Podcast appearances and mentions of Dwayne Johnson

American actor and professional wrestler

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Best podcasts about Dwayne Johnson

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Latest podcast episodes about Dwayne Johnson

The Bobby Bones Show
MOVIE MIKE: Robert Englund Reveals His Secret To Playing Freddy Kreuger + Movie Review: The Smashing Machine…Why did It Bomb? + Trailer Park: Zootopia 2

The Bobby Bones Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 40:26 Transcription Available


Mike talks to Robert Englund who is best known for playing Freddy Kruger in A Nightmare on Elm Street. He reveals his secret to getting into character, what music he listened to while sitting in 4 hour of makeup prep and how his athletic background prepared him for the role. Mike also talks to two directors from the franchise: A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge director Jack Sholder and Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare director Rachel Talalay about the behind the scenes of each film! In the Movie Review, Mike talks about The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson. He plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr as he reaches the peak of his career but faces personal hardships along the way with addiction. Mike talks about why the movie failed, why he hopes it doesn’t stop the Rock from taking risks and what shot it has at Oscar nominations. In the Trailer Park, Mike talks about Disney’s Zootopia 2. Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back and find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who turns the mammal metropolis of Zootopia upside down. Mike shares how Zootopia 1 changed him and how the message of the sequel might be something we all need right now. New Episodes Every Monday! Watch on YouTube: @MikeDeestro Follow Mike on TikTok: @mikedeestro Follow Mike on Instagram: @mikedeestro Follow Mike on X: @mikedeestro Follow Mike on Letterboxd: @mikedeestro Email: MovieMikeD@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mac & Gu
The Smashing Machine, Roofman & Leonardo DiCaprio Movie Tiers

Mac & Gu

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 63:21 Transcription Available


We discuss some recent movies!RoofmanThe Smashing MachineGood BoyBUT FIRST - Mac rattle off Kelly Clarkson songs and Gu counts down Drew Struzan's best movie posters. The we finish the epsiode with Mac's Leonardo DiCaprio movie tiers!Join the conversation... FacebookInstagramTwitterTikTokYouTubeRate/Review/Subscribe:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

The Bamgboshe Happy Hour
D'Angelo's Legacy, Drake's Lawsuit & Taylor Swift's Record-Breaking Album, Oscar Buzz, Halloween Costumes....

The Bamgboshe Happy Hour

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 56:19


Welcome to the Bamgboshe Happy Hour: Pop Edition! This week, Peju Bamgboshe Rothlisberger and Naomi Bamgboshe unpack the biggest stories shaking the music and pop culture world:

Next Best Picture Podcast
Interview With "The Smashing Machine" Filmmaker Benny Safdie

Next Best Picture Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 22:24


"The Smashing Machine" is a biographical sports drama film written, directed, produced, and edited by Benny Safdie. It stars Dwayne Johnson as former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples, with Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Silver Lion and received positive reviews for the performances, notably Johnson's committed and transformational work and Safdie's re-creation of the world of MMA and the UFC during its early days. Filmmaker Safdie was kind enough to spend some time speaking with us about his experience working on the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which is now playing in theaters from A24. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3blackgeeks podcast
3BG At The Movies| The Smashing Machine

3blackgeeks podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 14:42


A24 transforms Dwayne Johnson into MMA Legend Marc Kerr. Does he deliever? 

Valley 101
What's it like to have the Rock play you in a movie?

Valley 101

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 14:47


This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz talks to one of the few people who can say Dwayne Johnson has played them in a biopic, extreme fighter Mark Kerr. We explore what it's like to have a superstar depict your life, the hardships of having your worst qualities displayed on the silver screen and what Kerr's time as a roadie for bands like The Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi was like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AIPT Movies
Shocktober - Night of the Living Dead (1990)

AIPT Movies

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 65:16


Welcome to another episode of Death Don't Do Fiction, the AIPT Movies podcast! The podcast about the enduring legacy of our favorite movies! It's October, so that means it's time for our “Shocktober” series, where we cover movies that go bump in the night! In this week's episode, Alex, Tim, and returning guest Tony Sedani discuss Tom Savini's overlooked 1990 remake of the George Romero classic, Night of the Living Dead!A quick pace! Mild undead nudity! Shocking neck violence! A door you can punch through! A female lead who transitions from damsel in distress to legitimate action hero! Fantastic makeup effects and memorable zombie designs, including one that's twisted up like a pretzel! A great "one awful night in a single location" movie! No real explanation for the horrors that ensue! Social commentary on division and class war! Good ol' boys toying with zombies! Feelings of hopelessness! An impossible Candyman reference! A cast that includes the legendary Tony Todd, Laura Dern's stunt double from Jurassic Park, Patricia Tallman, the writer of The Gingerdead Man, William Butler, an unrecognizable Bill Moseley, and Tom Towles as the worst dude ever! While it may live in the shadow of the 1968 original, it's one of the better remakes and some people's preferred version of Night of the Living Dead! In addition, Alex talks about his favorite movies from Fantastic Fest 2025, including the Iko Uwais-produced martial arts extravaganza Ikatan Darah, Johannes Roberts' monkey-gone-mad creature feature Primate, Justin Long's unique take on corrupt cops in Los Angeles, Night Patrol, Steve Kostanki's Deathstalker, V/H/S/Halloween, the shark thriller Beast of War, and Curry Barker's oddly funny cautionary horror tale, Obsession!Finally, Tony shares his spoiler-free thoughts on The Long Walk, One Battle After Another, Good Boy, and The Smashing Machine, while Alex does the same for the Shudder original Night of the Reaper, and the realization of a plumber's worst nightmare, Scared Shitless!You can find Death Don't Do Fiction on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. As always, if you enjoy the podcast, be sure to leave us a positive rating, subscribe to the show, and tell your friends!The Death Don't Do Fiction podcast brings you the latest in movie news, reviews, and more! Hosted by supposed “industry vets,” Alex Harris and Tim Gardiner, the show gives you a peek behind the scenes from two filmmakers with oddly nonexistent filmographies. You can find Alex on Twitter, Bluesky, or Letterboxd @actionharris. This episode's guest, Tony Sedani, can be on Instagram @tsedani. Tim can't be found on social media because he doesn't exist. If you have any questions or suggestions for the Death Don't Do Fiction crew, they can be reached at aiptmoviespod@gmail.com, or you can find them on Twitter or Instagram @aiptmoviespod.Theme song is “We Got it Goin On” by Cobra Man.

The Nerds You're Looking For | TV/Film Podcast
Yes and | The Smashing Machine Review – Night of the Reaper and Good Boy

The Nerds You're Looking For | TV/Film Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 79:42


Episode 530: The Smashing Machine Review – Tyler starts off the episode by discussing the new horror film Night of the Reaper! Pat also shares his thoughts on a new horror film Good Boy. Tyler leads the discussion of the latest “Nerd News”...including the Heat 2 rumors! The Nerds review the new Dwayne Johnson film The Smashing Machine! They end the episode with a “Nerd Favorite”...favorite wrestler turned actor?   Timestamps:   What we are Into: 9:52-37:45   Nerd News: 37:45-47:26   Smashing Machine Review: 47:26-1:13   Nerd Favorite: 1:13

Oz Culture
The Smashing Machine - The Rock finally Smashing Expectations

Oz Culture

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 39:20 Transcription Available


Send us a textA fighter who can break you in the ring but apologizes with his eyes—this is the paradox that hooked us. We went in expecting swagger, exits through flames, and the usual invincible sheen. What we found instead was Dwayne Johnson letting go of “The Rock” and stepping into Mark Kerr with bruised grace, while Emily Blunt turns every shared scene into a live wire. The fights snap, sure, but the quiet beats are louder: the held breath before a bad decision, the shame that keeps secrets alive, and the kind of friendship that refuses to fracture just to give the plot a twist.We dig into the gendered crossfire at the story's heart: how many men are taught to love by building careers, and how many women ask for presence over provision. The movie lingers in that gap, and we sit in the discomfort with it. Anger simmers but doesn't detonate where you expect; the violence turns inward, and that choice feels painfully real. Mark Coleman's portrayal becomes the rare on-screen constant—no jealous heel turn, no betrayal—just loyalty with boundaries, the kind of anchor that gives recovery a chance. That sincerity helps the film dodge cliché and keeps the emotional stakes honest.Then there's the ending—anticlimactic, maybe even jarring. We wrestle with it. Is that a flaw, or the truest note a biopic can hit? Redemption rarely sticks its landings on cue, and postscript text can bruise a perfect arc. Still, what stays with us is the craft: documentary textures, long takes that force the question to bloom, and two leads who create a pressure cooker without a punch thrown. Call it a sports biopic if you want, but we felt a relationship drama with gloves on.If you're drawn to performance-driven stories, complicated love, and a sports film that cares more about the person than the trophy, queue this one up. And if you've seen it, we want your take—does that final note work for you, or does it undercut the climb? Follow, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going. Support the show

KHZ Productions
The Youth Critic Podcast Episode 386: The Smashing Machine (2025)

KHZ Productions

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 38:44


On this Episode, Kyle Arking and I talk about Benny Safdie's solo Debut "The Smashing Machine" starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Bluesky: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@moviekale.bsky.socia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠l ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@kylearking.bsky.social⁠ Twitter Handles: @MovieKale @theyouthcritic ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  @Arkingkyle Massive Movie Maniacs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4W2lmQmEhkDDohb5BOApC8?si=15a8ae09d2db4b94⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kyle's Youtube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kylearking8918⁠⁠⁠⁠

Fresh Air
Best Of: Dwayne Johnson / Comic Cristela Alonzo

Fresh Air

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 48:34


WWE superstar Dwayne Johnson plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine. "The Rock" spoke with Terry Gross about the role, his many injuries, and his wrestling personas.For the first seven years of her life, Cristela Alonzo lived in an abandoned diner in a south Texas border town. She spoke with Terry Gross about the culture shock of having money after growing up so poor and the recent ICE raids in L.A. Her new Netflix stand-up special is called Upper Classy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Solo con Adela / Saga Live by Adela Micha
Kim Armengol y Max Espejel con toda la información en Saga Noticias 10 octubre 2025

Solo con Adela / Saga Live by Adela Micha

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 50:54


En esta edición de Saga Noticias, Kim Armengol y Max Espejel presentan un programa lleno de información relevante a nivel nacional e internacional. La opositora venezolana María Corina Machado se convierte en la protagonista del día tras ganar el Premio Nobel de la Paz 2025, un reconocimiento a su lucha por la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela. Además, Claudia Sheinbaum evita pronunciarse sobre el tema, mientras Adela Micha reflexiona sobre la trayectoria de Machado en su editorial Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inside The Crazy Ant Farm
Has A24 Gone Mainstream? | ITCAFpodcast Ep. 310

Inside The Crazy Ant Farm

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 97:29


On this week's episode of Inside The Crazy Ant Farm, the guys dive deep into the state of the entertainment industry — and things are shaking up big time! From Disney standing alone as the last pure entertainment studio to the streaming bubble finally bursting, to mid-budget projects like Dwayne Johnson's The Smashing Machine struggling to find their footing at the box-office. Dustin and Logan break down how the power players are shifting, what it means for creators, and why content has become a weapon in the new era of corporate ecosystems. In this week's Top 5, the guys count down their Favorite A24 Films, celebrating the bold, weird, and wonderful stories that prove original cinema is still alive and thriving. And as always, they've got your Box Office Recap, breaking down the winners, losers, and surprises from the weekend, along with the latest IMDb Top Trenders, spotlighting who's hot across film and TV this week.It's an unfiltered, insider look at the future of Hollywood on this can't-miss episode of Inside The Crazy Ant Farm!Chapters: News Tease 0:00Intro Music 3:29Show Open 3:50State Of The Industry Discussion 5:48Top 5 Favorite A24 Films 51:12Box Office 1:25:08IMDb Pro Top Trending 1:29:35Goodbyes 1:33:33Follow Us Here:Website: https://crazyantmedia.comMerchandise: https://crazyantmedia.com/crazy-ant-merchandiseOur first film, Deadlines: https://crazyantmedia.com/deadlinesPodcasts:ITCAFpodcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/itcafpodcast/id1644145531Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tf6L0e7vO9xnVtWaip67s?si=tYPrIVr_R36qpYns4qeZ8gEverything's Okay Podcast:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-okay/id1664547993Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0uMm80MW4K50f8uURgVUYp?si=9mF7mwf_Qe-ZDqKBhEovMgSocial Media:ITCAFpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/itcafpodcast?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/itcafpodcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQ7hHn/Everything's OkayTwitter: https://twitter.com/everythingsokp?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/everythingsokp?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Crazy Ant MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantmedia?s=21&t=q0HdFq3CPkXBzVYHYdJW6wInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantmedia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRLQP1c1/Logan (Left)Twitter: https://twitter.com/jloganaustin?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/jloganaustin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j.loganaustin?_t=8ZMB9Hp1yxf&_r=1Dustin (Right)Twitter: https://twitter.com/crazyantceo?s=21&t=ckQqBvyxz3lYqKHLrI6peAInstagram: https://instagram.com/crazyantceo?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyantceo?_t=8ZMB84k7BUM&_r=1

The First Run
TFR Ep. 779: The Smashing Machine

The First Run

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 22:26


This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out ‘The Smashing Machine', the latest from Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson about the life of famed MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Is this The Rock's best performance? Tune in to find out!00:00-15:45: Intro/The Smashing Machine15:46-22:26: Wrap-UpTheme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

The Obsessive Viewer - Weekly Movie/TV Review & Discussion Podcast
OV489 - The Smashing Machine (2025) & The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025) - Guest: Sam Watermeier

The Obsessive Viewer - Weekly Movie/TV Review & Discussion Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 128:03


This week, Sam Watermeier joins me to review the new Benny Safdie movie, The Smashing Machine in a feature review and then, in this week's secondary review, we talk about Renny Harlin's, The Strangers: Chapter 2. We also discuss recent movie and TV news, screenings around Indianapolis, Heartland Film Festival, Robert Redford, Heat 2, and more. Timestamps Show Start - 01:29 Introducing Sam - 04:31 Screening in Indy - 10:49 News Before the Reviews - 17:54 Feature Review The Smashing Machine (2025) - 23:51 Spoiler - 1:06:57 Secondary Review The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025) - 1:36:17 Closing the Ep - 2:03:00 Patreon Clip - 2:05:13 Related Links My Voice Work on The Endless Elsewhere Podcast My Guest Spot on Short Bites: A Stephen King Podcast OV429 - I Saw the TV Glow (2024) & The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024) - Guest: Sam Watermeier Robert Redford, ‘Butch Cassidy' and ‘All the President's Men' Icon, Dies at 89 ‘Heat 2' Moves From Warner Bros. to Amazon MGM as Michael Mann's Sequel Gains Traction   Sam's Letterboxd Sam's Writing on Midwest Film Journal Sam's Review of Arrow's Spawn 4K UHD Release Sam's Review of Are We Good? Sam's Review of The Strangers: Chapter 2 Sam's Quick Takes Reviews of Twinless and Lurker   My 2025 Podcast and Writing Archive Book Reaction - The Long Walk by Stephen King - Chapters 1-2 - Sept 18, 2025 Book Reaction - The Long Walk by Stephen King - Chapters 3-5 - Sept 21, 2025 Book Reaction - The Long Walk by Stephen King - Chapters 6-7 - Sept 28, 2025 Book Reaction - The Long Walk by Stephen King - Chapters 8-10 - Oct 4, 2025 Patreon Special - Yojimbo (1961) at the Kan-Kan - Aug 27, 2025 Patreon Special - High and Low (1963) at the Kan-Kan - Aug 24, 2025 Immediate Reaction - Together (2025) - Jul 23, 2025 Patreon Companion Episodes Collection   Indianapolis Theaters Heartland Film Festival The Tenderness Tour Documentary at HIFF34 Alamo Drafthouse Indy Kan-Kan  Living Room Theaters Keystone Art  Flix Brewhouse   Ways to Support Us Support Us on Patreon for Exclusive Content Official OV Merch Buy Me A Coffee Obsessive Viewer Obsessive Viewer Presents: Anthology Obsessive Viewer Presents: Tower Junkies As Good As It Gets - Linktree Start Your Podcast with Libsyn Using Promo Code OBSESS   Follow Us on Social Media My Letterboxd | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | TikTok | Tiny's Letterboxd   Mic Info Matt: ElectroVoice RE20 into RØDEcaster Pro II (Firmware: 1.6.6) Sam: Samson Q2U via USB in Google Meet   Episode Homepage: ObsessiveViewer.com/OV489   Next Week on the Podcast OV490 - Roofman (2025) & Bone Lake (2025)

Kicking the Seat
Ep1162: The Smashing Machine (2025) - Live Roundtable Review

Kicking the Seat

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025


Earth's Mightiest Critics tag team Dwayne Johnson's bid for Acting Oscar gold with a roundtable review of The Smashing Machine!Benny Safdie's biopic of UFC fighter Mark Kerr's rise and fall is definitely an A24 film: heavy on the drama, light on the sports movie cliches. Audiences, it seems, aren't too interested in "The Rock's" career outside the IP ring--but are they missing out?Join us for a spoilerific critics' cage-match! We also take your questions, comments, and SuperChats!Support Kicking the Seat on Patreon, subscribe to us on YouTube, and follow us at:XLetterboxdInstagramFacebookShow LinksWatch the Smashing Machine (2025) trailer.Support all of Earth's Mightiest Critics at their various outlets:Keep up with Jeff York's criticism and caricatures at The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists.Check out Mark "The Movie Man" Krawczyk's The Spoiler Room Podcast.Get seated with The Blonde in Front!Follow David Fowlie's film criticism at Keeping It Reel.Get educated with Don Shanahan at Every Movie Has a Lesson…...And Film Obsessive...and the Cinephile Hissy Fit Podcast.Keep up with Annie Banks at The Mary Sue....and We Got This Covered.Make Nice with Mike Crowley of You'll Probably Agree.And save your celluloid soul with Dave Canfield's Substack, "Creature Feature Preacher".

Slate Culture
Culture Gabfest: The Rock Goes for the Oscar Edition

Slate Culture

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 59:04


On this week's show, our fighters Steve, Julia, and Dana enter the ring to tussle over The Smashing Machine, the Dwayne Johnson vehicle directed by Benny Safdie. Can they smell what the Rock is cooking? Is it a subtly modulated performance about a sensitive pro UFC fighter? Or, a shameless Oscar play?  Next, it's on to the offbeat climes of Tulsa, Oklahoma by way of The Lowdown, a shaggy noir series created by Sterlin Harjo and starring Ethan Hawke. Finally, they gaze into the uncanny eyes of Tilly Norwood, the A.I. beauty that launched a thousand think pieces and a Hollywood freakout. On an exclusive bonus episode for Slate Plus subscribers, the panel unburies an old hatchet to discuss Elizabeth Gilbert's newest memoir.  Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com.  Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Endorsements Dana: The N+1 essay "Large Language Muddle" and Isaac Butler's deep dive on Daniel Day-Lewis in Slate. Julia: Walking in Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve. Steve: James Meek's essay in The London Review of Books "Computers that want things" and the novel Gargoyles by Thomas Bernhard (and welcomes listener suggestions for what else to read by Bernhard). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and Vinnie Full Show
Hour 4: “That Baby is a Meatloaf!”

Sarah and Vinnie Full Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 34:34


The Billboard Chart is flashing KPop Demon Hunters, Alex Warren, and Tate McRae's new song. Next week we expect the list to be a little more opalite. Dwayne Johnson doesn't see ‘The Smashing Machine' as a failure in an emotional Instagram post. Sometimes actors make bad movies - somebody has to! What is the proper etiquette for screaming babies? Plus: How old is that guy?

Sarah and Vinnie Full Show
10-08 Full Show

Sarah and Vinnie Full Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 169:58


Bob is helping Sarah unpack her childhood trauma. Congratulations to Adam Levine on his new house. Anna Kendrick claims she has seen The Loch Ness Monster. Charlie Sheen is jealous. Why do planes dim the lights for takeoff? Here's the unsettling truth. Enjoy some fast facts and this pop culture throwback to Anna Nicole Smith at the 2004 VMAs. Plus, Vinnie reports the case of the missing Canadian salsa truck. Here's what to watch on TV tonight. It's not too late to catch up on ‘Survivor' and join in our weekly recaps. Matty is recommending ‘Chad Powers' but is it as “feel good” as Ted Lasso? Nicole Kidman's revenge bangs take on Paris Fashion Week. Will Taylor Swift ever tell us the real reason she isn't doing the Super Bowl? Hundreds were rescued after a snowstorm hit Mt. Everest. Not all pranks are funny, kids, and let's normalize going to bed angry. It's time for Kiss, Marry, Kill: Popstar edition. Plus, some fun game show news. Let's name drop: Who is the most famous person you could call right now? Bumper stickers make you a target for road rage. If you like to drive, here are the best US cities to visit. If you're a cyclist, here are places to avoid. Is it wrong: Pittsburgh just put up their Christmas tree. The Billboard Chart is flashing KPop Demon Hunters, Alex Warren, and Tate McRae's new song. Next week we expect the list to be a little more opalite. Dwayne Johnson doesn't see ‘The Smashing Machine' as a failure in an emotional Instagram post. Sometimes actors make bad movies - somebody has to! What is the proper etiquette for screaming babies? Plus: How old is that guy?

Slate Daily Feed
Culture Gabfest: The Rock Goes for the Oscar Edition

Slate Daily Feed

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 59:04


On this week's show, our fighters Steve, Julia, and Dana enter the ring to tussle over The Smashing Machine, the Dwayne Johnson vehicle directed by Benny Safdie. Can they smell what the Rock is cooking? Is it a subtly modulated performance about a sensitive pro UFC fighter? Or, a shameless Oscar play?  Next, it's on to the offbeat climes of Tulsa, Oklahoma by way of The Lowdown, a shaggy noir series created by Sterlin Harjo and starring Ethan Hawke. Finally, they gaze into the uncanny eyes of Tilly Norwood, the A.I. beauty that launched a thousand think pieces and a Hollywood freakout. On an exclusive bonus episode for Slate Plus subscribers, the panel unburies an old hatchet to discuss Elizabeth Gilbert's newest memoir.  Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com.  Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Endorsements Dana: The N+1 essay "Large Language Muddle" and Isaac Butler's deep dive on Daniel Day-Lewis in Slate. Julia: Walking in Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve. Steve: James Meek's essay in The London Review of Books "Computers that want things" and the novel Gargoyles by Thomas Bernhard (and welcomes listener suggestions for what else to read by Bernhard). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Multiverse News
Swift Smashes The Rock, Peaky Blinders Sequel Series, Rest of 2025 Movie and TV Preview

Multiverse News

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 69:49


Welcome to Multiverse News, Your source for Information about all your favorite fictional universesMoviegoers were in their showgirl era this weekend as Taylor Swift's album release party for her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, took the top spot at the box office with an estimated $34 million. The one-weekend show is over, though, and Tron: Ares is coming through to open this weekend with estimates hoping it rakes in more than $40 million. Meanwhile the Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt headlined movie The Smashing Machine from A24 barely even slapped anyone across the face, opening to just $5.9 million. Paul Thomas Anderon's One Battle After Another continues to bring in dollars as well,43 million so far Domestic,  though it had a 50% drop weekend-over-weekend.If you thought that film and tv universes were becoming passe, Peaky Blinders is here to prove you wrong. Star Cillian Murphy already had fans excited about returning to the Shelby family with the news of a feature film that is wrapped and will release next year. Now, the BBC and Netflix are sharing an expansion of the universe with a new six episode sequel series that will focus on a new generation of Shelbys. Murphy and original creator/writer Steven Knight are executive producers for the series, which will take place post-World War II. In lieu of much else to report on for features this week, we thought we'd look ahead to the films and television series we can look forward to for the rest of the year that we maybe have or haven't discussed yet.New Line's follow up to Final Destination: Bloodlines has found its director - Belgian filmmaker Michiel Blanchart, who will be making his English-language debut with the feature.DC and Marvel Comics will continue their crossover series with a Superman and Spider-Man crossover that will debut early next year.Severance breakout Zach Cherry, True Detective co-star Kali Reis, and Johnno Wilson, from I Love That for You, have joined the cast of Resident Evil, Sony Pictures and Zach Cregger's reboot of the horror franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Netflix has released the first official trailer for season four of The Witcher, which sees Liam Hemsworth taking over the role of Geralt from former star Henry Cavill. Netflix has previously announced the show will end with season five.In a deal worth a substantial seven figures, Walt Disney Studios won an auction to acquire rights to Impossible Creatures, the fantasy series by acclaimed British author Katherine Rundell. She will adapt the first two books in the series into screenplays.Michael Mann's “Heat 2,” the long-awaited sequel to his 1995 crime drama starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, is finally gaining traction. Amazon MGM and producers Scott Stuber and Jerry Bruckheimer are in final negotiations to secure the rights. Although no deals are official, The Hollywood Reporter has connected Leonardo Dicaprio to the project, and other names have also surfaced including Austin Butler, Adam Driver and Bradley Cooper.

The K.B. Radio Network
The Smashing Machine (2025) Movie Review

The K.B. Radio Network

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 14:50


The Smashing Machine is a 2025 biographical drama film directed by Benny Safdie, starring Dwayne Johnson as legendary mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr. The film chronicles Kerr's career in the late 1990s, focusing on his quest to become the greatest fighter in the world while also battling his dependence on opioids and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn (Emily Blunt). The movie is noted for its raw, observational style, using different film formats to reflect Kerr's emotional state and exploring themes of addiction and self-awareness. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Out Now With Aaron and Abe
Out Now 640: The Smashing Machine

Out Now With Aaron and Abe

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 0:08


This week's Out Now with Aaron and Abe is taking it to the mat. Aaron and Abe are joined by critic Luke Y. Thompson to discuss The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Hear what this group has to say about the Benny Safdie-directed biopic about former MMA/UFC champion Mark Kerr. Plus, there's plenty of time for other movie chatter, thoughts on new previews, games, and listener comments. Tune in for Out Now Quickies™ (10:55), Trailer Talk for Marty Supreme (35:38), the main review (42:48), Games (1:26:32), and Out Now Feedback (1:35:26). So now, if you've got an hour or so to kill…

The Vick's Flicks Podcast: Movies and News
Vick's Flicks, Ep. 174: The Smashing Machine

The Vick's Flicks Podcast: Movies and News

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 45:16 Transcription Available


The Smashing Machine has been getting rave reviews, standing ovations, and even a little awards hype for Dwayne Johnson. While I think I can agree that it's the best I've ever seen Johnson, it's hard to say this film lived up to the groundswell of hype it's getting. Brandon and I dig into all the reasons why on this month's episode of The Vick's Flicks Podcast. -Stoney

kPod - The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show
Celebrity Gossip Part 2 – The Ed Sheeran Musical Experience

kPod - The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 13:06


Ed Sheeran is headed to Netflix, and Dwayne Johnson shared his thoughts on “The Smashing Machine” underperforming at the box office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the Movie Aisle
Dwayne Johnson's 'Smashing Machine'

Across the Movie Aisle

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 54:55


Before we get to the episode, a quick note: we are spinning off Across the Movie Aisle into its own separate thing; it will no longer be part of the Bulwark network of shows, but it will still exist on Substack at movieaisle.substack.com. If you listen via Apple, nothing much will change for the moment; if you listen via Substack there may be a few changes for you. But we'll cover that next week in our first episode at the new spot. —SB On this week's episode, Sonny, Peter, and Alyssa look at the perilous state of film and television production in Los Angeles. Is Hollywood's time as the undisputed king of film production at an end? What does that mean for the people who make a living out there? And what does it mean for the idea of an American film industry? Then they review The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie's award season play. Is this the movie The Rock needs to regain some credibility as an actor? Or does it miss the mark? 

Donna & Steve
Tuesday 10/7 Hour 3 - Donna & Steve's 2026 Cruise Announcement

Donna & Steve

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 39:55


Turns out many people have been with someone who became "the one that got away," a family goes on vacation to all get plastic surgery together and Dwayne Johnson reacts to The Smashing Machine's poor start at the box office.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pro Wrestling Talk for Pistons Fans
PWTPF X The Smashing Machine

Pro Wrestling Talk for Pistons Fans

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 22:17


Send us a textJoin our Discord to sit in our seats at Pistons' home game!!!!! ----https://discord.gg/GQGwZNp3CTTwitter: @propistonsInstagram: @pistonsprowrestlingfansEmail: PistonsProWrestlingFans@gmail.comMerchandise:www.prowrestlingtees.com/PWTPF897551Support the Show: https://paypal.me/pwtpf Intro music (DX + John Mason) and voiceover plugging our twitter/X handle and PWTees store DX + John Mason Support the showTwitter: @ProPistonsInstagram: PistonsProWrestlingFansPrimary Sponsor: www.ticket-barter.com

W2M Network
Damn You Hollywood: The Smashing Machine (2025)

W2M Network

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 118:38 Transcription Available


The Smashing Machine is a 2025 American biographical sports drama film written, directed, co-produced, and edited by Benny Safdie. Based on the 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr, it stars Dwayne Johnson as former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt as Kerr's girlfriend Dawn Staples, with Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles.The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where it won the Silver Lion. It was released in the United States by A24 on October 3, 2025. The film received generally positive reviews from critics.Disclaimer: The following may contain offensive language, adult humor, and/or content that some viewers may find offensive – The views and opinions expressed by any one speaker does not explicitly or necessarily reflect or represent those of Mark Radulich or W2M Network.Mark Radulich and his wacky podcast on all the things:https://linktr.ee/markkind76alsohttps://www.teepublic.com/user/radulich-in-broadcasting-networkFB Messenger: Mark Radulich LCSWTiktok: @markradulichtwitter: @MarkRadulichInstagram: markkind76RIBN Album Playlist: https://suno.com/playlist/91d704c9-d1ea-45a0-9ffe-5069497bad59 

Films at First Sight
Episode 70: Southland Tales (2006)

Films at First Sight

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 78:11


This week Graham takes Joe on an inexplicable journey through Richard Kelly's Southland Tales, a film about porn stars, an amnesiac actor, the Book of Revelations, and so many other goddamn things that this could turn into a James Joyce-esque description if we hit each beat. So buckle up for opinions as divergent as Dwayne Johnson's acting abilities and get ready for some Fluid Karma as we try and parse through the madness of this sci-fi/action/drama/politcal satire from 2006. Will Joe be Left Behind or will he accept his role in all of the whirling chaos? Tune in to find out!

Frames Per Second
The Smashing Machine

Frames Per Second

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 36:25


In this episode, we review the highly anticipated biographical sports drama from A24, The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. We discuss whether this role represents the best performance we've seen from Dwayne Johnson, and we debate whether A24 is back on a roll with prestige, high-art, yet entertaining films. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

InSession Film Podcast
Review: The Smashing Machine

InSession Film Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 52:03


On this episode, JD and Brendan review Benny Safdie's new film THE SMASHING MACHINE, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt!   Visit https://insessionfilm.com for merch and more!   Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe! Become an ISF VIP today to get exclusive bonus content!   Follow us on X/Twitter! @InSessionFilm | @RealJDDuran | @BrendanJCassidy

The Work Of Wrestling
WOW - EP419 - The Smashing Machine Review

The Work Of Wrestling

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 49:32


This week Tim Kail is joined by his mom, Granny Franny, to review Dwayne Johnson's latest film, The Smashing Machine. Tim and Franny discuss the film's unique perspective on sports-psychology, the turbulent relationship between Mark and Dawn, and Dwayne Johnson's Oscar-worthy, sensitive performance. Let us know what you think on The Work Of Wrestling Facebook page. Thank you for listening. May the moment of pop be with you.

B.O. Boys (Movie Box Office)
THE SMASHING MACHINE breaks down with $6M! We cover why this is cataclysmic for THE ROCK + Taylor Swift dominates at #1 with $33 mil!

B.O. Boys (Movie Box Office)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 61:42


Dwayne Johnson hits rock bottom as his new film "The Shameless Oscar Bid" aka "The Smashing Machine" flops hard opening weekend. Is The Rock done as a movie star? What face-saving Deadline announcement will his team rush out this week? The B.O. Boys break it down! Plus Taylor Swift hits #1 at theaters with $33 million + did BONE LAKE just drown any future Friday the 13th movies? Hug ep. --- Remember to Rate (5 Stars), Review (Great show, blah, blah, blah) and Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b-o-boys-movie-box-office/id1489892648 E-mail us: theboboyspodcast@gmail.com   Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theboboyspodcast   Follow us on TikTok and Instagram: @TheBOBoysPod   Subscribe to us on Substack: https://substack.com/@theboboys   Our AWESOME artwork was provided by the talented Ellie Skrzat. Check out her work at https://ellieskrzat.com/   Thanks to WannaBO VP of Interns Christopher for running our social media! ---

Monsters In The Morning
ARE WE ALL ROCKED OUT?

Monsters In The Morning

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 37:55 Transcription Available


MONDAY HR 4 Nerdy News with Ryan. Sora A.I. is out of control. The Rock has his first box office flop. News From The Headlines Sean Combs sentanced. Was it enough? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Seats Taken
The Smashing Machine

This Seats Taken

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 72:55


Send us a textThe Rock joins the A24 family for the first time with a UFC biopic, The Smashing Machine. We talk the pros and cons of this movie. Breaking down the performance of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. We also revisit One Battle After Another for a mini review. And we review some newer series such as Marvel Zombies, Black Rabbit, and Stranger Things. We finish strong with a game of "Is this a movie title, or a wrestling movie."

McGuire on Wrestling
MOW 125: Author Brian R. Solomon, Comedian Ernie Vicente, WWE Crown Jewel Preview, More!

McGuire on Wrestling

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 72:42


This week, it's another packed and extended edition of McGuire on Wrestling as Mike welcomes some special guests and talks about some of the biggest news in wrestling this week. Our Feature Guest is former WWE Magazine writer and Author, Brian R. Solomon, whose new book, "Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon" came out this week.  Hear not only some fascinating stories about one of the true pillars of what would eventually become today's WWE, but also some incredible untold stories about the legend in and out of the ring. Brian and Mike also get into discussions of the process of writing a book like this, which can be considered in many ways as his follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Blood and Fire: The Unbelievable Real-Life Story of Wrestling's Original Sheik".  You'll hear how a fascination with ancestry helped paint a picture of Gorilla Monsoon you may have never fully appreciated. In another edition of "Have Your Say", we catch up with Toronto Comedian and Celebrate Wrestling family member Ernie Vicente.  Ernie is a life-long fan, and uses what he's heard about the wrestling business as a template for how he's found success as a touring stand-up comic. Plus, Mike takes you through some of the headlines of the week, including how Winnipeg Pro Wrestling may be part of what could be a historic title reign, or their champion could make it more challenging for a certain AEW "CEO". The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer also joins the show to talk about The Rock's struggles at the Box Office this week, and how a disappointing box office result might not be as bad as it seems for Dwayne Johnson.  They also discuss AEW's "throwback" approach to some of their stars, ticket prices, and look ahead to December 13th, as John Cena's last match has been announced - but not his last opponent. For more on all our shows, please follow at celebratewrestling.com 

The Cinemile
Ep 375 - The Smashing Machine

The Cinemile

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2025 28:24


We walked home in the aftermath of a storm from Dwayne Johnson's attempt at being a serious actor in Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanpour
From Washington's Shutdown to Afghanistan's Internet Blackout

Amanpour

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 40:33


From abroad, the chaos in Washington resonates far and wide, as the U.S. government shuts down, with Democrats going to the mat for American's healthcare. Just as the shutdown took place, Christiane spoke with Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen who has worked towards bipartisan consensus for more than thirty years but also believes it's time to mount an effective opposition to some of Trump's policies. Then, director Benny Safdie talks to Christiane about making his new film, "The Smashing Machine," dealing with loss and transforming Dwayne Johnson, aka "The Rock," into a mixed martial artist. Plus, another blow for Afghanistan's women after the internet was shut down in the country for days. Amanda Davies has a special report on the exiled girls fighting for freedom through football. And, defying bombs and presidential warnings to break the news, former CNN chief, Tom Johnson speaks to Christian about his new book, "Driven," dealing with depression and how he led CNN through a golden age despite a nightmarish job interview with Ted Turner and Jane Fonda. Then, after a total and sudden internet blackout by the Taliban in Afghanistan this week, from her archives, shortly after 9/11, when the U.S. and its allies sent the Taliban and Al-Qaeda packing, Christiane's 2001 report about what it was like when TV and satellite were finally brought back. And finally, remembering the remarkable life of primatologist Jane Goodall,  Christiane revisits her conversation with the woman who changed our understanding of the world. Air date: October 4th, 2025 Guests: Jeanne Shaheen Benny Safdie  Tom Johnson  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next Best Picture Podcast
"The Smashing Machine"

Next Best Picture Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 100:53


For this week's main podcast review, Josh Parham, Joselyn Safadi, Dan Bayer, and Giovanni Lago join me to review and discuss the latest film from Benny Safdie (his first solo directorial credit after working with his brother, Josh, throughout his career), "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk. Based on the 2002 documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr," the film had its world premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, where it received the best reviews of Johnson's career for his committed performance and won the Silver Lion for Best Director for Safdie. Please tune in as we discuss the performances, direction, writing, authenticity to MMA, its awards season chances, and more in our SPOILER-FILLED review. Thank you for listening, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

POST Wrestling w/ John Pollock & Wai Ting
The Smashing Machine (2002) Review | REWIND-A-WAI #150 [FREE]

POST Wrestling w/ John Pollock & Wai Ting

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 70:15 Transcription Available


Ahead of the release of the new A24 film starring Dwayne Johnson, enjoy this free edition of Rewind-A-Wai #150 from February 2024 as John Pollock and Wai Ting review the original 2002 documentary, The Smashing Machine, profiling MMA pioneer Mark Kerr's rise in Pride FC and struggles with painkiller addiction.They discuss Kerr's successful amateur wrestling career (including a rivalry with Kurt Angle), the film's portrayal of MMA in its earlier days, its raw depiction of drug use and addiction, and their expectations for Dwayne Johnson's upcoming adaptation of the story.Rewind-A-Wai #150's subject was chosen by Espresso Executive Producer, Robert Holzhammer.If you like this documentary review, check out this week's Rewind-A-Wai for Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press (2017).Check out the Rewind-A-Wai Archives for all patrons: https://www.postwrestling.com/category/podcasts/postwrestlingcafe/raw/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/postwrestling.comX: http://www.twitter.com/POSTwrestlingInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/POSTwrestlingFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/POSTwrestlingYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/POSTwrestlingSubscribe: https://postwrestling.com/subscribePatreon: http://postwrestlingcafe.comForum: https://forum.postwrestling.comDiscord: https://postwrestling.com/discordMerch: http://Chopped-Tees.com/POSTwrestlingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bald Movies
The Smashing Machine (2025)

Bald Movies

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 33:29


Dwayne Johnson tackles his first role in which there is Oscar potential. Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine tells the story of Mark Kerr, an MMA fighter going through major highs and lows. Matching Dwayne Johnson's intensity is Emily Blunt as his problematic partner. Do Jim and A.Ron see this film as a new direction in the Rock's career, or will the Smashing Machine fall flat on its face?  Bald Move Prestige - He Got Game (1998) support.baldmove.com Hey there!  Check out https://support.baldmove.com/ to find out how you can gain access to ALL of our premium content, as well as ad-free versions of the podcasts! Join the Club! Join the discussion:  Email | Discord | Reddit | Forums Follow us: Twitch | YouTube | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook Leave Us A Review on Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Es la Mañana de Federico
Por fin es viernes: 'The Smashing Machine'

Es la Mañana de Federico

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 16:57


Arconada comenta los estrenos de cine de la semana y Encarna Jiménez y Ayanta Barilli toda la actualidad cultural.

Journeys of Faith with Paula Faris
Thursday, October 2

Journeys of Faith with Paula Faris

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 74:05


Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt talk 'The Smashing Machine'; Legendary conservationist Jane Goodall dies at 91; Visiting the von Trapps in Vermont Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Little Gold Men
Can You Smell What The Rock is Cooking? Is it An Oscar?

Little Gold Men

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 41:42


This week, Rebecca and John discuss The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie's new movie starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr. They are joined by Vanity Fair contributing editor Tom Kludt, who shares his thoughts on why sports movies are audience favorites but not always awards winners and  what Johnson should do to become king of the Oscar ring. Plus, Rebecca and John share their picks for must-watch October film releases.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The No Film School Podcast
Benny Safdie on Blurring Reality and Fiction in 'The Smashing Machine'

The No Film School Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 58:33


In this episode, GG Hawkins sits down with filmmaker and actor Benny Safdie to dig into his solo directorial feature The Smashing Machine — a biopic‑adjacent portrait of UFC legend Mark Kerr starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The conversation ranges from genesis stories and casting experiments to the heavy emotional labor behind staging domestic fights, and how Benny's dual identity as actor-director shapes his approach to truth in film. In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guest Benny Safdie discuss… How the film began as a handwritten letter and a vintage sweater, and the surprising miscommunication that delayed the project Benny's desire to make emotional scenes feel like “virtual reality,” pushing the boundary between fiction and lived experience His method of breaking big scenes (fights, domestic conflict) into overlapping sections for pacing, focus, and emotional veracity Working with first-time actors and real athletes: adapting dialogue, rehearsal during casting, and honoring spontaneity The role of the score (with Nala Sinefroo) as an “actor” in the film, and how Benny collaborates with musicians Editing while shooting, watching dailies, and carrying the film in his mind from set to cut Struggles in balancing creative work with personal life, and how photography serves as a solitary creative practice Advice for emerging directors: start with something you intimately understand before trying to overreach Memorable Quotes: “What you write is meaningless if it doesn't sound good coming out of the person's mouth.” “I want it to feel like you were really there… the sound has to be 360.” “You have to love what's there. You have to fall in love with it.” “I call it liposuction for the end — shrink wrapping the film.” Guests: Benny Safdie Find No Film School everywhere: On the Web: No Film School Facebook: No Film School on Facebook Twitter: No Film School on Twitter YouTube: No Film School on YouTube Instagram: No Film School on Instagram  

Breakfast All Day
Episode 556: The Smashing Machine, One Battle After Another LIVE Spoiler Chat

Breakfast All Day

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 63:13


We've got a mid-week Breakfast All Day drop-in for you with exactly two items: An early review of "The Smashing Machine," in which Dwayne Johnson transforms himself to play MMA fighter Mark Kerr. It's in theaters Friday. A lengthy, LIVE spoiler chat about Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," which we hosted on our YouTube channel. See you Friday for the Marc Maron documentary "Are We Good?" our weekly news livestream at Noon Pacific, and much more. Enjoy!

The Joe Rogan Experience
#2384 - Mark Kerr

The Joe Rogan Experience

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 187:36


Joe sits down with retired mixed martial artist and wrestler Mark Kerr. Kerr is the subject of the A24 feature film "The Smashing Machine," directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson. Look for it in theaters on October 3, 2025. https://a24films.com/films/the-smashing-machinewww.markkerr.com Buy 1 Get 1 Free Trucker Hat with code ROGAN at happydad.com This video is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/JRE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices