Nostalgium Arcanum

Doug Lief
  • 5.0 (13)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each episode we add a new entry to the Nostalgium Arcanum, a repository for the movies, tv, music, games, and other pop culture that still enchants us today. Find us on the socials by googling "Nostalgium".

  1. Steve Martin

    4D AGO

    Steve Martin

    Steve Martin revolutionized comedy, not with vitriol, but with a seemingly impossible blend of banjos, balloon animals, dad jokes, tapdancing, and philosophy. From stand-up, to movies, to TV, and more, few performers have challenged and delighted audiences with such hilarious precision. We're joined by comedian Rich Baker (www.daretofailimprov.com) for a retrospective on Steve Martin's lifetime of laughs. If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!). Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie) King Tut - Steve Martin Grandma's Song - Steve Martin My Little Buttercup - Steve Martin and Martin Short, written by Randy Newman Dentist - Alan Menken and Howard Ashman Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It? - Steve Martin, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Tonight You Belong To Me - Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters, written by Billy Rose and Lee David

    1h 48m
  2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

    MAY 4

    Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

    A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, specifically in 1977, audiences flocked to a blockbuster that would become the largest IP in history. While George Lucas' brainchild has become a sprawling multimedia franchise, the original film still stands as a testament to adventure and craftsmanship. We're joined by guest filmmaker Alex Sosin ("The Canyon") to celebrate why the Force of this film still surrounds us and binds us. Check out the teaser for The Canyon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFFWbNbdtKA Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie) All score from Star Wars by John Williams

    2h 33m
  3. Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto Del Fauno)

    APR 27

    Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto Del Fauno)

    A rumination on fairy tales that firmly embraces the "grim" in Grimm, Guillermo Del Toro's haunting masterpiece "El Laberinto Del Fauno" (or as it is known in the English-speaking world "Pan's Labyrinth") confronts us with horrors real and fantastical, the ones that force us to grow up all too soon. We're joined by guests Jala Prendes (host of Jala-Chan' Place, and co-host of Monster, Dear Monster, and Duckfeed.tv's The Level) and her husband, Dave Cox (co-host of Monster, Dear Monster), to enter the mesmerizing maze of one of the finest films of the 21st century. Find Jala online at @Fireheart_Media on X and fireheartmedia.bsky.social. Her show "The Level" is also part of the Duckfeed.tv podcast network. Dave's podcasts can be found at https://www.monsterdear.monster/. Both Dave and Jala also host the Arnold Schwarzenegger podcast "Put That Cookie Down Now!" GUEST APPEARANCES! This week we were also guests on the Moviestruck podcast (https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/) discussing "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" AND the Media/Lit podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/5OA7Ebp8ySxtItPbf9e2kx) discussing Tom Bombadil from The Lord of the Rings. Check them out wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie) All score from Pan's Labyrinth by Javier Navarrete

    2h 24m
  4. Final Fantasy VII

    APR 20

    Final Fantasy VII

    By 1997 SquareSoft had honed its turn-based JRPG engine and operatic story to a fine point. Although Final Fantasy VII followed on its exquisite predecessor, no one could have predicted what a groundbreaking phenomenon the series' first 3D entry would be. The fusion of cyberpunk and medieval motifs, its melancholy but striving world, emotional soundtrack, and unforgettable characters have stood the test of time. Guest podcaster Gen Moonen joins our party to celebrate nearly 30 years of Final Fantasy VII casting a planet-changing spell. Find Gen's podcast "Fun" and Games, and more at www.funandgamespod.com, www.certainpov.com, and/or www.genmoonen.com. Just last week, we joined Gen on Dave Jackson's podcast "Tales From The Backlog" to discuss the role of comedy in videogames. Go give that a listen! Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). And for some bonus Final Fantasy VII content, go check out our episode on Sephiroth from our old show, "A Podcast, But Evil". If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute - Jim Guthrie All music from Final Fantasy VII by Nobuo Uematsu

    2h 56m
  5. 2001: A Space Odyssey

    APR 13

    2001: A Space Odyssey

    While the year 2001 has passed, Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece set in that year looms as large as its imposing monolith, and casts as long a shadow. A spectacular artistic achievement, the film is about nothing less than the entirety of the human experience, the exultation and terror of first contact, evolution, and Lovecraftian ideas of unfathomable cosmic power and insignificance. Few films have reached for such heights, let alone achieved them. We're joined on this mission by fellow podcasters Randy Allain and Kris Ingersoll (Media/Lit), and Case Aiken (Another Pass, Men of Steel) to journey to Jupiter and beyond the infinite. You can support Case and his network, CertainPOV, at patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie) Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 - Richard Strauss Requiem for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Mixed Choirs and Orchestra - György Ligeti Gayane Ballet Suite (Adagio) - Aram Khachaturian The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss II

    2h 46m
  6. Monty Python's Life of Brian

    APR 5

    Monty Python's Life of Brian

    For Easter we look on the bright side of life with Monty Python's satirical masterpiece, "Life of Brian". Controversial and hilarious, the film uses Python's trademark silliness as a scalpel to slice open dogma and the perils of fame. We're joined by improviser Rich Baker, podcaster and magician Ned Record, and Reverend Sarah Heath (the "RevCovery" podcast, @revsarahheath) to worship at the Church of Briantology and celebrate the life of a man who's not the messiah. He's a very naughty boy. To dive deeper into this films, the Pythons, and religion, consider watching The Great Life of Brian Debate: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUYhtJINiaY&t=4s) For more on Ned's magic go to www.damnedrecord.com. If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!). Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie) All music from "Month Python's Life of Brian" by Geoffrey Burgon "Brian Song" and "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life"

    2h 22m
  7. Rocky

    MAR 30

    Rocky

    There are few films as powerfully inspirational as "Rocky". For 50 years the Italian Stallion's tale of yearning, striving, and going the distance has truly made us feel that it is always sunny in Philadelphia. We're joined by podcasters Dave Jackson ("Tales From The Backlog") and Alan Nichols ("A Top 3 Podcast") to celebrate a film that truly punches above its weight class. You can support Dave at https://www.patreon.com/realdavejackson Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie) All music from Rocky by Bill Conti The Rye or the Kaiser (Theme From Rocky XIII) - "Weird" Al Yankovic

    2h 42m
  8. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

    MAR 23

    Pride & Prejudice (2005)

    It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. So begins Jane Austen's beloved novel about marriage, manners, and stifling social mores. This episode we're joined by Josh Sarnecky and Amanda Rivas of the Anime Pop podcast to take high tea with the exceptional 2005 adaptation of this immortal classic. Anchored by incandescent performances from Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, the film foregrounds the romance and repartee for which Austen remains renowned. All of Josh and Amanda's shows can be found at https://thepopbreak.com/. Check out our recent collab over on the Media/Lit Podcast as well where we drafted syndicated cartoons for a proposed new version of "Cartoon All-Stars To The Rescue". Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm) and our limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (patreon.com/stillloadingpod). If you have feedback, find us on the socials here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/265036650022926/ The symbol formerly known as Twitter: @nostalgiumpod BlueSky: @nostalgiumpod.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@_nostalgium_arcanum_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nostalgium_arcanum_/ You can also use YouTube, if that's your thing: https://www.youtube.com/@NostalgiumArcanum/podcasts Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content, and on TikTok (@nostalgiumarcanum) for Doug's impressions. Musical Credits: Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie) All score from Pride & Prejudice by Dario Marianelli Lost in Austen - Lost Moon Radio (www.lostmoonradio.com)

    2h 33m
See All (196)

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Each episode we add a new entry to the Nostalgium Arcanum, a repository for the movies, tv, music, games, and other pop culture that still enchants us today. Find us on the socials by googling "Nostalgium".

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Lief
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Douglas Lief
  • Show Website
    Nostalgium Arcanum

You Might Also Like