Special Topics in Media

Special Topics in Media Studies is a lecture-based podcast that tackles media history one artifact at a time. Each season of the series we will investigate a different mass media theme, medium, or programming genre. While our focus is educational (it is an academic podcast after all), we tailor our conversations toward a broad audience of media enthusiasts.

Podcasting since 2022 • 187 episodes

Special Topics in Media

Latest Episodes

Conference Spotlight Series (ICA): Future Shock Sci-Fi in Disney's The Mandalorian

This summer, Special Topics in Media is hitting the road. As part of our "Summer Conference Series", our first stop is at the International Communication Association (ICA) 76th Annual Convention in Cape Town, South Africa. This year, S...

July 28, 2026 • Season 14 • Episode 1 • 1:02:51

Film Listology: #68 - Ben-Hur

The "Film Listology" odyssey continues with an epic sword-and-sandals Award Winner from Hollywood's Golden Age: Ben-Hur (1959), directed by William Wyler. This twice-adapted film, remade again in 2016, tells the story of politics spoiling frien...

July 07, 2026 • Season 8 • Episode 51 • 1:50:37

Film Listology: #69 - Jaws

It's our 50th episode of the "Film Listology" longform season on Special Topics in Media. In our Super Index composite of Top Film ratings and rankings, the #69 entrant represents an all-time classic. But for whom? Host Garret Cas...

June 23, 2026 • Season 8 • Episode 50 • 2:19:23

Film Listology: #70 - Blade Runner

The Special Topics in Media "Film Listology" season resumes with the #70 entry in the Super Index, the tech-noir cult masterpiece from director Ridley Scott in 1982, Blade Runner. Scott's film gained a notorious reputatio...

June 09, 2026 • Season 8 • Episode 49 • 2:09:47

Film Listology, Reveal Episode! #70-66

The "Film Listology" countdown resumes with a special reveal episode for films ranking #70-66 on the Listology Super Index. What movies make the cut? What commonality do these titles share? Scott McMurry joins Garret Castleberry to unveil the n...

June 02, 2026 • Season 8 • Episode 48 • 48:53