Binge Mode
Avengers: Endgame Part 2
Binge Mode has been going strong for years now; after its debut Game Of Thrones–focused season in 2017, hosts Mallory Rubin and Jason Concepcion have followed up with Harry Potter, Star Wars, and now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, providing commentary on these franchises and offering insights on the sort of media that means so much to so many. In this episode, the hosts pick up their discussion of Avengers: Endgame, the megafilm that brings multiple years-long story arcs to a moving conclusion. Rubin, The Ringer’s editor-in-chief, and Concepcion, a former senior creative for the site, offer beautifully rendered commentary both lyrical and charming, treating their subject matter—which some might consider little more than big-budget Hollywood shlock—with an intellectually committed approach. The hosts pepper in some fun editorializing amid the in-depth analysis that is sure to make fans eager to revisit these movies. [Jose Nateras]
Maintenance Phase
Dr. Oz
If a TV show’s goal is to make the topic of health exciting, trust precisely zero of its recommendations. At least, that’s one conclusion you might be left with after this Dr. Oz–centric episode of Maintenance Phase, a fairly new and swiftly beloved podcast debunking the wellness industry. Hosts Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes need only share clips straight from The Dr. Oz Show (2009-present) to highlight the ways in which the show flirts with outright fraud. In one egregious example, a man clearly being positioned as a health expert sings the praises of a new weight loss supplement, conveniently neglecting to mention he’s actually a marketing executive for a company that manufactures supplements. Many doctors have warned against Dr. Oz’s misinformation, and he was even called before Congress to explain why he shouldn’t be tossed out on his ear for acting as a petty huckster—yet millions continue to tune in, and dubious products continue to fly off the shelves. If anyone you know suffers from “I heard resveratrol might solve all my problems”itis, prescribe them this episode of Maintenance Phase instead. [Marnie Shure]
Rest Stop
Gold Pyramid House
If you find yourself stuck inside, feeling antsy for travel and wide-open spaces, you’ll want to swing by Rest Stop. Host Anna Holmquist, a Chicago indie music darling and leader of the band Ester, has made a podcast that sparkles in moonshine, taking us on a spacey semi-monthly virtual road trip. Stops include curious and offbeat roadside attractions, like the Minnesota’s giant ball of twine, the world’s largest basket, or a big Paul Bunyan. This episode is an exploration of the Gold Pyramid House, the largest 24-karat gold-plated object in existence, built in the 1970s in Wadsworth, Illinois. It’s a strange attraction, to say the least, and Holmquist’s original music is so relaxing, their voice so soothing, you feel like you’ve been beamed into the pyramid to explore the halls of the mysterious house yourself. Somehow, Rest Stop makes a vacation you are absolutely not on feel like a series of adventures you very much are. If you live for pulling over to read random historical markers, or just need something chill to listen to as you get ready for bed, Rest Stop is a good stop. [Morgan McNaught]
18 Comments
Binge Mode has been going strong for years nowIs the plan still for it to end after the current miniseries? IIRC, when Concepcion left The Ringer, they said they’d finish out the Marvel series, but didn’t commit to anything after that.I loved their Harry Potter series, though I always felt they were far too flattering of J.K., even for a time before people started turning on her. They were way more into shit like “Wand Lore” than anyone needed to be.
The sad part about Dr. Oz is that he apparently is quite a good cardiothoracic surgeon. But I guess there’s only so much you can discuss about pacemakers on a TV series.
The sad part about Dr. Oz is that he apparently is quite a good cardiothoracic surgeon.
Whatever credibility he may have once had is long gone.
He’s still very credible within the narrow confines of his board-certified specialty. As far as I know, he’s not recommending crystal or aroma therapy in lieu of a valve replacement or pacemaker insertion. The problems begin when he steps outside of the surgery world. Mind you, there’s nothing wrong with a physician holding an opinion on topics outside of their specialty. Anyone who’s been to med school probably knows more about most medical topics than 99% of the general population. The problem arises when those opinions fly far outside general consensus.
He’s still very credible within the narrow confines of his board-certified specialty.
No, he’s not. He’s spent the last decade shilling supplements that have killed people. Doctors that kill people usually aren’t respected by other doctors.
As far as I know, he’s not recommending crystal or aroma therapy in lieu of a valve replacement or pacemaker insertion.
As far as you know? Well that settles it, then.
Mind you, there’s nothing wrong with a physician holding an opinion on topics outside of their specialty.
There is when they go on tv, say “I’m a doctor” and then give their opinion on something outside their specialty.
Anyone who’s been to med school probably knows more about most medical topics than 99% of the general population.
And most of them are smart enough not to go on tv, say “I’m a doctor” and then give your opinion on something they don’t really know much about.
I’ve read that this leaves his collegues scratching their heads. Obviously, Oz is in it for the money, but I read once that collegues didn’t just wholesale believe he was a grifter and that he had conviction in the junk he pushes.
“…believe he was a grifter and that he had conviction in the junk he pushes…” Which gives us room to doubt his judgement. Peddling things which have not been thoroughly tested shows bad judgement, especially when he uses the title “Doctor”. I saw this yesterday and it makes great sense with people doubting vaccines and taking herbs for cancer.
I got this just today. I don’t normally share things on Facebook but today I did.
And Ben Carson is skilled brain surgeon, but between the two of them they’ve done an untold amount of damage to public perception of reality and trusting experts.
I think the popularity of Anthony Fauci indicates otherwise.
It doesn’t
Eh… You might want to research that some more. He’s been sued for malpractice quite a bit. Particularly the famous twin separation surgeries. And, yes, those are very complicated surgeries but the families said that they were not informed by Carson about the potential risks and complications that would likely arise, and at least one family have gone record as saying (had they been told) they probably wouldn’t have went through with it.
Has no one watched Scrubs? Surgeons are scalpel jockeys.
Much like Aubrey, I went into that Dr. Oz episode thinking “well, I already know how bad this is – it’ll still be cathartic of course, but yeah.” Nope! Didn’t know it all! It was much worse than I thought!
Maintenance Phase is just so, so good as a podcast. I love singing its praises to anyone who will listen because it’s fun, informative, and sort of cleansing in its own way. I wish I could take this podcast and put it in a time machine for myself 10 years ago. I wish every person who wants to lecture/concern troll about the “dangers” of “body positivity” and fat acceptance could sit and listen to this and realize what they’re saying/doing/perpetuating.
Bless Aubrey so much; I really love her, and the more I’ve listened to this podcast and You’re Wrong About the more I also appreciate how wonderful Michael is: the way he co-hosts and edits podcasts really lets the women he’s working with take center stage in very meaningful ways, even in the episodes where he’s the one presenting more information up front. Both podcasts are a delight, and I have AV club for turning me onto YWA!
I love Michael and Sarah and Aubrey so much! They’re all such smart, compassionate and thoughtful folks, not to mention fun hosts that always have me laughing along to YWA and MP!
The first episode of Maintenance Phase where Aubrey talks about her experiences as a fat child then a fat woman made me cry. I am not as big as she is (I’m 5’5″/240) and I have not been fat all my life. Consequently, I haven’t had a lot of the experiences she’s had. But I *have* had a lot of the feelings she’s had and she expresses them so well. Aubrey, Michael, and Sarah are so amazing at this podcast thing. They’ve made me really picky about who I will listen to.
I love Binge Mode! It’s a deep dive presented with a level of enthusiasm that makes you wonder if Jason and Mallory hoovered up a Tony Montana sized mountain of blow right before they started recording. I’m here for it!
There was a recent episode of Dr. Phil on the other day where Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz confront a shady CBD oil company called Verified CBD for using their likeness without their permission and attributing quotes to sell their snake oil.The irony in watching that episode was interesting to watch.