Best Phonograph Podcasts (2025)

1
Bonus Episode - Way of the Tiger: Redeemer!

4d ago

—

It’s a bittersweet bonus episode as we bid a fond farewell to the Way of the Tiger series of ninja themed gamebooks. The final volume Redeemer is by David Walters, Mark Smith, and Jamie Thomson with art by a variety of different talents. Can this series bow out strong with a book more than twenty five years in the making? Listen along to find out. …

1
Episode 59 - Curse of the Mummy

24d ago

—

We’ve made it to the end of the original run of Fighting Fantasy books but are we ending on a high note? With Jonathan Green and Martin McKenna involved the talent is certainly there for a classic but you’ll have to listen along to find out whether they manage to land this final outing.By Fantastic Fights

1
Bonus Episode - Way of the Tiger: Inferno!

1M ago

—

In a change from the advertised episode we’re playing the penultimate Way of the Tiger gamebook (actually the last one to be released during the original run in the 80s). Our tireless hero has tried their hand at diplomacy, statecraft, and commanding armies in the field. What’s left? Why only a descent into the fabled Rift, also known as The Bowels…

1
Preserving History: One Record at a Time: Our Conversation with DJ Mac! 58:58

1M ago58:58

58:58

Time travel exists—and it sounds like a needle dropping on shellac. DJ Mac (Michael Camilla) transports us into the world of antique phonograph collecting, where century-old machines breathe life into forgotten voices from the past. As administrator of the Facebook group "Antique Phonograph Enthusiasts," Mac has created a haven where veteran collec…

1
Lincoln Part 2: His Last Journey (Audio): The Assassination and Funeral of a President. With Jack Stanley 1:01:27

2M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Abraham Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theater on April 14, 1865, was more than just the murder of a president—it was a pivotal moment that launched an unprecedented national ritual of grief that would forever transform how Americans viewed their 16th preside…

1
The Lincoln Assassination (Audio): Division, War, and Legacy, Part 1. With Historian Jack Stanley 53:51

2M ago53:51

53:51

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! The rise and fall of Abraham Lincoln represents one of America's most profound historical narratives – a story of a man who emerged from virtual political obscurity to lead a nation through its darkest hour. When the Political Encyclopedia of 1860 was published,…

1
Season Preview: What's Next 2:52

2M ago2:52

2:52

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think!By Steve - "The Judge"

1
Episode 58 - Revenge of the Vampire

2M ago

—

We’re on the penultimate book from the first run of Fighting Fantasy novels and it’s also writer Keith Martin’s swan song after eight books. Revenge of the Vampire is a direct sequel to the excellent Vault of the Vampire and sees Martin re-united with artist Martin McKenna. It’s a great creative pairing but is Revenge of the Vampire on the same lev…

1
Bonus Episode - Blood Sword: The Battlepits of Krarth

2M ago

—

The Bloodsword series is a set of gamebooks which take place in the world of Dragon Warriors, the classic roleplaying game written by Dave Morris and Oliver Johnson. It’s great that they are available again but do they bring anything fresh to the table? The first book, Battlepits of Krarth, tips its hat to Deathtrap Dungeon and has art by the great…

1
From Berliner to Victor: Early Disc Recordings: Part 3 of My Conversation with Jack Stanley 1:35:37

2M ago1:35:37

1:35:37

The scratchy, haunting sounds of early disc recordings transport us to a revolutionary moment in human history when voices and music could be captured and replayed at will. In this deep dive with collector and historian Jack Stanley, we unravel the forgotten story of how the disc record transformed entertainment forever. While Edison's cylinder pho…

1
Society and The Phonograph: Part 2 of My Conversation with Jack Stanley. 54:24

3M ago54:24

54:24

Step back in time with our latest podcast episode as we dive into the revolutionary world of the phonograph and how it forever changed society's interaction with sound. Thomas Edison’s invention began as an audacious experiment, sparking skepticism among the public who initially viewed it as a clever trick rather than a genuine technological breakt…

1
Episode 57 - Magehunter

3M ago

—

We’ve reached book 57 and Magehunter by Paul Mason with art by Russ Nicholson and cover art by Ian Miller. This one has a reputation for being quite the Chinese puzzle box of a gamebook but is that reputation justified? Also will we hunt a mage? Yes. Yes we will. Good job Magehunter on a fully accurate title.…

1
Brett Hurt: A Life's Journey Collecting and Preserving Antique Phonographs 52:27

3M ago52:27

52:27

Discover the artistry and dedication behind antique phonograph restoration with our exceptional guest, Bret Hurt, also known as the dyslexic genius. Journey with us into Brett's workshop, where he meticulously breathes new life into these historical audio machines. From a Triumph motor’s intricate reassembly to tales of collecting tools over four d…

1
Unveiling Edison, The Man behind the Phonograph: Part 1 of My Conversation with Jack Stanley 1:04:17

3M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Thomas Edison’s legacy goes beyond the light bulb; his phonograph changed the landscape of music and entertainment. This episode explores Edison's innovations, theatrical approach to invention, and the enduring impact of his work on sound recording. • Edison's multifaceted personality as an inventor and showman • The importance of phonographs in cu…

1
Bonus Episode - Way of the Tiger: Warbringer!

3M ago

—

We’re back playing Way of the Tiger again. Having dabbled in ruling a city in the previous book we now get to take on military command as our old foe Honoric is back and he’s brought 15,000 close friends with him. Can our hero manage to put together a force to oppose his angry nemesis? Listen along to find out. Also my new book Mutiny Most Merited …

1
Episode 56 - Knights of Doom

4M ago

—

Book 56 of the Fighting Fantasy series is the sophomore effort from Jonathan Green, Knights of Doom, with art by Tony Hough. Green’s first book was the very enjoyable Spellbreaker but can he manage to escape the curse of the difficult second album? Listen along to find out.By Fantastic Fights

1
Bonus Episode - The House on Sentinel Hill

4M ago

—

It’s bonus episode time again and we’re entering the terrifying world of the Cthulhu Mythos with Graham Plowman’s The House on Sentinel Hill. Released in 2022 this hefty 585 section adventure gamebook features all manner of monstrous creatures and sanity draining revelations. Art is by Matthew Dewhurst.…

1
Exploring the Enigma of Remote Viewing: Simeon's Journey from Skepticism to Psychic Prowess, CIA Intrigues, and Quantum Discoveries in Intelligence and Beyond 59:10

4M ago59:10

59:10

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Unlock the secrets of the mind as we sit down with Simeon, a leading expert in the enigmatic world of remote viewing and psychic phenomena. Our conversation kicks off with Simeon sharing his intriguing journey, illuminating the path from skepticism to fascinatio…

1
Episode 55 - Deathmoor

5M ago

—

It’s the last podcast of 2024 and we’re looking at Deathmoor by Robin Waterfield with art by Russ Nicholson and cover art by Terry Oakes. I try not to get into meta-commentary on my own work but this episode is genuinely one of my favourites that I’ve recorded in recent months. I had a ton of fun with this one and I hope that you will too. Merry Ch…

1
Bonus Episode - Choose Your Own Adventure Special

5M ago

—

I’ve been stricken by the plague but podcast schedules are podcast schedules so please enjoy this oddly deep voiced reading of two Choose Your Own Adventure books with a little light analysis of the form. Less laryngeal service will hopefully resume later this month. We’re playing Who Killed Harlowe Thrombey by Edward Packard and The Race Forever b…

1
Episode 54 - The Legend of Zagor

6M ago

—

Book 54 sees us tackle Zagor, the warlock of Firetop Mountain himself for the third and so far final time. Written by Keith Martin but attributed to Ian Livingstone for some reason it sees us plunge into a new world, Amarillia and search through a magical castle in search of the items that will help us to slay the evil warlock once and for all. Don…

1
A Conversation with the Dyslexic Genus Hurt! Brett Hurt's Antique Phonograph Odyssey and Online Success. 1:17:38

6M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Wyatt Markus, Joe, Tracy and I, discover the captivating journey of Brett Hurt, affectionately known as Dyslexic Genius, a passionate luminary in the antique phonograph community. From stumbling upon a Victrola in an antique shop over four decades ago to produci…

1
Bonus Episode - Way of the Tiger 4: Overlord!

6M ago

—

It’s another bonus episode as we tackle Overlord!, book 4 in the ninja themed Way of the Tiger series by Mark Smith and Jamie Thomson. Now the ruler of a major city our hero must balance the different competing interests and avoid precipitating another revolution that will surely end badly. Bonus episodes of this podcast are made possible by my pat…

1
Episode 53 - Spellbreaker

7M ago

—

Book 53 of Fighting Fantasy is here! Spellbreaker is the debut Fighting Fantasy gamebook from Jonathan Green who has gone on to be an important creator in the gamebook sphere. With art, including cover art, by Alan Langford there’s clearly a wealth of talent on display but does that cohere into a good book? Listen along to find out. If you’d like t…

1
Bonus Episode: Robin of Sherwood - The King's Demon

7M ago

—

It’s another bonus episode as we take a look at The King’s Demon based on the 1980s TV show Robin of Sherwood, an extremely influential retelling of the myth of Robin Hood. The book by Graham Staplehurst and Richard Carpenter (with some help from Paul Mason). Art is by the legendary Russ Nicholson. If you’re enjoying this podcast please consider su…

1
Part Two: Discovering Antique Phonographs: My Interview with Wyatt, Joe and Tracy. Reviving These Early 20th-Century Marvels. 44:05

7M ago44:05

44:05

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Unlock the secrets of early recording technology with our special guests Wyatt, Joe, and Tracy, as we journey through the groundbreaking era of the phonograph. Discover how the laborious process of creating wax cylinders and the technological marvel of electropl…

1
Part One: Discovering Antique Phonographs: Collecting and Reviving These Early 20th-Century Marvels. My Interview with Wyatt, Joe and Tracy. 43:06

7M ago43:06

43:06

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! What if a simple visit to an antique store could ignite an unexpected passion? During a rainy day adventure, we uncovered the captivating world of phonographs, transforming a chance encounter with a Victrola 11 into an exhilarating hobby. Join us as we explore t…

1
Decoding the JFK Assassination Part 2: Last Moments, Controversial Autopsy, and the Silencing of Lee Harvey Oswald 49:15

8M ago49:15

49:15

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Did you know that the JFK assassination is still shrouded in mystery and controversy, decades after that fateful November day? Join us as we unravel the intricate web of events from Lee Harvey Oswald's enigmatic arrival at the Texas School Book Depository to the…

1
Episode 52 - Night Dragon

8M ago

—

Book 52 of the Fighting Fantasy series is Night Dragon, the sixth book by regular contributor Keith Martin. Another desperate threat has emerged to menace Allansia in the form of the titular dragon who also looms large over the cover art. Internal art and cover art is by Tony Hough but how will our intrepid adventurer get on? Listen along to find o…

1
Unraveling the JFK Assassination Mysteries Part 1: LBJ's Contentious Choice, Oswald's Dubious Role, and the Chilling Chicago Plot with Our Special Guest Dom 40:05

8M ago40:05

40:05

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! What if everything we thought we knew about JFK's assassination was just the tip of the iceberg? Unravel the hidden layers of one of the most scrutinized events in American history with our latest episode of A Better Life. We start by addressing George's leave o…

1
Bonus Episode - Castle of Lost Souls

8M ago

—

It’s bonus time again and this episode I’m playing The Castle of Lost Souls by Dave Morris with art by Leo Hartas. This is part of the Golden Dragon series of gamebooks released by Grafton Books in the 1980s and is based on a Dungeons and Dragons adventure Dave Morris and Yve Newnham serialised in early White Dwarf. This is re-release as a print on…

1
Titanic's Tragic Love Story, Generational Legacies, and Hollywood Connections: Robin Schafer on Isidor and Ida Strauss, and Family Philanthropy 27:06

8M ago27:06

27:06

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! What if a last-minute change in travel plans sealed the fate of your loved ones on one of history's greatest tragedies? Join us as we welcome Robin Schafer, who shares the awe-inspiring yet heart-wrenching tale of her great-granduncle, Isidor Strauss, and his wi…

1
Episode 51: Island of the Undead

9M ago

—

It’s book 51. It’s Island of the Undead. It’s Keith Martin and Russ Nicholson. How will our intrepid hero get on and just how many sections will be hidden behind mystery numbers? Listen to find out. Also I have a new album of melancholy Dungeon Synth out. Baroque Funereal Dirges by Sorrow Tree presents 6 tracks of lo-fi dark ambient music suitable …

1
Unraveling the Trump Assassination Attempt: Secret Service Failures, Political Intrigue, and Historical Parallels to JFK's Tragic End 42:38

9M ago42:38

42:38

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! What really happened during the recent attempt on Donald Trump's life? Join us as we launch our third season, diving into one of the most controversial and complex events in recent history. We’re thrilled to have Dom, an assassination expert, onboard to dissect …

1
Bonus Episode - Way of the Tiger 3: Usurper!

9M ago

—

It’s bonus episode time again and this instalment sees us continue to explore the Way of the Tiger series by Mark Smith and Jamie Thomson (with kind thanks to Stuart Lloyd for the loan of the book). Usurper, book 3 in the series, sees our ninja hero embark on a new adventure as they seek to take back a crown that is rightfully theirs under the dubi…

1
Episode 50 - Return to Firetop Mountain

10M ago

—

We hit a big milestone in the history of Fighting Fantasy as this episode covers Return to Firetop Mountain, book fifty in the wildly successful series. Ian Livingstone returns to the start of the series and the provides us with another chance to delve into the secrets of Firetop Mountain where the titular warlock has returned once more to bedevil …

1
Bonus Episode - Asterix: The Meeting of the Chieftains

10M ago

—

It’s bonus episode time again and we’re delving into a gamebook based on one of the most successful comic books in the world, Asterix the Gaul. Meeting of the Chieftains is a full colour, magazine sized gamebook based in the madcap world of Gaul in the first century BCE. The original comic books are stone cold classics but how will the property sur…

1
Episode 49 - Siege of Sardath

11M ago

—

Siege of Sardath is the only book written for the Fighting Fantasy series by Keith P Phillips which means that we’ll either be sad or relieved that there’s no sequel. We’re in classic Fighting Fantasy plot territory with a mysterious evil oppressing the city of Sardath and a journey to be taken through a spider haunted forest in order to find out w…

1
Bonus Episode - A Day in the Life

11M ago

—

It’s another special bonus episode as I play A Day in the Life, the second gamebook written for me by my husband as a birthday present. Have you ever wanted to be a cat? Now is you chance in this unique gamebook experience. This book is available now for all my lovely patrons as a thank you for their continued support. You can join them and gain ac…

1
Preserving Italian Heritage: Tony Farina's Culinary Journey from Newark to Charleston, with Family Recipes and Future Visions 47:06

11M ago47:06

47:06

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Have you ever wondered what it takes to recreate your grandmother’s most treasured recipes? Join us on a heartwarming journey with Tony Farina as he shares the cherished Italian culinary traditions passed down from his mother and grandmother. Growing up in Newar…

1
Bar Harbor's Scenic Wonders, AI Advances, and Gripping Sports Updates: A Journey Through Maine's Beauty, Technological Changes, and Financial Missteps 31:12

12M ago31:12

31:12

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Can a vacation change your life? Join us as Steve recounts his breathtaking trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, a journey filled with stunning landscapes, hearty local cuisine, and thrilling adventures. From the awe-inspiring views atop Cadillac Mountain to the invigorat…

1
Episode 48 - Moonrunner

12M ago

—

It’s the third and final Fighting Fantasy gamebook written by Stephen Hand (with art by Martin McKenna). Will this be an exciting cap to his trilogy of books or did he use up all his good ideas on Dead of Night and Legend of the Shadow Warriors? Listen along to find out. Don’t forget you can get a parcel of gaming materials and access to the regula…

1
New York's Sports Fervor and the Met Gala's Fashion Extravaganza: A Dive into Athletic Drive, Information Shifts, and Cultural Pageantry 28:16

1y ago28:16

28:16

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Feel the relentless drive and passion as we celebrate New York's athletic spirit, from the Knicks' playoff push to the Rangers' exhilarating overtime triumphs. I'm taking you right into the heart of the city's sports scene, where Jalen Brunson's exceptional play…

1
Bonus Episode - Way of the Tiger: Assassin!

1y ago

—

Bonus episode time again as we continue to throw shuriken, cobra strike, and garotte our way through the Way of the Tiger series by Mark Smith and Jamie Thomson. The second book in a series is often a difficult one, how to build on the successes of the first book and still break new ground. Listen along to find out how they manage it.…

1
Episode 47 - The Crimson Tide

1y ago

—

The Crimson Tide is this month’s Fighting Fantasy book. This curious and convoluted book is a solo outing from Paul Mason who previously gave us Slaves to the Abyss and Black Vein Prophecy with his writing partner Steve Williams. With Terry Oakes providing art and a chance to show us his own vision for what a Fighting Fantasy book looks like can Pa…

1
Bonus Episode - Way of the Tiger: Avenger!

1y ago

—

It’s another bonus episode and another foray into the world of Orb with Way of the Tiger: Avenger by Mark Smith and Jamie Thomson. Having survived the trials of Ninja our hero is now sent on a mission to save the world and take revenge on the man who killed their father figure. How will HJDoom do on this quest, badly or very badly? Listen along to …

1
Part Two of Our Interview with Jimmy Hank Pizza: From Pizza Oven Battles to Community Ties: Jimmy Hank on Charred Crusts, Gas Flames, and the Rise of the 'Frico King' 30:43

1y ago30:43

30:43

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! As Part Two our interview continues with the heat of competition meets the warmth of a community, magic happens in the kitchen—or in this case, the pizza oven. Our guest, Jimmy Hank Pizza, shares the excitement of his first foray into a major pizza competition i…

1
From Pandemic Pastime to Pizza Perfection: Jimmy Hank Pizza Shares the Art of Craft Pies and the Rise to Frico King, Jimmy Hank Pizza Interview Part One! 24:58

1y ago24:58

24:58

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Who says a pandemic hobby can't rise like perfectly proofed pizza dough? Jimmy Hank Pizza, a charismatic home chef who turned his pizza-making passion into an art form, joins us for a saucy and inspiring conversation. From the tale of George, once a pizza skepti…

1
Mid-Week Restaurant Review! Augustine's, Salumeri: Delights in the World of Artisan Sandwiches and much, much, more! 11:20

1y ago11:20

11:20

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! George and I, Steve, just wrapped up an unforgettable lunch at Augustine's, Salumeria where the humble sandwich gets a Michelin Guide-worthy makeover. We're talking bread that's a cut above, proteins cooked to perfection, and toppings that transform the ordinary…

1
Easter Reflections, Culinary Feasts, and the Spice of Life: Embracing Health Battles and Philosophies with George, Steve and Friends 32:54

1y ago32:54

32:54

CLICK HERE! To send us a message! Ask us a Question or just let us know what you think! Join us at the table for a heartfelt recount of post-Easter warmth and the bonds forged over shared meals. George and I swap stories from our holiday spreads – my peaceful Easter dinner and George's fiery dance with island-style short ribs. We'll also take you t…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Phonograph Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen