Episodes

  • The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986) with Jess Conto
    Jun 4 2026

    This week on The Wasteland Retrospective, host Shane Conto (The Wasteland Reviewer) is joined by Jess Conto for a double dose of beloved Jim Henson Company fantasy classics:

    🎬 Films Discussed:

    • The Dark Crystal (1982) — Jim Henson & Frank Oz's groundbreaking dark fantasy puppet film
    • Labyrinth (1986) — the iconic David Bowie fantasy adventure produced by Jim Henson

    If you love 80s fantasy films, Jim Henson, practical effects, David Bowie, or classic cult movies — this is essential listening!

    The Wasteland Retrospective is a weekly film podcast where Shane Conto and a guest each pick a related film to discuss together — spanning cult classics, fantasy cinema, and hidden gems across every era of filmmaking.

    Shane Conto — film critic, writer & YouTuber:

    • 🌐 Website | ▶️ YouTube | 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 🎥 Letterboxd

    Also hosts Wasteland Watchlist, Wasteland Spotlight, and The Cinematic Wasteland — all part of the SPDM Crew podcast network.

    🎙️ Subscribe to The Wasteland Retrospective podcast feed

    Have a film pairing suggestion or want to join the SPDM Crew? Email spdmcrew@gmail.com

    📲 Follow SPDM Crew: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Bluesky 🌐 www.spdmcrew.com

    🎵 Theme music by Kristofer Twadell | Logo by Jason Wilbur @ HiFlyer Creative

    Leave a review and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your favorite podcast app!

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    21 mins
  • Anomalisa (2015) and Synecdoche, New York (2008) with Jeff Alan
    May 28 2026

    This week on The Wasteland Retrospective, host Shane Conto (The Wasteland Reviewer) is joined by writer, reviewer, and filmmaker Jeff Alan for a deep dive into two of the most mind-bending, emotionally complex works of writer-director Charlie Kaufman:

    🎬 Films Discussed:

    • Anomalisa (2015)
    • Synecdoche, New York (2008)

    If you're a fan of existential cinema, surrealist film, arthouse movies, or the singular creative vision of Charlie Kaufman — this is essential listening.

    The Wasteland Retrospective is a weekly film podcast where Shane Conto and a guest each pick a related film to discuss together — spanning cult classics, arthouse cinema, and hidden gems across every era of filmmaking.

    Shane Conto is a decorated film critic, writer, and YouTuber. Follow his work here:

    • 🌐 Website
    • ▶️ YouTube – The Wasteland Reviewer
    • 📸 Instagram
    • 🎥 Letterboxd

    Shane also hosts Wasteland Watchlist, Wasteland Spotlight, The Cinematic Wasteland, The Wasteland Vintage Roadshow, and Ruthless Obsession — all part of the SPDM Crew podcast network.

    Jeff Alan is a photographer, filmmaker, video creator, and film and TV reviewer. Find his work here:

    • 🌐 Portfolio & Contact

    Need photography or videography? Jeff is available for hire — check out his portfolio above!

    Have a film pairing suggestion for Shane and his guest, or want to join the SPDM Crew? Email us at spdmcrew@gmail.com

    📲 Follow SPDM Crew: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Bluesky

    🎵 Theme music by Kristofer Twadell | Logo by Jason Wilbur @ HiFlyer Creative

    Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your favorite podcast app!

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    36 mins
  • Night on Earth (1991) and Permanent Vacation (1980) with Luke Burian
    May 21 2026

    This week on The Wasteland Retrospective, host Shane Conto (The Wasteland Reviewer) is joined by film blogger and SPDM Crew podcaster Luke Burian for a deep dive into two early works from indie cinema legend Jim Jarmusch:

    🎬 Films Discussed:

    • Night on Earth (1991)
    • Permanent Vacation (1980)

    From Jarmusch's lo-fi debut to his acclaimed anthology road film, this episode is essential listening for fans of independent cinema, arthouse film, and 1980s and 1990s American indie movies.

    The Wasteland Retrospective is a weekly film podcast where Shane Conto and a guest each pick a related film to discuss together — spanning classic cinema, cult favorites, and hidden gems across every era of filmmaking.

    Shane Conto is a film critic, writer, and YouTuber. Follow his work here:

    • 🌐 Website
    • ▶️ YouTube – The Wasteland Reviewer
    • 📸 Instagram
    • 🎥 Letterboxd

    Shane also hosts Wasteland Watchlist, Cinematic Wasteland, and Wasteland Spotlight — all part of the SPDM Crew podcast network.

    Luke Burian is a film writer, blogger, and podcaster. Find his work here:

    • 🌐 Lost in Movies
    • 🎥 Letterboxd
    • 🎙️ Podcasts: Flix and Chill, The Cinematic Wasteland, and SiftPop Writer's Room

    Have a film pairing suggestion for Shane and his guest, or want to join the SPDM Crew? Email us at spdmcrew@gmail.com

    📲 Follow SPDM Crew: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky

    🎵 Theme music by Kristofer Twadell | Logo by Jason Wilbur @ HiFlyer Creative

    Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your favorite podcast app!

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    1 hr
  • Lord of the Flies (1963) and Lord of the Flies (1990) with Mike Hilty
    May 14 2026

    Welcome to The Wasteland Retrospective! This weekly podcast will bring together The Wasteland Reviewer and a guest with each picking a related film to discuss together. For this episode, Shane is joined by SPDM Crew creator and podcaster, Mike Hilty, as they discuss a double dose of adaptations of William Golding's classic novel, Lord of the Flies (1963) & Lord of the Flies (1990).

    Shane Conto is a decorated movie critic, writer, and YouTuber! Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, his YouTube page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, The Wasteland Reviewer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow him on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Check out his other podcasts, Wasteland Watchlist, the Cinematic Wasteland, and the Wasteland Spotlight on the SPDM Crew of Podcasts!

    Mike Hilty is a TV and Movie lover and a fellow SPDM podcaster. Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Serializd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Also check out other SPDM podcasts, Family Movie Night, Sportsball, Mix CD, and SPDM TV, his podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Geek Speak Louder Than Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and his articles on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SiftPop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    If you have a movie selection that you think Shane and his guest should cover, or you're interested in being part of the SPDM Crew, send us an email at spdmcrew@gmail.com. Follow SPDM Crew on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Blue Sky. Check out our website www.spdmcrew.com!

    Shout out to Kristofer Twadell for the awesome theme music and Jason Wilbur at HiFlyer Creative for providing the logo!

    Leave us a review and rate us 5 stars on your listening app of choice!

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    27 mins
  • Tombstone (1993) and My Darling Clementine (1946) with Jess Conto
    May 7 2026

    Welcome to The Wasteland Retrospective! This weekly podcast will bring together The Wasteland Reviewer and a guest with each picking a related film to discuss together. For this episode, Shane is joined by his wife, Jess Conto, as they discuss a double dose of Wyatt Earp tales, Tombstone (1993) & My Darling Clementine (1946).

    Shane Conto is a decorated movie critic, writer, and Youtuber! Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, his YouTube page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Wasteland Reviewer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow him on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Check out his other podcasts Wasteland Watchlist, Wasteland Spotlight, and the Cinematic Wasteland on the SPDM Crew of Podcasts!

    If you have a movie selection that you think Shane and his guest should cover or you're interested in being part of the SPDM Crew, send us an email at spdmcrew@gmail.com. Follow SPDM Crew on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Blue Sky. Check out our website www.spdmcrew.com!

    Shout out to Kristofer Twadell for the awesome theme music and Jason Wilbur at HiFlyer Creative for providing the logo!

    Leave us a review and rate us 5 stars on your listening app of choice!

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    24 mins
  • American History X (1998) and 25th Hour (2002) with Adam Ritchie
    Apr 30 2026

    Welcome to The Wasteland Retrospective! This weekly podcast will bring together The Wasteland Reviewer and a guest with each picking a related film to discuss together. For this episode, Shane is joined by podcaster and SPDM Crew member, Adam Ritchie, as they discuss a double dose of Edward Norton dramas, American History X (1998) & 25th Hour (2002).

    Shane Conto is a decorated movie critic, writer, and Youtuber! Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, his YouTube page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Wasteland Reviewer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow him on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Check out his other podcasts Wasteland Watchlist, Wasteland Spotlight, and the Cinematic Wasteland on the SPDM Crew of Podcasts!

    Adam Ritchie is the host of KerbRider F1 and Screen Time with KerbRider podcast here on the SPDM Crew. He's also the co-host of the Cinematic Wasteland. Check out Adam's thoughts on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for movie updates!

    ⁠⁠Subscribe to the Wasteland Retrospective feed here⁠⁠

    If you have a movie selection that you think Shane and his guest should cover or you're interested in being part of the SPDM Crew, send us an email at spdmcrew@gmail.com. Follow SPDM Crew on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin, and Blue Sky. Check out our website www.spdmcrew.com!

    Shout out to Kristofer Twadell for the awesome theme music and Jason Wilbur at HiFlyer Creative for providing the logo!

    Leave us a review and rate us 5 stars on your listening app of choice!

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Paprika (2006) and Millennium Actress (2001) with Luke Burian
    Apr 16 2026

    Welcome to The Wasteland Retrospective! This weekly podcast will bring together The Wasteland Reviewer and a guest, who will each pick a related film to discuss. For this episode, Shane is joined by SPDM Crew podcaster, Luke Burian, to discuss a double dose of Satoshi Kon anime, Paprika (2006) & Millennium Actress (2001).

    Shane Conto is a decorated movie critic, writer, and YouTuber! Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, his YouTube page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, The Wasteland Reviewer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow him on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Check out his other podcasts, Wasteland Watchlist, the Cinematic Wasteland, and the Wasteland Spotlight on the SPDM Crew of Podcasts!

    Luke Burian is a seasoned movie lover with his own movie blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lost In Movies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Luke is also a frequent contributor on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SiftPop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and he also appears on the SiftPop Writer's Room podcast and The Scribe Podcast. Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, his podcast Flix and Chill, and his podcast he cohosts The Cinematic Wasteland.

    If you have a movie selection you think Shane and his guest should cover, or if you're interested in being part of the SPDM Crew, send us an email at spdmcrew@gmail.com. Follow SPDM Crew on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, Facebook, YouTube, and Blue Sky. Website coming soon!

    Shout out to Kristofer Twadell for the awesome theme music and Jason Wilbur at HiFlyer Creative for providing the logo!

    Leave us a review and rate us 5 stars on your listening app of choice!

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    43 mins
  • Super Mario Bros. (1993) and Mortal Kombat (1995) with Mike Hilty
    Apr 9 2026

    Welcome to The Wasteland Retrospective! This weekly podcast will bring together The Wasteland Reviewer and a guest with each picking a related film to discuss together. For this episode, Shane is joined by SPDM Crew creator and podcaster, Mike Hilty, as they discuss a double dose of 90s video game adaptations, Super Mario Bros. (1993) & Mortal Kombat (1995).

    Shane Conto is a decorated movie critic, writer, and Youtuber! Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, his YouTube page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Wasteland Reviewer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow him on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Check out his other podcasts Wasteland Watchlist, Streaming Wasteland, the Cinematic Wasteland, the Wasteland Vintage Roadshow, and Ruthless Obsession on the SPDM Crew of Podcasts!

    Mike Hilty is a TV and Movie lover and fellow SPDM podcaster. Check out his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Serializd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Also check out other SPDM podcasts Family Movie Night, Sportsball, Mix CD, and SPDM TV, his podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Geek Speak Louder Than Nerds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and his articles on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SiftPop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    If you have a movie selection that you think Shane and his guest should cover or you're interested in being part of the SPDM Crew, send us an email at spdmcrew@gmail.com. Follow SPDM Crew on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Blue Sky. Check out our website www.spdmcrew.com!

    Shout out to Kristofer Twadell for the awesome theme music and Jason Wilbur at HiFlyer Creative for providing the logo!

    Leave us a review and rate us 5 stars on your listening app of choice!

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    45 mins