Join married couple Brad and Lisa as they explore the various dynamics of comic book relationships throughout pop culture and publishing history.
Episodes
Tuesday May 21, 2019
Tuesday May 21, 2019
"When we come out of the shadows, does the darkness stay with us?" We launch our new series on Arthur Curry and Mera by diving into the original graphic novel, "Mera: Tidebreaker." Written by Danielle Paige and illustrated by Stephen Byrne, this young adult adventure kicks off a new series of DC Ink titles geared to score teen readers. Brad & Lisa discuss how these characters fare in the footsteps of "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games," and how this angsty insight alters the perception of superheroes Aquaman & Mera.
As always, we have a trusty relationship guru to guide us through the plight of our lovers. This month we're using "Love Sense" from author Dr. Sue Johnson and contemplating attachment theory's effect on romance. Are we ever free from the generations that came before? Probably not.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and follow the hosts @MouthDork and @sidewalksiren.
Sunday May 12, 2019
Sunday May 12, 2019
"Ask the most powerful beings how the universe will end, and they will answer with two words: Thanos Wins." We conclude our discussion surrounding the Mad Titan Thanos & his lovely Mistress Death by devouring the time-traveling apocalyptic horror "Thanos Wins" written by Donny Cates, illustrated by Geoff Shaw, & colored by Antonio Fabela. Wallowing in the dark psychology of two cosmic monsters was a unique endeavor, but thankfully we had Brene Brown's "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" as our guide.
While we are sad to say goodbye to these waring lovers, we're also excited to remove ourselves from their painful, mad attraction as well. The conversation was rich and challenging. We are most likely never to encounter a romance quite like this one again.
Remember to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @cbccpodcast, and follow the hosts @MouthDork & @sidewalksiren.
Sunday May 05, 2019
Sunday May 05, 2019
No. This is not a joke. Marvel Comics finally pits the two maddest forces in their Universe against each other - "Deadpool vs Thanos." Forced into battle against each when their beloved Mistress Death disappears from the fabric of Eternity. With the fate of everything resting in their hands, can two of the greatest comic book rip-off characters come to a meeting of the minds? Or are we all screwed?
Brad & Lisa continue their exploration of the romantic plight plaguing Thanos & Death using Brene Brown's "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead." as their relationship guide. Somehow, this conversation actually results in one of their longest and most penetrating discussions. Our favorite couple starts as a couple of Wade Wilson haters and finds themselves swooning for the Merc With A Mouth.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @cbccpodcast, and follow the co-hosts @MouthDork & @sidewalksiren.
Monday Apr 29, 2019
Monday Apr 29, 2019
This week we're bringing you a very special episode recorded live at Awesome Con 2019 in Washington D.C. Lisa and Brad took part in the annual "Writing With Purpose" panel alongside Liz Reed from Cuddles and Rage and Emily Sears of Birth. Movies. Death. The purpose was to offer inspiration and advice to fellow writers, and a platform where creative folks could gather and network.
Next week, we'll return to our regularly scheduled program as we continue the conversation surrounding the Mad Titan Thanos and Mistress Death. Until then, be sure to follow Liz @cuddlesandrage and Emily @emily_dawn on Twitter and Instagram. Of course, you can also follow the podcast @cbccpodcast and the hosts @MouthDork and @sidewalksiren.
Wednesday Apr 24, 2019
Wednesday Apr 24, 2019
On the eve of "Avengers: Endgame," we dig into one of the most iconic comic book events in history. "The Infinity Gauntlet," written by Jim Starlin and illustrated by George Perez and Ron Lim, was an incredibly influential book for young Brad and he's extremely eager to share it with his partner-in-crime Lisa. Does the saga still hold up? Is Mistress Death a considerate partner now that her boyfriend wields all the power of eternity? More importantly, what can Brene Brown and her book "Daring Greatly" offer this devious couple? Tune in and find out.
Don't forget to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow the hosts @MouthDork & @sidewalksiren.
Sunday Apr 14, 2019
Sunday Apr 14, 2019
With "Avengers: Endgame" on the horizon, Brad & Lisa wanted to celebrate the epic conclusion to the current phase of the MCU by digging into the romantic plight of The Mad Titan. We've covered a few troubled relationships in the past, but few have been as troubling or downright horrific as the coupling between Thanos and Mistress Death. Covering such an unhealthy alliance presents new challenges for the show, but thankfully we have Brene Brown's "Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" to wade through the emotional horror.
We kick off our April couple with the origin series "Thanos Rising" by Jason Aaron and Simone Bianchi. These five issues are a dark True Crime take on the universe's most feared villain and his obsessive courtship with the personification of Death. Your understanding of Thanos & Death will be forever changed, and it radically alters your understanding of "The Infinity Gauntlet."
Follow the podcast @CBCCPodcast or email us at cbccpodcast@gmail.com. You can follow the hosts @MouthDork and @sidewalksiren.
Sunday Apr 07, 2019
Sunday Apr 07, 2019
In the deepest reaches of space, young love blossoms and fades. Told via two distinct timelines, we explore the relationship between Mia & Grace as they discover their feelings for each other and are denied a proper ending by outside forces beyond their control. "On a Sunbeam" is an epic blend of science-fiction and fantasy that recalls Studio Ghibli as much as it does Ridley Scott's "Alien." Creator Tillie Walden has no desire to explain her universe or her characters; she simply drops you into the environment and expects the reader to catch up.
Brad & Lisa close out their month of exploring love beyond the heteronormative with another brilliant publication from First Second Books, and they wrap up their conversation surrounding Dr. Stan Tatkin's "Wired for Dating." They celebrate the joys of quiet love and discuss the art of fighting. Arguments will happen, so it's best to come to each conflict with empathy.
As always, follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast and follow hosts Brad & Lisa @MouthDork & @sidewalksiren.
Monday Mar 25, 2019
Monday Mar 25, 2019
Partners. Teammates. Lovers. On this week's episode, Brad & Lisa return to the world of superhero punch-ups with the DC Comics mini-series "Midnighter and Apollo." When one is murdered, he awakens in hell. While he battles his own personal demon, the other fights tooth and nail to gain entry to the underworld so he can rescue his love from the very real flames of damnation. No angel or demon or death will keep these two apart.
Written by Steve Orlando and illustrated by Fernando Blanco, in many ways "Midnighter and Apollo" is a rather typical superhero adventure. Yet, these two unique personalities break through the basic fisticuffs. The CBCC Dorks continue to explore relationships this month using Dr. Stan Tatkin's "Wired for Dating" and discover how we should all rely on our partners as deeply as Midnighter & Apollo.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and follow the hosts @MouthDork and @Sidewalksiren.
Monday Mar 18, 2019
Monday Mar 18, 2019
We've all been there - the fog of infatuation. How do we know when love is true or just lustful and new? Especially at the start of our sexual maturation? We discuss the science of new love in our latest episode and we use Tee Franklin & Jenn St-Onge's beautifully refreshing "Bingo Love" for our conversational framework.
In the early 1960s, everyone expects Hazel & Mari to behave in a certain way and love a certain person. Familial and societal pressures often get the better of us, but that doesn't mean we have to deny our true selves forever. Sometimes we get a second chance. "Bingo Love" is about embracing that moment when it presents itself.
As always, you can follow the podcast on Twitter @CBCCPodcast and you can follow our co-hosts Brad & Lisa at @MouthDork & @Sidewalksiren.
Monday Mar 11, 2019
Monday Mar 11, 2019
This month we’re exploring romances beyond the heteronormative and we’re applying Stan Tatkin’s "Wired for Dating" to their relationship woes. We’re kicking it off with Ari and Hector from the new graphic novel from First Second Books, "Bloom" by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau.
Brad & Lisa look into the budding romance of Ari & Hector and ask the big questions, "Do relationships require hard work?" "Do we have to love ourselves before someone can love us?" "Is being happy enough of a 5-year plan?" With the help of Dr. Tatkin, we observe Ari stumble his way into a "secure-and-functioning" relationship.
As always, don't forget to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast. If you're feeling a little extra stalker-y track down the whereabouts of our hosts @MouthDork and @sidewalksiren.