The year is 2025 and per usual I am late to the party. One example of this is that while I don’t remember a time NOT being familiar with the TV show M*A*S*H, I didn’t see the final episode until 2023. Anyway I’m unfashionably here now. I’m about forty episodes in and I LOVE this podcast. Thanks so much Rob Kelly!!!

It’s impossible to argue against the fact that an episode-by-episode review of MASH is a necessary part of the podcast universe. And this show delivers it, and this podcast deserves credit for the time and effort required to take on that significant task. The format is quite good, starting with intros of the guest-hosts, a high-level review of the episode, and finally a deeper dive into the episode’s details. Unfortunately, the injection of the host’s ideology into maybe a third of the podcasts often brings it down to an unlistenable level. He makes his disdain for Trump clear as the seasons go on, and I happen to share that view with the host as I have never voted for Trump and never would. So my criticism is not some-sort of knee-jerk reaction of a person who disagrees with the host; indeed, I likely agree with the host on many issues. I also agree with many of the political messages of MASH and thus, from time-to-time, its rightful for the podcast to dive into it. The problems arise when the host brings such a misplaced perspective on it; often attempting to equate MASH’s themes with today’s political landscape and the host’s particular point of view, his favorite political party and his disdain for the political party he doesn’t like. He appears completely ignorant of the fact that the anti-establishment themes of MASH are the antithesis of the modern Democratic party (his preferred party). Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, MASH’s prominent anti-war themes would place most of the characters and writers, assuming they held onto these principles, well outside of today’s pro-war Democratic Party and squarely placed in some sort of semi-right-win or libertarian political pocket instead. The host’s political party of choice left the ideology of MASH quite some time ago. Interestingly and equally disappointingly, some of the guests who were a part of the making of the show appear to be unprincipled and equally ignorant of these phenomena related to the political parties’ 180 degree change on many issues and instead seem to have followed their “team” instead of their values; which, apparently, only emboldens the host more. If one was a one-issue voter on matters of peace and being anti-war, then one would never vote for the party of Biden or Harris—it would be a complete non-starter as they have an even-worse record than Trump on such matters (not that one would necessarily vote for Trump as the antidote); which goes to show, disappointingly, that many of MASH’s stakeholders never genuinely carried at least some of these points of view and instead were just slinging arrows at their political opponents like so many values-less cable TV hosts. A curious mind is left disappointed in what could have been. If making Frank Burns, much like Archie Bunker, a Republican was primarily due to the writers’ political hackery and not based on deeper principles—or even partially so, then that is worthy of deep examination on a podcast like this. One could posit that the writers were trying to make-one swath of the political spectrum look like buffoons; however, now so much of Frank Burns’ blind obedience to the edicts of the Department of Defense or the CIA lives most prominently in the Democratic Party and not the party that Burns was assigned to by the writers. What an interesting analysis that could and should be. What’s disappointing too, is that on the podcast’s social media outlets, the host shuts down any discussion of these items—going as far as blocking not only the inevitable knuckleheads with an obvious political axe to grind, but also swaths of well-meaning, nuanced followers that wish to dive into these details with thought and enthusiasm for where such open-ended discussion could lead.

Brilliant breakdown episode by episode of MASH. Insightful, thoughtful guests and a terrific host who knows the show inside and out.

Rob and all of his guests knock it out of the park. It feels like you're rewatching and talking about the show with your close friends. Thank you for all of your hard work!

This one of the best rewatch podcasts I’ve ever encountered. Rob Kelly is not only a true fan of MASH, but also an engaging host. He does not come off like an unchallenged expert; instead he is an inviting presence, one who is interested in each episode’s guests and their ideas and interpretations.

Rob’s deep knowledge of MASH is the anchor of this podcast, but his warmth and enthusiasm are what really make it. I appreciate his commitment to inviting a wide variety of fans onto the show, some of whom have been watching MASH their whole lives, while others are just discovering it for the first time. Rob does a great job of steering the conversation and is always willing to listen to other people’s theories and opinions. Like MASH (and some questionably sourced varieties of gin), this podcast has only gotten better with age.

Pro. Rob does do some deep dive into each episode. I enjoy the behind the scenes of the episodes something I would have loved to hear or see on the DVD commentary. Con Rob’s love affair for Hawkeye is unbearable. MASH I started to disconnect about the fourth season. It started to become the Alan Alda show. Trapper and Henry Blake were awesome (Rob and his co hosts do make note of the frustrations of Wayne Roger). Maybe I’ll give another listen but when the host interjects his personal life and trying to relate the show to himself. I started to tune out. Remember this was the 70’s and the show was set in the 50’s.

Great observations y’all. It’s a great show, well written and acted. It was on when I was in junior high and HS. My biggest thing with MASH is the overlooking of infidelity on the part of Henry, Trapper, Frank and others. It’s a great show but the indifference to marriage vows just astounds me. How is it okay????? Keep up the commentary and carry on.

I truly appreciate this podcast, it's just wonderful to listen too. I enjoy listening to how they deep dive into each episode

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A fascinating episode-by-episode rewatch with older and younger fans. Plus current interviews with cast members.

M*A*S*H was my father’s favorite show. I never understood the appeal of it to be honest, but this podcast has really helped me understand the show more … and more importantly… my father more. From interviews with the cast to episode breakdowns, I’m awed by what Rob Kelly and his guests bring to the show.

I am a MASH fantastic. I tried so hard to like this podcast but the host is so annoying and clueless how to relate to a general audience that I had to give up on it. Don’t waste your time!!

I loved Mash, but not sure this liberal weenie does. The woke host and his guests are constantly criticizing the show and their sexist, racist and just despicable behavior. Do they really like the show? Hard to tell by the constant criticism. It’s hard to screw up such an easy topic, but this Bozo did it.

This is a solid podcast for one of the top 5 worst episodes of MASH. Appreciate the effort to make an unremarkable episode seem tolerable.

Such a passionate host—it’s fun to rewatch the shows and listen to the commentary. Puzzles me how reviewers are unhappy with the politics of a podcast covering a famously liberal show.

I watched MASH off and on when it first aired, so I’m familiar with it but was never a super-fan like Rob. Recently my wife and I started binge watching it on Hulu and I’ve been listening to this as a companion piece. I appreciate Rob and his host’s enthusiasm for the series plus the additional context that they provide.

I started MASH with my mom this year (a rewatch for her, first time for me!) and this has been such a great companion piece to follow up with after watching each episode. Loving the excitement that Rob and guests always bring! :)

I think we should chalk this one up to failed experiment. It’s like your favorite song sung by drunks in a bad karaoke bar. Leave the acting to the pros.

Been making my way through these episodes on long car drives, and they're always so enthusiastic about MASH while still admitting its faults from a modern perspective. Seriously fun to listen to, and contains lots of little behind-the-scenes tidbits. Highly recommend if you've become addicted to MASH or just want to pretend you have friends who like talking about it a whole lot.

the love for the source material really shines through, and rob is an enthusiastic and thoughtful host! i really enjoy it :)

mashcast is so good and fun and rob is a king

This podcast is a lot of fun, and now I like to stream the tv episodes before the host reviews them. Good stuff

This could be a good podcast, but it suffers from a number of issues. The host has difficulty pronouncing the word “frustrating”. This itself becomes frustrating because he manages to say it 1-5 times per episode. Host clearly has a love for the show and the minutiae of details, but going on and on about this dumb podcast network they have that no one cares about, inane knowledge of the dorkiest of things: comic books, just gets in the way of talking about the show. Lastly, the weakest part of this show is the revolving door of co-hosts. Some are good and some are absolutely terrible. It’s a diceroll every episode as to whether its going to be some bozo from their podcast network, or a woman that only talks about “women’s episodes” or a genuine fan of the show that has a personality and a solid internet connection. Fustrating, indeed.

I am not a podcast aficionado but I’m hooked on MASHcast. Rob is a thoughtful host who clearly loves the series, its history, and loves to do his research. If you want a deep dive into MASH you’ve come to the right place! The various guests also come with a lot of interesting takes on the material — shoutout to my personal faves Shawn Myers, Dan Greenfield, and most recently Stefan van Schaick who guested on the fantastic Hanky Panky episode. Although I certainly hope to hear more women on the podcast in the future… ;) The interviews with cast and creatives behind the show are also full of great stories and insights. I’m part of a younger generation who didn’t grow up with MASH but discovered it in the age of streaming, and MASHcast has as much to offer me as it does someone who grew up watching the show on TV. A delightful passion project, thank you Rob for bringing it to us.

An intelligent yet unpretentious review of each episode of MASH. The podcast is filled with wonderful insights and observations with a host who understands MASH inside and out.

Rob’s enthusiasm for MASH is infectious and his deep knowledge comes through in every episode. Constantly find myself nodding in agreement or thinking “I’m so glad they brought that up!” A great podcast for diehard fans or people just discovering MASH!

Found this pod in early 2020 and promptly binged every previous episode. MASH has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid and Rob does a great job going through episode by episode and breaking down favorite scenes, etc. I love it.

I used to love this show, but lately most episodes just nitpick the MASH episode. The sets. The plot. It’s not fun. I find it ironic that it’s appeared on the fourth season, which Rob says of the best one. I can’t tell because Rob just complains about what each episode gets wrong and then spends a few minutes talking about the good parts.

Love the topic…but please leave the political commentary out…

In reference to the April 21st episode. Not trying to justify or take away from opinions on why Hawkeye was brought to the attention on Ferritface/honeycutts patient. Keep in mind all though Honeycutt has some concern and interest in the patient they mash unit on normal schedule still works on shift work. If they reached out to Hawkeye it could have been because it was Hawkeyes shift at the time. Yes I know Hawkeye, Charles, BJ, Blake, Potter would often pop in to check on a patient that they have interest in (keep in mind ferret face never took the extra energy to check on his patients outside of regular shift unless ordered to report due to emergencies on coming in) but they always refer to the doctor and nursing staff on duty at the time.

Mash is on Hulu every episode my favorite characters are radar Klinger father mulcahy trapper Hawkeye and Henry Blake

I’ve been a MASH fan for many years and this was exactly the type of companion podcast for MASH I was looking for. I really enjoy the format and the variety of guests on different episodes. Each guest host shares their personal history with MASH, how they became a fan and what the show means to them. The plot discussions are always focused and well done while also adding context to jokes, historical references and the background of guest stars on the show. I plan to stick with this podcast until it reaches the finale episode. Keep up the great work!

Always a ton of fun!

Just love hearing interesting tidbits about each episode.

I’ve been a mash fan my whole life and this Is the best podcast I’ve ever heard about it. I’ve enjoyed every episode and look forward to the next ones. Please keep up the great work.

This would be three stars at best but fortunately the host keeps injecting his brilliant political views into the program. Bravo!

This would easily be a 5 Star program of the host could only control himself and keep his modern day crap political views out of it. As it stands, 3 stars is fair, if not generous.

I’ve seen every episode of M*A*S*H, I dunno, 200 times. 300? More? You wouldn’t think I could learn much more about Hawkeye, Radar and the rest of the 4077th gang. But this podcast delivers the ribs. And it doesn’t forget the coleslaw. Rob and his guests dissect each episode in a lively, compelling way. Whether you’re a seasoned M*A*S*H vet or a new recruit, you’re gonna learn something new and interesting every time. The only thing better than M*A*S*Hcast would be a pizza oven or a jukebox. Hey, those would be great on movie nights! So grab a martini, head to the Swamp and give it a listen. Your loving son, Queen Victoria

Will all due respect to other MASH podcasts and blogs, this is the where the action is. If you were to assign an audio commentary to the complete DVD series, you could easily use this MASHcast and have all the details you need. It goes that deep and is that professional. Loretta Swift even guest hosted and asked to return. Looking forward to season 4!

If you are into cancel culture, open boarders and partial birth abortions this is the podcast for you! Listen to it while you knock down statues and protest peoples 1st and 2nd amendment rights.

If you love MASH, then you’ll love this show. I consider them both sources of happiness, and I look forward to this show every week. Rob and his guests do a great job bringing out all the things I thought were cool about a scene or a line. Then, they mention four things I didn’t know or hadn’t thought of that make me enjoy it even more. And if they miss anything, we listeners tell them about in the comments on fireandwaterpodcast.com. Give yourself a three day pass and binge listen this show!

I can’t even begin to approach how brilliant this podcast is. Rob and every single guest that ventures in just...take you back. And just remind you how great “the best show that ever was” still is the best show that ever was. You know, it’s something when you’re just ready for the next episode at the end of the one you just experienced. Kinda like M*A*S*H.

I really enjoy the format of talking about every episode of my favorite show. I always learn something new.

Hey guys! Just started listening today but I’m a life long fan of the television show. I’m probably not the typical fan as I’m in my early 30’s but my dad watched the show a lot while I was growing up and I got re introduced to it after I got out of the military in 2014. The comradely and jokes remind me of all the good times I had down range. I almost use it as a form of therapy I guess you could say. But like the title says, I’m a binge watcher of the show. Especially on the weekends. Have seen every episode more than once so it’s definitely nice to hear from other people on how cool the show actually is. Great job!

I love this podcast, and love M*A*S*H. I’ve watched since 1972. I was 8 at the time, and my family and I enjoyed, and looked forward to each week’s episode. Your podcast discussions are excellent. I find myself joining in the conversation, even if it is one sided! Thank you so much!

Fun reviews and takes on each and every episode of M*A*S*H, the greatest televison show in history. At least that's what Rob says. :)Looking forward to a long listening journey as we work our way through the series. Great companion to my own rewatching of the show!

A very well done episode by episode review of a great show. The hosts are fans, but not fanboys as they aren’t afraid to call out the characters (even Hawkeye) for poor behavior.

THEY TOOK MASH OFF HULU. THE ONLY EPISODE THAT CAN BE STREAMED IS GOODBYE FAREWELL AND AMEN. LOVE THE PODCAST!!

I discovered this podcast around when season 2 was beginning. I binged all of season 1 as quickly as possible. You can tell in Rob’s voice how much he loves M*A*S*H. I like that his guests also are fans. Little stories like when Rob met Loretta Swit give this podcast a special depth. I just wish I could be a guest on it.