Broken Ear Podcast
Film producers, former MMA fighters, and actors Keith Jardine and Tait Fletcher chat with the people they love about the things they're all about. Tune in!
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From Bad Boys to Big Boss: Brendan Fehr on Roswell, Kill Me Again and the Video Game of Character
10/31/2025
From Bad Boys to Big Boss: Brendan Fehr on Roswell, Kill Me Again and the Video Game of Character
🎙️ In this deep-dive, Brendan Fehr joins the show to share the unprecedented work that went into bringing his character, Charlie, in Kill Me Again, to life. Brendan opens up about the initial struggles of his performing work, landing Roswell right out of the gate, and realizing he was simply relying on instinct, not discipline. He details a pivotal moment when a casting director told him he had "plateaued," a harsh truth that prompted him to seek formal training and understand the true craft of character building. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn how to move past relying on raw talent and incorporate deep preparation into their profession. The conversation pivots to the intense psychology of playing a serial killer. Brendan discusses the crucial backstory and emotional levels he developed for Charlie, using a video game analogy where the killer is frustrated by constantly getting what he wants. He explains why decisions that seem trivial—like a character's allergies or where they came from just before a scene—are essential to making performances authentic. Brendan asserts that the goal of all this deep work is to ultimately buy yourself the freedom to forget the work when the cameras are rolling and simply be present in the moment. Finally, the hosts and Brendan discuss the high-stakes logistics of the Kill Me Again shoot. They recount the unique trust Brendan shared with co-star Majandra Delfino, which allowed them to bypass standard set protocols and capture raw chemistry. This is contrasted with the literal "hard out" of filming the movie's most significant plot twist on the very last day of shooting, with the sun rising and time running out. Brendan explains why this performance is one of his personal best and why this independent film, born of sweat and scarcity, is a major career win regardless of its financial success.
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Combat Sports and Creativity
10/31/2025
Combat Sports and Creativity
Do you feel like you’re constantly waiting for a job, a promotion, or a project that will finally grant you fulfillment? The hosts dive into the crucial lesson of self-determination as they detail a whirlwind movie press tour and their time at a Star Wars Comic-Con. Keith and Tait reflect on the intense pressure and hidden language of creative and combative spaces—from the sweaty-palmed tension in a comedy green room before an open mic set to the unique, supporting atmosphere of a fan convention. They contrast the feeling of waiting for a big studio to call with the profound satisfaction of having created something that makes an audience laugh and applaud. This episode offers a candid look at the unpredictable world of independent film, touching on the stark reality of strikes, shifting production landscapes, and the increasing threat of AI taking jobs. They discuss the heartbreaking trajectory of specialized workers, such as film electricians and grips, who are forced to change vocations. This economic uncertainty underscores the vital need for a personal, non-transferable purpose. The hosts argue that a life without a constant, challenging purpose leads to chaos, whether you’re a world-class fighter or a new writer. The conversation pivots to the sacred act of creation as the ultimate centering force. Keith reveals that writing—sinking into a story and living through a character—is his new "survival mode," mirroring the singular focus required on a Jiu Jitsu mat. The hosts offer a concrete takeaway: everyone needs something hard to do every day that forces them into a space where you are "either doing it or you’re not." This daily sacrifice, be it physical or creative, is the only way to build a meaningful, AI-proof life that doesn't depend on external validation.
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