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The Fandom Portals Podcast
"Welcome to Fandom Portals—the show that explores how your favourite fandoms can help you learn and grow!" 🎙️✨
Each episode, we explore TV, movies, comics, and games to reveal how these worlds and the characters in them help us learn about resilience, courage, friendship, and more.
The Fandom Portals Podcast is hosted by Aaron Davies and Adam Brasher, two friends who are obsessed with fandoms, storytelling, and building a community where passion and positivity come first. From Marvel to Middle-earth, Star Wars to indie comics, we dive deep into the stories you love — and how they help us learn and grow. ✨
Episodes
59 episodes
Zombieland (2009) Breaking Old Habits that Hold You Back | Becoming your True Self
SummaryIn this episode, Aaron and Brash explore the film Zombieland, focusing on its themes of personal growth, trauma, and the importance of connection. They discuss how the characters navigate their fears and vulnerabilities, ultim...
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Episode 48
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52:13
Mortal Kombat (2021) Fatalities, Fandom, and Fighting for Legacy (Crossover with Challenge Accepted)
Episode Summary: This special crossover episode brings together The Fandom Portals Podcast and Challenge Accepted Podcast as Aaron was a special guest to Frank as they stepped into the bloody arena of Mortal Kom...
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1:13:25
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Why Living in the Present is Key to Self-Actualization | Becoming your True Self
SummaryAaron and Brash explore the themes of self-discovery and personal growth as depicted in the film 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.' They discuss the cinematography, character development, and the importance of connection and r...
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Episode 47
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1:00:11
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) The Power of Unconditional Love and the Magic of Stop-Motion Animation with Tia Jackson
SummaryAaron and guest Tia Jackson delve into Guillermo del Toro's 2022 adaptation of Pinocchio. They explore the themes of grief, love, and acceptance, particularly through the character of Geppetto, who grapples with the loss of hi...
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Episode 46
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44:01
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The Tom Cruise Effect: Cinema's Last True Movie Star with Rhys Crook
SummaryAaron is joined by Rhys Crook from "The Crook Cut podcast" to discuss the career of Tom Cruise, exploring his evolution as an actor, his impact on cinema, and the highs and lows of his filmography. We delve into personal exper...
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Episode 45
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1:04:26
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The World of Hollywood Stunts with Stephen Koepfer. Insights and Safety on Set
SummaryAaron interviews veteran stunt performer Steven Koepfer, who shares his journey into the world of stunts and martial arts. They discuss the importance of safety in stunt work, the various roles within the stunt industry, and t...
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Episode 44
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1:08:14
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From Horror Fan to Final Destination Bloodlines. How Jeffrey Reddick Changed Horror for Millennials.
Episode Summary:Jeffrey Reddick, the creator of the Final Destination franchise, shares his journey from a young horror fan to a successful writer and producer in the film industry. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the crea...
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Episode 43
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1:03:11
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Avatar the Last Airbender Book 2 – Aang's Growth, Iroh's Grief & Earth-Shattering Character Arcs and Avatar News with Luke Newton
Episode Summary: In this highly anticipated sequel episode, Aaron is joined once again by Avatar expert and friend of the show, Luke Newton, to break down Book 2: Earth of Avatar: The Last Airbender. From Aan...
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Episode 42
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1:10:53
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Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) – Lore Upgrades, Animated Carnage, and Badlands Teases
Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into the high-octane, lore-deepening animated film Predator: Killer of Killers directed by Prey’s Dan Trachtenberg. The hosts unpack the Predator Codex, dissect each gladiator-s...
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Episode 41
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1:28:37
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Waterworld (1995) – Sinking Budgets, Soaring Stunts, Kevin Costner's most Challenging Role and the Power of Survival
Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into one of the most infamous cinematic epics of the '90s: Waterworld. They explore how this post-apocalyptic maritime adventure became the most expensive film of its time—complete with ...
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Episode 40
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1:32:58
Fandom Round-Up: Karate Kid Gets a Glow-Up, Gotham Gets Gritty, and Golf Gets Laughs with Owen Wilson's Stick on Apple TV
Episode Summary: In this Fandom Round-Up episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron and Brash return with a fun, insightful dive into everything they’ve been watching, streaming, or rewatching this week. From thei...
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30:51
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A Look Behind the Camera with Australian Filmmaker Michael Papaeleftheriou: A Cinematic Journey
Episode Summary: This week on The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron is joined by Australian filmmaker Michael Papaeleftheriou, who takes us deep into the creative and logistical journey behind his short film Crossroad...
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Episode 39
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46:20
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Jersey Girl (2004) – Kevin Smith’s Sweetest Swing, Ben Affleck and JLo's Off Screen Impact and Embracing Quirky Authenticity
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron and Brash revisit Kevin Smith’s most divisive film: Jersey Girl. Departing from his usual vulgar wit and the View Askewniverse, Smith explores fa...
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Episode 38
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1:06:14
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Weekly Round-Up: Minecraft Movie Misses, Murderbot Hooks Us In, and Lilo & Stitch Nostalgia
Episode Summary: In this Weekly Round-Up episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron and Brash catch up on what they've been into—and not all of it gets glowing reviews. From the chaotic fan-service of the Mine...
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32:38
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Ready or Not (2019) – Class Satire, Samara Weaving Shines & Wedding Dress Symbolism
Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash unmask the twisted charm of Ready or Not, the 2019 horror-comedy that turns wedding bells into warning sirens. In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, the hosts deep dive into...
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Episode 37
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1:21:56
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Weekly Round-Up: What Are You Into? – Final Destination, Mission Impossible, Reacher 3 & Vampire Gaming
Episode Summary: In this bite-sized edition of The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron and Brash reveal what they’ve been watching, playing, and loving lately. From the gruesome legacy of Final Destination: Bloodlines to ...
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25:12
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Star Wars: Caravan of Courage, An Ewok Adventure (1984) - Ewoks, War Crimes, and Growing Up Star Wars
Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash celebrate Star Wars Day by diving deep into one of the galaxy’s most bizarre and beloved offshoots—The Ewok Adventure: Caravan of Courage and its sequel, The Battle for Endor....
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Episode 36
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1:24:21
From Advertising to Action: Screenwriter Jeremy Drysdale's Journey Through Hollywood's Changing Landscape
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, Aaron sat down with veteran screenwriter Jeremy Drysdale—whose credits span the cult film Grand Theft Parsons, the video game Battlefield 2<...
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Episode 35
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48:49
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Iron Man (2008) - Forging the MCU: How Iron Man Reinvented Robert Downey Jr, Marvel, and Cinema
Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into the 2008 classic Iron Man, exploring how Robert Downey Jr.’s personal comeback paralleled Tony Stark’s transformation, and how Marvel Studios’ bold gamble on a ...
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Episode 34
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1:21:47
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) – Rocket's Journey from Trauma to True Hero. Found Family, Healing, and the Heart of the MCU
Episode Summary:We dive deep into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, exploring how this emotional conclusion to James Gunn's trilogy reveals that Rocket's journey was the heart of the series all along. Beneath the spectacle and space...
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Episode 33
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1:47:43
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New Mutants (2020) - Are Horror and Superheroes a Perfect Match? Transformation through Connection with the New Mutants
Aaron and Brash explore how Josh Boone's horror-inspired X-Men film New Mutants stands as a fascinating anomaly in superhero cinema. A psychological horror film disguised as an X-Men movie that dares to explore the trauma and isolation...
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Episode 32
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1:37:01
Fantastic Four (2005) Part Two - What Ben Grimm's "The Thing" and Marvel's First Family Teaches Us About Accepting Change
Episode Summary:The Fantastic Four (2005) film shows how gaining superpowers forces its characters to confront deep personal struggles with identity, acceptance, and responsibility. Cosmic radiation transformed four astronauts phy...
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Episode 31
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53:08
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Fantastic Four (2005) Part One - Exploring Doctor Doom's Marvel Legacy. From Julian McMahon to Robert Downey Jr
Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into the 2005 Fantastic Four film, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and lasting impact on superhero cinema. They explore how the film targeted teenage audiences through its soundtrack...
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Episode 31
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1:01:38
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) - Part Two: Raphael's Rage and Donatello's Development. Splinter the Master of Mentoring, Family and Ninjitsu!
Episode Overview:What makes a person gravitate toward Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, or Michelangelo? According to Aaron, a classroom teacher by day and podcast host by night, your favourite Ninja Turtle reveals more about your per...
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Episode 30
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1:02:07
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) - Part One: From Sewers to Stardom. How Four Mutant Turtles Changed Action Cinema
Episode Summary:In this bodacious episode of The Fandom Portals Podcast, hosts Aaron and Brash shell out their thoughts on the classic 1990 film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They reminisce about their first encounters w...
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Episode 30
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45:37
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