Tag Archives: Amazon

The Toy Department – Episode 187

  By toyAdmin | October 23, 2019 - 11:52 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 187, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky waste no time getting down to their many topics, specifically:

  • HBO’s new series Watchmen (1:20) and how an interesting premise, Damon Lindelof’s writing and Regina King’s ass-kicking are more than enough to hold your attention…
  • Netflix’s Living With Yourself (14:40) and its lead Paul Rudd, plus the enjoyable sports-related cameo…
  • The new Amazon series Modern Love (25:05) and how it succeeds at being both delightful and heart-yanking…
  • Jenny Slate’s stand-up special on Netflix (29:50) and how it delivers a uniquely Jenny Slate experience more than a set of jokes…
  • Some thoughts on the tip-off of NBA season (39:10) including some talk about the first two games, the favorites and the overall theme…
  • Homework for next week (1:04:20), including: the return of the Kominsky Method on Netflix, the return of Silicon Valley on HBO, the debut of Mrs. Fletcher on HBO, and two Netflix films — The Laundromat and Dolemite is My Name…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 183

  By toyAdmin | September 18, 2019 - 10:34 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 183, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky briefly address Madden’s recent travels before flying through:

  • Good Talk with Anthony Jeselnik on Comedy Central (2:10) and how he combines a podcast-like chat show with his signature evil humor…
  • ESPN’s new 30 for 30 on Dennis Rodman (8:05) — called Dennis Rodman: For Better or Worse — and the incredible story it tells…
  • Amazon’s trippy new series Undone (22:10), the effect of the animation style and the magnetism of Rosa Salazar…
  • A check-in on MTV’s The Challenge (29:35) which is absolutely thriving right now and providing peak reality entertainment…
  • A brief detour into social media (42:05) and sports commentary…
  • Homework for TWO weeks from now, after an off-week (45:00), including: Netflix’s Sacha Baron-Cohen drama The Spy, new network TV shows Stumptown and Mixed-ish, the return of The Good Place and NOT watching Shane Gillis on SNL…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 179

  By toyAdmin | August 21, 2019 - 8:16 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 179, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky exchange pleasantries and childcare thoughts before shuffling through:

  • The new film Good Boys (3:15) and how producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have once again made a delightful film of a very specific type…
  • Another Rogen/Goldberg joint, Amazon’s The Boys (13:05) and how both guys feel after the conclusion of its first season…
  • The premiere of The Righteous Gemstones (26:10), another deeply Danny McBride-ish dark comedy on HBO…
  • The return of Netflix’s Mindhunter (33:45) and some of the things that make it one of the best TV shows going…
  • Homework for next week (50:10), including: the new Showtime series On Becoming a God in Central Florida, Dave Chappelle’s new stand-up special and The Let Down (an Australian dramedy) on Netflix, plus two new albums — Little Brother’s May the Lord Watch and Sleater-Kinney’s The Center Won’t Hold…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 176

  By toyAdmin | July 31, 2019 - 11:17 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 176, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky have a quick chat about Madden’s concert-going exploits before delving into:

  • The premiere of the final season of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black (2:10), which Madden enjoyed more than Kolsky but also maybe Kolsky just needs to stick with it a little longer…
  • Amazon’s new Seth Rogen/Evan Goldberg production The Boys (10:15) and how it is different than any superhero show you’ve seen and pretty damn good…
  • The Showtime documentary Shangri-LA (16:20) and its fascinating subject Rick Rubin…
  • Chance the Rapper’s new album The Big Day (31:45) and how it is long but really quite good throughout…
  • Homework for next week (40:50), including: the premiere of Bachelor in Paradise (for real this time), the return of Dear White People on Netflix, the new season of HBO’s Hard Knocks (featuring the Oakland Raiders), a new HBO show – A Black Lady Sketch Show (from Issa Rae), Whitney Cummings’ new comedy special on Netflix and the new Tarantino film Once Upon A Time in Hollywood…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 172

  By toyAdmin | July 3, 2019 - 1:53 pm | Uncategorized
1 Comment

In Episode 172, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky briefly discuss their recording circumstances before jumping into the real meat:

  • The new Amazon series Too Old to Die Young (1:20) and how it really fails to come together in a meaningful way or show any particularly redeeming qualities…
  • Showtime’s new Roger Ailes show The Loudest Voice (11:35) and how its pilot delivered all the goods…
  • An extended NBA conversation (18:50) covering the free agent machinations and some thoughts on the teams that made big changes…
  • A brief conversation about USWNT soccer (55:25) trimmed down to NOT include senseless bickering about Landon Donovan’s ability (or lack thereof)…
  • Homework for next week (1:06:05), including: the new Aziz Ansari stand-up special on Netflix, Years and Years on HBO, the premiere of the American version of Love Island and — again — maybe seeing the movie Yesterday in theaters…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 169

  By toyAdmin | June 5, 2019 - 12:12 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 169, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky once again threaten their plans for a short podcast with the broadcaster jinx, before speeding through:

  • HBO’s Deadwood movie (1:30) and how it ties a nice bow on one of the great under-appreciated TV series of all time, plus some discussion of Vulture’s all-time HBO show rankings…
  • The Elton John biopic Rocketman (10:20) and how it succeeds in many ways despite apparently fitting into categories neither host particularly enjoys…
  • The Amazon series Good Omens (21:45) and how it feels like the writers and creators failed to flesh out their elevator pitch…
  • The Netflix show How To Sell Drugs Online Fast (25:15) and how it turns out to be of German origin but not entirely terrible…
  • Netflix’s new rom-com Always Be My Maybe (28:45) and how charming it is despite being rather rote…
  • A wrap on the second season of Killing Eve (37:45) and whether the show still has the promise of its first season…
  • Some quick NBA thoughts (44:10) in the middle of a compelling, if slow-moving, Finals series…
  • Homework for next week (50:30), when there may or may not be a podcast, including: the new season of Black Mirror on Netflix, the return of Big Little Lies on HBO, AMC’s new vampire series NOS4A2 and the conclusion of Billions …

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 168

  By toyAdmin | May 29, 2019 - 11:37 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 168, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky briefly discuss Madden’s tummy-ache before soldiering through and into:

  • The season finale of The Challenge (2:15) and why this is the absolute peak of reality TV entertainment…
  • The second season of Spike Lee’s Netflix show She’s Gotta Have It (15:45) and the undeniable charm of the film-making and lead actress…
  • The action thrill-ride of John Wick 3 (25:30) and how Derek probably should have just skipped it…
  • Derek’s experience watching Netflix’s horror-thriller The Perfection (46:45) and Kolsky’s decision to spend his time elsewhere…
  • The second season of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag on Amazon (49:40) and how nobody is better at being Phoebe Waller-Bridge than Phoebe Waller-Bridge…
  • The new reports detailing the rampant dysfunction in the LA Lakers organization (54:10) and just where the blame for the mess lies, plus some thoughts on Kevin Durant and people’s odd refusal to listen to what he actually says…
  • Homework for next week (1:16:30), including: wrapping up Season 2 of Killing Eve, heading to the theater to see Rocketman, the premiere of Good Omens on Amazon, the new Netflix show How To Sell Drugs Online Fast, the Netflix rom-com Always Be My Maybe, HBO’s new Deadwood movie and the NBA Finals…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 164

  By toyAdmin | April 24, 2019 - 12:00 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 164, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky obnoxiously reference their off-pod golf debate before getting back to business with:

  • The second episode of the final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones (1:50) and why Madden preferred the style of this week’s set-up to the premiere episode, plus an extended breakdown of who is likely to die this weekend…
  • Netflix’s animated anthology Love, Death & Robots (37:15) and how its short run time and ultra-realistic animation make for an interesting watch…
  • Amazon’s show Hanna (40:50) — based on the Saoirsie Ronan/Eric Bana movie of the same name — and what could make it stand out from the average action series or movie…
  • The Gad Elmaleh-starring Netflix series Huge in France (46:55) and whether its charm is enough to carry it without a lot of huge laughs…
  • The ongoing drama of the NBA Playoffs (50:50) with special focus on the greatness of Damian Lillard…
  • Homework for next week (1:06:15), including: Derek getting his act together and watching The New Negroes on BET/Comedy Central, another episode of Game of Thrones and EVEN MORE NBA playoff action…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 159

  By toyAdmin | March 20, 2019 - 12:22 pm | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 159, Derek Madden and Matt Kolsky literally talk about weather before moving into the world of pop culture to break down:

  • The upcoming NCAA Tournament (1:35) and Kolsky’s decision not to fill out a bracket…
  • The season finalé of Top Chef (9:30), with thoughts on food, contestants, judges and (of course) Padma…
  • Netflix’s new movie Triple Frontier (21:05) and whether it’s worthy of its cast…
  • The return of Showtime’s Billions (26:25) and how well it has developed a big cast of interesting characters…
  • The premiere of the final season of Catastrophe (32:00) on Amazon and whether it is still breaking new ground in season four…
  • The series finale of Pete Holmes’ HBO show Crashing (35:30) and how the guys would have liked to see more…
  • Homework for next week (43:50), including: the Mötley Crüe biopic The Dirt on Netflix, plus two Hulu shows — The Act and Shrill, and LOTS of college basketball…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS

The Toy Department – Episode 147

  By toyAdmin | December 19, 2018 - 11:29 am | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

In Episode 147, Derek Madden laments his frozen midwestern existence to former midwest sufferer Matt Kolsky before they break down:

  • How Alfonso Cuarón’s Netflix film Roma (4:20) fails to deliver on the hype, and what it says about the world of movie criticism… 
  • Another great episode of Top Chef (27:15) — who takes the blame for a shopping SNAFU, the lovability of NiNi and love for the Makers Mark chef… 
  • The brilliance and beauty of Momentum Generation (41:40) an HBO Sports documentary about a crew of surfers who changed the sport forever, led by all-time greatest Kelly Slater…
  • The Amazon series Patriot (51:20) and how neither host feels like they can make a definitive ruling after just two episodes of the first season…
  • Prodigious music phenom Billie Eilish (55:45) and what is most intriguing about her early output…
  • Homework for next week (1:02:40), including: watching Ellen’s new standup special on Netflix and prepping 2018 Top Ten lists (plus some mention of movies to watch over the holiday season)…

By the way, if you like this podcast, TELL A FRIEND!! And if you want to subscribe via iTunes/Stitcher/Google Play/etc. you can just click on the link below the player (and don’t forget to leave us a review!!)… And if you want to contact the Toy Department, it’s easy — find us at ToyDepartmentPod (at) gmail.com… or tweet us: @MaddenOnAir & @thekolsky.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS