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Host Manika sits down with TikTok film commentator Amaris for a clear and uncompromising look at intimacy in Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the politics running through Bong Joon-ho’s work. The conversation begins with the rise of intimacy coordinators and Jennifer Lawrence’s remarks about filming explicit scenes for Die My Love, leading to a frank discussion on safety, liability, and the shrinking tolerance for actors working without proper protection on set.

Manika and Amaris examine how celebrities speak about politics, why so many rely on performance instead of understanding, and how social media rewards confidence over accuracy. The episode then moves into a deep analysis of Bong Joon-ho, covering his influences, class themes, and the lasting relevance of Parasite, Snowpiercer, Okja, and Mickey 17. Their breakdown of Snowpiercer explores the train as a controlled society, Curtis as a compromised leader, Edgar as innocence lost, and the painter as the keeper of exploited memories. They also look at how propaganda, resource scarcity, and child labor shape the film’s critique of power.

Amaris's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@amaris_simone

Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

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Host Manika sits down with TV writer and critic Latasha for a focused look at doubling, obsession, and the Jungian shadow in TV and film. They start with Sydney Sweeney’s “good jeans” campaign, how eugenics-adjacent language slips into glossy branding, and why audiences fixate on the star instead of the marketers, executives, and soft celebrity journalism that protect power from real accountability.

From there, they unpack persona, shadow, and projection through specific characters: the damaged detective and his obsessive double in Department Q, Rust Cohle’s self-annihilating focus in True Detective, Nina’s unraveling in Black Swan, Pearl’s break from the “good girl” role, and hitmen in Mr Inbetween and Patriot who cannot escape the violence that feeds them. The conversation widens to Watchmen, Tulsa, white supremacy, masks, and what it means when a Black woman takes on godhood on screen.

This episode is for anyone interested in character psychology, shadow work, and politically aware TV and film criticism.

00:15 – Manika welcomes listeners, introduces Latasha and the episode theme01:33 – Sydney Sweeney “good jeans” ad backlash and GQ interview overview

06:05 – Sydney Sweeney’s politics, MAGA family, and power with no consequences

07:44 – Soft celebrity journalism, influencers vs reporters, Barbara Walters/Wendy Williams

13:08 – Jungian persona vs shadow and why it matters in film/TV

20:11 – Department Q: Carl Mørck’s trauma, guilt, and obsession with cold cases

29:32 – Black Swan deep dive: Nina’s double, control, and unraveling

36:40 – Pearl: the “good girl” mask, denial, and a violent shadow self

39:24 – Defining the shadow self in media and how characters split themselves

43:00 – Mr Inbetween, Patriot, and hitmen: double lives and compartmentalized violence

55:43 – Watchmen (HBO): Tulsa massacre, white supremacy, and policing

1:03:21 – Why thinking critically about media doesn’t ruin enjoyment

1:04:12 – Watch list segment: One Battle After Another, The Vince Staples Show, The Patient

Podcast Socials

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Vivi (Vicky), character design analyst and video essayist, joins the podcast to break down how fame is built, sold, and protected. After a clear-eyed look at the “next big thing” machine around actors like Mason Thames, we examine how Hollywood favors familiar, marketable faces, how race and colorism shape visibility, how listicles and PR language disguise old hierarchies as meritocracy, and why certain careers are pre-selected long before the audience thinks it has chosen.

From there, we move into fame as a system through To Be Hero X, Oshi no Ko, and My Hero Academia: trust scores and hero towers, idol factories and weaponized fandom, rankings and school pipelines that turn human beings into managed brands. We connect how these stories show image as currency, audiences as enforcement, and corporations as the final arbiter of who is celebrated, discarded, or sacrificed.

All this, plus the content creator pipeline, sponsorship logic, scandal management, selective cancellation, and what it means to live as a product in an attention economy that never switches off. This episode is direct, detailed, and unromantic about what modern fame demands—and what it quietly costs.

• 0:00 – Intro
  Show open, “I’ve Been Meaning To Watch That” intro, this week’s topic preview.

• 0:26 – Meet Vivi (Vicky)
  Vivi introduces herself, her character design work, and how she reads visual choices and tropes.

• 1:21 – Episode Overview
  Framing the three texts (To Be Hero X, Oshi no Ko, My Hero Academia) and “fame as a system.”

• 2:07 – Media Mania: Mason Thames & Manufactured Stars
  Vulture article, Mason Thames’ three #1 films, “ordinary” palatable whiteness, comparison to Jim Carrey, Daniel Kaluuya, Mahershala Ali, Caleb McLaughlin vs co-stars, listicles, casting patterns, race and colorism in who gets momentum.

• 25:00 – What Is Fame As A System?
  Defining fame beyond Hollywood: power in a name, internet volatility, person-to-product pipeline.

• 36:29 – Enter To Be Hero X (Context + Why It Hits)
  Underrated status, production, anthology structure, trust value system, Hero Tower explained.

• 40:53 – Style, Structure, and the Hero Factory
  Visual language, hero/villain PR, reality show framing, shipping, consent, system manufacturing crime and narratives.

• 51:05 – Trust vs Fear & Who Gets Protected
  Heroes as controlled assets, commission, balance of worship and terror, parallels to scandalous but untouchable figures.

• 1:12:04 – Oshi no Ko: Idol Industry and Weaponized Parasociality
  Pilot, reincarnation hook without plot spoiling, how the show dissects exploitation, image labor, fans as enforcement.

• 1:54:04 – My Hero Academia: Hero Rankings and Marketable Morality
  Series summary, school-as-industry pipeline, quirks as brandable assets, Class 1-A vs 1-B, children groomed into a hero economy.

• 2:22:15 – Endgame: Systems That Eat Their Own
  Closing on endings discourse, systemic rot, why To Be Hero X reads like Oshi no Ko + MHA pushed to its logical conclusion.

• 2:31:48 – Watchlist
  Upcoming watches: Chainsaw Man movie, My Hero Academia catch-up, other anime on the radar.

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

Host Manika sits down with critic Vicky Chen for a clear, spoiler-heavy audit of 2025’s boxing biopics. They open with The Smashing Machine and explain why it left them cold. Starting at Mark Kerr’s peak dulls the underdog arc, addiction is rushed, and the “gentle giant” framing keeps the character at arm’s length despite Dwayne Johnson’s transformation and Emily Blunt’s precision. They pivot to Sydney Sweeney’s Christy and dig into why this boxing vehicle sits far outside her current on-screen brand.

The conversation cuts through trailer promises and awards chatter to what audiences actually respond to in a star makeover and what gets mistaken for depth. They spotlight The Fire Inside and why Clarissa Shields’s story rises above the trend. The film’s focus on identity, sacrifice, and life after the medal gives the genre real stakes and a viewpoint that lasts longer than opening weekend buzz.

In Media Mania, Manika and Vicky break down studios hiring TikTok editors, the capture of fan edits, Radiohead’s edit-fueled chart return, and how engineered discourse shapes shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty. It is a sober look at algorithmic marketing, labor, and why fan culture cannot just be manufactured.

00:14 Manika welcomes film critic Vicky Chen and sets up a conversation on boxing biopics that will challenge recent hype and marketing narratives.

02:02 Media Mania begins as Manika spotlights studios recruiting TikTok editors and asks what this means for fan edits shaping taste and demand.

25:04 The Smashing Machine becomes the centerpiece as Manika outlines why sports biopics are surging and how physical transformation work is marketed as craft.

27:02 The discussion examines Dwayne Johnson’s Mark Kerr transformation and how aesthetic bulk differs from embodying an athlete’s movement and interiority.

01:12:37 The hosts break down Emily Blunt’s portrayal and the script’s treatment of her character, arguing the film frames her as unreasonable without enough context.

01:43:09 Christy enters the conversation as a Sydney Sweeney vehicle, with a frank assessment that the marketing swing outpaces the fit of her screen presence.

02:00:38 The episode widens to Sweeney’s brand strategy, contrasting star image with character immersion and why audiences still see the celebrity instead of the role.

02:10:47 The Fire Inside takes center stage with praise for its structure beyond the first gold medal and for Brian Tyree Henry’s warmth anchoring the drama.

02:11:42 Vicky explains how the film rejects easy uplift to show systemic barriers after victory and why that choice deepens the sports narrative.

02:13:51 Manika connects Clarissa Shields’ underdog arc to resilience and support gaps, arguing this biopic earns emotional payoff more honestly than recent studio fare.

02:32:50 The conversation returns to The Smashing Machine to underline where the script’s relationship beats feel underwritten and how biopics can confuse conflict with depth.

02:34:55 Watch List closes the show as Manika and Vicky trade film and TV picks that expand on the themes of craft, image, and audience expectation. Follow Vicky on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@chickyvenManika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

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Host Manika and guest Cam take on Hulu’s Paradise: a political-sci-fi thriller where President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) is assassinated and Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) uncovers a manufactured reality inside a sealed bunker. We cover the premiere’s genre pivot, why the flashbacks matter, Samantha Redmond’s power play, performances, themes (control, grief, complicity), and season-two stakes. Up top, a frank Media Mania segment on the Riyadh Comedy Festival—censorship rules, who accepted/declined, and the paycheck-vs-principles debate—followed by a Watch List of films/series we’re eyeing next.

Keywords: Paradise Hulu review, Paradise recap, Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Dan Fogelman, political thriller, bunker mystery, dystopian TV, Hulu originals, Samantha Redmond, Media Mania, Riyadh Comedy Festival, comedy censorship, pop culture news.

00:00 — Intro & returning guest
Who we are; why Cam’s here; what this episode covers.

00:26 — Guest intro: Cam’s shows and focus
Cam’s “Jacked Up Review Show,” pop-culture coverage, and new true-crime/history project.

03:02 — Media Mania: Riyadh Comedy Festival explained
What the festival is, why it’s controversial, platform rules/censorship claims, who spoke out, who went/declined, and the ethics of “cash vs. principles.”

22:27 — Main review begins: Paradise (Hulu)
Premise and pivot: assassination investigation becomes a bunker reality; tone/genre set for the series.

27:00 — Story craft: why the flashbacks matter
How backstory and structure build stakes, clarify loyalties, and pace reveals without stalling momentum.

37:00 — Characters & performances that carry the show
Xavier vs. Bradford dynamic; Samantha Redmond as power behind the throne; supporting players who elevate tension.

1:03:00 — Mystery mechanics & takeaways (no “mystery-box” bloat)
How the show plants clues, avoids gimmicks, and sets up season-two conflicts without losing plausibility.

1:30:00 — Season 2 outlook: stakes, villains, open threads
What could shift topside vs. in-bunker; who holds power; what we expect to be answered next season.

1:32:22 — Watch List: what we’re excited to watch next
Recent/coming releases and series on our radar (films, prestige TV, anime), and why.

1:45:37 — Where to find Cam
Cam’s platforms and community plug.

1:46:21 — Plugs & outro

Cam's Links

The Jacked Up Review Podcast Apple Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jacked-up-review-show-podcast/id1494236218

Podbean https://jackedupreviewshow.podbean.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacked_up_podcast/?hl=en

Twitter https://x.com/jackedupreview?lang=en

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Eg8w0DNympD6SQXSj1X3M

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIyMawFPgvOpOUhKcQo4eQQ

Podcast Socials

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

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Thanks to our sponsor of the episode! Don't forget to get your copy of "A Charge to Keep" now!https://www.amazon.com/Charge-Keep-Immutable-Leadership-Lessons/dp/B0FKLRLMGCAward-winning screenwriter Leon Chills joins host Manika to discuss his new screenplay "Believe in the Boy Who Dreams" : a moving, anime-inspired story about family, love, and self-discovery. Known for his work on The Wilds (Amazon Prime) and Shadow Force, Chills dives deep into how parenthood, mental health, and representation in storytelling shape his creative process.In this episode, Manika and Leon explore how Believe in the Boy Who Dreams bridges anime influences like Paprika, Demon Slayer, and Bleach with powerful themes of family therapy, black fatherhood, and healing through imagination. Leon also opens up about leaving a corporate career to chase creativity, how storytelling became his therapy, and why animation may be the future of emotional storytelling.

🎬 Subscribe for more in-depth creative interviews.

🔗 Learn more at https://believeintheboywhodreams.com

Follow Leon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imchills/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bc2d8f11-94e4-4e2d-a4a2-aecaf66436b3

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & Sponsor: *A Charge to Keep* by Rev. Kevin T. Taylor

00:39 – Welcome & Guest Introduction: Who is Leon Chills?

01:32 – Leon’s Mission: Centering Black Characters in Genre

02:20 – Inspiration Behind *Believe in the Boy Who Dreams*

04:10 – Story Overview: DJ’s Nightmares and Family Therapy

06:45 – Exploring the Human Condition Through Anime

09:20 – Fatherhood, Legacy, and Emotional Impact

13:00 – Parenting and Representation in Anime

15:21 – Research, World-Building & Therapy Realism

18:12 – Influences: *Bleach*, *Demon Slayer*, and *Paprika*

20:44 – Character Duality and Mythology in the Script

26:13 – Leon’s Journey: From JPMorgan to Hollywood

31:06 – Writing as Therapy and Creative Growth

36:00 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Representation in Film

40:00 – Behind *The Wilds* and *Shadow Force*

43:30 – What Season 3 of *The Wilds* Would’ve Been

46:46 – Anime, Adaptations & The Future of Animation

51:00 – Why Leon Released His Script Publicly

53:14 – Final Message: Family, Love & Pursuing Happiness

54:33 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Leon

Manika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/Thank you so much for listening to the podcast.

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

Host Manika teams up with culture critic Princess Weekes to dissect Prime Video’s My Lady Jane—what works in the romance, what fails in the history, and why the cancellation stings. Expect a clear-eyed look at “fantastical racism,” the show’s alt-Tudor politics, and how period dramas can respect real women while still being fun.

In our Media Mania opener, we cut through the noise around Ryan Murphy’s Monster: Ed Gein and the true-crime industrial complex, then parse Ridley Scott’s “mediocrity in Hollywood” remarks—what’s fair, what’s bluster, and how to build a smarter watchlist.

• 00:13 — Intro & Guest: Manika opens; Princess Weekes introduces herself.

• 01:16 — Media Mania: Monster (Ed Gein): Ryan Murphy’s approach, exploitation vs. “care,” and pushback.

• 20:25 — Ridley Scott on “Mediocrity”: What he said; how much of it holds up.

• 27:26 — Segment Wrap → Main Topic: Closing Media Mania; pivot to My Lady Jane.

• 28:03 — What My Lady Jane Is: Premise, Ethians, cancellation context.

• 30:15 — Princess’s First Take: Historical accuracy vs. alt-history—why attaching to Lady Jane Grey backfires.

• 39:40 — “Not a Documentary” Isn’t Enough: Comparisons (e.g., The Apothecary Diaries), stakes, and treatment of women in history.

• 51:19 — Teen/CW Energy?: Tone, muddled messaging, and audience fit.

• 55:38 — Fantastical Racism & Metaphors: Why the Ethian allegory feels lazy.

• 1:09:43 — What Works: The Romance: Slow-burn strengths; brief Bridgerton aside.

Princess Weekes Socials

Princess Weekes YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Princess_Weekes

Patreon https://www.patreon.com/princessweekes

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@princesspendulum?lang=en

Manika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

Host Manika sits down with returning guest Alta (Alta’s Oyster) for a full, spoiler-heavy review of 40 Acres (2025)—the post-apocalyptic thriller about a Black and Indigenous family protecting their farmland after a fungal pandemic. We cover Danielle Deadwyler’s commanding lead, the film’s take on isolation vs. community, firearm pragmatism, and why land—not ammo—is the scarce currency here. We also weigh the script’s weaknesses (underwritten family members, a flat foil) and why the movie still stands apart from typical doomsday fare.

In Media Mania, we unpack the Jimmy Kimmel suspension following commentary on Charlie Kirk’s shooting and what that signals for late-night, media pressure, and speech norms headed into 2026. We close with a Watch List: October Scaries picks, Weapons, The Long Walk, Highest to Lowest, The Man in My Basement, and more.

• 00:00 – Intro music

• 00:09 – Welcome + returning guest Alta (Alta’s Oyster)

• 01:29 – Media Mania opens

• 03:20 – What Kimmel said about the Kirk shooting; FCC reaction; suspension

• 10:11 – “Martyr” discourse, job losses after on-air comments

• 12:44 – Joy Reid/Melissa Harris-Perry precedent; late-night context

• 19:35 – Late-night future speculation and platform shifts

• 24:04 – Main Segment: 40 Acres — premise & setup (farmland as currency)

• 25:52 – Why this doomsday story feels different; initial reactions

• 27:12 – Alta’s rating and first take (3/5; “it’s actually thrilling”)

• 37:32 – Themes: guns, defense vs. offense, “stay on your land” ethics

• 40:02 – Performances: Haley (Deadwyler), Galen, Emmanuel; family dynamics

• • 1:07:01 – 1:12:30 — World-building & politics done right (how 40 Acres weaves stakes without soapboxing).

  • 1:12:31 – 1:20:30 — Family dynamics & leadership (why Manny was never ready; Rain vs. Manny; who should lead).

  • 1:20:31 – 1:37:24 — Survival ethics (“help no one vs. help some”—where Haley draws the line, why it isn’t selfish).

  • 1:37:25 – 1:42:43 — Side track: Civil War critique (journalism portrayal, shallow allegory).

  • 1:42:44 – 1:45:06 — Back to 40 Acres: verdict (good film with weaknesses; desire for more Black women in thrillers).

  • 1:45:07 – 1:49:05 — Current thrillers roundup (G20, Viola Davis/Kerry Washington vehicles—writing vs. performance).

  • 1:49:06 – 1:51:59 — Danielle Deadwyler focus (craft, role choices; what we want next).

  • 1:52:00 – 1:56:37 — ‘Weapons’ vs. Civil War (suspense done well vs. empty messaging).

  • 1:56:38 – 2:00:24 — Reviews culture & “overhyped” talk (why you review without telling people to go/skip).

  • 2:00:25 – 2:03:10 — What’s next: Spike Lee, DaCosta (respect for Spike; TIFF title, The Marvels production realities).

  • 2:03:11 – 2:09:14 — Black love on screen (why interracial dominates; representation patterns).

  • 2:09:15 – 2:10:29 — Watchlist names & actors (Corey Hawkins, John David Washington, The Piano Lesson).

  • 2:10:30 – 2:11:17 — October ‘Scaries’ plan (Bride, Jennifer’s Body setup).

  • 2:11:18 – 2:12:35 — Sign-off & outro music (where to find Alta; show plugs; music fade).

  Check out Alta's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@altasoyster?lang=en

  
  Alta's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@altasoyster

  Manika's Socials

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  Podcast Socials

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

  
  

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

Manika is back with pop culture critic and first-time guest Bobbi (@theafternoonspecial) for a deep dive into Interview With The Vampire and what happens when monsters fall in love under the weight of race, queerness, and eternal hunger.

They unpack how AMC’s Interview With The Vampire reimagines Anne Rice’s gothic classic, exploring the toxic, compelling bond between Louis and Lestat while asking what it costs to love—and be loved—forever. Manika and Bobbi break down why making Louis Black changes everything, forcing audiences to confront race, power, and historical trauma within a genre obsessed with beauty and immortality.

They also explore why Claudia is the true heart of the series, how her story hits harder than any vampire media you’ve seen, and why Interview With The Vampire earns its place as a rare reboot that justifies its existence.

The conversation expands into vampire media at large—from Twilight to True Blood—asking why we’re drawn to monsters that reflect our desires, loneliness, and the fear of losing ourselves. Manika and Bobbi also touch on the Everybody Hates Chris animated revival, debating what makes a reboot worth it and who these nostalgia projects are truly for.

Vampires, race, queerness, and the cost of living forever—this is your guide to Interview With The Vampire, why it’s the vampire show you can’t stop thinking about, and what it reveals about who we really are.

Bobbi's Socials

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theafternoonspecial?lang=en

Twitter: https://x.com/hiimbobbi

Carrd Link https://theafternoonspecial.carrd.co/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyT0sxqeOUOpARawv0zJQnA

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

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Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

Manika is back with film and TV reporter Kimberly (https://www.tiktok.com/@kimberly_tsitsi) for a deep dive into doppelgängers, identity, and the monsters we create to survive late capitalism.

They unpack how shows like Severance and films like Mickey 17 and Sinners explore fractured selves, work-life splits, and the fear of losing yourself in a system that demands constant performance. Manika and Kimberly discuss Monster Theory and how doppelgängers in media reflect our anxieties around authenticity, capitalism, and the curated online personas we build to survive.

They also dig into the controversy around Shannon Sharpe, the allegations against him, and how public figures navigate accountability and power. The conversation expands into Star Wars, John Boyega’s honest reflections on racism in fandom spaces, and why Black actors often face backlash in large franchises, forcing us to question who truly feels entitled to stories in these universes.

The episode also touches on the power of actor-director collaborations, how Michael B. Jordan’s performance in Sinners showcases his range, and why Ryan Coogler’s nuanced approach to the doppelgänger trope sets Sinners apart. Manika and Kimberly explore how Sinners uses vampires and cultural appropriation to interrogate legacy, identity, and community, breaking down the film’s final act and what it says about immortality versus legacy.

Doppelgängers, vampires, and fractured selves—this is your guide to the monsters of modern media, and what they reveal about who we really are.

Kimberly's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kimberly_tsitsi

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kim_nhundu

Manika's Socials

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Podcast Socials

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

Manika is back with Lydia (@landoflydia) for part two of their deep dive into HBO’s Industry, covering the chaos of seasons 2 and 3.

They unpack Harper’s risky power plays, Eric’s growing resentment, and the toxic mess of Pierpoint’s sales floor. Yasmin’s privilege unravels under the weight of scandal, Robert spirals into self-sabotage, and Gus proves that quiet ambition might be the smartest move of all.

Season 3 brings greenwashing, betrayal, and Kit Harington as billionaire tech bro Henry Muck. Manika and Lydia break down the ESG pivot, Harper’s latest scheme, and Yasmin’s doomed engagement—with sharp commentary and zero tolerance for mediocrity.

Friendships burn, careers collapse, and the girls are still choosing chaos. Welcome back to Industry.

Lydia's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@landoflydia

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

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Podcast Socials

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Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

In this episode, Manika is joined by Lydia (@landoflydia), a whip-smart TikTok creator and pop culture observer, for the first of a two-part conversation all about HBO’s high-stakes financial drama Industry. The episode opens with a lively round of Media Mania, where Manika and Lydia dive into timely entertainment stories, including the controversy surrounding HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. They break down the problematic implications of supporting JK Rowling’s work in 2025, especially in light of escalating anti-trans sentiment in the UK and US. Both express frustration at the entertainment industry’s unwillingness to hold creators accountable, and highlight how fandom often prioritizes nostalgia over human rights.

From there, the two shift gears to celebrate Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending new musical, which they agree is already a strong Oscar contender. They praise its powerful storytelling, stunning vocals, and the joy of seeing a Black-led original IP break box office expectations—despite negative media framing. The conversation also veers into Marvel fatigue, the wasted potential of Blade, and the systemic obstacles still plaguing directors like Nia DaCosta and actors like Mahershala Ali.

Finally, they dig into Industry—the show’s themes, characters, and cutthroat environment. Manika recalls being drawn in by the promise of a “Succession-like” drama with a Black woman lead, while Lydia shares how the show piqued her curiosity after buzz around Interview with the Vampire. The two discuss the brutal demands of Pierpoint & Co., particularly the tragic death of Hari in episode one, and how that moment sets the tone for the show’s ruthless world.

They break down season one through the lens of its four key grads—Harper, Yasmin, Robert, and Gus—exploring their backgrounds, ambitions, and moral compromises. They praise Gus’s integrity, dissect Harper’s calculated ruthlessness, and debate whether Yasmin’s privilege shields or isolates her. A strong undercurrent of class and identity shapes the conversation, with both hosts reflecting on how different upbringings influence ambition in a world like Pierpoint.

The episode ends with a powerful discussion of Harper’s pivotal betrayal at the end of season one—when she chooses ambition over allegiance, takes down Daria, and secures her place beside Eric. Lydia and Manika agree: these aren’t good people—but that’s what makes them so compelling to watch.

Lydia's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@landoflydia

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Podcast Socials

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

In this episode, Manika is joined by Maya (@bodegavanetta), a pop culture commentator and TikTok creator, for a cozy, spirited deep dive into the films of Nancy Meyers. The two kick things off reflecting on the golden age of tween girl movies and how the genre has all but disappeared. They reminisce about the joy and specificity of early 2000s hits like What a Girl Wants and Cadet Kelly, and mourn the loss of mid-budget coming-of-age stories that felt fun, earnest, and emotionally rich. Maya points out how today’s film landscape leans heavily into aesthetics and “prestige,” often at the expense of heartfelt storytelling. What used to be a shared cultural experience is now fragmented by streaming platforms and driven by algorithms instead of vibes.

The conversation naturally shifts to Nancy Meyers, a director whose work remains comforting, elegant, and emotionally layered. For both Manika and Maya, The Parent Trap was a formative film—one that shaped their ideas about family, womanhood, and storytelling. They discuss the film’s complex emotional core, the fantasy of divorced parents reuniting, and how Lindsay Lohan’s dual performance carries the movie with sincerity and charm. Meyers’ attention to detail, especially in emotional beats and set design, is praised throughout the episode.

From there, they move on to It’s Complicated, a rom-com that embraces the messiness of middle-aged relationships and gives us a rare portrait of post-divorce desire. Manika and Maya appreciate the film’s grounded portrayal of love and longing, noting how Meryl Streep’s character is allowed to be flawed, funny, and desirable—something still too rare for women on screen. They reflect on how the film resists tying things up neatly and instead celebrates the freedom of ambiguity.

Next up is The Holiday, another favorite for both. Maya highlights the significance of Jack Black being cast as a romantic lead and how that broke certain conventions around desirability in Hollywood. They talk about how The Holiday makes space for emotional vulnerability, friendship, and self-discovery, all while being set in two of the coziest cinematic homes of all time. The episode continues to explore how Meyers crafts stories that are aesthetically pleasing but never hollow—where the kitchens are iconic but so are the inner lives of her characters.

Throughout the episode, Manika and Maya keep returning to the importance of joy in storytelling. They talk about how movies like Meyers’ can be emotionally honest without being gritty, and why fun shouldn’t be considered frivolous. The episode closes with a heartfelt appreciation for the way Nancy Meyers writes characters—especially women—who are allowed to be fully themselves: stylish, chaotic, competent, and full of longing.

Maya's socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@b0dega.veneta

maya and fola takes over the world https://open.spotify.com/show/3hewyYLxSyrspCZh9gxGk8

Carrd https://b0degaveneta.carrd.co/

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

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In this episode, host Manika is joined by TikTok favorite and pop culture commentator Galen for a sharp, hilarious deep dive into the glitter-soaked world of campy horror. But before the gory glam kicks off, the two detour through the chaos of celebrity space tourism, the X-Files reboot nobody asked for (but maybe kind of needed?), and why Katy Perry’s latest stunt has the internet divided—again.

Then it's all about the scream queens, high drama, and deliciously deranged plots that define camp horror at its best. Manika and Galen dissect the twisted brilliance of Death Becomes Her, She-Devil, and Serial Mom, celebrating iconic performances by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Kathleen Turner, and unpacking what these films have to say about vanity, vengeance, and the absurd pressures of womanhood.

From Ernest’s flaccid undertaker era to Jessica Rabbit wigs, broken necks, and literal paint jobs, this is a laugh-out-loud conversation that blends film critique with fandom-level obsession. Along the way, they reflect on aging, immortality, and why being a walking corpse with good hair still beats going to space with Jeff Bezos.

It’s a wickedly fun, surprisingly deep episode full of hot takes, iconic quotes, and camp appreciation at its finest.

Galen's Socials

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theycallmemr_g

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

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Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this episode, host Manika is joined once again by pop culture commentator Naja (@nawjuhh) for the second half of their candid, no-holds-barred exploration of Ryan Murphy’s TV empire. But before diving in, they take a detour into the fandom-fueled chaos of Tumblr-era television, the fan theories that became canon, and the blurred lines between creators and online fanbases.

Together, they revisit the emotional rollercoaster that was Glee, unpacking its messy brilliance and maddening missed opportunities—especially when it came to characters like Mercedes and Sam. They discuss the show's flirtation with queer representation, its uneven treatment of Black characters, and how the writers often seemed to take cues from the fandom without fully committing to the stories they teased.

The conversation also traces Murphy’s signature style across his post-Glee work—from the stylish absurdity of Scream Queens to the prestige ambitions of Pose and American Crime Story. Manika and Naja dig into his tendency to reuse actors, the moral whiplash of his storytelling, and the way real-world controversies (including Emma Roberts' behavior and Angelica Ross’s exit) reflect larger issues on Murphy sets.

They also reflect on Pose's legacy, the offscreen drama that undercut its impact, and the industry's failure to sustain shows centered on trans and queer people of color. Finally, they tackle the internet’s appetite for reboot culture, why a Glee revival should never happen, and how formative shows like Glee and Riverdale capture a very specific kind of chaotic cultural lightning.

This is a sharp, funny, and deeply personal conversation about art, identity, fandom, and the media that shapes us—whether we love it, hate it, or keep rewatching it anyway.

Naja's Socials

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@nawjuhh

Twitter https://x.com/nawjuhh

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this episode, host Manika welcomes TikTok creator and pop culture commentator Naja (@nawjuhh) to kick off a deep-dive into the chaotic legacy of TV mastermind Ryan Murphy. But first, they open with Media Mania, covering AMC’s push to reinstate the 45-day theatrical window, Fatima Hassuna’s tragic death and the responsibility of film creators in times of conflict, and the internet’s uneasy reaction to the war-glorifying press tour for Warfare.

Manika and Naja also share their love for the communal moviegoing experience, their gripes with early streaming drops, and the cultural rot of press junkets built for stan Twitter rather than substance.

Then, the conversation turns to Ryan Murphy, the prolific (and polarizing) creator behind shows like Glee, Nip/Tuck, Pose, and American Horror Story. Manika and Naja revisit Glee as both cultural phenomenon and fever dream—from underwritten storylines and wasted potential (justice for Mercedes) to Rachel Berry’s unchecked ego and the show’s chaotic relationship with continuity. They also explore Murphy’s patterns as a writer—big on spectacle, thin on follow-through—and the industry dynamics that allowed his empire to flourish despite criticism.

Throughout, they reflect on the complicated grief around the deaths of multiple Glee cast members and the parasocial intensity that followed. It’s a sharp, candid, and emotionally grounded conversation about pop culture, memory, and how we hold space for media that shaped us—even when it doesn’t hold up.

Naja's SocialsTiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@nawjuhhTwitter https://x.com/nawjuhhManika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it. If you would like to support the podcast, you can subscribe for 4.99 a month. https://anchor.fm/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this episode, host Manika welcomes TikTok creator and media commentator Chelsea (@_chelseawelsey) to discuss Netflix’s body-swapping psychological thriller It’s What’s Inside. Before diving into the film, they kick things off with Media Mania, covering the upcoming Clueless reboot at Peacock, Ryan Gosling’s surprising lead role in a new Star Wars film, and the frustrations of streaming services canceling shows mid-story. Chelsea and Manika also trade thoughts on under-the-radar hits like Poker Face and One of Us is Lying, and the increasingly chaotic world of Hollywood reboots.

The conversation then shifts to It’s What’s Inside, where a group of estranged college friends reunite for a pre-wedding weekend that takes a dark turn when a former friend arrives with a machine that allows them to swap bodies. Manika and Chelsea unpack the film’s themes of insecurity, obsession, and suppressed resentment—particularly through the character of Shelby, whose desire to emulate influencer Nikki spirals into self-erasure. As the swaps grow more chaotic, secrets unravel, relationships implode, and a disturbing double death forces the group to confront what they’ve become.

Together, they explore how the film uses sci-fi to interrogate deeper issues like identity, intimacy, and the lies we tell to stay connected to people we should’ve outgrown. The episode offers a sharp, funny, and emotionally honest breakdown of one of Netflix’s most underrated recent releases.

Content warnings: discussion of toxic relationships, body autonomy, graphic death, and references to past media depictions of sexual assault and transphobia.

Chelsea's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@_chelseawelsea

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_chelseawelsea

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this week’s episode of I’ve Been Meaning to Watch That, host Manika welcomes back returning guest Mar Mar, a sharp and insightful film and TV critic known for her candid takes across TikTok and YouTube. The duo kick things off with Media Mania, covering the current surge in video game adaptations—from Minecraft and Five Nights at Freddy’s to The Last of Us and Fallout. They debate what makes a successful adaptation, the risks of IP fatigue, and the evolving standards for storytelling in gaming cinema.

Then, the two dive deep into the Apple TV+ hit Bad Sisters, breaking down Season 1’s pitch-black comedy, the unbearable villainy of JP, and the sisterhood that powers the show. They explore themes of misogyny, gaslighting, revenge, and the complex emotional toll of abuse. It’s funny, heartfelt, sharp—and not afraid to get messy.

If you love shows with layered characters, chaotic murder plots, and emotionally resonant commentary on modern womanhood, this episode is for you

Don't forget to check out Mar Mar's tiktok! https://www.tiktok.com/@marmaryeesa2022Linktree https://linktr.ee/marmaryeesa2022

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marmar.yeesa/

Bsky https://bsky.app/profile/marmaryeesa.bsky.social

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@marmaryeesa2024

Podcast Socials

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

This week on I Have Been Meaning to Watch That, Manika is joined by Joc’s Watchlist to break down Netflix’s gripping new miniseries Adolescence. They dive deep into the show's unique one-shot filming style, the intense portrayal of internet culture's influence on young minds, and how Adolescence feels almost too real. Plus, they discuss broader entertainment news, including the fallout from Jonathan Majors' controversy, Netflix's evolving platform strategy, and Daisy Edgar-Jones' refreshing comments on pay equality in Hollywood.
From red pill internet dangers to the changing landscape of celebrity accountability, Manika and Joc bring thoughtful commentary, hot takes, and their signature humor to this packed episode. Tune in for an honest conversation about what we’re watching — and what it says about the world around us.

The Netflix miniseries Adolescence delves into complex and sensitive themes that may be distressing for some viewers. Here are the primary content warnings associated with the series:

1. Violence & Crime

2. Sexual Content & Misogyny

3. Language

4. Psychological Distress

5. Online Harm & Radicalization

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues depicted in the series, consider reaching out to support organizations such as:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• StopBullying.gov

Jocelyn's Socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jocwatchlist/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@jocwatchlist

Podcast Socials

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it. If you would like to support the podcast, you can subscribe for 4.99 a month. https://anchor.fm/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this lively episode, host Monica welcomes back returning favorite James, known online as @moviegoodormoviebad, a sharp-witted content creator and film critic with a keen eye for all things cinema. Together, they dive into the highly anticipated sci-fi release Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, while unpacking the latest headlines from the entertainment world.

The episode kicks off with “Media Mania,” where Monica and James cover a range of buzzworthy stories, starting with the surreal announcement of an A24 Barney film, featuring Daniel Kaluuya and Ayo Edebiri. They reflect on the risks and possibilities of reimagining childhood icons, while also addressing the complexities of representation through the lens of director Amma Asante’s controversial film Where Hands Touch. The conversation expands to the larger landscape for Black women directors and how the industry often misinterprets or under-supports their vision.

They also discuss the surprising box office performance of The Day the Earth Blew Up, ponder the bizarre Coyote vs. Acme situation (can this film just be released already?), and speculate on how the commodification of nostalgia continues to dominate studio decisions.

In the second half, Monica and James turn their attention to Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho’s return to genre filmmaking. They explore Robert Pattinson’s nuanced performance as a clone assigned to die repeatedly for the sake of a colonized planet, and how the film blends existential sci-fi with dark comedy.

Naomi Ackie’s performance as Nasha earns high praise for breaking new ground as a fully realized Black female lead in sci-fi — a rare feat Bong handles with care. They break down themes of class, body autonomy, and the ethics of immortality, and unpack the role of Mark Ruffalo’s villainous commander, who channels not just authoritarianism, but corporate entitlement and ego.

They also debate the moral ambiguity of Teemo, the clone who chooses self-preservation, and how that character challenges easy notions of “right” and “wrong” in survival narratives. As the discussion evolves, the duo highlights how Bong subverts the traditional hero arc while creating something deeply human beneath the sci-fi sheen.

Key Themes:

• The surreal rise of A24’s Barney and rebranding childhood
• Hollywood’s uneasy relationship with Black women directors
• Bong Joon-ho’s genre shift post-Parasite
• Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie’s layered performances
• Sci-fi as a lens for class, identity, and rebellion
• The ethics of cloning and disposable labor
• Teemo’s dilemma and survival morality
• Naomi Ackie’s Nasha and rare representation done right

Movie Good or Movie Bad aks James Linktree

https://linktr.ee/moviegoodormoviebad

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/