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Asking his sister and the Crenwelge cousins of the Gen-Y/Millennial & Gen-Z generations for questions, Kurt interviews his loving grandmother post-Thanksgiving feasting. As part of the Silent Generation, we discuss her life, wisdom, perspectives, and advice. Also: the simplicity of the German-American cuisine is the reason why it is the best. Recorded Friday, November 29, 2019. Special Guest: Grandma Elizabeth Crenwelge.

That's a wrap! In our final major episode of Blank Tape, we discuss why we started (and ended) the show, and what's next for one of our hosts. Also: now that it's the 20s, is all that's old is new again? Recorded Sunday, December 29, 2019.

A tour of our favorite Christmas movies. Recorded Saturday, December 7, 2019.

The Advent and Christmas season is here once again. Our conversation is a series of mini-topics spanning the latest iPhone models and fine dining in the Tuscan sun. Also: we learn about the history of old bridges and the pachyderms who traversed the Alps. Recorded Saturday, December 7, 2019. Intro music: "Russian Slamdance (https://theholophonics.bandcamp.com/track/russian-slamdance)" from MaSKArades Vol. 8: The Nutcracker Skank by The Holophonics Outro music: "Auld Lang Syne (https://theholophonics.bandcamp.com/track/auld-lang-syne)" from MaSKArades Vol. 4: Happy Skanukkah New Redux by The Holophonics Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

It's Dios de los Muertos and Twinkle's 9th bday and last weekend in her house before moving. Kurt interviews Twinkles, Idina, and Ms. Ballerini about advice for their future selves & dream vacations amidst the chorus of general chaos in the life of siblings. Recorded Saturday, November 2, 2019. Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

Our November Patreon homework has us going down memory lane to concert halls and shopping malls as we talk the history of this great masterpiece and where in our lives we've had the chance to get our Bach Rock on. Recorded Wednesday, November 13, 2019. The URL for this episode refers to a common pun. Hey, if it ain't barqoue, don't fix it. Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

Nostalgia kicks into high gear as the Holiday Season approaches, and The Mouse unveils a brand new streaming service. We discuss what films and shows we are most excited to binge while we digest Thanksgiving turkey. Also: We learn about yoiking, and no, that doesn't mean we are pining for the fjords. Recorded Wednesday, November 13, 2019 Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

For this spook-tacular Halloween Patreon special, featuring guests Michael and Elizabeth Horsley, we discuss some of our favorite frightful films, and also share our experiences (or lack thereof) with The Rocky Horror Picture show. Recorded Friday, October 25, 2019. This Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track's URL is a reference to the hit song from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Warp_(song)). Special Guests: Elizabeth Horsley and Michael Horsley.

Special guests Michael and Elizabeth Horsley join us as we boldly go where no episode has gone before: Star Trek! There's TV, movies, an extended universe, and plenty of pips to go around for everyone. Also: the endless debate between tea (Early Grey, hot) and coffee (black). Recorded Friday, October 25, 2019. Support Blank Tape on Patreon! Special Guests: Elizabeth Horsley and Michael Horsley.

For this Patreon special, we discuss the first episode of the 1980s TV show and Hawaiian crime drama, Magnum P.I. Recorded Wednesday, October 10, 2019.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.... Kurt and Anson discovered Star Wars! (So long ago, in fact, that we have a hard time remembering exactly how it happened.) We retrace our journey with the Force and discuss the cultural cornerstone that all started with a moisture farmers' nephew. Also: the secret Sith Lord who never was. Recorded Wednesday, October 2, 2019. Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

Get your superheroes and stats in order, because it's draft time! On tap for you today, we've got an eighteen-round, four-team fantasy football draft with a twist: all players on the roster must be a Marvel or DC superhero. From Ghost Rider to Kamala Khan, whose picks will be the most effective on the gridiron? Also: you can never have too many Captains. Recorded Thursday, September 12, 2019. Support Blank Tape on Patreon! Kurt's Teams: Dallas Avengers & Dallas Defenders Anson's Teams: Houston Inhumans & Houston S.H.I.E.L.D.

Pull up a chair, and have a crab cake! Kurt reports live from the rainy city of Baltimore, where an out-of-town work assignment means a chance to sample an East Coast specialty and cheer on the home team at Camden Yards. Recorded Friday, August 23, 2019.

For this Patreon special, we catch up on any new games and music that we've experienced recently. Recorded Saturday, August 17, 2019. This Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track's URL is a reference to fast-travel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_travel) in video games, such as Fallout 76 or Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Step right up, folks; it's time for Six Degrees of Cinema! Kurt shares a Crenwelge invention and we quickly get lost in the weeds of actors and Hollywood history. Also: how many handshakes away are your hosts from Kevin Bacon? Recorded Saturday, August 17, 2019. Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

With a snap of the fingers, Kurt is blipped back into existence, and Blank Tape is back on track after our summer holiday. It's a grab bag of Disney remakes, Marvel (of course), and even gym memberships. Also: why we're gonna need a bigger boat. Recorded Thursday, August 1, 2019. Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

It's a homework wrap-up as we touch on Hatari (1962), Flower Drum Song (1961), and discuss our favorite pre-teen and/or teenage memories. Recorded Thursday, May 23, 2019. This Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track's URL is a reference to the tagline for Hatari: "Hatari is Swahili for 'danger'!"

For our first-ever midseason finale, we take a spoiler-filled dive into Avengers: Endgame (starting at the 30-minute mark). We hit the highlights and discuss our favorite parts of this epic milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also: why the future of handheld gaming is cranks. Recorded Thursday, May 23, 2019.

We're joined by Pete Sosa, a punk rock percussionist with The Street Dogs and C.J. Ramone. Pete has rocked out from coast to coast... to coast, and the other coast. He's got the inside scoop on recording albums, life as a touring musician, and the latest V-Drums. Also: the importance of staying hydrated onstage. Recorded Friday, May 3, 2019. Intro music: Working Class Heroes by Street Dogs (https://youtu.be/J-9E9IPr2GI) Exit music: Run Around by C.J. Ramone (https://youtu.be/me8t4s3yZK8) Special Guest: Pete Sosa.

We continue checking items off of our homework to-do list with a musical suggestion from Mr. C: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Formally known as "The Year 1812 Solemn Overture", this classic piece doesn't get enjoyed enough in its entirety. Recorded Thursday, April 11, 2019. This Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track's URL is a reference to "Knives and Bullets (and Cannons Too)", the track from the V for Vendetta film score containing an excerpt from the 1812 Overture.

It's a battle against WiFi on the high seas! Anson joins Kurt from a cruise ship somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico for a chat about cruises, Captain Marvel, and black holes. Also: the joys of 24-hour pizza service. Recorded Thursday, April 11, 2019.

Deal me in and turn it up to 11, because we're diving into card games and symphonic metal -- and even some of Kurt's original compositions. Also: are YOU going to Scarborough Fair? Recorded Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

We did our homework! Well, at least half of it. We watched Tron (1982) at Mr. C's suggestion. On this very special Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track, we discuss the special effects, music, and Legacy of this pioneering sci-fi film. Recorded Friday, March 1, 2019.

There's never a dull moment between musical competitions, athletic competitions, and even D&D baby number two. Also: the inner workings of one Admiral Boom. Recorded Friday, March 1, 2019.

A cinematic year in review, the Super High-Scoring Bowl™ (didn't watch), and the occasional technical difficulty. Also: where (and when) to go to San Antonio to see men propose en masse. Recorded Thursday, February 7, 2019.

We're joined by Heather Campbell, who's an old friend, an Artist at Valve Software, and a MOBA connoisseur. Also: that's three things, so Half-Life 3 confirmed. Recorded Thursday, January 10, 2019. The Blank Tape Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/blanktapeshow) is live! Special Guest: Heather Campbell.

Our first-ever live year-end retrospective show. We look backwards and forwards to all things Blank Tape, and end with a live musical performance to celebrate the season. Also: It's a Wonderful... Recasting! Recorded Saturday, December 22, 2018. Intro music: "Russian Slamdance (https://theholophonics.bandcamp.com/track/russian-slamdance)" from MaSKArades Vol. 8: The Nutcracker Skank by The Holophonics What are we drinking? Follow-up Some homework completed, and some not Are our devices spying on us? Test-driven design in seven minutes or less Mini-topic: Recasting It's a Wonderful Life Our favorite moments from the first season Our hopes and plans for next season Annual Christmas jamboree The Twelve Days of Blank Tape Auld Lang Syne The Twelve Days of Blank Tape Twelve votes on Stack Overflow Eleven brand new board games Ten natural 20's Nine chimichangas Eight Dundee Bowie knives Seven Stan Lee cameos Six Crichton death traps Five golden fries Four "I'm not throwin' away my shot!" Three Dulce de Leche Two doges and kittehs too And a podcast we called Blank Tape The Twelve Days recording studio https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/d/d197fad3-761f-472f-a071-9d7bd15c992b/JOtI_-78.jpg (Image: The Twelve Days recording studio (https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/d/d197fad3-761f-472f-a071-9d7bd15c992b/JOtI_-78.jpg)) Special Guests: Casey Crenwelge and Elvia Jablinski.

Twinkles is back for this bounce house birthday bonanza -- with friends! Recorded Saturday, November 3, 2018.

Bugs, crashes, simulators, scrums, sprints, and -- quite literally -- grumpy old gits. It's all in a day's work as we explore what it takes to make an app, how we got here, and why we care so much about apps anyway. Also: why two burgers are better than one. Recorded Thursday, November 15, 2018. Follow-up: Homework check Anson's rap battle assignment (done (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAAp_luluo0) and done (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wYtG7aQTHA)) Anson's Critical Role assignment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MKE78FweGA) News Tidbit of the Week Kurt: The passing of Stan Lee Mini-Topic: Christmas decor Real versus artificial trees How soon is too soon? Main topic: Computer Science A brief history of apps Why do we care about apps? A day in the life of a software developer How do apps get made?

Brainstorming topics for next episode. Will it be computer science, software development, or all of the above? Recorded Thursday, November 1, 2018.

She's got a Ticket to Ride, and we do, too. This episode is all about the board games, from the small ones that sharpened our minds (and competitive spirits) as kids, to the large family games we enjoy today. Also: how to get your practice in for a dice game against Davy Jones. Recorded Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Kurt gets the inside scoop on life from his nieces Twinkles and Idina while relaxing outside their local Cracker Barrel. Recorded Sunday, September 9, 2018.

The secret behind the music in "Meet the Sniper", and why we aren't worried about ripping off from Valve. Recorded Thursday, October 11, 2018.

Pull up a chair and roll for initiative -- it's time for some Dungeons & Dragons! Kurt gives us an overview of the game, its history, and its modern champions. We share our personal experiences and stories of memorable games past. Yes indeed, in the game where your imagination is the only limit, there's truly something for everyone. Also: all about the one shot we did at Kurt's bachelor party... but it wasn't that kind of shot. Recorded Thursday, October 11, 2018. Special credit for music used in this episode: "Fiddles McGinty", "Moorland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Backstabbed by Offbrand. Recorded circa 2003-2005. Special Guests: Max Metzler and Stephen Pavlik.

The acoustic version of The Division by Offbrand. Recorded circa 2003-2005. Special Guests: Max Metzler and Stephen Pavlik.

The demo version of Prime by Offbrand. Recorded circa 2003-2005. Special Guests: Max Metzler and Stephen Pavlik.

We got the band back together! In this very special episode, we are joined by Max and Steve. With Kurt, they form the classic pop punk rock band from 2005: Offbrand. Also: teen angst in all its raw, musical glory. Recorded Wednesdsay, September 26, 2018. Special Guests: Max Metzler and Stephen Pavlik.

History lessons abound as we cover events past and present -- including our first-ever News Tidbit of the Week -- and we enjoy some unintentional musical accompaniment. Also: the state of the roads in 1860s New York City. Recorded Thursday, September 6, 2018.

Spider-Men, Sherlock Holmes Synergy, put pilots, and more Stan Lee cameos than we can count. Also: Kevin McCallister's preferred audio equipment. Recorded Thursday, August 23, 2018. Follow-up Did we do our homework? (Spoiler: No) New homework for Kurt: Listen to Ctrl by Sza Corrections: Going after Cacciato by Tim O'Brien and Equilibrium starring Christian Bale Our show art and music MCU topics we missed last time The big Fox deal Spider-Men, and can the Sony Spider-Verse exist without Spider-Man? Punisher Sherlock Holmeses and their synergy with the MCU Infinity War: fan theories no more The many Marvel TV shows Possible future plans for Kamala Khan, Dark Phoenix, Gambit, Black Widow, Logan+Laura James Gunn controversy and GotG 3 Stan Lee cameos (lots of them) Tape recorders of our youth

It's a grab bag full of summer activities, Solo (A Star Wars™ Story)™, Westworld, and one special theme park that's Kurt's worst nightmare. Also: a ticking time bomb for Homestar Runner. Recorded Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Books! Kurt: Going After Cacciato, Redwall, Aeronaut, The Seven-Story Mountain Anson: Confederacy of Dunces, Life 3.0, Ready Player One Spoiler section (22:07 to 38:52) Solo: A Star Wars Story Westworld Vacations West Coast EP and East Coast EP Pet restraint technology Comics Punderdome Relics Flash is dying

Live from New York, it's Tuesday night! Join Anson on this travel episode as he and his wife visit some friends in the city that never sleeps. Recorded Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Special Guests: Daniel Moore, Dr. Sarah Moore, and Elvia Jablinski.

We're going out west where the days are short and the nights are long in the California sun! Join Kurt on this travel episode as he, his wife, his parents, and his grandmother reflect on their visit to Whittier. Recorded Tuesday, July 24, 2018. --- Special Guests: Casey Crenwelge, Grandma Alison Werner, Pamela Crenwelge, and Wayne Crenwelge.

A few notes on musicals, followed by a discussion of constantly varied functional movements at high intensity. Also: our upcoming restaurant concept. Recorded Thursday, June 7, 2018.

Our favorite musicals, including Great Detail about Hamilton. Also: young adult fiction from a galaxy far, far away. Recorded Saturday, May 26, 2018. Kurt's favorites Mary Poppins Bedknobs and Broomsticks Fiddler on the Roof Sound of Music A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum That Thing You Do! Les Miserables (2012 version) Anson's favorites Fiddler on the Roof (movie) Les Miserables (school production and movie) Hamilton Why is it so popular? How to start listening In the Heights How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967 movie) à la Sterling Cooper of Mad Men

Finally choosing a name, DnD baby #1, a ska show in Austin, and vacation scheduling. Recorded Thursday, May 17, 2018.

Musicals, specifically the ones that we have performed in school and out of school. Also: when one man's trash is another man's treasure. Recorded Thursday, May 17, 2018. High school (A+K) Guys and Dolls Grease Oklahoma Once upon a Mattress College and beyond (K) Carousel The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Also mentioned: Godspell, Pippin, Into the Woods, Tommy College and beyond (A) Hansel and Gretel Myths and Hymns Wizard of Oz Annie One man's trash https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/d/d197fad3-761f-472f-a071-9d7bd15c992b/mE3qrLwu.JPG Another man's treasure https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/d/d197fad3-761f-472f-a071-9d7bd15c992b/U3YqEcY6.JPG (Images: One man's trash (https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/d/d197fad3-761f-472f-a071-9d7bd15c992b/mE3qrLwu.JPG) is another man's treasure (https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/d/d197fad3-761f-472f-a071-9d7bd15c992b/U3YqEcY6.JPG).)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe, from comics on paper to films released in phases. Also: the debut of a klaxon. INFINITY WAR SPOILERS (and MCU speculations) begin 39:05, end 57:15 (basically). Recorded Saturday, May 12, 2018. Favorite films Anson: Iron Men, Dr. Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther Kurt: Captain America: Winter Soldier, Thor: Ragnarok, Guardians 1 & 2, Ant-Man

The origins of the show, and some early brainstorming as we try to choose a name. Recorded Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

The pets we've had, the ones we have, and the differences between them all. Also: how to improve your personal biome. Recorded Wednesday, May 2, 2018.