Bifocals
47 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsA biweekly show about queer characters, concepts, and controversies in popular culture, brought to you by two board-certified bisexual buds! Put on your bifocals as Lizy (she/her) and Joseph (he/his) take a close look at film, television, books, games, and more through a queer lens.
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Episodes
43. The Birdcage
September 10, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBLizy is a true parrothead. Joseph is too chicken for clubs. A little birdy told me you like comedy, sincerity, and fun gender shenanigans. If that's true, you should join us as we discuss Robin Williams and Nathan Lane's The Birdcage! Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
42. This is How You Lose the Time War
August 14, 2023 15:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBJoseph doesn't believe in pigeons. Lizy doubts Mattel. It's time for a meeting of the Bifocals Book Club! We're back to talk about the 2019 novella, This is How You Lose the Time War. Join us as we put on our bifocals to talk about our feelings on the science fiction story written by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
41. The Owl House
May 26, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 48.3 MBLizy claims slideshows for the bi community. Joseph fails to bring back lingo. Disney’s been in the news a lot lately, making it a good time to cover one of their recent projects. Join our coven and put on your bifocals, ‘cause we’re talking about The Owl House! Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
40. Emily Dickinson
March 03, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBJoseph condemns P.T. Barnum. Lizy expresses oral support for superheroes. Annie recounts some wild nights. That's right, this week, we have a special guest! Join the three of us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Emily Dickinson, and Annie's award-winning musical "Show Me Eternity." Follow Annie & Sam on Twitter: @dillonandcaps Annie & Sam's Website: http://dillonandcaps.com/index.html Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocal...
39. Boat Trip
February 17, 2023 13:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBLizy introduces a new segment. Joseph takes one-million Macklemores. Sometimes, you need to take a step back and appreciate how bad films can be. After all, if every movie were Spider-Verse, we wouldn't have The Room. Join us on a trip as we put on our bifocals to discuss the "romantic" "comedy," Boat Trip. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
38. Scott Pilgrim
November 11, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBJoseph doesn't know what Canadian currency is. Lizy grapples with our producer. We're putting on our bifocals and taking on the world! Join us as we discuss Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series, Edgar Wright's 2010 film, and our hopes for future adaptations, obviously. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
37. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
October 28, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MBLizy has a great idea. Joseph has the tables turned on him. It's almost Halloween, so we're returning with an appropriately spooky title - Rocky Horror! Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss the stage production, the movie, and various adaptations of the popular cult classic. Content Warning: A slur for transgender individuals comes up at 54:30 when discussing an episode of television. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/b...
36. Harley Quinn
October 07, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBJoseph wants a breakfast sandwich. Lizy prepares a costume. Since her debut in 1992, Harley Quinn has left quite the impression on popular culture. She's made appearances in television, film, comic books, video games, Spirit Halloween stores, you name it! In this week's episode, we put on our bifocals to discuss Harley Quinn's origins, her history, and her future as a DC bicon. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_land...
35. A League of Their Own
September 23, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBLizy's never been to a gay bar. Joseph loses a burrito bet. Baseball season is coming to a close, which means we've got to talk about A League of Their Own! Adjust your caps and put on your bifocals as we discuss the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the 1992 film, and the 2022 Amazon Prime series. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true Help Preserve the History of the AAGPBL: https://www.aag...
34. Steven Universe
July 29, 2022 23:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBJoseph falls behind on his shows. Lizy endorses Cheerios. We're back with an episode about one of Cartoon Network's most impactful animated series, and we have some VERY different opinions about it! Join us in putting on our gem-studded bifocals as we discuss Steven Universe, and Rebecca Sugar's impact on representation in western animation. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
33.5 Minisode
July 01, 2022 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBLizy proves this is not a one man show. In this mini episode, she answers questions and goes over a few quick topics! Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
Minisode
July 01, 2022 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBLizy proves this is not a one man show. In this mini episode, she answers questions and goes over a few quick topics!
Fire Island and Pride & Prejudice
June 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBLizy loves Mr. Darcy. Joseph flees the country. In preparation for Joseph’s island vacation, we’ve taken a detour to Fire Island, a gay adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.
33. Fire Island and Pride & Prejudice
June 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBLizy loves Mr. Darcy. Joseph flees the country. In preparation for Joseph’s island vacation, we’ve taken a detour to Fire Island, a gay adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
33. Fire Island and Pride & Prejudice
June 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBLizy loves Mr. Darcy. Joseph flees the country. In preparation for Joseph’s island vacation, we’ve taken a detour to Fire Island, a gay adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
32. Sappho
June 03, 2022 07:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBJoseph has geography questions. Lizy travels around the sun. It's Pride 2022, and we're kicking this month off with a look at a queer legend - Sappho! Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss the life, legacy, and lyrics of Sappho. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
31. Heartstopper
May 13, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBLizy inspires pie cravings. Joseph enjoys a good mouth feel. We're back to talk about the queer sensation that's sweeping the nation! Stop what you're doing and put on your bifocals so we can discuss Heartstopper - the webcomic, and the Netflix adaptation. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
30. Our Flag Means Death
April 01, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBJoseph tries to change the vibes. Lizy knocks on wood. HBO Max recently gave us a delightful little show called Our Flag Means Death, and we wanna talk about it! Join us in putting on our bifocals to discuss queer pirate history, and the adventures of Stede "The Gentleman Pirate" Bonnet. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
29. Cinderella Is Dead
March 18, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBLizy has big dad energy. Joseph has a suit dilemma. It's time for the second official meeting of the Bifocals Book Club - and this time, we enjoyed the book! Join us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Kalynn Bayron's 2020 fantasy novel, Cinderella is Dead. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
28. Chasing Amy
March 04, 2022 18:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBJoseph mourns a Star Wars ship. Lizy remembers handsome men. It's not easy being straight. One day, you're publishing comics, and the next, you're falling in love with a lesbian. It's about time we rallied behind heterosexual men like Ben Affleck and gave them the support they deserve. Join us as we discuss Kevin Smith's romantic comedy-drama Chasing Amy. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
27. The X-Men
February 11, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 46 MBLizy has a superior revelation. Joseph expresses teleportation fears. We're back with a giant-size episode about everyone's favorite mutants - the X-Men! Join us in putting on our ruby quartz bifocals as we discuss the X-Men's publication history, queer metaphors, and canonically queer members of the mutant super team. Music by John Bartmann: https://johnbartmann.com/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
26. Moonlight
January 25, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBJoseph reads the wrong card. Lizy petitions for muppet hosts. As we progress through awards season, we decided to visit another Academy Award-winning film - Moonlight! Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss Barry Jenkins' Moonlight, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
25. Will & Grace
January 07, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBLizy discusses boxing ancestry. Joseph abuses Reese's pieces. It's a new year, and we're ready for a new round of podcasts! This week, we're covering a sitcom that changed the game for queer representation in television. Join us in putting on our bifocals as we discuss Will & Grace - the original series, and the reboot. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
24. Carol
December 18, 2021 04:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBJoseph calls out tea crimes. Lizy has the spiciest takes. It's the holiday season AND film awards season, which makes it the perfect time to talk about Todd Haynes' Carol. Do we think it deserved all those nominations? You'll just have to listen to find out! Join us as we put on our vintage bifocals to discuss Carol, a film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
23. Elton John
December 03, 2021 13:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBLizy is broken by gnome knowledge. Joseph highlights some horse theft. It's time for another biographical episode! Join us as we put on a fabulous pair of bifocals to discuss the life, legacy, and discography of Sir Elton Hercules John. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
22. Gay Ghosts
November 20, 2021 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBJoseph experiences a spectral oopsie. Lizy sticks with the spooky vibes. Halloween may be over, but we're not done with it yet! We need to don our bifocals to see this week's topics, 'cause we're talking Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt), Julie and The Phantoms, and our own ideas for queer Halloween stories. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
21. Jennifer's Body
October 15, 2021 12:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBLizy expresses her meme disappointment. Joseph demands justice for Phil Collins. After a well-needed break, Bifocals is back! With October being the spookiest month of the year, we decided to go with a cult-classic horror film - Jennifer's Body. Join us as we dissect Jennifer's Body, some questionable dialogue, and a confusing stance on relationships. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
20. The Wizard of Oz
August 20, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBJoseph introduces a new segment. Lizy sings a song. We're taking a break until October, but until then, we've got a real good episode for you! Join us over the rainbow as we put on our bifocals to discuss The Wizard of Oz, its place in the queer community, and Friends of Dorothy. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
19. Space Opera
July 30, 2021 20:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBLizy psychoanalyzes some billionaires. Joseph ranks some friends. This week, we're putting on our bifocals for a book review! Join us for the first-ever meeting of the Bifocals Book Club as we critique Catherynne Valente's 2018 science-fiction novel, Space Opera! Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
18. Luca
July 16, 2021 13:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBJoseph disagrees with his therapist. Lizy receives an invitation. Santa Mozzarella, Luca was good! The queer community has been rallying behind this movie, and we're here to explain why. Join us on the waterfront as we don our bifocals to discuss Luca, a very queer outing from Pixar. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
17. Brokeback Mountain
July 02, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBLizy has a hot Shakespearean take. Joseph is denied his discount. We've been alluding to it, folks, and it's finally time for Brokeback Mountain! Crack open a can of beans, put on your bifocals, and join us for some campfire chats about Brokeback Mountain. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
16. Stonewall (2015)
June 18, 2021 13:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MBJoseph hires an executive producer. Lizy introduces a new segment. It's Pride Month, and we're celebrating by beating the piñata that is Roland Emmerich's Stonewall. Join us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Stonewall, a brief history of Pride, and some questions we have for Mr. Roland Emmerich. Support the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund: https://transgenderlegal.org/support-us/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
15. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
May 29, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBLizy celebrates some trips around the sun. Joseph impersonates the cringiest tiger. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power fans recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its series finale, so we decided to watch the show, and BOY did we enjoy it. For the honor of Grayskull, we come together to discuss She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and all the queer tidbits that Noelle Stevenson blessed us with. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
14. The Young Avengers
May 14, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBJoseph questions Viking laws. Lizy has beef with a doctor. Marvel Studios is establishing the Young Avengers, one of the queerest superhero teams in comic book history! Secure your bifocals as we jump dimensions to discuss the Young Avengers' comic book history, their place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Disney's potential treatment of them going forward. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
13. Calamity Jane and Classic Hollywood
April 30, 2021 14:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBLizy pimps out a lion. Joseph processes puppet grief. We're throwing it back to the 1950s to review a very sapphic western musical. Join us as we put on our bifocals to discuss Calamity Jane, accidental lesbianism, and queer coding in classic cinema. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
12. Freddie Mercury
April 09, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBJoseph contemplates Guy Fieri introversion. Lizy recounts penguin trauma. We realized Kevin James was getting more airtime than the legendary Freddie Mercury - a true bicon - and it's time we fixed that. Join us as we humbly ask Jimmy Buffett for a favor, then put on our bifocals to take a look at the life of Freddie Mercury. Support sexual violence survivors and prevention: https://www.rainn.org/ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
11. But I'm a Cheerleader
March 19, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBLizy conquers the heterosexual gauntlet! Joseph has Jennifer Aniston face blindness! Natasha Lyonne has range! She also had a raging case of the lesbians according to her parents in But I'm a Cheerleader. While a story about a teenager going to conversion therapy camp may sound dark, this is actually satire done well, and we both enjoy this movie so much, we thought we'd share our thoughts with you. Let's get in the spirit by putting on our bifocals to discuss But I'm a Cheerleader, satire, ...
10. Are The Straights Okay?
March 05, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 43 MBJoseph proposes a sequel series. Lizy determines the worth of a child. Wandavision inspired us to revisit some classic sitcoms, and it would seem that the heteros are upseteros. Are they okay? We trade in some rose-tinted glasses for good old-fashioned bifocals in order to find out as we break down some upsetting tropes, themes, and character decisions across 70 years of sitcoms. Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
9. I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
February 19, 2021 13:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBLizy contextualizes Ving Rhames. Joseph mourns the year 2007. We were a little too nice during our last episode, and we've got to draw the line somewhere. Adam Sandler has had it too good for too long, don't you think? As board-certified bisexuals, it's our moral responsibility to knock him down a peg. Join us as we put on our bifocals to deconstruct I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Adam Sandler, and other heterosexual disasters. Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fa...
8. Coming Out
February 05, 2021 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBJoseph grills up some bratwursts. Lizy adopts Jojo Siwa. Dan Levy had us thinking about the queer experience these past couple weeks, so it just felt right to have a little get-together to share our thoughts. We invite you to pull up a chair as we put on our bifocals to discuss Happiest Season, Schitt's Creek, and our experiences with coming out. Free Mom Hugs: https://freemomhugs.org Resources for our Queer Listeners and Allies: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Support the Show: https:/...
7. The Orville
January 22, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBLizy crushes on aliens. Joseph takes a stand against Tolkien. Our last episode was grounded in reality, so we thought we'd switch things up and look to the stars. Join us in putting on our bifocals to discuss Star Trek, The Orville, and progressivism in sci-fi television. Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
6. RENT vs. Reality
January 08, 2021 13:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBLizy criticizes a musical. Joseph scolds a dead man. We can all agree that 2020 was 525,600 minutes too long, but we've made it to 2021! As we enter the new year, we put on our bifocals to take a look at RENT, its portrayal of queer characters, and the realities of the AIDS epidemic. HIV/AIDS Resources: https://www.publichealth.org/resources/hiv-aids/ Support the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power in the fight to end AIDS: https://actupny.com/ Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifoca...
5. The Legend of Korra
December 25, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 49.6 MBJoseph drops a major spoiler for the best series of all time. Lizy shares a wild middle school experience. As we celebrate Korra and Asami's 6-year anniversary, we don our bifocals to discuss Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, a major milestone in queer history, and more! Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
4. Supernatural and The CW
December 11, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 51 MBLizy follows up on a deal with The Devil. Joseph disappoints a lot of Catholics. Supernatural finally came to an end after 15 seasons, and the finale was certainly . . . an ending of sorts. With all the disappointment and drama surrounding Supernatural, we thought it'd be a good time to put on our bifocals in order to discuss the Bury Your Gays trope, The CW's exploitation of the trope across its franchises, and more! Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
3. Disney Movies
November 27, 2020 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBJoseph does some bad Peter Ustinov and Alan Tudyk impressions. Lizy does a bad David Ogden Stiers impression. Disney doesn't have the greatest relationship with the queer community, so it's about time we put on our bifocals to take a close look at Disney's history of queer-coding, their recent tokenism, and the statements they've made regarding future projects. Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
2. Harry Potter
November 13, 2020 16:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBLizy mourns her childhood. Joseph promotes a parody. With the holiday season bringing another wave of Harry Potter marathons, we thought it'd be a good time to talk about J.K. Rowling's messy legacy, trans-exclusionary radical feminism, and a very handsome dinosaur. Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true
1. Wonder Woman
October 30, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MBJoseph has been reading a bunch of Wonder Woman comics! Lizy is anxious about Steve Trevor's fate! While we wait for Wonder Woman 1984, let's put on our bifocals to talk about Diana Prince, her history, and some other awesome queer comic book characters that followed in her footsteps. Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/bifocalscast?fan_landing=true