Best Ajax Life Podcasts (2025)

1
Memory Gamma: Q 17:19

11h ago17:19

17:19

Q stands among the most captivating figures in the Star Trek universe - a being of seemingly limitless power who appears as both antagonist and catalyst throughout pivotal moments in Federation history. But what if everything we thought we knew about Q's motivations was incomplete? In this special bonus episode of my old show, Memory Gamma, I talk …

1
Fill Me In #492: The pre-Pope life of Popes. 1:30:22

8h ago1:30:22

1:30:22

This week, Ryan and Brian examine the balance between good and bad, the origin of names they already know, and the demographics of the average NCIS episode. Check out Scott Weiss's new Anti-Match Quiz, and be sure to subscribe to Ryan's other podcast, Adventures Assemble. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. …

1
TaleSpin Part 2 52:49

7d ago52:49

52:49

What happens when Disney takes characters from The Jungle Book and drops them into a quasi-1930s world with air pirates, corporate tycoons, and surprisingly adult themes? Welcome to part 2 of the strange, fascinating universe of TaleSpin, a show that broke the mold for children's animation.By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Fill Me In #491: Thursday America, Friday Japan. 1:25:29

7d ago1:25:29

1:25:29

This week, Ryan and Brian rank people and fruit, try to remember Snoopy's friends, and travel west by a continent or two for a special request Kealoa. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon. Do you enjoy our show? Actually, it doesn't matter! Please con…

1
Fill Me In #490: Not everything is for everybody. 1:39:19

14d ago1:39:19

1:39:19

This week, Ryan is a little less sick but still just as much in Japan. He's visited both Tokyo and Kyoto, which you'd think would come in handy a little later in the show. Otherwise, Brian and Ryan deal with typos, horse races, more coughing than we'd like, and multiple spellings of "wolf." If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for th…

1
Fill Me In #489: This is gonna be a corker. 1:37:54

21d ago1:37:54

1:37:54

This week, Ryan is both sick and in Japan -- and he still shows up for a fresh episode. (Brian is neither sick nor away from home, so his contributions are adequate and predictable. Derbies, Verdugos, and (hopefully not vulgar) stories about bathrooms. Also, check out Ryan's other podcast, Adventures Assemble, available here, and anywhere else you …

1
TaleSpin Part 1 53:30

25d ago53:30

53:30

Step into the cockpit with us as we navigate the strange skies of TaleSpin, one of Disney's most fascinating animated experiments from the early 1990s. What happens when you take characters from The Jungle Book, put them in cargo planes, and set them in a 1930s-inspired world with sky pirates?By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Fill Me In #488: Bob Cobb and Herbie Derby. 1:41:00

28d ago1:41:00

1:41:00

This week, Ryan and Brian learn about crossing the street, what may or may not be in a salad, and raise questions about hats and horses. Bon voyage to Ryan as he departs soon for his favorite Asium -- follow his new podcast, Adventures Assemble, available here, and anywhere else you find podcasts. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something…

1
Fill Me In #487: There’s more people to be faster. 1:59:18

1M ago1:59:18

1:59:18

This week, Ryan and Brian recap the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (even though only one of them was there), perpetuate rumors of traveling to Japan (even though only one of them is traveling), and get the down and dirty about some of the New York Times games (even though one of the stories is completely made up). Check out Ryan's new podcast…

1
Baron Trump and His Adventures Through the 8th Dimension 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

Remember when conspiracy theories were just harmless fun? A time when speculating about JFK, aliens, or secret societies was a quirky hobby rather than dangerous political ideology? Those days are sadly behind us, as we now live in a world where fringe beliefs drive policy and shape our institutions. In this episode, we explore one of the strangest…

1
Fill Me In #486: All rectangles are squares. 1:47:01

1M ago1:47:01

1:47:01

This week, Brian and Ryan are scared of the National Puzzlers' League, emboldened to challenge the talents of certain prominent gamespeople at the ACPT, and looking at the possibility of renaming the game Orskorel. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon…

1
DC/Marvel: It's All Happening Again 1:08:12

2M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

We dive deep into the fascinating history of Marvel-DC crossovers, from the 1976 Superman/Spider-Man meeting to the ambitious Amalgam Universe of the mid-90s. Looking back at these collaborations reveals how they've historically revitalized the industry during challenging periods—much like what we're witnessing today. Our spotlight on the overlooke…

1
Fill Me In #485: Almost 100% sure does not feel like enough sure. 1:29:22

2M ago1:29:22

1:29:22

This week, Alex Verdugo signs with Atlanta for $1.5M. First of all, that's ridiculous. Second of all, why is this part of the Fill Me In universe? Rest assured, Ryan and Brian are unable to answer that question. Also: mark your calendars for August (not April) 9. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if yo…

1
Pandemic Films Part 2 1:05:35

2M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

As we approach the 5th anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we look back at how culture viewed such events and their impact. Our fascination with pandemic narratives in cinema didn't begin with COVID—it spans decades of filmmaking that eerily predicted our current reality. From star-studded 70s disaster films to modern psychological thrillers, we …

1
Fill Me In #484: A million monkeys typing into infinity. 1:06:14

2M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

This week, Ryan and Brian share the glory of the non-defunct XWordInfo (acrostics, anyone?), spill the news of the ACPT constructor lineup, and recognize no particular connection between Irish soda bread and Tucson native Alex Verdugo. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, …

1
Fill Me In #483: In Australia, Ajax Spray n' Wipe television commercials appeared from 1988 to 2010, all voiced by Robyn Moore singing a jingle to the tune of Ian Dury's song "Billericay Dickie." 1:18:32

2M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

This week, Ryan reports on spring training, drinks Scottish beer, and suggests a potential hot dog tasting competition, while Brian loiters around Syracuse being relatively unproductive. This week's episode title might be the longest ever, but we haven't actually fact-checked that claim. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the F…

1
Bird-Bola-Demic: Pandemics in Film 1:00:28

2M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Fictional disease outbreaks have haunted our screens for nearly a century, revealing far more about our society than any microscopic villain. From class warfare aboard a cholera-stricken ship in 1939's "Pacific Liner" to the eerily prescient "Contagion" that rocketed to popularity during COVID-19, pandemic narratives capture our deepest fears and s…

1
Fill Me In #482: Thanks for the occasional effort! 1:22:33

2M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Not one but two AI baseball players infiltrate the viewer mail this week (and honestly, we hope more than you do that this marks the end of this nonsense). Outside of that, Ryan and Brian talk briefly about the Oscars (both the awards and the children), and rumble through a Thunder Round of this past week of #nytxw puzzles. If you get bored (how co…

1
Fill Me In #481: Igor and Constantine came in and moved me. 1:12:44

3M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

You know the old adage "victory is sweet, but losing comes with free lessons"? Or ... wait -- is that an axiom? No matter. Ryan is back with Brian to banter about Frank Sinatra, failing to do basic stuff in new ways, and how long ago was fifty years ago. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feel…

1
NüTrek: Supplemental 8:22

3M ago8:22

8:22

I have things to say about NüTrek and Star Trek in general, obviously. So, in this special supplemental episode I address some of the things we didn't get to in our previous installments.By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Fill Me In #480: Did anyone lose their job over Bad Cinderella? 1:23:06

3M ago1:23:06

1:23:06

This week, special guest co-host Rachel Fabi joins Brian for the goods and bads of Pittsburgh sports, Cinderella musicals, and New York Times crosswords. If you're able, please support These Puzzles Fund Abortion 5 at abortionpuzzles.com. Presale is available now, with puzzles available as early as March 1. If you get bored (how could you?!), write…

1
NÜTrek Part 2 1:24:56

3M ago1:24:56

1:24:56

As we navigate Star Trek through the cosmos, there's no shying away from the franchise's struggles with maintaining its canon and meeting fan expectations. From the portrayal of Starfleet officers to the ongoing saga of Section 31, we candidly express mixed feelings about the new era of Star Trek.By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Fill Me In #479: Intentional ignorance. 1:38:58

3M ago1:38:58

1:38:58

This week, Ryan and Brian reminisce about Canada, marvel at the history of technology, and question the quality of really bad movies. (Oh yeah, and it's a normal episode again, sorry about last week.) If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon. Do you enjoy…

1
Fill Me In #478: 22-Down! 1:07

3M ago1:07

1:07

This week, Ryan and BrianBy Brian Cimmet, Ryan Hecht

1
NüTrek: Star Trek Discovery and Section 31, Part 1 1:10:56

3M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

Is Star Trek Discovery in canon? What exactly is NüTrek? Just how bad was Section 31: The Movie? In this episode we lay down the ground work and history that lead to today's Star Trek, for better or worse. Join us for part one where we show you just how we got here.By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Eastside Theatre Guild - Freejack 1:36:01

4M ago1:36:01

1:36:01

Join us as we embark on a wild ride through the cult classic "Freejack," featuring dual rockstars Mick Jagger and David Johansen. We unravel the film's weak plot of time travel and body snatching, buoyed only slightly by Jagger's acting choices.By Dispatch Ajax!

1
Fill Me In #477: All the great cats are hunters. 1:46:19

4M ago1:46:19

1:46:19

This week, Ryan and Brian wonder about missing accolates, consider entering a 45-year-old contest, envy a boat and a pool and a river, and struggle with most of the crosswords from the past seven days. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon. Do you enjo…

1
Fill Me In #476: Linguistic chaos gremlins. 1:51:15

4M ago1:51:15

1:51:15

This week, Ben Zimmer joins Brian in the FMI studio for a thorough recap of the 2024 Word of the Year! Also: NYT games, the ORCAs, a little known fact about Russian poetry, and a Brian Wecht sighting! If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon. Do you enjoy…

1
Fill Me In #475: Something about facts. 1:31:24

4M ago1:31:24

1:31:24

This week, Ryan and Brian try to warm up to Letter Boxed, look for hidden meaning in AI art, and remember things Zero Mostel wasn't famous for. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon. Do you enjoy our show? Actually, it doesn't matter! Please consider l…

1
The Antônio Vias Boas Abduction 32:35

4M ago32:35

32:35

Join us as we recount the strange and captivating story of Antônio Vias Boas. His strange case predated many of the iconic abduction narratives we know today, including the well-known experiences of Betty and Barney Hill and Travis Walton. But it's Boas's bewildering rendezvous with an egg-shaped craft and enigmatic beings that truly sets his tale …

1
Fill Me In #474: Can witches fly without brooms? 1:41:57

4M ago1:41:57

1:41:57

This week, Ryan and Brian attempt to pronounce words that may or may not be from other languages, shore up on knowledge of international parking, and despite their grand dreams, have not unlocked the secrets to time travel. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to ou…

1
Rendlesham Forrest UFO Incident Part 2 54:15

4M ago54:15

54:15

Could time travelers be among us, influencing the course of history with cryptic binary codes? Join us as we embark on part two of our journey through the mysterious Rendlesham Forest incident and beyond. This time we explore the bizarre tales of strange lights, radiation, and the ever-evolving accounts of key witnesses like Jim Penniston and John …

1
Lost Episode: Jesus in Comics 39:41

5M ago39:41

39:41

A lost holiday episode from a year ago has been found! What if Jesus Christ was more than just a historical figure, and instead, a modern-day superhero navigating the colorful pages of Marvel and DC Comics? We unravel this intriguing concept by examining how the iconic figure has been portrayed across major comic book universes. From the classic bi…

1
Classic: Jesus in India 51:01

5M ago51:01

51:01

What if Jesus moonlighted as a globetrotting rock star during his "lost years?" Buckle up for a hilarious odyssey through history and imagination as we stitch together tales of Jesus' rumored adventures in places like Japan and India, with a touch of musical flair. Imagine Jesus, or Issa as he's sometimes called, strumming a guitar on the Silk Road…

1
Classic: Jesus in Japan 51:49

5M ago51:49

51:49

Our journey takes an intriguing turn as we explore the legend of Jesus Christ's secret life in Japan. Did Jesus really escape crucifixion by swapping places with his brother? We dive into this obscure tale, revealing how he might have lived under the alias Daitenku Taru Jurai in the village of Shingo. With references to Mel Gibson's epic films, sam…

1
Fill Me In #473: The seventh is the last of seven. 1:34:53

5M ago1:34:53

1:34:53

This week, Ryan and Brian try to understand holidays in the far north, inter-island travel in the south Pacific, and gamble the entirety of Kealoa on a nearly scripted coin toss. Also, please take a look at these two wonderful crossword ventures, and consider giving them some of your business -- the AVCX and Daily Crossword Links. If you get bored …

1
Holiday UFO: Rendlesham Forest Part 1 18:38

5M ago18:38

18:38

The Rendlesham Forest incident is a cornerstone of UFO lore, marked by a series of mysterious lights and encounters experienced by U.S. Air Force personnel in December 1980. As investigators described the craft's details and effects on their health, profound questions were raised about the nature of the phenomena and the implications of what was wi…

1
Fill Me In #472: It's still just normal December. 1:24:23

5M ago1:24:23

1:24:23

This week, Ryan and Brian visit Utah, doubt Dan Feyer, and learn a new word: toothsinkability. The final votes on Ryan's middle name have been cast, and now only time will tell if it was all worth it. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon. Do you enjoy…

1
Budd Hopkins & the Manhattan UFO Abduction 59:19

5M ago59:19

59:19

What if the boundaries of reality and fiction aren’t as clear-cut as we think? Join us as we navigate the murky waters of UFO phenomena, inspired by the legacy of Budd Hopkins, a man who brought alien abduction tales out of the shadows and into the spotlight. From his artistic roots to a fateful UFO sighting in 1964, Hopkins' journey is a testament…

1
Fill Me In #471: You’re so California. 1:21:07

5M ago1:21:07

1:21:07

This week, Ryan and Brian discuss fork usage in Italian cuisine, attempt to self-educate in the making of bricks, and predict the future of itinerant outfielder Alex Verdugo. Also, it's the FINAL VOTE for Ryan's new middle name! Take part in history! If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling …

1
Eastside Theatre Guild: 'Runaway' 1:24:24

5M ago1:24:24

1:24:24

What happens when you take Tom Selleck, the wild imagination of Michael Crichton, and a near-future world filled with rogue robots? Just a little "Runaway," a sci-fi film that dared to dream mid while delivering a curious mix of action, Gene Simmons of KISS, and futuristic speculation. What could possibly go wrong when a cop with a fear of heights …

1
Fill Me In #470: Where my head stops, there’s an amount of space. 1:30:01

5M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

This week, Ryan and Brian learn about the powers of Patreon (not the money part), the films of Park Chan-wook (not the Evil Dead part), and the last four candidates for Ryan's new middle name! Vote in this awe-inspiring semifinal! If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donat…

1
Memory Gamma: Kodos the Executioner 20:02

6M ago20:02

20:02

In a special bonus episode we revisit our old podcast Memory Gamma, the 'true' crime show about Star Trek villains. In this installment we tackle one of the most critically acclaimed Trek stories 'The Conscience of the King'. In it we learned of Jim Kirk's tragic backstory and the darkest chapter in the Federation's days of colonization. The specte…

1
Fill Me In #469: Benjamin Franklin’s heyday was pre-1980s. 1:31:37

6M ago1:31:37

1:31:37

This week, Ryan and Brian try to learn about Canadian geography, Latin computer programming, and French literature, but best of all, it's the next round of voting for Ryan's middle name! Vote again and again and again. We hear you. We always hear you. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling…

1
Office Horror: Not Just for Halloween 1:14:25

6M ago1:14:25

1:14:25

Ever wondered how scurvy, scorpions, and strip clubs are connected? Let's embark on a rollercoaster of a conversation that stretches from citrus fruits and pet antics to the unexpected twists of celebrity scenarios you never knew you needed. You'll hear colorful stories about our unforgettable Mardi Gras trip and the wild detours we took along the …

1
Fill Me In #468: Nary a snap. 1:17:33

6M ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Vegas, baby! Ryan is winning big and Brian is ... actually, still in Syracuse. And yet, the show must go on. Voting continues on Ryan's middle name -- it's now the Sweet 16, so vote again and again and again, it's the only power you have in this world. If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feelin…

1
Fill Me In #467: As the tub gets emptier, the diction falters. 1:25:58

6M ago1:25:58

1:25:58

It's Round Two (the round of 32) of Ryan's Middle Name -- vote AGAIN in the bracket (and see the previous round's scores here). This week, Ryan and Brian do some non-NYT puzzles in the Thunder Round, so solve them if you haven't: Sat. 9/28/24 Spyscape ("Bridge of Spies") by Shannon Rapp and Will Eisenberg (online link) Tues. 10/8/24 Universal by Sh…

1
Episode 100: Corto Maltese 42:41

6M ago42:41

42:41

Been a long time comin'. It's our 100th episode! What if iconic pop culture moments could whisk you away on a nostalgic journey? That's exactly what we aim to do, reminiscing about unforgettable characters like Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, and dissecting provocative 90s hits like "Short Dick Man." Celebrating our 100th episode milestone, we indu…

1
Fill Me In #466: The Mongol Empire is known for its sentiment. 1:31:04

6M ago1:31:04

1:31:04

This week, Ryan and Brian get Viewer Mail from Alex Verdugo, a Little Known Fact from Matthew Gritzmacher, and launch the Official Ryan's Middle Name Bracket. There's also a new Contest of Now, available at https://bemoresmarter.com/contest If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthro…

1
Eastside Theatre Guild: Waxwork(s) 1:46:11

7M ago1:46:11

1:46:11

Ever wondered what happens when horror and humor collide in the most chaotic way? For our last Halloween installment we'll take you on a journey through the Waxwork film series, a mix of supernatural oddities and comedic blunders. We dive into the eccentric world of these cult classics, where the allure is as strange as the plot twists themselves. …

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