The Occasionalists Podcast
Examining the human condition. Sometimes. Mostly jawing about pop culture and other nerdy pursuits.
Examining the human condition. Sometimes. Mostly jawing about pop culture and other nerdy pursuits.
Episodes

Sep 26, 2023
Sci-Fi September: Forbidden Planet Movie Review
Sep 26, 2023
Sep 26, 2023
57 min
We 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 long as our circuits don't short out.

Sep 22, 2023
Sci-Fi September: SciPhylum Pt Two
Sep 22, 2023
Sep 22, 2023
42 min
We 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.

Sep 19, 2023
Sci-Fi September: SciPhylum Pt One
Sep 19, 2023
Sep 19, 2023
44 min
Sci-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.

Sep 15, 2023
Sci-Fi September: Radio Plays
Sep 15, 2023
Sep 15, 2023
48 min
Sci-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.

Sep 12, 2023
Sci-Fi September: Science Fiction Origins
Sep 12, 2023
Sep 12, 2023
1hr 17 sec
We 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.

Aug 17, 2023
The 1990s: Sitcoms w/ Rob Nugent
Aug 17, 2023
Aug 17, 2023
1hr 39 min
We 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!

Aug 9, 2023
The 1990s: Video Games w/ Greg Cherry
Aug 9, 2023
Aug 9, 2023
1hr 24 min
Our 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!

Aug 3, 2023
The 1990s: Intro
Aug 3, 2023
Aug 3, 2023
20 min
WE 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.





