THE SQUASH:

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That time Randy and Kevin talked about Pixar’s Turning Red and whether the animation powerhouse is focused more on story or technology. They dive into the film's Toronto roots, its coming-of-age themes, and how Pixar is pushing boundaries with character designs and Asian culture representation.

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THE STRETCH:

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In this episode of Squash 'n' Stretch, Randy and Kevin dive deep into Pixar’s Turning Red, a heartwarming and funny coming-of-age story set in Toronto, Canada. The film tells the story of Mei Lin, a 13-year-old girl who transforms into a giant red panda as she navigates the challenges of growing up and the complexities of identity and self-acceptance. The hosts celebrate the film’s attention to detail, vibrant animation, and how it authentically captures Toronto's multiculturalism and the experiences of young girls going through adolescence.

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The conversation moves toward the balance between storytelling and technology in Pixar films, questioning whether the studio sometimes prioritizes its technical brilliance over story, potentially affecting audience perception. They also highlight the film's character designs and how those designs have sparked mixed reactions (in our hosts😭.) The hosts discuss the success of Turning Red in both streaming and box office performance, touching on how streaming impacts backend bonuses for filmmakers.

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Randy and Kevin wrap up by congratulating Domi Shi, Pixar’s first female solo director, for breaking barriers and representing Asian culture in a way that resonates with global audiences.

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Catch this insightful breakdown as the hosts explore whether Pixar’s focus on technology enhances or detracts from its storytelling, all while celebrating the success of Turning Red as a groundbreaking, culturally significant animation!

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00:00 - Intro!

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💜 Hosted by: Randy Young and Kevin Bannerman

💚 Produced and engineered by: Randy Young

💜 Squash 'n' Stretch is a Green Ghost Media Podcast

💜 THE SQUASH:

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That time Randy and Kevin self-traumatized by time warping back to the Covid lockdowns, essentially volunteering for emotional flashbacks caused by the parallel plot of The Mitchells vs. the Machines and 2020 in North America.

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💜 THE STRETCH:

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In this episode, Randy and Kevin dive into The Mitchells vs. The Machines and unpack how this animated joyride reflects our pandemic lives. They explore the film’s smart take on technology and social media, along with the complex dynamics within the Mitchell family, including its LGBTQ representation. The duo dissects how the movie balances entertaining kids while resonating with adults, while also highlighting the shift towards streaming platforms caused by the pandemic and its impact on the industry. From analyzing the main character’s instinctual choices to discussing themes of patriarchy, Randy and Kevin cover it all, even throwing in a recommendation for Mrs. Davis for fans of The Mitchells. Ultimately, they praise the film for its humor, charm, cutting-edge animation, and timely relevance.

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💜 CHAPTERS:

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00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Topic

03:24 - Exploring the Themes of 'Mitchell vs. The Machines'

08:35 - The Significance of LGBTQ Representation in the Movie

13:35 - Analyzing the Title of the Movie

23:19 - The Impact of the Pandemic on Movie Releases and Streaming

23:48 - Exploring Character Development and Instinct

26:00 - The Representation of the Patriarchy

29:50 - Addressing the Impact of Technology and Social Media

32:00 - The Need for Regulation

34:36 - Praising the Humor, Charm, and Animation

35:14 - Relevance to Contemporary Issues

💜 HOSTED BY: Randy Young and Kevin Bannerman 💚 PRODUCED & ENGINEERED BY: Randy Young 💜 SQUASH 'N' STRETCH is a Green Ghost Media Podcast

THE SQUASH: . That time Randy and Kevin unravelled the wild production and cult-classic rise of The Emperor's New Groove, celebrating its unique animation, iconic characters, and Eartha Kitt’s legendary performance. THE STRETCH: . In this episode, Randy and Kevin dive into the importance of self-care in high-pressure industries, sharing their personal routines and strategies. Then, they take a deep dive into the wild production history of The Emperor's New Groove—from the dramatic change in directors to its shift into a buddy comedy. They explore the film’s unique art style and animation techniques, celebrating its irreverent, contemporary flair. Plus, they break down what makes animation so special for creative storytelling, shining a spotlight on Eartha Kitt’s iconic voice performance and the brilliant character design. Despite The Emperor's New Groove initially struggling at the box office, Randy and Kevin unpack its unexpected rise as a cult classic, thanks to home video and DVD sales. CHAPTERS:

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. . 💜 HOSTED BY: Randy Young and Kevin Bannerman 💚 PRODUCED & ENGINEERED BY: Randy Young 💜 SQUASH 'N' STRETCH is a Green Ghost Media Podcast