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49.) The Brian Frankish Interview

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49.) The Brian Frankish Interview
(Recorded on 29 September 2022.)

There are the people in front of the camera, the people who become celebrities for being behind the camera, and there are people like Brian Frankish, who make movies happen, and might not be widely known to the world at large. Regardless, his connection to the work on Max Headroom is legendary, and we get to spend an hour with him, trading war stories on the digital front porch, as we get to know what is most important to Brain Frankish.

Heather is taking lots of notes.

Austin wishes he’d asked more about The Last Starfighter.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, will will either feature another one of our “Maxis,” or a discussion regarding one last piece of Max-related media, before we dive into our “Season 2” Series. Stay tuned for more information!

39.) Is Max Hiding On My Computer? (#OfficeLife)

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39.) Is Max Hiding On My Computer? (#OfficeLife)
(Recorded on 30 June 2022.)

A behind-the-scenes moment from the preparation for recording an episode of our program.

Heather is excited to possibly meet Max.

Austin is not as good at tech as he would like.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation with Brian Frankish, the on-the-ground producer for the American version of the TV show. We’ve been sitting on this conversation for a while, and Brian was a delight to talk to. We’re very excited to let you hear what he has to saw about a life in Hollywood.

35.) 80’s Beyond Compare (Various Commercials, A Variety of Sources, 1985 – 1987))

~ Austin Rich ~ 1 Comment

35.) 80’s Beyond Compare (Various Commercials, A Variety of Sources, 1985 – 1987)
(Recorded on 4 January 2023)

If you remember Max at all, chances are, you recall the few years in the mid to late 80’s that Mr. Headroom was the spokes-AI for New Coke, an attempt by Big Cola to try something new and edgy, at a time when billions of dollars were on the line.

The results? Some of the strangest ads for a major soft drink that you have ever seen. Please, watch them with us, at bit.ly/MaxAds1, and discover this strange casualty of the Cola Wars.

Heather doesn’t really remember anything about ads from the 80’s.

Austin remembers far too much about ads from the 80’s.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation with Brian Frankish, the on-the-ground producer for the American version of the TV show. We’ve been sitting on this conversation for a while, and Brian was a delight to talk to. We’re very excited to let you hear what he has to saw about a life in Hollywood.

34.) Happy New Year!

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34.) Happy New Year!
(Recorded on 1 Jan. 2024.)

Here’s some of our plans for 2024. See you in two weeks!

Heather getting some much needed rest.

Austin is plotting and planning.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about a selection of commercials that Max has appeared in. You can find a link to this collection – about a half-hour of material – at this link: https://youtu.be/QU31hFSbgAY

33.) That Dr. Demento Sensibility (“Merry Christmas Santa Claus,” Chrysalis Records, 1986)

~ Austin Rich ~ 1 Comment

33.) That Dr. Demento Sensibility (“Merry Christmas Santa Claus,” Chrysalis Records, 1986)
(Recorded on 9 November 2023; 1 September 2022.)

Once your star is ascending, it’s only a matter of time before someone realizes that the next logical step is to have your work the holiday angle, with a Special and a Holiday Single that will be on TVs and in stores… just in time for you and your loved ones to spend this special time of year with your new favorite celebrity. And this is how Max Headroom’s 7″ Single — “Merry Christmas Santa Claus” b/w “Gimme Shades” — came to underwhelm all of us in 1986.

 

Heather is really hung up on the lyrics, and can’t seem to think of anything else.

Austin wants to set the record straight, and thank Blank Johnny in the UK for sending a copy of the single to The Lava Lamp Lounge!

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about a selection of commercials that Max has appeared in. You can find a link to this collection – about a half-hour of material – at this link: https://youtu.be/QU31hFSbgAY

32.) “What Gives Our Lives Meaning?” (Warner Bros., “Blade Runner,” 1982)

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32.) “What Gives Our Lives Meaning?” (Warner Bros., “Blade Runner,” 1982)
(Recorded on 1 September 2022.)

Probably one of the more legendary and divisive opinions on our show: one of us did NOT like Blade Runner, and one of us is rather fond of it for it’s impact and influence on cinema, culture, and specifically, Max Headroom. Wanna hear us get into it, with a tid-bit recorded with Steve Roberts, who offers his thoughts on all of it?

 

Heather is reminded of the way certain men like to behave.

Austin argues about Class Consciousness. Again.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about a selection of commercials that Max has appeared in. You can find a link to this collection – about a half-hour of material – at this link: https://youtu.be/QU31hFSbgAY

30.) Period (w/ Steve Roberts)

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30.) Period. (w/ Steve Roberts)
(Recorded on 31 March 2021.)

In one of the documentaries about the making of Max Headroom, Steve told a story about how all the “periods” were removed from the story. Heather had some thoughts on this.

Heather always wants to normalize conversation about periods.

Austin has fewer thoughts on the subject than you would think… and yet… somehow more than you’d think, too?

 

 

 

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Blade Runner, which seems to currently be streaming on Netflix, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

29.) It’s Halloween In The Fringes!

~ Austin Rich ~ 2 Comments

29.) It’s Halloween In The Fringes!
(Recorded on 20 October 2023.)

It looks like Heather and Austin have decided to go… trick or treating in The Fringes!? Oh no! This can only lead to a drunken night at Caligula’s, where Heather has taken over the jukebox. Hopefully the good music will protect us from Bruegel & Mahler.

(The voice of our announcer is none other than Xeres of Xeron himself! The doorman was played by Imaginos.)

Heather’s Holiday Playlist is most definitely below.

Austin can’t even work a fake tiara on Halloween. Sigh.

 

That’s Halloween – Duplex Planet – Duplex Halloween Planet
Bones –The Killers – Sam’s Town
Please Mr. Gravedigger — David Bowie – David Bowie
I’m a Vampire — Future Bible Heroes – Eternal Youth
The Devil Was in my Yard – The Sleepy Jackson  – Personality–One Was a Spider, One Was a Bird
Never Kick a Black Cat – Eban Schletter – Eban Schletter Presents Michael Avallone​’​s Tales of the Frightened
Wolfman – The Real Tuesday Weld  – The Last Werewolf
I’ve Created A Monster – Eban Schletter – Eban Schletter’s Witching Hour
I Was a Teenage Werewolf – The Cramps – Songs the Lord Taught Us
Seven Little Girls – Reverend Glasseye and his Wooden Legs – Black River Falls
Hello Neighbor – The Quitters – The Quitters’ Second Album
Turn Around –They Might Be Giants – Apollo 18
Bassem Sabry – Of Montreal – Aureate Gloom
O Death – Ralph Stanley – Oh Brother Where Art Thou Official Film Soundtrack
Killing for Satan – Paul Wibier – Satan’s Sadists Official Film Soundtrack

* * * * * *

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Blade Runner, which seems to currently be streaming on Netflix, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get our next episode out, ASAP.

28.) It’s A Blank World (w/ Steve Roberts)

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28.) It’s A Blank World (w/ Steve Roberts)
(Recorded on 31 March 2021.)

We both agree that Blank Reg is one of the best characters in Max Headroom, and we had to ask the writer and creator of the character if he had anything to say about coming up with Blank Reg. Here’s a few tid-bits that we think you’ll enjoy.

Heather like the idea of drinking beer and walking dogs.

Austin was hoping Steve had some stories of seeing some OG UK bands back in the day.

 

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Blade Runner, which seems to currently be streaming on Netflix, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

27.) Printer Problems (#OfficeLife) w/ Blank Brian

~ Austin Rich ~ 1 Comment

27.) Printer Problems (#OfficeLife) w/ Blank Brian
(Recorded on 13 July 2023.)

New technology is annoying to old people like us. Here’s why.

Heather might have a printer from the 90’s. We’re not sure.

Austin should have bought an older printer.

 

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Blade Runner, which seems to currently be streaming on Netflix, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

26.) “That Ex-Disney Kid & A Bunch of Old Western Character Actors” (AVCO, “Escape From New York,” 1981)

~ Austin Rich ~ 1 Comment

26.) “That Ex-Disney Kid & A Bunch of Old Western Character Actors” (AVCO, “Escape From New York,” 1981)
(Recorded on 30 June 2022.)

Over a year in the making, here is our conversation about Escape From New York, a film that is not only a cult classic, but is the number one film that advocates for the long lost product that promotes women hitting on Snake, “Chock Full ‘o’ Nuts.”

Heather learns about elements of the plot as we discuss the movie afterwards.

Austin tries to make a case for this being an influence on The Fringes.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Blade Runner, which seems to currently be streaming on Netflix, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

25.) Steve & Martin (w/ Steve Roberts, regarding Martin Newell)

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25.) Steve & Martin (w/ Steve Roberts, regarding Martin Newell)
(Recorded on 31 March 2021.)

Martin Newell actually introduced us to Steve Roberts, and sort of set us on our path of interviewing people connected to this show. So when we had Steve on the line, we couldn’t help but ask him a few questions about what it was like to know, “The Greatest Living Englishman.”

Heather reads an excerpt from the book in question.

Austin has some Austin questions.

 

 

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Escape From New York, which seems to currently be streaming on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

24.) Remembering William Friedkin (w/ Steve Roberts)

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24.) Remembering William Friedkin (w/ Steve Roberts)
(Recorded on 31 March 2021.)

William Friedkin passed away on 7 August 2023, at the age of 87, and left behind a body of work – and a reputation – that was unlike anyone else in Hollywood. While not directly connected with Max Headroom in any specific way, we do have a funny anecdote regarding Steve working with William, on a post-Headroom project. William was fairly notorious, both for his talent and his odd behavior, and in some ways, this is probably the perfect tribute to a man who could be so polarizing.

Heather has no idea who we’re talking about.

Austin was looking for one story, and got something else entirely.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Escape From New York, which seems to currently be streaming on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

23.) The Law of Fives (w/ Blank Brian)

~ Austin Rich ~ 1 Comment

23.) The Law of Fives (w/ Blank Brian)
(Recorded on 13 July 2023.)

It seems as if there is some connection between Network 23, J.R. “Bob” Dobbs, the 23 Enigma, and, of course, Max Headroom, both the character, and the show. And while it seems as if there is as much chance as there is intention when it comes to these connections, we explore both the 23 Enigma and the SubGenius icon “Bob” Dobbs, and try to make it connect to our usual interests. .

Heather is ready to sign up and live the Slack Lifestyle.

Austin likes to remember the memes from yesteryear.

Brian offers us some tips on how the sausage is made.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Escape From New York, which seems to currently be streaming on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

22.) Advice For Aspiring Writers (w/ Steve Roberts)

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22.) Advice For Aspiring Writers (w/ Steve Roberts)
(Recorded on 31 March 2021.)

Writing is hard. For everyone. Even if you have done it before. Especially if you have, in fact. So here’s a few words to remind you of these truths, from someone who has done a lot of writing in their day.

Heather wants to know if she’s doing it write.

Austin loves to hear a little philosophy now and then.

 

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Escape From New York, which seems to currently be streaming on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

21.) “I Wanna Talk About Her Meetings” (MGM, Network, 1976)

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21.) “I Wanna Talk About Her Meetings” (MGM, “Network,” 1976)
(Recorded on 3 June 2022.)

Over a year in the making, here is our conversation about the award-winning feature film, Network, which has a number of similarities to our source texts, in ways that will become more and more apparent when you start to see the Coke bottles.

Heather is surprised by things in a movie from 1976.

Austin tries to make a case that this movie is still relevant, especially because everything in it came true.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Escape From New York, which seems to currently be streaming on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

20.) Possible Futures, Past & Present (w/ Steve Roberts)

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20.) Possible Futures, Past & Present (w/ Steve Roberts)
(Recorded on 28 February 2022 and 25 August 2022.)

We have a wealth of conversational nuggets, not just between the many chats that Heather and I have had, but with friends of the show, too. In this Maxi, Steve reacts to the news of the new Max shows that was announced last year, and discusses his own attempts to relaunch the program with Matt Frewer, several years ago.

Heather is surprised the beach idea wasn’t new.

Austin loves to talk about the Max Headroom’s that could have been.

 

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Network, which seems to currently be streaming on HBO Max, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

19.) The Max Headroom Initiative

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19.) The Max Headroom Initiative
(Recorded on 18 May. 2023.)

In our continuing efforts to get back on track with our every-other-week release schedule, we are rolling out some Max Headroom Mini’s – in other words, some Maxis – that offer some of the bite-sized bits that have come our way, and don’t precisely have a home in a full episode. This week, we discuss Austin’s appearance on The Incomparable Episode #667, and why our listeners might want to tune in. (If they aren’t already.)

Heather has some questions for her co-host that was suddenly on a different podcast talking about THEIR topic.

Austin offers sausage making tips and a new song about the experience.

 

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

In our next episode, we will be offering either some additional Maxis, or our promised conversation about the film Network, which seems to currently be streaming on HBO Max, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

 

18.) The Steve Roberts Interview: “Hollywood Is A Weird Place”

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18.) The Steve Roberts Interview: “Hollywood Is A Weird Place”
(Recorded on 31 Mar. 2021,  28 February 2022 and 25 August 2022.)

In this jam-packed, special episode of 20 Minutes Into The Future, we get the story of the various kinds of work Steve Roberts has done, going back to the early 70’s, and covering some of the work he’s done since Max Headroom. There are so many stories and incredible moments from his past that we couldn’t possibly fit it all into one episode, but instead, consider this a 90 minute introduction to a fascinating man, who just so happened to have written Max Headroom, too. This episode pairs very well with our interview featuring the life of Michael Cassutt, and as mentioned in the body of this show, a lot more detail appears in our panel discussion, featuring three of the key players in the US Show Creative team: Brian Frankish, Michael Cassutt & Steve Roberts. All three of them paint a much more complete picture of the US Show and how it came to be, and I think you can read between the lines just enough to get a sense of the story behind the story, too.

Heather is very excited to meet Steve’s dog.

Austin has far too many questions for Mr. Roberts that he’s been wanting to ask for years.

 

In our next episode, we are not entirely sure what we will be talking about yet. We are still sorting out our upcoming schedule, but one of our next episodes will feature a conversation about the film Network, which seems to currently be streaming on HBO Max, though who can say how long that will be? There are a number of other places to find it, too, so check it out, and we’ll get out next episode out, ASAP.

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.” So if you help support Austin Rich so he doesn’t have to punch a clock, then we can get more of this kind of material to you, quickly.

17.) Circle Takes The Square (Netflix S2E7, “Friend Zoned…”)

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17.) Circle Takes The Square (Netflix S2E7, “Friend Zoned…”)
(Recorded on 15 Mar. 2022)

In this episode we discuss the Netflix reality TV program, The Circle, this time, a show that Heather knows very well, and Austin has never seen before. Everything’s backwards this time, but these two manage to still find some way of engaging the content, just like they would otherwise.

Heather introduces Austin to one of her favorite Reality TV Show.

Austin manages to still bring it all back to Max Headroom in the end.

 

In our next episode, we are not entire sure what we will be talking about yet. We have a number of episodes recorded that could well be next. However, from here on out, we won’t be doing any previewing of next week’s show, until we get a better sense of how to deploy our upcoming shows.

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.”

16.) Babies: How Children Are Represented In, “Max Headroom.” (A Discussion Regarding The Supreme Court’s Decision To Strike Down, ‘Row v. Wade.’)

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16.) Babies: How Children Are Represented In, “Max Headroom.” (A Discussion Regarding The Supreme Court’s Decision To Strike Down, ‘Row v. Wade.’) 
(Recorded on 14 July 2022.)

In this episode we have a conversation framed by the way that babies are represented in “Rakers” and in “Baby Grobags.” Specifically: how these two episodes speak volumes about the actual future we face now that Row v. Wade has been rescinded. This is a serious political conversation, and the funny editing during the serious sections has been reduced because of this. While the conversation does reference Max occasionally, it is largely about our new political reality, which happens to resemble the horrors we see in this fictional TV show.

Heather cannot separate the issue from the art.

Austin talks more than he should.

In our next episode, we will be discussing S2E7 of the US TV Program, “The Circle,” originally dropped on 21 April 2021. The episode is titled “Friend Zoned…” it is currently available on Netflix.com. Yes, we are finally getting to it. For real.

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.”

15.) A Breaking News Story!

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15.) A Breaking News Story!
(Recorded on 4 Aug. 2022.)

In this episode we discuss the incredible news that broke on deadline.com on 29 July 2022. We offer a complete breakdown of the actual news, infer what we can from ancillary sources, and then offer a few tid-bits of our own news, from friends-of-the-show Steve Roberts and Michael Cassutt. (And it’s not exactly the kind of news you’re thinking it might be, either.) Lastly, we offer some conjecture as to what we want from this new show, and some ideas for how to pursue it.

Heather pitches a few new Max-related sitcoms.

Austin has done his homework.

In our next episode, we will be discussing the way that childbirth is presented on Max Headroom, and how we can look at recent Supreme Court Rulings in the United States, and how they could lead to a world like the one we see in “Rakers” and “Baby Grobags.” It’s a general conversation, but we do reference those two episodes.

We encourage you to help with our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost vintage Max Headroom script, “Families.”

14.) Our Cup Runneth Over

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14.) Our Cup Runneth Over
(Recorded on 26 Aug. 2021, 10 Jun. 2021, 7 Apr. 2021 and 14 Apr. 2021)

In this episode we present selections from a variety of past episodes, each segment cut for time but each interesting segments on their own, and are now edited together for your convenience. We also announce our Patreon Fundraiser, where we are working with Michael Cassutt to create an audio-drama version of his lost script, “Families.” Read All About It. Here’s a break-down of today’s episode, in case you want to skip straight to your favorite section:

Introduction             0:00:00 - 0:07:09: (07:08 Total)
More Bowie Talk          0:07:09 - 0:19:43: (12:34 Total)
More Season One Talk     0:19:43 - 0:40:46: (21:03 Total)
Bumper / Transition      0:40:46 - 0:43:35: (02:49 Total)
Michael Cassutt Snippets 0:43:35 - 1:15:00: (31:25 Total)
Let’s Build A Family     1:15:00 - 1:22:07: (07:07 Total)
RuPaul Outro / Next Time 1:22:07 - 1:28:46: (06:37 Total)

Heather reveals that she thought Max Headroom was a real AI.

Austin reveals who is favorite character from Season 1 is, and it’s fairly obvious.

 

In our next episode, we will be discussing S2E7 of the US TV Program, “The Circle,” originally dropped on Netflix on 21 April 2021. Titled “Friend Zoned…” it is currently available on Netflix.com. Yes, I’m sort of shocked myself. What can I say? It was Heather’s pick…

13.) Big Time Television #2

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13.) Big Time Television #2
(Recorded on 10 June 2021)

In this episode we discuss six songs from the ’70s and ’80s, and do our best to summarize the first season of Max Headroom. This turns into a free-ranging conversation about the world of Max, these six videos, and a little-known artist that Heather seems to know quite a bit about.

Heather finds three more ways to talk about her biggest obsession.

Austin gets to relive a moment from one of his favorite Savage Steve Holland films.

 

In our next episode, we will be splicing together a number of leftover bits from a handful of previous episodes. We have a lot more Bowie / music talk that we couldn’t fit into this episode, and we include two sections of conversation with Michael Cassutt that we couldn’t fit into the panel discussion or the solo interview.

We also have a VERY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT that we will be revealing at the end of that episode so you won’t want to miss it!

12.) Blank Life (ABC S1E6, “The Blanks”)

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12.) Blank Life (ABC S1E6, “The Blanks”)
(Recorded on 9 Mar. 2021)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 5 May 1987, “The Blanks,” Star Trek ZOOM Parties, the show’s continued interest in coffee gags, and how Bryce models the kinds of complements you should deliver to your coworkers.

Heather invents a new drink: Green Coke.

Austin drop’s the Dre / Blank Reg collaboration we didn’t know we all needed to hear.

 

 

In our next episode, we will be discussing six songs that connect to (or remind us) of Max Headroom, selected by our hosts. You can watch the music videos for these songs in this playlist:

11.) We’re Watching Screens of Them Watching Screens (Watch Party 1 – Channel 4 Telefilm Commentary Track)

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11.) We’re Watching Screens of Them Watching Screens (Watch Party 1 – Channel 4 Telefilm Commentary Track)
(Recorded on 3 Apr. 2021)

In this episode, we present recordings from the evening of our first watch party, where you can listen along like it is a commentary track for the Channel 4 Telefilm, “Max Headroom.” Essentially: 20 Minutes Into The Future does RiffTrax, and YOU ARE THERE.

Heather added just a tiny-bit too much fernet branca to her cocktail.

Austin has – OH NO! – written jokes! (Gasp!)

 

If you would like to watch along, you might want to use this link, as we cannot include more than samples from the original telefilm in this presentation. With that in mind, you will want to use the three “beeps” that are included in this episode, to synch your video and audio. As you are listening to this podcast, enjoy the opening, as we spend about seven minutes setting the stage for what you will hear.

After that, you will hear two short beeps and one, longer beep. (Sort of like a filmstrip, from when we were kids.) At the end of the longer beep, press “play” on the device you are using to watch the video. The two should synch up, and there are four moments during the video that our podcast audio and the audio from the video will match. If they do; congratulations. You can enjoy the presentation. Three more times during the show, samples from the video will give you a chance to monitor how well the video is synching. If they don’t line-up, then something went wrong. Try to re-align using the sample to guide you.

In our next episode, we will (hopefully) be discussing S1E6 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 5 May 1987. Titled “The Blanks,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. As it happens, this link doesn’t actually exist, which is a bonus for  you.

10.) Janie’s Got A [Camera] Gun (ABC S1E5, “War”)

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10.) Janie’s Got A [Camera] Gun (ABC S1E5, “War”)
(Recorded on 23 Feb. 2021)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 28 April 1987, “War,” new office slang, how easy it is to figure out that Phil is the weak link at your office, and this episode’s obsession with Italian art film.

Heather discovers she is related to the lead character in this episode.

Austin introduces Heather to a new idea for a podcast: The Firmcast.

 

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E6 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 5 May 1987. Titled “The Blanks,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. As it happens, this link doesn’t actually exist, which is a bonus for  you.

09.) The Michael Cassutt Interview: “Follow Your Interests”

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The Michael Cassutt Interview: “Follow Your Interests”
(Recorded on 7 Apr. 2021)

Join us for a conversation with Michael Cassutt, a television producer and writer who has pursued a very unique career path, largely so he can keep writing science fiction and fantasy stories of one variety or another. In this show, we get the full dirt on breaking into writing, how he got on at The Twilight Zone, how that led to working on Max Headroom, and where his career led him after that.

Still active, still writing, and most recently working as a novelist and non-fiction writer, Michael is a wonderful person to chat with, and we had a delight getting to know him.

Heather is curious about Michael’s radio career.

Austin demands to know what it was like to work with Joe Dante.

 

 

(We encourage you to enjoy the video version, which has us speaking with Michael in a fairly casual setting. The video is a more “raw” representation of the conversation, and does not contain all the audio editing and production that you will find in the podcast. There are elements in this presentation that are NOT a part of the podcast – and vice versa – so they are both worth checking out.)

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E5 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 28 April 1987. Titled “War,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. If you think you are willing to move toward the enemy lines for this exclusive, you might need this link to survive these combat conditions.

08.) Sparks FX (ABC S1E4, “Security Systems”)

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08.) Sparks FX (ABC S1E4, “Security Systems”)
(Recorded on 21 Jan. 2021)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 21 April 1987, “Security Systems,” how artificial intelligences seem to like working blue, and how this particular storyline hits a little too close to home.

Heather noticed some… interesting… lobby decor.

Austin seems to enjoy Max’s music selections this episode.

 

In our next episode, we will be interviewing writer Michael Cassutt, who was one of two primary writers that worked on the program, and helped shape it into what it became. You won’t want to miss this one, and don’t forget to check out our YouTube Channel, as it will have a video version of the episode, that you can watch along with the show.

07.) Big Into Blankets (ABC S1E3, “Body Banks”)

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07.) Big Into Blankets (ABC S1E3, “Body Banks”)
(Recorded on 6 Jan. 2021)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 14 April 1987, “Body Banks,” why it’s not cool to make people work after you start a party (at work), why the point of view of this show is still not very considerate of non-cis-male viewers, and how so many characters in this episode have got, “The Look.”

Heather is very concerned about the appearance of Fang in this episode.

Austin has quite a bit of evidence for why this one is out of order.

 

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E4 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 21 April 1987. Titled “Security Systems,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. If you are a l33t hax0r, then this link will serve your needs. 

06.) Big Time Television #1

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06.) Big Time Television #1
(Recorded on 17 Dec. 2020)

In this episode we discuss six songs from the ’80s, our continued interest in the developing Max Headroom Sitcom, and we delve a little more into Heather’s impressions, as she continues to be exposed to a 30 year old TV show that she knows little about.

Heather reveals that she was a pre-teen proto-goth.

Austin gets predictably academic with his music selections.

 

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E3 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 14 April 1987. Titled “Body Banks,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. You can make a withdrawal from this link, at this point.

 

05.) A Raking Session (ABC S1E2, “Rakers”)

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05.) A Raking Session (ABC S1E2, “Rakers”)
(Recorded on 27 Oct. 2020)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 7 April 1987, “Rakers,” the future of underground sports, David Bowie’s continued connection with the program, and why it’s not cool to order a drink for someone who has turned it down three times.

Heather purchases some friends for Mitch.

Austin’s dog-like behavior eventually becomes infectious.

 

In our next episode, we will be discussing six songs that were popular during the era that “Max Headroom” was on television, selected by the hosts. You can watch the music videos for these songs in this playlist:

04.) Writing & Producing The Future: “THAT’S What They Want To Do?” (A Conversation With Brian Frankish, Steve Roberts & Michael Cassutt)

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04.) Writing & Producing The Future: “THAT’S What They Want To Do?” (A Conversation With Brian Frankish, Steve Roberts & Michael Cassutt)
(Recorded on 14 Apr. 2021)

In this episode we are given some rare insight into the making of our favorite program, when Brian Frankish, Steve Roberts & Michael Cassutt offer to convert their own visages into Headroom-style presentations, and share an hour of stories, memories, and other bits and bobs about what it was like to make this show. As we discovered: this was a bit of a reunion for these three, and it was a pleasure to have made it happen, while also getting a little Hollywood gossip on what happened behind the scenes. (We’ll give you a hint: it was a lot of drinking.)

Heather needs to know about the car in Theora’s bedroom.

Austin probably gushes a little too much toward our guests.

 

(We encourage you to enjoy the video version, as there are charming details that don’t translate quite as well to an audio podcast, namely Brian producing props at various times. The video is a more “raw” representation of the conversation, and does not contain all the audio editing and production that you will find in the podcast. This is the “meat & potatoes” version, as they as; just as good as the audio version, but a little rougher around the edges, and without all the filigree.)

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E2 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 7 April 1987. Titled “Rakers,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. This link could help you skate through to the next show.

03.) [keyboarding] (ABC S1E1, “Blipverts”)

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03.) [keyboarding] (ABC S1E1, “Blipverts”)
(Recorded on 15 Oct. 2020)

In this episode we discuss the ABC TV Transmission from 31 March 1987, “Blipverts,” hiring children to work in tech offices, and how the few diverse and progressive elements in the show still managed to avoid naming characters, giving them dialog, or passing the Bechtel Test.

Heather experiences a strange sense of déjà vu… again.

Austin posits that cyberpunk is secretly a Christmas genre.

 

Next Episode: We take a break from reviewing Max, and would ask that you Join us for a conversation with Brian Frankish, Steve Roberts and Michael Cassutt, as they discuss what it was like to be “Writing & Producing The Future: THAT’S What They Want To Do?”

Only on: 20minutesintothefuture.org

 

 

02.) Music Video Logic (Channel 4 Telefilm, “Max Headroom”)

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02.) Music Video Logic (Channel 4 Telefilm, “Max Headroom”)
(Recorded on 26 Sept. 2020)

Exactly 36 years after the initial broadcast of “Max Headroom” on Channel 4, we discus this telefilm, sexual harassment on your first day at work, and if it really is cost-efficient to compress commercials to 1/10th their original length.

Heather wonders if David Bowie was a Max Headroom fan.

Austin wonders if the writer’s of “Freejack,” might have seen Bruegel’s wardrobe.

 

In our next episode, we will be discussing S1E1 of the US TV Program, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 31 March 1987. Titled “Blipverts,” it is currently available on DVD through Shout Factory, and comes with a number of excellent bonus features. This link might work for you, at least, for now.

01.) We Can Title ’em, Too (Our Pilot)

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01.) We Can Title ’em, Too (Our Pilot)
(Recorded on 7 Sept. 2020 AND 4 Feb. 2021) 

In our Pilot episode, we introduce our listeners to our show, how we will be viewing the show / character, how often we’ll be on, and what our relationship with Max Headroom is. A cascading series of meta-talks about our future talks ensues. In a meta way.

Heather reveals that she thinks Max Headroom is a sitcom.

Austin spends a fair amount of time discussing lawn care.

In our next episode, we will be discussing the UK telefilm, “Max Headroom,” originally aired 4 April 1985. It was briefly available in Japan on Laserdisc, but is currently unavailable, to our knowledge. YouTube, archive.org, and a number of other sites have it available for you to enjoy in the meantime.

This link might work for you, for now.