AVSEPod Episode 120: Boy Meets World- "If You Can't Be With the One You Love..."

This week we are ringing in the new year with a return to Boy Meets World, the sitcom starring everyone's second-favorite Savage brother, for a Very Special episode about how if you're not careful, drinking too much will make you more likeable and fun to be around! Carolyn, David, and Austin clink their glasses then dive into such topics as cigarette vending machines in schools, hideous puppet golems in store windows, and the question of who exactly in this show is actually likeable? 

So steal a pint of whiskey from your dad, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify! You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com. 

Also, be sure to listen to Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode120.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 98: Frasier - "Room with a View"

Our 2020 Must See TV marathon continues, as we tackle one of the most successful spinoffs of all time, Frasier, with an episode that sees Niles undergo open heart surgery and a hospital spill its guts! Join Carolyn, Austin and David as they rank iconic city skyline buildings, dig into some old candy bars, and discuss Dr. Bitz's tips for ripping off vending machines!

So toss a salad and scramble some eggs, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify! You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Also, be sure to listen to Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode098.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 92: MASH - "Abyssinia, Henry"

We are back and tackling your dad's favorite sitcom this week, as we review an episode of MASH involving the departure of a much-loved character from the ensemble! Join Carolyn, Austin & David as they talk toidy trees,  decide which MASHer is the show's Screech, and declare the new leader of the podcast!

So put on your best Carmen Miranda outfit, then download and listen here, and rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify! You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode092.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 91: 2019 Year in Review

So long, 2019! It's time for our now annual very special Very Special episode, when the Aluminum Four look back on the year that was and highlight the bits of new (or new to them) pop culture & societal trends they loved, hated, or were slightly more than indifferent towards. This year, we're talking about Tuca & Bertie, Knives Out, 30 Rock, Watchmen, and so much more.

So join us as we yell at some kids to get off our lawns, then download and listen here, and rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher, Google Play and Spotify! You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here! It still makes a great stocking stuffer if you want to get a heads start on next year!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode091.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 69: Beverly Hills, 90210 - The Child is Father to the Man

The AVSE offices are in mourning once again, and this week we celebrate the accomplishments of the recently-departed Luke Perry with a Very Special episode of Beverly Hills, 90210, in which we get a double dose of Luke Perry as Dylan deals with the fallout of his dad exploding. Join Austin, Carolyn & Very Special Guest, Carolyn's Pitch Please! co-host Shane Hosea, as they talk death-related puns, tall hair, and using ties to get girls.

So put on your trench coat before coming to the trench coat party, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Be sure to follow Shane on Twitter, and check out his podcasts Anime at the Gates & Spec Script wherever you find podcasts!

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode069.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 67: Magnum P.I. - "Solo Flight"

Aloha! This week, Carolyn, David, and the returning Very Special Guest, Carolyn's newly-turned-40 fiance Aaron, grapple with mortality under the sunny skies of Hawaii along with Magnum P.I. and one of the finest examples of facial hair in TV history. And while staring death in the face, they also discuss sharks named Herman, dropping the N word in Vietnam, and a boss fly with a pussy face.

So remember that failure is one of life’s few absolutes, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

And you can follow Aaron on Twitter here!

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode067.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 66: Trackdown - "The End of the World"

Howdy partners! This week, David, Carolyn & Austin travel back to the Old West to check out a show from what was once one of TV's dominant genres, the Western. Join us as we review an episode of Trackdown, in which Texaa Ranger Hoby Gilman arrives in town shortly after a conman who promises to help the townspeople stave off the end of the world (that only he says is coming) by building a wall to protect them from scary outside forces - for a price, of course. And if that sounds eerily familiar, wait til you hear the conman's name.

So open your meteorite-repelling umbrellas, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode066.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 64: 2018 Year in Review

And now for something completely different! This week, we present a very special Very Special episode, as the Aluminum Four ring in the new year by discussing the highs and lows of pop culture in 2018, the TV shows, movies, books and more we enjoyed (and some we didn't enjoy) in the year that was. Join us as we discuss everything from Steven Universe to the Moviepass debacle to Mary Poppins Returns and the futility of Minnesota professional sports.

So sing a chorus of Auld Lang Syne, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode064.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 63: Quantum Leap: "A Little Miracle"

Marley was dead, to begin our fourth & final Christmas episode of the season, as Sam leaps into a Christmas Carol pastiche in a very special Quantum Leap Christmas episode! Join David, Ryan, Carolyn & Austin as we grapple with the mechanics of Quantum Leap, discuss the awesome redemptive power of sexual attraction, and try to dissect a complex plot involving Dickensian orphans meant to make the episode's Scrooge figure think he's having flashbacks to his childhood.

So put some powder on your unies, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode063.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 54: Diff'rent Strokes - "The Reporter"

This week, we review Diff'rent Strokes Season 5, Episode 22, "The Reporter", in which we finally (?) learn to "just say no", as Nancy Reagan fills Arnold in on what she's talkin' bout: the war on drugs. Relive the relatable experience of having one's own integrity validated by the first lady of the United States making a personal appearance in your classroom as we discuss one of the more iconic Very Special episodes in TV history. Special guest, Farel Dalrymple, beloved & acclaimed comic book artist, drops in to learn about how dumb drugs are and comment on Gary Coleman's incredible performance.

So just say no, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Farel can be found on Twitter @FarelDalrymple and on Patreon.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode054.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 52: The Sopranos - "Christopher"

Fuggedaboudit! In our latest episode we're heading to Jersey to discuss a bad episode from the godfather of the Golden Age of TV Drama, The Sopranos, in which associates of the titular mob family run afoul of American Indian protesters on Columbus Day as stereotypes collide.

So grab some orecchiette & broccoli rabe, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode052.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 49: Gargoyles - "A Lighthouse in the Sea of Time"

This week, we travel back to the heyday of Disney animation on TV to revisit the cult classic Gargoyles and learn an important lesson about literacy & the power of the written word, as expressed through magical Gargoyles who turn to stone in daylight and come alive at night. Along the way, David, Carolyn & Austin talk about the apparent omnipresence of medieval architecture in New York City, the deep bench of Star Trek actors who contributed to this show, and, because it's us, Gargoyle sex.

So take a look (it's in a book), then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode049.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 47: The Simpsons - "Mother Simpson"

This week, we journey to Springfield, USA as we break the seal on one of the greatest TV shows of all time to review The Simpsons' "Mother Simpson", in which Homer learns his long-dead mother is alive and well, albeit on the lam from the law. Special Guest Jess Tholmer joins Ryan and Austin as we talk favorite Simpsons quotes, the extent of Ryan's Simpsons hipsterism, and Glenn Close's greatest hits. Plus, a special interview with Bernadine Dohrn, the real life inspiration for Homer's mother!

So set your watch to Johnny Unitas' haircut, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

And be sure to follow Jess on Twitter and Instagram @tholmz, then check out her Tumblr and her writing for Hello Giggles

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode047.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 45: Night Court - "Her Honor, Part 4"

All rise! This (night) court is now in session, as the Aluminum Four gather in memory of the recently departed Harry Anderson to discuss the conclusion to a four part, cross-season storyline on Night Court, which finds a job-less Harry interrupting a suicide as he attempts to hang glide over to the Statute of Liberty. Joins us as we talk belt loops, panting at women, and concussions. Guest starring Carolyn's snoring pug dogs!

So swing by the Gay Pride parade, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode045.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 44: The Flintstones - "The Great Gazoo"

Podcast, it's a podcast,
'bout the modern stone age family.
From a-cross the country, 
we're talking Fred & Barney & genies.

That's right, we're going back in time to talk The Flintstones, as Carolyn & David are joined by two Very Special guests, fellow Rivercity podcaster Randall Lawrence & Mark Russell, writer of DC's Flintstones comic book, to discuss the death gasps of one of TV's all-time great shows as an undependable space genie philatro-pranks primitive man, while primitive woman blames herself in a war of the genders that's out of the stone age.

So think about how to construct your wishes so as not to invoke any unintended consequences, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

Be sure to follow Randall on Twitter, and check out his podcasts here. Follow Mark on Twitter, and buy his books here.  

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode044.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 43: NewsRadio - "Bill Moves On"

In our latest episode, we stay in the 90s but crank up the sadness, as we review the debut episode of NewsRadio's fifth season, "Bill Moves On", in which the cast deals with the tragic death of the legendary Phil Hartman both in-universe and in the real world. Join Ryan, David & Austin as they try to hold back tears while talking Hartman's legacy, our favorite Stephen Root character, and the awkwardness of Andy Dick.

So finish proofreading your eulogy, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode043.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 42: Roseanne - "Let's Call It Quits"

With a revival looming, we return to Roseanne (and shameless pop culture piggybacking!) to review season 1, episode 23 "Let's Call It Quits", in which Roseanne does her best Norma Rae impression to take on her imperious & casually-chauvinistic boss, future US Senator Fred Thompson! Join David, Carolyn & Austin as we discuss robots, beer and George Clooney's magnificent hair, as well as our pre-air thoughts on Roseanne's return to TV (shockingly, those thoughts are...complicated).

So punch your time card and meet your quotas, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

Also, be sure to check out Carolyn's spinoff podcast, Pitch Please!, here, and buy the game here!

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode042.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 41: Home Improvement - "What a Drag"

More power! This week, we dive into one of the 90s longest running shows with a Very Special "just say no to drugs!" installment of Home Improvement, in which Tim & Jill are stunned to discover one of their boys is smoking marijuana. Of course, the whole thing takes on some added meaning considering Tim Allen's...shady past, and you can bet Austin, Carolyn & David point that out. They also talk about the mistreatment of Al, funny/horrifying scene transistions, and Family Feud hosts.

So supercharge your favorite listening device, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode041.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 39: Too Close for Comfort - "For Every Man, There's Two Women"

For our special Valentines Day episode, the Aluminum Four reunite to tackle one of the white whales of our podcast, an infamous Very Special Episode we've been after since the start of the podcast. Thanks to the help of intrepid listener who tracked down a copy, this week we're reviewing Too Close for Comfort's "For Every Man, There's Two Women", in which the doofy Monroe is kidnapped and raped by two women. It's an episode which, to its credit, tries to present female-on-male rape as a legitimate problem that actually can happen, but then, less to its credit, tries to have its cake by spending most of the episode laughing at the problem. Needless to say, we have...thoughts on the matter.

So kick your leg over your motorcycle, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is also part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode039.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 35: Married...With Children - "It's a Bundyful Life"

Whoa Bundy! Our holiday celebration continues as we look at one of the formative shows of the Fox network, Married...with Children, and its season four Christmas episode "Its a Bundyful Life", in which Al (after lots of setup) finds himself in a (brief) It's a Wonderful Life pastiche in which Sam Kinison plays his guardian angel. Along the way, we discuss the show's often-problematic treatment of women, ask pedantic questions regarding just how poor the Bundy's are supposed to be, and learn some useful tips about floating checks.

So withdraw your money from the Christmas Club, then download and listen here, rate & review us on iTunes or listen via Podbean, Stitcher and Google Play. You can follow the show on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and email us via avsepodcast@gmail.com.

A Very Special Episode is also part of the Rivercity Podcast Federation, a group of like-minded podcasts from across the internet (but mostly physically in Portland). Check out the other great shows here.

http://media.averyspecialepisodepodcast.com/AVerySpecialEpisode035.mp3