Media

This post lists the books mentioned in the episode: What Netflix’s “Adolescence” Got Wrong - William Costello. Mentioned Books The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists – Neil Strauss Mate: Become the Man Women Want – Tucker Max and Geoffrey Miller The Extended Phenotype: The Long Reach of the Gene The conversation centers around the controversial Netflix mini-series Adolescence, which dramatizes a fictional case of incel-inspired violence and its societal impact, prompting real-world political responses in the UK. The speakers critique the show’s representation of masculinity, online radicalization, and incel ideology, arguing it oversimplifies complex psychological and cultural dynamics without sufficient research grounding. They also explore broader themes such as male role models, mental health, and modern dating pressures on young men, linking them to both academic research and media portrayals. ...

This post lists the books mentioned in the episode: Why Do Modern Movies Suck So Much? - Critical Drinker. Mentioned Books Red Rising by Pierce Brown The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James Dune by Frank Herbert Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding The Winds of Winter by George R.R. Martin (forthcoming) A Dream of Spring by George R.R. Martin (forthcoming) The World of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien The Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin Brandon Sanderson’s Works The conversation explores the decline of Hollywood’s creative output, the corporatization and dilution of legacy franchises like James Bond, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, and the cultural consequences of identity politics in entertainment. It critiques the industry’s obsession with nostalgia, lack of original storytelling, and the rising influence of streaming, while forecasting a shift toward video game adaptations and politically neutral content. The episode also touches on notable personalities, comedy’s return, award shows losing relevance, and the difference between artistic vision and commercial compromise. ...