AVSEPod Episode 25: Perfect Strangers - "This Old House"

Our TGIF-athon continues with one of the block's oldest shows, Perfect Strangers, as we review season five, episode twenty-one, "This Old House", in which Larry decides to get in on the ground floor of that sweet HGTV money by flipping a house, and in the process, learns an important lesson about...greed...and...chandeliers, and, well, we'll be honest: there's not much "very special" about this particular TV episode, but it does give us a chance to talk about Cousin Balki, and the history of TGIF, and chandeliers, so it's all good.

So do the Dance of Joy, 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, 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/AVerySpecialEpisode025.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 24: Step by Step - "Video-Mania"

Join us as we once more endeavor to convince ourselves that the Friday nights of our youth weren't entirely wasted. That's right, it's part two of our AVSE TGIF series!

This week we're discussing "90s Brady Brunch", aka Step by Step, season three, episode six, "Video-Mania", in which OCD Mark trades his addiction to good grades for that scourge of youth, video games. It sort of addresses the issue of video game addiction, but it's also hard to tell how earnestly the issue is regarded by the show's creators. Plus, the glaring marital issues that Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy are struggling with are only slightly addressed as well, and the personality disorders running rampant through their excessive gaggle of children is virtually ignored. But helping Ryan and David sort all this out is very special guest, podcaster and admitted video game addict Gary Butterfield. If his life hadn't already been ruined by that damn computer box, then watching this episode would've gotten the job done for sure.

So put down your controller 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 Gary on Twitter @GaryBuh, and check out his podcast, Watch Out for Fireballs!

Also, 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/AVerySpecialEpisode024.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 23: Family Matters - "Good Cop Bad Cop"

This week, the Aluminum Four return to the halcyon days of TGIF to discuss "Good Cop Bad Cop", a season five episode of Family Matters in which Eddie (Darius McCrary) is pulled over for driving while black, much to the dismay of his police officer father (also, Urkel goes to the dentist). Not surprisingly, things get political in this one, but also personal, as Ryan's deep, abiding love for Urkel is laid bare. Also, Shai guest stars, and if you know who that is already, well, you've got a leg up on all four of the hosts.

So take a couple pulls of laughing gas, then 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, 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/AVerySpecialEpisode023.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 22: Community - "Mixology Certification"

Mix yourself up a Seven & Seven, as Carolyn, Austin, Aaron and special guest Kyle McCormick attempt to get their "Mixology Certification" by discussing an atypically-morose episode of Community, in which Troy (Donald Glover) turns 21 only to discover adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be when the study group takes him out drinking.

So pour yourself some extra credit, 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 Kyle on Twitter @Kyle_McCormick, and check out his podcast, Reboot, Reuse & Recycle! 

Also, 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/AVerySpecialEpisode022.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 21: Amazing Spider Man #96-98 - "Green Goblin Reborn!"

Hey there, True Believer! This week, we stretch the format of our show once again as we review a trio of "very special" comic books, Amazing Spider-Man #96-98 from 1971, which somewhat famously were published without the seal of the Comics Code Authority due to their depiction of drug use, despite having been commissioned at the request of the federal government to serve as an anti-drug story. Join Austin, Ryan, David and special guest, podcaster, author and Spider-Man expert Mark Ginocchio, as they tackle the import issues, such as who the definitive Spider-Man artist is, the difference between "slinging" and "swinging", and the importance of strong thighs to crime fighting.

So pull on a tasseled deerskin shirt and a chunky necklace, 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 check out Mark's book, 100 Things Spider-Man Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, as well as his website, Chasing Amazing, and his podcast, Amazing Spider-Talk. And follow him on Twitter @ChasingASMBlog. Excelsior!

Also, 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/AVerySpecialEpisode021.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 20: RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 9 Recap

Hayyyyyyy, squirrel friends! This week, we stretch the boundaries of our show once again, as we tackle an actual current, still-on-the-air show by discussing the entirety of the ninth season of Ru Paul's Drag Race! Join Ryan and Carol as they spend the entire episode arguing over who's the Ru and who's the Michelle Visage, while All Star and Fan Favorite guest judge Terry Blas returns to the podcast to lend his expertise! Spill the tea with us as we review every queen from the season, and, in a nod to the rare topicality of this episode, hear our speculations about who will be America's next Drag Superstar, before the winner is announced!

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. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show, or give us suggestions for future episodes!

And be sure to check out Terry's website, and follow him on Twitter @TerryBlas

Also, 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/AVerySpecialEpisode020.mp3

AVSEPod Episode 19: Family Ties - "A, My Name is Alex"

This week, we finally confront one of life's eternal questions: what would we do, baby, without us?

That's right, it's time to tackle one of the seminal sitcoms of the 80s, Family Ties! Join Ryan, David and special guest Jess Tholmer as they discuss "A, My Name is Alex", in which Alex grapples with grief in the wake of his friend's sudden death, and the show stretches beyond its normal confines in the process. Do the gimmicks add to the impact of the episode, or does the whole thing just come across as forced and overwrought? You'll have to listen to find out!

So dim the lights and enter a minimalist representation of reality, 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. Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the show, or give us suggestions for future episodes!

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

Also, 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/AVerySpecialEpisode019.mp3