Oft Off Topic

Join us for the episode Nate calls "Depressing", but id argue its more "Interesting with a hint of depressing". It's our episode on the island nation of Nauru. Join us in this two part series as we go over Nauru as it evolves from island paradise, to victim of phostphate mining.
In this first episode, we go over the beginnings of Nauru as a tribal nation, and how the British discovering them influenced their future. Things ramp up when valuable phosphate is discovered on the island and everyone wants a piece of the action.
We end this episode with the Nauruan people making their bid for independence from Australia.
All this and more, on this episode of Oft Off Topic

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

In our final episode on The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, we join Scrooge as he beelines back to his family to make amends...or does he? Find out this episode how Scrooge handles his family affairs, and how this effects his chances of becoming the worlds richest duck!
After that we go over the two most important people in Scrooges life. Carl Barks, who created Scrooge McDuck,  and Don Rosa, who wrote the book we are covering . We also have a lot more fun facts, and the chance to hear me attempt pronouncing the name Tuomas Holopainen of the heavy metal band Nightwish, as we discuss his amazing album based on the book The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

Part two of our series on Scrooge McDuck is here. This episode we follow Scrooge through the Klondike on his search for gold and find out how he helped found the City of Duckburg. We then witness a "Dark day for Clan McDuck" as Scrooge does the unthinkable in Darkest Africa.
All this plus a bunch of fun facts about the places Scrooge visits on this episode of Oft Off Topic!

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

This episode is all about Scrooge McDuck and his ascent to the wealthiest duck in the world. We also go over some of the historical accuracy of Scrooges life, you might be surprised what parts of his tail happened in real life. In this first episode we first learn about the ancient McDuck ancestors, to get an idea of Scrooges heritage. We then move on to his youth in Glasgow followed by his adventures in the Wild West. Lastly we will talk about his stint in Africa and Australia, where high adventure aplenty awaits him.
Scrooges life and heaps of fun facts on this episode of Oft Off Topic
Source is mostly the biography The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, by Don Rosa, with some extra research on the side

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

Just a real quick update on why the newest episode is taking awhile. Spoiler: Baldurs Gate 3 and  the holidays. 
We will be back soonly!

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

This is the final episode on Elvira sopPrepare yourself for a wild ride as we reveal the dramatic life and career of the iconic Elvira. We'll take you behind the scenes of her controversial syndication, the unexpected popularity in the Bible Belt, and her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. We'll also expose the impact of the AIDS epidemic on her mental health, a shockingly personal story that many are unaware of. 

As we navigate through the highs and lows of Elvira's movie venture, brace yourselves for incredible revelations. From the inception of the "Queen of Halloween" saga, to the shock of being replaced by Pamela Anderson and the launch of her own beer, we've got it all covered. We'll discuss the creation of her movie, the casting, the iconic Macabre Mobile, and the mixed reactions it drew from fans and critics alike. We also shed light on the unexpected success of her movie on VHS and the extreme measures taken for its promotion.

In the final segment, we share intimate insights into Elvira's personal life, a side lesser known to the public. From her realization of her attraction to women, to her stormy relationship with her ex-husband, and her secret relationship with her trainer, we delve into the details. We'll talk about her purchase of the Briar Cliff Manor, her appearance on the Super Mario Brothers Super show, and the four Elvira pinball machines that were released. We pay tribute to Elvira's success and the enduring popularity of her character, wrapping up our series while celebrating this fascinating woman's life and career.

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

Ready to meet the Queen of Halloween? We've got Cassandra Peterson, the unforgettable face behind Elvira, joining us for an exhilarating journey through her career, dodging hobos in New York, unanticipated one-night stands, and a regrettable nude shot that she was promised would never go public. Trust us, the tales from her early life are as fascinating as they are wild! 

Brace yourselves as we delve into the evolution of Elvira, from a rumored topless pose for Tom Waits’ album to the iconic vampire look that's loved by all. Did you know the name 'Elvira' was actually chosen from a hat? Or that Cassandra's life took an unexpected turn when her name appeared in the show credits? Get ready to unravel these intriguing stories, and more, about her illustrious career. Listen in as we chat about her friendship with the legendary Vincent Price, the ground-breaking 3D TV broadcast, and how her Elvira role gave her a Superman/Clark Kent-like anonymity. 

Our journey doesn't end there! Discover the legal battles Cassandra faced over accusations of character theft from Vampira, and the whopping $35,000 her manager had to fork over for legal fees. We'll also dive into the world of Large Marge, the fan fiction surrounding her character, and the eerie implications of her demise. So, sit tight and join us for this rollercoaster ride through Cassandra Peterson's career as Elvira, the highs and lows, the victories and challenges. It’s a journey full of fascinating tidbits, surprising revelations, and a few hearty laughs!

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

Ever tossed about in a sea of chaotic music festival attendees? Our guest, Cassandra, certainly has. Venture with us as we relive the wild 1969 Denver Pop Festival, complete with an unexpected tear gas encounter, a rendezvous with Frank Zappa, and a momentous meeting with Jimi Hendrix. As we navigate this vibrant era, we'll also touch on a somewhat unpleasant experience with Iron Butterfly and the creation of the iconic wave.

In the neon lights of Las Vegas, Cassandra found her footing as a showgirl. Ignoring her parents' fears of human trafficking, she pursued her dreams and ended up rubbing shoulders with Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, and bodybuilders. From an all-you-can-eat buffet to an iconic lip-biting moment, we're going to cover it all. This episode is also your backstage pass to the entertainment industry, starting with Cassandra's stint at the Playboy Club in Miami, her struggle to break into acting, and even a not-so-random encounter with Robert De Niro.

We'll also let you in on the glamour and grind of Cassandra's time on Don Kirschner's Rock Concert, her comedy gig in Reno, and her transformation into Elvira. Prepare to take a deep dive into the perception of gay men's attraction, the story of the gay man who didn't love Cassandra, and Divine's surprising career plans. Experience the highs and lows with us as we delve into the glitz, the grunge, and the unexpected on this rollercoaster journey through Cassandra's vibrant life. This episode promises an unforgettable ride!

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

Get ready to sink your teeth into the riveting life story of Cassandra Peterson, more famously known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of Cassandra's extraordinary journey from a small-town Kansas girl to a beloved horror icon. From the horrific burns that marked her toddlerhood, the tribulations of her difficult family life, to her rebellious teenage years filled with surprising encounters with famous musicians, we promise you an episode filled with grit, determination, humor, and a love for the macabre.

There's a meaty chapter where we explore Cassandra's survival of burn injuries and abuse, which is inspiring yet deeply moving. We applaud her resilience, as she endured experimental treatments and physical and emotional abuse. There's also a heartwarming detour where we discuss the power of humor in the face of adversity, illustrated by a high school prom event that showed compassion to a terminally ill student. We promise, this episode will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, inspire you to find resilience in your own life. 

Our final segment is a deep dive into Cassandra's obsession with the horror genre. We share how her love for anti-hero Vincent Price and her involvement in her mom's costume shop shaped her into the Halloween queen we all know and love. From her go-go dancing escapades to her rendezvous with iconic musicians, Cassandra's story is a testament to her fearlessness. So, buckle up for a wild ride as we explore the life of Cassandra Peterson, a woman whose tale is as captivating as the characters she portrays.

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic! 

Our second Ahsoka series episode! In this episode we talk about the last half of the series on Disney+ and our feelings on the series overall.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of note taking on my part we derped and forgot to talk about key points in the series. Oops
We also repeated ourselves a bit, all leading to kind of an underwhelming episode in my mind.
Sorry and gonna try to do better next time :)

Feel free to check out our website for links to our YouTube channel and more!
https://oftofftopic.com/

Our host Nathan also does art in addition to this podcast, including having is own sticker store. Please check it out and purchase anything that strikes your fancy.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/stickersbytownsend

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Even if you didn't like the show, please do it, we appreciate it. You can also email us at [email protected] and let us know what you like or don't like, maybe we will even read your email on our show! 
Thanks for listening and stay tuned for more Oft Off Topic!