Reel Connections

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We share our favorite movies and explain why we cherish it plus we talk about our current binges.

Ril Balogun


    • Dec 23, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 253 EPISODES

    5 from 31 ratings Listeners of Reel Connections that love the show mention: movies, host, new, love, show, great, listen, rilwan.


    Ivy Insights

    The Reel Connections podcast is a hidden gem for any movie and TV lover. Hosted by the knowledgeable and engaging Rilwan Balogun, this podcast delves into the intricate details that make movies and shows truly great. With each episode, Rilwan brings a fresh perspective and finds angles on films and TV series that make you question if you've really watched them. His wealth of knowledge shines through in every discussion, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation for their favorite movies and shows.

    One of the best aspects of The Reel Connections podcast is Rilwan's ability to uncover forgotten or overlooked details in movies and shows. He has a keen eye for analyzing film techniques, storytelling elements, and character development, providing thoughtful and detailed analysis that enhances viewers' understanding and enjoyment of these works. Additionally, his interviews with friends and colleagues add a fun element to the podcast, offering unique insights and perspectives from those with insider knowledge.

    Furthermore, The Reel Connections podcast covers a wide range of topics that appeal to all types of movie enthusiasts. Whether it's discussing classic films like "Remember the Titans" or exploring the spooky season with horror movies, Rilwan hits on all the favorites. His diverse selection ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

    However, as with any podcast, there are some potential downsides to consider. Occasionally, the discussions can become overly detailed or technical for casual listeners who may not be as well-versed in film theory or terminology. While this may not be an issue for hardcore movie buffs, it could potentially alienate some listeners who are looking for more accessible content.

    In conclusion, The Reel Connections podcast is a must-listen for anyone passionate about movies and TV shows. Rilwan Balogun's insightful analysis and ability to uncover hidden gems within these works make each episode enjoyable and informative. From exploring beloved classics to shedding light on lesser-known titles, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment for all cinephiles.



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    Latest episodes from Reel Connections

    239 - Best Watches of 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 72:47


    I know it's been awhile since a new episode, I explain the future of this podcast. Then we wrap up the year with the best watches with Joy. Surprisingly, we don't have anything similar on our lists.   Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    238 - How to Die Alone

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 35:18


    Valencia is back to unpack Hulu Onyx Collection's latest show staring Natasha Rothwells' 'How to Die Alone,' which follows, "Mel is a broke JFK airport employee who has never experienced love; a near-death accident inspires her to dream and live life again." Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    237 - Almost Famous

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 39:29


    This week marks the 24th anniversary of 'Almost Famous' and what a better time than now to talk speak with Malorie about it. "A 15-year-old music fan and fledgling journalist goes on the road with a popular rock band in the anything-goes 1970's." Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    236 - Goodbye Summer: What We're Watching

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 35:15


    It's the unofficial end of summer (yes, I know the equinox is September 22nd) so returning to the podcast after a long hiatus is Janson. He and I catchup and talk about everything we're watching including: HBO's Industry, Big Brother, Netflix's Dark and Umbrella Academy, Prime Video's Rings of Power, and so much more.  Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - Shows we missed

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 22:21


    Look, we are all busy meaning we can't watch everything. In this rewind episode, Courtney and I talk about shows that missed our radar. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    235 - The Boys S4 Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 32:53


    Amazon Prime's hit show, The Boys, season 4 wraps up in a twisted way. This week, in a spoiler filled episode (you've had time to watch) Tony returns to the show with new guest Bridget as we unpack the season and give predictions to season 5's series finale. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    234 - Presumed Innocent

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 33:18


    AppleTV Plus has another hit with 'Presumed Innocent.' Ayana returns to unpack the mystery and see if our guesses were right. The show is among the most watched shows on streaming since June pilot episode. The show was officialy renewed for a second season after Apple claimed that the show is the most-viewed drama in the platform's history. Here's the premise: "A horrific murder upends the Chicago prosecuting attorney's office when one of its own is suspected of the crime-leaving the accused fighting to keep his family together." Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    233 - House of the Dragon S2 Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 32:59


    Did HBO fumble the bag with that finale? Carlos returns to the episode to unpack the episode and sharing plenty of what is to come with the third season.  Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    232 - Love Island USA Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 33:22


    We're back! Valencia and Amber return to the show to unpack the final episodes of Love Island USA and what the cast have been saying about the season and each other. We wrap up the show with other shows we're watching. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - Is Hollywood out of ideas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 24:36


    I'm on a brief break but couldn't leave you with anything. Take a trip down memory lane as Khadesha and I talk about remakes, reboots, and adapatations.  In the coming weeks, I'll have episodes on The Boys, Love Island USA, Acolyte and much more! Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    231- Love Island USA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 36:58


    We're finally talking about the show that appears to be the top of conversation for so many. That's right, Love Island USA. Valencia returns to the podcast along with first time guest, Amber, to talk about the show. Valencia questions the internet's lust for Rob, Amber shares her thoughts on the OBJ connection, plus we share who we believe will win the show, since it is a game. This is a very fun episode, we could have talked about it for hours. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    230 - House of the Dragon S2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 37:29


    It's time we head back to Westeros and unpack what has happened so far in the second season of HBO's House of the Dragon. Joining me this week is Carlos who is reading the book 'Fire and Ice' which the series is based on. He shares the differences between the show and book and we get into spoilers. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    229 - The Bear S3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 64:01


    Are you ready for this supersize episode covering the latest season of FX on Hulu's 'The Bear'? Kiko returns to the podcast as we unpack each character. We talk Taylor Swift (yes), grief, and confrontations. Did you recognize that actual chef? Here's a good write up, with pictures, if you didn't catch it: Yes … Who? Here Are the Chefs Who Appear in ‘The Bear.' Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    228 - Bridgerton S3 P2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 34:13


    The Netflix hit returns with the second half of the third season starting where the first part left off with romance of Colin and Penelope. Sonia returns to the show to discuss the show and shares we she'll no longer read the books. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - What I'm Watching, The Bears S2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 58:01


    The third season of Hulu's hit 'The Bear' returns next week. Ahead of it, I am releasing our episode on the second season with Chris. But before it, I share some of the shows I'm watching: The Boys, Bridgerton, Clipped, Fantasma, Dark Matter and more. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    227 - Hacks S3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 37:51


    The third season of HBO Max's Emmy-winning comedy Hacks ends with a cliffhanger of a finale and yes we are getting a fourth season.  This week, McKenzie joins the show to unpack the ending, the show's excellent writing, and where we'd like the show to go. Stick around towards the end for the special shoutout.  Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - Love and Basketball Hot Takes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 12:35


    Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - Who is the next Denzel Washington?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 28:46


    Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    226 - Bridgerton S3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 34:19


    The Netflix hit returns with the first part of the third season which focuses on Penelope Fetherington and Colin Bridgerton. Sonia returns to the show to discuss the show and bring her insights from the books. Make sure to stick around for the first post-credit scene. Often, after I stop recording my guest and I talk about whatever else - this time you get a piece of insight. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    225 - What I'm Watching

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 13:25


    It's just us. This week, I talk about the current shows I'm watching. Plus, I'm hoping you're watching at least one of the same so we can talk about it. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    224 - Baby Reindeer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 38:49


    This week, we're talking about one of the buzziest show of the year, Baby Reindeer. The show is about struggling comedian and barman Donny meets a lonely woman claiming to be a lawyer. He offers her a cup of tea on the house, and she's instantly obsessed. Sonia and I start with spoiler free talk about the show then we immediately start talking about the plot, theme and twist. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - Previewing next week's episode, Best Watches of 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 38:58


    This rewind episode starts with me sharing details of next week's show about Netflix's Baby Reindeer. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    223 - Fallout

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 33:00


    Prime Video is out with a show it hopes will be a hit for the streamer and if our opinion counts for anything, it will be. Belina joins the show to discuss the show based on a video game with the same name.  "In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits." Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    222 - What We're Watching: American Society of Magical Negros, Avatar, Traitors

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 36:07


    Edward returns to the pod to talk about what we're watching which includes how Edward feels about 'The American Society of Magical Negros,' Netflix's Avatar and more. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    221 - Invincible

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 44:22


    Prime Video's Invincible's second season wraps up as dramatic and emotional as the season. For the first time on the pod, one of my college roommate joins the pod to talk about it. Joel and I unpack the second season. Joel then breaks downs the portals Invincible went through from the Walking Dead call back to Fortnite. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    220 - True Detectives: Night Country

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 33:39


    I recorded this a few days after the finale however it was around the same time 'Love is Blind' had new episodes. I didn't want to drop it unceremonly on a Wednesday so I saved it for us to really honestly discuss the show and the critics. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.  

    219 - Quiet on Set: The Dark side of Kid TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 28:38


    “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” a four-part Max documentary shares the alleged toxic conditions for child actors and others at Nickelodeon during the height of its popularity. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    218 - Love is Blind S6 (The Reunion)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 54:02


    We made it to the end. I have to say, I think this is the best reunion the series has ever had. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    217 - Love is Blind S6 (Wedding Day)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 34:48


    We need Ms. Rita on every season moving forward. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    216 - Love is Blind S6 (10 and 11)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2024 32:53


    AD called Sarah Ann out but I don't think she got it. Clay still brings up cheating. While, Amy and Johnny are still likely the only ones to get married. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    215 - Love is Blind S6 (7-9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 64:47


    Carrie Underwood?! What is going on with this season of Netflix's Love is Blind? Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    214 - Love is Blind (1-6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 35:03


    We're back with a recap of the latest season of Netflix's Love is Blind. Lauriel returns to share her thoughts from eyelashes to oversexualization and of course the couples. She and I predict who we think 'say yes' and who never makes it down the aisle. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    213 - What I'm Watching

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 14:45


    Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    212 - Mr. & Mrs. Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 34:35


    Donald Glover and Maya Erskine star in the reimaging of the 2005 blockbuster of the same name. Not a remake because the show creators change things up into an interesting way. Tiffany joins the show to unpack the first seaon of the Prime Video. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    211 - Griselda

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 31:31


    Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatization shows Griselda Blanco's journey from Medellín to becoming "the Godmother" of Miami's drug empire. Tony returns to the show as we unpack Netflix's latest drug drama. We talk about if it works for us and if we want more. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    210 - 2024 Oscar Nominations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 37:16


    This year's Oscar nominations are out! Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer leads the pack with 13 nominations. Poor Things next with 11 noms, Killers of the Flower Moon with 10, and box office giant Barbie snagged eight nominations but there are two big misses. Natalie joins the show to unpack the nominations for the major categories and talk about snubs, surprises, and give some predictions. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    209 - Clouds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 29:36


    It's been a long time coming but we are back with favorite movies. And the return sees a guest I have wanted since the start of this show, my dear friend Rebecca. We talk about one of her favorite movies, "Clouds." I knew of the movie but never watched. I highly recommend watching it and a few docs surrounding Zach Sobiech. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    208 - The Brothers Sun

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 34:19


    My first binge of the year belongs to Netflix's "The Brothers Sun" staring Michelle Yeoh. Nichole from She's So Tuned in joins me this week to unpack the show. We start off with spoiler free thoughts then we discuss the themes openly. Then we wrap things up by talking about what we're watching (27:05) and get into how the streamers have signaled defeat against Netflix by putting their own shows on it. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    207 - Letterboxd 2023 Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 16:05


    Happy 2024! Starting the year by unpacking 2023 with my Letterboxd review but first we talk about the latest movie I watched and movies I can't stop thinking about it. I reveal also reveal the future of the podcast. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    206 - Best Watches of 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2023 37:30


    Merry Christmas! Edward joins the show for the last episode of the year and we're talking about the best titles we watched this year. Remember, it doesn't necessarily new releases this year but it can be shows we watched for the first time this year. Surprinsgly, Edward and I don't have the same show on our list. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    205 - Shows We Wish We Didn't Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 16:18


    Sometimes you watch a show for several episodes or seasons and by the end you ask, why did I watch this? Courtney is back for this episode in jest, joke so please don't come for us. We start off with a massive hit show! Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    204 - The Morning Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 37:32


    Edward is back on the show talking about Apple TV's The Morning Show. You might remember it was on his list of shows he was excited for. Before we unpack the drama, we talk about some news headlines streaming bundles, is this the future? (2:03) We talk about the trailer for Ava DuVernay's upcoming movie 'Origin' (7:43) and 'The Color Purple' (12:15). Then we unpack our thoughts on The Morning Show and if it is prestige TV (14:20). Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    203 - What We're Watching: Surviving Paradise, Upload, and Found

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2023 53:44


    This week's what we're watching is all over the place which gives those looking for something to watch options. We start by talking about Hulu's Black Cake then shift into Netflix's latest reality show, 'Surviving Paradise' (3:50). We touch on 'Squid Game: The Challenge' (8:35). Prime Video's top comedy show 'Upload' (17:20) feels like an under the radar show so we wanted to discuss the futuristic show. Then we wrap up by talking about our first broadcast show with 'Found' (34:00) on NBC. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - Degrassi: The Next Generation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 30:28


    I've said this before, Degrassi: The Next Generation played a pivotal role in my life. The show started my love for television. This week, we're looking back at an episode all about it from two years ago, in May 2021. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    202 - Shows We Missed

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 22:21


    We are still in the era of peak TV eventhough it seems things are waining off. Despite that there isn't enough time to watch it all so we're missing many. Courtney joins me this week to talk about shows that missed our radar. These are classic and current shows on both our lists. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    201 - Gen V

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 30:54


    This is a spoiler filled episode as Edward and I talk about Prime Video's "Gen V" we give our thoughts on the season, finale, and thoughts on The Boys Universe. "From the world of "The Boys" comes "Gen V," which explores the first generation of superheroes to know that their super powers are from Compound V. These heroes put their physical and moral boundaries to the test competing for the school's top ranking." Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    200 - 200th Episode Celebration

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 31:53


    This is a special episode. I can't believe I am celebrating 200 episodes. If this was a television show we'd be deep into syndication. In this episode, we do what all great longlasting shows have done: a clip show! Here are the episodes we revisited and you can go listen to:  Pressure Cooker's Chef Jeana was on episode 147. Podcast crossovers: This is the Thing Podcast on 'We Need to Talk About Bill Cosby' episode 84. Part 1 of the Lost crossover with The Weekly PopUp is episode 86. Covering Industry: Writer's Strike is episode 169 and SAG-AFTRA Strike is episode 183. Never would have watched: Count of Monte Cristo is episode 72. FROM is episode 185. Bo Burnham's Inside is episode 49. Favorite movies: The Last Dragon is episode 14 and Love Jones is episode 30. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    REWIND - Yellowjackets

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2023 25:21


    This week I'm bringing back another REWIND episode. Spooky season is wrapping up so we  take a look back at discussing Showtimes smashing hit Yellowjackets. Episode 79 originally aired December 2021. Enjoy. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    199 - Young Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 31:26


    This week we talk about Max's Young Love. The show is based on the award-winning short Hair Love. It follows the Young Family - including millennial parents Stephen and Angela, their daughter Zuri and her pet cat Rocky - as they juggle their careers, marriage, parenthood, social issues, and multi-generational dynamics. Ayana joins the show as we unpack the show. We get into spoilers 11 minutes in so beware. Then we start talking about what we're currently watching including Loki, The Fall of the House of Usher, Goosebumps, and the state of Marvel Disney Plus shows.  Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    198 - Love is Blind S5 (Wedding & Reunion)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 20:49


    We're back to unpack the latest episodes of Love is Blind season 5. I am solo as we wrap up watching the latest season of Netflix's hit. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

    197 - Love is Blind (8 & 9)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 35:17


    We're back to unpack the latest episodes of Love is Blind season 5. Is production the villian? We're learning more about contestants and the show itself from TikTok and participants on social media. Follow us on Instagram and on Twitter.

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