Podcast appearances and mentions of Katja Blichfeld

This week we reprise a great show from our archives:  guest host Cynthia Nixon presents stories from New York Magazine's online portal “The Cut,” which combines art, journalism, and the kind of fresh contemporary fiction that speaks to us.  On this program, a woman tries on different identities, as well as clothes, in a dress shop fitting room, in “Fully Zipped” by Shelly Oria, performed by Katja Blichfeld.   A new mother can't seem to get the hang of breastfeeding in Curtis Sittenfeld's “Bad Latch,” performed by Justine Lupe.  And Parker Posey tackles mail order—and time travel—in Xuan Juliana Wang's “Future Cat.”  Join and give!: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/symphonyspacenyc?code=Splashpage See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does a TV showrunner do? More to the point, how many other tasks does a TV showrunner tend to take on? What is their relationship to actors? In today’s deep dive episode, Ben Sinclair of “High Maintenance” and Prentice Penny of “Insecure” reveal the creative and logistical processes of keeping a hit show...running! Writer-director-editor-actor Ben Sinclair became a pioneer of short form content alongside Katja Blichfeld by developing a community of filmmakers around “High Maintenance.” First a hit Vimeo web series, then as of 2016 a half-hour anthology series on HBO, “High Maintenance” features snapshots of modern New York City life, each episode featuring Ben as a cannabis courier known only as The Guy. Ben’s critically acclaimed work has earned him a Writers Guild of America Award. Multihyphenate Prentice Penny got his start in Hollywood writing on the hit sitcom “Girlfriends,” before contributing to the writers’ rooms on, and often producing episodes of, “Scrubs,” “Happy Endings,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and more. He is the showrunner and executive producer of HBO’s hit “Insecure,” created by and starring Issa Rae, now nominated for eight 2020 Emmy Awards including outstanding comedy series. Prentice also wrote and directed the acclaimed Netflix film “Uncorked.” For more on showrunners and their advice, check out Backstage.com: https://bit.ly/33yDl4J --- Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ Subscribe and listen to In the Envelope: - SoundCloud: https://bit.ly/2jUpnnw - Google Play: https://bit.ly/2DHkPwt - iTunes: https://apple.co/2rs0llz - Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2QNmu6C - Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2DJv6bD Follow Backstage and In the Envelope on social media: - https://www.facebook.com/backstage - https://www.twitter.com/backstage - https://www.twitter.com/intheenvelope - https://www.instagram.com/backstagecast Looking to get cast? Browse Backstage casting listings: https://www.backstage.com/casting Check out Backstage’s community-driven virtual programming, The Slate: https://bit.ly/2WDNXf0 Backstage stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Visit our list of resources: https://bit.ly/3cuMBt5 Special thanks to... - Host: Jack Smart - Producer: Jamie Muffett - Social Media: Katie Minard - Design: Mark Stinson and Caitlin Watkins - Additional Support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Oriella St. Louis

Guest host Cynthia Nixon presents stories from New York Magazine’s online portal “The Cut,” which combines art, journalism, and the kind of fresh contemporary fiction that speaks to us.  On this show, a woman tries on different identities, as well as clothes, in a dress shop fitting room, in “Fully Zipped” by Shelly Oria, performed by Katja Blichfeld.   A new mother can’t seem to get the hang of breastfeeding in Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Bad Latch,” performed by Justine Lupe.  And Parker Posey tackles mail order—and time travel—in Xuan Juliana Wang’s “Future Cat.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Largement considéré comme un “sport de mec”, aujourd’hui le skate s’ouvre et séduit de plus en plus de jeunes femmes. Une passion qui anime les filles de la série “Betty”. Tous les jours, elles rident les rues d’un New-York gentrifié en se faisant une place dans cet univers masculin. Dans ce nouvel épisode, Clémentine revient sur cette série et discute skate et féminisme. Références entendues dans l’épisode : La série Betty est réalisée par Crystal Moselle en 2020 pour HBO. Le documentaire The Wolfpack sur six frères enfermés dans leur appartement de Manhattan a été réalisé par Crystal Moselle en 2015. Le long-métrage Skate Kitchen, fiction sur le collectif de skateuses The Skate Kitchen a été réalisé en 2017 par Crystal Moselle et remarqué au Sundance Festival de 2018. La série Betty en est son adaptation télévisuelle. L’expression “mean girls” est popularisée par la comédie du même nom avec Lindsay Lohan et Rachel Mc Adams en 2004. Le terme “betty” (pour “skateboard betty”) est une expression péjorative pour désigner les filles regardant et suivant les garçons skaters ou essayant en vain de leur ressembler. Les skateuses de The Skate Kitchen se réapproprient ce terme aujourd’hui pour valoriser l’identité propre des skateuses femmes. Nina Moran est une actrice et activiste à l’origine de Skate Kitchen. Elle joue le rôle de Kirt dans la série Betty dont elle parle dans un entretien pour la Radio Publique de New York. La campagne Skate like a girl. L’honteux article de Chris Nieratko pour Vice en 2009 sur l’apparence des skateuses. Patti McGee, première femme skateuse professionnelle à entrer au Skateboard Hall of Fame faisant le poirier sur son skate pour la couverture du magazine Life. Elle en parle à la télévision en 1965. L’article de RTL sur le skate comme moyen d’émancipation pour les femmes. Les skate de la marque Oxelo.Les Longboard Bustin. Les skate de la marque Carver avec système de pompage. L’association parisienne Realaxe qui donne des cours et organise des sessions pour les filles en île-de-France.How to make it in America est une série de 2010 de Ian Edelman pour HBO sur de jeunes entrepreneurs à New-York. High Maintenance est une série de 2016 de Katja Blichfeld, Ben Sinclair pour HBO sur le parcours d’un dealer à New-York. Girls est une série de Lena Dunham de 2012 pour HBO sur un groupe d’amies dans leurs vingtaines à New-York. La skateuse californienne Lizzie Armanto, première femme en couverture du magazine Transworld Skateborading également la première femme à faire le loop à 360 degrés du célèbre Tony Hawk.Lacey Baker désormais connue sous le nom de Leo Baker est la première femme queer à rejoindre l’équipe de skate de Nike pour qui elle a dessiné des chaussures et des vêtements. Un article de l’Équipe sur l’entrée du skate dans les disciplines olympiques en 2020. La skateuse brésilienne Leticia Bufoni.La skateuse Samarria Brevard, première afro-américaine à entrer en 2017 sur le podium des X Games, compétition mondiale des jeux de sports extrêmes organisée chaque année à Aspen dans le Colorado. La skateuse new-yorkaise Alexis Sablone. Le compte (géré par sa maman) de la jeune Skye Brown, skateuse britannico-japonaise de 11 ans. Le collectif de skateuses Grlswirl de Venice Beach en Californie co-fondé par Lucy Osinski. Le reportage de CBS sur le collectif Grlswirl.Le collectif féministe du Bronx de skate Brujas, dont le clip culte des Skate Witches en 1986 a inspiré le nom. Elles organisent des événements et soirées caribéennes appelées Sucias et ont créé Project 1971, fond pour payer les frais et les cautions lorsque les skateuses sont arrêtées par la police. La plateforme Girls Skate India, initiative de Vans en Inde en collaboration avec Atita Verghese, première indienne skateuse professionnelle, pour inciter les jeunes filles à skater et les relier entre elles.L’article de Terrafemina qui retrace le travail de l’association Realaxe.Un trick est une figure acrobatique qu’on peut faire au skateboard comme le kickflip ou le grab. Le site allonsrider.fr et son hashtag #girlscanride.Le compte Instagram des skateuses @pennygurls. Gus Van Sant est un réalisateur américain qui a notamment réalisé Paranoid Park en 2007 où les souvenirs d’un meurtre hantent un jeune garçon. Larry Clark est un photographe et réalisateur américain qui a traité du monde du skateboard dans Wassup Rockers en 2004 et The Smell of Us en 2015. Lords of Dogtown (Les seigneurs de Dogtown en version française) est un film réalisé en 2005 par Catherine Hardwicke retraçant la légende du groupe de skaters les Z-Boys dans les années 70. Summertime (Trois mètres au dessus du ciel en version française) est une série italienne de 2020 disponible sur Netflix qui suit l’été de deux jeunes adolescents qui tombent amoureux et font du skate. Le groupe OddFuture possède sa propre marque d’accessoire de skate et streetwear.Rihanna qui porte un tee-shirt de la marque Trasher, le magazine de skate. Le clip de Sk8er Boi d’Avril Lavigne. Quoi de Meuf est une émission de Nouvelles Écoutes, cet épisode est conçu par Clémentine Gallot, mixé par Laurie Galligani. Générique réalisé par Aurore Meyer Mahieu. Montage et coordination Ashley Tola.

High Maintenance, the critically acclaimed series that made the leap from web series to TV in 2012 and now in its fourth season, was recently hailed as one of 2019’s “Best Shows of 2019” by The New Yorker. Created by Katja Blichfeld (Emmy®-winning casting director of 30 Rock) and Ben Sinclair (Maniac, Home Again), the series centers around The Guy, a marijuana dealer who traverses the city on his bicycle, to connect a variety of distinctly authentic, empathetic, and insightful stories about the New York community, including his own. Join Sinclair, Blichfeld, and their fellow executive producer Russell Gregory, along with a behind-the-scenes discussion about this highly loving and original show.

TV Series PremieresCouncil of Dads (NBC)The Perry family grows in unexpected ways after a life-changing event, as oldest daughter Luly and her four siblings -- Theo, Charlotte, JJ and newborn Hope -- adjust to the addition of three new "dads" who agree to help guide and support them and their mother, Robin, through all the challenges and triumphs life has to offer as a promise to their father. These men -- Anthony, Larry and Oliver -- soon find redemption and purpose in their new roles as backup dads, discovering that they need the Perry family as much as the Perry family needs them.Baghdad Central (Hulu)It's 2003 and Iraq is occupied by a US-led coalition. With his daughter missing, Muhsin al-Khafaji, a former police inspector in the Iraqi Police Service, must decide whether to become a collaborator to help his search. Season FinalesStumptown (ABC)Based on the series of graphic novels by the same name, "Stumptown" follows Dex Parios, a strong, assertive and sharp-witted Army veteran who has a complicated love life, gambling debt, and a brother to take care of in Portland, Ore. Her military intelligence skills make her a great private investigator, but her brash, unapologetic style puts her in a league of her own, landing her in the firing line of hardcore criminals while not quite in alliance with the rules and objectives of the local police.High Maintenance (HBO)The Guy is a nameless marijuana dealer in Brooklyn who delivers his goods via bicycle to stressed-out clients across New York City, who try to savour the highs of life in an increasingly volatile world. While dropping off weed to his customers, he makes brief appearances in their lives to get a glimpse at their daily routines, allowing viewers to explore the existence of intriguing, colorful individuals from all walks of life. The comedy series stars Ben Sinclair, who created the show with then-wife Katja Blichfeld, as The Guy.Grown-ish (Freeform)The Johnson family's eldest daughter is taking her first steps into the real world as she heads off to college. "Grown-ish" explores the first trappings of adulthood, and Zoey must navigate through the trials and tribulations of these momentous steps. Zoey discovers that once she leaves the nest, things do not always go her way. The series features "that in-between place where you're not quite an adult but facing grown world problems for the first time," Kenya Barris, the show's creator and executive producer, said.This Is Us (NBC)Jack and his wife - who is very pregnant with triplets - have just moved into their new home in Pittsburgh. Successful and handsome television actor Kevin is growing increasingly bored with his bachelor lifestyle. Randall - who was abandoned at a fire station by his father as an infant - is a stylish New York-based businessman working to raise two daughters with his wife, Beth. These people are among a group, several of whom share a birthday, of seemingly random individuals whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. A Salute to Schitt’s Creek (Pop)In the sitcom "Schitt's Creek," a wealthy couple -- video store magnate Johnny and his soap opera star wife Moira -- suddenly find themselves completely broke. With only one remaining asset, a small town called Schitt's Creek, which the Roses bought years earlier as a joke, this once-wealthy couple must give up life as they know it. With their two spoiled children in tow and their pampered lives behind them, the Rose family is forced to face their newfound poverty head-on and come together as a family to survive. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Even with the popularity of his HBO series High Maintenance, Ben Sinclair is still not great at taking compliments. He gets a lot of them, considering the show is one of the early success stories from the world of DIY web series that crossed over to mainstream television. Ben tells Marc how he lived a classic struggling artist life in New York before making the show, complete with a failed audition for Blue Man Group, an apartment with bedbugs, and sleeping on a futon in a lobby. They also talk about how he fell in love, got married and got divorced, but still maintains a close working relationship with his ex, series co-creator Katja Blichfeld. This episode is sponsored by Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action.

For fans of the HBO series High Maintenance, Ben Sinclair is practically synonymous with “The Guy,” the laid-back New York City weed dealer he plays on the show. And while a lot of the show is inspired by Ben and his co-creator and ex-wife Katja Blichfeld's personal life experiences, these days, Ben's trying to separate himself from some of his character's most well-known attributes. "I'm starting to grow out of smoking weed," he told me. "I feel joy at the anticipation of getting stoned, but once I'm stoned, I'm like, ugh, why did I do this?" Ben talked with me about his childhood in an Arizona suburb, struggling in New York in his 20s, what he learned from his divorce, and what he's turning to now that he's smoking less.  If you're new to High Maintenance, here are five of my favorite episodes. I only picked from the last four seasons of HBO for ease in finding, but the whole web series is amazing, which you can find here. "Dongle" (Season 3, Episode 7): A Puerto Rican man who just arrived in New York starts work on a road crew and starts a flirtation with his bodega guy. "Googie" (Season 2, Episode 6): The Guy is recovering at home after a bike injury, and after smoking a lot of pot and streaming a lot of television, he goes out for a walk. "M.A.S.H." (Season 3, Episode 1): A wake brings together a collection of people in upstate New York, who join together in an inspired music jam.  "Adelante" (Season 4, Episode 6): An encounter with ex in an Uber pool, and a dental hygienist goes on a date with a patient and then returns to her home in the Bronx. "Scromple" (Season 2, Episode 5): The Guy and his ex-wife run into each other in a hospital.

TV Season PremieresHigh Maintenance (HBO)The Guy is a nameless marijuana dealer in Brooklyn who delivers his goods via bicycle to stressed-out clients across New York City, who try to savour the highs of life in an increasingly volatile world. While dropping off weed to his customers, he makes brief appearances in their lives to get a glimpse at their daily routines, allowing viewers to explore the existences of intriguing, colorful individuals from all walks of life. The comedy series stars Ben Sinclair, who created the show with then-wife Katja Blichfeld, as The Guy.Homeland (Showtime)When Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody returns home following eight years in captivity, CIA agent Carrie Mathison thinks he has turned and is connected to a terror plot to be carried out on American soil, so she engages him in a dangerous game of cat and mouse that puts America's national security at risk. Later on, Carrie gets a promotion and returns to the front lines overseas. She is assigned to one of the CIA's most volatile and dangerous stations in the Middle East, where she is in the heart of battle in the war on terror. Years later, after being disillusioned and placing herself in a self-imposed exile in Berlin, Carrie becomes estranged from the CIA, eventually returning stateside where she works for a foundation providing aid to Muslims living in America. TV Season FinaleEvil (CBS)Skeptical psychologist Kristen Bouchard joins David Acosta, who is training to be a Catholic priest, and a blue collar contractor as they investigate the church's backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and other extraordinary occurrences. Their job is to assess if there's a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work, examining the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series is created by Robert and Michelle King. Netflix TV Sneak PeekNarcos: MexicoThis continuation of "Narcos" explores the origins of the modern drug war by going back to its roots, starting at a time when the Mexican trafficking world was a loose, disorganized confederation of independent growers and dealers. It's the 1980s, and Felix Gallardo takes the helm of the Guadalajara Cartel, unifying traffickers to build an empire. As DEA agent Kiki Camarena moves his wife and young son from California to Guadalajara to take on a new post, he learns his assignment is more challenging than he imagined. A tragic chain of events unfolds as Camarena gains intelligence on Gallardo and becomes more entangled in the mission. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Dionna interviews her sister, Elena Eshleman, and gets some updates about her creative pursuits, recent mindset shifts, and Elena's run in with one of her idols, Katja Blichfeld!Please rate/review on iTunes and subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already!To follow Elena, find her at www.elenaeshleman.com, or on Instagram @elenaeshlemanTo follow Dionna, find her at www.dionnaeshleman.com, on The Nourished Actor Podcast Facebook page, or on Instagram @thenourishedactorFor full show notes, visit the podcast at http://thenourishedactor.buzzsprout.comThis show is sponsored by my Beautycounter business! To support the podcast AND upgrade to safer, healthier skincare and makeup, shop with me through Beautycounter. Swapping out toxic personal care products is a simple, easy way to start creating a healthier, sustainable lifestyle. Click here to support the podcast.

Find out more about High Maintenance on IG: https://www.instagram.com/helpingyoum... LAMARKS and TAz are not doctors, but they will provide poetic prescriptions for any problem that ails you or this strange planet. Ars Poetica is a woman-owned international poetic agency. Learn more at arspoetica.us and book our poets for all your poetic needs. Directed, shot, and edited by Kearah-Armonie (https://www.instagram.com/kearmonie/) Music by Abhilasha Sinha (https://www.instagram.com/abhilasha_s...) Thanks to Freehand Hotels and Smile Radio for hosting us in their beautiful NYC recording studio! https://www.arspoetica.us/dailydose

Co-creator, writer and director of HBO’s High Maintenance, Katja Blichfeld shares the agony and ecstasy of what has been a lifetime of coming to terms with her queerness. After going to an Evangelical Christian school as a child, Katja deeply struggled to honor the natural impulses of her sexuality. In her mid-thirties, during her marriage to High Maintenance Co-Creator Ben Sinclair, a full-on depression (amidst the height of her career success and her dream job) propelled Katja to claim the truth of who she was. Now, with a skip in her step and in love with a woman, the baker-turned-casting director-turned-TV empresario vouches for the beauty of following your heart, twists and turns included. “It took me almost 40 years before I could be comfortable with the fact I'm a queer person...and because of my religious indoctrination, I think I was unable to be truthful with myself about who I really was and what kind of a life I wanted to live. That's the biggest way that rules and the binary and this whole notion of right and wrong have harmed me.” This episode is brought to you by Olie Biologique. Olie delivers the nutrients your skin craves fast. Save 20% with the code STYLELIKEU20 at https://www.amazon.com/oliebiologique.

Season Finale High Maintenance (HBO)The Guy is a nameless marijuana dealer in Brooklyn who delivers his goods via bicycle to stressed-out clients across New York City, who try to savour the highs of life in an increasingly volatile world. While dropping off weed to his customers, he makes brief appearances in their lives to get a glimpse at their daily routines, allowing viewers to explore the existences of intriguing, colorful individuals from all walks of life. The comedy series stars Ben Sinclair, who created the show with then-wife Katja Blichfeld, as The Guy. Series FinaleCatastrophe (Amazon Prime)During a business trip in London, an American named Rob meets Sharon, an Irish teacher with whom he shares incredible chemistry. While the two plan to have some fun with no strings attached, things go awry when Sharon learns she is pregnant. The unexpected news inspires the recent acquaintances to try and make it as a couple, despite nonstop complications that include hailing from different countries and a pregnancy that is not without risks. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney play the starring roles and write the series. Miniseries PremiereManhunt (Acorn TV)Looking at the work of Colin Sutton, who was the senior investigating officer in the hunt for Levi Bellfield, the killer of Marsha McDonnell, Amelie Delagrange and Milly Dowler in the early 2000s. Series PremieresShrill (Hulu)Annie is a full-figured woman who wants to change her life -- but not her body; she is trying to start her career while juggling bad boyfriends, a sick parent and a perfectionist boss.Turn Up Charlie (Netflix)Struggling DJ and eternal bachelor Charlie is given a final chance at success when he reluctantly becomes a manny to his famous best friend's problem-child daughter, Gabby. Season PremieresBillions (Showtime)Wealth, influence and corruption collide in this drama set in New York. Shrewd U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades is embroiled in a high-stakes game of predator vs. prey with Bobby Axelrod, an ambitious hedge-fund king. To date, Rhoades has never lost an insider trading case -- he's 81-0 -- but when criminal evidence turns up against Axelrod, he proceeds cautiously in building the case against Axelrod, who employs Rhoades' wife, psychiatrist Wendy, as a performance coach for his company. Wendy, who has been in her position longer than Chuck has been in his, refuses to give up her career for her husband's legal crusade against Axelrod. Both men use their intelligence, power and influence to outmaneuver the other in this battle over billions. The Good Fight (CBS All Access)The CBS All Access series picks up one year after the events in the final episode of "The Good Wife." After a financial scam destroys the reputation of young lawyer Maia Rindell and wipes out her mentor and godmother Diane Lockhart's savings, the two are forced out of Lockhart & Lee and join forces with Lucca Quinn at one of Chicago's pre-eminent law firms. At Reddick, Boseman & Kolstad, Diane finds familiar faces, including Colin Morrello, who is a rising star in the state's attorney's office, and Marissa Gold. Though starting at the bottom, Diane and Maia are determined to rebuild their careers and lives at the new firm. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Special! Guest! Time! This week, Liz and Ben are joined by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the creators of "High Maintenance," because it is a great show and you should watch it, and also because the show's journey from web shorts to HBO is a fascinating one.

How are we feeling about weed? On this week's show, we talk to Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld of HBO's High Maintenance, Jia Tolentino, Aminatou Sow, Allison P. Davis, Nazanin Rafsanjani, Alex Blumberg, and many more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the midst of an award-winning career as a casting director, Katja Blichfeld began a little side project with her then husband, Ben Sinclair—a project that would eventually evolve into the mega hit HBO show spinning sweet New York vignettes (plus a weed dealer), High Maintenance. With the series now in its third season, Katja is exploring her own story a lot more closely, too, confronting relationships, identity, new projects, and what it takes to live a life authentic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

[Life After Downton, Episode 5] - At long last, it's a new world on HBO, as multiple new shows with women at the helm populate the line-up. Up first, we dive deep into co-creator Lisa Joy's Westworld: is it the new LOST? The new Game of Thrones? Or something altogether fresh? We may not have the answers yet, but we are in the saddle for this journey! Next, we move on to the new half-hour shows from past faves Sharon Horgan and Issa Rae. We want to love everything these women do, but sadly only one is warming our hearts this time.... Finally, we share some fabulous things, including praise for the oddball of HBO's current offerings (co-created by another pioneering lady, Katja Blichfeld), and a serious rift over the newest season of a trendy drama just out on Netflix. Sidle up to the saloon bar for a whiskey and join us for the latest episode of Downton Gabby!

Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld are the creators of the web-turned-HBO series High Maintenance. (Ben also plays “The Guy,” the show’s pot peddler.) On Nerdette, Katja and Ben talk about how the show has changed now that it’s an HBO production, why the simplest episodes are the most effective, and how they love to talk to strangers.

Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair (HBO's "High Maintenance") tell us about their creative influences (beyond, you know, the obvious one). Plus, hosts Gazelle Emami, Matt Zoller Seitz and Jen Chaney share their scariest childhood (and adult) TV moments.

This week we catch up with Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the husband-and-wife team behind “High Maintenance,” HBO’s new show (which was just renewed for a second season) about a weed dealer in New York. It's billed as a stoner comedy, but the show is actually about the vulnerability of life in the city, and we swap stories about the moments we've felt most alive in New York. Then, in honor of “The Magnificent Seven” topping the weekend box office, our beloved colleague Nikole Hannah-Jones joins to break down her all-time favorite Denzel Washington performances. Wesley has a list too.

Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, the creators, writers, and directors of web-series High Maintenance discuss their emotional writing process, keeping their trusted collaborators, the stories that interest them, and more. High Maintenance makes its premiere on HBO on September 16. All past episodes will then be available on HBOGo.

Jesse sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. He tells us about how addiction is made explicit in his movie, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, how he really feels about Larry Bird and about his own very serious addiction.... to Air Jordans. Jesse also talks to Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair. Katja is a casting director who previously won an Emmy for her work on 30 Rock; Ben Sinclair is an actor. The two are a married couple, and created the webseries High Maintenance. The show follows a New York City marijuana delivery guy as he visits his various clients. MTV2's Wonder Showzen looked like a kids' show. But it wasn't. It really, really, wasn't. Jesse tells us why Wonder Showzen is his favorite TV satire of the past decade.

Watching TV — especially when it isn't, strictly speaking, on TV — has gotten complicated. It's not just “should I be staring at a screen for this many hours of the day?” or "I am having 'House of Cards' nightmares." It's that there are so many choices, content-related and otherwise. Sometimes it's hard to sort through them.  We want to help you watch online TV better: better shows to watch, better ways to watch, and, to offer up a little guidance on the thorny questions of what to pay for. Hopefully, this week's podcast lightens the conscience of your inner couch potato.  Our conversation with Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, the creators of "High Maintenance," points the way. They've chosen to put their show exclusively online in a bargain that bestows artistic freedom but leaves them kinda broke. We also talk to our friend, Arwa Gunja, otherwise known as "The Streamstress."   One of the questions that came up: Is it OK to share log-in information with people outside of your household?If you're like 46 percent of HBO Go/Netflix/Hulu Plus/WatchESPN/Amazon Prime Instant Video watchers, you have too. The CEO of HBO Go may or may not care. There's a shaky, complicated, really, really big debate out there.  After we wrapped the taping of our show craving even more certainty, we posed the question to a whole bunch of people who think about the bright lines of acceptable behavior — a priest, an imam, a Supreme Court justice (she very politely declined), and more... Matt Kilmer, Music Coordinator and composer for ‘Louie': "...If you live with two roommates, it's fine to have one account between you all, and likewise with family living under one roof. However, if you are sharing a password with your old best friend from high school who lives on the opposite coast as you, then that's crossing the line IMO...$7.99/mo isn't breaking the bank for anyone who owns a device capable of streaming from any of these services." Marci Auld Glass, pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho: "I personally share my Netflix and HBO account with my son who is at college. If any other family asked me, I would likely share with them too. I haven't had friends ask me, but I would be less likely to do that, I think... I am not sure I have an objection to sharing digital media. I purchase my digital music and video, and am happy to do so. I understand why companies would put limits on how many “devices” can be used by one account. They need to make money."  Mitra Kaboli, senior producer of 'The Heart': "For the last few years, honestly more than I can remember, I've been using an old lover of mine's Netflix account... Ethically, I have no problem with this. It's such a small sum of money and I feel like Netflix acknowledges that accounts are shared so I don't feel any moral qualms. The larger issue was if he got a new credit card, so I could no longer continue my 'Orange is the New Black' binge... Sometimes I got paranoid that these were passive aggressive messages aimed at me. Although, I'm certain they are not. He shared that account with seven or so people." Mustafa Umar, Director of Education and Outreach at the Islamic Institute of Orange County, California: "Sharing a password to copyrighted material is a gray area because it violates the intellectual property and copyright laws which you agreed to in the terms of service when signing up for the service. However, at the same time, it is not always directly harming anyone since that property is not transferred from one owner to the next. Given this circumstance, it comes down to the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law. I would only share a password if the person wanted to view the movie with the intention of buying it or renting it, since there would be potential benefit for the copyright holder."  We're collecting more. What do you think? Where do you draw your moral lines in the digital sand? Subscribe to the New Tech City podcast on iTunes, or on Stitcher, TuneIn, or via RSS feed. 

Jesse talks to acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. Spike tells us about his new movie, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, how he really feels about Larry Bird and about his own very serious addiction.... to Air Jordans. Later Jesse sits down with Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair. The couple created the series High Maintenance, a "not on television" show that follows a New York City marijuana delivery guy as he visits his various clients. Plus, Jesse tells us about the best satire of the last ten years, MTV 2's Wonder Showzen.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Live from Cinefamily in Los Angeles, Doug welcomes HIGH MAINTENANCE stars Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld and comedians Seth Herzog and Kurt Braunohler to the show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Vimeo Headquarters in Manhattan, this week I am joined by the wonderful and remarkable Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair. K + B are the creators of the great TV show / web series High Maintenance. I am a huge fan and was really excited to talk to them about creating the show, creating things in general, working together, working in general, and much much more. High Maintenance can be found on Vimeo, with brand new episodes going up February 5th 2015. Enjoy them all! UPDATE: High Maintenance is now on HBO. Watch it!

One today's episode I talk to writer and performer Ben Sinclair. Ben's name may not be instantly recognizable but for fans of High Maintenance, which is one of the best webseries out there - and would certainly be among the best TV shows if it were on TV - you'll instantly know him as the series anonymous weed dealer The Guy. Not only does Ben star in the show, but along with his wife (and former Beginnings guest) Katja Blichfeld, he's also the co-creator and co-writer of the show, as well as the editor, one of the directors...and heck, I'm sure he's even taken care of craft services at some point.This is the website for Beginnings, subscribe on iTunes, follow me on Twitter.

Katja Blichfeld is the brains behind Vimeo’s popular new web series “High Maintenance," which features New Yorkers in all their strange glory. Katja and her husband write, direct and produce the show and they recently were awarded a 2015 Writers Guild Award for their episode "Rachel." But Katja's first love was casting. In 2014, she won an Emmy for her casting on 30 Rock. But success didn't happen overnight for Katja. In this interview, she shares the ups and downs--and all the delightful moments in between--of her journey.

(Director, writer and actor) Along with his wife Katja Blichfeld and friend Russell Gregory, he has created the web series about a weed delivery guy in NY, High Maintenance, which is now funded by Vimeo as they move toward a netflix-style model of original content. Creativity, freelance life, procrastinating, new media, and sooo much more. //Alex Gjerpen jumps in to partially co-host the last half. High Maintenance ......................................................................... GET MORE INVOLVED! Visit my site for my photography, videos, more podcasts, and to join the discussion! StudioDonovan.com   FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram   |  Tumblr  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Vimeo     SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW:iTunes  |  Stitcher  |  RSS Feed  Please remember to rate and review so others can find the podcast as well!   SPONSORS• AMAZON: Remember to bookmark the page! Amazon will donate a portion of the profits to the show whenever you use this link or the bookmark!  • ZIPCAR: Vroom Vroom!!! Get $25 of free driving from ZipCar! Join today!  • PATREON: Donate to the show monthly!  • DONATE DIRECTLY: Want to donate directly to the show? Safely use your Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx card to donate today!

Shane and Pauly interview Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, the co-creators of High Maintenance, which is a critically acclaimed web series about a weed delivery guy in NYC who encounters an eclectic pastiche of customers and characters. This interview was conducted at Thank You for Coming in Atwater Village.

On today's show, I talk to writer and casting director Katja Blichfeld. Originally from California, Katja moved to New York to pursue a career in casting and worked on all seven seasons of 30 Rock, garnering an Emmy for her work. She's also cast a number of other shows, including The Carrie Diaries and the Battlestar Galactica prequel Caprica. Outside of casting, Katja is also the co-creator of the highly-acclaimed webseries High Maintenance. Created with her husband Ben Sinclair, the show is now in development at a major cable network.Check out the website for Beginnings, subscribe on iTunes, follow me on Twitter!

On this episode of Beginnings: Field Guide, we talk about casting with Katja Blichfeld. For beginning – and even seasoned – actors, the world of casting can seem incredibly random and opaque.  To walk us through the ways in which casting contributes to the creative process of a project, we talked with Katja, who has cast a number of features and shows, including the The Carrie Diaries, as well as the entire run of 30 Rock.As well as the ins and outs of casting, Katja shares with us some stories from the early days of 30 Rock, we chat about the possibility of non-cynical networking, plus there's movie talk with the gang as we hit up Rocky, The Shining and Whore's Glory; and Mark and Andy discuss their humiliating commercial auditions in the wrap-up!Subscribe on iTunes and leave a review! And why not follow Andy and Mark on Twitter?