The CCD Podcast: Episode #114 - Why Wolverine Matters

We are currently living in the age of the Comic Book Movie... and we couldn't be HAPPIER! There are all types of comic book adaptions finding their way to the big screen and TVs across the globe. Some are GREAT, some not so much. But all are doing it up in honor of the 50+ years of comic lore that exists in those funny books. While some actors have played the roles of certain heroes in numerous films, no one truly embodies their character more then Hugh Jackman playing Logan. In the 10 "X-Films" that Fox has produced over the last 17 years, Jackman has appeared as Wolverine in NINE of them (Deadpool is an X-Film and Wolverine does not appear in it). 17 years he has been playing James Howlett... or Weapon X... or just Logan. With the release of the newest film in the X-Series Logan on screens now, we take a look into the final performance of Jackman in the role and explain the burning question: Why does Wolverine MATTER in this day and age? Jedi Rob is joined by Mike D and the lovely & talented Mrs Alicia Gomes in the CCD Nerdcave to chop it up about everything Wolvie.... what are you waiting for Bub? Give the ep a listen and RATE OUR podcast on iTUNES!

We are the best at what we do, but what we do best isn't very NICE....

The CCD Podcast #113 - Cult Couples: Aaron Stoquert & Anne-Marie E Mueschke

This week we are joined in the studio by Aaron Stoquert & Anne-Marie E Mueschket to talk Aaron's new album "The Rite, The Refusal." Aaron creates some truly unique music, horror themed infused with a little Johhnny Cash and Cannibal Corpse. Anne-Marie is an actress (Siberia), photographer and artist, responsible for the super creepy album art for Aaron's music.

We cover a myriad of topics with this "Cult Couple." The process of creating a concept, country, horror album, the creepiness of Doctor Who and much more! Check out the episode below, and subscribe on iTunes.

The CCD Podcast: Episode #112 - The Cold War in Pop Culture

Guess whose back??? It's us, your trusty CCD Podcasters with another AWESOME nostalgia filled episode of the CCD Podcast!!! This time we are taking a look at examples of the Cold War in Pop Culture... you would be surprised how many times a 40+ year conflict with ZERO shots fired gets referenced in movies/tv/comics and much more! Joing Jedi Rob in the CCD Nerd Cave is Mike D and the LOVELY & TALENTED Mrs. Alicia Gomes! So throw on your Wolverines shirt, fire up the old WOPR computer to simulate some war games and get back to the surface before Red October because we are breaking this whole COLD WAR down to the ground like the remnants of the Berlin Wall Baby! See you on the other side!!!!

The CCD Podcast: Episode #109 - The BEST Presidents in Pop Culture

Last episode we checked in on all of the WORST Presidents that pop culture had to offer as a way to deal with the election of a certain Reality Star as the leader of the Free World. Needless to say that list was long and plentiful. But once we started that dialog we began to notice that there were plenty of ridiculously GREAT PRESIDENTS sprinkled throughout pop culture history as well. So we felt it was our nerd civic duty to record a second episode and talk about the good guys... you know, the ones who don't run corrupt governments or prove inept when the pressure mounts in our beloved pop culture properties! Join Jedi Rob, the lovely and talented Ms. Alicia Gomes and Mike D as they recall the best of the best Commanders in Chief that pop culture has to offer...

The CCD Podcast: Episode #108 - The WORST Presidents in Pop Culture

Throughout the history of pop culture (movies, TV and comics) somebody has to be running the show... the big boss who has to be in charge... you know, the guy where the buck actually STOPS. Often times that person is a president. In some cases we get re-interpretations of real life presidents like Richard Nixon in Watchmen or Black Dynamite... and in other cases we get completely fictional leaders who fumble through life like Peter Sellers portrayal of Merkin Mufley in Dr. Strangelove. But no matter which kind of  leader we get, why does it often seem as if they are completely incapable of the office that they occupy? Whether they are straight up evil (Lex Luthor anyone?) or a bumbling idiot (Dwayne Elizando Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho comes to mind) we always seem to have the wrong man for the job in charge! So Jedi Rob, Mike D and the lovely and talented Mrs Alicia Gomes are breaking down the history of terrible presidents in Pop Culture. Come on... this is going to be FUN!!!

The CCD Podcast: Episode #107 - Pop Culture Double Date

     Throughout pop culture history there has been many a famous couple... yup, sometimes the nerd DOES get the girl! That is certainly the case with today's panel of podcasters. Jedi Rob sits down with his better half, the lovely and talented Alicia Gomes... and they welcome pop culture power couple Naomi Piercey and Lenny Platt into the CCD Nerd Cave!

     Naomi and Lenny represent BBQ Films, and we have worked with them on many projects. Who better to bring in and talk about pop cultures greatest couples? The gang go on a pop culture double date throughout history, discussing things like the role that pop culture plays in relationships and how it is to date/marry someone who is even nerdier than their other half!!!!Another great podcast in the can providing some insight into how pop culture permeates into our everyday lives here at CCD!  

The CCD Podcast: Episode #98 - Stranger Things....Best Show Ever?

Netflix has turned the nerd genre on its head with the under the radar release of the summer's biggest hit TV show, Stranger Things. The show comes to us from The Duffer Brothers, a pair of 80s babies who brought us The Hidden in 2015 (a gem of a film). This is what happens when kids who grew up in the 80's grow up... a show littered with references to TV, Film, Comics, and many other forms of childhood goodness that will be super recognizable to anyone between the ages of 30-45! It has the feel of vintage Spielberg at his finest, and people are literally tripping over themselves to recommend it to friends. But beyond the aesthetic, it is an A level TV show that can stand toe to toe with any other in character, script and quality production. Jedi Rob is joined by the lovely Alicia Gomes and resident 80s toy expert Joey Armao to delve into the series and ask the simple question:

Is STRANGER THINGS the greatest show ever made?

The CCD Podcast: Episode #92 - The BBQ Films Crew Visit The CCD Nerd Cave!!!

A few month ago some of the CCD.NYC gang had the pleasure of attending the "Blade Blood Rave", and actual real life recreation of the infamous opening scene from the Wesley Snipes movie. It was as if you were transported right through the screen and into the movie... and this came courtesy of the BBQ Films crew!

This gang of pop culture/movie loving maniacs throw these type of awesome interactive events all the time, and they are getting wilder and wilder with each one. The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance from Back to the Future? Yup, they did it. Rex Manning Day from Empire Records? Mon Amour, Mi Amour... they did that too. And there latest is just as ambitious and amazing: They want you to attend and help STOP, Beetlejuice's Wedding to Lydia Deetz! Yup... It is going to be exactly what you think. And you should go (buy tickets here).

We had two of the founding members of the BBQ Films crew, Gabriel Rhoads and Laura Lickus, come down to our turf (the CCD Nerd Cave) and sit down with Jedi Rob and Alicia Gomes to talk all about it... as well as many other topics related to the overall love of pop culture films we all love! Check out another great episode of the CCD Podcast...      

The CCD Podcast: Episode #91 - The Oscars 2016

This years Oscars has no shortage of press coverage. Between the talks of boycotts, the possibility of legends winning for the first time, and of course the always unpredictable Chris Rock on the mic as the host we are sure to be in for quite an evening. But what the show should really be all about is the movies... and this year there certainly was a great group of nominees. In most categories there is a really tight competition, and in order to make sense of some of the things that might happen CCD's own husband and wife duo of Jedi Rob and the lovely Alicia Gomes break it all down for you! Enjoy the episode!

The CCD Podcast: Episode #87 - Ultimate Ski Party Movies To Watch When Being Hit With The Blizzard of the Century!

With NYC trying to recover from one of the worst winter storms in recent history (Jonas was no joke!) the CCD gang decided that this would be a wonderful time to revisit a classic sub-genre of film: The SKI MOVIE!!! The raucous nonsense, unexplainable nudity, and crazy rad ski moves make all of these films an intricate part of children of the 80s/90s lives forever. After the recent renaissance they had on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia and the mountains of snow outside of the CCD.NYC Nerd Cave we thought this was the perfect week to talk about 'em... so grab your poles and we will see you on the slopes!  

The CCD Podcast: Episode #84 - The Greatest Day to Be a Star Wars Fan

There are days in all people lives that stand out as moments that you can never forget... they are referred to as 'touchstones', an unforgettable mix of emotions that mere mention of causes you to be back at the moment instantly. I may only be 36, but I have a few of these moments. The minutes leading up to the screening of Return of the Jedi back in the day... watching Ghostbusters at Crossbay I with my pops, checking out the Phantom Menace with Sam down in Miami. these were all touchstone moments for me. And I am not sure, but I think I am about to have one again. As we stand here on the verge of the release of The Force Awakens, I am simply ready to be over-whelmed. I am eager to have these memories etched in my head forever. And this day... the last day BEFORE the movie comes out, will forever be remembered as "Star Wars Eve"! Check out Jedi Rob, Joe Esq and the lovely Ms. Alicia Gomes as they discuss their undying anticipation for the movie just one day before its release....

The CCD Podcast: Episode #79 - Marvel's Jessica Jones Full Season Review AKA "The Meanest, Toughest Sexiest Show EVER MADE!!!"

When Marvel decided to partner up with Netflix to produce original content I immediately was intrigued by the characters they were choosing to go with. They planned on Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist for individual series... and then culminating in a Defenders movie. This is ambitious. I mean, almost everyone knows who the Hulk or Captain America is. But these guys? After Daredevil the list is relegated to really know obscure comic characters. But the inclusion of Jones was an eye brow raiser for me. I had loved the Brian Michael Bendis run in the early 2000s and the idea of a super powered private eye who doesn't want anyone to know she is "special" appeals to me. So I waited with patience... but all of that patience went out the window when Daredevil came out and I saw just how AMAZING it could be! So we made it our mission to watch ALL 13 EPISODES and have a special podcast reviewing the whole series! Join Jedi Rob, the lovely and talented Mrs. Alicia Gomes, Mike D, and for the first time young master James West (comic aficionado and  former Marvel employee) into The CCD Nerd Cave to talk all thing Jessica Jones!   Please subscribe, download, listen, and SHARE with your friends and fam alike! Make Mine MARVEL!  

The CCD Podcast: Epsiode #77 - The Very Worst of Bond

You are bound to have lots of great moments with anything that has run as long as the Bond franchise... but with something that has had this many installments than you are also likely to have some dud moments as well. Always looking to present a fair and balanced analysis over the material we discuss, Jedi Rob is back with Poppa Martin & Alicia Gomes in the CCD Nerd Cave to discuss the biggest blunders, plot holes and terrible characters of the Bond franchise throughout the years. Even though the Bond franchise has had some magical moments, these stinkers make us love it just as much. You would be surprised... some peoples FAVORITE moments come from the bad stuff! 

The CCD Podcast: Epsiode #76 - The Very Best of Bond

James Bond has been a character that has spawned 12 original novels by creator Ian Fleming and 24 feature films (26 if you count the non Eon pictures projects) over its 60 year history. The series is the 3rd highest grossing film franchise ever (1st if you adjust for inflation) and has made over 6 Billion dollars during its long run. When you have a character and story that is told over that long a period of time there are bound to be some great moments, as well as some down moments. So instead of doing our typical retrospective, we decided to highlight those ups and downs in a two part podcast. First up we have the best moments of Bond. This podcast features host Jedi Rob alongside his dad Poppa Martin and the lovely Mrs. Alicia Gomes. They hit on most of the classic Bond moments, so make sure you give it a shot.... 

The CCD Podcast: Episode #75.5 - The 'Spectre' Film Review or "Why The Hell Doesn't Daniel Craig Like Making Successful Movies That Pay Him A Shit Ton of Money?"

James Bond... the name rings bells in the cinematic world as one of the oldest and truest "franchise tentpole" properties in the biz. Spanning 6 decades, the films of  Bond have covered all the bases and given us plenty of thrills. We have seen 007 fight bad guys both on Earth and in space, topple governments and kill enemies in a variety of exciting ways, and make love to more beautiful women than even Wilt Chamberlain (ok... maybe not THAT MANY women, but 007 always has quality chicks). We have seem technology come to real life long after appearing in a fictional capacity in a Bond film (floating water cars and lasers, watch communicators and minuscule spy equipment). And now we are in a golden age of Bond where there is both an insanely talented movie director (Sam Mendes has helmed the last two films) and great actors (both supporting and starring) are willing to do the films. So Jedi Rob leads a review of the newest installment with his old man Mr. Martin and his lovely wife Alicia Gomes, and all is well in the spy world! Listen for more Bond inspired podcasts later this week....

The CCD Podcast: Episode #70 - Amazing Documentary Picks or "Documentaries Are Movies Too, Dammit !!!"

Documentaries... ah.... the red headed step brother of feature length movies. While docs have come a long way in terms of mainstream acceptance, they are still looked at from afar and not looked at as typical movies. But if you give them a chance, and find the right documentary... man, can you find some gems. So we decided to take a break from our typical "regular" movie talks and delve deep into what we think are some of the best docs ever made. Give them a chance... they might change your life!

Listen to host Jedi Rob Martin as he is joined by documentary filmmaker (what is he doing on THIS episode?) Leland James and the lovely & talented Mrs. Alicia Gomes as they will help you find some great documentaries to enjoy for your viewing pleasure!  

The CCD Podcast: Episode 69 - The 2015 CCD Fall TV Preview

Traditionally the new year in TV starts in the Fall. New shows get launched, old faves make their return, and all is happy in TV land for folks that glue themselves to the boob tube. But in this era of summer shows, cable programming, and a crazy amount of shows appearing on networks of all sorts... well, lets just say the game has changed a bit. But one thing is still holding true, and it is that most of the "new" shows being introduced come out in September & October. So in typical CCD fashion we are going to talk about it... the new, the returning, and everything in between. It is just how we do it here at CCD! So join Jedi Rob, the lovely Alicia Gomes, and filmmaker Leland James as they present the "2015 CCD Fall TV Preview"...  

The CCD Podcast- Episode #56: The Terminator Retrospective: Part II or "There Were a Few to Many of These Terminator Films, Huh?

Part II of our Terminator retrospective is up, and we rejoin Rob, Leland, and Alicia on their trip through the Terminverse.... Part 3 and 4 may not have lived up to the legacy of Part 1 and 2 set out in establishing, but they do have some high and low lights to focus on. Join the CCD squad as they try to sort through the muck and prepare for the release of the 5th installment of the franchise this week in theaters!

The CCD Podcast- Episode #55: The Terminator Retrospective: Part I or "You Know, The GOOD Terminator Movies!!!"

In our latest installment of the CCD Podcast we take another trip down memory lane for a retrospective on the Terminator franchise. This is the perfect time to revisit the franchise that James Cameron started considering that the release of the 5th Terminator film, Terminator: Genisys is right around the corner! Join Jedi Rob, the lovely and talented Alicia Gomes, and filmmaker Leland James as they break down the classic Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day in the first half of this retrospective podcast! Enjoy after the jump....

The CCD Podcast - Episode #54: The Game of Thrones Season Wrap-Up or "Burn/Stab/Behead... The End Of Westeros As We Have Known It!"

'Game of Thrones' has been one of the CCD staff's favorite shows since its inception several years ago. Very rarely has a ensemble drama made so many characters expendable and actually gone through with their killing and tough situations for EVERYONE involved. Literally, no one is safe in the books of George R.R. Martin... and we are coming to find out that they are even less safe within the realm of the HBO TV adaption. Up until this point, the show has, pretty much, stayed in line with the first few books this season,however, took some wild turns that even that hardest hardcore readers of 'The Song of Ice & Fire' books didn't anticipate. HBO has probably come to grips with the fact that Martin may not EVER finish his epic series (we have been waiting on Book 6 in the series since BEFORE the show started, and Season 5 just ended!) If he does, it will be long passed the time in which it will be necessary  info for show adaption purposes. So, it seems HBO will be taking it their own way. But honestly, who can say they saw coming the return of Dothraki...the walk of shame Cersei had to take...the unfortunate situation for Mycella...or even the Night's Watch getting all Julius Caesar with  Jon Snow? Nobody.... and that is what makes this show so great! So jump into Episode #54 of the CCD Podcast with Jedi Rob & the lovely Alicia Gomes and hear their thoughts on the situations stemming from last night's powerful Season 5 finally. Get in there....