The GHZ Podcast
By The GHZ Podcast
The GHZ PodcastNov 17, 2023
64) Blonic Blooperstars: A Review
With Nathan lost at sea, our GHZ-oldbie pal Locit joins us from lands afar to engage in a pleasant, constructive, and well-reasoned ramble on the eagerly-anticipated Sonic Superstars, released last month to rave reviews (for a given value of "rave"). Additionally, we take a cursory glance at sudden development Sonic Dream Team, and old feuds are reignited along the way.
Feel like playing co-op? Come hang out in the Discord! https://discord.gg/Gkh4Kaaatw
63) All Work, No PlayStation
Boy, do we (finally) have a show for you, Dear Listeners: animated feature reviews, cool adult PS5 chat, a nippy new segment called The Sonic Speedrun, and also a bit where we talk about a new segment that we might do, but we haven't decided yet. Thrills, chills and spills - but no Sonic Superstars review, that's next month. Probably.
62) Hedgehog's Dilemma or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Superstars
Scandals aplenty at GHZ Heights this month as we chew over the recent Sega of America 1996 document leaks, plus some startling developments in the popular Sonic the Hedgehog videogame series for home consoles.
This episode was originally published on the 2nd of August 2023, but decided to re-publish itself under mysterious circumstances. We apologise for the confusion, and for the inevitable AI uprising to come.
61) Of Tears and Kingdoms
Suddenly, and also three weeks late (approx.), the GHZ fellas wax lyrical about national anthems, GotG (pronounced "got-GUH") & DADHAT (pronounced "DADHAT"), and current affairs in kingdoms both 'United' and 'of Hyrule'. Additionally, Nathan learns about "pennying a pint", and is disgusted.
60) Castle of Illusion, Starring Mickey Mouse
Hiatus? I'm sure you do - we've been gone ages! It's time to spring forth and join the fellas at GHZ HQ once again, as we chat about the 1991 Disney action game (featuring Mickey Mouse), as well as the upcoming Sonic Origins Plus, the legacy of Rockman.exe, and Spider-Man's flagrant disregard for human life.
59) Year in Review 2022
Grant, Josh, and David the Lurker gather around the flames of Iblis to reflect on 2022 — from Sonic the Movie 2, to Sonic Origins, to Sonic Frontiers, to the new Sonic Prime on Netflix (and more besides) — and look ahead to '23. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
58) Sonic Adventures w/ ASHLYN ANSTEE
Animator and author Ashlyn Anstee joins the boys to shake things up with some spicy takes about Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Colors, Sonic Forces, and more. The GHZ Podcast cast for this episode, in speaking order, for those keeping track: Grant, Josh, Bo, Lee, and David the Lurker. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit!
57) Burning Rangers
Bo leads a discussion about Burning Rangers, the 1998 Sonic Team game for the Sega Saturn, with Michael, Jared (Green Gibbon!), Lee, David the Lurker, and Grant each contributing in their own way. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
56) Sonic Frontiers Review Roundtable w/ JON GRAY, MATT BRALY, SAM LOGAN & More!
Our biggest episode yet, featuring Jon Gray, Matt Braly, and Sam Logan — plus Bo and David the Lurker joining Grant, Josh, and Lee! That's right, 8 dudes giving you 'tude about the brand new Sonic the Hedgehog game! As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
55) Sonic Frontiers: London EGX Impressions
Josh and Jenny relate their experiences playing Sonic Frontiers hands-on at EGX London. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
54) Sonic Frontiers Preview
The fellas share some spicy hot takes about Sonic Frontiers. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
53) TYSON HESSE!!
Artist Tyson Hesse joins us to talk about his extraordinary career, from the Boxer Hockey webcomic beginnings to his current work on the Sonic movies, animations, comics, games, and more! As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
52) Sonic Underground Song Rankings
We wrap up our Sonic Underground song rankings to determine, once and for all, the very best and very worst of what Sonic Underground had to offer musically. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
51) Sonic Frontiers; Knuckles' Chaotix w/ JESSE BETTERIDGE
GHZer Jesse Betteridge (Zannen, Canada podcast) joins in for some thoughts about the new Sonic Frontiers leaks, and talks about how the forgotten 32X classic, Knuckles' Chaotix, changed his life forever. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
50) That '90s Episode
Our pal Jesse joins us as we chill to the MAX and discuss the decade that birthed Sonic the Hedgehog — the 1990s. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
49) Shadow the Hedgehog
Our pal Donald joins the show to try and convert us into liking Shadow the Hedgehog (the character, not the game). Plus, we all Say Something Nice about the Sonic Heroes special stages. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
48) The Stories of Sonic
The fellas plot a course to talk about the stories in the Sonic franchise. Plus, more Sonic Underground song rankings! As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
47) ~Fanfic Masterpiece Theatre~
"Sonic Fights Robotnik" — originally published by SonicFan in 1998 — is performed live by The GHZ Podcast crew plus Abby Denton, Michael, and David the Lurker. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
46) Writing Sonic Gamebooks w/ JAMES WALLIS
Game designer James Wallis joins us for a chat about his time writing Sonic the Hedgehog gamebooks and novels in the '90s. Plus, the return of Pop Quiz, Hotshot! As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
45) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Continuing our summer vacation away from Sonic, this week we're joined by Jenny, Josh's IRL girlfriend, to talk TMNT and Shredder's Revenge. Plus, everyone gives some recommendations for things they've been enjoying. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
44) NiGHTS Into Dreams...
We're joined by GHZers Green Gibbon! and Locit to discuss the 1996 Sega Saturn classic, NiGHTS. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
43) Sonic Toys & Merch
The fellas reflect on the Sonic merchandise, toys, and junk they've accumulated over the years. Plus, we continue our reviews of every Sonic Underground song. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
42) Sonic Origins Review
David the Lurker (Sonic Retro) returns to review the new Sonic Origins compilation. Plus, an investigation into the truth of Sonic's birthday in our new segment: The S-Files. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
41) Sonic Speedrunning w/ AMBER CYPRIAN
Streamer Amber Cyprian joins us to talk about speedrunning Sonic games. Plus, we all Say Something Nice about Sonic Labyrinth. Follow Amber on Twitch, and be sure to check out Games Done Quick! As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
40) Sonic Frontiers; Super Mario w/ SAM LOGAN
Cartoonist Sam Logan returns to react to the new Sonic Frontiers trailers and talk about what the Sonic series could learn from Super Mario. Plus, we theorize on the truth behind the Sonic 3 tracks. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
39) Sonic & Knuckles w/ JANDÊ SAAVEDRA
Jandê Saavedra of Double Dash Studios (Sky Racket) joins us for a review of 1994's Sonic & Knuckles, aka the second half of Sonic 3 & Knuckles. Plus, we create our first OC together in our new segment, Build-A-'Chidna: the Five Knuckle Shuffle. As always, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
38) Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994)
Emily returns to cover all aspects of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, from the Happy Meal promotion to each individual zone, and why the game is worth appreciating on its own. Plus, the return of Say Something Nice about Archie Knuckles! Also, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
37) Sonic the Gamebook, Part II w/ ABBY DENTON
Comedian Abby Denton returns to complete our adventure through the Metal City Mayhem gamebook and insanity ensues. If you want the full story, flip back to Episode 11 from Season 1 for part one! Also, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
36) Sonic Origins Preview
Orange you glad we devoted an episode to hyping Sonic Origins? Plus, we continue our quest to rank every Sonic Underground song. Also, thanks to Bo for the edit! Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
35) Sonic Forces
Bo returns to the show to talk about Sonic Forces, which is somehow five years old already. Does the game improve with age and hindsight? What did we think about the new Avatars? We get into all of it, plus a game of Sonic Mad Libs! Also, thanks to Bo for the edit!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
34) Writing Sonic Movie 2 w/ PAT CASEY
Screenwriter Pat Casey returns to talk about his work on the hit movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and answer the Discord's most burning questions. Plus, a game of Beat the Panel! Thanks to Bo for the edit!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
33) Sonic Movie 2 Review
SPOILERS AHEAD! We review the new film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. How did we feel about [redacted], or the [redacted]? And how about that [redacted] reveal? Plus, we continue to rank the Sonic Underground songs. Thanks to Bo for the edit!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
32) Sonic OVA w/ CHARLIE GAVIN
Animator Charlie Gavin (Jellystone, Strange Planet) joins us for a chat about the original Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie — the OVA from 1996. Plus, some spoiler-free reactions on Sonic Movie 2 from the British half of the group! Thanks to Bo for the edit!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast! We're also on YouTube! Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
31) Sega Consoles: In Memoriam
We reflect on Sega's hardware history, from the Master System to the Dreamcast. Plus, more Sonic Underground song rankings! Thanks to Bo for the edit!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast
Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
30) The Spin Dash w/ ALEX YARD
YouTube essayist Alex Yard comes on the show to debate the merits of Sonic's iconic special attack. Did the Spin Dash set a bad precedent for the series? We talk it out! Also, thanks to Bo for the edit!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast
Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
29) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit) w/ THE GEEK CRITIQUE
YouTube essayist The Geek Critique joins the fellas for an analysis of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive classic Sonic 2. Thanks to Bo for editing!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast
Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
28) Top 10 Sonic Vocal Songs
Season 2 begins with the Hill Top of the Pops list of best vocal themes in the Sonic franchise. Plus, we begin ranking all of the songs from Sonic Underground. Thanks to Bo for editing!
Follow us on Twitter: @ghzpodcast
Email us: ghzpodcast@gmail.com
27) Holiday Bonus: Sonic Trailers
The boys are back for a holiday special and review the previews for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Sonic Frontiers.
26) Sonic Fan Games; Season 1 Finale
Rlan (Sonic the Hedgeblog) tells us about his experience in the Sonic fan game community. This is the last episode of Season 1! Tell us what you'd like to hear in Season 2: Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
25) Drawing Sonic w/ JON GRAY
Artist Jon Gray (IDW, Disney, Archie) joins for a chat about his work on the Sonic comics series! Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
24) Miles "Tails" Prower
An extended discussion of Sonic's li'l buddy. Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
23) Writing Sonic Boom w/ ALAN DENTON & GREG HAHN
Writers Alan Denton & Greg Hahn talk about writing the hit cartoon Sonic Boom! Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
22) Sonic Robo Blast 2 w/ FRED BRONZE
Fred Bronze joins and Locit returns to discuss SRB2, the 3D fan-game 20 years in development. Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
21) Sonic Colors Ultimate w/ MATT BRALY
Animator Matt Braly (Disney's Amphibia) joins to chat about the new re-release of Sonic Colors. Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
20) Sonic Adventure 2 w/ SAM LOGAN
Cartoonist Sam Logan (Sam & Fuzzy) returns to chat with us about the classic Sega Dreamcast game. Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
19) Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog
We chat about the 1993 syndicated animated series. Plus, a special appearance from Sonic himself! Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
18) A Critical Analysis of Robotnik's Butt
Our cheekiest episode yet, featuring Green Gibbon! Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
17) Idris Elba; Special Stages
Locit chats with us about Knuckles' new voice actor and shares some ideas on how to improve the Special Stages. Lee tours the Sonic subreddit. Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
16) Writing the Sonic Movies w/ PAT CASEY
Screenwriter Pat Casey talks about crafting the Sonic movie and teases what to expect in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (in theaters April 8 2022)! Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!
15) GHZ Origins; Sonic in the Third Dimension
Green Gibbon is the founder of The GHZ, and at last joins in to discuss Sonic's 3D outings. Join the Discord! Email us! Follow us on Twitter!