Show notes provided by Joe PelusoAmong the many joys of the Christmas season is the "gift" of giving. Huge amounts of money and time are expended to find just the right gift to bestow upon a treasured loved one. From Macy's Basement to Amazon's Home Page, the search for the perfect gift is launched. It can be a magical experience. But what if we were to extend that enchanting sojourn to include hunting down that prized bequest to a member of the pop culture universe? Well, this season four of Santa's helpers--James, Chris, Jack, and Joe--take up the honored challenge ofhunting down that special gift for some of their favorite pop culture icons.But instead of getting Wolverine a set of stainless steel carving knives, or Bruce Wayne a bottle of Laurent-Perrier: La Cuvee Champagne? Why not instead a book? And no, not a book on expensive cutlery or rare wines, but a volume that entertains, enlightens, and amuses. We think the boys will surprise you with their literary picks--and to whom they would bestow them upon.So from Lex Luthor, to Jack Hughes, and from Nightwing to Miles O'Brien, sit back with you favorite holiday hot toddy, stoke the fireplace, and trim the tree, for it is once again the peaceful season of giving. Let the soft falling snow and the dulcet sounds of caroling on your front porch open your hearts to the season that heralds PEACE. To all our loyal and faithful fans, let the promise of this specialseason fill your hearts and homes with joy and happiness. FELIX NATALIS CHRISTI!
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoChris and Joe are back at the sports desk for a World Series wrap up, and an in season NHL report. Was this current MLB Championship the best hardball clash since 1975? Are the Rangers getting with the new program and showing signs of playing winning hockey? Will a spate of injuries to the Devils D-men derail an impressive start? And is phenom Matthew Schaefer of the Islanders the next NHL superstar? In other sports (Yes,Virginia, there are sports besides Baseballand Hockey), Giants head coach Brian Dabool is shown the door at MetLife Stadium, the Knicks have a new coach in Mike Brown, the MLB GM meetings convene with trade rumors running rampant (Skubal to the Mets?!), the CBA running out at season's end, and the impending start of the PBA season are all discussed in detail by the guys. Lace up the cleats, put on the pads, tighten that helmet strap, and get the heck out of the way of those high and inside hard ones! The Mint Sports Desk will continue to keep you informed.
Show notes provided by Joe Peluso It's that time of the year when the Mint Crew counts their blessings and gives thanks. This year James, Chris and Joe want to thank their favorite pop culture creators who have bestowed on each of them the gifts of awe, influence, thoughtfulness, and fun. From the realms of movies and TV, to comics and novels, music and sports, the guys list the things that fired their imaginations, and lifted their souls. Who were the novelists that brought Chris back to reading fiction? Who was the Spider-Man artist that wowed James with his unique and wild designs and layouts? And what 1960's baseball player cemented Joe's lifelong love affair with the sport? I don't want to give away too much, because this is one of our"list" episodes that we hope will surprise--and entertain you. There's a few twists and turns, some philosophical musings, a heaping amount of adulation, and a fair amount of history. So sit back and enjoy the interpretive introspections of themulti-talented individuals who for decades have propelled all of us into the vast playground we lovingly call the "pop culture universe". Finally on this special day, please remember how much we love and appreciate you--our faithful Mint Condition friends. Thank you. Live long and prosper.
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoWE DID IT!! Your "crisis crew" of James, Keith, Richie, and Joe havesuccessfully navigated the madness of the multiverse and completedtheir review of "Crisis on Infinite Earths".The twelve chapter event,that changed fifty years of DC Comics history, was the challengingassignment that the guys undertook to put their insightful spin on amonumental classic story. Worlds lived and died, new characters wereintroduced, while some old ones went away for a long time. Chaoticbattles, base betrayals, power, pathos, and peril all came to the forein a saga that left the comic book reading world stunned andsurprised. While changes were made it wasn't a total housing cleaning, butmore of a cosmic rearranging of the furniture.The Monitor, The AntiMonitor, the new Dr. Light, Alexander Luthor, Harbinger and othersburst on the scene. But the stakes were so high that Barry Allen, KaraZor-El, Wonder Woman, and many others did not make it out alive. Magicmet super science, and super-heroics aligned with vile villainy all inan attempt to save creation across the multiverse. When the dust hadsettled, new heroes rose up to take on the mantles of beloved iconswho had perished. A troubled teen became a man to carry on his uncle'slegacy, and thus Wally West became The Flash. A new Earth had emergedfrom the cosmological chaos, but still a world in need of heroes. Whatfollowed shortly in DC's publishing line were a spate of new seriesthat delineated the landscape of this "brave new world". But was everything now set in stone, were the pieces in all theright places? Those questions and more were tackled by your hosts, asthey (like the survivors of this "crisis") struggled a bit with thenew status quo. But when talented creatives like George Perez and MarvWolman are involved in epic storytelling, does it really matter if allthe toys don't make it back into one box? If you have never read C.O.I.E., we sincerely hope our audaciousanalysis will spur you on to pick it up, and join us in the pleasureof reading the greatest comic book event of all time!
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoThe crew is back on board the bridge of the starship Enterprise.Captain James, Commanders Josh and John, and Lt. Joe are ready to run a full diagnostic on season three of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.With practiced Star Fleet precision they dissect the season recounting the highs and lows that Captain Pike and his crew experienced in theirten episode trek. Did season three live up to the quality of seasons one and two? What were the Mint Crew's favorite episodes? Were there any clankers? Dunsels? Too much comedy, fantasy, and magic? Are ten episodes per season enough ground to explore thecharacters and settings in Strange New Worlds? Can logic be "gifted" through pharmacology, or is it a "learned" trait? What is the true mission of StarFleet? Where is Science Fiction going in a world where technology may be outdistancing humanity? What classic Star Trek characters do the crew want to see come aboard in season four? And most importantly--Where is Joe's "western" episode? All this, and a lot more, were discussed with clarity, commitment, and some comedic cleverness as the crew went where no podcast has gone before (Well, since the last Trek podcast episode.). So, come and join the command crew in the swanky new bar on NCC-1701, but be careful what you order. Remember, Romulan Ale is still illegal. Unless of course you find your way to Scotty's cabin.
We are coming out of the Halloween season with a classic back of the store chat. Making their first appearance on a Back of the Store Edition is podcast regular Josh Bernhard. The conversation starts of talking about the Mandalorian and Grogu trailer but evolves into a deep dive discussion about the current state of Star Wars, the future of the franchise and then turns into a talk about Star Trek. Much like being in the real back of the store back in the days, you never knew where you would end up.
Halloween 2025 is here and once again the SOMC crew is joined by our King of Halloween Patrick. After spending many years sharing the love they have for the classic Universal Monsters, the crew takes a turn and talks about the monsters of the 80's. Patrick is our guide through the horror/ slasher movie icons, telling us what makes them great and what movies any horror fan should check out. There will be a few tricks but lots of treats but in the end remember to have a Happy Halloween.
Show notes provided by Chris LaBancaHumans are social creatures. We band together for support and protection, especially in times of danger. That tendency to rely on one another is arguably one of our greatest strengths as a species! Unless, of course, there's something out there counting on us doing just that. Something that can rub, and fray, and tear at those bonds of humanity until none of us can trust any single person. Somehow, impossibly, including ourselves.Join the Secret Origins crew as we huddle together for warmth and safety in an Antarctic outpost, and discuss John Carpenter's The Thing. But we (and the sled dogs) are not the only living creatures out here in this arctic wasteland. And we probably don't have long. Because, especially here, 'man is the warmest place to hide.'
Welcome once again to the bayou where James, Joe, Chris and Josh are continuing to follow the path of Swamp Thing. This time they are diving into Vol. 2 of Alan Moore's 'The Saga of the Swamp Thing'. Where they discuss Swamp Thing putting Alec Holland to rest, going to Hell to save Abigail's soul, what Abby learns in 'The House of Secrets' and more.
Show Notes provided by Chris LaBancaWelcome, sports fans! It's Joe and Chris behind the sports desk again. And now that we're hitting our stride, we're going to aim to bring you a regular sports episode every two weeks, starting today. We've got plenty to discuss between the MLB playoffs and NHL puck drop, so come hang out with us for a little while! As the divisional round of MLB playoffs is in full swing, it'll be no surprise that we start there. But it's not long before we start talking hockey - men's hockey, women's hockey, California hockey, and Florida hockey....we're all over the place today! But luckily, we've got a couple of time stamps to help guide your way if you want to hop, skip, and jump around at your own pace. Enjoy!00:00 Introduction02:00 Yankees talk - the series with Toronto, and what can the Yanks do to improve moving forward?11:30 Mets talk - coaches have been fired; who will replace them?23:30 General hockey talk32:00 PWHL40:00 San Jose Sharks deep dive1:13:40 Tampa Bay Lightning deep dive1:37:15 Wrap-up
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoWith back to back Stanley Cups under their belts, Chris and Joepreview the 2025/2026 Florida Panthers upcoming NHL season. Employing lethal legerdemain in the front office, the brain thrust of the Panthers brought back to the ice almost everyone to make a rush at a "three peat" With his usual unerring stick to puck skills, Chris lays out the most important factors that could make a third straight Cup possible for the Florida fans.But will season ending surgery to centre Aleksander Barkov, and a lingering injury to forward MatthewTkachuk derail their best laid plans? Or can the Panthers "skate"through the early part of the season, licking their wounds, and then strike feline-like at the rest of the league? The hockey world will be watching. Because not since the halcyon days of the New York Islanders has any team won three straight Cups. It should be an interesting and wild season.
Show notes provide by Joe PelusoChris and Joe are back at the sports desk with another update on the world of sports that continues to thrill and dishearten its legion of fans. Like a screaming line drive smacked up the left-center field cap, the MLB postseason barrels on! The L.A. Dodgers took care of the Reds in short order (The Mets were watching from golf courses in Florida), as the rest of the contests continued at a frenetic pace. Over in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills continue to dominate with Josh Allen leading the charge. And Josh Allen became a focal point of conversation, as the boys posited the merits of the "hybrid QB" Have the likes of Allen, Mahomes, and Jackson made the next Manning(s) or even Brady obsolete? Is the pocket passer past his prime? Well, you can either drop back, roll out or step up after the ballis snapped, but don't "pass" (OUCH!) on this episode!
In this week's episode Joe and Keith wrap up the last installment of Dexter by giving there thoughts and highlights on Dexter Resurrection.
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoBack at the Mint Sports Desk with another NHL team preview, Chris and Joe take to the ice for the lowdown of the 2025/2026 New York Islanders season. Who's back, who's gone, free agents, the dreaded IL, the schedule, and chances for making the postseason are all covered once again with meticulous precision and proficiency by our master netminder, Chris. Even Joe (lunatic Rangers fan that he is) respects and admires Long Island's hockey team for its rich, record setting history of play in the NHL. And so from Long Island City to the Montauk Point Lighthouse join us for this loooong Isles preview. Oh, if you're headed to the game, give yourself some extra time that Long Island Expressway is a bear.
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoThe wild and wooly MLB season continues as teams scramble to get into the playoffs. There are serious scintillating scenarios that stagger the most seasoned supporter as each play could send your team to the showers, or propel them into the postseason. Join Chris and Joe as they try valiantly toduck out of the way of the "high hard ones" and get back in the box to go yard with their observations and predictions. The guys also examine the state of MLB's bullpens (and theircontinued lack of effectiveness), and "the hangover effect"(impossibly long seasons) of MLB and the NHL that could hamper a team's play in future seasons. The NFL may have snatched the sports sobriquet of "America"s "Passtime" from MLB, but it is still abundantly clear that "the grand old game" is still our nation's "passion".
The crew of the U.S.S Mint Condition are together, join James, John, Josh, Joe and new crew member Toby as they follow the Enterprise back in time to save First Contact from being prevented by the Borg. The crew discuss time travel, why was Lily not remembered, was the Borg Queen a good idea and what would Gene Roddenberry have thought about this movie. Grab your phaser and pulse rifles and remember "The line must be drawn here!"
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoAs the MLB and NFL seasons continue to give you "agita", remember October 7th is right around the corner. It is the glorious day when the NHL season begins, and the dreams of hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup in a packed arena, to the cheers of a raucous crowd, dance in one's head! Following up on our New York Rangers preview, Chris and Joe are back for the low down on The New Jersey Devils! Chris brings to bear his extensive knowledge of the sport, and his articulate, and accurate predictions for the upcoming Devils' season. Schedules, injuries, free agents to be, special teams, and more, hit the ice for your prognostic pleasure. Don't spend time in the penalty box because you aren't in the know. But take your seat on the bench, and be informed when it's time for your shift.
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoChris and Joe are back at the Mint Sports Desk for another update on the impending end of the MLB season, and the forthcoming playoffs.Who's going to have the best record, win their divisions, and capture a wild card. And as the season heads to the warning track, seconds guesses abound, injuries continue to mount and confound (Have you heard the one about Anthony Volpe?), and some awesome baseball recordsare challenged. The guys touch briefly on the NFL, and ask the $64,000 question: When will the Giants start Jaxson Dart? Joe has a better question: When will the Giants win another football game? Remember being a sports fan tests your patience, so put thatremote down when the Yankees go to the bullpen, or the Giants and Jets come out of their tunnels. Your large screen TV is too big a target.
Show notes provided by Joe PelusoIt's been a while since the back door to Mincondition was open(digitally speaking), but with the seasons turning so have James and Joe returned with the latest informal confabs on the current status of the pop culture universe. And it might take a universe, or at least the Alpha Quadrant, to contain all the subjects approached in this episode! Wow! The guys packed a lot into this one! Here's is but a sampling of what you will hear discussed in thisouting: A new Batman number one (only the fourth such issue since 1939!), the most recent Marvel/DC team-up featuring Batman and Deadpool, DC/KO, Superman:The Last Days of Lex Luthor, The Absolute Universe, Space Ghost, Speed Racer, and a list of recommendations that will put a strain on your wallet.And then there's the BIG stuff: Skydance buys Paramount Plus,Paramount Plus possibly acquiring the DCU, the future of Star Trek, the "mystery" surrounding syndicated TV shows and streaming services, the availability and access to new comics, Dexter Resurrection Season One, and the passing of Hollywood legend Robert Redford. All this, and more, awaits you in this most recent Back of theStore Episode! If you only listen to one podcast episode this year (Well, how about this month), it must be this one! A little side note to those with a weak stomach: The horrific loss of the Giants to the Cowboys in week two of the NFL season somehow made its way into this installment. You have been warned.