Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, John and Alondra Sellmeyer dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), discussing their top 10 MCU films, exploring rankings, and sharing personal insights on various characters and storylines. They touch on the impact of films like Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame, while also debating the merits of different superhero portrayals. The conversation is light-hearted, filled with humor, and showcases their unique perspectives on the MCU.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and New Equipment

(02:31) MCU Film Rankings and Personal Preferences

(05:14) Discussion on Spider-Man and Future Films, Plus Tom Holland as James Bond?

(07:55) Top 10 MCU Films Countdown Begins

(10:27) Exploring Guardians of the Galaxy and Character Development

(12:59) Thor: Ragnarok and Villain Dynamics

(15:43) Guardians of the Galaxy and Emotional Themes

(18:08) Spider-Man: No Way Home and Nostalgia

(19:44) The Impact of Iconic Villains

(20:43) Celebrating Black Panther's Legacy

(23:47) Avengers: Endgame and the Emotional Journey

(27:20) My Number 2 Film

(29:23) My Number 1 Film

Takeaways

Alondra feels honored to be called the 'Excalibur of a wife.'

The couple discusses their recent trip to a retail store for Amazon returns.

John expresses his disagreement with a friend's MCU film ranking.

Alondra shares her thoughts on the MCU films, emphasizing her lack of comic book knowledge.

The couple counts down their top 10 MCU films, starting with Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2.

They discuss the emotional depth of the Guardians of the Galaxy films.

Alondra shares her excitement about the upcoming Spider-Man film.

The couple reflects on the significance of Black Panther in the MCU.

They debate the merits of various MCU films, including Thor: Ragnarok and Doctor Strange.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War.

Keywords

MCU, Marvel, movie rankings, superhero films, Black Panther, Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, Thor, Spider-Man, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Pratt, etc.

In this special episode of Because I’m John Sellmeyer, the host steps away from the usual lighthearted interviews and takes listeners on a thoughtful journey through two symbolic landscapes: the sun-scorched deserts of the Middle East and the icy expanse of the former Soviet Union.

We explore how the Middle East—birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—became a region where belief is not just cultural but deeply woven into the identity of entire civilizations. In contrast, the Soviet Union pursued a bold, often unforgiving experiment in state atheism, removing religion from public life in the hope of building a purely secular society.

What happens when belief is the foundation of your laws and legacy? And what happens when it's stripped away completely? Through stories, symbols, and a touch of poetic reflection, this episode dives into the power of faith, the risks of its absence, and the philosophical tension between sacred fire and ideological frost.

Whether you're drawn to history, religion, or just a good story, this episode invites you to think deeply—and maybe even rediscover the roots of the podcast itself.

In this wild and entertaining episode, Joey dives into the world of boar hunting, sharing his hands-on experiences hunting and tracking one of Texas’s most notorious troublemakers. We talk about the surprising speed at which wild boars can reproduce—spoiler: a single sow can have multiple litters a year with up to 12 piglets each—leading to major overpopulation and serious damage to the land. That’s where conservation comes in, and Joey explains how ethical hunting helps protect the local ecosystem.

We also touch on other animals that can be hunted and the importance of respecting the land, especially in the beautiful, rugged landscapes of rural Texas. And once the boar’s been brought home, Joey’s brother (Tristan) takes over—he’s the cook in the family, whipping up wild boar dishes that might make you consider adding "feral pig" to your dinner plans. Tristan gets his cooking skills from his dad!

It’s informative, fun, and a little muddy—just like a good day in the Texas brush. + Some surprise encounters not yet mentioned!

• Hunting can be a form of conservation.
• Wild boars reproduce rapidly, leading to overpopulation issues.
• Boar hunting is less restrictive than other types of hunting.
• Cooking wild boar can yield delicious and tender dishes.
• Personal experiences in nature can be both thrilling and terrifying.
• Ethical hunting practices are important for sustainability.

Tune in for an action-packed episode as we dive deep into the world of action heroes and iconic films! This week, we're sharing our top picks for ultimate cinematic tough guys, sparking a lively debate about classic movie twists and unforgettable fight scenes.

We revisit the legendary Bruce Willis, whose reign in the Die Hard franchise solidified his place as a fan favorite. We break down the magic of Die Hard 1, discussing why the original still holds up, and touch on his diverse roles in films like Pulp Fiction, Unbreakable, and The Sixth Sense. Plus, prepare for a mind-blowing revelation about the true intentions of Samuel L. Jackson's character in Unbreakable!

Next, get ready for a deep dive into the incredible career of Jackie Chan. Discover why Drunken Master 2 (also known as The Legend of the Drunken Master) is a must-watch, exploring its unique "Drunken Fist" fighting style and iconic action sequences, including the legendary "Axe Gang" fight scene that inspired Kung Fu Hustle. You'll also hear a surprising connection between Jackie Chan, Russell Crowe, and a specific birthday!

We then shift gears to discuss the horror genre, specifically the Evil Dead franchise starring Bruce Campbell. We dissect the evolution of the films from scary to "zany," sharing hilarious and terrifying moments from Evil Dead 2 and the recent Evil Dead Rise. Find out which installment truly left one of us terrified and why the new approach to the Necronomicon is a game-changer! We also touch on other horror favorites like The Conjuring and Insidious.

Beyond the silver screen, we explore personal connections to film and culture. Discover the surprising origin of Jeric's name, linked to a famous Filipino movie actor Gary Valenciano, and discuss the phenomenon of naming children after fictional characters (think Game of Thrones' "Arya" and "The Hound"). We even recount a hilarious story about a fan who tattooed a character from the popular book series A Court of Thorns and Roses onto their arm, only for the character to become a jerk in later books!

Join us for a fun and candid conversation that covers everything from Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger's legacies to personal anecdotes about growing up and discovering new cinematic worlds. This episode is packed with movie trivia, laughs, and plenty of reasons to add some new titles to your watchlist! Also, we share what it was like growing up two punks together in Raymore, Missouri! Thank you for joining this installment, and be sure to subscribe to the channel!

+ Bonus conversation about breakdancing.

The answer to the TikTok/ Insta Challenge was Die Hard and Evil Dead!

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:15) Childhood and Early Friendship

(00:06:00) Philippines, Podcast Demographics, and More

(00:10:00) Jeric's Filipino Heritage and Name Story

(00:16:00) Conversations on Popular Media: Game of Thrones

(00:20:30) Discussing Favorite Action Heroes

(00:35:00) Experiences with Horror Films and Martial Arts Movies

(00:50:00) Memories From Their Youth: Improv, Breakdancing, and Shenanigans

(01:05:00) Balancing Life, Family, and Nostalgia

(01:15:00) Closing Message and Reflections/ Bloopers

Demontae, who experienced a traumatic brain injury from a car wreck in high school, advocates for giving back to others. He shares with John Sellmeyer how occupational therapy was crucial for his mental recovery, using games to improve cognitive functions. Demontae's positive outlook stems from his belief that even small acts of kindness can significantly impact others, recalling a time his humor kept a classmate from dropping out of college.

The conversation then shifts to movies, where Demontae discusses his favorite horror films. He also declares "Casablanca" as the best movie ever made. He also highly recommends the film "Ballerina" which is in theaters now! Demontae concludes with an inspirational message, encouraging listeners to always choose respect and kindness, as these actions can profoundly and positively influence those around them.

Other mentions include Sorry to Bother You, Gladiator, Hardcore Henry, Florida, Illinois, and Kansas City, Missouri! Thank you all for listening. Please be sure to follow the Podcast!

A 3 part special!

Part 1:

Long time friend of the show Life and Pints with CoCo comes onto the show. Please check him out! He is available on Apple and Spotify! We discuss almost being mugged, (well, really being assaulted,) and what it is like being a podcaster!

Part 2:

I also speak with Reese about Batman, and we get off topic a lot! We talk about Christopher Nolan, Bane, Joker, and so much more! Plus Reese tells you my eye color.

Part 3

Garrett breaks into the Pod for the first time (second time if you have listened to the Dungeons and Dragons episode) where we discuss childhood memories, Pokemon vs Yu-Gi-Oh, and which Pokemon would be the best mechanic!

Come on in, and enjoy!

Today my wife and I explore the topic of having a bearded dragon! What his diet consists of, his personality, and if he is a beginner pet or not. Also, she addresses that I need a new intro for her! Alondra discusses her hearing screening adventures, and we bring up Ice Age, the movie! Plus, my kids hop on briefly to discuss the Star Wars Fortnite update. They talk about the Emperor, Storm Troopers, and so much more!

Thank you all for enjoying this chill episode with my family.

Episode Summary: Allergic to (Almost) Everything?

Join us for a fascinating conversation with my brother-in-law, a true allergy warrior, as he shares his unique journey navigating a world of extreme allergies. From yummy childhood foods to the intricate dietary changes he's made as an adult, this episode dives deep into what it's like to live with sensitivities to everything from cockroaches and corn to gluten and shrimp. We'll also explore the often-complex process of getting tested and diagnosed by doctors, offering an insightful look into the challenges and triumphs of managing severe allergies every single day. I hope this episode encourages anyone with food discomforts to speak with their medical professionals!

(00:00) Introduction

(00:34) Time Travel to January 30th, 2024

(01:24) Quick Word, Peculiar Prototypes, Engineering Passion

(03:38) Growing Up with Unique Meals

(08:42) Navigating Food Allergies and Intolerances

(11:23) Medical Tests and Discoveries

(18:10) Discussing Intestine and Corn Sensitivity

(19:15) Food Sensitivities and Gluten-Free Options

(22:49) Allergy Testing and Seasonal Allergies

(27:21) Living with Food Allergies, Word of Advice

(31:54) Podcasting Journey and Future Plans

Shrimp allergy, cockroach allergy, peanut allergy, corn allergy, sugar allergy, and many many more!