In the Skies of Love

S2E11 BONUS – Scholars of the First Slam

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this bonus Tom and Joel talk about their upcoming indie game and the trials of making a 5/10 product.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E11 – E47+E48: "Seeking a Free Universe" + "The Two-Headed Snake: The Battle of Rantemario"

Tue, 27 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

This time.is we cover episodes 47 and 48. We discuss the aura impact of long hair at different ages, terrorism (it's still bad, folks), whether a baguette and a cucumber is a good lunch, Bishop Degsby's morning routine, bar culture in London and Tokyo, Rubinksy's continual sofa crimes, navy ship naming conventions, the foolproof CatDog strategy, the science of space currents, and a bonus section where we name films for a while. Also in this episode: Kumail's irrational repulsion towards Andy Serkis. This is the end of your fantasy..... *Linkin Park plays*

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E10 – E45+E46: "Arrival of the Cold Wave" + "Admiral Yang's Ark Fleet"

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

It’s crossword time. In this episode the cool wave arrives, the rancid vibes of work christmas parties, Alexander the Great's "perfect" record, sandwiches, the bizarre world building of Eurafrica, and the comedy of mixed animation. Also in this episode: we return to the Reunthal Zone. Long live the Northern Condominium!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E9 – E43+E44: "The Sounding of Gjallarhorn" + "Fezzan Occupied"

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Helco! In this episode we discuss the ethics of rocket explosions, Kumail's backalley subtitles, the subtle art of TV placement, softboy Mittermeyer, the relentless progress of the alien intelligence of Capital, and what it means to call someone "Mr. Jewel." Also in this episode: the mysterious science of fax machines. BACKFLIP!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E8 BONUS – How I Learned to Stop Worrying, and Love the Elizabeth Line

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this bonus discussion we talk about Twitter's death throes, Athenian democracy, learning history from Assassins Creed, the magnificent wonders of Slough Trading Estate, and even more love for the Elizabeth Line. Also in this episode: we reveal our new corporate overlords!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E8 - E41+E42: "Operation "Ragnarok" + "Invitation to a Requiem"

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Hëlow. In this episode, hosted by the world's worst architect and the world's worst physicist, Joel's qualities as a friend are called into question by thousands upon thousands of people. We discuss the madness of star reviewing, the similarities between Professor Layton and the Curious Village and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, whether or not loving the Kaiser is free political expression, effective nuclear power plant placement, Phezzani fashion, if Reinhardt is ready to date again, and the inherent evil of wine branding. Also in this episode: Rudyard Kipling's exceedingly good cakes! Every day we get closer to the gates of Hell!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E7 BONUS – The Tokyo Restaurant Economy and Other Mysteries

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, the opening is impeccable and beyond reproach. We discuss the fine art of anime-themed cocktails, the strange economic forces that keep Tokyo’s restaurants affordable, and whether or not Julian is being set up for a tragic fate. Also in this episode: the surreal experience of seeing a monkey in a hot spring, a heated debate about natto, and the baffling persistence of Elon Musk.

Plus: futuristic train stations, the unbearable cost of London, and a philosophical inquiry into whether all orangutans are just guys.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E7 - E39+E40: "A Single Journey" + "Julian's Journey, Mankind's Journey"

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we dive deep into the chaos of timekeeping, the existential dread of missing a minute, and the questionable value of a $3/month ad-free clock. We also explore the intricacies of cocktail definitions (is Ribena a cocktail? Debate ensues), the emotional weight of Julian's departure to Fezzan, and Yang Wenli's surprisingly relatable take on alcohol consumption. Plus, we uncover the shocking truth about Fortnite's cultural impact, the ethics of copyright, and the mysterious allure of Iserlohn's cocktail menu. Also in this episode: Joel's Antarctic aspirations, Tom's spoiler slip-ups, and Kumail's deep dive into the history of humanity (and why it feels like a Netflix documentary).

Highlights include:

The great cocktail debate: Sangria vs. Whiskey Highball.

Julian's PowerPoint presentation on Yang's drinking habits.

The emotional rollercoaster of Julian's farewell tour (featuring a silent goodbye and a rusty key).

A deep dive into the history of the Galactic Federation, complete with nudity and existential musings.

The inherent evil of Fortnite and the commodification of IP.

Joel's dream of digging up fossils in Fukui (and possibly starting a YouTube channel).

Also in this episode: Joel's obsession with University Challenge, Tom's accidental spoilers, and Kumail's existential crisis over the meaning of "nice opinion."

Next time on In the Skies of Love: More history lessons, more cocktails, and maybe, just maybe, a trip to Hokkaido. Until then, keep your drinks mixed and your timelines ad-free.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E6 BONUS – A24, Evangelion, and the Darkness Growing in Our Souls

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, the opening is impeccable and beyond reproach. We discuss Memories and its haunting first segment Magnetic Rose, the baffling experience of Evangelion rebuilds, and the enduring strangeness of pop-up cafes in Tokyo. Also in this episode: a deep dive into I Saw the TV Glow, a passionate defense of The Tree of Life, and a shocking realization about the horniness of Disney’s Tarzan.

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Chungking Express, Longlegs, and whatever the hell Alien Covenant was trying to do. The cinematic event that will shake the world is still just beyond the horizon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E6 - E37+E38: "The Abduction of the Child Kaiser" + "The Arrow Is Loosed"

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, the opening is impeccable and beyond reproach. We discuss the world’s worst kidnapping attempt, the spiritual burden of turning 30, and the deeply mysterious role of Dominique. Also in this episode: Lohengramm’s slow descent into tyranny, Yang Wenli’s existential crisis over a bottle of brandy, and the most unintentionally hilarious animation choices of the season.

Plus: secret tunnels, anime shock edits, and a brief but passionate debate about putting ice in wine. The galaxy edges closer to war—again!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E5 - E35+E36: "Determination and Ambition" + "Thunder"

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode the opening is impeccable and beyond reproach. We discuss Yang's mood swings, the impact of toxoplasmosis on human history, Intestine the cat, a very famous figure who got shot through the ear one time, and the best cinema experiences in suburban Tokyo. Also in this episode: a surprise message from Joel's Dad. WARNING: this episode contains spoilers for Dune Messiah, and the 2013 movie Enemy for some reason. The event that will shock everyone is still one month away!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E4 BONUS: Jack Bauer vs. Hideo Kojima's Instagram

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we descend into beautiful chaos. We discuss Akira Kurosawa's filmography (which someone really needs to watch), the cultural impact of 24 and Jack Bauer's questionable decisions, Metal Gear Solid's prophetic relationship with post-9/11 America, and Hideo Kojima's fascinating Instagram habits. Also in this episode: the Japanese smoking paradox, Tim Rogers impressions, and the eternal question of whether anyone will ever retrieve that shoe from the well in Kansas. WARNING: this episode contains spoilers for Jack Bauer's final fate, and an extended discussion about Kojima's tweets about weed. The Gunpla addiction is still one purchase away!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E4 - E33+E34: "Fortress vs Fortress" + "The Return"

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In the fourth episode of Season 2 we discuss fortress on fortress romance, teenage crushes, Shenkoffee, hot beverage crimes, and Gilgamesh (again). Also in this episode: we doxx ourselves. Anything that your mind can conceive, you can have. It's a reality!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E3 - E31+E32: "The Inquiry Committee" & "War Without Weapons"

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 03:30:30 GMT

In the third episode of season 2 we reflect on becoming celebrity podcasters. We discuss Trunicht's classical vase, the various haircuts of the galaxy, anarchist cope, the first depiction of faster than light travel, the terrible car park trap, and the inherent evil of the name "Rupert." Also in this episode: Joel messes up the outro, twice. Bring back Rubinsky!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E2 - E29+E30: "One Slender Thread" & "Lost Things"

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 06:00:41 GMT

In this (highly auspicious) episode: three unmarried, childless podcasters debate the right way to be a father and husband! We also discuss how we're supposed to pronounce "キャゼルヌ," mutually assured destruction, manipulation 101, Mecklinger's totally pedestrian landscape painting, and whether murdering your infant rivals is a red flag in a relationship. Also in this episode: Julian, the celebrity Master Chief. Killamanjaro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2E1 - E27+E28: "First Battle" & "Portrait"

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:23 GMT

In this, the first epsiode of S2, we finally get to see how Reunthal and Mittermeyer got together. We discuss the new opening, Julian's insane kill streak, how to build a crisp slide deck for your evil boss, why you shouldn't kiss your bro at his wedding (even if you're deeply in love with him,) and Oberstein's picky dog. Also in this episode: that damn holographic eagle. Believe it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midseason Special – Excalibur vs. Zack Snyder's Justice League — Dawn of Justice

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:00:37 GMT

In this very special mid-season spectacular we work hard to alienate our existing audience! We pay the podcasting tax by discussing the Zack Snyder cut for longer than the runtime of the movie, and compare it with its (apparent) direct inspiration: Excalibur (1981). In this episode we discuss mythic storytelling, art under capitalism, the healthy practice of doing a grail quest, and the strange attractor of the "evil superman" trope. Also in this episode: Joel eats a fancy kiwi fruit. We hope you join us on this epic board-approved journey, as we slowly lose our minds from tiredness. Don't count on it, Batman!

Chapters:

Why are we doing this? (3:39)
Joel's Plot Remembrance (20:40)
Kumail Attempts to Explain Batman v Superman (23:36)
Opening Credits (28:06)
Part 01 (28:58)
Introduction to Wonder Woman (41:10)
The Amazons (54:15)
Part 02 (1:08:09)
Fat Guy Valour (1:19:05)
Part 04 (1:46:08)
Part 05 (2:02:23)
Joel speaks on the Cornfields (2:24:36)
Epilogue (2:50:05)
Kumail leaks Justice League 2 & 3 (2:52:09)
Second Epilogue (2:59:32)
Joel's Budgetary Research (3:03:29)
Joel's Moral Statement (3:05:28)
End of ZSJL (3:05:49)
Kiwi Season (3:06:22)
DC Mind Palace (3:07:24)
Excalibur (3:07:35)
Arthur Get's His Mojo Back (3:45:46)
Shakespeare Cinematic Universe (4:27:22)
Wrapup (4:29:47)
Ratings (4:35:31)
Outro (4:36:53)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E12 - E24+E25+E26: "Victory, For Whose Sake?" / "The Day Before Destiny" / "Farewell, Distant Days"

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:58 GMT

In the 12th episode we feel sad! We discuss relativistic iceburgs, the intricacies of Japanese grammar, and the effectiveness of storing anti tank weaponry inside the corpse of your ex-boyfriend. Also in this episode: that weird short from The Digimon Movie. Victory, but for whose sake??!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E11 - E22+E23: "Courage & Loyalty" & "The Fall of the Goldenbaum"

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:24 GMT

In the eleventh episode there are too many Conrads! We discuss the alien nature of mediaeval relationships, the pertinence of a well timed bombing, the evils of snitching, and why theatre kids are a huge liability when you're performing a coup. Also in this episode: Ridley Scott's entire filmography for some reason. It's my planet and I'll nuke it if I want to!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E10 - E20+E21: "Heavens of Bloodshed"& "The Battle of Doria, and Then..."

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 06:00:14 GMT

In the tenth episode the gang gets a soundboard. We discuss the science of bremsstrahlung, the thermocline of truth, Reinhardt's tiny fists, Mittermeyer and Reunthal's genius pit trap plan, why more heroes should have facial scars, and the history of the Syrian Communist party. Also in this episode: we give Braunschweig some modern fashion tips. I will lead the left wing!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E09 - E18+E19: "The Lippstadt Agreement" & "The Yang Fleet Sallies Forth"

Wed, 29 May 2024 06:00:22 GMT

In the ninth episode Kumail opens with a terrible confession. We discuss veneration of (definitely real) heroic pasts, the technical definition of a laser, the inherent political power of a terrible haircut, the correct amount of milk to put in coffee, and what to do when your Dad does a coup. Also in this episode: Joel digs himself a hole deeper than the Bin Laden caves. The fight for democracy goes on!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E08 - E16+E17: "A New Tide" & "Before the Storm"

Wed, 15 May 2024 06:00:39 GMT

In the eighth episode Joel messes up the opening! We also discuss the inherent drama in a timely swish of a cape, how the space pope hologram works, the timelessness of cold war drip, and how all trains should be replaced by travelators. This episode is dedicated to the brave Mujahideen fighters of Afghanistan!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E07 - E14+E15: "The Liberation of the Frontier" & "The Battle of Amritsar"

Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:06 GMT

In episode seven we discuss who should play Yang in a live action adaptation, whether Excalibur (1981) is appropriate for a child, the deep meaning of Fork/Falk's out of the blue seizure, and how cool that tank noise was. Kill Chewbacca, you cowards!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E06 - E12+E13: "The Invasion of the Empire" & "When the Sad Rain Come..."

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:00:36 GMT

In the sixth episode we discuss whether civic hero worship is "hip" or "square," the legitimate and definitely legal invasions carried out by the United States over our short lives, whether he's called "Falk" or "Fork," and the myriad mysterious qualities of the number 7. Once again the galaxy will be smeared with blood!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E05 - E10+E11: "Jessica’s War" & "The Actress Exits"

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 06:00:29 GMT

In the fifth episode we discuss the lack of furniture in the future, the virtues of trespassing on a first date, the legal framework behind anime high school trees, the rising price of oil and its impact on the giant plane industry, and whether the show would have been better as a musical. Also we finally take a firm stance on terrorism: "it's bad!"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E04 - E08+E09: "Cool, Clear, Artificial Eyes" & "The Klopstock Incident"

Tue, 09 May 2023 06:00:48 GMT

In the fourth episode of "In the Skies of Love", we go on a deep dive of episodes 8 and 9 of "Legend of the Galactic Heroes", including how the architecture of the pentagon could be improved by picking a shape with more sides, as well as legend of the galactic heroes' first batman villain!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E03 - E06+E07: "The Knights of the Rose" & "Iserlohn Taken!"

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:19 GMT

In the third episode of "In the Skies of Love", we explore the events of episodes 6 and 7 of "Legend of the Galactic Heroes". We analyze the character development of Reinhard and Kircheis, examining their motivations and the shifting power dynamics between them. We also delve into the ethical dilemmas faced by the Free Planets Alliance and the difficult choices they must make in order to survive against the might of the Galactic Empire. Additionally, we discuss the themes of honor and loyalty, as well as the contrasting ideals of democracy and authoritarianism. Join us as we dissect the intricate plot and thematic elements of "Legend of the Galactic Heroes"!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E02 - E03+E04+E05: "Birth of the 13th Fleet" & "Empire’s Afterglow" & "The Kastrop Rebellion"

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:34 GMT

In the second episode of In the Skies of Love, we continue our critical analysis of Legend of the Galactic Heroes by exploring the events of episodes 3, 4, and 5. We delve deeper into the complex political and social structures of both the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance and the ideologies that drive them. We examine the themes of war, power, and corruption as they manifest in the actions and decisions of key characters, such as Admiral Kircheis and Commodore Yang. We also discuss the role of women in this male-dominated society and the implications of their limited agency. Join us as we explore the evolving narrative and themes of Legend of the Galactic Heroes and their continued relevance in our modern world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S01E01 - E01+E02: "In the Eternal Night" & "The Battle of Astarte"

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:26:03 GMT

In the first episode of In the Skies of Love, we take a closer look at the first two episodes of the anime series Legend of the Galactic Heroes. We dive into the world-building, character development, and themes presented in these initial episodes. We discuss the overarching conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, as well as the personal struggles of our two main protagonists, Reinhard von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-li. We also examine the political ideologies and power dynamics at play in this complex and intricate space opera. Join us as we explore the intricate storytelling and thought-provoking themes of Legend of the Galactic Heroes.

Hosted by Joel, Tom and Kumail Rizvi (http://twitter.com/hikumail)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.