Casting for Fun Podcast

Doubling up for this week's episode of the show as my younger brother Danny and I review two albums recently released by bands we enjoy quite a bit: Iration and Social Distortion. There is a loose connection between the two albums that we go over during the episode. From the smooth reggae rock sounds of Iration to the hard hitting punk rock rifts of Social D, these are two new albums you should definitely check out.

We're celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Heath Ledger classic movie A Knight's Tale on this week's episode of the podcast. Show regulars Kimmy and Nathan Cross and Brianne Frodsham join me to go over favorite scenes, the use of modern music in a medieval action/comedy movie, and much more. I do briefly discuss the passing of comic book legend Gerry Conway and the recently released trailer for Ted Lasso season 4 at the top of the show. A Knight's Tale convo begins around the 7:40 mark if you wish to skip ahead.

With CinemaCon 2026 wrapping up last week in Las Vegas, it was the perfect time to bring back movie buff and friend of the show Eddie Ramirez to discuss what the Hollywood studios brought to the convention this year. We go over our most anticipated movies of the next few years including: Avengers: Doomsday, The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Street Fighter, The Legend of Zelda, the Odyssey, Spder-Man: Brand New Day and so much more!

Friend of the show and sports correspondent Steven Cable returns to recap the 2026 March Madness tournament. (Steven won in our bracket group and gets the Mental Ward trophy for the next year.) Michigan winning it all, overtime first round victories for Kentucky and VCU, Duke's collapse, its all discussed here. We also dive into some Dodger talk and answer the question: can anyone stop LA this year? Short answer is No!

We are celebrating the 30th anniversary of my favorite episode of the Simpsons, 22 Short Films about Springfield for this week's episode the show! I go over my favorite scenes, including internet fan favorite short "Steamed Hams," and include an audio clip from Simpsons write Bill Oakley, discussing how the concept of 22 Short Films about Springfield came to be.

80's super fan and friend of the show Nathan Wolfe returns to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the cult classic BMX racing movie RAD! We go over interesting facts about the movie, favorite scenes particularly the awesome and cheesy dance floor scene on BMX bikes, and much more! At the top of the show I pay tribute to the recently departed Chuck Norris and Nicholas Brendon from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. RAD talk starts at the 11:19 mark if you wish to skip ahead.

This week I touch on several topics of interest to me: the first official trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the recent news of Nathan Fillion and crew attempting to bring back fan favorite show Firefly in animation form, and March Madness 2026! I go over my pick to win it all (Duke), and other aspects of the tournament that I find interesting. Here are specific time stamps if you wish to listen to a particular topics: Brand New Day trailer starts at 4:10, Firefly revival starts at 10:27, and March Madness talk starts at 17:48.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of fan favorite brat pack movie, Pretty in Pink, I am joined by my wife Allison to discuss so many great aspects of the movie. Particularly the ending we got and the ending that could have been. Who do you think Andie should have ended up with: Blane or Duckie? We also go over extensively the classic song from OMD, If you Leave, and how the new ending resulted in the creation of the band's biggest hit in North America. Pretty in Pink talk starts at the 11:55 mark.

LA Galaxy super fan Tim Welling returns to the show to discuss the upcoming season for the LA Galaxy! We go over the bad (Rique Puig suffering another ACL tear) and the good (four quality signings that should bolster the team for the 2026 season.

It's always great to catch up with old friends, even when discussing a less than stellar Super Bowl! Nick Turner and Tyler Ivancich return to the show to discuss all things Super Bowl 60. We go over the game itself and how cool it was to see Sam Darnold be the first USC quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, as well as the delicious food options we had. We go over other stuff too, so give the episode a listen!

The Dream of the 90's is alive in Portland! We're celebrating this odd ball skit comedy show starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein for its 15th anniversary on this week's show. If you're familiar with this comedy show from the 2010's awesome, but if not you're in for a real treat. At least in my opinion. Put a bird on it!

Peter Hauge makes his return to the Casting for Fun podcast to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Batman '66! We go over extensively the adventures of the Caped Crusader and his battles with a host of colorful villains from this classic American television show. We do cover my all time favorite episode, Surf's Up Joker's Under, and many fascinating facts about this campy, but awesome iteration of Batman.

After a few week hiatus, the Casting For Fun Podcast is back! We're discussing all things Stranger Things in the 201st episode of the show. Show regulars the Crosses and Brianne are back to discuss the final 4 episodes of season 5, our favorite scenes from all five seasons, and what the legacy of Stranger Things will be the history of pop culture. Massive spoilers as usual.

It's the 200th episode of the podcast! To commemorate the occasion friends of the show Brianne Frodsham and Kimmy and Nathan Cross all return to discuss what we saw with the first four episodes of Stranger Things 5. We go over our favorite scenes and theorize as to what we may see in the remaining four episodes. And stay tuned for our follow up conversation on those lats episodes due out in January of 2026. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In episode 199 of the show, my wife Allison joins me to discuss the Tim Burton classic Edward Scissorhands. We go over memorable scenes from the movie and discuss why both Tim Burton and Danny Elfman have declared this movie to be a personal favorite of theirs.

Is the Thanksgiving holiday a big deal in the city of New York? I always suspected that it is which is why the hit NBC sitcom Friends consistently did Thanksgiving themed episodes during its 10 season run. Friends super fan and my wife Allison return to the show to discuss our favorite Friends episodes based on Thanksgiving and Allison attempts to play the 50 state game that Ross introduced in an episode.

For the final episode of the three episode week of the show, frequent collaborator Eddie Ramirez returns to discuss the Ewoks: Battle for Endor for its 40th anniversary. We go in depth into this obscure made for TV Star Wars movie, favorite memories watching it as kids, and the subtle influence that this project has had on modern Star Wars.

For the second episode of the first three episode week of the podcast, we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of Rocky IV. Friends of the show Fernando Pineda and Nick Turner return to discuss all things Rocky IV. And stay tuned for Friday's episode looking about on the Ewoks: Battle for Endor.

In a special three episode week of the show, I review the first Pierce Bronson Bond movie, Goldeneye, for its 30th anniversary. This episode also contains other entertainment news such as Shohei Ohtani winning his 4th NL MVP award, Soundgarden's induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, the Super Mario Bros. Galaxy movie trailer, and much more! Goldeneye talk starts around the 17:00 mark.

One of the 80's best albums, Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo, just turned 40 years old and to celebrate the occasion, friend of the show James Strong returns to discuss the record track by track. We go over the themes of the Day of the Dead, Danny Elfman poking fun at himself for the music video to Weird Science, and how fun and entertaining this album truly is!

Dodger Nation is going insane! This week we celebrate the 9th World Series title in franchise history as LA's Dodgers are the 2025 World Series champs! Regulars to the show Fernando Pineda, Jeff Haskins, and Nick Turner all return to discuss the many interesting aspects and exciting plays of the World Series, go in detail into the epic 18 inning game 3 victory, and what the Dodgers may do moving forward into 2026.

Linkin Park's landmark debut album is turning 25th and to celebrate the occasion, my younger brother Danny returns to discuss this incredible album track by track. We briefly go over the early history of the band, discuss how we first discovered the band, and the appeal of an album that deals with topics of loneness and isolation to the tune of heavy guitars and rap beats.

Nintendo of America has a vast, interesting history and as we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the NES's North American launch, friend of the show and gaming fanatic Nathan Wolfe returns to discuss the early history of the company dating back to the end of the 19th century, the development of the Famicom in Japan, and the gamble and success of the NES in America. We also go over our picks for the ten best NES games. What's your favorite Nintendo game?

It's time for Dodgers Post Season Baseball! We're discussing the incredible games we have gotten so far from the boys in Blue as the team looks to run it back for 2025. Dodger super fans Jeff Haskins, Tadd Turner, and Nick Turner all return to discuss game one of the National League division series against the Phillies, preview game two, and discuss the legendary career of Clayton Kershaw.

We're back after a brief hiatus to discuss the highly anticipated 14th season of King of the Hill! Friend of the show Eddie Ramirez returns to discuss our favorite episodes and jokes from season 14, where the show may be headed in season 15 and beyond, and briefly discuss the Dodgers and the MLB postseason at the top of the show.

I'm flying solo this week to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cult classic film, Serenity. I go over my favorite scenes and memories watching this movie 20 years ago and discuss the great performances from Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and the rest of the amazing cast. Spoilers as usual. Shiny!

Sports correspondent and friend of the show Steven Cable returns to discuss a wide range of sports topics: the return of the NFL, what's going on with College football including the touchdown of the year candidate by Ja'Kobe Lane of USC, the recent struggles of the Dodgers but the bright spot that Clayton Kershaw has been for the team, and the crazy Phillies Karen women! Lastly, we discuss a fantastic event happening at Cable airport this upcoming Saturday, September 13. Be sure to check it out if you're local!

We're celebrating the 20th anniversary of arguably the best album by Jack Johnson, In Between Dreams. My wife Allison returns to the show discuss this amazing album track by track and extensively go into the song, Better Together. We also discuss other recent things going on with the Pineda family. Jack Johnson talk beings at the 18:56 mark in case you wish to skip ahead.

The longest running live action sitcom in television history, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, just celebrated its 20th anniversary and to commemorate the occasion, Philly super fans and friends of the show Danny, Nick, and Derek all return to discuss our favorite episodes and why a show about 5 flawed, greedy, and sometimes stupid people is so enduring 20 years since we first met them.

Frequent collaborator Nathan Wolfe returns to the show to discuss Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World for the 15th anniversary of the film's release. We go over watching the movie in theaters in the summer of 2010 (being among the few who actually did!), the amazing cast and what they would go on to do, and our favorite scenes from this odd ball but awesome comic book flick you should definitely rewatch if you haven't done so recently!

With the long awaited sequel now streaming on Netflix, friend of the show Nick Turner and I decided to look back at Happy Gilmore. We go over being first introduced to the comedy of Adam Sandler and discuss our favorite scenes and quotes from this classic 90's comedy.

We're less than a week away from the long awaited return of fan favorite Fox animated comedy King of the Hill! What better time than now to reflect back on how memorable and hilarious the show truly was. To do so, fan of the show my younger brother Danny returns and we discuss 20 can't miss episodes of this endearing animated sitcom, including my personal favorite Bobby Goes Nuts. We also pay tribute to the recently departed Pro Wrestling Superstar, Hulk Hogan.

On this week's episode friends of the show Jeff Haskins, Josh Dupre, Derek Dupre, and Nick Turner all pay tribute to the 2nd best selling album of all time, AC/DC's Back in Black. We discuss the influence of this legendary record and dive into other random topics throughout. At the top of the show I pay a short, special tribute to the recently departed Ozzy Osbourne.

Happy 30th birthday to 311's Blue Album! The most commercially successful record that the band has ever released just turned 30, so to commemorate the occasion friends of the show Nick Turner, and Derek and Josh Dupre return to discuss the album track by track, our favorite memories of listening to this album back in the day, and so much more! Good buddy Marcello Ambriz joins us with prerecorded comments giving his take on the Blue album.

One of the many movies that I never get tired of discussing is Back to the Future, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Friend of the show Nathan Wolfe returns to give his take on what notable film maker Quinten Tarantino calls a "perfect movie." Be sure to check out episode 94 of the show from October 23, 2023 where Peter Hauge and I also have a conversation about the entire Back to the Future trilogy.

Friends of the show, Steven Cable and Nathan Cross, both return to celebrate one of the most beloved, odd ball comedies in history, Airplane! Is the surely you can't be serious joke the funniest in cinema history? We discuss this, and so much more including the episode of MythBusters that deals with the climax of this movie. At the top of the show I go over my recent beef with Spotify. If you wish to skip ahead, jump to the 11 minute mark to hear our conversation about Airplane!

Making her first appearance on the Casting for Fun Podcast is Brianne Frodsham! We celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Goonies, going over favorite scenes from the movie and discussing other interesting aspects of this 80's classic, including the infamous octopus deleted scene. Lastly, we go over the reports of Steven Spielberg and Chris Columbus finally moving forward with a Goonies Part 2. Massive spoilers as usual!

Continuing with the tradition of interviewing my daughter once she has completed another year of school, Avery returns to discuss her year in second grade, playing softball, learning piano, and the perseverance she showed dealing with her broken finger the last few weeks of school. We also go over some other fun topics as well. To begin the show, I address the recent passing of music icon Brian Wilson.

Batman superfan and friend of the show Eddie Ramirez returns to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Batman Begins. We discuss the state of the franchise after the disastrous Batman and Robin movie, Warner Bros. selecting then lesser known director and actor in Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale to rejuvenate the franchise, and the impact that the first of the Dark Knight trilogy has had with blockbuster movies in the years that followed. Massive spoilers obviously!

Back to the Future Part 3, the movie in the trilogy that doesn't get enough love, is celebrating its 35th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, friend of the show Nathan Wolfe returns to discuss why this movie may be underrated, go over favorite scenes and interesting facts about the movie, and simply geek out over the concluding chapter of one of our all time favorite movie trilogies. Spoilers!

We're celebrating the 45th anniversary of an all time classic in this week's episode, the Empire Strikes Back. Does this movie contain the greatest plot twist in cinema history? I believe it does. Nick and Fernando both return to the show to discuss this memorable scene in Star Wars history, along with many other interesting facts about my all time favorite movie. Massive spoilers, obviously!

The grand father of all Summer Blockbusters, Jaws, is turning 50 and to celebrate the occasion friend of the show Nathan Wolfe returns to go over memorable scenes from the movie and the cultural impact that Jaws has had since it was first released in the summer of 1975.

Widely considered the best of the Star Wars prequels, Revenge of the Sith celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. To commemorate the occasion, friends of the show Fernando Pineda and Nick Turner return to go over specific scenes and geek out about the transformation of Anakin Skywalker into the most iconic villain in cinema history, Darth Vader. Settle in for the longest episode of the Casting for Fun Podcast to date!

The Cross's, Kimmy and Nathan, return to the show to help celebrate the classic, odd ball comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, for its 50th anniversary. We go over memorable scenes from the movie and discuss how the comedic stylings of the Monty Python crew has shaped comedy in the years since.

One of the most iconic rock bands of all time, Aerosmith, has an album that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. (Toys in the Attic). To celebrate the occasion, Jeff Haskins and Nick Turner return to the show to discuss this landmark album track by track. Jeff gives us insights into the recording process of the band during this time in their career and we have great time discussing all things Aerosmith.

To help celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the most underrated albums of all time (in my opinion), my wife Allison returns to the show to discuss No Doubt's Return of Saturn track by track and briefly discuss what we were doing in April of the year 2000. I begin the show going over entertainment news such as CinemaCon, KROQ rehiring Kevin Ryder, and the recent passings of Val Kilmer and Jed the Fish. No Doubt talk with Allison starts at the 20 minute mark if you wish to skip ahead.

Is the Office the most popular sitcom of all time? I would argue that it's definitely in the conversation of being so. To help celebrate the 20th anniversary of this fantastic comedy, Davis Bench, and the Strong's, Shelley and James, join me to discuss how we found the show to begin with, favorite episodes, the memorable story arc of Pam from season 3, and so much more!

To wrap up the time warp to the month and year of March, 1990, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of my favorite album of all time, Violator by Depeche Mode. DM super fan Joel Tibbett returns to the show to break down this landmark album track by track, discuss the many cover versions of the song Personal Jesus, and even go over the famous (or infamous) Wherehouse Record Store incident which occurred just one day after the album was released 35 years ago.

We're traveling back in time 35 years ago to the month and year of March, 1990, to celebrate noteworthy anniversaries for two of my all time favorite entertainment projects, the first live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and Depeche Mode Violator! The turtles will be up first, with Violator up next week. Friend of the show Jeremy Moyes returns to discuss our love of all things Ninja Turtles, memories of watching this move as 9 year old kids, and dissecting favorite scenes of this early 90's classic!

To conclude our review of Cobra Kai's final season, Danny Pineda returns to discuss everything that went down in the final 5 episodes of the show. Johnny's story coming to a conclusion, where the Miyagiverse might go from here, and why we joined this show so much are just a few of the topics we cover in this week's episode. Cobra Kai never dies!!