Galactic Watercooler » Podcast

GWC Podcast #172: Transformers 2 (Live Studio Audience)

Chuck — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:04:43 +0000

We join a group of northeastern GWCers to watch Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in Times Square then talk through the movie with their able help! Highlights: We enjoy the film’s awesome action, tear up at Prime’s dedication and sacrifice, discuss the Matrix of Leadership’s important role in the new film, wish for a ‘Bee of our very own, and wonder what’s next for the Transformers franchise. (And much, much more. Seriously! Our IQs rise 50 points when we’re backed up by awesome listeners live. Check it out for yourself!)

GWC Podcast #171: Transformers (2007)

Chuck — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:16:44 +0000

We catch up with the 2007 live-action Transformers movie in preparation for this week’s Transformers 2 premiere! Highlights: we discuss the movie’s awesome soundtrack, point out the movie’s awesome demostrations of the practical aspects of transforming, discover just how cool a homie Bumblebee can be, learn that Chuck is sadly underinformed re: Australia, note that Sam’s mom seems to really have it together, again almost lose it watching S7 bastards torture Bumblebee, enjoy the movie’s Heartbreak Ridge moment, and talk Unicron poo. Don’t miss our NYC meetup and live-audience podcast next weekend!

GWC Podcast #170: Transformers The Movie (1986)

Chuck — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:23:41 +0000

Up this week: The 1986 Transformers animated movie. Features: We discuss the movie’s unique soundtrack, note the underwater Heavy Metal tribute, guess what Transformer mall stores might be like, love on Grimlock, mourn the loss of Optimus Prime, enjoy the rise of Rodimus Prime, tear into what it takes to be a real leader (and how incredible it is to see a show explain this to kids without being preachy), greatly respect Unicron’s awesome voice, talk true loss and what it means to really lose Transformers characters, and hear a listener’s update on Smurf sex.

GWC Podcast #169: Transformers Primer, Part II

Chuck — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:40:21 +0000

Today we finish up our Transformers primer, heading into the 1986 movie next. Highlights: we discuss new-Transformer acting prowess, place GoBots and RoboTech (including one special crossover) in context, wonder about Daniel’s mother, point out that Transformers do age, get into Arcee and Elita One specifics (and lack of Madonna cones), talk Transformer sex (yes, it happens) and (technical) Disney bestiality, and catch up on Mass Effect news (a new trailer and iPhone app).

GWC Podcast #168: Transformers Primer, Part I

Chuck — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:08:23 +0000

Join us as we (well, mostly Sean) offer some insight into what makes Transformers a great source of sci-fi stories. Highlights (brought to you this week by Audra): We discuss some of the origins of the Autobots and Decepticons and why they become vehilces/dinosaurs/animals, talk loyalty and what it means in the Transformers universe, explore what it might be like to live on the all-robot Cybertron, get into some specifics about Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, Bumblebee, and Arcee, hear what Sean really thinks about Inspector Gadget’s Penny, take a few last-minute Trek/Terminator calls, and explore tribble sex.

GWC Podcast #167: Terminator Salvation

Chuck — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:46:59 +0000

This week we take on the the Terminator Salvation premiere. Highlights: We wonder if there isn’t any way to save humanity beyond simply protecting John Connor, question the inevitabiliy of Skynet’s evil, ask whether sentience by definition might include “feelings,” enjoy large-scale robot destruction, wonder why non-skinned terminators have teeth, and suggest in injection of techno music might perk the movie up. Up next week: The start of our Transformers primer arc — perfect for getting you ready to enjoy Fallen!

GWC Podcast #166: Leadup To Terminator Salvation

Chuck — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:33:46 +0000

Besides getting back in the Terminator mood (just in time for next week’s new movie release!) we take a few Trek calls to wrap up the arc. (Look for our Trek bonus call show soon.) Highlights: we tackle the Terminator Salvation trailer’s take on what it means to be human, discuss various modes of time travel and how they affect characters in sci-fi stories, wonder if previous Terminators lack personality (and if dogs can sense this as well as the smell of metal), bash on Bazooka Joe gum, re-visit bras-in-space, address the Enterprise built in Iowa canyon and why Nero is bent on revenge issues, hear Chuck’s objection (as an Eve miner) to Trek’s portrayal of space miners, and discuss the new Mass Effect 2 E3 preview trailer.

GWC Podcast #165: Star Trek XI

Chuck — Sat, 09 May 2009 17:23:15 +0000

Trek XI opens and we’re there! Highlights: we enjoy the sports-jerseyesque new TOS uniforms, discuss the effect of alternate timelines on continuity, explore Trek XI’s new and unusual character relationships, dig into Uhura’s job description, and… hell, I’d love to tell you more, but I don’t want 5,000 “why did you spoil me” emails. Bottom line: we had a great time at the movie and really enjoyed this podcast. We hope you do, too. If you’d like to talk live with the GWC crew for the Trek wrap-up call show, give us a call at 214-296-9229 x701 and let us know what specifically you’d like to discuss!

GWC Podcast #164: Star Trek X: Nemesis

Chuck — Sat, 02 May 2009 14:47:24 +0000

In our penultimate Trek movie arc podcast we leap into Nemesis and get ready for next week’s Trek XI premiere! Highlights: we note the seeming popularity of Betazoid weddings (and Picard’s joy in attending one), enjoy Nemesis’ disco-friendly patent leather villian suit, discuss the strategy of firing weapons while cloaked, hear Sean’s description of Reman knives (he owns a couple), suggest there might be better tools for blood testing, recommend solid doors for villains wishing to hide their medical secrets, love the Scimitar’s cool visual design, try to remember if we’ve ever heard about Romulan money, kid about the videogame-y re-mastered HD TOS Enterprise, talk Corbomite Maneuver (read: BS ‘em all!) and Ron Howard’s Trek-prolific brother, and look very, very forward to next week’s premiere!

GWC Podcast #163: Star Trek IX: Insurrection

Chuck — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:54:06 +0000

Up this week: Insurrection! Highlights: we search our memories for non-crapbag Trek admirals (and speculate on how Starfleet’s admiral training assures such uniform crapbagdom), hear Audra’s boob report (featuring Anij’s dunk in the lake, Crusher and Troi’s discussion, and Data’s mimic), wonder what else happened during Picard and Anij’s time-stop date, note LeVar’s awesomely-expressive eyes (and wonder why writers didn’t direct the Enterprise to the Baku back in, say, TNG season three or so), wonder what secret messages might be encoded in @BrentSpiner’s Tweets, discover the best way to shave, and detail Audra’s argument with Mark Sheppard regarding Icheb’s father’s dick-ness.

GWC Podcast #162: Star Trek VIII: First Contact

Chuck — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:47:48 +0000

We’re in the end run of our Trek arc leading up to the new movie! Highlights: we note the fact that LeVar Burton seems to get more buff as he ages, debate the hotness (and moistness) of the Borg Queen, discuss Picards newer, kinder way of jacking mercilessly with the timeline, wonder what happens when the Borg add the distinctiveness of lazy-asses to their own, suggest that maybe Lily should’ve landed a little more credit for actually building humanity’s first warp ship, and call Sean’s father for some midnight Trek advice.

GWC Podcast #161: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Chuck — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:27:21 +0000

Up this week: The last TOS Trek film! Highlights: We discuss the TOS crew’s hard-earned open-mindedness and Kirk’s well-chosen words of diplomacy, note Valeris’ magic pole, wonder if Klingons really expect so little of their freighter captains, ponder the difficulty of getting old and accepting change, suggest that maybe Col. West’s presentation might’ve carried more weight if it wasn’t on a large pad, and generally get a huge kick out of the ultimate handoff from TOS — traveling into the undiscovered country and playing such an important role in creating the TNG-forward universe.

GWC Podcast #160: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Chuck — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:32:18 +0000

Up this week: Trek IV! Highlights: We tackle the changing faces of Saavik, discuss the awesome Trek TOS relationships and how they play into this time travel classic, guffaw at the crew’s fast-and-free play with timelines (all the way back to Naked Time), wonder what happened to the second pizza Kirk ordered, enjoy the II-III-IV extended story arc, hear Chuck’s explaination(s) for the whale barge and communications volleyball, question who else Bones might’ve cured while wandering the hospital, and get a big kick from the latest Audra report.

GWC Podcast #159: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Chuck — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:48:14 +0000

This week we begin our spool-up to the awesome Trek XI with a re-watch of Trek II: The Wrath of Khan! We’re also joined by special guest Roger Nygard, producer/director of Trekkies and Trekkies 2. Highlights: we discuss the cultural differences between early Trek and TNG forward and the cultural significance of Trekdom, explain why TOS is still relevant regardless of dated SFX and hairstyles, hear the Audra hair report (think Whitesnake video), offer proper respect for Khan’s pecs, enjoy the inspiring depth of Kirk and Spock’s friendship, note that if Sean were transported to the Trek universe he’d be Bones, wonder again why the creature-in-the-ear scene is so disturbing, and encourage listeners to catch Trek III if possible even though we’re heading forward to IV next week.

GWC Podcast #158 (Bonus!)

Chuck — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:45:52 +0000

Besides taking some listener calls regarding the finale, we’re joined by special guest Michael Hogan, who gave us what’s likely the best BSG wrap-up experience we’re likely to find. Thanks again to everyone who attended the first annual GWC National Meetup! Look for our regularly-scheduled podcast tomorrow morning.

GWC Podcast #157 Live From The GWC Nat’l Meetup

Chuck — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:12:22 +0000

We watch the BSG finale with GWCers from around the country and world this week, then podcast live from the first GWC National Meetup in Frisco, TX. Highlights: Well, as far as I’m concerned this cast’s highlight is the audience. Together we make sense of BSG’s wrap-up episode, diving into deep issues like who is Starbuck, whether technology controls the nature of man, why freedom is worth the risk, and what might happen next. Thank you so much to all of you who attended the taping and all of you who listened live. (And we’ll see you back next week for the leadup to new Trek!)

GWC Podcast #156: BSG 4.5 Daybreak, Part 1

Chuck — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:05:28 +0000

It’s the penultimate BSG episode! Highlights: We discuss meeting Baltar’s father and the episode’s dramatic deepening of Caprica Six and her relationship with Baltar, tear into the heady philosophical questions of what makes one human and what God is, note how each flashback shows us a key beginning that made the show’s current state possible, enjoy seeing the last time Roslin was a whole person, ponder the final moments of Cavil’s plan and the fate of Hera, and offer up some final predictions (and hopes) before the finale next week. Note: Next week’s podcast will feature a live studio audience from the GWC National Meetup!

GWC Podcast #155: BSG 4.5 Islanded In A Stream Of Stars

Chuck — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:37:24 +0000

We’re in the final countdown to the end of BSG — only two episodes left. Highlights: We wonder if Anders has become the new Galactica hybrid, try to puzzle out the meaning of the projected “betrayal house,” ponder Hera’s future, recognize the human recognition of cylon worth via a mass funeral, feel for Helo’s sad situation with Athena, enjoy Baltar’s return to Baltardom (but suspect it will end badly), realize that we should have known from the beginning the the fate of the show is tied to the fate of the Galactica, plus take some time out to discuss the latest (incredible) Trek trailer.

GWC Podcast #154: BSG 4.5 Someone To Watch Over Me

Chuck — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:32:53 +0000

In tonight’s BSG we get a few answers — and more questions. Highlights: we talk head character proliferation, study Starbuck’s father’s name, are down with Helo-the-guy-who-buys-back-Kara’s-stuff (and feel sorry for Helo-the-guy-who-accidentally-jumped-Boomer), analyze Head Dad, struggle with the connections between Hera’s kidnapping and Chief’s projection-daughter’s disapperance (and Roslin’s scene at the end of the show), suggest the use of ‘Boomer’ as a verb going forward, compare Tyrol’s all-fun early fling with Boomer to his more adult relationship with Cally, and enjoy a well-deserved laugh over the felgercarb toothpaste (and the incredibly odd in-your-face KFC ads). Predictions, anyone?

GWC Podcast #153: Call Show!

Chuck — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:20:15 +0000

In this mid-week bonus ‘cast we take a few of the many listener calls we’ve received over the past few weeks. Highlights: we discuss the agenda of BSG’s “head” characters, ponder Adama’s relationship (realistically and metaphorically) to the Galactica, enjoy the fact that listeners give Ron Moore crap about remembering BSG details too, address the many comments we’ve received and seen about “relativistic” travel (specifically considering acceleration, the fact that “relativistic” doesn’t necessarily mean 99.9% C, and the fact even fifty or a hundred years equals a lot of card games and aging), explore what JC might be like with a little nap (John Cavil, that is), defend the Mass Effect story as hard sci-fi, talk favorite sexy sci-fi novel covers, and envision a combined Transformers/Friday The 13th universe.

GWC Podcast #152: BSG 4.5 Deadlock

Chuck — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:44:13 +0000

Let’s take a vote! (Kidding.) We dive into this week’s BSG 4.5 episode, Deadlock. Highlights: we love how Ellen is still Ellen (and still hates Bill Adama), explore the emotional issues that arise from Ellen’s barren womb, enjoy Six’s “guns — bigger guns!” moment, chat about Paula’s issues, dish on the new white Six dress (and talk naked vs. skimpy), comment on Adama’s continuing drinking problem, contemplate the function of death in humanity, look forward to the Chief discovering what Tory did to Cally, wonder why high heels are “meh” but quarian reversed knees are h-o-t (and look similar), and analyze the new Mass Effect 2 teaser trailer.

GWC Podcast #151: BSG 4.5 No Exit

Chuck — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:36:31 +0000

Welcome to BSG’s most revealing episode ever — No Exit! Highlights from our discussion: we try to wrap our minds around the newly-explained cylon family tree, marvel at the fact that there has in fact been a “cylon plan” all along (though it’s much more jacked-up then even grizzled BSG viewers might imagine), begin the who-or-what-is-Danny discussion, note the many Christian allegories in No Exit, psychoanalyze Cavil from his screwed-up childhood to his desire to torture Ellen (and apparently everyone else), debate the mind-frak of “meeting your maker,” sympathize with Starbuck’s tough decision, wonder if the Galactica-as-character fans will finally get their wish, and enjoy the appearance of brain-surgeon John Hodgeman and the return of the “swirl.”

GWC Podcast #150: BSG 4.5 Blood On The Scales

Chuck — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:56:21 +0000

Up this week is BSG’s season 4.5 episode Blood on the Scales. Joined by Kate Vernon, we discuss Tom Zarek’s final disposition in the good/evil continuum (and lament the loss of the good ideas in which he sadly didn’t believe), note that the Quorum were thankfully not sheep, enjoy how yet again the trust Tyrol inspires in those around him plays a prominent role in crushing the coup, wonder whether Laura believed Adama alive or dead as she maneuvered with the cylons, fear for the (treated like mushrooms) fleet now that Roslin represents almost the entirety of the civilian government, analyze Gaeta’s motives and mistakes, worry that political brinkmanship may continue to hasten the end of the fleet, hear Ms. Vernon’s awesome insight into Ellen tigh, and look forward to Ellen’s return to BSG next week.

GWC Podcast #149: Call Show

Chuck — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:12:49 +0000

We didn’t have time for many calls in last Saturday’s BSG 4.5: The Oath podcast, so we added this mid-week show to take twenty of the over 100 calls we’ve received over the last week. Highlights: lots of Zarek vs. Adamlin discussion, some great why-is-Gaeta-doing-this theories, and lots of general listener goodness.

GWC Podcast #148

Chuck — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:56:05 +0000

Think things can’t get crazier in BSG 4.5? Witness The Oath. Joined this week by Michael Trucco, we take in the Starbuck and Adama badassery (and compare Starbuck’s hangar bay arrival to Mal’s at the end of the Firefly pilot), lament Seelix and Racetrack’s misguided betrayals, suffer the loss of reason as Zarek releases his inner snake once and for all, note Adamlin’s too-little-too-late attempt to take up their leadership roles, discuss who’s betraying their oath (read: almost everyone), delve into the (possibly endless) cycle of revenge, wonder what final-cylon Ellen will have to say about Tigh meeting a grenade, and hear an awesome live report from the Phoenix Comicon. Note: Look for a call show mid-week where we’ll respond to all the wonderful listener calls that we couldn’t fit in this ‘cast!

GWC Podcast #147

Chuck — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:55:43 +0000

This week we take in BSG’s A Disquiet Follows My Soul and are joined by the irreplacable Nicki Clyne. Highlights: we wonder why Tigh seems so comfortable with pregnant-Six having just seen Ellen, explore the long-term effects of discovering the human nature of Callie’s baby, note that we finally saw Gaeta’s meeting from the end of the webisodes, discuss possible motives for Gaeta’s new motivation and direction, express concern that Adamlin may have created the current nasty situation in the fleet by ruling with an iron fist while paying lip service to the representative government, weigh the value of democracy vs. fleet survival (as colored by last week’s talk with Richard Hatch and his take on Zarek and Cain), cite some examples of how the masses in the fleet aren’t so powerless after all, hear Ms. Clyne’s insights into Callie (i.e. motherhood, losing herself, and seeing Tyrol with Tori) and acting, and take listener calls about last week’s premiere. Check our forum at http://www.galacticawatercooler.com (click the forum tab) for new information about the 1st Annual GWC National Meetup March 20-22 including hotel selection and BSG finale group-watch details!

GWC Podcast #146: Two Hours With Richard Hatch

Chuck — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:55:06 +0000

Join us as we enjoy a two-hour discussion with Richard Hatch covering religion, philosophy, life, the business, and, of course, Battlestar Galactica.

GWC Podcast #145 (Live!)

Chuck — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:05:33 +0000

This podcast was recorded live January 16, 2009 just following the BSG season 4.5 premiere. We’re joined by numerous guests including Kandyse McClure, Luciana Carro, BSG writer/producer Bradley Thompson, and show creator Ron Moore. Long-time GWCers BKitty and Lady D report live from the cast/crew premiere frak party in L.A. Highlights? They’re just too numerous to list here. We hope you enjoy this magical premiere-night ride we took with GWCers across the country and around the world, and check back next week for our more traditional non-live ‘cast — with more great guests.

GWC Podcast #144

Chuck — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:24:37 +0000

Today brings the final BSG season 4.5 ’sode, #10 — and our final podcast before the season 4.5 premiere this Friday! Highlights: We ponder Gaeta’s racist swing, enjoy another great Racetrack “find,” feel bad for Tigh after Gaeta’s obvious mistrust, wonder what cylon technology might keep the fleet functioning, speculate one final time on the big questions to be (hopefully) answered in season 4.5, and make some last minute quarter bets.

GWC Podcast #143

Chuck — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:39:21 +0000

This week we re-watch the BSG season 4.0 finale, Revelations, in preparation for next week’s 4.5 premiere! Highlights: we wonder who’s really the president (and who’s really in charge) at this point, remember again how badass Saul Tigh is (especially in Revelations), talk about why Adama lost it, analyze Three’s “four are in the fleet” quote (and what it might mean to the final cylon’s identity), weigh Tory’s evil against BYBBQ 8’s, hear Audra’s final pre-4.5 hair report (hint: Tyrol w/shaved head is scary), and discuss the hilarity of bare male ass.

GWC Podcast #142 (Bonus)

Chuck — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:10:58 +0000

Today we watch the awesome BSG Season 4.5 ‘Sode #9. Highlights: we worry about Gaeta’s (hopeful) return to Galactica, question Gaeta’s post Baltar-whisper reaction, wonder what really happened on New Caprica (vs. what Gaeta thinks happened), and wonder what this all means to Season 4.0. After a well-placed warning, we also discuss material from the Ron Moore/David Eick press conference yesterday — followed by some serious season 4.5 speculation.

GWC Podcast #141 (Bonus)

Chuck — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:31:20 +0000

It’s Monday, so it must be time for BSG 4.5 ’sode #8. Highlights: we recognize Crazy 8’s crazy eight-ness, appreciate Hoshi’s dedication (and will to quit when the time’s right), debate BYBBQ8’s trustworthiness (based on her conflicting statements), discuss the best way to ‘off BYBBQ8, wonder if Racetrak’ll find Racetrackworld (where no one ever loses keys or a sock), and begin the BSG 4.5 windup with a discussion of true waiting — Trek fans holding their breath between TOS Season 3 and ST:TMP.

GWC Podcast #140

Chuck — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:08:50 +0000

We begin our windup to the BSG season 4.5 premiere with a watch of the awesome Catch The Frak Up video. Highlights: we recognize Tigh as (now) one of the most stable people on in the Colonial fleet, remember how everything’s already beginning to fall apart for the Cylons (and colonials), discuss Cally’s incredible hotness (and Tory’s and D’Anna’s…), speculate that Chief’s cabbage comment might’ve been adlibbed, comment on Rick Astley’s llikely-sizable IHOP income, and look for a Dallas-area paper-and-dice gaming session to join to introduce Audra (and re-introduce the rest of us) to the genre.

GWC Podcast #139 (Bonus)

Chuck — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 23:45:54 +0000

Technically we’re discussing BSG 4.5 ’sode #7 in this bonus ‘cast, but since the ’sode is only about 40 seconds long we digress quite a bit. Highlights: we decide once and for all that BYBBQ8 is indeed a creepster, note that today’s “reveal” was about as exciting as Quizno’s, are regaled with Sean’s Fable 2 stories (including the “dog market” and sheepskin condoms), and generally enjoy our last podcast of 2008.

GWC Podcast #138 (Bonus)

Chuck — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:03:17 +0000

Today we get BSG 4.5 ’sode #6 — as long as you haven’t cheated and grabbed ‘em from Amazon. (We haven’t!) Highlights: we debate the creepiness vs. evilness of Backyard BBQ 8, wonder if Gaeta hasn’t been as celibate as we thought earlier in BSG, discuss the nature of free will as applied to 8s that only seem stable when in a relationship, and speculate on various possible ’sode endings. We didn’t get a chance to take calls today, but we’ll definitely make room for ‘em Wednesday!

GWC Podcast #137 (Live!)

Chuck — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:43:59 +0000

If this is your first time listening to GWC, you might want to jump back and start with #136 (if you’re a BSGer looking for webisode discussion) or #134 (for the last ‘cast of our X-Men arc). Why? This is our annual holiday podcast where we kick back and shoot the bull with no topic in mind. Originally recorded live on December 26, 2008, we’re joined by numerous GWC listeners for a good ‘ole fashioned bull-fest.

GWC Podcast #136 (Bonus)

Chuck — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 03:13:51 +0000

Wednesday brings BSG 4.5 ‘Sode #5. Highlights: we check out some great listener call speculation as to the next victim (some even correct!), wonder exactly how much morpha it takes to kill, speculate further on Gaeta’s list, mourn Brooks (how little we knew ‘ye), and start a fascinating discussion on formalwear and MacGyver. Merry Christmas everyone! We’ll see you Friday Dec. 26th at 9:00 p.m. CT for our Christmas live ‘cast via TalkShoe!

GWC Podcast #135 (Bonus)

Chuck — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:46:41 +0000

It’s Monday, so it must be BSG 4.5 Webisode 4. Highlights: we notice that virtually nothing happens in this ’sode, speculate further on the origin and meaning of Gaeta’s legal-pad list, suspect the worst as ByBBQ 8 “has a plan,” and wonder what all this means to season 4.5. Don’t forget to call in with your prediction of who’ll die next in Clue format (ex: “Easy in the pilot’s seat with the morpha”) at 214.296.9229. We’ll include our favorites in Wednesday’s bonus ‘cast.