The Curio Shop Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Curio Shop Podcast
Welcome to the Curio Shop: an "educational" podcast. We discuss the hidden gems of media that have been overlooked and undervalued — and we learn some things along the way! Join us for a deep dive into the eclectic world of consumer culture.
What moves consumers to make a purchase? Why are the mascots fighting online? Who will sponsor the podcast after all this free promotion? In this snack-heavy episode, the Curio Crew dabbles in the world of marketing and brand language. Discussion topics include the evolution of brand ambassadors, the influx of self-aware comedy, and the effective strategies that click with audiences.
Is there even such a thing as "fun for the whole family"? As the world reopens, the Curio Shop boys explore a cornerstone of the American economy — the family entertainment center. This episode covers a history of bizarre bankruptcies and rebranding efforts, the decline of arcade culture, and a few business models that have found their footing in a changing industry.
Grab some cookie dough and toss on your favorite sweater; the Curio Shop boys are spreading some commercialized Christmas cheer. In this holiday special, we unwrap the simple joys and misconstrued values of the Hallmark channel. We also learn the true meaning of Hallmark Season with the help of two small-town experts. This stocking-stuffer of an episode covers a variety of movies from network television, as well as recommended viewing within the genre.
The Curio Crew takes education to a whole new level. In this episode, the boys explore the teaching value of video games — and what they've learned from their favorite titles. Topics cover a wide variety of genres and platforms.
What's scarier than a monopolized entertainment industry? What happens when you leave the park at night? And what the heck are Country Bears? Your questions will be answered as the Curio Shop sheds light on some dark, corporate secrets that were buried in a shallow grave. This episode covers an assortment of forgotten franchises, urban legends, and young adult novels.
The shorthanded Curio Shop boys conduct a survey of the average high school drama. We also phone in our first guest, who clearly knows more than we do. This week's topics include "Gossip Girl," "Friday Night Lights," "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," and "One Tree Hill."
The Curio Shop kicks off with a lively discussion about the Lifetime network — a veritable goldmine of bizarre original movies. Today's lineup includes "Psycho Mother-in-Law," "Stalked by My Doctor: A Sleepwalker's Nightmare," and "My Teacher, My Obsession."