Shows
True Crime & WineThe Big Game HunterIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John Matthews presents the story of an Alaskan killer whose crimes are eerily reminiscent of The Hunger Games. Listen in as John analyzes how this successful trophy hunter -- and mild-mannered baker by day -- tired of wildlife and began flying his victims to a riverside cabin, before turning them loose in the woods.During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile this murderer as John offers up his personal police perspective on the MO of a criminal who made the most...
2025-11-181h 09
ALFsplainingTurkey In The Straw (Part One)"The Tanners are invited to a Thanksgiving dinner with the Ochmonek's bizarre relatives"TWO PARTS? And we're getting double Trevor and Raquel?? Strap us down and feed us rubber vomit! And who wrote this? The bloke who did ALF's Christmas Special? Oh ffffff.........well, this is going to be an interesting Fappiano for Ben Baker and John Matthews. But could it be a miracle?If we stuff your turkey, why not consider joining the Orbit Guard and supporting this season of ALFsplaining and new...
2025-11-1738 min
ALFsplainingPantosplaining - Pilot (Video Version)NOTE: If the video doesnt play, check out the alternate source here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovYesOJsi88And this is the panto poster we are discussing: https://bsky.app/profile/pantosplaining.bsky.social/post/3m52374ra622qIf you've got this far into the series of "ALFsplaining" you'll be unsurprised that Ben Baker and John Matthews are pretty obsessional men. Not about anything predictable of course - this ALF podcast proves that! But as we've a week between episodes of the sitcom, we thought you might like...
2025-11-1439 minTrue Crime & WineEd GeinIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John Matthews presents the story of Ed Gein, whose real-life crimes inspired terrifying tales including Psycho and Silence of the Lambs. Listen in as John analyzes how this grave-robbing killer's relationship with his mother, & her death, led to a house of horrors blanketed in human skin.During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile this murderer as John offers up his personal police perspective on the MO of a criminal for whom killing wasn't his fascination -- but dead bodies were. Enjoy...
2025-11-121h 14
ALFsplainingPantosplaining - Pilot (Audio Only)If you've got this far into the series of "ALFsplaining" you'll be unsurprised that Ben Baker and John Matthews are pretty obsessional men. Not about anything predictable of course - this ALF podcast proves that! But as we've a week between episodes of the sitcom, we thought you might like to learn about another of our big shared loves - panto posters. Listen along to the pilot of "Pantosplaining" where we pluck a poster from panto history and look at what we can find out about it for a real deep dive with many diversions into silliness.
2025-11-1039 min
ALFsplainingPantosplaining - PilotNOTE: If the video doesnt play, check out the alternate source here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovYesOJsi88And this is the panto poster we are discussing: https://bsky.app/profile/pantosplaining.bsky.social/post/3m52374ra622qIf you've got this far into the series of "ALFsplaining" you'll be unsurprised that Ben Baker and John Matthews are pretty obsessional men. Not about anything predictable of course - this ALF podcast proves that! But as we've a week between episodes of the sitcom, we thought you might like...
2025-11-1039 minTrue Crime & WineThe Happy Face KillerIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John Matthews presents The Happy Face Killer, featuring new analysis of a story that may sound familiar to many true crime lovers. Learn how this narcissistic killer was so desperate for attention that even when he got away with murder, he eventually took credit for the crime...even though two other people had already been jailed for it.During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile the killer as John offers up his personal police perspective on the MO of a criminal...
2025-11-0457 min
ALFsplainingPromises, Promises"ALF reveals that Lynn is dating Eddie to her parents' dismay."They do seem obsessed with Lynn dating oddballs, dont they? And few come odder than Michael "Des" "Barnes", aka that British bloke who was in all the American sitcoms. Equally odd and also with erm...well you know, Ben Baker and John Matthews are also here. But you knew that. If we make your teeth chatter comedically, why not consider joining the Orbit Guard and supporting this season of ALFsplaining and new exclusives from the extended...
2025-11-0343 minTrue Crime & WineThe Butcher of RostovIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John Matthews presents The Butcher of Rostov, a unique true crime story that features a Russian murderer whose education, position, and Communist Party membership let him hide in plain sight despite being found covered in mud and blood. During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile the killer as John offers up his personal police perspective on the MO of a criminal whose career as a company agent allowed him to travel, kill, and then get out of town. Enjoy a glass...
2025-10-291h 03
ALFsplainingTonight Tonight"ALF hosts The Tonight Show for Johnny Carson...."ALF is live across America and its not a dream sequence. I mean, its not really much of anything but who needs explanations when you've got the U.S' most beloved late night talk show of all time? Its all a ruse to make a clip show but there's a fair bit of new material with the ALFer meeting lots of interesting guests, including...The Pope? In the wings, Ben Baker and John Matthews wait eagerly to see if they've been bumped. To help...
2025-10-2637 min
ALFsplainingBreaking Up is Hard to Do"Trevor and Raquel have a falling-out, so ALF and Jake try to get them back together."Oh boy, its an Ochmonek episode! Finally things will be getting back on track after a weird pair of openers. This comedy masterclass will be overseen by visiting romance experts in the field Ben Baker and John Matthews who attempt to bring harmony to another episode of ALF. If thinking of us makes Chicago's music appear in your minds, why not consider joining the Orbit Guard and supporting this season of ALFsplaining and new exclusives from the extended universe...
2025-10-2038 minTrue Crime & WineThe Pig FarmerIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John Matthews presents The Pig Farmer, a unique true crime story that features a Canadian murderer who used his swine farm as a base for sex, drugs, and death.During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile the killer as John offers up his personal police perspective on the MO of a criminal who was a well-known farmer with a deadly second life. Enjoy a glass of wine and profile along with our hosts as John presents this thrilling true crime case.
2025-10-141h 06
ALFsplainingStairway to Heaven"ALF meets his guardian angel who makes him see life without the Tanners, and vice versa."A wonderful life - it is?! ALF's getting out of the house by means of fantasy again and this time it involves Sheena Easton. Ben Baker and John Matthews look on confused and wondering how this all ties into "Saved By The Bell", Bloomingdale's or Donald Trump. All will be revealed inside! Want some of our personal Preparation Shumway? Join the Orbit Guard and support our journey through the remaining two seasons whilst...
2025-10-1333 minTrue Crime & WineThe Highway StranglerIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John Matthews presents The Highway Strangler, a unique true crime story that features a sociopath so persuasive that he could recruit others to assist with his campaign of rape, torture, and murder. During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile the killer as John offers up his personal police perspective on this murderer's MO during a multi-year spree targeting young men in southern California. Enjoy a glass of wine and profile along with our hosts as John presents this thrilling true crime case.
2025-10-071h 12True Crime & WineThe Purgatory KillerIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John presents The Purgatory Killer, a unique true crime story from Austria that features a convicted murderer who became a high-society celebrity to cover his crimes. During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile this killer as John offers up his personal police perspective on how this so-called "reformed man" spread his criminal signature across two continents. Enjoy a glass of wine and profile the killers along with John Matthews as he presents this thrilling true crime case.
2025-09-2453 minTrue Crime & WineThe Gameshow KillerIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John presents The Gameshow Killer, a unique true crime story that features a serial murderer whose charm gained him a spot on a national TV game show, where he was even chosen to be the beautiful bachelorette's date. During this session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile this cross-country killer as John offers up his personal police perspective on how a multiple murderer kept beating the system, leading to a trail of victims whose true number may never be known. Enjoy a glass of wine and profile...
2025-09-161h 07True Crime & WineMarried MurderersIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John presents Married Murderers, a unique true crime story that features a couple whose shared interests included shopping malls, state fairs...and serial killing. During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile these killers as John offers up his personal police perspective on a murder spree that spanned three states and led to a double-digit victim count. Enjoy a glass of wine and profile the killers along with John Matthews as he presents this thrilling true crime case.
2025-09-0358 minTrue Crime & WineA Cup of MurderIn this episode of his popular True Crime & Wine series, John presents A Cup of Murder, a unique true crime story that features a female serial killer who used wine to poison her victims before turning them into soap to sell in her upscale boutique. During the session, audience members will have an opportunity to profile this killer as John offers up his personal police perspective on this nearly unsolvable murder mystery. Enjoy a glass of wine and profile the killers along with John Matthews as he presents this thrilling true crime case.
2025-09-0348 minTrue Crime & WineThe Eyeball KillerJoin John Matthews, owner of Cassaro Winery, and highly decorated 40-year law enforcement veteran, for a behind-the-scenes look and firsthand account of his capture of Dallas’ most notorious serial killer- the Eyeball Killer. Learn about Oak Cliff in the 1980s and 90s, the investigation, the arrest and the unusual evidence that brought down a serial killer and ended his reign of terror. Along with co-host Brandy Diamond the duo profiles the killer, crime scenes, victimology and more and they sip on a glass of award-winning Cassaro Winery Crime Scene wine.
2025-08-211h 00
ALFsplainingSeason Two Wrap-UpNOTE: DONT LISTEN TO THIS ONE BEFORE YOU HEAR SEASON TWO! Thought you were done with Ben Baker and John Matthews for the summer? Not even close! Not only will we have lots more exciting one offs here and there but there's the now standard series lookback where we go over our favourite episodes of the second run alongside some listener-doxxing stats, an investigation into the TV landscape our furry friend thrived in, questioning Dan Aykroyd's part in the ALF phenomenon, the crowning of the series' MVP and hear some messages from...
2025-05-1238 min
ALFsplainingVarsity Drag"After realizing that Willie and Kate have emptied Lynn's college fund to support him, a guilty ALF gets ten newspaper routes to earn money for the family." Another episode in which ALF learns a valuable lesson about....nah, of course not...although he is briefly aware of his impact on the Tanners. Ben Baker and John Matthews fully weigh up the impact he's had on them too as we reach the end of season two and our last review episode for a while. There'll still be regular updates...
2025-05-0536 min
ALFsplainingWe Are Family"The Tanners plan a party for ALF, who is depressed that he is the only one of his species."There have been some odd episodes of ALF this season but your hosts Ben Baker and John Matthews might have been officially outfoxed by this mix of dream sequences, sketches, downplayed melodrama, boffo gags, horrendous sound effects and confusing the blind. We'll miss it when its gone. If you want to help us buy more cheap imitation porcelain, perhaps consider joining the Orbit Guard. You'll get a...
2025-04-2839 min
ALFsplainingTequila"ALF plays pink elephant for Kate's alcoholic friend Maura" Crack open a tinny and pour that nebuchadnezzar of floor polish as its a boozy, woozy sort of episode with a very special message - although your hosts Ben Baker and John Matthews are struggling to find it in amongst the salad and dry heaving. Maybe don't listen to this one whilst eating....If you want to help us buy more delicious medicinal pints, perhaps consider joining the Orbit Guard. You'll get a tons of bonus stuff and keep our...
2025-04-2139 min
ALFsplainingI'm Your Puppet"ALF gets a ventriloquist dummy in the mail that takes control of him."Well that all seems perfectly straightforward! Join Ben Baker and John Matthews for a surprisingly not very meta look into a puppeteer's art, soul and hooves. Helping them out on pre-recorded tape are former guests Al Jean, Mike Reiss and Phil Fletcher who all add some interesting pointers on the episode which is good because the first two wrote the episode...and the last one has probably seen it. If you want to help us buy...
2025-04-1437 min
ALFsplainingMovin Out"Willie gets a promotion that relocates him to San Diego, however despite hating the new job and proclaiming how much he loves the house they currently live in, it takes drastic moves by ALF to make him realize what he's doing."Willie's out! And we're all bowing under its enormous pressure as his new job takes him away from the loving bosom of his family....and the actual bosom of ALF. Ben Baker and John Matthews await their cheques eagerly as - inevitably - chaos ensues. No, really. If...
2025-04-0737 min
ALFsplainingHit Me with Your Best Shot"Willie tries to teach Brian nonviolence in dealing with a school bully, but changes his ways when the bully's lowlife father comes to the Tanner residence and insults the entire family."An episode about Brian being repeatedly punched in the face? Erm..., we didnt kill him. That is to say, your hosts Ben Baker and John Matthews didnt, as they're still rubbing liniment into their unmentionables after this heavyweight Melmacian Mauler smackdown. If you want to help us buy more delicious stinking liniment, perhaps consider joining the Orbit Guard...
2025-03-3138 min
ALFsplainingYou Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog"The Tanners take in a stray dog, much to ALF's dismay. "It's big guest name time as Anne Ramsay from "The Goonies" and "Throw Momma From The Train" appears as an unscrupulous dog purchaser several months before her early passing. She does not look well throughout but still overshadows Ben Baker and John Matthews who look like stuttering tramps next to her acting chops. If you want to help us pay for a dog, perhaps consider joining the Orbit Guard. You'll get a tons of bonus stuff and keep this here show...
2025-03-0336 min
ALFsplainingWe Gotta Get Out of This Place - with Nina Buckley"ALF moves in with his blind friend Jody in her condo."Remember Blind Jody? Well, she's back - in....well, still blind form but she needs a place to stay and apparently that means only one man. Or alien. Perfect hostsBen BakerandJohn Matthews have laid out the best silverware too for their houseguestNina "Buckers" Buckley who shocks everyone by already being a massive ALF fan!Find her being very funny here on Bluesky.And listen to her ORIGINAL IP DO NOT STEAL podcast Reclining...
2025-02-2439 min
ALFsplainingSomeone to Watch Over Me (Part 1)"Willie is chosen by the neighborhood to lead a neighborhood watch. But ALF takes control of the radio and starts to talk as if he was Willie."
There's a crime spree going down and ALF is the man to fix the pus-ridden streets of Hemdale. Ben Baker and John Matthews go ahead and make his day in this unusual two-part opener which occasionally feels like a totally different sitcom alltogether. And the less said about Pat Benatar Jnr the better...
And if you want to help us pay for walkie talkies and...
2025-02-1037 min
ALFsplainingWe're So Sorry, Uncle Albert - with Paul Abbott"Willie's Uncle Albert visits the Tanners, and collapses from a heart attack after getting a glimpse of the alien, causing ALF to feel grief thinking he caused the death"More murder from the Melmacian mofo? Gosh! Best get an expert in the field over! Call for Paul Abbott from The Big Beatles and Sixties Sort Out for this McCartney-music monikered episode. He'll help Ben Baker and John Matthews sort the dead men from the dead boys! This one gets dark and its entirely the fault of Paul Fusco! And...
2025-01-2740 min
ALFsplainingCan I Get A Witness"ALF is put on trial for breaking the Ockmonecks' window."
All rise for ALFsplaining….it's the court case of the century!
Can Shumway, G prove his innocence to prosecutor Tanner, Wilbus in the court of Judge Kate? In the reporters box, Ben Baker and John Matthews scrawl crude things in their notebooks as they consider pivoting the whole show to a crime caper in order to improve the flagging ratings. Now dats moider!
And if you want to help us clear this spatter, perhaps consider joining the Orbit Guard. You'll ge...
2025-01-1338 min
ALFsplainingALF's Special ChristmasOh boy, we finally made it to the most famous ALF episode of the lot - for good reasons, you may ask? Ha ha, no. Of course not. This is a double-length but largely joke-free misery festival full of suicidal Santas and sick kids by the pound. In the midst of it all John Matthews tries to remain positive whilst Ben Baker is already on the egged nog.
Listen out for some special seasonal guests and a lot of tinsel Tanner tut as we shuffle through this bumper edition like all your festive favourites. Is there any...
2024-12-161h 06
ALFsplainingNight Train"Reminiscing his younger and more carefree days when he was known as "Boxcar Willie", Willie takes ALF to the switchyard where they jump a moving freight train."
ALF and train jumping - together at last! Its no exaggeration to say this is one of the great ALF episodes of all time but will it - as Ben Baker and John Matthews fear - make a lousy episode of ALFsplaining? Time - and beans - will decide!
And if you want to buy us some beans, perhaps consider joining the Orbit Guard. You'll...
2024-11-2537 min
Indicator CastEpisode 49: End of year catch up with Powerhouse Films (2024)Join John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and Jim Mulvihill for very special episode of Indicator cast. In this episode we catch up with John Morrissey and Sam Dunn; directors of Powerhouse Films. We have a chat about the year overall for 2024.
2024-11-141h 17
ALFsplainingOh Pretty Woman"Lynn is depressed over being dumped by a boyfriend for a prettier girl, so ALF enters her in a beauty pageant to increase her self-confidence."
Its an oddly familiar plot as excuse for some great gags about clog dancing. ALF is at his jerky best here but perhaps for once its well placed? Your hosts as ever are Ben Baker and John Matthews who are dressed in a crimpolence blouse with ruffs from Top Shop and rather too much make-up.
And if you want to pay for them to get perms, perhaps...
2024-11-1137 min
ALFsplainingHail To The Chief"After watching a presidential debate, Kate has recurring dreams of running against ALF."
Another election? Did we not just do that? Well, its time to strap on your best Uncle Sam hat and never wear trousers as its a politically charged episode of ALF today - so much so we've actually bumped it up the running order a little to make it super topical and relevant. I mean, as much as a sitcom about a hairy dwarf alien can.
Kissing babies and taking names as always are your hosts Ben Baker and...
2024-11-0438 min
ALFsplainingSome Enchanted Evening"Not allowed to go trick-or-treating, ALF attends Willie's Halloween party and tries to convince his boss to give Willie an overdue promotion."
Ghoul-d morning ghouls and man...ghouls? Can you tell its the Halloween episode of ALF this week? And boy is it a treat with "Gordo" finally allowed to let his freak flag fly around real human beings...but with a catch. Or, more accurately, a zipper. Dressed as Fake Shemps in the corner as always are your hosts Ben Baker and John Matthews.
And if you want...
2024-10-2838 min
ALFsplainingWedding Bell Blues"ALF, after being deeply saddened by the fact that his parents got married before his birth - which is a taboo on Melmac - runs away to a monastery."
Ah that standard sitcom trope! Join Ben Baker and John Matthews in their finest fibre cassocks for some monky business exploring ALF's family tree, religious intolerance (of ALF) and Willie's darkest secret. You'll find us easily - we're the ones eating paste.
Want to be part of a very non silent order? Join the Orbit Guard here and support us...
2024-10-1437 min
ALFsplainingTake a Look at Me Now"Raquel's claim of seeing ALF makes her subject to ridicule and prone to depression, so ALF decides to defend her."
ALF has driven another person mad with his antics although for once its merely his existance that proves to be a stumbling block. Still, you know there's a great episode in store when the Ochmoneks are central to a story! And here Raquel comes face to snout with ALF at long last.
Watching from behind the fence are Ben Baker and John Matthews, two British ALF fans who love to talk about...
2024-10-0739 min
ALFsplainingSomewhere Over The Rerun"After becoming addicted to reruns of Gilligan's Island, ALF dreams that he has joined the castaways."
If you heard Friday's set up, you'll know that this is an episode of a sitcom all about a sitcom character becoming obsessed with a different sitcom. Confused? Dont be. Just join Ben Baker and John Matthews in the lagoon with your coconut cream pie and say "aloha" to ALFsplaining, little buddy. Then get digging.
Want to help get us off this fecking island? Join the Orbit Guard here and support the hard...
2024-09-3037 min
ALFsplainingWorking My Way Back to You - with Rob Manuel"ALF has to go one week without destroying anything in the Tanners' house."
Welcome wherever you are to the series by series watchalong of the American sitcom "ALF" with Ben Baker and John Matthews - and would you believe it but we've actually run out of season one! Clearly the producers felt it couldn't top the image of Racquel Ochmanek being spun around in an airplane toilet so had to immediately stop and take victory laps across America.
And so here we are for season two and to assist us with easing...
2024-09-2339 min
ALFsplainingSeason One Wrap-UpHow have Ben Baker and John Matthews already whizzed through 26 episodes of ALF? Gams knows but they need time to process what just happened hence this look back over season one. They choose their best and worst episodes alongside some bonus nonsense they couldn't fit in elsewhere. How top was the Willie overall? And who was the series' MVP? Its all in here and we'll be back with the next run of Melmacian mumblin' before you know it. Especially if you're listening to this ages in the future in which case we hope you enjoy the past between trips...
2024-09-0236 minALFsplainingCome Fly With Me"ALF gives The Tanners a real estate promotion for a sales pitch and Willie opposes the idea of going on vacation and leaving ALF at home when Trevor Ochmonek offers to take them on his plane..."
Its a Trevorganza! And your hosts Ben Baker and John Matthews are all in for this series finale which takes in talking toasters, stinking pigs, shrimp allergies, pony rides and one of the funniest visual gags of the series. So enjoy in audio form with us, wont you?
Want us to tackle season 2...
2024-08-2639 minALFsplainingLa Cucaracha - with Paul Gannon"A cockroach from ALF's spaceship grows to gigantic proportions."
One of the most "sci fi" of the ALF plots so far, its alien vs alien to the death as scriptwriter Jerry Stahl tries to make up for the appalling "ALF fancies a teenager" script earlier in the run. Holding the bug spray are Ben Baker and John Matthews who are really only in this for the Trevor. Special sexy guest star Paul Gannon from Cheapshow, Digitiser and all that groovy stuff thankfully manages to prise them off him long enough to discuss the sci-fi...
2024-08-1939 minALFsplainingWeird Science"Brian announces that he needs to come up with a project for the Science Carnival. On his own, Brian creates a model of the Solar System. ALF points out that there are inaccuracies and offers to help."
And by 'help' he means 'be a dick when people dont know about two bonus planets that are on his much more detailed maps being a space alien and all'. Ben Baker and John Matthews are your hosts trying to make sense of this really baffling edition which feels like a bottle episode but also has several...
2024-08-1238 minALFsplainingThe Gambler"ALF discovers the alluring world of horse racing thanks to Kate's mom who bets on them."
A romp through ALF's newfound love of the geegees and gambling which apparently he had never heard of in his previous 228 years despite being a bit of a shady bum back on his home planet. Letting it ride on a photo finish are your hosts Ben Baker and John Matthews, who have only ever bet on those mechanical horses they have in Blackpool.
Want some betting tips? Join the Orbit Guard here and...
2024-08-0537 minALFsplainingIt's Not Easy Bein' Green"Brian must perform a song about asparagus for the school play, but is too nervous."
If the above description doesnt give you the shivers, you're a braver person than Ben Baker and John Matthews who would like it to be known this episode was recorded before the tragic death of Benji Gregory. But also that there are singing children in this episode. Yeah.
Want some bonus stuff? Join the Orbit Guard here and support us doing this madness: https://www.patreon.com/ALFsplainingExtra
2024-07-2934 minALFsplainingLookin Through the Windows"During a power outage, ALF believes that Raquel was murdered by Trevor when he watches them have arguments through their windows."
It was a hot and steamy ALF....I mean night. But with the electric, air-con and more importantly the TV out, our furry friend has to make his own entertainment - naturally to Willie's disgust. But when it becomes a noir murder mystery, can he really complain any further at ALF's findings?
Ben Baker and John Matthews have been sent up from "the Yard" to investigate. Help support...
2024-07-2235 minALFsplainingBorder Song"ALF befriends a Mexican teenage immigrant who wants to go back home."
But more importantly, ALF's got a smallholding and he wants us all to revel in its pleasures. Whatever the hell it is that he's growing in there. Ben Baker and John Matthews are more agog at seeing Willie's office life, not to mention his poisonous banter with his secretary. Truly, its got everything - and yams!
Want some bonus excitement? Join the Orbit Guard here and support us doing this madness: https://www.patreon.com/ALFsplainingExtra
2024-07-0137 minALFsplainingTry to Remember (Part One) - with Phil Fletcher"ALF loses his memory and thinks he is insurance agent Wayne Schlegel after accidentally electrocuting himself in the bathtub. The Tanners then use flashbacks to restore his memory."
Yes, its a clip show, the scourge of the American TV environment...apparently. As we've seen most of the clips already, Ben Baker and John Matthews thought it was an apt time to bring in a ringer who hasnt seen them all. Its our celebrity - and only - friend Phil Fletcher off of the telly and - warning you now - the language does get...
2024-06-1734 minALFsplainingI've Got a New Attitude"ALF plays matchmaker with Dorothy and her new boyfriend Whizzer."
Boyfriend.... pushy oddball who lives in her apartment block...same difference, right? We've another star guest turn in this episode from Paul Dooley although Ben Baker and John Matthews are really more excited about that endless box dragging. What does it all mean? Ah, just listen already!
And if you like the series, maybe join the Orbit Guard here: https://www.patreon.com/ALFsplainingExtra
2024-06-1036 minALFsplainingA Little Bit of Soap"Dorothy thinks ALF's favorite TV soap opera, Midwest General, is sleaze, and shows him her favorite, One World to Hope For, which ALF thinks is boring. Angered, ALF argues that he could write a better script for the series than the writers are coming up with. So ALF actually writes a script and sends it in."
Oh that standard sitcom trope! Join Ben Baker and John Matthews as they attempt to understand time and the Tanners place within it in this very silly but very funny episode.
Join the...
2024-06-0337 minALFsplainingMother and Child Reunion"Kate's mother Dorothy arrives for a surprise visit that forces the Tanners to lock ALF in the garage for several days."
After half a season its time for someone else to meet ALF and who better than the terrific Anne Meara who gives a lot from a very little in this hairy take on the classic warring family tropes from lesser sitcoms. Applauding it all in the wings are John Matthews and Ben Baker, two high level ALFthusiasts whose credentials are impeccable.
Want to support all the time and...
2024-05-2738 minALFsplainingOh, Tannerbaum"ALF spends his first Christmas on Earth."
ITTTSSSS CHRRIIIIIIISTTTMMAAAASSSSSS! Wait, no it isnt. Its bloody May. Still thats how it used to be back in the old TV days and to prove it, ALF is on the lookout for snow. Despite living in California.
Ben Baker and John Matthews are on hand to unwrap ALF's many gifts and if you fancy sending one yourself, support the show via our smashing Patreon which is full of bonus stuff such as audio, video and obscene research data. Go to https://www.patreon.com/ALFsplainingExtra
2024-05-2036 minALFsplainingOn the Road Again"Willie suggests that they go to San Diego on vacation. Kate is all for it, but the family is unsure what to do with ALF."
ALF and the Tanners on holiday in a tiny camper? Why the stink must be unbearable! Also: holiday adventures apparently just next to Christmas, a guest turn for some meat-enthusiast woodsman and a running ALF that has to be seen to be believed. Or heard.
Your hosts as ever are premier ALFsmen Ben Baker and John Matthews and you can ogle their new Patreon...
2024-05-1338 minALFsplainingBaby, You Can Drive My Car"ALF buys a car for Lynn after the family car continues to be unreliable."
Was it your dream to imagine our favourite Melmacian crusing down the freeway in a very expensive sports car bought for a teenager? Of course it was, you're just regular people like John Matthews and Ben Baker who navigate through the bees to bring you their reaction to this very strange episode. And if you like them, maybe chuck a few bees at our new Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ALFsplainingExtra
2024-05-0636 minALFsplainingJump"For Willie's birthday, ALF gives him a box he found in the basement full of photos from high school and college. There is also a menu, on the back of which Kate and Willie both made lists of things they wanted to achieve in life. Kate actually did the things on her list, but Willie did not. This starts to haunt him so badly that he decides to do the list..."
And Daddy Tanner will make you...erm, feel confused at the pacing of the episode mostly but Ben Baker and John Matthews are holding his hand all the way...
2024-04-2936 minALFsplainingDont It Make My Brown Eyes Blue"Lynn is excited because her boyfriend Scott wants to keep all his band equipment in the Tanners' garage. ALF is not happy because he was supposed to be redecorating his room with Lynn. And he also has a crush on Lynn, so he proceeds to sabotage Scott's time with Lynn while trying to come up with something to impress her..."
Yeah, thats the premise and ooft, its a doozy. But does ALF pull it off? Well, join Ben Baker and John Matthews for their regular tiptoe through the terrific and troublesome to find out. Just dont tell the lead singer...
2024-04-2239 minALFsplainingHelp Me, Rhonda"Brian's 7th birthday is approaching and it gets ALF depressed because he realizes he is never going to see his friends on Melmac again — he was finally going to get together with his true love Rhonda and then the
planet exploded."
Innit typical? You finally get to snog on a lass and your whole civilization crashes into oblivion! Still, Ben Baker and John Matthews are here with a comforting word, a Top Willie and a look at DEM GAMS.
And if you want to support the podcast and get bo...
2024-04-1534 minALFsplainingFor Your Eyes Only"ALF meets a blind woman named Jody"
Nudge nudge, wink wink...its Willie and Kate's anniversary and apparently ALF isnt part of it. Ben Baker and John Matthews arent either but that gives them extra time to discuss spoiling Nicholas Nickleby, censored Chipmunks and whether the old ALFer watches the Tanners at it from the cupboard. Spoilers: he definitely does.
2024-04-0833 minALFsplainingKeepin' the Faith"To solve the Tanners' money problems, ALF gets a job selling make-up."
Ben Baker and John Matthews are your special Terry Faith girls for this very strange episode which is sort of about pyramid selling but mostly about ALF giving facials. No, stop that. He's just trying to make a pound note!
2024-04-0136 minALFsplainingPennsylvania 6-5000"After ALF uses the shortwave radio to call the President about the
nuclear disaster, and Willie gets blamed and is thrown in jail."
Yeah that standard sitcom trope! Ben Baker and John Matthews sing hail to the chief as ALF sorts out the little hand on the world's doomsday clock. There's a famous voice guest too, plus some humourous terrorism fun and Tootsie on HBO for all.
2024-03-2536 minALFsplainingLooking For Lucky"When Lucky, the Tanner's family cat, disappears, ALF is accused of eating him. ALF must search for Lucky to prove his innocence."
Welcome to ALFsplaining with Ben Baker and John Matthews - the programme that always has cat endangerment on mind. But only after ALF tidies up this goddamned mess, the risky businessman. But who is the real Fugitive in this situation...?
2024-03-1833 minALFsplainingStrangers In The Night"Everybody but Brian and ALF are leaving the house for the evening. Kate does not want ALF to babysit Brian, so Willie asks their ever-snooping neighbour, Mrs. Ochmonek."
Ben Baker and John Matthews are hiding behind the sofa this week as ALF tries to watch "Psycho" without alarming the neighbours. Nobody mentioned there'd be pizza though...
linktr.ee/alfsplaining
2024-03-1131 minALFsplainingALF"Gordon Shumway, a Melmacian who escaped his planet Melmac before it was destroyed, crash lands into the garage of the Tanner family."
Where it all began...for ALF that is. We started the other day but dont let that out you off Ben Baker and John Matthews looking at the pilot episode of "ALF" from September 1986. There's trivia, silly jokes, appreciation of a Top Willie, our most impenetrable pop culture moments and the judging of the episode MVP which probably stands for Melmac's Valuable Player or something.
2024-03-0433 min
ALFsplainingWhat Is ALFSplaining?Welcome to a new series called "ALFsplaining", a not especially serious podcast by Ben Baker and John Matthews exploring our mutual fascination with the American sitcom ALF which ran on NBC between September 1986 and April 1990. And boy are its legs tired!
In this preview episode, Ben and John talk about how they got into this ridiculous situation, the world ALF crash landed into and the state American and British TV were in when he did.
2024-02-2622 minIndicator CastEpisode 46: A end of year catch up with Powerhouse FilmsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, Suzanne, William Roadley and Ryan Kendall for very special episode of Indicator cast. In this episode we catch up with John Morrissey and Sam Dunn; directors of Powerhouse Films. We have a chat about the year overall for 2023, covering some releases and whats in store for 2024!
2023-12-191h 15Indicator CastEpisode 43: FROM HOLLYWOOD TO HEAVEN W/ Special Guest John HarrisonJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall... all along with Special Guest John Harrison (Film Historian and Author). They discuss the bizarre films of the Ormond family in relation to the upcoming set FROM HOLLYWOOD TO HEAVEN: THE LOST AND SAVED FILMS OF THE ORMOND FAMILY. Please follow John Harrisons blog here for all things cult film related: http://john-harrison.blogspot.com/
2023-03-2254 minIndicator CastEpisode 42: MEXICO MACABRE W/ Guests Andrew Leavold and Paul John BlairJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas... all along with Special Guests, Documentary Filmmaker Andrew Leavold and Paul John Blair (all the way in Japan) They discuss the world of Mexican Gothic Horror in relation to MEXICO MACABRE: FOUR SINISTER TALES FROM THE ALAMEDA FILMS VAULT!
2023-03-1856 minIndicator CastEpisode 41: A New Year Discussion with Powerhouse FilmsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, Suzanne and Ryan Kendall for another special episode of Indicator cast. In this episode we catch up again with John Morrissey and Sam Dunn; directors of Powerhouse Films. They look back on the releases in 2022, look forward to 2023 and what we can expect to come from the label. The 4K UHD announcements and challenges of Micheal J Murphy is covered, plus more!
2023-01-271h 19Indicator CastEpisode 40: Enter Santo! W/ Guests Andrew Leavold and Paul John BlairJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas , Ryan Kendall along with Special Guests, Documentary Filmmaker Andrew Leavold and Paul John Blair (all the way in Japan) They discuss the world of Santo in relation to ENTER SANTO: THE FIRST ADVENTURES OF THE SILVER-MASKED MAN - LE Also covered is the upcoming titles of The big Gundown and Remember the Night! Please Follow Andrew here: https://trashvideoarchives.com
2022-11-111h 34
Indicator CastEpisode 28: CorruptionJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and welcoming back William Roadley as they cover Peter Cushings decided 1968 film 'Corruption' Also covered is the Blu ray package itself. Spine #234 Please also check out Chasing Labels which co host John Mathews recent guest on: https://chasinglabels.podbean.com
2021-10-0855 minIndicator CastEpisode 27: Interview #2 with Powerhouse FilmsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, Matt Schlee and Ryan Kendall for another special episode of Indicator cast. Returning for a second chat to the podcast is John Morrissey and Sam Dunn (directors of Powerhouse Films). They cover questions from listeners and the group with some exclusive announcements.
2021-09-141h 06Indicator CastEpisode 24: Upcoming October 2021 (The War Month) Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Ryan Kendell, Tony Michas and William Roadley as they discuss the upcoming October Titles + News. Films covered: HELLFIGHTERS - LE MIDWAY - LE MacARTHUR - LE GRAY LADY DOWN
2021-08-1253 min
What the Riff Next Gen1994 - November: Dave Matthews Band “Under the Table and Dreaming”While Under the Table and Dreaming may have been released in September 1994 as the debut studio album by the Dave Matthews Band, songwriter and guitarist David John Matthews was working as a bartender in 1990 when a friend encouraged him to get together with drummer Carter Beauford and record a demo of a few songs he had written. Matthews also brought in saxophonist LeRoi Moore, and the trio began working on songs in 1991. Beauford recalled the three piece band was, according to Wikipedia “Awful. Not just kind of bad, I mean heinously bad...Sometimes it amazes me that we ever had a...
2021-07-2643 minWhat the Riff Next Gen1994 - November: Dave Matthews Band “Under the Table and Dreaming”While Under the Table and Dreaming may have been released in September 1994 as the debut studio album by the Dave Matthews Band, songwriter and guitarist David John Matthews was working as a bartender in 1990 when a friend encouraged him to get together with drummer Carter Beauford and record a demo of a few songs he had written. Matthews also brought in saxophonist LeRoi Moore, and the trio began working on songs in 1991. Beauford recalled the three piece band was, according to Wikipedia “Awful. Not just kind of bad, I mean heinously bad...Sometimes it amazes me that we ever had a...
2021-07-2643 minIndicator CastEpisode 23: Upcoming September 2021 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas and Matt Schlee as they discuss the September Titles + News. COLUMBIA NOIR #4 - LE, Newsletter and Ishtars cancellation.
2021-07-0538 minIndicator CastEpisode 22: GHOSTS OF MARS (w/ Special Guest Tone Egan )Join John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and special guest Tone Egan (Film Editor/Screenwriter) as they cover John Carpenters critically divided 2001 film 'Ghosts Of Mars' Also covered is the Blu ray package itself. Spine #20
2021-06-0958 minIndicator CastEpisode 21: Upcoming August 2021 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas and Ryan Kendell as they discuss the upcoming August Titles + News. Films covered: CORRUPTION THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR THE BINGO LONG TRAVELING ALL-STARS & MOTOR KINGS JAGGED EDGE
2021-06-0746 minIndicator CastEpisode 20: Upcoming July 2021 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, William Roadley, Ryan Kendell and special guest Kire Naumovski as they discuss the upcoming June Titles + News. Films covered: THE DAY OF THE DOLPHIN THE BIG FIX ISHTAR INVINCIBLE
2021-05-1458 minIndicator CastEpisode 19: Upcoming June 2021 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Matt Schlee and Ryan Kendell as they discuss the upcoming June Titles + News. Films covered: HAMMER VOLUME SIX: NIGHT SHADOWS - LE EYE OF THE CAT - LE
2021-04-0242 minIndicator CastEpisode 18: Sweet Charity (w/ Special Guest Lee Gambin and Cara Mitchell )Join John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and very special guests Lee Gambin (Film Historian) and Cara Mitchell (Dance Educator) as they cover Bob Fosses 1969 film 'Sweet Charity'. Also covered is the Blu ray package itself and Lee and Caras involvement with the release. Spine #181.
2021-03-181h 34
Indicator CastEpisode 18: Upcoming May 2021 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, William Roadley, Ryan Kendall and Tony Michas as they cover the upcoming May announcements.
Films covered include:
COLUMBIA NOIR #3 - LE
and
SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME
2021-03-0245 minIndicator CastEpisode 17: Upcoming April 2021 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Matt Schlee and Ryan Kendell as they discuss the upcoming April 2021 Titles + News. IRREVERSIBLE - LE CARLA'S SONG - LE FATHERLAND - LE THE CHALK GARDEN - LE
2021-01-3148 minIndicator CastEpisode 16: DRAGONWYCK Christmas Special (w/ Guest Suzanne)Join Tony Michas, John Mathews , William Roadley and special guest Suzanne (from Podcast Laudanum & Lace) as they cover the 1946 Gothic film DRAGONWYCK, starring Vincent Price and directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz. Also discussed is the Blu-Ray Package and extras. Indicator spine Number 103. Please check out Suzannes Podcast; Laudanum & Lace: https://anchor.fm/laudanumandlace?fbclid=IwAR2qT-fjogcTZKtYu4Z6PPjPF27Xr7xzQ1D_YjuD7q4bUf8r1SLYfgiBxd0
2020-12-231h 29Indicator CastEpisode 15: Upcoming February/March 2021 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, William Roadley, Matt Schlee as they cover the upcoming Jan-March announcements. Films covered include: Feb: COLUMBIA NOIR #2 MARCH: THE CRIMINAL CODE - LE TWENTIETH CENTURY - LE CRIMEWAVE - LE THINGS CHANGE - LE Plus news.
2020-12-131h 01Indicator CastEpisode 14: Exclusive Interview with Powerhouse FilmsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, William Roadley and Ryan Kendall for this very special episode of Indicator cast. In this episode we interview John Morrissey and Sam Dunn; directors of Powerhouse Films. They cover their backgrounds in the industry and the beginnings of the Indicator label. Second half we take listener questions from the powerhouse FB fan group.
2020-11-301h 17Indicator CastEpisode 13: WILLIAM CASTLE AT COLUMBIA, VOLUME ONE Halloween Special (w/ Guest Lee Gambin)Join John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and special guest Lee Gambin (Film Historian) as they cover WILLIAM CASTLE AT COLUMBIA, VOLUME ONE for a Halloween special. Films Covered: THE TINGLER (1959) 13 GHOSTS (1960) HOMICIDAL (1961) MR SARDONICUS (1961) Also discussed is the limited edition Blu-Ray Package and extras. Indicator spine Number 94-97
2020-10-251h 48Indicator CastEpisode 12: Upcoming December 2020 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and William Roadley as they cover the upcoming DEC announcements. Films covered include: BUFFALO BILL AND THE INDIANS, OR SITTING BULL'S HISTORY LESSON - LE ROADGAMES - LE A SOLDIER'S STORY - LE DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS - LE Plus news.
2020-10-091h 06Indicator CastEpisode 11: Night Tide (Catalogue Spotlight No. 6)Join John Mathews, Tony Michas, William Roadley and special guest Suzanne as they cover the 1961 film Night Tide, starring Dennis Hopper and directed by Curtis Harrington Also discussed is the limited edition Blu-Ray Package and extras. Indicator spine Number 166.
2020-09-151h 16Indicator CastEpisode 10: November 2020 Announcements, Noir and NewsJoin John Mathews, Matt Schlee and Ryan Kendell as they discuss the upcoming November Titles: COLUMBIA NOIR #1 Also discussed is the topic of Noir. News and rumours (including irreversible) are covered.
2020-08-3143 minIndicator CastEpisode 9: Upcoming October 2020 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Matt Schlee and Ryan Kendell as they discuss the upcoming October Titles: THE FU MANCHU CYCLE, 1965-1969 Also upcoming Anti-Worlds titles, news and the rumoured mega Ray Harryhausen box set.
2020-08-1047 minIndicator CastEpisode 8: Hardcore (Catalogue Spotlight No. 5)Join John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and William Roadley as they cover the 1979 film Hardcore, starring George C Scott and directed by Paul Schrader. Also discussed the Blu-Ray Package and extras. Indicator spine Number 14.
2020-08-031h 04Indicator CastEpisode 7: The Mad Magician (Catalogue Spotlight No. 4)Join John Mathews, Tony Michas, Ryan Kendall and William Roadley as they cover the 1954 film The Mad Magician, starring the great Vincent price. Also discussed is 3D films, the Blu-Ray Package and extras. Indicator spine Number 109.
2020-07-091h 19Indicator CastEpisode 6: Upcoming August 2020 Titles and Exclusive NewsJoin John Mathews, Matt Schlee and Ryan Kendell as they discuss the upcoming August Titles: (EVE aka EVA, SWEET CHARITY, I, MONSTER) They also have an EXCLUSIVE announcement direct from powerhouse films!
2020-06-2251 minIndicator CastEpisode 5: Night Of The Demon (Catalogue Spotlight No. 3)Join John Mathews, Tony Michas and William Roadley as they cover the 1957 British horror film, Night of the Demon directed by Jacques Tourneur. Episode also covers the Blu ray packaging, extras and trivia.
2020-06-111h 13Indicator CastEpisode 4: Upcoming June 2020 Titles and NewsJoin John Mathews, Ryan Kendall and William Roadley as they discuss the upcoming June indicator titles, these include... THE BEAST MUST DIE, FORCE 10 FROM NAVARONE and BRITANNIA HOSPITAL. Also finish out the episode with some news, including the end of Twilight Time.
2020-05-2551 minIndicator CastEpisode 3: HAMMER VOLUME TWO: CRIMINAL INTENT Box Set (Catalogue Spotlight No. 2)Join John Mathews, Ryan Kendall and William Roadley as they delve into the indicator Box set HAMMER VOLUME TWO: CRIMINAL INTENT. Films covered in this episode are: THE SNORKEL Spine 58 NEVER TAKE SWEETS FROM A STRANGER Spine 59 THE FULL TREATMENT Spine 60 CASH ON DEMAND Spine 61 Also covering extras, packaging and trivia.
2020-04-301h 30Indicator CastEpisode 2: The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (Catalogue Spotlight No. 1)Join John Mathews and William Roadley as we have a new side series to the main monthly episode. 'Catalogue Spotlight' will shine the light on a single title or boxset and dedicate an entire episode to the film, Blu-Ray disc and extras. This episode focuses on the magical 1953 Cult Classic, The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T., indicator spine Number 15.
2020-04-2442 minIndicator CastEpisode 1: Upcoming May titles, Newsletter and ReviewsThe first episode of indicator Cast. Join John Mathews, Matt Schlee and Ryan Kendell (admin team for the indicator FB fan group) as we discuss all things powerhouse films and indicator. This episode we do an intro, why we love the label, discuss upcoming May Titles (SPRING NIGHT SUMMER NIGHT, WATERMELON MAN, CISCO PIKE,MOSCOW ON THE HUDSON) and end with reviews.
2020-04-101h 01