Rounders

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Ever wondered how a film can ignite a pop-culture phenomenon? 'Rounders' did just that for poker, and Jesse and Jason dissect this seminal movie's impact on the felt and beyond. We dive into the world of high-stakes poker, the unforgettable lines delivered by Edward Norton and John Malkovich, and the quirky behind-the-scenes moments that made this movie a cult classic. And while we're at it, we don't skirt around the less-than-stellar portrayal of female characters like Gretchen Moll's Jo, a stark reminder of an issue that persists in cinema.

Picture this: a bar night gone awry thanks to one man's jukebox obsession, and then imagine that jukebox is the poker table of life—this is the kind of storytelling you're in for. Jesse and Jason share their own brushes with poker, inspired by Matt Damon's underrated performance and the game-changing introduction of the card camera in televised poker. But it's not all laughs and nostalgia; the darker crevices of the gambling world come to light as we discuss the movie's depiction of debt, risk, and the thrill of the game.

Finally, what's a conversation about 'Rounders' without debating the metaphorical implications of poker in our daily decisions? We examine the tension between fate and free will as showcased through the film's characters and their tumultuous lives. Whether it's an innocent game of Uno or a high-stakes hand at the Taj Mahal, the episode is a full house of insights, critiques, and perhaps a few life lessons tucked in between the laughs. So, ante up and tune in for an episode that deals with much more than just cards.

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Music produced by Joey Prosser. @mrjoeyprosser