Our holiday coverage continues with an ITM personal favorite, and not just because she bore a resemblance to the boy as a young child. The Snowman is a beautifully animated special that tugs at all the right heartstrings. Ian unpacks her relationship to the special and its themes.

Note: Ian spends the first five minutes talking about EI's 200th episode milestone. Listeners looking just for Snowman are recommended to skip the first few minutes. Happy holidays everyone! 

We are back in the Rankin/Bass cinematic universe! Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July is in many ways a prototype to the Avengers-style team-up modern audiences are used to, a convergence of beloved heroes such as Rudolph, Frosty, Big Ben, Jack Frost, and Mickey Rooney's Santa. It is also a terrible movie, the only feature-length Christmas release in the Rankin/Bass catalogue.

ITM's sister Barbara returns to the show to unpack this trainwreck. Where are Milton's laughs? What's up with the Caves of Lost Rejections? Find out as we take one of our last adventures into this bizarre world. 

We are continuing our holiday coverage with the 1978 Disney special The Small One, a quietly powerful short little film. A favorite of Ian's from an early age, she gets a little emotional talking about the narrative toward the end of the episode. For all the fun we have joking about all the cringe that often goes into holiday specials, The Small One is among the genre's finest offerings.

The Small One is streaming on Disney Plus

Our full holiday slate: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2023/12/holiday-podcast-rankin-bass-muppets/ 

We are delighted to continue our holiday coverage with a panel discussion on a Boston holiday staple: The Slutcracker, joined by creator/artistic director Vanessa White, performer Jolie LaVie, stage crew Rae Mansfield & makeup artist Sparklle T. Due to covid restrictions, The Slutcracker will make its on-screen debut with Slutcracker: The Movie, available now. Vanessa and the Slutcracker talent share plenty of behind the scenes stories and talk at length about the importance of bringing inclusion to the world of ballet.

To learn more about The Slutcracker: The Movie and where to rent the film, check out their website http://www.slutcracker.com/.

Be sure to follow the official Slutcracker pages, @slutcracker on Instagram & Facebook. 

Images courtesy of The Slutcracker

100th episode of Estradiol Illusions! We dive into what Ian thought was the best episode of The Mandalorian ever, steeped in Star Wars' lore. Ahsoka Tano's live-action debut was flawless. Baby Yoda's name reveal, not so much. Do we have to call him Grogu? Ian doesn't want to. 

Thank you everyone for following us these for 100 episodes. Here's to another hundred!

Ian's written review: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/11/the-mandalorian-season-2-review-chapter-13/

We are delighted to welcome iconic transgender actress Candis Cayne to the show. Candis has appeared on such shows as The Magicians, Grey's Anatomy & Dirty Sexy Money. Candis recently starred in the new holiday film I Hate New Year's, which comes out December 4th on VOD. 

Candis talks about about storied career and the evolution of trans representation on screen, as well as her new role in I Hate New Year's. This holiday season will be tough for many, but the film offers LGBTQ people some much needed inclusivity in a genre often defined by its heteronormativity.

Episode four takes us back to Nevarro, the pile of rocks not named Tatooine or Jakku. While Baby Yoda munches on space macarons, Mando, Greef, and Cara Dune seek to blow up the Imperial Remnant's lava base. Prequel fan favorite midichlorians return, evoking nostalgia for Jar Jar Binks.

Join ITM as she breaks down an uneven episode that pulled itself together right as the action started. Halfway through the season already! Time flies when you're using the force to steal cookies. 

Today we are joined by Dr. Mark Nelson, one of the eight original scientists who lived inside Biosphere 2 for two years in the early 90s. The events of Biosphere 2 were chronicled in the excellent documentary Spaceship Earth (available on Hulu), one of Ian's favorites from Sundance. Dr. Nelson talks at length about his experiences inside Biosphere 2, as well as many of the discoveries they made along their journey.

Dr. Nelson has a new book out called Life Under Glass: Crucial Lessons in Planetary Stewardship from Two Years Inside Biosphere 2. You can purchase it here: https://www.synergeticpress.com/shop/life-under-glass/

Dr. Nelson's other books include Pushing our Limits: Insights from Biosphere 2  (https://www.amazon.com/Pushing-Our-Limits-Insights-Biosphere/dp/0816537321) & The Wastewater Gardener: Preserving the Planet One Flush at a Time (https://www.synergeticpress.com/shop/the-wastewater-gardener/)

We're back in Westeros! Delighted to welcome Professor Colm Connaughton from the University of Warwick to discuss a paper he worked on, alongside a team from several universities in the UK & Ireland.

The paper "Narrative structure of A Song of Ice and Fire creates a fictional world with realistic measure of social complexity" dives into the ways George R.R. Martin has crafted such an intricate universe that mirrors our own society while remaining accessible to readers.

Colm presents many of his findings in a fascinating conversation that touches subjects including Barristan Selmy, House Frey, the Meereenese Knot, & podcast favorite Stannis Baratheon among many others. Join us for a delightful dive into Westeros lore.

The full paper can be read here (recommended reading before or during the episode): https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/10/27/2006465117

You can follow Colm on Twitter @CPConnaughton

Big character reveals! Baby Yoda stops eating the last of Frog Lady's eggs! What could be better?

Join ITM for a discussion of a vast improvement over last episode. Three episodes in, the plot is finally moving forward! Cozy up with a bowl of octopus chowder and tune in for some Star Wars analysis. 

Ian's episode 3 recap: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/11/the-mandalorian-season-two-recap-chapter-eleven/

We are delighted to welcome actor & musician Sidney Flanigan to the show. Sidney made her acting debut in the spectacular film Never Rarely Sometimes Always at Sundance, one of Ian’s favorites from the festival. Sidney’s band Starjuice just released a new EP “Reminders,” which can be heard of Spotify. Sidney talks about her experiences making Never Rarely as well as the challenges of recording music in the covid era.

Be sure to check out Starjuice on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3b4yx9xGEgYJW3Kp9kwZLO

Ian’s Sundance review of Never Rarely Sometimes Always: https://fansided.com/2020/01/25/never-rarely-sometimes-always-sundance-review/

Cover art courtesy of Starjuice. Headshot by Victoria Stevens. 

Today we are delighted to host Aisling Chin-Yee, Chase Joynt & Amos Mac, co-directors and co-writers of the fascinating new documentary No Ordinary Man to the show. The film chronicles the life and legacy of jazz musician Billy Tipton, whose death sparked a media firestorm after it was revealed that he was a transgender man. Aisling, Chase, and Amos share plenty of insights from their experience making the doc, an important piece of LGBTQ cinema.    

No Ordinary Man is part of DOC NYC’s exciting slate. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.docnyc.net/

Ian’s review of the film: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/10/no-ordinary-man/

Film poster courtesy of Parabola Films

Chapter 10, "The Passengers" was a bit of a mixed bag. The stellar action sequences were hindered by some pretty abysmal plotting and narrative choices. 

Are we supposed to care that Baby Yoda is casually eating the last of Frog Lady's eggs? Join host ITM as she breaks down this peculiar episode. 

We're back in the Rankin/Bass cinematic universe, covering the 1974 animated special 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Santa is really angry about an op-ed penned in the local paper by a young mouse who dared not to live his life in service to the altar of faith. The town government is pretty apathetic toward Santa, a proper sentiment for a lackluster special. 

EI's full holiday coverage: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2023/12/holiday-podcast-rankin-bass-muppets/

Baby Yoda show is back! Join host ITM for an exciting recap of The Mandalorian's second season premiere, full of Tusken Raiders, Deadwood, and the return of fan favorite R5-D4.

Is Boba Fett going to be pissed that Raylan Givens borrowed his duds? Did Baby Yoda get enough blue milk? Do Krayt dragons dream of electric sandworms? Make yourself a nice bowl of spice melange and tune in to find out! 

Ian's episode one review: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/10/the-mandalorian-season-two-review-chapter-9/

Looking at you, unenthusiastic voters. Joe Biden is not a great candidate. This "decent" man has decades worth of indecent votes to his name, a shameful legacy that we shouldn't have to revisit in 2020. Alas, here we are.

Trump is infinitely worse. It's not even close. LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, healthcare, and the very future of our nation is at stake. Voting doesn't need to be fun, but you need to vote. Trump may never end if we don't put a stop to this American Carnage. 

Ian also dives into the state of the 2020 Senate race and why it's way closer than the mainstream media thinks. Please, please, please vote. We can't pack the courts without senators who will do the packing. 

Fuck Trump. Vote Biden. 

We are delighted to welcome Michael Hurst to the show for a wide-ranging discussion of his illustrious career. Michael is best remembered for playing Iolaus on Hercules: The Legendary Journey's & Xena: Warrior Princess, and for his directorial work on shows like Spartacus and Ash vs. Evil Dead. Ian & Michael talk at length about the influence that Hercules has had on the fantasy genre, opening the door for dozens of shows that followed.

Michael recently appeared in the New Zealand production Dead, a hilarious and tender buddy cop comedy. Dead premieres on virtual cinemas on September 25th, with a VOD release on October 6th. Full of LGBTQ themes and making great use of the beautiful New Zealand landscape, Dead is a perfect choice for pandemic viewing.

Ian's review of Dead: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/09/dead-is-a-hilarious-buddy-cop-comedy-with-a-ton-of-heart/

Headshot courtesy of Michael Hurst. Film poster courtesy of 1091 Pictures.

We are delighted to welcome Bradford Thomason and Brett Wittcomb, directors of the new documentary Jasper Mall, to the show. One of Ian's favorites at the Slamdance Film Festival, Jasper Mall charts a year in the life of the eponymous shopping center, struggling to keep up with a changing American retail landscape. Bradford & Brett share many insights from making the film, and the state of brick-and-mortar commerce. Jasper Mall is a must-watch for anyone feeling nostalgic for a time when we weren't all cooped up with nowhere to go.

The trailer for the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LWYYcg0nuA&t=9s

To learn more about the film and how to watch, please visit https://www.window-pictures.com/jasper-mall

Ian's pre-Slamdance review of the film: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/01/slamdance-review-jasper-mall/

Film poster courtesy of Jasper Mall. 

We are delighted to welcome author & LGBTQ activist Amanda Jetté Knox to the show for a wide ranging discussion. Amanda shares her thoughts on absurd gender critical talking points such as "lesbian erasure" and "transing children," while providing plenty of insight into the care and concerns that go into raising trans youth alongside a trans partner. Fully embodying the mantra put forth in her appropriately titled book Love Lives Live, Amanda's family is a shining example of how trans people can thrive in loving environments.

You can purchase Love Lives Here (highly recommended) wherever books are sold.

Be sure to follow Amanda on Facebook and Twitter, https://www.facebook.com/mavenofmayhem/ & @Mavenofmayhem

Photo courtesy of Amanda Jetté Knox

Ya boo snubs! Join Ian & Tarabelle for another edition of everyone's favorite Thomas the Tank Engine VHS recap show. James Goes Buzz Buzz introduces the first hand-drawn animation into the show, perhaps opening the doors for its later reliance on CGI. BoCo features prominently, coparenting Bill & Ben with his husband Edward. Gordon spends the night at the harbor, potentially stranding all the passengers from the main line with him. Did the Lady with the Green hat get home safe? Tune in to find out.

This collection includes the following episodes:

1. James Goes Buzz Buzz
2. One Good Turn
3. Bertie's Chase
4. Heroes
5. Bulgy
6. Wrong Road
7. Percy, James and the Fruitful Day

VHS cover photo courtesy of the Britt Allcroft Company

Grab your Switch and your Nook Miles Tickets because we are going island hopping! Join ITM & special guest Natty Strange, comedian, organizer and coauthor of Pokey the Penguin, for a wide-ranging discussion on life in everyone's favorite quasi-capitalistic utopia.

Ian & Nat tackle the broader philosophical questions that ACNH. Are Tom Nook & Redd former lovers? Is Isabelle a neoliberal? Why doesn't Dodo Airlines chart mystery islands for return visits? What is Gulliver(varrr)'s deal? All of that and more! 

You can follow Nat on Twitter @nuns_on_film

Be sure to check out Pokey the Penguin's latest adventures by checking out Pokey's website https://www.yellow5.com/pokey/ & @pokeythepenguin

Cover image courtesy of Nintendo

Today we are joined by Heather Reid, cofounder of the iconic 90s duo The Murmurs. Heather talks about her impressive career and life as a lesbian in an era far less receptive to LGBTQ rights. Heather also talks about her recent projects, including a new single "Right Here Right Now," and the musical she's currently working on. A must-listen for 90s rock fans. 

Be sure to check out Heather's new video for "Right Here Right Now" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY6nVP6KZIE

To keep up with Heather, be sure to follow her website http://heatherreidmusic.com/ & on Twitter @Heathmusic

Photo courtesy of Heather Reid

Today we are joined by Lendale Johnson, the first openly gay male professional tennis player & star of the upcoming series "Deuces & Love." Lendale talks about his experiences supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and participating in the recent protests. Lendale also shares his experiences acting in the pilot for Fox's Empire and how the intersection of tennis and acting inspired his new show. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion on LGBTQ representation in sports & show business.

To learn more about Lendale's career, please check out his website www.lendalejohnson.com

You can also follow Lendale on Twitter & Instagram @LendaleJohnson

"Deuces & Love" will premiere on Amazon Video later in 2020. Stay tuned for updates on Lendale's website & social media.

Photo credit: Robbin Phillips.

Today we are joined by Carl Charles, staff attorney at Lambda Legal, to discuss the ongoing case Whitman-Walker Clinic v. HHS, which centers around a recent rollback of LGBTQ healthcare protections within the Affordable Care Act by the Trump administration. Carl eloquently explains the case for a general audience and the dangers that this HHS rule presents to the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender individuals. This episode is a must-listen for people confused as to how such a rollback would be allowed after June's historic Supreme Court ruling.

To learn more about the case or to support Lambda Legal's great work on behalf of the LGBTQ community, please visit www.lambdalegal.org

Lambda Legal also posts great analysis on Twitter @lambdalegal

You can follow Carl on Twitter @oh_rarl

Photos courtesy of Lambda Legal

ITM offers a passionate defense of the LGBTQ sensation known as U-Haul. Is it a bad idea to rush into emotional entanglements that make you feel like you're floating on the moon? Hey, if you find something that makes you happy in this modern landscape, roll with it. Life's too short to deny yourself a beautiful U-Haul. 

Woo-woo! Grab your milk van and be sure to follow fitter’s orders, because it’s time for another episode of Thomas the Tank Engine & Chill. Daisy doesn’t get many speaking roles in TTTE, but everyone’s favorite female diesel rail car made quite the first impression. This collection also includes the infamous “Whistles and Sneezes” saga, where Henry fends off some evil boys using only his stuffed up smoke box. Trevor also makes his debut, dreaming of uncomfortable subjects…

This collection includes the following episodes:

1. Daisy
2. Percy's Predicament
3. Whistles and Sneezes
4. Saved From Scrap
5. A New Friend for Thomas
6. Tender Engines
7. Percy Takes The Plunge

Photo courtesy of the Britt Allcroft Company

Join ITM for a solo episode on the 2016 Richard Linklater film, Everybody Wants Some!! Ian talks about the college coming-of-age comedy and the ways it reminded her of her own college experience. Nostalgia is a powerful, often toxic force that suffocates people in the past. Nostalgia can be a particularly perplexing force for transgender folk, parsing the good from the bad with the understanding that longing for ones memory is a dangerous proposition. 

Ian's review of the film: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/07/everybody-wants-some-presents-a-subtle-indictment-of-nostalgia/

Film poster courtesy of Paramount Pictures

***Note this episode is probably not for everyone.***

There are many in the gender critical movement who think transgender people are sexless blobs, incapable of any pleasure whatsoever. Ian debunks the nonsense, explaining how her wand vibrator helped her rediscover her sexuality after bottom surgery. This subject is certainly an awkward one for many, Ian included, but there's a lot of misinformation out there. The "othering" of trans people is based on a lot of myths and false theories. 

Today we welcome Beau Dyess to the show to talk about their past involvement with the gender critical movement. Beau has authored a Medium piece detailing the lengths to which they were groomed by leading anti-trans figures to serve as a public face of the campaign. Ian & Beau discuss the unholy alliance that the GC movement has formed with the far-right and the diminishing returns of their strategies.

Beau’s Medium piece: https://medium.com/@amydyess83/prodigal-butch-7f0d2e00f693

You can follow Beau on Twitter @BeauDyess

Photo courtesy of Beau Dyess

The era of BoCo is upon us! Join Ian & Tarabelle for an exciting episode of Thomas the Tank Engine & Chill, covering the Thomas Percy & The Dragon collection, full of twins, depostations, and the death of that awful, totally not essential, spiteful brake van. Should Sir Topham Hatt have been more sympathetic to Percy’s scarf dysphoria? Is “Edward’s Exploit” the old blue engine’s finest hour? Tune in to find out!

This collection includes the following episodes:

1. Thomas, Percy & the Dragon
2. Donald and Douglas
3. The Deputation
4. Time for Trouble
5. A Scarf for Percy
6. The Diseasel
7. Edward's Exploit

VHS image courtesy of The Britt Allcroft Company

Today we welcome the directors & stars of the new documentary Jack & Yaya to the show, breaking EI's record for number of guests on one show. Jack & Yaya focuses on the lifelong friendship between the two trans people, neighbors who found a sense of belonging in their shared companionship. Directors Jen & Mary, along with the eponymous Jack & Yaya talk all about the film, many of its exciting scenes, and what they hope viewers take away from the touching narrative.

Jack & Yaya is available now on Amazon, Vimeo, and other major streaming platforms.

Website: jackandyaya.com

Facebook: JackandYayaFilm

Twitter: @JackandYayaFilm

Instagram: @jackandyayafilm

Ian's review of the film: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/07/jack-yaya-is-a-touching-testament-to-the-power-of-friendship/

Film poster courtesy of Hewes Pictures

Join host Ian Thomas Malone for a short episode on the world's most notorious Feminism-Appropriating Radical Transphobe (FART), J.K. Rowling. Rowling's latest collection of transphobic temper tantrums have thrown the future of the Fantastic Beasts franchise into question, a series already beleaguered by various controversies surrounding Johnny Depp, Ezra Miller, not explicitly gay Dumbledore, and Nagini the snake.

How many horcruxs does Rowling have left? Tune in to find out.

Trans rights are human rights.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to tune in to our episode dedicated to Not Explicitly Gay Dumbledore, which was recorded last year.

Grab your mail train and your backing signal, it's time for Thomas the Tank Engine & Chill. Join Ian & Tara as they dissect this peculiar VHS collection, featuring the return of Diesel and the introduction of Duck's branch line. The Vicar's garden party was conspicuously under-promoted before Edward swooped in with the assist. How does City of Truro talk? All of those answers and more in this exciting episode.

This VHS collection includes the following episodes

1. Thomas Gets Bumped
2. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party
3. Diesel Does It Again
4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor
5. Donald's Duck
6. Percy and the Signal
7. Thomas, Percy and the Mail Train

For more Thomas fun, be sure to check out all of our other TTTE & Chill episodes.

Photo credit: The Britt Allcroft Company

Today we are joined by Gabriel Furman and Javier Molina, writer and director of the short film Wonder. Wonder has been a favorite on the festival circuit, winning awards at Outfest, RiverRun, and the Oxford Film Festival among many others. The film follows Sammy, a gender nonconforming child who wishes to dress as Wonder Woman for Halloween, a desire that causes some stress in his father Frank (played by Furman).

Gabriel and Javier share many insights into the filmmaking process, including the extensive work that went into portraying LGBTQ issues sensitively and authentically. Their film is a valuable addition to the broader conversation surrounding LGBTQ representation on screen.

Wonder is available on HBO, including its services HBO Max and HBO Now

To learn more about the film and its cast & crew, check out their website https://www.realtalkfilms.com/wonder

You can also follow their Instagram page @wondertheshort

Ian's review of Wonder: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2019/07/wonder-explores-the-unique-challenges-presented-to-gender-diverse-youth/

Poster credit: Kristin Zahra

Today we begrudgingly host Sahm Flinehan (Sinner) to the show. Sahm is the creative force behind such TV shows as Sister Ned and The ITM Crowd, who was recently banned from Twitter due to his obsessive transphobia. Sahm talks about the origins of his bigotry and what he's been up to since his wife divorced him. Such is the life of gender critical radicals who toss their lives away in favor of endlessly pursuing marginalized groups.

For more of our coverage of gender critical ideology, check out our interview with Cosy Snarker

Trans rights are human rights

ITM has had quite the eventful stretch. With someone new in her life, Ian unpacks the nerves and calming effects of being thrown into The Deep End. As scared as she feels, the idea of having something worth feeling anything about is cause enough for celebration. The deep end isn't such a scary place to be as long as someone remembers to throw you a paddle. 

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jen Manion to the show. Dr. Manion is the author of Female Husbands: A Trans History, a fascinating historical perspective on the lives of people who transed gender, living their lives as men and marrying women, between colonial times up to World War One. Ian & Dr. Manion talk extensively about the book and the ways that many of the issues presented have resurfaced in contemporary discussions centered on transgender rights.

To learn more about Dr. Manion or Female Husbands, check out their website https://jenmanion.com/

You can also follow Dr. Manion on Twitter @activisthistory

Cover image courtesy of Cambridge University Press

The laughing places laughs no more. Splash Mountain is receiving a much needed update, retheming the ride from the racist, banished film Song of the South to The Princess and the Frog. Ian talks a bit about the importance of this change, why we should leave nostalgia in the past, and what this decision means for Critter Country moving forward.

The Park City fun continues! Delighted to welcome Steve Markle, director of Shoot to Marry, to the show. Shoot to Marry won the Audience Award at the Slamdance film festival. The documentary is a hilarious look at the state of romance in the modern era, one of the best films from either Sundance or Slamdance this year. Steve shares plenty of insights from making the film and the challenges of crafting a documentary without a set idea for its conclusion.

Shoot to Marry is currently available on iTunes, Apple TV, Amazon, and most major VOD platforms.

You can learn more about the film at https://www.shoottomarry.com/

Ian’s review from Slamdance: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/01/slamdance-review-shoot-to-marry/

Photo credit: Shoot to Marry

Pride coverage rolls along! We are thrilled to welcome Josh Davidsburg and Muffy Blake Stephyns, director and star of the new documentary Queen of the Capital, to the show. Queen of the Capital follows Muffy’s campaign to be elected Empress of the Imperial Court of Washington, an organization of drag performers that raise money for charity. Josh and Muffy share plenty of insights from making the film and the history of drag in Washington D.C. One of Ian’s favorites from the Slamdance film festival, Queen of the Capital is definitely one you won’t want to miss.

Queen of the Capital is available on Alamo Drafthouse VOD starting June 20th. https://ondemand.drafthouse.com/film/queen-of-the-capital/. You can also check out the film’s website http://queenofthecapital.com/.

Be sure to follow Muffy and Josh on Twitter @MuffyBStephyns & @jdavidsburg

Ian's review from Slamdance: https://ianthomasmalone.com/2020/01/slamdance-review-queen-of-the-capital/

Cover art by Karolyn Popat

Pride coverage continues! Today we are joined by Sam Feder, director of the documentary Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen, which Ian had the pleasure of seeing at Sundance. Sam talks about the importance of visibility, the challenges of presenting a history in real time, and the responsibility of filmmakers to depict trans people accurately. 

Disclosure premieres on Netflix on June 19th.

You can follow Sam on Twitter @SamFederfilm and Disclosure @Disclosure_Doc

Be sure to check out Ian’s review of Disclosure for FanSided: https://fansided.com/2020/01/28/disclosure-trans-lives-on-screen-sundance-review/

Photo credit: Alex Schmider

Big day for LGBTQ rights! The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that employers cannot fire LGBTQ workers simply for being gay or transgender. The landmark decision, authored by Trump appointee Justice Neil Gorsuch, represents a major milestone in the fight for LGBTQ equality.

We are delighted to have legal analyst & journalist Colin Kalmbacher on the show to break down the case for us. Colin authored an excellent piece for Law & Crime explaining the importance of the decision. In a brief breaking-news episode, Colin supplies some superb analysis of the significance of today’s ruling.

Be sure to read Colin’s article for a very thorough explainer. https://lawandcrime.com/supreme-court/liberal-and-conservative-justices-in-6-3-decision-agree-that-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-are-protected-by-civil-rights-act/

You can follow Colin on Twitter @colinkalmbacher

Our Pride coverage begins! Join host Ian Thomas Malone and special guest Teraj for a fascinating conversation about the protests against police brutality happening across the country and Teraj's career. Teraj is the host "Gay Travel Today" on Amazon's Alexa and recently put out his debut album "Defy." Ian & Teraj also talk about the role of Pride as an outlet for protest.

For more of Teraj, check out his social media and be sure to tune in to "Gay Travel Today."

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmTeraj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmTeraj/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teraj08/ Alexa Flash Briefing: https://amzn.to/2WMUJ3j Website: https://www.terajmusic.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpHce1qpmSQZ4eGy-c0pXXg

Teraj's music video for "Let Yourself Soar" that was referenced in the episode can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghhBjpp7YiI

We at Estradiol Illusions would like to affirm our support for Black Lives Matter and the movements across the globe. 

What a mess. Join Ian Thomas Malone as she breaks down 13 Reasons Why's terrible fourth and final season. From the bad writing, underwhelming narrative, and totally checked out actors who all looked way too old to be in high school, this season was a mess for just about every reason imaginable. Ian also provides a brief overview of the series as a whole and what drew her to it initially.

Be sure to check out Ian's review of the season for FanSided: https://fansided.com/2020/06/07/13-reasons-season-4-review/

First George Carlin VHS tape! Join Ian & Tarabelle on the Island of Sodor for another exciting edition of Thomas the Tank Engine & Chill. Trust Thomas strikes at the very heart of the show's ethos? Should we trust Thomas? Or maybe Sir Topham Hatt, absent from the episode where James faked sick with no repercussions, is the true nefarious actor. Why was Harold airdropping hot drinks onto Percy? Why does Henry get a tunnel and a forest? Tune in to find out!

This collection includes the following episodes.

1. Trust Thomas
2. Mavis
3. Toby's Tightrope
4. No Joke for James
5. Percy's Promise
6. Henry's Forest
7. The Trouble with Mud

 Photo Credit: The Britt Allcroft Company

Grab your diesel and be sure to watch out on the viaduct. We are heading back to the Island of Sodor to cover the final VHS collection of Thomas the Tank Engine narrated by Ringo Starr. Ian & Tarabelle break down all the peculiar inter-engine dynamics in Better Late than Never, from Thomas' anger issues to the great freight car name-calling conspiracy that sent Duck to Edward's Station? Will Thomas & Gordon's alliance last? Tune in to find out!

This collection includes the following episodes

1. Better Late than Never
2. Pop Goes the Diesel
3. Diesel's Devious Deed
4. A Close Shave for Duck
5. Gordon Takes a Dip
6. Down the Mine
7. The Runaway

Be sure to check out all our Thomas the Tank Engine recaps!

Photo credit: The Britt Allcroft Company

ITM had a magical date last night with a woman. A major recurring theme of this show over the past two years has been ITM's fleeting connection to her bisexuality. Ian unpacks her date and the value of bringing your best, earnest effort to new connections, to throw yourself out there in our vast scary world, eager and ready to savor that precious LGBTQ joy we all hold so dear to ourselves. Maybe she's a little smitten with the sapphic bug, but isn't that the whole point of this thing of ours (bisexual casa nostra)?

EI is back! Join host Ian Thomas Malone and special guest Robert L. Lively for an exciting discussion of the new book Exploring Star Trek: Voyager. Edited by Rob, this collection of critical essays covers a wide range of Voyager's most fascinating topics. Ian contributed a chapter to the book on The Doctor and the humanity of technology. Enjoy a discussion on what made the journey through the Delta Quadrant such an important part of Trek lore.

To learn more about the book, check out its page on McFarland's website

You can follow Rob on Twitter @Rob_LIV3LY

Book cover courtesy of McFarland & Company

Grab your Mickey Ears and your lightsaber, we’re heading back to Batuu! Disneyland’s new ride Rise of the Resistance is finally open and Ian & Tarabelle are here to talk about it. Rise of the Resistance is truly incredible, one of the park’s crowning achievements. Ian & Tarabelle also break down the new Star Tours scene based on The Rise of Skywalker, as well as a general update on Galaxy’s Edge as a whole.

For more of Estradiol Illusions’ Disneyland coverage, check out our episodes ranking every ride in the park as well as one on Galaxy’s Edge pre-Rise and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Our Sundance coverage concludes! Returning guest Michelle Jaworski joins Ian for a look back at their favorite moments from the festival. From the films to the jam-packed nature of Park City to all the sleep deprivation and malnutrition, Sundance is both a sprint and an endurance test.

Films discussed include Crip Camp, Minari, Spaceship Earth, Zola, Herself, Nine Days, Miss Americana, Jumbo, and Dick Johnson is Dead.

For more of Michelle - follow her on Twitter @michejaw & check out her articles at The Daily Dot

Ian's Sundance coverage can be found on her author website & FanSided page. This Twitter thread was her only attempt to organize them all...