In this bumper Very Special Episode ahead of this week’s UK General Election, we take it in turns to examine whether “the media” can “sway” election results. First, Ben examines the always-silly and sometimes-sinister British tabloid press and their (in)famous claim that it was “The Sun Wot Won It” for John Major in 1992. Rich then looks at Cambrid…

In the 1960s, parents, the press, psychologists, and many others were confronted with a large, terrifying, global problem: Beatlemania. In this episode, Ben talks Rich through how the world tried to make sense of the screaming, potentially hysterical, pop fan. We encounter theories of red goddesses (what were shrinks taking in the 60s?), anti-commu…

Can media representations of suicide really be “contagious”, driving vulnerable audiences to end their own lives? Rich introduces Ben to a frustratingly large field of psychologists, counsellors and youth charities who made this argument about the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. We dive head-first into both the controversy and the research behind it…

After a defence lawyer blamed the killing of a six-year-old on pro wrestling, the Parents Television Council went to war with the World Wrestling Federation. Lifelong pro wrestling fan, Ben, talks Rich through this bad blood feud: in one corner “family values” and in the other corner the sex and violence of “attitude era” pro wrestling. We explore …

In 2020, a French indie movie called Cuties somehow found itself at the epicentre of the US culture wars. Outraged conservatives accused the filmmakers and Netflix of encouraging paedophilia and stoking the fires of global child sex trafficking trade. But were they right? Rich’s deep dive into the controversy takes Ben on a journey through “sexuali…

From Death Race to Grand Theft Auto, driving games have long fuelled claims that players might be inspired to start mowing down pedestrians outside of the game. Starting with a story about a Toronto police officer linking a hit and run to a copy of Need for Speed found on the offender’s passenger seat, Ben talks Rich through the surprisingly longst…

Before “deep focus” and “study beats” playlists came muzak—one of the most widespread (and widely hated) forms of music of the 20th Century. But does background music really have the power to improve worker productivity? To dictate our wine preferences? Or, God forbid, even affect how long we spend in our favourite brothel?!? Rich shows Ben that th…

Ben takes Rich back to the landmark case study of a book that was accused of changing the world forever by containing descriptions of sex and swearwords. Join us for a 150-year history of obscenity laws, the power of literature to corrupt, swinging 60s, explicit fan fiction, and whether you’d want YOUR wife or servant reading this filth. Show Notes…

Can the YouTube algorithm really turn you into a Flat Earther, or some other kind of radical conspiracy theorist? Rich takes Ben on a journey through terrible poetry, evangelical newsletters and 9/11 Truther videos. It turns out the “filter bubble” is an idea that might need bursting. Show Notes: Sources and links: Blount, Lady Elizabeth (1898) “Th…

Barbie has been accused of a lot over the last 7 decades, but her most enduring criticism is that she sets unrealistic beauty standards for young girls. Ben talks Rich through the curious history of Barbie as a toy and a “role model”, the sometimes-warped world of body image research, and a creepy life-size doll that walks on all fours. Show Notes:…

When two children murdered toddler James Bulger in 1993, the British media lost their damn minds and tried to blame a horror video. Rich tells Ben that this argument really started a decade earlier with the “video nasties” panic. Join us as we unravel a tangled web of sensationalism, fraudulent research, and some truly bizarre claims about dogs. Sh…

Welcome to ILL EFFECTS - the good podcast about bad media influences. Can a horror film turn kids into killers? Can music make you more productive? Can a video game cause dangerous driving? Dr Rich McCulloch and Dr Ben Litherland investigate the bad faith arguments, dodgy data, and moral panics behind claims that the media influence our behaviour a…

🌌 Hold on tight, Whovians! Michael and Maggie are back on "Who's Talking," and this time they're taking the TARDIS for a spin into the second of Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Specials, "Wild Blue Yonder"! 🚀 Get ready for a timey-wimey adventure filled with thrills, chills, and, of course, puns that are out of this world! 🎙️ Episode Highlights: 🌟 Jo…

🌌 Join Michael and Maggie on this thrilling episode of "Who's Talking" as they dive deep into the first of Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Specials, "The Star Beast"! 🚀 Get ready for a cosmic journey through time and space as they unravel the mysteries and adventures that await the Doctor and Donna. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: 🌟 The dynamic duo dissects t…

Dive into the mysterious world of Goosebumps with GVN's exclusive interview featuring the talented cast members Isaiah Howard (Zack Morris), Miles McKenna (James), and Will Price (Lucas Parker). Join us as we unravel behind-the-scenes secrets, discuss their experiences bringing the iconic stories to life, and explore the thrilling journey of workin…

🎤 Get ready for an in-depth conversation with the brilliant minds behind Aqua Teen Hunger Force, as GVN brings you an exclusive interview with creators Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro! 🌟 Join us as we explore the creative process, behind-the-scenes stories, and the hilarious journey of bringing the iconic Adult Swim series to life. 🍔 From the early …

🎲✨ Get ready for an exclusive GVN sit-down as author and critic Mike Vaughn dives into the realm of Dungeons and Dragons with none other than Matthew Lillard (Scream, Five Nights at Freddy's) and Ben Rehor! 🐉🎭 Join the conversation about their latest project, the thrilling Dungeons and Dragons improv show, "Faster, Purple Worm Kill Kill!"—a game wh…

In a GVN Exclusive author and film critic Mike Vaughn sits down with The Venture Bros. creators Doc Hammer and Chris McCulloch to talk about the latest installment in the Venture Bros saga, Venture Bros: Radiant Is The Blood Of The Baboon Heart. This interview was conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike. The Venture Bros.: Radiant is the Blood of the…

On this edition of GVN Talking Comics Interview, we talk with talented filmmaker and VFX Artist Kenneth Lui. Kenneth’s recent film, “Artists in Agony: Hitmen at the Coda Teahouse” will be coming on July 21st to TUBI. So, we’re talking to Kenneth about his Beginnings, his VFX Work, his films and more. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/…

The legendary Oscar nominated actor sits down with author and film critic Mike Vaughn, to talk about his latest movie, The Lesson, coming to theaters July 7. Grant talks about his latest movie, what it was like being in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and even talks about Hudson Hawk! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-nat…

Today on GVN’s Talking Comics Interview, we get an opportunity to talk to talented creator and philanthropist Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez. We talked to Edgardo about his beginnings in graphic design, his work as an art curator, his new Zoop campaign for the La Borinqueña Volume 1 Omnibus and so much more. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.c…

In another exclusive interview, we sit down with Chilean martial arts legend and actor, Marko Zaror. Zaror has starred in several films and TV shows including Alita: Battle Angel, Marvel's The Defenders, and Savage Dog. Marko sits down with Mike Vaugh to discuss John Wick: Chapter 4 and his latest film 'The Fist Of The Condor' Support this podcast …

In a GVN Exclusive author and film critic Mike Vaughn talks to the stars of the documentary Chop and Steele, which is now on Digital to rent/own. Nick and Joe talk about making the doc, their tours and new projects! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-nation/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privac…

In this installment of Geek Vibes Interview, Dom sits down with Broken Lizard members Jay Chandrasekhar and Erik Stolhanske as well as fan favorite, Adrianne Palicki to discuss their upcoming film 'Quasi'. They chat about putting the Broken Lizard stamp on a classic story, why the script took decades to get made, what inspired Adrianne to become an…

On this edition of GVN Talking Comics Interview, we talk with Injected Sense Audio Director Gary Miranda. Gary and his talented team have supplied audio for some high profile games, including Marvel’s Midnight Suns, Spider-Man Miles Morales, and Fortnite among others. We talk about his beginnings, his first professional work, working with Marvel on…

On this edition of GVN Talking Comics Interview, we talk with talented artists Phillip Boutte, Jr. and Mike Uwandi, co-founders along with actor Aldis Hodge, of the 9B Collective. The first black-owned Concept Art Studio that is made up of primarily talented BIPOC artists. We talk about their beginnings, their first professional work, their move fr…

On this edition of GVN Interview, we talk with talented actor Jack Kilmer. Jack comes from an acting family with his father Val Kilmer and his mother Joanne Whalley. Coming March 27th, Jack stars alongside Minnie Driver, Danny Huston, and Sal Rubinek in Echoverse’s scripted supernatural podcast, The Lesser Dead. So, we talk to him about his music, …

In this interview, Dom Fisher sits down with actor and recording artist Jovan Armand to discuss his role as Pedro Peña in 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods'. The two also talk about Armand's time on Nickelodeon and FX shows, balancing acting and making music, being a role model, what artist he'd like to make his superhero theme song, and much more. Enjoy! …

On this edition of GVN’s Talking Comics Interview, we talk once again with creator, podcaster, and writer Chris Mancini. Chris is releasing along with artist Fernando Pinto an updated version of Rise of the Kung-Fu Dragon Master that will be available on March 15th by White Cat Entertainment. We discuss Chris’s book “Pacify Me,” his work as a podca…

Today on GVN’s Talking Comics interview, we get an opportunity to talk to Podcaster and Writer Matt D. Wilson. We talk about his career, his previous books, and his new series ‘The Imposter Syndicate’ with artist Rodrigo Vargus which has started it’s Zoop Campaign. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-nation/donations Advertis…

Cinematographer Eben Bolter and Timothy Good break down their creative process behind ‘The Last of Us’ Episodes 3-6, the elusive cinematographer-editor relationship, and their love for each others’ work on the series. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-nation/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Priv…

Today on GVN’s Talking Comics Interview, we get an opportunity to talk to Eric Nguyen and Scott Burman, the creative team behind Dark Horse Comics ‘White Savior.’ A hilarious spoof of the White Savior trope and with nods to society as a whole. We talk to them about their beginnings, how the idea came together for their book and the possibility for …

In this interview, Dom Fisher sits down with writer-director Erin C. Buckley. The two discuss her short film 'CC Dances the Go-Go' and its February 28th Youtube debut, her focus on telling LGBTQ stories, her previous digital series 'Platonic', how she approaches her work, and more. Enjoy! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-n…

We sit down with director Robbie Banfitch to talk about his new horror film, 'THE OUTWATERS'. Robbie talks about the origin of his found footage movie and his hilarious take on how his movie relates to Skinamarink and more! The film is now streaming on Screambox https://www.screambox.com/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-n…

In this interview, Dom Fisher sits down with Siddiq Saunderson and Zolee Griggs, stars of the Hulu Original series 'Wu-Tang: An American Saga' to discuss the third and final season. They discuss if Ghostface Killah approved of Siddiq's portrayal, what it was like being surrounded by 90s hip-hop nostalgia, what to expect from their characters this s…

In GVN exclusive author and critic Mike Vaughn talks to King Star King creator J.J Villard to talk about the new KSK special! Villard talks about his underground comic inspirations and what it was like working with Freddy himself, Robert Englund. All episodes of King Star King is currently streaming on AdultSwim.com Premieres Feb 13th at Midnight o…

In a GVN Exclusive author and critic Mike Vaughn talks with Ballmastrz: Rubicon! creator Christy Karacas (Superjail!). Karacas talks about the legendary anime studio that helped produce the special, the future of the series and more! Premieres Feb 20th at Midnight on Adult Swim and streaming on HBO Max the next day. #Ballmasterz #Rubicon #AdultSwim…

Author and film critic Mike Vaughn talks to 'Infinity Pool' DP Karim Hussain (Possessor, Hobo with a Shotgun). Mr. Hussain talks about the psychedelic visuals of Brandon Cronenberg's new film as well as the NC-17 scenes and more! #InfinityPool #Neon Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-nation/donations Advertising Inquiries: h…

In a GVN Exclusive, author and critic Mike Vaughn sits down with director Lucky McKee (Masters of Horror, Old Man) to talk about directing episode 5 of the hit Peacock series, Poker Face. Find out what it was like working with Judith Light, working with Rian Johnson and more! #PokerFace #RianJohnson #Peacock #TimeoftheMonkey Support this podcast at…

Film critic and author Mike Vaughn sits down with Matt Maiellaro and Davis Willis, creators of the Adult Swim hit show Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Hear about George Lucas's uncredited cameo, making the film during the height of the pandemic and whats next for the beloved series. Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm premiers on HBO Max Feb 8th! Plot Summary: Eve…

On this edition of GVN’s Talking Comics Interview, we once again visit with Dr. Travis Langley Psychologist and Author of over 15 books in his Popular Culture Psychology series. This time we talk about his new book centering on the Stranger Things phenomenon in Stranger Things Psychology: Life Upside Down. Along the way we discuss a little about Ma…

Mike and Dom get around to reviewing Blumhouse's hit horror film, M3GAN. A sequel was just announced as well for 2025, titled 'M3GAN 2.0' and will see the main cast returning. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-nation/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/priva…

In a GVN Exclusive director Ryûhei Kitamura talks about his latest movie 'The Price We Pay' and if we might see a sequel to his cult classic film 'The Midnight Meat Train'. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/geek-vibes-nation/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

Film critic and author Mike Vaughn sits down with Kyle Edward Ball to talk about his red hot indie horror film 'SKINAMARINK'. Kyle goes in depth about the look, sound, and feel of what critics are already calling the best horror film of 2023. Plot Summary: Two children wake up in the middle of the night to find their father is missing, and all the …

GVN's Mike Vaughn sits down with director Joe Begos to discuss his new holiday horror film, Christmas Bloody Christmas. Begos talks about the gory-filled holiday film, what he thought of the film Violent Night and more! Video on YouTube - https://youtu.be/cPgON5zFaMc #ChristmasBloodyChristmas #Shudder #JoeBegos #HolidayFilms #HorrorCommunity #Horro…

In a GVN Exclusive, film critic and author, Mike Vaughn talks to Lynne Griffin about her role in the cult film Black Christmas! The two discuss what it was like filming the infamous bag scene, working with Bob Clark and more! #BlackChristmas #BobClark #HolidayHorror #HorrorMovies #Interview #LynneGriffin #GeekVibesNation #GeekVibesNationPodcast Sup…

The Last of Us is one of the most influential video games ever made, and now it's coming to us as an HBO original series. Mike explains why this series breaks the video game curse once and for all in this spoiler-free review. Video on YouTube - https://youtu.be/ZvqU9nRj2D4 #TheLastofUs #TLOU #TheLastofUsHBO Support this podcast at — https://redcirc…

In the latest Rotten Cinema, Mike is joined by Andre Couture, fellow GVN writer, video editor and cult film expert. Together the two talk about some of the lesser talked about entries in the Friday the 13th series- plus some fun trivia sprinkled throughout. Video version on YouTube - https://youtu.be/XxTZTfTrW2Q #Fridaythe13th #RottenCinema #Jason …

The legendary master of horror Lucky McKee sits down with film critic Mike Vaughn to talk about his excellent new film 'Old Man'. The discuss his work on Masters of Horror and more! Old Man is streaming on Shudder, On VOD and Home Video Here: https://www.amazon.com/Old-Man-Blu-ray/dp/B0BGJHLYZD?tag=bluray-021-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&m=ATVPDKIKX0…

On the latest Rotten Cinema, host Mike Vaughn talks to director Steven C.Miller. Vaughn and Miller talk about Silent Night, Deadly Night, the sequels. Plus, Miller talks about his movie Silent Night, working with Maclom McDowell, his meeting with Wes Craven and more! #Margaux #SloppyBrowns #RichardHarmon Miller's latest film Margaux is currently on…