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This week's episode journeys to dystopian corporate hellscapes present and future as Julia, Dana, and Steve dissect the horror and philosophical underpinnings of Alien: Earth, Noah Hawley's new series adapting the Ridley Scott sci-fi masterpiece. Next, they set their course to Arlen, Texas where they'll assess the return of Hank, Peggy, and Bobby in Mike Judge's rebooted King of the Hill. Finally, they venture to Hollywood and greet its “new face” and the medical specialists who reconstructed it in their discussion of the Hollywood Reporter's special issue on cosmetic surgery. In an exclusive Slate Plus bonus episode, it's time for lunch as they chat about Lauren Collins's recent New Yorker piece “The Case for Lunch.” Email us your thoughts at culturefest@slate.com. Podcast production by Benjamin Frisch. Production assistance by Daniel Hirsch. Endorsements: Dana: A request seeking a good book about the cultural impact of Napoleon. Steve: The poem “Empathy and New Year” by James Schuyler.Julia: Crate diving into your own ancestry and visiting places significant to your family's history—Ancestry proves to be a useful tool to track down public records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alex kicks this inaugural Monday episode off by asking SaVon if he needs glasses before SaVon breaks down his version of a "vision test" (0:00) and the guys joke about Neil deGrasse Tyson's take on human intelligence and the idea that aliens are pulling up to Earth (07:29). Next, the Hollywood Reporter's Podcast Power Players 2025 list sparks discussion on Joe Budden's placement, Alex Cooper's rise, Tony Hinchcliffe's crossover, Charlamagne's recognition as an executive, and more (11:30). From there, the guys give their thoughts on Chris Brown's "Breezy Bowl" tour (29:25) and unpack new developments in the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar legal fallout with UMG and Lucian Grainge (35:00). They close with a music-heavy run highlighting Chance the Rapper's new album' Star Line' (1:08:45), Cardi B's latest single "Imaginary Playerz" and the Jay-Z sample(1:27:25), and much more! Starting August 18, the Need to Know Podcast will now drop episodes every Monday and Thursday! More episodes, more commentary, and more reasons to tap in. Don't miss it! Subscribe to our Patreon for early access to episodes - www.patreon.com/NeedToKnowPodcast Book your next podcast recording at Need to Know Studios TODAY - https://needtoknowstudios.com/ Join our Twitter/X Community to chop it up with us about all things Need to Know - https://twitter.com/i/communities/1777442897001910433 The Need To Know Podcast Social Handles https://www.instagram.com/needtoknowpod/ https://twitter.com/NeedToKnowPod https://www.tiktok.com/needtoknowpod SaVon https://www.instagram.com/savonslvter/ https://twitter.com/SavonSlvter Alex https://www.instagram.com/balltillwefall/ https://twitter.com/balltillwefall
Send us feedback/questions via TextWhat truly builds podcast audiences - authentic connections or inflated metrics? This episode explores the fascinating contrast between Taylor Swift's approach to audience building and questionable industry practices like buying fake downloads.When Taylor Swift recently proclaimed "I'm in the business of human emotion" on a podcast, she revealed the secret behind her massive success - creating genuine connections with fans through carefully crafted experiences. Meanwhile, a Hollywood Reporter article exposes how some podcasters resort to purchasing downloads and subscribers, revealing a fundamental misunderstanding of sustainable audience growth. Dave and Jim unpack this revealing contrast and why emotional connection always trumps numerical shortcuts.Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear youBasedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?Video VersionMentioned In This EpisodeSchool of Podcastinghttps://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinPodpagehttp://www.trypodpage.comHome Gadget Geekshttps://www.homegadgegeeks.com00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:35 Technical Difficulties and Recording Tips01:30 Sponsorship Shoutouts03:58 Podcasting Tips and Listener Questions07:04 YouTube Channel Strategies13:26 Taylor Swift and Podcasting Insights14:55 Advertising and Monetization in Podcasting33:50 Promotional Strategies and Awards41:02 Podcast Cruise Ship Deals41:27 Freebies and Perks for Podcasters44:03 Mark Maron's Podcast Retirement47:20 Scripted vs. Bullet Points in Podcasting52:58 Monetizing Your Podcast Audience59:13 Networking at Podcast Events01:09:16 Engaging with Your Audience01:13:54 Wrapping Up and Upcoming EventsSupporter of The Week: John MuntzCheck out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration! Podcast Hot SeatGrow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/storeYour Audience Will Thank You!Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome
This week the Summer of Superheroes continues with our look at the deeply implausible romance of Guillermo Del Toro's original Hellboy movie! Join in as we discuss Ron Perlman's performance, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Nazi occultism, and Marvel's Son of Satan. Plus: Why wasn't David Hyde Pierce credited for voicing Abe Sapien? What exactly was Rasputin's goal? And, most importantly, is there a single person who likes John? Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Next week: Mystery Men (1999)-------------------------------------------------Key sources and links for this episode:"Behind Abe's Big Fish Eyes: io9 Talks to Hellboy II's Doug Jones" (io9)"David Zaslav Meeting with Candidates to Replace Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy as Warner Bros. Heads" (The Hollywood Reporter)"Hollywood Execs Fear Ryan Coogler's Sinners Deal 'Could End the Studio System'" (Vulture)"Hollywood Foreign Press Association Members Seek to Restore Organization Amid Dispute with New Owners of Golden Globes" (Variety)"How Kerry Conran Saw Hollywood's Future - Then Got Left Behind" (The Telegraph)
Hans Holzer, one of the paranormal parents and the first ghost hunter to publish his works without the shame of ridicule and/or speculation is looked at by Nick and Josh in this episode. Why should we, as paranormal investigators, look into these investigations with minimal equipment and resources? Listen to this week's Stories in the Cemetery episode to see why and discover a new outlook into your favorite paranormal TV shows. Music “Renegade by Beatnik.Stories in the Cemetery Logo provided by April McGirr Designs.Please comment on this episode through Spotify or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Visit our sponsor Magnanimous Beard Products at www.yourbearsuperstore.com and use code “GHOST” to receive $5 off your order!To choose an adventure with Stories in the Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina, visit www.storiesinthecemetery.com and book your date today.To attend a Paranormal Scavenger Hunt with co host, Joshua Amen, visit www.amenparanormalresearch.com to get your tickets.Tees and Stories in the Cemetery merchandise can be found at http://tee.pub/lic/SITCThe 2025 Paranormal Investigator's Almanac and Paranormal Investigation Workbook can be found on Amazon.References Used to create this episode:ReferencesAZ Quotes. (n.d.). Top 5 Quotes by Hans Holzer. AZ Quotes. Retrieved July, 2025, from https://www.azquotes.com/author/58409-Hans_HolzerCastillo, M., & Barnes, J. (n.d.). The Sixth Dimension and God's Helmet - PMC. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7966009/Cho, W. (2022, January 10). CBS Sued Over Portrayal of Torture Device on ‘Evil'. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cbs-evil-lawsuit-1235072696/Duranti, K. (2023, October 23). How the Woman in White Legend Varies Across Cultures. HubPages. Retrieved May 27, 2025, from https://discover.hubpages.com/religion-philosophy/The-Woman-in-White-A-LegendGrimes, W. (2009, April 29). Hans Holzer, Ghost Hunter, Dies at 89. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/30/books/30holzer.htmlHolzer, A. (2012, March 7). Hans Holzer, The Man Behind the Ghosts. HuffPost. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hans-holzer-the-man-behin_b_1326837Holzer, H. (1997). Ghosts: True Encounters with the World Beyond. Running Press. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/ghosts-true-encounters-with-the-world-beyond_hans-holzer/294993/#edition=2325849&idiq=8237773I'm Done (Season 1, Episode 3) [TV series episode]. (2022). In W. Ehbrecht (Executive Producer), 28 Days Haunted.LaLoggia, F. (Director). (1988). The Lady in White [Film]. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095484/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1Rodriguez McRobbie, L. (2016, November 7). The Controversial Device That Might Make You Feel the Presence of a Higher Power. Atlas Obscura. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-controversial-device-that-might-make-you-feel-the-presence-of-a-higher-powerShive Neural Stimulation System. (n.d.). God Helmet. The God Helmet. Retrieved April, 2025, from https://www.god-helmet.com/wp/god-helmet/index.htmUnknown, U. (Director). (2019). Borderlands (Season 2, Episode 3) [TV series episode]. In Hellier. IMDB.Witch's Almanac. (2024). Hans Holzer. Witch's Almanac. Retrieved July, 2025, from https://thewitchesalmanac.com/pages/hans-holzer?srsltid=AfmBOoocaUdyrZI50jClvxcHacLTE7Q6xEXugyB_jL9-r0wNpGRH-MVl
Today in the business of podcasting: the new Podscape is now here, Jen Moss writes about the decline of audio storytelling being exaggerated, Tom Webster reflects on podcasting's flexibility in the video age, and The Hollywood Reporter has a special issue just for podcasting.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Today in the business of podcasting: the new Podscape is now here, Jen Moss writes about the decline of audio storytelling being exaggerated, Tom Webster reflects on podcasting's flexibility in the video age, and The Hollywood Reporter has a special issue just for podcasting.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.
Did you know grief can significantly lower your vibrational energy? In this episode of Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom, Susan talks about how fear and grief shape your behaviour often without you realizing it. She explains how grief doesn't always come from major loss. It can creep in during small, everyday moments. And when it does, you might find yourself fixing others, oversharing, or avoiding what you actually feel. She shares real experiences, including how it felt to have her work used without permission. Instead of reacting, she paused. That simple shift helped her respond clearly, without getting pulled into emotion. She also talks about giving trust too easily and the fallout that can bring. There's a close look at codependency. Not in theory, but in how it shows up: avoiding conflict, hiding what you think, or needing someone else's approval. Her message is simple. Your job is to take care of yourself first. Susan also shares a quick update about her book, Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons, including how to get a bonus chapter and join a live Zoom event. She closes with a reminder worth hearing: speak clearly, stay honest with yourself, and pay more attention to how you respond than what others do. In This Episode: [00:55] Topic introduction [01:52] Reaction vs. response in emotional situations [03:45] Fear as both protector and destroyer [06:02] Codependency and trust issues [13:25] How codependency can lead to betrayal [15:47] Responding to emotional harm from others [17:11] Pausing as a healing practice [18:48] Spiritual abundance vs. lack-based behavior [21:40] Rose-colored glasses and learning to see clearly [23:28] Speaking truth without expectation [30:05] Learning through rejection and self-worth [32:10] The balance between selfishness and selflessness [34:41] Infinite Soul Sanctuary and continued spiritual growth Notable Quotes [01:16] "Grief is a monster all its own. It can be a loss as simple as our cat gets sick to losing our favorite backpack." – Susan [02:25] "Fear has been a friend in some ways... but it also can be our nemesis." – Susan [04:19] "Nothing I've ever done that was simple, was easy. In fact, life isn't easy." – Susan [09:41] "Being right never made me happy. I thought it would, but it didn't." – Susan Susan Grau Susan Grau is an internationally celebrated intuitive life coach, a key opinion leader, author, medium and speaker, who discovered her ability to communicate with the spirit world after a near-death experience at age four. Susan is a Reiki Master, hypnotherapist, and grief expert. Her new book, "Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons," published by Hay House, explores healing from grief and the afterlife. With media coverage in GOOP, Elle, and The Hollywood Reporter, Susan's expertise extends to podcasts, radio shows, and documentaries. She offers private mediumship readings, life path guidance, reiki sessions, and hypnotherapy, aiding individuals in healing and finding spiritual guidance. Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom Podcast Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom Susan Grau Website Order Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Mentioned Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons Wisdom from the Spirit World on Living, Dying, and the In-Between by Susan Grau Upcoming Books: Infinite Healing: Wisdom from the Spirit World on facing the Shadows that Bind Us The Spirit Code: Cracking the Hidden Language of the Afterlife
Justin Bieber BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.In the past few days Justin Bieber has been making headlines and sparking plenty of chatter both for his music and his personal life. According to The Hollywood Reporter new billboards for Justin's seventh studio album titled Swag have popped up in Reykjavik Iceland Los Angeles and Times Square fueling rumors of an imminent release under Def Jam. While reps have stayed quiet these billboards and social posts from Justin himself—featuring snippets of the tracklist with titles like 405 Swag All I Can Take and Dadz Love—have fans on high alert. THR insiders say he crafted much of the album in Iceland collaborating with artists such as Gunna Sexyy Red and Cash Cobain and throwing jam sessions with DJ Tay James HARV Carter Lang and Eddie Benjamin. This will be Bieber's first full-length project since his 2021 album Justice.On the family front Bieber's Instagram feed has been filled with intimate shots of his life with wife Hailey and their almost one-year-old son Jack Blues Bieber with Hailey posting romantic photos and the family sharing candid moments on a picnic blanket. Just days ago they were spotted having a cozy dinner date in Santa Monica with fans and style bloggers dissecting every sartorial detail according to Elle.However not everything has been entirely celebratory. IMDb and The Hollywood Gossip report concern among fans after a string of recent public outings in New York as some have commented on what they describe as a tired appearance. This comes against the backdrop of Justin sharing vulnerable Instagram posts about seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude for faith and support especially during emotionally taxing moments. On August 12 he posted about the importance of Jesus's love in his daily life and getting through emotionally tough days with support from faith as reported by People.Amid all this there's been an undercurrent of online speculation linking Bieber's mom Pattie Mallette to Sean Diddy Combs with social media hashtags like #PattieMallette #Diddy #Collaboration trending. Cavan Medical Practice summarizes the online buzz as a back-and-forth between wild optimism over a potential business partnership and skepticism given zero official confirmation from either party.In business news Hailey Bieber recently denied rumors about using proceeds from her Rhode beauty brand's sale to pay off Justin's settlement with Scooter Braun as reported by AOL. There was also a lighter viral moment when Justin made a surprise stop at the Roadhouse Diner in Great Falls Montana earlier this month. According to KRTV he ordered a PB and J burger and caused a flurry among locals when someone paid three hundred dollars for the seat cushion he used with the money going to staff tips.Promotional activity continues with themed fan events like Party Iconic Presents Justin Bieber Night set for August 23 at the Bowery Ballroom as listed by Live Nation all timed for the build-up around his rumored album release and birthday celebrations for his son Jack.In sum the last several days for Justin Bieber have been a swirl of major music industry moves viral family moments ongoing digital speculation and hints of both vulnerability and resilience. Headlines point to an imminent return to the pop charts layered with the complexities of fame family and faith.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
Hollywood has announced, Scarezones, shows, and the Terror Tram for HHN 2025. Enter The Blumhouse returns to the Terror Tram. Chainsaw Clownz, Carrnival of Carnage, Noche de Brujas, and Murder of Crowz will represent the zone lineup. Then for shows we see the return of The Purge: Dangerous Waters. In Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights will have a different operational flow this year. It has been confirmed that there will be changes to the stay & scream format and along with that a better a idea of what queue space will look like. We also cover the Hollywood Reporter article featuring Mike Ailleo and Laura Sauls from Orlando and John Murdy from Hollywood. They give us a ton of new details regarding their respective events. Potential spoilers for Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy's, Fallout, WWE Presents The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks, and Jason Universe will be discussed.10% off Horrors Untold:https://horrorsuntold.com/product/horrors-untold/aff/5/Follow HHN 365 on social media:Instagram HHN365Twitter @HHN365TikTok: @HHN365podJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/jUD9nZav2UMerch: HHN365.comFeatured audio is courtesy of White Bat Audio
The gang is all here and we are officially announcing our newest member to the Quick Sixer Collective, Nathaniel Covington. This episode is packed with the news of Bearded Iris being bought, The Hollywood reporter's top 25 horror movies, and much more Drop a comment or reach out your favorite social media platform to hear your topics on future episodes. Cheers! Hollywood Reporter - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/25-best-horror-movies-of-the-21st-century-ranked/bones-and-all-2022/ Bearded Iris - https://memphisbeerblog.com/2025/07/30/memphis-wiseacre-brewing-acquires-bearded-iris-uniting-two-of-tennessees-largest-craft-breweries/ #top #quicksixer #new
Colombian writer-director Jose Antonio Negret first made waves when his debut film TOWARDS DARKNESS premiered in competition at the Tribeca Film Festival. It starred America Ferrera, and was distributed by MGM. Negret was subsequently named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of their "Top 10 Latino Directors to Watch.' His follow-up was SECONDS APART, a supernatural thriller released by Lionsgate, which was followed by the action film TRANSIT, produced by Joel Silver and Dark Castle Entertainment. Most recently, Negret directed the car heist action/thriller OVERDRIVE starring Scott Eastwood and Ana de Armas (released by Paramount and produced by TAKEN helmer Pierre Morel).In addition to his feature film accomplishments, Negret is also a highly in-demand television director. An alumni of the Warner Brothers' Directing Workshop, Negret has directed episodes for series such as THE LINCOLN LAWYER (Netflix), HIGHTOWN (Starz), CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA (Netflix), PRODIGAL SON (Fox), NATIONAL TREASURE (Disney+), RIVERDALE (CW), MAGNUM PI (CBS), THE 100 (CW), SUPERGIRL (CW), LETHAL WEAPON (Fox), ONCE UPON A TIME (ABC), THE FLASH (CW), SCORPION (CBS), LA'S FINEST (Spectrum), MACGYVER (CBS), FOREVER (ABC), ARROW (CW), and JUST BEYOND (Disney +).Synopsis of SHAMAN - A missionary family travels to rural Ecuador to convert the indigenous population. All is going well until their son ventures into a forbidden local cave and comes back with a demonic spirit in tow. Candice (Sarah Canning) believes that an exorcism in the Catholic tradition will free her boy from the evil bonds that bind him. The local shamans know that this spirit is older than her religion and must be dealt with or the demon will take them all.TrailerGuest:IMDb InstagramHost:Instagram:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMillerTwitter:@MentorsontheMic@MichelleSimoneMFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemicWebsite: www.michellesimonemiller.com and www.mentorsonthemic.comYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelleIf you like this episode, check out:TRIBECA: Tim Blake Nelson, Andrew Liner and Vincent Grashaw for "BANG BANG"Becoming... Oscar Nominated Writer and Director Debra Granik ("Winter's Bone," "Leave No Trace," "Down to the Bone")
Bonus issue for your ear holes! Today Jong and Michael are talking SDCC 2025 with Chalice Williams of Reel Movie Junkie. Chalice explains her exerpience at this year's event, covering for The Hollywood Reporter, getting to interview the cast of Predator: Badlands, how the Predator is carry Elle Fanning's character around like an upgraded labubu, getting hyped for Project Hail Mary, her thoughts on Ryan Gosling as the star of the Andy Weir adaptation, Mark Hamill taking over The Long Walk panel, what to know about going out to SDCC, studios absent, her favorite activation, what exactly are activations, and more! Follow Chalice across social media, @HeyChalice. For the latest in film/TV coverage visit Reel Movie Junkie online or subscribe to the Reel Movie Junkie YouTube channel, @ReelMovieJunkie.Follow Jong and Michael on social media. Bluesky: @one-punch.bsky.social & @producermike975.bsky.socialThreads: @producermike975Instagram: @onepunch______ & @producermike975Rate, review, like, and/or subscribe to Comicast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Goodpods, Podcast Addicts, or wherever you get your podcasts! Feedback, questions, or topic ideas for the show? Email us at comicastpod@gmail.com
For the past year, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has been as exciting and essential as DC's Absolute Universe or Skybound's Energon Universe. Writer Jason Aaron and artist Juan Ferreyra have built an unmissable monthly comic, not to forget the numerous other splinter titles and crossover minis. Shortly before San Diego Comic-Con International, The Hollywood Reporter announced Aaron and Ferreyra's departure, and we were a little heartbroken. Their time on the book was too brief, but if they must go, the news that cartoonist extraordinaire Gene Luen Yang and lifelong Turtle maniac Freddie E. Williams II eased the pain some. One of our missions for this year's San Diego Comic-Con was to return with more news regarding the TMNT baton pass between Aaron and Ferreyra and Yang and Williams. After moderating IDW Publishing's “The New Era of Turtle Power” panel, we retreated to the Hilton Bayfront, where we had a lengthy conversation with Gene Luen Yang about his passion for the Turtles and how he would apply it to the series, starting with issue thirteen. Also discussed at San Diego Comic-Con, Andrew Joustra, the script coordinator for the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, will write an arc for the newly announced Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, bringing the iconic Fugitoid character to the latest iteration of the TMNT universe. As passionate fans of Fugitoid ourselves, we had to trap Joustra in a media room for a deep dive into his take on the character and why he put so much of himself into the troubled fugitive android. Today, you get two podcasts for the price of one. With Gene Luen Yang, we discuss where we find the Turtles when his story begins, how they've grown throughout the Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra run, and why a certain new antagonist was necessary for his story. With Andrew Joustra, we explore the Fugitoid concept, his relationship with the Turtles through the various franchise incarnations, and why this story is so deeply personal. Be sure to follow Gene Luen Yang on his website, Blue Sky, Instagram, and TikTok. Also, follow Andrew Joustra on his website, Blue Sky, and Instagram. Our SDCC Coverage: Eric Powell and Harold Schechter on "Dr. Werthless" Alex Segura on Star Wars Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing on Thunderbolts Learn Oni Press SDCC Battle Plans Chip Zdarsky on Zdarsky Comic News Daniel Warren Johnson Live at Now Or Never Comics This Week's Sponsors We're sponsored by 2000 AD, the greatest comic you're not reading! Within its pages is a whole universe of characters, from Judge Dredd and Strontium Dog to Rogue Trooper, Shakara, Halo Jones, and the poor sods slogging across the Cursed Earth in The Helltrekkers. Get a print subscription at your door every week - and the first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, get free back issues, and download DRM-free copies of each issue for just $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible monthly comics for less than $10. Do you want in on the biggest secret in comics today? IDW Publishing's Godzilla line of books is comics' greatest secret weapon. They're constantly snagging rockstar creators like James Stokoe, Tom Scioli, Andrew MacLean, Louie Joyce, Jake Smith, Eric Powell, Rosie Knight, and Oliver Ono to unleash their talents on cinema's most significant kaiju universe. And this July, IDW is taking their Godzilla books to the next level by introducing the Kei-Sei era. This new shared universe line begins with Godzilla #1 by Tim Seeley and Nikola Čižmešija. There's a new Godzilla design, a mess load of Kaiju antagonists…and protagonists - plus, superpowered human characters. Thanks to IDW Publishing, it's a good time to be a fan of the Big G and quality comics. Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the CBCC YouTube Channel and Prepare for The Stacks Brad and Lisa Gullickson in The Stacks at Third Eye Comics Sanford Greene in The Stacks at Third Eye Comics Philip Kennedy Johnson in The Stacks at Third Eye Comics Steve Anderson in The Stacks at Third Eye Comics David Brothers and Chip Zdarsky in The Stacks at Third Eye Comics Benjamin Percy in the Stacks at Third Eye Comics Join Comic Book Club in Person Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. The Comic Book Couples Counseling TeePublic Merch Page. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
Welcome to Multiverse News, Your source for Information about all your favorite fictional universesWith the MCU's latest big screen offering now in theaters, as rabid fans, it only makes sense to look to the future, and apparently Marvel and Sony agree, as myriad fresh details surrounding the franchise's next film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day began hitting the internet all weekend. First, last Friday morning Sony released a 9-second video teasing features of Spidey's new suit, which was quickly followed up with a 23-second video with star Tom Holland, in suit, performing some minor acrobatics the next day. Finally, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the longstanding rumor that Mark Ruffalo is reprising his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk for the film, while Better Call Saul actor, Michael Mando, was also announced to be returning as Mac Gargan/The Scorpion.The Fantastic Four: First Steps continued its box office reign, raking in $39.6 million its second weekend for a $368 million total global haul. While far from a defeat, the staggering 67% drop from the flick's first weekend presents a significant loss in momentum and is in stark contrast with expectations, which were largely fueled by positive reception and strong word of mouth among critics and fans. Elsewhere, Superman crossed the $550 million milestone internationally, and Jurassic World: Rebirth passed $750 million at the global box office after 5 weeks in theaters, becoming only the third film of 2025 to do so behind Lilo & Stitch and A Minecraft Movie. Amazon MGM's upcoming James Bond film being directed by Dune's Denis Villeneuve, is quickly coming together as Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been hired to pen the script. Apart from Peaky Blinders, Knight has enjoyed a storied career on the small screen as a screenwriter, director and producer involved with projects such as Apple TV's See and Netflix's All The Light We Cannot See, while also co-creating Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? As far as big screen contributions, he wrote the screenplays for Eastern Promises and Spencer, which were both Oscars-nominated, and directed the films Hummingbird, Locke and Serenity, the 2019 film starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. Considering candidates for our new Bond, as if we could ever get enough of Tom Holland, the actor went on record to voice his reverence for the role as the “pinnacle” for British actors, while seemingly disqualifying himself by announcing another break from acting in 2027.Per Deadline, Matt Smith has joined the cast of Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter in a villain role, set to appear alongside Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth in the film set for May 28, 2027. The House of the Dragon star gets another shot at the Star Wars universe after previously being cast in The Rise of Skywalker but ultimately not appearing in the final film.John Krasinski announced he's returning to direct, write and produce A Quiet Place Part III, set for release on July 9, 2027; no cast or story details have been revealed.Disney and Lucasfilm announced Star Wars: A New Hope will return to theaters on April 30, 2027, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film.Aaron Sorkin has his sights set on Oscar winner Mikey Madison and Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White to star in The Social Network Part II, with Madison potentially playing a whistleblower and White as journalist Jeff Horwitz behind the explosive Facebook Files exposé. While no formal offers have been made, sources say these are Sorkin's top choices for the sequel that will explore Facebook's role in various controversies rather than serving as a direct continuation of the 2010 film.
The Sam Speigel Film School in Jerusalem has been recognized as one of the best film schools in the world. The Hollywood Reporter placed it in the top 15 international films schools and cited its diverse student body as making it “one of the only institutions in the region where Jewish, Muslim and Christian students… study, live and create side by side.” Reporter Arieh O’Sullivan spoke with Benjamin Freidenberg, a lecturer of international cinema at the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School. (photo: courtesy) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the show. Today, we're joined by Paul Robinson, a self-taught photographer who began his career in Paris shooting fashion and celebrities. Paul's work, which has been described as blending story and image, has evolved from classic single-frame photography to a focus on abstract, narrative-driven visuals. He's a true creative who has photographed cultural icons like B.B. King. Paul's passion for storytelling and empowering new artists led him to found the NEFTI short film competition, a global initiative to support underrepresented filmmakers in emerging economies. We'll be talking to Paul about his journey, his unique approach to visual art and filmmaking, and the inspiring work he's doing with NEFTI. Stay tuned.In this episode, we sit down with artist and photographer Paul Robinson to discuss his creative journey and work.From Fashion to Abstract: Paul shares how he transitioned from traditional fashion and celebrity photography to his current focus on abstract, narrative-driven visuals. He explains that he always loved the drama and storytelling in art, and felt limited by a single frame. This led him to experiment with multiple exposures on film, a process he calls "In Camera". This process involves layering several images onto one frame of film, with some images taking up to a year to complete. You can see this series on his website, paulrobinsonart.com.The Art of Collaboration: Paul discusses his approach to working with famous artists, emphasizing the importance of a collaboration between artists where you are "able to see what that person is about in the final image". He cites his long-standing working relationships with actors like Jennifer Tilly and David Arquette as examples of how these collaborations can lead to ongoing creative partnerships.Filmmaking and Visual Arts: For Paul, visual arts and filmmaking are very similar, both centered on storytelling. He approaches both by first writing a story to guide his vision. His love for raw, real, and intense drama, often found in French and British films, is a key influence on his storytelling.NEFTI Short Film Competition: Paul's desire to "give back in the arts" led him to found the NEFTI competition, which provides underrepresented filmmakers in emerging economies with the financing, mentorship, and a platform to share their voices. He's currently in South Africa at the Durban FilmMart for the seventh NEFTI competition. He recounts a story of a past winner who was featured on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting the impact NEFTI has on participants. He also explains that a new initiative for the competition is to make a film in just three days with a skeleton crew. Panavision, a company that also donated equipment to Paul's first short film over 30 years ago, has donated all the camera and grip equipment to the NEFTI filmmakers.Creative Advice: Paul's advice to emerging artists is to "have no fear" and to create something every day. He believes that consistent creativity makes you a more prolific and comfortable artist.Website Links:NEFTI https://nefticompetition.comPaul Robinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-robinson-11311328/Use Promo Code "FILMMAKINGSWABY" for all my deals or just click the link:25% Off More Labshttps://www.morelabs.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Strong Coffee Companyhttps://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off Tusslehttps://www.tusslegear.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Eric Javitshttps://ericjavits.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY25% Off Quantum Energy Squarehttps://quantumsquares.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off Long Tablehttps://longtablepancakes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off HyperNaturalhttps://hypernaturalstyle.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY20% Off wearplaygroundhttps://wearplayground.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY15% Off STAND+https://www.standshoes.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY10% Off Molly Bzhttps://mollybz.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY41% Off Cozy Earthhttps://cozyearth.com/discount/FILMMAKINGSWABY
For our last look at a Marvel hero in this Summer of Superheroes, we're taking a look at the romance of the 2005 Jennifer Garner vehicle Elektra! Join in as we discuss our favorite cinematic assassins, the movie's odd visual style, its treatment of Japan, and hitman human resources. Plus: How does this movie connect with Daredevil (2003)? Is the movie gory enough? Did its failure at the box office end Jennifer Garner's action career? And, speaking of careers, what's going on with Ariana DeBose? Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Next week: Hellboy (2004)--------------------------------------------------Key sources and links for this episode:"Daredevil's Done Deals" (IGN)"Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck Suit Up for Daredevil" (MTV)"High in the Sky Benny Bares All" (Sydney Morning Herald)"Ben Affleck Says No to Daredevil Sequel" (SlashFilm)"Garner Deemed Elektra Awful, Says Ex-Boyfriend Vartan" (SFGate)Interview with Rob Bowman (IGN)"Helmer on Why Elektra Failed" (Now Playing)"Marvel to Prime Pupils" (Variety)"Leaked Email: Marvel CEO Not so Hot on Female Superhero Movies" (Vulture)"The Shadow Rulers of the VA" (ProPublica)"James Gunn Says the 'Movie Industry is Dying' Due to Films Being Made with Unfinished Scripts" (The Hollywood Reporter)"Daredevil Actor Peter Shinkoda Claims Jeph Loeb Made Anti-Asian Comments During Production of Netflix Series" (The Hollywood Reporter)"Marvel Editor-in-Chief Admits He Used Japanese Pseudonym to Circumvent Company Policy" (The Hollywood Reporter)
The Hollywood Reporter recently released a list of their choices for the 25 best horror movies of the 21st century so far and it caused quite a stir. We disagreed with their choice for the number one spot and decided to create an episode making the case for a different, not that well known, but extraordinarily cutting edge horror film. We also asked for your input on the movie as well. Give it a listen and see if you agree with the case we made or not.Find the discussion here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0tH8j5ueSnJVguuJ3NqqXkoJWztJBJJhXcgk59V4UbTdmiU6fXPt75wARTtQ51VTl&id=100063777942009&mibextid=wwXIfrJoin us here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/wearehorrorweeklyTheme by Nicholas Savard-L'Herbier
When our loved ones die and leave their physical bodies, where do they go, and what do they actually do there? In this episode of Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom, Susan Grau takes us on a fascinating journey into the afterlife, answering those big questions many of us have about what happens when we leave our physical bodies. She explains that as we transition, we may feel things like moving through a warm tunnel or being pulled toward a bright light. There's no fear, just peace and comfort. It's almost like a soothing experience that's uniquely tailored to each of us. Susan dives into the idea of a "life review," where we get to reflect on our actions, but without judgment. It's all about learning, not punishment. She also talks about the concept of a soul family, those we're deeply connected to, both in this life and beyond. And then there are the guides and higher beings, like angels, who are there to support us through the process. She also touches on how our souls continue to grow and evolve, even after we pass on. Whether it's experiencing something new or revisiting old lessons, there's always more to learn. The episode wraps up with a beautiful reminder that we're never truly alone, even after we cross over. It's all about love, connection, and the ongoing journey of our souls. In This Episode: [00:01] Introduction to the afterlife & common questions [01:14] Preparing to leave the physical body [05:41] Oneness and love in the afterlife [06:54] Life review process [09:53] Reuniting with soul family [10:54] Meeting the higher self [11:59] Integration and unloading earthly experiences [13:07] Meeting elders, guides, and angels [14:08] Experiencing desired activities in the afterlife [15:05] Purpose of reincarnation and learning [16:09] Reintegrating with loved ones and new experiences [17:11] Roles of callers and helping spirits [19:33] Attachment to earthly places and imprints [21:34] Nature of spirit and consciousness [22:29] Deciding to reincarnate or move on Notable Quotes [01:16] "When we are preparing to leave our physical body, we are spiritually transitioning into our spirit beings, meaning we are light." - Susan [25:37] "I love the experience of the afterlife after that. You know, we decide what it is we want to do with our journey." - Susan [23:38] "Forgiveness of self is extremely important, which, by the way, we also do on the other side." - Susan Susan Grau Susan Grau is an internationally celebrated intuitive life coach, a key opinion leader, author, medium and speaker, who discovered her ability to communicate with the spirit world after a near-death experience at age four. Trained by Dr. Raymond Moody, James Van Praagh, and Lisa Williams, Susan is a Reiki Master, hypnotherapist, and grief therapist. Her new book, "Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons," published by Hay House, explores healing from grief and the afterlife. With media coverage in GOOP, Elle, and The Hollywood Reporter, Susan's expertise extends to podcasts, radio shows, and documentaries. She offers private mediumship readings, life path guidance, reiki sessions, and hypnotherapy, aiding individuals in healing and finding spiritual guidance. Resource & Links Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom Podcast Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom Susan Grau Website Order Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Mentioned Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons Wisdom from the Spirit World on Living, Dying, and the In-Between by Susan Grau
We're taking a look at the dawn of the SPUMC as we dig into the romance of Venom! Join in as we discuss Tom Hardy's double performance, the lobster tank scene, The Brock Report, and surprise good guy performance by Reid Scott. Plus: How do these Sony movies connect to Spider-Man? Why didn't Riz Ahmed get to use his British accent? And how does Sony keep tricking people into thinking they're joining the MCU by being in these movies? Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Next week: Elektra (2005) ---------------------------------------------Key sources and links for this episode:Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe (2012)"Tom Hardy Says His Son's Love for Venom is Why He Took the Role" (Variety)"How Sony Learned to Cede Control to Marvel on Spider-Man: Homecoming" (The Hollywood Reporter)"Even After Kraven the Hunter and Madame Web, Sony's Marvel Movies aren't Dead" (Variety)"Tom Hardy Came up with the Best Scene in Venom on the Spot" (Polygon)"The History of Unmade Venom Movies" (ComicBook.com)"The Spider-Man 4 that Never Was" (Collider)"Sony Sets Spider-Man Spinoffs Venom, Sinister Six with New Franchise 'Brain Trust'" (Deadline)"SPUMC?" (Gizmodo)"The Post-Disaster Artist" (Polygon)
In this episode, we have a ton of Marvel News. Coming from the Hollywood Reporter so you know they aren't just random leaks -- they are announcements. These announcements and updates span from comments on the new Superman movie to if and when Miles Morales can ever come to the MCU!
First up, Ralph welcomes the co-founders of Doctors Against Genocide, Dr. Karameh Hawash-Kuemmerle and Dr. Nidal Jboor, to discuss their dedication to succeeding where global governments have failed in confronting genocide—particularly the acute genocide in Gaza. Then, Ralph speaks to Marcus Sims, who turns felled and fallen trees into sustainable-harvested lumber with his company Treincarnation. Finally, Ralph has co-written an open letter to Barack Obama, urging him to step up and do his part to fight against Donald Trump.Dr. Karameh Hawash-Kuemmerle is a clinical pediatric neurologist who specializes in traumatic brain injury and epilepsy at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Nidal Jboor is a doctor of internal medicine and geriatrics working in Michigan. They are co-founders of Doctors Against Genocide.We think: as American people, we are good people. We don't stand for these crimes. We don't accept that any child, any mother, any father, any elderly in the world will be starved to death—no matter where they are, no matter who they are, no matter who is committing this crime. And we are especially appalled to know that all these crimes are being done in our name, with our tax money. They are cutting the funding from our basic programs here, from our neighborhoods, to send more billions to mass slaughter children. So that's why we're going to DC. We're going to talk to the people who are enabling this. We think they already failed their constituents, they failed their country, they are putting our country on the wrong side of history.Dr. Nidal JboorAnyone who did not call this a genocide yet—and did not demand full accountability for genocide, both for the United States and for Israel—is enabling and allowing this crime to continue further.Dr. Nidal JboorWe are committed to having our eyes open whenever and wherever there is a genocide or there are war crimes, crimes against humanity—no matter who commits them. And it's very important for us to stand with the victims, with the community that is suffering, and never take the side or give a platform for the perpetrators.Dr. Karameh KuemmerleOur focus on the situation in Gaza comes from the simple fact that our country is complicit. And because of that, we actually have the moral obligation and the practical obligation to speak up. So it is not because we think that other genocides are not happening or are not important. We actually think every genocide should never happen. It's anti-human to commit genocide. And we always ask our colleagues to come to us to help uplift the voices of the communities of genocide and hopefully we will have more bandwidth to do a lot more. But the situation in Gaza is unique because there is almost a collusion of all these powerful players to complete this genocide in Gaza and basically oppress every resistance to it. There are many things that make what is happening in Gaza unique—for example, the inability to leave, using food as a weapon, having complete siege on the population, having a major superpower supported by another major superpower bombing a population of two million people in a very small area, constantly, nonstop for two years.Dr. Karameh KuemmerleAll professions have their own specialized civic duties…And I want to tell the listeners that the people who are peace-loving all over the world vastly outnumber, vastly outnumber the warmongers and the cruel and vicious interests that have taken advantage of the situation.Ralph NaderMarcus Sims is the owner of Treincarnation, which creates sustainably-harvested lumber and builds custom furniture from trees felled by storms or removed to make way for development.I think there's a lot of support for what I'm doing, but my work is contrasted to the industrial lumber system, which is “chop them down and cut them up,” a lot of it done by huge machines. So it takes a lot more attention and care to do the kind of work that I'm doing. And of course the finances—as you know, finances play a big part in any kind of industry and how they can manage to make money. So I'm certainly making a living, a good living with what I'm doing. I don't know exactly how we can get from the current system into one that was probably used in the past, where the intelligence of human beings is more engaged and we're not slaves to industrial processes.Marcus SimsNews 7/25/25* This week, Israel shelled the Holy Family Church in Gaza. During the last months of his life, Pope Francis was in constant communication with this church and its pastor, Father Gabriel Romanelli, calling them every single night. Three people were killed in this strike and Father Romanelli was injured, as were other congregants. In a speech after the strike, Pope Leo called for an immediate ceasefire and decried the “barbarity of war,” Reuters reports. He added, "I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, of indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of the population.” According to the National Catholic Reporter, Pope Leo XIV spoke with Palestinian president Mahmood Abbas following this attack and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called to “express Israel's regret for what he called an accidental attack.”2. In Belgium, the Hind Rajab Foundation – named for the five-year-old girl in Gaza killed along with six of her family members and the paramedics coming to her rescue – reports, “Belgian federal police have arrested and interrogated two Israeli soldiers credibly accused of war crimes in Gaza. The action came in response to an urgent legal complaint filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) earlier this week.” The soldiers, who had come to Belgium to attend the Tomorrowland music festival were, “formally interrogated and released. The Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that a criminal investigation is now underway.”3. In a shameful, undemocratic move, the Executive Committee of the National Education Association has voted to reject the member-approved resolution to boycott materials promulgated by the ADL, Axios reports. This helps keep the ADL entrenched as the arbiter of what is and is not antisemitism, a charge they have weaponized and used as a cudgel again and again to silence any criticism of the state of Israel.4. In New York, disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to campaign in his increasingly long-shot independent bid for Mayor of New York City. Recently, Cuomo held a campaign breakfast attended by 450 at the Hampton Synagogue, where he said, “I would wager that in the primary, more than 50% of the Jewish people voted for Mamdani.” If true, this would be a stunning victory not only for Zohran himself but for the pro-Palestine movement, which has been maligned in bad faith as antisemitic. Cuomo added that many younger Jewish voters are, “pro-Palestinian, and they don't consider it being anti-Israel.” This from the Forward.5. Another intra-ethnic cleavage is emerging among voters in New York City – this time, Italian-Americans. While Mamdani visited Uganda, the country of his birth, anti-Zohran Italians rallied in front of his Assembly district office in Queens. The New York Times reports this protest, “ostensibly led by the Italian American Civil Rights League, a group that took its name from but had no apparent ties to a defunct organization founded by [Mafia boss] Joseph A. Colombo Sr,...until recently, when Mr. Colombo's grandson, Anthony E. Colombo Jr….joined the group's board in May.” As the Times notes, this protest was held in response to a, “recently resurfaced social media photo from 2020 showing Mr. Mamdani giving the middle finger to a Columbus statue.” However, a large group of pro-Zohran Italian-American counterprotestors rallied across the street, carrying signs that read “Paisans for Zohran!” and “You Eat Jar Sauce!”6. In Minneapolis, many are drawing parallels between Mamdani and insurgent Democratic Socialist candidate Omar Fateh, who won the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party's endorsement for the mayoralty over incumbent Jacob Frey. Fateh, a state senator, won “at least 60% of the Minneapolis DFL delegate vote Saturday…in the party's first endorsement of a mayoral candidate in 16 years,” per the Minnesota Star Tribune. This endorsement gives Fateh a major boost in his campaign and indicates that the Zohran phenomenon is not confined to New York City.7. Last week, Paramount – one of the largest media conglomerates and parent company of CBS – canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert less than 48 hours after Colbert called CBS News's $16 million settlement with Trump a, “big fat bribe,” implying it would help curry favor with the administration regarding the proposed merger between Paramount and Skydance. Incensed, the Writers Guild of America East issued a statement calling on New York State Attorney General Letitia James, to, “launch an investigation into potential wrongdoing at Paramount…[and for]…our elected leaders to hold those responsible to account…demand answers about why this beloved program was canceled and to assure the public that Colbert and his writers were not censored due to their views or the whims of the President.”8. At the same time, CNN reports Paramount's “owner-in-waiting,” David Ellison is in talks to acquire Bari Weiss's publication The Free Press. According to the Financial Times, Weiss is seeking over $200 million for the purchase. However, this goes further than a potential acquisition. Puck reports that if brought in, Weiss would serve as an “ideological guide” for CBS News. This, paired with the recent piece in the Hollywood Reporter stating that Skydance “promised to eliminate all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,” at Paramount, gives a fuller picture of the “anti-woke” direction CBS would take under the new leadership. With news Thursday that federal regulators have approved the merger, it seems fair to conclude that these moves mollified the president.9. Turning to Latin America, AP reports the U.S., Venezuela and El Salvador have successfully concluded an intricate tripartite prisoner exchange. This deal includes the release of 10 Americans jailed in Venezuela and 252 Venezuelans held in El Salvador's notorious and dystopian CECOT prison complex. The freed Americans include some who were accused of participating in a U.S.-backed coup attempt against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in 2024 and one who was convicted of a triple homicide in Madrid, according to EL PAÍS. All parties seem satisfied with this agreement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying “Every wrongfully detained American in Venezuela is now free and back in our homeland,” while President Maduro pronounced the occasion “a day of blessings and good news…the perfect day for Venezuela.”10. Finally, prominent British tech writer Ed Zitron is out with “The Hater's Guide To The AI Bubble.” In this piece, Zitron – a noted critic of AI writ large – details tech companies' expenditures on AI as compared to the revenues, and the numbers are stark. Microsoft has reaped $13 billion, with $10 billion from OpenAI, sold at “a heavily discounted rate that essentially only covers costs for operating the servers," while expenditures total $80 billion. Amazon AI revenues In 2025 amount to $5 billion, while capital expenditures total $105 billion. Google AI revenue stands at $7.7 billion, with capital expenditures standing at $75 billion. Meta AI revenue in 2025 is a paltry $2-3 billion. Their capital expenditures: $72 billion. Perhaps most deliciously, while Tesla has spent around $11 billion on AI in 2025, the company “Does Not Appear To Make Money From Generative AI” at all. Hopefully these numbers serve as a wakeup call for companies to stop dumping money down the AI drain, since clearly the immense adverse impact on the environment is not dissuading them.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe
For episode 249, I'm joined once again by my co-host Myles Hughes, with producer Steve Prusakowski behind the scenes working on what's now Phase Two Emmys coverage and the new season of TV Topics, which are in abundance on the site currently. This time around, we have two major things on our minds. One, I tell Myles about The Fantastic Four: First Steps (which I reviewed here). The other is, with The Hollywood Reporter publishing their list of the 25 best horror films of the 21st century (here), we opted to make our own lists. We each have 25 movies, with almost no crossover! So, we have lots here, before we even factor in your questions, which we answer as well...As always my friends and faithful listeners/readers, I do hope you all enjoy the latest episode of the Awards Radar Podcast, our 249th one to date (here's to many more). Of course, feel free to revisit the previous installments by clicking the Podcast tab (here) on the top of the page. Plus, listen to us on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Spotify, and other platforms. More to come each and every single week, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you for listening!
Nick is joined by Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter for a sharp, funny breakdown of the new season of Big Brother and the cast of lovable idiots already making a mess of things. They also dig into the 2025 Emmy nominations, calling out the most satisfying nods and baffling snubs, with a passionate plea for Harrison Ford to finally take home some gold. Plus, they react to the wild new Dexter reboot and marvel at Jamie Lee Curtis dropping the word "jagoff" repeatedly on The Bear—which, somehow, Nick still hasn't seen. Later, Esmeralda Leon pops in to help Nick rewind to the chaotic, glorious heyday of VH1 reality TV. From The Surreal Life to Mob Wives to the unforgettable Flavor of Love, it's a nostalgic trip through some of the most absurd and addictive shows ever created. Plenty of laughs, solid takes, and maybe a little regret over just how much of that stuff we all actually watched. [Ep 369]
Dear Ms. Maher,You don't know me, and there is no reason why you should. I am mostly a nobody. If people know me at all, they know me as a former Oscar blogger whose public support for Trump destroyed my so-called “career.”But really, I am not all that different from you. Or at least, I didn't use to be. I come from your world, more or less. Not that I was ever a tech-savvy, globtrotting millennial in charge of National Public Radio, but it would not have been unusual for me to take a picture of myself in a mask in November of 2020, wearing a Joe Biden hat.In November of 2020, however, I was already afraid of the Democrats retaking power. Things had gotten weird on the Left, Ms. Maher. Really, really weird and no one would talk about it, least of all NPR or PBS. Then again, they couldn't talk about it because they would be destroyed if they did. Everyone knew that, and everyone just went along with it, especially you.I am a creature of the Internet and a former lifelong Liberal who left the party and the movement in 2020 after things had derailed so badly that I could no longer stand to be associated with them. It was the dehumanization of half the country. It was the corruption within the Democratic Party. It was the dangerous future in store for the nation's young people.It took me a while to finally get kicked out of Woketopia for good, banished to the virtual gulag. I made a joke about “White Dudes for Harris,” suggesting finally “white power” was back in style. But one thing about the Woketopians, they have no sense of humor. None. It's been stripped away and replaced with yet more of the suffocating, repellent monoculture that's been shoved down our throats for these long ten years.They all thought I was serious, that I really meant it, that “white power” was back. Thousands saw the tweet. A close friend of mine would text me to see if I really meant it. I wanted to joke that no self-respecting “white supremacist” would be caught dead praising “White Dudes for Harris,” but I was already in too deep.That caught the attention of a reporter named Rebecca Keegan, who was a devoted NPR listener and a true believer in the causes of the Left. She called me a “MAGA darling” in the Hollywood Reporter. A major studio pulled their ads that day, and everything I built over the last 25 years as a “woman-owned” business went up in flames almost overnight.It's quite a story, Ms. Maher, but it's one people like you wouldn't even want to talk about. To you, it isn't “cancel culture,” it's “consequence culture.” Well, you might call the defunding of NPR and PBS the same thing, it's “consequence culture” as a populist movement decides to finally fight back.How it started…You were just ten years old when I got online, Ms. Maher. The year was 1994. Bill Clinton was still the president. Much like it did last year, my life had fallen apart, and I needed a reset. I found the perfect escape on the Wild, Wild Web, where I would live out the rest of the next 30 years of my life. I had a baby in 1998 and, as a single mother, built a website devoted to the Oscars in 1999.I also helped birth an entire industry, and before long, even The New York Times would have an Oscar blogger. I appeared on NPR a few times as an Oscars expert. I would attend film festivals all over the world and hobnob with the rich and famous at fancy parties.I would be invited to cover the Oscars, attending as a guest for almost ten years. I would make money from movie studios that thought my voice was influential enough to advertise on my site. I could buy a new car. I could support my daughter. I could pay my rent.I would use my website to advocate for a more diverse and inclusive Oscars by promoting women and people of color for the awards. I did this even before Barack Obama won in 2008, which coincided with the rise of Twitter, Facebook, and the iPhone. I wouldn't realize it until much later, but all of that coming together at once would allow us to build a necessary “inside” where we could eventually banish the undesirables to the “outside.”We all caught the wave at the same time. We had come out of the 90s era of therapy and psych meds, and now, we were ready to build our Shining Woketopia on the Hill. As society migrated online, it was all under our control. We would ultimately build an empire that represented nearly all of the power in America - cultural, political, educational, and institutional. But only a select few would be invited in.My daughter attended all of the progressive public schools in Los Angeles. We listened to NPR on the way to and from school. I was a PTA mom, a progressive, active Liberal who cared about the climate and racial inequality. I barely noticed around 2014 when my daughter began feeling depressed from what she was learning in school.As a white student, whose best friend was Black and whose president was Black, she was now being told to stand outside the circle and de-center herself from the students of color. She was taught that she was part of the oppressor class and was among the “colonizers.” This disease was inside of her; it was her “whiteness.”I didn't realize then just how deeply indoctrinated our public schools and universities had become. When she graduated from high school, only one of her friends wanted to transition to become a boy. Her mother, a Conservative, refused to give her puberty blockers and amputate her breasts, though she would finish the job when she turned 18 and is now living as a boy.By the time my daughter graduated from college, two of her roommates were on cross-sex hormones, changing their sex as a couple. A boy she had a crush on had now fully transitioned and is living life as a transgender woman. And no one in the media, not at NPR or PBS, ever warned them. They were indoctrinated now, too. COVID paranoia and lockdowns only served to heighten the growing anxiety and fear about saying or doing the wrong thing. Wokeness arrived first as a low-frequency hum, a reaction to the election of the first Black president. As Republicans began to obstruct his agenda, we called them “racists.” The Tea Party was racist; it had to be. The Freedom Caucus was racist; it had to be. Our president was perfect, and the only reason anyone would object to anything had to be racism.The “social justice warriors” who came of age online on sites like Tumblr ballooned into a massive army of zealots. None of us saw this coming, and by the time we did, it was too late. The protests at Evergreen College were the first indication that something had gone very wrong. Holding a professor hostage because he went against the doctrine? It should not surprise you, Ms. Maher, that NPR and PBS did not cover that either, although it would have made a compelling episode of Frontline. Had they come even remotely close to telling the truth throughout this era, maybe things would be different now.That left it up to independent voices to cover the growing scandal at Evergreen, the transgender contagion, and the obsession with race. That is how evolution left NPR and PBS in the dust. Those looking for truth and common sense had to escape the bubble. I'm guessing you never did, Ms. Maher.The army that took to the streets in 2020 was not peacefully protesting; they were demanding diners raise their fists in support of Black Lives Matter. They were demanding everyone put a Black square on Instagram, or else. My niece threatened to cut off all ties if I didn't. I told her she was in a cult.When I saw the video of Sue's 100-year-old mattress store in Kenosha burning as the city was consumed by a false narrative perpetuated by the media, that Jacob Blake was unarmed and there to break up a fight, I tried to post about it on Facebook. I was shouted down and told I cared more about property than I did about people. You agree with that, don't you, Ms. Maher? When Tom Cotton published an op-ed in the New York Times reflecting what the majority of Americans believed, that if the protests could not be controlled, we must “send in the troops.” Then I watched everyone online lose their minds over the truth - once again, the truth, always the TRUTH.By the end of it, James Bennett and Bari Weiss would be out at the New York Times. They would not be the only ones at the Times or other news outlets. Writers and editors would lose their jobs for posting headlines like “Building Matter Too.” Or because some overly fragile staffer felt unsafe and called them out for something, like racism. Hundreds and hundreds of “cancel culture” purges taught everyone the same lesson: say nothing, or you're next. A glance at your tweets around that time, Ms. Maher, suggests that you were fully on board with all of it, too - a true believer in the cause, probably like everyone else who runs a public radio station across America. So when you say they're “collateral damage,” know this: in a monoculture, everything is the same. If it isn't, you lose your job. That you did not listen to Uri Berliner's brave testimony in the Free Press, but rather demonized him for speaking out, should have been enough to force your resignation by the Board of Directors, but I'm guessing they're all on the same page as you. Your resignation letter might look something like this, posted by Representative Brandon Gill:You remember him, right? He grilled you pretty hard, and you maintained a poker face throughout, gaslighting all of us. It's not “fascism” that canceled Stephen Colbert and defunded public broadcasting. It's democracy. Your side was voted out by the guy you spent ten years trying to destroy. That alone should send the message that whatever you were doing backfired. Maybe you'll learn the lesson. Probably not. I can promise you those community radio stations in Trump states don't have any Trump supporters listening to them. And though I do notice some subtle changes in the coverage at NPR after a few casual searches, I'm afraid it's too little, too late. Those local stations are likely to be as woke and indoctrinated as NPR and PBS have become. They have to be because everything has to be in a monoculture like ours. There is no other option but for all of us to leave it behind. We don't want this indoctrination anymore - not in our schools, not in Hollywood, not in science, not in culture, and not in our news. Our American story has always been that we shook off the class system that decided our station in life at birth, that anyone could rise regardless of their status, where they were born, their skin color, or their gender. Obviously, we haven't always lived up to that ideal, but it is still our story.The Woketopians tell a different story. And it's one you believe in, Ms. Maher. Or at least you pretend to because as long as you pay obeisance to the cult, the activists will leave you alone. As I strolled through the Farmer's Market in my very white, very liberal town this morning, I was awash in hedonistic pleasure. The smell of fresh strawberries, bountiful basil, organic olive oil, a whiff of lavender carried by the wind, freshly ground coffee, and someone playing music in the distance. You would fit right in here, Ms. Maher, in a sunhat with a smile on your face, because this is where you belong, inside utopia. But I also know none of these smiling faces I pass know me. For all of their hybrid cars, the lawn signs, the pleas for “kindness,” the careful, gentle language so as not to offend all come with an implicit threat: obey our rules or we will destroy you. Milan Kundera explains what happened to the Left, as we built our Woketopian empire, in the Book of Laughter and Forgetting:To quote one of the greatest films ever made, one Hollywood will never come close to making again, No Country for Old Men. You can't stop what's coming. You can't stop what's coming. It ain't all waiting on you. That's vanity. Nothing will ever be the same when this is all over. The good news is that the empire's collapse will usher in a renaissance —a big bang of brand-new culture that is alive, fearless, and rooted in truth, not dogma. The best thing you can do is what I did: escape the bubble now and realize those who don't agree with you aren't your enemy. They are your fellow Americans. // This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe
Chief TV Critic for the Hollywood Reporter Daniel Fienberg joins John Williams to go over the recent Emmy nominations. From “Severance” to “The White Lotus,” Fienberg talks about his favorites from this year.
Chief TV Critic for the Hollywood Reporter Daniel Fienberg joins John Williams to go over the recent Emmy nominations. From “Severance” to “The White Lotus,” Fienberg talks about his favorites from this year.
Chief TV Critic for the Hollywood Reporter Daniel Fienberg joins John Williams to go over the recent Emmy nominations. From “Severance” to “The White Lotus,” Fienberg talks about his favorites from this year.
On this week's episode, Sonny Bunch (The Bulwark), Alyssa Rosenberg (The Washington Post), and Peter Suderman (Reason) ask why Keanu Reeves, of all people, is the most-impersonated celebrity by scammers and how AI is being used to take money from lonely elderly people. (For more, read Rebecca Keegan's great piece in the Hollywood Reporter on this terrifying, saddening subject.) Then they review Superman, an oddly Dubya-coded superhero movie. Make sure to swing by Bulwark+ on Thursday for a bonus episode about Superman's place in the cinematic canon. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend!
Apologies: an editing snafu led to last week's episode being reedited and uploaded in the initial version of this post. On this week's episode, Sonny Bunch (The Bulwark), Alyssa Rosenberg (The Washington Post), and Peter Suderman (Reason) ask why Keanu Reeves, of all people, is the most-impersonated celebrity by scammers and how AI is being used to take money from lonely elderly people. (For more, read Rebecca Keegan's great piece in the Hollywood Reporter on this terrifying, saddening subject.) Then they review Superman, an oddly Dubya-coded superhero movie. Make sure to swing by Bulwark+ on Thursday for a bonus episode about Superman's place in the cinematic canon. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend!
In this powerful episode of SHE MD, hosts Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thais Aliabadi welcome actress and filmmaker Embeth Davidtz. She shares her experience with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of comprehensive screening and self-advocacy in women's health. The conversation explores women's health, career reinvention, and the power of pursuing passion projects later in life. Interestingly, Embeth Davidtz is also the director of "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight", a film adaptation of Alexandra Fuller's New York Times bestselling memoir, which is releasing this July 2025. Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii. Sponsors: Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code SHEMD for twenty five percent off your first month of Opill at Opill.comCymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotikia.com/SHEMD for 20% off your order + free shipping today.Nutrafol: Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter promo code SHEMD.Vionic: Use code SHEMD at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only.Live Conscious: Head to LiveConscious.com and use code SHEMD for 15% off your first purchase. Embeth Davidtz's Key Takeaways:Consider Other Screening Methods: Women with a family history of breast cancer should consider additional screening methods like MRIs, even with normal mammogram results.Develop A Personalized Management Plan For Menopausal Symptoms: Breast cancer survivors like Embeth Davidtz can experience significant menopausal symptoms, requiring careful management and lifestyle adjustments.Engage in Creative Projects: Pursuing creative projects or volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and improve mental health, especially for women in midlife transitions.Refine Your Leadership Approach: Effective leadership in male-dominated fields often requires women to balance assertiveness with diplomacy.Find Your Purpose, No Matter How Small: Whether it's making a movie or volunteering, doing something meaningful can lift you out of dark times.In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction(05:34) Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment experience(11:17) Importance of breast imaging and advocacy(20:30) How Embeth Davidtz dealt with menopause after breast cancer(22:30) Managing symptoms without hormone replacement(30:00) Embarking on a new creative journey(36:46) Learning to communicate and lead effectively(45:00) Finding purpose and making a differenceRESOURCES:Embeth Davidtz - Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/embethdavidtz/GUEST BIOGRAPHY:Embeth Davidtz is an American-South African director, writer, producer, and actress with an illustrious career spanning decades in film and television. Recently, Davidtz made her directorial and screenwriting debut with DON'T LET'S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT, based on Alexandra Fuller's bestselling memoir of the same name. The film follows Bobo, a young girl growing up on a Rhodesian farm against the backdrop of the Bush War the 1980s. Davidtz draws from her South African upbringing to authentically portray the harsh realities of being raised amid familial strife and apartheid. Following premieres at the Telluride, Toronto and Zurich film festivals last fall, the film received rave reviews. Variety praised Davidtz's debut “a masterclass in storytelling” and The Hollywood Reporter called the film “near perfection.” Shortly after, Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film, which will have its initial release in LA and NY on July 11, 2025.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Episode SummaryErin and Rachel discuss Bolt (2008), a lesser known film about a dog who thinks he's a super hero. Under new leadership, Disney Animation Studios starts to come out of their slump with this film that some people found boring (Erin) and others found heartwarming (Rachel). Episode BibliographyAmidi, A. (2006, December 18). Chris Sanders No Longer Directing American Dog. Cartoon Brew. https://www.cartoonbrew.com/disney/chris-sanders-no-longer-directing-american-dog-2407.htmlBolt. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1531348481/Bolt (2008 film). (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_(2008_film)Catmull, E., & Wallace, A. (2014). Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration. Random House Publishing Group.Desowitz, B. (2008, December 4). The Digital Eye: How 'Bolt' Got Painterly. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/digital-eye-how-bolt-got-painterlyDonofrio, E. C. (2013). The wonderful world of gender roles: A look at recent Disney children's films [Honors thesis, Boston College]. https://core.ac.uk/reader/151481530DVD Deleted Scenes. (2024, October 7). Bolt (2008) | Behind the Scenes + Deleted Scenes. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsEyzc4FVZEEvry, M. (2020, February 13). Exclusive: Kiskaloo Movie Could Be Next for Chris Sanders! ComingSoon.net. https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/1122952-exclusive-kiskaloo-movie-could-be-next-for-chris-sandersFleming, M. (2002, November 18). ‘Lilo' scribes stitch Disney package. Variety. https://variety.com/2002/scene/markets-festivals/lilo-scribes-stitch-disney-package-1117876239/Fritz, B. (2006, December 1). Disney lays off animators. Variety. https://variety.com/2006/digital/features/disney-lays-off-animators-1117954931/Fritz, B. (2007, March 27). Sanders joins DreamWorks. Variety. https://variety.com/2007/digital/markets-festivals/sanders-joins-dreamworks-1117961927/From the creator of LILO & STITCH our first look at AMERICAN DOG!!!! (2004, August 16). Ain't It Cool News. https://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/18156Hedrick, D. (2010). King Lear or Bolt: The entertainment unconscious from CalArts to Disney. Shakespeare Studies, 38, 37-47. Hill, J. (2007, February 12). Toon Tuesday : How Disney is fixing “American Dog”. Jim Hill Media. https://jimhillmedia.com/toon-tuesday-how-disney-is-fixing-american-dog/Howard, B., & Williams, C. (Directors). (2008). Bolt [Film]. Walt Disney Animation Studios.Hurt, L.S. (2014). Fuzzy toys and fuzzy feelings: How the “Disney” culture provides the necessary psychological link to improving animal welfare. Journal of Animal & Natural Resource Law, 10, 253-272.McCarthy, T. (2008, November 13). Bolt. Variety. https://variety.com/2008/digital/awards/bolt-3-1200472217/Ness, M. (2016, November 17). An Adorable Dog in an Unbelievable Premise: Disney's Bolt. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/an-adorable-dog-in-an-unbelievable-premise-disneys-bolt/Porter, P. (2009). Journeys toward an authentic self. Society and Animals, 17, 368-375. DOI: 10.1163106311109X12474622855345Rechtshaffen, M. (2008, November 13). Film Review: Bolt. The Hollywood Reporter. https://web.archive.org/web/20081216015641/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=prd6JhJJnvQL9cYrfRKSHVQjP6dRnLhLH4SZ1KQht3tfhVLxmjqn!-591095386&&rid=11956Robinson, T. (2008, November 20). Bolt. AV Club. https://www.avclub.com/bolt-1798205268Scott, A. O. (2008, November 20). Canine TV Action Star Discovers that Life is the Best Reality Show. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/movies/21bolt.htmlSeibert, P. (2008). Bolt: Review. TV Guide. https://web.archive.org/web/20120212213609/http://movies.tvguide.com/bolt/review/294809Springy. (2023, October 11). American Dog: everything I found in one neat thread. forums.lostmediawiki.com. https://forums.lostmediawiki.com/thread/12742/american-dog-neat-threadTuran, K. (2008, November 21). ‘Bolt' spices up Disney with a dash of Pixar. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-nov-21-et-bolt21-story.htmlWang, T. (2021). Bolt (2008): Journey to the authentic self. In S. M. Alegre (Ed.), Gender in 21st century animated children's cinema (pp. 86-87). https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/llibres/2021/236285/gen21cen_a2021.pdfWolff, E. (2009, February 5). Animated Oscar noms took long road. Variety. https://variety.com/2009/film/awards/animated-oscar-noms-took-long-road-1117999618/
The Light Gate welcomes guest: Experiencer, Author, Publicist, Dan Harary Date: July 14, 2025. Time: 5-7pm pacific / 8-10pm eastern Episode: 116 Discussion: “The Many Amazing Experiences of Dan Harary.” Tonight, The Light Gate is honored to welcome experiencer, author, researcher, podcaster, publicist, Dan Harary. Born and raised just outside of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Dan Harary is a man of many talents. While best known for his 40-plus years of work in Hollywood as an Entertainment Industry Publicist and Owner of the boutique Asbury PR Agency in Beverly Hills, Dan is also the author of five books. “Ufology: My Paranormal Life” is his very personal memory of a lifetime of unusual events. “Flirting with Fame” details his 50 years of amazing celebrity encounters. And his two novels, “After They Came,” and “Five” are fictional explorations of ETs, reincarnation and more. Dan is a four-time UFO Experiencer and longtime member of the Southern California Chapter of MUFON; the Chairman and Creator of the very influential, “The Hollywood Disclosure Alliance”, the host of the popular weekly podcast, “From Hollywood: It's Paranormal Tonight,” and the founder and editorial director of the newly launched “Wow! Signal News Service,” a unique, new publicity distribution service for those researchers who are working across every avenue of the UAP/UFO/ET issue; and the Director of Media Relations for Contact in the Desert, the world's largest annual UFO conference. Dan has delivered lectures and appeared on panels at a number of prominent UFO Events, including those presented by Contact in the Desert, the Hollywood Disclosure Alliance, MUFON/Southern California, Conscious Life Expo, and more, and has also presented lectures online to MUFON Chapters in St. Louis, MO, South Carolina, and New Jersey. Articles about Dan have appeared in dozens of media outlets across the country, including Newsweek, the New York Daily News, the Los Angeles Times, the Hollywood Reporter, Variety…the list goes on! He has also been interviewed on dozens of high-profile paranormal podcasts and radio shows starting in 2023, including Coast to Coast Am with George Noory, Fade to Black with Jimmy Church, Into the Parabnormal and more. Dan is a Graduate of Boston University's School of Communications – he attended BU alongside radio legend Howard Stern. The father of two adult children, Dan lives in Beverly Hills, CA. LINKS: Dan Harary Author Website: https://www.danhararyauthor.com/ Hollywood Disclosure Alliance: https://www.hollywooddisclosurealliance.org/founder-dan-harary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.harary.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danasburypr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hdalliance/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/daniel_harary
Welcome to Light On Light Through episode 413, in which I interview Mike Grynbaum about his book Empire of the Elite: Inside Condé Nast, the Media Dynasty That Reshaped America, which was just published today. Condé Nast is the publisher of The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Vogue, GQ, Wired, and other iconic magazines, so we had a lot to talk about. order Empire of the Elite Maureen Dowd interviews Mike Grynbaum at the 92nd Street Y tonight! Mike Grynbaum's "Mangia Mafia! Food, Punishment, and Cultural Identity in The Sopranos" in The Essential Sopranos Reader, eds. David Lavery, Douglas Howard, and Paul Levinson; University Press of Kentucky, 2011 Excerpt from Empire of the Elite in The Hollywood Reporter
In this episode of PixMix, Patricia and Arun discuss about the 2025 Pixar animated film Elio. The film is about a young boy named Elio who feels alone and isolated because his aunt Olga, who works at the Air Force after his parents died in a car accident, is almost never around, and bullies pick on him for his dream of being abducted by aliens. Before being dropped off at a summer camp, he sends a message to a call from an unknown source from space to take him away from Earth. He is brought to the Commnuverse where he lies about being the leader of Earth and is made into an ambassador to maintain peace in the universe. An evil alien warlord named Lord Grigon wants to be an ambassador, but is rejected because of his harsh attitude. Elio promises the ambassadors of the Commnuverse to make a peaceful treaty with Lord Grigon, but ends up "kidnapping" his son Glordon in exchange of having him and his people go away. Glordon becomes good friends with Elio as they have similar backgrounds and doesn't want to be as evil as his father is. When the film premiered in theaters, it became Pixar's lowest grossing movie ever making $100 million dollars out of a $200 million dollar budget with mixed to positive reviews. It became even more controversial when an article from The Hollywood Reporter brought up that many themes were cut from the final product, the original co-writer and director left, and the story was rewritten and new directors took it over. How did the movie fare despite its production issues? What did Arun and Patricia think of the film? Listen and find out.
Dave and Alonso go vroom, go meta, and see a Christmas Carol adaptation that's not about Christmas. Subscribe (and review) at Apple Podcasts, follow us @linoleumcast on Bluesky, Instagram, and Facebook, only my love. Join our club, won't you? The Hollywood Reporter article about Elio. Pre-order the second edition of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas.
Marlene Dietrich and Emil Jannings were two of the biggest stars in both Weimar Germany and Hollywood in the early 20th century…they're not that bothered about each other, but they would star together in The Blue Angel, filmed precisely as Wall Street crashed, catapulting them off into wildly different directions, personally, professionally and politically. This episode began as an attempt to check in with these two people in 1945, and whilst we do that, they're too interesting to confine to that one time! We kick off with Jannings, because you have to eat your slightly rotten cabbage before you get to a delicious cream-topped strudel like Marlene…we don't make the rules. Who had better legs? Who literally tried hiding behind their Oscar? How many tangents can we get into one episode?! Find out and please enjoy this romp through movie history, the 20th century, and don't worry, some WAR!++++++History Flakes LIVE RECORDING JULY 20TH 18.30, Comedy Cafe Berlin
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 8, 2025 is: exemplary ig-ZEM-pluh-ree adjective Something described as exemplary is extremely good and deserves to be admired and copied. // Our research team was awarded for our exemplary work on the project. See the entry > Examples: “[Director, Oliver] Hermanus again shows highly polished craftsmanship, adding the subtlest hint of sepia tones to evoke the period in the early sections, but never to the point where the characters compete with the settings. His direction of the actors is exemplary, even with characters seen only briefly ...” — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 May 2025 Did you know? It's usually not a good thing if someone wants to make an example of you, unless, of course, it's because you happen to be exemplary. Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, someone or something may be deemed exemplary if they, by their example, are worthy of imitation. Like a few other English words beginning with ex—such as exceptional and extraordinary—exemplary describes that which is a cut above the rest. But though exemplary, which comes from the Latin noun exemplum (“example”), describes something “excellent,” it almost always carries the further suggestion that the thing described is an excellent model to follow.
The God Helmet; a controversial experiment that stimulates the brain to create visionary stimuli. Listen in as Josh and Nick banter about the semantics and possible results of this very odd experiment. Could/Should this be used in ghost hunting?Music “Renegade" by Beatnik.Stories in the Cemetery Logo provided by April McGirr Designs.Please comment on this episode through Spotify or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Visit our sponsor Magnanimous Beard Products at www.yourbearsuperstore.com and use code “GHOST” to receive $5 off your order!To choose an adventure with Stories in the Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina, visit www.storiesinthecemetery.com and book your date today.To attend a Paranormal Scavenger Hunt with co host, Joshua Amen, visit www.amenparanormalresearch.com to get your tickets.Tees and Stories in the Cemetery merchandise can be found at http://tee.pub/lic/SITCThe 2025 Paranormal Investigator's Almanac and Paranormal Investigation Workbook can be found on Amazon.References Used to create this episode:ReferencesCastillo, M., & Barnes, J. (n.d.). The Sixth Dimension and God's Helmet - PMC. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7966009/Cho, W. (2022, January 10). CBS Sued Over Portrayal of Torture Device on ‘Evil'. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cbs-evil-lawsuit-1235072696/I'm Done (Season 1, Episode 3) [TV series episode]. (2022). In W. Ehbrecht (Executive Producer), 28 Days Haunted.Rodriguez McRobbie, L. (2016, November 7). The Controversial Device That Might Make You Feel the Presence of a Higher Power. Atlas Obscura. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-controversial-device-that-might-make-you-feel-the-presence-of-a-higher-powerShive Neural Stimulation System. (n.d.). God Helmet. The God Helmet. Retrieved April, 2025, from https://www.god-helmet.com/wp/god-helmet/index.htmUnknown, U. (Director). (2019). Borderlands (Season 2, Episode 3) [TV series episode]. In Hellier. IMDB.
Welcome to Multiverse News, Your source for Information about all your favorite fictional universesIt's been debated and anticipated…but Matt Reeves finally confirmed via Instagram on June 27 that he and co-writer Mattson Tomlin have completed their script for The Batman Part II. Variety reports that the film is scheduled to release on October 1, 2027, which - if true - will mean this sequel comes out more than five years after the first film. Both James Gunn and Reeves have been repeatedly asked about the state of the film, with Gunn recently rebuking online pressure for Reeves and remarking that a script is expected in June and - ta da, the Dark Knight arrived on time!One half of the big decisions needed to move the James Bond franchise forward has been made. Dune director Denis Villneuve will usher in the next 007 for Amazon MGM as the mega corp looks to refresh and restart the classic spy film franchise. David Heyman and Amy Pascal, who have already been announced as producers, will be joined by Tonya Lapointe who will serve as an executive producer alongside the director. Villneuve referred to Bond as “sacred territory” for him as a filmmaker.This week audiences said “YES” to original films, with the Brad Pitt-led F1 speeding to number one at the box office with a $144 million global takeover. Apple, who released the film, integrated it into their retail stores - with surprise appearances by Pitt and CEO Tim Cook - offered reduced tickets using ApplePay, and offered a deeper dive on Apple Maps of the Grand Prix race tracks, as well as other unique marketing opportunities. M3GAN 2.0 got a road rash, opening to just $10.2 million, and How to Train Your Dragon stayed strong at number two bringing in a three week domestic total of $200 million.Amazon MGM Studios has released the full trailer for Project Hail Mary, the upcoming film adaptation of the 2021 science fiction novel from The Martian author, Andy Weir. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the movie stars Ryan Gosling as a sixth-grade science teacher sent into space to save Earth. It is scheduled to hit theaters on March 20, 2026.Disney has announced a sequel to its live action Lilo and Stitch film. The news comes as the film approaches the $1 billion dollar mark at the global box office.Edgar Wright's latest film The Running Man released a trailer today. The movie is adapted from a Stephen King novel and stars Glen Powell, Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, William H. Macey, and others in a dystopian game show style action flick.Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent has joined the cast of Legendary Entertainment's feature adaptation of the video game Street Fighter. Jackson will play Balrog, a disgraced boxer who is also the bodyguard of the villain. Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that he is deep into training for the part and will be doing his own stunts. David Dastmalchian has also been cast to play baddie M. Bison.Sources tell Deadline that The Social Network director Aaron Sorkin has been set to direct The Social Network Part II for Sony Pictures. Insiders say that while it's being called part two, it's not a straight sequel but rather a follow-up to the original movie.WandaVision and Agatha All Along creator Jac Schaeffer is replacing Moira Walley-Beckett as showrunner for the Fourth Wing series adaptation at Amazon MGM Studios. Schaeffer signed an overall deal with the studio. The series is produced by Michael B. Jordan's company, Outlier Society.Over the weekend at car festival Fuel Fest, Vin Diesel spoke to a crowd of fans and confirmed a tentative release window for the next installment of the Fast and the Furious franchise for April of 2027. He also mentioned that he wants to reunite his character with Paul Walker's character Brian O'Conner. Since Walker passed away in 2013, he would have to be digitally inserted into the film.FX announced today that The Bear has been renewed for a fifth season.
Empaths and healers are often seen as calm, giving, and unshakable—but what happens when they quietly break under the weight of others' pain? In this deeply personal episode, Susan Grau returns from hiatus to share powerful insights on the unseen emotional toll of healing work. She explores the silent burden many empaths carry, the importance of vulnerability, and how spiritual connection can help process fear, grief, and emotional exhaustion. Drawing from her own journey, Susan offers a grounding framework—awareness, acceptance, and action—as a guide for authentic healing. With touching stories, real talk on boundaries and burnout, and wisdom from the spirit world, she reminds listeners that healing isn't about perfection—it's about presence. Whether you're a healer, empath, or simply holding too much, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a reminder that your light still matters, even in the dark. In This Episode: [00:01] Welcome and upcoming live podcast format [02:11] Current global challenges and empaths [03:16] The power of light, love, and hope [05:12] Being a spiritual healer: Vulnerability and authenticity [06:12] The journey and role of healers [08:16] Honoring individuality and relating, not comparing [09:11] Misconceptions and challenges of spiritual work [10:20] The weight of healing work [11:26] How spirit communicates with us [12:29] Avoiding personal narratives in healing [13:20] Recognizing and receiving spirit's signs [14:57] Everyone's healing journey is unique [16:45] Relating to, not assuming, others' pain [18:49] Self-worth and the urge to fix others [19:53] Seeking support and trusting intuition [21:40] Continuous healing and growth [22:34] Connecting with spirit in healing [24:38] Awareness, acceptance, and action in healing [25:33] Letting others voluntarily evolve [27:39] Empowerment through small steps [28:30] Embracing the healing power within [29:33] Closing remarks and farewell Notable Quotes [03:12] "You can't see the stars without the backdrop of the dark." - Susan Grau [04:50] "What we fear we feed and what we feed we perceive and what we perceive becomes our reality." - Susan Grau [26:12] “When we love, the acronym for love is letting others voluntarily evolve." - Susan Grau Susan Grau Susan Grau is an intuitive life coach, medium, author, and speaker who discovered her spiritual gifts after a near-death experience at age four. Trained by top names like Dr. Raymond Moody and James Van Praagh, she's also a Reiki Master, hypnotherapist, and grief expert. Her Hay House book, Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons, dives into healing and the afterlife. Featured in GOOP, Elle, and The Hollywood Reporter, Susan offers private readings, life coaching, Reiki, and hypnotherapy to help others heal and grow spiritually. Resources and Links Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom Podcast Infinite Life, Infinite Wisdom Susan Grau Website Order Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Mentioned Infinite Life, Infinite Lessons Wisdom from the Spirit World on Living, Dying, and the In-Between by Susan Grau
The second episode of our season on the awesome movie year of 2014 features our pick for a notable debut feature, Riley Stearns' Faults. Written and directed by Riley Stearns and starring Leland Orser, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Beth Grant, Chris Ellis and Lance Reddick, Faults premiered at the 2014 South by Southwest film festival.The contemporary reviews quoted in this episode come from John DeFore in The Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/faults-sxsw-review-687561/), Keith Phipps in The Dissolve (https://thedissolve.com/reviews/1417-faults/), and Sheri Linden in the Los Angeles Times (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-faults-review-mary-elizabeth-winstead-20150306-story.html).Check out more info and the entire archive of past episodes at https://www.awesomemovieyear.com and visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/awesomemovieyear You can find Jason on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JHarrisComedy/, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jasonharriscomedy/ and on Letterboxd at https://letterboxd.com/goforjason/You can find Josh online at http://joshbellhateseverything.com/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/joshbellhateseverything/, on Bluesky at signalbleed.bsky.social and on Letterboxd at https://letterboxd.com/signalbleed/If you're a Letterboxd user and you watch any of the movies we talk about on the show, tag your review “Awesome Movie Year” to share your thoughts.You can find our producer David Rosen and his Piecing It Together Podcast at https://www.piecingpod.com, on Twitter at @piecingpod, on Bluesky at piecingpod.bsky.social and on Letterboxd at
Danny Ricker stops by to talk about his fatherhood journey. We talk about why humor and kindness are cornerstones values in his family. He shares the life lessons his kids have taught him. After that we talk about his book, Wow, You Look Terrible! Danny shares the advice his boss, Jimmy Kimmel about this book and what parents can learn from this book. In addition, Danny talks about his creative process when it comes to writing. Lastly, we finish the interview with the Fatherhood Quick Five. About Danny Ricker Danny Ricker is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and author who currently serves as a Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer at Jimmy Kimmel Live. His other notable writing credits include The Oscars, The Primetime Emmys, the White House Correspondents' Dinner, guest columns in The Hollywood Reporter and Men's Health Magazine, plus commercials for Disney, Hulu, Google, Mint Mobile, Walmart, and Lucasfilm. Danny's debut book Wow, You Look Terrible! is out now through Hyperion Avenue. Pick Danny's book, Wow, You Look Terrible!, wherever you pick up books. Make sure you follow Danny on Instagram at @heydannyricker. In addition, go to his website at dannyricker.com. About The Art of Fatherhood Podcast The Art of Fatherhood Podcast follows the journey of fatherhood. Your host, Art Eddy talks with fantastic dads from all around the world where they share their thoughts on fatherhood. You get a unique perspective on fatherhood from guests like Bob Odenkirk, Hank Azaria, Joe Montana, Kevin Smith, Danny Trejo, Jerry Rice, Jeff Foxworthy, Patrick Warburton, Jeff Kinney, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Kyle Busch, Dennis Quaid, Dwight Freeney and many more.
We're taking a look at one of the most-maligned superhero movies of the twenty-first century: Martin Campbell's 2011 adaptation of Green Lantern, starring Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Join in as we discuss good and bad superhero costumes, the many attempts to adapt this character for film, the dead-on-arrival post-credits scene, and the Reynolds-Lively relationship timeline. Plus: Does this movie need a Bill Pullman? Why are there xenobiologists? Should Parallax be a guy? And, most importantly, is this movie as bad as its reputation? Make sure to rate, review, and subscribe! Next week: Superman (1978)------------------------------------------------------Key sources and links for this episode:"Jack Black Green with Envy over New Lantern" (MTV Movies Blog)David Goyer interview with MovieHole.net"The Closer Star Wants to Pitch Green Lantern Film" (Newsarama)"Marc Guggenheim Drops the Comics that Inspire Green Lantern's Screen Debut" (Splash Page)"TV Producer of the Year Greg Berlanti: 'I Still Fight about Everything'" (The Hollywood Reporter)"Update: Justin Timberlake, Ryan Reynolds, or Bradley Cooper will Star in Green Lantern" (Collider)"Ryan Reynolds on his Deadpool Obsession, Meeting Blake Lively, and His New Film, Life" (GQ)"Warner Bros.' Green Lantern Marketing Campaign Delayed by Special Effects Work" (LA Times)"First Look at the Green Lantern Script" (IESB.net)"Warner Bros. Announces 10 DC Movies, Including Wonder Woman" (EW)"Bradley Cooper on His Green Lantern Audition" (MTV)"Avengers: Doomsday Cast Announced in Marvel Livestream" (The Hollywood Reporter)"Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Apologize for Plantation Wedding" (NBC News)
Welcome to Multiverse News, Your source for Information about all your favorite fictional universesIt's a big week for Marvel news! First up, Jon Bernthal has joined the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as his take on The Punisher makes the transition from Marvel Television to the big screen. He joins newcomer Sadie Sink, alongside Zendaya and Jacob Batalon who were also confirmed to be returning as MJ and Ned, respectively. Elsewhere, on Wednesday Disney announced that Marvel Studios is scheduled to release an untitled film slated for December 15, 2028, which if holds true, would be the studio's fourth theatrical offering for that year. In Variety's article on said possible fourth 2028 Marvel Studios film, the writer suggested that Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier has gone from being in talks, to officially tapped as the director for the upcoming X-Men film. Fresh details on the recently cast Clayface film from DC Studios co-head James Gunn said the film would be R-rated during his appearance on the DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast. "It's just a great horror movie that is a great, smart, fun horror movie which is in a genre that I happen to love, which is body horror," he said; continuing with, "It's rated R… It's not anything now because the MPA has to watch it, but it's most likely rated R. It's pretty intense." In other DCU news, box office tracking for Superman via the National Research Group (NRG) has the film projected to open between $125 and $145 million domestically, with more conservative estimates ranging between $90 and $125 million. The fledgling DCU certainly seems to be living up to its Gods and Monsters thematic moniker. It was a story of highs and lows at the box office this weekend, with the newcomers 28 Years Later and Pixar's Elio unable to dethrone Dreamworks' live action How To Train Your Dragon remake, which passed $358 million at the global box office in just two weeks. Although both new films bowed to the reigning champ, the narrative is far more devastating for Pixar and Elio; despite positive critical reviews, the celebrated animation studio's latest feature struggled to muster even a meager $35 million globally; a record low and troubling sign concerning the performance, or lack thereof, for original films at Pixar. Danny Boyles' legacy horror sequel 28 Years Later fared far better, debuting to $30 million both domestically and internationally, for a $60 million total haulMarvel Comics has announced Spider-Man '94, a four issue limited comic run that will close the cliffhanger left by Spider-Man The Animated Series from its final episode in 1998. The series is written by long-time Spidey veteran and a writer on the original animated series, J.M. DeMatteis, with art by Jim Towe. Russell Crowe is boarding at Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists' Highlander in the Ramirez mentor role made famous by Sean Connery in the original 1986 movie. He joins Henry Cavill who is playing the lead role. AMC has released a teaser trailer for season 3 of Walking Dead spin off Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and announced that the series will premiere on September 7. James Bobin, director of The Muppets, is in talks to helm Netflix's Dragon's Lair, based on the classic 1980s arcade game, per The Hollywood Reporter. Ryan Reynolds, originally set to star, but no longer, is producing alongside Roy Lee, Trevor Engelson, and game creators Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and Jon Pomeroy.Warner Bros. Pictures has released a new trailer for ‘Weapons' written and directed by Zach Cregger which offers more eerie footage from the film.It's a big week for fans of Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding franchise; Death Stranding 2: On the Beach releases this week on June 26, for the Playstation 5 exclusively. Kojima Productions also announced an animated feature film being written by Raised by Wolves‘ Aaron Guzikowski; this is in addition to the previously announced live action Death Stranding film adaptation in development.
TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter returns to break down the best shows of 2025 so far—yes, we're already halfway through the year—and to share thoughts on Netflix's unsettling new drama The Waterfront, featuring a seriously creepy Topher Grace. Nick and Dan also dig into the Top Chef finale, Owen Wilson's new comedy Stick, and a pair of fascinating docs about Andy Kaufman and Barbara Walters. Later, Esmeralda Leon joins Nick for a nostalgic (and slightly disturbing) trip through oddball topics like creepy kids, long-lost TV repairmen, the rise and fall of 3-D television, and those sketchy old foot x-ray machines. Esma also recaps a night of laughs at The Den Theater, where Matty Ryan headlined a standout comedy show. [EP 361]
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 21, 2025 is: litmus test LIT-mus-TEST noun A litmus test is something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that is used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable. // At our family's Thanksgiving dinner, the litmus test for good mac and cheese is whether or not it is baked. See the entry > Examples: “The audience in a Broadway show can be intoxicating, and it's like a litmus test. If a joke doesn't land one night, you tell it differently the next night. It's terrifying, on set, to have no idea if something is working.” — Erika Henningsen, quoted in The Hollywood Reporter, 1 May 2025 Did you know? It was in the 14th century that scientists discovered that litmus, a mixture of colored organic compounds obtained from lichen, turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and, thus, can be used as an acid-base indicator. Six centuries later, people began using litmus test figuratively. It can now refer to any single factor that establishes the true character of something or causes something to be assigned to one category or another. Often it refers to something (such as an opinion about a political or moral issue) that can be used to make a judgment about whether someone or something is acceptable or not.
(SPOILER) Your Daily Roundup covers some travel stories from yesterday, airport food that raised a major question, other updates from the party not covered in yesterday's pod, and Hollywood Reporter article on the Bachelor upcoming season. Music written by Jimmer Podrasky (B'Jingo Songs/Machia Music/Bug Music BMI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices