It's been a very x-citing time here at Frank & Sense! Over the past few weeks, we've been talking about those crazy mutants known as the X-Men.

Looking ahead the next few weeks, we move from mutants to monsters. October is only a few short weeks away, which means that vampires, ghosts, and other ghoulies will be showing up in your feed shortly.

Read on to learn more!

"X-Men '97" and the Nostalgia Industrial Complex

with Zach Fernebok, Matt Sparacino, and Greg Twomey

X-celsior! Zach Fernebok, Matt Sparacino, and Greg Twomey return to the show to talk about "X-Men '97" and the state of the nostalgia industrial complex. It's been two years since "X-Men '97" season one, and a lot has happened in Marvel and the MCU. We talk about what made season one so successful and not just a hollow cash grab. We also talk about what we love about the X-Men - especially the themes of othering and oppression. Then we get into "X-Men '97" season two. Should it have been titled X-Men '98? Probably! But, putting that aside, what did we like about it? What didn't work? And will we ever see X-Men: Love Island? Tune in now to find out!

Episode is embedded below and available wherever you get your podcasts!

Other things:

• In what is easily one of the coolest things that has happened in the history of the podcast/my life: We published a reel from this episode and the voice actor who plays Nightcrawler commented on it!

• Here's a link to the excellent essay written by Professor Ramzi Fawaz on the X-Men that we reference in the episode.
• And here's a link to the essay that we reference on the links between nostalgia and psychological wellbeing. Nostalgia: it's good for you!

The Science of the X-Men

What better way to follow up an episode about the X-Men than with more X-Men?! Professor Z (aka Zachary Fern) returns to the show to talk about the science of the X-Men. Both the science itself, and the 2000 book by Link Yaco and Karen Haber. Before we do that, Zach and Frank do some CorreXions from our previous episode to clarify a few points that our audience brought to our attention. After that, we talk about all sorts of X-Men: Jean Grey, Iceman, Kitty Pryde, and Rogue. What would it take for their powers to be possible in our world? There's only one way to find out. Listen now to find out how!

Episode is embedded below and available wherever you get your podcasts! This episode is also available on YouTube! Speaking of - please like and subscribe to the channel on YouTube, y'all!

Other Things:

• Don't believe telekenesis is real? There is some very convincing evidence on Instagram. It's just science people!
• A mock up of the yard sign that we discuss during the episode.

Coming Soon

On the next episode of Frank & Sense, we are thrilled to welcome back friend of the show Nicole Vaunt to talk about one of her favorite books: Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. What better way to get into the mood for spooky season than some sexy vampire smut? Will Nicole finally corrupt Frank's delicate little mind? Tune in next week to find out!

The Return of Far Right Fright Nights!

Far Right Fright Nights is coming soon! Over the course of three episodes this October, we will be profiling a spine-tingling, fright-tastic ghoul of the far right. This year, Mitch Lerner and I are each selecting one ghoul to cover. But for our third episode, we want to do something a little different. That's right - we want to let you, the fans, select the topic for our third episode!

To cast your ballot in the most important election this year, click here now! The poll will be open until Friday, October 2. Don't forget to vote in the most important election this year!

And that's all the news that's Frank to print. We'll catch you next time!

Frankly yours,

Frank

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