Welcome to an interview variety show for your ears hosted by Justin Michael. Each episode brings together a fan of Batman: The Animated Series or a special guest who worked on the TV show to discuss their favorite episodes from the legendary 90’s cartoon. Why? Because I love this show. You probably do, too.
Paul Dini is one of the best Batman writers out there. Today we take a break from the animated series to chat about his new graphic novel Dark Night, an autobiographical book from DC and Vertigo that stars Paul, the people behind Batman: The Animated Series and Batman himself. Rate + Subscribe + Comment in iTunes! Follow @BTASpodcast on Twitter for updates. More at www.BTASpodcast.com.
Batman gets married! For real! I chat about making the episode Chemistry with fantastic Batman and DC animation writer Stan Berkowitz (Justice League: The New Frontier, Batman Beyond, Superman). Then, I chat with my good buddies Dan Lippert (Big Grande, UCB's Winslow, Camp WWE) and Harry Chaskin (Robot Chicken, Friendship All-Stars) about Robin's cake eating habits, creepy plant people and Poison Ivy. We also discuss about our new stop-motion comedy short Monster Island! Sponsored by Tim Drake’s...
It's the very last of Batman's animated solo outings! I chat with series writer and story editor Rich Fogel about writing the final episode of the series and his work on Superman, Justice League and Batman Beyond. Then I show Kevin Manwarren (the very great band TUFT, @kevinmanwarren) the episode for the first time and he teaches me some humiliatingly basic information about football. Sponsored by Split Personality Plus! Also featuring Jace Armstrong as Kevin Conroybot in Kevin Conroybot Korner....
Batman’s put on trial in Arkham Asylum by almost all of his greatest foes! First I talk with Mike Carlson (@phatcarlson, Screenjunkies MovieFights, Tournament of Nerds) about his love for this series and the episode. Then it’s two mini-interviews! First, the show’s voice director Andrea Romano shares how she cast and directed the voices behind Batman’s villains and Tim Curry’s take on the Joker. Then series director Dan Riba returns to share behind the scenes tidbits about every episode he direc...
Legendary Batman writer Denny O’Neil talks about why he thinks Batman is one of the best storytelling tools around, what went into the creation of Ra’s al Ghul, and how he shifted Batman from campy policeman to dark vigilante detective in the 1970s. But first, Deb Tarica (UCB, @instantdeborah) and I talk about the animated Ra’s, goopy lazarus pits, and Burt Ward’s actual brand of dog food. Rate + Subscribe in iTunes! Follow @BTAS for updates. Donate at patreon.com/btaspodcast.
Batgirl gets the spotlight in today’s episode! Series director and DC Animated Universe veteran Dan Riba (Superman, Batman Beyond, Justice League) shares behind-the-scenes stories about making the show, upholding an attention to detail in each episode, and the secret references to other DC characters that were snuck into Batman before there was a Justice League cartoon. Then art director Rustam Hasanov (Guillermo del Toro’s Trollhunters, Frankenweenie, The Strain) talks about the sexual duality ...
Howdy! It's time for one of the most divisive episodes of the series: Critters. That’s right, the episode where Batman fights a bunch of giant praying mantises on a rocket silo! I continue chatting with episode writer and pulp veteran Joe R. Lansdale (Sundance’s Hap & Leonard, Bubba Ho-Tep) about imbuing BTAS with a touch of 60s charm, parodying the show from within and gothic horror. Then I chat with Phillip Mottaz (Ramones of the Day and Superpunk Radio podcasts) about why he loves Critters, j...
It's time to talk Scarface, dummies! First I sit down with Amanda Meadows and Geoffrey Golden (The Devastator Press, McSweeney's, Disney Comics) to chat Read My Lips, The Ventriloquist and a healthy dose of 90s X-Men. Then I sit down with writing legend Joe R. Lansdale (Bubba Ho-Tep, Hap & Leonard, Jonah Hex) to chat about writing for Batman: The Animated Series, comics, horror and more! Lastly, a brand new segment is unveiled. Sponsored by the Zatara School of Ventriloquism! Rate + Subscribe in...
The voice of Poison Ivy AKA Diane Pershing talks about her experience as a central Batman villain, how it spurred an interest in becoming a fan of watching superhero shows in real life, not to mention her writing and singing careers and the good ol’ days of looping porn! I also chat with Alana Gospodnetich (These Are My Friends, LA City Municipal Dance Squad) about Ivy’s animated origin, vaginal plant monsters and a man named Claudio. Sponsored by Poison Ivy’s Hypno-Lipstick! Rate + Subscribe in...
It's a one year anniversary spectacular! I celebrate by interviewing Arleen Sorkin (voice of Harley Quinn) + Paul Dini (creator of Harley Quinn), chatting with Chris Tallman (The Thundermans, Buffy, Spontaneation) about Mad Love, and featuring segments with my Mom, my robot assistant and YOUR TWEETS. Also featuring Marissa Strickland and Casey Trela. Sponsored by Police Blimp Ultra! Rate + Subscribe in iTunes. Donate at www.patreon.com/BTASpodcast. Follow @BTASpodcast and @heyjustin for updates ...
Mr. Freeze is the star of today’s episode as we dive into Batman’s second animated feature. First, I sit down with LA stand-up Paul Jay (@PaulJayComic) to discuss 90s CGI, diamond thievery, and the pathos of Victor Fries. Then, I interview Emmy Award Winning Batman writer Randy Rogel (Animaniacs, Disney’s 7D, 1,001 Nights) to talk about writing Sub-Zero, how the story didn’t originally feature Mr. Freeze and unmade episodes of the animated series... not to mention a step by step breakdown of the...
VO superstar Maurice LaMarche (Pinky & The Brain, The Simpsons, Adventure Time, every single cartoon ever) chats about his brief appearance on Batman, why he left stand-up to pursue voice over, and what it takes to be the go-to Hollywood fake burp pro and funniest impressionist around. I also sit down with author and comedian DC Pierson (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Crap Kingdom, The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had To) to watch and dig into The Man Who Killed Batman. Sponsored by Th...
Listen to one of my favorite early episodes of the podcast in which we tackle the very first episode of BTAS in style! First, designer and musician Roxy Radalescu (Movies in Color, TUFT / Hi Ho Silver Oh) pops by to talk about the use of color in the pilot and the Man-Bat’s extremely perfect pants. Then I sit down with legendary voice director Andrea Romano (every show in the DCAU, TMNT, Spongebob Squarepants, Animaniacs, Tiny Toons, DuckTales) to discuss the joy of making cartoons, how she orig...
I sit down with Batman composer Carlos Rodriguez (Hellboy, The Royal Tenenbaums) and comedy writer Tim Neenan (Filthy Preppy Teen$, Newsreaders) to talk clock. We discuss making a character named The Clock King “a motherf*cker,” influences of Hitchcock and Miyazaki, and what’s at stake when Batman has to save a wiener from a wiener. Plus, The Mayor o’ Podcasts (Drew Tarver) returns to bother me. Sponsored by Clock King’s Clocks n’ Things! Donate at www.BTASpodcast.com. Follow the show on Twitter...
Paul Dini (writer, creator of Harley Quinn) is back to talk about everyone’s favorite villainess. We discuss finding comedy in a show that takes Batman seriously, writing Harley as a human rubber band and the lost direct-to-video BTAS anthology! I also chat with artist and character designer Cheyenne Curtis (Powerpuff Girls, Star vs. The Forces of Evil) about her love of Harley, how Bruce Timm draws women and why this version of Batman is a better dude than others. Sponsored by Fish Nunchucks! R...
I celebrate 20 episodes by sitting down with the voice of Batman himself: Kevin Conroy. We discuss everything from how he stumbled into the role of a lifetime and channeled his inner darkness to hanging out with his neighborhood bartender, Bruce Willis. I also go behind the scenes of Mask of the Phantasm with writer Alan Burnett to talk about the genesis of the film and how it went from direct-to-video to last minute theatrical release. PLUS, comedy writer / director Alex Fernie (Hulu’s Hotwives...
Let’s talk up Lock-Up! First Echo Kellum (Mr. Terrific on Arrow, Rick & Morty) pops by to share his experience playing a DC superhero on TV, getting to be an extra in The Dark Knight and why Batman has “the finest rogue’s gallery.” Then BTAS scribe Robert N. Skir walks me through the writing process and creation of Lock-Up. Also featuring Jeffrey Combs and Marissa Strickland. Sponsored by Arkham Singles! Rate + Subscribe in iTunes. More at @BTASpodcast and www.BTASpodcast.com.
Paul Dini returns to talk everyone's favorite Gotham gals! We discuss the genesis of Harley Quinn, the cruelty and manipulation of Poison Ivy and how Harley brings out the best in her. I also sit down with animation creator and artist Julia Vickerman (Twelve Forever, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Powerpuff Girls) to talk about the importance of funny female characters and how Batman influenced her career in animation. Plus, the grand twisty turny musical finale of #PodQuestCast featuring Marissa Strickland, ...
Happy Batman Day! On today’s surprise episode we talk Joker with Batman composer Michael McCuistion (Superman, Batman Beyond, Justice League) and comedian Jace Armstrong (Nathan For You, The Birthday Boys). Also featuring Alex Berg (Hell Baby, UCB’s Convoy) in the penultimate chapter of #PodQuestCast. Sponsored by Obviously Terrifying Clowns! Rate + Subscribe in iTunes. More at www.BTASpodcast.com or @BTASpodcast on Twitter.
Comic book legend Gerry Conway may have created The Punisher and killed off Gwen Stacy, but today he’s here to talk Batman and writing Appointment in Crime Alley. He shares the importance of bright spots in a dark narrative, why he likes Dr. Leslie Tompkins, and the two ways to deal with a cliche. He’s joined by artist and comedian David Kantrowitz (@midnight, Plot Twistagram). Also featuring Dan Lippert (Workaholics) and Ryan Rosenberg (Playing House) as The Ammo Bros and Alex Berg who returns ...
Paul Scheer (The League, Crash Test, How Did This Get Made?) swings by to talk magic, demons and little boys trapped in crystal balls in the weirdest Batman episode yet! Then we take an inside look at what goes into making a Batman: The Animated Series action figure with DC Collectibles design director Jim Fletcher. Also featuring Drew Tarver as The Mayor o' Podcasts and Jace Armstrong as Kevin Conroybot in the next chapter of #PodQuestCast! Sponsored by Witch Boy Trapped In A Crystal Ball.com! ...
Jake Goldman (Powerpuff Girls, Futurama) stops by to talk about extreme recoiling, compare Perchance to Dream to Calvin & Hobbes, and share why Batman's uniquely greatest asset is learning from his mistakes. Then, the incredible BTAS writer and producer Alan Burnett (Justice League: Gods & Monsters, Mask of the Phantasm, probably all of your favorite cartoons) explains how Hitchcock influenced this episode, why villains bring out the best in Batman stories, and shares details on a script that wa...
The show flashes back to the Old West and I sit down with Eric Martin (This American Wife, Audie Nominated narrator) and Batman director / storyboard artist Kevin Altieri to talk Jonah Hex, Ra’s al Ghul and an actual U.S. politician who played a part in the making of this episode. Also featuring Natalie Palamides (Powerpuff Girls, Uncle Buck) as Dolores Dumply in PodQuestCast part 3. Sponsored by Jonah Hex-Mex! Rate + Subscribe in iTunes and donate at www.BTASpodcast.com.
Catwoman and Scarface team up in this episode and we talk all about the music with Emmy-nominated Batman composer Kristopher Carter (BTAS, Superman Batman Beyond, Justice League) and musician Casey Trela (Hi Ho Silver Oh, Dark Rooms). I also visit a cave to seek out the Ghost Witch AKA Betsy Sodaro (Monsters University, Another Period, Big Time in Hollywood, FL) in the second thrilling installment of PodQuestCast. Sponsored by The Gotham City Natural History Museum! Rate + Subscribe in iTunes. M...
The legendary Batman writer and creator of Harley Quinn stops by the podcast for an incredible interview! But first, Mark Rennie (The Onion, UCB) talks about his love of Baby-Doll, the potential happy ending of a tragic character, and the desperate need for a tumblr focused on the shoes of the DC Animated Universe. Then, Paul Dini (BTAS, Lost, Arkham Asylum, Arkham City) talks about injecting comedy into Batman, learning to trust the collaborative process and the never before heard origin of cre...
10 time Emmy Nominated composer Lolita Ritmanis (Batman, Superman, Justice League, The Brave and the Bold) pops by to share how she created music for Batman and the theme song for Justice League, what it was like to get mentored by Shirley Walker and how she met her colleagues at Dynamic Music Partners while working on DC animated shows. She's joined by actor and comedian Mark Schroeder (Private Street, UCB's Dunk Tank) to talk priests, trains and why he's grown to like It's Never Too Late even ...
BTAS gets its Frank Miller, Dick Sprang and Bill Finger on as I tackle the fan-favorite anthology episode "Legends of the Dark Knight." First Nick Mundy (Conan, Comedy Central's Nothing to Report, Screen Junkies, Wonder Twins) digs into the episode and how this cartoon introduced him to The Dark Knight Returns and discusses the logistics of a building that houses giant musical instruments. Then I speak with comic historian and graphic designer Arlen Schumer about his love of the Fleischer Superm...
Robot Batman! Need I say more? First, Justin Donaldson (Tournament of Nerds, The Screen Junkies Show) talks "His Silicon Soul," action figures, and what it was like to visit the Batman Returns set as a kid. Then Marty Isenberg (Guardians of the Galaxy, Ben 10, Superman: The Animated Series) talks about writing a robot Batman episode, pitches that never made the cut, and how he straddled being a receptionist and writing for BTAS at the same time. Sponsored by Rossum Farms! Rate + Comment on iTune...
It's an episode full of circus freaks and Batman geeks as we tackle the Killer Croc episode "Sideshow." First, comedian Shelby Fero (Key & Peele, @midnight, Other Space) pops by to talk about why this episode is a bummer, compares it to Shakespeare and accidentally renames Alfred. Then actor, writer and director Whit Hertford (Wildlife, Jurassic Park, How I Met Your Mother) discusses what it was like to play Billy the Seal Boy, being a child actor when your contemporaries are Elijah Wood and Leo...
We dive into Dick Grayson's past with the voice of Robin and Nightwing himself: Loren Lester! Loren explains why he loves Old Wounds, guides us through his approach to voicing both characters, and even shares info on some never produced Batman animated spin-offs. He's joined by Bat-nerd and comedian Hector Navarro (Geek & Sundry), who discusses the importance of Robin in the Batman universe and asks all the right questions along the way. Also featuring Jessica McKenna (The Goldbergs, Comedy Bang...
