Best Verbal Diorama Podcasts (2025)

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King [Part 4 of 5] 1:03:50

7d ago1:03:50

1:03:50

In the fourth of five special episodes to celebrate this podcast's 300th episode, focused on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings, and we're diving deep into the epic finale of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King. The Return of the King had a monumental impact on the film industry, and epic box office su…

1
83- Broadway Danny Rose: The Thanksgiving Finale (1980s, One Perfect Scene, Woody Allen #6) 12:27

2d ago12:27

12:27

In this short solo episode I talk about the fantastic end sequence from the film 'Broadway Danny Rose'. So this is Danny Rose's Thanksgiving party- to which surprise guest Tina Vitale arrives- followed by Danny outside his flat, chasing after Tina on the snowy streets of New York city.

1
82- The Blues Brothers (feat. Liam Dempsey and Paul Willson from Spocklight: A Star Trek Podcast, 1980s, John Landis #3) 1:41:34

10d ago1:41:34

1:41:34

Okay, today it's a very special episode. Firstly, because I'm talking about one my favourite films of the decade- John Landis' 'The Blues Brothers'- and secondly, because I'm joined once again by Liam Dempsey and Paul Willson, two of the hosts from Spocklight: A Star Trek Podcast. And we have much to discuss with this film and beyond. You can certa…

1
81- Duran Duran: Rio (1980s, 80's Music videos #3) 22:32

11d ago22:32

22:32

Happy wekeend everyone! Today on the podcast, Kieran and I are living the high life on the seven seas, with a discussion on the music video for 'Rio' by Duran Duran.

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers [Part 3 of 5] 48:20

14d ago48:20

48:20

In the third of five special episodes to celebrate this podcast's 300th episode, focused on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings, this episode is the second middle chapter, with no beginning and no end, just like The Two Towers. The Two Towers ups the ante from The Fellowship of the Ring, balancing intense action with rich storytelli…

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [Part 2 of 5] 51:37

21d ago51:37

51:37

In the second of five special episodes to celebrate this podcast's 300th episode, focused on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings, Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings was 18-years-old by the time Peter Jackson started considering making his own version in live action. Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh wanted to make something high …

1
Fantasy Draft: Film Soundtracks (1940s / 1950s/ 1960s/ 1970s/ 1980s / 1990s / 2000s / 2010s) 2:17:31

24d ago2:17:31

2:17:31

In this episode, recorded live and in-person just before Christmas 2024, my good friends Dan and Jake and I did a fantasy draft on our favourite movie soundtracks of all time. And we had much to say...

1
The history of The Lord of the Rings & The Lord of the Rings (1978) [Part 1 of 5] 44:20

28d ago44:20

44:20

In the first of five special episodes to celebrate this podcast's 300th episode, focused on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings, this episode summarises how Tolkien's life experiences, from childhood tragedies to the horrors of war, deeply influenced the themes of his stories. They reflected the complexity of human nature, shaped hi…

1
Flash Gordon (1980) 52:27

1M ago52:27

52:27

Pathetic Earthlings, who can save you now? Well, there might be one guy... Flash Gordon has been on our screens for almost 90 years, and the story of the dashing all-American hero, his companions, and his battles against Ming the Merciless laid the groundwork for modern sci-fi, influencing everything from Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek …

1
Sister Act 41:54

1M ago41:54

41:54

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above; O Maria! Hail, mother of mercy and of love, O Maria! Triumph, all ye cherubim. Sing with us, ye seraphim! Heav'n and earth resound the hymn Salve, salve, salve, Regina! Let the clapping begin! Sister Act isn’t just a comedy. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and the joys you find in unexpected places. I…

1
80- Willow (1980s) 11:36

2M ago11:36

11:36

In this short solo episode- recorded a few days after the passing of Val Kilmer- I talked about the Ron Howard fantasy film, 'Willow'. A film which- I'll be honest- I'm quite critical of, epecially when comparing this to The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars (but don't worry, I have nothing but praise for this film's leads of Warwick Davis, Joanne Wh…

1
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) 53:26

2M ago53:26

53:26

Sonic’s journey from video game to blockbuster film should have been straightforward. From Sega’s fierce rivalry with Nintendo, to the chaotic path of bringing Sonic to life on the big screen, there are more twists and turns in this story than Green Hill Zone. Sega’s quest for a mascot that could rival Mario led to the creation of Sonic the Hedgeho…

1
79- Fatal Attraction (1980s) 1:14:07

2M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

There is much to discuss this week as Mark, Paul and I discuss Adrian Lyne's erotic thriller, 'Fatal Attraction'.

1
I, Tonya 45:03

2M ago45:03

45:03

Tonya Harding's story highlights the struggles of being an underdog in a highly elitist sport like figure skating, where social status can overshadow talent. The media portrayal of Harding changed public perception, making her the undisputed villain of the narrative. But there's always two sides to every story. Or three. And there may be truth, or …

1
Erin Brockovich 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

Erin Brockovich proves that sometimes the biggest heroes come in the most unexpected packages, like a single mum with a penchant for swearing and a relentless drive for justice. With zero legal training but a whole lot of heart, Erin uncovers a scandal involving toxic waste poisoning a small California town’s drinking water, proving that you don't …

1
78- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Speckled Band (1980s) 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

Expect lots of Sherlock Holmes talk this week as Paul and I discuss 'The Speckled Band', an episode of the Jeremy Brett starring TV show, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. We also find time to talk about the show / stage play Fleabag, Brett's love of smoking, and Paul spoils the end of Indiana Jones 5.…

1
Elizabeth (1998) 43:19

3M ago43:19

43:19

Queen Elizabeth I was a formidable leader who defied the norms of her time, cleverly balancing the expectations placed upon her as a woman with her ambitions as a ruler. An Indian director and an Australian lead actor came together to bring us a truly brilliant biographical drama on the ascension to the-then Catholic English throne of the Protestan…

1
The Woman King 49:13

3M ago49:13

49:13

This month on Verbal Diorama, we celebrate Women’s History Month, and it’s the perfect time to highlight the Agojie; fierce African warriors of the kingdom of Dahomey, who fought not just for their country, but for a legacy that resonates today. Watching The Woman King is like stepping into a vivid tapestry of history, action, and empowerment that …

1
77- Labyrinth (feat. Verbal Diorama, 1980s) 1:27:37

3M ago1:27:37

1:27:37

This week I'm delighted to be joined by Em, host of film history podcast Verbal Diorama, for a conversation on the (David Bowie-starring!!!) fantasy classic, 'Labyrinth'. And we have much to discuss...

1
Atlantis: The Lost Empire 47:44

3M ago47:44

47:44

This podcast is now six! And to celebrate, some post-Renaissance Disney. If Atlantis really existed, no one wrote about it until Plato, who did so 9,000 years after its destruction. Atlantis: The Lost Empire draws from Plato's original Atlantis myth, as well as classic adventures stories like Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864) …

1
76- Scanners (1980s) 1:03:32

3M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Get ready for a feast of classic ERRP banter- in this recording from late 2024- as Kieran, Paul and I discuss David Cronenberg's sci-fi horror film, 'Scanners'.

1
Hercules (1997) 50:03

3M ago50:03

50:03

This podcast is now six! And to celebrate, some Renaissance Disney. The story of Heracles is revered across Greek mythology, but this isn't Heracles. This is Hercules. Same guy, kind of, but this isn't just a retelling of a Greek myth—it's a whole exploration of what makes a true hero; taking some "creative liberties" with the original myth—goodbye…

1
(Basil) The Great Mouse Detective 46:19

3M ago46:19

46:19

This podcast is now six! And to celebrate - some pre-Renaissance Disney. Basil may just be a little mouse, but this little mouse packed a mighty punch for Disney during a time when the animation studio was teetering on the edge of disaster. With a mix of clever storytelling, dark visuals, and a villain who’s as charismatic as he is frightening, Bas…

1
Shrek 2 54:00

4M ago54:00

54:00

Shrek and Fiona, fresh off their 'happily ever after', are invited to a Royal Ball in celebration of their marriage. It's being held, far far away in the kingdom of Far Far Away, by Fiona's parents, the King and Queen of Far Far Away, aka Mum and Dad. But hold on to your boots (Puss), because Shrek, being an actual ogre, faces a bit of a challenge …

1
The Simpsons Movie (2007) 47:16

4M ago47:16

47:16

In 1992, US President George H.W. Bush famously remarked, during a speech at the Annual Convention of the National Religious Broadcasters, that the American family needs to be “a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons.” The longest-running American animated series, longest-running American sitcom, and the longest-running America…

1
75- Blackadder the Third: Ink and Incapability (1980s, Blackadder #3) 31:00

4M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode Paul, Kieran and I pick back up with our Blackadder coverage, with an episode on the third series episode 'Ink and Incapability' (FYI- it's the one with the dictionary).

1
ParaNorman 50:34

4M ago50:34

50:34

Speaking of a family with gifts, young Norman Babcock happens to be able to speak to the dead, making him a social outcast to humans, but also probably the only person who can stop zombies rising from their graves... ParaNorman's unique approach to horror allows it to explore serious societal issues through animation, and creatively blends animated…

1
Encanto 46:51

4M ago46:51

46:51

Welcome to The Family Madrigal, and the Surface Pressure hiding underneath the perfect façade of a magical family with wonderful gifts - everyone except Mirabel. Who probably wonders "What Else Can I Do?" on the regular, when her Abuela seems to blame her for everything. All Of You probably know the intergenerational trauma this movie perfectly dep…

1
74- Heathers (1980s) 1:15:44

5M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Expect plenty of quotes and load of teen movie talk as Mark, Paul and I discuss the comedy cult classic, 'Heathers'.

1
Turning Red 45:50

5M ago45:50

45:50

There's Nobody Like U, Turning Red. Turning Red is a ground-breaking animated film, rightfully kicking off Animation Season 2025 in style, with magical puberty front and centre, that addresses the universal struggles of adolescence through the story of Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl caught between her familial obligations and her burgeoning independen…

1
Fantasy Draft: TV Theme Tunes (1980s / 1990s / 2000s / 2010s) 59:58

5M ago59:58

59:58

In this episode, recorded live and in-person on Boxing Day 2024 with my sister (Amanda) and my brother (Lee), we did a fantasy draft on our favourite TV theme tunes of all time, and had a great time doing so.

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Verbal Diorama Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Verbal Diorama

Verbal Diorama

1
Easy Riders Raging Podcast

Chris Johnston

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King [Part 4 of 5] 1:03:50

1
83- Broadway Danny Rose: The Thanksgiving Finale (1980s, One Perfect Scene, Woody Allen #6) 12:27

1
82- The Blues Brothers (feat. Liam Dempsey and Paul Willson from Spocklight: A Star Trek Podcast, 1980s, John Landis #3) 1:41:34

1
81- Duran Duran: Rio (1980s, 80's Music videos #3) 22:32

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers [Part 3 of 5] 48:20

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [Part 2 of 5] 51:37

1
Fantasy Draft: Film Soundtracks (1940s / 1950s/ 1960s/ 1970s/ 1980s / 1990s / 2000s / 2010s) 2:17:31

1
The history of The Lord of the Rings & The Lord of the Rings (1978) [Part 1 of 5] 44:20

1
Flash Gordon (1980) 52:27

1
Sister Act 41:54

1
80- Willow (1980s) 11:36

1
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) 53:26

1
79- Fatal Attraction (1980s) 1:14:07

1
I, Tonya 45:03

1
Erin Brockovich 39:17

1
78- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Speckled Band (1980s) 28:26

1
Elizabeth (1998) 43:19

1
The Woman King 49:13

1
77- Labyrinth (feat. Verbal Diorama, 1980s) 1:27:37

1
Atlantis: The Lost Empire 47:44

1
76- Scanners (1980s) 1:03:32

1
Hercules (1997) 50:03

1
(Basil) The Great Mouse Detective 46:19

1
Shrek 2 54:00

1
The Simpsons Movie (2007) 47:16

1
75- Blackadder the Third: Ink and Incapability (1980s, Blackadder #3) 31:00

1
ParaNorman 50:34

1
Encanto 46:51

1
74- Heathers (1980s) 1:15:44

1
Turning Red 45:50

1
Fantasy Draft: TV Theme Tunes (1980s / 1990s / 2000s / 2010s) 59:58