Shows
The Occasionalists PodcastSummer Break Top4s: The Occasionalists Part 2 - The SequelOur final Summer Break episode has arrived. Chemma is back on board to help us determine which episodes need a continuation.
Which of our incredibly deep and insightful episodes was bursting with so much information that there was no way we could not make a sequel? Probably none of them, but we sure as heck won't let that stop us from coming up with a pair of solid top-four lists for you anyway.
2025-07-311h 01The Occasionalists PodcastPolitical Rewind: The Misinformation MachineWe are replaying a few of our best political episodes this month, starting with an absolute doozy!
The Occasionalists vs The Misinformation Machine: From February of 2022, the third in a series of episodes from "Factual February," where we tackle rampant misinformation clogging social and traditional media.
Bonus: Movie recommendations where lying is central to the plot!
2024-11-153h 20The Occasionalists PodcastFright Fest 666: Satanic Panic IntroIt's the most wonderful time of the year! October is here and with it comes Halloween and a staple series here at The Occasionalists, Fright Fest!
It's our sixth edition and because of that, we were left with no choice but to take a trip to hell and focus this Fright Fest on the Prince of Darkness himself, Satan!
The first full episode of Fright Fest 666: Satanic Panic is on its way, but in the meantime, how about a little teaser episode and a lightning round question:
What would you sell your soul t...2024-10-0418 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBack To School Movie Review: PCUOur final stop of Back To School month takes us to our college years and the cult classic PCU from 1994. However, you would be forgiven if you thought this was a modern-day critique of the current culture wars.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
2024-08-301h 09The Occasionalists PodcastBack To School Movie Review: The SubstituteWe have graduated from elementary school and are heading on to high school, with the review of The Substitute (1996).
It is a deeply flawed but fun action movie that will remind you of simpler times in the world of action movies when squibs, practical effects, and physical stunts were still in demand.
One tip for enjoying this movie: don't let the horrid messaging on the education system, teachers and the inner city get in the way.
2024-08-231h 20The Occasionalists PodcastBack To School Movie Review: Major PayneWe are back with our first of three big movie reviews for Back To School month.
Obviously, we have have to start at the elementary school with an entry that deals with younger kids. What better way to start off than with Damon Wayans barking insults at teenagers as Major Payne.
Nearly 30 years later, does this movie still hold up? (Yes.)
Is some of it problematic? (Maybe. Context is king!)
Would I do anything Ms Walburn asked me to do? (Absolutely Yes.)
Is this the most quotable movie of my childhood? (10000% Yes.)
2024-08-161h 13The Occasionalists PodcastBack To School Essential MoviesOur second minisode (and one of these times it will actually be short, pinky promise) for our Back To School month has us discussing some essential school-related movies, but maybe not the ones you're thinking about.
From scandal at the ballot box to kidnapping, impersonation, frightening powers, and serial murder, these movies have it all.
Are you taking notes?
2024-08-0952 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBack To School MixtapeWE. ARE. BACK.
That's right. Vacation is over, and it's time to get back to the podcasting grind. A newish season starts this month with a brand new theme: Back to School!
August is the final countdown for students and teachers alike, as they watch their last few days of sun, fun, and freedom slip by. What better way to celebrate such a glorious time than to kick off a whole month dedicated to the pursuit of education in the field of pop culture with a mixtape spanning the academic years of your typical elder m...2024-08-0857 minThe Occasionalists PodcastVacation Rewind: Drinking w/ BudsLooks like we can get one more episode in before summer vacation officially wraps up around here.
Why not revisit one of the best episodes of this past year: The Four Way Fatal Drinking Deathmatch! Yes, we got the whole crew together to crack a few drinks, reminisce, and generally have a great time on the pod.
Enjoy!
2024-07-311h 31The Occasionalists PodcastVacation Rewind: B Movie May Part 2Part two of our B Movie May vacation episode. Enjoy it!
2024-07-261h 53The Occasionalists PodcastVacation Rewind: B Movie May Part 1We are back with our last two-part vacation episodes, but not our last vacation episode. Stay tuned for that. Today, we are dialing it back to May of 2022 when the stars aligned for an unforgettable Movie May: B Movie May!
Low budgets, high talent, and a veritable who's who of the Golden Age of Hollywood before they were stars.
Check it out!
2024-07-261h 33The Occasionalists PodcastVacation Rewind: The Remix Part 2Two episode drops in a single day?! You betcha! The second half of The Remix is now live as well!
2024-07-191h 41The Occasionalists PodcastVacation Rewind: The Remix Part 1While not intentional, we're sticking with this month's secondary theme by dusting off extra-large episodes. Double shots for all!
This week, we are hitting both parts of The Remix, in which we change all sorts of pop culture for the better and possibly for the worse. Mostly the latter.
Enjoy!
2024-07-192h 02The Occasionalists PodcastVacation Rewind: Time Travel Part 2Part 2 of our Time Travel discussion from 2020 finds us getting into the more esoteric and weird stuff regarding physics and philosophy. It's a lot of fun, enjoy it!
2024-07-121h 54The Occasionalists PodcastVacation Rewind: Time Travel Part 1Our first classic episode is the beginning of a two-fer! It's one of our favorites from when we were podcasting A LOT, all the way back on April 1st, 2020. I wonder if anything was going on when we made this two-part episode...*insert thinking emoji here*
Anyway, if you're hearing this for the first time, enjoy the first part of our deep dive into Time Travel--theoretical, fictional, and philosophical. If you've heard this episode before, enjoy it again!
2024-07-111h 26The Occasionalists PodcastDark Matter ReduxWe are wrapping up our month of podcasting introspection with the grand finale: a deep dive into the script that's been moved from hard drive to hard drive for over 15 years: Dark Matter.
Is it good? No! And we meant for it to suck!
Want to know why it was written? Then listen to this episode!
Any interest in hearing some terrible acting? No? I don't blame you but YOU'RE GETTING IT ANYWAY.
2024-06-2846 minThe Occasionalists PodcastGame of Thrones ReduxFor the first time in 5 years(!) we return to the realm of Westeros to talk about a longstanding favorite, Game of Thrones.
A one-of-a-kind show that as time has moved on from the bad controversial finale, is proving that it was likely the very last of its kind.
Get comfortable as we get back on the King's Road for one more trip to the Seven Kingdoms.
2024-06-211h 26The Occasionalists PodcastThird Spin Redux: The Music of John CarpenterWe are back with our second episode for The Occasionalists Redux, a full album review in the spirit of a monthly minisode, The Third Spin. We're bringing it back to take another look at the music of the great director and composer John Carpenter.
We'll be listening to "Lost Themes IV: Noir," the latest album from Carpenter (and son Cody and godson Daniel Davies), giving it three full spins (listens) and taking you through what's changed in each new spin.
We also make a fun little list at the end of the minisode involving Carpenter's...2024-06-1328 minThe Occasionalists PodcastThe Occasionalists Redux: Video GamesWe are kicking off a brand new month by imitating those brilliant, creative, unparalleled podcasters from...The Occasionalists!
That's right, we're turning the microscope on ourselves as we expand on some of our past episodes.
First up: Video Games!
2024-06-071h 13The Occasionalists PodcastSecret Movie Reviews: Road to Paloma (2014) & Future World (2018)We are back to wrap up the final week of our Secret Movie reviews with an absolute whopper of a double feature!
I am pleased to bring you this review of two incredible, unmatched, multi-award nominated, and multi-award winning feature films: Road to Paloma (2014) and Future World (2018). We are truly blessed to cover such landmark films.
I'm sorry, I blacked out for a moment...who wrote all of that? That previous paragraph appears to be about two good movies and not the junk I watched.
Might as well give it a listen anyway!2024-05-311h 13The Occasionalists PodcastSecret Movie Review: Possessor (2020)Technology merging and changing with the human body in grotesque and unexpected ways?
No one spared from visceral violence and gore?
Directed by a Cronenberg?!
While Possessor might seem very familiar, you ain't seen nothing yet.
2024-05-2356 minThe Occasionalists PodcastSecret Movie Review: Upgrade (2018)Our second Secret Movie review is now live!
An old friend returns to talk technologically enhanced super soldiers, malevolent AI, quadriplegic vengeance, and the dystopian near future Melbourne Australia United States. All this and more are wrapped up in one neat cyberpunk package known as Upgrade.
How is this movie not talked about and copied more? Why can't cops just do their damn job? Who keeps letting billionaires design everything that will kill us?
Find out all of that and more!
2024-05-162h 02The Occasionalists PodcastSecret Movie Review: Villains (2019)We kick off Movie May with our first Secret Movie Review! We tackle the 2019 black COMEDY from writing and directing duo Dan Berk and Robert Olsen: Villains.
Who dazzled? Who disappointed? How many things are lurking in the basement? How much cocaine is too much cocaine?
Find out all that and more with us before we abscond to the greatest place on earth: Florida.
2024-05-091h 15The Occasionalists PodcastMovie May: Secret Movies PrimerWe are jumping out of the booze and into the theater, for it is once again time to celebrate all things movies with the aptly named, Movie May.
This time we are tackling Secret Movies. Confused? Same here, but this episode should help explain it.
2024-05-0351 minThe Occasionalists PodcastAperitif April: Drinking w/ BudsOOOHH YEAHHHH! It was a night of memories, tales of glory days long past when these maniacs ruled the roads and painted the town red. As the drinks flowed, so did the wild stories - outrageous adventures, narrow escapes, romantic conquests that would make your grandmother blush! For one night, they were young again, lost in a hazy brotherhood forged in the beers of their epic youth. OOOHH YEAHHHH, those were the days, my friends, the CREAM OF THE CROP living life full throttle!
2024-04-261h 31The Occasionalists PodcastAperitif April: Wedding DrinksWe are back with our next drink review for Aperitif April. This time, we'll be tackling a pair of original recipes with a wedding theme!
Join us as we taste-test The Prenuptial and The Divorce Settlement.
2024-04-1958 minThe Occasionalists PodcastAperitif April: Ranch WaterOur first foray into cocktails for Aperitif April has us taking on three variations of a modern staple that surged out of West Texas the past decade: Ranch Water!
Several individuals have laid claim to creating this simple yet delicious tequila highball, there is one undisputed fact no one can deny: This shit is gooood.
Pour a glass and drink along as we have our own ranch-hand happy hour.
2024-04-121h 02The Occasionalists PodcastAperitif April: Eclipse BeersOur first episode of Aperitif April has us diving into the suds and a little science! In honor of the coming eclipse, we are taste-testing two beers with the cosmos in their hoppy hearts.
First, the specially-made for the big event Vanilla Blackout Stout from Great Lakes Brewing. Then we get a little spacy with Cosmic Haze from Market Garden Brewery.
What do these two different but fabulous beers pair best with? Some choice pop culture cuts with a cosmic twist, of course.
Crack one open, put your eclipse glasses on and let's...2024-04-0545 minThe Occasionalists PodcastAperitif April PrimerIt's April, which means we are jumping into a new theme. I am happy to kick off our first month dedicated to the adult beverage, Grandpa's cough syrup, hooch, the hard stuff, aqua vitae...whatever you want to call it, we're talking about it this month in Aperitif April!
2024-04-0314 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 29th 2024: The Occasionalists Daily Wrap UpThe end of March is here, which means we are wrapping up this year's In The March of Minisodes, which means we are done with The Occasionalists Daily. THANK GOD.
While this was a fun experiment, it's one that is not likely to be repeated any time soon...unless certain changes are made. But really, we probably won't do this again. Most likely. I mean, probably not...
2024-03-2911 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 28th 2024: InfrastructureIt's Infrastructure Week Day here at The Occasionalists!
You know what that means: I am going to scare the absolute shit out of you with facts about the inherent unsafe conditions of our roads, bridges, drinking water, hazardous waste, schools and more. Oh, and I'm going to tell you about all of the disasters that human oversight and laziness caused. If you're listening to this while driving...prayers up.
Happy Thursday!
2024-03-2852 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 27th 2024: PrivacyPop quiz hot shot: What's a basic human right we have fought tooth and nail for yet obnoxiously violate or willfully give up for a few likes and comments? What's impossible to fully guarantee yet fundamental to our peace of mind? What is under constant attack, yet the individual's is rarely affected?
Privacy!
I'll bet you never look at your phone the same way again.
2024-03-2741 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 26th 2024: Vladimir PutinOn the heels of one of the worst terror attacks ever in Russia that was almost certainly allowed to happen we take a look back at 20th-century Russian history and how Vladimir Putin's role in the KGB and early Russian Federation politics has shaped modern Russia for the worse.
2024-03-2647 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 25th 2024: GamblingWe are kicking off our final week of daily episodes with our first current topic. We are diving into gambling, legal or otherwise, and how baseball's biggest star and the league office find themselves in quite the pickle.
2024-03-2553 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 22nd 2024: Friday CallingWe wrap up this week with songs exclusively with Friday in the title and almost exclusively about people's lives falling apart or coming together on Friday.
Turns out there's a surprisingly large subgenre of music I'm dubbing "very bad or very good shit happens to me on Fridays." It's a working title.
2024-03-2223 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 21st 2024: Throwback ThursdayWe're over the hump and on to Thirsty Thursday. Nay! We are on to Throwback Thursday! That's right, bringing back an early social media #classic as we celebrate some old music with today's playlist. How old? The newest songs on here would have just turned 30.
Let's throw it back!
2024-03-2130 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 20th 2024: Crush TunesWe are back on a Wednesday to turn the volume back up after bringing it down yesterday. We are hitting the gym with some force, aggression and some equally angry music. It's time for some Crush Tunes!
Turn this shit up to 11 and start crushing some iron!
2024-03-2027 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 19th 2024: Zen State of MindHow about some mood and mind-altering music to change your attitude about the second worst day of the week? Thought you might like that.
2024-03-1929 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 18th 2024: TV Theme Song Jump StartWhat better way to start a new work week than with a playlist chock full of tv themes? It's rhetorical: there is no better way.
Don't think you can jam out to tv music? Think again!
2024-03-1829 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 15th 2024: Let's Tear The Tits Off Strongman ExercisesWhat do picking up historic land markers, throwing giant logs, pulling airplanes, and dragging anchors have in common with everyday tasks in your life? Maybe a little more than you realized.
2024-03-1524 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 14th 2024: Let's Ego Lift!What do world-class bodybuilders, powerlifters, strongmen, and strength coaches all have in common according to jealous little trolls on the internet?
They're all ego lifters! And nothing they do ever counts!
I have a solution for this problem: Take the collective sticks out of your asses and join us in some good old fashion ego-lifting fun!
2024-03-1422 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 13th 2024: Tear the Tits Off High Rep SetsQ: What are we doing today mum?
A: We're gonna tear the tits off some high-rep sets!
For a lot of casual gym goers, a high rep set might entail 15, 16, or maybe even 20 reps.
We're about to enter a different realm of reps, where we don't even start counting until the lungs burn and the muscles get tight. Welcome to hell!
2024-03-1340 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 12th 2024: Sled WorkFor today's episode, we are talking weight sleds. A great alternative to leg day and very much like a Transformer: more than meets the eye!
Tighten those shoes and get pushing. Or pullin'!
2024-03-1222 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 11th 2024: Accommodating ResistanceWe're rolling right into the second week of The Occasionalists Daily with a look at how we can still get a good workout and have a little fun at the same time.
First up: Accommodating Resistance. Get your bands and your chains out. Let's go to work!
2024-03-1127 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 8th 2024: MLS & NHL ProblemsA two-fer to close out the first week of The Occasionalists Daily. We take on the gimmicky nature of professional soccer in America and try to figure out why the NHL wants to make itself look as bad as possible.
2024-03-0822 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 7th 2024: NBA ProblemsToday's episode covers the problems the NBA faces, one of which starts well before a player logs even a single minute in The Association.
And if you're a big nerd, the other problem has to do with math!
2024-03-0736 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 6th 2024: MLB ProblemsToday's episode has us looking slightly beyond the payroll imbalances of Major League Baseball and examining to new issues facing the league.
2024-03-0632 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 5th 2024: NCAA ProblemsFor the second episode of the podcast every day challenge for In The March of Minisodes, we tackle the problems threatening college football.
2024-03-0529 minThe Occasionalists PodcastMarch 4th 2024: NFL ProblemsWe're kicking off In The March of Minisodes daily podcast challenge with a look at some of the less obvious problems facing the NFL.
2024-03-0433 minThe Occasionalists PodcastThe March of Minisodes: Daily Primer*Viking horn sounds*
In The March of Minisodes, has commenced!
*Crowd cheers wildly*
We are taking the minisode concept to new heights this year. For this March, The Occasionalists will become a daily podcast. That's right kids! Every weekday (that's weekday) this month you will be getting a hot new episode. Sports, music, headline news...it's all coming at you hard and fast.
Who's ready for 21 episodes?!
*Crowd explodes into more cheers*
Wow! The six of you are very excited for this!
2024-03-0130 minThe Occasionalists PodcastThe Vault: Wrap Up MinisodeWe are putting the finishing touches on February and we are locking up The Vault. For now!
We go over the month and give some highlights, talk about how The Vault is going to come into play in the future and of course, finish with our final Top 5 of the month.
You even get a bonus peek at next month's minisode challenge.
2024-02-2930 minThe Occasionalists PodcastThe Vault: Dazed And ConfusedOur third entry into The Vault finds us bringing in our first guest of the year. Rob Nugent is back to get in-depth with the 1993 stoner classic, Dazed and Confused.
This is a masterclass in independent filmmaking, Gen X defiance, and the aimlessness of youth. It's bolstered by a who's who cast before they were stars, an unbelievable (and expensive!) soundtrack, and Richard Linklater's unmistakable voice and fingerprints all over every scene.
You got two hours to chill and listen with us? No?
Be a lot cooler if you did.
2024-02-212h 01The Occasionalists PodcastThe Vault: It's Always Sunny In PhiladelphiaThe next piece of pop culture we are locking away from the impending apocalypse (asteroid, mega typhoon, new pandemic, whatever) inside of our trusty, underground vault is the greatest sitcom ever: It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
I said what I said! This show has charted its path to greatness by simultaneously subverting and playing directly to modern tv tropes. It has pushed boundaries, sometimes a little too far, in a way no sitcom had done previously.
And all it has to show for breaking new ground on television is an empty trophy case and a...2024-02-152h 11The Occasionalists PodcastThe Vault: The ThingOur first episode of The Vault finds us taking a deep dive into the once-reviled, now-lauded sci-horror classic The Thing.
John Carpenter's nihilist masterpiece weaves together some of the grossest, most spectacular SFX of all time, with a tense story, top-notch cast, claustrophobic atmosphere, and growing paranoia while still leaving room for the audience to explore their interpretations and theories on the film.
Without a doubt, this is a solid first entry for The Vault.
2024-02-091h 12The Occasionalists PodcastThe VaultGreetings Occasionalheads! We are back, kicking off February with the first of our imitation series. This month, we are jocking the style of a classic movie podcast, Filmspotting, and putting our twist on what we think of as being the best of the best.
We're unlocking...drum roll please...The Vault!
All month long we are picking some pieces of pop culture that we want to lock away in a massive, disaster-proof vault to protect from the inevitable crash and burn of civilization and preserve for the aliens that will arrive on our ashen husk...2024-02-0722 minThe Occasionalists PodcastLoose Ends: Sports LogosOur last (more than likely) Loose End is being tied up as we discuss Sports Logos!
We've gotten into plenty of uniform talk when it comes to our sports-centric episodes, but we've never gotten directly into the team logos. What makes a good logo? How have design conventions changed over the years? Why do some logos become iconic and others never catch on?
I'm so glad you asked, let's answer all of those questions and more!
2024-01-241h 31The Occasionalists PodcastLoose Ends: Video Game MusicWe hit our next Loose End and take on something that has been on the proverbial docket for....ever. At least it seems that way. We are talking about some video game music!
Soundtrack vs scores, ambient/background music and sounds, early video game music. We cover it all! Plus, we get a little video game music trivia that involves some big-time musicians and award winners.
Pick up those sticks and press play!
2024-01-1939 minThe Occasionalists PodcastLoose Ends: Pop Culture Favorites & AnnoyancesWelcome back Occasionalists fans! The first brand-new episode of the year has arrived!
In a vain attempt at a minisode, I spend a solid 45 minutes discussing some of the best things in pop culture I've come across recently, as well as some of the things that make my blood boil.
What made the lists?
Marvel melting brains? You bet!
Lyrical meteorologists? Absolutely!
Reality-bending movies? Of course!
And a whole lot more. Without further ado, let's jump into 2024.
2024-01-1243 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBest of 2023: Fright Fest V Double Feature: The Purge & Battle RoyaleWe wrap up the Best of 2023 with another look at two thrillers from Fright Fest V that embodied the legislative branch of The Body Politic and the power policy has to turn people against each other with a deep dive into The Purge and Battle Royale.
2024-01-041h 18The Occasionalists PodcastBest of 2023: SciPhylum Pt TwoAnd now the second of two Best of episodes dropping today, in which we discuss the different types of modern sci-fi subgenres and their origins, and give some examples of some movies and tv shows you might have seen that fit into one or multiple different subgenres.
2024-01-0342 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBest of 2023: SciPhylum Pt OneThe first of two Best of episodes dropping today, in which we discuss the different types of modern sci-fi subgenres and their origins, and give some examples of some movies and tv shows you might have seen that fit into one or multiple different subgenres.
2024-01-0344 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBest of 2023: The 1990s: Sitcoms w/ Rob NugentOur next Best of 2023 episode finds us going back to the totally awesome, totally tubular 1990s to talk about the golden age (maybe?) of sitcoms with none other than hockey correspondent Rob Nugent!
From our favorites, to absurd moments, to jokes we didn't get until we were older, this episode was an awesome blast of tv nostalgia.
2024-01-021h 39The Occasionalists PodcastBest of 2023: Battle Breakdown from Battlefield CinemaLet's take a look back at the best episodes of the year as selected by uh....me! We'll do this in chronological order so first up was a very fun episode from Movie May.
The whole month was dedicated to war movies of various kinds and this episode (Battle Breakdown) got into the nitty gritty of combat by dissecting 9 different battle sequences from film and television. Some were from real battles, some were fictional, some did some things right and others did some things wrong.
2024-01-011h 34The Occasionalists PodcastYear In Review 2023Heyo! We are back and alive. Uh, obviously.
We are back with a new episode to close out the year that was, 2023 in case you forgot, by covering all of the previous episodes and themes and seeing what worked, didn't work, and where to go from there.
We also preview the top 4 episodes of the year and give a glimpse into the upcoming, year-long theme the podcast will be following.
Happy 2024! Eat shit, 2023!
2023-12-311h 34The Occasionalists PodcastBest of the Best Week: Best Sports VillainAnd we wrap up the two-fer, and Best of the Best Week, with a look at villains in sports.
Are there as many as you think? When does villainy cross into appreciation?
One thing is for sure though: villains make for the best real fictional characters.
2023-11-2433 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBest of the Best Week: Best Sports CelebrationsHow about we close out Best of the Best Week with a good old-fashioned two-fer?
We start by doing a deep dive into bat flips, hip thrusts, coordinated dances, power slides, finger wags, spikes, shimmies, shakes, and war dances to determine what is the best celebration in all of sports.
2023-11-2437 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBest of the Best Week: Best Sports TV ShowWe have reached the midpoint of our Best of the Best Week and we are hashing out what is the best sports television show of all time.
Here's a dirty little secret about fictional sports tv shows: they mostly suck.
Except for the one selected here. FX's The League is truly head and shoulders (and downstairs mouth) above the rest of the competition and thus, earns a lifetime Shiva award.
2023-11-2231 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBest of the Best Week: Stadium AnthemsOur next episode for Best of the Best Week finds us examining the intersection of sports and music. Nothing hypes up a crowd, or a team for that matter, like a well-placed song drop. Player and team entrances, fan chants, and even some sing-alongs are top of mind with this episode.
We tackle a variety of songs and tell you when it is best to give these tracks a try.
Plus, we open up Pandora's Box and potentially commit some kind of blasphemy by suggesting that maybe, juuuust maybe, Queen does not have the top...2023-11-2136 minThe Occasionalists PodcastBest of the Best Week: The Best Sports MovieWe roll on with our Sports Bonanza and we're offering up a little curveball for your holiday week.
A new minisode every day this week presenting the Best of the Best. First up: The Best Sports Movie.
It's obviously the 1989 comedy classic, Major League. If you think it's something else, you're wrong. I think you'll see things, just give me like 5 minutes to convince you.
You still don't believe me? I guess there's only one thing left to do then...
Listen to the whole fucking thing.
2023-11-2025 minThe Occasionalists PodcastCleveland Sports AnswersWe're jumping right back into another Sports Bonanza episode, this time with a few answers to our pressing Cleveland sports questions.*
Can the Guardians dream real big this offseason? How should we consider this wild, up-and-down Browns season? Will the Cavs have the first father-son duo in NBA history? Get answers to all that and more!
*Unfortunately, we didn't have time to provide any commentary or updates on the ever-growing steroid and cocaine scandal in the Greater Cleveland Interscholastic Bowling League. Check back in next week!
2023-11-1745 minThe Occasionalists PodcastCleveland Sports QuestionsThe November Sports Bonanza rolls on with (and you knew it was coming) a Cleveland-centric episode!
We're asking questions about the Browns, Cavs, and Guardians, obviously.
But we're also dipping into the Cleveland Monsters, John Carroll Blue Streaks, Notre Dame College Falcons, Cleveland State Vikings, and Case Western Spartans. And naturally, we finished out with a deep talk about the hyper-competitive Greater Cleveland Interscholastic Bowling League and the ongoing steroids scandal.
Wait, I'm being told that part of the recording has been lost.
I guess we'll have to replace it with s...2023-11-1654 minThe Occasionalists PodcastSports Bonanza! Trivia ChallengeWe are officially kicking of our monthlong focus on sports, Sports Bonanza!, with an always fun and engaging round of sports trivia. We're digging deep into all of the major sports, college and pro, with an interesting bonus question to boot.
And if you're into excessively long rants about big corporations stealing money, are you in for a real treat!
In the words of the late, great Oscar Gamble: They don't think it be like it is. But it do.
2023-11-091h 08The Occasionalists PodcastFright Fest V Double Feature: Deathwatch & Day of the DeadWe wrap up Fright Fest V (almost!) with our final double feature on the enforcement branch of The Body Politic as we take on Deathwatch (2002) and Day of the Dead (1985).
On the menu for this review: Isolation, paranoia, distrust, zombies, barbed wire, inhuman experiments, giant rats, machine guns, inept leaders, the apocalypse, and vengeful German spirits.
That sounds like a good meal to me, eat up!
2023-10-271h 06The Occasionalists PodcastFright Fest V Minisode: EnforcementWe kick off the final week of our examination into the Body Politic with an introduction to the branch that represents the most immediate horror and threat to us: Enforcement.
There isn't a situation the boys in blue or (green) can't make worse and way more violent than it needs to be. Whether it's zombies, primordial gods, ghosts, or regular people in extraordinary circumstances, they'll find a way to screw it up.
2023-10-2427 minThe Occasionalists PodcastFright Fest V Double Feature: The Dead Zone & They LiveOn tap for this week's double feature are two 1980s classics, The Dead Zone and They Live.
An exploration into two sides of the same coin: The Power Elite. Dangerous, erratic politicians inflict terror on the one side and captains of industry wielding consumerism and capitalism cause horror on the other.
Who wins when that's the coin you have to flip? Buddy, it ain't you and me.
2023-10-201h 09The Occasionalists PodcastFright Fest V Minisode: The ElitesWe start the second week of our Fright Fest V investigation into The Body Politic with a minisode wrapping up legislation and our legislative nightmare movies as well as laying the groundwork for a look at the next branch of political horror: The Elites.
2023-10-1716 minThe Occasionalists PodcastFright Fest V Double Feature: The Purge & Battle RoyaleWe kick off the movie review portion of Fright Fest V with a look at two movies that examine how The Body Politic creates fear, distrust, and violence in its citizenry with legislation: The Purge (2013) and Battle Royale (2000).
When religious, authoritarian regimes need to get rid of undesirables in their society and scare others into compliance, what better way to do it than to create a system that encourages your own citizens to do it for you?!
Release the beast with us, won't you?
2023-10-141h 18The Occasionalists PodcastFright Fest V - The Body Politic: Legislative NightmareGather 'round ye old gravestone, sharpen your finest meat hook, and put on your fanciest hockey mask because the most special time of the year has arrived: Fright Fest V is finally here!
In this year's edition, we tackle the intersection of politics and horror, and how society's fear and anxiety are reflected in our entertainment media. We're focusing on three particular branches (themes) of political horror:
Legislation
The Elites
Enforcement
We'll review 6(!) movies this month that touch on some aspects of those branches.
First up, a little intro into how legislation can...2023-10-1144 minThe Occasionalists PodcastSci-Fi September: Triangle Movie ReviewSci-Fi September is coming to an end, but we are going out with a bang!
Our final review has us checking in on the 2009's Triangle. An Australian Timeslip movie that's one part psychological thriller, one part stalker horror, two parts Greek myth, and a whole lot of self-flagellation.
Can our protagonist Jess escape the nightmare time loop (err, triangle) she finds herself in? Where did that mysterious ship actually come from? Why aren't the Australians allowed to use their own accents?
All of these questions and more are answered in our Triangle...2023-09-291h 02The Occasionalists PodcastSci-Fi September: Forbidden Planet Movie ReviewWe couldn't let Sci-Fi September end before getting in a couple of movie reviews.
First up, is the 1956 classic Forbidden Planet. Truly a foundational work that has been influencing science fiction entertainment for the past 60 years. From the characters to the visual effects, and storytelling techniques that would later become tropes of the genre, this movie has it all.
Did we also mention it has hunky Leslie Nielsen, the lower half of Anne Francis, a helpful but obese robot, and a ship full of horny, drunk dudes?
We'll see you on Altair 4, as...2023-09-2657 minThe Occasionalists PodcastSci-Fi September: SciPhylum Pt TwoWe wrap up the discussion on the main subgenres of science fiction with a look at The Big 4 Subgenres:
Hard Sci-Fi
Cyberpunk
Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi
Social Sci-Fi
We discuss what is making each subgenre relevant now and how that has changed, or not changed, since the early days of science fiction storytelling. Of course, there are some recommendations and standout examples from each subgenre as well.
We came here to chew bubble gum and podcast...and we're all out of bubble gum.
2023-09-2242 minThe Occasionalists PodcastSci-Fi September: SciPhylum Pt OneSci-Fi September rolls on into modern times!
We're talking about the emergence of science fiction subgenres and how they are best represented in film, television, and books. We also discuss a few less well-defined subgenres and whether they can stand on their own.
We keep the big 4 subgenres for their own episode. So tune in later this week!
Where we're going, we don't need roads.
2023-09-1944 minThe Occasionalists PodcastSci-Fi September: Radio PlaysSci-Fi September continues with a look at the early days of science fiction media coming off the page and briefly dominating early pop culture through radio plays.
From pulp adventures to thought-provoking scenarios to hoaxes that redefined radio and pop culture, the early 20th century was an incredible time to be a sci-fi fan.
Don't mind those explosions on Mars, and come get your positronic brain filled with knowledge.
2023-09-1548 minThe Occasionalists PodcastSci-Fi September: Science Fiction OriginsWe are back to kick off a brand new month as we dive into Sci-Fi September!
We start off with an investigation into the ancient origins of science fiction literature, highlight some of the genre's luminary writers, and discuss the way modern sci-fi has evolved over time from pulp action serials to thought experiments, laden with analogies.
We also discuss what actually makes sci-fi...sci-fi.
Come with me if you want to learn.
2023-09-121h 00The Occasionalists PodcastThe 1990s: Sitcoms w/ Rob NugentWe are back with the next installment of our 1990s series, as we look at sitcoms with Rob Nugent!
Is the 1990s the Golden Age of the Sitcom? Are people too sensitive to watch old tv shows? What will happen with sitcoms in the future? How unabashedly horny were Rob and I as kids growing up in the 90s?
Tune in to find out all that, and way more than you ever wanted to, on this week's episode!
2023-08-171h 39The Occasionalists PodcastThe 1990s: Video Games w/ Greg CherryOur look back into the 1990s starts with a deep dive into video game nostalgia with very special guest host Greg Cherry!
We talk about our gaming setups, consoles of choice, favorites you've heard of, and plenty more you've probably never heard of.
We also compare gaming as teens to gaming as adults and how the years have changed our gaming habits.
Pick up those sticks and hop into the first leg of this 1990s campaign!
2023-08-091h 24The Occasionalists PodcastThe 1990s: IntroWE ARE BACK DUDES AND DUDETTES!
The Occasionalists have come back from their summer hibernation to bring a totally radical 9th (maybe?) season of podcast shenanigans.
We're calling an audible and talking about The 1990s! Baggy clothes, thin eyebrows, terrible CGI, incredible movie soundtracks, and angsty teens galore. What a time to be alive!
We go over the particulars of this upcoming month as well as give you a little update on the goings-on of the people behind the mic.
2023-08-0320 minThe Occasionalists PodcastHistory Lesson: Sneakers Part 2To wrap up our first History Lesson, we take a look at how sneakers modernized and become a cultural force unto themselves.
From the innovations to the shoe itself to the business model around shoe endorsement, its influence in hip-hop culture, and the domination of Nike and athletes becoming synonymous with their shoes.
Hope those Omnis are pumped, we got some ground to cover.
2023-06-161h 23The Occasionalists PodcastHistory Lesson: Sneakers Part 1We're kicking off June, our History Lesson month, with the first of a two-parter looking at the history and key moments in the development of the sneaker.
In part one, we look at how ancient footwear went from simple woven coverings to flip-flops and even radically enormous high heels. We note some important innovations ranging from ancient times all the way up to the Industrial Revolution, and discuss the first athletes with their own shoes. Hint: you definitely know one of them.
We even discuss history's first sneakerheads: wealthy Romans, of course.
Lace-up...2023-06-081h 14The Occasionalists PodcastMovie May: Battlefield Cinema IV - Things To Come ReviewWe move on to the next Battlefield Cinema installment with a movie review of the 1936 classic, Things To Come. Based on the shockingly prescient book by HG Wells, Things To Come follows the collapse of society after a devastating world war and its rise to utopia, 100 years later.
So strap on your big light bulb helmets and fire up that Peace Gas, we got a space gun to shoot and a right-wing mob to stop!
2023-05-261h 29The Occasionalists PodcastMovie May: Battlefield Cinema III - CenturionBattlefield Cinema rolls on with a review of a speculative fiction war movie about the fabled 9th Roman Legion that was lost to history around 120 AD.
That's right, we're talking about Centurion! Directed by Neil Marshall, starring Michael Fassbender, Dominic West, Olga Kurylenko, and a host of other British actors you've definitely seen in something before.
How does this movie's ancient battle stack up to others? How many meet-cutes can you recall that starts with public urination? Could Peter Jackson sue for this movie containing too many overhead shots of people running? Was this actually t...2023-05-231h 12The Occasionalists PodcastMovie May: Battlefield Cinema II - Battle BreakdownWe are back on a Monday to kick off the new week with a look at 9 different battle scenes, mostly from film but a few tv scenes sneak in as well. They are as follows: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, Gladiator, 300, A Bridge Too Far, Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan, Black Sails, Game of Thrones, and Children of Men.
We go over some (general) rules that make a great battle scene and discuss the key moments and elements from these 9 selections. We find out what was done wrong, what was done right, and if...2023-05-221h 34The Occasionalists PodcastMovie May: Battlefield Cinema IWe are back baby!
Another packed month has delayed our usual celebration of all things film, but we are off and running with the first of 5, yes you read that correctly, 5 action-packed episodes about how wars are captured on film.
We kick off this week with an in-depth look at some of the reasons why war movies are almost universally enthralling, the rules many of them have to obey, the movies that can get away with bending those rules, and a whole lot of war information you didn't necessarily ask for but definitely signed up...2023-05-171h 10The Occasionalists PodcastMan TearsWe are finally back after a long delay with a single episode to start and begin our April theme, Man Tears.
In this episode, we explore what makes men cry, why crying has significant physiological differences between men and women, the societal/cultural acceptance of crying, and of course...we talk about some media that gets dudes a little weepy.
Grab your hanky and get your best excuse ready, we're about to do some crying, boys!
2023-04-271h 18The Occasionalists PodcastIn The March of Minisodes: Opening Day TriviaIn The March of Minisodes concludes with a celebration of MLB Opening Day! Starting today, there is baseball for 26 consecutive weeks. Hallelujah!
So we get into some interesting baseball facts and have a few trivia questions for you to ponder in this episode, which will be answered tomorrow over on Instagram. You should probably follow us there: @the_occasionalists_podcast.
So tighten up your spikes, loosen up the arm, check your cup and get ready for some high heat, Occasionalists style.
2023-03-3037 minThe Occasionalists PodcastIn The March of Minisodes: Straight to Series - Old TV ShowsOur last Straight to Series minisodes finds us tackling old tv shows. As stated in the episode, you could almost guarantee a few of these selections and honorable mentions will be remade, it's just a matter of when. Such is the nature of television.
So we explore how a future Mission: Impossible series would look and how you could adapt it for contemporary issues.
And we take a look at two series that were mishandled, cut short, and have had fans clamoring for closure or a reboot ever since, Sliders and Jericho.
2023-03-2431 minThe Occasionalists PodcastIn The March of Minisodes: Straight to Series - Old MoviesUp next for our Straight to Series minisodes, we tackle some old movies that could be made into tv shows.
A mix of continuations (Escape From New York, The Last Starfighter) and adaptations (Groundhog Day) offer a unique look at how you can possibly advance a character into a new story, bring new characters into an old story, or simply introduce a clever idea into a new situation with new characters.
And again, if any of these become tv shows, you heard it hear first!
2023-03-2334 minThe Occasionalists PodcastIn The March of Minisodes: Straight to Series - Video GamesWe roll on with another minisode, this time tackling what video games would make for interesting tv adaptations.
With the success of The Last of Us, Halo, The Witcher and others, there is sure to be a deluge of shows in the near future based on video games. We're just beating everyone to the punch.
So if there is ever an adaptation of Titanfall, Dead Space, or What Remains of Edith Finch...you can thank The Occasionalists.
2023-03-2235 minThe Occasionalists PodcastIn The March of Minisodes: I’m Tellin Ya For The Last TimeHappy St. Paddy's Day, if that's your thing, more importantly, it's the last minisode this week!
In this installment, I'll be providing an update to thoughts and news from previous episodes or put a cap on some topics I didn't dive into as fully as I could have.
And then, I'm never talking about them EVER AGAIN.
That's probably not true but I'll be putting these topics to the side after this episode: perfection in the gym, AI is not really but kind of coming for us, and Marvel needs to stop being so...2023-03-1727 minThe Occasionalists PodcastIn The March of Minisodes: Recommendation Rewind - The Last of Us & Something In The DirtWednesday's episode brings back another oldie but a goodie, Recommendation Rewind.
For this iteration, instead of giving you recs based on the previous episode, I dive into a pop culture behemoth, The Last Of Us, and give you some solid post-apocalyptic shows and movies to watch.
Then I get into Moorhead and Benson's latest, Something In The Dirt, and rip out a few cosmic horror, meta-movie, mindf*ck recommendations.
2023-03-1535 min