Sonic Weekly
By Team Sonic Weekly
Sonic WeeklyApr 21, 2024
Keanu Reeves + The Sonic Fandom w/ MYKONOS FAN
This week, MykonosFan from FTCR joins in along with the full cast. We get into the announcement of Shadow the Hedgehog's voice actor, and then reflect on our years in the fan community.
- For more MykonosFan: FTCR YouTube
- For even more MykonosFan: Crub YouTube
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Fearless: Year of Shadow + Sonic & the Black Knight w/ JACK OF OLD GAMES
Grant returns, Bo burns (rangers), and David yearns (for IHOP). This week, we're joined again by Jack of Old Games to discuss Sonic and the Black Knight, plus the news of the week.
- For more Jack: YouTube
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Sega Saturn's Solar Eclipse + Oops! All Sonic News
This week, Bo holds down the fort with Smoovies and David the Lurker while Grant is off guesting on the Get Played! podcast. We get into cheat codes revealed for Solar Eclipse (the Sega Saturn game, of course) and what games we’d like to see on a Sega Saturn Mini, plus a look at Sega’s April Fools posts. We also cover IHOP Amy and the IHOP Sonic event. Lastly: is this The Year of Shadow?
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
KEITH STACK is back on Sonic '06
Keith Stack returns to the program for some zaniness and to talk about his quest to 100% complete Sonic the Hedgehog (2006).
- For more Keith Stack: Twitter!
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
What's the COOLEST Console?
Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis // When I was dead broke, man, I couldn't picture this...
Well, what IS the coolest console? Is it the Nintendo Switch or GameCube? Or the Sega Saturn or Dreamcast? Maybe it's the Atari Jaguar or the Sony PlayStation 3? This week is about dusting off the old plastic hardware for a refreshed look at our favorites. (FYI - this episode was recorded before Sonic Toys Party leaked over the weekend)
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Angry Birds + SEGABits w/ BARRY THE NOMAD
Barry the Nomad of SEGABits joins in for a fun conversation on last week's news and some goofy tangents!
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Gotta Go Fast Food + Sonic Heroes
Grant's been playing Sonic Heroes and wants to talk about it, despite not having finished it. Bo has a surprising story about Ronald McDonald at a marathon. David becomes preoccupied with fast food toys.
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Sonic Prime Time, pt.2 w/ SANGO
Our pal Sango returns to summarize final thoughts on Sonic Prime for Netflix. Along the way, we cover the rumor about a Sonic Fall Guys game, Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with You (Psyth and Twin Bee time attack - Konami vertical shooters), and the Aqua Bats. You can hear more of David's thoughts on Sonic Prime at FTCR with the link here.
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
The Beatles & Sonic the Hedgehog
This week, we discuss Penny’s Big Breakaway, Bentley Jones, Maria Robotnik's actress for Sonic Movie 3, the Sonic games on Gamecube, and the book Sonic the Hedgehog and The Beatles by David Childers.
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Sonic Movie '94 + Shadow in Superstars DLC
Grant, Bo, and David discuss their thoughts on the DLC costume of Shadow for Sonic in Superstars; David recaps a treatment for the original version of the Sonic Movie from the '90s; Bo has some exciting Sega Saturn news!
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
SAM LOGAN on Triple Trouble 16-Bit + Sonic Dream Team + Rollin' Rascal + Knuckles Trailer
Cartoonist Sam Logan reacts to the Knuckles trailer and talks about the new Rollin' Rascal demo, the 16-Bit Triple Trouble fan game, and Sonic Dream Team with the usual cast of Grant, Smoovies, Bo, and David the Lurker. Can you believe it's been one full year of Sonic Weekly?!?!?
- For more Sam: Sam & Fuzzy website
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Sonic x Shadow Generations?! w/ AARON LONG x ASHLYN ANSTEE
Ashlyn Anstee returns with star animator friend Aaron Long (Bojack Horseman; Tuca & Bertie) - and they join Grant, Smoovies, and David to react to the announcement of Sonic x Shadow Generations, and then take an extended detour in '90s nostalgia with some discussion of Archie Sonic. They also talk about Sonic OVA Reanimated 'Sonic Rebuilt' which you can view at that link. And speaking of links...
- For more Aaron: Twitter!
- For more Ashlyn: Art & Fluff shop
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Sonic "Gab Bag"
The four fellas pull out a grab bag of assorted random Sonic topics — introducing the Sonic Gab Bag! This is a rambly, freewheeling episode where the detours are the destination. Tell us what topics should be in the next Gab Bag by emailing us: sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com!
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
Sonic 3D Blast w/ JORDAN MORRIS
Writer and comedian Jordan Morris (Jordan, Jesse, Go!) joins the fellas for a lively look at Sonic 3D Blast (originally released in 1996 for Sega Genesis and then Sega Saturn) and a wide-ranging chat about Sonic initiations and Sonic cults. It's an all-around Sonic Blast (originally released in 1996 for Game Gear)!
- For Jordan's new book: https://bit.ly/YouthGroupBook
- For more Jordan: His website!
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
- For more Sonic Weekly: We're now on YouTube!
CYBERSHELL + KEITH STACK
Whoa! Keith Stack arranges for a meeting of the Sonic minds - Cybershell and David the Lurker, in a wide-ranging conversation about Sonic origins, and Sonic now. Also on hand are Grant and Bo, checking in on a light Sonic news week and another busy week for Saturn fans.
- For more Cybershell: YouTube!
- For more Keith Stack: Twitter!
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: YouTube!
Clockwork Knight + Predictions 2024
Year Two of Sonic Weekly kicks off with a Baja 3D Blast, and Bo burning up the retro gaming blogosphere. We talk about the many Rings of Saturn he's spinning, plus David delves into the new old info about Sonic Heroes, and everyone takes another swing at making bold predictions for Sonic in '24.
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: his YouTube channel!
Year in Review 2023
The fellas gather again for one last episode of the year to reflect on all of the Sonic things that happened over the past twelve months, and look ahead to 2024.
- For more Bo: Rings of Saturn!
- For more David: Sonic Retro!
- For more Grant: The Void!
- For more Smoovies: his YouTube channel!
Classic Shadow? + Sonic 2 Lost Stages
The four fellas are back together for what will have to be the holiday episode, with a bunch of Sonic news to cover. Will Shadow appear in Classic games after all? Did we finish Sonic Dream Team yet, and is it indeed the best Sonic game of the year? And how about that new video on Sonic 2's development? Plus, Bo continues his journey of modifying Sonic Team's Saturn games — be sure to follow his Substack here! We also respond to more mailbag prompts — please send us more by emailing sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com!
- Oh hey there's a new episode of The Void, too! That's the podcast Grant does about movies with previous guest Jack of All Games and this one is about Batman. What a merry holiday bonus!
Episodes We Should Do + Sonic Dream Team
Grantpa, David the Lurker, and Smoovies offer some initial reactions to Sonic Dream Team, The Game Awards, and the big SEGA announcement. Plus we reach into the listener mailbag for some additional prompts to discuss a certain fan favorite Wii game.
Countdowns w/ KEITH STACK
Artist Keith Stack joins in for a wide-ranging conversation about Sonic the Hedgehog — we rate the Badniks in Superstars, we discuss Yuji Naka's inspiration on Suika Game, and we count down 'til Sonic Dream Team on Apple Arcade (this episode was originally recorded November 30).
- Follow Keith Stack and check out his comics @keithjohnstack
- Subscribe to Rings of Saturn by Bo on Substack!
Sonic Podcast Adventure w/ KRIS DOBBINS & SEAN AITCHISON
Kris Dobbins & Sean Aitchison are the hosts of Sonic Podcast Adventure and join Grantpa, Bo, and David the Lurker for a crossover episode!
- Check out Sean's theme park podcast, Attractioneers!
- Kris's Twitter
- Kris on Bluesky
- Kris on Instagram
- Thanks to Bo for editing this episode!
BRODIE REED talks Sonic OVA anime
Comedian Brodie Reed joins Grant, David, and Smoovies to talk about Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, aka the two-part Sonic OVA (English dub) from the '90s. Follow Brodie on Instagram! Watch Brodie's stand-up on Comedy Central!
- Check out Bo's Sonic 3D Blast: Special Stage Edition mod!
- Check out The Dark Weeb, Brodie's anime podcast with Marvel writer Cody Ziglar!
Sonic Dream Team?!? + Super Mario Bros. Wonder w/ DANIEL BARRON
Our friend Daniel Barron joins in with Grant, Bo, and David to react to the news of the new Apple Arcade exclusive Sonic Dream Team, and also participate in some comparative analysis of Sonic Superstars & Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Hey, don't forget to check out Bo's "Oops! All Special Stages" mod for Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn).
Trip's Story & Final Story (Sonic Superstars Review, Part 2) + Bo's Mod
Lordy, lordy, it's episode 40 (canonically, anyway; there was a bonus episode). Grantpa, Bo, and David the Lurker are sans Smoovies this week to get into the nitty gritty of the second half of Sonic Superstars — the New Game+ known as Trip's Story. We also play the hits of our bits, as usual. BONUS: Check out Bo's mod Oops! All Special Stages for Sonic 3D Blast (Saturn)!
Sonic Superstars Review
The Weeklies (is what what we're going by?) offer rapid reactions and initial feedback after a few days of playing Sonic Superstars.
Sonic Superstars Hype! + The Final Horizon (Part 2)
(This episode was originally recorded October 12, before the release of Sonic Superstars). Grantpa, David the Lurker, Bo, and Smoovies talk about their excitement for Classic Sonic's return, and delve into the endgame spoilers for Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon (aka Update 3).
- Special thanks to Smoovies for the smooth edit!
Sonic Frontiers Update 3 + Sonic Symphony LA
Grantpa, David the Lurker, Bo, and Smoovies react to the Final Horizon, aka Another Story, aka the third and final DLC update for Sonic Frontiers. Plus, Bo & Grant share their experience of meeting IRL for the Sonic Symphony in Los Angeles.
- Check out our Sonic Weekly music playlist on Spotify!
Comedians reboot Sonic w/ ALLEN STRICKLAND WILLIAMS & Friends!
Allen Strickland Williams headlines a comedy panel with Miles K & Jesse Elias to reinvent Sonic the Hedgehog for a new age.
- Follow Allen on most platforms as @TotallyAllen!
- Watch ASW late night stand-up sets on YouTube!
- Check out Miles & Allen thrifting together in this video!
- Here's a photo of Jesse on Kimmel since there's no video!
- Grant & David & Bo will have thoughts on Sonic Symphony and Frontiers DLC 3 next week — email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com to join our Discord!
SAM LOGAN talks Trio of Trouble + Archie Sonic
Cartoonist Sam Logan (Sam & Fuzzy) recently revisited Archie Comics' Sonic the Hedgehog and shares some new observations. Plus, we talk about the new Trio of Trouble short for Sonic Superstars!
- Check out Sam's books, shirts, toys, and comics universe at his website — https://www.samandfuzzy.com
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood w/ JACK OF OLD GAMES
Jack is back to discuss another of the infamous Sonic games — the only RPG in the series, developed by BioWare at that!
- Watch Jack of Old Games on YouTube
- Grant & Jack have a movie podcast called The Void, also on YouTube!
- Thanks to Smoovies for the edit!
September Anniversaries of Sonic the Hedgehog
30 years ago this month, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM) both premiered in September 1993. "It's interesting" to think about how unique of a situation this is for any cartoon character!
- Check out David and Sonic Retro's thread on AOSTH here.
- Thanks to Smoovies for the edit!
The Bo Show + SatAM
Bo is back, and he catches up with David & Grant — notably, about how Bo spent his paternity leave watching Sonic the Hedgehog (1993), aka SatAM. Thanks to Smoovies for the edit!
Sonic Adventure re-release? + Superstars/Frontiers trailers
Week 30! David & Grant react to the new trailers for Sonic Superstars and Sonic Frontiers DLC 3, and consider the possibility of a re-release for Sonic Adventure, whether as a remake or ported in a compilation.
- Thanks to Smoovies for the edit!
SMOOVIES returns! Ancient Lore pt. 2: Babylon
Our pal Smoovies emerges from behind-the-scenes to hop back on the mic. This week, it's a deep dive into the ancient history of Sonic's World with a focus on the treasures of the Babylonians!
Amy Rose & Chao chat w/ LIZA SINGER + ASHLYN ANSTEE
Artist Liza Singer joins — and Ashlyn Anstee returns — to discuss Amy Rose, the Chao, and the Dreamcast era of Sonic the Hedgehog.
- During the episode, we refer to a YouTube video about the philosophy of Shadow the Hedgehog — here's the link to the video by Ranni!
- Check out Liza Singer's work on their website!
ABBY DENTON analyzes Sonic themes
Our hilarious friend Abby Denton shares her unique interpretations of Sonic stories and characters, and we're all better for it. Thanks to Smoovies for the edit — love ya, Smoovies!
JON GRAY talks Sonic comics
Jonathan H. Gray is an artist and writer for IDW's Sonic the Hedgehog and Disney comics (previously Archie's Sonic comics) — and he's a teacher! So we're extremely thrilled Jon "WB" Gray could join us for a freewheeling chat about Sonic's upcoming 900th adventure, "everything is canon," Ian Flynn, Carl Barks, Mickey Mouse, and more!
- This was edited by our friend Smoovies. Thanks Smoovies!
Sonic R U Kidding?? w/ JANDÊ SAAVEDRA FARIAS + MICHAEL STEARNS
David & Grant are joined by game developers Jandê Saavedra Farias and Michael Stearns for a discussion of the 1997 racing game, Sonic R.
- Check out Jorel's Brother and the Most Important Game of the Galaxy
- Check out Sky Racket
- Check out Tiny Barbarian DX
- Edit provided by our friend Smoovies. Thanks Smoovies!
Ranking the Sonic Villains
David & Grant talk about the baddies in the real world, and the evil-doers of Sonic's World.
- Edit provided by our friend Smoovies. Thanks Smoovies!
Ancient Lore w/ SMOOVIES
Our pal Smoovies from FTCR joins David & Grant to talk about Yuji Naka's legal situation, the Spin Dash in Sonic Frontiers, and a deep dive into the pre-Sonic history of the Sonicverse.
- Here's the photo of Ohshima-san & Yasuhara-san together referenced in the show, and here is the leak of '90s Sega documents that are also discussed.
- Email us! sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com
- This episode was edited by Josh Schafernak. Thanks Josh!
Sonic Frontiers DLC Update 2
In addition to discussing the new features in Sonic Frontiers, David & Grant wonder about Dr. Eggman's father, and speculate about alternate timelines in which SEGA was acquired by other gaming publishers.
- Email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow the show on Twitter, too!
- Edited by Josh Schafernak. Thanks Josh!
Sonic's Birthday Bash w/ ASHLYN ANSTEE
David & Grant are again joined by Ashlyn, who continues to fill in for Bo, for some thoughts about the truth of Sonic's birthday, Sonic Origins Plus, playable Amy Rose, the news about Spider-Verse crunch, and overall thoughts reacting to the 2023 Sonic Central presentation.
- Email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow the show on Twitter, too!
- Edited by Josh Schafernak. Thanks Josh!
ED SKUDDER on making The Super Mario Bros. Movie! + ASHLYN ANSTEE
Ed Skudder is the Head of Story for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and is also a longtime dear friend of Ashlyn, who is married to Grant, who hosts the podcast with David, and it's all for the benefit of you — the dear listener cool and tuned in enough to know about this show and this super exclusive interview! Learn about Hollywood blockbuster moviemaking, learn about working with Nintendo, learn about how those long tracking shots in the movie came to be, and more. It's also just a chill hang, as usual.
- Email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow the show on Twitter, too!
- Edited by our new friend Josh Schafernak. Thanks Josh!
Bonus! Big the Cat Stevens
After recording our interview episode with Ed Skudder, Grant & David thought we'd create a quick bonus episode to address the big Sonic news of the week — the reveal of Sonic Superstars DLC, and the additional cast information for the Knuckles series coming to Paramount+ later this year.
- Email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow the show on Twitter, too!
- Edited by our new friend Josh Schafernak. Thanks Josh!
Sonic Superstars!?! Plus we finally talk Sonic Prime w/ SANGO
Our buddy Sango joins us for this episode to react to a big Sonic announcement — and also to finally dig into Sonic Prime (season 1) a little more.
- Email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow the show on Twitter, too!
In Defense of Secret Rings w/ JACK OF OLD GAMES
YouTube essayist Jack of Old Games joins for a conversation about the Morio Kishimoto canon of Sonic games, which began with Sonic and the Secret Rings and continues through Sonic Frontiers, and a broader chat about how we think about retro gaming.
- Email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow the show on Twitter, too!
PAT CASEY on Mortal Kombat (1995)
🎶 Mortal Kompaaaat! 🎶 Pat Casey (co-screenwriter of the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy, Violent Night, and more) joins Grant, Bo, and David for a conversation about making movies based on video games with a close look at the first high-water mark for the video game adaptation, Mortal Kombat.
- Follow Pat Casey on Twitter!
- Listen to the Best Movies Never Made podcast by Josh Miller and Stephen Scarlata!
- Email sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow the show on Twitter, too!
CHAD QUANDT loves SatAM
Emmy-winning writer/showrunner Chad Quandt (Star Trek Prodigy, Unikitty, Trollhunters) joins the program to share his love for the Sonic the Hedgehog animated series affectionately known as "SatAM." You probably knew that from the title of the episode but I just wanted to spell it out anyway, thanks for indulging me. We indulge in fun this week with a rambling gambling good time!
- Listen to Chad's podcast, Goosebuds!
- Email us sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow us on Twitter, too!
JESSICA HALLSTROM is a Sonic mom
Jessica Hallstrom and Grant became friends when they were both in their 20s in the LA stand-up comedy scene, and now they're in their 30s, but they've never talked in-depth about their mutual affection for Sonic the Hedgehog. Bo and Jessica realize they are each raising a 5-year-old Sonic fan. Meanwhile, David the Lurker lurks with the best quips and zingers of the episode.
- Follow Jessica on Instagram for vegan food reviews and rants @vegspice_eats!
- Email us sonicweeklypodcast@gmail.com for an invitation to the show's Discord!
- Follow us on Twitter, too!
Ranking the Sonic TV Shows
Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Underground, Sonic X, Sonic Boom, Sonic Prime — that's the chronological order. What about from best to worst? We sort it out!