Bond and Banter

The podcast welcomes back frequent guest Bill Koenig of The Spy Command blog for a fun discussion about the latest installment in the Mission Impossible film franchise exploring some of the common themes and elements it shares with the James Bond franchise.

Rumors about Warner Bros. releasing the Connery Eon Bond films have been swirling since late last year.  With pre-orders live on Amazon yet few other details revealed thus far, we speak with the preeminent expert on physical media, James Bond aficionado Spencer Draper (aka Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader on social media and YouTube). Spencer talks about his thoughts, concerns, and hopes for this particular 4K UHD release and why this may very well rank among the most important disc reviews he's ever done on his YouTube channel. First in keeping with this podcast's tradition of sketch comedy, however, we check in with the dearly departed "Sean Connery" to see what's on his mind. Later on, I also speak to Spencer about all the latest developments in the world of Bond including the essential releases of the La-La Land discs and of course the Amazon buyout.

Bond and Banter returns with our 1st episode of 2025! With the news of the Amazon buyout of the Bond franchise announced a few months ago, host Jack Lugo brings back frequent Bond and Banter guest "MGW" to ask some more pointed questions concerning this entire shocking development .  "MGW" is of course Bill Koenig of the Spy Command blog with his excellent impression of "Michael G. Wilson." After our opening sketch, Bill and Jack engage in a lively discussion about the latest earth-shattering Bond news!  Some explicit language due to the need of having to quote the Wall Street Journal story where in Barbara Broccoli allegedly referred to Amazon executives as "f**king idots."

After a long stretch of time without doing character sketches, Bond and Banter returns with an ALL NEW intro sketch to kick off the episode. "Michael G. Wilson" (AKA Bill Koenig) returns to the podcast with some Bond franchise news guaranteed to disappoint anyone eagerly anticipating some kind of Bond 26 announcement. Instead of breaking any news about the next installment of the franchise, "MGW" uses this opportunity to gloat about the recent announcement that he and Barbara Broccoli will be receiving the Thalberg Award at a separate ceremony in November for honorary Oscars. Afterwards, the Spy Command editor-in-chief Bill Koenig rejoins the podcast for a fun conversation about the state of the Bond franchise. 

The Bond and Banter podcast welcomes Alyse Knorr, author of GoldenEye 007 published by Boss Fight Books. We dive into the history the classic N64 game that proved to be not only a successful adaptation of an important Bond film but also a major innovation in gaming, changing the playing field for the first person shooter genre while also presenting players with the immensely popular multi-player option. Alyse interviewed the game developers for her book, who were mostly inexperienced in the field and found out how they came to develop a game that is still revered across both Bond and gaming fan communities.  She also shares some of her personal experiences with the game and the research for her book as well as her love of both the Bond franchise and gaming.

Host Jack Lugo welcomes friend and musician Sean Faust to the podcast to rank and discuss the Eon James Bond theme songs.  Sean and Jack discuss some of the challenges involved in this exercise given the perameters they agreed upon beforehand, not to mention the plethora of outstanding music to sort through and rank. We also discuss Sean's music playing a clip from his song "Who Are You, Anyway?" and his upcoming performances in the tri-state area. Sean and Jack discuss James Bond, music, Howard Stern, and more in this ALL NEW episode of Bond and Banter!

Host Jack Lugo welcomes back friend and editor Michael Kirwan for a discussion on some of the latest Bond rumors along with some fascinating topics that Michael has explored on his YouTube channel including his ranking of the Bond films and the prospect of AI playing a role in the future of the franchise. Jack and Michael do a fun little exercise utilizing ChatGPT to write the next Bond film. Find out what results the came up with and enjoy some fun banter about all things Bond in this ALL NEW episode of Bond and Banter. 

In this all new episode of BOND AND BANTER, host Jack Lugo welcomes Spencer Draper (aka @DamnFoolCrusade on Twitter / X) to the podcast for an in depth discussion on the state of the James Bond films on physical media. Spencer's expertise on the technical specifications of the Bond physical media releases offers many fascinating insights into the current condition of these films, which previous releases offer the best video and audio quality, and what needs to be done to properly preserve the Bond films so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.  Spencer also put together a fun editing project utilzing his Sean Connery impression to insert a "Connery voiceover" into non-Bond characters in other films such as GoldenEye. Look for a link to his Connery VO project on Vimeo as all as Spener's YouTube Channel: Damn Fool Idealistic Crusader.

After a long hiatus, the Bond and Banter podcast has returned with a BRAND NEW episode in 2024!  Host Jack Lugo welcomes Bill Koenig to talk about where things stand with the James Bond franchise as well as the latest Bond 26 rumors. Bill and Jack also discuss The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission Impossible, Argylle, the new Dynamite Bond comics, and towards the end a Bond musical that never happened.

"Barbara & Michael" make their return to Bond And Banter to mark the end of awards season for No Time To Die and what should be the end of the Daniel Craig era in the Bond franchise even if Barbara isn't ready to say goodbye.  Afterwards Shayla Miller, Bill Koenig, and Jack Lugo have a wide-ranging discussion about the latest Bond news, The Oscars, The Slap, and some of our own suggestions as to what Amazon could do with the Bond franchise now that they're acquired MGM. All this and more!!

Bond And Banter returns for our first episode of 2022! "Dikko Henderson" turns up just as he was about to tell James Bond some vital information.  Unfortunately he's been killed, but this gives host Jack Lugo an opportunity to ask him fun questions! Afterwards, Jon Auty of Behind The Stunts joins the podcast to talk to Jack about the stunts of the James Bond franchise as well as other film industry topics. Along the way, Jon gives us his top 5 fight stunts and top 5 car stunts of the Bond franchise! You don't want to miss this fascinating discussion!

It's the Christmas / Holiday Bond And Banter special episode!  For the final episode of the year, Jack speaks with "Michael G. Wilson"(played by Bill Koenig) & "Barbara Broccoli" (played by Shayla Miller).  The 2 Eon producers are confronted with inconvenient truths about the financial performance of No Time To Die. Plus find out what kind of gifts the half-siblings get each other for the Holidays! Afterwards, Bill & Shayla join the podcast (as themselves) for some banter about Bond, an impromptu version of The Price Is Right (Bond Cameo Edition), Diana The Musical, Holiday plans, & More!

On the 29th episode of Bond And Banter, "The Havelocks" drop in on the podcast just after being tragically gunned down by Gonzalez.  They both open up about the events that led to their premature deaths as well as their hopes for their daughter Melina. Afterwards, writers Alan & Gillian Porter join host Jack Lugo for a discussion about their book The James Bond Lexicon, their thoughts on No Time To Die, Alan's new Beatles podcast Before They Were Beatles, and much more!

For the 28th episode of Bond And Banter, host Jack Lugo welcomes guests Linda Zhu (James Bond Radio) & Ben Haworth (Movie Gang Podcast) to discuss the latest film entry in the James Bond franchise, No Time To Die. The group dives into a SPOILER-filled conversation all about the film taking a look at the film's strengths and weaknesses.  They also talk about what might be next for the Bond franchise and where they would like the franchise to do moving forward.

On the 27th episode of Bond And Banter, host Jack Lugo invites a panel of Bond fans to discuss No Time To Die.  Word of warning -This is very much a SPOILER-filled conversation. Joining the panel are: Bill Koenig of the Spy Command blog, David Lowbridge-Ellis of the Licence To Queer blog, Bond fan & YouTube host Shayla Miller, & master Bond character impressionist Justin Valero. We discuss our thoughts, opinions, and observations on the latest entry in the Eon James Bond series.  Find out what we thought were the film's strengths & weaknesses, our thoughts on this conclusion of the Daniel Craig era, and various other observations.

On this all new episode of Bond and Banter, "Barbara Broccoli" is surprised to find host Jack Lugo on the press junket as she promotes the highly anticipated North American release of NO TIME TO DIE. "Barbara" reluctantly answers questions about letting go of Daniel Craig and whether some of the previous Bond actors deserve as much praise as she heaps on Daniel. "Barbara" is of course the highly talented Shayla Miller who returns to the podcasts this time to discuss her encounter with Pierce Brosnan, her Vargas t-shirt design, Halloween plans, favorite horror films, and more!  Listen as Jack and Shayla anticipate the release of a new James Bond film!

With the release of No Time To Die finally happening, it's time to talk to recurring Bond and Banter guest "Michael G. Wilson" as host Jack Lugo somehow got himself on the press junket. Jack asks a bunch of tough questions that usually don't get asked by typical entertainment media. Find out how Michael G. Wilson navigates his way through questions about the future of Bond and whether or not Steve Mazzaro deserves most of the credit for writing the Hans Zimmer score. Afterwards, Bill Koenig joins Jack once again for a wide ranging discussion about No Time To Die, the Bond franchise, and even about mortality itself. All this & more in the latest ep of Bond and Banter!

An unrepentant Elekra King joins the podcast shortly after having been shot and killed by James Bond. We attempt to learn more about what led the daughter of an oil tycoon down such a destructive path & make sense of the choices she made to become the criminal mastermind who 007 was forced to stop at all cost. Afterwards, Jack speaks to Bond fan and YouTube host Shayla Miller. They have a fun conversation about James Bond as well their mutual love of Tango & Cash and the TV series Hannibal. Find out Shayla's answers to the JBR Quickfire Questions & how she started her YouTube channel with her friend Chelsea!

On the 23rd episode of Bond and Banter, Willard Whyte tells us how he became such a successful yet reclusive billionaire business magnate. Find out about his ordeal having been kidnapped and replaced by Ernst Stavro Blofeld in a devious plot involving diamonds and a dangerous satellite! How were Bambi and Thumper as prison guards?  What was it like to witness the destruction of the oil rig? All this & more!  Afterwards, Greg Probst of the Baseball And Whatever podcast joins host Jack Lugo for a fun-filled chat about Bond and baseball.  

Host Jack Lugo recounts part of his summer vacation visiting Orlando's Dezerland Park.  Then Bond's tailor (seen in Live aand Let Die) stops by for a visit. Jack asks him all about what it's like having 007 as a steady customer. Afterwards, Jack chats with Matt Spaiser who has co-authored a new book From Tailors With Love all about the clothes of Bond and the people who made 007 look iconic on the silver screen for almost 60 years.  

On the 21st episode of Bond and Banter, French Detective Achille Aubergine joins the podcast after having been killed by a poisoned paper butterfly during his supper with James Bond at the Eiffel Tower. Host Jack Lugo queries the affable fallen detective about how he feels given his grave set of circumstances. Here's your opportunity to find out more about Detective Aubergine! Afterwards, Quantum of Silliness author Robbie Sims joins the podcast for a wide ranging discussion on Bond including his thoughts on the recent MGM / Amazon merger and what kind of absurd spin-off projects he'll wish to trademark. All this and more!

It's a From Russia With Love extravaganza! Col. Rosa Klebb & Red Grant join the podcast after their fatal encounters with James Bond. Find out why Spectre appealed to each of them as well as inside details about their mission to kill & embarass 007 using a Lektor decoder as bait. Shockingly, they dispel the myth of Bond's sexual prowess! Afterwards, Linda Zhu (James Bond Radio) & Ben Haworth (Movie Gang Podcast) join Jack for some entertaining Bond talk, JBR Quickfire Questions, thoughts on FRWL, & more!

On episode 19 of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo interviews Elliot Carver about the events of Tomorrow Never Dies. Find out if the media baron would've done anything differently now that his ambitions have cost him his life at the hands of 007. Hear Carver's insights on the power of the media! Afterwards, Jack speaks with Bond fan Justin Valero about Justin's knack for impressions, his thoughts on the recent Amazon / MGM deal, what to expect from No Time To Die, and more!

It's a very special episode of Bond and Banter!  A number of previous guests return to celebrate host Jack Lugo's Birthday Party! Bill Koenig, David Lowbridge-Ellis, Christopher Wood, Michael Kirwan, & Linda Zhu join the festivities for some fantastic Bond talk, musical performances by Chris Wood, & even a full game of Bond Jeopardy over Zoom. The party guests start off chatting about Bond alumni on the Cameo app.  Jack plays a number Birthday voicemails from previous podcast guest characters. Chris Wood brilliantly performs 2 songs, and then it's on to Bond Jeopardy! Who will win? Help Jack celebrate his birthday by listening to this special episode!

On the 17th episode of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo speaks with Melina Havelock who kindly answers all his questions about her recent quest to avenge the murder of her parents as well as her time with James Bond. Afterwards, Jack interviews Belgian James Bond fan Kathleen Andries.  The two of them have a wide ranging conversation about several topics including growing up as a Bond fan in Belgium, visiting Bond locations during her holidays, what certain famous Bond quotes translate to in Dutch, and finally whereabouts should Bond location scouts look if they ever consider shooting a future Bond film in Belgium. 

On episode 16 of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo attempts to get Raoul Silva to open up about his life and motivations shortly after Silva was knifed in the back and killed by James Bond. Afterwards, Jack interviews Eisner nominated comics writer / artist Ibrahim Moustafa about his time working on James Bond comics as well as his new book COUNT, which is a bold re-imagining of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.  Ibrahim tells us about what drew him to this timeless revenge story and his process for creating the visual design of his new book as well as his love of Bond.

Volcano Headquarters Henchman and staff worker #1,138 pays a visit to the Bond and Banter podcast shortly after his demise at the hands of some ninjas who penetrated his work place thanks to secret agent James Bond.  Host Jack Lugo asks a number of questions about his occupation and daily life at the hollowed-out volcano shortly before this red-uniformed worker enters the afterlife. Afterwards, Bond radio documentarian & podcast editor Michael Kirwan joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion about Bond, his documentaries, wrestling, Howard Stern, & more!

On episode 14 of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo interviews MI6's resident art expert "Jim Fanning" shortly after Bond shocked him by bidding on a Fabergé egg against Kamal Khan. Jack asks a number of questions about that event as well as Jim Fanning's personal life. Afterwards, founder of the Licence To Queer website David Lowbridge-Ellis joins the podcast for a thoughtful and honest discussion about the prospect of a bisexual James Bond. David and Jack also discuss a minor scoop that David's website discovered regarding a song used in No Time To Die and much more!

Shortly after his 1999 retirement, Q / Major Boothroyd invents a gadget to contact the future. He reaches the Bond and Banter podcast in the year 2021 for an interview with Jack Lugo for the 13th episode of the podcast. Jack asks the now retired Q a number of questions about his decades long work with Q-Branch and 007 as well as some rather personal questions. Afterwards, Jack interviews guest Matthew Wood about what motivated him to start the Shaken Not Stirred FB Group page, Bond fandom, the Rocky franchise, meeting Lewis Gilbert, and more!

For the 12th episode of Bond and Banter, Jack Lugo interviews Octopussy just after she and James Bond spent some time "recuperating" from their ordeal with Kamal Kahn.  Octopussy answers many of Jack's probing questions. Afterwards, Jack interviews Jocelyn Sia, the founder of the Instagram page Ladies Who Bond. They talk about what motivated her to start the Instagram page as well as her experience reading through the Ian Fleming novels. Along the way, they also chat about Bond fandom, Jocelyn's aerial hoop exercise routines, and how she incorporates Bond into her activities.

On the 11th episode of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo chats with "Brad Whitaker" right after he's been killed by 007's wolf whistle key ring. Find why Whitaker became so enamored by the military and what he would've done differently.  Afterwards, Jack interviews musician Sean Faust about wide range of topics including Sean's original songs "I Find It Easy" & "Gin Asylum," Bond music and Q The Music Show's Jazzed Not Shaken album.  They also discuss their common love of Pink Floyd music, The Howard Stern Show, and much more!

"Michael G. Wilson" returns on the 10th episode of the Bond and Banter podcast.  Host Jack Lugo subjects the co-producer of the James Bond franchise to slew of tough questions. Find out how Michael reacts to Jack's interview style and whether or not we get some definitive answers to recent Bond news stories.  Afterwards, Bill Koenig joins Jack for some topical discussions about a few notable spy genre deaths, rumors about a follow up to the 2015 Man for U.N.C.L.E. film, the recent MGM investor call, and whether or not Robert Brown's Admiral Hargreaves became M.

"Max Zorin" has used microchips to contact Bond and Banter host Jack Lugo from the afterlife for the 9th episode of the podcast. "Max" reflects on the events leading to Operation Main Strike, his frustrations dealing with 007, and his relationship with henchwoman May Day. Afterwards, Jack interviews Adam Hollingworth - co-host of the Roger Moore's Cubby Hole podcast.  Jack & Adam discuss the state of Bond, Roger Moore as an actor, & Adam's thoughts on the future of the Bond franchise.

For the 8th episode of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo interviews "Natalya Fyodorovna Simonova" directly after her "debriefing" with James Bond concluding their success at stopping Alec Trevelyan from using the GoldenEye satellite. Find out how Natalya felt along each step of her harrowing adventure with James! Afterwards, Jack chats with Marlene about her time growing up as a Bond fan in Germany, the German dubs of Bond films, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, her home-made Bond Monopoly board game, and much more!

It's the 007th episode BOND AND BANTER! Host Jack Lugo takes the podcast audience on a journey through his Bond dream where he interviews legendary five-time Bond director "John Glen."  Listen in as John Glen and Jack have a conversation during Jack's dream sequence! Afterwards Jack speaks to humorist and author of Quantum of Silliness Robbie Sims (aka @TheTchaikovsky on Twitter). Robbie and Jack chat about Bond, Robbie's esoteric sense of humor, Bond Twitter polls, Roger Moore's "Wells," and much more!

On episode 6 of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo interviews Q’s assistant “Smithers.” Find out what's like working with Q at the MI6 laboratories. Afterwards, Jack interviews author and podcaster Alan J. Porter about his upcoming James Bond Lexicon book, Bond comics, his recent essay in a Batman book about the classic Adam West series, the Ian Fleming Foundation, and more!

In episode 5 of Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo chats with "Dr. Christmas Jones" after her memorable night with 007.  We find out how she felt during her adventure with the iconic spy and whether her night with James was a mutual fling or something more. Afterwards, Jack speaks with Bond fan Linda Zhu all about the state of the Bond franchise, the Bond women of the Brosnan era, and more!

In episode 4 for Bond and Banter, host Jack Lugo interviews "Ernst Stavro Blofeld" directly from his batho sub during the events of Diamonds Are Forever.  Find out the names of Blofeld's cats as well his contigency plans should his scheme in the film fail to go as plan and much more. Afterwards, Jack welcomes guest David Lowbridge-Ellis who runs the Licence To Queer blog about Bond's LGBTQ connections, the re-examination of films, and the importance of Queer studies to our history and education.

Episode 3 of Bond and Banter features an interview with "Valentin Zukovsky"! The former KGB agent discusses his life as a Soviet spy as well as his previous encounters with 007.  Zukovsky details the events that led him to his faithful final encounter with Bond and Electra King and why he decided to save Bond rather than kill Ms. King. Afterwards, host Jack Lugo interview Bond fan Justin Valero about Bond, his background in national security and terrorism studies, Bond video games, and further thoughts on the direction of the Bond franchise.  

In episode 2 of the Bond and Banter podcasts, host Jack Lugo speaks with "Sir George Martin" who contacted him from the afterlife to discuss the Live and Let die soundtrack and The Beatles.  Jack and his 2nd guests Chris Wood chat all about their love of music, movies, and of course James Bond. Among the topics discussed are the Bee Gees documentary, Sofia Coppola's On the Rocks film, vinyl records, and Bond music.  Listen to Chris's recording of City of Lovers b-side "Twisting with James" and a performance of "I've Just Gotta Get a Message To You."

The inaugural episode of Bond and Banter! It's a new podcast where a love of James Bond serves as a launching point for a wide ranging discussion on pop culture, entertainment, movies, music, TV, books, and or just about anything.  The podcast consist of 2 sections:  The Bond section and Banter section. Each week a guest will interpret a character from the James Bond universe and your host Jack Lugo will interview them in character. Afterwards, the character "leaves" and the "Banter" section begins where Jack and his guests discuss various topics including but not limited to Bond. In this very first episode, Jack interviews "Michael G. Wilson" & Bill Koenig.