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Mortal Podkast

Mortal Podkast

By Ben Mekler

TV writer and Mortal Kombat expert Ben Mekler overwrites his friends' most precious childhood memories with everything there is to know about a single Mortal Kombat character.
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Jess Lane vs. Jacqui Briggs

Mortal PodkastSep 19, 2022

00:00
01:44:18
Jess Lane vs. Jacqui Briggs

Jess Lane vs. Jacqui Briggs

THE FINAL EPISODE OF MORTAL PODKAST ARRIVES. Writer/Comedian/Rock Star Jess Lane - the voice that yells "Mortal Podkast" in our iconic theme song - finally joins the show to hear the epic generational saga behind JACQUI BRIGGS! Thanks for listening, and as always... finish him.

Sep 19, 202201:44:18
Elyse & James Willems vs. Cetrion & Geras

Elyse & James Willems vs. Cetrion & Geras

The infamous Elyse and James Willems join the show for its penultimate (for now) episode, journeying back to the dawn of kreation with CETRION and GERAS!

Sep 12, 202201:50:32
Rax King vs. Kotal Kahn

Rax King vs. Kotal Kahn

Author Rax King (Tacky) takes on the rise of KOTAL KAHN!

Sep 05, 202201:53:56
Eric Appel vs. Cassie Cage

Eric Appel vs. Cassie Cage

Writer/director Eric Appel (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) joins the show to talk about the legacy of CASSIE CAGE!

Aug 29, 202202:02:44
Cody Ziglar vs. Takeda Takahashi

Cody Ziglar vs. Takeda Takahashi

Zig joins the show this week to hear the face-ripping, chain-whipping saga of Takeda Takahashi!

Aug 22, 202201:39:10
David Sims vs. Kung Jin

David Sims vs. Kung Jin

Blank Check Podcast's David Sims joins the show for a journey back to the Shaolin Temple with Mortal Kombat's very own Artful Dodger, KUNG JIN!

Aug 15, 202201:23:47
Josh Gondelman vs. D'vorah

Josh Gondelman vs. D'vorah

It's famously nice man vs. famously bug woman on today's Mortal Podkast as writer and comedian Josh Gondelman joins the show to hear the slimy, controversial story of D'VORAH!

Aug 08, 202201:42:59
Cargill vs. Erron Black

Cargill vs. Erron Black

Hope you're ready for a rootin-tootin' centaur-shootin' good time, cause we're talking about interdimensional gunslinger Erron Black with none other than screenwriter C. Robert Cargill (Doctor Strange, The Black Phone) on today's MORTAL PODKAST!

Aug 01, 202201:19:07
JD Dillard vs. Kollector

JD Dillard vs. Kollector

Get ready for a journey into mystery, as special guest JD Dillard (writer/director of the upcoming DEVOTION) joins the show to hear about one of Mortal Kombat's least-explored kharacters, THE KOLLECTOR!

Jul 25, 202201:05:59
Merritt K/Eric Thurm vs. Ferra/Torr

Merritt K/Eric Thurm vs. Ferra/Torr

We've got a double-header double-header today, as the wonderful Eric Thurm and Merritt K join the show to break down the symbiotic Outworld duo known as Ferra/Torr!

Jul 18, 202201:13:16
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Writers vs. Kronika

Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Writers vs. Kronika

PREPARE THYSELF, PODKASTHEADS - we've got a big one today. FIVE guests, simultaneously breaking down the treacherous tale of the titan of time herself, KRONIKA. Jasmine Chiong, Shane Lynch, Neyah Barbee, Ellie Guzman, and of course Ben's writing partner Chris Amick join the show this week in celebration of Dreamworks' upcoming KUNG FU PANDA: THE DRAGON KNIGHT! Support the show (Ben was head writer and co-EP!) by checking it out on Netflix July 14th!

Jul 11, 202201:53:31
Rachael "Steak" Finley vs. Skarlet

Rachael "Steak" Finley vs. Skarlet

We're back, baby! The final (for now) season of Mortal Podkast begins with the delightful Rachael Finley aka Steak - breaking down the bloody history of phlebotomancer SKARLET!

Jul 04, 202201:22:50
Dave Schilling vs. Taven

Dave Schilling vs. Taven

We're wrapping Season 6 up with a big one as Dave Schilling joins the show for the apocalyptically inept adventures of TAVEN!

Sep 06, 202101:41:20
Blair Socci vs. Daegon

Blair Socci vs. Daegon

It's ARMAGEDDON TIME, baby! Blair Socci joins the show to hear the devastatingly inept tale of DAEGON, a demi-god who looks exactly like a guy named Daegon.

Aug 30, 202159:59
Arin Hanson vs. Shujinko

Arin Hanson vs. Shujinko

Game Grumps' own Arin Hanson joins the show for the epic and frankly pathetic saga of eternal sucker, SHUJINKO!

Aug 23, 202102:02:23
Scott Wampler vs. Onaga

Scott Wampler vs. Onaga

The Kingcast's Scott Wampler joins the show to discuss a very different kind of king - ONAGA, THE DRAGON KING!

Aug 16, 202101:41:19
Hector Navarro & Keller Knoblock vs. Kobra & Kira

Hector Navarro & Keller Knoblock vs. Kobra & Kira

It's a double-double header this week as 500 Greatest Films podcast hosts Hector Navarro and Keller Knoblock join the show to discuss two of the least popular kombatants in MK history - Black Dragon rejects Kobra & Kira!

Aug 09, 202101:26:52
Erika Ishii vs. Ashrah

Erika Ishii vs. Ashrah

It's time to take a trip to the Netherrealm to meet demon slayer ASHRAH with none other than demon slayer Erika Ishii! 

Aug 02, 202101:11:41
Jordan Morris vs. The Orderrealm (Hotaru, Dairou, and Darrius)

Jordan Morris vs. The Orderrealm (Hotaru, Dairou, and Darrius)

Beloved podcast genius Jordan Morris joins the show to talk about THREE of the coppiest cops who ever copped it up in copsville. We're talking about the Orderrealm's own Hotaru, Hsu Hao, and Darrius on a very orderly episode of Mortal Podkast.

Jul 26, 202101:11:41
Michael Chakraverty vs. Havik

Michael Chakraverty vs. Havik

Season 6 begins with a long-awaited trip to the chaosrealm alongside VERY special guest Michael Chakraverty (Great British Bake Off, menkind)!

Jul 19, 202101:50:10
VyceVictus vs. Mortal Kombat (2021)

VyceVictus vs. Mortal Kombat (2021)

Ask and ye shall receive! After many requests for a Mortal Podkast review of the new Mortal Kombat movie, I sat down with film essayist VyceVictus to discuss the flick and its liberal use of arcana. Enjoy, Podkastheads!

Apr 24, 202101:18:44
Broti Gupta vs. Kenshi

Broti Gupta vs. Kenshi

Season 5 comes to a thrilling conclusion as comedy writer Broti Gupta joins the show for the legendary tale of blind swordsman KENSHI!

Mar 08, 202101:23:10
Akilah Hughes vs. Hsu Hao, Drahmin, Moloch, AND Mokap

Akilah Hughes vs. Hsu Hao, Drahmin, Moloch, AND Mokap

Akilah Hughes joins the show to run through a gauntlet of obscure fighters - from cybernetic cult member Hsu Hao to demon buddies Drahmin and Moloch to Mokap, a karate teacher from Chicago.

Mar 01, 202101:22:44
Emily Gaudette vs. Frost

Emily Gaudette vs. Frost

Some cryomancers are kind, some are cruel, and some are just colossal assholes. Writer Emily Gaudette joins the show to talk about the meanest ice-ssassin in the MK universe, FROST!

Feb 22, 202101:27:07
Dana Donnelly vs. Bo' Rai Cho

Dana Donnelly vs. Bo' Rai Cho

Buckle up Podkastheads, it's time for the match-up you've all been waiting for: writer/comedian Dana Donnelly vs. barf-hurling interdimensional martial arts master/drunk Bo' Rai Cho!

Feb 15, 202101:20:00
Maggie Mae Fish vs. Nitara

Maggie Mae Fish vs. Nitara

Hope you're ready to enter the vampireverse, cause we're exploring the weirdly detailed history of Mortal Kombat bloodsuckers with Maggie Mae Fish! 

Feb 08, 202101:25:43
Sophia Benoit vs. Li Mei

Sophia Benoit vs. Li Mei

Writer Sophia Benoit joins the show to hear the shockingly horny saga of Outworld's very own Li Mei.

Feb 01, 202101:00:45
Heather Anne Campbell vs. Mavado

Heather Anne Campbell vs. Mavado

The time has come to hear the tale of one of Mortal Kombat's least iconic warriors: bad-boy illuminati merc MOVADO! Join writer/comedian/bad video game podcaster Heather Anne Campbell (Rick & Morty, How Did This Get Played) for a whole lot of "huh, okay, good for him I guess" on today's Mortal Podkast.

Jan 25, 202101:19:45
Amelia Elizalde vs. Blaze

Amelia Elizalde vs. Blaze

You've heard him mentioned in nearly every Mortal Podkast episode to date. We're kicking off season five with the legend of big ol' fire hunk Blaze, featuring special guest Amelia Elizalde!

Jan 18, 202101:03:39
Joan Ford vs. Tanya

Joan Ford vs. Tanya

Season 4 comes to a rousing conclusion as we break down the Traitor of Edenia, TANYA, with writer/comedian/Beetlejuice the Musical fan Joan Ford!

Aug 24, 202001:38:05
Peter Hastings vs. Kai & Meat & Tremor

Peter Hastings vs. Kai & Meat & Tremor

Animation legend and Ben Mekler's boss Peter Hastings joins the show to talk about three underrepresented Mortal Kombat kombatants who are bound by a common theme.

Aug 17, 202001:15:34
Taylor Garron vs. Jarek

Taylor Garron vs. Jarek

Writer, comedian, and Zoom alumnus Taylor Garron joins the show to give the Mortal Kombat universe's pettiest criminal his moment in the spotlight. 

Aug 10, 202001:10:10
Rich Sommer vs. Reiko

Rich Sommer vs. Reiko

Actor Rich Sommer (Mad Men, Glow) joins the show to talk about one of the biggest pieces of shit in the entire Mortal Kombat franchise. A man who is just fully garbage. We are talking, of course, about Reiko.

Aug 03, 202001:29:04
Karen Han vs. Sareena

Karen Han vs. Sareena

The underrated demon with a heart of gold finally gets her due, with the help of writer Karen Han.

Jul 27, 202001:16:50
Kumail Nanjiani vs. Quan Chi

Kumail Nanjiani vs. Quan Chi

Writer/actor/almond milk enthusiast Kumail Nanjiani joins the show to hear the heart-stopping saga of Quan Chi, a dark sorceror addicted to being an asshole. 

Jul 20, 202001:33:14
Joey Clift vs. Fujin

Joey Clift vs. Fujin

It's the God of Wind vs. writer/comedian/God of Garfield memes Joey Clift!

Jul 13, 202001:27:54
Shea Serrano vs. Shinnok

Shea Serrano vs. Shinnok

Season 4 kicks off with a big one - with the help of New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano, we're diving right into the big bad of Mortal Kombat 4: SHINNOK!

Jul 06, 202001:10:53
Griffin Newman vs. Rain

Griffin Newman vs. Rain

One part Hercules, one part Aladdin, ten parts douchebag and what do you get? One of the least popular and most powerful kharacters in the Mortal Kombat universe. Griffin Newman (The Tick, Blank Check podcast) joins the show (twice!) to bring Season 3 of Mortal Podkast to a klose with the saga of the water-wielding demi-god himself, Rain!

May 04, 202001:46:55
Whitney Moore vs. Sindel

Whitney Moore vs. Sindel

It's undead banshee queen time, baby! Actor, writer, host, and lil' stinker Whitney Moore joins the show to hear the epic and often upsetting saga of Mortal Kombat's hottest mom, SINDEL! 

Apr 20, 202001:31:40
Anthony Carboni vs. Cyrax

Anthony Carboni vs. Cyrax

In the world of Mortal Kombat, some cyborg ninjas are heroes. Some are villains. And others...are Cyrax. Mortal Podkast returns from the depths of kuarantine for a patent pending remote-i-sode with Anthony Carboni (We Have Concerns, The Star Wars Show) and everyone's favorite well-meaning, self-destructing punching bag: CYRAX.

Apr 13, 202001:42:04
BONUS-SODE: MK vs. DC Universe

BONUS-SODE: MK vs. DC Universe

Another Patreon jewel unleashed upon the masses as the kuarantine marches on! As you may have heard, there's one more major MK game out there that is arguably kanon. It brings Batman, Superman, and Joker into the kontinuity. It's...really fucking weird. Hear the full saga of MK vs. DC Universe on a bonus episode of Mortal Podkast!

Apr 06, 202042:12
BONUS-SODE: Kirby Mekler vs. Freddy Krueger

BONUS-SODE: Kirby Mekler vs. Freddy Krueger

The lockdown drags on, so it's time to drag some Patreon kontent out for the masses. Here's a bonus episode with Kirby Mekler (Leisure Fan Club) tracking MK9 guest fighter Freddy Krueger's journey out of the dreamrealm! You might be thinking that Freddy doesn't fit into MK kanon. Well, you're wrong. Maybe. Tune in to find out why!

Mar 30, 202029:08
BONUS-SODE: Mortal Podkast Q&A

BONUS-SODE: Mortal Podkast Q&A

Thanks to the koronavirus, Season 3 is getting delayed a bit. So, to keep you busy, host Ben Mekler is answering questions from the Mortal Podkast Patreon subscribers for your edutainment!

Shout out to our sponsor Acre Gold. To learn more, check them out at getacre.com/mortal

Mar 23, 202039:51
Shannon Woodward vs. Motaro

Shannon Woodward vs. Motaro

This one's for the horse girls: Shannon Woodward (The Last of Us Part II, Westworld) gallops on over to hear about the many foibles of Mortal Kombat's resident centaur, Motaro.

Mar 16, 202055:36
Adam Murray vs. Stryker
Mar 09, 202058:42
April Wolfe vs. Sheeva

April Wolfe vs. Sheeva

We've gabbed about Goro, kicked it with Kintaro...which means we've got one Shokan left. Screenwriter April Wolfe (Black Christmas) joins the show to hear the surprisingly triumphant story of SHEEVA on today's Mortal Podkast.

Mar 02, 202001:12:49
Niccole Thurman vs. Ermac

Niccole Thurman vs. Ermac

It's time to hear the tragic tale of everybody's favorite blessed union of souls, Ermac! With special guest Niccole Thurman (Shrill, A Black Lady Sketch Show).

Feb 24, 202001:08:38
John Tobias vs. Mortal Podkast

John Tobias vs. Mortal Podkast

Can it be? Yes it could! Mortal Kombat ko-kreator John Tobias joins the show this week to talk about the very inception of the Mortal Kombat story, the alternate paths the franchise could have taken, and to share all sorts of cool secret knowledge. It's an honor, a blessing, and it's all yours.

Feb 17, 202001:45:16
Kris Tapley vs. Kabal

Kris Tapley vs. Kabal

Writer Kris Tapley (The Call Sheet) is granted his greatest wish: to hear the gruesome tale of everybody's favorite mutant mercenary speedster, Kabal.

Feb 10, 202001:14:51
Carlos Cisco vs. Sektor

Carlos Cisco vs. Sektor

It's cyborg time, baby! Writer Carlos Cisco (East Los High, Star Trek Discovery) joins the show to explore the saga of desperate, hopeless daddy's boy Sektor. 

Feb 03, 202001:21:52