Track 1: Cats and Dogs, and Mass Hysteria

Released June 7, 2018 — 43m17s

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.

Links:

Hidden Track 1B: What's in a Name?

Released June 14, 2018 — 8m52s

The origins of the show, and some early brainstorming as we try to choose a name.

Recorded Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

Track 2: A Deep Dive on the Comics

Released June 21, 2018 — 1h02m27s

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

Links:

Track 3: Not Just Farm Fresh Eggs

Released July 5, 2018 — 1h02m7s

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

Links:

Hidden Track 3B: A Podcast Named BLANK TAPE

Released July 12, 2018 — 10m36s

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

Links:

Track 4: The Elephant in the Room Where It Happens

Released July 19, 2018 — 54m4s

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

Links:

Track 5: Double CrossFit with Cheese

Released August 2, 2018 — 47m50s

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.

Links:

Track 5B: West Coast EP

Released August 9, 2018 — 32m32s

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.

Links:

Track 5C: East Coast EP

Released August 9, 2018 — 29m2s

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.

Links:

Track 6: Michael Crichton's Jurassic Time-Travel Westworld Murder Adventure Park

Released August 16, 2018 — 1h07m34s

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

Links:

Track 7: MCU, Part Deux: All Stan Lee, All the Time

Released August 30, 2018 — 1h23m15s

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

Links:

Track 8: That's Not a Didgeridoo!

Released September 13, 2018 — 1h17m51s

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.

Links:

Track 9: Questionable Tempos and Chicken Chimichangas: The Offbrand Story

Released October 4, 2018 — 1h16m27s

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.

Links:

Track 9B: Offbrand: Prime - Demo

Released October 4, 2018 — 2m42s

The demo version of Prime by Offbrand. Recorded circa 2003-2005.

Special Guests: Max Metzler and Stephen Pavlik.

Track 9C: Offbrand: The Division - Acoustic

Released October 4, 2018 — 2m56s

The acoustic version of The Division by Offbrand. Recorded circa 2003-2005.

Special Guests: Max Metzler and Stephen Pavlik.

Track 9D: Offbrand: Backstabbed

Released October 4, 2018 — 3m4s

Backstabbed by Offbrand. Recorded circa 2003-2005.

Special Guests: Max Metzler and Stephen Pavlik.

Track 10: Lord of the Funyun Rings and Mountain Dew

Released October 25, 2018 — 1h03m40s

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/

Links:

Hidden Track 10B: Settling a Score

Released November 1, 2018 — 12m56s

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.

Links:

Track 11: Don't Start a Land War in Asia

Released November 15, 2018 — 1h16m56s

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.

Links:

Hidden Track 11B: 00111111

Released November 22, 2018 — 6m1s

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

Links:

Track 12: Hey, Siri, Make Me an App

Released December 6, 2018 — 1h19m51s

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
  • 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?

Links:

Track 13: Christmas Holiday Bonanza and Year-End Special

Released December 27, 2018 — 58m27s

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" 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

Special Guests: Casey Crenwelge and Elvia Jablinski.

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 14: From Gringotts to Gravel Pit

Released January 31, 2019 — 1h31m48s

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 is live!

Beth’s Chair, Yo

Special Guest: Heather Campbell.

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 15: Sweet Victory

Released February 14, 2019 — 56m46s

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.

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 16: A Wooden Leg Named Smith

Released March 7, 2019 — 59m54s

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.

Links:

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 1: What's Up, Programs?

Released March 7, 2019 — 34m7s

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.

Vol. 2, Track 17: I Find Your Lack of Metal Disturbing

Released March 28, 2019 — 1h12m40s

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.

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 18: Man Overboard!

Released April 18, 2019 — 24m18s

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.

Links:

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 2: 1812 Overture

Released April 18, 2019 — 5m52s

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.

Vol. 2, Track 19: Are These Your Drums?

Released May 9, 2019 — 1h05m47s

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

Exit music: Run Around by C.J. Ramone

Special Guest: Pete Sosa.

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 20: We're in the Endgame Now

Released May 30, 2019 — 1h34m46s

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.

Links:

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 3: Homework Catch-Up

Released May 30, 2019 — 18m47s

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'!"

Vol. 2, Track 21: Snape Kills Dumbledore

Released August 8, 2019 — 1h10m56s

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!

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 22: The Oracle of Bacon

Released August 29, 2019 — 1h06m28s

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!

Links:

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 4: From Bottle Caps to Dominoes

Released August 29, 2019 — 17m4s

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 in video games, such as Fallout 76 or Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Vol. 2, Track 22B: Crab Cakes and America's Pastime

Released September 5, 2019 — 4m3s

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.

Vol. 2, Track 23: NFL SuperPro, Literally

Released September 19, 2019 — 1h18m33s

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

Dallas Avengers

Dallas Defenders

Anson's Teams: Houston Inhumans & Houston S.H.I.E.L.D.

Houston Inhumans

Houston S.H.I.E.L.D.

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 24: The Return of the Empire's New Hope Strikes Back

Released October 10, 2019 — 1h23m7s

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!

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 5: The World's Most Famous Mustache

Released October 10, 2019 — 10m36s

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.

Links:

Vol. 2, Track 25: Tribble's Dead, Jim

Released October 31, 2019 — 1h33m9s

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.

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 6: Scary Movies and Rocky Horrors

Released October 31, 2019 — 10m10s

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.

Special Guests: Elizabeth Horsley and Michael Horsley.

Vol. 2, Track 26: All Your Streams are Belong to Disney+

Released November 21, 2019 — 1h05m0s

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!

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 7: Excerpts from Messiah, HWV 56

Released November 29, 2019 — 17m27s

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!

Vol. 2, Track 27: How Do You Say "Christmas" in Italian?

Released December 12, 2019 — 1h10m18s

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" from MaSKArades Vol. 8: The Nutcracker Skank by The Holophonics
  • Outro music: "Auld Lang Syne" from MaSKArades Vol. 4: Happy Skanukkah New Redux by The Holophonics

Support Blank Tape on Patreon!

Links:

Hi-Fi Hero Hidden Track 8: Yippee Ki-Yay, Santa Claus

Released December 19, 2019 — 16m28s

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

Vol. 2, Track 28: Semisonic's "Closing Time"

Released January 2, 2020 — 1h22m7s

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.

Links:

  • Sidekicks & Sidequests — The unofficial Dungeons & Dragons podcast that helps to put humans back into humanity and breathe life into your campaign NPC's with backstory and bravado. Building a world, one character at a time.

Vol. 2, Track 28B: Erntedankfest mit Oma

Released January 9, 2020 — 46m39s

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.

Links: