Now Playing Podcast Presents: The Fast and Furious Retrospective Series

A quick and easy Halloween costume is born

Now Playing Podcast continues its Friday the 13th retrospective with Friday the 13th Part III, as the hosts work their way through the franchise ahead of the upcoming reboot. This 1982 installment has the hockey mask take center stage, solidifying Jason's iconic look. But arriving in theaters in full 3-D and pushing the series toward bigger kills and broader spectacle, is Part III a cheap novelty packed with flying eyeballs and pitchforks, or a turning point that helped cement the franchise's identity? The discussion digs into the gimmicks, the gore, and whether this eye-popping sequel earns its place in slasher history.

I got this great summer job - I'm a camp counselor at Camp Crystal Lake

Now Playing Podcast continues its Friday the 13th retrospective series with Friday the 13th Part 2, as the countdown to the new Friday the 13th movie builds toward its release on Friday, February 13, 2009. The sequel picks up the bloody legacy of Camp Crystal Lake and delivers a major franchise turning point. Released in 1981, Part 2 marks the first time Jason Voorhees steps out of the shadows as the killer himself, trading the mystery of the original for a more direct and relentless threat. The hosts dig into Jason’s early incarnation, the kills, the scares, and whether this sequel strengthens the series or just repeats the formula with a burlap sack.

Sure, Jason, honey, you can go take a quick dip in the lake

Now Playing Podcast kicks off a special Friday the 13th Retrospective Series as we eagerly await the new Platinum Dunes remake. We'll be camping out with all of the Friday films, starting with the 1980 original. It revolutionized the slasher genre and introduced audiences to the iconic Camp Crystal Lake. Long before hockey masks and pop-culture references, this original entry set the stage with gruesome kills, pervasive paranoia, and a body count that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Our hosts, Stuart, Arnie, and Brock, delve into the factors that contributed to Friday the 13th's immense popularity, compare it to its horror contemporaries, and ponder whether it still stands as a terrifying movie or has transcended its genre to become a fascinating curiosity. Join us at the lake where it all began for this captivating retrospective.

Ordinary Life Is Pretty Complex Stuff

Disney animator and creative director Dave Pacheco discusses his work at Disney across animation, publishing, and collectibles. Known for his contributions to films like The Little Mermaid and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Pacheco also shares behind-the-scenes details on reconstructing lost animation from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

In this interview, Pacheco talks about breaking into Disney animation, working with classic characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Tinker Bell, and translating 2D animation into 3D collectibles and merchandise. He also explains how Disney character design is maintained across theme parks, publishing, and consumer products.

Hear insights on traditional animation vs CGI, advice for aspiring animators, and stories from inside Walt Disney Animation Studios. This interview is a must-listen for Disney fans, animation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the history and craft of Disney animation.

Robot Chicken takes on Star Wars!

Seth Green and Matthew Senreich talk with Now Playing Podcast about their upcoming Robot Chicken: Star Wars special, including directing George Lucas, getting Mark Hamill back as Luke, writing for the special, and bringing Star Wars humor to late-night TV.

Plus, Robot Chicken writer/voice actor (and Greg the Bunny creator) Dan Milano joins in to talk about what happens when collectors start smashing their own toys for comedy.

It’s Star Wars fans living the dream of becoming official Star Wars creators! So hear this dive into their special now!

Best known as Pavel Chekov from Star Trek, Walter Koenig joins Now Playing Podcast for a candid interview about his journey through the final season of the original series, the transition into writing for The Animated Series, and his continued involvement in the Star Trek universe.

Koenig reflects on joining an already established cast, the fan response to Chekov, and why his character often seemed to take the brunt of on-screen danger. He also dives into his work behind the camera, including writing for the animated series and exploring creative opportunities beyond acting.

Beyond Star Trek, Koenig discusses his stage work, independent film projects like InAlienable, and his approach to storytelling in new media. He also shares thoughts on fan productions, the franchise's evolution, and whether he sees himself returning to the role of Chekov.

It’s an insightful, wide-ranging conversation with one of Star Trek’s most enduring cast members, offering fans a deeper look at the man behind the uniform and where he’s headed next.