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. Labyrinth

    1d ago

    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

    2h 35m
  2. The Rocketeer

    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

    2h 26m
  3. The Manhattan Project

    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

    1h 31m
  4. The Simpsons

    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

    3h 20m
  5. Back to the Future Part II

    Jun 1

    Back to the Future Part II

    We're going back to Back to the Future, or more accurately, going to the future and back. The second chapter of Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale's time-travelling comedy trilogy finds Doc and Marty battling causality and the horrors that might ensue were power to fall into the wrong hands. Returning guest improviser and lifelong BTTF fan Darren Lanning (www.darrenlanning.com) hops into the time machine that is this podcast to ride a hoverboard to Back to the Future Part II. Go on and listen to it. What's the matter? Are you chicken? 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: Dark Flute - Jim Guthrie All score from Back to the Future Part II by Alan Sylvestri Earth Angel - Marvin Berry and the Starlighters Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry (or is it?)

    2h 15m
  6. Foo Fighters

    May 25

    Foo Fighters

    When Nirvana ended, music held its breath wondering what would come next. Dave Grohl answered that question with Foo Fighters' resounding birth cry. Combinig winning pop melodies with thunderous screams and guitars that left no uncertainty as to why this band learned to live again. Guest podcasters Matt Storm a.k.a. Stormageddon ("Fun" and Games, Reignite - djstormageddon.com) and Dave Jackson (Tales From The Backlog) joins us to roundtable why Foo Fighters have continued to fill stadiums for over thirty years. 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 Songs By Foo Fighters: Times Like These Generator My Hero All My Life The Pretender Learn To Fly DOA This Is A Call Big Me No Way Back These Days Long Road to Ruin Best Of You Walk I'll Stick Around Everlong (Acoustic) White Limo Monkey Wrench Everlong In Your Honor Shadow Dancing Alternative Polka - Weird Al Yankovic

    2h 3m
  7. Paper Mario

    May 18

    Paper Mario

    Far from, leaving us flat, Paper Mario injected whimsy and dimensionally creative play into the standard turn-based RPG formula for an unforgettable romp through the Mushroom Kingdom. We're joined by Emily Merritt (@aspecificegg) of the No Small Games podcast (https://nosmallgames.com/) to unfold why this highly unusual game is so special. 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 Paper Mario by Yuka Tsujiyoko

    1h 34m
  8. Steve Martin

    May 11

    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
See All (203)

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
    203
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Douglas Lief
  • Show Website
    Nostalgium Arcanum

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