Fate's Wide Wheel: A Quantum Leap Podcast
325 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsFate's Wide Wheel explores the Quantum Leap universe - from its beginning in 1989 to the new series launched in 2022. Whether you're a long-time or new fan, welcome to our show.
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Episodes
Killin' Time - June 18, 1958
March 17, 2020 19:14 - 1 hour - 68.3 MBAre you killin’ time at home because of the coronavirus lockdown? Well, you’re in luck because we have a new episode for your listening pleasure, talking about Season 5’s “Killin’ Time”. (See what we did there?) Sam leaps into Leon Stiles, a serial killer who has taken a mother and daughter hostage in their home, in 1958 Oklahoma. In just a couple of hours, Sam will be killed by a vengeful sheriff when police raid the home. Meanwhile, the real Leon has escaped from the wait...
Nowhere to Run - August 10, 1968
March 03, 2020 21:35 - 2 hours - 90.5 MBWe have a special treat - [David Anthony Marshall](http://davidanthonymarshall.com), the Hippie in the bar scene, joins us to chat about his time working on Quantum Leap and more! This week we cover season 5’s “Nowhere to Run”. Sam leaps into Captain Ronald Miller, recuperating after the loss of his legs in a San Diego veteran’s hospital. In addition to keeping his paralyzed roommate from taking his own life, Sam also has to ensure Miller will have a son who saves his unit in Desert Storm 2...
Nowhere to Run - August 10, 1968
March 03, 2020 21:35 - 2 hours - 90.5 MBWe have a special treat - [David Anthony Marshall](http://davidanthonymarshall.com), the Hippie in the bar scene, joins us to chat about his time working on Quantum Leap and more! This week we cover season 5’s “Nowhere to Run”. Sam leaps into Captain Ronald Miller, recuperating after the loss of his legs in a San Diego veteran’s hospital. In addition to keeping his paralyzed roommate from taking his own life, Sam also has to ensure Miller will have a son who saves his unit ...
Leaping of the Shrew - September 27, 1956
February 19, 2020 18:41 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBWe talk about one of the fluffiest of fluff episodes following the dramatic season opener. Along the way, we discuss Shield’s previous movies, the wild parties at Project Quantum Leap, and how this episode gives us an Al that is just the right mix of sexist. Sam leaps into young Nikos Stahatos, a Greek sailor working aboard a luxury yacht. Sam finds himself in the Aegean Sea with one of the passengers, Vanessa Foster (Brooke Shields), just as the ship explodes. Vanessa is a...
Leaping of the Shrew - September 27, 1956
February 19, 2020 18:41 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBWe talk about one of the fluffiest of fluff episodes following the dramatic season opener. Along the way, we discuss Shield’s previous movies, the wild parties at Project Quantum Leap, and how this episode gives us an Al that is just the right mix of sexist. Sam leaps into young Nikos Stahatos, a Greek sailor working aboard a luxury yacht. Sam finds himself in the Aegean Sea with one of the passengers, Vanessa Foster (Brooke Shields), just as the ship explodes. Vanessa is a spoiled rich gir...
Lee Harvey Oswald - November 22, 1963
February 11, 2020 17:00 - 3 hours - 144 MBWe kick off our coverage of the final season of our beloved show. Season 5 of “Quantum Leap” premiered with the episode fans were told would never happen: Sam leaps into Lee Harvey Oswald. Stuck leaping into the alleged assassin at various points in his adulthood from 1957 to 1963, Sam takes on more and more of his leapee’s personality, raising the dangerous possibility that history will repeat itself. Meanwhile, Al interrogates the real Oswald back at PQL, trying to uncover the conspirac...
Lee Harvey Oswald - November 22, 1963
February 11, 2020 17:00 - 3 hours - 144 MBWe kick off our coverage of the final season of our beloved show. Season 5 of “Quantum Leap” premiered with the episode fans were told would never happen: Sam leaps into Lee Harvey Oswald. Stuck leaping into the alleged assassin at various points in his adulthood from 1957 to 1963, Sam takes on more and more of his leapee’s personality, raising the dangerous possibility that history will repeat itself. Meanwhile, Al interrogates the real Oswald back at PQL, trying to unco...
A Leap For Lisa - June 25, 1957
February 05, 2020 20:00 - 2 hours - 90.6 MBA handful of Quantum Leap episodes certainly need no introduction for hard-core fans, and this is one of them. Sam leaps into Al, a.k.a. Bingo, as a young Navy pilot. Ensign Calavicci has been accused of the rape and murder of Marci Riker, the wife of a Commander. When Sam inadvertently changes history, he drastically increases the odds that Al will be executed. We pick apart one of our faves, talk about some of the episodes's seriously problematic tropes, and how we might ...
A Leap For Lisa - June 25, 1957
February 05, 2020 20:00 - 2 hours - 90.6 MBA handful of Quantum Leap episodes certainly need no introduction for hard-core fans, and this is one of them. Sam leaps into Al, a.k.a. Bingo, as a young Navy pilot. Ensign Calavicci has been accused of the rape and murder of Marci Riker, the wife of a Commander. When Sam inadvertently changes history, he drastically increases the odds that Al will be executed. We pick apart one of our faves, talk about some of the episodes's seriously problematic tropes, and how we might have re-written i...
Stand-Up - April 30, 1959
January 21, 2020 17:01 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBYou are about to witness the strength of Bob Saget. Leapers! We’re back this week to talk about Season 4, episode 21, Stand Up - April 30th, 1959. Sam leaps into Davey Parker - one half of the comedy duo Parker and MacKay (Saget). Despite a rough start with Sam leaping in mid-routine, the duo get a shot doing their act in Vegas, thanks in no small part to their third, Frankie Washarskie (Amy Yasback). Sam has to get Mack and Frankie to admit their in love with each other, but also prevent Ma...
Stand-Up - April 30, 1959
January 21, 2020 17:01 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBYou are about to witness the strength of Bob Saget. Leapers! We’re back this week to talk about Season 4, episode 21, Stand Up - April 30th, 1959. Sam leaps into Davey Parker - one half of the comedy duo Parker and MacKay (Saget). Despite a rough start with Sam leaping in mid-routine, the duo get a shot doing their act in Vegas, thanks in no small part to their third, Frankie Washarskie (Amy Yasback). Sam has to get Mack and Frankie to admit their in love with each other, bu...
The Curse of Ptah-Hotep - March 2, 1957
January 14, 2020 15:17 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBOn April 22, 1992, the most consequential episode of Quantum Leap, nay, the most consequential episode of TV ever, aired on NBC: “The Curse of Ptah Hotep”. Sam leaps into Dale Conway, an archeologist who, along with his partner, Dr. Ginny Wills, has just discovered the tomb of King Ptah-Hotep. The hieroglyphics on the wall tell them whoever disturbs the tomb will be swallowed by death, and it appears he starts making good on his promise as members of the crew start dropping as quick Al’s one...
The Curse of Ptah-Hotep - March 2, 1957
January 14, 2020 15:17 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBOn April 22, 1992, the most consequential episode of Quantum Leap, nay, the most consequential episode of TV ever, aired on NBC: “The Curse of Ptah Hotep”. Sam leaps into Dale Conway, an archeologist who, along with his partner, Dr. Ginny Wills, has just discovered the tomb of King Ptah-Hotep. The hieroglyphics on the wall tell them whoever disturbs the tomb will be swallowed by death, and it appears he starts making good on his promise as members of the crew start dropping ...
Moments To Live - May 5, 1985 - 1:7:20, 9.27 AM
January 07, 2020 16:05 - 1 hour - 68 MBOh, boy, has it been two months since our last episode? The time flies. But we're back, talking about Season 4's "Moments to Live". Sam is Kyle Hart, 1985's hottest U.S. soap opera star. When Sam is kidnapped by a mentally-ill fan determined to have a child with Kyle, he must prevent Kyle's original fate of being shot in the head with a shotgun. (Seriously!) Frequent guest host, Chris Steward returns to take on some thorny issues in this darkly comedic episode - including sex...
Moments To Live - May 5, 1985 - 1:7:20, 9.27 AM
January 07, 2020 16:05 - 1 hour - 68 MBOh, boy, has it been two months since our last episode? The time flies. But we're back, talking about Season 4's "Moments to Live". Sam is Kyle Hart, 1985's hottest U.S. soap opera star. When Sam is kidnapped by a mentally-ill fan determined to have a child with Kyle, he must prevent Kyle's original fate of being shot in the head with a shotgun. (Seriously!) Frequent guest host, Chris Steward returns to take on some thorny issues in this darkly comedic episode - including sexual assault, ment...
It's A Wonderful Leap - May 10, 1958
November 21, 2019 15:08 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBHop in, Leapers. We’re going to the Big Apple, 1958, in a Yellow Cab driven by none other than Dr. Sam Beckett. Al’s by his side, of course, plus a guardian angel (Whose guardian angel is she anyway?) named Angelita who can dish out the barbs as good as she gets. Sam’s there to help a cabbie win a contest - a coveted NYC taxi medallion is the prize - without getting mugged and shot like in the original history. We dig into an episode that is for all intents and purposes the L...
It's A Wonderful Leap - May 10, 1958
November 21, 2019 15:08 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBHop in, Leapers. We’re going to the Big Apple, 1958, in a Yellow Cab driven by none other than Dr. Sam Beckett. Al’s by his side, of course, plus a guardian angel (Whose guardian angel is she anyway?) named Angelita who can dish out the barbs as good as she gets. Sam’s there to help a cabbie win a contest - a coveted NYC taxi medallion is the prize - without getting mugged and shot like in the original history. We dig into an episode that is for all intents and purposes the Liz Torres Hour, a...
Roberto! - July 27, 1982
October 15, 2019 15:54 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBWe are back with a new episode talking about Season 4’s “Roberto!” Sam is Roberto Guttierrez, a tabloid talk show host in small-time Destiny, New Mexico. To talk about “Roberto!”, we have to talk about Dr. Laura Schlessinger (who appears as herself), Geraldo Rivera (yes, Sam Fain, we really, really have to), and how this episode tips its hat to Rivera’s infamous, live “Al Capone” TV special. We also talk about Scott Bakula’s direction of the episode, pay tribute to Skeletor, and “fan-wank’ ou...
Roberto! - July 27, 1982
October 15, 2019 15:54 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBWe are back with a new episode talking about Season 4’s “Roberto!” Sam is Roberto Guttierrez, a tabloid talk show host in small-time Destiny, New Mexico. To talk about “Roberto!”, we have to talk about Dr. Laura Schlessinger (who appears as herself), Geraldo Rivera (yes, Sam Fain, we really, really have to), and how this episode tips its hat to Rivera’s infamous, live “Al Capone” TV special. We also talk about Scott Bakula’s direction of the episode, pay tribute to Skeletor, ...
Ghost Ship - August 13, 1956
September 10, 2019 20:55 - 1 hour - 46.9 MBThings are getting spooky and wet, but we're flying high in the Goose! This week we take a look at the 16th episode of season 4, "Ghost Ship". Sam is in the pilot seat again, but this time he's not the only one. Al gets spooked by the Bermuda Triangle, an appendix bursts, a WW2 vet is seeing a long-vanished ship, a feminine hygene product is put to innovative use, and we're experiencing glitches in the matrix. Join us for another adventure along with Sam and Al as things get a little weird an...
Ghost Ship - August 13, 1956
September 10, 2019 20:55 - 1 hour - 46.9 MBThings are getting spooky and wet, but we're flying high in the Goose! This week we take a look at the 16th episode of season 4, "Ghost Ship". Sam is in the pilot seat again, but this time he's not the only one. Al gets spooked by the Bermuda Triangle, an appendix bursts, a WW2 vet is seeing a long-vanished ship, a feminine hygene product is put to innovative use, and we're experiencing glitches in the matrix. Join us for another adventure along with Sam and Al as things get ...
Song For The Soul - April 7, 1963
August 29, 2019 15:18 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBStop (in the name of Love!) and give a listen to our latest episode. This week, we’re talking about Season 4’s “Song for the Soul - April 7th, 1963”. Sam finds himself in a musical singing trio ala The Supremes, and must keep the group’s lead singer, Lynette, from ruining her life by falling into the grasp of a predatorial music promotor (see also: small-time pimp), and becoming forever estranged from her dad. We also talk about how it works when Sam leaps into someone much shorter than hims...
Song For The Soul - April 7, 1963
August 29, 2019 15:18 - 1 hour - 54.6 MBStop (in the name of Love!) and give a listen to our latest episode. This week, we’re talking about Season 4’s “Song for the Soul - April 7th, 1963”. Sam finds himself in a musical singing trio ala The Supremes, and must keep the group’s lead singer, Lynette, from ruining her life by falling into the grasp of a predatorial music promotor (see also: small-time pimp), and becoming forever estranged from her dad. We also talk about how it works when Sam leaps into someone much ...
The Last Gunfighter - November 28, 1957
August 02, 2019 01:48 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBWe are back with a look at season 4's "The Last Gunfighter"! We talk about Sam's struggle to set things right while also doing what's best for the leapee's family, the shades of grey inherent in these old west relics, masculinity, and, of course, a digression into the golden age of the television western. Adjust your spurs, buckle your gun belt, and practice your fast-draw (you can ask Al for help if need be), because this episode ends up being a standout of the season.
The Last Gunfighter - November 28, 1957
August 02, 2019 01:48 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBWe are back with a look at season 4's "The Last Gunfighter"! We talk about Sam's struggle to set things right while also doing what's best for the leapee's family, the shades of grey inherent in these old west relics, masculinity, and, of course, a digression into the golden age of the television western. Adjust your spurs, buckle your gun belt, and practice your fast-draw (you can ask Al for help if need be), because this episode ends up being a standout of the season. ...
Temptation Eyes - February 1, 1985
July 02, 2019 02:01 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBSam & Dennis gotta take a little time with season four's "Temptation Eyes". They're reading between the lines... There's been heartache and pain... But they can't stop now, they've traveled so far in this lonely life... And Dennis wants to know... He wants you to show him... :-) In some seriousness, we discuss what sets this episode apart from the standard episodes that have littered the first half of the season. Come along for a different kind of leap and maybe we'll all find out what love ...
Temptation Eyes - February 1, 1985
July 02, 2019 02:01 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBSam & Dennis gotta take a little time with season four's "Temptation Eyes". They're reading between the lines... There's been heartache and pain... But they can't stop now, they've traveled so far in this lonely life... And Dennis wants to know... He wants you to show him... :-) In some seriousness, we discuss what sets this episode apart from the standard episodes that have littered the first half of the season. Come along for a different kind of leap and maybe we'll all fi...
Running For Honor - June 11, 1964
June 05, 2019 02:55 - 1 hour - 65 MBIs this thing on? We are back with our first new episode in far too long. "Running For Honor" was, at the time, the most controversial episode of Quantum Leap. We not only chat about the content of the episode and it's context, but we also cover some of the backlash and reviews from the time of the episode's airing. Needless to say, it's good to be back, even with a fairly heavy episode to tackle. As always, we look forward to hearing from you, so head on over to our [Facebook](https://www.fa...
Running For Honor - June 11, 1964
June 05, 2019 02:55 - 1 hour - 65 MBIs this thing on? We are back with our first new episode in far too long. "Running For Honor" was, at the time, the most controversial episode of Quantum Leap. We not only chat about the content of the episode and it's context, but we also cover some of the backlash and reviews from the time of the episode's airing. Needless to say, it's good to be back, even with a fairly heavy episode to tackle. As always, we look forward to hearing from you, so head on over to our [Faceboo...
The Play’s the Thing – September 9, 1969
April 10, 2019 16:56 - 1 hour - 68 MBWe must be bold…we must be innovative…we must be…*obnoxious breathing*…NUUUUUUUUUDE!
The Play’s the Thing – September 9, 1969
April 10, 2019 16:56 - 1 hour - 68 MBWe must be bold…we must be innovative…we must be…*obnoxious breathing*…NUUUUUUUUUDE!
Unchained – November 2, 1956
April 04, 2019 02:21 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBOr is this episode called “Unchained Melody”? Sam leaps into Chance Cole, a prisoner on a Southern chain gang in 1956. Cole is shackled to fellow inmate, Jasper Boone, who has been wrongfully imprisoned for series of store robberies. Somehow, Sam and Al must prove Jasper’s innocence from inside the prison. We discuss the episode (Sam thinks it’s solid, Dennis, not so much), talk about the episode’s hat tips to “The Defiant Ones” and “Cool Hand Luke”, and continue to discuss ...
Unchained – November 2, 1956
April 04, 2019 02:21 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBOr is this episode called “Unchained Melody”? Sam leaps into Chance Cole, a prisoner on a Southern chain gang in 1956. Cole is shackled to fellow inmate, Jasper Boone, who has been wrongfully imprisoned for series of store robberies. Somehow, Sam and Al must prove Jasper’s innocence from inside the prison. We discuss the episode (Sam thinks it’s solid, Dennis, not so much), talk about the episode’s hat tips to “The Defiant Ones” and “Cool Hand Luke”, and continue to discuss some conversation...
Happy 30th Anniversary, Quantum Leap!
March 26, 2019 19:57 - 1 hour - 47 MBOn March 26th, 1989, or favorite TV show debuted on NBC is a special two-hour movie event. We discuss what 30 years of Quantum Leap has meant us, as well as some thoughts from our listeners.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Quantum Leap!
March 26, 2019 19:57 - 1 hour - 47 MBOn March 26th, 1989, or favorite TV show debuted on NBC is a special two-hour movie event. We discuss what 30 years of Quantum Leap has meant us, as well as some thoughts from our listeners.
A Single Drop of Rain – September 7, 1953
March 05, 2019 16:40 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBSam leaps into Billy Beaumont, a traveling huckster who promises to literally make it rain. Sam arrives as Billy and his assistant, Clinton, are pulling into Billy’s drought-ridden hometown of Clover Bend, Texas. In the original history, the drought continued for several more months, and Billy left town with his brother’s wife, Annie. Can Sam and Al change history and actually bring rain to Clover Bend?
A Single Drop of Rain – September 7, 1953
March 05, 2019 16:40 - 1 hour - 53.4 MBSam leaps into Billy Beaumont, a traveling huckster who promises to literally make it rain. Sam arrives as Billy and his assistant, Clinton, are pulling into Billy’s drought-ridden hometown of Clover Bend, Texas. In the original history, the drought continued for several more months, and Billy left town with his brother’s wife, Annie. Can Sam and Al change history and actually bring rain to Clover Bend?
Dreams – February 28, 1979
February 13, 2019 03:10 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBSam leaps into Jack Stone, a Malibu, California police detective. When Sam finds an eviscerated body immediately after leaping in, his psyche is thrown into turmoil, giving him nightmares and possible visions of his own impending death, even as he tries to solve the woman’s murder. Our “guestiest guest” Chris Steward returns to discuss an episode that is kind of Quantum Leap’s take on “West Coast Noir”.
Dreams – February 28, 1979
February 13, 2019 03:10 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBSam leaps into Jack Stone, a Malibu, California police detective. When Sam finds an eviscerated body immediately after leaping in, his psyche is thrown into turmoil, giving him nightmares and possible visions of his own impending death, even as he tries to solve the woman’s murder. Our “guestiest guest” Chris Steward returns to discuss an episode that is kind of Quantum Leap’s take on “West Coast Noir”.
Throwback Episode: Black on White on Fire – August 11, 1965
January 23, 2019 19:58 - 2 hours - 100 MBSome family issues came up this weekend, preventing us from recording. So we’re revisiting one of our favorites from Season 3, _Black on White on Fire. _ We often talk on this show about _Quantum Leap_ episodes that haven’t aged well, especially with our more socially-conscious 2018 sensibilities. Here’s one that is – all too unfortunately – very timely. It almost feels like it could have been written today. Sam leaps into Ray Harper, a young black medical student living in ...
Throwback Episode: Black on White on Fire – August 11, 1965
January 23, 2019 19:58 - 2 hours - 100 MBSome family issues came up this weekend, preventing us from recording. So we’re revisiting one of our favorites from Season 3, _Black on White on Fire. _ We often talk on this show about _Quantum Leap_ episodes that haven’t aged well, especially with our more socially-conscious 2018 sensibilities. Here’s one that is – all too unfortunately – very timely. It almost feels like it could have been written today. Sam leaps into Ray Harper, a young black medical student living in Watts, Los Angele...
The Wrong Stuff – January 24, 1961
January 15, 2019 18:48 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBSam’s a chimponaut! Sam leaps into Bobo, a chimpanzee in the early days of the space program. Sam was to prevent the disappearance (and later, the unnecessary death) of Bobo, and another chimp named Cory. Sam Fain and Dennis discuss an episode that at first glance seems gimmicky and just an excuse to put Scott Bakula in a diaper, but ultimately has a lot of heart and a great message.
The Wrong Stuff – January 24, 1961
January 15, 2019 18:48 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBSam’s a chimponaut! Sam leaps into Bobo, a chimpanzee in the early days of the space program. Sam was to prevent the disappearance (and later, the unnecessary death) of Bobo, and another chimp named Cory. Sam Fain and Dennis discuss an episode that at first glance seems gimmicky and just an excuse to put Scott Bakula in a diaper, but ultimately has a lot of heart and a great message.
Raped – June 20, 1980
January 09, 2019 11:53 - 2 hours - 86.1 MBCW for this episode: Frank discussion about rape, victim-blaming, and victim-shaming Sam leaps into a Katie McBain, a rape victim, as she is in the hospital after her attack. As Katie, Sam pursues charges and a trial against the man who assaulted her, in a community that does not want to believe her. Given the subject matter of this particular episode, we’d like to provide the following resource for any listener who might need it: [RAINN, the United State’s largest anti-sexu...
Raped – June 20, 1980
January 09, 2019 11:53 - 2 hours - 86.1 MBCW for this episode: Frank discussion about rape, victim-blaming, and victim-shaming Sam leaps into a Katie McBain, a rape victim, as she is in the hospital after her attack. As Katie, Sam pursues charges and a trial against the man who assaulted her, in a community that does not want to believe her. Given the subject matter of this particular episode, we’d like to provide the following resource for any listener who might need it: [RAINN, the United State’s largest anti-sexual violence organ...
Permanent Wave – June 2, 1983
December 24, 2018 01:42 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBSam is Frank Bianca, a super hot and super popular L.A. hairdresser, there to stop his girlfriend and son from being killed after the boy possibly witnessing a murder.
Permanent Wave – June 2, 1983
December 24, 2018 01:42 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBSam is Frank Bianca, a super hot and super popular L.A. hairdresser, there to stop his girlfriend and son from being killed after the boy possibly witnessing a murder.
Justice – May 11, 1965
December 11, 2018 22:54 - 1 hour - 82.3 MBSam leaps into Clyde (in a rare case, no last name is given), as he is being inducted into the KKK in 1965 Alabama. As Clyde, Sam must save the life of a civil rights activist. This episode of QL has several utterance of the “N word”. We spend a good portion of the first hour discussing the word’s use in art, and if it’s appropriate (now or anytime in the past) for white people to use it in any context. As two white people ourselves, we’re sure there’s a lot we got wrong or ...
Justice – May 11, 1965
December 11, 2018 22:54 - 1 hour - 82.3 MBSam leaps into Clyde (in a rare case, no last name is given), as he is being inducted into the KKK in 1965 Alabama. As Clyde, Sam must save the life of a civil rights activist. This episode of QL has several utterance of the “N word”. We spend a good portion of the first hour discussing the word’s use in art, and if it’s appropriate (now or anytime in the past) for white people to use it in any context. As two white people ourselves, we’re sure there’s a lot we got wrong or missed. Please fe...
Hurricane – August 17, 1969
December 05, 2018 02:36 - 1 hour - 71.6 MBSam leaps into Archie Necaise, a deputy sheriff in Jackson’s Point, Mississippi, as Hurricane Camille is about to hit. As Archie, Sam must prevent the death of his girlfriend, Cissy, who was originally was killed in the storm.