

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Sympathy For The Devil? Explaining The Sympathetic "You" 11:44

3M ago11:44

11:44

In this episode, Mike and Peter introduce the concept of the sympathetic "You" and how it can be interpreted when analyzing one of Trump's most notable statements. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs o…

1
The Pragmatics of Awkward Interviews 20:36

3M ago20:36

20:36

In this episode, Mike and Peter analyze a few weird interviews, like the Ted Cruz/Tucker Carlson interview, through the lens of Pragmatics. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Eur…

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Pt.2 Let's Play, "Is It Propaganda?" 14:01

4M ago14:01

14:01

In this second of a two-part episode, Mike and Peter ask the question, "Is It Propaganda?" Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and PhD in Germani…

1
Let's Play, "Is It Propaganda?" 18:37

4M ago18:37

18:37

In this first of a two-part episode, Mike and Peter ask the question, "Is It Propaganda?" Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA a…

1
The Semiotics of Flag Burning 11:03

4M ago11:03

11:03

In this episode, Mike and Peter apply a semiotic analysis to the act of flag burning. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washington University and his MA and P…

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Stephen Miller and the Privilege of Habeas Corpus 13:41

4M ago13:41

13:41

In their debut episode, Mike and Peter discuss the meaning of the word "Privilege" and how it applies to the Writ of Habeas Corpus in the dark shadow of Stephen Miller's (Donald Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff) public comments on the potential suspension of Habeas Corpus. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and …

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The Many Fallacies of JD Vance 13:04

4M ago13:04

13:04

In this episode, Mike and Peter analyze a recent interview of JD Vance, in which he relies on fallacies to strengthen his argument. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from…

1
Democrat vs. Democratic 7:29

4M ago7:29

7:29

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the Republican strategy of using the word "Democrat", instead of "Democratic". Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in international affairs of Russia and Eastern Europe from George Washi…

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Karoline Leavitt: The Meaning Of Insurrection And How It's Being Applied To The Current Anti-Ice Protests 10:47

4M ago10:47

10:47

In this episode, Mike and Peter discuss the meaning of the word "Insurrection" and how Karoline Leavitt uses it to defend the Trump administration's reaction to peaceful protests. Michael Fragomeni earned his Bachelor of Arts in History (Magna Cum Laude) and his PhD in Germanic Linguistics both from UC Berkeley. Peter Woods earned his BA in interna…

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Deranged Families Pt.5: Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects 18:44

2y ago18:44

18:44

In this episode, Mike and Allison continue their series on deranged families with their second part of the Rob Zombie trilogy, discussing the semiotics of The Devil's Rejects.By Dr. Fragomeni

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Deranged Families Pt.4: Rob Zombie’s House Of 1000 Corpses 12:42

2y ago12:42

12:42

In this episode, Mike and Allison talk about Rob Zombie's filmmaking style and his nod to 1970s horror.By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Spooktacular 17:48

2y ago17:48

17:48

In this special Halloween episode, Mike and Allison talk about one of their favorite DVDs, Monsters Crash The Pajama Party Spook Show Spectacular. Then they play a movie guessing game, all in the spirit of Halloween!By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #24 7:48

2y ago7:48

7:48

Minisode #24 The Tenant (1976) posted on 10-30-23 Question #24 How does Polanski use the previous two films in his trilogy to convince the audience that the character of Trelkovski, played by Polanski himself, is experiencing some sort of dimensional shift or time loop?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #23 6:32

2y ago6:32

6:32

Minisode #23 Rosemary's Baby (1968) posted on 10-29-23 Question #23 How does Polanski convince the audience that Mia Farrow's character, Rosemary, is NOT going insane, despite what the people around her are saying?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #22 5:29

2y ago5:29

5:29

Minisode #22 Repulsion (1965) posted on 10-28-23 Question #22 How does Polanski convince the audience that Cathrine Deneuve's character, Carol, is going insane?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #21 3:18

2y ago3:18

3:18

Minisode #21 The Fall Of The House Of Usher (2023) posted on 10-27-23 Question #21 In what was does this new miniseries qualify as an anthology?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #20 7:37

2y ago7:37

7:37

Minisode #20 Creepshow (1982) posted on 10-26-23 Question #20 What awards would you give each of the 5 stories in this film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #19 3:58

2y ago3:58

3:58

Minisode #19 Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019) posted on 10-25-23 Question #19 Did this film need to be set in 1968?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #18 8:53

2y ago8:53

8:53

Minisode #18 Day Of The Dead (1985) posted on 10-24-23 Question #18 With so few people still alive, how does Romero continue with his social commentary in this film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #17 7:09

2y ago7:09

7:09

Minisode #17 Dawn Of The Dead (1978) posted on 10-23-23 Question #17 How does the zombie apocalypse affect different social groups in this film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #16 10:33

2y ago10:33

10:33

Minisode #16 Night Of The Living Dead (1968) posted on 10-22-23 Question #16 How does George Romero use race and social class in this film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #15 5:07

2y ago5:07

5:07

Minisode #15 Black Christmas (1974) posted on 10-21-23 Question #15 Do you consider Black Christmas to be a feminist film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #14 6:03

2y ago6:03

6:03

Minisode #14 A Bay Of Blood/Ecologia del delitto (1971) posted on 10-20-23 Question #14 In what ways were Italian horror films more advanced than their American counterparts?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #13 4:13

2y ago4:13

4:13

Minisode #13 Psycho (1960) and Psycho (1998) posted on 10-19-23 Question #13 How does the 1998 remake of Psycho compare with the original, and why was the remake such a huge flop?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #12 5:44

2y ago5:44

5:44

Minisode #12 The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1945) posted on 10-18-23 Question #12 How do you classify Dorian Gray as a Monster and what are the monster rules for him?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #11 3:53

2y ago3:53

3:53

Minisode #11 The Invisible Man (1933) posted on 10-17-23 Question #11 In The Invisible Man, James Whale finally got approval from Universal to make a film without a happy ending. With all the potential heroes either killed or compromised, how does the viewer stay invested in this film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #10 6:11

2y ago6:11

6:11

Minisode #10 Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932) posted on 10-16-23 Question #10 How can perspective influence what the viewer sees in a film; what is true and what isn't true? And are Mr. Hyde's evil deeds being filtered through a Victorian lens?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #9 5:43

2y ago5:43

5:43

Minisode #9 London After Midnight (1927) posted on 10-15-23 Question #9 Is it possible (or worth it) to try to experience London After Midnight via reproductions using still pictures and the original script, or is the 1935 remake, Mark Of The Vampire, a sufficient replacement?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #8 5:05

2y ago5:05

5:05

Minisode #8 The Phantom of the Opera (1925) posted on 10-14-23 Question #8 What were some of the techniques use by Lon Chaney Sr. in creating his iconic makeup for Erik, the masked Phantom?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #7 3:39

2y ago3:39

3:39

Minisode #7 The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) posted on 10-13-23 Question #7 Should Quasimodo be considered a monster, and do you think The Hunchback of Notre Dame is really a horror film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #6 5:04

2y ago5:04

5:04

Minisode #6 Nosferatu - Eine Symphonie des Grauens/Nosferatu: a Symphony of Horror (1922) posted on 10-12-23 Question #6 In what ways can the original Nosferatu be interpreted as a metaphor for the First World War?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #5 4:04

2y ago4:04

4:04

Minisode #5 Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari/The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) posted on 10-11-23 Question #5 In what ways do the sets and backdrops influence the ending of this film?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #4 4:21

2y ago4:21

4:21

Minisode #4 Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam/The Golem: How He Came into the World (1920) posted on 10-10-23 Question #4 In what ways is The Golem a creation myth?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #3 4:22

2y ago4:22

4:22

Minisode #3 The Son of Frankenstein (1939) posted on 10-09-23 Question #3 Is The Son of Frankenstein on the same level (artistically) with the first two Frankenstein films, even though the SOF was not directed by James Whale? Should the first three Frankenstein films be considered a true trilogy?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #2 5:25

2y ago5:25

5:25

Minisode #2 The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) posted on 10-08-23 Question #2 If Dr. Pretorious were allowed to continue his experiments, what would he have done? What was his ultimate goal?By Dr. Fragomeni

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Halloween Minisode #1 4:30

2y ago4:30

4:30

In order to celebrate this Halloween season, Mike and Allison are beginning a series of mini episodes that center around a question, relating to a single film. This one-episode-per-day series will continue until Halloween night. Minisode #1 Frankenstein (1931) posted on 10-07-23 Question #1 By today's standards, are Jack Pierce's makeup and James W…