Morphin' Buddies

We open this episode with a surprise guest and a conversation about slow, boomer technology. Later on, Gianni gets into his current JRPG obsession, confusing Snapple facts, and more science based listener emails!

This book gets deeply into a slaughterhouse, which was unexpected. Kacey schools Gianni on cow tipping (and how it's terrible!). Plus, hate towards centipedes and long limbs, subs vs dubs, and squid dynamics. All that and more in this week's episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

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We open this episode with a celebration and SHOTS! Kacey has some great news and Gianni harkens back to his college days with a familiar alcohol choice. A game is played and they defend their choices with ten toes down.

Within the meat of the episode lies android drama, a Wild Card, Mission Impossible coins, and one of the hosts feels like they're having a stroke. Plus, has Jake gone back to sucking?? All that and more in this week's tipsy episode.

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

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We open this episode with an ATTACK.....OF ALLERGIES!! Both Kacey and Gianni complain about the amount of pollen in the air. But that's not the only thing in the air...Gianni also comments on how many people he knows that are getting married and the crushing reality of his loneliness (just kidding, he's actually ok. Probably.)

Later on, we get into a genius idea sent to us in an email, what actually is the Ellimist and who we'd pick to play him, and a satisfying romantic reveal! All that and more in this episode!

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Brrrrrr!! We voyage to the north pole this episode and open with a very creative listener email and some new science Gianni discovered recently! Then, Kacey gives a shout out, Gianni discusses his new #1 enemy, and a slight distraction of body horror leads us to talk about our favorite horror/thriller movies. With this book containing hologram variables, a grey area of (potential) racism, and the morality of eating a dead seal parent in front of her babies, what else could you want in a story?! All that and more in this week's episode!

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This week's episode, we open with Snapple love and an email from a new morphin' bud! Gianni brings up some of his favorite movies, Game of Thrones, and his frustrations with things being too goofy while Kacey enjoys the goofiness and teases a possible return of the Helmacrons. 

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Apologies for the mistake two weeks ago but we are now back on track! This episode contains a fan email about morphing healing wounds, conversations about spooky books, angry toast monsters, and TRASH (reality tv) TALK.

Connect to Mother Sky and Father Deep with us as we explore this offshoot of Animorphs!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

EDIT: Whoops! Sorry folks! Got my episodes mixed up this week and uploaded the wrong episode. Hork Bajir Chronicles will be uploaded next instead of book 24 and then we'll be back in the correct order. My apologies! Enjoy the early release!

Romance blossoms throughout this episode! We open up with a shout out to a beautiful bookshop in NYC and a new series Kacey has started on her own. Gianni comments on what he's missing and they both talk about enjoying slop.

As we get more into the episode, Before Sunrise gets called out with...

Here we are at the end of the David trilogy! We open with our science buddy Ryan and "Just a Bird" Jimmy, sending us emails on more science facts and our bird friend became a MURDERER?! Then, a twist ending on a stressful test Gianni takes (can our buddies see the results before they're revealed??)

Plus, overdramatic acting, boners in the sky, pitched tag lines for the next book, and a surprise vegetable comparison!

Will David be stopped?? Will Kacey remember the ending?? And will Gianni finally end his search for a better book than...

Gianni has physically made it out of the closet! Kacey and Gianni briefly cover their mental wellbeing at the start and Gianni talks about going to see a psychic. Our science buddy Ryan hits us up with some dinosaur education, we discuss the absolute ass that is David, and the hologram within a hologram within a hologram (Is that enough? Is it necessary?)

Plus, Kacey edited an Animorphs monologue (and performs it), how to do a well-done cliffhanger, and cringing at people clapping when airplanes land.

Also, apologies for the extra mic noises in this...

Welcome to The Buddies™! Gianni opens this episode surprising Kacey with an awards ceremony. What's the best morph? Who's the top alien species? And who will win the coveted Worst Character So Far?? (The answer may surprise you!)

After the ceremonies, Gianni runs down his outline for episode narratives and season breakup. We get a very interesting science/biology email, talk about yet another INSANE bathroom incident, and begin what is known as The David Arc. All that and more in this week's episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

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Happy Valentines Day! Gianni and Kacey discuss their differing opinions on this book while reading fanmail and one maaaayyyybe fanmail??

What follows is discussions on fascists, the unfairness of nature, and some of the strongest dialogue we've seen thus far in the series. Additionally, a PCP story, the danger of low hanging branches, and we find the voice for Karen.

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Holy crap, we get to morph dinosaurs!!! We begin this episode with a special soundscape and Kacey tries to teach Gianni science. (Spoiler: he doesn't accept scientific facts). Then we dive into 2 listener emails, one with a linguistics correction pointed towards Gianni. 

What follows are corn trees, Rexy boys, a broccoli vs cauliflower debate, and a not so cursed book cover??? All that and more in this week's episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @k...

Our boy is BACK! In this Ax-centric book, Kacey and Gianni discuss what makes a good leader, the expanse of space, and the nostalgia of the old GI Joe PSAs.

Also, Gianni can't tell the difference between TO and T.O, Kacey recalls a big, ol' GOOFY Pokemon (and Gianni pulls out his collection!), and Gianni may or may not have spoiled the end of Narcos for Kacey. 

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Hey folks, as a big thank you, we're releasing a bonus episode for the holidays with the best of 2024! These are moments we remember and laugh about with each other. Nothing crazy special but hopefully, it'll make you all laugh and smile too.

Hope your holidays were happy and safe. Here's to 2025!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Yeerk pool, moles, and...oatmeal? HUH?! With the plot slightly lacking, this week's episode dives into a few sidebars including food hates, phobias, traumas, kinks, and therapy! (And that's just the beginning)

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Happy Holidays! We open on another listener email and Gianni gets his feelings hurt (all in good fun, though). What follows is a conversation on what makes a complex, realistic, and relatable character, what is acceptable and moral in the middle of a war, and we reveal our AOL Instant Messenger screen names!

Plus, a quick sidebar on Gianni starting to watch Lost for the first time, new catchphrases you can use with your family, and Gianni reveals a new character he hates...maybe more than Jake?! Tune in to this week's episode and have a happy...

Starting this episode out with talking about Life's W's, Kacey and Gianni raise the vibes and talk about an exciting documentary, finishing a big ol' fantasy smut book, and another fan mail from Ryan!

Getting into the book, Gianni talks about his disappointment with the thematic promises the story teases, Kacey tries to stay along for the mediocre ride, and they both reminisce about how fun The Reaction was. Plus, thoughts about the Rainforest Cafe, shark facts, and the meanness of tv bullies!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

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Guten Tag! Kacey and Gianni start this episode by opening their first international fan mail from Germany! (Had no idea the pod reached out that far. Incredible!)

Within this episode, they discuss the conveniences of the plot, the importance of having a lore master, and a potential rewrite that could make the story work even better. Along the way, they talk about Kacey's embarrassing mishap with a water slide, Jake's bizarre (but hilarious) line that should have been in The Reaction, and adding a fun scene to open the story of this book.

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We dive back into our regularly scheduled program to talk about this Tobias centric book! Starting out with another fan mail, Kacey and Gianni reveal their battle morph choices and learn some animal facts. 

Getting into the story, we return to themes of loneliness, isolation, and knowing yourself well enough to understand what you really want. Supported by head slicing and an all knowing Ellimist-ex machina, we are happy to get back into Tobias' brain and feel like just a birrrrrrd!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

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The exciting conclusion to this companion series of the Animorph books! Kacey and Gianni talk about their close relationship with "Elf", how difficult it is to breathe/survive in space, and the confusing time-y whimey logic of the last bit of the plot. 

Also: is Elfangor young enough to date Loren? How do you assimilate back into your community when it no longer feels like home? And can Chapman shut up for once?!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
S...

Hey folks! Kacey and Gianni open this episode with a couple more pieces of fan mail and Gianni's story of how he sent 30 minutes of voice notes to his three different book clubs on Colleen Hoover's book so they wouldn't have to read it. (Doing the lord's work)

Diving into the book, they break up the 3 acts and talk about how the themes come together, the tragedy of being pulled back into a war, and the characterization of Elfangor and young Chapman. Is Chapman really needed in this book?? All that and more in this week's Morphin...

Hop on the boat to BANANA-LAND! This week, Kacey and Gianni dive into the Rachel centric book and perhaps it is our new favorite?! We discuss It Ends With Us, the difference between crocs and alligators, and Gianni questions whether or not the Lebtin Javalin Fish is real.

Also, is Jake getting gaslit into being a leader by the rest of the Animorphs?! Where would a crocodile fit in Gianni's totally scientific animal classification? And Gianni accidentally predicts a steamy romance that happens in the next book (The Andalite Chronicles)

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Diving into The Forgotten this week, is it a forgettable book?? Within this episode, we start out with another listener email who reveals the Alternamorphs books to Kacey and Gianni, the tragedy of Jake's self-reflection that didn't actually end up happening, and how does morphing out of poison work exactly??

Plus, a further reflection of Gianni's definitely, 100% scientific animal classification and Kacey gets bitten by a ferocious and demanding feline.

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

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It's official: Marco books always slap! Though this is close to a new favorite, Kacey and Gianni discuss the problems with having multiple all-powerful species, Open Water and its sequels (which Kacey had no idea existed), and Gianni's scientific conclusion about bugs, fish, and birds. Is it moral to change a species' nature? What right do we to have make that decision? Do ya like dogs?? All that and more on this week's episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
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In this week's episode, while the book wasn't too impressive, Kacey and Gianni reveal their casting choices for Visser 3 (best and worst), read and respond to some more listener emails, and bring to light some controversial (and maybe not so controversial) opinions. The Cult of Jake makes its first appearance as does the gang's hate for forest animals and....is Tobias a SNITCH?! All that and more in this energetic episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
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Kacey and Gianni open this episode with their favorite seasons and Gianni's slutty summer! In this week's book, the duo discuss their love of new alien lore and their frustration at the ending of the book. They pitch their different ideas and talk about how to make changes to source material without sacrificing story quality. (Spoiler alert: don't betray your fans!)

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

MEGAMORPH TIME! We open the first Megamorph book with our first listener email! (Thanks Totally Not a Controller, Jimmy!) Within this episode, we dive into the science of memory loss, how Gianni wants to get punched in the face with Jake's leadership, and an even better "button" idea for the end of the book. Not to mention Gianni ripping on Ax's drip and Kacey misremembering the next book in the series

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
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STRANGER DANGER!! Or maybe not danger.....? A stranger shows up and intrigues Kacey and Gianni, prompting discussions on the proper pronunciation of "Kandrona", air dropping humans, and the crazy Chinese zoo that lied about their sun bears, lion, and pandas. (Spoiler alert: they were actually dogs and a human in a costume). All that, plus a cooked Tobias, in this week's episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Our most high brow episode thus far! With discussions referring to Troy, Don Quixote, and the power of empathy and compassion, Kacey and Gianni dig into the meaty bits of The Capture! Our brains buzz with differing takes on how long Jake could get away with a Yeerk in his brain before being found out. And will Gianni finally find some room in his cold, dead heart for Jake?? All that and more in this week's episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni...

Is The Predator our new favorite?! With nightmare inducing morph descriptions, boy hijinks at the mall, and a huge plot twist reveal at the end, we've got a top contender on our hands. Kacey educates us on the evolution of dolphins and Gianni can't wait for the suck. Tune in for all this and more in this week's episode!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

WE GOT A MESSAGE!! Kacey and Gianni review the Cassie centric book where they confirm that Cassie is most likely to get gaslit, mind connects with a whale, and contemplates the morality of taking DNA from intelligent animals. A new Andalite friend appears and Kacey and Gianni are immediately smitten. Gianni also reveals a secret hot take about his opinion on the ending of Game of Thrones. All this and more lie within!

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
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This week, Kacey and Gianni zoom in on the story surrounding the angsty boy who has their hearts, Tobias. Is he a bird? Is he a boy? Discussions surrounding what it means to be human, how it affects those around you, and ultimately, how you piece your life together after the storm. One thing we are sure of....there's definitely something about that bird

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

An episode full of andalites, pedophiles, and cats! Kacey teaches Gianni the TRUTH about Andalites (andalitetruth.org) before they dive into the Rachel-centric book. Gianni proudly proclaims his hate for Jake (let's be honest, it's not hard) and Kacey teaches him some cat facts this week. 

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Gianni and Kacey begin their journey with the first book in the series. Will they love it? How well does it fit into the tv episode format? Will Gianni ever be able to remember all their names? ? Answers and more insight lie within. Join the journey

Update: the email address is up! Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as Twitter)- @gianni_damaia
Social for Kacey: Instagram- @kaceeyyyyyy

Welcome! Gianni and Kacey introduce themselves and their backgrounds, explaining why they decided to start this series. Kacey has read some of the books while Gianni has read none. They want to dive into the series with a critical eye and see what they would keep or change if they were filming their own tv series of the books. 

If you'd like to find us, you can find Gianni on Twitter at @gianni_damaia and Kacey on Instagram @kaceeyyyyyy. 

Contact and reach out at morphinbuddies@gmail.com

Social for Gianni: X (formally known as...