University – Genuine Chit-Chat

#205 – What Is Studying Architecture Like? Poster Creation, Star Wars Cosplay & Why An Architect Needs Geometry With Nada Maktari

Nada Maktari; poster illustrator, cosplayer and architecture student [also known as the ‘Star(Wars)chitect’] joins us for ep 205, to talk about what studying architecture entails, how she has made her amazing posters & cosplay, her love of Star Wars and more!

In more detail, Nada & Mike discuss how they “crossed paths” at Star Wars Celebration London 2023 and how Nada met Temuera Morrison (Jango/Boba Fett), the duo then discuss their favourite Star Wars movies before delving into the posters Nada has made for a variety of movies. Nada then talks about why she started studying architecture at university and what studying architecture actually entails, how that impacted her poster creation, how geometry is key for her work and more. Towards the end, Mike & Nada talk about Nada’s cosplay and how & why she started cosplaying, plus going to filmed locations and more! This conversation is an all-rounder for all ages, as a variety of topics are covered but the conversation is suitable for all ages!

Nada’s Site (showing artwork & architecture): https://nadamaktari.com

Nada’s IGs: @MaktarisCosplay & @MaktariArchitecture – TikTok & Twitter(X): @NadaMaktari

If you want FREE BONUS CONTENT, please screenshot your reviews & ratings of the show and send them to Mike via social media or email and he’ll send you an episode of Afterthoughts of your choosing!

The last episode was ep 204, where Mike spoke with David Curfiss about trauma, music and writing – David explains why he started his podcast and how music and mental health/trauma go hand-in-hand. David then speaks about the writing process for his two books, his experienced trauma, including his childhood, how he’s changed over the years and more – this is a fairly deep & intense conversation but one that is really important, especially for those suffering with mental health issues.

To support Mike, as well as rating/reviewing, you can share the show on social media or support financially You can give a one-off payment/donation at ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/genuinechitchat or you can subscribe monthly at ⁠⁠https://Patreon.com/GenuineChitChat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – either option will give you access to the exclusive “Afterthoughts” episodes. Patreons get access to weekly episodes plus every past episode (even when paying £1 a month) while Ko-fi tippers will be able to choose some episodes, depending on how much they give – any and all support of this nature is hugely appreciated!

Sign up to the Pop Culture Collective newsletter here to keep up to date with Mike & other amazing creators’ releases: https://pccnewsletter.com

#199 – What Can We Do About Higher Education? College Cartels, Monopolies & The Problematic Political Elite With Sahaj Sharda

Sahaj Sharda; author of College Cartel is our guest this week, to talk about the issues in higher education, how the political elite are monopolising important industries of the western world and more, in this politically fuelled, passionate conversation.

In more detail, Sahaj starts by giving his background, noting the value in education and speaking about his experience in education, how education & qualifications are not the same thing, the alternatives to college/university education, the burden of debt and Sahaj’s optimism for the future. The duo then discuss monopolies & duopolies in & outside of education, how Sahaj wrote his book; College Cartel, what his hopes are going forward and more – this is one for any interested in politics, education and alternatives to the mainstream!

Sahaj’s Site: https://sahajsharda.substack.com – Sahaj’s Twitter: @HajSharda

Sahaj’s Book, UK: https://amzn.eu/d/jeSYJfy – US: https://www.amazon.com/College-Cartel-Sahaj-Sharda-ebook/dp/B0C2JCCS5B

Article On The Varsity Admission Scandal: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56427793

Promo For Cryptid Cocktail Party: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cryptidcocktail

Sign up to the Pop Culture Collective newsletter here to keep up to date with Mike’s many releases: https://pccnewsletter.com

To support Mike, you can rate/review the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & other podcast apps, you can share the show or support financially. You can give a one-off payment/donation at ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/genuinechitchat or you can subscribe monthly at ⁠⁠https://Patreon.com/GenuineChitChat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – either option will give you access to the exclusive “Afterthoughts” episodes. Patreons get access to weekly episodes plus every past episode (even when paying £1 a month) while Ko-fi tippers will be able to choose some episodes, depending on how much they give – any and all support of this nature is hugely appreciated!

The previous episode of GCC (ep 198) is another Disney Discussions again and for the seventh episode, Ria takes the helm as we delve into our childhood cartoon crushes, featuring movies The Little Mermaid, Robin Hood, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame & Who Framed Roger Rabbit! In more detail, the gang talk about when they crushed on their chosen characters (Jessica Rabbit, Prince Eric, Robin Hood & Esmeralda) and why, as well as discussing the movies they watched themselves, other characters in the films that are “crushworthy”, if their crushes hold up today, as well as animation, non-Disney crushes and more!

Find Mike’s other show; Star Wars: Comics In Canon on Spotify & the other podcast apps on the feed of Comics In Motion or on GCC’s YouTube channel. Episodes are out every Saturday; episodes 0-130 are out now; last episode was a book review of Cataclysm, the week prior was ep 130, showing Porter Engle’s origin story in The Blade and ep 129 was the Hidden Empire and Spark Eternal finales! Previous episodes include the War Of The Bounty Hunters & Crimson Reign crossovers, every other canon Star Wars comic by Marvel, the Journals of Old Ben Kenobi, full High Republic coverage (book reviews & comics) & much more – https://podfollow.com/comicsinmotion

Mike recently guested on:

Where I’m From by Alyson Shelton, where he read out a poem he wrote: https://youtu.be/kl-E9a-6XIo

Stevie B’s Star Wars Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/McbWHBMZQxM

Ike’s Flame podcast to talk about The High Republic here: https://pod.fo/e/143ce4

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean – Spotify

#88 Pt 2 – Relationships In The Lockdown: Passing Down Your Passions, Theatre & Making Mixtapes With Tony Farina & Megan Gritti

Mike is again joined by Tony Farina; creator & host of Indie Comics Spotlight, the Assistant Professor of Humanities at Siena Heights University, reviewer of comics & audiobooks and early adopter of online education – Mike’s girlfriend (& occasional co-host) Megan also joins the conversation!

In this week (part 2) of the chat, the trio discuss how Megan & Mike and Tony & his partner have been handling the COVID lockdown, they also talk about passing down interests to children, they speak about the younger generation & how there are few films that all generations have seen, they then have a fairly lengthy discussion on Star Wars, how “back in the day” before music streaming the trio would make their own CDs/mixtapes, Megan’s lockdown birthday, cancelled events, theatre and more!

In case you missed it, part 1 of their chat was out last week, where Mike, Tony & Megan talk about Tony teaching online university, how the US & UK’s respective educational systems have responded to the COVID crisis differently, which leads onto a discussion on language including how English itself is such a difficult language to learn. Regional dialects, the Spanish Flu and more topics are also discussed!

Tony’s site – Tony’s reviews of DC/Warner things – Tony’s Twitter: @tricycleboombox – Tony also appeared on episode 71 of GCC.

In case you missed episode 87, Mike had his girlfriend Megan Gritti on to talk about video games she’s been getting into while on lockdown (including Animal Crossing), as well as talking about video games from each of their childhoods, such as the Pokémon games & their spin-offs, mario & mario party, Sims, games for the N64, board games like Monopoly and more!

Mike appeared on Tony Farina’s Indie Comics Spotlight to talk about the comic series Second Coming (episode 13) – it can be found on the feed of Comics In Motion in the usual podcast places.

Promo for the podcast ROOM where episode 1 of season 2 shows Mike’s voice-acting debut on the episode called “All Roads Lead To Room”

Recently Mike has appeared on the Ask Win Podcast
He has also appeared on the Friends In Your Ears podcast

Mike has another show, called Star Wars: Comics In Canon – all episodes can be found on Comics In Motion’s podcast feed and episodes will be out every Saturday; episodes 0-8 are now out, speaking about how Cassian met K-2SO, Beckett before Solo, The Rise Of Kylo Ren, Darth Maul beyond The Phantom Menace, how C-3PO got his red arm, Operation: Cinder, Captain Phasma, The Last Jedi comics, Mon Cala & more – https://apple.co/39mut2Y

Genuine Chit-Chat is a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean – Spotify

You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

#88 Pt 1 – A Calm Conversation Amidst Chaos: Speaking Multiple Languages & Educating In Lockdown With Tony Farina & Megan Gritti

This week Mike is joined by Tony Farina; creator & host of Indie Comics Spotlight (found on the feed of Comics In Motion), as well as the Assistant Professor of Humanities at Siena Heights University, reviewer of comics & audiobooks & early adopter of online education – Mike’s girlfriend & occasional co-host Megan also joins the conversation!

This week is part 1 of their chat where Mike, Tony & Megan talk about a great many things, including Tony teaching online university which he’s been doing for several years, how the US & UK’s respective educational systems have responded to the COVID crisis differently (as Megan is also a teacher), which leads onto a discussion on language (as Megan speaks 4 including English) including how English itself is such a difficult language to learn. They also talk about regional dialects, how Tony & Megan got into teaching, the American Labour & Memorial days, the Spanish Flu and more!

Part 2 is out next week and the trio discuss how Megan & Mike and Tony & his partner have been handling the COVID lockdown, they also talk about passing down interests to children, they speak about the younger generation, have a fairly lengthy discussion on Star Wars, how “back in the day” before streaming the trio would make their own CDs/mixtapes, Megan’s lockdown birthday, cancelled events, theatre and more!

Tony’s site – Tony’s reviews of DC/Warner things – Tony’s Twitter: @tricycleboombox – Tony also appeared on episode 71 of GCC.

In case you missed last week’s episode, Mike had his girlfriend Megan Gritti on to talk about video games she’s been getting into while on lockdown (including Animal Crossing), as well as talking about video games from each of their childhoods, such as the Pokémon games & their spin-offs, mario & mario party, Sims, games for the N64, board games like Monopoly and more!

Mike appeared on Tony Farina’s Indie Comics Spotlight to talk about the comic series Second Coming (episode 13) – it can be found on the feed of Comics In Motion in the usual podcast places.

Promo for the podcast ROOM where episode 1 of season 2 shows Mike’s voice-acting debut on the episode called “All Roads Lead To Room”

Recently Mike has appeared on the Ask Win Podcast
He has also appeared on the Friends In Your Ears podcast

Mike has another show, called Star Wars: Comics In Canon – all episodes can be found on Comics In Motion’s podcast feed and episodes will be out every Saturday; episodes 0-7 are now out, speaking about The Rise Of Kylo Ren, Darth Maul beyond The Phantom Menace, how C-3PO got his red arm, Operation: Cinder, Captain Phasma, The Last Jedi comics, Mon Cala & more – https://apple.co/39mut2Y

Genuine Chit-Chat is a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean – Spotify

You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

#71 Pt 2 – How Is Teaching Online Different?: Women’s Studies, Interpretation & Gender-Specific Names With Tony Farina

This week Mike is once again joined by Tony Farina; Assistant Professor of Humanities at Siena Heights University, reviewer of comics & audiobooks, an early adopter of online education and friend of the show!

This week their chat continues with the difference between online courses and teaching in-person, how it’s odd that some names are gender-specific while others are androgynous, Tony & Mike then have a discussion on some of the different interpretations of the bible including the infamous “man must not sleep with a man” part, before speaking about what Women’s Studies includes, what Tony is currently studying & what his thesis/book will entail and much more!

In part 1 of their chat Tony & Mike discuss how they were introduced & they delve into a short Star Wars talk before discussing people rarely knowing their future career path when in education.Tony then talks about how colleges/degrees in America work as well as why he believes education is valuable, as well as people pursuing something they’re passionate about before finishing off with Tony discussing how teaching online courses is different from in-person lectures!

If you are interested in the university or the programs at Siena Heights, check out this link

Tony’s reviews of DC/Warner things – Tony’s Twitter

Tony has interviewed writers & artists such as Mark Russell, Jon Davis-Hunt, Adriana Mello and the entire creative team for Last Stop on the Red Line which you can listen to here

In case you missed it, last episode Mike spoke with Brad Sugars; entrepreneur, owner/chairmen of several companies, author of 17 books, family man and a truly inspirational guy to talk to! Their chat includes Brad’s entrepreneurial journey before discussing his company ActionCOACH, as well as why he believes travelling is so important, his experiences speaking to people on a 1-to-1 level as well as in large seminars, the importance of learning from multiple sources about a large array of things & not having tunnel vision and that struggle breeds character! In addition to these, Mike & Brad discuss that refining one’s product (in music, business or otherwise) is a necessity as well as how the market has changed for all industries and why people need to look ahead to remain relevant, how the internet is neither good or bad, Brad’s new book Pulling Profits From A Hat and his bucket list, before finishing off with some quick-fire questions about health & wellbeing and Brad’s UK tour dates for his seminars.

Genuine Chit-Chat is a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com

Don’t forget to check out Ignite The Flame Audio, the podcast by Mikes good friend Wayne Telford, it’s something you don’t want to miss – an audiobook with a difference; tips of the trade, more in-depth information about inspirations (as well as easter eggs) as well as a chapter of his first book A Light In The Mist in each episode (full book now out for free to listen to with bonus content)!

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean – Spotify

You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

#71 Pt 1 – If You Care, The Audience Will Care: Passion Projects, Future Paths & The Value Of Education With Tony Farina

This week Mike is joined by Tony Farina; Assistant Professor of Humanities at Siena Heights University, reviewer of comics & audiobooks, an early adopter of online education and friend of the show!

Part 1 of their chat begins by talking about how Tony & Mike were introduced before delving into a short Star Wars talk and then moving swiftly onto education. Tony & Mike discuss their early years in school & college, before discussing people rarely knowing their future career path when in education, as Tony always had an idea of what he wanted to be but Mike didn’t (and still doesn’t haha)! Tony then talks about how colleges/degrees in America work as well as why he believes education is valuable, as well as people pursuing something they’re passionate about before finishing off with Tony discussing how teaching online courses is different from in-person lectures!

In part 2 their chat continues with the difference of online courses versus teaching in-person, how it’s odd that some names are gender-specific while others are androgynous, Tony & Mike then have a discussion on some of the different interpretations of the bible including the infamous ‘man must not sleep with a man’ part, before speaking about what Women’s Studies includes, what Tony is currently studying & what his thesis will entail and much more!

If you are interested in the university or the programs at Siena Heights, check out this link

Tony’s reviews of DC/Warner things – Tony’s Twitter

Tony has interviewed writers & artists such as Mark Russell, Jon Davis-Hunt, Adriana Mello and the entire creative team for Last Stop on the Red Line which you can listen to here

In case you missed it, last week Mike spoke with Brad Sugars; entrepreneur, owner/chairmen of several companies, author of 17 books, family man and a truly inspirational guy to talk to! Their chat includes Brad’s entrepreneurial journey before discussing his company ActionCOACH, as well as why he believes travelling is so important, his experiences speaking to people on a 1-to-1 level as well as in large seminars, the importance of learning from multiple sources about a large array of things & not having tunnel vision and that struggle breeds character! In addition to these, Mike & Brad discuss that refining one’s product (in music, business or otherwise) is a necessity as well as how the market has changed for all industries and why people need to look ahead to remain relevant, how the internet is neither good or bad, Brad’s new book Pulling Profits From A Hat and his bucket list, before finishing off with some quick-fire questions about health & wellbeing and Brad’s UK tour dates for his seminars.

Genuine Chit-Chat is a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean – Spotify

You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

#59 – Don’t Judge A Band By Its Genre: Horror Movies, Music Taste, “Making It” & “Selling Out” With Dan

This week, Dan returns as a guest as although Mike & Dan were chatting for over 2 & a half hours, we’ve split this chat into two standalone episodes!

Mike’s chat with Dan continues this week with a change of subject matter as they talk about Dan’s time as a cameraman at Bestival and some of his work at university, before delving into a discussion regarding music, including Dan’s previous band experience and how bands “make it”, followed by a tangent about the perfect amount of people to watch movies with and some of their favourite horror movies, before getting into bands changing their sound & “selling out”, what one appreciates about their own music taste, “indie music” and the subjective nature of music genres and they finish it all with 3 album recommendations each, so be sure to say ‘til the end if you want to check out 6 new bands of different genres (or check below for ease)!

Last week Dan was on the show and they chatted about movies for the whole thing! They discuss Marvel & DC’s respective universes & recent movies before discussing their favourite Tarantino movies, how filmmakers often give too much exposition, before discussion other notable director’s work such as James Wan’s involvement in the Saw and the Fast & Furious franchise, followed by talks about Blade Runner & the book that inspired it (Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep), many other movies are mentioned before the chat is finished with Mike talking about Star Wars!

Before Dan was our guest (two episodes ago), Mike spoke with Frank of the Ragbag podcast about his new book One Hundred and his writing-process, what inspired him to write a 100-chapter short-story book, many of the thought experiments the book delves into, the idea of solitude not being a bad thing, what Frank & Mike define “milking” a series is, as well as discussing bad customer service, the process of recording & releasing an audiobook, what defines consciousness, the importance of community and much more – they even get into conspiracy theories towards the end of part 2!

Promo by Comedy Geek

Dan recommends: Emergency & I by Dismemberment Plan – Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu – Four Calender Cafe by Cocteau Twins – Souvlaki by Slowdive

Mike recommends: How To Be A Human Being by Glass Animals – Fear by Arrested Youth – STRENGTH IN NUMB333RS by FEVER 333

Genuine Chit-Chat is also a part of the Brit Pod Scene, so be sure to check out the other members of the family as well as the BPS podcast – www.britpodscene.com

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean – Spotify

You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions.

“Maybe Something Needs To Change” – GCC #22 Pt 2: Creative Collaboration, Children & Navigating Self-Employment w/ Molly Scarborough

This week, Mike continues his chat with Molly, someone who has three different jobs, one of which being a “Creative Collaborator”, which is one of the many things they delve into!

They also continued discussing the intelligence of children (which was touched upon at the end of part 1), unemployment & the “creative unemployment program”, putting on events for & by young people, productivity, being self-employed and loads more, including with a sprinkling of reminiscing about the chavs in Mike & Molly’s secondary school.

In last week’s chat with Molly (in part 1), LOTR & The Hobbit are briefly spoken about, followed by discussions of subjects including the why Molly went to university & the education system in general, misconceptions with body language, people with power complexes and those who try to “live through” their children in unhealthy ways, as well as “Batmolly” & Molly’s thoughts on how superheroes could be considered selfish which links with true altruism, how failure can be healthy and much more!

The last episode of GCC featured Ryan Payne, a guitarist from Scars Of Protest, who Mike speaks with about the music industry, tattoos & piercings, social stigma, difficulties in starting & continuing a band, Spotify, CDs and am abundance of other subjects, so be sure to check that out too!

Molly’s site & social media: www.mollyscarborough.com – @mollyscar on Twitter & Instagram!

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean

You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions!

Figuring Out Your Path In Life – GCC #22 Part 1: Body Language, Healthy Failure, Education/University & Batmolly w/ Molly Scarborough

This week, Mike talks to Molly, someone who has three different jobs, one of which being a “Creative Collaborator”, which is one of the many things they delve into!

As well as the above, LOTR & The Hobbit are briefly spoken about, followed by discussions of subjects including the why Molly went to university & the education system in general, misconceptions with body language, people with power complexes and those who try to “live through” their children in unhealthy ways, as well as “Batmolly” & Molly’s thoughts on how superheroes could be considered selfish which links with true altruism, how failure can be healthy and much more!

Part 2 will be released next week and includes continued discussions on the above, as well as the intelligence of children (which was touched upon at the end of part 1), unemployment & the “creative unemployment program”, putting on events for & by young people, productivity, being self-employed and loads more, including with a sprinkling of reminiscing about the chavs in Mike & Molly’s secondary school.

Last week’s episode featured Ryan Payne, a guitarist from Scars Of Protest, who Mike speaks with about the music industry, tattoos & piercings, social stigma, difficulties in starting & continuing a band, Spotify, CDs and am abundance of other subjects, so be sure to check that out too!

Molly’s site & social media: www.mollyscarborough.com – @mollyscar on Twitter & Instagram!

Promo by the False Starts podcast, which be found here: http://falsestartspod.podomatic.com/

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – YouTube – Stitcher – Podbean

You can also email us at GenuineChitChat@outlook.com with any reviews, comments or suggestions!