Michael and Us

We continue our patriotic streak by finally tackling one of the true Canadian cultural institutions of our childhoods. In the days of the monoculture, they defined Canadian political satire. And to many, they were a little bit lame. But today we ask: can we reclaim THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE? PLUS: What is "imperialist realism"?

PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/michaelandus/posts/746-chicken-170944703

With Luke returning from a week in the Algonquin wilderness, we discuss another great Canadian outdoorsman, Troy Hurtubise. We discuss the cult documentary PROJECT GRIZZLY (1996), about one man's quixotic journey to create a big metal suit that withstand a bear attack. PLUS: On the right-of-centre politics of the reigning Canadian Liberal government, and a scene report from the Toronto International Film Festival.

Watch Project Grizzly online - https://www.nfb.ca/film/project_grizzly/

Join us on Patreon for an extra episode every week - https://patreon.com/michaelandus

Check out the official Michael & Us website and episode guide - https://michael-and-us.com/

Shortly before he was unceremoniously cancelled, Morgan Spurlock (y'all remember him?) directed a documentary about the legendary Simpsons episode "Homer at the Bat." Sort of. We discuss SPRINGFIELD OF DREAMS: THE LEGEND OF HOMER SIMPSON (2017). PLUS: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times in popular cinema - and our financial system is to blame.

Join us on Patreon for an extra episode every week - https://patreon.com/michaelandus

Check out our official website and episode guide - https://michael-and-us.com/

"Why Netflix Only Champions Crap" by Coleman Spilde - https://www.salon.com/2026/09/02/why-netflix-only-champions-crap-like-the-whisper-man-the-last-house/

Watch SPRINGFIELD OF DREAMS if you dare - https://vimeo.com/1131490789

We mark the quarter-century anniversary of 9/11 by watching the Adam Sandler film REIGN OVER ME (2007), a movie that proves that there's nothing Hollywood can't turn into grist for the mill. PLUS: Thoughts on the legacy of the late Gloria Steinem.

PATREON-EXCLUSIVE EPISODE - https://www.patreon.com/michaelandus/posts/743-they-covet-169479427

In 1967, the creator of the modern conservative movement welcomed one of the most beloved comedians of all time to debate whether the world is fundamentally funny or tragic. The results may surprise you. We discuss William F. Buckley vs. Groucho Marx on FIRING LINE.

Join us on Patreon for an extra episode every week - https://patreon.com/michaelandus

Check out the Michael & Us website and episode guide - https://michael-and-us.com/

"Conservatism's Baton Twirler" by Osita Nwanevu - https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2025/09/25/conservatisms-baton-twirler-william-f-buckley/

"The MAGA Media Machine is Fracturing" by Stuart A. Thompson - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/us/politics/trump-iran-economy-media-critics.html

"Know Your Enemy: Zohran, the Jews, and Reckoning with Gaza" by Matthew Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell - https://dissentmagazine.org/online_articles/know-your-enemy-zohran-the-jews-and-reckoning-with-gaza/