Best Occasionally Coherent Podcasts (2025)

1
Crap Internet 32:11

Play Pause

1y ago32:11

32:11

Click bait and switch: has the internet swapped out knowledge for monetisation?Search engine optimisation, advertising run amok, users as customers: has the internet become a little bit crap and, if so, how do we fix it? In this podcast, we discuss the problem with the internet's funding model, whether it could learn a thing or two from the BBC, an…

1
Lost Media 27:49

1y ago27:49

27:49

The missing link: why are we fascinated by lost media?From Celebrity Number Six to the original Backrooms photo, Love's Labours Won to absent Doctor Who episodes: what is it about lost media that intrigues and inspires us? In this podcast, we discuss the neurological itch that solving such mysteries can scratch, and how any media - in the age of th…

1
Best Technology 33:10

1y ago33:10

33:10

Tech it or leave it: what is the best technology?The bed, writing, antibiotics? In this podcast we ask: how do we define technology, and can we objectively measure the best of it? We take a look at potential metrics - from the number of people who benefit to quantifying the overall happiness created - and wonder whether the best is yet to come.A fe…

1
Big Companies 38:46

1y ago38:46

38:46

Is bigger really better? Does a company's product suffer the larger its owner gets? And if so, why? In this podcast, we discuss all things 'enshittification' - the perceived process of service and platform decay - and ask what is responsible: from growing beyond core competencies to ignorance of novel solutions.…

1
Episode 270: Imaginarium 400: And Now It's Time to Say Goodbye 1:08:29

1y ago1:08:29

1:08:29

This week is the 400th and final episode of the Imaginarium, with special guests Kerri Kendall and Chris Smith. Listen as Scott keeps it together until the very end of the show. It's an ending you don't want to miss!

1
Episode 269: imaginarium 399{ The Penultimate Episode 1:09:02

1y ago1:09:02

1:09:02

This week, it's long time friend to the show, writer, director Jeremiah Kipp, and a special surprise guest!

1
Episode 268: Imaginarium 398: 3... 1:04:31

1y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

It's a free for all show this week where Todd and Scott talk about movies and shows they've seen and of course the usual celebrity death(s).

1
Am I Old? 41:05

1y ago41:05

41:05

In this podcast, we're discussing old age and when, exactly, it befalls us. Do we simply wake up one day absent of youth? Or can we estimate its proximity by certain metrics, such as daily medication or number of grandchildren? We take a look at how old age has been historically codified, and reason why it might not be just a number.A few things we…

1
Episode 267: Imaginarium 397: The One and Only Wade Radford 1:07:38

1y ago1:07:38

1:07:38

This week we have the Imaginarium's most frequent guest, Wade Radford, making his final appearance!

1
Episode 266: Imaginarium 396: An Old Friend Returns 1:06:14

1y ago1:06:14

1:06:14

As we count down to our 400th and final show, director and Theatre of Terror guru joins us one last time to talk about previous appearances, as well as his brand new projects!

1
Hobbies 47:48

1y ago47:48

47:48

Leisure bound: what exactly makes a hobby a 'hobby'?In this podcast, we discuss all things structured fun. From train spotting to Morris dancing, board games to beach-going, we consider what actually constitutes a hobby - an activity for its own sake? Or are other metrics, like regularity, important? - and how their nature has changed through the d…

1
Episode 265: Imaginarium 395: And We Said Goodbye 1:05:17

1y ago1:05:17

1:05:17

This week we catch up on the numerous celebrity deaths over the past couple of weeks as well as news about the future of the Imaginarium!

1
Episode 264: Imaginarium 394: Roswell That Ends Well 1:11:29

1y ago1:11:29

1:11:29

This week's show features a very special guest, Majandra Delfino, star of the television series Roswell!

1
National Treasures 42:59

1+ y ago42:59

42:59

On the hunt: what does it take to be a National Treasure?In this podcast, we discuss what it takes to be awarded National Treasure status: from niceness metrics and longevity to likeability and media endorsement. We reason why David Attenborough most definitely is a National Treasure while Bradley Walsh—alas—probably isn't, and predict who might be…

1
Episode 263: Imaginarium 393: Once A Playmate Always A Playmate 1:01:54

1+ y ago1:01:54

1:01:54

This week we have a special guest; playmate of the year, actress, director and author Brande Roderick!

1
Why History? 37:11

1+ y ago37:11

37:11

Buff or bust: why do we study history?In this podcast, we explore the value of studying history and discuss why it's more than a pastime meandering through past times. From crucial analogies and timeless lessons to methodologies for ensuring hindsight is always 20/20, we take a look at why history matters.A few things we mentioned in this podcast:-…

1
Episode 262: Imaginarium 392: Games People Play 1:07:34

1+ y ago1:07:34

1:07:34

This week we talk about our favorite video game franchises!

1
Bearded Soldiers 45:24

1+ y ago45:24

45:24

Preposterous protocols, nonsensical norms, and peculiar policies: what makes a rule weird?In this podcast, Nick, Ben, Leon, and Fraser discuss the British army's recent dropping of the ban against beards: the history behind the ban, what motivated the recent change, and what the whole affair can tell us about 'weird' rules more generally.A few thin…

1
Agree to Disagree 39:19

1+ y ago39:19

39:19

The taming of the shrewd: how do we rationally agree to disagree?In this podcast, Nick, Peter, Chris, and Fraser discuss the finer details of polite polemics, courteous clashes, and respectful repartees. Whether a code of conduct or dangerous hand-washing, they delve into the fundamentals of agreeing to disagree: from group identity and global sign…

1
Daniel Kahneman 33:13

1+ y ago33:13

33:13

Think fast! But ideally don't.In this podcast, Nick, Peter, and Fraser discuss Daniel Kahneman, the Nobel-prize-winning psychologist whose scholarship challenged economists' presumed rationality of human decision-making. From coining the term 'cognitive bias' and the development of prospect theory with Amos Tversky in 1979 to articulating the frequ…

1
Episode 260: Imaginarium 390: Beatles, Dracula and the Paranormal 1:05:27

1+ y ago1:05:27

1:05:27

This week we have a very special guest, promoter, actor, writer, and all around great guy, Charles F. Rosenay! Charles talks about bringing Pete Best to the US, as well as his many Beatles and Paranormal conventions!

1
Episode 259: Imaginarium 389: Mulling Things Over 1:09:24

1+ y ago1:09:24

1:09:24

On this week's show we talk about the new Nosferatu trailer, a bit about AI. and say goodbye to two more legends, Donald Sutherland and Martin Mull.

1
Legacy Issues 41:09

1+ y ago41:09

41:09

Cremated, buried or donated to science? How much have you thought about what happens to you or your body after you die? Who owns your body after you die? And is having a legacy truly important? In this podcast, Nick, Peter and Fraser revisit the Hull funeral investigation, touch on how different cultures, religions and the animal kingdom deal with …

1
Episode 258: Imaginarium 399: Wilkommen Old Friends 1:07:09

1+ y ago1:07:09

1:07:09

This week we let our inner theater kid out to play as we talk about the Tony award winners! After some detours, of course.

1
User Interfaces 40:23

1+ y ago40:23

40:23

In this podcast, we explore user interfaces. Specifically, we discuss the development, integration, progress and limitations of interfaces, and consider what could be next. ChatGPT with a brain? Neuralink? Tom Cruise's desk in Minority Report?A few things we mentioned in this podcast:- Smartphone typing speeds catching up with keyboards https://www…

1
Episode 257: Imaginarium 387: Bangin' the Gavel 1:07:10

1+ y ago1:07:10

1:07:10

This week it's all about our favorite court room drama movies. Some you might expect, others you might not!

1
Episode 256: Imaginarium 386: Wading into the Past 1:10:52

1+ y ago1:10:52

1:10:52

This week, we have a special guest, the Imaginarium's most frequent guest, returns after a long absence. Wade Radford talks about his new book, and tells the tale of being an extra in a harry Potter film!

1
Episode 255: Imaginarium 385: We Don't Need No Steenking Guests! 1:08:57

1+ y ago1:08:57

1:08:57

This week, due to the last minute cancellation of our guest, we improvise and talk about some recent movies, including The Fall Guy! Plus Scott gives his impressions of Stephen Sondheim's final musical, Here We Are.

1
Episode 254: Imaginarium 384: Tik Tok Boom! 1:05:23

1+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

This week, in addition to the recent celebrity deaths, we talk about the impending ban of tik tok as well as some recent movies and TV shows we've seen. The question is; will Scott make it through alive without coughing himself to death?

1
Plagiarism 43:01

1+ y ago43:01

43:01

Plagiarism is a complex concept that spans a spectrum from inspiration to theft. But is plagiarism strictly black and white? Can it occur unintentionally and can it be considered permissible under certain circumstances? As the rise of generative AI continues, are users inadvertently plagiarising when they use these tools?In this week’s episode, we …

1
Episode 253: imaginarium 125: Oct 2017, Our Favorite Miniseries 1:07:22

1+ y ago1:07:22

1:07:22

This week is a throwback to an older episode, Oct 16, 2017, where we talked about our favorite miniseries from the 70's and 80's!

1
Episode 252: Imaginarium 383: Favorite Movie Musicals 1:05:13

1+ y ago1:05:13

1:05:13

This week we say goodbye to legendary horror writer Ray Garton, and talk about our favorite movie musicals!

1
Madness Vs Genius 30:55

1+ y ago30:55

30:55

Where is the much vaunted line between genius and madness? At a glance, it seems like they could be two sides of the same coin. Is the opposite of genius simply sheer stupidity? Is there a difference between the two or are they outputs of the same phenomenon? And where might there be some overlap?In this week’s episode we discuss genius and madness…

1
Episode 251: Imaginarium 382: War...War Never Changes 1:05:46

1+ y ago1:05:46

1:05:46

This week we talk about OJ Simpson's death, as well as the awesome new series Fallout!

1
Episode 250: Imaginarium 381: The Pastrami Evangelist 1:05:57

1+ y ago1:05:57

1:05:57

This week, Todd goes solo, while Scott is out sick, and Todd welcomes special guest Mark Boutros, writer, director, and the brain behind the First Contact film festival!

1
Eternal Youth 39:11

1+ y ago39:11

39:11

The pursuit of immortality is a tantalising idea that appears in science and technology as well as works of art and literature. But who actually wants to live forever? What does it mean to ‘cure’ ageing? And what might be some unforeseen consequences of perpetual longevity?In this week’s episode, we discuss the age-old problem of ageing. We discuss…

1
Episode 249: Imaginarium 380: The Lost Episode 1:08:15

1+ y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

This week is the missing episode from mid March, for your listening pleasure. It's our recap of the Oscars, as well as our thoughts on the death of Eric Carmen.

1
Episode 248: Imaginarium 379: By The Book 1:13:08

1+ y ago1:13:08

1:13:08

This week we talk about our favorite book to movie adaptations, and realize there's far more than we thought!

1
Neatness 45:15

2y ago45:15

45:15

The observant among us will have noted that 2023 ended on a Sunday. For those who believe Sunday marks the end of the week, this seems like a logical day to end the year. But why do we find these types of phenomena satisfying? Is it slightly obsessive or should we strive for this symmetry in our daily lives? The bigger question might be: is it even…

1
Episode 247: Imaginarium 378: How You Dune? 1:06:23

2y ago1:06:23

1:06:23

This week we talk about some new trailers, say goodbye to M. Emmett Walsh, and give an in depth, spoiler filled review of Dune 2.

1
Moaners 34:40

2y ago34:40

34:40

You would be forgiven for missing it, but late last year Google Maps changed its colour scheme. This caused an outcry across the Twittersphere and social media platforms, with many outraged the change took place without their endorsement or consent. After observing this spectacle unfold we thought that it prompted some thought-provoking ideas - sho…

1
Episode 246: Imaginarium 377: Anatomy Of A Podcast 1:05:48

2y ago1:05:48

1:05:48

This week we delve deeper into some of the best picture nominations, and Scott gives his thoughts about Dune 2.

1
Episode 245: Imaginarium 376: Scott and Todd Pick the Oscars 1:11:28

2y ago1:11:28

1:11:28

This week we say goodbye to Richard Lewis, and make our Oscar predictions!

1
Populist Hair 39:29

2y ago39:29

39:29

What do Trump, Johnson, Wilders and Milei all have in common? No, it’s not politics, it’s an eccentric and recognisable coiffure. Do these examples allow us to draw a theory between politics and hair or is it just a happy coincidence? If there is a connection, why might it exist?In this week’s episode, we discuss populist hairstyles. We talk about …

1
Episode 244: Imaginarium 375: The Write Stuff 1:05:56

2y ago1:05:56

1:05:56

This week we have a very special guest! it's, author, playwright, and actor Marc Abbott!

1
Episode 243: Imaginarium 374: Down For The Count 1:05:43

2y ago1:05:43

1:05:43

This week we talk about celebrity deaths, again, including Carl Weathers, as well as The Grammys and some movies we watched.

1
Baddies 46:10

2y ago46:10

46:10

When we think of good and evil the picture appears obvious. The side of good is attractive, righteous and persuasive while the bad side is ugly, flawed and fallible. But does the way we intuitively expect good and evil to work line up with how it is portrayed in popular fiction and the arts? Are literature and film teaching us that might is right o…

1
Change vs Rest 32:02

2y ago32:02

32:02

When we go on holiday or experience an interruption to our daily lives, we are often reminded that a change can be as good as a rest. But is doing something different actually better than doing nothing? If true, what kind of implications would this have for our society?In this week’s episode, we discuss change vs rest. We discuss the origins of the…

1
Figment of the Imagination 40:47

2y ago40:47

40:47

People who spread lies and deceive others are treated with contempt by society, and rightfully so. But what happens when the people we lie to and deceive are ourselves? Using the case of Walter Mitties as a starting point, we explore the prevalence of exaggeration, fantasy and our inner selves.In this week’s episode, we look at figments of the imag…

1
Episode 242: Imaginarium 373: The Pointless Controversy Award Goes To... 1:01:22

2y ago1:01:22

1:01:22

This week we talk about some new movies, celebrity deaths, Kevin Spacey at a convention, and the Oscar nominations!