Episode 135 – The Discovery of Star Trek – Rekha Sharma
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This podcast recorded part way through the series has Gerri and Eugenia speculating who the Captain of Discovery was to be! This incarnation of Star Trek is a darker, grittier version. No mention of “The Prime Directive” and of course all that technology that we never saw on the USS Enterprise. Have those that believe Star Trek canon should be followed to the letter accepted this new version of the franchise? As we have moved on with our own technology, so has the film industry and it would be “silly” to use the production values or props of the 1960’s in the telling of these stories. Discovery does however (BTW it seems that the show title has been shortened to Star Trek: DSC to fit in with the shortened form of the other shows), give nod to a least the sounds of the 60s with the noticeable hisses of the doors and the tinkle of the transporters and of course the flip communicators, paying homage to The Original Series. Star Trek again looks to the world that we live in with xenophobia being central to current story lines and a retelling of the Mirror Universe, first seen again in TOS. So whilst being new it acknowledges what went before. So far Gerri and Eugenia like the show and look forward to the development of a new history that adds to the mythology of one of their favourite franchises. Don’t forget to check back through their catalogue to re-listen to their episodes covering all of the Star Trek incarnations and even some fan made shows. In this episode Gerri and Eugenia pull an interview from the archive with Rekha Sharma who played Security Chief, Commander Landry. Recorded before the making of the new series, Rekha has been a fan of the show from a child having watched it with her father. Gerri and Eugenia would like to thank Rob and Sandra from Culture Shock Events who gave them the opportunity to interview Rekha. Check out www.cultureshockevents.com for their upcoming shows.
Episode 134 – Transformer Trio – Julie White, Garry Chalk & Mark Ryan
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In this episode Eugenia and Gerri have been able to “transform” a one interview episode into three!!! How did they do this? Whilst looking into their vault of interviews for a topic they found that they had three interviews about the transformation of an 80s cartoon series into a live action movie franchise! So, what is this episode about, well it’s about Transformers of course. The cartoon series that captured the imagination of many children and when they also got the toys that “transformed” from cars and trucks into ‘super beings’, who could blame them? They also discuss how CGI can enhance or take away from the storytelling of a movie. The interviews they have in this episode transport us from animation to live action and include, Garry Chalk, the voice of the 80s Optimus Prime ( Colonel Chekov in Stargate SG-1). Tony Award winner, Julie White , who played Julie Witwicky from the live action movies. Last, but not the least of them, Mark Ryan who voices the much loved Bumblebee. Eugenia and Gerri would like to thank Culture Shock Events www.cultureshockevents.com for the interview with Garry. Bill and Adele from Armageddon New Zealand www.armageddon.com for the interview with Mark and Daniel from Supanova www.supanova.com.au and Lionel from www.lionelmidfordpublicity.com for the interview with Julie.
Episode 130 – Get Smart with Barbara Feldon & Bernie Kopell
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In the 1960s, TV shows mixed it up and Get Smart was one of them! Was it a Spy show, a Sci Fi show, or a comedy? Get Smart was all of them with a little bit of social change chucked in as well! As you can see by the image, Eugenia and Gerri are talking Get Smart, that Sci Spy Fi Comedy show, where technology ruled. Who didn’t want a “shoe phone” or a “Cone of Silence” and the smartest person in the room was Agent 99, a women who always saved the day and the boys! All the characters of this show are iconic, from Agent 86, Maxwell Smart, to the previously mentioned 99, the girl with no name and of course one of the agents of KAOS “Siegfried” the one with many names! Of course this show is all about the standard story of “good vs evil” or ‘control vs chaos”. Funny, pertinent, up-to-date with all the gizmos and social happenings of its time Get Smart, still is all of those things today. So who are Eugenia and Gerri talking to? Two of the icons of the show, Barbara Feldon and Bernie Kopell Agent 99 and Siegfried respectively. They would like to thank Culture Shock Events – Rob and Sandra find them at www.cultureshockevents.com for Bernie and for Barabra Feldon Daniel from www.supanova.com.au and Lionel from www.lionelmidfordpublicity.com for the chance to interview these icons! Eugenia and Gerri get all the fun!
Episode 127 – Do you Recognise this Man? – Jeffrey Combs.
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As you know Gerri and Eugenia love Star Trek in any of its forms! In this episode they get to interview 8 characters from them (well if you count the many versions of one of this actors parts)! So if you are into Star Trek you already know that they are interviewing Jeffrey Combs who is one of most versatile actors in Sci Fi TV today and you will have seen him in many roles that are “weird”, “iconic” or just plain “strange”. Can anyone of us forget his role of FBI Agent Milton Dammers from The Frighteners or Herbert West from the cult movie Re-animator. Combs is one of the three actors that have played two different roles in an episode of a Star Trek. In the DS9 episode “The Dogs of War”, he played both Brunt and Weyoun and shows his range. He is the only Star Trek actor to be credited for playing two roles in the titles. Gerri and Eugenia discuss Jeffrey and his many roles sans Sci Fi and they would like to thank OZ Comic Con and Blue Planet PR for the opportunity to interview him. You can check out when their next event is coming to your town at www.ozcomiccon.com and www.blueplanetpr.com.au.
Episode 126 – Vampires and Fighters – Gunn and Harmony
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Remember Angel the TV show! Whilst it has not been on our television for many years it was one show that is hard to forget! Not only did it entertain us, but it taught us as well! The main theme of the show was about “good v evil”, but there was also an underlying theme of “yes you can overcome your base” and you can aim to change the way that you interact with the world! So what do Eugenia and Gerri have for you in this episode? They talk about Angel the show with not one, but two vampires who got their “humanity” back! Angel and Spike who could want more, well we could, do more episodes if that is possible “Josh”! This show still stands up today and could be said that it and Buffy changed the way that we look at female heroes, not only are they brave but like Fred they can be smart too! So in this episode Eugenia and Gerri get to talk to J. August Richards and Mercedes McNab. The guy from the hood that is good (Gunn), and the vampire who tried to be better (Harmony). This show had a darker, more grown-up theme than Buffy, however it did have a lighter side! Who can forget Muppet Angel, well Eugenia and Gerri can’t! Just do a Google search, it still makes them laugh!
They would like to thank Daniel of www.supanova.com.au and Lionel of www.lionelmifordpublicity.com for their interview with Mercedes and Oz Comic Con www.ozcomiccon.com and Sophie Blue of www.blueplanetpr.com.au for their interview with J. August.
Episode 124 – The People Who Make the Magic – Warren Dion Smith, Mark Dewes, Richard Norton
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We all do it, we go to the movies and watch the actors on the screen play our favourite heroes and villains and walk away saying “Gee that was good”, and “Wasn’t … brilliant”! Yes, the actors do the acting and the directors do the directing! However, we have all seen those shaky sets, ad props the bad make-up/hair and the crappy fight scenes that we all think “Give me a wet lettuce leaf and I could fight better than that!”
However, if you can get a VERY GOOD Set/prop maker, hair and make-up artist, and a fight coordinator you know that you have a VERY GOOD movie. And this is what Eugenia and Gerri have for you in this episode! From WETA they have two of the artists that made the magic of movies such as Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Elysium and the Netflix series “Spectre”. Warren Dion Smith make-up artist and hair specialist (think of all those dwarves and all that hair, Warren makes it look natural), and Mark Dewes , props artist (this man can make a bit of foam look like Excalibur). Then they have Richard Norton, stunt and fight coordinator who has worked with Jackie Chan and on movies such as the latest Mad Max! So if you want to know more about the film industry in the “antipodes”, this is the episode for you with two Kiwis and an Aussie making movies for you! Eugenia and Gerri would like to thank Daniel and Lionel Supanova Expo www.supanova.com.au and www.lionelmidfordpublicity.com respectively for their interview with Richard! Eugenia and Gerri love talking with those that make the magic happen and you will too!
Episode 122 – We Talk Live at AMC Expo
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Sometimes life just brings you moments that you will never forget! This episode is one of those for Eugenia and Gerri. They get to talk to not one, not two, but six guests on their first “live recorded” episode! As you know , they have interviewed some amazing people over the years, but this one is special to them! They have a real life “spaceman” on it, having interviewed many who have pretended to leave the planet this one really did! Did they “GEEK OUT”, yes, of course they did! They got to speak with Col Rick Searfoss, Commander of the Space Shuttle Colombia, what an amazing opportunity! That is not all though, they also interview the star of the new Australian TV show “Cleverman”, Hunter Page-Lochard, Dorian Gregory , from “Charmed”, and Malese Jow from “The Flash”! But wait, there’s more! They also chatted to two fans from the convention about their experiences with fandom and what they like about the genre, Eleanor, Cosplayer and Chris who is the Director of “Starwalking– Star Wars Appreciation Society”, www.starwalking.net However, it doesn’t stop there, they also have a geeky song for you, from the lovely Meri Amber, geek pop singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia. Check out her music at www.meriamber.com Eugenia and Gerri would like to thank Scotty and Diana Liston of AMC Expo, www.amcexpo.com.au for their wonderful experience and or course Locky and Ray (you know who you are!) Scotty also runs more intimate conventions through “First Contact Conventions, find them at www.firstcontactconventions.com.au . So , this is their pressie to you, happy listening!
Episode 121 – Talking Blakes 7 – Sally Knyvette
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For decades the stories of Terry Nation dominated the UK’s BBC viewing audience, he was the creator of one of the world’s greatest and iconic villains the “Daleks” of Doctor Who fame He was also the script writer for shows such as UK stalwarts, The Champions, The Avengers, The Saint and even MacGyver. He was instrumental in the creation of two TV shows those being “The Survivors” and “Blakes 7”. This program, Blakes 7 running for four seasons from 1978 to ’81 was different to everything else on TV and was also just damn well entertaining. The story of escaped rebels who after witnessing the cover-up of a massacre formed a resistance, stole an alien ship called “The Liberator” and their adventure begins. We watch as they are chased across the galaxy by the corrupt Terran Federation who tries to subdue this team of freedom fighters. It was a show praised for its dystopian themes, but it also had a sense of fun. In this episode Gerri and Eugenia have the pleasure of interviewing Sally Knyvette who played Jenna Stannis the ship’s pilot and smuggler from Blakes 7. Sally talks to them about the phenomenon that is Blakes 7, a show that still resonates 40 years on. Sally works now not only as an actor but as a theatre director and producer, bringing to the stage works of famous writers and promoting new talented writers. Gerri and Eugenia talk to Sally about her pathway to acting and her work as a director and the trials and tribulations of theatre life.
Episode 120 – Rebels and Bounty Hunters of Star Wars – Tim Rose & Daniel Logan
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There are two types of Geeks in the world (although your hosts like both) and generally they are either for Star Trek or Star Wars. However, no matter which camp you call your own everyone likes a great story, great characters and of course great movies to watch over and over again! So, in this episode Eugenia and Gerri talk about Star Wars! George Lucas took the perennial story of the “hero” made it his own, and here we are still going to the movies to find out more about this Universe. Seven (or four if you are a Star Wars purest) movies later, we still can’t wait for the next one to be released. This universe has the staying power of Doctor Who and Star Trek and it is a staple in the geek world! Who does not know the characters of Luke Skywalker, Darth (I am your father) Vader and the “backward not does he talk”, Yoda? George L is a very clever man, building his Universe full of amazing non-human characters that we all want to take home via just about any store on Earth! Star Wars has inspired many, including fans who carry out charity in its name, ala The 501st Legion. He brought animation and puppetry to the fore in story telling and allowed us the opportunity to buy our own model of the Millennium Falcon! So, who are Eugenia and talking to in this episode? Two actors who played small, but iconic roles in the franchise and beyond! They are Tim Rose (remember the fishy Admiral) who starred as General Akbar and who was also a puppeteer for the movies and Daniel Logan who plays the young Boba Fett in the movies and animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Eugenia and Gerri would like to thank Daniel of www.supanova.com.au and Lionel Midford of www.lionelmidfordpublicity.com the interview with Daniel and Oz Comic Con www.ozcomiccon.com plus Sophie Blue of www.blueplanetpr.com.au for Tim Rose. Without these organisations supporting the podcast Eugenia and Gerri could not bring these amazing interviews to you. Check them out and see who is coming to a con near you.
Episode 119 – 50 Years of Star Trek – Walter Koenig – Gary Lockwood
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TV shows come and go! We enjoy them for the time they are on and revisit them via streaming or DVD, but overall they just entertain us! Few, if any, impact us on a personal level and fewer impact society in any way at all! Though one show has done that for many of us as well as the culture of the world and that of course is STAR TREK! This show with its utopian worldview has provided inspiration to many from human rights, social inclusion, science, space travel and has encouraged us to “boldly go where no one has gone before”. This show has forced us to look at how we, as the human race can achieve, and to consider issues that we are living through, it has made us laugh, awed us and made us look outward! How many other TV shows can claim this? In this episode Gerri and Eugenia talk all things Star Trek, from the original to the many incarnations of fan made homages to the idea and ideals of Gene Rodenberry. To celebrate the 50 YEARS, yes 50 YEARS that this show has been part of history, they have two amazing interviews with stars from the original Star Trek and they are Walter Koenig the original Pavel Chekov ,and Gary Lockwood who played Gary Mitchell in the episode “Where No Man has Gone Before”, (the first episode to been shown in the UK). Gerri and Eugenia would like to thank Lionel Midford from www.lionelmidfordpublicity.com and Daniel from www.supanova.com.au for the chance to interview these icons of Star Trek. To also celebrate the impact that this show has had with fans they also bring you interviews with Michele Specht and Kim Stinger from Star Trek: Continues, www.startrekcontinues.com a fan show with many celebrity guests from all over the Sci Fi world. Thanks again to Supanova for these interviews. Gerri and Eugenia dedicate this show to their friend Therese, who is no longer with them. This podcast exists because Therese introduced our hosts and due to that you are listening to them today! As Therese would say, keep on “Star Trekking Across the Universe”!
Episode 117 – Buffy Girls Just Do It! – Emma Caulfield and Sarah Hagan
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In this episode Gerri and Eugenia discuss fan-favourite Buffy! The show of strong female leads, good and bad vampires, werewolves and the odd demon! Still relevant today with its continuing demonstration that with confidence and some skills you can overcome just about anything! So, who are they talking to in this episode? Almost too many to write about there is the human/demon/human/demon Anya, played by Emma Caulfield and Sarah Hagan a latter day “slayer” from Season 7! However, as they say, “but wait there’s more”! From their archives they have an interview with Georges Jeanty comic book artist who with Joss Whedon created the eighth season of Buffy in comic book form. Gerri and Eugenia would like to thank their friends from Gifts for the Geek for the interview with Sarah catch them at www.giftsforthegeek.com.au and for Emma, Blue Planet PR www.blueplanetpr.com.au and Oz Comic Con www.ozcomiccon.com . Again there is another “but wait there’s more” moment and to give you a special bonus as they have an interview with actor, Sophie Don who just happens to be named after the character of their featured interviewed with Emma and Writer/Director, Luke Sparke, from the Australian movie, Red Billabong, check it out at www.redbillabongmovie.com .
Episode 116 – It’s A Pirate Life for Me – Kevin McNally
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Arrrrrh me hearties, and shiver me timbers , does that give you some clue as to what Eugenia and Gerri are talking about in this episode! Pirates are baddies that we love to love! So what is a “pirate”, and what do they have to do about Sci Fi and Fantasy well that’s what Gerri and Eugenia talk about! Pirates in spaceships include Firefly, Farscape and even some could say Doctor Who, well the odd episode or two! Eugenia and Gerri could not resist putting a picture of Johnny Depp on this podcast they unfortunately don’t have an interview with him, but they do have one with the “sane” and really the “rudder” and first mate of The Black Pearl , Joshamee Gibbs otherwise known as Kevin McNally. This actor who you will recognise from many a Sci Fi show talks about his obsession with “Tony Hancock”, his work as an actor who has managed to build a career across two continents and more! But let’s get back to pirates ! Captain Jack and Gibbs and their many cosplayer copies have turned pirates back into a watchable treasure. Eugenia and Gerri would like to thank Daniel and Lionel from Supanova Pop Culture Expo, for these interviews, catch them at www.supanova.com.au and www.lionelmidfordpublicity.com and because they couldn’t resist : “Why are pirates pirates? Cuz they arrrrrr” LOL!!!
Episode 114 – Who is Katy Manning!
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In this podcast Eugenia and Gerri once again discuss one of their favourite TV shows and that of course is Doctor Who! They talk abut how Doctor Who tried to up the anti and introduced what could only be called the “Girl Friday” of Doctor Who, who was trendy, and very, very talkative! This of course could be none other than the indomitable Jo Grant! Companion to the 3rd Doctor and who at the time was a member of the show as it made innovations in the use of “special effects” yes even with the use of lots of quarries, cardboard and of course monsters who even then looked, well the only word is funny! The interview in this episode is with the indomitable (in real life as well), Katy Manning, who at times calls Australia home! As Katy was in playing Jo, a bit of a talker she does not fail us now and this interview for Eugenia and Gerri is one big long one (but that means more for you) and in the listening you never know who may just pop into the interview, giving you not one but two classic series actors! Eugenia and Gerri would like to thank Scott Liston from First Contact Conventions check them out at http://www.firstcontactconvention.com.au for some amazing upcoming events.
Episode 99 – Arrow’s Friend and Foe – Manu Bennett
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Has Sci Fi finally made it into the mainstream? With all the shows from the Sci Fi and Fantasy genre we sure hope so! In this episode Gerri and Eugenia talk about the Arrow. This show is about a human superhero, no special super powers (except what lotsa money can buy), showing us what commitment and effort can achieve. With the newest incarnation being very dark and a flashback in each episode we have the past and the future of what makes and what happens when a superhero takes on the world. Arrow has many interesting characters with some of them even female, strong, purposeful and funny with one as the geek and the other The Black Canary. One thing that is nice to see in this show for Gerri and Eugenia is the Australians, with an Australian accent! In this episode Gerri and Eugenia have an interview with Manu Bennett, otherwise known as Slade, done just before Manu took on the role. Born in New Zealand, grown in Australia (it is just across the pond) they claim him anyway! Thanks to Culture shock events, http://www.cultureshockevents.com for allowing Gerri and Eugenia to interview Manu.
Episode 15 – Do Not Feed The Doctor He Regenerates.
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Gerri and Eugenia are avid Doctor Who fans and have been for many a year. Consequently they have witnessed a few of the regenerations of the various Doctors over the years. In this podcast Gerri and Eugenia discuss their reactions about the many faces of the Doctor. Which Doctors mean the most to them and which of the “faces” did they like the best. Also in this podcast you will be able to listen to Scott Liston, from First Contact Conventions who is not only a Fanboy but has brought some of the more prominent Sci Fi actors to Australia. Check out his website for upcoming shows at http://www.firstcontactconventions.com.au. With the imminent regeneration of the Doctor’s current incarnation they wanted to take you down memory lane so that you to can remember who is your “Who”!
Women Talk Sci Fi Podcast 