Fandom Podcast Network

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast Episode 11 - Samurai

“You cannot save honor with a lie.” - Hideo Koto

 One of the core elements in Highlander is the study of how Immortals, both good and evil, incorporate the lessons of their pasts and apply them into their lives moving forward. In many cases, Immortals learn from their previous experiences and in turn, forge those moments into their very being which becomes part of their Quickening.

 In arguably one of the TOP 10 Highlander Episodes of all time, Season Three’s THE SAMURAI, Duncan MacLeod meets a mortal man, a Samurai named Hideo Koto, who teaches him not only the “Way of the Warrior” but also what it means to be an HONORABLE man and to live by that very code. It is a lesson that Duncan will carry with him for the remainder of his immortal life; represented by the bequeathed Koto family Dragon Head Katana that Duncan has faithfully wielded for over 200 years as a symbol of his vow to its original master.

 Please join us, your Blood of Kings hosts Kevin “The RaiderNerd” Reitzel and Norman “Starfighter” Lao, as we look deep into one of the most poignant moments in Highlander as THE SAMURAI challenges us to find the moral and the meaning of honor, how it applies to this episode in terms of Highlander canon, and how it has bound Duncan MacLeod to a code that has shaped his very essence as an Immortal.

 

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast Episode 10: Band of Brothers, the Episode that Saved Highlander

In this episode of Blood of Kings, we are going to pay a very special honor and focus to what has been hailed as the episode that “changed the landscape of Highlander" and saved the show in the eyes of the audience. We of course are talking about Season One, Episode 13 - Band of Brothers.

 Spirituality and consequences for one's action are at the very center to the tonal development of Highlander and when done right, can elevate Highlander, in any of its forms into truly spectacular storytelling. Here on Blood of Kings we are always looking for when we can really focus on one of these core meanings of Highlander and in this case: How Immortals, like Duncan and Darius, reflect on the fragility and precious gift of mortality.

 Kevin and I also chose this episode for a very special reason. This is our first ANNIVERSARY episode. EPISODE 10 - DOUBLE DIGITS!!! And we would like to thank everyone that has supported us from all the way back to our Fandom Flashback 5-Part Highlander series to now and to all of the fans on the Blood of Kings Facebook page. Almost 500 strong, we cannot thank all the listeners enough for believing in us, supporting us and giving us the inspiration and momentum to keep bringing you Highlander discussion as we can here on Blood of Kings and The Fandom Podcast Network. Enjoy!

 

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast Ep 09 Clancy Brown at Highlander 4K Premier in Edinburgh Scotland!

Blood of Kings proud to present our special guest Erin Gill who took her own Highlander pilgrimage through Scotland. This fantastic trip included several Highlander filming locations. Erin also experienced her own "Fandom Quickening" during the highlight of her trip when she attended the Highlander 4K Movie Premier at the Edinburgh film festival in Edinburgh Scotland on June 18th, with special guest Clancy Brown (aka The Kurgan), whom she spoke with personally!

Blood of Kings : A Highlander Podcast Ep 08: Clan MacLeod Castles

Part 2 of 2. Kevin Reitzel is back from his Watchers assignment trip to the Highlands of Scotland where is visits the “Clan MacLeod Castles”. In this second part of his trip, Norman continues his interview with Kevin as he describes his in depth adventures to visit the original Highlander movie Connor Macleod
Castle filming location, aka the “Eilean Donan Castle”, which is actually
the real home to the Clan Macrae. Kevin also reveals his trip to the real Clan
Macleod Castle, Castle Dunvegan on Isle of Skye, Scotland. You will get hear
the interesting history of both these real working castles and the tour that Kevin took inside both of these beautiful Scotland landmarks.

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast - Episode 07: Homeland

Part 1 of 2. Kevin Reitzel is back from his Watchers assignment trip to the Highlands of Scotland. In this episode Norman interviews Kevin as they discuss the Highlander TV episode “Homeland” (Season 4 ep1), directed by its star Adrian Paul,  and Kevin's trip to Scotland where he visited the Highlander filming locations of “Homeland”. This includes Kevin’s trip to Castle Tioram (aka Duncan MacLeod’s Castle) and the small and historical town of Glenfinnan, on the shores of Loch Sheil. In this episode we also discuss the personal journey of Duncan MacLeod in the episode of “Homeland”, Adrian Paul’s personal challenges making the episode, and Kevin’s adventure to find these locations. Join the Blood of Kings hosts as they rediscover “Homeland”. 

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast Episode 06 - It's All in the Cards

On the Blood of Kings Podcast, we discuss ALL things related to the Highlander franchise.  There are so many different and fasciniating dimensions to this incredibly rich property; from the movies to the television series, the RAVEN spinoff, audiobooks, novels, anime, fan-fiction and for this show in particular - the Collectible Card Games.  On this episode, we continue where we left off on Blood ok Kings Episode 5: It's All in the Cards.

Your Blood of Kings co- host Norman C.  Lao and new Kingmaker Mike Sellers futher discuss our history with the Highlander Collectible Card Game, how we became involved with it back in 1995 and how it continues to resonate with us today - over 25 years later.  We also delve deeper into the actual playing mechanics of the game and focus more on the overall game itself; from the card types, the card mechanics, basic rules, deck designs, how to find players and build a playing community, the possibility of SKYPE or online play - and the most important reason to play this game - the SWORDMASTER System itself -  THE sole reason why the game is as good as it is.

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast - Episode 05

In Blood of King, we cover and discuss ALL things related to the Highlander franchise and for the past several episodes, we have focused a great deal of attention towards the legendary television series of the 1990's.  But there are so many different and fascinating dimensions to this incredibly rich property; audiobooks, novels, anime, fan-fiction and for this show in particular - Collectible Card Gaming.  On this episode of BoK, we are going to take a different look at the franchise as your Chronicler Norm and special guest and NEW Fandom Podcast Network crew member Mike Sellers review Highlander: The Collectible Card Game!

Based on the Highlander franchise of films and television series- players simulate the form of a sword duel with players alternately playing attacks and defenses and win when their opponent is utterly exhausted or, as in keeping with the lore of Highlander, when they lose their head!  Yes...even in the card game...THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!  Please enjoy our trip down memory land as Mike and I discuss how we first started with the game, the epic nature of the Jersey Disco fries, our humble beginnings as burgeoning players, and how a small game from Kanas City, Missouri continues to make an impact in gaming communities almost 30 years later.

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast - Episode 04: The Watchers Pt.2

Observe. Record. Never Interfere. This is the oath of The Watchers; a secret society that was introduced to Highlander the Series at the very end of Season one. However, who were these people and how did their organization manage to survive for over 4,000 years? Most importantly, what changed in their ranks that made one of their most influential leaders, James Horton, turn their trust to ashes as he perverted their organization for all time?

 

In this second part of Who Are The Watchers, your podcasting Kingmakers Kevin Reitzel and Norman C. Lao take a look at the decline and eventual fall of The Watchers. James Horton and Joe Dawson, unbeknownst to them, started a cataclysmic chain reaction in the Watcher’s organization that culminated into a Civil War. Friendships and loyalties on both sides, mortal and immortal, are put to the ultimate test and the true casualty in this war is the Truth…the Truth about Immortals. Can Ammelatu the Akkadian’s once noble cause survive this crucible? Please join us for another fantastic episode of Blood of Kings to find out!

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast - Episode 03 Who Are the Watchers Pt.1

Observe. Record. Never Interfere. This is the oath of The Watchers; a secret society that was introduced to Highlander the Series at the very end of Season one. However, who were these people and how did their organization manage to survive for over 4,000 years? Most importantly, what changed in their ranks that made one of their most influential leaders, James Horton, turn their trust to ashes as he perverted their organization for all time?In this first part of Who Are The Watchers, your podcasting Kingmakers Kevin Reitzel and Norman C. Lao take a look at the origin of The Watchers and delve deeply into this clandestine organization; who are they, why they exist, what drives them to continue and are all of their intentions noble for posterity? Kevin and Norm also review several key episodes that shed a great deal of truth and understanding about The Watchers and WHY they watch. Please join us here on Blood of Kings for an exciting and immersive look at what Norm believes was one of the greatest additions to Highlander and one that changed the future (and technically the past…)of the Highlander mythology for the better.

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast - Episode 02 Highlander What's Next?

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast Episode 2. Highlander...What's next? Kevin & Norman ask the question, "What do you want from the next Highlander movie or TV show?" Kevin's co-host from Fandom Podcast Network's "Culture Clash" Kyle Wagner joins us. We also have very special guest John Mosby, author of Fearful Symmetry, The Essential Guide To All Things Highlander, help us tackle this topic. We also read Blood of Kings Facebook fans suggestions. And we read some wonderful iTunes reviews from fans that will be in the running for our ongoing contest that Norman set up for us, the prize is a signed copy of Adrian Paul's Audio CD "My Immortal Journal"!

Editor's Note: Stay Tuned for the end of the episode for some outake fun!

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast - The Kingmaker Chronicles Episode 01

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast, The Kingmaker Chronicles Episode 01. F. Braun McAsh Highlander eBay Scripts! Join us for a very special episode of Blood of Kings as we interview Highlander TV show Sword Master F. Braun McAsh about his current and upcoming Highlander TV show scripts on eBay, for fans to bid on! We discuss the conception and life of a script and the many changes that are made during the production of the show. We also talk to Braun in detail about the current 10 scripts he has listed and the difference between them. Braun also discusses his German Long Sword class he teaches, and the history lesson you get with it.

Blood of Kings: A Highlander Podcast Episode 01

David Abramowitz...a name that is truly synonymous with Highlander.  As the Creative Consultant for Highlander: The Series, David ensured that all of the signature and touchstone elements of Highlander were well represented through each and every script; especially the ramifications of choices and consequences and the discovery of the true gravitas of immortality.  David's stories were infused with heart and meaning that were rooted deeply in history and philosophy. And, the wisdom behind those stories has made them just as timeless as the characters that inhabit them.  We are incrdibly proud to welcome to the Blood of Kings podcast Mr. David Abramowitz.

Blood of Kings Episode 0: Mission Statement plus a Bonus

BLOOD OF KINGS is THE Fandom Podcast Network show dedicated to exploring the Highlander fandom; one movie, one television episode, one novel, one game and one aspect of the Highlander universe at a time.

On this special episode ZERO, co-hosts Norman C. Lao and Kevin Reitzel will introduce you to the “mission statement” for Blood of Kings, and discuss the most important reason for investing all of this work, passion, good will and sacrifice into this podcast: WHY? WHY…are they doing this?

Also as a bonus feature for this show: On Saturday May 20th, 2016 - Norm had the incredible opportunity for attending Adrian “Duncan MacLeod” Paul’s PEACE Fund charity dinner in Burbank, California. He had the pleasure of being able to connect with such amazing Highlander alumni like Adrian, Elizabeth Gracen and David Abramowitz. It was a glorious evening full of fun, food, friendship and especially…for a great cause.

Thank you everyone for listening and please enjoy this very special launch episode for BLOOD OF KINGS - here on the Fandom Podcast Network.

Fandom Flashback: Highlander Part 5 Elizabeth Gracen

Elizabeth Gracen From the Highlander TV series joins us in our final installment of the Highlander Fandom Flashback! Elizabeth Gracen is former Miss Arkansas in 1981 and Miss America in 1982. Most fans may know her best as the scene and heart stealing immortal Amanda in The Highlander and Raven TV Series. Elizabeth is now a producer, director, entrepreneur and creator of Flapper Films and Flapper Print. Elizabeth Gracen joins us to talk about her recent endeavors, including her new young adult fiction novel Shalilly, and her experience on the Highlander TV series. We are honored to have Elizabeth on hour show, please enjoy this awesome interview.Highlander fans! Stay tuned to the end for a special Highlander announcement from your hosts here on the Fandom Podcast Network!

Fandom Flashback: Highlander Part 4 The Collectable Card Game

In this episode we discuss the Highlander CCG (Collectible Card Game). We go back to its beginnings in the mid 1990's with the 1st Edition of the game to its end in the early 2000's and then the resurrection of the 2nd Edition in 2007. Kevin & Norman interview Steven Rice & Cat Ceder about their history with the game. Steven is one of the co-designers and part of the rules team for the current 2nd Edition of the Highlander CCG. Cat Ceder is a long time player of both 1st & 2nd Edition. We also discuss the current status of the game, the fan supported MLE online digital version of the game and the innovated gameplay engine that made the Highlander CCG so popular and unique.

Fandom Flashback: Highlander Part 3 F. Braun McAsh

Student…Teacher…Swordmaster…Actor…Fight Choreographer…Historian…these are just but a few brief words that barely scratch the surface of our ver special guest for this installment of Fandom Flashback: Highlander. Mr. F Braun McAsh, most notably known for his work on HIGHLANDER: The Series and Highlander: ENDGAME, has cultivated an extensive relationship with sword combat and sword choreography for the stage and screen, utilizing the rich history of both Eastern and Western Martial arts that Braun has studied in tandem for over 40 years. Apprenticed early in his training to the famous fight master Paddy Crean for four years, and then under the guidance and training of English fight directors such as Bill Hobbs in the 1980’s, Braun’s extensive exposure to both the historical and practical application of the combat arts opened up an incredibly diverse range of opportunities for his career expertise such as film and tv consultation for arms and armor, military uniforms, medals, heraldry, and related subjects. We are so proud and honored to have him join us on Fandom Flashback: HIGHLANDER

Fandom Flashback: Highlander Part 2

Highlander Fandom Flashback Episode #2:

In the second part of Fandom Flashback Highlander we start off with Kevin, Kyle and special guest Norman C. Lao talking about all things in Highlander media and our impressions of it leading into the second half of the episode as we interview John Mosby, the author of Fearful Symmetry: The Essential Guide to all things Highlander. This book offers Highlander fans a once-in-a-lifetime insight into a film and TV phenomenon. Fearful Symmetry is John Mosby's quest to tell the definitive history of Highlander. If you are seeking insight to any and all things Highlander his book is it, the Highlander Bible. We speak to John about his history and fandom of Highlander as well as his interviews with the creators, actors and many others involved in the Highlander series and movies.

Fandom Flashback: Highlander Pt.1

 

Fandom Flashback is back and this time there can be only one!  Yes we are going to the world of the immortals as HIGHLANDER is the subject of the latest Fandom Flashback.  This time around we are brining you the Flashback in multiple parts.  Kevin and Kyle are joined for the entire Flashback my Mr. Norman C. Lao who you have heard talk Highlander on Culture Clash and also is part of the Blood of Kings Highlander Facebook Page. In this first part we are joined by the crew of the excellent Highlander Rewatched podcast as we all discuss our love for Highlander and what makes Highlander such a special thing in fandom. Take a listen grab your sword and remember who wants to live forever?   Let's Do This Thing!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551389528504825/        

http://soundcloud.com/Highlander-Rewatched

https://www.facebook.com/HighlanderRewatched

FPNet SPECIAL HIGHLANDER COMMENTARY

It is the 30th Anniversary of the original Highlander film and we are here to celebrate the immortals in the way only we can.  Join Kevin Reitzel and Norman C. Lao for this special commentary here on the Fandom Podcast Network!

Fandom Podcast Network Episode 0-Mission Statement

This is our mission statement and and introduction to us and what we are about.  We hope you like what you hear and grab your interest.  This is the start of things to come!