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Reserved Recommendations

Episode Playlist
Reserved Recommendations Episode 76 - Ross Palethorpe (The Wasp Factory)( 1:8:52)       
Episode Information
Scottish author Iain Banks is probably best known (under the name Iain M. Banks) for his iconic Culture novels, which had a titanic impact on far-future "space-operatic" science fiction. His debut novel, 1984's "The Wasp Factory" is significantly less well-known. It is an INCREDIBLY divisive book which, love it or hate it (early editions published four full pages of both rabidly positive *and* negative reviews), will leave a massive impact on any reader. Ross Palethorpe rejoins the podcast to talk about this Gothic nightmare fairytale of a book. CW for (not especially detailed) discussion of murder, animal abuse, child abuse and neglect. Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 14/03/2025 9:00:00 p.m.
Reserved Recommendations Episode 75 - Solo minisode (A Better Death Cult)( 0:47:15)       
Episode Information
I ruminate on useful ways to think about one's enemies' motives, prompted by considering the obscure horror movie "Jugface" (2013) in contrast with other depictions of fictional "death cults". Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 28/02/2025 9:00:00 p.m.
Reserved Recommendations parallel episode - Waitangi Day with Dr. Peter Cleave( 0:55:36)       
Episode Information
In the absence of a new mainline episode, I decided to do a parallel upload of this special I recorded for Waitangi Day this week. Waitangi Day and the Treaty of Waitangi occupy a complicated place in New Zealand's public consciousness, especially in light of the current debate around David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill. In this special longform interview for Waitangi Day 2025, Hugh talks to Dr Peter Cleave about this complex and difficult history. Dr Peter Cleave has been involved with retention and development of Te Reo Māori since the 1970s, holding numerous teaching roles at all levels. He has been both an academic and a broadcaster in Te Reo Māori, and was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2025 for services to Māori language education. Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 7/02/2025 9:00:00 p.m.
Reserved Recommendations Episode 74 - Elana Levin and John Cecil (Hair Metal)( 1:18:32)       
Episode Information
"Hair metal" is, right off the bat, a disputed term. It began as a way of disparaging the pop glam metal of the 80s in comparison with the more "authentic" grunge movement that was becoming more fashionable in the early 90s, but was embraced by some fans of the genre as a catch-all term for groups who wouldn't necessarily have considered themselves part of the same scene at the time. However you slice it, hair metal was much MUCH bigger than you remember it, and its demise was far less total. Elana Levin (Graphic Policy Radio, Deep Space Dive) and returning champion John Cecil join the show to school me on an era and genre I know shamefully little about. Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 31/01/2025 9:00:00 p.m.
Reserved Recommendations Episode 73 - Solo minisode (RIP David Lynch)( 0:42:18)       
Episode Information
I'm back! I decided I'd like to get to ep 100 before I wrap this thing up, so that's nice. In this episode I have a bunch of thoughts prompted by the passing of David Lynch, and witnessing other people's takes on his life and work. I also get a bit into That Vulture Article re: the evolving Gaiman situation but I don't say anything very graphic or descriptive. Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 17/01/2025 9:00:00 p.m.
Reserved Recommendations Episode 72 - Solo minisode (Against Common Sense)( 0:51:5)       
Episode Information
On the last episode of the year (possibly the last ever?) I return to the solo minisode format to talk about the plague of "common sense" which I think is seriously damaging our current political climate. Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.
Published: 20/12/2024 9:00:00 p.m.