Attention Star Command, there seems to be a problem with Buzz Lightyear

Attention Star Command, there seems to be a problem with Buzz Lightyear

ROADTRIPPIN’ co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden respond to letters from listeners proposing a variety of reasons as to why Pixar’s latest animated feature, LIGHTYEAR, didn’t meet expectations during its opening weekend. Was it a result of bad casting, a strained relationship between studios, convoluted marketing or stronger-than-expected competition? No one is sure – but it’s possible the problem runs much deeper than an origin story for an action figure might let on.

Is fan outrage an acceptable excuse for unacceptable behavior?

Is fan outrage an acceptable excuse for unacceptable behavior?

Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the reactions to racist and threatening messages sent to Moses Ingram by a small but vocal minority of toxic Star Wars fans. Both Disney and Obi-Wan Kenobi star, Ewan McGregor, were quick to show their support of Ingram and her work on the show. But Rob and Mike try to take a deeper dive into why some fans feel it’s okay to behave in such a way.

Happy Twilight Zone Day!

Happy Twilight Zone Day!

Celebrate National TWILIGHT ZONE Day today by checking out our gallery of shots from the classic series that aired from 1959 – 1964. The show, created by Rod Serling, broke a lot of ground for those that followed including classics like Star Trek and Kolchak: The Night Stalker.

Cartoonists’ Day Profile – Chuck Jones

Cartoonists’ Day Profile – Chuck Jones

Legendary illustrator/animator Chuck Jones was the favorite cartoonist as selected by Imagination Connoisseurs participating in our Facebook poll. We’ve posted a few samples of his work to our website and provided links for those seeking more information.

Is Netflix’s financial emergency just business as usual?

Is Netflix’s financial emergency just business as usual?

Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the recent beating Netflix took on Wall Street, losing nearly 35% of its value in a single day based on the news that the service is expecting to lose 2.2 million customers in 2022. That’s bad news for Netflix and will result in some major changes at the streamer. But is this a special occurrence or business as usual for streamers now? How do you grow when you hit market saturation?

When does character backstory become TMI?

When does character backstory become TMI?

Co-hosts Robert Meyer Burnett and Mike Bawden talk about the overuse of character backstory in many of the genre movies and television shows produced today. Worldbuilding and lore are important tools for the genre storyteller – but too much of a reliance on the past can make your story and characters stall out in the present. 

How J.J. Abrams nearly ruined even more childhoods …

How J.J. Abrams nearly ruined even more childhoods …

Before he directed MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: 3, writer-director J.J. Abrams pitched Warner Brothers on the idea of re-booting Superman with a film called SUPERMAN: FLYBY. Fortunately for truth, justice and most of our childhoods, WB let J.J. fly right on by. But, what if ????

Where has our optimistic future gone?

Where has our optimistic future gone?

Mike Bawden thinks we need to come out of our cocoons and regain our sense of what it will take to live life to our full potential. Here’s a hint – there is a desperate need for great stories, ambitious storytellers, and an optimistic sense of our own future.