The History on Film Podcast

Ross is joined by Robert Spinelli and Dr. Bethan Jones to discuss the history of conspiracy theories in popular culture. They look at how conspiratorial thinking reflects social and political anxieties, the ways in which conspiracy theorists are depicted in media, and the difficulty in approaching these topics academically. FURTHER READING:Spinelli, Robert (Ed.). The Lizard People Don't Want You to Read ThisJones, Bethan. Participatory Culture Wars: Controversy, Conflict, and Complicity in FandomFURTHER WATCHING:Community S2E9, "Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design"JFKThe Truman ShowThe X-Files

Ross kicks off the new mini-series "Class Notes" by speaking with Dr. Josie Torres Barth about her courses on Film and Media History! They discuss the major trends and focal points of the subject, the challenges of teaching media studies in our modern cultural ecosystem, and much more.FURTHER READING: Hilmes, Michele. Radio Voices: American Broadcasting, 1922-1952.Spigel, Lynn. Make Room for TV: Television and the Family Ideal in Postwar America.Schatz, Thomas. The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era.Monaco, James. How to Read a Film: Movies, Media, and Beyond.FURTHER WATCHING:"The Story of Film: An Odyssey""Babyface""The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari""Cleo From 5 to 7"

As we bid a fond farewell to a close friend and colleague, please enjoy this collection of fun moments from the HoFCast Archives.SEGMENTS:Biopic Mailbag Question: 3:50Cartoon Music Trivia: 13:35Christmas Movie Trivia: 38:00Stranger Things Prediction: 51:16

Ross is joined by Dr. Vaughn Joy to discuss how the Cold War and McCarthyism reshaped the American concept of Christmas. Dr. Joy's new book, Selling Out Santa: Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy looks at how Hollywood depictions of the holidays changed to reflect the pressures of domestic containment. FURTHER READING:Joy, Vaughn. Selling Out Santa: Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy.Black and White and Read All OverFURTHER WATCHING:It's a Wonderful Life (1946)Klaus (2019)

Ross is joined by returning guest Paul T Klein to talk about Bond, James Bond- specifically the 1995 franchise revival film, "GoldenEye". They talk about how the film engages with the End of History moment, reinventing Bond for the 90s, as well as the tremendous impact the N64 adaptation had on gaming. Ross celebrates the career of Joe Don Baker.FURTHER READING:Chapman, James. "License to Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films"Knoor, Alyse. "GoldenEye 007"FURTHER WATCHING:"GoldenEra"AND CHECK OUT MORE OF PAUL KLEIN'S WORK AT:howtoreadmovies.comCold War Cinema podcast

Ross is joined by Drs. Bethan Jones and Diane Rodgers to discuss the first of a multi-part series on "THE X-FILES". They discuss the show's history, its influence on popular culture and politics, how it helped shape fandom on the early internet, and more!FURTHER READING:Fenwick, James and Diane A. Rodgers, Eds. The Legacy of The X-Files.Jones, Bethan. The Truth is Still Out There: Thirty Years of The X-Files.FURTHER WATCHING: "The X-Files": "Pilot" (S1E1)

Ross is joined by the one and only Brian David-Marshall to discuss the history and fandom of Magic: the Gathering! The world's first trading card game, Magic has had a profound influence on gaming and popular culture, and BDM has had a profound influence on Magic. They also talk holiday cookie recipes, life imitating art, and the early history of online social networking.FYI: This is part of an ongoing series of interviews I'm doing for a project, so if you are interested in hearing any more of these, let me know!FURTHER READING:Wakefield, Jamie. Quest for the Pro Tour, Secret Force: Quest for the Pro Tour 2, Tournament Reports.Adams, Tyrone and Stephen A. Smith. Electronic Tribes.Jenkins, Henry. Textual Poachers: Television Fans and Participatory Culture.The Routledge Companion to Media Fandom.FURTHER WATCHING:"Igniting the Spark" (2025)FURTHER GAMING:Magic: the Gathering

Ross is joined by music journalist Chris DeVille to discuss his new book, Such Great Heights. They look at how the indie music boom of the early 2000s reflected larger changes in media consumption, as well as the influence of the internet and early social media. Also in this episode: an introduction to the history of technology, Rory Gilmore's taste in music, a scholarly approach to MySpace, the drama of getting RUSH tickets in 2025, and much more!FURTHER READING:DeVille, Chris. Such Great Heights:.FURTHER WATCHING:"Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off""The O.C."

Ross is joined by Alan Siegel, senior staff writer at The Ringer and author of Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television -and America- Forever. They discuss the show's early success, influences, production, its place in the culture wars of the early 90s, and much more! Ross and Alan also share their thoughts on "The Naked Gun" (2025) and the "King of the Hill" revival.FURTHER READING:Siegel, Alan. Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television -and America- ForeverFURTHER WATCHING:"The Simpsons"Alan's pick: "Mr. Plow"Ross's picks: "The Springfield Files", "Itchy and Scratchy and Poochie"