Nostalgium Arcanum - Episodes Tagged with “Sci Fi”

Alien

Doug Lief — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Ridley Scott's seminal sci-fi horror masterpiece remains a "perfect organism". Alien is equal parts atmospheric, paranoid, and just plain disgusting. With a career-making performance from Sigourney Weaver and unparalleled visuals from the deep recesses of H. R. Giger's psyche, the film latches on and implants itself, not unlike its extraterrestrial antagonist. Guest podcaster and lucky star Case Aiken (Another Pass, Men of Steel) stows away on board to discuss why Alien is a beloved classic over 45 years later. You have our sympathies.

You can support Case and his network, CertainPOV, at patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

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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).

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Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All score from Alien by Jerry Goldsmith
You Are My Lucky Star - Gene Kelly
Hello! Ma Baby - Michigan J. Frog

Gremlins

Doug Lief — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 01:00:00 -0800

Guest Rich Baker (@richbakercoaching) joins us to discuss the three essential rules for mogwai care as we revisit 1984's "Gremlins", a classic tale of overpopulation that seamlessly blends horror, comedy, sci-fi, and Christmas.

If you want to take an online improv class from Rich, go to www.daretofailimprov.com (first class is free!).

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content.

For extra info, check out this video chronicling easter eggs throughout the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDppBHOpkmM

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
Gremlins Theme (Jerry Goldsmith)
Pigs is Pigs (Oliver Wallace)
Gizmo's Theme (Jerry Goldsmith)
Heigh Ho (Frank Churchill / Larry Morey)
After Midnight (Eric Clapton)

The Fly

Doug Lief — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0700

Be afraid... Be very afraid... of a twisted fusion of sci-fi horror and romance, as well as man and insect. David Cronenberg's body horror masterpiece haunts not only for its viscerally upsetting imagery, but because that imagery is paired with strong characters and profound metaphysical questions.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram in particular since that's where we post bonus content.

Musical Credits:

Intro - Dark Flute (Jim Guthrie)
All score from The Fly by Howard Shore
Outro music from The Simpsons by Alf Clausen