Libsyn Directory

Oscars 2025: Best Picture Breakdown & Who Will Win, Ep. 254

Release Date: 02/25/2025

28 Days, 28 Weeks… and a Glimpse at 28 Years Later

Screens in Focus Podcast

Deep Dive into the '28' Franchise: Examining the Rage-infected Universe. In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam delve into the 28 franchise, covering 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, and teasing 28 Years Later. They explore their personal connections to the genre, character arcs, unforgettable moments, and the emotional impact of each film. The convo even wraps with a fun question: If you were infected, what trait would you want to keep? Let us know yours! Timestamps/Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the 28 Franchise 00:32 Personal Zombie Genre Experiences 05:58 Question of the...

Summer 2025 Bingeworthy Watchlist: TV, Movies & What’s Hooking Us Now

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this bonus episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee dive into their summer watchlists—with all the fun, surprises, and must-see picks for your next night in. From historical drama in The Gilded Age and the moody mystery of Smoke, to Renee’s retro gem Mildred Pierce and Diana’s gritty pick Waterfront, there’s plenty to explore. They gush about My Mom Jayne (seriously, Diana highly recommends it), break down new releases like 28 Years Later and Superman, and shout out Emmy faves like Severance and The Studio. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Greetings 00:25 TV Show...

The Bear Season 4: Clocks, Clarity & Carmy’s Countdown

Screens in Focus Podcast

Diana and Renee dive deep into The Bear Season 4, unpacking the relentless ticking clock that hangs over the kitchen and the lives of these characters. They explore the confrontations that spark raw emotion and growth, from Carmy and Sydney’s powerful exchange to Richie and Carmy’s painful-but-healing moment, plus Donna and Carmy’s surprising, touching scene. Together, they reflect on themes of clarity, self-worth, grief, ambition, family—and, of course, food! Along the way, they highlight favorite episodes, standout guest stars, and share which dish from The Bear they’d love to try....

Dead City Season 2 Finale: Loyalty, Loss, and Letting Go, Ep. 274

Screens in Focus Podcast

The Dead City Season 2 finale hits hard—with betrayals, brutal choices, and heartbreaking goodbyes. Sam joins me as we break down Maggie’s emotional face-off with the Dama, Hershel’s shocking decision, and Negan’s return to brutal form in that jaw-dropping “Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe” moment. We also talk about Ginny’s devastating fate, the tangled loyalties between characters, and what it all means moving forward for Maggie, Negan, and Perlie. Plus, we share a thoughtful listener voicemail that really moved us. Plus, we have TV and movie recommendations! Gilded Age, We Were...

TWD: Dead City S2 E7: Glass Bridge, Ghosts & Guilt, Ep. 273

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of the Screens in Focus podcast, hosts Diana and Sam dive deep into Dead City Season 2, Episode 7—the penultimate chapter. They kick things off with a thought-provoking question: What’s scarier—heights, deep space, or the deep sea? The conversation unpacks Maggie’s terrifying moment on the glass bridge, shocking reveals with Hershel and the Dama, and Negan’s emotional descent into guilt, grief, and hallucination. They explore themes of control, manipulation, and survival, comparing Maggie and Negan’s parallel journeys and what these trials say about who they are...

God Only Knows: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys & Movie Music Magic

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee celebrate Brian Wilson and the timeless music of the Beach Boys, with a special focus on the emotional brilliance of “God Only Knows.” Following Wilson’s recent passing, they explore the band’s unforgettable impact on film, TV, and pop culture, from the perfect song ending in Love Actually to 50 First Dates and the powerful biopic Love & Mercy. They share personal stories, favorite tracks, and reflect on how the Beach Boys’ music has shaped generations. Plus, they recommend nostalgic summer movies like The Sandlot, The...

TWD: Dead City S2 E6 – Bruises, Bear & Broken Bonds, Ep. 271

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of the Screens in Focus podcast, Diana and Sam break down Season 2, Episode 6 of Dead City. They explore listener feedback, theories, and shifting character dynamics—focusing especially on Maggie’s evolution as she battles a bear, clashes with Hershel, and reconsiders her connection to Negan. They reflect on Negan’s emotional vulnerability, his surprising leadership turn, and what it could mean for the group’s future. The conversation weaves through key scenes, standout moments, and speculation about what’s next. Plus, the hosts wrap up with TV and movie recs,...

TWD: Dead City S2E5: Power Plays and Poetic Justice, Ep 270

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens In Focus, hosts Diana and Sam dive into Dead City Season 2, Episode 5. This week’s episode is audio only, as Sam is recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t do video. They discuss pivotal deaths, shifting alliances, and power plays. From Negan’s manipulation to Ginny’s emotional turnaround, and Perlie’s tension between obedience and justice, there’s a lot to unpack. They spotlight a loyal listener’s theory about why Maggie may have left Hilltop, sparking a thoughtful conversation around her complex feelings tied to Negan’s past actions and her...

The Handmaid’s Tale S6: Final Choices, Fierce Bonds & A Full Circle Ending

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana is joined by special guest Jenn Trepeck, host of Salad with a Side of Fries, who has also podcasted Seasons 4 and 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale, to break down the powerful season six finale Together, they explore pivotal character arcs—from Lawrence’s layered decisions, to Nick and June’s emotional ties, and Luke and June’s diverging paths. They examine Serena’s transformation and faith, Moira and Janine’s quiet strength, and Aunt Lydia’s reckoning. Themes of resistance, loyalty, healing, and sisterhood shine through, especially as the...

TWD: Dead City S2 E4 – Revelations, Redemption & Rebuilding. Ep. 268

Screens in Focus Podcast

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Sam break down all the twists, emotional gut punches, and "wait, what?!" moments from Dead City Season 2, Episode 4. From Maggie’s emotional unraveling to Negan’s complicated choices, and the growing question of whether anyone is really in control—this episode delivers. They also get into Hershel’s big WTF moment, Bruegel’s sketchy schemes, and yes… a full-on KitKat breakdown. They wrap things up with what they’re watching now—including Vanity Fair, Nine Perfect Strangers, Sirens, Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, and...

More Episodes

Diana and Rene (welcome to the pod, Rene!) dive into the 2025 Oscar nominations, breaking down key categories like Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Actor. They discuss standout performances, share predictions, and explore potential snubs and surprises. The episode features reviews and insights on nominated films like Anora, The Brutalist, Dune: Part Two, and A Complete Unknown. Plus, they reveal their top movie recommendations and discuss favorite 2024 films that didn’t receive nominations.

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00 – Introduction to the Oscar Nominations

🎬 01:05 – Discussion on Anora

🎭 07:16 – Review of The Brutalist

📖 15:45 – Thoughts on Conclave

🎵 19:31 – Exploring Emilia Perez

🔮 26:58 – Analysis of The Substance

✨ 33:46 – Impressions of Wicked

🚀 39:22 – Diving into Dune: Part Two

🎤 43:53 – Discussing Timothée Chalamet's Role in A Complete Unknown

🎶 44:16 – Reviewing the Bob Dylan Biopic

📜 50:02 – Exploring I'm Still Here