Tank Riot

Midterm Elections! The tank team delves into the abyss and the abyss delves also into them. Also discussed: The Martian, Trailer Park Boys, Boardwalk Empire, Borderlands and more! To sum up, Scott Walker sucks!

Scientific Method! We discuss the rational, logical, beautiful, yet sometimes confusing ways of science and the scientific method! Also, a contest winner, a new Houdini drama, The Double, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, Neanderthal strip clubs and more!

Vikings! We discuss the Viking Age and how and why a culture of northern pagans traveled the world. Also Mailbag, Guardians of the Galaxy, Vikings on TV, and Tor reveals a confession! All this and more!

The tank crew discuss the life and works of Jane Goodall, the great primatologist and conservationist. She is best known for the discoveries she made while observing chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. Films by National Geographic and others about her discoveries made her famous.

William Randolph Hearst! We discuss the man and his legacy. Born into wealth and builder of a newspaper empire, Hearst manipulated public opinion via his yellow journalism techniques, and lived to the excesses his wealth allowed. Also Captain America 2, Vikings, Mailbag and more!

Some call it marijuana, weed, grass, pot, cannabis, or hundreds of other names. We discuss the latest moves to reform laws on the use, possession, production, and sale of marijuana in the United States. Also included is the annual review of The Oscars. Plus the crew chews on The Lego Movie, the Ukraine, Cosmos, and more!

Humphrey Bogart! We discuss the life and films of one of the most famous actors in the history of cinema. Films discussed include: The Petrified Forest, High Sierra, The Maltese Falcon, The Big Sleep, Sahara, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Casablanca, The African Queen, The Caine Mutiny and more. Also The Hobbit 2, Sherlock, Her, Inside Llewyn Davis, Frozen and more!

Sacred Baby Fest 2013! In a very special year-end round-up episode, we forego topics and discuss current events and minutia and give thanks to our wonderful listeners. In this episode: Peter O'Toole, Nelson Mandela, Paul Walker, TV, Ready Player One, Little Brother, NSA, the Pope, Moon landings and solar harvesting, Festivus, mailbag, and more!

Saudi Arabia! We discuss the very influential Middle Eastern country and its complicated history. We also discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Man of Steel, The Wolverine, Doctor Who 50th anniversary, World's End, Mailbag and more!

Lou Reed! We discuss the great punk/art rock pioneer! From Brooklyn to Velvet Underground to a solo career that spanned decades, we hit it all. We miss him and feature some live tracks as well. We also discuss his wonderful wife Laurie Anderson. Thanks for everything Lou. Rest in peace. -Tank Riot

The NSA! We discuss the National Security Agency of the USA. How it began, what it does, and why it is all over the news lately. We also discuss the government shutdown, mailbag and more!

Conspiracy Theories, Part 11! MKUltra, Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and more! Also Breaking Bad, UFOs, Tyranny is Tyranny, Mailbag and more!

Huey 'The Kingfish' Long! We discuss one of the most fascinating politician of the 20th century. We also go into cop and college stories, movie recommendations, mailbag, a contest, and more!

Hyperloop! With Sputnik out with the bird flu, Tor and Viktor have an impromptu discussion of the Hyperloop as envisioned by Elon Musk. We also talk about movies, college debt and a lot of Mailbag! We also want to send out a special thank you to the Isthmus readers for voting Tank Riot as Madison's Favorite Podcast!

Quantum Leap! We discuss Sputnik's favorite show of the late 80s starring Scott Bakula as Sam Beckett, Dean Stockwell as Al Calavicci and created by Donald P. Bellisario. Also, jack-booted thugs in WI, Mailbag and more!

Orson Welles! We discuss the life and works of the great actor and director from Kenosha, Wisconsin. We include such subjects as the Mercury Players, War of the Worlds, Citizen Kane, The Trial and more! Plus we cover Man of Steel, NSA snooping, Star Trek, and the Mailbag!

Great Comic Strips! We discuss our favorites newspaper comic strips including and addressing strips like Calvin and Hobbes, The Far Side, Bloom County, Doonesbury, Dilbert, Life in Hell, This Modern World, Peanuts and others. Also discussed: Toilets, Star Trek Into Darkness, Iron Man 3, Oblivion, Vietnam Photography, Great Gatsby (not) and more!

Libertarianism! We discuss the many flavors of Libertarianism including the modern US Libertarianism movement as well as its roots in philosophy and economics. Also Evil Dead, Boston bombing, Mailbag and more!

MASH! We discuss the novel, movie and beloved and acclaimed TV series. Richard Hooker's novel 'MASH, A Novel About Three Army Doctors' started a dynasty that was continued in film by Robert Altman in the film MASH in 1970 starring Elliott Gould, Donald Sutherland, Sally Kellerman, Robert Duvall, Roger Bowen, Gary Burghoff and more. Due to the popularity of the 11 years of the TV series M*A*S*H, the names Benjamin Franklin Hawkeye Pierce, Trapper John, Henry Blake, Radar O'Reilly, Hot Lips Houlihan, Frank Burns and more are now household names thanks to Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, McLean Stevenson, Larry Linville, Harry Morgan, Jamie Farr, Loretta Swit, Mike Farrell, David Ogden Stiers, Allan Arbus and many others. We discuss our favorite moments and why we love the show so much. Also an epic mailbag of randomness.

We discuss the origins of punk rock and how the movement sprang from glam rock and proto-punk. Iggy Pop, Jonathan Richman, New York Dolls, Velvet Underground, Sex Pistols, The Clash, X-Ray Spex, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Television, Talking Heads, The Slits, Dead Kennedys, CBGBs and more! We also discuss a trip to the gun show, mailbag and more!

Starting with the bones of Peking Man from about 750,000 years ago we look at the history of China. Part 1 of our quest ends with the end of the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century. The chronological, geographical, and cultural expanse of the Chinese civilization is absolutely astounding. We revisit Sandy Hook, and cover Dredd, Django Unchained, FDR American Badass, Big Bang Muppet Chaos Theory, and more!

In this episode we discuss JFK, The Hobbit, Larry Hagman, Captain Kangaroo, Guns, Sandy Hook tragedy, Mailbag and more!

Eugene V. Debs! We discuss this important historical figure and dedicated voice of socialism. From his roots with the ARU, to running for President from a prison cell. Also James Bond's latest film, Mailbag, a contest and more!

Vincent Price! We discuss the films and life of the famous terrifying actor and raconteur. We cover such films as House on Haunted Hill, The Fly, The Abominable Dr. Phibes, House of Wax, Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine, and many many more! Also, election reflections, Star Wars bought by Disney, an interview with the Fifth Beatle (Bryan White of Cinema Suicide), and more!

Gerry Anderson! We discuss Anderson's works: Twizzle, Torchy, Stingray, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, UFO, Space 1999, and so much more. Also Presidential debates, Looper, Argo, Lance Armstrong, Felix Baumgartner, James Bond, Mailbag and more!

Motorcycle Movies! We discuss the history of the motorcycle movie and some of our favorites. Including The Wild One, Wild Angels, Hells Angels on Wheels, The Glory Stompers, Angel Unchained, The Hard Ride, Easy Rider and more! Also replacement referees, Iron Sky, Cabin in the Woods, Mailbag and more! Music by Dick the Bruiser.

Frank Lloyd Wright! In this episode we dance about architecture and celebrate the complicated life and works of the great American architect. Also, movie reviews, the adventures of Lego Larry and more!

Howard Hughes! We discuss the complicated, tragic life of Bruce Wayne, no wait, Tony Stark, no wait, Howard Hughes, yeah, that's the guy! From Hollywood playboy to aviation pioneer to manic recluse. Also The Dark Knight Rises, music by Oedipus Tex and more!

It's riot time for Open Source Software! We discuss the origins of the Open Source movement, including Free Software, Linux, GNU, Copyleft, and cool programs galore! We also cover Prometheus, Elvis, Memphis, Droughts, Mailbag, and shenanigans sometimes involving ducks!

In this unedited episode, the tank team covers the often unsung father of modern computing and secret hero of World War II, Alan Turing. We also kick things off with our view on the Wisconsin recall election outcome and the march of Scott Walker. We remember Ray Bradbury and mention some of our favorite Bradbury works. Plus we cover movie reviews, evil paintings, airplane etiquette, the Diamond Jubilee, and how to pick up girls!

Conspiracy Theories, Part 10, Ancient Aliens! In this episode we explore the phenomenon that is the History Channel's Ancient Aliens! Sputnik explores its roots with the writings of Erich von Däniken. We discuss Giorgio A. Tsoukalos hairstyle and the intensity of David Hatcher Childress. We discuss numbers stations, Denver airport conspiracy theories and more. Tank Riot hits the big screen to see the Avengers movie! This episode has the review!

Dr. Seuss! We discuss the life and works of beloved author Theodor Seuss Geisel. We look at his advertising, books, politics, and movie and television adaptations! We hit How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Lorax, The Butter Battle, The Sneetches, and more! Plus we deliver numerous movie reviews, cover the history of unisex bathrooms and the right wing, read viewer mail, and find ourselves on a few tangents.

Introduced by the Eastman Kodak Company in 1901, 120 film became a big hit from kids using cardboard box cameras to professionals shooting magazine covers and everyone else in between. Despite being overshadowed by digital, 120 film and cameras are still being made as they provide certain advantages to photographers. The Tank Crew looks at the various cameras including Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, Kiev, Mamiya, and many more. They discuss a few of the many photographers who used 120 film such as Robert Doisneau, Robert Capa, Richard Avedon, Vivian Maier, Diane Arbus, and Robert Mapplethorpe. Plus movie reviews, mailbag and more!

North Korea! We discuss the history of the communist nation and why it is such a conundrum to outsiders. We also cover the Super Bowl, Red Tails, Tucker and Dale vs Evil, Doomsday Preppers, Mailbag and more!

The Tank Crew suits up for the Marx Brothers! Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Zeppo, and even Gummo all had a great impact on comedy in America. We discuss how and give an overview of their film careers. Music is by Cribshitter. Also, we cover Contagion, MI4, NDAA, Mailbag, and more!

The War on Drugs! On a very special episode, we discuss the failed US war on drugs. Also, Walker recall update, The Muppets, Trollhunter, J. Edgar, NDAA, OWS and more!

Albert Einstein! The Tank Team discuss the legendary physicist everyone thinks they know. We also give our first impressions of Occupy Wall Street, the failures of US media, government and education. Strap on your helmet...

Pro Wrestling! We discuss the rise and power of professional wrestling. From its roots in carnivals to its current global influence. The Crusher, Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and more! Also, new music by Sleeping in the Aviary!

The Space Race! We discuss the beginings of human space exploration, rocketry and the competition between USSR and USA. Also, Labor Day, Jerry Lewis, Hobo With a Shotgun, Super and more! Music by Killdozer.

Rupert Murdoch and Fox News! We discuss the controversial multi-billionaire and his media empire. We also cover Captain America, 13 Assassins, GasHole, the Wisconsin recall elections, Mailbag and more!

Link Wray! We discuss the guitar legend that deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also: Roswell, Hitler (1962 film), Super Fuzz, Collapse, the last space shuttle mission, Captain Kangaroo, Cedar Rapids, the mailbag and more!

Conspiracy Theories, Part 9, Nazi UFOs! We deconstruct the vault of theories and find some incredible moon-cheese! We also interview Jarmo Puskala from the Iron Sky film team. But first, Super 8, X-Men 1st Class, Sconnie politics and more!

Best Worst Movies! The team discuss their favorite worst movies with a special focus on Troll 2! We give an update on Sconnie Nation Bratfests, Beer and Politics. We also talk about The Other Guys, have an interview with the 5th Beatle and much more!

The Tank Crew cover the life, essays, and novels of author George Orwell. Being one of most important authors of the 20th century, Orwell is best know for the novels Animal Farm and 1984. But first: Thor, Pawn Stars, The Gun Show, Green Hornet, the death of Osama Bin Laden, Human-CentiPads and more!

We discuss the works of the prolific movie writer, director and producer Irwin Allen. We cover Voyage to the Bottom to the Sea, Time Tunnel, Lost in Space, The Towering Inferno, The Poseidon Adventure, The Swarm and more! Also, WI Supreme Court scandals, Hunter Prey, Mailbag and more. Music for the show is from the great former Madison band Killdozer.

The Tank Team finally tackle Doctor Who. We look at our favorite and least favorite doctors from William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant to Matt Smith, travelling through time from 1963 to 2011. Also, thoughts on Libya airstrikes, Wisconsin union busting, music by IfIHadAHifi and so much more!

The Tank team discusses the turmoil that surrounds Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his attack on the middle and lower class on behalf of the Billionaire Koch Brothers. Unions, Corporations, and Citizens, Oh My!

The Tank Team discuss think tanks: their origins and affects on governments and democracy in America and beyond. They look at think tanks as part of the propaganda apparatus used by billionaire puppet masters such as Koch brothers David and Charles. Also discussed, Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers, Blizzards, Mailbag and more! Plus the origins of Sputnik!

The Tank team discuss serial killers and get to the bottom of why Jack the Ripper is so fascinating. Also, Jeff Bridges, Tron Legacy, True Grit, the Arizona shooting, Skiing, Mailbag and much more!

Sputnik, Viktor, and Tor each talk about 5 great novels. The Tank Crew cover why each novel is a favorite and why it may be a good read for you too. Books covered include The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Defense by Vladimir Nabokov, It by Stephen King, Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, Orbital Decay by Allen Steele, Childhood's End by Sir Arthur C. Clarke, the Pentagon Papers, 1984 by George Orwell, The Vandals of Treason House by Nancy Veglahn, Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus by Isaac Asimov, I, Robot by Isaac Asimov, and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.