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Media Mothership

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Media Mothership explores how media can shape our understanding of the world around us through interviews and discussions with content makers, critical thinkers and forensic fans of movies, TV shows, video games etc. Hosts Dr Craig Norris and Lord Taylor Lidstone discuss the latest news, absurdities and trends of modern media and culture. We broadcast live out of Edge Radio studios, Hobart, Tasmania every Friday 4-5pm (AEST). Listen live on 99.3FM (Hobart), or streaming/on-demand at YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Or via your podcast service of choice. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Discord, ResearchGate, Twitter. Find out more www.mediamothership.au

Location:

United States

Description:

Media Mothership explores how media can shape our understanding of the world around us through interviews and discussions with content makers, critical thinkers and forensic fans of movies, TV shows, video games etc. Hosts Dr Craig Norris and Lord Taylor Lidstone discuss the latest news, absurdities and trends of modern media and culture. We broadcast live out of Edge Radio studios, Hobart, Tasmania every Friday 4-5pm (AEST). Listen live on 99.3FM (Hobart), or streaming/on-demand at YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Or via your podcast service of choice. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Discord, ResearchGate, Twitter. Find out more www.mediamothership.au

Language:

English


Episodes
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Heel Turns

4/17/2025
Join hosts Craig, Taylor, and special guest Marcus as they navigate the twists and turns from politics to wrestling. Unpacking Jon Stewart’s fiery commentary on Trump’s heel turn on Zelenskyy in terms of the aftermath of John Cena’s epic heel turn that sent shockwaves through the WWE. And don’t miss our predictions for what’s next at WrestleMania 41. Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Thursday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:00:14

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Unlocking 'Nothing Behind the Door'

4/12/2025
Join us as we delve into the latest trends in media culture and spotlight a classic gem from the golden age of radio—'Nothing Behind the Door' (1947) from the Quiet, Please series. We analyze its storytelling beats using Blake Snyder's Save the Cat theory, uncovering what makes this episode a timeless piece of eerie radio drama. Inspired by the release of Black Mirror Season 7, we explore the roots of surreal, grim, and haunting narratives found in classic radio shows. Links: Meta wants you to be on your phone during special showings of M3GANRabid Reactions to Minecraft Are Forcing Theaters to Take ActionNow That You've Watched Chairs for 5 Hours, Marvel Believes You'll Watch Wolverine Breathe for 8The Shining’s end photograph location has been discovered | PolygonComments for "Silent Hill f has been banned in Australia, and no one knows why" | Eurogamer.net(EP1) Quiet, Please: "Nothing Behind That Door" Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:54:16

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Cultural Context in Mars is Heaven

3/2/2025
Delving deeper into the world of radio drama to uncover the layers beneath the stories, we explore an intriguing episode from X Minus One, “Mars is Heaven” by Ray Bradbury. There are some interesting deeper meanings in this story, which I’ll explore by looking into its historical context and seeing how the ideas of some theories and ideas can help explain these. Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:53:37

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Red Hulk and American Power

2/16/2025
Explore the intriguing themes of ideology and power in the latest Marvel film, "Captain America: Brave New World." Dr. Craig guides us on a thought-provoking journey into the darker side of American power, as depicted through characters like the Red Hulk. We delve into the broader implications of interpreting superhero films through heroic symbolism, revealing how these narratives reflect and challenge our understanding of societal power dynamics. Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:28

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WWE's 2025 Royal Rumble

2/16/2025
We explore the intriguing parallels between WWE and Donald Trump's theatrical flamboyancy in the 'hair vs hair' event. We dissect the art of performance, charisma, and spectacle that both figures embody. We'll also break down Watch Mojo's Top 10 WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Moments, analyzing the highlights and the impact they have on fans and the wrestling community. First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 7 Feb 2025. Top 10 WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Moments The hair vs hair event: https://youtube.com/shorts/sslPj-VM_Ss?si=q0yM9eoctQjvMQ2U Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:59:43

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Exploring Cosplay Culture with Dr. Emerald King

1/31/2025
Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Emerald King as we dive into the world of cosplay! We'll explore the upcoming Wellington Cosplay Photo Festival in New Zealand, discuss the vibrant cosplay scenes in Australia and New Zealand, and examine the unique differences and influences between the two cultures. Plus, we'll share tips for creating costumes that can withstand international travel and look ahead to exciting future plans in the cosplay community. Don't miss this insightful and fun episode! Links: Wellington Cosplay Photo FestEmerald L King Profile | University of TasmaniaICON Cosplay Photo Festival — Emerald L King First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 31 January 2025. Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:02:21

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Superhero Genre Expectations and the Absolute DC Universe

1/27/2025
We dive deeper into Eric R. Williams' "How to View and Appreciate Great Movies," focusing on the intricate layers of genre and the expectations they set for audiences. We then apply these insights to the fascinating Absolute Universe, a bold reimagining within the DC Multiverse. Join us as we explore how Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, and Absolute Wonder Woman both meet and subvert traditional genre conventions. Links: How to View and Appreciate Great Movies by Eric R. Williams | Goodreads First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 24 January 2025. Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:51:49

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Film Genres

1/22/2025
In this episode, we delve into the concept of film genre through the lens of Eric R. Williams' theories, as presented in his work, "How to View and Appreciate Great Movies". Professor Williams, an M.F.A. from Ohio University, offers a compelling lecture on movie critics and the art of appreciating great films. We apply Williams' genre framework to both classic and contemporary films, demonstrating its enduring relevance and utility in understanding storytelling and filmmaking. --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:52:11

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Semiotics

1/21/2025
Join host Craig Norris, PhD research student Ashley Remminga, and Kentaro as they dive into the fascinating world of semiotics. Originally broadcast on Edge Radio on January 10, 2025, this episode explores how semiotics can help us decode the world around us. Plus, we tackle the weirdest movie moment of 2024 from "Kraven the Hunter." Don't miss this engaging discussion on popular culture and theory! --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:50:32

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Hollywood's Blueprint: The Hero's Journey Explored

1/20/2025
Episode 94 - With host Craig Norris and guest Kentaro.First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 20 December 2024. Dive into the latest buzz in media and pop culture! We then unravel Joseph Campbell’s Hero Journey and its cinematic influence, drawing upon Eric R. Williams' "How to View and Appreciate Great Movies." Discover how this timeless storytelling blueprint shapes modern cinema and why it still reigns supreme in Hollywood. See if Campbell’s Hero’s Journey still holds the key to blockbuster success! Links: Google Street View provides clue to catching alleged killers in Spain - ABC NewsPeter Pan's Neverland Nightmare Reimagines Classic Character as a Terrifying Serial Killer - IGNHow to View and Appreciate Great Movies by Eric R. Williams | Goodreads --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:54:20

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Storytelling Reversals

12/19/2024
Episode 93 - With host Craig Norris and Taylor Lidstone. First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 6 Dec 2024. We explore the latest unusual media culture fails, then discuss the art of the "reversal" in storytelling, as explained in Jim Mercurio's "The Craft of Scene Writing: Beat by Beat to a Better Script." Join us as we dissect iconic movie scenes, revealing how a well-crafted reversal can turn the tide of a story, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Discover the logic behind those unexpected twists and learn why the buildup to a surprise turning point is the secret sauce to unforgettable storytelling. Links: Mattel's Accidentally X-Rated Wicked Doll Packaging Has Now Inspired a LawsuitGamers May Spend More Time Watching Games Than Playing Them - GameSpotThe Craft of Scene Writing: Beat by Beat to a Better Script by Jim Mercurio | Goodreads --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:56:44

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Exploring Apocalyptic Video Games

12/15/2024
Episode 92 - With host Craig Norris and Taylor Lidstone. First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 29 November 2024. Have you ever wondered how video games shaped our understanding of the Cold War? Today, we dive into the apocalyptic worlds of the past with William Knoblauch's 2015 chapter "Game Over? A Cold War Kid Reflects On Apocalyptic Video Games" from the book The State of Play: Creators and Critics on Video Game Culture. Links: The State of Play by Linus Larsson, Daniel Goldberg - Audiobook - Audible.com.au Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:55:07

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Understanding Moe: From Character Design to Fan Emotions

11/24/2024
Episode 91 - With host Craig Norris and guest Ashley Remminga & Taylor Lidstone.First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 22nd November 2024. Dive into the world of moe in manga and anime. Discover the key issues behind this concept as we break down character design and the emotional journeys of fans. We'll also explore how moe can be applied to popular Western TV shows and films. Plus, we tackle the more controversial aspects, including lolicon and the challenges of government classification around obscenity. Don't miss this deep dive into one of Japan's most fascinating cultural phenomena. Links: What is Moe? (Part 1) - YouTube What is Moe? (Part 2) - YouTube What is Moe(phobia)? - YouTube --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:02:16

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Exploring Godzilla: Lesser-Known Facts and Cultural Impact

11/19/2024
In this week's episode, we are joined by PhD candidate Ashley Remminga to delve into the fascinating world of Godzilla. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the iconic monster's debut in the 1954 film "Gojira," we uncover lesser-known facts and intriguing commentary about Godzilla. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the legendary kaiju and its enduring impact on pop culture. First Broadcast on Edge Radio, 15th November 2024. Links: 7 Godzilla Facts That Will Make You King of The Kaiju! 8 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Godzilla and King Kong Creating Godzilla's media tourism: Comparing fan and local government practices. --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:59:40

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Popeye, Jedi Outcast and the New Games Journalism

11/17/2024
This episode examines the significant properties that will become part of the public domain in 2025, with a spotlight on "SHIVER ME TIMBERS," the upcoming horror movie adaptation of Popeye. Additionally, we analyze Ian “Always Black” Shanahan’s critique of "Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast" (2002) in his 2004 piece "Bow, N*" and its role in shaping New Games Journalism, with discussions on representation, identity, ethics, responsibility, and the essence of critical evaluation. Links: SHIVER ME TIMBERS | Official Trailer (2025) Popeye Horror Public-Domain Popeye Is Now ‘An Unstoppable Killing Machine’ | Cracked.com The Notable Properties Entering the Public Domain This Decade | License Global The State of Play: Creators and Critics on Video Game Culture by Daniel Goldberg | Goodreads --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:53:28

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Misunderstanding Fictional Characters

11/16/2024
In this episode, we consider some cultural studies perspectives on several intriguing stories. We explore how an Australian voice actor channels her 'inner Cate Blanchett' for Japan's high-speed train announcements. We also analyze Prime Video’s adaptation of “Like a Dragon: Yakuza,” focusing on the omission of the iconic song “Baka Mitai” and the subsequent clip of Kiryu singing it. We discuss the fascinating article “5 Words We Got by Misunderstanding Fictional Characters” from Cracked.com. Finally, we examine the news of “Alien: Romulus” being released on VHS in December. Links: Australian voice actor invokes her 'inner Cate Blanchett' for Japan's high-speed train line announcements - ABC NewsPrime Video's Like a Dragon: Yakuza Leaves Out Series' Most Iconic Song... Then Posts a Clip of Kiryu Singing It - IGN5 Words We Got by Misunderstanding Fictional Characters | Cracked.comAlien: Romulus is Bringing Its Terror to VHS in December --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:47:02

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Ashley Remminga on Gender Diversity and Transmisogyny in Cosplay

11/14/2024
Interview with Ashley Remminga, a PhD research student from the University of Tasmania's School of Global Cultures and Languages. We delve into Ashley's completed MA thesis from La Trobe University, titled “Gendered Speech in the Inclusive Fandom: How Gendered Terms and Transmisogyny Shape the Experience of Gender-Diverse Cosplayers.” Our conversation covers the nuances of gendered speech, the impact of transmisogyny, and the broader implications of Ashley's research. Ashley’s work shines a light on queer, transgender, and gender-diverse participation within popular culture and fandom. We also explore her current research on how gender-diverse individuals interpret genderbending in anime and manga. Links Ashley Remminga (MA Thesis) Gendered Speech in the Inclusive Fandom: How Gendered Terms and Transmisogyny Shape the Experience of Gender-Diverse Cosplayers --- Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:02:33

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ChatGPT Screams, Big Bird Drama, and WrestleMania

11/12/2024
In today's episode, we dive into a variety of intriguing topics including Digital Content Ownership. We explore a new California law that mandates companies to disclose that consumers don't actually own digital content, as reported by Engadget. The Big Bird Incident. We apply postmodern theory to analyze the near-disaster involving Big Bird on live television, examining the narrative through the lenses of skepticism, subjectivism, and relativism, based on an article from Cracked.com. ChatGPT Screams. We continue our postmodern analysis with an article from Gizmodo titled "Here’s What ChatGPT Sounds Like When It Screams." WrestleMania Highlight. We conclude with a discussion on the number one match from "The Best WrestleMania Matches of All Time" by Den of Geek, focusing on Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13 and its significance. Links: New California law will force companies to admit you don't own digital contentThat Time Big Bird Almost Blew Up on Live Television | Cracked.comThe Best WrestleMania Matches of All Time | Den of Geek Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:53:19

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Iconic DVD Commentary Meltdowns

11/11/2024
In today's episode, Dr Craig discusses some unusual, quirky media culture stories, including Guillermo del Toro’s live-tweeted adventure with a ghost in a haunted Scottish hotel, the reaction to Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis trailer, the story behind a German warship cruising down the Thames while blasting Darth Vader’s iconic Imperial March theme, and some awkward meltdowns in DVD commentaries. Links: Guillermo del Toro Is Live-Tweeting His Beef With a Ghost in a Haunted Hotel in Scotland - IGN Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis trailer goes after the haters | Polygon German warship floats down Thames while playing Darth Vader’s theme | Ars Technica 5 Hilariously Awkward Meltdowns In DVD Commentaries (youtube.com) 7 DVD Commentaries That Got Too Real (youtube.com) Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:33:19

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Cheaters, Musicals, and Space Suits

10/21/2024
In this episode of Media Mothership, we highlight key developments in media culture. Escape From Tarkov now rewards players for reporting cheaters, enhancing community integrity. The Death Note musical addresses significant narrative challenges from the anime. Scientists have created a Dune-inspired stillsuit to help astronauts recycle urine in space. Sci-fi writer Robert J. Sawyer has made the cult DOS app WordStar available for free. Chinese officials are urged to stop playing the poker-like card game guandan, labelled as "decadent." Alien: Romulus director Fede Álvarez references the Alien: Isolation video game with phones that create jump scares. Join us for a discussion on these intriguing stories and their media impact! Links: Patton Oswalt's Star Wars Filibuster (Extended Cut) | Parks and Recreation - YouTubeEscape From Tarkov Rewards Players For Reporting CheatersThe Death Note musical solves the anime’s biggest problem | PolygonScientists Are Working on a Real-World Dune Stillsuit to Help Astronauts Pee in Space - IGNSci-fi writer and WordStar lover re-releases the cult DOS app for free - Ars TechnicaChinese officials urged to stop playing 'decadent' poker-like card game guandan - ABC NewsAlien: Romulus director says movie's scare-heralding phones are a nod to Alien: Isolation | Eurogamer.net Listen live to “Media Mothership” every Friday 4-5pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) via YouTube, Twitch, and Edge Radio. Follow us on Media MothershipInstagramFacebookTikTokDiscordEdge RadioSupport the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:31:26