NOTES

Originally recorded May 10th
gough it back to chat about his latest film How to Treat Women. We chat about that, how things are down in Australia with the coronavirus, plus a whole lot more. And gough answers some amazingly stupid questions. We get to find out what gough's drunk food is.

Quotes

"A Chupucabra!"
-John

Meta-plot

[Bored out of their mind gough appears to help alleviate the guys boredom, only for Frank to forget it all happened. Turns out he's been using the mind ball to have vivid hallucinations to escape the humdrum reality of the quarantine.]

Credits

Episode 128: gough dammit!
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Scripting by: Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Check out Beernuts Productions! https://beernutsproductions.com/
Beernuts Productions on Twitter @Beernuts_gough
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beernutsproductions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beernutsproductions/

Notes 

Originally recorded April 20th 2020

We talk about Junji Ito's masterpiece: Uzumaki. Frank goes over the overall plot. Then they dive into their thoughts about the manga including  how the horror themes are conveyed through the art and the writing, and how it measures up as a cosmic horror story. They then discuss the "lost" chapter and how it fits into the story and the problem it causes to the overall story if it had been included. They also talk about how the story being contained in a single town/region helps it's overall tone. It's observations next, this includes some strange facts and foreshadowing through the story, as well as a discussion on some of the more out of place elements. Frank then talks about some of the classical and romantic art references that Junji Ito makes. Finally they talk about their favorite chapters of the Manga, and give their final thoughts. 

Quotes

"It is a really profound piece of art." - John

"There was a thing, whatever this is is still doing what that thing wanted, and who knows why." -John

"We will probably end up talking about some more Junji Ito works. I almost guarantee it." -Frank

Meta-plot

[Still stuck in the cabin, Frank has embraced the idea of the spiral despite John’s warnings and finds himself sick. When he finally comes out of his illness he discovers the Mind Ball was in the cabin after-all]Credits

Episode 127: Uzumaki
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Scripting by: Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw

Links for References

A few Youtube videos on Junji Ito and Uzumaki the first two are the ones that initially piqued Frank's interests. 

Ryan Hollinger: The Manga Stories That Terrified Me.

ComicTropes: Junji Ito Master of Horror in Comics

Super EyePatch Wolf: How Media Scares Us: The Work of Junji Ito

Bluelavasix: Here's What Happens To Your Brain on Junji Ito | Darkology #29

RagnoRox: Junji Ito - Spiral Into Horror | Monsters of the Week

As well as a few articles on Uzumaki and Junji Ito’s Horror. 

The Horrific Machinations of Junji Ito’s Uzumaki

The Aesthetic of the Macabre: A Critical Look at Junji Ito’s Horror of the Bizarre

Into the Spiral: Interview with Junji Ito

Notes

Originally Recorded April 14, 2020

Frank talks about this past winter, and the current state of the podcast with his day job, and the corona-virus pandemic.  Then we dive into a recent Jimquisition about spoilers that John shared recently on Facebook, and our thoughts about both that video and spoilers. We also discuss, briefly, Junji Ito's work and the manga Uzumaki (which the next episode is all about). 

We then jump into the current games that we're playing. John's playing Animal Crossing, and the Deadpool game that out in 2013. Frank's been playing The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and Final Fantasy XV. 

John and Frank then go over some upcoming episodes. Including the next episode on Uzumaki, a near future interview with gough, of Beernuts Productions. An episode about the Tremor's franchise.  Frank also talks about looking into Roll20 and a potential online game, and John discusses the VTT available on Steam (which may be Fantasy Grounds). 

Quotes

none this episode. 

Meta-plot

[John and Frank are still stuck in the cabin, now on quarantine and out of toilet paper, and only beans to eat. John’s anxiously waiting for the Idgits to return, while cursing the Roman, and Frank for having his Switch.]

Credits

Episode 126: What's Interesting: We’re Back
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Scripting by: Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Sound Effects: "Tin cans in a plastic bag" from redcheek on freesound.org 

Notes

Originally Recorded January 7th, 2020

In this lost episode of the podcast Frank and John talk about the fires in Australia. Then they go over their thoughts briefly on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. John and Frank talk about the video games that have been dominating their free time: Borderlands 3, Graveyard Keeper, Grandia, and the Sinking City. John discusses our friend, Richard Sanders, new small press publishing house and some upcoming projects that he's working with Richard on. Then it's John's Bad Advice. 

Quotes

none this episode. 

Meta-plot

[John and Frank find themselves trudging through the swamp that the Idgits left them in only to discover an abandoned house that Frank thinks has the Mind-Ball in.]

Credits

Episode 125: What's Interesting: The Lost Episode

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw

Scripting by: Frank Shaw

Edited by: Frank Shaw

notes

Frank and John talk about the Christmas Horror movie, Rare Exports, and the two companion shorts Rare Exports Inc. and Rare Exports Safety Instructions. They go through the plot and their thoughts about the film. Then they dive into the themes of Christmas as a commodity and the idea of violence in black Friday. It's on to final observations, specifically with the can do, and make do nature of the village that is the setting of the film. Finally it's our final thoughts.

quotes

-"I do think that, uhh Jalmari Helander intended there to be those themes kind of present in it, but he also didn't want them to be the focus, and take away from the actual story he wanted to tell." -Frank

-"Old man wiener!" -John

meta-plot

[Frank and John are rescued by Fiona, Angus and Wagner, John's doggo friends known collectively as the Idgits. Frank is frustrated that they won't talk to him and John gently points out that they can't talk because they are in fact dogs. Convinced that the Idgits must be cursed Frank makes it his goal to find the Mind Ball, while John wonders how long this story will go.]

credits

Episode 124: Rare Exports
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
The Idjits voiced by John Belliston
Sound effects by: mffm on freesound.org Warehouse Bulk Buy parking lot.wav under the CC licence 0
Scripting by: Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw

Good Bad Flicks Exploring Rare Exports episode that inspired Frank

NOTES:

Frank talks about one of his favorite consoles: the original Sony Playstation. He talks about some of his favorite games. John talks about some recent Switch pick ups. Frank and John give a shout out to See You Next Tuesday podcast. Frank also gives a shout out to the Not Religious podcast and shout out of the Darkside of Hive podcast that is releasing next month. Finally John's Bad Advice.

JOHN'S BAD ADVICE

Student loan debt is good debt?
-Ki F
·
What kind of sauce should I use for my penne?
-James B

What’s the best way to guarantee success in a professional interview?
-Ariel W·

META PLOT

[John wakes up to still find he and Frank are stuck in the back of the trunk. Once the old farmer discovers them, he pulls over and shoots a rabbit and makes John and Frank some stew. He then leaves the guys stranded in the desert, which is when they decide to call John's doggo friends, The Idgits, for rescue.]

CREDITS.

Episode 123: What's Interesting: Playstation
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Sound effects by: mffm on freesound.org Warehouse Bulk Buy parking lot.wav under the CC licence 0
Scripting by: John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw

NOTES:

Frank and John sit down for a pre/post Thanksgiving episode. John gives us the low-down on his health issues. Frank talks about the Google Stadia train-wreck and streaming services. John waxes poetic about Chthulhu Wars the board-game while Frank waxes poetic about the Call of Cthulhu Starter Box. Frank talks about the one thing he really enjoys about Disney+ so far. John talks about the Good Place and British Panel shows. And the guys give thanks. Plus John's Bad Advice.

JOHN'S BAD ADVICE

Please Advise: Living My Best Life?
-Carrie J

What is the circumference of reality?
-Ty K

How to best prepare for the coming apocalypse?
-Dan H

META PLOT

[Escaping the Muppet Castle while the three dogs were distracted, Frank and John find themselves travelling through the American Southwest in the back of an old farm truck. Reluctant to notify the driver of their presence because they are worried they might get shot. Frank and John wait for the truck to arrive at it's destination.]

CREDITS.

Episode 122: What's Interesting: Tales of a Chemical S--t Storm
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Sound effects by: mffm on freesound.org Warehouse Bulk Buy parking lot.wav under the CC licence 0
Scripting by: John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw

Notes:

Frank and John discuss the first season of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. They give a synopsis and discussion on the plot, with comments and thoughts about the puppetry and vocal performances. Then they dive into themes: Frank talks about classicism and revolution, which is at the forefront of the series thematically. The guys also discuss the them of environmentalism and natural resources. Finally John talks about the idea of shirking's one's duties as well the tragedy of the series. They close with their final thoughts.

Quotes

"And no. He does something more unexpected, and far more devastating to his dark self." - John
"There's this tragedy that's overhanging the whole thing. That is kind of fascinating because normally there's the prequel problem of 'I know what's going to happen so why should I care?' And this show has found ways to make you care..."-John

meta plot

[Still trapped in the tower in the Muppet land, Ruger has inadvertently killed John, Shadette sacrifices a room full of Muppets (and a couple of drifters) in order to revive John.]

Credits.

Episode 121: The Dark Crystal (Series)
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Ruger, Bosco, and Shadette all voiced by Frank Shaw
Scripting by: John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw

notes

Frank talks about what's going on with the podcast, and the corn maze.
John gives us an update on his health and his surgery.
Frank reviews IfPW #4 on Comixology
John comes out as non-binary
Frank and John talk about Spider-Man being back in the MCU and Kevin Fiege becoming CCO for Marvel.
John talks about his visit to Evermore, a new theme park in Pleasantgrove Utah.
Frank talks about the author and YouTuber Seth Skorkowsky's Youtube Channel and his plans for a Fate game and Call of Cthulhu game.

John's Bad Advice

Aside from selling my soul to the devil at the crossroads, how else can I achieve blues fame?
Dave G

So for the first time in a long time I actually like my job. Big corporation bought my store, gave everyone a raise, good benefits, etc. Upper Management is much better, I feel respected as an individual and a leader for the first time in my professional life.
Patrick C.

I'm in the market for a house. What is the most important feature I should look for?
Dan M

Please Advise: Rearing Sugar Gliders?
Carrie J

Meta-plot

[Frank and John are still stuck in the strange Muppet dimension. The balls won’t recharge because every time they do, Frank uses them to conjure up pie.]

Credits

Episode 120: WI Smorgasbord of Geek
Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Scripting by: Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

Notes

Frank and John tackle the Dark Crystal. Frank gives a quick run down of the plot. John and Frank then discuss the films characterizations and some of the plotting. They then discuss some of the conventions that appear in the film that are dated. They also discuss some of the limitations of the film. 

They then shift gears to talk about the Hero's Journey: Frank then gives an overview of Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey, with commentary provided by John. Then they dive into a criticism of the plot convention and it's overuse in both plotting and literary analysis. Then discuss Aristotelian plot structure, and how they view plotting in general.  

Finally they discuss their final thoughts about the Dark Crystal. 

Quotes

"Well everybody's a hero in there own storey', No everybody thinks they're just not a dick." - John

"Do you want to know what's a perfect example of the Hero's Journey is? Happy fucking Gilmore. I don't even have a point after that." -John

"The Hero's Journey is just another way to understand this crazy-ass world we live in." - Frank

meta plot

[Frank and John are trapped in a weird fantasy world, thanks to Frank using the two Balls of Power for tacos. John's hunting giant caterpillars and muppets for food, while Frank, as soon as the Balls are charged, conjures up more tacos. After getting some of the tacos, John wisely takes away the Balls so Frank can't use them again]

Credits

Episode 119: The Dark Crystal (Film)

Produced by: Relevant to Our Interests 

Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw 

Scripting by: Frank Shaw and John R. Belliston

Edited by: Frank Shaw 

Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw 

Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw 

Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw