Once upon a Deep Dive

Kyle Griswold
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Books

Once Upon a Deep Dive is the podcast where fandoms gets the spotlight it deserves. Each week, we dive headfirst into beloved fandoms, Join us as we laugh, theorize, and celebrate the worlds fans continue to build—one deep dive at a time.

  1. 15h ago

    Taylor Momsen Shattering The Rock Boys Club (A Pretty Reckless Podcast)

    📝 Episode Summary In this episode, we dive deep into the raw, gritty, and record-breaking history of The Pretty Reckless. Led by former child actress and Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen, the band transitioned from a heavily scrutinized celebrity project into one of the most successful female-fronted hard rock acts of the 21st century. From the rebellious energy of their debut Light Me Up to the grief-fueled triumph of Death by Rock and Roll, and a sneak peek into their 2026 album Dear God, we trace their evolution, the tragedies that nearly tore them apart, and their unstoppable return. ⏱️ Episode Timeline & Talking Points 1. The Genesis: Trading the Screen for the Stage (2009–2012) The Gossip Girl Departure: Taylor Momsen makes the "complicated" decision to leave acting (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Gossip Girl) to pursue her true passion: rock music. The Lineup & Name Change: Originally called "The Reckless" (changed due to trademark issues), the band played its first gig on May 5, 2009, in New York City. After meeting rock producer Kato Khandwala, Momsen teamed up with lead guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins to form the permanent lineup. Light Me Up (2010): Their debut album spawns the massive hit single "Make Me Wanna Die" (featured on the Kick-Ass soundtrack), blending alternative rock, post-grunge, and bluesy attitudes. 2. Hard Rock Supremacy: Going to Hell (2012–2017) Commercial Breakthrough: Their sophomore album Going to Hell (2014) debuts at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and delivers chart-topping anthems like "Heaven Knows" and "Messed Up World". Making History: With back-to-back No. 1 singles, they become only the second female-fronted band to top the US Mainstream Rock chart twice in a row, following the Pretenders. Who You Selling For (2016): A deeper, bluesier, and more introspective record inspired by the isolating nature of touring. The lead single "Take Me Down" lands them their fourth US rock chart No. 1. 3. Tragedy, Depression, and Rebirth (2017–2024) The Double Blow of Loss: * In May 2017, the band opens for Soundgarden during Chris Cornell's final performance before his tragic suicide. In April 2018, their longtime producer and close friend, Kato Khandwala, dies in a motorcycle accident. Momsen reveals this was "the nail in the coffin," leading her into a dark period of depression and substance abuse. Death by Rock and Roll (2021): Written as a way to heal, the band collaborates with Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam/Soundgarden) and Tom Morello. Record-Breaking Stat: The title track propels them to become the first female-fronted band to have five (and eventually seven) singles top the Mainstream Rock chart. 4. The Modern Era: Dear God & Beyond (2024–Present) AC/DC Support Tour: The band hits stadium stages worldwide, delaying recording to support AC/DC on their Power Up Tour (2024–2026). Tributes and Nostalgia: The band records "All Right Now" for a Bad Company tribute album, and releases a rock reimagining of "Where Are You Christmas?"—the song Momsen originally sang as Cindy Lou Who in 2000. Dear God (2026): Exploring their fifth studio album, scheduled for release on June 26, 2026, driven by the high-energy singles "When I Wake Up" and "Love Me". Takeaway: The Pretty Reckless proved that authenticity, grit, and incredible songwriting can break through industry biases, cementing their spot in rock history.

    Taylor Momsen Shattering The Rock Boys Club (A Pretty Reckless Podcast)

  2. 2d ago

    Why Bluey Fanfiction Tackles Family Trauma (A Bluey fanfic Deep Dive) (Sad Faces chapter 22)

    🎧 Episode Show Notes: "Sad Faces" — Chapter 22: Happy New Year Episode Overview In this episode, we dive into Chapter 22 of the emotional Bluey fanfiction Sad Faces by Kodiwolf321. The holiday season wraps up with an unexpected, traditional Heeler family event. We follow Thomas as he is swept up in his very first "Heeler Boys Weekend", while the girls prepare for an epic, multi-generational girls' weekend of their own back home. 📍 Segment Breakdown & Key Plot Points The Early Morning Wake-Up Call Bandit starts the day with high energy, waking his teenage son Thomas with a classic pillow-hit to kick off a "big day". Thomas stumbles out of bed to find packed bags and unexpected guests waiting in the living room. A Heeler Boys Tradition Revealed Uncles Rad and Stripe, alongside Grandpa Bob, have gathered to take Thomas on his very first traditional Heeler boys weekend for New Year's. Bob explains that because Thomas previously lived in America, he was never able to participate—but now he is officially being initiated into the family tradition. The Girls' Weekend Alternative Bingo is initially heartbroken about being left out and wants to join the boys. Chilli comforts her by revealing their own massive plans: a girls' weekend featuring Bluey, Chilli, Aunt Trixie, Muffin, Socks, Nana, and Frisky. Thomas and Bandit successfully comfort Bingo by promising to swap stories afterward so they feel like they never spent time apart. Hit the Road: Sibling Rivalry & Cabin Bound The boys pack into Rad’s truck to head to the family cabin. Bandit and Stripe waste no time teasing Rad about his driving skills (referencing an incident from "last year"). Grandpa Bob gives Thomas some heartwarming grandfatherly wisdom about how his dad and uncles might bicker, but they always make up instantly without holding grudges. 💡 Key Themes & Discussion Points for the Episode Generational Traditions: How taking Thomas on this trip serves as a rite of passage and cements his place in the Heeler family after moving back from America. Healthy Male Bonding: The contrast between the chaotic, playful bickering of the brothers (Bandit, Rad, Stripe) and their genuine love and lack of grudges. Dealing with Separation Anxiety: A look at Bandit and Thomas's gentle parenting/brotherly approach to reassuring Bingo when she feels left out. 💬 Memorable Quotes Thomas: "Always with the big days." Grandpa Bob: "You did tell me at Christmas you wished we could have more time to spend together, so I thought what better way to do that than celebrating the New Year by having a traditional Heeler boys weekend." Grandpa Bob: "That is nothing, but you don't have to worry, mate, your father and uncles, whenever they argue, are able to always make up very easily."

    Why Bluey Fanfiction Tackles Family Trauma (A Bluey fanfic Deep Dive) (Sad Faces chapter 22)

  3. 4d ago

    Boring Things Matter in Bluey The Pool (A Bluey Deep Dive)

    🎙️ Episode Overview: "The Pool" Series / Season: Bluey, Season 1, Episode 22. Core Theme: "Boring things are important too." The episode perfectly balances a relatable parenting struggle with a lesson on how preparation makes the fun stuff possible. Creative Credits: Written and created by Joe Brumm; Music by Joff Bush. Voice Cast: Dave McCormack (Bandit), Melanie Zanetti (Chilli). 📝 Episode Synopsis & Recap The Setup: On a scorching Queensland day, Bandit and the kids decide to use Uncle Stripe’s pool while he is away in Bali. Chilli tries to pack a proper pool bag, but Bluey and Bandit dismiss her preparation as "boring" and sneak off with only the "fun stuff" (pool noodles and water guns). The Escalation: Upon arrival, the consequences of skipping the "boring" prep quickly catch up to them: No sandals (thongs) means Bandit has to carry the kids across the hot ground. No sunscreen or swim shirts (rashies) forces them to stay strictly in the pool's shade. No floaties keeps Bingo trapped on the stairs, terrified of the pool's automatic cleaning filter. No goggles causes Bluey’s eyes to sting from the chlorine. The Climax: As the afternoon sun moves, the shade disappears, the kids grow hungry, and they realize they don't even have towels to dry off. Just as they declare Bandit "boring" and realize Chilli is actually the cool one, Chilli arrives like a hero with the fully stocked pool bag. 💡 Key Discussion Points & Insights for the Podcast 1. The Relatable Parenting Dynamic The "Fun Parent" vs. "Prepared Parent": The episode brilliantly highlights the classic dynamic where one parent gets to be the carefree facilitator of fun (Bandit) while the other handles the invisible, tedious labor of planning (Chilli). The Shift in Perspective: The narrative arc shifts beautifully when the kids organically realize that Bandit’s lack of planning makes him the "boring" one, completely flipping their initial view of their mother. 2. Cultural Translation & Censorship (Great Trivia Segment!) The UK "Thongs" Edit: In the UK (CBeebies broadcasts), the scene where Bandit asks Bluey if she brought her "thongs" was edited out. The Linguistic Mix-up: In Australian English, "thongs" refers to sandals/flip-flops. However, because the term refers to female underwear in British English, the scene had to be cut to avoid confusing or alarming young UK viewers. 3. Pop Culture Easter Eggs Splatoon Reference: The water gun Bandit carries at the start of the episode is a dead ringer for the Splattershot weapon from Nintendo's popular video game franchise, Splatoon. Continuity details: The flyer Chilli uses as a makeshift fan at the beginning is from the Chinese restaurant featured in the episode "Takeaway".

    Boring Things Matter in Bluey The Pool (A Bluey Deep Dive)

  4. Jul 10

    Building the $2.3 billion Vegas Sphere

    Episode Overview In this episode, we deep dive into the engineering marvel, financial rollercoaster, and cutting-edge tech behind the world’s most unique entertainment venue: Sphere in Las Vegas. From its staggering $2.3 billion price tag to its mind-blowing 16K interior screen and immersive 4D architecture, we break down what makes this giant structure an absolute game-changer for live entertainment. Key Discussion Points 1. The Mind-Boggling Scale & Architecture The Dimensions: Standing 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it holds the title of the largest spherical building on Earth. Capacity: It accommodates 17,600 seated guests (all equipped with high-speed internet) or up to 20,000 people with standing room. The Layout: Unlike standard arenas, the seating doesn’t circle the floor; it covers about two-thirds of the space, facing a massive stage. 2. Tech Specs: Screens & Sound Like Never Before The Exosphere: The exterior features 580,000 square feet of programmable LED displays—making it the largest LED screen in the world. It uses 1.23 million puck-shaped LEDs (spaced 8 inches apart) to project jaw-dropping visuals visible from miles away. The Interior Screen: Inside wraps a 160,000-square-foot, 16K-resolution LED screen. It is mathematically designed with adaptive pixel pitch to prevent image distortion near the structural poles. Nvidia Muscle: The massive digital displays are entirely powered by 150 Nvidia RTX A6000 graphics cards. Sphere Immersive Sound: Powered by HOLOPLOT’s X1 Matrix Array, the venue houses 167,000 speaker drivers. Using "beamforming" technology, it can digitally direct unique audio tracks to precise spots in the audience, ensuring perfect acoustic clarity for every single seat. 4D Integration: To elevate immersion, 10,000 seats feature custom haptic technology, alongside in-venue climate triggers for wind, scent, and temperature. 3. The Construction & Financial Drama The Budget Explosion: Originally budgeted at $1.2 billion in 2019, global supply chain crises and inflation drove the final cost to an eye-watering $2.3 billion—making it the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas history. Engineering Feats: Heavy lifting required the world's fourth-largest crawler crane, which had to be shipped across the Atlantic Ocean from Belgium and transported across the US using 120 tractor-trailers. 4. Iconic Events & Residencies Concerts: Sphere officially opened on September 29, 2023, with Irish rock legends U2 launching a historic 40-show run. Since then, it has hosted massive residencies for Phish, Dead & Company, the Eagles, and the Backstreet Boys. Immersive Cinema: It regular screens Darren Aronofsky's custom-built film Postcard from Earth, and has expanded into cinematic classics with a fully immersive 4D presentation of the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. Live Sports: Made history on September 14, 2024, by hosting UFC 306, utilizing custom-designed historical vignettes and reactive backdrops for live MMA fights. 5. Future Outlook & Expansion Sphere Studios: Based in Burbank, California, this miniature spherical replica facility uses a custom-built camera system named Big Sky explicitly to shoot and frame content for the Vegas mega-screen. Going Global: While London expansion was rejected due to light pollution concerns, Sphere Entertainment has officially confirmed plans to construct an identical second venue in Abu Dhabi. Smaller-scale locations (5,000–6,000 capacity) are also being actively explored for places like Maryland and Tokyo.

    Building the $2.3 billion Vegas Sphere

  5. Jul 8

    The Real Psychology of Heeler Holidays (A Bluey fanfic Deep Dive) (Sad Faces chapter 21)

    Podcast Episode Show Notes: Heeler Family Christmas Chaos & Convertible Skates Episode Overview In this episode, we dive deep into Chapter 21 of Kodiwolf321’s Bluey fanfiction, Sad Faces, titled "Christmas Swim Part 2". The holiday spirit is in full swing at the Heeler house as the extended family gathers for a chaotic, heartwarming, and laugh-filled gift exchange. We break down the best gags, the perfect character dynamics, and the beautifully touching moment where Thomas receives a gift that connects his past with his new life. Key Chapter Highlights The Gift-Giving Assembly Line: Chilli plays Santa’s main elf, sorting the presents under the tree, while Bluey acts as the official delivery pup to the family. The "World's Best Chef" Showdown: A classic sibling rivalry moment occurs when Uncle Stripe and Bandit realize Nana and Grandad got them the exact same apron, sparking plenty of laughs. Nana's Meta T-Shirt: In a peak comedy moment, Bandit gifts Nana a shirt that perfectly predicts her exact reaction before she even reads it: "Hang on, I'll just get my glasses." Thomas’s Big Surprise: Bandit and Chilli surprise Thomas with convertible inline-to-ice skates. It’s a double win: he no longer has to secretly borrow Bingo's bike, and he gets a piece of a hobby he deeply missed. The Arrival of Bartleby: Bluey unwraps her classic male dog doll, immediately naming him Bartleby, setting up the iconic "Christmas Swim" pool chaos. Character Moments & Analysis 1. Thomas’s Integration into the Family The emotional core of this chapter is the explicit care Bandit and Chilli put into Thomas's gift. By acknowledging his love for ice skating and researching a local rink, they aren't just giving him a toy—they are validating his history and making room for him in their world. Plus, the playful callback to Thomas riding Bingo’s tiny bike is pure, authentic family teasing. 2. Classic Heeler Humor The fic beautifully captures the tone of the show. From Muffin going full "crazy way" over her new island pool floaty to Uncle Stripe getting roasted by his own father (Bob) over his "World's Best Dancer" shirt, the banter feels incredibly earned and in-character. Memorable Quotes From the Chapter Bandit: "That way, you don't have to take any of your sisters' bikes whenever you want to go somewhere." Stripe: "Well, I was kind of hoping it would motivate you to dance better, dad." Discussion Questions for the Listeners How do you think Thomas's transition into the Heeler household is progressing based on how Bandit and Chilli tailored his Christmas gift? What was your favorite running gag in this gift exchange? Nana's glasses shirt or the duplicate chef aprons? How long do you think Bartleby survives Muffin and Socks’ pool floaty madness?

    The Real Psychology of Heeler Holidays (A Bluey fanfic Deep Dive) (Sad Faces chapter 21)

  6. Jul 6

    The geography of a sleeping dad (A Bluey Deep Dive)

    Episode Description Pack your bags and warm up your hands, because today we are adventuring beyond the Blue Mountains! In this episode, we break down Season 1, Episode 21 of Bluey. We dive into how a simple family picnic turns into an epic hand-puppet saga featuring Big Sister, Little Sister, a Little Fairy, and one incredibly cheeky fox. We’ll talk about the magic of imaginative play, the real-world Australian geography hidden in the backdrop, and, of course, track down that elusive Long Dog. Episode Breakdown 🎙️ The Plot: An Anatomy of a Hand Puppet Adventure The Setup: While having a picnic in the park, Bluey, Bingo, and Chilli use Bandit’s resting body as the landscape for a sprawling mountain climb. The Characters: * Chilli plays Big Sister, who starts off a bit hesitant and anxious about the steep climb. Bluey plays Little Sister, whose infectious enthusiasm pushes the team forward. Bingo guides them as the Little Fairy. Bandit plays... well, everything else, including a "kindly" (read: incredibly sneaky) fox. The Journey: The trio navigates the treacherous terrain of Bandit's body, tickling down "blue walls" (his arms), escaping a licky "stinky cave" (his mouth), and ultimately finding the softest, warmest beds in the world—Bandit's ears. (Complete with enough earwax to make a hundred candles!) 🗺️ Behind the Scenes & Trivia A Rare Field Trip: The breathtaking backdrop of the episode is likely modeled after the Govetts Leap viewpoint in the real Blue Mountains of New South Wales. If correct, this marks the first and only time the show features an Australian location outside of Queensland! Bottle Episode Vibes: "Blue Mountains" joins "Takeaway" and "Calypso" as one of the few early episodes to take place entirely in a single location. Easter Eggs & Production Quirks: * Long Dog Spotted: Keep your eyes peeled right after the title card! A purple-ish long dog with a teal spot is hiding by the rocks on the left side of the screen. Website Magic: On the official Bluey website, the character bio images for this episode feature the actual hand puppets instead of the characters themselves. Title Card Error: When Bluey reads the title card out loud, she says "The Blue Mountains" even though the screen text simply reads "Blue Mountains". Key Takeaways & Discussion Points Learning to Let Go: Watching Chilli’s "Big Sister" character transform from an anxious fretter into someone embracing the adventure is a beautiful micro-story about learning to relax and enjoy the moment. The Physics of Bandit: Let's appreciate the physical comedy of Bandit trying to voice a fox with his mouth open while simultaneously having his nose plugged by a puppet. Related Episodes Mentioned Shadowlands & Seesaw (which share the same picnic rug) The Pool & Shops (which aired alongside this episode in the US) What did you think of the earwax joke? Let us know in the reviews! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star rating wherever you get your podcasts.

    The geography of a sleeping dad (A Bluey Deep Dive)

  7. Jul 3

    From Overdose to the Las Vegas Sphere (An ILLENIUM Deep Dive)

    Podcast Show Notes: The Rise, Resilience, and Sonic Journey of Illenium Episode Summary In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Nicholas Daniel Miller, known globally as the electronic music powerhouse Illenium. From his early struggles and a life-changing night at Red Rocks to headlining record-breaking stadium shows and racking up Grammy nominations, we explore how he became a defining voice in future bass and melodic dubstep. Key Discussion Points Early Life & The Turning Point: Born in Illinois and raised across Seattle, France, and San Francisco, Nick Miller’s path to music wasn't overnight. Discover how a summer night in 2012 watching Bassnectar perform at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre completely shifted his focus to producing electronic music full-time. The Hustle & Debut (Ashes): Before filling arenas, Nick delivered sushi and coached lacrosse in Aspen to support his dream. We talk about his self-titled 2013 EP and the eventual release of his debut studio album, Ashes, in 2016, which put him on the melodic bass map. Chart-Topping Success (Awake & Ascend): How iconic remixes for major artists like Flume and The Chainsmokers propelled him into mainstream awareness. We chart his rise through Awake (2017) and his first Billboard #1 Dance album, Ascend (2019), featuring massive hits like "Good Things Fall Apart". Grammy Recognition & Evolution (Fallen Embers to Odyssey): A look into his deeply emotional storytelling, his first Grammy nomination for Fallen Embers (2021), his self-titled 2023 album, and his most recent project, Odyssey, released in early 2026. Advocacy & Personal Life: Illenium’s music has always been a vessel for vulnerability. We touch on his survival of a 2012 heroin overdose—a trauma he turned into art with the song "Take You Down"—and his partnership with non-profits to provide overdose education and live training on his tours. Featured Tracks & Milestones Mentioned "Say It" (Illenium Remix): Winner of Remix of the Year at the 2017 Electronic Music Awards. "Crawl Outta Love": Grand prize winner of the International Songwriting Competition. "Good Things Fall Apart" (with Jon Bellion) & "Takeaway" (with The Chainsmokers): Dual 2019 hits that peaked at number 3 on the Billboard charts. Trilogy: Colorado (2023): Played to a crowd at Empower Field at Mile High, marking the largest EDM headliner event in US history. Quotes from the Show "In 2012, a near-fatal overdose changed his life. By 2013, a move to Denver paved the way for his first EP. It’s a powerful reminder of how low points can pivot into a legacy that impacts millions of listeners worldwide."

    From Overdose to the Las Vegas Sphere (An ILLENIUM Deep Dive)

  8. Jul 1

    Real Family Trauma in Bluey Fanfiction (A Bluey fanfic Deep Dive) (Sad Faces chapter 20)

    🎧 Episode Show Notes: Dealing with a Summer Christmas (Bluey Fanfic Review) Episode Overview In this episode, we dive back into Kodiwolf321’s emotional Bluey fanfiction, Sad Faces. We are breaking down Chapter 20: "Christmas Swim Part 1," where the family deals with the bittersweet realities of blending traditions after a divorce. Thomas is trying to adjust to an intense Australian summer holiday while reminiscing about frozen lakes and snowdogs in Oregon, and Bandit is subtly dodging some tense memories of his own past. 👥 Character Spotlight: Thomas Heeler This chapter beautifully highlights Thomas's role as the older half-brother. He is caught between two worlds: his American past (complete with ice skating and snow) and his new life in Australia with Bandit, Chilli, Bluey, and Bingo. Despite his lingering homesickness, his protective and playful bond with his younger sisters takes center stage. 💬 Memorable Quotes From Chapter 20 Bandit: "Hey, that's what big brothers do to younger brothers, they give a little of tough love." Chilli: "Sounds like you were not a big fan of those Christmas with Emily's parents." Thomas: "I just hope your uncle Stripe does the crackling right this year." (Recalling Bandit's words) 🍿 Links & Resources Mentioned Read Along: Sad Faces by Kodiwolf321 on Wattpad. Fandom Tags: #Bluey #Hurt-Comfort #Fanfiction. 🗣️ Join the Conversation! Thomas misses the snow, but Bluey and Bingo are hyped for a Christmas Swim. If you had to choose, are you team Snowy Cabin Christmas or team Poolside BBQ Christmas? Drop your thoughts in the comments or call into our listener line! What specific angles or theories do you want to lean into for the audio delivery of this episode?

    Real Family Trauma in Bluey Fanfiction (A Bluey fanfic Deep Dive) (Sad Faces chapter 20)
See All (69)

About

Once Upon a Deep Dive is the podcast where fandoms gets the spotlight it deserves. Each week, we dive headfirst into beloved fandoms, Join us as we laugh, theorize, and celebrate the worlds fans continue to build—one deep dive at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Griswold
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kyle Griswold 2026
  • Show Website
    Once upon a Deep Dive