Essays on television, film, and the arts, revealing what makes them so compelling. Presented by Ayo Akingbade. New episodes every other Monday.
Exploring the modern workday and compartmentalization under capitalism in the tv series Severance (2022) Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Arctic Draba Santo Apure In the BoxBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring the similarities between acting and hired killing, self obsession, and performance in HBO's Barry. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Hanging Rock Gilly Wash Symphony 40. in G MinorBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring Breaking Bad's choose your own adventure ending in the series final two episodes, Granite State and Felina. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Bangolet Spot Peter Small World Reveals Le MaraisBy Ayo Akingbade
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The Sandman: The City of Dreams | Video Essay
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Video Link: https://youtu.be/kc3SzJveKwQ Exploring troubled kings, mythical cities, and the power of dreams in The Sandman Issue 50: Ramadan, by Neil Gaiman. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Night Light References/Sources: http://sequart.org/magazine/18668/the-othe…
Exploring chicanery and doing "the right thing" in Better Call Saul (2015 - 2022). Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Vine Crawler Greycase Cornicob The BrokerBy Ayo Akingbade
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The Harlem Renaissance's Greatest Artist | Video Essay
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Video Essay Link: https://youtu.be/f92rkZaFlPs Exploring the dynamic work of Archibald Motley, the greatest artist of the Harlem Renaissance. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music: Cool Vibes by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/ Promoted by MrSnooze https://youtu.be/iYOvAO1rAM0 License…
Link to Video: https://youtu.be/rChKYG2j4t0 Exploring auterism and David Fincher's evolution of style from the 90s, to the 2000s, to the 2010s and now. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Building the Sled Slider Tartaruga The Caspian Sea Hedgeliner References/Sources…
Exploring communication in Drive My Car (2021) directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Awaiting an Arrival I Recall References/Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_movie#:~:text=The%20road%20film%20is%20a,journey%20rather%20than%20the…
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/cetuC4098R4 Video essay exploring magician Ricky Jay's brilliant use of patter. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Pinky Sources/References: https://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2014/05/effective-magicians-patter-different-types-patter-with…
Watch on YouTube!: https://youtu.be/ONkpbgjawrs Video Essay exploring cigarette cool in Rebel Without a Cause, The Maltese Falcon, Goodfellas, and many more. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Detailing Sources/References: Video on Cigarettes in movies by PlumLite: h…
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The Raven: How Poe Infused His Stories with Darkness
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Exploring mysticism, mystery, and the macabre in The Raven (1845) by Edgar Allan Poe. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Where it All Happened Emmit Sprak Sixmile References/Sources: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-raven https://www.youtube.com/watch…
Exploring drug addiction, personal relationships, and fleeting happiness in Euphoria (2019). Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions La Naranja Borriana Kovd Lask Our Only Uplift Cobweb Transit Lacrimose (Piano Solo) References/Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62F…
Exploring Shakespeare's influence, memory and trauma, and the cyclical nature of art in Station Eleven (2021). Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Scals Derby Transit Chrysl Other Music: Interpolation of Excursions (A Tribe Called Quest) References/Sources: https://sh…
Exploring jury bias, hot tempers, and the value of human life in 12 Angry Men (1957) by Sidney Lumet. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions Krok Just Tuning Up Castillo Club Moka References/Sources: https://medium.com/cinemania/12-angry-men-review-and-analysis-92d513db8…
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The Dark Knight: Heroes Public and Private
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Exploring the role of vigilantes, public and private heroes, and the people's faith that good will prevail in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight (2008). Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Minister Creek - Four Count - Rainday Textile - Slimheart (Clarinet Leader)…
Essays on television, film, and the arts, revealing what makes them so compelling. Presented by Ayo Akingbade. New episodes every other Monday. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Cran RasBy Ayo Akingbade
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Mind Theater


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The Sopranos: A Christopher Moltisanti Story
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Exploring mafia texts, identity crises, and character arcs in The Sopranos through it's series deuteragonist Christopher Moltisanti. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Snowcrop - Cold Summers - Rodney Skopes - Likin - Selena Leica…
Exploring workplace power dynamics and emotional vulnerability in Mad Men Season 4 Episode 7 titled: The Suitcase. Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Vernouillet - A Catalog of Seasons - Passing Station 7 - As Dust Gathers - Ches Coreu…
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What Remains of Edith Finch: Life is Strange (and Brief)
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Exploring loose relationships to death, generational curses, and the strange briefness of life in the 2017 narrative adventure game What Remains of Edith Finch developed by Giant Sparrow. TW: This episode talks about death and briefly mentions suicide Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music b…
Exploring the March sisters' search for autonomy and authorship in the world of Greta Gerwig's Little Women (2019). Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Silver Lanyard - Silver Lanyard (Clarinet Leader) - Pull Beyond Pull - Trivial Call…
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Inside Llewyn Davis: The Ears of Strangers
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Exploring tragedy, vagabonds, and the artistic expression of pain in The Coen Brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis. Trigger Warning: Mention of suicide, some cursing in clips Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Our Only Lark (Alternate Montuno Melody) - Cold Summers - Our …
Exploring the world of 80s aerobics, binge eating, and the body as a commodity in Annie Weisman's Apple TV+ show Physical. *Trigger Warning*: Episode covers topics of binge eating Links: Support Mind Theater on Ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Neon Drip - Krok - Alum Drum Solo - Vela Vela - Ar…
Exploring religious guilt, loneliness, and repressed generational trauma in Joachim Trier's 2017 film Thelma. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Qi - Vela Vela - Frank and Poet - Cold Summer - Mineral StillBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring faith, the futility of mortal life, and the contradictory laws of chivalry in David Lowery's A24 film The Green Knight. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Tolls Folly - Awaiting an Arrival - Passing Station 7 - Swell - Respite…
Exploring animalism, healing, and our human connection to nature in The North Water. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Douglass Stairs - McKrary - Arlan Vale - Passing Station 7By Ayo Akingbade
Exploring abuse in mentor mentee relationships, the tiring pursuit of perfection, and the apparent need to suffer in order to succeed in Damien Chazelle's 2014 film Whiplash. **Content Warning**: Cursing in some clips. Mentions verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter M…
*Content Warning*: Mentions Self-Harm Exploring societal beauty standards, clarity from pain, and intellectual courage in an episode of the audio drama podcast The Long Hallway titled (This is My Cue) to Demateralize. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Gra Landsby - Rainday…
Exploring the art of pickpocketing, the subtleties of subterfuge, and the tragedy of the thief in Robert Bresson's Pickpocket (1959). Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Cran Ras - Lowball - Chaunce Libertine - IntermezzoBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring William Gibson's world of slipstream chrome and retro futuristic architecture in The Gernsback Continuum, a harrowing portrayal of the American tomorrow that never was. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Median Point - Cold Summers - Pastel de Nata…
Exploring what The Master has to say about animalistic nature, the pain of memory, and cultish figureheads in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2012 psychological drama. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Our Fingers Cold - Douglass Stairs - Drone Pine…
Exploring how Aronofsky's Black Swan portrays the ruthlessness, pain, and trauma in ballet that manifests itself in Nina throughout her pursuit of perfection. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Heavenstill - Krok - Tarte Tatin - Fourteen Count…
Exploring how Portrait of Lady on Fire by Céline Sciamma uses representations of love through art and memory to depict how inevitable heartbreak manifests itself within Marianne and Héloïse. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Vela Vela - Arlan Vale - Frank and Poety - Matam…
Exploring what the science fiction short story The Belonging Kind by William Gibson and John Shirley has to say about humans as social beings, the alien language of conversation, and the personification of conformity. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Single Still - Vulcan…
Exploring how the Hayao Miyazaki film Castle in the Sky depicts mythos and the childlike imagination of Pazu and Sheeta. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Levander CrestBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring how WandaVision uses the nostalgia of TV to depict the history of the American tv landscape from the 50s to present day. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Slow Line Stomp - Plate Grayscale - Our Only Uplift Sources: - https://collider.com/wandavision-tv-tropes-si…
Exploring how Renoir views flesh and the role of the artist as a worker in the 2012 film Renoir by Gilles Bourdos. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Slimheart - Qi - JavanBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring how Lupin uses the idea of invisibility to portray the character Assane Diop: The Gentleman Burglar. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - The Onyx - Watercool Quiet - Babble Babble BrookBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring what the American Dream means for Otis "Cookie" Figowitz and King-Lu in Kelly Riechardt's film First Cow. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Lumber Down - Lochley Fells - FeathersoftBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring themes of purpose, determinism, and self doubt in the 2020 Pixar film Soul. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Trod Along - Diatom Scott Fields - Santa on a Segway Cody ChesnuTT - Parting WaysBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring ambition, exploitation, and the ruthlessness of capitalism in HBO's Industry. Links: Support Mind Theater on ko-fi Follow Mind Theater on Instagram and Twitter Music by Blue Dot Sessions - Lunette - Crosswire - A Catalog of Seasons - Tolls FollyBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring how the absurdity of life can leave us feeling like helpless passengers in The Man Who Wasn't There by the Coen Brothers. Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Arlan Vale - Algea TrioBy Ayo Akingbade
Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/mindtheater) Quick analysis on the Twilight Zone episode titled The Masks exploring what it reveals about the inner ugliness that exists in humans. Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Shade WaysBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring Beth Harmon's struggle with addiction and need for control through her rise from chess prodigy to grandmaster in The Queen's Gambit. Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Milkwood - Curious CaseBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring what home represents in Greta Gerwig's 2017 film, Lady Bird. A Muckraker Media Production Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Sylvestor - Mr Mole and Son - Greyleaf Willow - Late Night Reading - The TerrariumBy Ayo Akingbade
Support the show! Exploring Michael Corleone's loss of innocence as he transforms from family outsider to mafia don in Francis Ford Coppola's, The Godfather. A Muckraker Media Production Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Our Only Lark - Passing Station 7 - Waltz and Fury…
Analyzing how Breaking Bad uses the bottle episode Fly to explore Walt's loss of control and the feeling of being helpless against the randomness of the universe. A Muckraker Media Production Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Rainday - ScallatBy Ayo Akingbade
Support Mind Theater with ko-fi! In this episode I explore some of the history of audio dramas and analyze an episode of The Truth podcast by Jonathan Mitchell to showcase how powerful audio storytelling can be. A Muckraker Media Production Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Messy Inkwell - Gathering Stasis - …
Support Mind Theater with ko-fi! Exploring how Robert Eggers uses mythology and mythical symbolism in his 2019 film The Lighthouse to tell a story about madness, alcoholism, and homo-eroticism. A Muckraker Media Production Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Tillis County - Fever Creep - Kovd Lask - Tiny Bottle…
Exploring the plight of the creative writer and the portrayal of the common man in Barton Fink, by the Coen Brothers. A Muckraker Media Production Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Pacing - Lacquer Groove - Szaree - Warm Fingers Licensed under Creative CommonsBy Ayo Akingbade
Exploring the art of performing, what it means to die doing what you love, and the generational divide in the audio drama series, Adventures in New America. A Muckraker Media Production Links: MindTheaterPod on Twitter and Instagram Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Junca - This Our Home - Peacetime Licensed under Creative Commons…