No Preamble

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0800

Sarah finally got around to playing through Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order after three starts and utilizing Story mode. Her and Ethan, at long last, get to dig into the game mechanics, Star Wars lore, character arcs, and story.

Content Warning: Strong language, discussion of fictional trauma

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Without further ado. Scream (1996)!

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:45:00 -0800

Finally. At long last. After 22 episodes of talking about talking about Scream, Ethan finally gets his wish. A full episode of Sarah and Ethan celebrating the iconic slasher film that refreshed the tired genre in 1996.

Content Warning: Strong language, gore, and violence

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Gunn gets Superman in his 2025 Superman film

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0800

After a long hiatus, Ethan and Sarah are back at it to discuss James Gunn's 2025 Superman! An episode packed with general impressions, theories, comic book lore and inspirations, and — of course — an appreciation for the needle drops.

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

"We did what?!" Getting hyped for Pathfinder 2e!

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 22:00:00 -0800

As Ethan prepares to start a level 1 Pathfinder 2e (PF2e) campaign, he and Sarah discuss the setting, premise, character concepts, tarot inspiration, and somehow a variety of anime and other media. With a looming mystery of lost time and a mysterious payment, this unusual trio will soon be set loose in the city of Absalom to wreck havoc and sidetrack all of Ethan's plans.

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

"Wyrd Sisters" by Terry Pratchett - Ethan introduces Sarah to Disc World!

Tue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 -0800

At long last, Sarah finishes reading a Disc World novel, starting with "Wyrd Sisters" by the acclaimed Terry Pratchett. Ethan kindly gifted her a copy, knowing the premise of grumpy Granny Weatherwax would appeal to her sensibilities. And right he was! But did Sarah enjoy the book was a whole? Will she become a Disc World fan as Ethan intends? And why does Sarah keep saying "Magrat" like that?

Content Warning: Strong language, sexual themes

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Champions Chat: Spider-Man

Tue, 14 May 2024 10:30:00 -0800

In another solo outing (because Sarah didn't do her homework!), Ethan continues to ramble about his favorite card game, Marvel Champions. This time, he takes a look at Spider-Man's signature cards.

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Champions Chat: Captain Marvel

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0800

In another solo outing, Ethan continues to ramble about his favorite card game, Marvel Champions. This time, he takes a look at Captain Marvel's signature cards. He also apologizes for the... somewhat diminished audio quality of this particular episode.

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

"Lake Mungo" (2008) - can death haunt you?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0800

Sarah is pleasantly surprised that Ethan's recommendation for a scary move, "Lake Mungo", isn't actually very scary but is also very good. She is still, to this day, wondering where the alleged jump scare will be. Ethan and Sarah break down the themes of "Lake Mungo" and discuss why this mockumentary should be boring but is actually engaging and thought provoking.

Content Warning: Discussion of suicide, sexual content, strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Dungeon Crawler Carl - NEW ACHIEVEMENT! We finished the book! Reward? This episode!

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0800

Sarah convinces Ethan to listen to the audiobook for "Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG Adventure", written by Matt Dinniman and narrated by Jeff Hays, after friend Kevin convinced Sarah to listen to it.

Does Carl and Princess Donut's journey through the sadistic dungeon live up to the hype? Will Ethan, afflicted with a terrible curse, make it through the entire audiobook? Did those knockers really need to be that big?

Content Warning: Strong language, fantasy violence, sexual themes

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Ethan talks Iron Man in Marvel Champions card game

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0800

In a rare solo episode, Ethan talks about his favorite card game, Marvel Champions. After a brief explanation of how the game works, he examines one of the games many playable characters: Iron Man.

Content Warning: Language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Currently Playing: Cassette Beasts and Final Fantasy VII Remake

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0800

Ethan and Sarah discuss the games they've been recently playing, and get sidetracked along the way. Sarah has been enamored with the charming monster taming Cassette Beasts while Ethan replays beloved classic Final Fantasy VII Remake in preparation for Rebirth.

Content Warning: Strong language, brief reference to a scene in FFVII (original) involving sexual assault, transphobia, and homophobia.

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Perfect Blue (1997) - Satoshi Kon's reflection on women in Japan's entertainment industry

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:05:00 -0800

"Perfect Blue" (1997) was director Satoshi Kon's first major film. It was also Ethan's latest recommendation to Sarah. And it was a trip! Bewildered, Sarah has to piece together the plot and twists, while Ethan helps parse the narrative and overarching themes.

This animated psychological thriller is set in Japan during the 90s. Mima Kirigoe, a young woman and famous idol singer, is looking to shake up her career. Her transition into acting is an uphill battle and comes at a great cost. Satoshi Kon critiques Japan's film and television industry through Mima's challenges. Simultaneously, he draws attention to the way the public perceives actors, particularly young women, in a way that is still relevant today. But nothing is straight forward.

Content Warning: This film contains scenes or themes of sexual assault, rape, exploitation of young women, stalkers, and violence. We also discuss the film's interpretation of mental illness. Strong language.

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Is the Spider-Man 2 (PS5) video game woke? Yes it is and we're not sorry!

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0800

After spending too much time online Sarah finally snaps and coerces Ethan into talking about whether or not the 2023 PS5 game "Spider-Man 2" is woke. With empathy, care, and a wealth of comic book knowledge the hosts have a wide-ranging discussion. What is "woke"? Why does comic-adjacent media need diverse versions of classic heroes? Why is it okay to "race swap" white heroes but not minority heroes? Are disabilities woke? Is caring for planet Earth woke?

Is Spider-Man 2 woke?

Content Warning: Strong language, discussing representation of disabilities and mental illness, repeated use of the word "woke", two white people talking about diversity and trying their best

This episode does NOT contain major spoilers for Spider-Man 2.

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

A battery on their tummy! Talking Horizon Forbidden West, D&D, TTRPG, board games, and more!

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0800

In celebration of releasing 10 episodes, Ethan and Sarah enjoy a chill recording to catch up on hobbies. Sarah is back in the Dungeon Master's seat playing D&D with a new group. Meanwhile, Ethan is captivated by the world of Horizon: Forbidden West and the Zero Dawn board game.

Content Warning: Brief language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Novel "Bloody Rose" is another welcome tour through Nicholas Eames' fantasy world

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0800

"Bloody Rose" is the sequel to the "Kings of the Wyld" novel by Nicholas Eames. While Ethan reads it Sarah re-reads it, because her memory is terrible. Does it hold up as a sequel? Are the characters as lovable as Saga's band members? Is Cura the coolest character? Sarah and Ethan have some opinions on character deaths, the writing of substance abuse, story crafting, and the Chekhov's Gun that never was.

Contains spoilers for the novels "Kings of the Wyld" and "Bloody Rose" by Nicholas Eames.

Content Warning: Strong language, drugs, alcohol, addiction and substance abuse, mental health, fantasy violence and death.

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

"Klaus" - a refreshingly unique approach to Christmas movie traditions

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas! What says "Christmas" more than the postal service and a bitter family rivalry? Sarah and Ethan discuss the unique premise of Netflix's holiday film "Klaus" (2019) and why it especially works for their personal tastes. Director Sergio Pablos and the talented team of writers have created a truly interesting twist on the holiday tropes and Santa Claus mythos. With a little suspension of disbelief Ethan and Sarah walk through the plot, amazing voice cast, characters, and art direction of Klaus. It's a must-see holiday movie!

Content Warning: Strong language, death and loss

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Humor and heart make "Kings of Wyld" a must read fantasy novel

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0800

At long last Ethan reads "Kings of the Wyld" per the recommendation of Sarah and the glowing reviews of his wife (both of whom have impeccable tastes in media). Spoiler alert: he loved it and thus Ethan and Sarah discuss the world, characters, and story that Nicholas Eames has crafted. There's a lot to enjoy with Pratchett-esque humor, a refreshing POV character, and an endless bounty of fantasy genre references.

Contains spoilers for the novels "Kings of the Wyld" and "Bloody Rose" by Nicholas Eames.

Content Warning: Strong language, brief references to drugs and alcohol, fantasy violence and death.

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Spider-Man 2 (PS5) a rogue's gallery of redeemable villains. And Kraven is there, too!

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Peter Parker and Miles Morales are back in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5) and Sarah and Ethan are hyped for it! Returning alongside the spider men are a host of familiar villains, many of which are notably reformed and taking a break from crime. Ethan and Sarah dig into how Insomniac handles these characters and their rehabilitation, contrasted by the brutal Kraven, the twisted Flame cult, and the alien symbiote Venom.

Contains major spoilers for Spider-Man 2.

Content Warning: Strong language, fictional violence

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

James Gunn and the art of the Needle Drop

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Through his tasteful use of "needle drops" director James Gunn has crafted heartfelt and thematic soundtracks, where each song elevates the story without overstaying its welcome. Ethan and Sarah explore the music of "The Suicide Squad" (2021) and the "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy in an effort to showcase and understand these masterful soundtracks. Both hosts bring to the table their favorite OST picks for discussion. Some songs are silly, others score epic fight sequences, and a few are emotionally impactful in deeply personal ways.

Content Warning: Strong language, fictional violence, sexual references, themes of depression

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Transitions SFX © Lloyd Richards 2023 - http://www.lloydrichards.net/transitions

SFX Helicopter sound effect from Pixabay

Featured Music Snippets

Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler | Composed and produced by Jim Steinman | Labels: CBS and Columbia

Come and Get Your Love - Redbone | Label: Epic

Hooked on a Feeling - Blue Swede | Written by Mark James | Produced by Chips Moman | Label: Scepter

Moonage Daydream - David Bowie | Written and produced by David Bowie | Labels: RCA and B&C

Cherry Bomb - The Runaways | Composed by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley | Label: Mercury

Ooh Child - Five Stairsteps | Written and produced by Stan Vincent | Label: Buddah | Performed by Chris Pratt from "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra | Written and produced by Jeff Lynne | Label: Frontiers

The Chain - Fleetwood Mac | Label: Warner Bros.

Southern Nights - Glen Campbell | Written and produced by Allen Toussaint | Cover produced by Gary Klein | Label: Capitol

Come a Little Bit Closer - Jay and the Americans | Produced by Artie Ripp | Label: United Artists

Creep - Radiohead | Written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazelwood | Labels: Parlophone and Capitol

No Sleep till Brooklyn - Beastie Boys | Produced and co-written by Rick Rubin | Labels: Def Jam and Columbia Records

Since You Been Gone - Rainbow | Written by Russ Ballard | Cover produced by Roger Glover | Label: Polydor

Dog Days Are Over - Florence + the Machine | Written by Florence Welch and Isabella Summers | Produced by James Ford | Labels: Universal Island, Moshi Moshi, and IAMSOUND

People Who Died - Jim Carroll Band | Produced by Earl McGrath | Label: ATCO

Whistle for the Choir - the Fratellis | Written by John Fratelli | Produced by Tony Hoffer | Label: Drop the Gun

Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody - Louis Prima | Produced by Voyle Gilmore | Label: Atlantic

Getting into the spooky spirit with "Trick 'r Treat" (2007)

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Happy Halloween! Ethan posits that Halloween horror is a different beast from the traditional horror genre. Exhibit A: "Trick 'r Treat" the 2007 anthology film that takes place on Halloween night. Sarah dives into the movie, intent on dissecting it. Instead, she comes back bewildered. A spooky good time, "Trick 'r Treat" is a strong argument to back Ethan's point.

Content Warning: Strong language, sexual content, fictional violence, and gore

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Nostalgia in Media: The good, the bad, and the greedy

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Nostalgia is a powerful, but often abused, tool in popular media. Sarah and Ethan get into what makes nostalgia good and effective and where it goes wrong. Why are the biggest IPs the worst offenders of creating lifeless husks? Why do fans and nerds love to see recognizable characters and references? Does the Scream franchise get it right? Did Star Trek or Star Wars do nostalgia better?

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Featured Music Snippets

You Snowin' Me? from Star Trek (2009) | Michael Giacchino and the Hollywood Studio Symphony | ℗ 2010 Paramount Pictures

Red Right Hand from Scream 5 (2022) | Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds | ℗ Mute Records

Why the Music of The Rise of the Skywalker Felt Misleading - By YouTuber "Sideways" about how the music in Rise of the Skywalker is misleading and capitalizes, badly, on fan nostalgia.

Experiencing John Carpenter's 1982 masterpiece "The Thing" for the first time

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Convinced by Ethan's love of horror films, Sarah finally watches John Carpenter's classic "The Thing" (1982) for the first time. As an iconic movie in the genre there's a lot to unpack, from strong characterizations to the timeless monster designs. Can Sarah and Ethan answer long-standing questions: does a thing remain at the end of the movie? Is that alcohol or oil in that bottle? Did Blair get a chance to use that noose?

Content Warning: Fictional violence, gore, fictional violence against animals, strong language, references to alcohol and recreational drugs, and mention of suicide.

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Featured Music Snippets

Halloween Theme - Main Title (1979) | Produced and Performed by John Carpenter

The Thing - Main Theme (1982) | Composed by Ennio Morricone | Produced and Performed by John Carpenter

How to get into Digimon according to Ethan

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Digimon is a sprawling franchise with manga, anime, movies, video games, trading card games, collectible figures, and peripherals. For many, it is a forgotten piece of childhood, yet the fanbase thrives. Ethan, the resident Digimon expert and longtime fan, breaks down for Sarah all the ways a newcomer can get into the Digimon franchise without being overwhelmed.

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

Featured Music Snippets

Digimon Adventure Opening Theme english dub | Paul Gordon

Butter-Fly | Composed by Chiwata Hidenori | Performed by Wada Kouji

The Myriad Hobbies of Ethan and Sarah

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0800

Hosts Ethan and Sarah start a podcast about everything and kick it off with their hobbies of choice. Video games, music, cooking, kayaking, Digimon, gunpla model kits, movies, miniature painting, X-Men — too many hobbies, not enough time. But there's always time to doom scroll through Reddit!

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi

But First, Some Preamble! (Trailer) with future episode sneak peeks

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:15:00 -0800

Welcome to "No Preamble: Nerds Talking About Stuff" featuring hosts Ethan (he/him) and Sarah (she/her). This is an unscripted discussion show in which two friends geek out about the media and hobbies they enjoy.

Ethan brings the energy and pizazz while Sarah keeps it grounded with a healthy dose of deadpan. Both passionate about getting straight into the details of what makes media memorable, impactful, fun, or down right mediocre.

From pop-culture to retro classics, across genres and mediums, there's something for everyone here at "No Preamble".

New episodes every other Tuesday at 5am Pacific / 8am Eastern.

Content Warning: Strong language

No Preamble website

Attributions

Intro Theme: Game Boy | Written by Andrew Stanton | Produced and Performed by Ender

Outro Theme: Faxel-Hecked | Written and Performed by Matteo Galesi