Best Ryan Pak Podcasts (2025)

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Special Insert: Summer Preview 24:05

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4d ago24:05

24:05

Send us a text We've got a busy summer here at PCY. But we'll do our best to keep putting out quality content. Here about our plans and the special guests we have lined up in this fun preview episode. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on the iTunes/Apple Podcasts app or wherever you listen. Or better yet, tell a friend to listen! Wan…

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Emily of Emerald Starship by Ng Yi-Sheng (audio) 27:29

2d ago27:29

27:29

This episode features "Emily of Emerald Starship" written by Ng Yi-Sheng. Published in the June 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/yi-sheng_06_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Yarn Theory by Marie Vibbert (audio) 8:48

6d ago8:48

8:48

This episode features "Yarn Theory" written by Marie Vibbert. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/vibbert_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Proxima One by Caryanna Reuven (audio) 29:44

6d ago29:44

29:44

This episode features "Proxima One" written by Caryanna Reuven and translated by Sue Burke. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/reuven_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Oh Time Thy Pyramids by Ann LeBlanc (audio) 47:35

7d ago47:35

47:35

This episode features "Oh Time Thy Pyramids" written by Ann LeBlanc. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/leblanc_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Descent by Wole Talabi (audio) 2:15:31

8d ago2:15:31

2:15:31

This episode features "Descent" written by Wole Talabi. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/talabi_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?By Clarkesworld Magazine

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Russ Burlingame on The Needle Drops that Make The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1 Soundtrack a Hit 56:49

11d ago56:49

56:49

Pop Culture Writer Russ Burlingame joins Nicole Barlow and Ryan Pak to talk about the soundtrack to James Gunn's 2014 film, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1. It's the 1st soundtrack to ever hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 charts with all previously released songs. It's sold over 3 million copies and was the 2nd best selling soundtrack in 2014 behin…

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1997: Austin Powers / Best Spy Equipment 1:29:01

11d ago1:29:01

1:29:01

Send us a text In 1997, Mike Myers unleashed Austin Powers onto the world. Playing the title role and Dr. Evil, this film also introduced us to Fembots, Alotta Fagina, Frau Farbissina, and a host of other classic characters. Even more than the characters were the lines however. Yeah baby! Do I make you horny?! Oh behave! The film indeed left a memo…

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We, the Fleet by Alex T. Singer (audio) 57:38

13d ago57:38

57:38

This episode features "We, the Fleet" written by Alex T. Singer. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/singer_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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1997: South Park / Favorite South Park Characters 1:03:08

18d ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Send us a text Things are about to get naughty, as Cartman's mom would say. We're talking South Park, and there really is no way to talk about this classic show cleanly. We focus on the first episode "Cartman gets an Anal Probe" and the highly rated episode "Scott Tenorman Must Die" in our look back, but there is so much more. Grab some Cheesy Poof…

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Writer James Deon Williams Breaks Down Boomerang's (1992) Stacked Soundtrack and Stacked Cast 47:49

24d ago47:49

47:49

Pop culture writer, James Down Williams, joins Ryan to talk about the 1992 Reginald Hudlin film, Boomerang and it's 3x Platinum soundtrack. The soundtrack boasted 6 singles including Toni Braxton's "Give U My Heart" and Boyz II Men's "End of the Road", which would top the Billboard Top 100 for 13 weeks, which was a record at the time. Equally impre…

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1997: Everclear - So Much for the Afterglow / Favorite 3 Piece Bands 1:27:34

25d ago1:27:34

1:27:34

Send us a text Filled with killer hooks, memorable lyrics, and loud guitars, Everclear's 1997 album So Much for the Afterglow was a worthy follow up to the success of Sparkle and Fade. Steeped in 90s nostalgia, this album was essential to Brad's late college years. We've got memories, analysis, and fun in this rockin' episode. Art, Craig, and Greg …

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The Library of the Apocalypse by Rati Mehrotra (audio) 26:50

24d ago26:50

26:50

This episode features "The Library of the Apocalypse" written by Rati Mehrotra. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/mehrotra_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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1997: Memories and TV, Movies, and Music Drafts with Ryan Pak from Soundtrack Your Life 1:19:29

1M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Send us a text Years didn't get much bigger than 1997 for the PCY crew. So to cover the year in enough detail, we've added a guest. Returning to the show is Ryan Pak from the Soundtrack Your Life podcast! We've got great memories to share and deep drafts in TV, movies, and music. Go back in time with us now! And make sure to check out Soundtrack Yo…

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Brainstem Disco, 2191 by Angela Liu (audio) 13:59

1M ago13:59

13:59

This episode features "Brainstem Disco, 2191" written by Angela Liu. Published in the May 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/liu_05_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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An Even Greater Cold to Come by Rich Larson (audio) 23:51

1M ago23:51

23:51

This episode features "An Even Greater Cold to Come" written by Rich Larson. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/larson_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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In My Country by Thomas Ha (audio) 39:18

1M ago39:18

39:18

This episode features "In My Country" written by Thomas Ha. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/ha_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?By Clarkesworld Magazine

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Symbiotic by Carolyn Zhao (audio) 1:03:29

1M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

This episode features "Symbiotic" written by Carolyn Zhao. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/zhao_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Still Water by Zhang Ran (audio) 1:05:07

1M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

This episode features "Still Water" written by Zhang Ran and translated by Andy Dudak. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/zhang_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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2003: School of Rock / Best Fictional Teachers in TV and Film 1:05:48

1M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Send us a text Put Jack Black, rock and roll, and bunch of precocious kids together and what do you have? The 2003 classic School of Rock! While the movie was a star making turn for Black, the kids try to steal the show, and the music melts your face. We break down all the details and stick it to the man in this episode. In addition to all that fun…

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Aegiopolis Testudo by Gordon Li (audio) 55:00

1M ago55:00

55:00

This episode features "Aegiopolis Testudo" written by Gordon Li. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/li_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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The Seed by Sheri Singerling (audio) 37:16

1M ago37:16

37:16

This episode features "The Seed" written by Sheryl Singerling. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/singerling_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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LIMAHL (Kajagoogoo) on Why His Hits "Too Shy" and "The NeverEnding Story" Are Popular Needle Drops Now 48:51

2M ago48:51

48:51

Solo artist, and lead singer of Kajagoogoo, Limahl is our guest this week and it was an honor to talk to the singer of the chart topping soundtrack song, The NeverEnding Story. It was a top 10 hit in over 15 countries, including hitting #1 in Norway, Spain and Sweden. Limahl has recently released a new single, a great cover of America's "A Horse wi…

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2003: Episode 200! The Room / Best "Bad" Movies 1:19:52

2M ago1:19:52

1:19:52

Send us a text We've been at this awhile, 200 episodes in fact. If you've listened to every one, you are a hero to us. Let's celebrate! In this episode we revisit The Room at Pete's request. It is Giff's first time viewing a movies that has meant so much to Pete and Brad and their friends. What will he think? The Room is considered one of the worst…

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It's a Fandom Thing's Erin on Trent Reznor's Curation of The Natural Born Killers Soundtrack (1994) 1:15:42

2M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Erin Marlow of It's a Fandom Thing joins Nicole and Ryan to talk about the 1994 Oliver Stone film, Natural Born Killers. It began as a Quentin Tarantino script before Oliver Stone turned it into an entirely different thing, which is just one of many controversies that surround this film. What's not controversial is the greatness of the Natural Born…

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2003: Old School / Best Fictional Schools 1:07:22

2M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

Send us a text The 2000s saw a renaissance of the comedy, many starring and overlapping the same actors. One of the first big ones was Old School, starring Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell and a host of others. We will break down the deep cast, the jokes, the streaking, and more in this episode. We finish things off with a great draft of the…

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2003: Memories and Movies, Music, and TV Drafts 1:01:38

2M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Send us a text 2003 was a year where where an indie rock revival was taking place and a comedy movie renaissance was also beginning. For us at PCY, it was that sweet spot between weddings and having kids. Looking back was a lot of fun. Check out our memories and drafts of the best movies, music, and TV as we kick off a new year! If you enjoy the sh…

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Through These Moments, Darkly by Samantha Murray (audio) 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

This episode features "Through These Moments, Darkly" written by Samantha Murray. Published in the April 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/murray_04_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Funerary Habits of Low Entropy Entities by Damián Neri (audio) 27:24

2M ago27:24

27:24

This episode features "Funerary Habits of Low Entropy Entities" written by Damián Neri. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/neri_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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The Sound of the Star by Ren Zeyu (audio) 27:22

2M ago27:22

27:22

This episode features "The Sound of the Star" written by Ren Zeyu and translated by Jay Zhang. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/ren_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Hook and Line by Koji A. Dae (audio) 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

This episode features "Hook and Line" written by Koji A. Dae. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/dae_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Those Uncaring Waves by Yukimi Ogawa (audio) 1:56:24

2M ago1:56:24

1:56:24

This episode features "Those Uncaring Waves" written by Yukimi Ogawa. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/ogawa_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Frank Meyer (Streetwalkin' Cheetahs/Fear) on the Repo Man (1984) Soundtrack and The Film's Influence on Punk Rock 1:25:01

2M ago1:25:01

1:25:01

Rocker Frank Meyer (The Street Walkin' Cheetahs / Trading Aces / Fear) has a new album out on 3/25 called Living Between the Lines (Kitten Robot Records) and he joins Nicole and Ryan to discuss his career and the soundtrack to the 1984 film, Repo Man. It's a soundtrack full of LA punk rock legends like Black Flag, Fear, The Plugz and the Circle Jer…

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1982: Fast Times at Ridgemont High / Best 80s Teen Comedies 1:18:40

2M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Send us a text Put on your suits and meet us by the pool; we're talking Fast Times at Ridgemont High! One of the original 80s teen classics thanks to Cameron Crowe, Amy Heckerling, Phoebe Cates, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sean Penn, and so many more, there is plenty to dive into. Just make sure you zip up or lock the door before you listen. As one of ma…

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1982: Dukes of Hazzard / Best Cars and Vehicles in TV and Film 1:40:34

3M ago1:40:34

1:40:34

Send us a text Yee-haw!!! We're closing out 1982 with The Dukes of Hazzard. Join us as we talk about Bo, Luke, Daisy, Uncle Jessie, Boss Hogg, Rosco, and even Coy and Vance. But if that lineup isn't enough, we welcome a new first-time guest, Def Dave! Dave has a ton of knowledge on the Dukes and a fascinating background to share. Check him out in t…

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Mindtrips by Tlotlo Tsamaase (audio) 54:43

3M ago54:43

54:43

This episode features "Mindtrips" written by Tlotlo Tsamaase. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/tsamaase_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Pollen by Anna Burdenko (audio) 40:11

3M ago40:11

40:11

This episode features "Pollen" written by Anna Burdenko and translated by Alex Shvartsman. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/burdenko_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Pop Culture Yearbook’s Brad on the Hilarious and Catchy Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016) Soundtrack 1:07:00

3M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Doink da doink! Brad from the Pop Culture Yearbook Podcast returns to Soundtrack Your Life to talk to Nicole and Ryan about the Lonely Island 2016 film, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. It flamed out when it was released back in 2016 but it's reached cult status with it's joke-dense comedy, super talented cast, and songs that are equally brillia…

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1982: Looney Tunes / Best Looney Tunes Characters 1:38:42

3M ago1:38:42

1:38:42

Send us a text Overture, Curtain, Lights! We're going to hit the heights! We're talking Looney Tunes, which was a staple of TV watching in the 80s. We're talking about 10 of the best episodes ever featuring turns from Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Pepe LePew, Foghorn Leghorn, Wile E. Coyote, and more! If that isn't enough we dra…

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1982: Memories and Movies, Music, and TV Drafts 1:12:45

3M ago1:12:45

1:12:45

Send us a text We're going back to where we started by digging deeper into 1982. Just 6 years old at the time, we'll share what we can remember before the serious business of drafting the best movies, TV shows, and music from the year. If you're looking for nostalgia, you've come to the right place. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us …

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From Enceladus, with Love by Ryan Cole (audio) 34:41

3M ago34:41

34:41

This episode features "From Enceladus, with Love" written by Ryan Cole. Published in the March 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/cole_03_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Celestial Migrations by Claire Jia-Wen (audio) 20:46

3M ago20:46

20:46

This episode features "Celestial Migrations" written by Claire Jia-Wen. Published in the February 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/jia-wen_02_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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Numismatic Archetypes in the Year of Five Regents by Louis Inglis Hall (audio) 25:06

3M ago25:06

25:06

This episode features "Numismatic Archetypes in the Year of Five Regents" written by Louis Inglis Hall. Published in the February 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/hall_02_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clarkesworld?…

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The Hanging Tower of Babel by Wang Zhenzhen (audio) 41:21

3M ago41:21

41:21

This episode features "The Hanging Tower of Babel" written by Wang Zhenzhen and translated by Carmen Yiling Yan. Published in the February 2025 issue of Clarkesworld Magazine and read by Kate Baker. The text version of this story can be found at: https://clarkesworldmagazine.com/wang_02_25 Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/clark…