A collection of podcasts exploring the culture in pop culture. Our shows range from the general (flagship show The Chronic Rift) to the specific (The Batcave Podcast). We look at literature (Dead Kitchen Radio), movies (The Weekly Podioplex), family (Generations Geek), gaming (The Cardboard Jungle), and more.

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S M T W T F S
     
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4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28

Syndication

"Minerva, Mayhem and Millionaires"

Aired March 14, 1968

 

Minerva has a plan to rob the richest men in Gotham City while using her spa as a front for her operations.  It seems almost like a plausible story for the third season.  In fact, John went into it dreading it and then found in watching it and then talking about it with guest host, longtime Batman 66 fan, Robert Long, that it wasn't all that bad.  Robert goes so far as to point out that the episode has the beats of a condensed two-part second season story.  They also discuss the relationship between Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and Alfred compared with his relationship with Batman and Robin.  It may be the final review of the original series, but it's not the end of the podcast as John explains towards the end.  Thank you so much for listening and thanks for your continuing comments here and to thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Robert Long is a full time graphic designer and independent filmmaker.  As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook.  He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past.  Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmakingto learn more about it.

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_Episode_69.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT
Comments[0]

Isis

"Bigfoot"

October 25, 1975

Lee and Cindy claim to have seen Bigfoot while walking through the woods.  Is it possible?  Rick has a hard time believing it, but when the kids begin to panic and decide to hunt the beast down, Isis steps in and discovers the secret of Bigfoot (long before Steve Austin did).

John is especially excited to tackle this episode in light of his love for Bigfoot on The Six Million Dollar Man, but there are problems with it as John and Richard discuss.  Plus, they also talk about how Isis managed to debunk supernatural tropes that were popular in the 70s, wonder how a man with shoes leaves a bare footprint, and discuss the second issue of the DC Comics The Mighty Isis Series, "The Creature from Dimension X" and "Lost and Found".

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "There's a well-known proverb that says, "You can't judge a book by its cover."  What that means is that you can't tell what something is like just by the way it looks.  That's especially true of people.  So whether they be tall or short, thin or fat, remember, the way a person acts, not how he looks, that is what counts."

Guest Cast

Scott Colomby as Lee Webster

Neil J. Schwartz as Mickey Moses

William Engesser as Bigfoot (Richard)

&

Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_37.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 7:17pm EDT
Comments[0]

Recorded on Facebook Live February 25, 2018.

 

It's that time of the month, when John gets a hankering for taking a look at all things pop culture and reviewing them with a group of people whose opinion he trusts.  This month, the focus is on Marvel's Black Panther movie.  John is joined by Denise Lhamon of The Weekly Podioplex and artist Mike Fichera.  Together they discuss Dan Persons' assertion that Marvel didn't really push the envelope when it came to the social message of the movie.  Plus, they chat about the glut of super hero projects in general and is the bubble about to burst with thanks to commentary from Ken Holtzhouser.  It's all here, plus a little Bringing it to the Table for a new In Review for February 2018.

 

Contents:

 

3:40 - John is thrilled that the very short-lived 80s TV series The Master has been released on Blu-Ray in a remastered format, but he continues to question the powers that be that won't do the same for The Six Million Dollar Man & The Bionic Woman.

 

6:10 - Mike addresses the concerns that there is too many Marvel movies to keep up with, a discussion that will continue well into the episode.

 

11:45 - The Batcave Podcast promo


13:30 - Dan Persons offers his thoughts on the latest offering from the MCU,  Black Panther and we discuss what came across as an odd note in the review.

 

48:50 - Ken Holtzhauser opines on the glut of super hero entertainment and how we might just be reaching the bursting of the bubble.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_008.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 12:48pm EDT
Comments[0]

Episode 46—Treknology

 

Science fiction writer Scott Pearson welcomes astrophysicist Ethan Siegel to discuss science and Treknology, his new book about how the technology of Star Trek compares with what we have now and what we could develop in the future. Plus, Ella reacts to the surprise at the end of Star Trek: Discovery’s first season finale. 

 

Segments

Intro :28

What Came First, Trek or Science 1:08

When Trek Took Hold 3:00

Science as a Career 5:19

On Becoming an Astrophysicist 7:30

All the Star Trek 9:46

What Do Cosmologists Do 10:30

Popularizing Science 14:14

Space Kilts! 15:43

Carl Sagan 16:55

Writing About Science 20:17

Treknology: Holograms 24:00 

Geordi’s VISOR 27:10

Synthehol 30:05

Tech That’s Better Than Trek 33:50

Universal Translators 35:08

Replicators 37:10

The Borg…But in a Good Way 38:00

Human Life Extension 41:05

Warp Drive 45:20

FtL Communication 50:29

Emergency Medical Hologram 51:41 

Transporters Would be Nice 54:20

Phasers 54:59

Bonus: Weather Control 56:28

Ella Reacts to Discovery Finale 59:36

Direct download: GenGeek_46.mp3
Category:Generations Geek -- posted at: 4:14pm EDT
Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, it's Wakanda forever as Black Panther breaks all sorts of records and secures the throne. Next week, games and aliens try to unseat the king as we visit Game Night and Annihilation, but the power of vibranium and T'Challa is hard to beat.

 

On the home entertainment front, it's a holiday clearinghouse as Daddy's Home 2, The Star, and the Twelfth Doctor's Christmas special make their debuts. In digital we get Thor: Ragnarok and a little dose of murder on the Orient Express. Also, television goes to Texas... Midnight, Texas, before returning us to the feet of The Master. Finally, Denise gives the week a send off with gifts of Scorsese in Rome and her thoughts on Black Panther. 

 

Spoiler: We both loved it.

 

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for February 20, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Game Night

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Black Panther – [New Release]
#2 – Peter Rabbit – [Even]
#3 – Fifty Shades Freed – [-2]
#4 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [Even]
#5 – The 15:17 to Paris – [-2]
#6 – The Greatest Showman – [-1]

#7 – Early Man – [New Release]
#8 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure – [-2]
#9 – Winchester – [-2]
#10 – The Post – [-2]

 

 

Box Office Premieres

February 23, 2018: Wide

Game Night – [R]
Annihilation – [R]

February 23, 2017: Limited

Hannah – [NR]
The Lodgers – [R]
Beasts of Burden – [R]
The Chamber – [NR]
Survivors Guide to Prison – [TV-MA]

 

Home Entertainment

February 20, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Daddy’s Home 2 – [PG-13]

The Star – [PG]

 

February 20, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Thor: Ragnarok – [PG-13]

Murder on the Orient Express – [PG-13]

 

February 20, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time (2017)

Midnight, Texas: Season One (2017)

The Master: The Complete Series (1984)

 

February 13, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

The Night Walker (1964) – [NR]

 

Podcast Promos

The Anomaly Podcast

Welcome to Anomaly Geek Girl Podcasts and Blog.  Articles and episodes feature topics such as: Sci Fi and Fantasy books, games, movies & television shows, costuming & cosplay, conventions, theatre & general geek culture. There’s a little something here for the geek in every one.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Martin Scorsese tackles Rome
Black Panther spoiler-free review

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex022018.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 5:46pm EDT
Comments[0]

"FREEWAY TO DEATH"

AIRED: DECEMBER 16, 1966

The Hornet and Mike Axford teaming up?  How is this possible?  When Britt orders Mike to work with the Hornet in order to bring down a construction racket, Mike has his own ideas that could threaten his life.  John and Jim are in agreement that this is a "Must Watch" episode, but they're not entirely sure why.  Is it the appearance of Jeffrey Hunter?  Is it the Black Beauty versus three bulldozers?  Is it the Hornet Mortars?  Is it the Hornet and Mike working together?  Take a listen and maybe you can help them figure it out.  Also, the two take a moment to talk about the late Van Williams and his legacy of The Green Hornet.

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_013.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 5:30pm EDT
Comments[0]

"The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra"
Aired March 7, 1968

It's the penultimate episode of the series and it seems to lack any spark or energy to it despite featuring Ida Lupino and Howard Duff as alchemist Dr. Cassandra and her groovy husband Cabala.  That alone should make it exciting, but then add Batgirl in the Batcave and a prison break featuring six of the villains from Batman's Rogue's Gallery and you should have a classic - and yet, nothing.

Joining John to discuss an episode that's only thing that makes it stand out is the sexual innuendo is writer/editor Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.

NOTE: Thanks to listener David Maska for supplying us with the PSA that is featured at the start of this episode.

  

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.

 

Websites

http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_Episode_68.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 12:01pm EDT
Comments[0]

Recorded on Facebook Live on Sunday, February 18, 2018.

 

The first season of Star Trek: Discovery is in the books and enough time has passed that we can have a spoiler filled discussion of what worked and what didn't.  John and guest, writer Julio Angel Ortiz, get into their favorite moments, episodes, and characters as well as discuss the fan reaction to the new series overall.  In addition, they offer their suggestions for a second season in 2019.  

 

Julio Angel Ortiz is a writer in both print and electronic media. Julio has had an audio drama released for the original sci-fi series The Dome and short stories published in collections by Obverse Books featuring Iris Wildthyme and Señor 105. He also has several eBooks available for Kindle via his Vox Camera imprint. When not banging his head against his notebook in order to string words together, Julio works in Information Technology during the day and is also active blogging, posting on Twitter, and working at his photography.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_007.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 4:16pm EDT
Comments[0]

On “The Great Gildersleeve,” Gildy receives a visit from his old friends (and stars of their own radio show), Fibber McGee and Molly.  Knowing he’s in for some ribbing, Gildy tries to hide the fact that he’s engaged to be married.  Then on “X Minus One,” we have an adaptation of a classic bit of science fiction by Fredric Brown, “The Last Martian.”

 

 

Episodes

 

The Great Gildersleeve

January 10, 1943

“Fibber McGee and Molly Visit”

2:48

 

X Minus One

August 7, 1956

“The Last Martian”

32:45

Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, it took three new releases to dethrone the jungle. The king and queen are the torrid pair of Fifty Shades Freed, but they have only a mere week to enjoy their reign. Next week, we visit Wakanda and King T'challa, better known as the Black Panther. It's shaping up to be a big, marvelous adventure.

On the home entertainment front, physical media brings both Wonder and Roman J. Israel, Esq, while digital goes to Coco and the Justice League. TV on DVD explores the New York City sex industry with Deuce and time and space with the Peter Capaldi run of Doctor Who. After that, zombies gotta eat as we revisit the Night of the Living Dead. Finally, Denise wraps up the show with Game of Thrones and Star Wars, the end of the line (maybe) for Thor, and an update on the scandals rocking Hollywood.

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

This week's promo is for Geek Radio Daily.

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for February 13, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Black Panther

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Fifty Shades Freed – [New Release]
#2 – Peter Rabbit – [New Release]
#3 – The 15:17 to Paris – [New Release]
#4 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [-3]
#5 – The Greatest Showman – [-1]
#6 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure – [-4]

#7 – Winchester – [-4]
#8 – The Post – [-3]
#9 – The Shape of Water – [Even]
#10 – Den of Thieves – [-2]

 

Box Office Premieres

February 16, 2018: Wide

Black Panther – [PG-13]
Early Man – [PG]
Samson – [PG-13]

February 16, 2017: Limited

Aiyaary – [NR]
The Party – [R]
Loveless – [R]
Nostalgia – [R]
Oh Lucy! – [NR]
Double Lover – [NR]
Tehran Taboo – [NR]
The Boy Downstairs – [PG-13]
The Monkey King 3 – [NR]
Mind Game – [NR]
Western – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment

February 13, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Wonder – [PG]

Roman J. Israel, Esq. – [PG-13]

 

February 13, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Coco – [PG]

Justice League – [PG-13]

 

February 13, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Doctor Who: The Peter Capaldi Years (2014-2017)

The Deuce: Season One (2017)

The Lazarus Man: The Complete Series (1996)

 

February 13, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Night of the Living Dead (1968) – [NR]

 

Podcast Promos

Geek Radio Daily

Geek Radio Daily is a place for geeks and stealth geeks alike to hang out and talk about a variety of geeky topics. Check out the sometimes weekly podcast…..sWeekly, if you will.  The GRD sWeekly ‘cast is usually available on Mondays, and if you are new to the show, just jump right in!

 

 

Quick Flicks

Uma Thurman and Kill Bill
The State of New York vs Harvey Weinstein
Star Wars meets the producers of Game of Thrones
Chris Hemsworth is done with Thor (no he’s not)

 

 

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex021318B.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 6:55pm EDT
Comments[0]

Isis

"Lucky"

October 18, 1975

Randy is getting ready to enter high school and he's looking forward to it, even though it means leaving his dog Lucky behind during the day.  When Lucky drowns in the ocean during a beach party, Randy struggles with his loss.  And when he questions Isis for not using her powers to revive Lucky, Isis must teach him a lesson on life and death.

In the most heartwarming and heartbreaking episode of either series, John and Richard discuss the dealing with loss in one's life.  Plus, they also look at the first issue of DC Comics' The Mighty Isis comic book and rave about Joanna Cameron's acting in light of her performance in this episode.  In the end though, is this one of the best, if not the best episode of the series?  John and Richard are of mixed thoughts about this.

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "Losing something we love is never easy, but it's a part of growing up.  Growing up doesn't mean just getting bigger and older, it means learning and understanding about life.  The cycle of life is all around us.  If you look, you'll see it everywhere - flowers, people, animals.  But remember, every ending is a beginning full of hope and promise and new life."

Guest Cast

John Doran as Randy Martin

Brian Nash as Glenn

Robert Forward as Dr. Herb Rogers

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_36.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 5:05pm EDT
Comments[0]

Recorded on Facebook Live

February 11, 2018

 

It’s the 25th anniversary of the release of the movie Groundhog’s Day. There is something about a time loop that fascinates most everyone, be it for the comedy or drama potential. We’re going to discuss just what makes a good time loop story and of course talk about Groundhog’s Daywith The Podcast Cowboy Clay Dugger and Denise Lhamon of The Weekly Podioplex.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_006.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT
Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, the jungle returns as Winchester debuts in third place. This week, three differing genres will compete against the board game that will not die: Historical drama in The 15:17 to Paris, family comedy with Peter Rabbit, and thriller with Fifty Shades Freed. They get one week before Marvel arrives, so they have to make it count.

 

On the home entertainment front, Batman goes Victorian in Gotham By Gaslight. We also see Bad Moms surviving Christmas, the Darkest Hour on digital, and a plethora of retro classics on TV. We wrap up the home entertainment slate and the show overall with the HD debut of the adorable mutt Benji. 

 

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for February 6, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The 15:17 to Paris

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [+1]
#2 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure– [-1]
#3 – Winchester – [New Release]
#4 – The Greatest Showman – [Even]
#5 – The Post – [Even]
#6 – Hostiles – [-3]

#7 – 12 Strong – [-1]
#8 – Den of Thieves – [-1]
#9 – The Shape of Water – [-1]
#10 – Paddington 2 – [-1]

 

Box Office Premieres

February 3, 2018: Wide

The 15:17 to Paris – [PG-13]
Peter Rabbit – [PG]
Fifty Shades Freed – [R]

February 3, 2017: Limited

Aiyaary – [NR]
Padman – [PG-13]
Before We Vanish – [NR]
La Bode de Valentina – [R]

 

 

Home Entertainment

February 6, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – [R]

A Bad Moms Christmas – [R]

Only the Brave – [PG-13]

 

February 6, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Darkest Hour – [PG-13]

 

February 6, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Homeland: Season Six (2017)

Bosom Buddies: The Complete Series (1980-1982)

The Guardian: The Complete Series (2001-2004)

Duckman: The Complete Series (1994-1997)

The Ren & Stimpy Show: The Mostly Complete Collection (1991-1996)

War of the Worlds: The Complete Series (1988-1990)

 

February 6, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Benji (1974) – [G]

 

Podcast Promos

Tuning in to SciFi TV

Tuning in to SciFi TV is the genre fan's weekly guide to science fiction and fantasy television. Think of us as the viewer’s digest, tour guides or sherpas for the genre rather than critics. We’ll always share our honest opinions but we also plan to keep things fun.

 

 

Quick Flicks

None

 

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex020618.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT
Comments[0]

"The Joker's Flying Saucer"

Aired February 29, 1968

The final Joker episode for Batman 66 is not exactly a fan favorite, but there are things of merit in the episode that are worth discussing. There were missed opportunities in a story that went beyond even the insanity of Joker surfing by having Joker build an unidentified flying object to terrorize Gotham City. And who is Verdigris?  Is being a Martian his shtick?  Is he just a bomb expert?  Or is he a bunko artist?

Joining John to discuss what could have been a two-part story based on the high concept ideas expressed but never fully realized is writer/editor Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. 

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history. 

His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.

 

Websites

http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_Episode_66.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 9:08pm EDT
Comments[0]

"THE SECRET OF THE SALLY BELL"

AIRED: DECEMBER 9, 1966

The Sally Bell returns to dock after having mysteriously disappeared.  There's only one survivor who is now injured thanks to a Hornet's Sting.  With the aid of a doctor, the Hornet tries to protect the man from his comrades who are all trying to discover the secret of the Sally Bell.  John and Jim are back to being at odds over the merits of this particular episode.  They do both agree though that the character of Honey Boy is absolutely useless.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_012.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 4:54pm EDT
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Originally broadcast on Facebook Live on February 5, 2018.

It’s the 50th anniversary of the premiere of the original “Planet of the Apes” movie starrring Roddy McDowell as Cornelius. SInce then, there have been five movies in the original movie series, a cartoon, a TV series, various comic book series, a failed attempt at reviving the franchise in 2001, and a more successful revivial that continues to produce hit movies to this day.

We take a look at the history of this franchise with Dan Greenfield of 13thDimension.com, and writer Jim Beard. What stands out? What survives the test of time and what do we wish we could just say never happened? Considering the political climate today, what should future movies deal with in plotlines?

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_005-Podcast_of_the_Apes.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT
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Shazam!

"The Odd Couple"

October 18, 1975

 

Dan is much too proud to ever ask help from anyone to the point where he risks his and his girlfriend's lives.  But will he learn a lesson when he sees the World's Mightiest Mortal asking for help from the Champion of Truth and Justice?

 

Long before Hercules and Xena - long before Buffy and Angel - long before Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers, there was Captain Marvel and Isis.  It's the first of several team-ups featuring the two stars of our iconic Saturday morning TV shows.  The question is, is it all worth it?  Is the story worthy of such a meeting?  John and Richard discuss this as well as begin a series of reviews of the DC Comics Isis series from 1976-77.  They start with Isis' first appearance in Shazam! #25.

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: “There are a lot of things we can do by ourselves, but it's kind of foolish and maybe even dangerous to try to do something when we don't know how."

 

Guest Cast

Steve Benedict as Dan Haley

Cindy Eilbacher as Susie Walsh

&

Joanna Cameron as Andrea Thomas and Isis

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_35.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT
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Originally Broadcast on Facebook Live: January 28, 2018

 

Author, TV host, writer/producer Herbie J Pilato joins John to chat about his upcoming television show "Then Again with Herbie J Pilato" (premiering in 2018 on the Decades TV Network). We also discuss his creation of the Classic TV Preservation Society, his numerous written works on classic TV shows and actors, and his love for Elizabeth Montgomery and the television series, "Bewitched".

Plus, Daniel Persons reviews Stephen King's It 2017 and Have a Nice Day HD movie and John suggests a unique Valentine's Day gift.

It's all here on a new episode of The Chronic Rift!

 

Herbie's Links

Homepage

Classic TV Preservation Society

Herbie's TV Articles

Then Again Homepage

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_004.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 1:26pm EDT
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On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, the Death Cure outlasted the jungle, but it's not all sunshine and roses on this side of the maze. The final Maze Runner film is a bit of a disappointment, and that stumble leaves the field wide open for mystery thriller Winchester. Young adult adaptation vs spooky haunted house? Who's the winner here?

 

On the home entertainment front, we get the history of Wonder Woman and her creator, Professor Marston. We also get Boo! 2 from Madea and a Wonder on digital. TV on DVD kicks in a queen with Victoria and a classic with the Pink Panther (and Henry Mancini's iconic brass). Denise wraps it all up with the Quick Flicks, telling us tale of Space Mom Carrie Fisher's final award, Indy 5, Doctor Sleep, and Elon Musk's supposed zombie apocalypse.

 

It's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for January 30, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Winchester

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure – [New Release]
#2 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [-1]
#3 – Hostiles – [+20, Wide Release]
#4 – The Greatest Showman – [+1]
#5 – The Post – [-1]
#6 – 12 Strong – [-4]

#7 – Den of Thieves – [-4]
#8 – The Shape of Water – [+8]
#9 – Paddington 2 – [-3]
#10 – Padmaavat – [New Release]

 

 

Box Office Premieres

February 3, 2018: Wide

Winchester – [PG-13]

February 3, 2017: Limited

A Fantastic Woman – [R]
The Cage Fighter – [NR]
Bilal: A New Breed of Hero – [PG-13]
A Ciambra – [NR]

Scorched Earth – [R]

 

 

Home Entertainment

January 30, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women – [R]

Boo 2! A Madea Halloween – [PG-13]

 

January 30, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Wonder – [PG]

 

January 30, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

The Pink Panther Cartoon Collection: Volume One – 1964-1966 (1964-1966)

Victoria: Season Two (2017)

Ray Donovan: Season Five (2017)

 

January 30, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Class of 1999 (1990) – [NR]

 

Podcast Promos

Earth Station One

Earth Station One is a pop culture podcast & blog celebrating our love for all things Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comics & much, much more.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Carrie Fisher wins a posthumous Grammy Award
Elon Musk not creating a zombie apocalypse... promise!
Jennifer Hudson is Aretha Franklin in upcoming biopic
Indiana Jones 5 filming in 2019 with Steven Spielberg
Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, is coming to film

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex013018.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:39am EDT
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It’s February, and that means Valentines Day – or at least couples.  First up, it’s “Life With Luigi,” the adventures of a recent Italian immigrant in Chicago.  Luigi has a date for Valentine’s Day, and nothing could possibly go wrong.  Then on “Information Please,” there are two female guest panelists and lots of questions about couples:  separated couples, couples in literature, broken courtships, and even the phrase "ladies and gentlemen" are all covered.

 

Episodes

 

Life With Luigi

February 14, 1950

“Valentine’s Date at the Pump Room”

2:18

 

Information Please

April 5, 1943

Guests:  Jan Struther and Cornelia Otis Skinner

30:36

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1