Estradiol Illusions

Storm‘s End

We are back in Westeros! Jim McGeehin returns to the show for a wide-ranging discussion on Storm’s End, the Stormlands, and the region’s significance within ASOIAF. George R.R. Martin’s worldbuilding is so rich that we can do an entire podcast episode about a mundane topic with relatively little bearing on the overall narrative. Lots of talk on Robert’s Rebellion, The War of the Five Kings, and (f)Aegon’s upcoming plans.
You can follow Jim on Twitter @JM_SLAL, on Tumblr, and on his YouTube page
Jim’s last appearance on the show: https://ianthomasmalone.podbean.com/e/stannis-baratheon-in-the-north/
Be sure to check out all of our other ASOIAF/Game of Thrones episodes.
Map of the Stormlands courtesy of HBO.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Season 1)

It's morphin time! Grab your spandex and your zord, it's time for an in-depth look at one at a pivotal piece of 90s popular culture. Ian and special guest Colin George-Babb explore the first season, full of iconic monsters and the tropes that have come to define the series in the decades since its premiere. Ian and Colin discuss the origins of the series and what they love about this fabulous first season.
No putties were hurt in the making of this episode! 
You can follow Colin at gokaiburakku
 

X-Men: Krakoa

The Reign of X is upon us! Ian and special guest Ed Carroll try to cover the wide range from House of X #1 through Inferno #1 in one hour. This episode is designed to be a "local comic book shop" style chat about the Krakoan era, what worked and what hasn't worked, and some predictions for the end of Jonathan Hickman's iconic run.
Spoiler warnings: Inferno #1 is discussed. Knowledge of all the various X books is definitely not required.
For more of Ed, follow him on Twitter @EdRevelator34
Ed's previous EI appearance: https://ianthomasmalone.podbean.com/e/crisis-on-infinite-earths-1579289163/
Inferno #1 cover courtesy of Marvel Comics.
 

The Controversy over the new Alanis Morissette doc ”Jagged”

A new documentary about Alanis Morissette's iconic album Jagged Little Pill premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Morissette herself is not happy with director Alison Klayman's work on Jagged. Ian has seen the doc and finds the whole saga a bit perplexing.
Ian's review of the documentary from TIFF: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2021/09/tiff-review-jagged/
The Deadline article referenced in the episode: https://deadline.com/video/alanis-morissette-documentary-jagged-director-alison-klayman-interview/
Image courtesy of TIFF

Confessions From My New Vagina (Promo)

ITM has a comedy special out! Ian wanted to share some thoughts about why she wanted to make a trans-themed comedy album. She's a little rusty after taking the summer off from podcasting, but very happy to have the special finally out in the world.
Confessions From My New Vagina is available on all major music streaming websites.
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Thank you for your support. Please tell all your friends and family and strangers on the street.
 

BloodSisters: Leather, Dykes And Sadomasochism

Happy Pride Month everyone! We are joined today by Michelle Handelman, director of the 1995 classic film BloodSisters: Leather, Dykes And Sadomasochism, which follows the vibrant leatherdyke scene in San Francisco.
Michelle talks about the legacy of the film and its continued relevance, especially as the subject of "kink at Pride" causes its annual faux controversy. Michelle also shares plenty of insights from making the film and the evolution of LGBTQ culture in the 25 years since its release.
Check out a trailer for the film, remastered for its anniversary release with newly recorded bonus features. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PLMekZhzBQ&t=41s
The remastered DVD will be released on June 29th. You can pre-order here: https://www.kinolorber.com/product/bloodsisters-leather-dykes-sadomasochism-dvd  

Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Yesterday's Enterprise"

We are back on the Enterprise-D, and also the Enterprise-C. Tasha Yar faced a tragically silly death in "Skin of Evil," marvelously analyzed on this humble podcast. Natty Strange is back to help us assess the return of everyone's favorite lesbian chief of security and her weird relationship with Shooter McGavin. 
 
You can follow Nat on Twitter @nuns_on_film. Be sure to check out her new Star Trek blog, deepspacenat.com and her new Twitch channel
You can follow Pokey the Penguin's latest adventures by checking out Pokey's website https://www.yellow5.com/pokey/ & @pokeythepenguin

Jupiter's Legacy w/ co-DP Nicole Hirsch Whitaker

We are delighted to welcome Nicole Hirsch Whitaker to the show to talk about her work as co-director of photography for the new Netflix series Jupiter's Legacy. Nicole shares plenty of insights from behind the scenes and the way she worked to shape the show's unique aesthetic in the crowded superhero landscape. Ian & Nicole also talk about the challenges of framing a series with a giant spoiler that fans of the comic book will know all too well.
 
 
Jupiter's Legacy is currently streaming on Netflix.
 
Headshot courtesy of Nicole Hirsch Whitaker. Series poster courtesy of Netflix.
 

Jessica Ellis

We are delighted to welcome filmmaker Jessica Ellis for an in-depth conversation about her new film What Lies West, a delightful coming of age movie shot in Jessica's hometown Sonoma County. Jessica shares many insights into indie filmmaking, along with some valuable perspectives on Disneyland and the LA sandwich scene.
 
What Lies West comes out May 11th on VOD & DVD. You can learn more about the film at https://www.whatlieswest.com/. 
Ian's review of the film: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2021/05/what-lies-west-is-a-charming-confident-indie-coming-of-story/
 
 

Downton Abbey Character Study: Thomas Barrow

New feature at Estradiol Illusions! Take a trip with us back to Downton Abbey for an in-depth look at one of the show's most fascinating characters. After being introduced as the show's primary antagonist in season one, Thomas Barrow largely sheaths his villainous inclinations, growing to become a figure with great depth. Ian explores Barrow's full series arc and the ways he gradually endeared himself to the audience. 
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out Ian's in-depth review of the Downton Abbey film: https://ianthomasmalone.podbean.com/e/downton-abbey-1569517256/
Please leave a review on Apple or wherever you get your podcasts if you feel so inclined.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Films

Michael McElhatton

We are delighted to welcome Michael McElhatton to the show to talk about his new film The Last Right, a beautiful Irish road movie. April also marks the tenth anniversary of the premiere of Game of Thrones, where Michael played Roose Bolton, who's either an arch-villain or a pretty decent guy depending on how you feel about a certain dinner party hosted by Walder Frey. Michael shares plenty of thoughts on Thrones, The Last Right, Zack Snyder's Justice League, and so much more.
The Last Right is currently available in theatres and on VOD. 
Ian's review of the film: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2021/04/the-last-right-is-a-touching-meditation-on-grief-with-plenty-of-laughs/
 
 
Film poster courtesy of Level 33 Entertainment. Headshot courtesy of Michael McElhatton

Transgender Day of Visibility: A Dissent

March 31st is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Ian would really like to see the day switched to Transgender Day of Action or Day of Hiring a Trans Person. Trans people are visible. Trans people don't need additional visibility. Trans people need equity.
More than 80 anti-transgender bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country in 2021 alone. Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi have passed bills targeting trans healthcare and participation in sports. Trans people deserve more than to be seen, we need a seat at the table. 

TTTE & Chill: Percy's Ghostly Trick

We are back on the Island of Sodor for another edition of TTTE & Chill, the number one Thomas the Tank Engine recap show in the world. Percy’s Ghostly Trick is a sentimental favorite tape. Ian & Tara break down the intricacies of Percy’s prank, Douglas’ daring rescue of Oliver, the infamous “Thanksgiving” episode, and the handling of the regatta medical emergency in All at Sea.
 
This tape covers the following episodes
Thomas’ Anthem (music video)
Percy’s Ghostly Trick
Woolly Bear
Thomas and Percy’s Mountain Adventure
Escape
Oliver Owns Up
All at Sea
Be sure to check out all of our other episodes of TTTE & Chill! 
Photo courtesy of the Britt Allcroft Company
 

Lord Varys: A Transgender Perspective

Grab your lavender and your little birds, we’re going to Westeros. Join Ian for a solo episode all about Lord Varys. As someone who knows what it’s like to lose their balls, Ian feels a kindred connection to the Spider. For his talent, George R.R. Martin often portrays Varys in an exceedingly cartoonish fashion that plays into homophobic stereotypes. Join for a close reading of many of Varys’ key passages.
 
This episode will cover the following chapters:
 
A Game of Thrones
Catelyn IV
Eddard IV
Eddard V
Eddard VII
Eddard VIII
Eddard XI
Eddard XII
Eddard XIV
Sansa IV
Eddard XV
Tyrion IX
 
A Clash of Kings
Tyrion I
Tyrion II
Tyrion III
Tyrion IV
Tyrion VI
Tyrion VIII
Tyrion IX
Tyrion X
Tyrion XII
Sansa VIII
 
A Storm of Swords
Sansa I
Tyrion II
Tyrion III
Davos IV
Tyrion IX
Tyrion X
Tyrion XI
 
A Feast for Crows
Cersei I
Jaime I
Cersei IV
Jaime III
A Dance with Dragons
Tyrion I
Tyrion II
Tyrion IV
The Lost Lord
Epilogue
For a complete list of our ASOIAF episodes, check out our neatly organized episode page. https://ianthomasmalone.podbean.com/p/episode-categories/
Image courtesy of HBO
 

Wandavision

Come take a ride with us to Westview! Alexandra August returns to the show for a delightful discussion all about Wandavision, which kicked off Phase 4 of the MCU. We talk about what worked, what didn't work, how amazing Kathryn Hahn is, and all the fan theories that didn't quite pan out. Maybe Mephisto didn't want to step inside New Jersey? Who could blame him! 
 
You can follow Alexandra at @alxaugust
Ian's review of the series: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2021/01/wandavision-isnt-designed-to-meet-expectations/
Series poster courtesy of Disney.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - "Skin of Evil"

Grab your phaser and your away team, because we're heading to Vagra II. "Skin of Evil" lives on in Trek infamy for the senseless death of Tasha Var. Armus is one of science fiction's earliest incels, taking the spotlight away from a female character in order to harass the rest of the crew with his endless whining. Natty Strange, co-author of the iconic web comic Pokey the Penguin, returns to the show to discuss this mess of an episode.
As Data put it, Armus has "no redeeming qualities." That's probably true, except with that annoying pile of goop, we probably wouldn't be talking about this episode. Tasha deserved better. We all deserve better.
 
You can follow Nat on Twitter @nuns_on_film. Be sure to check out her new Star Trek blog, deepspacenat.com.
You can follow Pokey the Penguin's latest adventures by checking out Pokey's website https://www.yellow5.com/pokey/ & @pokeythepenguin
Photo courtesy of Paramount.