An eldest daughter and a couple of berries nearly took down an entire empire. Let's talk about that.

Lyndsey sits down with Jake Rupp — 20-year teacher, young adult literature obsessive, and the guy who has watched The Hunger Games an uncomfortable number of times — to break down why this story keeps getting more relevant, not less.

They get into why Katniss succeeds not because she's charming but because she's incapable of being anything else, how Peeta and Katniss represent two completely different ways of cutting through a system designed to consume you, what Effie Trinket and Cato actually have in common (hint: it's not what you think), why the Capitol's pageantry is doing exactly what pageantry is supposed to do, and what it says about us that we can be completely gripped by a story about children killing each other and still miss the point.

Also: a pregnant wife at a Rue death scene, softball dads as career tribute energy, and the rock. You know the one.

This is the episode for people who loved the books at 13 and are only now realizing what they were actually about.

Jake Rupp teaches English, rhetoric, and young adult literature and makes videos about rhetoric online. Find him on tiktok at @hashtagjrupp

What looks like a silly 90s Disney movie turns out to be a surprisingly honest story about growing up, wanting independence, and wanting to stay connected at the same time.

In this episode, Lyndsey and Ben revisit A Goofy Movie and talk about authenticity, parent–child tension, and why the parts of ourselves we try to hide are often the parts people love most.

Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the unexpected emotional clarity.

In this episode, Lyndsey McPherson and PJ dive into a deep discussion about the movie 'Wicked Part 2: For Good.' They explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and societal change, reflecting on how the characters navigate their complex relationships and the broader implications of their actions. The conversation touches on the emotional impact of the film, the portrayal of strong female protagonists, and the significance of standing up for what is right, even when it is challenging.

Superman might be faster than a speeding bullet, but even the Man of Steel has bad days. In this episode of Epilogues & Epiphanies, Lyndsey McPherson sits down with musician, podcaster, and Superman super-fan Rick Lee James to unpack DC Comics and James Gunn's newest Superman movie.

We talk about what happens when the world’s most aspirational hero actually struggles—emotionally, physically, and even spiritually—and why that makes him more relatable than ever. From Lex Luthor’s jealousy complex to Lois Lane refusing to play damsel in distress, from punk rock lyrics that become Superman’s battle cry (“hope is his punk rock”) to the squirrel-saving scene that proves character really is in the little things—we go deep into what this story is really about: choosing hope, kindness, and doing the right thing even on your worst day.

If you’ve ever wondered why Superman still matters in a world obsessed with pirates and anti-heroes, or why the most “alien” character might be the most human of us all, this conversation will hit home.

🎧 Tune in for comic book geekery, spiritual insights, and a reminder that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is keep believing the best in people—even when it feels like punk rock to do it.

Episode Description:
Jurassic World Rebirth is here, and so is returning guest champion Jordan Kennedy. This time, the franchise trades “bug park” chaos for Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and a surprising course correction toward what fans actually love. We dig into the title that makes no sense, the casting choices that saved it, and why “Killing a Dinosaur Is a Sin” might be the most telling line in the whole film.

Along the way, we talk gender dynamics done right (for once), villains destined for dino chow, product placement so obvious it’s almost comforting, and why kids in these movies are always physically fine but emotionally fried. Plus: a deeper look at hubris, moral responsibility, and whether we ever actually learn from the stories we keep telling.

If you’re here for a Jurassic World Rebirth review that’s equal parts sharp commentary, genuine laughs, and thoughtful storytelling analysis—you’re in the right place.

Humans are wired for story—not just for entertainment, but for survival. From cave walls to cinema screens, our brains are built to recognize patterns, feel connection, and find meaning through narrative.

In this episode, Lyndsey and Neil unpack the invisible scaffolding that holds great stories together—and why we feel so disoriented when that structure breaks down. They dive into the Hero’s Journey, the guide vs. the hero, and what it really means when you keep finding yourself in the same “season” of life.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain stories stick—and how to live your own arc with more self-awareness—this conversation is for you.

Have you ever finished watching a movie and felt like your heart was about to explode? Or finished a TV series and needed alone time for two days? Join Lyndsey McPherson (MA Counseling) and special guests as they unpack those post-movie/show hole thoughts, feelings, and questions. Together we’ll unravel what it means to be human through the lens of our favorite TV characters and films. If you’ve ever felt betrayed by a fictional character, been inspired to be a better person by something a wizard said, or been sent into a true existential crisis by the latest Pixar film... then let's go.

🎥🎶 In this episode of Epilogues & Epiphanies, we’re diving into the bittersweet brilliance of La La Land. I’m joined by Justin, aka @FreddiesRoommate, who brings plenty of opinions (and some hot takes—like why Ryan Gosling’s Sebastian might’ve been better cast differently).

🎹 We’re breaking down Damien Chazelle’s exploration of art, ambition, and heartbreak, from Mia’s gut-wrenching audition to Sebastian’s questionable life choices. If you’ve ever felt the highs and lows of chasing a dream, this one’s for you.

#LaLaLand #EpiloguesAndEpiphanies #FreddiesRoommate #DamienChazelle #MoviePodcast #CreativeLife