Best Ryan Pak Podcasts (2025)

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Missing Helen by Tia Tashiro (audio) 37:54

1d ago37:54

37:54

This episode features "Missing Helen" written by Tia Tashiro. Published in the July 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/tashiro_07_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/clarkesworld/membership…

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Special Insert: Gear Daddies and Minnesota Music with The 70s vs. the 80s Podcast! 1:31:21

3d ago1:31:21

1:31:21

Send us a text We all have those bands we love that maybe fly under the radar or stay local. For many of us from Minnesota, Gear Daddies is one of those bands. They flashed in the late 80s and early 90s, captivated audiences and were gone just as fast (though they still reunite and play today from time to time). We've enlisted fellow Minnesota podc…

1
Outlier by R.L. Meza (audio) 21:11

3d ago21:11

21:11

This episode features "Outlier" written by R.L. Meza. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/meza_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?By Clarkesworld Magazine

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The Last to Survive by Rita Chang-Eppig (audio) 36:40

4d ago36:40

36:40

This episode features "The Last to Survive" written by Rita Chang-Eppig. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/chang-eppig_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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The Last Lunar New Year by Derek Künsken (audio) 38:44

5d ago38:44

38:44

This episode features "The Last Lunar New Year" written by Derek Künsken. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/kunsken_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Faces of the Antipode by Matthew Marcus (audio) 1:00:12

6d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

This episode features "Faces of the Antipode" written by Matthew Marcus. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/marcus_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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The Eighth Pyramid by Louis Inglis Hall (audio) 52:46

7d ago52:46

52:46

This episode features "The Eighth Pyramid" written by Louis Inglis Hall. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/hall_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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In the Shells of Broken Things by A. T. Greenblatt (audio) 44:45

9d ago44:45

44:45

This episode features "In the Shells of Broken Things" written by A. T. Greenblatt. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/greenblatt_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Film Rage's Jim on How The Legend of Ochi Soundtrack (2025) Helps Isaiah Saxon Blur Fantasy and Reality 1:00:53

10d ago1:00:53

1:00:53

(00:00:00) Introducing Jim and The Legend of Ochi (00:09:24) The Soundtrack and Composer Dave Longstreth (00:16:57) The Tension Building Throughout The Legend of Ochi (00:22:22) What is an Ochi? (00:24:17) Metal Bands in the Film (00:26:16) The World Building of the Film (00:29:21) Isaiah Saxon's Background (00:30:28) Is this Film Kid Friendly? (00…

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2nd Chance Month: 80s/90s Sequels Draft with Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast! 59:08

10d ago59:08

59:08

Send us a text We've got 2 great reasons for you to listen to this one: 1. We are joined in this draft with Jason and Dee from the Surely You Can't Be Serious Podcast. These guys have a fantastic show, and they know their stuff as well as anyone out there. You'll definitely want to check them out when you're done listening to this one. 2. We are dr…

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If an Algorithm Can Cast a Shadow by Claire Jia-Wen (audio) 34:04

12d ago34:04

34:04

This episode features "If an Algorithm Can Cast a Shadow" written by Claire Jia-Wen. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/jia-wen_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Special Insert: Initials Game with Smokin' Sounds, Spinning the Wheel, and Or Is It Podcasts! 1:22:01

17d ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Send us a text We've invited some of our friends to play another one of Giff's Initials games. Get to know Shawn from Smokin' Sounds, Matt from Spinning the Wheel, and Derek from Or Is It and Film Studies. Then play along as we compete in a heated Initials game hosted by Giff. Check out each of guests at the links below! Smokin' Sounds Spinning the…

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Special Insert: TV Theme Songs with Special Guest Brian Rappe! 31:15

21d ago31:15

31:15

Send us a text As our guest, Brian Rappe got to choose this week's draft. We're picking the best TV theme songs of all-time. This is a special installment you don't want to miss! Then check our polls on social media to vote for your favorite list and tell us what we got wrong! If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes/Apple Pod…

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Ryan and Nicole Try to Explain Pavements (2025), the Pavements Soundtrack, & Their Pavement Fandom 1:04:31

24d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

(00:00:00) Intro (00:06:24) Who is Alex Ross Perry? What is Pavements? (00:12:46) Slanted! Enchanted! (00:18:24) Catchy Songs, Distant Lyrics (00:21:24) Range life (00:27:03) Wants For the Pavements DVD/BluRay Bonus Features (00:30:52) The Pavements Soundtrack (00:32:51) What We Wanted to See More Of (00:37:43) Pavement Needle Drops Not Covered in …

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Special Insert: Pulp Fiction with Special Guest Brian Rappe! 1:22:37

24d ago1:22:37

1:22:37

Send us a text In 1994, Quentin Tarantino made a little movie that changed the landscape of film and rejuvenated the career of John Travolta all at once. In a year of great movies, Pulp Fiction was arguably the best. We welcome back Brian Rappe to help us break down this modern classic. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes…

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Special Insert: Summer Preview 24:05

1M ago24:05

24:05

Send us a text We've got a busy summer here at PCY. But we'll do our best to keep putting out quality content. Here about our plans and the special guests we have lined up in this fun preview episode. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes/Apple Podcasts app or wherever you listen. Or better yet, tell a friend to listen! Wan…

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Emily of Emerald Starship by Ng Yi-Sheng (audio) 27:29

1M ago27:29

27:29

This episode features "Emily of Emerald Starship" written by Ng Yi-Sheng. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/yi-sheng_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Yarn Theory by Marie Vibbert (audio) 8:48

1M ago8:48

8:48

This episode features "Yarn Theory" written by Marie Vibbert. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/vibbert_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Proxima One by Caryanna Reuven (audio) 29:44

1M ago29:44

29:44

This episode features "Proxima One" written by Caryanna Reuven and translated by Sue Burke. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/reuven_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Oh Time Thy Pyramids by Ann LeBlanc (audio) 47:35

1M ago47:35

47:35

This episode features "Oh Time Thy Pyramids" written by Ann LeBlanc. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/leblanc_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Descent by Wole Talabi (audio) 2:15:31

1M ago2:15:31

2:15:31

This episode features "Descent" written by Wole Talabi. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/talabi_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?By Clarkesworld Magazine

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Russ Burlingame on The Needle Drops that Make The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1 Soundtrack a Hit 56:49

1M ago56:49

56:49

Pop Culture Writer Russ Burlingame joins Nicole Barlow and Ryan Pak to talk about the soundtrack to James Gunn's 2014 film, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1. It's the 1st soundtrack to ever hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 charts with all previously released songs. It's sold over 3 million copies and was the 2nd best selling soundtrack in 2014 behin…

1
1997: Austin Powers / Best Spy Equipment 1:29:01

1M ago1:29:01

1:29:01

Send us a text In 1997, Mike Myers unleashed Austin Powers onto the world. Playing the title role and Dr. Evil, this film also introduced us to Fembots, Alotta Fagina, Frau Farbissina, and a host of other classic characters. Even more than the characters were the lines however. Yeah baby! Do I make you horny?! Oh behave! The film indeed left a memo…

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We, the Fleet by Alex T. Singer (audio) 57:38

1M ago57:38

57:38

This episode features "We, the Fleet" written by Alex T. Singer. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/singer_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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1997: South Park / Favorite South Park Characters 1:03:08

1M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Send us a text Things are about to get naughty, as Cartman's mom would say. We're talking South Park, and there really is no way to talk about this classic show cleanly. We focus on the first episode "Cartman gets an Anal Probe" and the highly rated episode "Scott Tenorman Must Die" in our look back, but there is so much more. Grab some Cheesy Poof…

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Writer James Deon Williams Breaks Down Boomerang's (1992) Stacked Soundtrack and Stacked Cast 47:49

2M ago47:49

47:49

Pop culture writer, James Down Williams, joins Ryan to talk about the 1992 Reginald Hudlin film, Boomerang and it's 3x Platinum soundtrack. The soundtrack boasted 6 singles including Toni Braxton's "Give U My Heart" and Boyz II Men's "End of the Road", which would top the Billboard Top 100 for 13 weeks, which was a record at the time. Equally impre…

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1997: Everclear - So Much for the Afterglow / Favorite 3 Piece Bands 1:27:34

2M ago1:27:34

1:27:34

Send us a text Filled with killer hooks, memorable lyrics, and loud guitars, Everclear's 1997 album So Much for the Afterglow was a worthy follow up to the success of Sparkle and Fade. Steeped in 90s nostalgia, this album was essential to Brad's late college years. We've got memories, analysis, and fun in this rockin' episode. Art, Craig, and Greg …

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The Library of the Apocalypse by Rati Mehrotra (audio) 26:50

2M ago26:50

26:50

This episode features "The Library of the Apocalypse" written by Rati Mehrotra. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/mehrotra_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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1997: Memories and TV, Movies, and Music Drafts with Ryan Pak from Soundtrack Your Life 1:19:29

2M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Send us a text Years didn't get much bigger than 1997 for the PCY crew. So to cover the year in enough detail, we've added a guest. Returning to the show is Ryan Pak from the Soundtrack Your Life podcast! We've got great memories to share and deep drafts in TV, movies, and music. Go back in time with us now! And make sure to check out Soundtrack Yo…

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Brainstem Disco, 2191 by Angela Liu (audio) 13:59

2M ago13:59

13:59

This episode features "Brainstem Disco, 2191" written by Angela Liu. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/liu_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

1
An Even Greater Cold to Come by Rich Larson (audio) 23:51

2M ago23:51

23:51

This episode features "An Even Greater Cold to Come" written by Rich Larson. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/larson_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

1
In My Country by Thomas Ha (audio) 39:18

2M ago39:18

39:18

This episode features "In My Country" written by Thomas Ha. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/ha_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?By Clarkesworld Magazine

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Symbiotic by Carolyn Zhao (audio) 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

This episode features "Symbiotic" written by Carolyn Zhao. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/zhao_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Still Water by Zhang Ran (audio) 1:05:07

2M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

This episode features "Still Water" written by Zhang Ran and translated by Andy Dudak. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/zhang_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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2003: School of Rock / Best Fictional Teachers in TV and Film 1:05:48

2M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Send us a text Put Jack Black, rock and roll, and bunch of precocious kids together and what do you have? The 2003 classic School of Rock! While the movie was a star making turn for Black, the kids try to steal the show, and the music melts your face. We break down all the details and stick it to the man in this episode. In addition to all that fun…

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Aegiopolis Testudo by Gordon Li (audio) 55:00

2M ago55:00

55:00

This episode features "Aegiopolis Testudo" written by Gordon Li. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/li_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

1
The Seed by Sheri Singerling (audio) 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

This episode features "The Seed" written by Sheryl Singerling. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/singerling_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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LIMAHL (Kajagoogoo) on Why His Hits "Too Shy" and "The NeverEnding Story" Are Popular Needle Drops Now 48:51

2M ago48:51

48:51

Solo artist, and lead singer of Kajagoogoo, Limahl is our guest this week and it was an honor to talk to the singer of the chart topping soundtrack song, The NeverEnding Story. It was a top 10 hit in over 15 countries, including hitting #1 in Norway, Spain and Sweden. Limahl has recently released a new single, a great cover of America's "A Horse wi…

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2003: Episode 200! The Room / Best "Bad" Movies 1:19:52

2M ago1:19:52

1:19:52

Send us a text We've been at this awhile, 200 episodes in fact. If you've listened to every one, you are a hero to us. Let's celebrate! In this episode we revisit The Room at Pete's request. It is Giff's first time viewing a movies that has meant so much to Pete and Brad and their friends. What will he think? The Room is considered one of the worst…

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It's a Fandom Thing's Erin on Trent Reznor's Curation of The Natural Born Killers Soundtrack (1994) 1:15:42

3M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Erin Marlow of It's a Fandom Thing joins Nicole and Ryan to talk about the 1994 Oliver Stone film, Natural Born Killers. It began as a Quentin Tarantino script before Oliver Stone turned it into an entirely different thing, which is just one of many controversies that surround this film. What's not controversial is the greatness of the Natural Born…

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2003: Old School / Best Fictional Schools 1:07:22

3M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

Send us a text The 2000s saw a renaissance of the comedy, many starring and overlapping the same actors. One of the first big ones was Old School, starring Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell and a host of others. We will break down the deep cast, the jokes, the streaking, and more in this episode. We finish things off with a great draft of the…

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2003: Memories and Movies, Music, and TV Drafts 1:01:38

3M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Send us a text 2003 was a year where where an indie rock revival was taking place and a comedy movie renaissance was also beginning. For us at PCY, it was that sweet spot between weddings and having kids. Looking back was a lot of fun. Check out our memories and drafts of the best movies, music, and TV as we kick off a new year! If you enjoy the sh…

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Through These Moments, Darkly by Samantha Murray (audio) 27:17

3M ago27:17

27:17

This episode features "Through These Moments, Darkly" written by Samantha Murray. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/murray_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Funerary Habits of Low Entropy Entities by Damián Neri (audio) 27:24

3M ago27:24

27:24

This episode features "Funerary Habits of Low Entropy Entities" written by Damián Neri. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/neri_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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