Phoenix Foundation - A MacGyver Podcast

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: November 10th, 1986 — Mac and Pete escort lost loves from the path of a foreign armed force MISSION: When an army in Southeast Asia takes aim at a nun and a pack of orphans MacGyver and Pete step in to rescue them. Pete’s potentially romantic history with nun is further complicated when they find an old flame of MacGyver’s working there as a missionary. This week’s highlights include: Please enjoy this episode of The Super Mario Brothers Super Show featuring Arsenio ‘Sonny’ Trinidad as Obi-Wan Cannoli. Also if you haven’t had a chance, take a listen to our appearance on the Dudes Brunch podcast, where we preach the word of MacGyver to some new converts. (P.S. I get my microphone issues under control around 3:45). The Anarchist Cookbook (Literature) The Anarchist Cookbook, first published in 1971, is a book that contains instructions for the manufacture of explosives, rudimentary telecommunications phreaking devices, and other items. The book also includes instructions for home manufacturing of illicit drugs, including LSD. It was written by William Powell at the apex of the counterculture era in order to protest against United States involvement in the Vietnam War. Check out the article on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Anarchist_Cookbook Watch S2E7: “The Road Not Taken” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

In this week’s Twofer Tuesday edition of Phoenix Foundation, we chat with teen hacker Kate Lafferty! [SPECIAL GUEST: Darcy Marta!] SPECIAL GUEST: DARCY MARTA! Darcy Marta (Kate Lafferty from “Ugly Duckling”) This week, we chat with Darcy Marta who played Kate Lafferty in this episode. Since her MacGyver days, Darcy has taught acting for stage and screen. In this podcast, she’ll share her many entertaining memories of the shoot.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: November 3rd, 1986 — Jack Dalton shows up out of the blue to drag MacGyver into harm’s way MISSION: MacGyver is lured to Dinoto in Central America, to rescue a team of botanists held captive by terrorists, or so he is led to believe by lifelong friend and pathological liar Jack Dalton. This week’s highlights include: Bruce McGill as D-Day in Animal House. The MacGyver Project interview I mentioned with Kerry Lenhart can be found here. Phragmipedium besseae (Botany) Phragmipedium besseae (Pronunciation:fraig-mi-PEE-dee-um BESS-ee-ay) is an orchid species of the genus Phragmipedium. It is a terrestrial orchid native to the wet montane forests on the eastern slope of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Typically orange, not purple as they appear in this episode. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phragmipedium_besseae Watch S2E6: “Jack of Lies” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: October 27th, 1986 — MacGyver protects a group of juvenile delinquents from rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and each other MISSION: MacGyver is assigned to take over as scout leader for a group of teenaged gang members sent on a wilderness hike for rehabilitation. Can they learn to work together to survive in the wild? This week’s highlights include: Do yourselves a favor and check out the MATES podcast.   Theodolite (Topography) A theodolite is a precision instrument for measuring angles in the horizontal and vertical planes. Theodolites are used mainly for surveying applications, and have been adapted for specialized purposes in fields like meteorology and rocket launch technology. Check out the article on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodolite Watch S2E5: “Final Approach” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

In our first Twofer Tuesday edition of Phoenix Foundation, we chat with Piedra the Assassin! [SPECIAL GUEST: Anthony De Longis!] SPECIAL GUEST: ANTHONY DE LONGIS! Anthony De Longis plays Piedra the Assassin, epic villain of the first season finale! Anthony De Longis is more than just the awesome villain of MacGyver’s first season finale (not to mention his reappearance in season 3). He’s a weapons specialist and all-around nice guy. Hear us chat about his experiences on the set of MacGyver, acting and helping to choreograph fight scenes. We also discuss his various weapon skills and his experiences teaching iconic characters like Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman how to properly use a whip on set. If you’re interested in checking out the website he mentioned in our interview, you can find it here: http://www.delongis.com. Also keep an eye on the latest updates for the Blood Trail trilogy by following their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blood-Trail/144024102308207. Mr. De Longis’s awesome whip demo can be seen below.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: October 20th, 1986 — MacGyver is asked to babysit a 14-year-old boy from Santa Monica, not the mists of antiquity! MISSION: When MacGyver offers to pick up Lisa’s little brother from a birthday party, he probably doesn’t suspect he’ll be interrupting a Wish Child hustle. This week’s highlights include: Check out the common cast of the three titles we discuss at length in this episode. This cost Threshold Entertainment $45 million dollars to make… think about that. Here is a link to James Hong’s Acting Workshop as mentioned on the podcast. Relic Hunter (Television) Relic Hunter is an anglophone Canadian television series, starring Tia Carrere and Christien Anholt. It centers on Sydney Fox who is a professor but primarily a globe-trotting “relic hunter”, looking for ancient artifacts to return to museums and/or the descendants of the original owner. She is aided by her linguistic assistant Nigel and occasionally by her somewhat air-headed secretary Claudia. She often ends up battling rival hunters seeking out artifacts for the money. The series includes fantasy and science fiction elements, with many of the relics featured having genuine supernatural powers or being pieces of unusually advanced technology. Check out the article on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relic_Hunter Watch S2E4: “The Wish Child” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: October 6th, 1986 — MacGyver, Pete, Joanne, and their swindled friend Kelly conspire to out-bunco Mr. Bunco himself! MISSION: When Phoenix Foundation employee Kelly is tricked out of his life savings by a confidence man, MacGyver and Pete set about scamming the money right back. This week’s highlights include: This is how they dressed up Joanne for her introductory scene.   Watch Pete lecturing Johnny Hooker in the film that inspired this episode. Here is the Beverly Canyon Hotel as it appears in the show.   And the real life Garland Hotel as it appears today. Metrication in the United States (Law) Illegal drugs and controlled substances are often measured in metric quantities. The federal law prohibiting them defines the penalties in metric masses. In everyday use within its subculture, marijuana is sold using a combination of metric and American customary units. At small scales the basic unit is the gram (or fractions thereof), but for larger orders fractions of ounces and pounds are used generally starting at ⅛ ounce, which is often defined in turn as 3.5 grams and referred to simply as “an eighth.” The term “kilo” is used quite commonly by those in law enforcement to describe the amount of drugs (in kilograms) seized during a drug bust. A kilo of illegal drugs (in particular cocaine) is often referred to by the slang term “key”. Check out the article on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrication_in_the_United_States Watch S2E3: “Twice Stung” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: September 29th, 1986 — MacGyver thinks reuniting gangster Jimmy with his son will be a hit… he’s right MISSION: MacGyver is tasked with tracking down an American spy running an East German technology pipeline. Unfortunately for him, mafia hitman Jimmy “The Eraser” Kendall has the same orders. This week’s highlights include:   Here’s a trailer for that Wes Craven movie Richard recommended. Apparently Papa Chuck Banning’s granddaughter plays some small part in this. NavCom-24 (technology) NavCom-24 is not just any piece of hardware. Once valued at three-quarters of a million dollars, it is perhaps the most sophisticated navigation system ever developed. Check out the article on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NavCom-24 Watch S2E2: “The Eraser” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: September 22nd, 1986 — Once again, MacGyver must rescue a scientist from an underground lab in a season premiere MISSION: MacGyver is invited to test an underground lab’s automated security program. An unfortunate glitch in the system makes things a bit more difficult. This week’s highlights include: Here is a trailer for The Eraser, which we mentioned on the show. I miss Don LaFontaine. Dalek (Science Fiction) The Daleks are a fictional extraterrestrial race of mutants principally portrayed in the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who. The Daleks were conceived by science-fiction writer Terry Nation and first appeared in the 1963 Doctor Who serial The Daleks, in the shells designed by Raymond Cusick. Check out the article on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalek Watch S2E1: “The Human Factor” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: May 7th, 1986 — MacGyver must protect an archbishop from a new arch-nemesis [SPECIAL GUEST: Anthony De Longis!] MISSION: DXS has uncovered an assassin’s plot to kill an archbishop and MacGyver is tasked with interrupting the attempt with the help of a call girl out for vengeance. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: ANTHONY DE LONGIS! Anthony De Longis plays Piedra the Assassin, epic villain of the first season finale! Anthony De Longis is more than just the awesome villain of MacGyver’s first season finale (not to mention his reappearance in season 3). He’s a weapons specialist and all-around nice guy. Hear us chat about his experiences on the set of MacGyver, acting and helping to choreograph fight scenes. We also discuss his various weapon skills and his experiences teaching iconic characters like Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman how to properly use a whip on set. If you’re interested in checking out the website he mentioned in our interview, you can find it here: http://www.delongis.com. Also keep an eye on the latest updates for the Blood Trail trilogy by following their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blood-Trail/144024102308207. Mr. De Longis’s awesome whip demo can be seen below. MacGyver seems prone to being taken hostage in this basement. Curare (Botany) Curare is a common name for various plant extract alkaloid arrow poisons originating from Central and South America. These poisons function by competitively and reversibly inhibiting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), which is a subtype of acetylcholine receptor found at the neuromuscular junction. This causes weakness of the skeletal muscles and, when administered in a sufficient dose, eventual death by asphyxiation due to paralysis of the diaphragm. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curare Watch S1E22: “The Assassin” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: April 30th, 1986 — MacGyver learns the hard way that, in Soviet Russia, Cuckoo’s Nest flies over you MISSION: Pete flies off to Russia to evacuate the daughter of a recently assassinated anti-government activist, only to learn her father is alive and captive in an asylum for political prisoners. Pete and Mac pose as doctor and patient to infiltrate the asylum and break the activist out. This week’s highlights include: Accidental cameo from the camera chopper in the bottom right corner. Here’s a link to the Mythbusters filament lockpicking test. Who wore it better? Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (History) Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was a Russian novelist, historian, and critic of Soviet totalitarianism. He helped to raise global awareness of the gulag and the Soviet Union’s forced labor camp system. While his writings were long suppressed in the USSR, he wrote many books, most notably The Gulag Archipelago, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, August 1914 and Cancer Ward. Solzhenitsyn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1970, “for the ethical force with which he has pursued the indispensable traditions of Russian literature”. He was expelled from the Soviet Union in 1974 but returned to Russia in 1994 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandr_Solzhenitsyn Watch S1E21: “A Prisoner of Conscience” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: April 16th, 1986 — MacGyver gets arrested to free the brother of a desperate woman. [SPECIAL GUEST: Kristina Wayborn!] MISSION: MacGyver must crash a North African prison to help bust out Brian Ashford at his sister Sara’s request. As luck would have it, there is more to the story than MacGyver is informed. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: KRISTINA WAYBORN! Kristina Wayborn and the tiger poster she mentions in the interview. Kristina Wayborn gave us a call to discuss the role of Sara Ashford, but of course we couldn’t NOT talk about James Bond with Magda herself! Ms. Wayborn shares stories from the set of MacGvyer, Octopussy, and some behind the scenes drama from one of her earlier films “The Silent Lovers” in which she portrayed the great Greta Garbo. We thank Kristina again for sharing her time with us. If you haven’t already seen this, you’re missing out. Boer War (History) The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the United Kingdom and the South African Republic and the Orange Free State. The British and Irish war effort was supported by troops from several regions of the British Empire, including Southern Africa, the Australian colonies, Canada, Newfoundland, British India, and New Zealand. The war ended in victory for the British and the annexation of both republics. Both would eventually be incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910. The conflict is commonly referred to as simply the Boer War, since the First Boer War is much less well known. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Boer_War Watch S1E20: “The Escape” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: April 2nd, 1986 — Bandits hijack a train seeking justice from MacGyver and other innocent bystanders [SPECIAL GUEST: Pamela Roylance!] MISSION: On a train to India, a group have passengers see their plans derailed by a gang of bandits seeking vengeance on a pair of businessmen who sold their village bad medicine. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: PAMELA ROYLANCE! Pamela Roylance chats with us this week about the set of MacGyver, working with Frances Bergen, an extra scene shot separately from the rest of the episode, and a theme park sign with an accidental cameo that caused problems behind the scenes. For more of Pamela’s work, please check out the Social Network clip and FunnyOrDie video “Previously On Point Dume” embedded below! What if, instead of bombing them, we just let the train just fall off the unfinished bridge? Check out The MacGyver Project’s Interview with Xahra Gilbert here. Also, the TV Guide article written on this set can be found transcribed here. Polygraph (Technology) A polygraph (popularly referred to as a lie detector) measures and records several physiological indices such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while the subject is asked and answers a series of questions. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygraph Watch S1E19: “Slow Death” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: March 12th, 1986 — MacGyver rescues a teen hacker from terrorists and feds [SPECIAL GUESTS: Rob Paulsen and Darcy Marta!] MISSION: A gifted student helps her professor to solve a glitch in a government weapon, but soon finds herself the target of an ODI investigation and a terrorist wishlist. MacGyver intends to protect the girl from both teams. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: ROB PAULSEN! This week, a conversation with the incomparable Rob Paulsen, voice of a thousand characters, and many of your favorites whether you realize it or not. In addition to his prolific voicework, Mr. Paulsen hosts his own brilliantly entertaining podcast Talkin’ Toons (with a focus on voice acting and voice actors). If you haven’t already, I insist you give it a listen. His efforts can also be supported through his Patreon site here. Above all else, Mr. Paulsen is a champion of several charities including the Wounded Warrior Project and Operation Smile. If you have a moment, please take a look at each of these worthwhile organizations. SPECIAL GUEST: DARCY MARTA! Darcy Marta (Kate Lafferty from “Ugly Duckling”) This week, we chat with Darcy Marta who played Kate Lafferty in this episode. Since her MacGyver days, Darcy has taught acting for stage and screen. In this podcast, she’ll share her many entertaining memories of the shoot. Here’s a look at the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse mentioned in this week’s episode. Say, does this missile/costume look familiar?   Triangulation (Geometry) Contrary to popular belief, triangulation has nothing to do with murdering shapes. In trigonometry and geometry, triangulation is the process of determining the location of a point by measuring angles to it from known points at either end of a fixed baseline, rather than measuring distances to the point directly (trilateration). The point can then be fixed as the third point of a triangle with one known side and two known angles. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangulation Watch S1E18: “Ugly Duckling” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: March 5th, 1986 — MacGyver crash lands in Afghanistan and escapes with help from Ahmed Naga… naga… na-gana-live-here-anymore anyway! MISSION: MacGyver’s hopes to infiltrate the mountains of Afghanistan to retrieve part of a U.S. government satellite, but is quickly pursued by Soviet forces. With help from a local village boy and the boy’s recently-widowed mother, MacGyver will return the government property to America. This week’s highlights include: The dangerous wildlife that inhabit Ahmed’s village. Rambo 3 is dedicated (at least in part) to Ahmed’s father and Osama bin Laden.   Mankiewicz family (Film History) The Mankiewicz family is a well-known family of screenwriters and authors. It seems we misdescribed Don’s cousin Tom Mankiewicz as his uncle. Don’s actual uncle Joseph Mankiewicz is also a well-established screenwriter. As it turns out, Don actually passed away 3 weeks ago and our thoughts are with his family. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mankiewicz_family Watch S1E17: “To Be A Man” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: February 19th, 1986 — MacGyver and his new friend Penny Parker had better get steppin’ before Stepan gets them! MISSION: Smuggling a microfilm out of Bulgaria becomes even more complicated when aspiring actress Penny Parker plants the crown jewels of Hanover in MacGyver’s carry-on. A whirlwind chase ensues. This week’s highlights include: Here is a link to the Gold Ring Scam we mentioned in the episode. It seems local to Paris. The most incredible carousel scene that will probably ever be filmed (from Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train. You can also check here for operating hours of the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. Bulgarian lev (Currency) The lev is the currency of Bulgaria. It is divided in 100 stotinki (стотинки, singular: stotinka, стотинка). In archaic Bulgarian the word “lev” meant “lion”, a word which in the modern language became lăv (IPA: /lɤv/) (in Bulgarian: лъв). Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_lev Watch S1E16: “Every Time She Smiles” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: February 12th, 1986 — MacGyver sniffs out a DXS mole with fellow agent Craig Bannister [SPECIAL GUEST: Michael Goodwin!] MISSION: A DXS leak has resulted in the deaths of several agents. A Soviet informant is used to lure the mole into the open where MacGyver and Craig Bannister intend to catch the spy red-handed. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: MICHAEL GOODWIN! Special Guest Michael Goodwin who plays recurring agent Craig Bannister. This week, we chat with Michael Goodwin, who plays DXS agent Craig Bannister, the only person to serve as an agent of DXS AND the Phoenix Foundation besides Mac and Pete. We discuss MacGyver’s almost-hidden cast, how the brake-line/power-steering stunt came together, and a particularly silly MacGyverism that haunts Goodwin to this day. Also, keep an eye out for the release of a film he recently starred in opposite MacGyver’s own Cuba Gooding Jr. called Freedom. A must-see for any fan of this episode, 1962’s Manchurian Candidate. Adipic acid (Chemistry) Adipic acid is the organic compound with the formula (CH2)4(COOH)2. From an industrial perspective, it is the most important dicarboxylic acid: About 2.5 billion kilograms of this white crystalline powder are produced annually, mainly as a precursor for the production of nylon. Adipic acid otherwise rarely occurs in nature. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adipic_acid Watch S1E15: “The Enemy Within” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: February 5th, 1986 — MacGyver is cruising for a bruising with Captain Carole Tanner [SPECIAL GUEST: Ellen Bry!] MISSION: An anonymous terrorist calling himself Viking demands payment in exchange for instructions on how to defuse a series of bombs on board a luxury cruise liner. DXS reaches out the MacGyver and his old Vietnam War bomb defusing partner Charlie Robinson to get the job done, but soon MacGyver must teach Captain Carole Tanner the ropes as more bombs are discovered and one goes off. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: ELLEN BRY! This week, special guest Ellen Bry chats with us about how she was able to parlay doing her own stunts in an episode of Kojak into a full-fledged stuntwoman background that culminated in her doubling Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane in Superman! She’ll also tell with us about her recollections from the MacGyver set and share some historical perspective on a national tragedy that occurred while this episode was coming together. Ms. Bry was kind enough to pass along a photograph of the New York Daily News cover that detailed her performance as Margot Kidder’s stunt woman in the first two Superman films. Here’s more info on the Vistafjord / Saga Ruby / Oasia. UPDATE (5/9/2015): Listener (Chief Officer) Kosta Dinos passed along the following info regarding Carole’s official title: — Just thought I’d add a tiny input: being a Chief Officer myself in the merchant marine, the character of “Captain Carole Tanner” is that she was the Chief officer (1st Officer) and then takes on the role of Captain as that’s what is done in an emergency situation if something happens to the Captain (Master) of a vessel. He/she as the Chief Officer is then the next in command. Also “Captain Carole Tanner” has Three stripes on her uniform indicating that she is the Chief Officer. Although for promotion to a full time Captain, the relevant time of sea service plus going back to school and passing examinations is required in order to obtain the Master’s license and then finally be promoted to work as a Captain by an employer. The same applies for promotion to Chief Officer, 2nd Officer and so on. For the scenes in the engine room, you were right about the engines or engine not running but still you would have an “ear piercing” noise by the vessel’s power generators which always run non-stop, regardless if the vessel’s main engine is running or not. — Thanks much, Kosta! If anyone else has information relevant to an episode, like this, please send it along for us to include on the blog! Midway Atoll (Geography) Midway Atoll is a 2.4-square-mile (6.2 km2) atoll in the North Pacific Ocean. As its name suggests, Midway is roughly equidistant between North America and Asia, and lies almost halfway around the world longitudinally from Greenwich, UK. It is near the northwestern end of the Hawaiian archipelago, about one-third of the way from Honolulu, Hawaii to Tokyo, Japan. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midway_Atoll Watch S1E14: “Countdown” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: January 29th, 1986 — This week, MacGyver ditches a date to visit an ex-girlfriend and things go nuclear MISSION: A former flame of MacGyver’s nearly meets her end at the hands of a pair of uranium thieves in a nuclear power plant. This week’s highlights include: Here’s a link if you’re interested in buying a MacGyver-style hockey table. (Link courtesy of the MacGyverOnline.com store.) Here are some clips of Paul Rudd’s new movie. Apparently Bonnie’s will stipulated that her tombstone also function as Carol Varnay’s mailbox. Oh look, the first MacGruber sketch. Judging from this photo of the Chernobyl control room, I’d say this episode’s was pretty spot-on. Robin Pearson Rose (MacGyver’s two-episode landlady) was not available to chat with us for this week’s episode but she sent along this nice message as a consolation prize. Film badge dosimeter (Physics) The film badge dosimeter, or film badge, is a personal dosimeter used for monitoring cumulative radiation dose due to ionizing radiation. The badge consists of two parts: photographic film or dental X-ray film, and a holder. The film is removed and developed to measure exposure. The film badge is used to measure and record radiation exposure due to gamma rays, X-rays and beta particles. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_badge_dosimeter Watch S1E13: “Flame’s End” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: January 22nd, 1986 — Trick or treat! It’s April Fool’s! Time for some Quayle hunting in Greystone Mansion! OPENING GAMBIT: MacGyver escapes from behind the iron curtain once again. This time with the help of the greatest MacGyverism of all-time, a coffin-turned-jetski! MISSION: MacGyver is invited to hand over sensitive information to Pete in a DXS safe house. Unfortunately for them, the house has been infiltrated and booby-trapped by the deranged criminal Quayle. This week’s highlights include: Recognize any of this trailer? The fictional Cavitt-Tingloff tower (filmed at the actual Westin-Bonaventure Hotel) is a popular LA staple that makes regular appearances in film and television. A truly, truly, truly outrageous cameo. Not to be outdone, the DXS safehouse as played by the historic Greystone Mansion is an even more iconic bit of LA architecture. Most important (at least to us) are its appearances in The Big Lebowski, the original Spiderman trilogy, There Will Be Blood (the bowling alley scene that ends the film), The Muppets (Kermit’s Mansion), Death Becomes Her, and others. Kudos to Mac Jackson from the original MacGyver Podcast for noticing Greystone playing the part of Howard Stark’s home on the new Peggy Carter series. Oh, and here’s that songified Chuck Testa clip we mentioned… Heterodyne (Technology) Heterodyning is a radio signal processing technique invented in 1901 by Canadian inventor-engineer Reginald Fessenden, in which new frequencies are created by combining or mixing two frequencies. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterodyne Watch S1E12: “Deathlock” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: January 15th, 1986 — MacGyver’s poisoned by spies and seeks help from runaway Lisa Allen [SPECIAL GUEST: Tammy Lauren!] MISSION: Enemy agents inject MacGyver with a deadly serum and withhold the antidote until he returns sensitive military information he has stolen. He has six hours to get word to DXS where the information is hidden and to get the antidote before the toxin becomes incurable. Luckily, he happens upon the assistance of runaway Lisa Allen. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: TAMMY LAUREN! Tammy Lauren as Holly on Mork & Mindy (left) and Alexandra Amberson in Wishmaster (right). This week, special guest Tammy Lauren (Alexandra Amberson from Wishmaster, Detective Maggie Sullivan from The Young and the Restless), puts in a call to the Foundation, Urgent 101! She tells us about her early career joking around with Robin Williams as a kid, and getting teased on the MacGyver set by Mr. Dean Anderson himself. The S.S. Lane Victory’s film credits can be found here! (Featuring two Tammy Lauren projects and one Patrick O’Riley project.) MacGyver gets punched completely out of the parking lot.   Magnetostriction (Physics) The alignment of magnetic domains determines the strength and polarity of a given magnet. This magnetism can be amplified and altered in several ways, for example: banging a pole against a fire hydrant while pointing it exactly magnetic north. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetostriction Watch S1E11: “Nightmares” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: December 22nd, 1985 — A team of world-class hitmen set their sights on MacGyver and his only relative. OPENING GAMBIT: MacGyver rescues a Lady General from a few anonymous henchman in a Malibu beach house. MISSION: In response to MacGyver bombing a Middle Eastern nuclear facility, an assassin is dispatched to kill him. To avoid almost certain death, he hides out with his maternal grandfather Harry, but the hit squad tracks them down anyway. This week’s highlights include: Maybe the worst cut in the show so far, footage-wise AND branch-wise. Axminster’s unforgettable cameo in John Hughes’ Weird Science. Dust Explosion (Chemistry) A dust explosion occurs when air is saturated with particles and is ignited. When there is a high surface area to mass ratio and a source of ignition, even non combustible materials can explode. Granaries and flour mills were known to explode and precautions against such conditions are still taken in warehouses and plants that deal with that danger. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_explosion Watch S1E10: “Target MacGyver” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: December 8th, 1985 — MacGyver takes sides against the family, escorting a mafia informant to his dying mother MISSION: MacGyver protects star witness Frank Bennett from mafia hitmen and Marshall service custody to deliver a final goodbye to Frank’s dying mother. This week’s highlights include: MacGyver must want people to “Keep Out” of his new Venice apartment. This is how Riker sits down? Editor’s note: You can totally rent tow trucks. Another of Frank “Francis” Bennett’s disgruntled victims, back to retrieve what is rightfully his.   Melting Lead (Chemistry) Lead melts at approximately 600.61 K ​(327.46 °C, ​621.43 °F). At this temperature, coffee exists only as a gas. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead Watch S1E9: “The Prodigal” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: November 27th, 1985 — MacGyver meets his adrenaline junkie match in reckless oil prospector Bill Farren [SPECIAL GUEST: Cooper Huckabee!] MISSION: When a fire breaks out at a friend’s oil derrick, MacGyver devises a plan to fight fire with dynamite. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: COOPER HUCKABEE! Cooper Huckabee as Django Unchained’s Lil’ Raj Brittle (left) and Urban Cowboy’s Marshall (right) This week’s show features a chat with veteran actor Cooper Huckabee (Marshall from Urban Cowboy and Lil’ Raj Brittle from Django Unchained). He shares some interesting behind-the-scenes info, like how MacGyver almost wasn’t Richard Dean Anderson! Check out the links below for some of Mr. Huckabee’s upcoming projects. Keep an eye out for Band of Robbers hitting the festival circuit soon! Also, let’s all keep our fingers crossed for Pee-wee’s Big Holiday! The plot of Hellfire bears more than a passing resemblance to 1953’s Wages of Fear. Ten Strike Mine (despite TV Guide’s claims of a Wyoming location) must have taken place in Hungary’s Borza Prison. Editors note: In the draft of the Back to the Future script mentioned on the show, the popular “1.21 gigawatts” line is actually replaced with the significantly less interesting “4200 rads.” Also, the current population of Centralia, PA is down to 10 people (according to google anyway) although more recent articles on the matter cite a population of as few as 6 or 7 people. UPDATE!: Listener Frank A Sirianni noticed something fun below! A crew hand reaches in from the bottom right to adjust the dynamite pile! Curie’s Law (Physics) In a paramagnetic material the magnetization of the material is (approximately) directly proportional to an applied magnetic field. However, if the material is heated, this proportionality is reduced: for a fixed value of the field, the magnetization is (approximately) inversely proportional to temperature. This fact is encapsulated by Curie’s law: Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curie%27s_law Watch S1E8: “Hellfire” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: November 17th, 1985 — Today, MacGyver faces a ‘fight or flight’ scenario with Kelly Nielson [SPECIAL GUEST: Kay Lenz!] MISSION: In search of a favorite childhood lake, MacGyver stumbles upon a hostage situation at a small airstrip off the beaten path. Now he must sabotage his captor’s plan to break into an armored truck and escape with the loot by air. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: KAY LENZ! Kay Lenz as Breezy (left) and American Maid (right). Kay Lenz has worked with many huge-name directors in her prolific career and is perhaps best known for the lead role in Clint Eastwood’s Breezy opposite William Holden. She also appeared in the original “The Tick” animated series on Fox as American Maid. The role Kay mentioned that landed MacGyver co-star Jackie Earle Haley an Oscar nomination was 2006’s Little Children. MacGyver leaning over a plane that appears in this episode in a shot that doesn’t. You can find more information on the July 23rd, 1982 accident on the set of Twilight Zone that took the lives of Vic Morrow and two children on wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twilight_Zone_accident. Thermite (Chemistry) Thermite is a chemical compund of metallic powders that can burn in excess of 4,500 degrees fahrenheit. Reactions can involve a variety of fuels, but most common is iron oxide and aluminum. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermite Fe2O3 + 2 Al → 2 Fe + Al2O3 Watch S1E7: “Last Stand” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: November 10th, 1985 — THIS is how you get ants, with ornithologist Dr. Charles Alden [SPECIAL GUEST: Peter Jurasik!] OPENING GAMBIT: A geologist is abducted and held captive in a small Basque village, when MacGyver shows up to bust her out and face his greatest fear once again. MISSION: MacGyver and his old pal Dr. Charles Alden butt heads with Lucien Trumbo, an Amazonian landowner in the path of a trillion ravenous soldier ants. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: PETER JURASIK! Jurasik as Babylon 5’s Londo (left) and Tron’s Crom (right). This week, we learn Peter Jurasik is the kindest man in the universe. He is perhaps best known for his long-running television contributions as Sid Thurston on Hill Street Blues/Beverly Hills Buntz and as Centauri Ambassador Londo Mollari on Babylon 5. He also made an appearance in Tron as Crom, the unfortunate victim of Flynn’s ring game prowess. Here is a link to the upcoming film he mentioned in our interview. The Longest Ride In case we lost you with our “do it live” comments, check this out. Good luck finding a poster for Charlton Heston’s The Naked Jungle that isn’t trying desperately to emulate Gone with the Wind. Army Ants (Zoology) Soldier or Army ants refers to any group of ants that are nomadic in nature and display aggressive foraging methods spread out over a wide area. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_ant. Watch S1E6: “Trumbo’s World” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: November 3rd, 1985 — On this week’s show, we’ll “bond” with treacherous casino owner Catlin [SPECIAL GUEST: Vernon Wells!] MISSION: When sixty million dollars disappears on its way to feeding starving African children, MacGyver is brought on to track it down. The search lands Mac in an island casino right out of one of James Bond’s far-fetched capers. This week’s highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: VERNON WELLS! Vernon Wells as Wez (left) and Bennett (right) The insanely talented Vernon Wells did us the great honor of sharing his time with our program this week. He was such an asset to the series that he was invited back to play a second role in MacGyver’s third season, evidently at RDA’s insistence. Mr. Wells has had a long and prolific career, but he is perhaps best known for the roles of Wez in George Miller’s The Road Warrior and Bennett in Mark L. Lester’s Commando. More recently he enjoyed a 38 episode run as the main villain of Power Rangers Time Force, and he’s certainly not showing any sign that he is slowing. Keep an eye out for the several upcoming projects he mentioned during our chat: – “The Promise” (which Wells will be directing himself!) – “Less Than Human” – 2013’s “Throwback” (and the upcoming follow-up “Starspawn“) – “Western X” (a web series) – “Tom Hennessy” – “After The Harvest” A likely story… Editor’s Note: When this episode was recorded, MacGyver’s houseboat was still up for sale (with a mere $36K asking price) but is unfortunately off the market as of January 12th, 2015. Schwarzenegger as John Matrix with some kind words about today’s guest. And here’s more footage from that awesome episode ending stunt. Acoustic Resonance (Physics) Resonance occurs when a string, tube, or glass is vibrated at a specific frequency. The result of which is sound. Rubbing your fingers across the surface of a wine glass, for example, sticks and slips so quickly as you move your finger around the rim, that the once at the right frequency, the vibration of the glass produces sound that can be manipulated by add fluids to the glass which absorb the energy of the vibration. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_resonance. Watch S1E5: “The Heist” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: October 21st, 1985 — This week, MacGyver makes his Central American debut! Who ya gonna call? Pest Control! OPENING GAMBIT: MacGyver must smuggle a map of military targets out of a heavily guarded desert town. Along the way, the map proves itself unexpectedly useful. MISSION: Reporter Kate Connelly is willing to risk her life for evidence of an impending military coup. MacGyver is hired by her publisher to escort her from harm’s way, but she persuades him to dig them both into even deeper trouble. This week’s highlights include: A look at another, similar Gauntlet… Casey Kasem was an odd choice to narrate this, By the way, the plot of the film centers around Clint Eastwood delivering Sandra Locke from Las Vegas to Phoenix (not Santa Fe). Probably should’ve remembered that seeing as how its in the name of our podcast, but whatever. A self-photographing camera!   Iguana meat (Nutrition) Iguana meat has historically been important in the culinary traditions of Mexico and Central America; particularly in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán and Colima. Iguana meat is currently illegal in the United States of America and several other countries. To prepare your own Breast of Lizard a la MacGyver. Roast an iguana over an open flame until the skin is blackened and then peel back the charred layer of skin. Serves two. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguana_meat. Watch S1E4: “The Gauntlet” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: October 13th, 1985 — This week, a visit from the titular Thief of Budapest [SPECIAL GUEST: Kora Cypress!] OPENING GAMBIT: MacGyver puts his horse-thieving prowess to the test in an effort to prevent a tribal dispute from escalating into a full-blown war. MISSION: When Jana, a young gypsy girl, unknowingly picks the pocket of MacGyver’s intelligence contact in Budapest, she becomes the target of allied Hungarian and Russian spies. It’s up to MacGyver to see Jana and her family to safety while recovering the stolen information in an epic chase that brings new meaning to the phrase “stock car racing.” Here are the highlights of our third episode: SPECIAL GUEST: KORA CYPRESS! Kora Cypress as Jana (credited as Kelly McClain) Kora Cypress has done Phoenix Foundation the enormous favor of appearing as our first official guest! Listen in as Kora shares a bit about her experiences as a child actor and a few stories from the set of this episode! Also be sure and check out her band Spoken Road on Facebook or ReverbNation now!   Does any of this look familiar? The Italian Job (1969) I don’t see her checking her hands, do you? Reappraisal, 10/10. MacGyver invents the obscurifying glass! Lingotto (Location) The LIngotto Building in Via Nizza, Italy, was once home to the Fiat factory where the testing racetrack for the cars was located on the roof. The factory was closed in 1982 and reallocated as a public space filled with shopping centers, event halls, and theaters. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingotto. Watch S1E3: “Thief of Budapest” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: October 6th, 1985 — 100,000 kyats if you come to Burma, put on show, stop the infamous Narai! OPENING GAMBIT: MacGyver is tasked with intercepting a briefcase containing Top Secret missile launch codes, but soon finds himself in a tight spot. MISSION: MacGyver is ordered to Burma to retrieve a canister of toxic material from a crash site, only to discover it has already been collected by the henchmen of a local drug lord. To get it back, he’ll need to involve himself in the struggle of a nearby village of opium harvesting slaves. Back again with another installment of MacGyver review. Highlights include: Knight Redoer: Michael Knight (S2E5: “Blind Spot”) and MacGyver (S1E2: “The Golden Triangle”) experience an identical near-crushing defeat. Knight Rider screengrab courtesy of MiracleMac from the MacGyverOnline forums. Hey, Chan. If you take couple steps to your right, there should be some clear breathing space. Herpetology (Zoology) Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles. Watch S1E2: “The Golden Triangle” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.  

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: September 29th, 1985 — MacGyver saves the world just in time to shoot hoops with Reggie [SPECIAL GUEST: Shavar Ross!] OPENING GAMBIT: When a plane carrying dangerous cargo is downed behind enemy lines, MacGyver is dispatched to incapacitate the payload, only to discover the pilot has survived and needs rescuing himself. MISSION: A series of suspicious explosions at the KIVA laboratory has left a team of scientists, including two Nobel prize nominees, trapped underground with an acid leak that threatens to poison the local aquifer. MacGyver’s mission is to free the trapped scientists and stop the leak before the military is forced to take drastic measures. Join us as we tackle the show’s premiere (and pilot) episode. Highlights include: SPECIAL GUEST: SHAVAR ROSS! Shavar Ross played MacGyver’s Little Brother in the series pilot! This week, we chat with Shavar Ross, Reggie from the Pilot episode. He tells us all about his work helping to pitch the series with Richard Dean Anderson and Henry Winkler. Mr. Ross can also be seen as Reggie (I have decided, the SAME Reggie) in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, also from 1985. His acting career spans decades including major roles on the 1982 Little Rascals reboot, Diff’rent Strokes, Magnum P.I. and Family Matters! MacGyver’s original residence: the Griffith Observatory! The famous LA structure, typically home to knife-fighting rebels sans cause and a nasty autobot infestation, was MacGyver’s actual home in this first episode. The Apache-lookin’ helicopter that drops Mac off at the KIVA was borrowed from the production of Blue Thunder, starring Roy Scheider, Daniel Stern, and Malcolm McDowell and directed by John Badham (Short Circuit, WarGames). Check out this awesome trailer! Paul Stewart, who portrayed Dr. Carl Steubens in this episode, also played the part of Citizen Kane’s butler Raymond once upon a time. The KIVA bears a striking resemblance to the Wildfire laboratory from The Andromeda Strain (1971). Comparing Secret Underground Government Laboratories KIVA vs. WILDFIRE Origin MacGyver (1985) Andromeda Strain (1971) Disguised as… Abandoned Radio Station Dept. of Agriculture Bldg Security Clearance Conical Laser Code Word Internal Security Lasers Lasers Floors 3 5 Self-Destruct Underground Missile Nuclear Bomb …and for those curious, B.A.S.E. jumping stands for Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth. Sodium Hydroxide (Chemistry) NaOH Sodium Hydroxide, commonly known as lye, is an inorganic chemical compound that has a variety of uses from the manufacturing of paper and soap, to cleaning and other industrial uses. The episode correctly points out that sodium hydroxide can be used to safely neutralize a number of acids in addition to stripping the meat off of skeletons. Check out the article on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxide Also, the scene in Fight Club where Brad Pitt pours it on Edward Norton’s hand. Watch S1E1: “Pilot” on CBS’s website or check the alternative streamability of this episode here.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: January 23rd, 2015 — Welcome to Phoenix Foundation! Today we’ll be introducing ourselves and our plans for this podcast Phoenix Foundation Podcast Theme (Music) Our theme song is a remix of Randy Edelman’s MacGyver theme, put together in MIDI form by friend of the show Martin Broder.   Our iTunes (and website) logo was put together by the great Andy Bernier whose other work can be found here.