Best Fly Fandom Podcasts (2026)

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Pop Culture & The Middle East 22:10

Play Pause

3d ago22:10

22:10

In this episode of MC Anime, guest Alyazia Aldhaheri—a UAE resident, pop culture blogger, and brand ambassador—joins us to explore the intersection of global pop culture and Middle East culture. From her humble blogging beginnings to navigating brand deals and showcasing ME culture online, Alyazia shares her journey and insights on blending global …

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So It's Come to This: A HoFCast Clip Show 55:07

7d ago55:07

55:07

As we bid a fond farewell to a close friend and colleague, please enjoy this collection of fun moments from the HoFCast Archives. SEGMENTS: Biopic Mailbag Question: 3:50 Cartoon Music Trivia: 13:35 Christmas Movie Trivia: 38:00 Stranger Things Prediction: 51:16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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The Cold War on Christmas with Vaughn Joy 1:16:48

16d ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Ross is joined by Dr. Vaughn Joy to discuss how the Cold War and McCarthyism reshaped the American concept of Christmas. Dr. Joy's new book, Selling Out Santa: Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy looks at how Hollywood depictions of the holidays changed to reflect the pressures of domestic containment. FURTHER READING: Joy, Vaughn. Selling Out S…

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GoldenEye on the Prize with Paul Klein 1:40:04

23d ago1:40:04

1:40:04

Ross is joined by returning guest Paul T Klein to talk about Bond, James Bond- specifically the 1995 franchise revival film, "GoldenEye". They talk about how the film engages with the End of History moment, reinventing Bond for the 90s, as well as the tremendous impact the N64 adaptation had on gaming. Ross celebrates the career of Joe Don Baker. F…

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Science of Flying: Aerodynamics 58:42

21d ago58:42

58:42

In this episode of MC Anime, guest Steven—a food service worker, pastry specialist, and passionate follower of air-disaster investigations—joins us to explore the science that keeps aircraft in the sky and the forces that challenge them. From the fundamentals of flight to the realities of modern aviation safety, we examine how physics, weather, and…

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The Truth is Out There 1:25:56

30d ago1:25:56

1:25:56

Ross is joined by Drs. Bethan Jones and Diane Rodgers to discuss the first of a multi-part series on "THE X-FILES". They discuss the show's history, its influence on popular culture and politics, how it helped shape fandom on the early internet, and more! FURTHER READING: Fenwick, James and Diane A. Rodgers, Eds. The Legacy of The X-Files. Jones, B…

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Fandom is Magic with Brian David-Marshall 1:11:36

1M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

Ross is joined by the one and only Brian David-Marshall to discuss the history and fandom of Magic: the Gathering! The world's first trading card game, Magic has had a profound influence on gaming and popular culture, and BDM has had a profound influence on Magic. They also talk holiday cookie recipes, life imitating art, and the early history of o…

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"Garden State" of Mind with Chris DeVille 1:28:56

1M ago1:28:56

1:28:56

Ross is joined by music journalist Chris DeVille to discuss his new book, Such Great Heights. They look at how the indie music boom of the early 2000s reflected larger changes in media consumption, as well as the influence of the internet and early social media. Also in this episode: an introduction to the history of technology, Rory Gilmore's tast…

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Introducing: What Is Happening Here (Official Trailer) 4:23

1M ago4:23

4:23

Some say Canada is currently in the throes of a horrible surge of anti-Jew hatred. Others say that anti-zionism is being conflated with antisemitism. So which is it? And who is to blame for it — activists, or Israel? What is Happening Here is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish News. Listen to the first two episodes wherever you g…

1
Changing of Leaves in Studio Ghibli 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

Title: Changing of Leaves in Studio Ghibli In this episode of MC Anime, guest Leslie—a photographer, business owner, and devoted Studio Ghibli fan—joins us to examine how the studio captures the essence of autumn through its storytelling and visual artistry. From the vibrancy of fall’s colors to the quiet reflection of change, Studio Ghibli masterf…

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Eye on Springfield with Alan Siegel 59:03

2M ago59:03

59:03

Ross is joined by Alan Siegel, senior staff writer at The Ringer and author of Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television -and America- Forever. They discuss the show's early success, influences, production, its place in the culture wars of the early 90s, and much more! Ross and Alan also share their thoughts on…

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McCarthy v. Murrow with Brad Schwartz 2:28:17

2M ago2:28:17

2:28:17

Ross talks to writer and historian A. Brad Schwartz about the showdown between Senator Joseph McCarthy and broadcaster Edward R. Murrow as depicted in "Good Night and Good Luck", both on screen and stage. They discuss domestic containment, the evolution of broadcast news, and much more! FURTHER READING: Cloud, Stanley and Lynne Olson. The Murrow Bo…

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Podcast of the Living Dead with Sarah Juliet Lauro 58:34

2M ago58:34

58:34

Ross talks to Dr. Sarah Juliet Lauro about her book The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living Death. They discuss where the zombie comes from, what it has represented historically, and how and why it continues to resonate. Happy Halloween! FURTHER READING: Lauro, Sarah Juliet. The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living …

1
We're in the Fight of Our Lives 13:23

2M ago13:23

13:23

Canadaland covers Canada, period. If there was ever a time to support Canadian news, it’s now. Go to canadaland.com/join and become a supporter today. Host: Jesse Brown Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Full Moon Rising with Chris Olson 1:28:47

2M ago1:28:47

1:28:47

Ross and Ryan are joined by returning guest Dr. Christopher Olson to talk about the career of filmmaker Charles Band! They discuss the director's filmography, his methods, and his influences. They also talk about the style and legacy of indie film-making in the era of home video. And make sure to check out our previous episode with Chris, all about…

1
Jeffrey Weinstock's Flying Circus 1:34:43

2M ago1:34:43

1:34:43

And now for something completely different. Ross and Ryan are joined by Dr. Jeffrey Weinstock to discuss the cultural history of famed British comedy troupe Monty Python. They discuss the group's influences and output, English absurdist comedy, fandom as a language, and much more. FURTHER READING: Weinstock, Jeffrey (ed. with Kate Egan). And Now fo…

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Anime in European Pop Culture 36:15

3M ago36:15

36:15

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Chris Morgan Explains It All 1:29:35

3M ago1:29:35

1:29:35

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Shadow of the New Deal with Josh Shepperd 1:38:05

3M ago1:38:05

1:38:05

Ross and Ryan speak with media historian Dr. Josh Shepperd about the founding of American public broadcasting and his book, Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting. They look at how and why public media came to be, the value it has today, and why it is so important to protect. FURTHER READING: Shepperd, Josh. Shadow of the New De…

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The End of History on Film Podcast, Part 1 with The Feral Historian 2:51:48

3M ago2:51:48

2:51:48

Ross and Ryan kick off the start of season 2 by welcoming on The Feral Historian! They discuss three iconic films oriented around "the end of history", how and why that concept came into being, and its legacy. Unfortunately, Ross had to leave this one early, but not before making some truly terrible jokes. We're back, y'all! FURTHER READING: Hoel, …

1
Season 2 Trailer 1:29

4M ago1:29

1:29

Season 2 kicks off on September 22nd! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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One-Hit Oneders 1:50:51

5M ago1:50:51

1:50:51

Ross and Ryan celebrate summer break with an ALL-TIME great summertime, chill out, hang out, good vibes movie- "That Thing You Do!" (1996). They discuss making fake songs sound real, the movie's legacy as a millennial touchstone, the relationship between the music and film industries in the 1950s and 60s, Ross's love of rom-coms, and much more! Plu…

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June 2025 Guest Appearances Promo 1:18

6M ago1:18

1:18

We're hitting the road this summer! Hear Ross and Ryan's guest appearances this month on "The Revisionist's Almanac" and "Deep Cuts: the Game"! Listen to our segment on Raiders of the Lost Ark for The Revisionist's Almanac on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts! Hear Ryan play Deep Cuts: the Game on Apple Podcas…

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In Conclusion... 1:40:58

6M ago1:40:58

1:40:58

Ross and Ryan correct the record one last time as they triumphantly conclude the award-winning first season of The History on Film Podcast. There's also a call for submissions and guests, as well as a sneak peek at season two! And finally, we bring on an expert to answer the defining question of our times- "what the hell is a chicken jockey?" Hoste…

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Sith Happens: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire 1:41:43

7M ago1:41:43

1:41:43

Season One of the History on Film Podcast comes to a thrilling conclusion! We talk briefly with Dr. Chris Kempshall, and then spend the rest of the episode speaking with historian and Galactic Civil War veteran Beaumont Kin about their latest book, The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire.What lessons can we take from a galaxy far, far away? FURTHE…

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Unreal Estate 1:48:11

7M ago1:48:11

1:48:11

Ross and Ryan are joined by filmmakers Derek Murphy and Mitchell Zemil, creators of the MeansTV documentary series "Preserving Worlds". They discuss the preservation of early, obsolete, or obscure online games, and the communities that are dedicated to their continuation. We look at the challenges of maintaining and documenting these games, why it'…

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A Guy Walks into a Barricade 1:43:23

7M ago1:43:23

1:43:23

Ross and Ryan finish out Musical May 2025 with 2012's film adaptation of "Les Miserables". They discuss the enduring messages of the film/musical/book, how historians use culture to interrogate the past, and much more. Also, "Andor"! FURTHER READING: Darnton, Robert. The Great Cat Massacre. FURTHER WATCHING: "Les Miserables" (1998) Hosted on Acast.…

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Season One Finale Trailer and Episode Preview 10:42

7M ago10:42

10:42

An incoming transmission from Darth Vader himself interrupts the show and our intrepid hosts are forced to make a deal to save their lives - and by enlisting some help, they may just be up to the task! In this trailer, we preview the Season One finale of The History on Film Podcast, which will premier on June 9th, where Ross and Ryan will give an i…

1
Earthbound Fantasy 1:25:16

7M ago1:25:16

1:25:16

Ross and Ryan continue Musical May with 1980's "Xanadu"! I'll be honest, this one is less about history and more about good vibes, so enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Auf Wiedersehen, Berlin 1:40:24

8M ago1:40:24

1:40:24

For the second week of Musical May, Ross and Ryan discuss 1972's "Cabaret". They discuss the fragility of interwar Germany and the rise of fascism, the artistic influences on the film, and why this film is painfully relevant still. FURTHER READING: Weitz, Eric. Weimar Germany: Promise and Tragedy. Swett, Pamela. Neighbors and Enemies: The Culture o…

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The Other Gangs of New York 1:37:07

8M ago1:37:07

1:37:07

For the first-ever installment of Musical May, Ross and Ryan dig into 1961's "West Side Story"! They look at how the film depicts social anxieties around juvenile delinquency, reflects the Puerto Rican experiences of the Great Migration, and discuss some of the structural components of adapting a musical for the screen. FURTHER READING: Gilbert, Ja…

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Musical May 2025 Trailer 1:38

8M ago1:38

1:38

Welcome to Musical May 2025! Here is the release schedule for the month: May 5: "West Side Story" (1961) May 12: "Cabaret" (1971) May 19: "Xanadu" (1980) May 26: "Les Miserables" (2012) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Just the Facts with Claudia Calhoun 1:05:59

8M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Ross talks with Dr. Claudia Calhoun about her recent book, Only the Names Have Been Changed and the history of Dragnet. They cover the show's reception, its multiple iterations, and how it reflected changes to American policing. They also discuss the show's legacy and its outsized role in shaping narratives around tv cops- from "Law and Order" to "…

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Truth or D.A.R.E. with Max Felker-Kantor 1:51:14

8M ago1:51:14

1:51:14

Ross and Ryan are joined by historian Max Felker-Kantor to talk all about anti-drug films and Max's new book on the history of the infamous D.A.R.E. program. Together, they look at how drug abuse awareness programs have changed in America, how they haven't, the role that these films have in shaping our relationships to policing, and which Teenage M…

1
Media Industry Update with David Moscrop 1:14:11

9M ago1:14:11

1:14:11

Ross and Ryan talk to author and podcast host David Moscrop about a few of his recent articles on the (dismal) state of the media industries. Topics include the dangers of digital "ownership" and the obsolescence of physical media, Netflix slop, what to order at the movie theater concession stand, and the battle over book access on the Internet Arc…

1
Office Hours: the Spirits Within 2:24:08

9M ago2:24:08

2:24:08

Ross and Ryan are in office hours this week, discussing the last batch of episodes as well as what is coming up ahead. Ross talks about the production history of 2001's "Final Fantasy: the Spirits Within" and the impact it had on Hollywood despite flopping at the box office. And there's a fun trivia game! We want to hear how you did on the trivia g…

1
Making Amends (of the Father) with Stephen Sorrentino 1:25:49

9M ago1:25:49

1:25:49

Ross and Ryan are joined by award-winning actor/director/musician/writer/impressionist Stephen Sorrentino! We talk about his newest project, Amends of the Father, and so much more. Hear about what goes into running a film festival, the current state of independent moviemaking, Mr. Sorrentino's incredible life in the film industry, and so much more.…

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Obscure Ways Fan Get Fanservice 1:02:44

9M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

In this episode, we’re joined by Leslie, a Podcast Host, Small Business Owner, and Photographer, to explore the unconventional ways fanservice reaches audiences beyond the usual anime tropes. Fanservice is often associated with visual elements in media, but in today’s entertainment landscape, it extends into new and unexpected spaces. We start by d…

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Men at Work with Paul Klein 1:36:49

9M ago1:36:49

1:36:49

Ross and Ryan are joined by film and media scholar Paul Klein to discuss the 1936 classic, Modern Times. They talk about Chaplin and his politics, the ways in which the film reflects America during the Great Depression, and why the film itself is as relevant as ever. Further Reading: Voltaire. Candide, or Optimism. Eyman, Scott. Charlie Chaplin vs.…

1
Bill Tsutsui, King of the Monsters! 1:25:02

9M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

Ross and Ryan talk with Dr. William Tsutsui, historian, author, and leading expert on all things Godzilla. From the original film's anti-nuclear message to modern classics like "Godzilla Minus One", we cover everything from head to toes about the king of the monsters. Like literally, we talk about why Godzilla's toes are important to the tone of th…

1
Monday Morning Pretaped with Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg 2:05:05

10M ago2:05:05

2:05:05

Ross and Ryan talk about Saturday Night Live with their guests, Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg, the authors of The SNL Companion. They cover the show's history, their favorite sketches, the importance of the Muppets in popular culture, and much more! FURTHER READING: Tropiano, Stephen and Steven Ginsberg. The SNL Companion: An Unofficial Guid…

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Knight Moves with Robert Houghton 1:30:01

10M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

Ross and Ryan are joined by Dr. Robert Houghton to talk about his new book The Middle Ages in Computer Games. They discuss the ways in which game design and mechanics reinforce historical inaccuracy, the dynamics of the church and religion in gaming, and the value of debating who would win in a fight between historical figures. FURTHER READING: Hou…

1
Flying High with David Schroeder 1:37:35

10M ago1:37:35

1:37:35

Ross and Ryan are joined by David Schroeder, military aviation historian and host of the YouTube channel "The Cold War". They look at four movies to trace the history of aerial combat in the twentieth century, as well as the increasing involvement of the military in filmmaking. FURTHER READING: de Seversky, Alexander. Victory Through Air Power. 194…

1
Amplifying Voices: Politics in Media 48:36

11M ago48:36

48:36

In this episode, we are joined by Nat, a Data Processor, Freelance Virtual Assistant, and Political Consultant, to discuss how politics is shaped by the evolving landscape of media. With the rapid growth of digital platforms and shifting audience engagement, political discourse has transformed in ways never seen before. You can reach out to Nat at …

1
Anime Part 2: Pure Invention with Matt Alt 1:12:24

10M ago1:12:24

1:12:24

Ross and Ryan are joined by Matt Alt, author of Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World. They pick up where the Akira episode ended, and discuss the impact and influence of anime in America in the 1990s and early 2000s. Ross and Ryan close with a dramatic reading. FURTHER READING: Alt, Matt. Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Cultu…

1
Romantic Fiction Relations to Nerd Culture 46:21

11M ago46:21

46:21

In this episode, we’re joined by Y. M. Nelson, a Contemporary Romance Specialist, Podcast Host, and Pop Culture Aficionado, to explore the fascinating intersection of romantic fiction and nerd culture. While romance may seem like an unexpected pairing with geekdom, the two often intertwine in ways that deeply resonate with fans across genres. We be…

1
Slave Revolt on Screen with Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall 1:01:22

11M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Ross and Ryan speak with Dr. Alyssa Goldstein Sepinwall about her book, Slave Revolt on Screen: the Haitian Revolution in Film and Video Games. The examine why the Haitian Revolution isn't often depicted in media, the ways in which America and France depict it differently than Haitians, and how historical video games differ from film. FURTHER READI…

1
Animation's Rich Tapestry of Storytelling & Narratives 58:07

11M ago58:07

58:07

Samuel Chambers is a storyteller, creative collaborator, and animation enthusiast. He can be found online at https://bento.me/thetimidbunny. As an expert in animation storytelling, Samuel will discuss various notable examples. One of these is Avatar's storytelling, which explores the complexities of different nations and cultures. Regarding Avatar,…

1
Office Hours, February 2025 Edition 1:24:48

11M ago1:24:48

1:24:48

Ross and Ryan bring you all the news, scores, and highlights from around the National Football League ahead of Sunday's big game. They also correct the record on some previous episodes, talk about what's coming up, and answer a fun mailbag question. FURTHER READING: Mark Dyreson (2017) The Super Bowl as a Television Spectacle: Global Designs, Globa…

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Warp Speed Into The Star Trek Universe 33:52

11M ago33:52

33:52

In this episode, we’re joined by Steven, a Culinary Major, Pastry Specialist, and a passionate Star Trek fan. Together, we take a warp-speed journey through the expansive Star Trek Universe, exploring the various series that have captured the imagination of audiences for decades. We start with Star Trek: Enterprise and The Original Series, the begi…