Episode 43: Seducing Like Bond

Stop participating in the endless clickbait surrounding James Bond! It's a long, miserable road down an empty gun barrel.On tonight's special episode of Idiot Bond Fan Podcast, I'll make my case for why the never-ending speculation, casting rumors, and sensationalized headlines are not only unproductive but are doing a disservice to the James Bond fandom itself.Are we actually learning anything, or are we simply feeding a machine that thrives on our impatience for the next 007 announcement?It's time to stop taking the bait!

Season 3 finale of Idiot Bond Fan podcast will be a full reveal episode! For the first time, I’ll be sharing the complete truth behind “Spies Revealed” magazine, the FAKE nonexistent publication I concocted at age 14 to score tons and tons of free Bond merch. Originally intended to be a real magazine, as you can imagine, a high school student lacked the funding and connections to bring this into fruition (not the willpower).Toys, posters, standees, luggage, electric razors, prop replicas, trading cards, and even watches, I had it all..at no charge. Before the internet existed, credentials or even a URL were not required. And I took full advantage of this to score $100,000 worth of Bond collectibles…until I finally got caught.Hear the entire unscripted crazy story now that the statute of limitations on this bad-boy teen has fully expired. How a child with no experience, just a passion for collecting, amassed one of the largest Bond collections at the time.

It's James Bond Day! But is it James Bond Fan Day...or is it James Bond Brand Day?This day that comes about every October is supposed to be a fan celebration of 007's anniversary, but it has become more of an endless stream of pricey product launches that the everyman is increasingly boxed out of buying. Some thoughts to share...

James Bond is the ultimate seduction artist. His tool bag of seduction techniques is impressive, and tonight we'll cover some of the most effective ways Bond attracts and beds the opposite sex.Bond inspired the seductions of my youth and shaped the way I interacted with the fairer sex. Has he had that effect on yours?And for you single people out there, it's time to open up your toolbox and recount with me all those amazing looks, lines, and banter that basically gives him a perfect batting average.

Bond moments in our lives are normally aspirational in nature. But what about those moments that are just plain BAD? James Bond gets himself into some pretty precarious situations frequently, as many of us do in the course of normal human events. In tonight's episode, I'll call out five specific ones that have happened both to me and to Bond, and perhaps you as well. And either in the moment, or reflecting back on them, I've realized that they have #BADBONDMOMENTS written all over them.

Ten years later...Die Another Day was better then the last time. Here's why.

What are the rules of being a true die-hard Bond fan? Have we been "commanded" to love or hate certain aspects of the world of James Bond by a higher power? Or are there simply a group of generally accepted principles or preferences that the overwhelming majority of Bond fans would agree on?Well, of course, there's always some that don't follow the Bond guidebook (self-included). And in tonight's discussion, we'll cover the Top 10 most accepted rules, followed by a wide variety of opinions from listeners. Including a newfound resurgence of love around Die Another Day??? That took even me by surprise.

We aren't James Bond...sorry it's true! We cannot physically be in five countries on three continents in a two hour period of time. But when we can't be at an event, secure a Bond related purchase, or have to experience the disappointment of hearing or seeing the joy others had when we when missed out, it can be disheartening. It can be down right FOMO.But fear not, the truth is you don't need to be everywhere, feel obligated to participate more than you so choose, and you can be selective in weighing out the choices around your James Bond fandom. External factors, divine-intervention, and of course the weight of your wallet will factor in. But most importantly, these difficult choices are best made with a clear head and careful consideration. You don't need to be everywhere, do everything, or buy every product. And if you have ever felt the guilt, shame, or just plan FOMO of not being able to do certain things in this James Bond fan world, then this one is for you.

Most of us Bond fans have a love/hate relationship with the primary retailer for all 007 related merch. We have complaints, we have qualms, and we have horror stories in many cases. But, most of us sit with our concerns and don't vocalize them out loud...particularly in content form. Well, I'm here to speak up for all of us. Let's talk about all the e-com shop where the fast majority of Bond fans do their 00-shopping. You may learn some things you didn't know before, and perhaps (doubtful) leave this episode cutting the company behind the store a little bit more slack than you did prior.

Cold Turkey Challenge complete, six months of no Bond movies! I'll give myself a small pat on the back for this accomplishment. But the greater accomplishment was having more time to dedicate to the things in my life that matter to me (ready for this?)...more than James Bond. Family, friends, work, and so many more things have taken up my free time getting off the Bond-watching hamster wheel that is constantly on repeat. It's been a success all around.But would you take a challenge like this? Would you take time off to do other things other than repetitiously watch the same 25 movies that you've probably seen dozens if not hundreds of times? You should...and here's why.