The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families. Through the perspective of a community of former graduates and Naval Academy insiders, this podcast will help you learn about life at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Through our shared experiences, Academy Insider guides families through the anxiety and frustration caused by lack of understanding, misinformation, and confusion. This platform is designed to better re ...
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As part of their eternal quest to experience media in only the smartest ways possible, Sam and Jordan watch a randomly-selected episode of Doctor Who every week.
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The plot of the show starts with Hornblower being a junior Royal Navy Captain in Napoleonic times. He was sent in Central America on a secret mission. There, he reminisces the times when he was still a seasick and hopeless midshipman. As the story goes on, Hornblower gains promotion regardless of the fact that he lacks the resources and influential connections.This is because he used his skills and daring character. After overcoming lots of obstacles set in different lands with different ton ...
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This podcast was created for people to come together in order to discuss interesting/unique topics and to learn more about Philosophy. Additionally, we want to create a place for people to have meaningful discussions about topics that matter. We provide a place for people to discuss their life experiences and the role that philosophy plays in our lives.
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#058 Inside PLEBE YEAR: Learn about Plebe Signature Sheets with Nicki DeGuzman
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Did you hear your Plebe say they have to complete their signature sheet and you have no idea what that means? Join Nicki DeGuzman and I as we unravel the humor and camaraderie behind this quirky tradition. Nicki shares how signature sheets helped him break the ice and form lasting bonds amidst the rigors of Academy life. From professional tasks to …
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#057 Finding Identity and Purpose Through the Storm at the Naval Academy
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From navigating the rigorous demands of Plebe Summer to leading with compassion and resilience, Cam Kinley’s journey from Memphis to the Pacific Northwest is nothing short of inspiring. This episode features Cam, a former Navy football player and current Navy intelligence officer, as he shares his unique experiences at the Naval Academy. Discover h…
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#056 Transforming Leaders: Inside the Naval Academy's Leadership and Ethics Development Program with Jim McNeal
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Unlock the secrets behind the transformative leadership development program at the United States Naval Academy with our remarkable guest, Jim McNeal, a 1986 Naval Academy graduate. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge from his military career as a supply corps officer to his civilian role in executive search, and now, as an adjunct professor teaching e…
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#055: Navigating Leadership: Insights about the Naval Academy's Sailing Program with Andrew Shea
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Have you ever wondered how sailing can shape future Navy leaders? This episode promises to show you the behind the scenes of how the United States Naval Academy's comprehensive sailing program trains midshipmen. Join us as we welcome Andrew Shea, a 2013 graduate and former skipper of the Navy varsity offshore sailing team, who shares his remarkable…
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We'd been feeling a little lost in Flux, but thankfully this week we're watching series 13 episode 1, "The Halloween Apocalypse"! This is where it all began, so we'll finally have all the context we've been missing. Just who are Swarm and Azure Ravagers? Does a mysterious Hat Man live on Mars, or in Liverpool? How many Sontarans does it take to con…
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#054 Inside the Naval Academy: An Insight into Gray Space During Plebe Summer
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Ever wondered what "gray space" is and how it fits into the life of a midshipman at the Naval Academy? Join Christian Blanchard, Jeremiah Harding, and me as we peel back the layers of our Navy journey, bringing you an inside look at the unscheduled yet pivotal moments of Plebe Summer. From the hilariously chaotic to the profoundly impactful, our st…
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#053: From Marine Corps Drill Instructor to the Naval Academy: Learning About Drill with First Sergeant Beth Abbott
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What if mastering military drill could transform you into a more disciplined and confident leader? Tune in to our enlightening discussion with First Sergeant Beth Abbott, better known to me as Gunny Abbott, as she shares her inspiring journey from Blanchard, Michigan to becoming the brigade drill master at the United States Naval Academy. You'll he…
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#052: Inside Plebe Summer: Understanding Plebe Summer Terminology Pt 3
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What exactly is "gray space" and why does it have such a profound impact on a plebe's daily life? In this episode, we uncover the origins of this term, tracing it back to Excel spreadsheet color-coding, and explore its implications through firsthand accounts. Hear Troy share vivid memories of spontaneous training sessions and intense workouts that …
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E64 – Armor Darmin the Armored Dhar Mann
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At long last, we're getting an answer to a question that goes all the way back to our second episode: "who is the eyepatch lady?" As it turns out, she's a woman with an eyepatch-looking thing! This is basically the only thing we learned from series 6 episode 7, "A Good Man Goes to War"! Other than that, it's mostly a lot of words spoken by the man …
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Ever wondered what it’s like to transition from a novice plebe to a seasoned leader at the Naval Academy? Get ready to learn from the experiences of Jake, a Naval Academy graduate and current P-8 pilot, who takes us through the cherished tradition of "blue and gold" sessions during Plebe Summer. With a family deeply rooted in military service, Jake…
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#50: Inside Plebe Summer: Understanding Plebe Summer Terminology Pt 2
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Can you imagine the profound impact a simple posture correction technique can have on discipline? Brace yourselves as Ricky, Troy, and I unpack the unique terminologies and practices of Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy. This episode dives into the physical and emotional rollercoaster of "bracing up," reveals the secrets behind the mn…
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Join us once again in the land of headcrabs and Santa as we discuss series 9 episode 1, "The Magician's Apprentice"! It's one of Steven's famous Words Episodes, and the Doctor is barely in it. It's mainly about Clara going on a field trip with Missy and what would that be like? They still haven't confirmed that this is a headcrab dream but it defin…
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#049 Inside Plebe Summer: Understanding Naval Academy Terminology Pt. 1
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Ever wonder what the heck your son or daughter is talking about in their letters home or during phone calls as a Plebe at the Naval Academy? Join us as we break down the unique terminology and traditions that define this intense initiation period, Plebe Summer. With insights from Troy Thompson, a 2017 graduate and active duty Naval officer, and Ric…
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E62 – Cyberman Is the Name of the Doctor
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We're back with the most gruesome, spine-chilling ghost episode of all time, series 12 episode 8, "The Haunting of Villa Diodati"! In multiple ways, this is an episode about spreading misinformation about the writing of Frankenstein. Who did it better, Maxine Alderton or Jordan? Please don't @ us. Forget about these writers though, the real star of…
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#048: Leadership and Resilience: Captain Gervy's Journey as a Surface Warfare Officer
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In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, Captain Gervy shares his captivating journey from his roots as the son of a Navy Chief to attending the Naval Academy to commanding three different warships. Captain Gervy outlines his path marked by leadership, resilience, and a deep sense of duty. Listen to how his experiences commanding multiple wa…
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#047: A Parent's Journey Through the Naval Academy w/ Karl Smith
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How do you navigate the emotional roller coaster of parenting a midshipman? Karl Smith, a two-time Service Academy parent, shares his heartfelt journey with us. From his son Noah's intense Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy to his current role as a Lieutenant JG on the USS Florida, Carl provides a reflective and invaluable perspective. We also draw …
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#046: I-day at the Naval Academy - Preparation and Advice for Parents with AN Shine
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This episode of the Academy Insider Podcast promises to offer invaluable insights and heartfelt advice from Annie Shyne, a mother of two Naval Academy graduates. With her unique perspective, Annie guides us through the emotional rollercoaster of I-Day, Plebe Summer, and beyond, sharing personal anecdotes and practical strategies that every Naval Ac…
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Merry Christmas! This episode comes with a festive content warning for fatphobia and suicide, for some reason. It's the 2007 Christmas special, "Voyage of the Damned"! Sorry to spoil our opinions before you've even listened, but this is another bad episode for the bad episode books. The Doctor is on the Space Titanic, and... look, it's bad enough t…
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#045 NAPS Preparation and Advice with PJ Roach '23
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Preparing for and Navigating Life at the Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) with PJ Roach This episode of the Academy Insider podcast features host Grant Vermeer and guest PJ Roach, a class of 2023 Naval Academy graduate and former battalion commander at the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS). The discussion provides insight into the experiences…
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#044 Inside the Naval Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps with Andrea Howard
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In this episode, Andrea Howard, former commander of the Naval Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps, joins us to recount her musical journey and leadership at this prestigious institution. Listen as we peel back the curtain on D&B. Andrea takes us through the high notes of her tenure—performing at international spectacles and rousing sporting events, wher…
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E60 – The Jack Harkness Memorial War 1
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Somehow, the Master has returned. How did he fall out of the Harmony Hole? Maybe that question will be answered in series 3 episode 11, "Utopia"! Jack (Harkness) is back (barkness) and we're taking him on a trip to the most distant future except the other most distant futures we've already been to. It's a world of sharp teeth, rocks, and night time…
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#043 Learning and Understanding the Plebe Summer Organization at the Naval Academy
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Sail with us down memory lane as my dear friend Christian Blanchard, a fellow Naval Academy alumnus, and I recount the transformative experience of Plebe Summer. Our conversation charts the course of the program's evolution, the impact of more intimate company sizes, and the intimate bonds that last a lifetime. Whether you're a proud parent of a mi…
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#042 Generational Changing Opportunity - The United States Naval Academy
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Generational Changing Opportunity - The United States Naval Academy In this special episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, host Grant Vermeer is joined by Troy Thompson, a class of '17 graduate, for a deep dive into the transformative impact of the United States Naval Academy on its midshipmen and graduates. They share their personal experiences, …
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#041 The Herndon Climb: A History Lesson about the end of Plebe Year at the Naval Academy
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The Herndon Climb Tradition at the United States Naval Academy Rear Admiral James McNeal joins me to narrate the saga of the Naval Academy's Herndon Climb. The Herndon Climb has long been seen as a milestone event for fourth class midshipmen (freshmen or “plebes”) at the Naval Academy. Demonstrating the teamwork and perseverance they have learned d…
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#040 Explaining the role of Senior Enlisted Leaders and the Enlisted Footprint at the United States Naval Academy with Jeff Kirby
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Insights from a Command Master Chief's Time at the Naval Academy. A conversation with Jeff Kirby: In this episode of the Academy Insider Podcast, the host is joined by Jeff Kirby, a retired Command Master Chief who served at the Naval Academy. Kirby recounts his 33-year Navy career, highlighting his roles in mentorship and leadership, especially hi…
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#039 The Purpose of Plebe Summer at the Naval Academy
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Step inside the rigorous world of Plebe Summer with Commander Mike Murnane as we unravel the threads of leadership and mentorship that define the Naval Academy's transformational journey. This episode is your ticket to understanding the intense preparation and selection of the upperclassmen detailers, who are pivotal in molding incoming plebes into…
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#038 Varsity N Star Sweaters and the Army Navy Star Series with John Carter '22
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Naval Academy Life and Tradition: The Star Series and Letter Sweaters This episode of the Academy Insider podcast, hosted by Grant from The Vermeer Group, kicks off its second season focusing on the life and experiences at the United States Naval Academy. The podcast, aimed at Naval Academy graduates, midshipmen, future midshipmen, and their famili…
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#037 Preparing for Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy
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Preparing for Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy: Insights, Advice, and Real Stories This episode of the Academy Insider podcast focuses on providing insights, advice, and sharing experiences related to plebe summer at the United States Naval Academy. This episode features Grant Booker, a 2023 Navy Academy graduate and former regimenta…
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#036 Academy Insider is Back - Season 2 Trailer
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Academy Insider is back! Academy Insider started back in 2017 in an attempt to give back to the Naval Academy community, sharing experiences & perspectives as a recent graduate to help the next wave of midshipmen and their families. As Grant hit the peak of my operational duties, Academy Insider had to pause – Four Submarine Deployments in a three …
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E59 – She's Got to Bum Bum Run Away
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We're going back to the very early days to go back to the very late days, in series 1 episode 2, "The End of the World"! It's the episode where the Doctor thinks Rose would like to watch her planet be destroyed, because he liked it so much when it happened to him (which it didn't, but they didn't know that yet.) It's also the episode with Cassandra…
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We wished for a good episode last week, and a blue guy gave us season 2 episode 20, "What Is and What Should Never Be"! Depending on who you ask, our wish may or may not have been granted! This is one of those "what if you were in an alternate reality where everything seemed good but there was a twist" stories... with a twist! We recommend enjoying…
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At long last, 57 episodes in, we have finally got ourselves a Donna episode! It's series 4 episode 3, "Planet of the Ood"! As is so often the case on this podcast, we're meeting our new companion one episode 3, so the introductions are out of the way and her role in this one is fairly small. Oh well! Anyway, this is an episode about the King of Sla…
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Also Not Episode 57: Going Out With a Mukbang
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We're not sick anymore, but we are both unable to record this week, so there's no better time to share our Patreon bonus episode from March 2023 on the second two episodes of the Second Doctor serial, "The Seeds of Death"! I'll be honest, I don't remember what happened in this one versus the one we posted last week. At some point, they go to the mo…
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We're taking a sick break this week, so there's no better time to share our Patreon bonus episode from February 2023 on the first two episodes of the Second Doctor serial, "The Seeds of Death"! It's a really weird one that we haven't stopped thinking about since. Did last week's "Kill the Moon" mean to have continuity with this serial from 1969? No…
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Well, well, well. At long last, we've found the infamous "pro-life episode" people have been waiting for us to watch. But is series 8 episode 7, "Kill the Moon", truly a pro-life episode, or is the writer simply a clown who shouldn't be allowed to get within 100,000 miles of politics? Yes and no, and yes. Don't let the title fool you, this is an ep…
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Look out! There's a Man coming at you and he's Crooked! You're going to have to series 7 episode 9, "Hide", or he'll get you, or something! We're joined by friend of the show Gabby this week to discuss a spooky scary episode that... maybe... isn't so spooky scary after all? The Eleventh Doctor is here with Clara but he's not trying to kiss her, whi…
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E54 – I'm Old and I'm on the Moon, Whee!
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We had so much fun watching the Doctor die in a TV movie last week, we decided to do it again with the 2010 New Year's special, "The End of Time Part 2"! We've already seen the first part, so everything should be easy enough to follow, probably. The Master is still hungry, he's still a skeleton, and he's still shooting lightning blasts, and suddenl…
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Thanks to our wonderful Patreon subscribers, we get to enjoy a delicious treat this week! We're watching the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie! It's slimy, it's grimy, and Sylvester McCoy is even in it! What else could we ask for? A shocking amount of guns for Doctor Who? Well, it is an American production. Pop up some popcorn, jelly up some jelly babies, a…
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We're back from being sick, but will series 2 episode 1, "Love & Monsters", make us sick again? It's an episode a lot of people don't like, and it quickly becomes apparent why: the Doctor's barely in it! Will we find room in our hearts for Elton and his band of weirdos, or will we tile of them? I mean, tire of them. Sorry, I guess I got brain from …
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It's always a treat when we get to complete a two-parter on this show, and even more so when we get to watch it in order! This isn't one of those times, but we still enjoyed series 5 episode 4, "The Time of Angels!" It was all the way back on our fifth episode that we watched part 2, "Flesh and Stone", and we understand this show a lot better now. …
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Bad news for Osgood fans: this week we're watching series 9 episode 7, "The Zygon Invasion", and we have 50% as many Osgoods as the last time we saw her! In a world with 20 million Zygons and only one Osgood, how will Earth remain at peace? It won't! This is one of those episodes that tries to be political and doesn't really think about what it's s…
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E49 – David Tennant Normal Voice Real
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We've broken free (for now) from our recent run of specials, finales, and very big episodes to watch series 2 episode 2, "Tooth and Claw"! Remember like forty episodes ago when we heard that Torchwood was founded because of Queen Victoria and a werewolf? This is that! Between this and the Idiot's Lantern, series 2 sure does love the monarchy! I hop…
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We're back from break to talk about series 9 episode 12, "Hell Bent"! Christmas is almost here, so the RNG gave us a break from Christmas specials, which is nice. A bird-involved incident has occurred and the Doctor became twisted about it. Will he be able to do a coup big enough to justify the Crisp Chipnall type numbers of years he spent in a pre…
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The Christmas Era continues! Friend of the show Gigalithic joins us this week to talk about the 2011 Christmas special, "The Doctor, the Widow, and the Wardrobe"! This is the episode where Steven decided to do festive gender essentialism for an hour, and not even Bill Bailey can salvage it. On the bright side, at least we invented a new word. Sam |…
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Just in time for November, we're deep in the Christmas Era, watching the fourth 2009 special, "The End of Time Part 1"! Donna's Gambit has worked once again, which of course means that she's in the episode for a few seconds. Meanwhile, we're hanging out with her funny grandpa Wilfred, who we love, and who has a gun. We also meet Harold Saxon (a reg…
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E45 – I Would Go to Church If a Scarecrow Was the Priest
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Jodie's Gambit works at last, and the RNG has sent us back for more Flux with series 13 episode 4, "Village of the Angels"! We've both rewatched "Once, Upon Time" to try to remember what the heck was going on here, and we've got two entire opinions about it. It's classic Flux, in that Yaz fails the Yaz test (doesn't do anything) and Dan fails the D…
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E44 – Absence Makes the Legs Grow Longer
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Finally, another Christmas special! We're getting festive once again with 2014's "Last Christmas", in which the Twelfth Doctor and Clara meet Santa Claus... or do they? Or don't they? Or do they? Steven Moffat watched Inception and Alien back-to-back one night and wrote this episode. It's got some cool ideas, and some jokes and lines that are so fu…
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We're heading to Cardiff, for the first time but not for the first time, in series 1 episode 11, "Boom Town"! It's our first time officially meeting one of the funny green farting killer aliens on the podcast, and we're getting to know her over a romantic dinner. Meanwhile, Mickey gets a medal or two, Rose gets sad, Jack (Harkness) does something. …
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We're kicking off Doctor Huhloween* with a classic monster movie monster episode: series 5 episode 6, "The Vampires of Venice"! We're coming back to the night that Amy kissed the Eleventh Doctor. How will he react? Embarrassing Rory at his stag party, of course! After that, we're off to 1850 I mean 1580 to meet some vampires I mean fish who burn to…
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E41 – When the Turkey Is Done, Evil Will Arrive
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Somehow, we've already completed the Trio of the Doctor! We learned his Name, we enjoyed his Day, and now we will celebrate his Time, in the second of the series 13 specials, "Time of the Doctor"! We're saying goodbye to the Eleventh Doctor forever. How will he die? Wood chipper? Head falling off disease? It's gotta be something festive for the hol…
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