Elite Rugby Banter - the rugby pod where the commentary is as unpredictable as the bounce of the ball. Join Phil, Ant, and Andrew, three rugby nerds and fantasy draft managers, as they give their biased and unqualified but never dispassionate opinions on all things rugby related. Andrew: Rugby claim to fame: length of the field try against Bishops for the u12 C team Teams supported other than the Springboks: Stormers, Scotland Favourite rugby moment: every Breyton Paulse flick-flack Ant: Rug ...
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** Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks ** Host David Barr Kirtley, author of the book Save Me Plz and Other Stories, talks geek culture with guests such as Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Richard Dawkins, Simon Pegg, Bill Nye, Margaret Atwood, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy has appeared on recommended podcast lists from NPR, The Guardian, Wired, The A.V. Club, BBC America, CBC Radio, WVXU, io9, Omni, The St ...
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594. Andor Season 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, Matt London)
1:26:36
1:26:36
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1:26:36Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, and Matt London join us to discuss Season 2 of the Disney+ series Andor, a prequel to the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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593. Roger Zelazny's Writing Advice (with Warren Lapine)
1:08:55
1:08:55
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1:08:55Warren Lapine joins us to discuss editing the book On Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Roger Zelazny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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Episode 288: We're back like Elliot Daly in a Lions jersey
54:44
54:44
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54:44Hey! Remember us? It's been a while, but that means there's plenty to talk about. URC and Super Rugby Pacific approach their business ends while the announcement of a Lions tour gives us plenty to chew on. Is the fate of the Crusaders tied to Will Jordan's knee? Is Mack Hansen injured or is it just a conspiracy? And why is he banned on Hinge? Is An…
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592. The Best of Greg Egan Part 1 Review (with Anthony Ha)
2:24:07
2:24:07
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2:24:07Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first eight stories in the book The Best of Greg Egan, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Learning to Be Me" (20:42), "Axiomatic" (44:03), "Appropriate Love" (50:10), "Into Darkness" (1:00:30), "Unstable Orbits in the Space of Lies" (1:14:47), "Closer" (1:26:42), "Ch…
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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
2:39:59
2:39:59
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2:39:59Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Top of the Volcano: The Award-Winning Stories of Harlan Ellison, which contains 11 stories not included in Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "A Boy and His Dog" (1:39), "The Region Between" (37:12), "Basilisk" (48:29), "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38° 54' N, Longi…
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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera)
1:48:40
1:48:40
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1:48:40Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the first nine stories in the short story collection The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: "Becalmed in Hell" (5:10), "Bordered in Black" (17:54), "Neutron Star" (26:35), "The Soft Weapon" (38:16), "The Jigsaw Man" (56:27), "The Deadlier Weapon" (1:02:55), "All the Myriad Ways…
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Ep 287: Is Henco Van Wyk the next Bok Hooker?
52:40
52:40
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52:40Is Hooker a hooker? Is Tizzano a hooker? What about Henco? Or Marnus? Spoiler: probably only the last one. But listen anyway to find out.It has been a while! Ant, Phil and Andy quickly recap the lost episode wrapping up the Six Nations before turning to the tail end of the URC and a highly entertaining Super Rugby Pacific edition.Music by @monstroi…
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589. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Rajan Khanna)
1:37:16
1:37:16
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1:37:16Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss Season 1 of the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, a prequel set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Book Club (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer)
1:27:33
1:27:33
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1:27:33James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Urth of the New Sun, a sequel to The Book of the New Sun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville
1:51:20
1:51:20
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1:51:20Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho…
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Episode 286: Gatland's Gone, England Won and Super Rugby Pacific is Back
1:11:44
1:11:44
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1:11:44A very special in-person episode was recorded for your pleasure, seeing a return of not only Andrew but Ant's rants and Super Rugby Pacific. The reunited trio look ahead to the rugby extravaganza that is SRP, asking the deep questions like who can stop the Blues, can the Crusaders get any worse and will all of the Australians improve without the Re…
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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
1:58:04
1:58:04
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1:58:04Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting:…
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Better late than never! Ant has a lot to get off his chest after a couple of months away. Joined by Phil, the duo assess the state of play for the South African teams in the URC and Champions/Challenge Cup before diving into a 6 Nations preview. Can the Sharks go all the way in the URC? What is wrong with the Stormers? Will the Bulls and Lions make…
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585. Philip Gelatt, writer of The Europa Report and The Spine of Night
1:05:22
1:05:22
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1:05:22Philip Gelatt joins us to discuss writing the hard science fiction film The Europa Report and the animated sword & sorcery film The Spine of Night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty)
58:45
58:45
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58:45J.T. Petty joins us to discuss serving as executive producer on the new Amazon series Secret Level, a collection of animated shorts set in the worlds of popular video games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
1:57:08
1:57:08
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1:57:08Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the first half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "'Repent Harlequin,' Said the Ticktockman" (13:08), "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" (26:00), "The Deathbird" (37:17), "Chatting with Anubis" (47:39), "The Whimper of Whipped Dogs…
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582. The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Book Club (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer)
1:32:12
1:32:12
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1:32:12James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Fifth Head of Cerberus, about two planets that may or may not be inhabited by shapeshifting aliens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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The Boks have dominated the Player of the Year nominees, but will World Rugby conspire to select another Irish backrower? Phil and Andy launch the #JusticeForOx campaign as they ask whether rugby will always let props eat cake without proper recognition. The duo shine the spotlight on the latest fixtures like Stade de France did on the haka, and th…
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581. Andrew Niccol Movies: Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, Anon
1:56:51
1:56:51
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1:56:51Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the movies Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, and Anon, all of which were written by Andrew Niccol. Time stamps: Gattaca (11:57), The Truman Show (45:09), Simone (1:03:13), In Time (1:18:08), Anon (1:25:59). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Episode 283: Southern Hemisphere > Cunningham-South?
1:20:29
1:20:29
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1:20:29The former colonies dominated as the South swept aside the imperialist North in the Autumn Nations Series as cocky fans' egos swelled more than Kolisi's eye socket. Bok supporters are still unhappy with four tries to none, while Will Jordan keeps advancing on Dougie Howlett's record. Australia get a famous win despite being a Schmidt team, and Fiji…
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Episode 282: Is Ali-Price Right? (or what was his nickname?)
1:07:47
1:07:47
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1:07:47Is Marcus Smith the Messiah? Or was it a bad Ford to cross. Are Scotland the real deal, or are Fiji just anti W(h)ales? Can anyone stop Sititi or Telea (spoiler, you'll find out on Friday).The gang (sans Bird) run the rule over what each team (including Kenya) would deem a success for the autumn/spring/November/end of year tour.Music by @monstroid,…
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580. The New Mexico Mafia (with Melinda M. Snodgrass)
1:23:59
1:23:59
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1:23:59Melinda M. Snodgrass joins us to discuss the New Mexico Mafia, a tight-knit community of fantasy & science fiction writers that formed in New Mexico in the 1970s and 1980s, a group that included George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Fred Saberhagen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Dick takes a swing at hosting as the team recaps the URC progress of the South African teams. Listen in as the misinformed mispronounce and sometimes miss the point, unlike David (Richard no T) Kriel against Benetton. To sweeten things up, dessert is served in the form of a quick preview of the upcoming international fixtures as well.…
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579. The Future of Demographic Collapse (with Malcolm Collins)
1:17:54
1:17:54
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1:17:54Malcolm Collins, co-host of the Based Camp podcast, joins us to discuss future scenarios involving demographic collapse, genetic engineering, and AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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578. Terminator Zero Season 1 Review (with Daniel H. Wilson, Zach Chapman)
1:24:50
1:24:50
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1:24:50Daniel H. Wilson and Zach Chapman join us to discuss the Netflix series Terminator Zero, an animated spinoff of the classic films Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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Episode 280: Eben Ysterbeth - a GOAT in our time
1:20:35
1:20:35
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1:20:35The Boks sign off on a wildly successful Rugby Championship campaign in emphatic style in Mbombela, while the All Blacks heap further misery on an admittedly Schmidt Wallaby team. Then, in the URC, the Lions and Bulls enjoy the comforts of home while the Sharks and Stormers succumb to the frigid northern climes. Has Ox done enough to be the first p…
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Episode 279: Throwing good Manie after bad
1:14:11
1:14:11
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1:14:11The Boks return from Argentina with their tails between their legs, much like the Lions who threw away a full-time lead when the Sharks smelled blood in the water at Ellis Park. Adam returns to the pod with Andy and Phil to recount the Currie Cup final matchday experience and put the magnifying glass to the mysterious case of Manie's missing compas…
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Episode 278: Junior Boks not Boca Juniors
58:29
58:29
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58:29The Boks are Argentina hoping to give the Pumas a Moer(at)ing with a much-changed side, while the Currie Cup reaches its zenith with the Sharks traveling to Joburg to take on the Lions. Will Esterhuizen lead Ant's boys to their second trophy in succession? Or will Nohamba take his revenge on his old employers and sent Phil into a frenzy? Oh, also, …
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Episode 277: The Long Walk to Freedom Cup
1:12:37
1:12:37
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1:12:37It's the first Freedom Cup in 15 years, the first 4 consecutive wins over our greatest rivals since 1949, and Marx gets to 100 (points) before Willie becomes a centurion. Overall, it's a remarkable time to be a Bok. Also in this episode - in the Currie Cup, Western Province are the coriander, Lions are enjoying a birds-eye view at the top of the lo…
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Episode 276: Springboks topple the All Blacks but it's all to play for in Cape Town
1:09:10
1:09:10
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1:09:10The Springboks toppled the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in a tense, tight affair but it's all to play for in Cape Town as both teams will come out firing. Join the gang as they discuss all things Springboks and All Blacks, as they get ready to watch the blockbuster of a match at Cape Town Stadium this weekend. Also discussed are Ant's g…
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Episode 275: The one not sponsored by Kristen's Kick-Ass Ice Cream
37:06
37:06
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37:06Rassie has been ice cold with his selections this week, proving he's not a Fassi eater. Will Sacha flake on the biggest stage of his career? Will the artificially sweetened bomb squad have the desired aftertaste? Will the new lock combination melt or glisten? One thing is for sure - the action won't be vanilla as the Boks take on the All Blacks thi…
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577. The Best of Roger Zelazny Review (with Tom Gerencer)
2:29:54
2:29:54
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2:29:54Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the short story collection The Best of Roger Zelazny, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Corrida" (20:04), "LOKI 72181" (24:05), "The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of His Mouth" (27:08), "The Great Slow Kings" (35:21), "Permafrost" (38:56), "Home is the Hangman" (44:13)…
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Episode 274: Boks bash the Wallabies in the wet
58:14
58:14
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58:14A rare four-man front row gathered to discuss the latest Bok test, as well as some Currie Cup and u18 action. Who were your winners and losers of the Bok tour Down Under? And is the All Black touring squad instilling any fear? Find out here on Elite Rugby Banter.Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.By Elite Rugby Banter
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576. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein Book Club (with Lisa Yaszek, John Kessel, Robby Soave)
1:30:51
1:30:51
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1:30:51Lisa Yaszek, John Kessel, and Robby Soave join us to discuss Robert Heinlein’s classic novel Stranger in a Strange Land, about a young man raised by Martians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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The Bok team has been announced for the Brisbane Barney and the boys are frothing. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (SAFM to his mates and the pod) headlines the announcement as the starting flyhalf, with some other notable talking points ahead of the Southern Hemisphere's signature competition. Is this the Boks' chance to make a statement and perhaps be …
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575. Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke Book Club (with Matthew Kressel, Anthony Ha, Sara Lynn Michener)
1:16:50
1:16:50
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1:16:50Matthew Kressel, Anthony Ha, and Sara Lynn Michener join us to discuss Arthur C. Clarke’s classic novel Rendezvous with Rama, about astronauts exploring a giant alien spacecraft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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In a second-ever happenstance, our three regulars found themselves around the same table. Are Australia the form team of World Rugby? Is the smart money on Manie, or is Sacha such a talent? Is McKenzie the real MacDaddy or just macaroni? Does Ant support the NovaVit Griffons now?Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.…
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Episode 270 -No kudus for Ciaran Frawley
1:09:19
1:09:19
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1:09:19Elite Rugby Banter (the podcast, not the musical) is back with a full complement of 3 (the same number of minutes Willie managed before getting concussed, again). Ireland have won back the Raeburn Shield as well as the rights to Zombie as the emerald greens got in Rassie's head. Jannie de Beer's illegitimate red-haired lovechild quelled a boisterou…
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574. A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge Book Club (with Seth Dickinson, Abby Goldsmith, Mercurio D. Rivera)
1:16:10
1:16:10
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1:16:10Seth Dickinson, Abby Goldsmith, and Mercurio D. Rivera join us to discuss Vernor Vinge’s classic 1999 novel A Deepness in the Sky, a prequel to his novel A Fire Upon the Deep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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Episode 269 - France spoils the Southern Hemisphere Rugby Party!
1:05:56
1:05:56
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1:05:56Is Dylan Richardson going on the next Lions tour? Should the Western Cape never host another Junior World Cup? Who is the best of the new coaches on the block? Can the Northern Hemisphere claim back some face this weekend? Will Ireland have any players left? And will Phil get washed away in Newlands? All these questions and more are answered as Ant…
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Episode 268: Is Zane Kirchner the answer to Ireland’s fullback conundrum?
1:08:48
1:08:48
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1:08:48There’s a bone to be picked, a debt to be paid, and an injustice to be avenged… Are we talking about the Boks v Ireland series or the Team GB women in their underwear? Listen to find out.Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.By Elite Rugby Banter
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573. Robert Charles Wilson on Science Fiction and Atheism
42:14
42:14
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42:14Robert Charles Wilson joins us to discuss his books The Perseids and Other Stories and Owning the Unknown: A Science Fiction Writer Explores Atheism, Agnosticism, and the Idea of God. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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Episode 267: Our Blood Shifts from Blue to Green...but also Black?
1:04:53
1:04:53
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1:04:53Ant, Phil, and Andy recap the first post-RWC Bok game, the URC final, and the Blitzboks qualification for the Olympics. Oh, the highs and lows of being a South African rugby fan... Also, what on earth are we supposed to do next Saturday without even our Antipodean rugby to look forward to? Our panel mulls over this grave happenstance...…
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Episode 266: Ant risks his Life for the Pod!
40:36
40:36
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40:36Andy hosts while Ant commutes between URC, Super Rugby Pacific and the first Bok test of the season. Will Fortress Loftus hold against the Warriors of Glasgow? Will the Chiefs give the men from Auckland the Blues? And will it be Boks Office or Wails with the experimental Twickenham tour?Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.…
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572. Scavengers Reign Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Zach Chapman, Mercurio D. Rivera)
1:34:05
1:34:05
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1:34:05Andrea Kail, Zach Chapman, and Mercurio D. Rivera join us to discuss the animated series Scavengers Reign, about a group of survivors stranded on an alien planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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Episode 265: We're All Bulls Fans Now
1:29:21
1:29:21
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1:29:21The four-man pod returns sporting light blue jerseys and nose rings as the Stormers crash ungraciously out of the URC. Andy rules supreme in rugby fantasy land, and the boys pick their Bok squads for the upcoming series against Ireland. With all the injuries at outside back, who will accompany the old men Mapimpi and Le Roux?Music by @monstroid, 80…
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571. Civil War Movie Review (with Myke Cole, Michael Livingston)
1:26:45
1:26:45
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1:26:45Myke Cole and Michael Livingston join us to discuss the new Alex Garland movie Civil War, about a civil war breaking out in modern day America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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Episode 264: The Sharks are the big fish in a small pond
1:04:29
1:04:29
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1:04:29Ant comes out firing on the back of his beloved Sharks victory in the hitherto unheralded European Challenge Cup. Meanwhile, pod guest Dick Taylor helps to unpack some more meaningful competitions in the Champions Cup, URC, Super Rugby Pacific, the Japanese League One, and the SA Cup. Hilarity ensues.Music by @monstroid, 80s TV Show.…
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570. Invincible Seasons 1 and 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Tom Gerencer, Zach Chapman)
1:25:06
1:25:06
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1:25:06Andrea Kail, Tom Gerencer, and Zach Chapman join us to discuss Seasons 1 and 2 of the animated series Invincible, about a teenager's difficult relationship with his superhero father. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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569. Lionel Shriver, author of Mania and Abominations: Selected Essays from a Career of Courting Self-Destruction
59:17
59:17
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59:17Lionel Shriver, author of We Need to Talk About Kevin, joins us to discuss her new books Mania and Abominations: Selected Essays from a Career of Courting Self-Destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley
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