The TV Dick Triptych Episode 6

It’s still the spooky season, and we’ve got your vampires right here. COP VAMPIRES! Also, Detective Columbo and Maddie and David, who are not vampires… AS FAR AS WE KNOW. Cue the spooky music! Columbo S1E6: “Short Fuse” at 1:50Moonlighting S1E6: “The Murder’s in the Mail” at 19:00Forever Knight S1E7: “False Witness” at 31:20 Follow…

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080 – Cinema House of Horror II

Movies are back! And just in time for Halloween! Scott and Marty celebrate in the best way possible: welcoming back horrorcore guest star Abbey Schwartz, to discuss three stone cold classics, each of which is a BRAND NEW WATCH for at least one of the three! WILL THEY SURVIVE? WILL YOU?!? Movies Vivisected:John Carpenter’s Halloween…

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The TV Dick Triptych Episode 5

Would you, could you, murder somebody on a train? You both would and could if you were legendary character actor Vincent Schiavelli! If you don’t know who that is, or what is Schiavelli’s connection to Moonlighting’s Allyce Beasley, then this ep will be a real learning experience for you. If you DO know all that,…

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The TV Dick Triptych Episode 4

In this episode, we learn about Marty’s sacred Moonlighting viewing ritual. All this plus a Lightning Round for the ages! Find our commentary on the episodes here:“Suitable for Framing” – 1:54“The Next Murder You Hear” –  15:22“Dance By the Light of the Moon” – 27:55 Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Amazon…

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The TV Dick Triptych – Episode 3

Marty and Scott sift through a heap of half-baked mysteries, desperately seeking hints of greatness. You’ve seen the shows… now watch the podcast!! In this episode, we roast:Columbo S1E3 “Dead Weight” (starting at 1:35)Moonlighting S1E3 “Read the Mind, See the Movie” (starting at 15:13)Forever Knight S1E4 “Last Act” (starting at 29:45) Plus Continuity Blvd and…

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The TV Dick Triptych Episode 2

Toronto has a serial killer problem! Cops and former cops face off! And the world’s greatest assassins… can’t aim worth a damn? Detectives Marty and Scott are on the case(s)! Check out our commentary of the following hard-to-track-down episodes!Columbo S1E2: “Death Lends a Hand” – 2:20Moonlighting S1E2: “Gunfight at the So-So Corral” – 14:15Forever Knight…

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075: TV Dicks Triptych Episode 1

Tubeheads Marty and Scott return with a very special (that is, absurdly esoteric) maxi-series on three detective shows from three different decades:1) The 1970s’ bumbling lieutenant, COLUMBO!2) Reigning screwballs of the 1980s, Maddie and David from MOONLIGHTING!3) FOREVER KNIGHT, a mostly forgotten 1990s series about a vampire cop! In this debut episode, we review the…

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074 – Alan Rickman

In a supersized season finale podcast, cinewizards Scott and Marty cast _filmography levioso_ upon British baritone Alan Rickman, conjuring up two of Marty’s all-time favourite films as well as a bonafide hidden gem. Don’t miss it! Die Hard (1988, Dir. John McTiernan)The January Man (1989, Dir. Pat O’Connor)Dogma (1999, Dir. Kevin Smith)Eye in the Sky…

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072 – Butterfly McQueen

Scott and Marty may not know nothin’ ’bout birthin’ no babies, but thanks to this week’s movies, they know all about trailblazing actress Butterfly McQueen. And so, good listeners, shall you! Gone With the Wind (1939, Dir. Victor Fleming)Mildred Pearce (1945, Dir. Michael Curtiz)Amazing Grace (1974, Dir. Stan Lathan)The Mosquito Coast (1986, Dir. Peter Weir)…

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072 – Val Kilmer

The boys get frisky with this golden opportunity to explore the career of 80s golden boy Val Kilmer. Top Secret! (1984, Dir. Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker)Heat (1995, Dir. Michael Mann)Moscow Zero (2006, Dir. María Lidón)Top Gun: Maverick (2022, Dir. Joseph Kosinski) Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Amazon Music.Visit us…

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071 – Natalie Wood

Would Ms. Wood have wanted us to revisit even her most wretched films? I warrant Ms. Wood would! The Searchers (1956, Dir. John Ford)Tomorrow is Forever (1946, Dir. Irving Pichel)Meteor (1979, Dir. Ronald Neame)Brainstorm (1983, Dir. Douglas Trumbull) Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Amazon Music.Visit us at slackandslashpod.comEmail us at slackandslash@gmail.com

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070 – Sofia Loren

Like any heterosexual men with eyesight, Marty and Scott find lots to love about Italian bombshell Sofia Loren. But they’re equally impressed by her acting chops in this quartet of unorthodox flicks. Saluti! NOTE: The audio for this ep gets dodgy on occasion. Sorry ’bout that. Quo Vadis (1951, Dir. Mervyn LeRoy)Two Women (1960, Dir.…

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069 – Gordon Pinsent

While tracking a trailblazing filmmaker through the wilds of Newfoundland, Scott and Marty stumble on a film that blends their favourite sub-genres into one Blacktacular film! All this, plus floating houses, talking bears, and windmills of the mind. John and the Missus (1987, Dir. Gordon Pinsent)The Thomas Crown Affair (1968, Dir. Norman Jewison)Blacula (1972, Dir.…

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068 – Tim Barlow

In the 1950s, Tim Barlow lost his hearing while testing artillery for the British Army. 20 years later, he became an actor! Marty and Scott check out Tim’s best, worst, last, and first films in a strictly audio medium. Ironic? Perhaps. Awesome? Always. My Cousin Rachel (2017, Dir. Roger Michell)The Eagle Has Landed (1976, Dir. John…

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067 – Irrfan Khan

Marty and Scott rub elbows with Bollywood! You’ve heard of Genghis, and Noonien Singh, now join us as we celebrate one of the great unsung Khans! Salaam Bombay! (1988, Dir. Mira Nair)Slumdog Millionaire (2008, Dir. Danny Boyle)Hisss (2010, Dir. Jennifer Lynch)The Lunchbox (2013, Dir. Ritesh Batra)

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066 – Tsutomo Yamazaki

Marty and Scott take you to the Land of the Rising Sun, where they sample ramen, crime, dementia, and death. The ramen tastes great! High and Low (1963, Dir. Akira Kurosawa)Tampopo (1985, Dir. Juzo Itami)Departures (2008, Dir. Yojiro Takita)A Long Goodbye (2019, Dir. Ryota Nakano)

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065 – Angela Lansbury

On this week’s film-stuffed episode, Marty and Scott pay their respects to stage and screen legend Angela Lansbury. Whodunnit, we ask? And by “it” we mean “bowled us over and won our hearts.” And the answer is… well, Lansbury. I maybe set that up wrong. But join us! Gaslight (1944, Dir. George Cukor)Mutiny (1952, Dir.…

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064 – Henry Fonda

It’s hard not to be fonda this Classic Hollywood actor, even when he appears in abominable Jaws ripoffs. Join Marty and Scott for a dubious tour of Henry Fonda’s first, best, worst, and last movies! Farmer Takes a Wife (1953, Dir. Henry Levin)Twelve Angry Men (1957, Dir. Sidney Lumet)Tentacles (1977, Dir. Ovidio G. Assonitis)On Golden Pond (1981,…

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063 – Alan Arkin

Cinephiles Marty and Scott are back, unearthing the last, first, best, and worst entries in the fabulous filmography of the actor whose spit takes knew no equal: Alan Arkin! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Amazon Music.Visit us at slackandslashpod.comEmail us at slackandslash@gmail.com

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062 – Los Angeles

Scott and Marty return after a long hiatus… or was it a vacation?? It turns out your favourite cinephiles have been kicking around the great city of Los Angeles, and they’ve brought back four souvenirs to share: the City of Angels’s first, worst, best, and last appearances on film! Safety Last! (1923, Dir. Fred C.…

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061 – Morgan Freeman

Meet the many faces of the man who plays God… with our hearts! It’s Easy Reader’s first, best, worst, and last (so far) films! The Pawnbroker (1964, Dir. Sidney Lumet) The Shawshank Redemption (1994, Dir. Frank Darabont) Vanquish (2022, Dir. George Gallo) A Good Person (2023, Dir. Zach Braff)

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#125: Postcast: Curse of Strahd Reminiscing and Review

This is the end, my friends… but Scott, Laird, Jason, David, and Gayle have some ruminating to do, and you’re invited! Find out what the boys think about D&D 5e; what bits of Curse of Strahd were completely fudged or invented by Scott; and why Gothic horror is cathartic/hilarious.

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060 – Annie Ross

Marty & Scott follow a jazz singer, glimpse the News of Huey Lewis, and learn what happens when the Devil doesn’t wash his face. Presenting Lily Mars (1943) Witchery aka La Casa 4 et al. (1988) Pump Up the Volume (1990) Short Cuts (1993)

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#124: Strahdcast Epilogue: Corpses and Tired Women

The survivors of last episode’s boss battle regroup, and next moves are discussed. The sun peeks through the mists. A conversation with a dragon skull gets heated. Ralston gets a few cantrips named after him. Happily ever afters???

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059 – Max von Sydow

“It’s like if a tree could act.” The Virgin Spring (1960, Dir. Ingmar Bergman) The Seventh Seal (1957, Dir. Ingmar Bergman) Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977, Dir. John Boorman) Echoes of the Past (2021, Dir. Nicholas Dimitropoulos) Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Amazon Music.Visit us at slackandslashpod.comEmail us at slackandslash@gmail.com

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#123: Strahdcast Ch.94: Darklawd, He Comin’

This is it! The colossal climactic instalment of Curse of Strahd, featuring: epically uncoordinated team combat! Heroically failed saving throws! And so many Hail Mary spells, you’ll think the Morninglord converted to Christianity. THIS IS IT!!! 

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#122: Strahdcast Ch.93: No Attachments

Beneath Strahd’s tomb, a gargantuan undead monstrosity rises. Can the heroes rescue Nadja from its clutches before the Darklord returns to finish them off? It’s the penultimate battle!

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058 – Orson Welles

Did the Big O blow his cinematic wad on his first try? Did his last, unfinished project hint at greater glory? Scott and Marty ponder these and other unanswerables in this plus-sized episode. Citizen Kane (1941, Dir. Orson Welles) Touch of Evil (1958, Dir. Orson Welles) Necromancy (1972, Dir. Bert I. Gordon) The Other Side…

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057 – Maureen Stapleton

Four films you’ve never heard of, featuring stellar supporting performances by an actress you’ve also never heard of! It’s Cinematic Omniverse at its most nerdy and esoteric! Reds (1981, Dir. Warren Beatty) Lonelyhearts (1958, Dir. Vincent J. Donehue) On the Right Track (1981, Dir. Lee Philips) Addicted to Love (1997, Dir. Griffin Dunne)

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056 – River Phoenix

This week, Scott and Marty survey the WAY-too-brief career of our generation’s inimitable radioactive, narcoleptic, time-and-space-hopping Casanova. That’s right, Gen Xers: it’s River time.

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055 – Vincent Price

Scott and Marty peek into the campy closets of one of cinema history’s greatest frightmeisters, and discover that Vincent is great at any Price! The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939, Dir. Michael Curtiz) Edward Scissorhands (1990, Dir. Tim Burton) Laura (1944, Dir. Otto Preminger) Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965, Dir. Norman…

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054 – David Bowie

Is Hoggle an anti-Semitic stereotype? For some reason, this question and many others are raised during an episode dedicated to glam rock legend David Bowie’s eclectic film career.  Core Connections: Il Mio West aka Gunslinger’s Revenge (1998, Dir. Giovanni Veronesi) Just a Gigolo (1978, Dir. David Hemmings) Labyrinth (1986, Dir. Jim Henson) Bandslam (2009, Dir.…

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053 – Robin Williams

Scott and Marty unearth the first, last, best and worst films of cinema’s most beloved man-child, Robin Williams. Can I Do It ‘Till I Need Glasses? (1977, Dir. I. Robert Levy) Dead Poets’ Society (1989, Dir. Peter Weir) Toys (1992, Dir. Barry Levinson) The Angriest Man in Brooklyn (2014, Dir. Phil Alden Robinson)

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052 – Gene Hackman

What goes on between those eye-crinkles when Hackman is acting? Scott and Marty ponder the mysteries of Gene’s first, last, best, and worst films.  Lilith (1964, Dir. Robert Rossen) Runaway Jury (2003, Dir. Gary Fleder) The Conversation (1974, Dir. Francis Ford Coppola) Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987, Dir. Sidney J. Furie)

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051 – Sidney Poitier

Whether you think of him as Dr. John Wayne Prentiss, Detective Virgil Tibbs, or just plain old “Sir,” Sidney Poitier is the colossal subject of this week’s filmopsis! Core Connections: No Way Out (1950, Dir. Joseph P. Mankewicz) The Jackal (1997, Dir. Michael Caton-Jones) Raisin in the Sun (1961, Dir. Daniel Petrie) Ghost Dad (1990,…

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#113: Strahdcast Ch.84: Eight Hours

A lot can go down during a long rest in the vampire’s castle: one million maggots, a pop-up swordwraith, and an awkward conversation about Dragomir’s ex.  NOTE: The audio is grimy, but at least it’s a short ep?? Better next time, promise!

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050 – CineFINAL CUTiverse

In a revelation-filled anniversary episode, Marty and Scott examine only ONE film… which is also, somehow, ALL the films…? Also, best-of lists, the future of the omniverse, and more! If you only buy ONE COMIC BOOK this month… I don’t care which one you choose, just LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE!!! Core Connections: Final Cut: Ladies…

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049 – (Silver) Screen Doors

Marty and Scott watch movies about people who watch movies. But when the lines begin to blur, the Cinematic Omniverse itself may be in peril!  Core Connections: Sherlock, Jr. (1924, Dir. Buster Keaton) The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985, Dir. Woody Allen) Last Action Hero (1993, Dir. John McTiernan) Connective Cameos: Lost Highway Being John…

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048 – Grodin Pains

Whether he’s a bachelor buddy, a truculent commuter, or a gaslighting gynecologist, it’s hard not to love Charles Grodin! (Okay that last one is pretty easy.) Core Connections: Rosemary’s Baby (1968, Dir. Roman Polanksi) The Lonely Guy (1984, Dir. Arthur Hiller) So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993, Dir. Thomas Schlamme) Connective Cameos: Midnight Run…

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047 – Say You, Say Me, Seyrig

Marty and Scott court French actress Delphine Seyrig for a ménage of trois filmes françaises, including the film voted Best Film of All Time by the Sound & Sight 2022 poll. Ooh la la!  Core Connections: Muriel, or The Time of Return (1963, Dir. Alain Resnais) The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972, Dir. Luis…

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046 – The Lloyd Moves in Mysterious Ways

Great Scott! Christopher Lloyd gets the omniverse treatment. Plus, Box Office Gold and Box Office Poison! Aaaaugh! Sorry about the audio quality in this one.  Core Connections: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1989, Dir. Robert Zemeckis) Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995, Dir. Gary Fleder) Nobody (2021, Dir. Ilya Naishuller) Connective Cameos: Batman…

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045 – Livin’ DeVito Loca

His hairless pate has been a touchstone in Hollywood cinema for as long as Scott and Marty can recall. It’s time to walk a mile in the shoes of Danny DeVito. Core Connections: Lady Liberty aka La Mortadella (1972, Dir. Mario Monicelli) Ruthless People (1986, Dir. Abrahams, Zucker, and Zucker) The Comedian (2016, Dir. Taylor…

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044 – Let’s Face the Music and Lance

Scott and Marty get acquainted with “that guy from that thing,” aka Lance Henriksen. You know who we’re talking about! Core Connections: Network (1976, Dir. Sidney Lumet) Aliens (1985, Dir. James Cameron) Modigliani (2004, Dir. Mick Davis) Connective Cameos: The Terminator Near Dark The Visitor, aka Stridulum The Right Stuff Dr. Strangelove, or How I…

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043 – Always Be Clausing

Get into the Christmas (and Hanukkah!) spirit with Scott and Marty! Core Connections: Santa Claus (1898, Dir. George Albert Smith) Miracle on 34th Street (1947, Dir. George Seaton) Ernest Saves Christmas (1988, Dir. John R. Cherry III) The Hebrew Hammer (2003, Dir. Jonathan Kesselman) Connective Cameos: Car Wash Plan 9 From Outer Space Scarface Blazing…

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042 – We’ll Always Have Paris

Scott loves Paris, so Marty agrees to follow him to the City of Lights, where it turns out several decades’ worth of weirdoes lie in wait. Core Connections: L’Atalante (1934, Dir. Jean Vigo) Band of Outsiders (1964, Dir. Jean-Luc Godard) Holy Motors (2012, Dir. Leos Carax) Connective Cameos: The Lavender Hill Mob 12 Angry Men…

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041 – Three Pints of Guinness

Madness. MADNESS! Join Scott and Marty on a rollicking ride through Ealing, up the river, and into the Castle with the Old (Jedi) Knight himself, Sir Alec. Core Connections: The Lavender Hill Mob (1951, Dir. Charles Crichton) Bridge on the River Kwai (1957, Dir. David Lean) Kafka (1991, Dir. Steven Soderbergh) Connective Cameos: Star Wars…

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040 – Catch Me If You Kahn

Scott and Marty skip a groove again, but end up landing comfortably on Madeline Kahn, the Teutonic Tit-willow.  Core Connections: Paper Moon (1973, Dir. Peter Bogdanovich)Blazing Saddles (1974, Dir. Mel Brooks)The Muppet Movie (1979, Dir. James Frawley) Connective Cameos:ClueNixonJudy BerlinMidnight RunSilver StreakThe Darjeeling Ltd.Leon: The ProfessionalRain ManThe Last Picture ShowNational Lampoon’s VacationThe GriftersDr. Strangelove, or…

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039 – Give My Regards to Broadbent

Scott and Marty use a wide lens to capture a Broad bent in three of Sir Jim’s finest film outings. (NOTE: In 2002, Jim Broadbent actually declined a knighthood. But he’ll always be “Sir” in our hearts!) Core Connections: Bullets Over Broadway (1994, Dir. Woody Allen) Brooklyn (2015, Dir. John Crowley) Brazil (1985, Dir. Terry…

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038 – The Mark of Caine

You don’t have to be an expert sleuth to find three excellent films featuring Sir Michael Caine. Even Scott and Marty could do it! Core Connections:Sleuth (1972, Dir. Joseph P. Mankewicz)Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988, Dir. Frank Oz)Youth (2015, Dir. Paolo Sorrentino)  Connective Cameos:Austin Powers in GoldmemberAlfieEvil Under the SunThe GodfatherPsychoGet CarterA Hard Day’s NightRuthless PeopleMy…

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037 – Viva Tiffany’s: A Breakfast of Terrors

Guest star and Hep-Cat Danielle Paradis leads feckless call-boys Marty and Scott on a romp through the beloved 60s (dark?) comedy Breakfast at Tiffany’s and… two other… things. Core Connections: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961, Dir. Blake Edwards)Viva Zapata! (1952, Dir. Elia Kazan)A Comedy of Terrors (1963, Dir. Jacques Tourneur) Connective Cameos: Rogue One: A Star…

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036 – Trilogy of 1,000 Spider Baby Corpses

BOO! Or rather, CHEER for Cinematic Omniverse’s Hallowe’en special! SCREAM with joy along with Marty, Scott, and special GHOST – er, guest – Abbey Schwartz! Core Connections:House of 1,000 Corpses (2003, Dir. Rob Zombie)Spider Baby (1967, Dir. Jack Hill)Trilogy of Terror (1975, Dir. Dan Curtis)  Connective Cameos:A Clockwork OrangeBeetlejuicePoltergeistThe Texas Chainsaw MassacreThe RingFriday the 13th The…

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035 – Dunst Stop Believin’

Kirsten Dunst: Permanently prepubescent bloodsucker, or time-hopping beauty queen?Also in this ep: Scott and Marty deliver their Box Office Gold and Box Office Poison pitches! Core Connections: Interview with the Vampire (1994, Dir. Neil Jordan)Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999, Dir. Michael Patrick Jann)The Power of the Dog (2021, Dir. Jane Campion)  Connective Cameos: Bram Stoker’s DraculaNosferatuDraculaWhat…

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034 – A Robert Ryan Runs Through It

Film frontiersmen Scott & Marty can spot the most character-istic of character actors — and even in a room full of Roberts, it’s Ryan every time. Core Connections: Crossfire (1974, Dir. Edward Dmytryk) Bad Day at Black Rock (1955, Dir. John Sturges) The Iceman Cometh (1973, Dir. John Frankenheimer) Connective Cameos: Act of Violence Rashomon…

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032 – A Tobolowsky Trifecta

Movie mavens Scott and Marty enter the (Radio)head of Stephen Tobolowsky, a character actor you’ll never forget… unless you have anterograde amnesia, that is. Have we already had this conversation? Core Connections: Mississippi Burning (1988, Dir. Alan Parker) The Grifters (1990, Dir. Stephen Frears) Memento (2000, Dir. Christopher Nolan) Connective Cameos: The Patsy Bad Lieutenant:…

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031 – Looking for Snub (In all the Wrong Places)

In their most audacious act of interconnectedness yet, Marty and Scott travel from the Silent Age to the cusp of New Hollywood, on the trail of the moustachioed “Snub” Pollard. Core Connections: By the Sea (1915, Dir. Charlie Chaplin) Billy Blaze, Esq. (1919, Dir. Hal Roach) It’s a Gift (1923, Dir. Hugh Fay) Singin’ in…

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030 – Django the Big Red Unchained Heat River

Marty and Scott are doing the Lord’s work – and by “the Lord” they mean Franco Nero, aka Django Jesus. Join the crusade! Core Connections: Red River (1948, Dir. Howard Hawks) The Big Heat (1953, Dir. Fritz Lang) Django Unchained (2012, Dir. Quentin Tarantino) Connective Cameos: Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid The Visitor aka Stridulum…

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029 – She Don’t Done Wear Notorious Plaid Dead Men Wrong

From the Gay Nineties to the Noir Eighties, gumshoes Scott and Marty unravel the threads of cinema’s greatest seamstress, Edith Head. Core Connections: She Done Him Wrong (1933, Dir. Lowell Sherman) Notorious (1946, Dir. Alfred Hitchcock) Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982, Dir. Carl Reiner) Connective Cameos: Casablanca The General Intolerance Dracula The Patsy Without…

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028 – The Mighty Ball of Man Who Fell to Earth, Wind, and Fire

Scott and Marty pay an oblique and pointless tribute to the world’s greatest soul-funk supergroup as they continue their deep dive into cinema’s secret continuity. Core Connections: The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976, Dir. Nicolas Roeg) A Mighty Wind (2003, Dir. Christopher Guest) Ball of Fire (1941, Dir. Howard Hawks) Connective Cameos: Fast Times…

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027 – High Times Three: Fast Twelve at Ridgemont O’Clock

How high can Scott and Marty get, as they consider the concept of time in the omniverse? Core Connections: Twelve O’Clock High (1949, Dir. Henry King) Three O’Clock High (1987, Dir. Phil Joanou) Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982, Dir. Amy Heckerling) Connective Cameos: Die Hard Dangerous Minds Lean on Me Star Wars Episode IV:…

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#087: Strahdcast Ch.62: The Invisible Tiger

The heroes play a deadly game of Bejewelled, which despite being a visual puzzle is still totally dramatic in podcast form… NOTE: Merci beaucoup to Julien Ribiollet aka DM Faction, who provided the puzzle via “Van Richten’s Tower Door Puzzle Alternative” (available to buy at dmsguild.com)

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026 – Dr. Strangebrew, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Third the Man

Marty, Scott, and guest John Hudson spend a super-sized episode discussing merkins, zithers, and precious bodily fluids. Core Connections: Dr. Strangelove, or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Bomb The Third Man Strange Brew Connective Cameos: The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans Barbarella Easy Rider The Magic Christian Barry Lyndon…

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025 – The M Casa Patsy Blanca

Glavin! In a classic-crammed episode, Marty and Scott trace the weird career of career weirdo, Peter Lorre. Core Connections: M (1931, Dir. Fritz Lang) Casablanca (1942, Dir. Michael Curtiz) The Patsy (1964, Dir. Jerry Lewis) Connective Cameos: Batman Returns The Grand Illusion O Z Q Citizen Kane Star Wars Jaws Birth of a Nation The…

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023 – The Stunt Computer Man Wore Space Tennis Balls

Marty and Scott scrutinize the career of Dick Warlock, Hollywood’s coolest (and coolest named) stunt double. Core Connections: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969, Dir. Robert Butler) The Stunt Man (1980, Dir. Richard Rush) Spaceballs (1986, Dir. Mel Brooks) Connective Cameos: Terminator 2: Judgement Day Escape From New York The Absent-Minded Professor North by Northwest…

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022 – A Serious Man (1917-1984)

Scott and Marty turn their red, unfocused eyes towards Roger Deakins, one of the greatest living cinematographers. Directors of photography? Whatever. Core Connections: 1984 (1984, Dir. Michael Radford) A Serious Man (2009, Dir. Joel and Ethan Coen) 1917 (2019, Dir. Sam Mendes) Connective Cameos: Citizen Kane The Big Lebowski Brazil Pink Floyd’s The Wall Snowpiercer…

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021 – Snow Mama From the General TrainPiercer

After noticing the prevalence of train films in the omniverse, Marty and Scott go full steam ahead on three loco-motion pictures. Core Connections: The General (1926, Dir. Clyde Bruckman) Throw Momma From the Train (1987, Dir. Danny DeVito) SnowPiercer (2013, Dir. Bong Joon Ho) Connective Cameos: Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat It’s a…

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020 – Dark BroadKiss of the Spider City News

Scott and Marty hopscotch through the variegated career of American actor William Hurt (1950-2022). Core Connections: The Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985, Dir. Hector Babenco) Broadcast News (1987, Dir. James L. Brooks) Dark City (1998, Dir. Alex Proyas) Connective Cameos: Body Heat The Big Chill The Panic in Needle Park Addams Family Values Austin…

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#079: Strahdcast Ch.55: Vilkomen Ill Omen

The heroes have found their way into the Larders of Ill Omen under Castle Ravenloft. Here in the Darklord’s domicile, the shadows spring to life and gravity does whatever if feels like. How long can the heroes endure?

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019 – The Late Bad Spring Ran Well

Cinephile conspiracy fabulists Marty and Scott take a cross-Pacific holiday to inaugurate three classic Japanese films into the omniverse. Core Connections: The Bad Sleep Well (1960, Dir. Akira Kurosawa) Ran (1985, Dir. Akira Kurosawa) Late Spring (1949, Dir. Yasujirô Ozu)

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018 – Give My Life to How I Won the Magic Brian Christian War on Broad Street

Cinephiles Scott and Marty welcome fellow Fab Four fanatic A.J. Richardson for a super-sized tour through the Beatles’ solo film careers.  Core Connections: How I Won the War (1967, Dir. Richard Lester) The Magic Christian (1969, Dir. Joseph McGrath) Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979, Dir. Terry Jones) Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984,…

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017 – The Last Evil Under a Hard Sun’s Night in Soho

Enter a vertiginous labyrinth of interconnected films, as Scott and Marty pay tribute to Dame Maggie Smith and Margaret Nolan in a devilishly fun fashion. Core Connections: Evil Under the Sun (1982, Dir. Guy Hamilton) Last Night in Soho (2021, Dir. Edgar Wright) A Hard Day’s Night (1963, Dir. Richard Lester) Connective Cameos: North by…

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016 – The North Darjeeling Crimes and Northwest Misdemeanors Ltd.

Join Marty and Scott in a wacky universe of symmetry and kitsch, where all the movies tell one story, and that story is… elaborate. Core Connections: The Darjeeling Limited (2007, Dir. Wes Anderson) Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989, Dir. Woody Allen) North by Northwest (1959, Dir. Alfred Hitchcock) Connective Cameos: Scott Pilgrim vs The World The…

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015 – Mean Scott PilGirls vs. the Waydowntown

Join Marty Schwartz (a great examination of a collapsing psyche) and Scott Sharplin (his milkshake brings all the boys to the yard) as they upend cinema history… Canadian style! Core Connections: Mean Girls (2004, Dir. Mark Waters) Waydowntown (2000, Dir. Gary Burns) Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010, Dir. Edgar Wright) Connective Cameos: Run Lola…

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#074: Postcast: Scott <3 Rainbow Poddies

Back by absolutely no demand whatsoever, it’s the drunken conversation that follows the game! We initially chat about Canadian politics, briefly dump upon Walt Disney and Florida, and then settle in for an extended chinwag about Star Trek and vampire flicks. We get back to D&D talk around the 50-minute mark.

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010 – Idle Addams Silver Family Hand Streak Values

Marty Schwartz and Scott Sharplin: Who are they? What are they? Who moved the rock?!? Core Connections: Addams Family Values (1993, Dir. Barry Sonnenfeld) Idle Hands (1999, Dir. Rodman Flender) Silver Streak (1976, Dir. Arthur Hiller) Connective Cameos: Intolerance (1916, Dir. D.W. Griffith) The Panic in Needle Park (1970, Dir. Jerry Schatzberg) The Addams Family…

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#073: Strahdcast Ch.49: Pack Tactics, Pt. II

Clan Hemlock is on the defensive, but one of the Belladonna werewolves has a bone to pick with Andrej. He’s got ninety-nine problems… will lycanthropy be one? JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER at https://discord.gg/WFdP7ReS

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009 – The Spanish Panic in Good Prison Fellas Park

Join Marty Schwartz (classic MacGuffin) and Scott Sharplin (overcooked drug cliché) as they ponder the interconnectivity of all movies great and small. Core Connections: The Spanish Prisoner (1997, Dir. David Mamet) Goodfellas (1990, Dir. Martin Scorsese) The Panic in Needle Park (1971, Dir. Jerry Schatzburg) Connective Cameos: Anatomy of a Murder (1959, Dir. Otto Premnger)…

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008 – The AnatoTree of Being Life Murdervich

Join prurient puppeteer Marty Schwartz and merciful dinosaur Scott Sharplin as they BS their way through 500,000 interconnected films. Core Connections: The Tree of Life (2011, Dir. Terence Malick) Being John Malkovich (1999, Dir. Spike Jonze) Anatomy of a Murder (1959, Dir. Otto Premnger) Connective Cameos: Super Mario Bros (1993, Dir. Annabel Jankel and Rocky…

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007 – Go, Super Story Bros of West Mankind!

Join Marty “Nursed on a Witch’s Venom” Schwartz and Scott “Twisted by Endless Orgies” Sharplin as they brazenly pioneer new ways of looking at cinema. Core Connections: Go West (1940, dir. Edward Buzzell) The Story of Mankind (1957, dir. Irwin Allen) Super Mario Brothers (1993, dir. Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton) Connective Cameos: Intolerance (1916,…

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006 – The Night of Visitor Hunter Intolerance, aka Stridulum

Join Marty Schwartz, interstellar mew-tant, and Scott Sharplin, a Sun-Play for the Ages, as they BS their way through 125 years of cinema history. Core Connections: The Visitor AKA Stridulum (1979, dir. Michael J. Paradise) The Night of the Hunter (1955, dir. Charles Laughton) Intolerance (1916, dir. D.W. Griffith)  Connective Cameos: Edison Kinetoscopic Record of…

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005 – The Good Winter, the Bad Shaft, and the Ugly Kills in Africa

In this special episode, Marty & Scott are joined by Jorden Dupe, spaghetti Maritimer and professional musketeer, to integrate a bona fide film masterpiece into the omniverse. Core Connections: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966, Dir. Sergio Leone) Winter Kills (1979, Dir. William Richert) Shaft in Africa (1973, Dir. John Guillermin) 

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004 – Big Air Wakeplane Troublefield!

Join jive-lingual translator Marty Schwartz and raccoon truther Scott Sharplin as they BS their way through 500,000 interconnected films. Core Connections: Wakefield (2016, dir. Robin Swicord) Big Trouble (1986, dir. John Cassavetes) Airplane! (1980, dir. Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker) Connective Cameos: American Beauty (1999, dir. Sam Mendes) Rear Window (1954, dir. Alfred Hitchcock) Falling Down…

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003 – Lost RePork Chop HillWay Man

Join Marty Schwartz, “Black Don’t Crack” proselytizer, and Scott Sharplin, unconfirmed Billthazar, as they BS their way through 500,000 interconnected films. Core Connections: Lost Highway (1997, Dir. David Lynch) Pork Chop Hill (1959, Dir. Lewis Milestone) Repo Man (1984, Dir. Alex Cox) Connective Cameos: Brewster’s Millions (1985, Dir. Walter Hill) Mannequin (1987, Dir. Michael Gottlieb)…

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002 – Bat-Lady Re-Sings Over the Cuckoo’s Blues

Join Marty Schwartz, human organ grinder/gatling gun, and Scott Sharplin, Scatman phat stan, as they BS their way through 500,000 interconnected films. Core Connections: Batman Returns (1992, Dir. Tim Burton) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975, Dir. Milos Forman) Lady Sings the Blues (1972, Dir. Sidney J. Furie) Connective Cameos: The Dark Knight (2008,…

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001 – Dracula 9 From Outer Scarface

Join sagacious cinema meshugganah Marty Schwartz and uber-groovy movie goober Scott Sharplin as they BS their way through 500,000 interconnected films. Core Connections: Dracula (1931, Dir. Todd Browning) Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957, Dir. Edward J. Wood, Jr.) Scarface (1983, Dir. Brian De Palma) Connective Cameos: Frankenstein (1931, Dir. James Whale) The Mummy (1932,…

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#058: Strahdcast Ch.37: Abbey Normal, Pt. IV

The morally ambiguous Abbot flies off to rescue Nadja from the Gloaming. Left in charge of the abbey, our heroes open a prison cell and get hit square in the face with the force of nature that is Ezmerelda D’Avenir!

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#055: Fastcast: Krezk Pre-Post-Mortem

Spoilers! Scott the DM takes you on a tour through the hamlet of Krezk, pointing out dungeon mastering challenges, suggesting modifications, and reporting on what worked best for his party.

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#054: Strahdcast Ch.34: Abbey Normal, Pt. I

It’s time for our heroes to meet the monks and monkettes of St. Markovia. They hope to find sanctuary, and maybe information that will help them confront the Darklord. They weren’t expecting it to be so… Dr. Moreau-y.

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#050: Strahdcast Ch.30: My Dinner is Andrej

In a double-length season finale, the heroes finally reach Argynvostholt, where they learn the truth about the spell that brought them into Strahd’s terror-filled Barovia… and where they come face to face with the most dreadful terrors yet!

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#049: Strahdcast Ch.29: The Nature of Roads

The heroes bid farewell to their Vistani friends (and lovers!) and ride up Mt. Ghakis to find the legendary… Silverhold. Silver Dragonhold? Silver Dragon Tower? The Tower of Silver? The Dragon Temple of Vost-Gosh-Vosh-Hold??? Whatever. On the road again!

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#047: Strahdcast Ch.28: Escape From Vallaki

All EpisodesDeleteEdit #047: Strahdcast Ch.28: Escape From Vallaki August 25, 2021 Scott Sharplin Season: 1 Episode: 47 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1655731/9087741-047-strahdcast-ch-28-escape-from-vallaki?client_source=admin&iframe=true Description Immediately following their battle against Izek Strazni, the Baron’s right-hand man, our heroes and their Vistani allies race to escape from Vallaki before the gates are shut. It’s a non-stop thrill ride featuring mounted combat, vampire…

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#046: Strahdcast Ch.27: Pt X

It’s the claw-biting climax of the Vallaki storyline! After the heroes split up (always a smart move) for shopping trips, a bribe goes awry and the Baron’s lieutenant throws down the gauntlet. Which of our heroes will claim the title of Most Aggressive Bleeder? NOTE: Due to cloud gremlins and pandemic fatigue, this episode’s audio…

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#045: Strahdcast Ch.26: Vallaki Nights Pt IX

The six-vampire pileup at the coffinmaker’s shop continues. Ireena pops in to help; Dragomir struggles to interpret a dream message from his wolf mama; and the vamps find reason to question the wisdom of choosing a hideout surrounded by piles of sharp, broken wood.

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#042: Postcast: Laird <3 That Monk he Played one Time

Things get hairy and boozy as Scott, David, and Laird reel from the stunning revelation that ended Episode 040. Then they reel through several glasses of gin, rant about bags of (chicken) holding, and pluralize “medusa.” Then things REALLY go off the rails.

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#041: Strahdcast Ch.23: Vallaki Nights Pt VI

We’re back at last, with the fallout from our heroes’ disastrous night at the Vistani carnival. Burning wagons! Vanishing vampires! An escape artist escapade! Don’t miss this action-packed installment! Exclamation point!

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#040: Strahdcast Ch.22: Vallaki Nights Pt V

It may be our drunkest episode yet! Rictavio (the archaeopteryx?) spins a yarn over dinner; Ralston breaks up with the Vistani (and gets deeply offended!); the second time is not the charm for the party’s foray into acting; and Andrei’s audience with Ringmaster Blink leads to a jaw-dropping double reveal!

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#039: Fastcast: Colonialism and Indigeneity

No Strahdcast this week. Instead, in recognition of the recent discoveries at former Canadian residential schools, Scott talks about colonialism, cultural genocide, and the pitfalls of indigenous stereotypes – both within the game of D&D and in real life.

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#038: Fastcast: Vallaki Pre-Post-Mortem

Scott the DM does a run-down of the busy town of Vallaki, pointing out design flaws and making suggestions so that other Dungeon Masters can make the most of the chapter in their own Curse of Strahd campaigns. WARNING: Spoilers abound!

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#037: Strahdcast Ch.21: Vallaki Nights Pt.IV

It’s the kind of fun you can only have in town: exchanging coins, hunting down holy bones, and bumping into random creepy aristocrats. “Do I notice any puncture wounds in his necky-holes?” Asks Ralston, and the answer may shock you!

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#033: Strahdcast Ch.18: Vallaki Nights Pt. I

The heroes and their Vistani friends ride into Vallaki, the largest town in the Darklord’s cursed domain. “It’s worse than Barovia. How can it be worse than Barovia?” Hey, at least the wolf steak is fresh. This episode features some of Scott’s worst accents, a lot of gratuitous flavour text, and a group of gamers…

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#032: Strahdcast Ch.17: Old Bonegrinder

RALSTON: So, you wanna go to the bone-grinding windmill, and… smell the air? DRAGOMIR: Yes. RALSTON: I’m pretty confident I got a good idea of what you’re gonna smell. It’s not gonna be awesome. The heroes of Barovia make it through the mountain pass, but before they reach the Town of Vallaki, an accident on…

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#030: Strahdcast Ch.15: Corpseholes of Barovia

Ralston and Dragomir help the Vistani lay a companion to rest in a clammy catacomb. They soon find themselves in a pinch. Will Andrej arrive in time to save them from a primordial crustacean menace? Chuul never guess!

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#029: Postcast: Scott + Jason <3 the Team Story

Exhaustion battles nostalgia as brothers-from-other-mothers Scott & Jason go back in time to that golden moment when they first discovered D&D. And Scott is shattered to learn that Jason’s “first time” happened long before they met. But he gets over it pretty quickly.

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#028: Strahdcast Ch.14: All in Tents and Purposes

A new journey – and story arc! – begins! On the road up to the mist-choked mountain pass, Ralston and Andrej whip up a circus act to secure their place amongst the Vistani, casting Dragomir as the whipping boy. When it appears the Vistani might be taking them down the river, the heroes must decide…

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#027: Strahdcast Ch.13: The Thin Salt Line

Things get a bit bitey, as our heroes face off against Ingrid the vampiress and a pair of elephantine wolves inside the Vistani’s circle of salt. Expect a quantity of near-death experiences, garnished with horrifying transformations, and topped off with a hand-delivered missive from someone very Dark and Lordly…

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#026: Fastcast: Expanding the Gothic with Sam Hirst

DM Scott welcomes a guest expert on all things Gothic: Dr. Sam Hirst, of Manchester Metropolitan University. Scott and Sam chat about the tangled origins of Gothic fiction; some of Sam’s favourite Gothic tropes and subversions; and how Gothic is Ravenloft, anyway?? Dr. Hirst is on Twitter as @RomGothSam, and runs the Gothic resource hub,…

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#025: Strahdcast Ch.12: Bled and Circuses

The Darklord’s gaze has fallen upon the heroes, which means it’s time to make tracks! But since their best chance to hide from Strahd involves joining a cabal of sinister circus freaks, is the cure worse than the disease?

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#024: Fastcast: The Vistani

The sinister Vistani have appeared in every iteration of Ravenloft since the beginning… but are they an essential staple of Gothic fiction, or a culturally offensive stereotype? Scott and Gayle discuss the problematic legacy of the Vistani, and Scott describes how he has adapted them to suit his campaign.

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#023: Strahdcast Ch.11: Rubbing Shoulders

A new story arc begins! The heroes agree it’s time to get out of town, so they introduce themselves to the Vistani, a band of traveling performers who can either help to protect them on the road… or pose a whole new set of threats!

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#022: Strahdcast Ch.10: The Wolf You Feed

“Well, let’s just roll for initiative, shall we?” The Burgomaster’s mansion is under siege! As the unholy servants of Strahd seek to draw our heroes out, like lambs to the slaughter, Dragomir proves that he has the spirit of the wolf within him. Also in this episode: the mystery of the heroes’ centuries-long sleep is…

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#021: Fastcast: Campaign Changes Thus Far

In a tête-à-tête with any dungeon masters who might be listening, Scott the DM explains what changes he made to The Curse of Strahd campaign prior to its debut, plus what narrative details he has tweaked over the course of the first 10 episodes or so. SPOILER ALERT: Gamers beware! This episode contains spoilers for…

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#020: Strahdcast Ch.9: The Broken One

After much deliberation on who gets to sleep in which spooky bedroom, the heroes of Barovia snuggle down at the Burgomaster’s house for a much-needed long rest. But it’s hard to sleep when you’re surrounded by murmuring phantoms, zealous avengers, and hysterical priests. Also: what’s that rule about vampires in your house? “Always invite them…

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#019: Postcast: David <3 Barbarians

Join the gang for a relaxed (read: inebriated) comparison between 5th Ed D&D and previous editions. Laird expresses his desire to come back as a lich; Scott applauds the ethics of Hades; and David takes a nostalgic rampage down Barbarian Lane.

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#017: Fastcast: DM Tips: Role-Playing Fear

DM Scott grabs the mic to expound upon one of tabletop RPGS’ perennial challenges: how can your game transcend from a collection of stats and experience points into a spine-chilling terror-fest? Scott shares tips for generating both in-character fear and meta-fear, while Gayle pauses to ask, “Why make anyone scared in the first place?”

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#018: Strahdcast Ch.8: Why It’s Called Death House, Part III

Our heroes have found a secret staircase leading to the catacombs beneath Death House, but nobody wants to go first for some reason. In the climactic chapter of the Death House saga, Andrej gets angrier than ever, Ralston faces his greatest fear, and Dragomir learns all about saves vs. death. NOTE: This episode incorporates material…

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#016: Strahdcast Ch.7: Why It’s Called Death House, Part II

Replete with dread secrets, Death House seems to possess a deadly hunger, and the heroes are its next meal! Andrej fights face-to-knob with a killer door; Dragomir finds new uses for his spear; and Ralston foolishly reveals his deepest fear. Also… a letter from the Darklord himself? NOTE: This episode incorporates material from “Fleshing Out…

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#014: Strahdcast Ch.6: Why It’s Called Death House, Part I

It’s our title with the most numbers yet!!! The trail of their recently pilfered silver leads Ralston, Andrej,and Dragomir to an abandoned, indestructable, and very haunted house on the edge of town. Tempers flare and teeth are bared as the house begins its sinister work upon the heroes. The first of a three-part story arc,…

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#013: Postcast: Scott + David <3 Genre

Out of character, David and Scott champion genre role-playing; Scott vows to mansplain Gothic horror at a later date; David distinguishes chocolate from fantasy (or something); both guys sound extra-white whilst raving about Lovecraft Country; and other ineffable, uncanny topics of discourse.

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#012: Strahdcast Ch.5: The Ghost

Returning to the Burgomaster’s mansion, the heroes pursue sooty thieves and portentous phantoms, with limited success in both. Ireena performs a reading with her Tarokka deck to reveal the heroes’ path through the dark land. Also, this episode introduces Ireena’s familiar and the Slack & Slash mascot, Luna, into the campaign!

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#011: Fastcast: Talking Tarokka

This week’s Strahdcast includes a Tarokka reading. What the huh? Gayle and Scott explore the Curse of Strahd’s very own fortune-telling deck. We review the current 5th Edition deck and its function in the game; we expose some of the flaws in Ravenloft’s aleatory design; and Scott reveals his own plans to use the deck…

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#008: Postcast: Scott + David <3 Buddycasts

While catching up after a long time living in separate cities, David and Scott swap podcast favourites, daydream about perfect liveplay narratives, and chew the fat about the Golden Ages of Radio and Video Rental Outlets.

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#007: Strahdcast Ch.3: Maimed Rites

As the heroes adjust to the nightmare to which they have awakened, they get to know the son of Barovia’s late Burgomaster, Ismark the Lesser, as well as his sister Ireena, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a familiar face from long ago. An attempt to bury the Burgomaster goes poorly.

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#006: Fastcast: A Personal History of Barovia

In this bonus episode, Scott offers Gayle some context for the Ravenloft experience. The conversation starts with the classic “I6” module from 1st edition, wanders through the 2nd Ed. Demiplane of Dread, and steers clear of the dark times of 4th Edition before arriving at the present campaign.

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#005: Strahdcast Ch.2: The Mists

The heroes cautiously explore the world into which they’ve awoken: a warped, cursed version of their beloved Barovia, bristling with zombies; barkeeps who act like zombies; and a Burgomaster who died trying to protect his children from — you guessed it — zombies. And worse!

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#004: Postcast: Scott + Laird <3 Strahd

After the dice have been put away, Laird and Scott drink Belgian beer and reminisce about early D&D modules and the vampires they’ve loved (and hated). Bonus features include a (very) brief detour into Star Wars fandom, a definition of “epistolary,” and a deep dive into the roots of Gothic horror.

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#003: Strahdcast Ch.1: The Cursed Queen

THE SAGA BEGINS! Royal visitors come to the peaceful town of Barovia; Ralston the Novice takes charge of a crisis; Andrej gets outshined by Prince Sergei; and Dragomir sniffs out a hoard that comes with a catch. NOTE: This episode makes a fine jumping-on point, but if you’d like to peek behind the D&D screen…

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#002 FastCast: Origin Stories

Meet the story’s three heroes — Ralston the Novice, Andrej the Bear, and Dragomir the Wolfboy — in this short, introductory episode. NOTE: This episode isn’t strictly necessary to get into the story, but it helps.

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#001: Strahdcast: Pre-Game Prologue: Rolling Up

Old gaming buddies reunite, share their earliest memories of Dungeons & Dragons, and sink their teeth into 5th Edition by rolling up characters. NOTE: You can skip this episode with no risk of narrative discombobulation. Besides, the audio’s not perfect.

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