Best Loose Canon Podcasts (2024)

1
Our Top 5 Star Wars Sound Effects 1:02:57

15m ago1:02:57

1:02:57

Ranking the top things that go VROOM in the Star Wars universe. Nick and Chris thought they had an easy topic on their hands but put a surprising amount of thought into each of their personal top 5 choices. Our hosts chose slightly different criteria for their lists: 10 seconds or less Nothing too obvious (like the Tie Fighter sound) Can't come fro…

1
The One About Chirality 1:25:29

4h ago1:25:29

1:25:29

On this episode of Loose Canon the team tries to stay on topic and gets sidetracked every step of the way. The lore of Destiny is deep and easy to sink into when its two lore nerds such as these! This week we talk all about the lore book Chirality! If you want more of your favorite Loose Canons go follow their Twitter accounts, and for more informa…

1
Episode 330 - The Caboose Who Got Loose 30:04

1h ago30:04

30:04

Our very first Bill Peet! Please understand that the whole reason we haven't done him before is because unlike a lot of animators-turned-author/illustrations, he has no single huge title that he's known for (unlike Seuss or P.D. Eastman). Betsy literally had to look up the Peet titles that are most prevalent in her library's consortium. The winner?…

1
273: Canonically Craig and Daddy Long Legs 1:36:39

2h ago1:36:39

1:36:39

I rewatched 10 seconds of Law & Order: SVU Season 16, Episode 23 multiple times for you all. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #3: Outcast Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast What We Are Reading (Not Sponsored): Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine…

1
The Brothers Krynn Interview 1:12:18

3h ago1:12:18

1:12:18

Chris interviews Joe and Dan from The Brothers Krynn. They are fantasy authors and reviewers of all sorts of topics from the universes of Star Wars to Conan the Barbarian, Kull the King, Krynn of Dragonlance, Zelda, Warcraft/WoW, Westeros, and of course Tolkien's Middle-Earth universe. Listen to how the brothers started writing, their view of chara…

1
272: At the Beach and Chekhov's Unloaded Gun 1:53:56

7d ago1:53:56

1:53:56

Time to save some kids or drown trying! Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast What We Are Reading (Not Sponsored): Your Letter by Hyeon A. Cho Cat Fact Sources: Neko Atsume - Wikipedia Neko Atsume ねこあつめ公式 (@nekoatsum…

1
Episode 329 - Wemberly Worried 29:02

14d ago29:02

29:02

All around the U.S. kids are beginning to go back to school. With that in mind, Kate asked Betsy to come up with a back-to-school book they hadn't done before. Now you might think that the only first day of school book the great Kevin Henkes created was Chrysanthemum (which we did back in 2021). Not so! Here we find another. Kate says the cover is …

1
Nick Reviews The Acolyte 1:08:50

22m ago1:08:50

1:08:50

Nick puts on his conspiracy theory hat to tell Chris about his disturbing discovery about the Cars franchise. Later in the show, Nick reviews The Acolyte and tries to convince Chris to watch it. Want more energy and essential vitamins for your day but want to limit your caffeine intake? Visit https://magicmind.com/starwarstrial now to get a FREE 3 …

1
Episode 328 - The Color Kittens 29:49

3d ago29:49

29:49

Our Margaret Wise Brown output on this podcast has, until now, been a bit on the scanty side. Sure, we did Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny but beyond that we've sort of left her out in the cold. All that changes today with this, our third MWB and what may be our very first Provensen deep dive. In light of the new life injected into Little Golden B…

1
271: Doctor Diplomacy and Angel Newsies 1:39:36

21d ago1:39:36

1:39:36

Jaypaw is impressed by Leafpool’s diplomacy skills - too bad they go to waste. Who could’ve predicted missing kids! Lionpaw. Lionpaw and Heatherpaw could’ve. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast What We Are Reading …

1
Episode 327 - Abuela 29:13

8d ago29:13

29:13

How the HECK have we done 327 episodes of this podcast and we haven't yet done this book? Released in 1991, we can't help but note that this story, of people flying above New York City, happened to come out the same year that a fellow people flying above New York City picture book came out: Tar Beach. Something about the early 90s just made people …

1
270: Zombie Dad and Awkward Wait 1:25:44

24d ago1:25:44

1:25:44

Hey Hollypaw - your mom is here. She said you gotta go home now. Yeah, we can’t hold you prisoner anymore :/ Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast Cat Fact Sources: 9 Lives (video game) - Wikipedia 9 Lives (1990) - M…

1
Episode 326 - Tooth - Gnasher Superflash 29:38

14d ago29:38

29:38

By gum, if there's one thing this children's literature podcast needs, it's more Reading Rainbow books from the days of yore. And if that's something we need to go out and find, then surely we will. We were inspired to give this particular book a go after Betsy saw the model of its vehicle on display at Kansas City's The Rabbit Hole. In this episod…

1
Nightsisters! Assaj Ventress Plots Zabrakian Revenge 43:51

1M ago43:51

43:51

Welcome to the Essential Clone Wars series where we review major arcs from Star Wars the Clone Wars! This arc ushers in the Nightsisters from season 3 episodes 12-14. Will Mother Talzin and the Nightsister's aid be enough to settle the score against Count Dooku? Find out in today's episode! Want more energy and essential vitamins for your day but w…

1
269: Feelings vs Fealty and Baby Breakup 1:45:28

1M ago1:45:28

1:45:28

Lionpaw doesn’t get a lot of sleep. But he does get to join a battle. And comes to a conclusion. Hollypaw is still kidnapped. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast Cat Fact Sources: Spycat - Wikipedia Spycatcher - Wi…

1
Episode 325 - little blue and little yellow 30:50

1M ago30:50

30:50

While Betsy often prefers to hand Kate children's picture books to consider that are chock full of details, at a certain point she is forced to come up with books that contain none of that. And you cannot get much more basic than Little Blue and Little Yellow here. Your heroes are essentially paint swatches, after all. In the course of our conversa…

1
The One About Chirality Part 1 1:26:23

1M ago1:26:23

1:26:23

On this episode of Loose Canon the team tries to stay on topic and gets sidetracked every step of the way. The lore of Destiny is deep and easy to sink into when its two lore nerds such as these! This week we talk all about the first week of Echoes Act 2, as well as the lore book Chirality! If you want more of your favorite Loose Canons go follow t…

1
268: Disguise Dung and Drowning Dream 1:30:46

1M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

Hollypaw is sentenced to a mandatory sleepover with her girlfriend due to her accused espionage. Meanwhile - Jaypaw could use his powers to find her. Instead he’s gotta go be with his stick. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagra…

1
Death Trap Arc - Boba Fett's Origin Story 39:33

28d ago39:33

39:33

We continue our Essential Clone Wars series on today's episode with the Death Trap Arc which concludes season 2. In this arc, you will witness Boba Fett attempting to exact vengeance on Mace Windu for the death of his father, Jango. Want more energy and essential vitamins for your day but want to limit your caffeine intake? Visit https://magicmind.…

1
Episode 324 - Tomás and the Library Lady 30:23

30d ago30:23

30:23

Kooky that we haven't done this one yet? You betcha. It's well known nationwide, been turned into lots of stage plays, and is generally a book that should be right up our alley. In the pantheon of heroic librarian books, where does this particular book fall out? We discuss the correct length of dinosaur teeth, sensible shoes, and how the HECK the a…

1
267: Sleep Hygiene and Ghost Subplot 1:49:53

2M ago1:49:53

1:49:53

Lionpaw gets called in by his mentor. Hopefully this lesson sinks in. Meanwhile, Hollypaw is off to do diplomacy all on her own. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast What We Are Reading (Not Sponsored): History of D…

1
ILM Propaganda Pt. 2 1:05:43

1M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

The boys discuss episodes 4-6 of the Light and Magic documentary on Disney+! Listen along as Nick and Chris chat about the great leap from practical effects to CGI in films like Jurassic Park and the Phantom Menace. Want more energy and essential vitamins for your day but want to limit your caffeine intake? Visit https://magicmind.com/starwars now …

1
Episode 323 - LIVE FROM ALA - Who's Got the Apple? 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

The American Library Association's Annual Conference for 2024 may be over but here at Fuse 8 n' Kate the party NEVER stops! And we can back that statement up by pointing out that this latest episode was actually recorded AT the conference. And not only that, it was recorded WITH a special guest star! Turns out, conferences are a great way to connec…

1
266: The Scientific Method and Special Stick Recovery 1:30:22

2M ago1:30:22

1:30:22

Two art school graduates try to recall the scientific method as Jaypaw conducts some ethically questionable experiments. Jaypaw is also saved from drowning in the lake. Again. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast Wh…

1
Episode 322 - Apple Pie Fourth of July 28:56

1M ago28:56

28:56

We are pleased to announce that with its 2002 publication date we are finally able to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day with a book that Betsy has been sitting on for years. It can be exceedingly hard to find books for this particular holiday. Even better, this consideration of this book marks the very first time the podcast has ever done a J…

1
The One About Echoes Act 1 1:22:18

2M ago1:22:18

1:22:18

On this episode of Loose Canon the team tries to stay on topic and gets sidetracked every step of the way. The lore of Destiny is deep and easy to sink into when its two lore nerds such as these! This week we talk all about the first Act of Episode 1: Echoes, except, we also really talked about some more Final Shape content, and then spent a long t…

1
265: Second Choice Successor and Loose Horse 1:39:00

2M ago1:39:00

1:39:00

Lionpaw probably doesn’t have ghost powers. Just his stupid evil ghost grandpa. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast What We Are Reading (Not Sponsored): Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom Democracy or Else: How…

1
ILM Propaganda Pt. 1 1:01:35

2M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Nick and Chris are BACK to Star Wars once again with a brief discussion on the movie Civil War (and the chances of a real one happening). Then our hosts discuss the first 3 episodes of the Light and Magic documentary on Disney+. As much as our hosts were impressed by the accomplishments of practical effects and ILM's legacy, they also questioned th…

1
Episode 321 - Baby, Come Out! 29:49

2M ago29:49

29:49

Betsy's logic behind this week's choice is that it is hot outside right now, so why not do a picture book featuring nudity? Now we currently live in a country where so much as a bare butted goblin picture book can get banned by Moms for Liberty at the drop of a hat. May as well go all in and do a book that unapologetically doesn't care about such p…

1
264: Tree Terror and Ghost Tour 1:38:52

3M ago1:38:52

1:38:52

Good news - Hollypaw doesn’t fail her test. Bad news - everything else. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast Cat Fact Sources: ‘Unicorn’ kitten, born intersex, adopted from central Oregon shelter - oregonlive.com 'C…

1
'Takes' of the Jedi 58:19

2M ago58:19

58:19

In this episode, Nick and Chris discuss the highs and lows of Tales of the Jedi and Tales of the Empire. Each miniseries tells untold stories of characters like Count Dooku, Barriss Offee, and Morgan Elsbeth. Listen now to see how our hosts' perspective on these characters has changed after watching this. Want more energy and essential vitamins for…

1
Episode 320 - Mr. Maxwell's Mouse 31:26

3M ago31:26

31:26

Kate's crie de coeur for more blood and guts in children's picture books once again finds its mark. Usually you might associate a book of this sort with titles of a more European bent, but Asch and son are 100% 'merican, baby. With enough weirdness to choke a cat, this one's just so very strange. Not to give anything away but we are exceedingly ple…

1
Final Shape First Impressions Part 1 1:29:28

3M ago1:29:28

1:29:28

On this episode of Loose Canon the team tries to stay on topic and gets sidetracked every step of the way. The lore of Destiny is deep and easy to sink into when its two lore nerds such as these! This week we talk all about the Final Shape, we somehow skipped right over the campaign, however we did talk about the Visions of the Traveler, the next S…

1
263: Tunnel Troubles and Name Nonsense 1:27:58

3M ago1:27:58

1:27:58

Spoilers for the 2005 Horror Movie - “The Descent” from 29:00 to 31:40 Three ladies stand up and say - we love our names! And Hollypaw freaks out internally. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast Cat Fact Sources: Ne…

1
Episode 319 - The Mysterious Tadpole 32:22

3M ago32:22

32:22

Oh ho! We haven't done a Steven Kellogg re-illustration title since Pinkereton, Behave! back in 2021! This is particularly strange as The Mysterious Tadpole was always, without a doubt, a favorite Kellogg picture book of Betsy's when she was a child. For various reasons we were never able to discuss it on Fuse 8 n' Kate... until today! We consider …

1
262: Magic Stick and Clan Quiz 1:32:09

3M ago1:32:09

1:32:09

Jaypaw finds a REALLY cool stick that his dumb mentor won’t let him drag back to camp. Instead he has to bring life-saving herbs. Meanwhile, Lionpaw gets a good - if not somewhat confusing Dad Talk. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on …

1
Episode 318 - Red-Eyed Tree Frog 41:25

2M ago41:25

41:25

Here in Illinois the cicadas are truly beginning to emerge en masse. As such, Betsy was kind of hoping she might be able to find a book that speaks to this. Alas, Cicada Symphony by Sue Fleiss (illustrated by Gareth Lucas) is just barely a year old. So what's the next best course of action? Locate some other red-eyed creature found in trees, of cou…

1
The One About To Old Friends Part 2 1:20:01

3M ago1:20:01

1:20:01

On this episode of Loose Canon the team tries to stay on topic and gets sidetracked every step of the way. The lore of Destiny is deep and easy to sink into when its two lore nerds such as these! This week we get a late start on the episode, but have a great talk about POBA, some Destiny 1 deep cuts, the lore book, naturally, using too many commas …

1
261: Victorian Ghost Child and Dream Dive 1:37:54

3M ago1:37:54

1:37:54

Hollypaw discovers Lionpaw’s hardly hidden secret. Jaypaw dives into the deep end of Riverclan’s dreams. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast Cat Fact Sources: A college puts the ‘cat’ into ‘education’ by giving Max…

1
260: Shadowclan Syndrome and Anxiety Lawyer 1:29:54

3M ago1:29:54

1:29:54

All three main characters attend a gathering - but three other cats steal the show. Hollypaw and Lionpaw cope with their non-Thunderclan crushes in two very different ways. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast What …

1
Episode 317 - Dinosaur Bob and his Adventures with the Family Lazardo 41:25

3M ago41:25

41:25

As mentioned on this podcast episode, Kate and Betsy truly will be in San Diego at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference to record an episode WITH a special secret guest. Many thanks to the very kind Travis Jonker (alumni of Kate's college) for sharing his recording booth with us. Today's book was a Reading Rainbow book back in the day. We detect some…

1
The One About To Old Friends Part 1 1:19:03

4M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

On this episode of Loose Canon the team tries to stay on topic and gets sidetracked every step of the way. The lore of Destiny is deep and easy to sink into when its two lore nerds such as these! This week we get a late start on the episode, but jump over Final Shape and right into Episode 3: Heresy. But worry not as Destiny Armory Defined got us b…

1
The One About Old Friends Part 1 1:19:03

4M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

On this episode of Loose Canon the team tries to stay on topic and gets sidetracked every step of the way. The lore of Destiny is deep and easy to sink into when its two lore nerds such as these! This week we get a late start on the episode, but jump over Final Shape and right into Episode 3: Heresy. But worry not as Destiny Armory Defined got us b…

1
259: Subterranean Initiation and Promised Punchline 1:29:43

4M ago1:29:43

1:29:43

The terrible trio can’t complain too much as Ye Olde Warriors used to just go into caves and die. Tangletongue finally gets to the punchline of a joke she did not know was being told. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #2: Dark River Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWI…

1
Episode 316 - The Three Pigs 30:46

3M ago30:46

30:46

Today, we do our second David Wiesner book (after Tuesday). Along the way we discuss the philosophy behind Wiesner's void ("Is this just the space between the stories we tell?") and how this is (spoiler alert) our 200th classic on the podcast! Woohoo!Show Notes:For the full show notes please visit: https://afuse8production.slj.com/2024/05/13/fuse-8…

1
258: Squirrel Luck and Badger Blunder 1:38:15

4M ago1:38:15

1:38:15

Jaypaw saves another life and decides he is now god. Oh and his siblings too. Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #1: The Sight Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast Cat Fact Sources: Youtube - Black cat runs across ice, spells bad luck for Sharks Mustard Minute: Ano…

1
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Phantom Menace 1:04:18

3M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Happy belated Star Wars Day! Our hosts Nick Oswald and Chris Higgins recall their first viewings of The Phantom Menace and remember how their fandom has changed since the early 2000s. Listen as Nick walks us through the timeline of fan reception of one of the most polarizing Star Wars movies and Chris remarks on Natalie Portman's best lines on his …

1
Episode 315 - Tops and Bottoms 28:42

3M ago28:42

28:42

Today we dive right in to a good spring picture book that somehow we've never done before. Even better, a Caldecott Honor title at that! We haven't discussed Janet Stevens since we did Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock a little more than a year ago. Consider this the book that made vertical picture books cool (Mel Fell owes this title a hat tip of t…

1
257: Dreams Don’t Die and Dreams Come True 1:18:27

4M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Jaypaw uses his powers to do some fate altering and his mom proposes something life changing (for Tangletongue). Book: Warriors, Series 3: Power of Three #1: The Sight Support us on Ko-fi! WCWITCast Ko-fi Follow us on Twitter! WCWITCast (@WCWITCast) Follow us on Instagram! WCWITCast What We Are Reading (Not Sponsored): Orpheus Girl by Brynne Rebele…

1
Episode 314 - Enemy Pie 30:50

4M ago30:50

30:50

Recently LeVar Burton suggested today's picture book on an episode of The Sporkful ("Reheat: LeVar Burton Even Reads Recipes Dramatically") and in spite of the fact that Kate was dead-on about the fact that we should have done this book for a Thanksgiving episode, we're doing it, baby! Enemy Pie was a Reading Rainbow Book back in the day, how does …

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