Hullabaloo Podcast

Nikolai Phalen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture

We come bearing electrifying news! We're here today to announce Hullabaloo: A cross-generational media consumption podcast from us, @its.k0lya and @beyondborderswithchad. We have been working towards its launch since the beginning of fall and there is a lot we have to share with you! For a little background, we're well aware that the podcast space is bloated, but we are really confident that we have something special. Both of us, Chad and Nikolai, are members of the LGBTQIA community from two different races and two different generations with an incredible friendship. As writing partners of many years with a great mutual appreciation for art, literature, music, and film, we realized that instead of just a book club or movie night podcast, or a podcast only exploring the generational divide, we would use media and our consumption of it as a way of understanding the unique perspectives we each hold and share. The media is a bridge between Generation X and Generation Z—and by the way, all the stuff we consume is KUNT! What you have to look forward to in upcoming episodes: Texas Chainsaw Massacre Rob Reiner and Being Charlie Tokyo Story A political podcast about the current American administration (Not a Fan!) Jonathan Livingston Seagull Rosalía's Lux Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown The Birdcage The Joy Luck Club Beach Boys — Pet Sounds Ordinary People Personal story episodes about bad bosses Personal story episodes about travel experiences and culture Kathy Griffin and Friends Joan Didion's The White Album And much, much more! So without further ado, from us to you, it's Hullabaloo. First episode drops February 11th. See you then! Artwork from @mariiiinamares Follow us: Instagram: @HullabalooPodcast TikTok: @hullabaloopodcast

  1. 2d ago

    Candyman (1992):Race Cabrini-Green & Why It's More Than a Slasher | Hullabaloo Podcast Final Episode

    Candyman (1992) is our final Hullabaloo episode — for now. After one year of cross-generational conversations, Chad Church (Gen X) and Nikolai Phalen (Gen Z) close the show with a Halloween film that is far more than a slasher. We start with where we both are now: Chad's long fight over his villa in southern Italy, and Nikolai's move to Berlin and his upcoming comedy tour. Then we get into Candyman itself — the urban legend, the mirror, and why this film still unsettles people decades later. What we discuss, without spoiling the ending in detail: How Candyman differs from Clive Barker's original story, especially the racial element added for the filmCabrini-Green, the Chicago projects, and what the film says about poverty, isolation and neglected communitiesThe origin of Candyman, interracial relationships in the late 80s and early 90s, and how differently Gen X and Gen Z experienced that eraWhy Candyman feels lonelier and more psychological than a typical 80s/90s slasherThe film's strange, erotic, almost Beauty and the Beast-like pull — and why the ending spins off in an unexpected directionOur verdict: both hosts land on 7/10We do not review the newer Nia DaCosta Candyman in this episode — that was left out for time, not because we didn't want to. Thank you for a year of Hullabaloo. Chad continues on BeyondBordersWithChad, including the Italy villa journey, and Nikolai continues with new work, including his Berlin autofiction Substack — find him on Instagram at ITS.K0LYA. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome back 01:16 This is our final episode — for now 05:40 Chad's Italy villa: auction, deed and the fourth lawsuit 14:04 Nikolai in Berlin and the comedy tour 22:45 Why Candyman for our Halloween finale 23:52 Cabrini-Green and the Chicago projects 26:24 The origin story and interracial relationships 36:44 The loneliness and psychological turn 45:44 Our verdict: 7/10 51:15 What's next for Chad and Nikolai 55:49 Goodbye from Hullabaloo

  2. 6d ago

    Gen X vs Gen Z React to Tokyo Story (1953) — Ozu's Masterpiece, No Spoilers

    Chad Church (Gen X) and Nikolai Phalen (Gen Z) watch Yasujiro Ozu's Tokyo Story (1953) for Hullabaloo Podcast — a cross-generational, queer film podcast about movies, music, books and pop culture. Is a slow, subtitled 1953 Japanese classic still worth watching today? Both hosts say yes, and both give it an A. In this spoiler-free Tokyo Story review and discussion, they talk about why the film is easier to follow than people expect, Ozu's famous pillow shots and low tatami camera angle, and the film's central question: do busy adult children still make time for their ageing parents? They also dig into the train as a symbol of time and modernity, post-war Japan and the generation gap, Noriko — the widowed daughter-in-law who shows the parents real kindness — and why Ozu refuses simple heroes and villains. Every character, they argue, is someone we have all been at some point. If you love classic cinema, Japanese cinema, slow cinema, or thoughtful film analysis, this one is for you. Perfect late-night viewing, and essential watching for film students. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Hullabaloo 01:07 First impressions — don't fear the subtitles 08:30 The story — elderly parents visit their children in Tokyo 10:20 The train of life, post-war Japan and modernity 12:13 Noriko and the difficulty of showing goodness on screen 21:10 Why this podcast exists — bridging Gen X and Gen Z 29:37 The doctor son, the busy daughter and the spa trip 33:19 Respect for elders, community and responsibility 46:16 Grace for each generation in the systems we live in 51:47 Our ratings — both give it an A, plus Ozu's cinematography 57:31 Final verdict — a film every film student should see Subscribe to Hullabaloo Podcast for cross-generational movie, book and music discussions through a queer lens. #TokyoStory, #YasujiroOzu, #Ozu, #JapaneseCinema, #ClassicCinema, #FilmAnalysis, #MovieReview, #SlowCinema, #FamilyDrama, #GenXvsGenZ, #QueerPodcast, #LGBTQPodcast, #HullabalooPodcast

  3. Sep 23

    Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Review: Improv, Lies & The Dinner Party From Hell | Hullabaloo

    🎙️ Welcome back to the Hullabaloo Podcast with Chad Church (Gen X) and Nikolai Phalen (Gen Z)! In this episode, we tackle Mike Nichols’ legendary 1966 cinematic pressure-cooker, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. We break down the sheer brutality of George and Martha’s psychological mind games, Elizabeth Taylor's Oscar-winning transformation, and how this landmark film shattered Hollywood standards and ushered in the modern MPAA rating system. Along the way, the film’s domestic battlefield sparks wild real-life parallels: Chad shares a bizarre survival story from Costa Rica involving a Mercedes Unimog and eccentric roommates, while Nikolai recounts an intense New York City chapter involving predatory nightlife dynamics, staying in shelters, and learning to spot sociopathic behavior. Whether you consider this film an endurance test or the ultimate "gym of cinema," join us as we bridge Gen X and Gen Z perspectives on toxic love, queer icons, and classic filmmaking. 💬 Let us know in the comments: What is your personal rating for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Have you ever had a real-life George & Martha "GTFO" moment? ⏳ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro: Smoothies, Mustaches & Hullabaloo Vibes 01:39 - Introducing "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" 04:10 - Suburbia’s Dark Facade & Escalating Tension 07:07 - Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton & Method Madness 12:45 - The Living Room Battlefield & Recognizing "GTFO" Moments 20:06 - Elizabeth Taylor: Queer Icon, Humanness & Oscar Glory 26:37 - Gaining Weight for Roles: Artistic Dedication vs. Obsession 30:51 - Chad’s Story: Unimogs, Rottweilers & Costa Rica Chaos 43:40 - Nikolai’s Story: NYC Nightlife, Survival & Dodging Predators 55:26 - Breaking Down the Ending: The Truth Behind the "Son" 1:00:02 - The Umbrella Gun & Misplaced Improv Actors 1:02:02 - The Legacy: How "Virginia Woolf" Created the R-Rating 1:04:31 - Final Scores & Sign-Off 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly movie breakdowns, queer pop culture deep-dives, book reviews, and cross-generational commentary! 🎧 LISTEN TO THE FULL AUDIO EPISODE: • Spotify: Hullabaloo Podcast • Apple Podcasts: Hullabaloo Podcast 📲 CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @HullabalooPodcast • TikTok: @HullabalooPodcast • Facebook: Hullabaloo Podcast

  4. Aug 6

    Madonna’s Confessions, Berlin Queer Culture, & Italian Villa Update | Ep 19 | Hullabaloo Podcast

    Madonna’s Confessions, Berlin Queer Culture, & Italian Villa Update | Ep 19 | Hullabaloo Podcast In this episode of Hullabaloo Podcast, Chad and Nikolai bridge the Gen X and Gen Z gap for a deep dive into Madonna’s iconic discography, reviewing Confessions on a Dance Floor and comparing it to her broader legacy, reinvention, and resilience against industry ageism. 🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO HULLABALOO PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts — If you enjoyed the episode, please take 30 seconds to leave us a 5-star rating and review! Spotify: Listen on Spotify — Follow Hullabaloo Podcast on Spotify and hit the bell icon so you never miss a new drop!Episode Breakdown: Before the album review, the hosts unpack Mercury retrograde partnership dynamics and executive coaching strategies for conflict resolution. Nikolai recounts his experiences at Berlin’s Hole Festival, discussing open queer spaces versus scene hierarchies and giving a shoutout to trans DJ Juliana Huxtable. Meanwhile, Chad shares a massive personal milestone: winning a legal victory to officially claim ownership of his 5-bedroom villa in Italy. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Mercury Retrograde & Executive Coaching Strategies for Conflict Resolution15:24 - Berlin’s Hole Festival, Queer Scene Hierarchies, & DJ Culture33:15 - Major Life Update: Chad Wins Legal Ownership of His Italian Villa38:51 - Hullabaloo Recommends: Downbeat House Music & DJ Juliana Huxtable42:32 - Deep Dive: Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor vs. Confessions 2 56:05 - Reinvention, Ageism, & The Difference Between Pop Performers & Visionaries1:12:43 - Final Album Ratings & Wrap-Up

  5. Jul 29

    Why Fame Destroyed Lena Dunham's Family | Hullabaloo Podcast | Ep 15

    In this episode, we bridge the generational gap by analyzing Lena Dunham's vulnerable new memoir, FameSick. We discuss the dark side of finding massive success in your early twenties, unpacking how the gravity of Dunham's fame ultimately cost her the relationship with her brother. We also break down the painful, opportunistic betrayal by her mentor, Jenny, and the accountability it takes to own your mistakes. Before the book review, we talk about the exhaustion of the Barcelona Fringe Festival, review Olivia Rodrigo's newest album You Look Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, and go on a heated rant about the government shutdown. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Catch-up: The grueling reality of performing at the Barcelona Fringe Festival. 11:42 - Political rant: The government shutdown, Pete Buttigieg, and calling your senators. 18:28 - Nikolai reviews Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, You Look Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. 21:58 - Chad’s advice on finding comfort in classic music like Simon & Garfunkel. 26:36 - Deep dive into Lena Dunham’s FameSick: Navigating early-twenties fame and addiction. 35:19 - The Golden Child: How Lena’s massive success destroyed her relationship with her brother. 44:43 - The ultimate betrayal: Breaking down Jenny’s opportunism and their friendship divorce. 50:46 - Final ratings: Why FameSick is the ultimate antidote to communal shame. #FameSick #PopCultureReview #GenerationalGap #QueerCulture

  6. Jul 15

    Why Ordinary People Is the Ultimate Grief Film | Ep 18

    Ordinary People, Grief Archetypes & Politics (with Chad & Nikolai) | Ep 18 In this episode, we bridge the generational gap between Gen X and Gen Z by analyzing Robert Redford's 1980 directorial debut, Ordinary People. We break down the complex family dynamics of grief, exploring how Mary Tyler Moore’s character uses rigidity and perfectionism as a maladaptive coping mechanism. We also contrast the "boilerplate" representation of Conrad's intrusive thoughts with the rare, well-adjusted grief of Donald Sutherland's character. Before the film deep-dive, we catch up on the grueling reality of producing comedy at the Barcelona Fringe Festival, the exhaustion of the current political climate, and why calling your senators is the only way to sleep at night. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Catch-up: The exhaustion of staging comedy at the Barcelona Fringe Festival. 11:42 - Political rant: Frustrations with Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and the government shutdown. 17:26 - Shoutout to Zohran Mamdani and the importance of calling your senators. 31:14 - Introducing Ordinary People, Robert Redford's 1980 feature debut. 37:29 - Analyzing Mary Tyler Moore’s character: Perfectionism and emotional rigidity. 50:47 - Exploring Timothy Hutton’s character and the archetypes of cinematic grief. 1:02:09 - Why Donald Sutherland’s well-adjusted grieving father is a rare depiction in film. 1:12:00 - Final ratings: Chad's 10/10 vs. Nikolai's 4.1/5 debate. If you liked this, listen to our deep dive on: https://youtu.be/3QtfCtlhEzA?si=IJMx2vk2gH5p9Y1j #OrdinaryPeople #QueerCulture #PopCultureReview #GenerationalGap

  7. Jul 3

    Why Society Treated Brokeback Mountain Like a Joke | Ep 17

    Brokeback Mountain, Coming Out, & Pride (with Chad & Nikolai) | Ep 26 In this special Pride episode, we bridge the generational gap between Gen X and Gen Z gay culture by revisiting the cultural impact of Brokeback Mountain. We discuss the horrific realities of gay bashing and the Matthew Shepard case, debate whether the concept of "coming out of the closet" places an unfair burden on the LGBTQ+ community, and analyze the purposeful ambiguity of the film's tragic ending. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Disclaimers on explicit verbiage and the reality of gay bashing 31:46 - The systemic homophobia and apathy of the 1980s, 90s, and post-9/11 era 37:39 - Why "coming out of the closet" is an unfair expectation for queer people 56:04 - How Brokeback Mountain was reduced to a punchline in the 2000s 1:01:44 - The debate over Jack's death and Anne Hathaway's character 1:08:50 - Jake Gyllenhaal’s humility on set and avoiding the celebrity ego trip If you liked this, listen to our deep dive on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWOfhMcXcko #BrokebackMountain #QueerCinema #QueerCulture #GenerationalGap

  8. Jun 19

    Why Nina Simone Was Denied Greatness | Ep 15

    The Tragic Reality of Nina Simone & Juneteenth (with Rise Cornelius) | Ep 15 In this episode, we bridge the generational gap between Gen X and Gen Z by analyzing the legacy of Nina Simone and the ongoing realities of systemic racism. Joined by our first guest, Rise Cornelius, we break down how Nina Simone was unjustly denied entry into the Curtis Institute despite her classical brilliance. We discuss the deep exhaustion that comes with being a Black woman navigating white spaces, the gentrification of cultural hubs from California to Berlin, and the uncomfortable work required to practice true anti-racism today. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - How gentrification ruined the cultural authenticity of Denver and San Diego 15:17 - The tragic reality of Nina Simone's classical music rejection 35:58 - Rise Cornelius details her experience with systemic police escalation in Berlin 42:11 - How Gen X white men started unlearning racism after George Floyd 49:09 - The hidden racial context behind Nina Simone's "The Other Woman" 1:00:33 - What Juneteenth actually means to a Black woman living in Europe 1:20:02 - The first step white people must take to actively practice anti-racism #NinaSimone #Juneteenth #GenerationalGap #LGBTQHistory #QueerCulture #LGBTQMedia #GayPodcasters #PopCultureReview #GenerationalGap #ChadChurch #NikolaiPhalen #HullabalooPodcast #racism #blacklivesmatter If you liked this, listen to our deep dive on: https://youtu.be/DCASbBCd4E0?si=mBL-sGfQsIYLQYQW

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We come bearing electrifying news! We're here today to announce Hullabaloo: A cross-generational media consumption podcast from us, @its.k0lya and @beyondborderswithchad. We have been working towards its launch since the beginning of fall and there is a lot we have to share with you! For a little background, we're well aware that the podcast space is bloated, but we are really confident that we have something special. Both of us, Chad and Nikolai, are members of the LGBTQIA community from two different races and two different generations with an incredible friendship. As writing partners of many years with a great mutual appreciation for art, literature, music, and film, we realized that instead of just a book club or movie night podcast, or a podcast only exploring the generational divide, we would use media and our consumption of it as a way of understanding the unique perspectives we each hold and share. The media is a bridge between Generation X and Generation Z—and by the way, all the stuff we consume is KUNT! What you have to look forward to in upcoming episodes: Texas Chainsaw Massacre Rob Reiner and Being Charlie Tokyo Story A political podcast about the current American administration (Not a Fan!) Jonathan Livingston Seagull Rosalía's Lux Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown The Birdcage The Joy Luck Club Beach Boys — Pet Sounds Ordinary People Personal story episodes about bad bosses Personal story episodes about travel experiences and culture Kathy Griffin and Friends Joan Didion's The White Album And much, much more! So without further ado, from us to you, it's Hullabaloo. First episode drops February 11th. See you then! Artwork from @mariiiinamares Follow us: Instagram: @HullabalooPodcast TikTok: @hullabaloopodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Nikolai Phalen
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nikolai Phalen
  • Show Website
    Hullabaloo Podcast