Episodes
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Series Finale.
Running Time: 1 hours 32 minutes 33 seconds
For the past three and a half years, Mike, John and Max haveexamined the work of Star Trek creators outside of Star Trek. Fromthe series creator Gene Roddenberry to the director of StarTrek Beyond, Justin Lin, we have covered television shows,films, novels, and more from writers, directors and actors who haveworked throughout the franchise. But all good things...
In the final episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike andJohn reflect on 182 episodes of podcasting. We discuss how the showcame about, what our favorite works by Trek creators are, and whatwe regret not covering. We also reveal our plans for thefuture.
Chapters
Secret Origins (00:01:45)
Favorite Works (00:29:48)
Favorite Creators (00:50:42)
What We Missed (01:01:26)
Final Thoughts (01:10:13)
Stage Nine (01:14:27)
Thanks (01:25:58)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor andProducer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt(Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C.Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager) -
Lin, Part 8: Recap.
Running Time: 1 hour 3 minutes 21 seconds
Throughout the course of Commentary: Trek Stars, we havecovered thirty eight different people who have helped to createStar Trek. We began with the very first Star Trek creator, GeneRoddenberry, and we end with the current leader of the franchise,Justin Lin.
In our penultimate episode, Mike and John recap their series onLin's career as a film director. We look at all seven of hismovies, including Better Luck Tomorrow,Annapolis, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,Finishing the Game, Fast & Furious, FastFive, and Furious 6. We also discuss the news of J.J.Abrams' latest production, Kolma, and what the rumors ofthe new Trek series' format could mean for future creators.
Chapters
Lin's Early Films (00:01:11)
Fast & Furious (00:18:35)
News (00:41:55)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor andProducer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt(Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C.Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager) -
Missing episodes?
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Lin, Part 7: Furious 6.
Running Time: 1 hour 21 minutes 34 seconds
In 2013, Justin Lin directed his fourth and final installment ofthe Fast & Furious franchise, Furious 6. Thefilm continues the franchise's trend of creating movies that arebigger and better than what has come before. This time around, thecrew needs to stop an international criminal who is trying tosteal a technology which could allow him to take over theworld.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mikeare joined by Megan of Educating Geeks to look at Lin'smost recent movie. We discuss how the film achieves its largescale, how it fits into the overall continuity of the franchise,and of course, the title.
Chapters
Furious 6 (00:08:33)
Hand-To-Hand Combat (00:27:34)
The Return of Letty (00:42:10)
Final Thoughts (00:59:40)
Hosts
John Mills and Mike Schindler
Guest
Megan Calcote
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor andProducer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt(Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C.Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager) -
Lin, Part 6: Fast Five.
Running Time: 59 minutes 33 seconds
After reinvigorating the franchise with Fast &Furious, Star Trek Beyond director JustinLin returned to helm the fifth film in the series, FastFive. This installment acted as a reunion of sorts, as seriesregulars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were joined by stars of theprevious films, including Tyrese Gibson, Gal Gadot and Sung Kangfor an Ocean's Eleven-style heist movie.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike andJohn continue their series on Lin's work as a director by lookingat his sixth picture. We discuss how FastFive builds on what has come before, Lin's continuedcollaboration with his crew, and what this film tells us about hisability to handle the large cast of Star Trek Beyond.We also discuss the trailer for Star Wars: Rogue One,because why not?
Chapters
Fast Five (00:00:45)
Lin's Style (00:17:47)
Sung Kang in Beyond? (00:29:07)
Wrap-up (00:45:07)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor andProducer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt(Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C.Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager) -
Lin, Part 5: Fast &Furious.
Running Time: 1 hour 9 minutes 17seconds
In 2009, Justin Lin returned to whatwould become his marquee franchise with Fast &Furious. The fourth film in the series was a return to basics,featuring a reunion of the original cast, including both PaulWalker and Vin Diesel, in an effort to revitalize thefranchise.
In this episodeof Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike are joinedby Zach Moore of Always Hold On To Smallville tolook at Lin's fifth film. We discuss the decision to bring Lin backafter Tokyo Drift, the stylistic differences betweenthe two films, and of course, the title. We also take a look at thecareer of Star Trek 2017's newest writer, JesseAlexander.
Chapters
Fast & Furious(00:05:40)
Lin's Return (00:21:57)
Final Thoughts (00:38:17)
Jesse Alexander(00:45:15)
Wrap-up (01:00:30)
Hosts
John Mills and MikeSchindler
Guest
Zach Moore
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer)C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (ExecutiveProducer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao(Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager)
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Lin, Part 4: Finishing theGame.
Running Time: 48 minutes 22seconds
After two consecutive Hollywoodblockbuster, Justin Lin returned to the world of independentfilmmaking with Finishing the Game. The film isunlike any other in Lin's filmography, a "mockumentary" aboutfinding an actor to replace Bruce Lee in his finalmovie, The Game of Death.
In this episodeof Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a lookat Lin's fourth film. We discuss how it differs from the rest ofhis movies, what it says about Lin as an artist, and the impactwhich Bruce Lee had on the culture. We also touch on theupcoming Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50Years exhibition.
Chapters
Finishing the Game(00:01:39)
The Style (00:18:24)
50 Artists, 50 Years(00:33:45)
Wrap-up (00:36:43)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and JohnMills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer)C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (ExecutiveProducer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao(Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager)
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Lin, Part 3: The Fast andthe Furious: Tokyo Drift.
Running Time: 1 hour 24seconds
Less than five months after therelease of Annapolis, Justin Lin was handed the keysto the Fast and the Furious franchise. His first of fourconsecutive sequels was The Fast and the Furious: TokyoDrift. The film offers and interesting take on the franchise,expanding the mythology by focusing on entirely new charactersinstead of continuing the story established in the first two.Written by Chris Morgan, the movie features Lucas Black, NathalieKelley, Bow Wow, and Sung Kang.
In this episodeof Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike are joinedby Brandon of Melodic Treks to discuss Lin'sthird movie. We look at how it differs from the other films in thefranchise thus far, the members of the crew who are joining Linfor Star Trek Beyond, and the return of Hanfrom Better Luck Tomorrow. We also discuss news,including the release of J.J. Abrams' latestproduction, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and the casting ofShohreh Aghdashloo in Star Trek Beyond.
Chapters
Tokyo Drift (00:02:54)
Its Place in the Franchise(00:22:01)
News (00:41:41)
Wrap-up (00:52:14)
Hosts
John Mills and MikeSchindler
Guest
Brandon-Shea Mutala
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer)C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (ExecutiveProducer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao(Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager)
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Lin, Part 2:Annapolis.
Running Time: 1 hour 27seconds
After the success of BetterLuck Tomorrow, Justin Lin was given the opportunity to work onbig studio productions with substantially larger budgets. The firstof these was Annapolis in 2006. The film, starringJames Franco, Tyrese Gibson and Jordan Brewster, looks at a cadet'sfirst year at the U.S. Naval Academy.
In this episodeof Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a lookat Lin's second film. We discuss how it effectively uses cliches,the similarities to J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, and howaccurately it portrays the Academy. In news, we remember TNG andDS9 visual effects supervisor Gary Hutzel, discuss the hiring ofRod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth as executive producers on the newStar Trek series, and touch on the order of Doug Jung's newpilot, Scalped.
Chapters
Annapolis (00:00:44)
Accuracy (00:20:05)
News (00:50:26)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and JohnMills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer)C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (ExecutiveProducer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao(Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager)
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Lin, Part 1: Better LuckTomorrow.
Running Time: 1 hour 29 minutes 57seconds
Over the course of its history, manyartists have left their mark on the Star Trek franchise. Back in1966, Gene Roddenberry was the first. 50 years later, Star Trek isin the hands of The Fast and the Furious director, JustinLin.
In this episode of Commentary:Trek Stars, John and Mike begin their final series, looking atJustin Lin’s career as a feature film director. In Part 1, we arejoined by Dennis Castello of Continuing Mission to examineLin’s first film, Better Luck Tomorrow. We discuss thethemes of the film, Lin’s distinctive style, and how the film issimilar to George Lucas’ American Graffiti. Then, in aspecial news segment, we are joined by John Tenuto to discussaddition of Nicholas Meyer to the writing staff of Star Trek2017.
Chapters
Better Luck Tomorrow(00:06:00)
John Cho (00:25:34)
Final Thoughts (00:35:17)
Nicholas Meyer (00:38:25)
Star Trek VI (00:55:47)
Wrap-up (01:16:10)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and JohnMills
Guests
Dennis Castello and JohnTenuto
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer)C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (ExecutiveProducer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao(Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 7:Recap.
Running Time: 51 minutes 50seconds
J.J. Abrams may not be returning asthe director of Star Trek Beyond, but that should notsuggest that his presence will not be felt as a producer. What dohis past producing efforts suggest about his contribution to theupcoming movie?
In this episodeof Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John recap theirseries looking at all of the films which Abrams has produced forother filmmakers. We discuss his work on ThePallbearer, The Suburbans, JoyRide, Morning Glory, Mission:Impossible - Ghost Protocol, and Mission: Impossible- Rogue Nation. We also hold a tournament to determine whichpicture in his impressive filmography is the crappiest.
Chapters
The Early Years(00:02:08)
Bad Robot (00:10:02)
The Bracket (00:26:42)
Wrap-up (00:36:40)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and JohnMills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer)C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (ExecutiveProducer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao(Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) WillNguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 7: Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.
Running Time: 1 hour 19 minutes 54 seconds
After the unexpected success of Brad Bird's Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, Bad Robot and J.J. Abrams were asked to return to produce a third installment of the Tom Cruise franchise. This time, Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie was hired to write and direct Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike are joined by Krissy of Educating Geeks to look at the most recent film that Abrams has produced for another filmmaker. We discuss how it compares to the other films in the franchise, what McQuarrie brings to the film, and how Rogue Nation is intrinsically linked to Star Trek Beyond. We also discuss the news that Bryan Fuller has been hired as the showrunner of Star Trek 17.
Chapters
Rogue Nation (00:08:47)
Christoper McQuarrie (00:27:24)
The Star Trek Beyond Connection (00:46:36)
Bryan Fuller (00:53:06)
Hosts
John Mills and Mike Schindler
Guests
Krissy Lenz
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 6: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.
Running Time: 1 hour 10 minutes 10 seconds
Happy with the results of Mission: Impossible III, Tom Cruise and Paramount chose to continue their collaboration with J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot for the fourth film in the franchise, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. While Abrams would not direct the film himself, he would oversee it as producer. This production should be especially to fans of Star Trek, as it closely mirrors the relationship which Abrams has with the 50th anniversary movie, Star Trek Beyond.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John are joined by Adam of The Red Shirt Diaries to look at Brad Bird's Ghost Protocol. We discuss how our thoughts have changed since its initial release, what Bird brought to the project as a director, and what this film tells us about Star Trek Beyond. We also profess our love for Robert Elswit.
Chapters
Ghost Protocol (00:08:22)
Abrams as Producer (00:36:41)
Wrap-up (00:58:30)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Guest
Adam Drosin
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 5: Morning Glory.
Running Time: 47 minutes 35 seconds
After a successful reboot of the Star Trek franchise in 2009, J.J. Abrams put his producer hat back on the following year for Roger Michell's Morning Glory. The film stars Rachel McAdams as the producer of a daily morning news/talk show. In an effort to boost ratings, she hires a legendary reporter played by Harrison Ford to anchor the show, against his better judgment.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike take a look at Morning Glory. We discuss how the movie differs from other Bad Robot productions, the filmmakers involved behind the scenes, and long-time collaboration between Abrams and Ford.
Chapters
Morning Glory (01:09)
A Bad Robot Production (22:28)
Wrap-up (38:06)
Hosts
John Mills and Mike Schindler
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 4: Cloverfield.
Running Time: 1 hour 9 minutes 6 seconds
After successfully launching his directing career with Mission: Impossible III, J.J. Abrams' name had become a brand. The first movie to be heavily marketed as a "J.J. Abrams Production" was Matt Reeves' Cloverfield.
Cloverfield, is a giant monster film in the vein of Godzilla, but with a twist: The entire film is seem through the camcorder of our unexacting protagonists.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at the fourth picture in our series. We discuss the movie's marketing, the found-footage aesthetic, and what Abrams brought to the production. We also preview the upcoming sequel, 10 Cloverfield Lane.
Chapters
The Marketing (00:02:15)
Thoughts on the Movie (00:17:07)
Abrams' Contribution (00:35:11)
Wrap-up (00:58:17)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 3.
Running Time: 52 minutes 46 seconds
In 2001, the first Bad Robot production was released. Joy Ride tells the story of two brothers on a cross-country road trip who prank the wrong truck driver, with deadly results. The film stars Paul Walker, Steve Zahn and Leelee Sobieski. It was directed by John Dahl and co-written and co-produced by JJ Abrams himself.
I this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike look at Abrams' third production. We discuss the film's tried and true horror cliches, Abrams' range as a filmmaker, and why Joy Ride is important to Abrams' history. We also look at this year's Oscar-nominated Star Trek vets, and touch on the trailer for the next Abrams production, 10 Cloverfield Lane.
Chapters
Oscars (00:55)
Joy RIde (16:25)
John Dahl (31:50)
Wrap-up (44:42)
Hosts
John Mills and Mike Schindler
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 2: The Suburbans.
Running Time: 54 minutes 21 seconds
In 1999, J.J. Abrams produced his second feature film, The Suburbans. The movie, directed by Donal Lardner Ward, looks at a one-hit wonder from the 80s which is attempting to stage a comeback in the 90s. The cast features Ward, Abrams favorite Tony Guma (who co-wrote the script with Ward), up-and-coming star Will Ferrell, and 90s icon Jennifer Love Hewitt.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John look at this lost film from Abrams' pre-Bad Robot career. We discuss the historical context of the film, Abrams' motivations for making it, and how slang has changed over the years.
Chapters
The Suburbans (00:01:55)
Abrams' Contribution (00:21:25)
Wrap-up (00:45:45)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams II, Part 1: The Pallbearer.
Running Time: 48 minutes 14 seconds
As the trailer proudly states, Star Trek Beyond is produced by J.J. Abrams. We all know that Abrams directed the last two Star Trek films, and we all know that he is not directing this one. So what does it mean when we see that Abrams is producing the new movie?
We try to answer that question in this new series on Commentary: Trek Stars, where we will be looking at each of the films which Abrams produced for other filmmakers. In Part 1 of this series, John and Mike cover The Pallbearer, a film starring David Schwimmer and Gwyneth Paltrow which was directed by Cloverfield director Matt Reeves, and co-written by Reeves and Friday Night Lights creator Jason Katims.
We discuss the heavy influence of The Graduate on this film, its place in the history of Miramax, and the contribution of cinematographer Robert Elswit.
Chapters
The Pallbearer (00:06:35)
Miramax (00:20:55)
Wrap-up (00:37:27)
Hosts
John Mills and Mike Schindler
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Doug Jung: Confidence.
Running Time: 46 minutes 9 seconds
Much has been made of Simon Pegg's contribution to the screenplay for Star Trek Beyond. So much so, that people tend to forget that Pegg has a partner on the project, co-writer Doug Jung.
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at Jung's first movie, Confidence. We discuss the film's intricate structure, its similarity to other films from the time period, and what it tells us about Jung's contribution to Beyond. We also remember TOS writer George Clayton Johnson.
Chapters
Doug Jung (00:01:39)
Confidence (00:03:59)
Ocean's Twelve (00:19:33)
George Clayton Johnson (00:35:33)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Abrams, Part 5: Star Wars: Episode VII--The Force Awakens
Running Time: 1 hour 27 minutes 5 seconds
Many have criticized J.J. Abrams for turning Star Trek into Star Wars with his 2009 film. But what happens when Abrams make a Star Wars movie for real?
In this episode of Commentary: Trek Stars, John and Mike add a postscript to their series on J.J. Abrams with a look at his latest directorial effort, Star Wars: Episode VII--The Force Awakens. We discuss the movie on the whole, Abrams' direction in particular, and the work of other Trek veterans on the crew. We also give our thoughts on the first trailer for Star Trek Beyond.
Chapters
The Force Awakens (00:01:12)
Crying in Movies (00:19:57)
Spoilers (00:48:29)
Trek Collaborators (01:04:51)
Wrap-up (01:17:31)
Hosts
John Mills and Mike Schindler
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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Pegg, Part 7: Recap.
Running Time: 1 hour 4 minutes 52 seconds
Over the course of the last decade, Simon Pegg has come to prove himself not only as a fine, but also as one of the best writers in the movie business.
This week on Commentary: Trek Stars, Mike and John take a look at each of the five films which Pegg has co-written, including Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Run Fatboy Run, Paul, and The World's End. We also discuss Bad Robot's restoration of Phantasm.
Chapters
Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Run Fatboy Run (00:01:10)
Paul and The World's End (00:14:10)
Conclusion (00:33:12)
Wrap-up (00:48:24)
Hosts
Mike Schindler and John Mills
Production
Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)
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