The Murphy Monday Podcast

Nigel A. Fullerton

This podcast is designed to celebrate the life and career of the legendary actor/ comedian EDDIE MURPHY. Each week our host (Nigel Fullerton @nigelfullerton_ ) and a special guest will breakdown a movie from Eddie’s catalog. We’ll talk about his influence , his impact and do some Eddie Murphy trivia. 

  1. 07/28/2025

    The "Walking, Talking Donkey" episode w/ Jazz Adair

    Send us a text The journey from discovering Eddie Murphy is different for every generation. For some, it was his raw stand-up comedy that broke barriers in the 80s. For others, it was his smooth-talking charm in films like Trading Places and Coming to America. But for millions of younger fans, Eddie Murphy is forever Donkey from Shrek - bringing his signature energy to an animated character that transcended the medium. This episode dives deep into how Eddie Murphy's incredible versatility allowed him to connect with audiences across decades. Our guest Jasmine Adair shares her first experiences with Murphy's work and how she saw herself represented in his storytelling. We explore the cultural significance of movies like Boomerang - a revolutionary romantic comedy featuring an all-Black cast and workplace - something nearly unheard of in early 90s Hollywood. The conversation unpacks how Murphy faced criticism for transitioning to family-friendly films yet maintained his authentic voice throughout his evolution. Perhaps most fascinating is our examination of how Murphy brought elements of Black cultural expression to mainstream animation through Donkey, ensuring that even in a fantasy world of ogres and dragons, Black voices and humor were represented. We discuss the unfair double standard applied to Black performers changing their style compared to their white counterparts - Bill Murray and Steve Martin can evolve without criticism, while Murphy's shifts were often questioned. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Murphy's brilliance for the first time, this conversation celebrates an entertainer who broke barriers, created opportunities for other Black performers, and built bridges between generations through the power of comedy. Join us for this joyful exploration of a true entertainment icon. Support the show Tell An Eddie Murphy fan to tell an Eddie Murphy fan that you love this podcast

    1h 10m
  2. 07/14/2025

    "The Films of Eddie Murphy" Episode f/ Author Mat Bradley-Tschirgi

    Send us a text What makes an Eddie Murphy film truly great? Is it the unforgettable characters, the quotable one-liners, or something more profound? Author Mat Bradley Tschirgi joins us to explore these questions through the lens of his fascinating new book, "The Films of Eddie Murphy: An Unofficial Look at America's Favorite Comedian from 48 Hours to Beverly Hills Cop Axel F." Mat takes us on a journey through Eddie Murphy's remarkable 40-year career, uncovering little-known facts and reshaping our understanding of Murphy's contributions to cinema. From discovering that Murphy was briefly in foster care as a child to learning he earned more for the forgotten flop "Best Defense" than for his iconic hits, this conversation is filled with revelations that even dedicated fans might not know. The heart of our discussion centers around Mat's unique approach to categorizing Murphy's extensive filmography. Rather than chronological order, he groups films as "Franchise Gems," "Hidden Gems," "So-So Gems," and "Not-So Gems." This thoughtful classification sparks a lively debate about underappreciated works like "Distinguished Gentleman" and "Mr. Church," which Mat surprisingly includes in his personal top five Murphy films. We also examine why comedies age so differently than dramas and how context matters when revisiting films from earlier decades. Whether you're a casual viewer who knows Murphy from family films like "Shrek" or a longtime fan who can quote every line from "Raw," this episode offers fresh perspectives on an American comedy icon whose career deserves deeper analysis. Mat's passion for Murphy's work shines through as he makes a compelling case for why we should look beyond box office numbers or critical consensus to appreciate the full breadth of this remarkable performer's legacy. Support the show Tell An Eddie Murphy fan to tell an Eddie Murphy fan that you love this podcast

    1 hr
  3. 08/12/2024

    When Star Power Couldn't Save a Film (Best Defense)

    Send us a text Was Eddie Murphy’s participation in "Best Defense" a career misstep or a necessary detour? Join us as we unravel the fascinating story of the 1984 film "Best Defense," starring Eddie Murphy and Dudley Moore, notorious for being one of the worst movies ever made. We take you through Eddie Murphy’s journey, from his initial hesitation, motivated solely by a hefty paycheck, to his profound regret post the film's disastrous reception. Along the way, we share our own struggle to track down this cinematic enigma, culminating in an eye-opening viewing experience on Showtime that validated all the critical disdain. In this episode, we contrast the chaotic wartime narrative and comedic interludes that feature Murphy, despite his limited screen presence, as the film's saving grace. We also explore Dudley Moore’s career trajectory, from the heights of "10" and "Arthur" to the lows of "Best Defense." The conversation delves into the bogus marketing strategies that misleadingly spotlighted Murphy, leveraging his rising fame and inadvertently paving the way for his breakout role in "Beverly Hills Cop." This episode is a testament to the industry's knack for misallocating talent and the frustration that ensues when star power fails to salvage a fundamentally flawed film. Tune in to hear our candid take on a cautionary tale of missed potential and erroneous marketing gambits. Support the show Tell An Eddie Murphy fan to tell an Eddie Murphy fan that you love this podcast

    26 min
  4. 08/04/2024

    The “Boomerang” Episode part 2

    Send us a text Join us on the Murphy Monday podcast as we welcome back Jewel Singletary, who shares her heartfelt journey through motherhood while giving her unique take on Eddie Murphy's latest Beverly Hills Cop installment. We dive into the highs and lows of the film, debating whether it hit the mark or missed the essence of the originals. Jewel's candid insights on the entertainment value and character portrayal offer a fresh perspective, and we even touch on the similarly polarizing Coming to America 2. From there, our conversation shifts to a deep analysis of "Boomerang" and its progressive approach to gender roles and relationships. We dissect Jacqueline's character as a powerhouse who defies traditional gender norms, and explore the various representations of male characters like Marcus and David Alan Grier. We highlight Chris Rock's comedic role and Eartha Kitt's vibrant portrayal, celebrating the film's nuanced depiction of diverse characters and its relevance to ongoing gender conversations. Finally, we delve into the interconnected universe of films like "Boomerang" and "House Party." We celebrate Eddie Murphy's groundbreaking work in revolutionizing Black representation in film and his transition from action films to romantic comedies. Our discussion spans from early Black rom-coms to their evolving impact on Hollywood, and I top it all off with my personal top five Eddie Murphy projects. Don't miss this lively discussion on the life and career of Eddie Murphy and the broader landscape of Black cinema. Support the show Tell An Eddie Murphy fan to tell an Eddie Murphy fan that you love this podcast

    1h 1m
4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

This podcast is designed to celebrate the life and career of the legendary actor/ comedian EDDIE MURPHY. Each week our host (Nigel Fullerton @nigelfullerton_ ) and a special guest will breakdown a movie from Eddie’s catalog. We’ll talk about his influence , his impact and do some Eddie Murphy trivia.