You Want Mora? Podcast

Doug and Smashley do a double mystery sack to wrap up the month of April in this short episode. Short and a little bit bitter. Suki Waterhouse uses lots of swear words in this NSFW video. Suki Waterhouse - Tiny Raisin. The new album “Loveland” comes out on July 10th. We will probably get another single or two before then. Check out Jerome Powell’s comments if you want to hear some spice in the post-FOMC press conference (jump to 7:10 for the juicy part): The Fed - Live Video

Doug and Smashley wrestle with all sorts of issues in this Earth Day episode as they gear up for a wildly busy stretch of days: futbol, chess, Procession of the Species, Olympia Arts Walk, and more futbol. This band, Sparkler, is pushing pure, undiluted shoegaze that graduated from the My Bloody Valentine academy of string benders. From San Diego of all places! The album is on Bandcamp: Sparklers - GlidewinderThe Monkey. Do not watch this movie, unless you like the splatters. It’s actually sorta fun, even though it’s not my usual thing: The Monkey - Trailer. It’s funny and not scary. Gearing up for that trip to Georgia! This film illustrates the difficulties young women faced in the transitional early 1990s Tbilisi: In Bloom - Trailer. It’s raw, intense, sometimes beautifully shot, even though the ending is sort of a drift-off.

Doug and Smashley put a tax on your earholes with this episode. We avoid grousing about the U.S. tax system, so it’s a little less uncomfortable than chopping onions for several days in a row.   The April 11th edition of the Olympia Time uses one downtown lot to frame some of the city’s history. It’s a good read, as always: https://olympiatime.com/2026/04/11/turning-the-corner-at-block-46/ Beatrice Deer makes “Inuindie” pop. The album is available now on Bandcamp: https://beatricedeer.bandcamp.com/album/inuit-legend.  The video for the single “Auukkauti” has the lyrics and story that, paired with the wistful sounds and refrain in the song, will break your heart. Beatrice Deer - Auukkauti. It’s not rated as Doug Music but maybe tastes are changing? Or maybe there are other factors.George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern all in one movie? These are good actors, and this film got noms and recommendation by Smashley: Jay Kelly - Trailer. It’s on the radar now.

Doug and Smashley are in full bloom thanks to this weird April summer. Today’s episode features all the quality analysis and factual errors that you’ve come to expect. We’ll have plenty of corrections for the next episode. Do you recognize any of the settings in this video?  TV Star - The Package. The whole album will be available on Bandcamp on April 15th:https://tvstar.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-heads. Your invitation to a magical world is here: Myth of Man - Trailer. This film makes its own language and sets its own terms. Amazing costumes, wonderful sets, and full spectrum sound; it’s beautiful to watch! It reminds me of one of my favorite films: Delicatessen - Trailer. I’ll have to find time to rewatch that one.

Episode 12: Doug and Smashley meander through some spring fever in this rambling episode. Sure, we cover the usual topics, but in a more scattered manner befitting the transitional season. The Artemis II is on the way to the moon! This is what humans should be doing. It’s so inspiring to see this coordination and achievement. There are many options for viewing, including NASA’s live feed. This is the one I watched: Artemis II Launch. she’s green has a new song out, “Paper Thin.” They aren’t breaking any new ground here, but it’s nice to have some quaffable music on a warm day. The video has more production than others, and there’s a nice dance sequence in it. Have a taste here: she's green - Paper Thin.

Episode 11: Just a normal spring day here in the PNW, that is to say, unpredictable weather and more allergens than even a generally capable nose can manage. This episode, like everything in the northwest right now, is covered in pollen.  The Blue Herons album, “Demon Slayer” comes out next week. The singles have been so good! I’m looking forward to this one: The Blue Herons - Demon Slayer.The Hu Band continues to rock, this time with a new single about being a man (which does not mean being an a-hole): The Hu - The Men. “Automatic Noodle” by Annalee Newitz checks all the sci-fi boxes and is a feel-good novella, which we really need right now. Found families, independence, bonds, and purpose are so meaningful in such a fractured world. More discussion next week as, coincidentally, Smashley happened to be reading this at the same time as Doug.The movie “Tow” is set in Seattle and based on a true story about a person living in her car who successfully fights to get it back after it was stolen and impounded. You can hear the interview with Amanda Ogle and her lawyer on KUOW’s Soundside podcast: Soundside - March 26, 2026. Rose Byrne and Octavia Spencer shine as always in the movie: Tow - Trailer

Episode 10: This vernal equinox episode features Doug and Smashley talking about the delights of daily coffee, no matter how you choose to indulge.   Smashley gets famous in the Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Highlights. He and the Olympia contingent got a fair amount of screen time during the match in Spokane. “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” is a great title for a movie and a fun watch. Sam Rockwell is perfectly cast in this one. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die - Trailer. It’s another warning from sci-fi, but the message might get lost in the overburdened special effects. Heather Kravas has a four part work showing at Velocity Dance Center, March 26th through March 28th, and April 2nd through April 4th. The first four dates will be the four movements and the final two will be a durational showing of all of them. RoCoCoCoCo — A Situation for Dancing in Four Movements. Of course I won’t miss this!Another must-see coming up is Amy O'Neal - Again There Is No Other at On the Boards. I love how Amy O’Neal uses multiple dance forms, making time slow, stop, and restart to explore a theme.Doug Music band (this is becoming an official genre) deary has another single from the upcoming album “Birding.” This one is called “Alma” and has a nice, simple video: deary - Alma. The full album comes out on April 3rd and is available now for preorder on Bandcamp: deary - Birding.

Episode 9: Doug and Smashley are reunited after his fabulous trip to Peru. It’s not a total disaster, despite being recorded on Friday the 13th.  Do you want more (not Mora) sportsballs? Listen to Talkin Ders to dig deeper into the Sounders: https://linktr.ee/talkinders. she’s green continues to generate good shoegaze (75% rating on the Doug Music scale). The latest single, “Mettle,” is available on Bandcamp but I’m holding out for an EP or LP. You can watch the video here: she's green - Mettle. she’s green did a Live on KEXP set back in November 2025: she's green - Full Performance (Live on KEXP).  A supra is a traditional Georgian feast featuring food, wine, and toasts. There is some structure to the evening. The tamador, the host, will guide you through it. It’s a shared table so you get to know some people. Definitely do not drive. Take the bus or something because the wine flows and you’ll want to try it all. Maybe even try the chacha, similar to a raki or brandy. I highly recommend this experience: https://supradinner.com/. The classics are classic for a reason. The Sound of Music is family fun with so many recognizable tunes. It’s worth visiting again! The Sound of Music - Trailer.

Episode 8: Doug and Smashely mash it up in this episode, recorded on the first day of the month (rabbit rabbit rabbit). Now with better audio! Emmett O’Connell’s passion for Olympia and the region shows in his writing and in conversation. We do have an interesting history here, both great and terrible, and he doesn’t gloss over anything. Check out the blog and sign up for the newsletter here: https://olympiatime.com/. Some really good songs have come out in the last several days. Here are three that I like: Hazel English and her breathy pop vocals go well with outfits and a vintage telephone - Hazel English "Make It Better (Acoustic Version)Available on Bandcamp: https://hazelenglish.bandcamp.com/track/make-it-better-acoustic-version TV Star’s next single, “Out of My Bag.” from their upcoming album “Music for Heads” is out now. Check out the cool Lush t-shirt the bass player is wearing and the late 80s/early 90s vibe and video effects: TV Star - Out of My Bag Pre-order on Bandcamp, available April 15th - https://tvstar.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-headsMashups are so cool! I love recontextualizing to create something entirely new out of something familiar. Bill McLintock makes some of my favorites of late. Check this one out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1E4Qdrjxi0 Do you like Sportsballs and want to hear more about the Sounders? Shane is now hosting “Talkin’ Ders,” produced by the very same Smashley you know and love. This is an accessible analysis of your favorite MLS team. Find it on all your major podcast outlets: https://linktr.ee/talkindersGet your shoegaze dreampop ambient fix from deary with the new single “Alfie.” The video features disco rollerskating and video effects. deary - Alfie Pre-order the album on Bandcamp, available April 3rd, if you’d like: https://deary.bandcamp.com/album/birding

Episode 7: First, a note on the audio: Doug’s mic was acting up so it’s a little crunchy.Second: we get back to spinning the globe after neglecting it for a while. We have confirmed the structure of the mystery sack bit; this week, we grouse about holiday obligations. Gisèle Pelicot's book, "A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides," was released on February 17th. Her horrific and triumphant story is getting coverage in U.S. media. You can read the Times’ interview here: Gisele Pelicot Interview in the NYT. Be ready to cry. Take two beautiful people, plop them into a charming setting, and watch the magic happen! Maybe. I enjoyed parts of “Notting Hill” but I’m not sure about Anna Scott, Julia Robert’s character in the film. She’s sorta mean. The character played by Hugh Grant (I shall not comment on Hugh Grant’s character) was likeable, as were his zany group of friends. Here’s the trailer: Notting Hill Trailer“Before Sunrise” definitely had the magic. Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, Vienna, one enchanting evening: Before Sunrise - Trailer. This one holds up. We’ll be watching the rest of the trilogy as soon as it comes in from the library.

Episode 6: Doug and Smashley head into VD weekend (that’s Valentine’s Day) with some grousing about greeting cards, culture out the ass, and what it means to be the world champions of downhill cheeserolling…or concussionball. We need some home and optimism in the world. I love this song’s energy  The Blue Herons - Demon SlayerI’m still loving dottie’s soundscapes and dreamy vocals. Here’s another one: dottie - eternal Observe the physicality and musical talent of Adé Williams: Adé Williams - Violinist  I can’t stress this enough: you have to see The Bonnies next show, “I’m On Fire, You’re On Fire, We’re On Fire.” It’s going to be fun, a visual treat, and one of the highlights (out of many) in Velocity’s season. I mean it. Get tickets here: The Bonnies

Episode 5: Doug and Smashley get ready for Superb Owl weekend. Nothing exists beyond the big game.  This catchy song has a fun video featuring some stop motion. Do you get some early 2000s vibes off it? Lime Garden - 23“The Wedding Singer” is pure Adam Sandler and the first of three with Drew Barrymore. This didn’t activate many of my brain cells, but sometimes that’s exactly what I need on a weeknight: The Wedding Singer - trailer“Weapons” got a lot of attention from critics and the viewing public. Horror films tend to not get a lot of awards recognition; this one got an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress. This film did a great job of building an atmosphere and setting up tension, with a satisfying payoff. Unlike a lot of other horror movies, it doesn’t seem like an excuse to set up a franchise (though I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened). Recommend if you want to be scared and have weird dreams: Weapons - Trailer. Smashley found this charming song: Laufey - From The Start. The video is charming, too!

Episode 4: Doug and Smashley recorded this on the first day of the month (rabbit rabbit rabbit). We’re looking for a safe place in the world. Until we get there, we have sportballs, artgasms, and whatever is in the mystery sack (we’re still figuring out the bit). Every time I hear Lana Del Rey, I’m like, this is great! Smashley has been digging SYML, featured here:  Lana Del Rey - Paris, Texas (Audio) ft. SYML TV Star has an EP coming out. This first single shows some different instrumentation and a little more country influence: https://tvstar.bandcamp.com/track/texas-relation.Have you seen Memento lately? Do you remember the twist? It takes me six years to forget, so I watch it every seven years. It blows me away every time. Check it out if you haven’t, or check it out again if it’s been a while: Memento Trailer.What is your favorite Wes Anderson film? Moonrise Kingdom has got to be up there, if not number one: Moonrise Kingdom - Trailer.

Episode 3: Doug and Smashley break the ice in this episode with a new segment that is still seeking a permanent name. We’ll get to that when the time is right. The Bonnies is going to put on one of those shows you remember forever. Based on the absurdist 1966 Czech New Wave film, Daisies (Daisies Trailer) which I have not seen but will watch on one of the streaming services that I happen to have. It’s showing at the Northwest Film Forum on February 18th and 19th but I can’t make it those days. I’ll definitely be here:  I’m on Fire, You’re on Fire, We’re on FireI’ve been building mixes designed for running and I found that Hot Chip’s cover of “Dancing in the Dark” is a great first song. This is an example of what I’m looking for in a cover. It’s a different, unique take on an existing great song. This video is fun. The music starts a minute in:  Hot Chip - Dancing in the Dark. Hot Chip is playing at the Nectar Lounge in Seattle on February 26th.

Shane joins Doug and Smashley to talk about life, the universe, and everything but especially the Sounders and the upcoming season. We have some big sportsballs for you! I would only recommend “House of Games” to those who like to spot Seattle in films. I saw this in a listicle about underrated movies. Trust me, I’m only halfway through it but  this one was probably rated just fine. Check out the trailer here and see if you can spot the Port of Seattle cranes: House of Games.  Doug music keeps coming out. It is almost a legit musical genre of its own. Deary has an album coming out this year, “Birding,” and the single “Seabird” is just the beginning: Deary - Birding

Episode 1: We are kicking off the second season by getting back into the groove. We had an equinox special a few weeks ago that turned out to be the season finale. We’re planning a season one celebration; meanwhile, welcome to 2026!  Apologies for two f words that were in a clip (8:26 to 8:29), but if you can handle that and ultraviolence, you might enjoy Aranofsky’s “Caught Stealing.”  Caught Stealing TrailerSometimes a book makes you appreciate good writing. If you want a head-smacker with the most inept CIA operative in fictional history, you can give this a try: https://camcatbooks.com/Books/T/The-Wayward-Spy.   Found Space, from Portland, has released a few singles that are firmly in the “Doug Music” zone. I’m loving it all so far: https://foundspacemusic.bandcamp.com/Smashley got some artgasms from this song, R3HAB x Lia Marie Johnson - The Wave. It’s catchy with nice vocals and a hint towards techno. Is this Smashley Music?14/48, The World’s Quickest Theater Festival, is back! I can’t stress is it enough, this is a good time and you should go. https://www.the1448projects.org/ This runs for two weekends as usual; January 9th and 10th, and January 16th and 17th.

Episode 46: Welcome to an extra long season finale episode recorded on the winter solstice, made just for you to reflect back on the highlights of 2025 to help you make it through the long dark nights. Doug and guest Funk get together with Smashley to go back over the highlights from 2025. What a great (micro) and terrible (macro) year!  Listen to the end to hear this outro music, “Goldenseal” by Aureumbra. It’s available on Bandcamp: Aureumbra - Goldenseal.    Hazel English made a song that is perfect for drinking a cup of tea and staring out the window and watching the raindrop races. Hazel English - Never Going Home (Acoustic Version)  Have you seen “Strange Brew”? It’s silly Canadian fun. Take off, eh! Strange Brew - TrailerEd Zitron hosts a podcast, Better Offline, and has a newsletter. Funk’s reading it so we should take a look. Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz sounds like so much fun! It came out in August of 2025. I have this on hold at the library and I’m looking forward to reading it. Recommended by Mrs. Funk! The philosophy of stoicism still has much to offer in our world: A Guide to the Good Life - The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy. Smashley liked it a lot. I can see how it would help prepare for the bad days and appreciate the good ones. You can go back over the old episodes and relive the magic as much as you want: https://linktr.ee/YouWantMora. Hopefully this holds you over until season two, coming at you in 2026.

Episode 45: Doug and Smashley go over some older music and movies in this episode. There’s a lot of good new music and film but it’s nice to go back over some oldies and watch some movies from the watchlist.  The Muffs played that good old rock and roll back in the 90s. This has a backbeat, which I can neither describe nor define, but it’s there. You can start your journey here: The Muffs - Oh Nina. Do you like songs that build in intensity up to an explosive climax? Silversun Pickups has one of my favorites that does just that. Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye The Murderbot Diaries starts with “All Systems Red” by Martha Wells. My journey has begun. It’s a fun read: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. “Fifty First Dates” has elements of Adam Sandler infantile humor with a little bit of heart, and some of the gags don’t hold up, but Drew Barrymore elevates it. It’s a fun romcom, just don’t dig too deeply into it or you’ll quickly get to “yeah, this isn’t even close to realistic” pretty quickly.

Episode 44: Ecca Vandal’s song “Molly” does that thing where the song builds and pops, delivering both the rock and the roll. Ecca Vandal - MOLLY I like how this song has this sense of anticipatory tension. It’s like we are waiting for something, and regardless of whether it’s good or bad, let’s get to it. You have just a few more days to vote for your top ten albums. https://www.kexp.org/countdowns/best-of-2025/Here’s my 2025 Top Ten Album Voter Guide:Hatchie - Liquoriceshe's green - Chrysalis EPdottie – intention (write-in)The Beths - Straight Line Was A LieObongjayar – Paradise NowDeep Sea Diver - Billboard HeartNight Tapes - portals//polaritiesSea Lemon - Diving For A PrizeWet Leg - moisturizerWolf Alice - The ClearingI’ve seen “Eddington” on some top movies of the year lists. I think it captured a lot of the themes from the pandemic. This is a good one, but I don’t know if it will be among my favorites in a such a solid year for movies: Eddington - Official Trailer  You are running out of time to sign up for Season Four of Olympia Blunders chess! Do it here: https://linktr.ee/OlyBlunders. Are we not entertained by “Dungeon Crawler Carl” by Matt Dinniman? The whole series might take me a while, but I’m happy to be on this journey (unlike the protagonist and his girlfriend’s cat): Dungeon Crawler Carl Series.

Episode 43: We’re a couple days late but feeling better. I recommend avoiding being on the receiving end of a faceful of devil’s club. We skip spinning the globe, skim over some business business, but let’s be real: it’s the time of year to catch up on movies. There is a lot of good stuff coming out in theaters and it’s nice to stay in for movie night.  “Shiva Baby” got a lot of buzz when it came out in 2021 and now I know why. This trailer might draw you in: Shiva Baby Trailer. Rachel Sennott is brilliant in this film; she’s also in a new HBO Max series called “I Love LA,” which I probably will not watch. We used the time machine twice, once to go back to 2005 and watch “Just Like Heaven” starring Mark Ruffalo, Reese Witherspoon, and Jon Heder (who played Napoleon Dynamite). Just Like Heaven Trailer The second use of the time machine was a jump to 1986 via 2010 using the cinematic masterpiece “Hot Tub Time Machine.” This is a guy move. If anyone asks, I didn’t recommend it. Hot Tub Time Machine Trailer “The Gorge” delivers action, if not snappy dialogue. Anya Taylor-Joy is always pleasant to watch. The Gorge Trailer Signups for Olympia Blunders Season Four is now open! Get in there, play chess, have fun! https://linktr.ee/OlyBlunders

Episode 42: Smashley is having artgasms! We talk about those, remember some Covid travel disruptions, and talk sportsballs.   Vote for your favorite albums of 2025! KEXP will count the top vote-getters down at the end of the year. https://www.kexp.org/countdowns/best-of-2025/Is Hazel English a musician or a model? How about both? If you like 1970s airline aesthetic, you’ll like this video. If you like dreampop, you will like this song. If you’re not sure, watch this and find out! Hazel English - Gimme“Come See Me in the Good Light” will get your feelings in motion. This film captures the joy, connection, mortality, strength, and vulnerability in the last days of Andrea Gibson’s and Megan Falley’s life together. The trailer: Come See Me in the Good Light

Episode 41: Doug and Smashley are diving into the rainy season, with all sorts of arts and community activities that make the dark days the best of the year. We have lots of clips in this episode, celebrating the release of Hatchie’s album, “Liquourice.” Yes, she stands alone as a singular musical genius with a voice like no other, but she is also part of a long tradition of shoegaze and dreampop that includes greats like The Cocteau Twins. Subscriptions for the Velocity Dance Center 2026 season are available now! https://velocitydancecenter.org/season-2026/. I’ve mentioned Bridge Project and Out There in previous episodes; those are continuing next year in addition to some top-tier artists. You will hear more about specific shows in future episodes.  More chess shenanigans are coming soon! Here is where you can find all sorts of useful links: https://linktr.ee/OlyBlunders.

Episode 40: Back to back time shifts (jet lag, then clock changes) make Doug dopey. Not drunk, just a little out of it (did I say “destroy the whole family” in reference to annihilating the planet with a nuclear bomb?). We’re so topsy turvy that we start with Sportsballs this time! The Washington Center for the Performing Arts has great sound and lighting, with excellent shows throughout the year. Smashley bought tickets to some upcoming events: https://www.washingtoncenter.org/. Next up, “Uptown: A Celebration of Motown and Soul.” 12 Minutes Max is one of the greats; a way to see some of the best developing work. https://thisisbase.org/12minutesmax. It’s so great that BASE is keeping this going! I am still learning about futbol history but from what I can tell, most people don’t know about this inspiring tournament that took place in Mexico City back in 1971. Sports documentaries can be pretty good but this is one of the best I’ve ever seen: https://releasing.dogwoof.com/copa-71, I just love this song and video by The HU: Wolf Totem. We talked about throat singing in episode 39. Here is a good example of it, and the video is just beyond cool. Hatchie’s album, “Liquourice,” is available on Friday!!!  Of course I pre-ordered it. Based on the three singles that have come out, this is going to be the album of the year!

Episode 39: Spinning the globe isn’t always about headlines. Doug talked to some young people while in Plovdiv and Sofia to get their takes on Europe, Bulgaria’s transition to the Euro, and oppression happening in Europe. Cover your ears for Artgasm because we have some Bulgarian metal that might make them bleed. The skill in that musicianship is amazing; even if it’s not what you're into, you gotta recognize. 

Episode 38: In this episode, recorded remotely from Sofia, Bulgaria, Doug shares the secret to unlocking the cyrillic alphabet. He also talks to Smashely about the latest Gen Z revolution, Norwegian music, the fascinating story of Bulgaria’s transition from the Lev to the Euro, and some sportsballs and artgasms. We didn’t get into the Hamarsby match in the EUFA game in Bergen, but we’ll get to that in corrections in episode 39. You can experience Astrid S and Norwegian pop on YouTube: Astrid S - Romantisk. 

Episode 37: Doug is gearing up for his next trip to Europe. Alas, we won’t be able to get a ground level view of the chaos in France, which is spinning as they churn through prime ministers, because the destination is Bergen, then on to Sofia, and Plovdiv in Bulgaria.  Hazel English has a nice, new dreamy pop song out: Calgary. Hatchie dropped the second single from her highly-anticipated album, “Liquorish.” There will be a third single coming out on the day the album is released (November 7th, but it should already be marked on your calendar). The video and song: Only One Laughing. (Note, our robot overlords censored where I said 6/8 time for some reason.)   Nicolas Cage continues to crank out movies. “Pig” came out in 2021 to much acclaim but I just now had the chance to see it. What powerful emotions is he just barely holding back in this one? Anger, sadness, regerts. Set in Portland, so it would be fun to watch just for that, but I think this is a thoughtful and well-composed adaptation of the Orpheus and Eurydice story. The preview: Pig Trailer # 1.

Episode 36: New audio equipment is making for an adventure as we figure this out. The sound quality might be better but you can expect the same questionable content: some news, some arts, some sports, maybe even some factually accurate statements! We’ll make corrections in 37 if needed. This song by Anna von Hausswolff, “Stardust,” is really standing out lately: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpMHH_W8G9s. This isn’t Doug music but it has some elements of it. She is so weird! I love weird. I can’t say that I recommend “Forever Young” but it features a young Elijah Wood and Jamie Lee Curtis. It’s so early 90s in so many ways: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIEHuEFDgac. The second week of Out There at Velocity promises to go beyond the edge of edginess. I’m going on Friday: https://velocitydancecenter.org/events/out-there-2025/

Episode 35: We’re back to our goal of 22 minute episodes with this one, saving time by not spinning the globe. Olympia Blunders Season 3 playoffs are happening and it’s getting wild! We cover that and more in Sportsballs, in addition to some Artgasms. Sign up for the Olympia Duck Chess Open, taking place on November 15th! Olympia Duck Chess Open. Links to more chess madness are here: https://linktr.ee/OlyBlundersDottie rereleased a cd, confusingly titled “single”: dottie - single. This is Doug music. Neko Case’s new album “Neon Grey Midnight Green” has some gems on it, amidst some sing-song: https://nekocaseofficial.bandcamp.com/album/neon-grey-midnight-green.

Episode 34: Just a nice conversation as we celebrate the end of a fantastic summer and welcome my favorite season. Spoiler alert: your phone camera might be augmenting your pictures with AI. Do I want to know that, or are the illusions sometimes helpful? Another spoiler: if you are reading this, you aren’t being raptured. Spinning the globe gets us back to Nepal, with more info and an in-depth article in the New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/nepals-violent-gen-z-uprising. So, what comes next after this particular revolution?  The Night Tapes album comes out on September 26th. The singer hits the high notes, but probably within Smashley’s range. I see a karaoke night in the future. Meanwhile, you can listen to and buy the album on Bandcamp: portals//polaritiesVelocity’s Out There festival will deliver some really out there dance. The most experimental, wildest, boundary pushing; this is what I really like (in addition to the gold old traditional ballet): OUT THERE 2025 | Velocity Dance Center.

Episode 33: We spin the globe for the first time in a while. Tibet is in chaos and the French government collapsed again. Oy vey! Hinds has a nice cover of a Charli XCX song, featuring lorde.The video is a fun compilation from their tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4LeHZxq6TM. All kinds of singles are popping up and tons of new albums by musicians are scheduled to be released in the next couple of months! But it’s all about Hatchie for me.  Velocity’s “Out There” is going to push some dance boundaries and show how innovative the Seattle scene is. We have some brilliant creative people making great dance works. More info: https://velocitydancecenter.org/events/out-there-2025/There is quite a bit that I don’t agree with in this essay but it does activate my brain: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/09/abundant-delusion/684124/. Good improv is hard but it can be so fun and rewarding! I had a good time at Unexpected Productions’ Mixtape show: https://www.unexpectedproductions.org/event/mixtape-an-improvised-playlist/2025-09-19/.

Episode 32: Worlds are realigning, on the macro and the micro. The artgasms and sportsballs are more important than ever to give me inspiration, hope, and let’s be honest, distraction from the horrorscape that this timeline has become. I could mainline pure, distilled Hatchie all day and all night. Get a quick fix of some of the new stuff here while we count the days until the release of “Liquorice”: https://hatchie.bandcamp.com/album/liquorice. If you like the visuals to go with the first single “Lose It Again” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_43o-pDRJc

Episode 31: Ethan Coen, of Coen brothers fame, made this one with co-writer Tricia Cooke. It's a fun neo-noir film, briskly paced, and the second in a planned trilogy. It’s like a live action dimestore novella that delivers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzr6pHIZAI0 “Adult Romantix” by Winder just came out. We heard the single “Without You” a few episodes back and I love the whispery, breathy singing on that track. The whole album includes a range of sounds, centering around those vocals and bringing in some feats. Some of the songs have a very 90s/early 2000s feel, some are dreampop and shoegaze. You can listen and buy it now on Bandcamp: “Adult Romantix” by Winter. Spinning the globe is a lot more fun when it’s about travel. I’m going to see this show in Sofia in October: https://nationaltheatre.bg/en/play/khipotetichno

Episode 30: Warning, we have a few verbal slips that we’d bleep if we had the skills and energy (at 3:22, 9:34, and 11:112). Pretend you don’t hear them. Macro and micro worlds are out of sync right now. The good news is, she’s green has a new album out, “Chrysalis,” available on Bandcamp. Maybe more Doug music will tilt the macro towards better shape: https://shesgreen.bandcamp.com/album/chrysalis. You might not get smacked in the face with a million different sounds that all work together, but you’ll get the dreamy vocals that make this within the range of Doug Music.  “Hummingbirds” is a documentary about teenager’s lives in Laredo, Texas. You can stream the full film on PBS’ website: https://www.pbs.org/pov/films/hummingbirds/. I love how it captures a sense of connection to a community in spite of not quite feeling right in it. Enjoy your public media while it’s still available.  We will probably get some more singles before it releases, but if you like what you have heard so far, Just Mustard’s album “We Were Just Here” is available for pre-order on Bandcamp. Let’s see if all of the songs hit like the recent single: https://justmustard.bandcamp.com/album/we-were-just-here. I need to see “Weapons” (trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpThntO9ixc) before reading this: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/08/weapons-julia-garner-witches/683847/. 

Episode 29: Good energy to you! In this episode, we geek out a little bit on interest rates and the global economy before digging into the usual topics. This article in the Atlantic, "Does the Stock Market Know Something We Don't" by Roge' Karma, gives a plausible explanation for why the stock market isn’t bouncing around as one would expect and just continues to grow: https://www.theatlantic.com/economy/archive/2025/08/stock-market-theories/683780/ I sure wish I could go to this show at Velocity: https://velocitydancecenter.org/events/meg-stuart/. “All The Way Around” runs on Friday, August 8th. It will be a good one! Coral Grief’s album "Air Between Us” delivers consistent, even pop. No “what was that?” moments. You can support this Seattle band on Bandcamp: https://coralgrief.bandcamp.com/album/air-between-us

Episode 28: There was no point in spinning the globe. There’s nothing good happening out there so for this episode, we focused on business, arts, and sports. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) press release had some real zingers. It’s fun to analyze writing. Velocity Dance Center is really moving! Pun fully intended. The Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation is in full flow (SFD+I, rhymes with body). Check out the showcases if you can: https://velocitydancecenter.org/events/performance-cohort-showcase-2025/ This video for my song of the summer is a trip. It’s worth a look and a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMm8naokMSY&list=RDvMm8naokMSY&start_radio=1Feel like running? I loved the Saturnalia run last year, where we got to jog through Squaxin Park. I’m doing my second trail run on August 30th. That’s just a few days after I get back from the bike ride from Seattle to Vancouver. Let’s see if my body can hold up. This one features an awesome squirrel shirt, though I’m continuing my t-shirt purchase moratorium.  https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=345455&fbclid=iwy2xjawjvkrblehrua2flbqixmqabhnu1_2k5qhvi7ofi0llhzcbjwoosjerpghdng-sxex-lohg5i_ho4pjeorj__aem_qmd87laz0fgiew5d0ceq6qI’m trying the Rave Green Run for the first time on September 7th. https://www.sfcravegreenrun.org/race-info.The next High Five Thursday will be on a Friday next week, August 8th. Turnout was extra high the last time it was on a Friday so we’re expecting a big group and lots of fun and fast chess. https://linktr.ee/OlyBlunders 

Episode 27: There’s nothing like summer in the PNW. Each one is special in its own way, but one thing is constant and that is the beauty that surrounds us while we go through our daily lives. This one is proving to be particularly memorable, with so much art, community, activities, and joy. It’s not a dream: it’s a magical realityland. Arts, sports, and business are part of it. This video from dottie for the title track of the album “Intention” is pretty good as a dance film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YapycQTlPCMOlympia Blunders: Those scarves are looking really nice! Ordering info and updates on Hi-Five Thursdays are on the website: OlyBlunders.com

Episode 26: We cover some heavy stuff and I get a little choked up when we spin the globe. We spend a lot of time in the artgasm section because honestly, I need it and we are in a golden age of Doug music. She’s Green’s videos are looking pretty slick. Check this one out for Willow, and this one for Figurines. Stay for the whole song if you want to hear a little twist at the end. I sure hope they are getting some sort of support so they can make more music! Winter’s song Without You has some wonderful whispering and breathy vocals. Makes me feel all funny inside. I don’t know if you need a subscription to read “The Comedian” by Ottessa Moshfegh but if you can’t get to this, try finding some of her other work at your local library. 

The usual topics but with a fun twist: extra amateurism! It’s almost like the previous 24 episodes offered no learning experience. Missed cues, confusion, accidental Nelson Muntz, and distractions pepper this episode. If you can make it through this mess, you’ll get your sportsballs and artgasm fix. If you can’t, episode 26 awaits you in the future.Timberland Regional Library offers a highly personal book recommendation service. I’m stunned by how cool this is and the suggestions are on point! https://trl.org/personalized-picks/This film, “Sorry Baby,” looks like it handles a heavy subject well. I read this profile in the New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/how-eva-victor-reimagined-the-trauma-plot and now I’m so looking forward to seeing the film. Here’s the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc0jgWoZo9wThe Olympia Film Society’s trivia night will be fun, even for those like me with subpar capacity for recall. The only online event info I could find was on a Meta platform. Here’s the link, anyway: https://www.facebook.com/olympiafilmsociety/posts/do-you-love-movies-how-about-music-can-you-guess-which-oscar-nominated-director-/1373463450786943/.

Sportsball season is failing to eclipse the arts, even though the latter are often dormant in the summer. Music and movies are providing the artgasms to get us through the sultry months. We have a lot of clips in this episode. Those are fun, right? The new season of KEXP’s Runcast has started. These age well (unlike some podcasts I can think of <ahem>). If you are looking for inspiration and good music to go with your run or other workout, you will find it here: https://www.kexp.org/podcasts/the-runcast/Is Night Tapes an Estonian band? I guess it doesn’t matter when the music is otherworldly. We’re getting tastes of the upcoming album “portals//polarities”: https://nighttapesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/portals-polaritiesDottie has another song out, and it is as shoegazey as one would expect. I like the style in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ8JN62wPR8

Episode 23: Recorded on Juneteenth, 2025, Doug and Smashley talk about movies, soccer, and sparklemuffins. It’s aways fun to parse out what the fed chair is saying when he says something. What does diminished uncertainty about the economic outlook really mean? Listen and find out what I think. Season 3 of Olympia Blunders chess starts soon: www.OlyBlunders.com! High Five Thursdays continues to be a hit. We will find out if there is room for both.

Episode 22: Friedberg’s new song is available on Basecamp: https://friedberg.bandcamp.com/track/haha. This is such a departure from “Hardcore Workout Queen” and I almost (but not quite) want to dance to it. LMK if you hear this song out in the wild. Dottie is just my type. I mean, look at this video for “adoration”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBLYOcH3jCg . There are more great sounds on the “midheaven” EP from October 2024. This is dreamy, ambient, shoegaze perfection: https://thenameisdottie.bandcamp.com/album/midheaven. This movie, “They Call Her Death,” looks like a wild, fun time. Probably more gore than I usually like, but it promises to be a stylish good time. It’s only showing at SIFF for two evenings but I have a feeling it will get a wider indie distribution. Check out that trailer! https://www.siff.net/cinema/in-theaters/they-call-her-deathNorthwest New Works at On the Boards runs June 12th through June 14th: https://ontheboards.org/events/24-25/nwnw . The Seattle International Dance Festival up and running, too: https://seattleidf.org/ Olympia chess is getting serious. An actual dot com address: www.OlyBlunders.com!

Episode 21: We take a trip down Wes Anderson Lane during Artgasm, share some key statistics from the Tacoma Rainiers game, and gear up for an action-packed weekend.  Take a minute to dive for Sea Lemon prizes on Bandcamp: https://sealemonmusic.bandcamp.com/album/diving-for-a-prize“Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” looks like a fun film and the run time is just right. Here’s the preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inLm4GvLQuk The tournament could get even more interesting if we get 56 or more participants in the Olympia Blunders summer season: www.olyblunders.com. It will be a Swiss hit (and not a Swiss miss).

This episode, recorded on Memorial Day, includes that long-delayed segment on the Federal Open Market Committee, lots of Sportsballs discussion, a brief f-word that we hope you miss, some music, and some movie discussion. Information about the Danish film “Beginnings” (Begyndelser) is on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32144178/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_0_in_0_q_beygundelser. This film features fantastic acting with nuanced, difficult characters. You might also be interested in “Prisoner”(Huset): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21867388/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_cdt_t_9. You can follow Deary on Bandamp if you want to hear more dreampop: https://deary.bandcamp.com/. The album comes out on June 27th. Signups for Olympia Blunders opens on June 4th: https://linktr.ee/OlyBlundersMany links to what we discuss are on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/smashleyfc

Episode 19: We record from Three Magnets in Olympia, Washington in this special Capitol City Run edition. Doug and Smashley chat with Trevor and Jessica about running and supporting runners. We continue to grapple with the difference between 3/4 time and 6/8 time; meanwhile, we have some fun examples of songs in 5/8 time, talk about Sportsballs, think about elections in Romania and Poland, and contemplate the implications of a downgrade in the United States’ credit rating.

Episode 18: Doug spins the globe and finds that two out of three elections going well isn’t bad, but we know we’ve reached peak idiocracy if this strong economy we’ve enjoyed for so long goes sour because of inane policy mismanagement. We will always have our misfit friends and pickle jar platform shoes to keep us company, and sportsballs to give us a break from the madness. The Shrouds is ending its run at SIFF to make room for the film festival, but it will be showing at Olympia Film Society this weekend. Check out Vincent Cassel’smade-for-movies face: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfoZeIaSFMc. I sure hope this isn’t based on a true story. Suki Waterhouse continues to crank out her lilting dreamy pop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwJr9oXbsFo I’ll just keep on listening; you can figure out the difference between 3/4 time and 6/8 time.

Episode 17: Doug glides past spinning the globe because the news is dominated by a few big stories, but never fear, we will get through the layers of potpourri for the next episode. Meanwhile, enjoy some artgasms, business business, and sportsballs!Pink Breath of Heaven’s new album releases on May 2nd. This wonderful shoegaze dreampop reminds me of some of my favorites from the 80s and 90s: https://pinkbreathofheaven.bandcamp.com/album/colors-make-a-soundI won’t make it to catch The Balconettes during its run at Seattle International Film Festival, but you’ll understand why I want to see it after checking out this preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBz48S2JJmM

Episode 16: Although there is a lot happening around the world, we skip over Spin the Globe so that we have enough time to dig into the other sections. Besides, much of the world news is centered around U.S. trade policy so we cover that in Business Business. Erin Jorgensen’s Marimba Church is available on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marimba-church/id1804106793And on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3EQfXtAk8TYzW8ohxqZjQz?si=4728c99098384898 The Seattle International Film Festival lineup is all set and there are so many good films, as always! https://www.siff.net/festival/passes-and-tickets?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwn6LABhBSEiwAsNJrjgz3luPKNo5oUtTB9CWoWOcV19yUbBDvntRNA1oySIjsk6V0QdYjfxoCVf0QAvD_BwEAlready a correction: “These Are the Days” is by Natalie Merchant. We’re still finding the TV show that Smashley was thinking about.

Episode 15: Doug and Smashley put together an episode after taking a week off. It’s a good thing we have Artgasms and Sportsballs because the economy is looking grim. Sign-ups for Olympia chess tournaments:In-Person ThursdaysVirtual Open TourneyYou can preview Sleigh Bells on Bandcamp: https://sleighbells.bandcamp.com/album/bunky-becky-birthday-boyThe video for Weg Leg’s song “catch these fists” is as amazing as all of their others: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kjz89xYmS4

Episode 14: Doug, Jean-Yves, and Smashley discuss movies, lots and lots of arts, so much sportsballs, and a reminder about quantitative easing. Smashley shares a moment of glory from Rocket League and sets us up for Olympia Blunders Season 2 playoffs. Once Upon a Time in a Place called NOWhere is showing at 12th Ave Arts for one more weekend, April 3rd through 5th. There is still time to have this experience! https://velocitydancecenter.org/events/once-upon-a-time/

Episode 13: Ten Toes Down Doug gets his feet under him after a few days in Vancouver that might be accurately described as a bender. Lots of artgasms and so much global news! Seattle band Sea Lemon’s album “Diving For A Prize” comes out on June 13th, 2025. Preview some songs on Bandcamp! https://sealemonmusic.bandcamp.com/album/diving-for-a-prizeIf you listen to this episode, you will be intrigued enoughto read Miranda July’s most recent novel, “All Fours.” I encourage you to buy a copy at your local independent bookstore or check it out from the library. The official website: https://mirandajuly.com/all-fours/