OH!CAST - Cult Media & Geek Culture Interviews – Details, episodes & analysis

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OH!CAST - Cult Media & Geek Culture Interviews

Cal MacDonald — Cult Media & Geek Culture Interviews

Tv & Film

Frequency: 1 episode/138d. Total Eps: 85

OH!CAST is your deep‑dive into cult media, geek culture interviews, retro TV, and the wonderfully chaotic worlds of science fiction fandom. If you’re the kind of fan who grew up on weird classics, niche favourites, and the shows that rewired your brain, you’re in the right place.

Each episode blends sharp conversation, unfiltered geek humour, and genuine curiosity as host Cal MacDonald sits down with actors, writers, wrestlers, creators, and the people shaping the fandoms we obsess over. You’ll get behind‑the‑scenes stories, character breakdowns, forgotten gems, and the kind of pop‑culture insights that explain why these worlds matter.

Expect fast‑moving chats, cult favourites, retro deep dives, and the occasional guest who derails the conversation in the best possible way. Whether you’re into sci‑fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, comics, or the strange corners of internet culture, OH!CAST celebrates the passion, nostalgia, and chaos that make fandom such a powerful force.

OH!CAST isn’t just a podcast — it’s a celebration of the stuff we love, the people who make it, and the fans who keep it alive.

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https://taplink.cc/ohcast
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http://www.basicfantasy.org/
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https://unforgettablevision.com/julesbradley
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Smeg Hebs in Space: Red Dwarf Season 1 Retrospective

Friday, April 17, 2026 • Duration 01:18:15

A discussion of Red Dwarf Season 1, covering themes such as character development, casting choices, humor, and the influence of sci-fi comedy. The conversation also delves into the use of language, music, and the impact of the show on popular culture. A deep dive into the first season of Red Dwarf, exploring the characters, themes, and humor that make the show a classic. The conversation covers the casting, character dynamics, and the unique blend of sci-fi and comedy that sets Red Dwarf apart.

Takeaways

Innovative humor and character depth
Influence of Red Dwarf on popular culture Character-driven storytelling
The influence of British humor and alternative comedy on Red Dwarf

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Red Dwarf Season 1
29:26 Influence of Red Dwarf on Language and Music
36:27 Casting Choices and Character Development
43:21 The Quirks of Red Dwarf
49:07 The Last Human Being
57:11 The British Humor Influence
01:15:11 Quiz and Wrap-Up

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Respect Pro Wrestling with Bobby Roberts: Hebridean Hammerlock

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 01:12:41

The conversation covers Bobby's journey from being a wrestling fan to becoming a wrestler and promoter, as well as his experiences and insights in the wrestling industry. It also delves into the significance of the Stone Cold Stunner and the art of selling moves in wrestling. Bobby Roberts discusses the various personas he embodies in wrestling, the impact of his wrestling characters, and the unique passion of Scottish wrestling fans. He also shares insights into the Respectful Wrestling Training Academy and the importance of confidence and respect in wrestling. Additionally, he highlights the challenges of fan interactions and the unsung heroes of wrestling promotions. The conversation with Bobby from RespectPro Wrestling covers the themes of success measurement, emotional impact, and community engagement. It also delves into personal stories and lighthearted banter. The key takeaways include the importance of happiness, the transformative power of wrestling, and the impact on the community.

Takeaways

Wrestling journey from fan to wrestler and promoter
Significance of the Stone Cold Stunner
The art of selling moves in wrestling Wrestling personas reflect different aspects of the wrestler's personality.
Scottish wrestling fans are known for their passion and aggression.
The Respectful Wrestling Training Academy focuses on building confidence and life skills through wrestling.
Fan interactions can be challenging, and it's important for fans to enjoy the show without overstepping boundaries.
Unsung heroes play a crucial role in the success of wrestling promotions. Happiness as a measure of success
The transformative power of wrestling
Impact on the community

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
07:33 The Significance of the Stone Cold Stunner
23:08 Becoming a Promoter and Performer
54:12 Scottish Wrestling and Fan Passion
59:49 The Misunderstandings of Wrestling Fans
01:08:21 Community Engagement and Personal Stories

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Any Suggestions, Doctor? Creating an Improvised Doctor Who Show

Friday, August 8, 2025 • Duration 56:12

Creating the Improvised Doctor Who Show and Twilight Zone Improv

Hosts Cal, John, and Martin welcome James Gamblin and Lou Dunn to the show. James and Lou are the creators of the hit Edinburgh Fringe show, "Any Suggestions, Doctor?". This is an Improvised Doctor Who Show. The idea started over a pint. Eventually, it became a main feature at the Festival. The team discusses how they deliver a brand new Doctor Who adventure every single night. Furthermore, they base all of this on audience suggestions. We also touch upon their other successful project. This is a completely improvised Twilight Zone show. Therefore, they discuss the challenge of shifting between different sci-fi genres on the spot.

Lo-Fi Sets and the Live Music Secret

The Improvised Doctor Who Show deliberately embraces the low-fidelity charm of classic Doctor Who. James and Lou explain their technique. They use simple, generic props, such as blankets and cloths. Specifically, these stand in for giant monsters, alien terrain, and other complicated elements. This choice encourages the audience's imagination. Moreover, one of the show's unique elements is the use of a live musician. This person scores the entire performance. They act as a secret director: by increasing the tempo and volume, they subtly signal to the improv performers. Consequently, the Doctor needs to solve the crisis and save the day immediately. It's an innovative technique that adds genuine tension to the spontaneous narrative.

Structuring the Story and Audience Navigation

Lou and James detail the structure of the show. They use long form improv to tell an entire episode's story over a single hour. Therefore, they must follow the established beats of a traditional Doctor Who episode. This includes A, B, and sometimes C plots that must eventually converge.

This Doctor Who Improv relies heavily on audience suggestions for the episode's title, setting, and companion characters. The hosts explain the delicate balance of navigating audience suggestions. These occasionally include sensitive or inappropriate topics. However, they still keep the performance successful, fun, and true to the spirit of the show. Additionally, we explore their hope of bringing the show to the Outer Hebrides. John even offers to provide a replica Dalek for their performance. This confirms the strong connection between fandom and improvisational comedy. The interview concludes by reflecting on the sheer joy and unpredictability of performing a different sci-fi universe every single evening.

TTRPGs in Scottish Gaelic: A Chat with Fanch Gallig, Translator of 'Cairn' - OH!CAST

Friday, July 25, 2025 • Duration 57:58

The Breton Roots of Gaelic Fantasy Translation

Host Callum welcomes Fanch back to the podcast. Fanch, a Breton native, discusses his lifelong passion for fantasy and Celtic languages. He explains his Breton heritage. This heritage naturally connected him to the folklore of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In addition, this directly influenced his love for modern fantasy like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. We focus on his work on Gaelic Fantasy Translation and language reclamation. Fanch, a self-proclaimed language nerd, also delves into his personal journey. For example, he learned multiple Celtic languages. These include Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and even the Doric dialect of Scots. This interest in linguistics leads to a fascinating discussion. They talk about T.R.R. Tolkien, a philologist. Indeed, he famously created his epic fantasy world only after first inventing the languages to populate it.

The Cairn RPG and Translation Method

Fanch details the genesis of his Gaelic Fantasy Translation work. Specifically, this began when he translated the role-playing game (RPG) Cairn into Gaelic for OH!CON. That is the Outer Hebrides Comic Con. He explains that translating the game involved more than simple word-for-word substitution. He had to think in the language. Consequently, he could not just use what the English jargon says. This helped complex terms like "constitution saving throw" make sense to a native Gaelic speaker. He highlights the final published version. In fact, many readers assumed it was the original text. This was a testament to its successful translation.

Reclaiming Gaelic as a High-Level Language

The discussion moves to Fanch's new project: a published Glossary of Fantasy Terms for the Gaelic language. He emphasizes that this dictionary wasn't created out of necessity. However, Gaelic already possesses the vocabulary for battles, weapons, and monsters. Specifically, this was built through centuries of oral warrior and bardic traditions. Instead, the book reclaims and collects these existing words. This offers players everything needed to run a complex RPG campaign entirely in Gaelic.

The project is part of a larger theme: language reclamation. Therefore, it restores Gaelic to its historical position as a language of high culture, law, and power. This counters the common view that it was only ever a language of the croft. Finally, Fanch draws parallels to the recent surge of popularity in Ukrainian language RPGs. He shows how tragic events can sometimes galvanize a culture to value their native tongue. In other words, they integrate it into modern pop culture.

The Origin Story of the Outer Hebrides Comic Con (OH!CON)

Friday, July 11, 2025 • Duration 01:00:45

The Origin of the Outer Hebrides Comic Con

Host Callum welcomes Kathleen and John, the masterminds behind OH!CON. However, ironically, they are two of the most difficult guests to nail down for the OH!CAST show! They are the core organizers of the Outer Hebrides Comic Con. John and Kathleen finally sit down to share the full origin story of OH!CON. Indeed, this is a question many people have asked the team for years. We go right back to the beginning of the journey. In addition, we discuss how a full-scale Comic Con was developed in the Outer Hebrides.

Planning, Passion, and Community

The discussion moves beyond the initial idea. Kathleen and John reveal the extensive planning, passion, and sheer effort required to turn the concept into a successful annual event. They talk about the biggest challenges they faced in the early years. Furthermore, they detail how they secured guests and venues in the Hebrides. The founders explain that OH!CON wasn't just built for the existing nerd community. Instead, it was built for the entire island community. Therefore, they passionately discuss the unique atmosphere that only OH!CON creates. This atmosphere is one of absolute acceptance and joy. Consequently, this is clearly a labour of love for both of them.

OH!CON's Enduring Legacy

The hosts reflect on the incredible community legacy of the Outer Hebrides Comic Con. Moreover, they recall the touching stories that sum up the spirit of OH!CON. For instance, John recounts the story of a young boy attending the very first OH!CON. The boy ran off, exclaiming, "These are my people!" Thus, this powerful moment perfectly encapsulates the event's purpose. They stress that OH!CON provides a space where people can be their authentic selves. They don't have to pretend to be into football or other mainstream hobbies anymore.

Finally, Kathleen and John look forward to the next convention. Consequently, they tease some of the guests and events they are currently planning. Ultimately, this is a deep dive into the heart and soul of the convention and the people who make it happen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CAR-PGA Culture War: Hereward on Social Bonds and TTRPG Research

Friday, February 14, 2025 • Duration 01:10:48

The CAR-PGA Culture War: Leaving Twitter for Blue Sky

Mike Truska, host and current committee chair for the CAR-PGA, welcomes everyone to the virtual session. He begins with crucial housekeeping notes, including welcoming new members Adam and Hugh. They quickly move the discussion to serious matters, including the recent decision to leave Twitter/X. Mike explains that many reasons prompted the move; the membership was "under attack" was not the least of them. A published book, which became the central storm around a ridiculous CAR-PGA Culture War, caused this. Mike notes the situation was a clear sign it was time to leave. Consequently, the organization has adopted Blue Sky. This is paying dividends by helping the CAR-PGA find a new audience and share monthly newsletters. He stresses that strength in numbers is important to activate the CAR-PGA base against these attacks and navigate the CAR-PGA Culture War.

Herward's PhD Research on TTRPG Relationships

Mike is thrilled to introduce guest Herward (Herward Prupes), a member who is also a psychotherapist and PhD researcher. Herward shares his origin story, detailing how he got into tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). As a non-competitive kid, he loved imaginative play. He started with AD&D Second Edition after reading David Gemmell's Waylander. After drifting away, he returned to TTRPGs during the 2020 COVID lockdown, a common experience for many.

Herward's PhD research focuses on how TTRPGs' co-creative nature builds positive social relationships. The germ of the idea came when a new player assumed the group had been lifelong friends, but they had only met through the online campaign. Therefore, he is studying the psychological safety and rapid bonding created by working through fictional challenges together. Herward's current methodology involves observing face-to-face and online groups. They follow this with interviews to analyze the dynamics through the lens of Carl Rogers' therapeutic relationship theory.

CAR-PGA Housekeeping and Future Plans

Before the interview, Mike also reminded members about the upcoming board vote. The CAR-PGA always seeks new board members to ensure healthy turnover. Submissions will open in January for the February vote. He emphasizes that the CAR-PGA embraces diversity and inclusion. This philosophy is becoming more critical to uphold as the organization goes forward, especially in the wake of the recent culture war.

OH!CAST anns a' Ghaidhlig - Clàr airson iomairt!

Friday, February 7, 2025 • Duration 42:35

Anns a' phrògram seo, bidh Fanch, James agus an aoigh sònraichte Viktor a' bruidhinn mu Gheamannan Cluich Dreuchd

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Cairn RPG: From OSR Philosophy to Gaelic Translation

Friday, December 20, 2024 • Duration 01:04:05

The Cairn RPG: Introducing Yochai and Fanch

Host Cal welcomes everyone to OCAST. Joining him tonight is guest host Fanch, the translator of the Cairn RPG Gaelic Translation. Fanch is joined by the game's creator, Yochai. Yochai is the writer behind the popular tabletop game. He immediately shares his pleasure at hearing his name pronounced correctly. Cal then passes the hosting duties to Fanch.

Simplicity, OSR, and Design Philosophy

Fanch, a Cairn fan himself, immediately dives into the game's origin. He asks Yochai about the Old School Revival (OSR) movement. Cairn is a prime example of this movement. Yochai explains that OSR games deliberately strip away complex rules. This, therefore, allows the focus to shift. Specifically, the focus moves from character statistics to player agency and creativity. Cairn's design philosophy aims for clarity and simplicity. This simplicity contrasts sharply with rules-heavy systems like later editions of Dungeons & Dragons. Furthermore, this minimal ruleset makes it an ideal introduction to the hobby.

Linguistic Challenges and Cultural Impact

The discussion moves to the unique Cairn RPG Gaelic Translation. Fanch shares that translating the game involved complex linguistic decisions. He could not rely on existing fantasy jargon. Instead, he had to invent or reclaim specific Gaelic terms for modern gaming concepts. This was a challenging but rewarding process. The final product was a hit. The translated Cairn RPG was sold at Ocon. Indeed, it quickly proved the high demand for TTRPGs in minority languages. This showed that the language could support high-level creative endeavors.

The Role of Language and Culture

Yochai and Fanch share a discussion about language. They consider whether different languages are truly separate or merely varieties of a common root. They discuss the difference between a language and a dialect. In fact, Fanch draws a parallel to the famous Yiddish joke about the difference between a language and a dialect being "an army". Yochai, who lives in St. Andrews, notes the fascinating variety of Scottish accents. He even admits the Shetland accent sounds Norwegian to him. Finally, the group concludes the Cairn RPG Gaelic Translation project has been a great success. They hope it helps more people explore TTRPGs in Gaelic and other minority languages.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OH!Halloween: Nightmare on Elm Street, Hannibal Lecter, & the Ultimate Horror Watchlist

Friday, October 31, 2025 • Duration 01:16:57

Welcome to a fiendishly evil and haunting episode of Ocast! For our second annual Halloween Horror Movie Recommendations Podcast, the crew dives deep into the media that terrified them as children and continues to haunt them as adults. If you're building your essential spooky season watch-list, this is the guide to horror that truly creeps under your skin.

The Golden Age of Slasher Horror

The episode kicks off with an appreciation for A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), praising the original film's subtle, "genuinely creepy" factor. We discuss how simple, everyday fears and sounds layer the atmosphere in this slasher masterpiece, contrasting it with modern noise-driven jump scares. Listeners will hear a passionate defense of why the first Nightmare on Elm Street remains a definitive horror classic.

Psychological Terror and Cosmic Dread

Next, the crew pivots to films that rely on conversation and atmosphere. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) is celebrated for its incredibly intense dialogue and Anthony Hopkins' chilling performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The discussion covers how the film uses expert direction to put the viewer right into the moment with Clarice Starling.

For a blend of sci-fi and supernatural terror, we champion Event Horizon (1997). Described as "Alien meets The Shining," this cult film is defended for its rich design and unsettling cosmic horror. We explain how the derelict spaceship traveled to a "chaos dimension," linking the film to popular fan theories.

Spooky Media Beyond the Screen

Our Halloween Horror Movie Recommendations Podcast expands beyond film to include other media. For video game enthusiasts, the hosts highly recommend the Resident Evil GameCube remaster, praising its suspenseful, haunted mansion setting and effective use of camera angles. Fans of audio dramas will want to check out The Black Tapes. Finally, the hosts reflect on the historical impact of the War of the Worlds radio broadcast and the infamous 1992 BBC special Ghostwatch, which blurred the lines between reality and fiction.

Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review! We hope you don't sleep peacefully because this is Halloween and the time for nightmares.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slaying Season 1 - Buffy Retrospective

Friday, October 17, 2025 • Duration 55:06

Welcome to the Stewart Island Gateway to All Things Geek! Host Cal MacDonald and the Scooby Gang—Alena, Graeme, and Rhiannon—kick off their retrospective series with a deep dive into Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 1.

This episode, "Slaying Season 1," covers the foundational year of the series and everything that made it a beloved start.

Our Favorite Slay Moments

The panel shares their individual best moments. Graeme picks "I Robot, You, Jane" for sentimental reasons. Alena praises "The Witch" for its "woman power" theme and "Nightmares" for the characters' vulnerability. Rhiannon loves the defining line: "If the apocalypse comes, beat me."

Ranking The Master: Season 1's Big Bad

The team ranks The Master as the introductory "big bad." The consensus is that he works perfectly to establish the series' central conflict. The discussion highlights his "old school" existence and how he allows space for crucial world-building elements like the Hellmouth and Slayer lore to be introduced immediately.

The Monster-of-the-Week Veto List

Not all episodes slay. Alena vetoes "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date." Graeme adds "Teacher's Pet" and "The Pack," calling them generic "monster of the week" episodes. We also confirm a key meta-reference: Buffy "Scullies" Giles, confirming The X-Files exists in the Whedonverse!

The Power of a Female Hero

The group discusses the show's importance as a teenage girl's coming-of-age story. Alena compares Buffy to other strong female leads like Charmed and Xena. Graeme notes the show subverts the male action hero trope, making Buffy a figure that monsters fear. Rhiannon appreciates growing up with the character and holding onto the concept of "What Would Buffy Do?"

The episode concludes that while Season 1 is "a bit odd," it successfully sets the scene and leaves the audience wanting more. Tune in for the next part of this retrospective series!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OH!CAST - Cult Media & Geek Culture Interviews – Details, episodes & analysis

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OH!CAST - Cult Media & Geek Culture Interviews – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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