Shows / Tales of Our Time
Tales of Our Time
This is a show where we discuss the stories that move us, what makes them so meaningful, and why others should find meaning in them as well. We tackle movies, books, comics, and more. Where there’s a story, there’s a reason to read (or watch!).
Episodes
Tales of Our TimeYoshio: My Life Is Yours
Today I'm joined by Japanese Literature Major Yasuko Fujie to discuss Akira Higashiyama's work: "Yoshio". Higashiyama's work won a Naoki prize in Japan, and…
Tales of Our TimeTAKES of Our Time: TROPE TALK
Today's special episode, we talk about some of the tropes and literary archetypes that have come up in previous episodes, but that we didn't really have too…
Tales of Our TimeBlue Eye Samurai "The Tale of the Ronin and the Samurai": The Destructive Nature of Hate
Today it's a REVERSE TALES-- hosted by my friend and unofficial (perhaps now official?) co-host: Michelle Chiang! Today, we're talking about the series "Blue…
Tales of Our TimeJessica Jones: Private Eye, PTSD, Superhero Loser
This week, I'm talking with my co-worker and OTHER new Rti Host: Hanna Bilinski about the "Alias" run of the Jessica Jones comics! We talk about how this…
Tales of Our TimeQueen Charlotte "Crown Jewels": The Most Epic Love Conquers All Story
This week I'm joined by friend and unofficial co-host Michelle Chiang to discuss one of our current obsessions: The Regency Romance-- specifically Queen…
Tales of Our TimeBattle Royale: Who Should You Trust
Today I'm joined by NEW Rti host Tristan Hildebrand! To welcome her to the Rti English squad we've decided to discuss her number one favorite movie: 2000's…
Tales of Our TimeBojack Horseman "A Fish Out of Water": Living with Regret
Today I'm joined by guest Dávid Dosa to discuss the well-known animated series Bojack Horseman, written by Raphael Bob-Waksberg! Specifically we dig into…
Tales of Our TimeCrimes of the Future: Dystopian Present
My guest Temo Alfaro and I tackle David Croneburg's Crimes of the Future. Content warning: This movie (and conversation) include topics of violence towards…
Tales of Our TimeSynonyms: Find Your Identities
In this week's show, I catch up with Wanson: Host of Rti's new show: Cinematic Motif. He tells us about the movie “Synonyms,” a film that changed his…
Tales of Our TimeAtlantis the Lost Empire: Adventure to the Unknown
Today I'm joined by fellow Rti host Fil Leskovsky to discuss Disney's Atlantis the Lost Empire. We talk about how this movie builds on the relatively thin…
Tales of Our TimeTAKES of Our Time: Anniversary Mailbag!
TALES has been running for an entire year! To celebrate, we're spending this episode talking about, and answering, questions from listeners from around the…
Tales of Our TimeLife is Strange 2: Brotherly Love Trumps Adversity
Today I'm joined by an old friend: Naomi Ercolano! She stops by the studio to discuss the extremely emotive game: "Life is Strange 2". We talk about how media…
Tales of Our TimeDr. Who "Midnights": Never Go Alone
Today I'm joined by my good friend, Kim Gordon! She's here talking about an episode from a show near and dear to her heart: Dr. Who! While the show is long…
Tales of Our TimeTwilight: Awakening True (Toxic) Romance
Today I'm speaking with my old friend Emily Anderson about a ghost from out past: TWILGHT! Originally written by Stephanie Meyer, today we're really spending…
Tales of Our TimeMeta March: 999
This is the final episode of our limited run theme on Meta March! If you didn't get a chance to listen to the first episode ("TAKES of Our TIME…
Tales of Our TimeMeta March: S
This is the third installment of our limited-run series: Meta March! If you didn't get a chance to listen to the first episode ("TAKES of Our TIME…
Tales of Our TimeMeta March: Bandersnatch
This is the second episode of our limited-run series: Meta-March!! If you didn't get a chance to check out our previous episodes, it is recommended listening…
Tales of Our TimeTAKES of Our Time: What is Meta?
This is the first episode in our limited series: Meta March! We're tackling the idea of metatextuality! What does that mean for media? What makes something…
Tales of Our TimeThe Princess Bride: The Only Fairytale You'll Ever Need
This week I'm joined by my friend Zach Paradise to discuss "The Princess Bride". In this episode, we discuss both the book and movie (written by William…
Tales of Our TimeThe Witcher (2): The World We Just Can't Quit
This is the second of a two-part series, with guest Chris Gorin! We continue diving into the Witcher, all while getting back to our regular questions. What…
Tales of Our TimeThe Witcher (1): Familiarizing Ourselves with The Witcher
This is the first of a two-part series! Today I'm joined my my friend and (past) Rti co-host: Chris Gorin! We're tackling the task of discussing THE WITCHER…
Tales of Our TimeStarwars: The Empire Strikes Back: I Am Your Father
My good friend Kevin Lee and I talk about the second (or technically 5th) installment in the Starwars Saga: The Empire Strikes Back! Directed by Irvin…
Tales of Our TimeThe Joy Luck Club: Find Yourself, Find Happiness
This week, I'm joined by my fellow Rti host: Maryanne Sioco!! We discuss the extremely affective book: The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan. In doing so, we talk…
Tales of Our TimeAvatar The Last Airbender: Find Your Own Answer
This is the second episode of a two-part series! This week, guest Tyler Gelbar and I finish up our Discussion on Avatar The Last Airbender, Book Fire. We talk…
Tales of Our TimeAvatar The Last Airbender (1): Summarizing an Epic
This is the first episode of a two-part series. This week I'm joined again by Tyler Gelbar to discuss a series that's near and dear to our heart: Avatar The…
Tales of Our TimeAvengers Endgame: The Courage to Stand Up for What You Believe
This week I'm rejoined by my fellow Rti host, and good friend Michelle Chiang. We're starting the year off strong by discussing the cultural phenomenon that…
Tales of Our TimeTAKES of Our Time: Looking Forward To 2024
This is a special format episode! Whereas last year we reviewed the stories that touched us the most in 2023, this week we discuss what's coming out in the new…
Tales of Our TimeTAKES of Our Time: Year End Wrap
On this special TAKES of Our Time episode, I talk with some of the other hosts here at Rti about stories that moved them tye most in 2023! I'm joined by…
Tales of Our TimeCereus Blooms at Night: Shared Queerness
This week, I'm joined by friend and Co-host of the show Formosa Dreamchasers Ching-En Chiou! We discuss the book: Cereus Blooms at Night, by Shani Mootoo. We…
Tales of Our TimeGulliver's Travels: Opening Your Mind Through Travelling
This week, I'm joined by guest Kayla Lin to talk about the famous: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. We discuss how there's much more to this book than a…
Tales of Our TimeInside Out: All Feelings are Valid!
Today, guest Carly Trautwein and I get into the ins-and-outs of Pixar's Inside Out! We discuss how it helped people find the words to describe overwhelming…
Tales of Our TimeUmimachi Diaries: Be Present With Family and Friends
This week, I'm joined by my good friend Rich Mathias to discuss the award winning "Umichachi Diaries" film adaption! Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, and adapted…
Tales of Our TimeTAKES of Our Time: Fate, Destiny, and Dramatic Irony
TAKES of Our Time is a special format episode! In this episode, we break down the role of "fate" in storytelling. How it is used as a narrative device, how it…
Tales of Our TimeHawkeye: No Superpowers, No Lipservice
This week, I'm rejoined by my good friend Emily Daniel! We discuss the 2012 - 2015 run of Hawkeye, by Matt Fraction and David Aja. We discuss what "a run of…
Tales of Our TimeWhat Remains of Edith Finch: Victims or Masters of Fate
Guest Bonnie Yuen returns to talk about another game: What Remains of Edith Finch (2017, developed by Guant Sparrow, published by Annapurna Interactive). We…
Tales of Our TimeLibrary of Legends: Connecting Us to the Bigger Story
Returning guest Cat Trites and I discuss the story Library of Legends (by Taiwanese-born Janie Chung!) We talk about how stories are tied to the land the come…
Tales of Our TimePulp Fiction: The Interlocking Stories of the Righteous and Unrighteous
I talk the cult classic Pulp Fiction (1994, Quentin Tarantino) with this week's guest, Max McCurdy! We discuss the violence of the movie itself, as well as how…
Tales of Our TimeBattle Angel Alita: Finding Who You Want to Be
Today I'm joined by my guest Julie Kawamura to discuss our first comic of the Podcast: Battle Angel Alita (by Yukito Kishiro) We discuss how this manga broke…
Tales of Our TimeLeviathan Wakes: Receiving Pandora's Box
Host Amanda Stephens' parents have visited Taiwan (part 2!) So, today I sit down with special guest: Robert Stephens. We discuss a book he believes to be a…
Tales of Our TimeLessons in Chemistry: Fulfilling Your Dream In Spite Of The System
Host Amanda Stephens' parents have visited Taiwan! We sit down with special guest Susan Hahn to explain a book that recently left a mark on her: Lessons in…
Tales of Our TimeOver the Garden Wall: There's Power in Speaking for Yourself
Our first REVERSE TALES-- hosted by the fantastic Sharon Lin! (Host of That's Debatable, and Come Along). Today, host-turned-guest Amanda Stephens discusses…
Tales of Our TimeThe Road: Always Carry the Light
Guest Kyle Swayne is back to discuss The Road by Patrick McCarthy. While this book is not appropriate for all ages, and delving into the darkest parts of…
Tales of Our TimeGod of War 4 (2): The Choices We Make Matter
This is the second episode of a two-part series. In this episode, guest Jared Friesen and host Amanda Stephens finally dig into God of War 4 (By Santa Monica…
Tales of Our TimeGod of War 4 (1): Laying Groundwork
This is the first episode of a two-part series. In this episode, I'm joined by returning guest Jared Friesen to discuss the God of War franchise (by Santa…
Tales of Our TimeStarwars: A New Hope: Welcome to Sci-Fi
This week, I'm joined by my good friend Tyler Golec to discuss the OG: Starwars Episode 4: A New Hope (directed by George Lucas). We discuss the Hero's Journey…
Tales of Our TimeThe Reptile Room: Things Are Not Always As They Seem
Join me and my guest Shamir Munoz as we discuss a shared blast from our pasts: The Series of Unfortunate Events, and especially the Reptile Room! (By Lemony…
Tales of Our TimeBarbie: Take a Moment to Walk in Each Other's Pink Birkenstocks
Today we're discussing this hit movie, theater phenomenon, and cultural movement that is the Barbie movie! (Directed by Greta Gerwig) I'm joined by my good…
Tales of Our TimeThe Little Prince: The Quality of the Time We Spend
Today, guest Kyle Swayne and I are discussing one of the most translated books... maybe ever? The Little Prince! (By Antoine De Saint Exupery). We talk about…
Tales of Our TimeIn the Hand of the Goddess: Empowering Femininity
This week, we're discussing ONE of the well-known "Song of the Lioness" series by Tamora Pierce. Guest Cat Trites details why she re-reads this series once…
Tales of Our TimeTAKES of Our Time: TAZ Balance
TAKES of Our Time is a special format episode! After feedback from last week's episode, we realized one episode just wasn't enough to capture everyone's…
Tales of Our TimeThe Adventure Zone Balance: Make Mistakes and Choose Joy
This week, I'm joined by my incredible sibling: Jessica Stephens!! We're discussing the podcast The Adventure Zone, the Balance Arc (produced by the MacElroy…
Tales of Our TimeShadow and Bone: Lean Into Who You Are
This week, I'm joined by fellow Rti host, Sharon Lin! We're discussing one of her favorite stories, Shadow and Bone-- the Netflix series, based off of the…
Tales of Our TimeDune: Power, Prescience, and Possible Futures
This week, host Amanda Stephens is joined by guest Moe Gustus to discuss Dune! (The original novel). We discuss the Bene Gesserit, why it's best that the film…
Tales of Our TimeHarry Potter (2): The Follow Up
Part 2 of my discussion with fellow RTI host Michelle Chiang! In this episode we discuss the themes that moved us most in the book. How the theme of fate…
Tales of Our TimeHarry Potter (1): Always
Guest Michelle Chiang joins again to discuss the Harry Potter series, by JK Rowling. We discuss the series in general, do a special summary of Michelle's…
Tales of Our TimeSpiritfarer: Teaching You How to Say Goodbye
What can a video game teach us about grief? Host Amanda Stephens is joined by this week's guest: Bonnie Yuen to discuss a game that describes itself as "a cozy…
Tales of Our TimeWave Makers: Persistance Leads to Hope
This week, we're discussing the popular Taiwanese drama, Wave Makers (directed by Chun-Yang Lin)! Host Amanda Stephens is joined by her friend Maggie Wu, as…
Tales of Our TimeHonkai Star Rail: Connecting Destinies
This week, we're discussing our most recent release yet: the game Honkai: Star Rail, published by HoYoVerse (Yes-- the same publishers of Genshin Impact). Host…
Tales of Our TimeJurassic Park (2): The Deep Dive
Part 2 of our Jurassic Park two-parter! Host Amanda Stephens is once again joined by guest Anthony Van to follow-up on themes discussed in the first episode…
Tales of Our TimeJurassic Park (1): Progress Without Ethical Planning
Part one of our very first two-parter! Host Amanda Stephens discusses the 1993 Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg. Joined by Anthony Van, we discuss…