The Protagonist Podcast

Feb 02 2025 532 ep. 64 mins 391
The Protagonist Podcast artwork

Each week we discuss a great character in a great story. Hosted by Joseph J. Darowski.

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Technology and Storytelling (Special 2025)

Feb 02 2025 60 mins  
Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe to discuss how evolving technologies change the stories that are produced and consumed in a culture. We use film as an easily understood example of this effect, but touch on how our means of producing and accessing all types of media transform what stories we tell.

GroundPod Day 2025!

Feb 01 2025 74 mins  
Description It's our annual Groundhog Day rewatch. Join Nicole Freim, Chris "Mav" Maverick, Producer Andrew and Joe as we discuss our latest viewing of one of the best films ever made.

Andrew, Brian, Bender, Claire, and Allison from The Breakfast Club (film 1985)

Jan 26 2025 77 mins  
Description Returning guests Nicole Freim and Chris "Mav" Maverick join Joe to discuss the John Hughes' film The Breakfast Club. Starring several members of the Brat Pack of up-and-coming actors and actresses, this film signaled a change in how teenagers are portrayed in meida. We discuss the pros and cons associated with the film forty years later. Support Patreon Show Notes Th

The Man from To Build a Fire (short story 1908)

Jan 20 2025 51 mins  
Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to talk about "To Build a Fire" by Jack London. The classic short story about a man foolishly making a trek into the Yukon territory after being warned not to lets us explore ideas like man's hubris, an uncaring natural world, and why so many short stories can be a bit of a downer.

Lieutenant Columbo from Columbo (tv 1971)

Jan 12 2025 62 mins  
Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe to discuss the iconic tv series Columbo. We discuss the odd and long production history of the show, how Peter Falk embodies the character, and the unique twist the franchise has on the mystery genre. Support Patreon Show Notes Columbo - Wikipedia Peter Falk - Wikipedia

Fantasy Box Office 2025

Jan 06 2025 66 mins  
Description It's our annual Fantasy Box Office game! As a look ahead at the films coming out in 2025, Producer Andrew and Joe are drafting teams of movies that will be released this year. They will each get the films' domestic box offices multiplied by their Rotten Tomatoes score, so they want to pick big hits that are well-reviewed. It also gives a chance to discuss the upcoming f

Scott Pilgrim from Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life (comic 2004)

Dec 29 2024 61 mins  
Description First-time guest Josh Allen (the middle grade book author, not the NFL quarterback) joins Joe to discuss Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim. We talk about the unique nature of the story and its world, how unlikable but fascinating Scott is as a character, and highlight the supporting cast. Support Patreon Show Notes Scott Pilgrim - Wikipedia Brya

Della and Jim from the Gift of the Magi and George Mason from The Man Who Missed Christmas (short stories 1905)

Dec 23 2024 47 mins  
Description Producer Andrew joins Joe to discuss a couple classic short stories that are set during the holiday season. The Gift of the Magi sees gift-giving go awry for a couple while they see how much they love one another, and The Man Who Missed Christmas sees a man get locked in a bank vault over Christmas and he realizes he is so isolated from others that nobody noticed or car

Christmas Special 2024

Dec 15 2024 60 mins  
Description Returning Protagonist Podcast co-founder Todd Mack joins Joe and Producer Andrew for their tenth annual Christmas Special. Producer Andrew has sent Todd and Joe a list of seven real titles for recently produced Christmas movies, and we have to make up plots to match the titles. Producer Andrew then chooses which summary he prefers, and whoever has the majority of plots

Alison and Mike Cooper from Ghosts (TV 2019)

Dec 08 2024 53 mins  
Description Returning guest John Darowski joins Joe to discuss Alison and Mike Cooper from the BBC sitcom Ghosts. Starring Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe, the sitcom features a woman who can see the ghosts of people from various eras of British history who are haunting her manor. We are discussing two Christmas specials that were produced by the show. Support Patreon Sho