#024 - Matt Finish

…in which our fully-clothed podcaster says goodbye to Matt Smith with a spoiler-filled review of "The Time of the Doctor".

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#023 - Holiday Special 2013

…in which our fearless podcaster catches up with two old friends from his home town at Chicago TARDIS. There is also a recap of this year's convention, an editorial on the "forgotten" Doctor in the 50th Anniversary celebrations, and songs submitted by listeners. Also, the secret origin of the WHO 37 theme song is finally revealed. Happy holidays!

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Highlights from Twitter Commentary - "An Unearthly Child"

Unaired Pilot

ahh! never noticed the creepy clown face to the upper right of the TARDIS before!
Ian's a bit OCD with the hand washing.
leer cam pans down to Susan's hips as she dances to the transistor radio.
now, it seems no one can ever make out the ink blot image she's making. it's obviously the TARDIS console.
"I dropped it!" "what?" "the mannequin!"
shadow cast from behind the console room walls. Wow, Hartnell is being verbally abusive to Susan!
Character Options should have a Hartnell with the non-Edwardian, contemporary shirt and tie.
"you see the first feint glimmerings?" that whole bit of the pilot is bloody brilliant.
and suddenly I'm craving a DQ blizzard.

Aired Version

this is a smoking set.
if this was made into a stage play, the school kids would double for the Tribe of Gum.
now the dancing is more robotic and alien. nice.
did she say "John Smith?". are we going to see Matt Smith playing the guitar on the 50th anniversary special!
Susan is more playful and less "deer in headlights"
did Hartnell just booted?
light pen or sonic screwdriver?
Hartnell is much more playful and soft. nice blocking with him handling all the antiques.
the bit with the clock. uncannily channeling Tom Baker with the "hmm?"
ah, there's the demat sound effect we all know and love!
"I should never have let that stupid girl tell me which TARDIS to steal!"

The Cave of Skulls

On the bass - Derek Smalls! He wrote this!
nice perm on the cave kid.
that's not how you rub your bone.
"What's CAL?!?"
wait, if the yearometer reads zero, shouldn't they have landed after Christ died?
forgot how much clutter the console room had in it. it's the Antique Road Show!
ah, someone painted a happy little cloud on the backdrop. Bob Ross would be proud.
guess the Doctor doesn't have to worry about lung cancer. he can always regenerate a new lung.
Susan's looking thru the Doctor's notebook. SPOILERS!
The Tribe of Gum also needs to discover how to make pants.
even with the TARDIS translating, the tribe should not have this level of language skills. this always takes me out of the narrative.
are we absolutely certain the TARDIS only changed the temporal location and hasn't landed on an alien planet?!?
hey, at least the skulls aren't trying to attack them.

The Forest of Fear

hold the rock still so we can superimpose the title over it!
hey, maybe you can use a rib to cut thru the bonds! they're plenty to spare! ahahaha!
they've should've just went from Totter's Lane straight to Skaro.
surprised the Doctor doesn't use the "non-interference of historical events" argument in order to justify leaving Za to die.
Ringo's threatening the old woman.

The Firemaker

christ, i just realized I got Kal and Za mixed up...ah, who the hell cares?
at least this has better fight choreography than the Athenian wrestlers in 4toDoomsday.
let's say it all together now..."sacred fire! sacred flame!"
still think they should've gone straight to the Dalek serial after leaving Totter's Lane.

Chicago TARDIS pics (courtesy of Chicago RedEye)

Pics courtesy of Elliott Serrano, Geek Correspondent for Chicago RedEye

Chicago TARDIS pics (courtesy of Geek Girl Chicago)

As promised on the last podcast, I am linking to Geek Girl Chicago's Chicago TARDIS pics. 81 pics of Doctor Who cosplay from this year's convention.

#022 - Suburban TARDIS 2013

A special podcast episode recorded at Chicago TARDIS 2013 featuring a one-on-one interview with classic series sound designer Dick Mills, the "Podcast Playground" panel with Erika Ensign & Lynne M. Thomas of the Verity Podcast and Alex Kennard of the Reality Bomb Podcast, and a report from Gordon Dymowski on the charity auction.

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#021 - Rassilon's Rod

…in which our fearless podcaster finishes what he started with DVD commentary for Part 4 of "The Deadly Assassin". Expect lots of old man jokes, alcoholic jokes, and male anatomy jokes. You have been warned...

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#020 - Good Day

…in which our fearless podcaster cries his eyes out in celebration of Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary with his review of "The Day of the Doctor." and his own personal tribute to the program.

Click to listen - Right Click/Option Click to Download

#019 - Paul Is Dead

…in which our fearless podcaster gushes all over Paul McGann's ever-so-brief return to the television series, questions just who (or what) Billie Piper is playing in "The Name of the Doctor", and returns to DVD commentary duties with Part 3 of "The Deadly Assassin". Also the latest updates on Chicago TARDIS, including which panels in which our fearless podcaster is participating.

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#018 - Run Through The Light

…in which our fearless podcaster puts on his "Sexy Doctor Voice", speculates on what part Rose Tyler will play in "The Day of the Doctor", and reviews Big Finish's 50th anniversary audio adventure, "The Light At The End".

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#017 - The Wife and the Geek Girl

…in which our fearless podcaster is rocking his Barry White voice (he's got the flu). Thankfully he doesn't have to carry this podcast by himself. Joining him in this episode is Lauren Rapciak, local cosplayer and author of the Geek Girl Chicago blog. Also, a review of the Adventures with the Wife in Space book.

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#016 - Gordon's Alive!

…in which our fearless podcaster shares the microphone with special guest Gordon Dymowski, co-host of the Zone 4 Podcast and organizer of the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Group. Of course we talk a lot about the rediscovered stories "The Enemy of the World" and "The Web of Fear" and also speculate if any other previously-lost stories may be waiting in the wings. We also preview this year's Chicago TARDIS convention as well as the charity auction that will take place during the convention.

Right Click/Option Click to download.

SHOW LINKS:
Chicago TARDIS - Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Northern Illinois Food Bank - Recipient of this year's charity auction at Chicago TARDIS
Chicago Doctor Who Meetup Group

GORDON'S SHOW LINKS:
Zone 4 Podcast
Blog This Pal
Chicago Nerd Social Club

ARCHON 37 pics

I've got all my Doctor Who cosplay and props pics from Archon 37 up. You can view them via the WHO 37 Facebook page.

A few of my favorites...

Doctor's 4 & 10 (aka "The Doctor Him?Self", featured on the latest podcast)

This is so freaking adorable!

Dalek Fred is having some problems.

Excellent Barbara cosplay from "The Aztecs"

#015 - WHO 37 at ARCHON 37

…in which our fearless podcaster does it in front of a live audience. Featuring The Doctor Him?Self and other panel attendees. This episode also includes Part Two of "The Deadly Assassin" DVD audio commentary as well as some news about soon-to-be previously-missing episodes that may or may not materialize.

Right Click/Option Click to download

#014 - Goth Sausage Party

…in which our fearless podcaster becomes a fearless DVD commentator. It's episode one (or "Part One" rather) of "The Deadly Assassin". Also a preview of all the Doctor Who events happening at ARCHON 37, including the WHO 37 panel.

Right Click/Option Click for download.

SHOW LINKS

ARCHON 37 - St. Louis Sci-Fi Convention October 4-6.
Do Bats Eat Cats? My girlfriend's gothic chainmaille shop - Find us in the dealer's room at ARCHON.

The "Other" Doctor

Found this on Facebook tonight and wanted to share. For two nights, The Right Brain Project's summer production of "The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)" needed to regenerate its Doctor as Tom McGrath was away for a friend's wedding. Orion Couling, who had worked with the RBP in the past (and is, in fact, a professional pirate), filled in and gave not only an extraordinary performance, but also his unique take on the 900+ year-old Time Lord. He also helped with choreographing all of the action and fight sequences for the play.

Incidentally, Orion is currently directing a production of "MacSith", A Shakespearian take on the Star Wars saga to be performed this holiday season at The Right Brain Project. I will be sure to post the performance dates once they are available, and I will certainly be checking out this production.

WHO 37 at ARCHON 37

Just got the confirmation email from the programing director. I will be hosting my own panel this year at ARCHON 37.

ARCHON is St. Louis' annual science-fiction/fantasy convention. As in previous years, the convention will be held at The Gateway Convention Center (1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234), located off Interstates 64 and 255.

I will be hosting one of a series of "New Media" panels being put together this year. My panel is scheduled for 3:50pm Saturday. The room location is yet to be determined, and the programming schedule has yet to be posted on ARCHON's site, so keep checking their site for updates.

There will also be many more Doctor Who panels at ARCHON 37, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the program. These panels will be moderated by members of the St. Louis Celestial Intervention Agency and the St. Louis Costumers Guild. Again, keep checking ARCHON's site for updates.

I'm looking forward to meeting and conversing with all you Whovians who will be in attendance this year, and I plan on recording the panel for a future episode of the podcast.

Stage photos from "Timey Wimey" show now online

Forgot to blog about this. A few weeks ago, The Right Brain Project updated and redesigned their website and have now posted production photos from "The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)" Photography is by Joseph Ramsky, who also designed the set and built our K9.

Click here to see the photos, and be sure to explore the RBP page to find information on their next production, the world debut of the musical "Hammer".

#013 - Space: 1988

…in which we go back in time to when our fearless (future) podcaster had his computer drawings published in issue 138 of Doctor Who Magazine, an event considered worthy enough to be featured in the local newspaper. Topics include the horror of buying Doctor Who novels in 1988 bookstores, podcasts hosted by William Hartnell and William Shatner, what Matt Smith and David Tennant had for dinner, and the five-sided TARDIS console.

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25 years ago...

...I was a 20-year-old still living at home in Marissa, Illinois, and I was taking classes at the nearby community college. My first computer was a Commordore 64. I did some basic programming on it, but it was mostly used to play games and for drawing computer pics and printing them out from a dot-matrix printer.

I was in my fifth year of my Doctor Who fandom, and every month I would drive myself to the local comic book store and pick up the latest issue of Doctor Who magazine. This was the only source of Who news I could rely on as there was no internet, and along with the latest news and reviews of upcoming episodes, cast and crew interviews, and the comic strip, was the letters page (called "You On Who") featuring artwork sent in by fans and readers.

I had mailed to the letters page a short letter along with a computer drawing of the seven Doctors. Several months had past, and then one day I picked up the latest issue, which was #138, publishing date July 1988:

I browsed thru the magazine before buying it, and as I turned to the letters pages at the back of the magazine, I let out a yelp of excitement. The magazine had published my computer drawings!

I was rather excited because not only was this the first time my artwork has ever been published, it was probably one of the first pieces of fan artwork from the United States published in this British magazine.

Mike Divardo, the proprietor of the building, heard my cry of excitement and thought someone had an accident. After explaining that my artwork was published, he (without my knowledge) relayed the incident to Phillip Bartell, a young journalism student who wrote for the local newspaper. Phillip was writing a series of stories about youth activities, hobbies and other endeavors, and he thought that it would be a good idea to write about Sci-Fi fandom with me as the subject.

So on the next episode of the podcast (which I'll be recording this weekend), I will be reading to you, faithful listeners, the newspaper story young Bartell wrote about a geek in 1998 who was very into Doctor Who and how the program would shape this young daydreamer from rural Southern Illinois into the man I am today.

Download the WHO 37 promo

I've just recorded a promo for the podcast (just over a minute in length). Any fellow Doctor Who podcasters are welcome to download and broadcast this on their own podcasts, and if you have any promos of your own you'd like me to broadcast in exchange, I'd be more than happy to do so.

Right click/Option click to download the promo.

#012 is Peter Capaldi

…in which our fearless podcaster records his initial reaction to the news of Peter Capaldi being cast as the 12th Doctor (because what else would you do when you host a Doctor Who podcast?!?)

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Chicago TARDIS: A shadow of my past and of your future!

In less than four months, an amazing, celebratory event will take place. And no, I'm not talking about the 50th anniversary special (although that, too, will hopefully be amazing and celebratory)! No, I'm talking about Chicago TARDIS, the annual Doctor Who convention held at the outskirts of Chicago every Thanksgiving weekend. And this year is shaping out to be the biggest celebration of Doctor Who ever in the Chicago area since the 20th Anniversary convention.

This will be my sixth attendance of the con. My first time was way back in 2004, and I remember the 10 hour drive thru blizzard conditions from St. Clair County Illinois to Chicago (usually a 5 hour drive) to make it up for the weekend. I only was at the con for Friday as I was spending the remaining weekend with my girlfriend. I don't remember much from that day, but I did have my first brief meet & greet with one of the Doctors - in this instance, Paul McGann.

The following year I was a Chicago resident and was able to make the weekend. Again, memories of that time are distant, but the one distinct memory I have was waiting in line in the hallway for photos with Peter Davison & Nicola Bryant, and at one point Peter came out of the room and ran down the hallway for some reason. A few minutes later, someone came by and asked where Peter went, and another person said that he ran down the corridor, and I joked that "some things never change", which got a few giggles.

The next year Sylvester McCoy & Sophie Aldred were the guests of honor. Highlights included a live commentary of "Survival" (with one of Sophie's sons joining in), Sylvester wandering the audience with his wireless mic answering questions, and of course, Mysterious Theater 337.

I skipped a year, and the next con I attended was in 2008. I was only there for the Saturday and spent most of my time in the autograph and photo lines, so I missed out on a lot. However I got to chat briefly with Colin Baker...

and, what would prove to be one of highlights of Chicago TARDIS ever, I met the lovely Elisabeth Sladen. I know I've told this story twice already on the podcast, but I will always remember how she complimented me on my Jon Pertwee look and asked me if I was wearing this to the "masquerade". I joked that this is how I always dressed (which is halfway true because this also doubles as my usual garb when going to Nocturna), and she playfully slapped my hand and said, "Oh, you Americans, I never know whenever your joking." Very sweet.

For various reasons, mostly financial, I did not return to Chicago TARDIS until last year, and this time I dove right in. I participated in several panel discussions on the Friday. I had not attended, let alone done, individual panels before, and in many ways they were the best part of the convention, because I got to speak one-on-one with many fans from all over the country. One of the panels I attended was the podcasters panel, and after listening to the podcasters tell of how they started, it was enough of a spark needed for me to start my own podcast.

So this year I'm looking forward to diving head first again for the grand celebration of Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary and meeting all of you listeners that will also be in attendance.

Registration should still be open for all three days of the convention (Nov 29 to Dec 1). For more information, visit the Chicago TARDIS website

#011 - Bash & Crash

… in which our fearless podcaster auditions for the 12th Doctor and interviews the members of Time Crash, a Chicago Trock band. There's also more speculation on the 50th anniversary and some complaining about the BBC's double standard regarding spoilers.

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Rockin' the TARDIS

Time Crash on stage at Elbo Room 6/29/13

Coming up on the next episode of the podcast, I will be interviewing the members of Time Crash, a Chicago-based, Doctor Who inspired band currently making waves (or rather ripples in fabric of space and time). They will be competing in the finals of "I Am Fest" Saturday, July 27th at Elbo Room (2871 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago). They recently played downtown at the Hard Rock Cafe and have completed their Kickstarter campaign to finance their first full-length release, which I am looking forward to hearing.

You can check the band out on their Facebook page.

The Sexy Thing

The RBP TARDIS

After 22 performances, "The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)" has come to an end. This afternoon we gave our final performance to a packed house and ended the run with a bang! The cast and crew then met one final time at the home of music director, Trevor Watkin, for a post-show dinner party.

Each of the cast received a framed still photograph of the production. All the stills should be posted soon on the Right Brain Project website, and I'll keep you all informed when they have been posted. The photo featuring Brittany and Jen doing the duet is my favorite.

I also got to bring home Dalek Khan, which will find a home at the WHO 37 studio

I will miss this cast and crew very much. They have been the finest and most professional group I've ever had the pleasure and honor to work with. Thank you all for making my dream of working on Doctor Who come true.

#010 - The Balls of Time

..in which our fearless podcaster looks back on Matt Smith's tenure as The Doctor, explains what he's looking for in a new Doctor, comes to terms with new series fandom, and shares his final thoughts on the "Timey Wimey" show. Topics include attention deficit disorder, how Colin Baker got shafted again, TARDIS-shaped guitars, and why the Doctor should not be a woman. Also, Jupiter the Cat makes a reappearance.

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SHOW LINKS

The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)" - Last two performances July 13 & 14. Reserve your tickets now!

Time Crash - local Doctor Who rock band!

The Classic Series Guide for New Series Fans: Advanced Studies 3

It's time to finish up advanced studies with recommendations of episodes from Doctors 5 thru 8.

Castrovalva
Peter Davison's debut and the third part of the "Master" trilogy (continuing from "The Keeper of Traken" and "Logopolis"). The Fifth Doctor spends most of the episode suffering post-regeration crisis, and early on in the story Davison does impressions of Hartnell and Troughton. We explore the mysteries of regeneration and of the TARDIS. The village of Castrovalva was inspired by the famous MC Esher painting depicting spacial anomalies, which is a major theme in this story. Be sure to watch Matthew Waterhouse (as Adric) near the end when they're running thru the forest as he's about to blow chunks from drinking the night before.

The Visitation
Written by incoming script editor Eric Saward. A "psudo-historical" where The Doctor and his companions visit the outskirts of London during the Black Plague and discover a group of stranded alien criminals using rats to attempt to decimate the Earth's population. A highlight of the story is when the villain destroys the sonic screwdriver, which would not appear again until The TV Movie because the writers thought it got the Doctor out of trouble too easily. If only the new series writers felt that way.

Black Orchid
A two-part story which was the last purely historical story in the entire series. The Doctor and his companions get caught up in an Agatha Christie style whodunnit by accepting an invitation to participate in a cricket match and masquerade ball. And Nyssa meets her twin, a young socialite who is pursued by a deformed madman. The bodies start piling up, and it's The Doctor who gets the blame.

Earthshock
I had started watching Doctor Who as my local PBS station was finishing up with Tom Baker and had started showing the Peter Davison stories. This was the story that made me a fan. The Cybermen return after an eight-year absence from the program. Penned by Eric Saward, the story lives up to its title not only for the Cybermen's return was kept a secret before transmission (something that would not happen today), but also because of the "shock" ending of Adric's death as he attempts to save the earth from destruction.

Mawdryn Undead
Start of the "Black Guardian" trilogy which introduces a new companion, Turlough, an alien humanoid exiled to Earth and stuck in a boarding school. The Black Guardian offers him a chance to escape, but first he must agree to kill the Doctor. We are also re-introduced to Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, retired from UNIT and teaching mathematics at the school. We, in fact, meet two Brigadiers as the story takes place in two time zones (1977 and 1983).

The Five Doctors
The 20th Anniversary story written by Terrance Dicks. Troughton and Pertwee return to fight off their best enemies in "The Death Zone" on Gallifrey. They are joined by Davison, various companions from the show's past and present, and Richard Hurndall who fills in for the late William Hartnell. Tom Baker pulls an Eccleston and decides not to participate, so his contributions to the story are a few clips from the uncompleted story "Shada".

Resurrection of the Daleks
Written by Saward, it's one of the most violent stories in the show's history, and apparently it has a higher body count than "The Terminator". The plot is very convoluted, but engaging. Davison's stand-off with Davros is a series highlight. We also see the departure of Janet Fielding as Tegan as her character leaves the Doctor in disgust from all the death and violence.

Planet of Fire
Davison's penultimate story set on the desert planet Sarn. A classic "science vs. religion" story featuring the return of The Master, the departure of Turlough, and the debut of Nicola Bryant playing the "American" companion, Peri. The android Kamelion was introduced in a previous story, but because of technical problems its only other appearance was in this story.

The Two Doctors
It was hard coming up with good examples of the Colin Baker years because he didn't have too many television adventures and most of them are not that good. This was probably the highlight of Colin's first full season (his debut story was the last of the previous season). Patrick Troughton appears one last time as the Second Doctor with Frazier Hines reprising his role as Jamie. Pat and Colin share little screen time, which is a pity. Written by Robert Holmes (although it's not his best work). Partially filmed on location in Spain and featuring the Sontarans in their last appearance in the classic series.

Revelation of the Daleks
Another Saward bloodbath. It's a dark comedic story set on the funeral planet "Necros". Davros is skulking about in the cellar turning would-be cadavers into a new race of Daleks. The Doctor and Peri are almost guest characters in their own show as we are introduced to many characters with their own sinister motivations.

The Trial of a Time Lord
Like "The Key to Time", a whole season of stories under an umbrella theme. The Doctor is put on trial by the Time Lords (again), and the first three stories are presented as "evidence". We start with "The Mysterious Planet", one of the last scripts by Robert Holmes, where the Doctor discovers a terrible secret. Next is "Mindwarp" by Phillip Martin, featuring Brian Blessed as a warrior king who wants to take Peri as his warrior queen, however an evil scientist has other plans for her. Then we have "Terror of the Vervoids" by the husband & wife writing team of Pip & Jane Baker, which introduces a new companion Melanie (played by stage actor Bonnie Langford) and features aliens whose design I'm surprised got past the censors. We wrap up with "The Ultimate Foe" co-written by Robert Holmes (who died in the middle of writing the script) and Pip & Jane Baker, but not before Eric Saward wrote a draft of the final episode, which was rejected by producer John Nathan-Turner for being too downbeat. Colin Baker is at his finest during this season, although he is cheated out of a regeneration scene as he was fired by the BBC after the season aired. I highly recommend viewing the documentary "Trials and Tribulations" from the box set for the full story on the turbulent Colin Baker years.

Delta and the Bannermen
Sylvester McCoy's first season as the Doctor did not get off on the right foot. This is (in my opinion) the best story of his first year. The Doctor, Melanie and a group of vacationing aliens are on their way to Disneyland in 1957 but get sidetracked by a wayward satellite and end up in a summer camp in Wales. It's sex, drugs and rock & roll - Doctor Who style. McCoy is still in slapstick mode here, but you can start to see his darker side, which comes to the fore in ...

Remembrance of the Daleks
The Doctor (along with new companion Ace) returns to Totters Lane in 1963 to retrieve something he left behind, but two factions of Daleks at war with each other are also after this mysterious object. McCoy is in fine form as the scheming, manipulative incarnation of the Doctor. Sophie Aldred as Ace is also excellent as she is both fierce (attacking Daleks with a baseball bat) and vulnerable (falling for a soldier who turns out to be racist).

The Greatest Show in the Galaxy
One of my personal favorites. The Doctor and Ace visit the "Psychic Circus", which is made up of colorful characters, including a goth werewolf, a rapping ringmaster, and a sinister clown. Those who come to the circus end up in the ring where they have to perform for their lives. McCoy brings his bag of tricks as his Doctor performs for the entertainment of the dark gods who control the circus.

Survival
The final story of the classic series. Ace (who by this time has become the template for Rose) falls under the influence of the Cheetah People, and The Master sets his final trap for the Doctor in a desperate attempt to escape a dying planet. Yes the costume design for the Cheetah People is more cuddly than menacing, and the plot doesn't make much sense, but I'm including this because it's the last classic series episode, although at the time it was filmed, the production didn't know that yet. However JN-T, having a hunch that this might be the end, had McCoy dub in a final speech as they depart which sends off the series in a grand manner.

The TV Movie
Paul McGann's only television appearance as the Doctor. His performance is the only highlight in the movie, although Daphnie Ashbrook's portrayal as would-be companion Grace was quite good, and Sylvester McCoy has a chance to pass the torch to his successor in a fine manner. The less said about Eric Roberts' portrayal as The Master the better. Set in San Francisco but filmed in Vancouver. Quite dated for mid 1990's television. McGann would reach greater heights as the Doctor in the ongoing Big Finish audio adventures.

The Censored "Nightmare In Silver" review (from Episode 7 of the podcast)

#009 - Timey Wimey Supplemental

We hear more from the cast and crew of The Right Brain Project's production of "The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!) Think of these as extras on a DVD.

Right Click/Option Click for download The track listing is as follows:

The Writers' Tale (Mac & Justin)
Jen on entering the world of WHO
Storefront Theater and The Right Brain Project (Jen, Sarah & Tom)
Auditioning for the Doctor (Clint & JB)
Directing WHO (Emma, Roxie & Cast)
The Cast (Emma, Nathan & Cast)
The Two Doctors (Roxie & JB)
Dalek Dialogue (JB)
K9 (JB, Jen & Rush)
Designing the Cyber Chair (Rush)
Sound Design (Nathan, Clint, Roxie, Jen & Sarah)
Fight Choreography (Orion)
Dance Choreography (Brittany & JB)
Music (Mac, Trevor, Nathan & Cast)
Arranging the Doctor Who theme (Trevor)
Favorite Doctors
Favorite Companions
Favorite Episodes
The Message of Doctor Who

For more information on the show, visit The Right Brain Project website

#008 - Timey Wimey Confidential

A special behind-the-curtain look at "The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)", a stage production of The Right Brain Project in Chicago, featuring interviews with the cast and crew.

EDIT: On the podcast, I announced two additional weekends of extended dates for the "Timey Wimey" show. There's been a slight change to the extended schedule. After June 23, there will be no performances on Friday. The final four performances of the show will be:

Saturday, June 29 (10:30pm)
Sunday, June 30 (3:00pm)
Saturday, July 13 (10:30pm)
Sunday, July 14 (3:00pm)

Right Click/Option Click to download

Why is the podcast called WHO 37?!?

Many years ago, I had a license plate on my car (the red escort) which had the number "WHO 37". I, of course, wanted to get "WHO 1", but I guess 36 other people in the state of Illinois had the same idea that year. I've not owned a car since about a year after I moved to Chicago, but I still have the license plate, which currently hangs in my makeshift recording studio (a/k/a the coat closet).

I had already dubbed the studio as "WHO 37", so I decided to also christen the podcast by that name.

The number 37 has some great significance for these reasons:

1) I was 37 years old when I moved to Chicago.
2) I was 37 years old when Doctor Who returned to the airwaves in 2005.
3) I am also a fan of the works of Kevin Smith. His Smodcast was one of several podcasts that inspired me to start my own podcast. If you don't understand the 37 reference, go see "Clerks."

The Classic Series Guide for New Series Fans: Advanced Studies 2

In this round of Classic Who recommendations, it's all Tom Baker - the fourth actor to take on the role and the one who has been The Doctor the longest with seven seasons under his belt. A majority of the episodes available on Netflix streaming are Tom Baker ones. Here are some more of my recommendations:

Robot
It's really a Jon Pertwee/UNIT-era story, only with Tom taking over the role. We are introduced to Naval surgeon Harry Sullivan, a bumbling but loyal character who joins the Doctor and Sarah Jane in this season of adventures. The story by Terence Dicks is a homage to "King Kong" as the title character, a robot programmed to assist a scientific fascist group in taking over the world, develops feelings for Sarah Jane and begins to question his orders that conflict with his "Prime Directive" (or more accurately, Assimov's robot laws).

Genesis of the Daleks
A classic. The Time Lords send the Doctor, Sarah and Harry back in time to Skaro to avert the creation of the Daleks. Considered by many fans (including Russel T. Davies) to be the opening salvo of the Time War. Written by Dalek mastermind Terry Nation and originally conceived by the Barry Letts/Terrance Dicks production team, it takes on a much darker tone under the production team of Philip Hinchcliffe & Robert Holmes. Michael Wisher crushes it in his performance as the charismatic but insane Davros, the mutated scientist who created the Daleks.

The Brain of Morbius
A prime example of the "Gothic" era of Doctor Who, in this case a homage to "Frankenstein", featuring a mad scientist, a humpbacked assistant, a torch-carrying mob of female cultists, and a creature made of parts of other aliens and humans. Behind it all is the sentient brain of Morbius, an evil Time Lord who raised an army to overthrow the High Council. Phillip Madoc once again give an excellent, scene-stealing performance as Solon, the mad scientist attempting to find the right head for Morbius' brain, and the Doctor becomes a prime candidate. Credited to "Robin Bland", the story was originally written by Terrence Dicks and extensively re-written by Robert Holmes. In a peak of anger, Dicks suggested that they use "some bland pseudonym" for the writing credit.

The entirety of Season 14
Seriously, this was the best season of Doctor Who ever. Six classic stories with not one weak link in the bunch. We start with "The Masque of Mandragada" set in Renaissance Italy, where the Doctor and Sarah battle a tyrannical duke and a druid cult who is under the influence of an alien energy being. Next is "The Hand of Fear", an episode most famous for the parting of the Doctor and Sarah Jane at the end. Followed by "The Deadly Assassin" where The Doctor and a decaying, dying Master do battle on Gallifrey for control of The Eye of Harmony (the Time Lords energy source which was recently featured in a Matt Smith episode). Episode three of this story takes place in "The Matrix" (and yeah, the guy who wrote "The Matrix" movies stole the idea from this episode). Next is "The Face of Evil", Leela's debut adventure, which was originally titles "The Day God Went Mad". It's about a mad computer controlling two warring factions, and it's the Doctor who's to blame. Next we have "The Robots of Death", an Agatha Christie like whodunnit set on a sand-miner on an alien planet. It's the robots who are doing all the killing, but who is controlling the robots? Finally we close with "The Talons of Weng Chiang", set in Victorian London. The Doctor is in Sherlock Holmes mode (right down to the deerstalker and cloak) as he investigates a series of grissly murders that leads him to the mysterious Weng Chiang (in reality a war criminal from the 50th century). Yes, it's a bit racist (with caucasian actors playing Chinamen) and yes there's a giant rat that looks naff, but it's considered by many to be the best story of the classic series, and I highly recommend it.

The Sun Makers
A political comedic story set on Pluto in the distant future. A story about about how a human colony can be enslaved by corporate and economic bureaucracy. Robert Holmes wrote this in a peak of anger and frustration right after he paid his taxes that year. K9, the Doctor's robot dog, has a lot to do in this story.

Season 16: The Key To Time
Available on DVD as one box set - six stories featuring the first incarnation of Romana (the late Mary Tamm), as she joins the Doctor and K9 with the task of collecting the six pieces of The Key To Time, which is needed to avert universal chaos. Most of the individual stories of this season are pretty solid, although "The Power of Krull" is really not that great, and the final adventure, "The Armageddon Factor" drags a bit. The second story, "The Pirate Planet", was written by Douglas Adams just as he was on the verge of breaking into the scene with "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".

The Keeper of Traken
We're coming near the end of Tom Baker's tenure as we skip ahead to the John Nathan-Turner era (the producer of Doctor Who throughout its entire run in the 1980s), when the effects got a little better, the music got much more synthy, and the costumes became more, well, costumey. This story, a Shakespherian-like tragedy set on the alien planet Traken, sees the debut of Sarah Sutton as the companion Nyssa, and Anthony Ainley taking over the role of The Master.

Logopolis
Tom Baker's swan song. The tone of this story is somber from minute one. Tom doesn't even crack any jokes in this as his Doctor faces certain death in another battle with the Master for the fate of the universe. Along with the annoying Adric and the brainy Nyssa, we have another addition to the TARDIS crew in the form of Tegan Jovanka, a bossy Australian airline stewardess who wandered into the TARDIS thinking it was a real police box. Written by script-editor Christopher H. Bidmead, the story is full of scientific and mathematical theories that may need several viewings to wrap your head around. However, the change from Tom Baker to Peter Davison is perhaps the most poetic version of a regeneration sequence ever realized.

COMING SOON - WE FINISH OFF THE 1980'S

The Classic Series Guide for New Series Fans: Advanced Studies 1

Previously I posted my 10 recommendations of classic Doctor Who stories available via Netflix streaming. Sadly, their collection is very limited for a program spanning 50 years. For those who are eager to check out more classic eps and are willing to take the plunge and buy the DVDs, the following is a list of more of my favorite stories from the classic series, starting with the first three Doctors

An Unearthly Child (Pilot & Episode 1)/The Daleks/The Edge of Destruction

Available in the U.S. as "The Beginning" box set. This is where it all started back in November 1963. This release has both the unaired pilot of the first episode and the final aired version. Hartnell's Doctor is much more sinister and quite verbally abusive on the unaired pilot than in the final version of the first episode. You'll probably only want to sit thru the remaining three parts of the premiere story once as the caveman dialogue gets very tiresome, but there are some great character moments from the four regulars (The Doctor, Susan, Ian & Barbara).

"The Daleks" may best be viewed as two stories - episodes 1-4 are about the exploration of the city of Skaro, the introduction of the Daleks and escaping their clutches, while episodes 5-7 focus on our heroes teaming up with the Thals to defeat the Daleks before they drop a neutron bomb on the planet.

"The Edge of Destruction" is a two-part character study set entirely in the TARDIS. A cross between a Pinter play and a Twilight Zone episode, The Doctor and his companions let their fears and distrust of each other lead them to certain destruction. The scenes where a possessed Susan is threatening her fellow companions with a pair of scissors is quite frightening, and Hartnell is perhaps at his most sinister - at one point threatening to throw Ian & Barbara off the ship in mid-flight. We also see our first evidence that the TARDIS is a living being and not just a machine.

The Tomb of the Cybermen

Previously presumed wiped by the BBC, this four-part story from season 5 was rediscovered in the early 1990's in Hong Kong. It's the earliest surviving story of both Patrick Troughton's Doctor and the Cybermen, and it's also the only surviving story featuring companion Victoria Waterfield, a Victorian-era girl who joined the TARDIS crew in the previous adventure. Yes, the sets look cheap, the acting from the guest cast is quite suspect, and some story elements are just a little bit racist, but as an artifact from a lost era of the program it is a fascinating watch. Matt Smith cited this as his favorite episode, and Troughton's portrayal of the role (along with the bow tie) helped inspire him when taking on the role.

The War Games

Yes, it's 10 episodes, but it never seems to drag as much as other multi-part episodes from the black & white era. Aliens kidnap soldiers from various wars in earth history and brainwash them to make them all think they're still fighting in order to form the ultimate army to take over the universe. The story has probably the largest guest cast of any Who story, the highlight being Phillip Madoc's chilling portrayal of the War Lord. We are also introduced to the Time Lords and find out why the Doctor is on the run from them. This is Troughton's last story, and his farewells to his companions Jamie & Zoe are truly heartbreaking.

Inferno

My favorite Jon Pertwee story, featuring the Doctor's first journey to a parallel universe, in this case a fascist Great Britain facing an ecological disaster caused by corporate/government greed and the need for cheap sources of energy under the earth's surface. And the Doctor must get back to our universe in order to advert the same disaster.

Terror of the Autons

A sequel to "Spearhead from Space", the Autons return to take over the earth with the assistance of a new character - The Master! Roger Delgado is still considered by many to be the best Master, and his scenes with Pertwee are always a joy to see (they were great friends in real life). This story also sees the introduction of Katy Manning as Jo Grant, a bumbling but lovable agent of UNIT. This story generated a lot of controversy with scenes of suffocation by bean bag chair, a killer troll doll, and a policemen being revealed as an blank-faced Auton at the end of episode 2.

The Daemons

Another UNIT story featuring the Master, considered by many to be the best story from the Pertwee era. The stone gargoyle, Bok, predates the Weeping Angels by about 35 years. The Master, posing as the village vicar, dabbles in the black arts to summon the demon Azal (in reality another alien). The Brigadeer delivers his most famous line in episode 5 - "Chap with wings there - five rounds rapid."

Day of the Daleks

I have to throw in at least one more Dalek story in here, and this was the best of their three appearances in the Pertwee era. The Daleks take over earth in the 22nd Century, and freedom-fighters from that era travel back to the 1970's to attempt to change history. The story is available in both original and special edition. I highly recommend watching the special edition as the pacing is better, the special effects and CGI shots mix well with the original footage, and the original Dalek voices, which were very poor, are now replaced by current Dalek voice actor Nick Briggs.

Carnival of Monsters

A humorous adventure written by Robert Holmes. The Doctor and Jo land on a ship bound for Burma in the 1920's yet, all is not what it seems. This story is also available via Netflix streaming.

The Time Warrior

A psudo-historical set in mid-evil England, featuring the debut of the Sontarans (in this case, a lone Sontaran named Linx) and of Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen), the plucky journalist who, at first, believe it's the Doctor who's the villain. Again written by Robert Holmes. The guest cast includes Jeremy Bulloch, who went on to wear the Boba Fett suit in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi".

Planet of the Spiders

Jon Pertwee's swansong. A six-episode story, the Doctor must battle the giant spiders from Metebetis 3 for possession of the "Great Crystal" (a fragment of which appeared in "Hide", an episode from the current season). The majority of episode two is one big vehicular chase featuring hovercrafts, gyrocopters and speedboats (Fast & Furious it is not). The Doctor must face his fear and risk losing his life in the final confrontation with "The Great One", and in the end sacrifices his third incarnation to save the day. Lis Sladen's tears during his final moments were genuine.

COMING UP...THE BEST OF TOM BAKER!!!

The Classic Series Guide for New Series Fans: Netflix Streaming Edition

So I was asked by a few of the cast and crew of The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)" what classic series I would recommend for fans who are only familiar with the new series. Nathan in particular asked about which ones currently available on Netflix streaming would I recommend. Sadly, there's not much classic series episodes available on Netflix streaming, but it's a good starting point as any.

1. The Aztecs
The only entry for William Hartnell, the first Doctor. Considered by many to be his best adventure and the best purely historical story in the classic series (defined as having no Sci-Fi elements aside from the TARDIS). This is the first time the series explores the consequences of attempting to change history as schoolteacher Barbara Wright poses as an Aztec goddess in order to stop the ritual sacrifices practiced by this culture to appease the "rain gods" and ensure their crops will grow. Also a great action showcase for Ian Chesterson (the science teacher). Hartnell's insistence that history can not be rewritten - "not one line!" - is perhaps his best moment in his tenure. As will most of the first Doctor's stories, the pacing may be too slow for modern television viewers.

2. The Mind Robber
The only entry for Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor. A surreal fairytale-like adventure set in "The Land of Fiction". A bit silly in spots, and the ending is kinda rubbish, but an entertaining story nonetheless. Episode one is a highlight as it only features the Doctor and his companions in the TARDIS (Jamie and Zoe) being menaced by a mysterious, disembodied entity trying to tempt them out of the TARDIS.

3. Spearhead from Space
Jon Pertwee's (Doctor #3) debut story featuring the Autons & the Nestine Consciousness. Written by Robert Holmes, considered by many to be the best classic series writer. This was the template for "Rose", the first episode of the New Series. Shot entirely on film on location due to a strike at the BBC studios (this happened a lot during the classic run) and due to be released on BluRay shortly. Pertwee doesn't really enter into the fray until halfway thru episode two.

4. The Three Doctors
Fascinating just to see the real-life tension between Troughton and Pertwee translate into their characters. While Pertwee always stuck to the script, Troughton always ad-libbed his way thru. A great case study of how different actors approach playing a character. The Brigadeer gets the best lines in this. Unfortunately, Hartnell was too ill to take part in the studio, and all his appearances (on the TARDIS scanner screen) were pre-filmed.

5. The Ark In Space
The beginning of the "golden age" of Doctor Who - produced by Phillip Hinchcliffe, scripted edited by Robert Holmes (who wrote this adventure), and starring Tom Baker as the fourth Doctor. Yes, the monsters are made of green bubble-wrap, but still a very suspenseful outer-space adventure.

6. Pyramid of Mars
Another classic from the golden age of Who (written by Robert Holmes under the pseudonym "Stephen Harris"). The rapport between Baker and Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith) is unmistakable (watch for their Marx Brothers tribute in episode 4). The main baddie, Sutekh, is one of the most chilling performances ever, and it's just the voice!

7. Horror of Fang Rock
Another Tom Baker story, this time with his savage companion, Leela, who sadly is not in the leathers this episode. Set in a lighthouse and based on the classic murder mystery "Ten Little Indians". Start of the Graham Williams era, but still feels like a Hinchcliffe-era story. Written by Terrence Dicks, who wrote the majority of the "Target" range of classic series novelizations.

8. City of Death
Probably my favorite episode ever. Written by Douglas Adams (under the pseudonym "David Agnew") and featuring Tom Baker and Lalla Ward as the second incarnation of the Time Lord Romana (whom he later married in real life for about 18 months - she is now married to Richard Dawkins). Everything you want in a new series episode (comedy, adventure, mystery, time paradoxes, and a character being splintered in time). Location filming in Paris where the story is set. Watch for a special cameo in episode 4.

9. The Caves of Androzani
Peter Davison's (Doctor #5) last story, and his best. Another classic tale by Robert Holmes, it's a story of political intrigue, betrayal and revenge. It's one of the most violent stories in the classic series, and it's bloody brilliant (apart from the monster, which thankfully is only in a few scenes). Directed by Graeme Harper, the only person who has directed for both the Classic and New Series. We get a peek of Colin Baker's Doctor in the end, but sadly his Doctor is not represented at all in Netflix's streaming package.

10. The Curse of Fenric
Sylvester McCoy (Doctor #7) and Sophie Aldred (Ace) was one of the best Doctor/Companion teams in the classic series. This is probably the four part (broadcast) version, and not the special edition movie version which is actually better because they restored all the cut scenes that help the viewer understand just what the heck is going on. However, the pacing and the timey-wimey elements of this story are a lot like those of the New Series.

Press Reviews of "Timey Wimey" show

Hey kids, it's our first review of the "Timey Wimey" show courtesy of the Chicago Reader.

"Timey Wimey" a must see this week per Time Out Chicago!

3 star review from Chicago Theater Beat - warning **SPOILERS**

2 1/2 star review from Chicago Tribune (2nd half of the article) - warning **SPOILERS**

Review from Geek Girl Chicago

A nice write up from D20 Girls Magazine

A "brief" review on The Lextopia blog

#007 - Hello My Name Is __________

…in which an emotionally charged podcaster does his impression of a CTA bus route - after weeks of no episode reviews, four of them show up at once. It's a wrap up of Series 7-B from "Journey To The Center Of The TARDIS" to "The Crimson Horror" to "Nightmare in Silver" to "The Name of the Doctor". Topics include: the mechanics of time lock technology and why The Doctor really can't see Amy & Rory again, why Jenny should press charges, references to better Doctor Who episodes, references to better episodes of other programs, crimes against the art of acting, and a new numbering system. Also a preview of the "Timey Wimey" show. Plenty of F-bombs are lobbied, and some tears are shed.

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Show Links:

The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo)! - Tickets now available!!

"Timey Wimey" materializes on stage

Brittany Stock as "The Companion" and Clint Worthington as "The Doctor" in the "Timey Wimey" show

"The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)" starts tonight! tonight! tonight! We had a great preview night last night. I am really proud of everyone involved in putting this show together. Be sure to get your ticket reservations in by emailing tickets@therbp.org

Meanwhile, I have my show notes ready for a recording session tomorrow morning for the next podcast episode. Will be reviewing "Journey", "Crimson Horror" and "Nightmare In Silver", then will watch and review the series finale on Sunday. Hopefully the new podcast ep will drop by mid-week. Allons-y!

"Timey Wimey" show coming soon.

In the meantime, the cast/crew list along with some photos, bios and ticket information are now available for viewing at The Right Brain Project's website. Your truly provided most of the props and some of the costuming. Everyone is working very hard on this show, and I'm proud to be working with everyone in the cast and crew.

Out of time...it's on backorder

Again I must apologize for lack of journal updates and podcasts. I was hoping to get another review podcast out this week for both "Journey to the Center of the TARDIS" and "The Crimson Horror", but I've been busy this past week working on sound cues for the "Timey Wimey" show and am currently booked solid from now til the end of opening weekend. and, of course, that pesky 9 to 5 job. any spare minutes I have is being spent with my girlfriend (who also has a lot on her plate) and our newly adopted cat, Jupiter.

It's most likely that the next podcast won't be out til after the series 7B finale. So you may just get the remaining four reviews all in one go.

#006 - Cold Wars, Warm Hearts, and Hot Young Empaths

…in which our fearless podcaster's head is about to explode. It's been a rough couple of weeks, but he was able to navigate thru the turbulence and deliver a double-header review of "Cold War" and "Hide". Topics include suspect or nonexistent accents and mispronunciations of fictional planets, the quest for the perfect Doctor Who episode, more Clara speculation, happiness as a clumsy metaphor for procreation, and mysterious laughter.

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Wiped!

You may have noticed that episode 3 of the podcast is currently missing from the RSS feed. I expect it to turn up 30 years later in a basement in Hong Kong. But seriously, I'll explain why the episode is missing at another time.

And I swear that a new podcast episode is coming. Hopefully by this Friday night at the latest. I still need to record the review for "Hide", and my next free moment will be tomorrow night. I have lots of things to say about this episode, and *SPOILERS* they're mostly positive.

Coming soon...

Rehearsals resume for "The Timey Wimey Fantastic Brilliant Extravaganza (Geronimo!)" We've gone thru most of the blocking and are currently working on the songs. Next week is when the hard work and long hours really begin. Can't wait (and no, I'm not being ironic - I am looking forward to working on this).

Details on ticket sales/dates will soon be posted to The Right Brain Project's website.

Also coming soon is the next podcast episode. Besides rehearsals, work and life stuff have taken precedence this week. So next week will be a "double header" review podcast of the recently screened "Cold War" and the upcoming "Hide".

Stay tuned....

#005 - Ring Modulation

…in which The Doctor is too stingy to give up his screwdriver, Clara is too good at preserving her leaf collection, the TARDIS' translator circuits aren't working, and you can apparently breathe in outer space. Also, more rambling about the 50th Anniversary special. All of this in less than 30 minutes. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Since this week's Doctor Who had way too much Murray Gold music, there will be no bumper music on this week's podcast.

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new painting and podcast notes

Along with being a podcaster, musician, and now actor/voiceover guy, I'm also a visual artist who works with acrylic on canvas. This is my latest work, a portrait of the lovely Karen Gillan (Amy Pond). It is currently hanging in our dining room next to the liquor cabinet and my cabinet of Sci-Fi collectibles.

Taking this Saturday morning off to get things done around the house. Tonight - new Doctor Who. Tomorrow - recording review podcast. Last week I did recording and editing for the last episode all in one weekend, which left me no time to get anything else done. And with rehearsals for the show starting up, my time will be even more sparse. So the plan is to record review episodes on Sunday, edit them during my lunch hour at work and an hour before bed, and have the episodes ready to drop by mid-week.

Also, a special promotion. Once I get 30 "likes" (followers) on the podcast's Facebook page, I will release something special exclusively to my Facebook followers.

Enjoy the weekend. - JB

#004 - Clara Bells

…in which our fearless podcaster reviews "The Bells of St. John", reacts to the news of the return of David Tennant and Billie Piper for the 50th Anniversary Special, and concludes his "panel" on sex & relationships in Doctor Who. It's the longest podcast episode to date - clocking in at 55 minutes, and it's full of spoilers. Happy Easter, everyone!

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highlights from Twitter commentary - "The Chase"

Hartnell just said "wipe the shit off these switches!"
That's the biggest goddamned hubcap I've ever seen!
The Lincoln from "That Which Survives" was better.
LIz 1 still bitter about Tennant.
No "Ticket To Ride" for you! Denied! Doc's got a webcam on the console.
two suns. cue John Williams.
oh, no. not the tympani again!
I don't think it would get that cold at night on a planet w/2 suns. you never saw Luke Skywalker with a winter coat.
DALEKS DO NOT LIKE SAND! IT GETS EVERYWHERE!
Disappointed the Dalek didn't say "its!" after approaching the camera.
what's more embarrassing - fish people from #TheChase or fish people from #TheUnderwaterMenance?
They're going to destroy the "Airlock". It will not be recovered for another 46 years.
Doc's eating custard, though I don't think he'll want fish fingers in it.
what's more embarrassing - The Mire Beast or The Murka?
I like Vicki! At this point Susan would be whimpering in a corner!
Hartnell does his impression of a gay man hailing a taxi.
Okay, we're in NYC circa 1965, so the Ponds would be in their mid-40s?
Sad to say that #TheChase is still the best #DoctorWho story set in NYC.
who's more goofy wearing a stetson - Peter Purves or Matt Smith?
they've landed on the set of "Dark Shadows"!
Barbara quotes Poe. They should really pay him a visit in the new series.
ah, the inept directing style of Richard Martin. really shit with the action sequences.
Dalek did a fine impression of David Banks - "Excellent!"
Dude, use the Fast Return switch!
first story with the shoulder slats, and they're already falling apart!
"impossible to distinguish from the original?!?" ARE YOU HIGH?!?
Barbara making gunshot noises is so adorable!
This guy is no Richard Hurndall.
someone is playing their jazz records in the cave.
thank god the film editors were able to salvage the Dalek/Mechans battle.
let's superimpose the paper model city with footage of an avalanche. WEAK!

Now on iTunes!

You can now find and download the podcast on iTunes!

Download links for past shows can now also be accessed on the top right widget/app of this page.

Getting really exciting around here now, especially with new Who just two days away. Next podcast episode featuring my review of "The Bells of St. John" coming soon. I will also be concluding my "panel" discussion of Relationships/Romance/Sex in Doctor Who. I'm sure there's a lot of points I've missed or got wrong, so please feel free to contact me via the blog, Facebook or Twitter and let me know what's on your mind. Don't be shy!

#003 - Calm Before The Oncoming Storm

…in which our fearless podcaster is able to shoehorn in another episode before the start of Series 7B and rambles on about being thwarted by the marketing genius of 2Entertain, conducts the young person's guide to Big Finish, comments on the chemistry between the Doctor and Romana (both of her).

excerpts from Twitter - episode commentary

The Ambassadors of Death - Episodes 1-3 

weird TARDIS interior...oh wait, he took the console out of the TARDIS.

Liz Shaw is a dead ringer for Strisand.

"A Whiter Shade of Pale" to play you into space dock.

is that Michael Wisher behind the hipster beard and glasses? 

ohh. sexy bass and sax music while going down the tunnel.

These guys are worse shots that Imperial Stormtroopers!

they stole that pop-up screen from the set of "Tattletales"

Pertwee got a hold of "Tenth Planet" episode four! oops, it's gone!

i can't take the UNIT soldiers seriously with those white turtlenecks.

again with the inappropriate sexy sax music!

they're being attacked by hair stylists!

Who put barber chairs in the recovery capsule?!?

Pertwee wants to beat that bureaucrat to death with that pencil.

The delivery truck says Hay Hoe, and suddenly I got hiphop music stuck in my head.

car chase sequences. not exclusive to The TV Movie. and now Liz runs it for a touchdown!

cut to credits just before the unfortunate upskirt shot.

Want to see more?  Follow me on twitter @WHO37podcast  I will be continuing tweets for the remainder of "The Ambassadors of Death", followed by "The Space Museum" and "The Chase".  

Theme Song Origin - My Rock Video

Did some recording for the next podcast this morning, during which I refer to the fact that the theme tune to the podcast is from a rock song I co-wrote and recorded. I also shot a "rock video" in the WHO 37 studio (aka the coat closet of our house).

Here it is...

Anyway, after this morning's session I got about 2/3rds of a podcast recorded and edited, so I may well drop the next episode before the start of Series 7B.

A facelift...several so far

Decided to change up the website a bit. I'm sure the site will regenerate more times than the Master!

Planning on getting in some recording time this weekend for the next podcast. In the meantime, I'm still deciding on what DVDs to purchase with my Amazon gift card that I got for my birthday. Should I get "The Aztecs: Special Edition", "The Ambassadors of Death", or the guilty pleasure that is "The Chase" (with the unfortunate bonus of "The Space Museum")? Answers on a postcard, please.

I've also just uploaded a bunch of new 4th Doctor audio adventures from Big Finish, and will have plenty of listening during my work commute.

Now on Twitter

So I have finally succumbed and open a Twitter account for the podcast. You may now follow me on Twitter @WHO37podcast.

Tonight was spent tweeting thru all four episodes of "The Krotons" (from my Netflix queue). Will be fun reading all these tweets out of context in a few weeks. Thinking about making it a regular feature on my newly-founded twitter page - tweeting while watching Doctor Who episodes. Perhaps when (not if) I get enough "followers", I'll organize times when I'll be tweeting during episode viewings and have everyone tweet along.

May also be funny to read some of these tweets aloud and out of context on future podcast episodes.

#002 - Time & Relationships, Dating & Sex

…in which our fearless podcaster speaks in hushed tones of the sex appeal of Sarah Jane Smith in the new series era, expounds on who Leela really should have hooked up with on Gallifrey, explains why the First Doctor should crack open an encyclopedia now and then, and reveals what the Scooby-Doo gang and the Fifth Doctor's crew had in common. Also featuring "The 17th Annual Dalek Invasion of Earth". (Rated PG-13 for language)

Right click/option click here to download.

Website Launch: throwing the manual in a supernova

After nearly a week of fiddling with DNS settings, column widths and backgrounds, this website is now online.

Here you will find the podcast episodes in both embedded player format and download links. There will also be random blog postings (like this one) and other goodies. However, the social media aspect of the podcast will mainly take place on the Facebook page, so be sure to "like" the page so you don't miss anything.

Like the podcast, this website will evolve and go thru many changes (most likely whenever I get bored of the layout or have time to work on it).

I will be back in the studio next week recording Episode 2 of the podcast - guaranteed to not have any CGI clone-troopers or bad romantic dialogue. However there will be a Dalek sketch. Stay tuned...

#001 - Pilot

…and another Whovian throws his hat into the podcasting ring. In the pilot episode, our intrepid podcaster explains the significance of the number 37, tells how Tom Baker's scarf helped turn rivals into best mates, and speculates about what to expect in Series 7B and the 50th anniversary special. Topics also include Matt Smith's lack of aviation skills, funny Sontaran sidekicks, and memories of watching Doctor Who on public television in the 1980s.

Right click on this link to download