The Occasionalists Podcast

The True Discussion: True Detective Season 3 Review

Hailed as a return to form, season three of True Detective wrapped up recently and we did a deep dive to see if the critical praise holds up. Spoiler alert: it does. 
We examine what this season did best, what it did better than the first season and do a quick examination of what went so wrong with season two.
Lingering question for this week: Where will the next season of True Detective take place?
Also, if you haven't seen this season yet, spoilers abound!

Nerd Files: Alternate History

Before you freak out, we're not talking "alternate facts" on the show this week. We are discussing the flipside of known events. What would happen if something important unfolded differently? Would society remain the same or would there be unfathomable changes?
We chew on these questions, eliminate certain entertainment properties from consideration and lay out some alternate historic scenarios of our own.
For you out there: what event in your lifetime is due for the alternate history treatment?

Superb Owl 53 & CLE Sports

The big game has come and gone but there's still plenty to talk about!
We discuss the game itself and the impact it has on both teams heading into the next few seasons. 
We also wrap up with some local sports talk and discuss how the future of the NFL can only benefit the Browns, whether or not the Indians have enough players to field a full team next year and we also talk about the other team in Cleveland! Neat! 
 

Nerd Files: Gaming Adaptations

Once again we dip into the Nerd Files to talk about the various ways Hollywood bungles the video game genre of movies and tv. Be it the wrong game, the wrong interpretation or simply misreading the audience for a particular title, there are simply more bad than good game adaptations. 
We also discuss some non video game movies and give a quick list of things we'd like to see get a proper adaptation. We then wrap up with some entertainment that feels like you're playing a game.
Grab those sticks and listen up!

Nerd Files: Computers

We're getting nerdy again, discussing what one might consider the most sacred of objects in the realm of Nerds: the computer.
Why is it nerdy? Why is it nerdy despite our complete and total dependence upon them? How do they affect our daily lives? And where is computing going in the future?
Find out with us!

2018 Year in Review

This is pretty straightforward: Chemma and I wrap up the best and worst of the year on both the podcast and out there in real life. Plus we make a few predictions for 2019.

Nerd Files: Weird History

We introduce a new(ish) type of episode to the show in which Chemma and I show you the depths of our personal nerdiness. The Nerd Files will serve to explore subjects with greater depth and nuance and highlight some our own experiences and fascination with them.
Our first subject is weird history but before diving into the meat of our episode we have a general discussion about the term 'nerd' and what it means in society and pop culture right now. 
Adjust your suspenders, shine up those pocket protectors and prepare to get nerdy. 

Jack Ryan Review

The fifth onscreen incarnation of Tom Clancy's famed CIA analyst turned field hero sees John Krasinski take the action to the small screen for the first time.
We ponder why the character of Jack Ryan and Tom Clancy have had such an important part of the political thriller genre for so long. Between the titular character and his creator: nearly 40 years in the pop culture consciousness with dozens of books, several movies and...get this...56 video games!
We also discuss where the show stacks up to some other political thrillers and dive into the headlining characters' performances and motivations.
So does Jim Halpert cut it as Jack? Is the story relevant to today's world? And have Hollywood's ideas of terrorism changed over the years?
Let's find out!