The Play Typer Guy

Mar 05 2025 52 ep. 49 mins 8
The Play Typer Guy Podcast artwork

"The Play Typer Guy” offers an engaging deep dive into politics and pop culture. Your host is Portland, Oregon-based playwright, columnist, and media critic Stephen Robinson. His son describes him as “play typer guy."

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#52 Revisiting When Cheers Went Corporate with Ryan Daly

Mar 05 2025 45 mins  
It’s 1987, and a heartbroken Sam Malone (Ted Danson) has sold his beloved bar Cheers to the massive Lillian corporation — originally called Drox Chemical, Die, and Munitions with the unlikely motto “We care about people.” Sam’s new boss is businesswoman Rebecca Howe (Kirstie Alley), and for the next three years, this faceless corporation where nobody knows anyone’s name

#51 Fannie Lou Hamer’s Enduring Legacy with Joy Davenport

Feb 19 2025 35 mins  
In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with filmmaker Joy Davenport, whose documentary Fannie Lou Hamer’s America is a must watch. Joy and I had a great conversation about Hamer’s life and activism, as well as the personal inspiration she’s provided. You can find the documentary on YouTube. You will hear: Why Joy felt compelled to tell Ms. Hamer’s storyWhy more people

#50 Democrats, January 6, and a ‘Don’t Surrender To Fascists’ Policy with Kaitlin Byrd

Feb 05 2025 56 mins  
Kaitlin Byrd (Dame Magazine) joins me to discuss what the hell just happened on January 6, 2025. In this episode, we will discuss: The easy concession by Democrats during the vote confirmation on January 6thProblems within the Democratic party and the need for younger people who understand the current political landscapeHow was Trump even allowed to take office after violating Sect

#49 Comics Writer Matthew Manning on Dick Tracy, Batman, Superman, and More!

Jan 22 2025 33 mins  
Our guest this week is writer and author Matthew K. Manning. Matthew has written hundreds of comics and prose books for a range of publishers, including DC, Marvel, IDW, Scholastic, Disney, and many more. Some standouts are the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, the hardcover The Batman Files, the 12-issue comic series Marvel Action: Avengers, and a recent stint on the

#48 Taking a Trip Through The Kennedys’ New York with Author Tim English

Jan 08 2025 23 mins  
In this episode, I interviewed author Tim English about his book, The Kennedys' New York: American Royalty in the Greatest City in the World, which I recommend even if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has permanently soured you on the Kennedy family or if you prefer New Orleans and Barcelona to New York. You will hear: Why Tim chose to write about the Kennedys specifically and how he chose to

#47 ‘You’re About to Enter Another Dimension’: Celebrating Rod Serling with Writer Joe Dougherty (BONUS Episode)

Dec 31 2024 49 mins  
Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling was born on Christmas Day, 1924. I had the great honor of speaking with Emmy-winning writer, Joseph Dougherty (Thirtysomething, Pretty Little Liars), about his new book, Rod Serling at 100: One Writer's Acknowledgement, a wonderful tribute to Serling that examines his work and significant contributions to television. You will hear: Rod Serling’s

#46 How Did Democrats Get In This Mess and How Do We Get Out with Cliston Brown

Dec 25 2024 37 mins  
In this episode, I am joined by previous guest and political analyst Cliston Brown for a post-election debrief to talk about what went wrong and what we need to do to get out of this situation going forward. You will hear: Democrats have a problem connecting with everyday “normal” people and how that impacts the votersA realignment is happening along class lines rather than rac

#45 Trump’s Latino Vote: Fluke or The Future with Michael Mora

Dec 11 2024 48 mins  
Writer Michael Mora joins me to discuss Donald Trump's historic performance among Latino voters in the 2024 election, which should not have come as a surprise to Democrats and pundits. You will hear: How the party bases are treated by Republicans versus Democrats when it comes to speaking out against the radicals amongst themWhy Democrats need to divorce themselves from the term �

#44 Mrs. Peel, You're Still Needed: Discussing 'The Avengers' With Author Michael Scott Phillips

Nov 27 2024 41 mins  
The Avengers (no, not those Avengers) remains my favorite TV show, so I'm thrilled to speak with author Michael Scott Phillips to discuss his book, Quite Quite Fantastic! The Avengers for Modern Viewers (The Grande Marque Edition). Pop open the champagne, watch out for diabolical masterminds, and enjoy. You’ll hear: Michael’s interest in British cult (classic) televisionHow the

#43 Taking a Much-Needed Wine Break with Mallory Smith

Nov 13 2024 28 mins  
This week we are taking a break from natural disasters and political mayhem to have a pleasant conversation with Oregon’s Mallory Smith from Alt Wine Fest. You will hear: How Mallory got into wine thanks to the owner of a wine and beer barHow she teaches wine classes based on the history and geography of wine using writing and storytellingThe creation of the Alt Wine Fest with he