Voices & Visions
Voices and Visions is an intimate interview-based podcast from the creator of Director's Club! Formerly known as Pop Culture Club, V&V features musicians, filmmakers, actors, writers, directors , and friends all come to tell stories of their humble beginnings, what inspires them, and the path they've chosen. May or may not include stories about mental health as well!
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Episode 94: Snowden Becker
09/17/2021
Episode 94: Snowden Becker
Today’s guest is an accomplished film preservationist and archivist named who I heard interviewed on podcast a little while ago and made note of her many accomplishments. I knew immediately she was someone I was eager to learn from and listen to. There’s a reason why you’ll find many links in the show notes this time, because she has a lot to offer in a variety of ways. Her research interests focus on how audiovisual materials are integrated into, accessed, and preserved as part of a larger cultural heritage. She helped launch the annual international and explored the increasingly pivotal role of audiovisual recordings in the criminal justice system, the latter of which we didn’t get to explore as much, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we talk some more in the future because Snowden provides a plethora of information and insight. Follow Snowden: Academia Links: Center For Home Movies: Personal Website: Book Recommendations:
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Episode 93: The Sparks Brothers (feat. Marissa Robertcop)
07/26/2021
Episode 93: The Sparks Brothers (feat. Marissa Robertcop)
Marissa loves this band Sparks sooo much! So we watched Edgar Wright's The Sparks Brothers, sparked up a doobie and sparks began to fly when we turned on the mics! Well, some of that is true anyway. Listen to me discover a whole new band while my guest educates me on the history, favorite songs and so much more. This was a delightful conversation and nice to have someone over for a memorable episode all about music! Now be sure to watch the documentary and listen to some Sparks ASAP! Check out the movie Annette opening at a theater near you soon too! Follow Marissa: Follow Sparks:
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Episode 92: Tyler Ritter (Shalloboi)
07/19/2021
Episode 92: Tyler Ritter (Shalloboi)
Returning guest Tyler Ritter of the band Shalloboi joins me not from Chicago this time but his hometown of Kansas City. He’s just released a new record called Untangled and if you’ve yet to hear it, you absolutely should especially for fans of the shoegaze / ambient pop genre the likes of My Bloody Valentine. But there are many layers and lots of talent behind this project that are highlighted during our delightful conversation. Please check out the links below to discover and support Tyler’s terrific musical endeavor that has been going strong for a long time now. Stay tuned for another music-centric episode later this week! https://shalloboi.bandcamp.com Listen to our previous conversation here (54:04 mark):
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Episode 91: 2001 - The Year In Music
06/21/2021
Episode 91: 2001 - The Year In Music
A few years back I asked my dear friend and writer/journalist Dan Solomon to join me for a new tradition: going back 20 years to look back at the year in music. Once again we put together our Top Ten Favorite Records from as well as share some honorable mentions. Joining us in the discussion this time is another wonderful friend that also shares in our unabashed love of music and pop culture, journalist and blogger Jason Simpson. It’s been a long time since we all three spoke to one another so this was a real treat and more than just an exercise in nostalgia. Get ready to make some playlists and jot down our recommendations. As always there are sound clips included as well. Grateful to Dan and Jason for joining me and truly hope you all are safe + healthy. Stay tuned for a single in the future featuring my cover of the song that closes this episode since I think it’s one of the most beautiful ballads ever written. Follow Dan & Jason: Previous Years / Episodes:
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Episode 90: Sabrina Lloyd
06/01/2021
Episode 90: Sabrina Lloyd
A true blue talent in so many ways joins me for this latest conversation on . An accomplished actress of course and now an incredibly inspirational artist/painter, joins me to discuss her career on stage, film, television and her transformation into a gifted artist whose work you can find in the links below. You remember her from shows like Sports Night and Sliders as well as the Sundance hit Dopamine and Hal Hartley’s The Girl From Monday. If you haven’t caught up with any of those, you really should. But we talk about other various highlights & stories from the past and what’s possibly in store for the future. Sabrina is passionate about all-things related to artistic expression and even offers workshops on storytelling and painting! It was such an honor and a joy to talk with someone whose work I’ve enjoyed since the mid-90s. 0:00 - 04:09 - Introduction04:10 - 46:10 - Interview With Sabrina Lloyd Follow Sabrina on Instagram: Check out Sabrina’s online workshop with Joel Mckerrow: Check out Sabrina’s website:
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Episode 89: Memoryhouse
04/12/2021
Episode 89: Memoryhouse
When this show was once called Pop Culture Club, I asked a band I had just discovered to come on to talk about their remarkable LP , a record I consider to be one of the best of the past ten years or so. When I saw that they were returning with a brand new EP of Beatles covers called Mania, I knew immediately I had to contact them again to check in with what they've been up to these past few years and celebrate their triumphant return! Denise and Evan comprise a true blue dream pop duo that constantly evolves while staying true to a signature sound that always brings me joy. As did this interview of course! We dive deep into the world of cover song creation, the future of the band, the hopes of live performance and more! 00:00 - 05:10 - Introduction 05:11 - 34:12 - Interview w/Memoryhouse! Links:
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Episode 88: Art & Pete
04/07/2021
Episode 88: Art & Pete
It’s been awhile since I’ve spoken with one of today’s guests. Art Mayes is someone I share a wild history with given our own collaborations in a band we formed in high school. After we went to different colleges and the band broke up, Art formed a different musical partnership with the great Pete Lents, a remarkably talented musician that now has a very successful channel that I implore you to check out each and every week. For today’s conversation, Art & Pete share their collaborative history as songwriters in addition to shedding some light on their latest full-length record, Childish Things. We talk about various inspirations, the joy of recording with others, how the “magic” of a song comes into fruition as well as where they’re currently headed both with their latest endeavor and more songs to come in the future. Included are snippets of nearly every recording they have out there in the land of streaming music so be sure to visit their website for links to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and more! Take note of their Kickstarter campaign below which allows you to contribute but also possibly create with them too! Thanks so much to Art & Pete and looking forward to more musician interviews in the future. 00:00 - 05:50 - V&V Introduction 05:51 - 01:04:40 - Art & Pete Interview Links:
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Episode 87: Rachel Grimes
08/31/2020
Episode 87: Rachel Grimes
Voices and Visions returns and presents a joyful interview with one of the all-time great composers, . Her talent has been evident for many years going all the way back to her work with the band, The Rachel’s. For this follow-up conversation, we delve into her latest endeavors which includes one of last year’s very best albums, The Way Forth. There’s also a lot of words spoken about Kentucky history and politics, Rachel’s personal journey both past and present as well as just a lot of hope for the future of music and live performance. Please do your best to support independent artists like her by visiting her website and Bandcamp linked below. Stay tuned for a couple of episodes this month but we certainly start out strong here with so many words of insight and inspiration from a legendary composer whose work will definitely give you peace of mind during these difficult times. 00:00 - 04:07 - Introduction04:08 - 51:16 - Interview Buy The Way Forth Here: Visit Rachel’s Website: Check out this music video from The Way Forth:
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Episode 86: 2000 - The Year In Music
04/24/2020
Episode 86: 2000 - The Year In Music
No intro / outro this time even if it has been awhile. Just wanted to launch right into the topic at hand because it's a doozy and one I always look forward to (though we missed last year sadly). A few years back I asked dear friend and journalist Dan Solomon to join me for a new tradition: going back 20 years to look back at the year in music that was. We put together our Top Ten Favorite Records of 2000, share some honorable mentions and for this episode, we discuss our thoughts on the new Fiona Apple album, . Grateful to Dan for joining me again and truly hope you all are safe + healthy. Stay tuned to the very end in which Wilco's very own Jeff Tweedy played my request on Instagram after his wife, Susan, read my comment aloud. Previous Years / Episodes:
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Episode 85: Adam Schlesinger (REPOST)
04/02/2020
Episode 85: Adam Schlesinger (REPOST)
Reposting one of my favorite interviews with someone we just lost yesterday, way too soon, way too young. There is no denying how much those first two Fountains of Wayne records meant to me and of course throughout the years, songwriter Adam Schlesinger continued to inspire and move any number of people who were blessed to hear his music or collaborate with him. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing him about his collaborative work with Rachel Bloom on the incredible show, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. We spoke for a good half hour about his process but also about his love of music. It’s hard to summarize such a prolific talent like Adam or even make a concise playlist because I pretty much loved every song he wrote over the years. He was taken from us way too soon from this terrible virus that is plaguing the world. Instead of mourning the loss, it’s best to celebrate his talent by listening to any number of songs and records he’s been a part of over the years. I also wanted to repost this conversation I had with him. You can tell that he had a big heart, a great sense of humor and just a love of great pop songs and his music was representative of all that and more. Sending much love to his family and friends today including Rachel Bloom, Chris Collingwood among many others who were touched by this incredible musician. During the episode, there are snippets of the following: “Troubled Times” "Hackensack" "She's Got A Problem" "Hate To See You Like This" "Radiation Vibe" "Red Dragon Tattoo" "Prom Theme" "Settle For Me" (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) "Getting Bi" (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) "All Kinds Of Time" "That Thing You Do!"
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Episode 84: 1990 Year In Review
03/03/2020
Episode 84: 1990 Year In Review
cross-posted at What started back five years ago with 1985 continues. This time it’s one entire episode instead of split into two: all five and a half hours of an annual tradition co-starring yours truly, Collin Souter and Erik Childress as we run down nearly every film that came out thirty years ago. This time it’s all about 1990! If you’re a fan of nostalgia, sound clips, trailers, 1990 songs, laugh out loud moments and memories, then you’re in for a treat. Granted we don’t cover every single title but as always, we come pretty close. To follow along with our resource / guide, feel free to . See you in a year when we’ll do it all again and thank you so much for listening and for the support.
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Episode 83: Marissa Returns / Snackcast 2020
02/24/2020
Episode 83: Marissa Returns / Snackcast 2020
Let's talk about snacks! Back when this show was known as “pop culture club,” I had dear friend on to discuss the anniversary of UHF and our fondness for the parody song genre. In the midst of recently returning to the Director's Club hosting gig, I decided it was time for Marissa and I to reunite to talk about another mutual appreciation: the delicious snack food. Could be salty, could be sweet, could be healthy, could be neat. In addition to hearing her favorites along with some special taste tests taken live on-air, we also discuss the copious flavors of Skittles & Lay's that have come out over the years, we go over a list of the top 25 snack foods in America, take some listener submissions and I reveal some shocking preferences along the way. If you’re curious about my favorites here they are: Honorable Mention: Apple Pie Kit Kat, Take 5 Candy Bar, Peanut Butter Snickers, Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips 10. Planters Cheese Curls / Aldi's Cheese Curls 09. Utz Sourdough Pretzel Daisies 08. Traditional Chex Mix07. Utz Pub Mix (minus the weird flavorless rice crisps)06. Munchies 05. Dark Chocolate Almonds 04. Wavy Ranch Lay’s 03. Microwave Popcorn 02. Chips & Guacamole 01. Pita Chips & Hummus Top 25 Snack Foods List: Tweet at Marissa: Stay tuned since the next episode will be the annual 30-year movie retrospective spectacular (crossover with Director's Club)
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Episode 82: Kevin J. O'Connor
01/23/2020
Episode 82: Kevin J. O'Connor
Two years ago at the Music Box of Horrors after a screening of Lord of Illusions, I had the pleasure of briefly talking with legendary character actor . Recently, he did an interview with radio hero Nick Digilio, but I wanted to follow-up on my promise to talk with him even more about his incredible career. He started out working with Francis Ford Coppola, went on to collaborate with Robert Altman and many other huge names but of course, I was most excited to hear about his time spent working with my favorite director. Kevin had two very memorable back-to-back supporting roles in There Will Be Blood and The Master and most recently has starred in a couple of great TV miniseries along with my #10 favorite film of 2019, . There was a lot to discuss including time spent working on big budget blockbusters like Deep Rising & The Mummy which he’s also very well-known for too! It was an absolute joy to talk with another remarkable talent that I hope continues to work steadily since he always leaves a lasting impression no matter what role he takes on. Thank you so much for listening and it’s good to be back interviewing another great guest for V+V.
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Episode 81: Keith Gordon + Underrated 80s Films
08/13/2019
Episode 81: Keith Gordon + Underrated 80s Films
Cross-posted at Director's Club: So you might remember him as Arnie from Christine and that's where I first became aware of the terrific talent of one . He's been on Voices + Visions / Director's Club a few times now, thus beginning a yearly tradition where we check in, talk about what he's been up to, but also take the opportunity to nerd out about cinema. Get out a notepad to jot down some of the titles discussed on this episode, as well as check out my own personal list on . On the last episode, we went over what it was like working on the TV show Legion which transitioned into a talk about underrated films of the 90s. This time we go back yet another decade to discuss the 80s and how weird of a time it was. Some titles might be familiar but several were new to me. We have a wonderful discussion as always so if you've been a fan of our last three episodes, I have no doubt you'll enjoy the latest one as well. For more interviews and other projects I'm a part of please visit .
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Episode 80: Micah Kehrein
08/09/2019
Episode 80: Micah Kehrein
As most listeners know, I’ve mainly done interviews with individuals associated with arts and entertainment. For me, podcasting is all about archiving the experience of connecting with another person in addition to learning about the lives of those I’m not always entirely familiar with. Most recently, I was enrolled in a library science class in which my professor included a link to a webinar regarding “.” Watching this particular webcast, while also reading more information and doing research on this particular subject really filled with me a sense of motivation to spread awareness. Hence this episode. I’ve also just started my MLIS program and already see a lot of possibilities when it comes to activism and meeting the needs of everyone within the community. Awareness and intelligence surrounding this comes courtesy of today’s incredibly articulate and empathic guest by the name of Micah Kehrein. Kehrein believes that public libraries must explicitly center equity and social justice in order to truly provide access for all. Once they have completed the MLIS program, Kehrein hopes to go back to their roots and practice radical, welcoming librarianship in rural America. They are responsible for a lot of terrific collaborative efforts alongside peers and fellow co-workers when it comes to ensuring the transgender community is welcome within the library. Even if you are unaware of their accomplishments, you will truly be engaged and intrigued throughout the duration of our conversation. Micah offers a lot of resources, insights, experiences, and compelling arguments for why the community needs to collaborate in order to make a difference. I cannot thank Micah enough for taking some time to shed some light and share a lot of great possibilities for all to consider. In case you need a starting point along with some helpful links to explore this subject, look no further than this Google Doc listing of links courtesy of today’s guest: Also, this resource collection from Oak Park is mentioned as well:
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Episode 79: Aisling Franciosi
08/07/2019
Episode 79: Aisling Franciosi
After a ten-minute preamble ramble, Voices + Visions returns with another wonderful interview with a truly extraordinary talent. Aisling Franciosi is an Irish-Italian actor, known for The Fall (2013), Game of Thrones (2011) and the latest film from Jennifer Kent, who previously gave us The Babadook. is definitely a film I will watch again by the end of the year since I wasn't prepared for the impact it had on me the first time. During the interview with Aisling, I expressed a lot surrounding some of the violence portrayed on screen. She talks about preparing for that level of intensity, creating a strong dynamic with co-star Baykali Ganambarr, and what she hopes audiences will get out of seeing this remarkable performance in what will be one of the year's most-talked about films. 00:00 - 10:59 - Introduction 11:00 - 27:00 - Interview With Aisling
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Episode 78: I Turn 41
05/11/2019
Episode 78: I Turn 41
Cross-posted with Director's Club It's appropriate that this is Episode 78, since I was born in 1978. And just like last year, my dear friend and fellow podcaster Patrick Ripoll returns for a very special episode of this show. Around the month of May, I ask Patrick to return to a microphone to talk a variety of topics. We play catch up on our lives, talk about our latest projects, and review two movies that we've assigned to one another. The two movies for this year were the Hong Kong late 80s action flick as well as the gorgeous Anime coming-of-age tale, . After the reviews, we launch into our other yearly tradition by playing a game show. If you want to hear last year's version of "Score Bits," it's included in the show notes below as a separate download. For this year, we took a cue from Film Junk's 700th episode and played a round of "Tonal Recall," which includes dialogue excerpts from favorite films of ours in addition to score / soundtrack samples. For our final segment, we program our own separate 12-hour film festivals in honor of the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival, which is also discussed here as well. All in all, it was a blast to talk with Patrick like we used to frequently back in the day, so I truly hope you enjoy this blast from the past as we look forward to the future! 00:00 - 29:19 - Introduction / Catching Up 29:20 - 01:20:11 - Movie Review Assignments 01:20:12 - 02:28:27 - Tonal Recall Movie Game 02:28:28 - 02:53:02 - CCFF + Our Film Festivals? 02:53:03 - 02:56:07 - Outro Follow Patrick on Letterboxd: Check out the Chicago Critics Film Festival: Last Year's Birthday Movie Game:
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Episode 77: Alex Ross Perry
04/19/2019
Episode 77: Alex Ross Perry
A few years back, I had the pleasure of talking with for my then-titled Pop Culture Club podcast. We spoke about QUEEN OF EARTH and the greatness of Elisabeth Moss. For his 6th film, he recruits one of our very best actresses working today once again for . It’s the story of a rock star addict played by Elisabeth Moss, who is on the edge of self-destruction. This time a familiar story is beautifully filtered hrough the lens of a true original who continues to write emotionally powerful films. I’ve been of his work going all the way back to THE COLOR WHEEL, and his latest might be his most accomplished, assured work to date with a powerhouse of a performance at its center. We talked a lot about sound design, the power of certain moments throughout the film, and the experience of writing that can create a feeling of panic and ultimately, catharsis. Plus there’s a bit of an update on what’s going on with me along with a particular cover song at the end that you might enjoy especially after you see HER SMELL. 00:00 - 11:55 - Introduction / Update 11:56 - 36:38 - Interview With Alex Ross Perry 36:39 - 40:50 - ”Heaven (Bryan Adams)” Cover Check out Patrick Ripoll's new record: Check out Genre Grinder:
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Episode 76: Amy Seimetz
04/05/2019
Episode 76: Amy Seimetz
This is easily one of my most anticipated guests to have on the show so far. Granted we focus mainly on the fact that she's starring in the new reimagining of Stephen King's , directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, which just opened today in theaters everywhere. But for those who know me personally, a film that she starred in a few years ago, is actually one of my favorite films of all time: Upstream Color, which has had a monumental impact on me in a myriad of ways so of course, towards the end, I had to inquire further. Most folks might know her as Jane Ives from Stranger Things but check out her extensive IMDB page - she's worked some of the best directors out there. We also talk about Stephen King, growing up on horror, losing a parent, what Amy is working on next and so much more. Again, can't say enough kind words about today's guest and truly hope you enjoy our talk as much as I did. 00:00 - 06:44 - Intro 06:45 - 28:35 - Interview w/Amy 28:36 - 29:07 - Outro Check out Pet Sematary: More about Amy:
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Episode 75: Larry Fessenden + Flashback Interview!
03/22/2019
Episode 75: Larry Fessenden + Flashback Interview!
The one, the only character actor/writer/director joins me to talk about his latest film DEPRAVED, his own take on the Frankenstein myth, the many “stats” that horror fans know and love, as well as his production company Glass Eye Pix. DEPRAVED just premiered at the What The Fest!? in NYC to great acclaim and it’s a truly original take on the classic Frankenstein story. In addition as a bonus, we flashback to the past back in 2015 when I briefly interviewed writer/director about his film QUEEN OF EARTH. Thought it might be fun to revisit that conversation since his latest film HER SMELL is opening in the next month or two! 00:00 - 09:30 - Introduction 09:31 - 26:12 - Larry Fessenden 26:13 - 39:49 - Alex Ross Perry (from 2015) 39:50 - 40:40 - Outro My review of Larry Fessenden’s DEPRAVED: Check out Larry Fessenden’s production company: Be sure to attend What The Fest!? in NYC:
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Episode 74: 1989 Year In Review Part Two
03/07/2019
Episode 74: 1989 Year In Review Part Two
PART TWO: Cross-posted with Director’s Club as well. You can follow the list from 1989 that we cover linked above. Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics were first falling in love with movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of our taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be favorites and least favorites from a particular year. Joined once again by and we return for what is officially a yearly tradition that started thanks to original podcast creator . We started with 1985 and plan to do this yearly tradition all the way up until 1999 as a bonus excursion for reflection, nostalgia, and to celebrate those 80s and 90s kids that adored film as much as we did. We go through the entire year chronologically covering titles that range from FIELD OF DREAMS to DO THE RIGHT THING and everything in between (HEATHERS, BATMAN, THE BURBS, ALWAYS, GLORY, etc). Yes, some big titles come up, but have no fear, we talk LISTEN TO ME and DREAM A LITTLE DREAM too. A show so big, six hours had to split into two parts. At the end of Part Two we list our favorite films of 1989. Thank you so much for supporting the show and listening to Part Two!
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Episode 74: 1989 Year In Review Part One
03/06/2019
Episode 74: 1989 Year In Review Part One
PART ONE: Cross-posted with Director's Club as well. You can follow the list from 1989 that we cover linked above. Ladies and gentlemen, let's go back thirty years to when three film critics were first falling in love with movies. The mid-80s informed a lot of our taste, and much like previous years' retrospectives, it's always a blast to go back and see what holds up and what we each consider to be favorites and least favorites from a particular year. Joined once again by and we return for what is officially a yearly tradition that started thanks to original podcast creator . We started with 1985 and plan to do this yearly tradition all the way up until 1999 as a bonus excursion for reflection, nostalgia, and to celebrate those 80s and 90s kids that adored film as much as we did. We go through the entire year chronologically covering titles that range from FIELD OF DREAMS to DO THE RIGHT THING and everything in between (HEATHERS, BATMAN, THE BURBS, ALWAYS, GLORY, etc). Yes, some big titles come up, but have no fear, we talk LISTEN TO ME and DREAM A LITTLE DREAM too. A show so big, six hours had to split into two parts. At the end of Part Two which is coming soon, we list our favorite films of 1989. Thank you so much for supporting the show and listening to Part One!
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Episode 73: Samantha Mathis
02/11/2019
Episode 73: Samantha Mathis
Today's guest is one of the reasons why I fell in love with movies and started working on solving the mysteries behind my own mental health. As many of you know, PUMP UP THE VOLUME had a monumental impact on me and shed some light on the depression I experienced as a teenager. Seeing it gave me hope, and a couple years ago, I was lucky enough to express my gratitude to the writer/director Allan Moyle. played Nora in that film, but her entire catalog of performances throughout the years is beyond impressive. And boy, does she share some great stories. She's worked with a wide array of talented actors, writers, and directors too numerous to list here. We did our very best to cover as much as we could including THE THING CALLED LOVE, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT, BROKEN ARROW, AMERICAN PSYCHO, and so much more. She's also appeared on several TV shows including LOST, THE STRAIN, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM and you can soon see her as Sara Hammon in the latest season of starting in March. I can't say enough good things about this interview and her wonderful insights, experiences, and passions that she was kind enough to share. Thank you so much to Samantha, and much gratitude to you for listening. Talk hard! 00:00 - 09:43 - Introduction 09:44 - 1:03:15 - Interview
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Episode 72: Meredith Danluck
12/31/2018
Episode 72: Meredith Danluck
For the last episode of 2018, I present to you a delightful conversation with filmmaker Meredith Danluck. Her latest film is , starring two of my favorite actors working today: Katherine Waterston and Michael Shannon. The story surrounds grief with a central mystery about a widow trying to uncover secrets from her husband's past. Meredith was kind enough to talk for 20 minutes about her process, influences, and what it's like directing great talent while keeping it all together. The film opens this Friday, January 4th on VOD so please do seek it out. Happy New Year to all and see you next year! 00:00 - 12:59 - Introduction / 2018 Reflection 13:00 - 36:50 - Interview With Meredith Danluck For more about Meredith:
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Episode 71: Dreaming Of A Weird Christmas
12/21/2018
Episode 71: Dreaming Of A Weird Christmas
Before an official new interview episode arrives next week, I wanted to treat my listeners to a Christmas treat. I love Christmas music and always love finding hidden treasures out there. Back in the days of the 365 Day Project presented by WFMU, I did my fair share of sharing the truly bizarre thrift store finds from various sources. Everything from weird commercials, cassette tape recordings, and anything that people uncovered that were considered lost then found. Well, there are definitely a few obvious picks from the Christmas catalog that the Internet has to offer included here, but a few that you've probably never heard before. This was inspired by what friend and podcaster and the great . Some songs are presented in their entirety, while most are just random snippets. It was done rather spontaneously without cataloging each individual track included. It's meant to be listened to as a whole weird collage. You'll find the brief delights of "Honky The Christmas Goose" first, but then there are some deep dives included two songs created by a former student along with my own song "Christmas Is Ridiculous." Along the way there's a wide array, before concluding with an eels song that I enjoy hearing every year (or does it end there?). There's even a brief interlude courtesy of SCTV. If you want to have some laughs and discover some very strange diamonds in the rough, feast your ears on this mix and thank you for supporting the podcast and the network! Merry Christmas to all!
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Episode 70: Bridey Elliott
12/07/2018
Episode 70: Bridey Elliott
With the busy holiday madness and awards season voting taking place, it's been hard to schedule an interview in the midst of it all. But I made an effort to make sure I could speak with today's delightful guest: an extremely talented young filmmaker named . You may have heard of her sister, Abby Elliott, or have had the pleasure of growing up with her dad, Chris Elliott, like I did. Bridey's feature-length debut, , opens on VOD today on December 7th, and I highly recommend giving it your time especially if you too have a wacky family. It's darkly comedic with a dash of the supernatural but showcases a real love for this gifted group of performers. Bridey cites some very cool influences during our conversation, two titles in particular that made me light up like a Christmas tree. In addition, we talk about crafting a character like Clara, working with the family in a familiar setting, the delights of Haley Joel Osmeont as an adult, and other topics of discussion. Listen to the interview and then be sure to check out her excellent dinner party ensemble piece now available in theaters and/or streaming! 00:00 - 11:10 - Introduction 11:11 - 30:20 - Interview w/Bridey Elliott Check out Chris & Bridey Elliott on Jimmy Kimmel: More About CLARA'S GHOST:
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Episode 69: Carly Stone & Duncan Skiles
11/12/2018
Episode 69: Carly Stone & Duncan Skiles
The New Romantic is a 2018 Canadian romantic dramedy, written and directed by one of today's guests, . It stars the luminous, lovely Jessica Barden and manages to deconstruct the dating scene in a very unexpected way. It was a pleasure to talk with the writer/director about how her personal experiences informed this story among many other topics of discussion. The Clovehitch Killer is a 2018 mystery thriller, written and directed by my other guest, . Like many of us, he developed a fascination with the horrors of the world, taking a cue from Zodiac to tell a Hardy Boys-like tale of a teenager who thinks his father may be up to no good. Charlie Plummer, Dylan McDermott, Samantha Mathis are among the excellent cast in a very unnerving tale of paranoia and obsession. Duncan has a lot of influences and favorite films that I certainly respect and agree with to boot! It was an honor to talk with two young, amicable and incredibly smart filmmakers making their debuts that will be playing either at a theater near you or via video-on-demand very soon. I recommend both titles and I know you'll get a kick out of our conversations even if you're unfamiliar with the names yet. 00:00 - 11:11 - Introduction 11:12 - 23:35 - Interview w/Carly Stone () 23:36 - 43:20 - Interview w/Duncan Skiles ()
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Episode 68: Jim + Patrick Review Suspiria & Halloween (2018)
11/08/2018
Episode 68: Jim + Patrick Review Suspiria & Halloween (2018)
Cross-posted over at Director's Club too! Jim here! I've been in a horrible funk so I put out the call (or the "Pat" signal) to my dear old friend to stop by for pizza, cannoli and some good old fashioned conversation. First we dealt with our dark thoughts surrounding jobs and then turned on the mics to do what we do best - ramble on about movies. This time we focus on two recent horror releases in particular. David Gordon Green's 2018 sequel and Luca Guadagnino's remake of . Fair warning, we spoil both so hopefully you've seen them by now, and you probably should. Along the way, we dive further into the Halloween franchise, conflicted thoughts about Argento, other horror remakes we like, and a whole slew of bizarre digressions towards the end including the idea of all remakes putting podcasters into their updated takes. What horror remakes would we like to see or can expect? Is Hollywood already as doomed as planet Earth to the point of not expecting greatness anymore? Is 2018 a weak year for movies? Did Patrick actually capture the sense and sound of eating cannoli at the top of the show? You'll have to tune in and listen to find out. This was a blast and hopefully you think so too. 00:00 - 12:39 - Intro 12:40 - 47:02 - Halloween (2018) 47:03 - 01:30:27 - Suspiria (2018) 01:30:28 - 02:20:40 - Digressions, Remakes, The Future Of Cinema Be sure to check out Patrick's latest episode of Tracks of the Damned, which is a totally awesome mix of Halloween treats:
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Episode 67: Yoni Wolf (Why?)
11/03/2018
Episode 67: Yoni Wolf (Why?)
I’ve had a lot of special guests that I consider to be personal heroes on this show before, and today’s is no exception. Yoni Wolf, frontman for the excellent band Why?, as well as the host of The Wandering Wolf podcast was kind enough to talk with me for a half hour before sound check. He is currently back on the road for the Alopecia 10th anniversary tour, playing that amazing record in its entirety. It remains a personal favorite of mine along with so many songs particularly “The Blackest Purse, Gemini (Birthday Song), Rubber Traits, Yo Yo Bye Bye,” and many more. I try to relay my enthusiasm as usual, but also get some insights to the man behind the curtain.
Yoni’s songs have meant a lot to me over the years and hopefully this conversation will inspire you to check out his work, support the band while on tour, as well as learn more about how a touring songwriter manages to thrive and survive. Topics include social media cancer, maintaining one’s health, work/life balance and a whole lot more. Again, I can’t say enough good things about the majority of the Why? discography, in addition to the other two bands that are supporting the tour: The Ophelias and Lala Lala. Check them all out, buy their records and maybe go see a show. Huge thanks to publicist Brent and of course, Yoni himself for taking some time to talk in the backstage green room. Songs featured:
“Fatalist Palmistry”
“Song Of The Sad Assassin”
“The Blackest Purse” (briefly)
“Gemini (birthday song)”
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Subscribe to Yoni’s podcast:
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Episode 66: CIFF + The Return Of Olivia Lilley
10/31/2018
Episode 66: CIFF + The Return Of Olivia Lilley
Happy Halloween! The only scary thing here is my rambling introduction, though I do briefly discuss my experience at this year's Chicago International Film Festival, including a couple of reviews. The majority of the content was done via writing from both myself and the talented Kate Blair. The real fun begins when returning guest Olivia Lilley joins me to talk all-things theater. We do discuss the differences between how film directors work as opposed to her own approach, which is unconventional but truly groundbreaking and special. Her latest play opens this weekend at the Prop Theater, and I know I will be seeing it sooner than later. We had another great conversation about what makes her take on the material so special, in addition to how current events played into this particular adaptation. Next up will be a very special interview done live backstage with a huge inspirational songwriter for me. Until then please enjoy this treat of an episode with one of my favorite guests! Tickets / info for her latest play: 00:00 - 13:44 - Introduction / CIFF Review 13:45 - 54:45 - Interview With Olivia Lilley 54:46 - 55:42 - Outro
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