Willfully Wrought

E013 - The Inevitable Death of Physical Media?

In this episode of "Willfully Wrought," William & Wil discuss the decline of physical media. Wil highlights several concerning trends, such as Disney's discontinuation of physical media for Fox films, Warner Bros. shelving completed films for tax benefits, and major retailers like Best Buy and Target reducing physical movie stock. He emphasizes the potential loss of countless films to time and corporate decisions.

William counters by arguing that physical media, while nostalgic, is less convenient than digital formats and contributes to environmental waste. He acknowledges the necessity of preserving important works but believes the focus should shift to digital archiving.

The hosts also touch on ethical piracy, suggesting that if a film is unavailable legally, piracy might be justified to ensure its survival. They conclude by expressing their love for movies and the importance of sharing cinematic experiences with loved ones, regardless of the format. The episode ends on a lighter note with humorous exchanges about the quirks of various movies and personal anecdotes.

E014 - All in on Frieren

In this conversation, William and Wil delve into their thoughts on the anime series "Freiren: Beyond Journey's End." Both express profound admiration for the show, giving it high ratings and noting its unique storytelling and pacing. They praise the well-developed characters, highlighting specific episodes and moments, such as the emotional death of a main character and the introduction of Stark. The hosts highly recommend the series and eagerly anticipate future episodes. The discussion also focuses on character development, the exploration of time, the importance of knowledge, and relationship dynamics. They appreciate the absence of fan service, the effective use of humor, and the emotional resonance of certain episodes.

E012 - Show Swap

In this exciting episode of "Willfully Wrought," William and Wil dive into a variety of TV shows and thought-provoking topics. William shares his thoughts on the witty dialogue and comedic moments of "Coupling," while Wil highlights the intense magic battles and stunning transitions of the anime "I Was Reincarnated as the Seventh Prince." They both delve into the compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and unexpected twists of "Fargo" Season 2, Episode 1, and laugh along with the creative and humorous challenges of the British comedy show "Taskmaster."

Additionally, the hosts explore deep philosophical concepts such as the Dunning-Kruger effect and the egg theory. They wrap up with a preview of their next episode, focusing on the state of movies and the decline of physical media.

Tune in for laughter, insights, and a journey through the worlds of TV and philosophy. Find us on Spotify, Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and via email at willfullywrought@gmail.com. Enjoy the episode!

E011 - The Lore

Join William and Wil Weiss as they dive into the rich lore of various fantastical universes! From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the intricate tales of Game of Thrones, they explore the magical realms of Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth and the epic battles of Magic: The Gathering, unraveling the schemes of Nicol Bolas, the Elder Dragon.

Journey through the mythical landscapes of Dungeons and Dragons' Forgotten Realms, the high seas of One Piece, and the profound storytelling in Magic: The Gathering. They also touch on the Wheel of Time series, Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere.

Concluding with a discussion about the word 'wizard' and a teaser for the next episode, this conversation is packed with thrilling insights and magical tales that will ignite your imagination!

E010 - Youtubes

Join William and Wil as they dive into the fun and fascinating world of YouTube! They reminisce about early viral videos and the evolution of the platform since its 2005 launch, highlighting YouTube's massive growth and influence.

The hosts share their favorite content creators, like Kurzgesagt for science videos and Super Eyepatch Wolf for compelling video essays. They also discuss Quentin Smith's detailed tabletop RPG reviews and even YouTube Kids.

With a mix of nostalgia and humor, they explore YouTube's impact on our lives, from DIY tutorials to deep dives into Warhammer 40K and World of Warcraft lore. Tune in for a fun, engaging chat about all things YouTube!

E009 - Star Wars

Join the hosts and their guest as they dive deep into the galaxy far, far away! They kick things off by sharing their first Star Wars experiences, then debate the highs and lows of the original trilogy, prequels, and sequels. They also explore the ever-expanding universe through books and TV shows.

Get ready for hot takes on Rey's parentage, the sequel trilogy's flaws, and Disney's impact on the saga. They rave about "Star Wars Visions" and dream of new genres in the Star Wars world. Highlights include a breakdown of the "Andor" series, with its thrilling heists and stunning visuals, and the emotional journey of "Rebels," especially the love story of Kanan and Hera.

The hosts also share their imaginative ideas for future Star Wars stories, like a twisty non-Star Wars film and a show focused on the Guardians of the Well. From movies and TV shows to books and video games, this episode covers it all, celebrating the magic of Star Wars and its storytelling legacy.

E008 - Table Top

Join William and Wil as they dive into the vibrant world of tabletop games! They explore board games like Quacks of Quedlinburg, Dominion, and Munchkin, as well as collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering. Sharing their experiences and insights, they discuss game mechanics, competitive play, and the social dynamics of gaming.

They also touch on the impact of COVID-19, the tactile joy of physical games, and the debate between hard copy rule sets and digital tools. The hosts celebrate the diverse landscape of role-playing games, the importance of session zero, and the whimsical nature of game nights.

This episode is packed with gaming wisdom and enthusiasm, highlighting the joy of gathering around the table and the magic of role-playing adventures. Perfect for any tabletop gaming fan!

E007 - AI

In this captivating episode, William and Wil delve into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. They explore AI's definition, everyday applications, and the development of human-like robots, while tackling the ethical implications of AI in education. The hosts discuss AI's influence on human behavior, the use of generative AI, and the challenges of integrating AI into daily life and education.

They dive into the impact of generative AI on art, ethical considerations of AI-generated content, and AI's role in creative industries like television writing. The conversation emphasizes the need for responsible AI use, highlighting its limitations and potential in creative fields.

From the Turing test and AI in healthcare to the three laws of robotics and AI in science fiction, they explore AI's complexities, ethical dilemmas, and societal impact. They discuss self-awareness in AI, the fear of AI becoming too powerful, and AI as a reflection of humanity. Join them as they uncover AI's potential to shape human behavior and decision-making in this thought-provoking episode!