Cosmic Circus Podcasts
We discuss movies, TV shows and streaming series, comics, and comic book movies (such as DC or Marvel Studios). Video versions of many of these episodes are on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus . If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on patreon.com/cosmiccircus . Benefits include a private Discord where you can talk about movies, shows, books, games and comics with other fans! For more from The Cosmic Circus, including links to articles, film, TV series, comics, books, and game reviews, visit thecosmiccircus.com Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Please contact: podcasts@thecosmiccircus.com
Episodes

Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Guardians of the Galaxy was one of the first entries in the MCU to take fans to the stars, bringing the cosmos into the spotlight. With humble beginnings as a rag-tag team of A-holes thrust together by fate and bad luck, the group grew into a family full of love and harassment. The Guardians have faced some tough moments together, but have always come out closer than ever though perhaps a bit battle-scarred. So with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 almost here, we couldn't wait to discuss the team's journey from Vol. 1 to their Holiday Special.
Host Brian Kitson, along with fellow writers Ayla Ruby and Anthony Flagg discuss some of their favorite memories from the previous Guardians of the Galaxy films as well as things they wish were a bit different from their journey through the MCU. Listen to see if listener's question gets answered, such as which scenes or songs are their favorites, or who their favorite Guardian is from across the many entries. And stay tuned, as a follow-up podcast reviewing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will arrive alongside the release of the film in theaters in early May. Let us know your favorite Guardians moments on Twitter or in the Cosmic Circus discord!
Podcast credits and show notesContributors/Writers
Anthony Flagg
Ayla Ruby
Brian Kitson
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 04/16/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.
Full article available at: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-27-journey-to-guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3/

Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
It's a great time to be a Star Wars fan! Not only has The Mandalorian returned to our screens over on Disney+, but this past weekend the biggest gathering in the galaxy happened in London, with the 2023 Star Wars Celebration. Across the four days, tons of announcements and trailers dropped for what's to come to a galaxy far, far, away. So of course some of the writers at The Cosmic Circus couldn't wait to break down every juicy detail from the long weekend of out-of-this-world fun.
Host Ayla Ruby, along with head writer Brian Kitson and fellow writer Wiktor Reinfuss come together in their Millennium Falcon and jet off to explore all the excitement. Join them as they discuss the three new films announced at the Star Wars Celebration, their joy or disappointment around the updates on some of the Disney+ series, and what they wished they saw at this year's convention.
We also have a short discussion about that The Marvels trailer that just dropped to open all the fun!
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Ayla Ruby
Brian Kitson
Wiktor Reinfuss
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 04/11/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 2023
We're big animation fans at The Cosmic Circus and always love getting the chance to sit down with the creators behind these fantastic stories. Earlier this week, Cosmic Cafe host Ayla Ruby chatted over zoom with Bill Motz and Bob Roth from Disney's fantasy show The Ghost and Molly McGee.
The Ghost and Molly McGee is about a young girl named Molly McGee who is an optimist and always sees the brighter side of things. There's always something to have joy about. When Molly's family moves to a new home and town, she discovers their house is haunted by a grumpy ghost named Scratch. Awesome, right? When Scratch's attempts to haunt Molly go wrong, the two are bound together forever. The show follows them through this unlikely and sweet growing friendship.
The show is Emmy-nominated, and for a good reason - it's a joy to watch. The talented cast includes Ashly Burch (as Molly), Dana Snyder (as Scratch), Jordan Klepper, Sumalee Montano, Michaela Dietz, and Lara Jill Miller.
Bill Motz and Bob Roth are equally as talented as their cast. The duo has been writing partners for 30 years, working on things like Darkwing Duck, LEGO Star Wars, and The Penguins of Madagascar. They're the creators and executive producers of The Ghost and Molly Mcgee and were so much fun to speak with.
Full article available on
https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Timestamps:
00:25 - Intros
02:20 - Bill Motz and Bob Roth tell us more about The Ghost and Molly McGee
04:00 - Talk about season 2 and the introduction of autistic character June Chen, and the importance of representation.
08:10 - More will be revealed about Scratch's past in the second season
09:05 - Guest stars in season 2
10:10 - Discussing the detailed work of the designers and the Mega City game from season 1
11:40 - Roth and Motz talk about the process of going from a kernel of an idea to a script.
15:25 - What is the status of The Ghost and Molly McGee season 3?
16:15 - The show is about "humor, heart, and hope."
17:30 - Ayla asks what Motz and Roth are working on next.
18:35 - Outros
Host: Ayla Ruby of thecosmiccircus.comTheme: "Coffee and You" by Vladislav Kurnikov via Pixabay.Recorded 3/23/2023

Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
If you have kids and an Apple TV+ subscription, the chances you’ve seen the movie Luck are pretty high. It’s an Apple Original movie with a tremendous amount of heart. Last week, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the Luck universe grew. We sat down with director Matt Youngberg from Skydance Animation to discuss his short Bad Luck Spot from the same Luck universe. Bad Luck Spot features the Hazmat Bunnies that had an adorable but short appearance in the movie.
Matt Youngberg has an impressive career. Before he joined Skydance, he spearheaded the Ducktales reboot for Disney Television Animation. (As part of Ducktales, he even brought this writer’s favorite hero, Darkwing Duck, back to the screen!) Youngberg is both Emmy and Annie nominated, and he’s worked on other beloved franchises, like Batman Beyond, Teen Titans, and Ben 10.
Cosmic Cafe credits:
Host: Ayla Ruby
Theme: “Coffee and You” by Vladislav Kurnikov via Pixabay.
Recorded 3/14/2023
other links: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/
The Bad Luck short: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLpFAOQyAKw&feature=youtu.be

Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Ayla Ruby of thecosmiccircus.com interviews Jared Gerrizen and Sophia Leader of Illfonic about the Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed game.
Cosmic Cafe credits:
Host: Ayla Ruby
Theme: “Coffee and You” by Vladislav Kurnikov via Pixabay.
Recorded 2/15
other links: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/
https://www.illfonic.com/

Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Join host Ayla Ruby and fellow writers Brian Kitson and Wiktor Reinfuss as they discuss Shazam: Fury of the Gods. The trio talks about what worked for them and what didn’t in this latest DC Studios adaption. They discuss cameos, post-credit scenes, and even the somewhat controversial product placement. And if that wasn’t enough, the writers also answer questions from the Cosmic Circus community and more.
Ep. 24: Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Timestamps:
00:20 - Intros
01:15 - First and pre-viewing impressions on Shazam! Fury of the Gods, going in. Did you expect to like it? What did you like?
11:02 - Do you want to see more of Shazam in future?
14:15 - Spoiler alert! Talking about what they did and didn't get right with tone and whether or not there should be a reboot for the characters
17:09 - Discussion about bringing in Peacemaker characters, and talk about the difference in tone between Shazam! and that show.
20:40 - What did you really like about the movie?
27:45 - Praising Lucy Liu's performance
29:45 - What did you not like about the movie?
36:15 - What is going on with the end credits scene anyway?
38:30 - Discussing the dragon and VFX
41:00 - Discussing product placements in the film.
44:18 - Did you like Steve?
46:00 - Final thoughts on Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Vic's theory... is Shazam's world going to be connected to The Flash film coming up?
49:45 - Outros
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Brian Kitson
Ayla Ruby
Wiktor Reinfuss
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 03/19/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.
full article at:
https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-25-shazam-fury-of-the-gods-discussion/

Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
If there's one show that people can't seem to stop talking about recently it's The Last of Us. HBO build another hit, which audiences can't get enough of. That includes us here at The Cosmic Circus, so of course we had to jump on Zoom for The Last of Us discussion podcast, capping the end of an excellent season.
Join host Brian Kitson and fellow writers Ayla Ruby and Anthony Flagg as they break down what they liked, how The Last of Us compares to other video game adaptations, and what they hope to see in future seasons!
Timestamps (SPOILER WARNING for The Last of Us season 1 and the game)
00:20 - Intros
02:20 - General thoughts on The Last of Us season 1
05:45 - Audience reception
10:45 - What parts of season 1 did we like the most?
20:41 - What didn't we like?
28:00 - Where do we think this ranks as far as game adaptations? Do we have hope for future game adaptations to be this good?
32:00 - Commenting on Ashley Johnson's appearance on the show, and how similar she looks to Bella Ramsey.
34:20 - Theories for next season (more spoilers discussed for the game and possibly future seasons)
37: 20 - Would the cure have worked?
41:40 - Outros
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Anthony Flagg
Ayla Ruby
Brian Kitson
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 03/13/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.
Full article available at: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-24-the-last-of-us-season-1-discussion/

Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
In this episode, host Ayla Ruby, along with fellow podcasters Brian Kitson, and Anthony Flagg delve into everything from Jonathan Majors' Kang to our thoughts on Cassie Lang's future. And although he couldn't be on the podcast in person, cosmic writer Alex Perez answered some of those curious inquiries in writing.
(SPOILER warning for Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania)
Timestamps
00:20 Intros
01.10 Will we ever see Hope and Scott married with kids?
03:25 Will Cassie and Peter Parker ever meet and become friends?
05:35 Comments on audience response to MODOK
07:50 If Janet had those discs then why didn't she escape before?
11:25 Was Kang planned for way back when Ant-Man and the Wasp came out?
12:40 What are they planning ahead now?
13: 30 Alternate ways to defeat Kang and what is Kang without his suit?
16:00 Why does Scott act sort of immaturely? Why doesn't he tell people about his worries?
19:00 What did you think of Cassie Lang in this film?
24:44 Questions for Alex Perez
25:15 When will we see Kang next in the MCU?
28:50 Should Peyton Reed return for Ant-Man 4 or Secret Wars?
32:01 What was your favorite part of Quantumania?
33:20 What is the future of the Quantum Realm in the MCU? Was this a one off?
36:10 Will Kang always be the main antagonist when he shows up?
39:14 Will Scott and Hope mentor the Young Avengers in Ant-Man 4?
41:09 How many Kangs will we see as main characters? Will there be new MCU Kang variants?
42:40 What is the plan for Janet and Hope going forward? (this was briefly talked about by Alex in our previous Quantumania episode)
44:17 Outros
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Anthony Flagg
Ayla Ruby
Brian Kitson
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 03/05/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay

Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Cosmic Cafe host Ayla Ruby sits down with Steve Loter and Rodney Clouden, Executive Producers of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, to talk about the new Marvel/Disney show. The series is now airing on Disney Channel and Disney+.
Timestamps:
00:30 - Intros
01:20 - What is Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur?
02:11 - What inspired you to bring these characters to TV?
03:10 - How did you get introduced to Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur?
04:50 - What was the inspiration for the art style of this series?
07:25 - What was the process for pairing the music with visuals?
10:23 - Pitching the series to Raphael Saadiq
13:10 - What can you tell me about Lunella's journey in season 1?
17:20 - Ayla's daughter asks, "Does Lunella's parents know she is a superhero, will they find out later?"
18:05 - Guest stars on the series, Mae Jemison, Cobie Smulders, and May Calamawy
21:20 - Anything else you'd like to share about the show this season?
23:30 - Outros
Are you a fan of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur? Please join the conversation and share your thoughts on Twitter @MyCosmicCircus or @CosmicPodcasts.
Cosmic Cafe credits:
Host: Ayla Ruby
Theme: “Coffee and You” by Vladislav Kurnikov via Pixabay.
Recorded: 1/20
Full article available at : https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-cafe-interview-with-moon-girl-and-devil-dinosaur-eps-steve-loter-and-rodney-clouden/

Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
It's been over two years since the last season of The Mandalorian, but finally, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu are back. Join host Brian Kitson, along with fellow Cosmic Circus writers Anthony Flagg and Wiktor Reinfuss, as they break down the Mandalorian season 3 premiere and share their predictions for the rest of the season.
What are your thoughts on The Mandalorian season 3 premiere? Is there anything you liked? What would you have liked to see differently? Let us know on social media. And if you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and supporting it via The Cosmic Circus Patreon, following us on Twitter @cosmicpodcasts, or joining our Discord.
Recorded on 03/05/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Tuesday Feb 21, 2023
Cosmic Circus writers Ayla Ruby, Anthony Flagg and Alex Perez discuss the latest Marvel film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Warning for HEAVY SPOILERS as well as some hints and spoilers about the future of the Multiverse Saga shared by Alex Perez.
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Alex Perez
Anthony Flagg
Ayla Ruby
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 02/19/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay. Full article with timestamps: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-21-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania/

Friday Feb 10, 2023
Friday Feb 10, 2023
Ayla Ruby of thecosmiccircus.com talks with EP and co-showrunner of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Pilar Flynn about the new Disney Marvel animated series.
Read the full article at: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-cafe-interview-with-pilar-flynn-from-moon-girl-and-devil-dinosaur/
For a comics reading guide to Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur go to: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/moon-girl-and-devil-dinosaur-reading-guide/
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Interview with Pilar Flynn begins, introduction
01:35 - What does a producer do?
04:00 - What's the story of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur?
05:50 - Talk about the shows writing, sophisticated and fun, a show for adults and kids.
08:05 - Talk about the decision to "age up" Lunella Lafayette from 9 to 13 years old.
09:48 - They are in contact with the creators of the original comics Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder. They are "so excited" and "on board."
10:21 - Talk about animation influences for the show.
12:54 - Talk about cast and crew and the importance of diversity.
16:35 - About Diamond White casting as Lunella
18:05 - Where were you when you got the call about season 2 being greenlit?
19:30 - Anything else you'd like people to know about the show?
20:35 - Does this show fit into the larger MCU at all?
20:12 - If Moon Girl could team up with any Avenger, who would it be?
21:56 - Outro
Cosmic Cafe credits:
Host: Ayla Ruby
Theme: “Coffee and You” by Vladislav Kurnikov via Pixabay.
Recorded: 12/07/2022

Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Now that the Infinity Saga has come to a close, Marvel Studios is ready to expand its cinematic universe in some big ways, by creating a multiverse. The Marvel Cinematic Multiverse is as confusing as it is epic, with rules and layers that are just becoming apparent. Don't worry though, co-host Brian and Ayla are joined by The Cosmic Circus writer Alex Perez, who is more than ready to dive deep and explain the Multiverse in detail.
Join along as The Cosmic Circle looks back through Phase 4 for the beginning of the multiverse and looks forward to Phase 5 and beyond, as the multiverse prepares to explode onto the screen. Coming just after the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantuamania will be our review episode, where Alex will join Ayla and Anthony breaking down the film and what comes next.
What are your thoughts on Marvel Cinematic Multiverse so far? Which Alex Perez tidbit was your favorite? Let us know on social media. And if you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and supporting it via The Cosmic Circus Patreon, following us on Twitter @cosmicpodcasts, or joining our Discord.
For full article and podcast with timestamps visit: https://www.thecosmiccircus.com/cosmic-circle-ep-20-the-marvel-cinematic-multiverse/
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Alex Perez
Ayla Ruby
Brian Kitson
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 02/04/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Saturday Feb 04, 2023
Saturday Feb 04, 2023
In the latest episode of The Cosmic Circle, Brian, Ayla, and Anthony discuss Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and the Wasp's (Evangeline Lilly) journey to Quantumania. The trio looks back at the Ant-family journey, beginning with Ant-Man through their last appearance in Avengers: Endgame, as well as speculate about what to expect from these pint-sized heroes in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania when it hits theaters.
Join along as The Cosmic Circle looks towards the past and makes predictions of the future for Ant-Man and the Wasp. And keep an eye out for a review episode of Quantumania, which will include our own Alex Perez as we talk about the latest Ant-man film and what may happen next.
[Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Avengers: Endgame.]
For email updates to The Cosmic Circle and Cosmic Cafe podcasts subscribe here!
What are your thoughts on Scott Lang's journey so far through the MCU? What do you think will happen with him and the rest of the Ant-Family during and after Quantumania? Let us know on social media. And if you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and supporting it via The Cosmic Circus Patreon, following us on Twitter @cosmicpodcasts, or joining our Discord.
Episode 19: Journey to Quantumania
00:20 - Intros
00:54 - Ant-Man is the best Avenger, right?
02:00 - Looking forward to Quantumania
04:35 - Memories of seeing the first Ant-Man film
08:40 - What was the first MCU film you saw in theaters?
12:50 - Ant-Man in Captain America: Civil War
20:13 - Discussing the Ant-Man and the Wasp movie
35:00 - Walton Goggins as Sonny Burch, and the Benefactor talk. When might we see Sonny Burch again?
38:30 - Intro of Kang in the Loki series
40:00 - Ant-Man in Avengers: Endgame
42:21 - Expectations for Quantumania
47:40 - Talking about MODOK and what happened to Darren Cross
51:20 - Missing Luis in this film
53:00 - Cassie in Quantumania
56:30 - Any more thoughts on the upcoming film?
58:00 - Thoughts on why Scott Lang would take up Kang's offer?
1:00 - Outros
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Anthony Flagg
Ayla Ruby
Brian Kitson
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 01/29/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.

Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
In this episode, Brian, Anthony, and Drew discuss the recent unveiling of the new DC Slate by James Gunn! These three were super excited to break down and discuss all eleven announced projects from the beginning part of the first chapter of the DCU: Gods and Monsters.
Join them as they explore these newly announced DC films and movies, as well as other tidbits from the slew of information provided by James Gunn and Peter Safran during their presentation!
You can listen to the podcast below, directly on Spotify, or via most sites that host podcasts. For email updates to The Cosmic Circle and Cosmic Cafe podcasts subscribe here! And if you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with friends and supporting it via The Cosmic Circus Patreon, following us on Twitter at @cosmicpodcasts, or joining The Cosmic Circus Discord!
Episode 18: New DC Slate Discussion - Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters
00:20 - Intros
01:07 - General thoughts on the new DC slate
05:10 - Creature Commandos discussion
09:40 - Waller and Peacemaker series discussion
12:50 - Superman: Legacy
16:31 - Lanterns, Green Lanterns series
20:17 - The Authority discussion
22:28 - Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost
27:00 - Batman: The Brave and the Bold
29:14 - Booster Gold
32:00 - Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
36:14 - Swamp Thing
40:27 - Shazam, The Flash, and Aquaman, what the reset means for these franchises
47:10 - Questions from listeners: What is something that wasn't on the new slate that disappointed you?
50:17 - Questions from listeners: If actors like Jason Momoa are staying, should the Supergirl movie star Sasha Calle? (IMO it would be unfair to recast her if others are staying)
51:34 - Questions from listeners: How do you feel about James Gunn doing a soft reboot here? Who should stick around?
53:00 - Outros
Podcast credits and show notes
Contributors/Writers
Anthony Flagg
Brian Kitson
Drew Reed
Executive Producer/Editor
Lizzie Hill
Recorded on 01/31/23
Superhero theme by HumanoideVFX on Pixabay.








