Tag: Culture On My Mind

Culture on My Mind – Dragon Con Report 2026 #10: Tiki Pop Artists

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Dragon Con Report 2026 #10: Tiki Pop Artists
September 3, 2026

One of the ways that I like to prep for Dragon Con is by listening to the Dragon Con Report podcast.  Brought to you by the ESO Network, the podcast is a monthly discussion on all things Dragon Con that counts down to the big event over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

The show is hosted by Michael Gordon, Jennifer Schleusner, and Channing Sherman, and it delivers news, notes, tips, and tricks for newbies and veterans alike. The Dragon Con Newbies community has a great relationship with the show and the network.

In the tenth episode for 2026, the team gets one last round in a bonus show from their sister show, 3 Grog Night. That show is hosted by Mike, Jen, and Jonathan, and with this dip into the archives they chat with three artists who will all be at Dragon Con this year. Enjoy these clips from Justin Peterson, Jeff Granito, and Shag as you get those bags packed.

The show can be found in video form on YouTube and in audio on the official website and wherever fine podcasts are fed. The Dragon Con Report channels can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can catch their shows live on those platforms or on demand on their website.

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Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – Dragon Con Report 2026 #9: The Big Damn Dragon Show!

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Dragon Con Report 2026 #9: The Big Damn Dragon Show!
September 2, 2026

One of the ways that I like to prep for Dragon Con is by listening to the Dragon Con Report podcast.  Brought to you by the ESO Network, the podcast is a monthly discussion on all things Dragon Con that counts down to the big event over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

The show is hosted by Michael Gordon, Jennifer Schleusner, and Channing Sherman, and it delivers news, notes, tips, and tricks for newbies and veterans alike. The Dragon Con Newbies community has a great relationship with the show and the network.

In the ninth episode for 2026, it is last call before Dragon Con! Mike, Jen, and Channing chat with DJ Nemesis to prep for parties with dragon DJs into the wee hours, Dave West from the popular Big Damn Game Show, and Karen and James Henson from the Military Sci-Fi Media Track.

Get ready for the big show with the last bit of pre-con coverage from the Dragon Con Report. If you’re coming to Atlanta this year, I look forward to seeing you at con!

The show can be found in video form on YouTube and in audio on the official website and wherever fine podcasts are fed. The Dragon Con Report channels can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can catch their shows live on those platforms or on demand on their website.

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Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – Roll-A-Panel ’86 & ’96: From Aliens to Scream!

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Roll-A-Panel ’86 & ’96: From Aliens to Scream!
September 1, 2026

The Roll-a-Panel is a hallmark of the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track. Using revolutionary convention panel technology, highly trained nerds cram twenty discussions into one panel of pop culture entertainment.

Usually in celebration of anniversaries, twenty topics are added to a twenty-sided die. When the D20 is rolled, the topic is chosen for five minutes of shenanigans. It’s a hoot to watch (and partake in), and now it’s digital!

On August 26th, Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe assembled a crew of the regular Classic Track Irregulars to discuss films of 1986 and 1992 as decided by a toss of the die. They also teased events to come at this year’s Dragon Con.

If you will be attending the convention, you can find the Classic Sci-Fi Roll-a-Panel: Movies of 2001 on Monday morning. The custom D20 will be auctioned off after the presentation to support the Dragon Con charity drive.

These Classic Track Quarantine Panels are hosted by Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe, the diabolical masterminds behind the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track. If you want to play along at home, grab your internet-capable device of choice and navigate the world wide webs to the track’s YouTube channel and/or the group on Facebook. If you join in live, you can also leave comments and participate in the discussion using StreamYard connected through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

Gary can also be found on A Podcask of Amontillado, a horror-themed podcast that he co-hosts with Erin McGourn.

If you want to connect with the track, Joe, and/or Gary on the socials, you can find them on Twitter (ClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and sneezythesquid) and Instagram (SciFiClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and Gary_Mitchel). And, of course, to celebrate more pop culture awesomeness, you can find Dragon Con all year round on the internet, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You can find those discussions and more every other Thursday as the American Sci-Fi Classics Track explores the vast reaches of classic American science fiction.

The episode art each week is generously provided by the talented Sue Kisenwether. You can find her (among other places) on her website Subspace Sue.

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Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – Dragon Con Report 2026 #8: An Interview with Bob Burden

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Dragon Con Report 2026 #8: An Interview with Bob Burden
August 31, 2026

One of the ways that I like to prep for Dragon Con is by listening to the Dragon Con Report podcast.  Brought to you by the ESO Network, the podcast is a monthly discussion on all things Dragon Con that counts down to the big event over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

The show is hosted by Michael Gordon, Jennifer Schleusner, and Channing Sherman, and it delivers news, notes, tips, and tricks for newbies and veterans alike. The Dragon Con Newbies community has a great relationship with the show and the network.

In the eighth episode for 2026, Jen takes the helm with a casual conversation with legendary comic book creator Bob Burden. Bob is the creator of Flaming Carrot Comics and the Mystery Men. The former won Eisner Awards in 1992 and 2007, and the latter was adapted into the 1999 superhero comedy film of the same name.

Jen and Bob talked in her home tiki bar about his career, his unique approach to comics and storytelling, and his history with Dragon Con.

The show can be found in video form on YouTube and in audio on the official website and wherever fine podcasts are fed. The Dragon Con Report channels can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can catch their shows live on those platforms or on demand on their website.

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Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – Superman Meets He-Man in a Classic Comics Table Read

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Superman Meets He-Man in a Classic Comics Table Read
August 29, 2026

By the power of Krypton!

On April 8, 1982, DC Comics Presents #47 hit store shelves with a tale called “From Eternia — With Death!” This story mixed Superman with the Masters of the Universe as the last son of Krypton was drawn across dimensions to Eternia. There he teamed up with He-Man and Battle Cat to fight Skeletor and Beastman as the evildoers schemed to take over Castle Grayskull.

This tale marked the first time He-Man’s secret identity of Prince Adam was shown. It was published before the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon premiered, so the stories of Eternia were limited to comic books sold with the Mattel toy line.

On August 12th, Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe were joined by O. Hai Mark, Nick, Beau, and Michael Bailey for a dramatic reading of this classic crossover adventure.

These Classic Track Quarantine Panels are hosted by Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe, the diabolical masterminds behind the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track. If you want to play along at home, grab your internet-capable device of choice and navigate the world wide webs to the track’s YouTube channel and/or the group on Facebook. If you join in live, you can also leave comments and participate in the discussion using StreamYard connected through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

Gary can also be found on A Podcask of Amontillado, a horror-themed podcast that he co-hosts with Erin McGourn.

If you want to connect with the track, Joe, and/or Gary on the socials, you can find them on Twitter (ClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and sneezythesquid) and Instagram (SciFiClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and Gary_Mitchel). And, of course, to celebrate more pop culture awesomeness, you can find Dragon Con all year round on the internet, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You can find those discussions and more every other Thursday as the American Sci-Fi Classics Track explores the vast reaches of classic American science fiction.

The episode art each week is generously provided by the talented Sue Kisenwether. You can find her (among other places) on her website Subspace Sue.

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Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – Dragon Con Report 2026 #7: Trackrooms – Digital Media and Sci-Fi Classics

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Dragon Con Report 2026 #7: Trackrooms – Digital Media and Sci-Fi Classics
August 28, 2026

One of the ways that I like to prep for Dragon Con is by listening to the Dragon Con Report podcast.  Brought to you by the ESO Network, the podcast is a monthly discussion on all things Dragon Con that counts down to the big event over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

The show is hosted by Michael Gordon, Jennifer Schleusner, and Channing Sherman, and it delivers news, notes, tips, and tricks for newbies and veterans alike. The Dragon Con Newbies community has a great relationship with the show and the network.

In the seventh episode for 2026, the hosts talk track rooms, specifically for Digital Media and the American Sci-Fi Classics Track. The Digital Media track spends the weekend talking about podcasting, streaming, and more with the influencers and hobbyists who make the digital airwaves sing. The American Sci-Fi Classics Track is one of my home bases during the con and is no stranger to this site, celebrating American-made properties greater than ten years old and not claimed by another track.

To discuss this year’s programming and what each track has in store, Mike, Jennifer, and Channing are joined by Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe of the Classics Track, and Charles McFall from the Digital Media Track.

The show can be found in video form on YouTube and in audio on the official website and wherever fine podcasts are fed. The Dragon Con Report channels can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can catch their shows live on those platforms or on demand on their website.

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Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – True North Broadcasting: Canadian Sci-Fi

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
True North Broadcasting: Canadian Sci-Fi
August 13, 2026

To celebrate Canada Day (and get the contractually obligated amount of Canadian content in the American sci-fi classics discussion), the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track cast its eyes northward. It so happens that Canada is more than just alien planets and attractive tax incentives for your favorite shows. It also has unique and cool shows worthy of discussion.

On July 1st, Gary Mitchel was joined by Deanna Toxopeus and Lola Lariscy to talk Hilarious House of Frankenstein, Odyssey 5, Sanctuary, Lost Girl, Starlost, Rocket Robin Hood, and more. Grab a pint of maple syrup and tune in, eh?

These Classic Track Quarantine Panels are hosted by Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe, the diabolical masterminds behind the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track. If you want to play along at home, grab your internet-capable device of choice and navigate the world wide webs to the track’s YouTube channel and/or the group on Facebook. If you join in live, you can also leave comments and participate in the discussion using StreamYard connected through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

Gary can also be found on A Podcask of Amontillado, a horror-themed podcast that he co-hosts with Erin McGourn.

If you want to connect with the track, Joe, and/or Gary on the socials, you can find them on Twitter (ClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and sneezythesquid) and Instagram (SciFiClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and Gary_Mitchel). And, of course, to celebrate more pop culture awesomeness, you can find Dragon Con all year round on the internet, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You can find those discussions and more every other Thursday as the American Sci-Fi Classics Track explores the vast reaches of classic American science fiction.

The episode art each week is generously provided by the talented Sue Kisenwether. You can find her (among other places) on her website Subspace Sue.

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Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – Do Not Taunt the SNL Table Read

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Do Not Taunt the SNL Table Read
August 10, 2026

We all know about Saturday Night Live. For the last 50 years, that show has remained one of the gold standards of sketch comedy, showcasing talent and spawning careers along the way. The Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track has a tradition of paying tribute through table reads of favorite sketches from the show’s history.

On June 17th, Joe Crowe and Gary Mitchel were joined by ToniAnn Marini, O. Hai Mark, and Kevin Stallard to laugh about classics like Coffee Talk, Weekend Update, and Matt Foley’s van.

These Classic Track Quarantine Panels are hosted by Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe, the diabolical masterminds behind the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track. If you want to play along at home, grab your internet-capable device of choice and navigate the world wide webs to the track’s YouTube channel and/or the group on Facebook. If you join in live, you can also leave comments and participate in the discussion using StreamYard connected through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

Gary can also be found on A Podcask of Amontillado, a horror-themed podcast that he co-hosts with Erin McGourn.

If you want to connect with the track, Joe, and/or Gary on the socials, you can find them on Twitter (ClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and sneezythesquid) and Instagram (SciFiClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and Gary_Mitchel). And, of course, to celebrate more pop culture awesomeness, you can find Dragon Con all year round on the internet, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You can find those discussions and more every other Thursday as the American Sci-Fi Classics Track explores the vast reaches of classic American science fiction.

The episode art each week is generously provided by the talented Sue Kisenwether. You can find her (among other places) on her website Subspace Sue.

cc-break

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – No Disassemble! 40 Years of Short Circuit

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
No Disassemble! 40 Years of Short Circuit
August 6, 2026

In 1986, the world was introduced to Johnny 5. The Short Circuit films focus on an experimental military robot that is struck by lightning and gains sentience. There were two films, the first of which is arguably better and centers its story on discussions of life, intelligence, and warfare.

The films also have an unfortunate legacy of inadvertent racism, which I wrote about in 2020.

These films still remain favorites from my childhood, even though they aren’t the greatest things committed to celluloid. I may need to revisit them again for this site in the future.

On June 3rd, Joe Crowe, Gary Mitchel, Shaun Rosado, O. Hai Mark, and Kyle McCraw discussed these films and their legacy, including the ethics of robotic weaponry, the concept of AI souls, and the merits of El DeBarge.

These Classic Track Quarantine Panels are hosted by Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe, the diabolical masterminds behind the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track. If you want to play along at home, grab your internet-capable device of choice and navigate the world wide webs to the track’s YouTube channel and/or the group on Facebook. If you join in live, you can also leave comments and participate in the discussion using StreamYard connected through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

Gary can also be found on A Podcask of Amontillado, a horror-themed podcast that he co-hosts with Erin McGourn.

If you want to connect with the track, Joe, and/or Gary on the socials, you can find them on Twitter (ClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and sneezythesquid) and Instagram (SciFiClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and Gary_Mitchel). And, of course, to celebrate more pop culture awesomeness, you can find Dragon Con all year round on the internet, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You can find those discussions and more every other Thursday as the American Sci-Fi Classics Track explores the vast reaches of classic American science fiction.

The episode art each week is generously provided by the talented Sue Kisenwether. You can find her (among other places) on her website Subspace Sue.

cc-break

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – Made of Steel: A Supergirl Tribute

Michael FalknerLeave a comment
Culture on My Mind

Culture on My Mind
Made of Steel: A Supergirl Tribute
August 3, 2026

This time around, the folks at the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track are talking Supergirl. From the bottle city of Argo to her life, death, and rebirth, Kara Zor-El has quite the legacy in pop culture.

On May 13th, Joe Crowe, Gary Mitchel, Shaun Rosado, and Kevin Eldridge traced Kara’s journey in comics, radio, television, and the silver screen.

These Classic Track Quarantine Panels are hosted by Gary Mitchel and Joe Crowe, the diabolical masterminds behind the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track. If you want to play along at home, grab your internet-capable device of choice and navigate the world wide webs to the track’s YouTube channel and/or the group on Facebook. If you join in live, you can also leave comments and participate in the discussion using StreamYard connected through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

Gary can also be found on A Podcask of Amontillado, a horror-themed podcast that he co-hosts with Erin McGourn.

If you want to connect with the track, Joe, and/or Gary on the socials, you can find them on Twitter (ClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and sneezythesquid) and Instagram (SciFiClassicTrack, JoeCroweShow, and Gary_Mitchel). And, of course, to celebrate more pop culture awesomeness, you can find Dragon Con all year round on the internet, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

You can find those discussions and more every other Thursday as the American Sci-Fi Classics Track explores the vast reaches of classic American science fiction.

The episode art each week is generously provided by the talented Sue Kisenwether. You can find her (among other places) on her website Subspace Sue.

cc-break

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.