NEW PODCASTS 2020

I skipped last year for some reason, but here is a brief list of podcasts I have been listening to this (and last year.

Best Movies Never Made

Hosted by filmmakers Stephen Scarlata (Jodorwosky's Dune) and Josh Miller (2020's Sonic The Hedgehog), Best Movies Never Made is the podcast for anyone who used to share copies of James Cameron's 1995 treatment for Avatar or searched the Internet looking for information about Kubrick's Napoleon.

From blockbusters that never were (Godzilla 3D) through alternate versions of movies that got made (Star Trek, James Bond), this podcast is a fun spin on the ‘making of’ sub-genre. What makes this one interesting are the frequent appearances by key creatives who were involved with these projects.

Blank Check

Hosted by critic David Sim and comedian Griffin Newman, Blank Check covers directors' filmographies, especially filmmakers who are so successful they have been given a series of 'blank checks' to make what ever they like.

This podcast is pretty well-known; I heard about it a couple years ago but never bothered to check it out.

Both hosts are knowledgable and personable, and their discussions are fascinating and enlightening.

They also take time out to review various odds and ends (I particularly enjoyed their reviews of Under Siege 2 and Assassins Creed), which round out the show. 

The Cannon Canon

A worthy companion to one of my favourite podcasts, Action Boyz, comedians Frank Garcia-Hejl and Geoff Garlock have given themselves the unenviable task of reviewing every film associated with the Cannon Group, the independent film company run by Menachem Golan and Yoram Globus.

If you are a fan of Chuck Norris, Chuck Bronson, Jean Claude Van Damme, Masters of the Universe, Superman IV or the Breakin' movies, you have had some experience with their output.

Equal parts fanboys and incredulous bystanders, Frank and Geoff provide a running commentary of trivia, analysis and observations (their nickname for Chuck Norris is an all-timer) that make the episodes enjoyable without watching the movies.

Double Toasted

At the start of the year, I was bingeing reviews of Tyler Perry's latest opus A Fall From Grace. I stumbled upon Double Toasted. The show has been running for years, so I have been bingeing on their archive - the show is also released on YouTube, which has been my main port of entry.

The moment I knew this show was great was the extended debate between hosts Korey Coleman and Martin Thomas about the morality of Grover the muppet. Extending across two episodes (so far), it is a mind-melting example of how wonderful the internet really is.

Covering everything from weird news stories to the latest movie reviews, Double Toasted is a great show to check in on. 

How Did This Get Played?

Imagine How Did This Get Made?, except for video games and hosted by a robot.

Co-hosted by Nick Wiger (of Doughboys fame) and Heather Anne Campbell, the show is very informative and very self-aware review of the worst and weirdest video games ever made. I could not care less about the subject, but the hosts and guests are so funny about the thing they love that I got into it.

Iconography

Hosted by comedians Ayo Edebiri and Olivia Craighead, Iconography is... something. Every episode Ayo and Olivia invite a guest to share their icon. Most of these icons are celebrities that the guest looks up to, or finds fascinating. The guest has to argue their case and then the hosts decide whether this icon will endure. The scope of the show is almost infinite, and the hosts provide a steady supply of supplemental nonsense that makes the show a real meal of a listen.  

Sam Pancake Presents The Monday Afternoon Movie

Technically, I started listening to this one last year. Hosted by actor Sam Pancake, the show covers TV movies form the 70s. Pancake is an affable host, and he is fount of knowledge about his chosen subject.

 

I tend to gravitate toward niche subjects curated by funny people, and while it is not a laugh riot, Pancake and his guests have a knack for zeroing in on the most ridiculous aspects of the movies they are reviewing. 

Scam Goddess

Hosted by comedienne Laci Mosley, Scam Goddess is all about scams and the dastardly rogues who carry them off. Bouyeed by Mosley's sheer joy in the subject, Scam Goddess is a unique show that you should probably listen to rather than read some minor blogger ramble on about it.

You In Danger Gurl

I cannot remember how I ended up clocking Jamelle James - I think she guested on an episode of Nicole Byer's Why Won't You Date Me, and that led me to this show.

I am a big fan of 80s and 90s thrillers, but James is a REAL fan of the genre, particularly the wonderfully cheesy erotic thrillers. The best part of the show is the segment 'Red Flags', an opportunity for listeners to submit their own stories about terrible dates and partners. Some of the stories are terrifying, and some involve clown college. 

If you like the genre, and if you like to laugh, You in Danger Gurl is worth checking out.