A Safe Place For Boys

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/ 
 

Alien and Aliens Part 2, or Mommy Issues

Join Kelcee and Spencer for part TWO of their conversation about the scariest movie ever made and its genre-bending sequel: Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). Discussion topics include meditations on whether it matters that Ripley’s a woman, a deep dive into the goop of the monstrous feminine, and James Cameron’s imaginary dead women.  
And if you’re wondering what male author we’re quoting around 15:04, it’s John Updike in The Witches of Eastwick. You’re welcome. 
Content warnings for discussions of sexual assault throughout, sexual imagery, forced pregnancy, body horror, death, child endangerment, and brief mentions of anti-latinx racism. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“Sigourney Weaver, On Eve Of Her Venice Lifetime Achievement Award, Lifts Lid On Remarkable Career From ‘Alien’ To ‘Avatar’, ‘Working Girl’ To ‘Ghostbusters’ And ‘Star Wars’ Role To Come” by Andreas Wiseman, Deadline
“Alien's Gender-Neutral Script, Explained” by Ben Sherlock, ScreenRant
“Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2022,” CDC
The Monstrous Feminine, by Barbara Creed
“Science Fiction: This Time It's War!” by Alasdair Spark, Viet Nam Generation Journal & Newsletter
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)
Sound Effect by Trading Nation from Pixabay
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/ 

Alien and Aliens Part 1, or In Space Everyone Can Hear You Scream

Join Kelcee and Spencer for part one of their conversation about the scariest movie ever made and its genre-bending sequel: Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). Discussion topics include the merits of anatomy-based monster design, whether or not Ellen Ripley needs more trauma, and why you should consider pursuing a forklift operator certification. 
Content warnings for discussions of sexual assault throughout, sexual imagery, forced pregnancy, body horror, death, child endangerment, and brief mentions of anti-latinx racism. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“Xenomorph Eggs Originally Looked Very Different In Alien” by Anthony Jones, Screenrant
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/ 

The Karate Kid Part 2, or The Ignoble Crane Kick

Join Kelcee and Spencer for part TWO of their conversation about the 1984 martial arts classic: The Karate Kid. Discussion topics include how to fight and why, a trip to the Cobra Kai Corner, and Mr. Miyagi: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. 
 
Content warnings for discussions of bullying and physical violence, anti-asian racism, and war-related trauma, and mentions of child abuse and misogyny. 
 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
Southpaw podcast
The scholarship of Dr. Wayne Wong (see a video of his most recent presentation at the Martial Arts Studies Conference soon: here)
“Fascist fight clubs: how white nationalists use MMA as a recruiting tool” by Karim Zidan, The Guardian
Love Fighting, Hate Violence
Conscious Combat Club
“Masculinity on the Mat” by Vincent Haddad, Public Books
“The Karate Kid at 40: why the film’s lasting appeal stems from a simplistic stereotyping of the ‘mysterious east’” by Paul Bowman, The Conversation
“Why I used to hate Mr. Miyagi” by jon, Medium
The Real Miyagi (documentary)
“The Nisei Soldiers Who Fought WWII Enemies Abroad–and Were Seen As Enemies Back Home” by Erin Blakemore, National Geographic
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/ 

The Karate Kid Part 1, or Adventures in Bonsai-Sitting

Join Kelcee and Spencer for part one of their conversation about the 1984 martial arts classic: The Karate Kid. Or, if you want to be pedantic: The Karate Kid (Part 1). Discussion topics include a toxic masculinity speedrun, the not-so-real history of karate, and the world’s most abrupt bully redemption arc. 
See you in two weeks for part two!
Content warnings for discussions of bullying and physical violence, and brief mentions of child abuse, domestic violence, death, and war-related trauma. 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“This is NOT Karate” by Jesse Enkamp, youtube.com
 “The influence of French gymnastics and military French boxing on the creation of modern karate (1867-1914)” by Jean-François Loudcher and Christian Faurillon, Martial Arts Studies
“Karate's ambiguity: Traditional martial art or modern combat sport” by Rudolf Jakhel, Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas
“The sportivization process of a martial art: the karate” by Marcelo Alberto de Oliveira, Jefferson Campos Lopes, Ricardo João Sonoda-Nunes, and Abel Aurélio Abreu Figueiredo, Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas
“Does my Forward Stance Look a Little Fascist? Meiji-Era Karate & Embodied Politics, by Dr Peter Katz” by Martial Arts Studies, youtube.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
Instagram: www.instagram.com/safeplaceforboys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/WbGP4gg9CXxLvYU5/ 
 

Hades, or Parent-Trapping in God Mode

Join Kelcee and Spencer for their SUPER GIANT conversation about the 2019 video game phenomenon Hades. Discussion topics include a rougelike rundown, the downsides of “ancient Greek” body culture, and healthy anger management techniques (that don’t involve stabbing your son with a fork.)
 
Content Warnings for discussions of child abuse and death throughout, rape and sexual violence (particularly between 1:15:35 and 1:19:22), murder, grief, and pregnancy loss.  
 
Works Cited & Recommended Reading:
“Roguelike Games: 5 Elements of Roguelike Video Games,” Masterclass
“Zagreus,” Britannica
“What Hades Can Teach Us About Ancient Greek Masculinity,” by Autumn Wright, Wired.com
"The Stages of Grief and What to Expect," by Kimberly Holland, Healthline
“The Furies,” Brooklyn Museum
“Hey, Dad: Hades & Fatherhood,” by George Umbarger, Unwinnable.com
“Hades: An Ode to Family Trauma,” by Jessica Howard, Uppercutcrit.com
“Anger and Grief,” Hospice Foundation of America
“Coping with anger while grieving,” Harvard Health Publishing
Beyond Anger: A Guide for Men, by Thomas J. Harbin
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/