The Incomparable Superfeed

Inspired by the true story of a man caught in a cavern while spelunking, the show makes references to three generations of one family of Broadway composers. Also, a quick preview of the next run of shows and even some live shows coming up. David J. Loehr.

Is a car wash a building with machinery in it or a robot? This question allows us to flip the “episodes since ‘Robot or Not’ was about robots” sign back to zero. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

An episode of Friday Night Lights called “Full Hearts” can’t lose. Smash’s secret is getting less secret. Coach Taylor isn’t happy with quarterback girlfriends — either Jason Street’s, or QB1 Matt Saracen’s… since Matt is dating Coach’s daughter Julie. Brian and Lex have clear minds, so join them as they go Sorkin’ In It. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

This week’s episode has everything: Broken bones and crushed torsos; a detailed look at the past, present, and future of the ship’s medical org chart, a remote control Mind Meld, and the start of the most important character pair in the history of Star Trek: Scotty and the Enterprise. Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Eleven books later, our Awards Book Club has finally reached the end of the line. In this episode we cover our last uncovered book, “Shroud” by Adrian Tchaikovsky, recommend some Hugo-nominated short fiction, and rank all eleven books. Plus: What are we reading other than shortlisted novels?! See you next year. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms, Heather Berberet and Scott McNulty.

Episode 4 opens with some familiar and most welcome voices as we soon realize the team needs a common goal, a common enemy, or perhaps both! It’s a wild, funny, and somewhat comforting episode, and your pals Chip, Kathy, & Brian are here to discuss it. Hopefully nobody gets injured or arrested. Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

What’s life without choices? How about books that are nothing but choices? Ross Cleaver discusses the choose-your-own genre with examples from both the U.S. and the U.K.: Edward Packard’s The Cave of Time (1978) and Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson’s The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (1982). John McCoy with Ross Cleaver.

Tink Talks to a fire. Levithia is a clumsy climber. Cherish is surprisingly sneaky. K’ronng is unsurprisingly sneaky. Jaee gets everyone in trouble. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, Kat Griffiths, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

The Encyclopedia Galactica defines a robot as a mechanical apparatus designed to do the work of a man. The marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation defines a robot as “Your Plastic Pal Who’s Fun to Be With.” The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy defines the marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetic Corporation as “a bunch of mindless jerks who’ll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.” John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Nicholas Ray makes his film debut directing “They Live By Night,” a noir love story. Not your usual, noir dude obsessed by a bad woman, but an actual relationship, conducted under trying circumstances. Kathy O’Donnell and Farley Granger made a couple of films together, but this is the best. Enjoy Howard de Silva as a mean gangster. He has no dance numbers. The film is based on the novel, “hieves Like Us”. It’s genuinely one of my favorites, and so it becomes my birthday pick. Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, Micheline Maynard and Philip Mozolak.

It’s the muppet show!!!!! [kermit flail] Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Our Summer of Sundance kicks off with Sundance himself, as we travel back to the end of the old west (and, later, to the garden spot of Bolivia) to visit a couple of robbers, their lady friend, and their not-very-important gang with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Did they use enough dynamite? Is Woodcock a little too loyal to his employer? What does it say about the old west when a call for a posse is hijacked by a bicycle salesman? Jason Snell with Dr. Drang, Shelly Brisbin, Philip Michaels and Dan Moren.

While our coaching staff appears to be settled in and working well together, the Greyhounds need to find a striker, even if it means going to the streets. Meanwhile, Ted really has to learn to knock. If that doesn’t make sense to you, not to worry. Kathy, Chip, and Brian talk it through, but do watch the episode first. Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

Once again, we bring together some lovely, generous Kickstarter backers who helped make Uncanny Magazine Year 12 happen! Will the cards be kind to a first-timer? Will there be lots of sports and too much math? As always, it’s up to the luck of the dice! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Dan Moren, David Matthewman, Fred Paffhausen and Seb Pollard.

A new adventure begins, and we learn that it’s not always a good idea to bring a dog to a heist. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, Kat Griffiths, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

We wrap out our coverage of X-Men ‘97 Season 2 this week. Thankfully, nothing bad happens to our favourite characters. They mostly spend their time playing super-powered basketball and lounging by the pool. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Author (and friend of the show) Samuel Garza Bernstein is back with a story about a character who was central to Hollywood’s Golden Age and beyond. His new book, Roddy McDowall: An Actor’s Life - From “How Green Was My Valley” to “Lassie” to “Planet of the Apes” is the story of a child star who became a beloved friend to many in the Hollywood community. We last spoke with Sam in 2024 when his book about Joan Crawford book was published. Shelly Brisbin with Samuel Garza Bernstein.

It’s time for Crossing The Line. Jason finally asks Lyla point blank: Is your name Lyla or Tyra, I can never remember? No, he asks her if she’s cheating on him with Riggins. (“Yes.”) Plus Matt asks Julie Taylor out. Coach and Tami are thrilled, is a lie I just wrote in this episode description. Sound confusing? Don’t worry. Brian and Lex are here. We’ll all go Sorkin’ In It together. (And to think, you were worried this was a show all about football‽) Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We’re back at Nelson Road, where some things have changed and some are exactly the same. Some familiar faces, some new faces, and some faces not there anymore. We start to get a peek into the challenges Ted and the gang will be up against this year, but as Chip, Kathy, and Brian are happy to say, it feels like we’re in good hands. Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

“Ted Lasso” is back, and we’re ready for a healthy dose of optimism and hope. Chip, Kathy, and Brian have assembled as the “Crystal Cats” to discuss the new season and what we’re looking forward to. This season opener comes with a few surprises, some familiar faces, and lots of barbecue sauce. I hope you’re as excited as we are. Oklahoma? Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

Here is an early film by David Lean about a chance encounter at a train station that leads to complicated feelings for both parties. It’s “Brief Encounter.” Ceilia Johnson (ever heard of ‘er?) gives a nuanced, emotional performance. And the film is very real and down-to-earth, despite the intensity of the relationships depicted. It’s a love story, if you’re interested in genre things, but there’s plenty for cinephiles to appreciate as well. Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard and Annette Wierstra.

Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Alfred Hitchcock. OK, I’m pretty much done. What else shall I say? WWII intrigue, a love story, a well-played villain. These are also things I could say. Also, the length of the kiss between Grant and Bergman put the Production Code office all in a tizzy. Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard, David J. Loehr, Annette Wierstra, Randy Dotinga and Philip Mozolak.

It’s homecoming! Which isn’t surprising, since this episode is called “Homecoming”! Coach invites Jason to the game, assuming Jason can free up time from stressing about whether Lyla and Riggins are up to something. (Spoiler: They are.) Smash sweats a college scout. And Tyra and Billy throw a party. Will this episode be a home run or a double fault? SPORTS! Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

We ain’t in Kansas anymore, bub! Our attention returns to the next three episode of X-Men ‘97 where we finish up the Rise of Apolocypse arc. spend some time with the Stab Squad, and then visit the Holodeck where things go as you’d expect. Then, in our Super Hero Sweep segment, we discuss the Avengers: Doomsday tailer. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Non-linearly begin and end your journey across a wide range of cursed islands! We discuss Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” a film now in theatres and a story that’s (nearly) 3,000 years old! Pig sculpting! Lotus eating! Horrible horse hiding! Were we the sea people all along? That’s a tale as old as time. Jason Snell with Brian Warren, Glenn Fleishman, Kathy Campbell and Moisés Chiullán.

Scott and Jason are back to answer your most important Star Trek and horse-related questions! And they’re so excited they could punch a dinosaur! We break down the pulp-SF-flavored Season 4 premiere of “Strange New Worlds,” featuring martians and dinos and also a bonus jerk Vulcan! Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

It’s the final edition of Lions, Towers & Trek, wherein we feature someone from Star Trek: The Original Series in a film they made before the show. Here’s DeForest Kelley’s film debut; a rare lead role for him. DK is a man suspected of a crime, who must rely on his disjointed memories and his cop brother-in-law to learn what happened. Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, Micheline Maynard and David J. Loehr.

Time for zany action as Magnum goes undercover as a stock boy at a convenience store! And what does this all have to do with the colorful set of senior citizens who are about to be evicted from their run-down retirement home? Can a charity Bingo game save the day? What about a pickled egg? Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

Your favorite (and perhaps only) podcast game show about making connections to various words returns, with a battle between the Pacific Northwest and Big Oil Country(ies)! Nobody stare directly at Glenn’s mind. What are names, but words that are attached to people? These words mean something, somehow, but it will take a lot of time and effort to figure it out. Puzzle written by Lex Friedman. Thanks a lot, Lex. Jason Snell with Glenn Fleishman, Kathy Campbell, Shelly Brisbin and Annette Wierstra.

In this episode, K’ronng has a cunning plan, J’osh spots the goal before anyone else, Jaee looks like a guard (but taller), Teebee does invisible parkour, and Tink twirls and sprays blood. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

This week we hop-universes and find ourselves back in Metroplis for season three of My Adventures with Superman. Clark and pals are back as a bunch of Superman-esque types start to appear. It’s a bunch of good fun and laughs and, with any luck, there won’t have a Gambit crossover. Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Our awards shortlist book club rolls on with a selection of books we’re much more receptive to: “A Drop of Corruption” by Robert Jackson Bennett, “The Raven Scholar” by Antonia Hodgson, and The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow. Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Heather Berberet and Paul Weimer.

If you’ve watched Star Trek, you’ve probably had your share of “I know that person” moments, when it comes to guest stars. So let us consider Ricardo Montalbån, long before he was Khan in Star Trek’s “Space Seed” episode, or the same character in the best of all Trek movies, “Star Trek II, The Wrath of Khan”. Ricardo had a career in MGM musicals, though not primarily as a singer. Here is one, about the meta of making a movie that’s not too dissimilar from the movie we’re watching. Shelly Brisbin with Philip Michaels, Micheline Maynard, Nathan Alderman and David J. Loehr.

We avoided this episode because we thought it was going to be a sad episode about internment camps. But while the damage done to Japanese-Americans in World War II is definitely discussed, there are also wild car accidents, classic Magnum takes to the camera, optimal Magnum-Higgins bickering, and Macho Taco! Is this a core episode of “Magnum”? Follow the Kool-Aid Man. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our podcasts. First-time co-host Tim Read discusses William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Hamlet (c. 1600). John McCoy with Tim Read.

In this new adventure, the Keys need to perform a reverse heist! Along the way they meet an adorable playwright and a couple of improv goblins who keep slapping each other like two nine-year-olds in the back of a station wagon. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell and Monty Ashley.

Listener Tim asks us about when a walk becomes a hike. Is it about topology? Degree of difficulty? Those seeking hard and fast rules may be frustrated by the result. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

William Shatner made his film debut in this Richard Brooks adaptation of the Dostoevsky novel. Bill is the youngest of the brothers, and he’s fourth-billed, behind Yul Brynner and some other people we’ve seen before on LTS. Shelly Brisbin with David J. Loehr, Nathan Alderman and Micheline Maynard.

What if “The Martian” but with an alien buddy? We break down “Project Hail Mary,” and marvel at what a good translation of a sort-of-unfilmable book it really is! Why do we love alien puppets so much? Why is Jason checking his watch at the end? We give this movie a thumbs down—by which we mean we liked it! Amaze amaze amaze! Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Quinn Rose, Brian Warren and Casey Liss.

It’s the end! Guess who’s coming back to Earth? Guess more times! Sergei’s loyalty to the Chief Designer is put to the test. Lyudmilla tries to get the upper hand on the (new) Chief Designer! Irina and Tania… appear! It’s a farewell to our Soviet comrades for now, but is there more to come? (We don’t know, but we sure hope so.) Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

What, two Carol episodes in a row? This is one of those episodes where Higgins bugs out under suspicious circumstances. But he can’t run away from his past. Also he is most definitely not Robin Masters, so all you conspiracy theorists need to give it up already. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.

It’s the 50th edition of Random Pursuit! Erika was too lazy to do anything that took extra work, so this is basically a regular episode. But we do have a new player — who even tried to study! Plus, it’s mostly Canadians — and all players who live in Commonwealth nations, so maybe we can call this a slightly belated Canada Day episode? Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Annette Wierstra, Ben Rice McCarthy, Jesse Reid, Sandra Wong and Sarah Murphy.

Just in time for Wimbledon, Listener Muhammad provides a “tennis robot” for us to judge. We issue a judgment, but we’re not particularly happy about it. John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

This season finale features a good plan, a janky blankie, a lot of running, and some Gunk in the mix. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Time travel! We’re going back to ‘97 to rejoin our X-Men, who find themselves separated and trapped in the past and in the future. In ancient Egypt a nacent Apocalypse is just starting to find his strength while in the future his grip on the world is cemented. Meanwhile, in the ’90s, X-Force and X-Factor are being dicks to each other and to everyone else. Can nostalgia carry the day? Read along to find out! Dan Moren, John Moltz and Guy English.

Everyone is sad in 1971. Belicova is sad about Sasha. The engineers are sad about the Chief Designer. Lyudmilla is sad about Petrovsky. Sergei is sad about his career prospects, but never about math. The Chief Designer is sad about certain people interrupting him from pulling beets. Irina is sad about a lot of stuff. And then, in the last moments… is that a flash of hope? Maybe, but it’s probably just gonna make people sad next week. Dan Moren and Jason Snell.

This summer we celebrate the intersection of classic film and Star Trek. And Lions, Towers & Trek begins with a big one. John Ford’s classic western is an uncomfortable masterpiece. There, that takes in those who admire the film, and those who don’t like what it seems to represent, or how women and natives fare in the hands of this director. Also, how do you feel about John Wayne, eh? We’re also here to speak about Jeffrey Hunter, Star Trek’s original Captain Pike. None of this was his fault! Shelly Brisbin with Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and Randy Dotinga.

Brian’s not a fan of the name of this episode, but that doesn’t mean the episode is bad. Lex and Brian do agree that Landry is the best and Coach Taylor was being a butt. Note: Lex’s audio is a little weird in this ep, which is perhaps the biggest accidente. Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

Erika and Steven continue the Canada Day celebration with great praise for Lis Sladen, as is right and proper. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Steven and Erika continue the Canada Day marathon with more Zygons and our pal the Skarasen! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.