#Revolutionizing Podcasting

[neturbizenterprises]

Revolutionize Your Podcast with Podcastle AI

Explore the transformative impact of generative AI in podcast creation with us! This video delves into how AI technologies are revolutionizing the industry by automating content creation, enhancing audio quality, and personalizing listener experiences. We’ll discuss tools like Podcastle's clip generator and revoice feature that streamline workflows for podcasters and content creators.

Discover advanced methods for improving production processes, from AI-driven transcription services to programmatic podcast advertising. These innovations not only enhance accessibility but also help monetize content effectively. Join us as we uncover these exciting developments in media production!

Podcastle AI:

Explore the transformative impact of generative AI in podcast creation with us! This video delves into how AI technologies are revolutionizing the industry by automating content creation, enhancing audio quality, and personalizing listener experiences. We’ll discuss tools like Podcastle's clip generator and revoice feature that streamline workflows for podcasters and content creators.

[fanyeline]

I spent way too much time on this revised “listening guide” or “intro to friends at the table”. They’re really meant to be seen as slides but idk. 

[sashasparrow]

i said it in the tags of another post but among all the talk of how wtnv revolutionized queer media - which they did - i feel like we're neglecting to mention that night vale changed podcasting as a medium. fiction podcasts as we know them now straight up did not exist before cranor and fink got their start. nonfiction pods were very much a thing, but the only pre-night vale fiction podcasts i can name offhand the leviathan chronicles, metamor city, and we're alive. and if you go back and listen to them, they are a lot less like the format we know now (usually diagetic recordings) and were basically just fully acted audio books. and they were good! the leviathan chronicles is a personal favorite. but podcasts as truly immersive fiction? that's night vale, all the way. the fact that they tend to favor horror? also night vale. the fact that you can't swing a cat without hitting some form of queer in just about any successful show? bingo.

i just think that we don't give them the credit they deserve for being the fucking blueprint.

[anim-ttrpgs]

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy by A.N.I.M.

Allow us to introduce ourselves, we are The Agency of Narrative Intrigue and Mystery, or “A.N.I.M.”, a very small TTRPG studio based out of the southern U.S. but ultimately made up of people from many different walks of life.

Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy, our debut TTRPG, is a neo-noir investigation-focused RPG with (as you can probably guess from the title) a supernatural twist, that is currently in production after an extremely successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.

How far would you go to learn the truth?

Play amateur detectives caught up in things they barely understand, and explore how the lives of your characters unravel as they push themselves to dig deeper into the unknown!

Eureka innovates on and revolutionizes investigative gameplay, TTRPG combat, and what it means to play as a monster as a character in a TTRPG, filling several voids we have noticed in the TTRPG space. Eureka supports investigation to a degree never before seen, ensuring that searching for clues is a granular and player-driven process, but also ensuring that the whole story doesn’t grind to a halt after one single failed investigation check.

Character-driven gameplay!

Stats and abilities are based on who your character is as a person. Freeform character creation allows you to build a totally unique little guy, and have a totally unique gameplay experience with him! This is supported by the backbone of the Composure mechanic. Stress, fear, fatigue, and hunger will wear your investigators down as they trudge deeper into the unknown. Food, sleep, and connections with their fellow investigators are the only way to keep them going!

Secrets inside and out! 

Any investigator could be a monster, helping their friends while trying not to reveal their true natures. The party will learn to trust and rely on each other, or explode into a tangled net of drama!

Though most PCs will be mundane humans—or perhaps because most PCs will be mundane humans—Eureka also supports playing monstrous PCs, such as a vampire, in a way never seen before. This isn’t just a watered-down stat bonus, it’s like playing an almost entirely different game, with all the monster’s strengths and weaknesses to account for while solving the mystery, plus the added incentive to keep it a secret from the other PCs as well as their players.

(You can also play as something like The Thing from John Carpenter's The Thing!)

If you like or are interested in Call of Cthulhu, Monster of the Week, Dresden Files, X-Files, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Apocalypse Keys, World of Darkness, or Gumshoe, you’ll probably find something in Eureka to really enjoy.

Intense, tactical combat! 

Hits are devastating, and misses are unpredictable–firing a gun will always change the situation somehow, for better or for worse!

Now in Technicolor!

Evocative artwork from talented femme-fatales @chaospyromancy and @qsycomplainsalot and the mysterious @theblackwarden paint a gorgeously-realized portrait of a world with shadows lurking in every corner.

Elegantly designed and thoroughly playtested, Eureka represents the culmination of three years of near-daily work from our team, as well as a lot of our own money. If you’re just now reading this and learning about Eureka for the first time, you missed the crowdfunding window unfortunately, but you can still check out the public beta on itch.io to learn more about what Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy actually is, as that is where we have all the fancy art assets, the animated trailer, links to video reviews by podcasts and youtubers, etc.!

You can also follow updates on our Kickstarter page where we post regular updates on the status of our progress finishing the game and getting it ready for final release.

Beta Copies through the Patreon

If you want more, you can download regularly updated playable beta versions of Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy earlier, plus extra content such as adventure modules by subscribing to our Patreon at the $5 tier or higher. Subscribing to our patreon also grants you access to our patreon discord server where you can talk to us directly and offer valuable feedback on our progress and projects.

The A.N.I.M. TTRPG Book Club

If you would like to meet the A.N.I.M. team and even have a chance to play Eureka with us, you can join the A.N.I.M. TTRPG Book Club discord server. It’s also just a great place to talk and discuss TTRPGs, so there is no schedule obligation, but the main purpose of it is to nominate, vote on, then read, discuss, and play different indie TTRPGs. We put playgroups together based on scheduling compatibility, so it’s all extremely flexible. This is a free discord server, separate from our patreon exclusive one. https://discord.gg/7jdP8FBPes

Other Stuff

We also have a ko-fi and merchandise if you just wanna give us more money for any reason.

We hope to see you there, and that you will help our dreams come true and launch our careers as indie TTRPG developers with a bang by getting us to our base goal and blowing those stretch goals out of the water, and fight back against WotC's monopoly on the entire hobby. Wish us luck.

[artificialfanfiction]

Hey! Could I request something for either Jolly or Matt (I'm having a mental struggle with myself over both of them atm) reader being a metalhead friend of one of the guys and they bring her to hang out or she's a roommate of one? and maybe where you're friends - lovers or enemies - lovers? I've been listening to Why? By Mis-teeq and it's about friends to lovers 😂. Thanks in advance!!

You gave me quite the options to pick here😄Also I watched a podcast with Matt and he gives me very sassy vibes lol. Thank you for your request! Hope you liked it!

You’ve always found solace in the unrelenting chaos of heavy metal. Growing up in a small town, you and Noah discovered a shared passion for the genre’s blaring guitars and intense vocals. That bond has only deepened over the years. Now, Noah leads his own band, pulling you into a vibrant world of sound engineers, late night recording sessions, and, most notably, Matt Dierkes. Noah’s primary sound engineer, has become a regular fixture in your life. You see him at nearly every gig or jam session, his calm demeanor and meticulous nature often a counterpoint to the chaos of the music. While his obsessive precision can be infuriating, you find yourself increasingly drawn to him, noticing a spark of attraction that you can’t quite ignore.

Tonight is a special occasion. After a grueling but successful tour, Noah has organized a gathering at a dimly lit studio to celebrate. The room is relaxed and informal, with everyone lounging on worn leather couches, sipping beers, and reminiscing about the tour’s highs and lows. Matt is engaged in one of his favorite debates. “Okay, but you can’t seriously argue that Iron Maiden is superior to Metallica”, he says, his smile smug as he takes a swig of his beer. You recline against the leather couch, crossing your arms with a scoff. “Comparing Maiden to Metallica is pointless. Metallica revolutionized the genre. They’re the blueprint.”

Matt shakes his head, a chuckle escaping his lips. “Come on, Y/N. Maiden’s storytelling and theatricality elevate them. They’re leagues ahead.”

You roll your eyes, a familiar debate, but tonight there’s a new edge to it, a playful energy that seems to crackle between you and Matt. Maybe it’s the beer, or perhaps it’s the way he’s wearing that faded band tee, his eyes twinkling with passion.

“Delusional,” you laugh, sitting up to face him directly. “Name one Iron Maiden song that even remotely matches the brilliance of Master of Puppets.”

His grin widens, and he leans in slightly. “Easy. Hallowed Be Thy Name.”

You groan, throwing your head back in exaggerated frustration. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re stubborn,” he teases, leaning closer. “Admit it, Y/N, you just don’t have the range.”

Your jaw drops playfully, and for a moment, it feels like the rest of the world fades away. Noah and the rest of the crew are chatting in the background, but right now, it’s just you and Matt.

“Is that so?” you challenge, your heart pounding.

Matt’s smirk softens into something more serious as he closes the distance between you. His gaze locks onto yours, and your stomach flutters with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The way his knee brushes against yours, the warmth in his voice it all feels charged, urging you to take a leap.

Without overthinking it, you lean forward, cutting off whatever retort he was about to make, and kiss him. Matt freezes momentarily, clearly surprised. But then his hand moves to your jaw, and he kisses you back with a slow, deliberate intensity. The world seems to vanish, leaving only the two of you in this perfect, charged moment.

When you pull back, breathless, you meet his eyes with a smirk. “Still think I don’t have the range?”

Matt laughs softly, shaking his head in disbelief, though his fingers linger on your skin. “You just managed to shut me up in the best way possible.”

Across the room, Noah raises an eyebrow, finally noticing the two of you. “Hey! When did this happen?”

You and Matt laugh and pull away, though not too far. Matt shrugs and glances at you with a look that makes your heart race. “About two minutes ago, man.”

Noah chuckles, taking a sip of his drink. “Took you long enough.” As you look back at Matt, his eyes still locked on you, you realize that sometimes, the best things are worth the wait.

The mood has shifted, and you’re acutely aware of everything around you, the low hum of studio equipment, the muted laughter of friends, the warm buzz of beer but most of all, Matt. The kiss still lingers in the air between you, not just a spontaneous act but a culmination of the dynamic that’s been building for months. Matt leans back, glancing around at the group before returning his gaze to you with a soft smile. “So… what now?” His voice is low, as if this is a secret shared only between the two of you.

Your stomach flutters at the way he looks at you, his teasing grin now replaced with something more vulnerable. For a moment, nerves hit you. Is this real? Can you transition from friends to something more?

But this is Matt, your friend, your favorite person to argue with, someone who challenges you without diminishing you. The one who, honestly, has been occupying your thoughts more and more.

“Well,” you say, biting your lip as you lean closer, “I think we owe it to ourselves to continue this… conversation. Maybe somewhere a bit quieter?”

Your suggestion carries a playful edge but also a note of seriousness. The studio is buzzing with energy, but you need a moment away from the chaos to process what just happened.

Matt’s smile softens, and he nods, glancing at Noah, who is already giving you both a knowing look. “Hey, Noah,” Matt calls out, “mind if I borrow Y/N for a bit?”

Noah rolls his eyes but gives a lazy wave. “As long as I don’t have to hear another Metallica vs. Maiden debate tonight, go ahead.”

You shoot Noah a playful glare, but he just laughs and moves on to another conversation. Matt stands, offering you his hand. Without hesitation, you take it, feeling that familiar electric thrill as your fingers intertwine.

Matt leads you out of the studio into a quieter hallway. The muffled music still pulses from behind the door, but here it’s just the two of you. The cool air contrasts sharply with the warmth you’ve just left. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting a softer, more intimate glow, and Matt’s hand remains firmly in yours.

He stops, turning to face you, his free hand gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. “I didn’t expect you to kiss me in the middle of an argument,” he chuckles, his eyes searching yours.

You grin, still buzzing from your bold move. “What can I say? You were getting on my nerves.”

Matt laughs, shaking his head. “Was kissing me your way of shutting me up?”

“Worked, didn’t it?”

His grin fades into a more serious expression as he steps closer, his hand moving to your waist. The touch is gentle but grounding. “It definitely worked,” he says softly, his voice dropping to a whisper. The distance between you disappears as Matt leans in again, this kiss slower and more deliberate than the first. It’s softer, sweeter, as if he’s savoring every second. His hand slides up your back, pulling you closer, and your fingers curl into his shirt as you kiss him back, losing yourself in the moment. When you finally break apart, you’re both a little breathless but still close. Your foreheads rest against each other as you catch your breath, his thumb tracing gentle circles on your hip.

“Okay,” you whisper with a small laugh, “this wasn’t what I expected when Noah invited me to hang out tonight.”

Matt grins, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yeah? Well, I wasn’t expecting to be kissed in the middle of our millionth band debate, so I guess we’re even.”

You chuckle, the warmth in his eyes making your heart skip. His hands on your waist feel right, and being with Matt feels right.

“I have to admit,” he says softly, his voice growing more serious, “I’ve thought about this before. You and me. But I didn’t want to risk our friendship.” You nod, understanding that hesitation. You’d thought about it too but pushed those feelings aside for the same reason. Matt had become one of your closest friends, how could you jeopardize that? Yet tonight, with everything unfolding as it has, it doesn’t feel like a risk. It feels like stepping into something that was waiting for the right moment.

“I get it,” you whisper, your fingers brushing against his chest. “But…I think we’re doing okay so far, don’t you?”

Matt smiles and leans down to press a quick kiss to your forehead. “Yeah, I think so too.”

For a moment, you both stand wrapped in each other, the rest of the world fading away. It’s simple, easy, and thrilling all at once.

“So…” Matt begins, his voice light and teasing, “does this mean I win the argument?”

You blink, pulling back to look up at him with an exaggerated scowl. “Excuse me?” He laughs, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just saying, if kissing me was your way of conceding, I think I deserve a victory lap.”

You playfully punch his arm but can’t stop the grin spreading across your face. “I kissed you to shut you up, not because I agree with you.”

Matt raises an eyebrow, his smirk returning. “Guess we’ll have to keep debating it then.”

“Or,” you suggest, leaning up to kiss him again, “we could find other ways to settle it.”

Matt grins against your lips, pulling you closer. “I think I like that plan better.”

[parsleysagerosemarytimemachine]

It was Anthy all along; it was always her.

So I was picking raspberries and listening to another Utena rewatch/analysis podcast this morning (as one does), and had a revelation that blew my mind, something I hadn't put the pieces together before...

(spoilers below the cut because there's no way to talk about it without talking about all of it)

So they were reading the opening fairy tale on the podcast, the prince giving the ring to Utena, and this is what came to me:

We've always known that the prince is an illusion. Whatever Dios was, or represents, by the time they could meet Utena in childhood (in whatever sense time exists), there is no person there. To the extent that real things exist outside of Ohtori, I'd always read this as a projection of Akio, a facade of princeliness he puts on while trying to find another person who might be able to win his dueling game for him. After all, he's the one who claims to be a prince, to have been a prince, wanting to reclaim the power of Dios. He is the prince that Touga and Saionji knew, when they biked together to the church and saw Utena hiding in a coffin.

But we also know that who Utena saw in the church was Anthy, a little girl, hurting, that she couldn't help but reach out to.

And why should Akio be there? He has his world in Ohtori that he can't imagine leaving. He sends Anthy to do his work for him, borrowing the power of the Rose Bride since he no longer has the power of the Prince. We know Anthy goes into the world (as Miki and Kozue's new stepmother). We know Anthy is an illusion (you know *hand gestures at everything*, but also specifically Mamiya). Why shouldn't Utena have seen a shining eternal thing, a miracle, the power to revolutionize the world, and remember it as a prince? Why shouldn't she have accepted a ring from the Rose Bride, a promise that if she remains noble and true that they will meet again, and decide that she will be the prince for this bride herself?

And was it a good idea? To follow an illusion that doesn't exist? To be manipulated into a game she can't win? (To reach out a hand to someone caught in a trap?)

Dios has always been Anthy, for Utena.

[fated-mates]

Vivian Stephens is the woman who revolutionized the American category romance. You should listen to her two-part interview on the Black Romance Podcast. 👆

Follow that with this terrific profile of her in Texas Monthly. 👇

Then listen to us read and discuss some of her early acquisitions with Steve Ammidown. 👇

[thermodynamic-comedian]

malevolent revolutionizing the word love ... it no longer means romance by default ...... it's tied directly to friendship instead and argues that romance wouldnt be nearly as deep or intricate as whatever these two have ........ ohh malevolent podcast you are such a breath of fresh air..........

LITERALLY!!!!! oughhh i have a whole rant in my head about how malevolent is a lovequeer hope horror,,,

[universe-of-peoples]

SPOILERS FOR THE LAST OLYMPIAN

I want to talk about Silena Beauregard.

Silena Beauregard. The girl who loved Beckendorf. The daughter of Aphrodite who revolutionized her cabin (before Drew took it backwards). And the girl who, yes, was the spy.

I’ve seen some people get very negative towards her because of her role as the spy (including my favorite podcaster :/) and while yes, she did a very bad thing, I think the level of judgment towards her and the judgment of her moral character is over-the-top and a little un-empathetic. So I wanted to do a little character study on her and her time as Luke’s spy.

First of all, I will preface this by mentioning that she was a teenager. A literal child. Her brain was still developing and she probably would have made different choices if all of this had happened when she was even just a few years older.

It’s implied that before Luke left CHB, the two of them were close friends. Now if your close friend, who you previously cared about, trusted, and thought of as a rational person, suddenly up and disappears, you’re going to be worried about them. Even if you’ve heard that they did a bad thing. You’re not going to immediately jump to thinking they’re a terrible, irredeemable person. You’re going to wonder what their side of the story is, where their mind is at, and, if you truly believe they have done something wrong, you’re going to want to see if you can bring them back to the light. As someone who’s been hurt by people who I previously knew well and trusted, I know it’s really hard mentally to pivot your brain immediately from “person who I know and trust and am very close with” to “person who hurt me and others and isn’t who I thought they were at all”. Like, your brain just doesn’t emotionally process that immediately even though you know it logically. It takes time.

So she knows that he tried to kill Percy and fled camp. But Luke… that’s her friend. She knows him. There’s a certain amount of emotional denial that someone you know, trust, and care about would do something so horrible. He must be going through something, he must need help to get out of this situation. She’s not just going to give up on her friend. She’s going to want to help him come back to the good side.

So somehow she gets in contact with him. He explains his side of the story, and while she’s not on board with him trying to kill Percy, she sympathizes with his issues with the gods. He’s her friend. She doesn’t want anything bad to happen to him. I hc that the contact bracelet might have started just as a way for them to keep in touch; mortal cell phones are a magnet for monster activity, and while Silena may be safely in camp, she wouldn’t want to endanger Luke (no matter that he’s already working with monsters).

Time goes on, and Silena gives Luke enough information so that he doesn’t die when people at CHB may have a plan to harm him. He’s trying to coax more and more info out of her; Luke is already good at manipulating people, and Kronos is even better. If she just gives them this and that intel, then they can avoid killing the other demigods on CHB’s side if they don’t have to. She can save lives. And Luke is probably sheltering her from the worst of it, too; if she really knew all of the things he was doing, she would be out of there in a heartbeat. When Kronos takes over Luke’s body, he probably takes it a step further by threatening to hurt Luke and the other defected demigods if Silena doesn’t give him information. Maybe not even directly. Maybe he just points out that anyone trying to hurt Kronos would also hurt Luke. She wouldn’t want that, would she?

Then Beckendorf dies.

Silena feels absolutely awful. No, worse than awful. Everyone thinks she’s only upset because her boyfriend died, but it’s more than that. He died because of intel that she gave Kronos. He died because she played along all this time. She let herself get strung along as it slowly got worse and worse.

But here’s the thing. Kronos is still the master manipulator. He would tell her that, well, it was Beckendorf and Percy that blew up the ship. It’s Beckendorf’s own fault that those explosives were in place and went off when they did. That’s not Kronos’s fault! And at the same time, wouldn’t it be so messed up if the rest of the camp learned that she was the spy? She better keep quiet if he doesn’t want to expose her.

So maybe she agrees to keep quiet, to save her own skin, but she thinks that she won’t give him any more intel. This is where it gets a bit more tricky for me: trying to find a reason why she kept spying after Beckendorf’s death. We know that Kronos told Percy that there was a spy, and once the whole camp knew, everyone was ready to tear whoever it was to shreds. Kronos could point out to her that she’s become their enemy. She’s put herself in this situation, and now everyone she knows at camp is out for her blood.

I hc that Silena didn’t actually give him that much intel after Beckendorf’s death, though. Not as much as he said she did. He had eyes and ears everywhere, he could have found his intel other ways. He told Percy about the spy and sensationalized her role in order to make her look bad and turn the camp against her and, in turn, her against the camp. As an incentive to keep her quiet. He thought he could salvage his spy by blackmailing her and turning the camp against her, but her will was stronger than that. So strong in fact, that in the end she died impersonating Clarisse in order to give CHB a fighting chance against Kronos.

Was she perfect? Far from it! But they were at war! And one of her closest friends was manipulating her! I think the quote “if a frog is placed into a pot of boiling water it will immediately try to jump out; but if it’s placed into a pot of cool water that’s gradually heated until boiling, it will stay put and never try to jump out” is a very good metaphor for what happened to Silena. It began with checking up with her friend to see if he’s ok and find out what’s going on, and ended with her committing espionage. If she had had the foresight to know what would become of Luke and her role in the war, she never would have done it. She just got cornered.

That’s not to say that she’s not at fault or not to blame. There were times when she could have come clean and stopped spying, especially at the end. I just think the idea that she’s this terrible irredeemable person, or that her actions are not understandable, is not true at all. I wanted to address it since I’ve been seeing it lately (cough cough The Newest Olympian podcast cough cough).

[docholligay]

I really hope you don't take this as me trying to pressure you in any way. I seriously do not intend for it to sound like that, but I genuinely wanted to thank you and Jet for your discussions, writings, headcanons and your podcast. It seriously revolutionized the way I look at sm and I cherish that and both of you extremely dearly.

I'm incredibly grateful, thank you, truly.

You don't need to answer this don't worry ( I slry fought the urge to submit this as anon cause I'm extremely awkward rn)

No, I never hate hearing that something I've done is generally good ahahah. I would love for both of us to be less busy and do more back and forth, interactive, Sailor Moon stuff between us. You know what they say about iron sharpening iron, and I think Jetty, whatever she says about herself, has a real media savvy and eye for visual detail that I don't, whereas I paid someone to teach me how to dissect a story. Add that to the fact that we have different preferences and pain points in media, and that both of us, without knowing each other, got involved in Sailor Moon itself but more importantly, fanfic and creative expression WITHIN Sailor Moon, and i think we do create an at least interesting discussion. Also, we like each other! So even if I think she is stupid and dead wrong, and, trust, we do have those points within Sailor Moon, i never get too pissy about it, and nor does she. Because we are also both aware that we are arguing over a children's cartoon about space princesses, and when you're aware of that everything calms right the fuck down.

All that to say thank you! It's always nice to hear something ...well, nice ahaha.

[neturbizenterprises]

Revolutionize Your Podcast with Podcastle AI

Explore the transformative impact of generative AI in podcast creation with us! This video delves into how AI technologies are revolutionizing the industry by automating content creation, enhancing audio quality, and personalizing listener experiences. We’ll discuss tools like Podcastle's clip generator and revoice feature that streamline workflows for podcasters and content creators.

Discover advanced methods for improving production processes, from AI-driven transcription services to programmatic podcast advertising. These innovations not only enhance accessibility but also help monetize content effectively. Join us as we uncover these exciting developments in media production!

#GenerativeAI #PodcastCreation

[sojourners-melancholy]

something i’ve noticed recently when watching rgu is that everyone has their own way of perpetuating the systems that hurts them, regardless of whether or not they hate the system itself. specifically wanna talk abt utena here.

throughout the show, the audience is constantly told that the student council’s main goal is to “break the world’s shell” in order to “revolutionize the world.” but what is that really? what is the system that prevents them from “truly being born?”

patriarchy. the answer is patriarchy, aka the world’s shell. and while it might’ve been needed in the past in order to survive, it’s not only not needed now, but will effectively be its end if the world chooses to remain the same.

so why the duels? why the fancy swords and the rose bride? why is all the fighting centered around themes and ideals of masculinity? simple. no one’s got it yet.

no one actually knows what touga means when he refers to the shell, touga doesn’t even really know what he’s saying himself. that’s why it’s so cryptic. of course, the student council definitely understands that there is a specific hurdle keeping them achieving self-actualization, but they don’t exactly know what that is. as a result, they end up aimlessly fighting duels with each other and trying to achieve that perfect ideal of masculinity instead. it’s a lot like how a lot of people (used to?) think that achieving the american dream was the way to escape the exhaustiveness and monotony of capitalism. or how red-pill right-wing podcasters think that becoming a billionaire is the way to “escape the matrix.” but it’s not. if anything, it’s just another way to perpetuate the system.

so where does utena factor into all this? lets go back the beginning.

utena was introduced as tomboyish girl; someone trying to chase the ideals of masculinity, not through achieving femininity, but through becoming a figure of masculinity, a “prince” if you will. so even though she’s not adhering to the expected gender norms per se, she is still trying to fit herself into the system of patriarchy via masculinity.

regardless of her feeling uncomfortable with the dueling/rose bride system, utena still participates in duels by using the sword of dios, the imagined ideal of masculinity, to fight and defeat her opponents in the duels. she still continues to perpetuate the system of patriarchy that she has seen anthy, nanami, wakaba, as well as all the members in the student council, get hurt by. ofc, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t fight back against the dueling/rose bride system; utena still actively tries to view anthy as a person and not just a trophy to be won, another cog in the system.

and ofc this is the same with everyone else as well. i just wanted to make a post specifically about utena bc as the protag, the audience expects her to be different, to have done no wrong (in a sense) because she is noticeably different and as a result is seen as the hero. but rgu isn’t a story about a do-gooder trying to defeat the forces of evil. it’s about someone being pushed to realize the horrors of living in such a pervasive and oppressive system. it’s about someone being trapped in a never ending cycle of hurt and pain that they feel like they have no choice but to perpetuate it in order to break out of it. it’s about realizing that no matter which ideal of gender you choose to abide by, you will eventually be harmed by it in the end.

and utena finally realizes this in the finale. after failing to match that ideal of masculinity that she’s chased for so long, after being backstabbed by the only other person who could’ve understood her struggles as her complete opposite (in regards to the system). she cannot fulfill the role of a prince. no one can.

because in truth, true masculinity—in regards to princehood—is dead. dead in the sense that it’s unattainable, that it is only a mere concept, that it isn’t needed anymore. there is nothing that exists to keep it alive. and in return, it will also bring death to everyone who chooses to abide by its principles.

[unpluggedfinancial]

How Bitcoin Transformed My Life: A Journey of Financial Awakening

Welcome to my blog! I'm passionate about financial freedom and the transformative power of Bitcoin. Today, I want to share my personal journey with Bitcoin and how it has dramatically changed my life. My goal is to help you understand the potential of Bitcoin and inspire you to explore its benefits for yourself.

Early Financial Life

Before discovering Bitcoin, my financial life was a constant struggle. I lived paycheck to paycheck, barely managing to cover my expenses. Emergencies, like unexpected car repairs or medical bills, threw my finances into disarray. I felt trapped in a cycle of debt and financial stress, unable to break free.

Discovering Bitcoin

My journey with Bitcoin began when I stumbled upon an article about it online. Intrigued by the concept of a decentralized digital currency, I started to delve deeper into what Bitcoin was all about. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. Bitcoin's potential to revolutionize the financial system and provide a hedge against inflation captivated me.

Learning About Money

One of the most profound impacts of my Bitcoin journey was the education it forced upon me regarding money. Before Bitcoin, I had a superficial understanding of how money worked. As I researched Bitcoin, I learned about the history of money, the mechanics of inflation, and the flaws in our current financial system. This newfound knowledge empowered me to make more informed financial decisions.

The Transformation

Bitcoin not only educated me about money but also transformed my financial habits and mindset. I began to prioritize saving and investing in Bitcoin instead of spending frivolously. Over time, I built a safety net that allowed me to handle emergencies without financial panic. My financial situation improved significantly, and I felt a sense of control and security that I had never experienced before.

Spreading the Knowledge

Inspired by my own transformation, I decided to create content to help others understand Bitcoin and achieve financial freedom. Through my YouTube channel and blog, I aim to demystify Bitcoin and provide practical advice on how to incorporate it into one's financial strategy. My goal is to empower you to take control of your finances and realize the potential of Bitcoin.

Practical Advice

Here are some practical steps for those looking to start their Bitcoin journey:

Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about Bitcoin and the principles behind it. There are plenty of resources available online, including articles, videos, and podcasts.

Start Small: You don't need to invest a large amount of money to get started. Begin with small, manageable investments and gradually increase your exposure as you become more comfortable.

Secure Your Investments: Make sure to store your Bitcoin securely using reputable wallets and follow best practices to protect your assets.

Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments in the Bitcoin and cryptocurrency space to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

My journey with Bitcoin has been nothing short of transformative. It has empowered me to take control of my finances and dramatically improved my financial well-being. I encourage you to explore Bitcoin and educate yourself about money. The potential for financial freedom is within your reach, and I hope my story inspires you to take that first step.

Call to Action

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Please share them in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow my blog for more content on financial freedom and Bitcoin. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the potential of Bitcoin.

Take Action Towards Financial Independence

If this article has sparked your interest in the transformative potential of Bitcoin, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the world of financial independence and revolutionize your understanding of money by following my blog and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

🌐 Blog: Unplugged Financial Blog Stay updated with insightful articles, detailed analyses, and practical advice on navigating the evolving financial landscape. Learn about the history of money, the flaws in our current financial systems, and how Bitcoin can offer a path to a more secure and independent financial future.

📺 YouTube Channel: Unplugged Financial Subscribe to our YouTube channel for engaging video content that breaks down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand segments. From in-depth discussions on monetary policies to the latest trends in cryptocurrency, our videos will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions.

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a curious newcomer, or someone concerned about the future of your financial health, our community is here to support you on your journey to financial independence.

[thishadoscarbuzz]

299 - The Matrix Resurrections

This week's film has Joe and Chris on opposite sides of a divisive reception. The Matrix not only revolutionized genre filmmaking in 1999, but it resulted in a resounding Oscar success. Reception to its first two sequels in 2003 was decidedly unappreciative, but the franchise has received some critical reassessment in the two decades since. Enter 2021's The Matrix Resurrections, a COVID-delayed and incredibly meta revisiting of The Wachowski's science fiction world, this time with only Lana Wachowski at the helm. The last of Warner Bros.' films to be released simultaneously in theaters and online during the pandemic, Resurrections nearly cracked craft categories, but its timing proved unfortunate.

This episode, we talk about Oscars relationship to awarding franchises and overlooking later installments. We also talk about our opposing points of view on the film, how the film incorporates new cast members as stand-ins for the original lineup, and the film's bold meta elements.

Topics also include the late 2021 box office, gay villainy, and doomscrolling.

The 2021 Academy Awards

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