A Safe Place For Boys

Bonus Episode: Scrooged

Join Kelcee and Spencer for this post-holiday bonus episode ostensibly about the 1988 Charles Dickens adaptation Scrooged. Discussion topics include the unfortunate plot of mid-1990’s television sitcom Unhappily Ever After, the struggles of adapting a classic story, and where the toaster came from.
Content warnings for discussions of mental illness, sexual assault (10:52 - 14:37), parental death, and death by both freezing and burning. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“Unhappily Ever After,” IMDB.com
“Scrooged,” Wikipedia.com
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 

A Christmas Carol, or Reclamation Day

Join Kelcee and Spencer for their most ambitious project yet: discussing Charles Dicken’s classic 1843 novella A Christmas Carol (along with its many, many adaptations.) Discussion topics include the invention of the holiday special, hot nephews and wife guys, and what it really takes to change an old man’s mind.
Content warnings for discussions of poverty, death via childbirth, and child death, as well as mentions of child abuse. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“A Christmas Carol Introduction,” Shmoop.com
“Ghost stories: why the Victorians were so spookily good at them,” by Kira Cochrane, The Guardian
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol (2004)
A Christmas Carol (1999)
The Muppets Christmas Carol
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol (1938)
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 

Magic Mike XXL, or A Ghost is a Ghost

Join Kelcee and Spencer for Part TWO of a two-part conversation about Channing Tatum’s epic saga: Magic Mike (2012) and Magic Mike XXL (2015). Discussion topics include Big Dick Richie’s Billion Dollar Idea, how to become a real boy to the beat of a Backstreet Boys song, and Kelcee’s Kevin Nash book report. 
Sorry Magic Mike’s Last Dance lovers. We aren’t talking about that one, and I think you know why.   
Content warnings for discussions of sex and sex work (mostly stripping/exotic dancing), sexism, imbalanced relationship dynamics, brief mentions of homophobia, and drug use.
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“11 Magic Mike XXL Details From Channing Tatum You Need to Know Before Seeing the Movie,” by Shannon Vestal Robson, popsugar.com
“MAGIC MIKE XXL - Pony - Oficial Warner Bros. Pictures,” by Warner Bros. Pictures Latinoamérica, youtube.com
“FOOTLOOSE "Warehouse Dance" Clip (1984) Kevin Bacon,” by JoBlo Movie Clips, youtube.com
“Magic Mike XXL Offers a Healthier Approach to Masculinity,” by Orestes Adams, Collider
“Manhood: The emancipation of the American male in Magic Mike XXL,” by Jason Stanford, The Experiment
“Kevin Nash,” Wikipedia
Southpaw podcast Instagram post
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social

Magic Mike, or The Kid's Not Alright

Join Kelcee and Spencer for Part One of a two-part conversation about Channing Tatum’s epic saga: Magic Mike (2012) and Magic Mike XXL (2015). Discussion topics include an unhelpful breakdown of adult entertainment statutes, the liberatory potential of hip thrusting, and the importance of follow-up questions. 
Sorry Magic Mike’s Last Dance lovers. We aren’t talking about that one, and I think you know why.   
Content warnings for discussions of sex and sex work (mostly stripping/exotic dancing), drug use/abuse, drug overdoses, sexism (including mentions of sexual assault), poor labor practices, financial exploitation, and mentions of homophobia and biphobia.
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“Under-21 soon will be too young to be a stripper in Florida. What we know about HB 7063,” by Samantha Neely, The Florida Times-Union
“Florida Strip Club Regulations and Compliance Guide,” by LegalClarity Florida, legalclarity.org
“9 things you didn’t know about Tampa strip clubs,” by Gabrielle Calise, Tampa Bay Times
“How 'Magic Mike' Plays With Toxic Masculinity,” by Brecken Hunter Wellborn, Collider
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 

Holes, or How to be a Good Boy in a Bad, Bad Desert

Join Kelcee and Spencer for a conversation about the best gosh-darn book-to-movie adaptation in the West: 2003’s Holes, based on the novel by Louis Sachar. Discussion topics include foot stuff (like…so much foot stuff), the perils of broken promises, and a how-to guide for morally-upright vigilantism. 
Content warnings for EXTENSIVE discussions of both physical and emotional child abuse, particularly within the criminal justice and “troubled teen” systems, racism and racist violence (including lynching), sexism and sexist violence, and mentions of homelessness, child abandonment, suicide, and conversion therapy. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
Holes by Louis Sachar
“A Video About Digging Holes,” by Jacob Geller, youtube.com
“What Holes Taught Me About The Prison Industrial Complex,” by Charlotte Ahlin, Bustle
“This Is Paris Official Documentary,” by Paris Hilton, youtube.com
“Five Facts About the Troubled Teen Industry,” by Catherine E Krebs, The American Bar Association
Desperation without Dignity: Conditions of Children Placed in For Profit Residential Facilities, National Disability Rights Network
Breakingcodesilence.org
“The Child Labor Camp from HOLES Reopens Amid Coronavirus Concerns,” by Laura Slade Lewis, McSweeney’s
“Small Steps (novel),” Wikipedia
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 

My Cousin Vinny, or Getting By With a Little Help from Marisa Tomei

Join Kelcee and Spencer as they break out the F-bombs for a conversation about the third best legal movie of all time: 1992’s My Cousin Vinny. Discussion topics include a PSA about the best way to talk to cops, a robust defense of the defense attorney, and what Mona Lisa can teach us about love.  
Also sorry we have the world’s loudest chairs and paper in this one. It’s still a low-budget production around here. 
Content warnings for discussions of police misconduct, wrongful imprisonment, and capital punishment; and mentions of sexual assault, racism, and sexism. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“NLG Know Your Rights Reminder: Shut the F*** Up” by National Lawyers Guild, Detroit & MI, youtube.com
“‘What Is a Yute?’: An Oral History of ‘My Cousin Vinny’” by Andy Greene, Rolling Stone Magazine
“The 25 Greatest Legal Movies (According to the American Bar Association)” by majfoalbkeopaza, IMBD.com
“My Cousin Vinny: The Perils of Joint Representation” by James Dailey, Laws and the Multiverse
“Rule 1.7: Conflict of Interest: Current Clients” by the American Bar Association, Model Rules of Professional Conduct
“Real Lawyer Reacts to My Cousin Vinny” by LegalEagle, youtube.com
“My Cousin Vinny: a story about legal education” by Alberto Bernabe, Torts Blog
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 
 

Good Will Hunting, or I'll Just Have a Perrier

Join Kelcee and Spencer for a conversation about the most famous entry into the “Boys With Feelings” genre: 1997’s Good Will Hunting. Discussion topics include What Men Want (in a therapist), war stories from the trenches of academia, and what makes a happy ending. 
Content warnings for extensive discussions of physical violence, child abuse, sexual abuse and misconduct, and mental health treatments. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“Good Will Hunting,” Wikipedia
“Malick gave Good Will Hunting its ending,” by Tom Shone, These Violent Delights
“The Unlikely Link Between Metallica And Matt Damon,” by MTV News Staff, mtv.com
“Therapist Reacts to Movie Therapist: GOOD WILL HUNTING,” Cinema Therapy, youtube.com
“How ‘Good Will Hunting’ Changed Men’s Mental Health for the Better,” by Lauren Vinopal, Inside Hook
High Conflict–Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
Where We Stand: Class Matters by bell hooks
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 

Last Dragon, or The Power of the Glow (feat. Ed McClain)

Join Kelcee and Spencer AND special guest Ed McClain for a conversation about the 1985 martial arts classic The Last Dragon. Discussion topics include the complicated legacy of Bruce Lee, what to do if the power was inside you all along, and why it’s so important to see the Good Guys win.  
Content warnings for discussions of racism, sexism, physical violence, and gun violence. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
Check out Ed’s music on Bandcamp or Soundcloud
Check out Paul Bowman’s work about Bruce Lee
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 
 

Cool Runnings, or The Meaning of the Crash (feat. Geoff Sykes)

Join Kelcee and Spencer AND special guest Geoff Sykes for a conversation about the 1993 live-action Disney sports adventure Cool Runnings. Discussion topics include the looming specter of death, getting serious about your friends’ dreams, and how to be a badass mother (and why.) 
Content warnings for discussions of racism and sports-related injuries
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“I am Dudley 'Tal' Stokes, founding member of the Jamaican Bobsled Team, Olympian and inspiration for the movie Cool Runnings. Ask me anything!”
“The two things you need for success are confidence and ignorance | Dudley Stokes” by Cian Fahey, Off the Ball
“Cool Runnings,” Teach With Movies
“Why Cool Runnings is the best (and most unusual) of Disney’s sports fables” by David Anthony, The AV Club
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/safeplaceforboys.bsky.social
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 
 

South Park--Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, or Trouble in Paradise Lost

CONTENT WARNING: South Park
Join Kelcee and Spencer for their conversation about the (checks notes) Academy Award Nominated, 1999 Adult Animation Comedy Musical South Park--Bigger, Longer, and Uncut. Discussion topics include why it's funny when kids swear, jurisprudence in the case of Satire v. Censorship, and Big Gay Al's Manifesto for Queer Survival. 
Content warnings for discussions of obscene language (which at times includes the use of said language); discussions of sexism (and sexist language), racism, xenophobia (specifically toward Middle Eastern characters), fatphobia, and antisemitism; and discussions of abusive romantic relationships, suicide/suicidal ideation, child endangerment, homophobic violence, and incest. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
"The Woman Who Wanted Beloved Banned From Schools Is Right About One Thing" by Rebecca Onion, Slate
"Why Saddam is Gay: Masculinity Politics in South Park--Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" by Judith Kegan Gardiner, Quarterly Review of Film and Video
This Film is Not Yet Rated directed by Kirby Dick
Here are some resources if you are looking to expand your horizons and fight present-day censorship efforts!
"The Top Ten Most Challenged Books for 2023" by the American Library Association
Browsable Booklists from A Room of One's Own Bookstore
"Your New Favorite Youtuber" playlist, created by hbomberguy
AK Press
New to the Show? Start at the beginning with Jurassic Park, or Monstrous Moms vs. Dangerous Dads
Credits:
Theme Music: Break Through_Narrative by INOD
Logo Design: Geoff Sykes (find him on Instagram)
Connect with us!
Suggestions for episode topics? Email us at: safeplaceforboys@gmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/