The History on Film 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 talks to writer and historian A. Brad Schwartz about the showdown between Senator Joseph McCarthy and broadcaster Edward R. Murrow as depicted in "Good Night and Good Luck", both on screen and stage. They discuss domestic containment, the evolution of broadcast news, and much more!FURTHER READING:Cloud, Stanley and Lynne Olson. The Murrow Boys: Pioneers on the Front Lines of Broadcast Journalism.Oshinsky, David. A Conspiracy so Immense: The World of Joe McCarthy.Griffith, Robert. The Politics of Fear: Joseph R. McCarthy and the Senate.Schwartz, Brad. Why We Never Got a "Murrow Moment" with Trump.Schwartz, Brad. The Media Spawned McCarthyism. Now History Is Repeating Itself.FURTHER WATCHING:"Good Night and Good Luck""The Manchurian Candidate" (1962)"Star Trek: the Next Generation", S4E21 "The Drumhead"

Ross talks to Dr. Sarah Juliet Lauro about her book The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living Death. They discuss where the zombie comes from, what it has represented historically, and how and why it continues to resonate. Happy Halloween!FURTHER READING:Lauro, Sarah Juliet. The Transatlantic Zombie: Slavery, Rebellion, and Living Death.FURTHER WATCHING:"Shaun of the Dead""Atlantics""Plan Nine from Outer Space"

Ross and Ryan are joined by returning guest Dr. Christopher Olson to talk about the career of filmmaker Charles Band! They discuss the director's filmography, his methods, and his influences. They also talk about the style and legacy of indie film-making in the era of home video.And make sure to check out our previous episode with Chris, all about his book on "Mystery Science Theater 3000"!Season 1, Episode 13: "Play MSTie for Me with Matt Foy and Christopher Olson"And our episode on how the VHS changed the film industry!Season 1, Episode 7: "Make it a Blockbuster Night with Frederick Wasser"FURTHER READING:Band, Charles. Confessions of a Puppetmaster: A Hollywood Memoir of Ghouls, Guts, and Gonzo Filmmaking.FURTHER WATCHING:Chris: "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Trancers", "The Primevals"Ryan: "Pink Flamingos", "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death"Ross: "Groom Lake"

And now for something completely different. Ross and Ryan are joined by Dr. Jeffrey Weinstock to discuss the cultural history of famed British comedy troupe Monty Python. They discuss the group's influences and output, English absurdist comedy, fandom as a language, and much more.FURTHER READING:Weinstock, Jeffrey (ed. with Kate Egan). And Now for Something Completely Different: Critical Approaches to Monty Python.FURTHER WATCHING:The works of Monty Python!BONUS:Check out a recent segment Dr. Weinstock did with CBS on Rocky Horror!

Ross and Ryan are joined by friend of the show David Morton to talk with Chris Morgan about 90s Nickelodeon and his book "The Nickelodeon '90s: Cartoons, Game Shows, and a Whole Bunch of Slime". They discuss the origins of the network, cable network fandom, and how and why the network changed. They also discuss some of the shows from that era, and how they informed the network's sensibilities. Let us know which shows were your favorites! Email Historyonfilmpodcast@gmail.com!FURTHER READING:Morgan, Chris. The Nickelodeon '90s: Cartoons, Game Shows, and a Whole Bunch of Slime.FURTHER WATCHING:"The Orange Years"