Nostalgium Arcanum

Doug Lief

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. 1d ago

    Spider-Man

    Thwip! Our summer of Sam Raimi continues as we revisit Spider-Man's first outing with Toby Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Frano, and Willem DaFoe bringing the storied web-slinger to high-flying death-defying action. Borrowing lessons learned from Darkman, Sam Raimi's vision for Peter Parker took Marvel's premiere teen crime fighter out of development hell and into franchise heaven. We're joined by podcaster Matt Storm aka Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Reignite - www.djstormageddon.com) to revisit when Spider-Man's appearance truly was a brand new day. 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 Spider-Man by Danny Elfman Ode to a Superhero - "Weird" Al Yankovic

    Spider-Man

  2. Jul 20

    Darkman

    Who is Darkman? That question, posed by the film's marketing, is answered with a laundry list including creator Sam Raimi, actor Liam Neeson, and a slough of influences from The Shadow, to The Phantom of the Opera, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Batman, and many more. A true Frankenstein of a film lurching wildly from comic book action, to horror, to tragedy, to manic comedy, the movie walks a hard-to-resist tightrope that only Sam Raimi can pull off. We're joined by guest filmmaker Alex Sosin ("The Canyon") to peel back Darkman's many faces to explore what lies underneath. 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 Darkman by Danny Elfman

    Darkman

  3. Jul 13

    Robots

    In 2005 "Robots" rolled off the assembly line from Blue Sky Studios, and it surprisingly remains greater than the sum of its nuts, bolts, and other assorted parts. Celebrating the aspects of capitalism that reward ingenuity and innovation, and satirizing the aspects of capitalism that incentivise profit at any cost, the film features wildly inventive production design and winning performance from an enormous celebrity roster including Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Greg Kinnear, Stanley Tucci, Paul Giamatti, Mel Brooks, and many many many many more. We're joined by Sophia Riccardi of the Moviestruck podcast (https://moviestruck.transistor.fm/) to discuss why this film's components are anything but outmoded. 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 Robots by John Powell Eye of the Tiger - Survivor Underground - Tom Waits Get Up Offa That Thing - James Brown

    Robots

  4. Jul 6

    Songs of 1992

    After Nevermind permanently altered the musical landscape in 1991, the following year continued music's fractured attempt to catch up with rapidly changing styles. We wish-a-you joy and happiness in revisiting our personal favorites from 1992's jukebox with guest creeps and weirdos comedian Rich Baker, and our co-hosts from "Playing By Ear", Ami Lief and Kyle Lieberman. If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!). Ami's handmade earrings can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MomoBunnysmoreCo Check out Kyle's band, Kyle and The Silver Dork, wherever you get you music, or here on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cxlTh9yM7rSBkZBb5aIKw 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) Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-A-Lot Them Bones – Alice in Chains Rooster – Alice in Chains When A Man Loves A Woman – Michael Bolton Runaway Train – Soul Asylum Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton Keep The Faith - Bon Jovi The Rockford Peaches - The All American Girls Professional Baseball League Song Smells Like Nirvana – “Weird” Al Yankovic Everything About You – Ugly Kid Joe Queen of the Night – Whitney Houston Save The Best For Last – Vanessa Williams Steam – Peter Gabriel Remedy – The Black Crowes Drive – R.E.M. Creep – Radiohead Tennessee – Arrested Development Lithium – Nirvana Rain – Madonna Under The Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers What’s Up? – 4 Non Blondes Model Girl – Gary Hughes Sublime – Date Rape No Rain – Blind Melon A Whole New World – Alan Menken and Tim Rice Friday I’m In Love - The Cure Right Now – Van Halen I Have Nothing – Whitney Houston Until I Fall Away – Gin Blossoms House of Pain – Jump Around Nothing Else Matters - Metallica Just Another Day – Jon Secada Everybody Hurts – R.E.M. Killing in the Name Of – Rage Against the Machine You Don’t Love Me Anymore – “Weird” Al Yankovic I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston Man on the Moon – R.E.M. Achy Breaky Song – “Weird” Al Yankovic

    Songs of 1992

  5. Jun 27

    Labyrinth

    Though dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, on this episode we celebrate 40 years of the babe with the power, as Jennifer Connelly braves her way through Jim Henson's "Labyrinth". Full of astounding designs, puppetry, humor, and iconic songs from a mesmerising David Bowie, while Labyrinth was not an immediate financial success, the film's undeniable awesomeness has proven it still has power over you. We're joined by guest Josh Covel of the Still Loading podcast (and our co-host on the Jim Henson retrospective podcast "Still Muppeting") to celebrate one of the greatest movies of the 1980s. Come inside, and have a nice cup of tea! Be sure to also check out our monthy musical podcast, "Playing By Ear" (https://playingbyear.fireside.fm). If you enjoyed this, it's also part of our aforementioned limited-run Jim Henson Series, "Still Muppeting" (www.patreon.com/stillloadingpod). We also had the pleasure of recently guesting on The Pop Break's retrospective on Beck, "Podelay!" specifically covering his album "Guero". Head to www.thepopbreak.com to listen. Next week we'll be on the Table Top Hot Takes podcast (https://tabletop-hot-takes.captivate.fm/) discussing Final Fantasy IX. 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 songs from Labyrinth by David Bowie All score from Labyrinth by Trevor Jones

    Labyrinth

  6. Jun 21

    The Rocketeer

    For the 35th anniversary of The Rocketeer, we don a jetpack and blast off for derring-do with test pilot-turned-hero Cliff Secord. The film's patriotic spirit, beautiful art deco design, and sparkling performances from leads Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Paul Sorvino, and Timothy Dalton take what could have been an ordinary movie into the stratosphere. Guest Tarik Davis (@tarikrdavis, tarikrdavis.com) joins us to take to the skies, punch some Nazis, and celebrate 35 years of this high-flying adventure film. You can find Tarik on NBC's The Amber Ruffin Show, and on his essential podcast, Brothers From Another Planet, see him perform live with Freestyle Love Soupreme. More importantly, Tarik's short film "Doc - Race, Revolution, Relativity, and the Confessions of a Time Travelling Terrorist" is now out and you can (and should) watch it here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-uBvVgBTIY) The trailer for his new short film, "We're Not In Harlem Anymore", is available here: (https://youtu.be/M6KTil92tX8?si=p1emxuYOa8c7ZQJa) 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 "The Rocketeer" by James Horner Punch A Nazi In The Face - Joyride

    The Rocketeer

  7. Jun 15

    The Manhattan Project

    Much like its subject, when "The Manhattan Project" premiered 40 years ago it did not go off with a bang, but this film remains a hidden gem of classic '80s kids-can-do cold war paranoia. When teenage genius Paul Stephens sets out to build his own nuclear bomb, his weird science quickly turns into some war games with spreading fallout. Returning guest B.T. Moorer joins us for a look back at a wonderful flim that likely passed you by, but is well worth your time. 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 "The Manhattan Project" by Philippe Sarde

    The Manhattan Project

  8. Jun 8

    The Simpsons

    For our 200th podcast, we're covering "The Simpsons", a superlative satirical juggernaut that, for over 35 years, has held a yellow mirror up to our absurd world. Filled with endlessly quotable moments, pitch-perfect vocal performances, and expertly incisive comedy, Matt Groening's brainchild may arguably be the single greatest television show ever made, and easily one of the most important artistic works of all time. We're joined by four cromulent guests, improviser Dan Oster (MadTV, "A Podcast, But Evil"), comedian / musician Dylan Ris (www.lostmoonradio.com, www.themoonunits.com), comedian Rich Baker, and singer Sophie Gonzalez (also www.themoonunits.com). We are now truly all old men yelling at clouds. We also are incredibly grateful to all the returning guests who drop by for cameo appearances in true Simpsons style: Case Aiken (www.CertainPOV.com) Amir Baum Amy Baum Joey Clift (https://www.joeyclift.com/) Chris Coplien (https://retrohangover.captivate.fm/) Benjamin Lief Celeste Lief Ned Record (www.nedrecord.com) and Andrew Tavin (www.andrewtavin.com/) 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 want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!). 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) Theme from The Simpsons by Danny Elmfan All music and songs from The Simpsons by Alf Clausen Nothing At All - Okilly Dokilly All Interstitial Simpsons remixes by D A N K M U S, except for "Can I Borrow A Feeling?" by Kirk Van Houten

    The Simpsons
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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
    207
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Douglas Lief
  • Show Website
    Nostalgium Arcanum

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