For the very first Zeitgeist Mulligan, Jordan and Niv revisit some shows from previous years' podcasts and discuss how they've evolved. They begin as Niv recaps The Last of Us (1:32), then The Boys (5:44), then Jordan explains how Only Murders in the Building (9:34) has begun to stretch its premise. Before a musical interlude, they discuss House of the Dragon (16:11). After that, they talk about Hacks (22:02) Season 4, and that same season of The Bear (31:33), and how much both have evolved since their respective Zeitgeist episodes.

Special Thanks to Producer Jahlyn Reyes-McKinley and for music, The Powerknobs.

The 2025 Zeitgeist Mulligan

In this Halloween-themed episode of Zeitgeist, Jordan and Niv plunge into the lore of vampires, beginning with Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners.' They investigate Michael B. Jordan's contribution to his filmography (2:23), and how it fits into the blockbuster landscape of 2025 (5:57). They talk about its relationship to the blues (9:34), black joy and storytelling (13:32), and its award-winning composer (24:54).

In the second half, they discuss the Robert Egger's reimagining of 'Nosferatu' (34:52). They discuss the historical context of what makes a vampire (48:12), the design elements (57:59), the cast (1:00:46), and how effectively the narrative structure works in our modern context (1:15:32). 

Ologies: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/vampirology

Our Black Panther 2 episode: https://www.mixcloud.com/pulpculture/the-heart-of-the-modern-blockbuster-with-top-gun-maverick-and-black-panther-wakanda-forever/







Modern Vampires of the City, with ‘Nosferatu’ and ‘Sinners’

Pour a sbagliato and join us under the cabana as Jordan and Niv discuss the dark side of leisure, first leading into Tina Fey's 'The Four Seasons' on Netflix (2:01). They discuss the actors, where some of them (specifically Steve Carell) have disappeared into their late careers (5:23), and recount the cast, characters, and what makes this show appealing to create (8:44). Finally, we psychoanalyze a core relationship dynamic of the show (31:39), and how weaponized incompetence plays a role. 

Then, they move to White Lotus (41:09). They discuss one of hosts' personal connection to Thailand as a setting (55:55), the various characters taking to the resort this season (1:15:40), and how the show's penetration into the mainstream has been an impairment (1:31:16). They get into the juicy gossip behind the scenes (1:40:53) before discussing the final takeaways on the show moving forward (1:48:53).

Podcasts referenced:

https://overthinkpodcast.com/episodes/episode-106

https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/critics-at-large/is-travel-broken

Checking In on ‘White Lotus’  and ‘Four Seasons’

This show contains spoilers for both the programs 'Adolescence' and 'You' on Netflix. In this prestige-packed episode, Jordan and Niv dig into the hit show 'You,' discuss whether its pulp or schlock (06:30), the formula behind the show (14:22), and who stands out as a performer (25:32) heading into the show's last moments. They dig into the last season (31:12), and how well its female lead holds the bar of quality relative to seasons past, particularly in the very last episode (43:18). Before the break, they discuss how the two shows connect (48:11). In the second half, they discuss 'Adolescence' and do a deep dive on all four episodes beginning with episode one (00:57:20). They investigate whether the show may be more like a play (or if any filmed art deserves that title) (01:07:03), before getting into episode two (01:24:47). They touch on the manosphere (01:24:47) before getting into episode three (01:41:07). They end on a sentimental note once they discuss episode four (01:53:35).

Special Thanks to The Powerknobs for the theme music!

Killer Empathy by Radiolab [https://radiolab.org/podcast/killer-empathy]

Netflix's Charming but Deadly, with 'Adolescence' and 'You'

Jordan and Niv, in their second conversation about video games, discuss how the medium allows for total immersion (1:10) before discussing 'Fallout.' (12:30) They touch on character (21:40) and tone (39:59) before moving onto Netflix's 'Arcane.' (1:02:23) They discuss the modern transition of video game adaptations to film and television, and debate on how 'Arcane' fares, similarly in terms of complexity (01:14:03), how magic integrates into the world (01:24:01), how it succeeds in its ambitious endeavor (01:33:04). They touch on character development (01:51:44) in Season 2, or lack thereof, and how it connects to the rest of the TV landscape (02:03:25).

How Games Make a World, with ‘Fallout’ and ‘Arcane’

First they talk about how X Men 97 makes an exemplary water cooler show (2:05) and its origins as a Saturday morning cartoon (04:50). They discuss what makes X Men eternal (11:07), and how was previously portrayed onscreen (12:55) in the early 2000s. Then, they delve into the cast list (16:21), the pacing (19:21), and they touch on intertextuality (25:47) within the show. After, they remark on the show’s best episode mid-season (27:20), what makes great action (29:38) and dive deep on Wolverine (31:11), Magneto (32:51), and the rest of the show’s villains (39:19) before giving it a final review (51:08).  Next, they get into the blockbuster hit, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (54:41) with the state of Marvel in 2024. They touch on what makes the multiverse a challenge (01:02:42), the film’s tone & purpose (01:09:34), specific moments & spoilers (01:13:04), and go deeper on Disney’s obsession with intertextuality (01:15:48). Niv touches on the movie’s first abandoned concept (01:25:51), and they grapple with the film’s tonal mismatch (01:28:42), before bringing it back to its place as the last movie in a trilogy (1:33:53). They give credence to the film’s villain (01:36:06), align the character into the future of the MCU (01:40:16), and close out the conversation in the most chaotic way possible (01:44:48).

The 2024 State of Marvel with ‘X Men 97’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’

As the Emmy window closes, Jordan and Niv recall two historically-based dramas from this year on TV. They discuss 'Mary and George' on Starz, how homosexuality plays a role in the show (8:50) and overall how seriously the show takes its execution (19:01). They touch briefly on some spoilers for the final moments of the sensational program (22:17) before moving on to 'Shogun' on Hulu (35:56). Niv maps out the real-life locations in Japan (44:16) that 'Shogun' spends its time around before detailing the period the show takes place in (46:33). They discuss together the show's acting talent and characters (53:12), and get into spoilers for the show (1:06:04).

The Historical Dramas That Win Awards, with 'Mary & George' & 'Shogun'

For its second year, Zeitgeist checks in on the state of the animation industry. In the first half, Jordan and Niv talk about 'Blue Eyed Samurai'. They Tackle race and identity (06:30), break down the talents behind the series (11:29), animation style (17:48), and tone (26:40). Then, they touch base on 'Scavengers Reign' on Max (now also Netflix). They investigate the state of the industry (46:56), the show's animation style (51:31), themes & influences (55:24), and how ensemble plays a role (01:05:24).

Adult Animation Redux with 'Blue Eyed Samurai' and 'Scavengers Reign'

[Editorial Note: You’ll hear some pops and clicks near the front of the episode today from an unresolved recording issue.] Niv and Jordan discuss the 2024 Oscars in relation to a snub, Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla.’ Then, they’re joined by Sam (9:00), who lays the foundation for the work at hand through providing context in our world today. They discuss how Priscilla inspired Lana Del Rey (11:45), Priscilla’s infantilization in relationship to domestic isolation and independence (16:13), and how Coppola wrangles with these topics (24:00). From there, they litigate Elvis’ star power in film (29:43), touch once again on Sofia’s sensibilities (39:09) before ending on why Sofia is one-of-a-kind (42:18).   In the second half, Jordan and Niv talk about the two films in relation to one another, the Oscars, and a supposed "Zeitgeist Curse (45:07)," before setting the scene for 'May December (47:43).' They debate which of the two main character is the true protagonist (55:32), they praise the cast (1:07:07), and they discuss whether 'May December is a comedy, and how that genre convention relates to the theatrical traditions of Bertolt Brecht (1:20:22).

The Darker Themes in ‘Priscilla’ and ‘May December’

Jordan and Niv discuss two forays into Asian-American led TV on Netflix, first in regard to the recently settled SAG/AFRA and WGA strikes. Then, they set the scene for the Emmy nominated 'Beef' (7:36), investigate whether the series could have been a film (11:48), and highlight a cast on the rise (13:12). They debate the class struggles inherent in 'Beef' (16:52), and examine the way the show uses Korean representation (21:20). Then finally, before transitioning to their conversation on 'One Piece', they inquire whether Netflix is willing to take a risk on more shows with such a specific tone (25:25).

In their spoiler-filled conversation about 'One Piece', Niv dissects the balance of creative control (32:40) before Jordan shares his overall thoughts on the series (37:30). They contrast the show with its origins (41:00), before evaluating whether its exactly what Netflix is looking for (58:08). Then, they return to comparing this live-action series to its source material (1:02:51) and anticipate what Season 2 might bring (1:23:25).

Commercial vs. Cultural Media with 'One Piece' and 'Beef'

Jordan and Niv dive into the latest TV and movie releases, alongside the latest entertainment news and a roster of hand-curated music.

Zeitgeist by Pulp Culture