Pop Culture Confidential

513: A Conversation About Lena Dunham's New Memoir 'Famesick' (Guest: Sophia Ciminello)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:21:00 -0000

Lena Dunham’s 'Famesick' is here! On this episode, Christina is joined by Sophia Ciminello (AwardsWatch, Oscar Wilde podcast) to unpack the much-anticipated memoir and explore Dunham’s cultural impact.

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512: Cannes Film Festival 2026 Preview (Guest: Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:48:00 -0000

Sachs, Farhadi, Almodóvar, Pawlikowski, Kore-eda, Hamaguchi, Mungiu and many more! Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com joins Christina to preview the Cannes Film Festival 2026, featuring an incredible lineup of films and filmmakers.

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511: A Conversation With Writer/Director Mary Bronstein ('If I Had Legs I'd Kick You')

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:49:00 -0000

The brilliant writer/director Mary Bronstein joins Christina to discuss her film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. The film is a raw and revelatory exploration of motherhood, anchored by an incredible, Oscar-nominated performance by Rose Byrne.

Christina and Mary Bronstein dive into where Mary was in her life when she began writing the film, how she and Rose Byrne developed the character of Linda, the ongoing taboos surrounding motherhood and so much more.

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510: 'The Drama,' the Oscars Move, Scorsese & More. A Grab Bag Episode (Guest: Ryan McQuade)

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:12:00 -0000

This episode, Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina for a grab bag of news, reviews, and all manner of good stuff! They dive into 'Project Hail Mary', 'The Drama', Colbert taking on Tolkien, the Oscars venue move, Scorsese’s book adaptation, Supergirl, the Harry Potter TV series, and so much more. Listen now!

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509: Director Weronika Tofilska. Exploring Existential Themes, 'Baby Reindeer', and Netflix’s 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen'.

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:17:00 -0000

Emmy-nominated director Weronika Tofilska joins Christina to discuss her bold, existential storytelling, from the wildly successful Baby Reindeer to her latest project, Netflix’s chilling horror series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen (exec-produced by the Duffer Brothers and starring Camila Morrone, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Ted Levine).

They dive into her creative journey, the terrifying twists on marriage and soulmates in the series, Lynchian influences, and what it’s like to craft horror.

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508: We Recap the 2026 Academy Awards! (With Guest Ryan McQuade)

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:16:00 -0000

Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch joins Christina to recap last night’s 2026 Academy Awards (and cap off a long season!)
One Battle After Another’s biggest wins, Sinners' successes, the surprises, emotional highlights, and so much more

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507: Our 2026 Oscar Predictions! Guest Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:56:00 -0000

Join us as we dive into the 2026 Oscar predictions! Christina is thrilled to be joined by Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch.com. This year has brought us outstanding films, incredible performances, and one of the most unpredictable awards seasons we’ve seen in a long time. Listen as we discuss our predictions on who will take home the gold this year

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506: The State of the Oscar Race. BAFTAs, PGAs & the Actor Awards with Ryan McQuade

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:54:00 -0000

The race is alive! We’re just about ten days away from the Oscars, and things are heating up on the precursor front. The BAFTAs were last weekend, and this weekend brought the PGAs and the Actor Awards (the awards formerly known as the SAG Awards). Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch joins Christina to break down what it all means for Oscar night!

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505: Oscar Nominated Costume Designer Malgosia Turzanska on Designing Hamnet

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:44:00 -0000

Christina is joined by 2026 Oscar nominated costume designer Malgosia Turzanska, celebrated for her extraordinary work on Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. Known for her unforgettable costumes in Train Dreams, Stranger Things, The Green Knight, X, Pearl, and more, Malgosia takes us deep into her art and the creative journey behind one of the year’s most talked-about films.

They discuss the rich research behind Elizabethan clothing, the intimate storytelling within the Shakespeare family, and her concept of “emotional dressing,” where every detail carries meaning. From Agnes’ striking reds in Jessie Buckley’s Oscar nominated performance, to the protective padding worn by Shakespeare’s mother, portrayed by Emily Watson, to Will Shakespeare’s (Paul Mescal) ink-stained fingers, and much more.

Plus, what Malgosia herself will be wearing to the Oscars!

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504. Inside Train Dreams: A Conversation with Writer-Director Clint Bentley

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:51:00 -0000

Writer and director Clint Bentley joins Christina to discuss his acclaimed film Train Dreams, one of the most beautiful and celebrated films of the season! Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture, the film recently earned Bentley Best Director and Best Feature at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.

The conversation explores how Train Dreams came together, the character of Robert Grainier (brought to life through a deeply anchored performance by Joel Edgerton ) as well as Nick Cave’s influence, themes of grief and memory, what it means to be a tender man in a changing world, and much more.

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503: Arian Moayed Returns! On Working with Malala, 'Wonder Man', the 'Succession' Family & the Urgency of Art

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:04:00 -0000

The endlessly inspiring Arian Moayed is back on the show and it is, as always, an absolute blast. The actor, director, and producer joins Christina to talk about his exciting new Marvel series Wonder Man and co-producing the documentary Champions of the Golden Valley with Malala Yousafzai. They also talk NYC Mayor Mamdani and keeping up with his “Succession family.” Who really wins the Succession group text chain?

Arian opens up about making art accessible to everyone, the mission behind his work with Waterwell, and how storytelling can create real change.

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502: Revisit! Alexander Skarsgård on Pillion, Career Highlights & Creative Risks (Live from Stockholm Film Festival)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:51:00 -0000

Encore episode! Alexander Skarsgård talks Pillion, career, and more.

With Pillion now premiering widely (the wonderful, warm, and emotional BDSM rom-com co starring Harry Melling) we revisit Christina’s wide ranging conversation with Alexander Skarsgård, recorded at the Stockholm International Film Festival in November 2026.

They talk Pillion, the research behind the role, highlights from his career, campaigning at the same time as his father Stellan Skarsgård, fashion, and much more.

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501: Breaking Down the 2026 BAFTA & WGA Nominations (Guest Eoin Daly)

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:39:00 -0000

Awards season 2026 continues to steamroll ahead. Just days after the Oscar nominations, the BAFTA and WGA nominations have arrived. To help break it all down, Christina is joined by Eoin Daly, co-host of the Shhh, My Stories Are On! podcast, as they discuss the biggest talking points, surprises, and what these nominations could mean for the rest of the awards season.

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Episode 500: Breaking Down the 2026 Oscar Nominations! (Guest: Ryan McQuade)

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 18:17:00 -0000

Christina & Ryan McQuade (of AwardsWatch.com) break down the 2026 Oscar nominations, diving into the biggest surprises, snubs, historic milestones, and what it all means for the race ahead!

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499: Our Most Anticipated Movies 2026 (Guests Jay Ledbetter & Ryan McQuade)

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:08:00 -0000

2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for cinema, from visionary auteurs to indie gems and everything in between.
Christina is joined by Jay Ledbetter and Ryan McQuade from the Director Watch Podcast for a massive breakdown of the movies they can’t wait to see in 2026. Plus a special appearance by Sophia Ciminello of AwardsWatch.com!

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498: A Conversation with Production Designer Fiona Crombie on Hamnet, Love, Grief, and Shakespeare

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:20:00 -0000

In this episode of Pop Culture Confidential, Christina sits down with prize-winning production designer Fiona Crombie, whose work has shaped some of the most visually striking films of recent years.

They talk in depth about Crombie’s breathtaking production design for Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley as William and Agnes Shakespeare. From intimate domestic spaces to the recreation of the legendary Globe Theatre, Crombie reveals how she brought emotion and lived-in detail into the spaces she designed

Fiona Crombie was Oscar-nominated for her production design on Lanthimos The Favourite and has also collaborated with Bong Joon-ho (Mickey 17), Ari Aster (Beau Is Afraid), and many other acclaimed filmmakers.

This conversation was recorded just after Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress win at the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, and as Hamnet itself took home Best Picture Drama.

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497. Golden Globes 2026 Reactions! The Wins & the Surprises. (Guest Ryan McQuade)

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:30:00 -0000

Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) to break down the Golden Globes 2026! The winners, the losers, the speeches, the cringe... and what it all means for the Oscars race.

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496: Critics Choice Awards Instant Reactions With Christina Birro & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:03:00 -0000

For the first episode of the year, Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) to recap the Critics Choice Awards 2026, the first televised awards show of the season! Fresh off attending the ceremony, they break down what it was like on the ground, the night’s biggest wins, standout moments, and the industry buzz coming out of the show. It was a huge night for One Battle After Another, Sinners, and more as awards season officially kicks into high gear.

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495: Counting Down Our 20 Best Movies of 2025 (Guest: Ryan McQuade)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:53:00 -0000

It’s a huge episode! Ryan McQuade ( Executive Editor, AwardsWatch) joins Christina as they countdown their 20 best movies of 2025. What a year of cinema it has been!

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494: Our Reactions to the Latest Critics Awards, Critics Choice, Globes Nominations & the Road to the Oscars (w/ Ryan McQuade)

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:20:00 -0000

Awards season is officially in full swing! Prizes and nominations are rolling in from critics groups, the Critics Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, and more. It’s been one announcement after another and we’re breaking it all down.

Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) to recap and dig into the surprises, the snubs, and the contenders gaining momentum. From PTA and Sinners to Sentimental Value, Amy Madigan, and many more, they explore where things stand now....and what it all might mean for the Oscars!

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493: Alexander Skarsgård. Live Interview from the Stockholm International Film Festival

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 11:31:00 -0000

This week’s episode is a special one: Christina’s interview with actor/producer Alexander Skarsgård! The interview was recorded live at the Stockholm International Film Festival (Nov 2025), where he received the 2025 Stockholm Achievement Award.
The audience was packed and about to see Alexander’s fantastic new film Pillion. In this wide-ranging conversation they talk about the movie, the research behind his wildly funny and emotional new rom-com with BDSM themes, career highlights, campaigning at the same time as Stellan, fashion, and much more.

You can also watch the interview on the Stockholm Film Festival’s YouTube channel or on the Pop Culture Confidential YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0pQyGajgvU&t=1s

Photos courtesy of Anton Isiukov: https://www.antonisiukov.com

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492: The Biggest Pop Culture Moments of 2025! (Guest Ryan McQuade)

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:37:00 -0000

2025 was a year in pop culture like no other! Celebrities “went to space,” Kendrick blew our minds at the Super Bowl, demons were hunted, SNL turned 50, and kiss cams caused chaos. It was a massive year for film and TV, packed with moments that had everyone talking. We also said goodbye to some of the biggest names in the industry.

Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch joins Christina as they each count down the biggest, most talked-about, and wildest pop culture moments of 2025.

Don’t miss it!

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491: The Top Movie Performances of 2025 (with Guest Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch)

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:21:00 -0000

As we head into the final weeks of the year, we couldn’t resist diving into the incredible performances that have already defined 2025.
It’s been an extraordinary year at the movies, full of bold artistic swings, deeply emotional turns, and career-making work across the board. In this episode, Christina is thrilled to be joined by Erik Anderson, editor-in-chief of AwardsWatch, to breakdown the Top 10 Acting Performances of 2025.
Together, they dig into the roles that moved and surprised them & the ones that made them laugh and cry. They also take a close look at what these standout performances could mean in terms of awards season.
And of course, a few honorable mentions that absolutely deserve their moment in the spotlight.

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490: A Conversation with Michael Strassner, Writer and Star of ‘The Baltimorons’

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:23:00 -0000

Christina talks with writer/actor/comedian Michael Strassner about his new film The Baltimorons, directed by Jay Duplass, a story shaped by the spirit of Baltimore and the most personal chapters of Strassner’s own life.
They talk about blending humor and drama, how Strassner channels his personal history, including struggles with addiction, recovery, and self-reinvention, into the story. He also discusses the film’s unexpected romance, having his own family in the film, and much more.
The Baltimorons won the Audience Award at South by Southwest 2025.

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489: Benny Safdie. Live Interview from the Stockholm International Film Festival

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:36:00 -0000

This week’s episode is a special one: Christina’s interview with writer and director Benny Safdie at the Stockholm International Film Festival (Nov 2025), where he was also honored with the Stockholm Visionary Award. They discuss his filmmaking process, his obsessive characters, The Smashing Machine, working with Paul Thomas Anderson and Christopher Nolan, and much more.

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488: Coming Attractions: End of the Year Movie Roundup (Guest Ryan McQuade)

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:37:00 -0000

It’s preview time! Christina is once again joined by critic Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) to preview the most exciting movie titles coming to theaters and streaming for the rest of the year! From awards hopefuls like Hamnet and Marty Supreme, to blockbuster titles like Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash, to Train Dreams, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and much more!

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487: A Conversation with Rebecca Miller . On 'Mr. Scorsese', Her Portrait of the Filmmaker

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:45:00 -0000

Filmmaker Rebecca Miller joins Christina to talk about her remarkable new series Mr. Scorsese , a five-part portrait of Martin Scorsese, now streaming on Apple TV+. The series offers a rare and intimate look at the legendary director’s creative process, his lifelong relationship with cinema, and the people and experiences that have shaped his extraordinary career.

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486: A Conversation With Gustaf Skarsgård ('To Cook A Bear')

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:10:00 -0000

In this episode, Christina talks with actor Gustaf Skarsgård, who is powerful in the historical crime drama To Cook a Bear(Hulu/Disney+), based on the bestselling novel by Mikael Niemi. They discuss embodying the Pastor, a fascinating, paradoxical character inspired by the real Lars Levi Laestadius, a man caught between faith, science, and survival in 1850s Sweden. The story weaves together themes of polarization, racism, class, and belief within a haunting detective mystery set against the stark northern wilderness.

They also talk about Skarsgård’s thoughtful approach to acting — how he chooses his roles, from Oppenheimer to Soderbergh’s Black Bag to his upcoming role as Wallander — and how he has found more sustainable ways of working and living after past struggles with addiction.

Don’t miss!

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485: Awards Season Heats Up: Contenders & Predictions / Plus: Rebecca Miller’s Mr. Scorsese (Guest: Ryan McQuade)

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:01:00 -0000

We’re diving into the state of the awards season race! Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com joins us to break down the latest contenders and predictions. Then, a discussion on Rebecca Miller’s Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV+), a new five-part docuseries about the legendary filmmaker himself.

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484: From One Battle After Another and Hamnet to Sentimental Value and Weapons - The 2025 Cinematic Trend: Parenthood on Film (Guest: Critic J. Don Birnam)

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:45:00 -0000

From One Battle After Another, Jay Kelly, Hamnet, and Weapons, to Sentimental Value and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and more, filmmakers this year can’t seem to escape one theme: parents. Guilt, loss, and legacy are everywhere on screen this year. Are directors today reckoning with themselves as parents rather than with their own parents? We dive into all of it — and more.

Christina is joined by film critic J. Don Birnam (@awards_predix) to unpack one of 2025’s defining cinematic trends — parenting, responsibility, and what it means to parent (or be parented) in a changing world.

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483: Becoming Aunt Gladys: The Makeup & Special Effects Behind Weapons (Guests: Artisans Leo Satkovich & Jason Collins)

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 04:07:00 -0000

We’re pulling back the curtain on one of modern horror’s most unforgettable new icons: Aunt Gladys from Zach Cregger’s smash hit Weapons. Christina is joined by makeup department head Leo Satkovich and special makeup effects designer Jason Collins, the brilliant team behind her terrifying transformation.

They explore how Aunt Gladys was brought to life: from drawing inspiration in Cindy Sherman’s photography and John Waters’ Pink Flamingos to perfecting the haunting look worn and played to perfection by Amy Madigan. They dig into the gory details — THAT potato peeler, wrangling a mob of kids, and much more.

The conversation even dares to imagine a prequel Aunt Gladys, picturing a younger version in all her unsettling glory. And of course, the artists share exclusive Halloween costume tips straight from their own toolkit.

Listen now!

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482: A Conversation with Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Breakout Star of 'Sentimental Value'

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:54:00 -0000

In this episode, Christina is joined by rising star Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, recently named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch, to talk about her role as Agnes in Joachim Trier’s Oscar-contending drama Sentimental Value. The film, also starring Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, and Elle Fanning, explores family, identity, and the complicated bond between two sisters and their father.

Inga shares what it was like working with Trier and Skarsgård, the intensity of filming a pivotal emotional scene with Renate Reinsve, and how audiences around the world are connecting with the film’s themes.

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481: “One Battle After Another” — Paul Thomas Anderson’s Cinematic Knockout (with Guest Ryan McQuade)

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:38:00 -0000

A Modern Masterpiece! Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com to dive into Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti, and Benicio Del Toro. Edge-of-your-seat, urgent, and timely, Anderson’s bold filmmaking delivers a cinematic experience like no other. Join us for a deep dive into one of the year’s most anticipated films. Spoilers.

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480: A Conversation with Writer-Director Joachim Trier, 'Sentimental Value', Family & Relationships

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:44:00 -0000

Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value is the talk of the season, and Christina sits down with the acclaimed Norwegian director to dig into it. Featuring Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning, the film has already won the Grand Prix at Cannes, charmed audiences on the festival circuit, and is quickly becoming an Oscar favorite. Christina and Trier dive into its rich themes — family roles, complicated relationships, and the deeply personal ideas at its heart.

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479: And the Emmy Goes To… 2025 Emmys Predictions! (Guest Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch)

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:01:00 -0000

Hollywood turns its spotlight on television’s biggest night this Sunday — the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards! Christina is joined by Tyler Doster, TV Editor at AwardsWatch.com, to predict the major categories and discuss potential surprises and upsets. From The Pitt and Severance to The Studio and Adolescence, which shows and stars will walk away with Emmy gold?

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478: Telluride Dispatch: Hamnet, Jay Kelly, Bugonia & the Performances to Watch (Guests: The AwardsWatch Team)

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:40:00 -0000

All new Pop Culture Confidential: Telluride Dispatch!
What a festival! Together with each of the incredible AwardsWatch.com team, we dive into the biggest conversations at Telluride — from Hamnet, Jay Kelly, Bugonia, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, to the Springsteen biopic 🎸 and much more!

We explore the themes running through this year’s line-up — fathers and daughters, regret, redemption, motherhood, and the power of art — plus highlight standout performances from Jessie Buckley, Renate Reinsve, Rose Byrne, Stellan Skarsgård, and Jeremy Allen White.

With Ryan McQuade, Mark Johnson, Erik Anderson, Sophia Ciminello, and Jorge (a.k.a. J. Don Birnam) bringing their reviews and festival insights, this Telluride dispatch is full of reviews, festival buzz, and Oscar talk.

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477: Bruce Springsteen at the Movies: Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere (w/ Ryan McQuade)

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:48:00 -0000

This week, Christina welcomes Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) for a deep dive into Bruce Springsteen on film — including a look ahead at Deliver Me From Nowhere, the highly anticipated biopic starring Jeremy Allen White. From the Malick-inspired Nebraska to iconic soundtrack moments, we explore Springsteen’s cinematic inspirations and how his music continues to live on the big screen.

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Episode 476: Zach Cregger’s Weapons – Review & Deep Dive (Guest: Ryan McQuade)

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:30:00 -0000

In this episode, we dive into the phenomenon of Weapons, filmmaker Zach Cregger’s latest hit. From the success of Barbarian to this ambitious follow-up, Cregger has quickly become one of the most exciting names in horror.

I’m joined by Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) to break down our reactions to Weapons — the scares, the themes, the filmmaking, and the cinematic influences and nods to PTA, Lynch, Tarantino, and more.

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475: The State of Cinema, 'Weapons', Nolan Fever, Telluride & More with Guest Sean Fennessey, The Big Picture

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:27:00 -0000

Christina welcomes back one of the sharpest voices in film — Sean Fennessey of The Big Picture — for a wide ranging conversation on the year in movies so far and what’s next. From Weapons and the horror/genre boom to box office shocks, Nolan fever, political storytelling, their Telluride predictions — and plenty more!

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474: 'Darkness Visible' – A New Book on Jonathan Glazer & Venice Film Festival Highlights (With Author And Critic John Bleasdale)

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:15:00 -0000

Author and critic John Bleasdale joins Christina to discuss his excellent new book, Darkness Visible: The Cinema of Jonathan Glazer—a deep dive into the work of the visionary director behind Sexy Beast, Birth, Under the Skin, and The Zone of Interest.
They also break down the exciting 2025 Venice Film Festival line-up, featuring Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt starring Julia Roberts, Kathryn Bigelow’s latest, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, and much more.

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473: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Cancelled — What It Means for Late Night. Plus Film Festival Lineups & Emmy Nom Reactions! (with guest Ryan McQuade)

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:31:00 -0000

The industry was rocked by the news that CBS is cancelling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and ending the franchise entirely in 2026. While CBS claims it’s purely a financial decision, speculation is swirling — including questions about political pressure.

Christina is joined by AwardsWatch’s Ryan McQuade to unpack Colbert’s exit — and whether this marks the beginning of the end for traditional late night as we know it.

They also discuss Emmy nomination surprises as well as the latest lineup announcements from TIFF and Venice. Plus, Ryan’s reactions to the 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' trailer & 'The Fantastic Four'. A jam-packed episode!

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472: Summer Encore — Taylor Dearden on ‘The Pitt,’ Medical Boot Camp & Crafting Dr. Mel King

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:36:00 -0000

As Emmy nominations approach, we’re revisiting one of our standout conversations of the year!

Actor Taylor Dearden delivers a powerful performance as Dr. Mel King in The Pitt, the gripping medical drama now streaming on HBO Max.

In this encore episode, Taylor joins Christina to talk about filming the intense series, medical boot camp, how her ADHD shaped her performance, working with Noah Wyle, and much more.

Don’t miss this interview with one of the season’s most talked-about breakout stars!

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471: The Odyssey Teaser, Summer Movie Reviews & More (Guest: Ryan McQuade)

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:16:00 -0000

From film news to fresh reviews — it’s a packed week on the show.
We’re diving into some of the biggest releases of the summer, including 28 Years Later, Jurassic World: Rebirth, F1, The Materialists, and Eddington.
Plus, we break down Nolan’s The Odyssey teaser, the latest on the Social Network sequel, and Denis Villeneuve taking on 007.
With special guest Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch).

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470: Actor Alexej Manvelov — On His Standout Performance as Akram in 'Dept. Q' and His Remarkable Journey

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:32:00 -0000

We’re thrilled to welcome actor Alexej Manvelov to the show. His standout portrayal of Akram in Netflix’s hit Dept. Q has made the character one of this season’s most acclaimed and beloved.

In Scott Frank’s adaptation of the bestselling novels, Manvelov plays Akram, a former Syrian police officer and refugee who joins Edinburgh’s cold-case unit alongside Detective Carl Mørck (Matthew Goode). His subtle, magnetic performance has made Akram both a fan favorite and a critical standout.

Manvelov shares with Christina how he built the role, the choices behind key scenes, and his remarkable personal journey — from growing up in the Soviet Union to immigrating to Sweden at age ten, and pursuing his acting dreams while working night shifts.

With acclaimed roles in Top Dog and Chernobyl, his turn in Dept. Q cements Manvelov as one of today’s most captivating screen talents.

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469: Summer Screams —Horror Thrives in the Heat (with Guest Eoin Daly)

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:48:00 -0000

Summer may not be the official spooky season, but it’s long been a surprisingly perfect time for horror. From the 1975 release of Jaws—which turns 50 this year!—to Poltergeist, Friday the 13th, and A24’s Hereditary andMidsommar, horror has thrived under the summer sun.
Now, summer 2025 is shaping up to be another standout season for the genre, with titles like 28 Years Later, M3GAN 2.0, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Together, Weapons, and more.
Film enthusiast and theatre technician (dresser) Eoin Daly joins Christina to explore why horror works so well in the summer—and what terrifying highlights await us this year. Eoin is a lifelong fan of cinema, both classic and contemporary.

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468: Best Films of the Decade (So Far!) with Guest Ryan McQuade

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:18:00 -0000

On this episode, Christina is joined by writer and critic Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) for the fun (and difficult!) exercise of ranking their favorite films of the decade so far, from 2020 through 2024. Tune in for passionate picks, tough calls, unexpected choices, a few controversial rankings, and plenty of love for the movies that have defined these first five years!

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467: A Conversation with Tony Gilroy — Andor Season 2, Revolution, and the Forces & Choices That Drive Us

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:04:00 -0000

Creator of Andor and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne films) joins Christina for a wide-ranging conversation about the groundbreaking Star Wars prequel series — a show that’s as politically urgent as it is thrilling. With the second and final season now complete, they look back at the creative journey.

They explore the big themes at the heart of Andor: found family, sacrifice, fascism, moral ambiguity, and the question of why good people do bad things. Plus: how the politics of Andor resonate in today’s world, what it’s like working within the Disney machine, and the creative complexities behind bringing such an ambitious story to life.

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Episode 466: And That’s a Wrap: Cannes 2025 with guest Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch

Wed, 28 May 2025 07:56:00 -0000

Joining Christina is film critic and writer Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch as they wrap up the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. From what it was like covering this year’s festival, to the Palme d’Or winners, major Neon and MUBI acquisitions, standout titles from Joachim Trier and Spike Lee, The Secret Agent, The History of Sound, and more—this episode dives into all the unforgettable moments that made this edition one for the books.

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465: Interview: Stellan Skarsgård (‘Sentimental Value’)

Wed, 21 May 2025 23:23:00 -0000

In this special dispatch from the Croisette, Christina is joined by the brilliant and effortlessly cool Stellan Skarsgård, starring in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value—a strong Palme d’Or contender at this year’s festival. Skarsgård plays Gustav, a once-renowned director who tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter by casting her in his comeback film.

They discuss Sentimental Value, the state of cinema and the world, why Skarsgård often chooses Norwegian films over Swedish ones, the importance of good catering—and much more.

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464: Dispatch 4 from Cannes 2025: The Phoenician Scheme, Pillion, Urchin & The Chronology of Water. Guest John Bleasdale, critic & author

Mon, 19 May 2025 16:34:00 -0000

Christina is joined by critic and author John Bleasdale (The Magic Hours: The Films and Hidden Life of Terrence Malick) for a new dispatch from the Croisette. They dive into some of the most talked-about titles at the festival, including The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson, Pillion starring Alexander Skarsgård, and two films directed by actors: Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water and Harris Dickinson’s Urchin.

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463: Dispatch 3 from Cannes 2025: Eddington, The Plague, Sound of Falling & Mission: Impossible with Ryan McQuade

Sat, 17 May 2025 17:46:00 -0000

🎬 Dispatch 3 from Cannes 2025
Christina is joined once again by Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) for a new dispatch from the Croisette. They dive into some of the festival’s buzziest titles so far, including Ari Aster’s Eddington, The Plague, Sound of Falling. Plus, thoughts on the latest Mission: Impossible.

In other news: Pop Culture Confidential which was selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 90 Pop Culture Podcasts on the web.
https://podcast.feedspot.com/pop_culture_podcasts/

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462: Dispatch 2 from Cannes 2025 with Ryan McQuade! – On Tom Cruise & McQuarrie, Neon’s Cannes Reign & De Niro

Wed, 14 May 2025 18:46:00 -0000

🎬 Dispatch 2 from Cannes 2025!
Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) for a dispatch from the Croisette. They break down Christopher McQuarrie’s Q&A—featuring a surprise appearance by Tom Cruise—Neon’s impressive Cannes track record and this year’s contenders, and Robert De Niro’s politically charged moment at the festival.

Please note: This episode was recorded on location in Cannes, so the audio is a bit more "festival field mix" than studio :)

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461: Dispatch 1 from Cannes 2025 – From the Opening Press Conference with Jury President Juliette Binoche, Jeremy Strong & More

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:14:00 -0000

Christina’s first dispatch from Cannes 2025!
Highlights from the Opening Press Conference with Juliette Binoche, Jeremy Strong & more—on festival expectations, Trump’s tariffs, and the new red carpet dress rules.

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Special Episode! AwardsWatch Podcast Ep. 287 – 78th Cannes Film Festival Preview with Guest Christina Birro

Sat, 10 May 2025 18:27:00 -0000

Sharing a special episode! Christina joined the AwardsWatch podcast for the 78th Cannes Film Festival Preview .

On episode 287 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson, Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello, and special guest Christina Birro of Pop Culture Confidential to preview the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which they will all be attending for the next two weeks. They talk about what it is like going to the festival, the film’s in and out of competition that they are looking forward to see, and which film they think will win the Palme d’Or this year.

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music, YouTube and more.

This podcast runs 55m. We will be back in next week for our thoughts on the first week of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Till then, let’s get into it.

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460: Countdown to Cannes — Mission: Impossible, The Franchise, and The Final Reckoning (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Fri, 09 May 2025 06:14:00 -0000

We’re just days away from the 78th Cannes Film Festival, and one of the most anticipated moments is the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 14 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in this eighth installment of the legendary action franchise, joined by director Christopher McQuarrie and an all-star cast.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch to break down why this premiere is such a major event — not just for Cannes, but for Mission: Impossible fans around the world. We explore the franchise’s legacy, its cultural impact, and what to expect from this highly anticipated Cannes debut.

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459: A Conversation With Barbie Ferreira ('Euphoria', 'Nope') On Her New Film 'Bob Trevino Likes It'

Fri, 02 May 2025 09:13:00 -0000

On the show this week: the exceptionally talented Barbie Ferreira, best known for her breakout role as Kat Hernandez on HBO’s Euphoria.

Christina talks with Barbie about her wonderful new film Bob Trevino Likes It, where she plays Lily, a young woman grappling with the pain of a self-centered, absent father. After forming an unexpected bond with a stranger online who shares her dad’s name, Lily finds a path toward healing and self-acceptance. The film is inspired by director and writer Tracie Laymon’s own relationship with her father.

They discuss playing and shaping the character of Lily, the film’s themes of found family, and how the story resonated with Barbie personally, having grown up without a father figure. They also talk about Euphoria, how her portrayal of Kat continues to resonate deeply with fans, and much more.

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458: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, Oscar Rule Changes & Iconic Movie Twins (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:56:00 -0000

This week, Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade, Executive Editor of AwardsWatch, to dive into Sinners—Ryan Coogler’s ambitious, multilayered, and visually stunning new film.

They also break down the latest Oscar rule changes and announcements, and discuss what they could mean for the upcoming awards season.

Plus, in honor of Michael B. Jordan’s phenomenal dual performance as twins in Sinners, they share their favorite on-screen twins played by the same actor.

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457: Emmy-Winning Editor & Co-Producer Timothy Good ('The Last of Us') Unpacks the Powerful & Heartbreaking Season 2, Episode 2

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:01:00 -0000

Emmy-winning editor and co-producer Timothy Good ('The Last of Us') joins Christina to break down the episode everyone’s talking about — Season 2, Episode 2, “Through the Valley.”

This unforgettable episode took over a year to bring to life, and Timothy takes us deep behind the scenes of its emotional and technical construction. From Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) fate to the extraordinary work behind that scene, Tim unpacks the editing process, his collaboration with Craig Mazin and director Mark Mylod, the visual effects, the music, and so much more.

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456: Our Reactions to the Cannes Film Festival 2025 Lineup (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:26:00 -0000

The 2025 Cannes lineup was just announced, and there’s a lot to talk about. Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to break down the buzziest titles heading to the Croisette—including Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, Kelly Reichardt, Spike Lee, and yes… Tom Cruise. And the notable names missing from the lineup.

They also dive into last week’s surprise announcement at CinemaCon of a Quentin Tarantino–David Fincher collaboration, and share their reactions to the full trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson’s highly anticipated new film.

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455: Inside 'Adolescence': A Conversation with Actor Christine Tremarco

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:24:00 -0000

Christina is honored to speak with the brilliant Christine Tremarco from the powerful, hit series Adolescence. Written by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the show follows a 13-year-old boy named Jamie who is arrested for the murder of a girl from his school. Tremarco plays Jamie’s mother, Manda.

Adolescence is a raw, unflinching exploration of internet culture, toxic masculinity, and the online radicalization of young boys. It’s also a story about parenting in an increasingly complex world.

In this episode, Christina talks with Christine Tremarco about the powerful reactions the show has received, incel and internet culture, the intensity of filming Adolescence, and much more.

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453: We Talk TV – Adolescence, Severance, The White Lotus, The Studio & More (with Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch)

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:44:00 -0000

On this episode of Pop Culture Confidential, we’re diving deep into the latest TV must-watches!

Join us as we break down some of the biggest shows of the moment—Severance, The White Lotus, and The Pitt—all heading into their highly anticipated season finales. Plus, we discuss Adolescence, one of the most impactful TV experiences in recent memory, and look ahead to the upcoming premiere of The Studio.

And that’s not all! We also talk about John Mulaney’s new talk show and the buzz surrounding the highly anticipated return of Hacks.

To help unpack it all, we’re joined by Tyler Doster, TV editor at AwardsWatch.

Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation about all things TV!

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454: Coming Soon! Trailer Talk for the Most Anticipated Movies (With Ryan McQuade)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:47:00 -0000

In this episode, Christina is joined by Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch to break down the latest trailers for some of the year’s most anticipated upcoming movies. Some look awesome, some look... questionable — and a few totally surprised us!

We talk about Celine Song’s Materialists, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, Pixar’s Elio, the Minecraft movie, Happy Gilmore 2, F1, Spinal Tap II, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, and more!

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452: ‘‘The Pitt’ Star Taylor Dearden on the Hit Show, Medical Boot Camp & More

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:04:00 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential, Christina chats with actor Taylor Dearden, who delivers an incredible performance as Dr. Mel King in the gripping new medical drama The Pitt—now streaming on Max. From producer John Wells (ER), creator R. Scott Gemill, and actor/writer Noah Wyle, The Pitt follows doctors and nurses over a 15-hour shift and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of emergency medicine.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Christina and Ms. Dearden discuss filming the intense drama, attending medical boot camp, character preparation, how ADHD shaped her performance, working with Noah Wyle, and more!

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451: 2025 Oscars Recap & Reactions (With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:03:00 -0000

Sean Baker makes history. Conan triumphs. Christina & Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch) react and recap the 97th Academy Awards— the winners, the losers, the surprises, the speeches, and more!

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450: Final Oscar Predictions (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:22:00 -0000

Christina and Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor of AwardsWatch) go through their final Oscar predictions for the 97th Academy Awards!

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449: Pop Culture Grab Bag: SNL 50, BAFTAs, SAG Predictions & More! (w/ Ryan McQuade)

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:23:00 -0000

It’s been a wild few weeks in pop culture! Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch) joins Christina for a massive recap—Kendrick, SNL 50, Cher & Costner, Meryl, the BAFTAs, Matt Damon & Nolan, SAG predictions, awards season scandals, and more. It’s a bonanza!

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448: The Oscar Race Heats Up! DGAs, PGAs, Surprises & Frontrunners (with Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch)

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 15:13:00 -0000

Things are heating up! Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch, Erik Anderson, joins us with a comprehensive update on the state of the Oscar race! From all the surprises to Anora's sweep last weekend, actor frontrunners, and much more!

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447: Talking The 2025 TV Season: Trends, 'Severance', 'The Pitt', And More With The Ringer's Chris Ryan

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:07:00 -0000

Chris Ryan, co-host of The Watch, joins Christina for a wide-ranging conversation about the 2025 TV season. They discuss the new seasons of Severance and The Pitt, the 50th season of SNL, trends, and much more. Don’t miss it!

Chris Ryan is the Editorial Director at The Ringer and co-host of The Watch.

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446: Oscar Nominations 2025 (with Ryan McQuade) . The Surprises, Snubs & More!

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:50:00 -0000

Christina & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) recap the Oscar nominations 2025. The surprises, the snubs and more!

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445: Our Most Anticipated Movies of 2025! + Oscar Nomination Predictions (with Ryan McQuade)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:19:00 -0000

Ryan McQaude (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch) joins Christina for a MASSIVE 'Most Anticipated Movies of 2025' episode! Paul Thomas Anderson, Luca Guadagnino, Spike Lee. Cruise, Blanchett, Chalamet. 2025 is shaping up to be a great year at the movies!

Plus Oscar nomination predictions ahead of Fridays announcement. Listen now!

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444: A Conversation With Mona Fastvold, Co-Writer of 'The Brutalist'

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:19:00 -0000

Mona Fastvold talks to Christina about the award-winning epic 'The Brutalist' which she co-wrote with partner and director Brady Corbet! On her writing process & collaboration with Corbet, the filmmakers personal connections to the story and much more.

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443: A Conversation With Actor Alessandro Nivola! ('The Brutalist')

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:55:00 -0000

Christina is honored to be joined by actor Alessandro Nivola for a wide-ranging conversation about his incredible performances, his role in the critically acclaimed epic 'The Brutalist', how he drew from his own family’s experience shaping the character and much more.

Mr. Nivola is a triple threat this season, delivering three incredible performances. He stars in Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language feature debut 'The Room Next Door'. As 'Rhino', the villan in J.C. Chandor’s Spider-Man spinoff movie 'Kraven the Hunter' & in Brady Corbet’s 'The Brutalist'.

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442: A Conversation With Pop Superstar Robbie Williams ('Better Man')

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 01:17:00 -0000

Christina speaks to pop superstar Robbie Williams about his new movie 'Better Man', based om the true story of Robbie's stratospheric rise to fame, his dramatic falls and remarkable comeback as a record-breaking solo artist!

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441: Golden Globes 2025 Recap & Reactions! The Highlights, Surprises, Fashion And Much More. (With Sophia Ciminello & Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:43:00 -0000

Sophia Ciminello & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) join Christina to talk about their immediate reactions to the Golden Globes 2025. The winners, losers, best speeches, surprises, fashion and much more.

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440: A Conversation with Director RaMell Ross & Cinematographer Jomo Fray ('Nickel Boys') About Their Visionary Adaptation.

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 13:29:17 -0000

Christina talks to director RaMell Ross & cinematographer Jomo Fray about their brilliant new move 'Nickel Boys'. A conversation about their powerful visual and emotional approach to the Colson Whitehead novel.

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439: Two Conversations with Jesse Eisenberg ('A Real Pain')

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:47:26 -0000

Writer, director, actor Jesse Eisenberg joins Christina to talk about his brilliant film 'A Real Pain', a funny & moving story about two cousins who embark on a trip to Polen to honor their dead grandmother. This episode also includes Christina's live interview with Eisenberg from the Stockholm Film Festival, where he received the Stockholm Achievement Award.

Christina talked to Jesse Eisenberg about the very personal nature of 'A Real Pain', dealing with grief, generational trauma, his role as actor/director/writer, what he learned from working with directors like David Fincher, working with Kieran Culkin and much more.

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438: Creating The Body Horror In 'The Substance'. Guest: Special Makeup Effects Designer Pierre Olivier Persin

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:54:27 -0000

Christina is joined by prosthetics and makeup effects designer Pierre Olivier Persin to talk about his work on Coralie Fargeat’s body horror hit The Substance, a dark satire about beauty standards, aging, and the entertainment industry. His sensational work is already receiving awards buzz.

The Substance stars Demi Moore & Margaret Qualley.

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437: A Conversation With Bill Skarsgård ('Nosferatu')

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 13:42:11 -0000

Bill Skarsgård joins Christina for a conversation about his role as Count Orlok in 'Nosferatu', one of 2024's most anticipated movies! Bill talks about first being introduced to the classic 'Nosferatu' (1922) by his father actor Stellan Skarsgård, his immense preparation for 'Nosferatu', working with director Robert Eggers, creating the voice, why he's attracted to playing villains and much more.

Photo: Shane Anthony Sinclair for Universal Pictures

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436: Our Reactions To The Golden Globe Noms And More Awards Season News! (Guest: Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:09:11 -0000

Ryan McQuade, Executive Editor of AwardsWatch.com, joins Christina to discuss the Golden Globe nominations, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association & NY Film Critic Circle winners, the AFI list and more. What these jam packed awards season weeks tell us about the Oscars!

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435: Sean 'Dino' Johnson ('Sing Sing') On The Inspirational True Story 'Sing Sing' & Rehabilitation Through Theater.

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:39:00 -0000

Christina is joined by actor and advocate Sean 'Dino' Johnson. Mr. Johnson stars in 'Sing Sing' (also starring Colman Domingo and Paul Raci) which follows a theater production at the maximum security prison Sing Sing. A moving film about the power of art.

The film is based on Mr. Johnson's actual RTA participation (Rehabilitation Through The Arts Program). He discovered the theater program while incarcerated at Sing Sing serving a 15 year prison sentence. Mr. Johnson talks to Christina about his personal experiences, the emotional journey making the film, his work as an advocate for at risk youth and much more.

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434: A Conversation With Writer/Director Sean Baker ('Anora')

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 17:37:15 -0000

Christina is thrilled to have writer/director Sean Baker ('Tangerine'. 'The Florida Project') on Pop Culture Confidential! His wonderful new movie 'Anora' won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and is receiving major awards buzz.

In this wide ranging conversation Christina talks to Baker about 'Anora', Mikey Madison's career making performance, exploring the lives of sex workers in several of his films, how his own addiction and recovery factors into his stories, his writing process and much more.

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433: The Most Emotional Movie Scenes Of 2024! Plus Gladiator II Reactions. (With Ryan McQuade)

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:59:42 -0000

We are thrilled to have Ryan McQuade (executive editor, AwardsWatch.com) back for a jam packed episode! After an emotional week we thought it would be fitting to discuss what has made us emotional at the movies. We pick our most emotional scenes in 2024, so far. Plus our reactions to this week's big premiere Gladiator II. And from Ridley to Francis to Clint, we talk about octogenarian (and nonagenarian!) directors who are everywhere right now.

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432: A Conversation With Karla Sofía Gascón, 'Emilia Pérez'! Audio Interview In Spanish, Subtitled On YouTube (Episode first aired in May)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:31:00 -0000

Karla Sofía Gascón, groundbreaking star of ‘Emilia Pérez’! Catch my subtitled interview on YouTube or listen on Pop Culture Confidential.

The trans actress is making history this awards season! She talks to me about the incredible reactions from audiences to ‘Emilia Pérez’, her own difficult and inspiring journey, how she’d love to star in an action film next and much more. (This interview first aired in May 2024)

WATCH subtitled on YouTube. Exclusive interview with 'Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J8yQVQ5OT8&t=4s

‘Emilia Pérez’ premieres on US Netflix Nov 13th

Christina ha tenido el honor de hablar con una de las estrellas del festival de Cannes 2024, ¡Karla Sofía Gascón! Gascón nos habla de 'Emilia Peréz', la película dirigida por Jacques Audiard que ha sido la sensación de Cannes. Nos habla de la importancia que tiene esta película para ella como persona trans, su historia y mucho mas!

'Emilia Perez' narra la historia de la abogada Rita (Zoe Saldaña). Un día recibe una llamada telefónica de un poderoso extraño que resulta ser un capo del cártel. Manitas tiene una petición secreta: ayudarlo a desaparecer de su vida, incluidos sus hijos y su esposa Jessi (Selena Gomez), y someterse a una cirugía de confirmación de género para convertirse en la mujer que siempre quiso ser. Karla Sofía Gascón interpreta ambas papeles de Manitas y Emilia!

Christina had the honor of speaking to one of the stars of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Karla Sofía Gascón! Gascón talks to us about 'Emilia Perez', the film directed by Jacques Audiard, which was a sensation at Cannes. She talks about how this film & role is important for her as a trans person, her story and much more!

'Emilia Perez' is about Rita (Zoe Saldaña), a lawyer, who one day receives a phone call from a powerful stranger who turns out to be a cartel boss named Manitas. Manitas has a secret request to help him disappear from his life, including from his children and his wife Jessi (Selena Gomez), and undergo gender confirmation surgery to become the woman she's always wanted to be. Karla Sofía Gascón plays both roles of Manitas and Emilia.

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431: Harris & Trump's Media Strategies In The Final Weeks & The Political Power Of Pop Culture (with journalist Chris Smith, Vanity Fair)

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:43:00 -0000

With less than 2 weeks until the US election Christina is joined by journalist Chris Smith, contributing editor at Vanity Fair and best-selling author ofThe Daily Show (the Book), to discuss Harris and Trump's media strategies. They talk about the candidates many podcast interviews, media appearances and their messaging. If celebrity endorsements move the needle, Elon Musk, SNL, the political power of popular culture this election and much more.

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430: Guest Robert Steen On The Beautiful Story Of His Son Mats (A Norwegian Gamer), What They Learned After Mats Passed Away, The Moving Netflix Doc 'The Remarkable Life of Ibelin' (Encore)

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:14:59 -0000

This is an encore episode (previously aired in Feb 2024)

When Robert and Trude Steen's son Mats passed away at age 25 from a degenerative muscular disease they grieved over what they thought had been an isolated and lonely life but what they found out would change everything. Mats, a gamer known as 'Ibelin' in World of Warcraft, had despite his physical disabilities formed strong friendships, fallen in love and was a beloved and vibrant member of his digital community.

Christina was honored to talk to Mat's father Robert Steen about Mats, his story and how it can give us deeper perspectives on gaming, on life and everything in between.

The documentary 'The Remarkable Life Of Ibelin' (dir Benjamin Ree) premieres on Netflix Oct 25th, 2024

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429: 2025 Oscar Predictions! (with Ryan McQuade)

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:29:44 -0000

It's time for Pop Culture Confidential's first Oscar predictions episode of the season!

Ryan McQuade, (Executive Editor @ AwardsWatch) joins Christina for a huge Academy Awards predictions show. With the Venice, Telluride & Toronto film festivals behind us what is the state of the race? What films are dominating the awards conversation? Ryan & Christina dive into an exciting awards season!

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428. BONUS! A Conversation with Ken Leung, 'Industry'. (This Bonus Episode Includes Talk About The Season Finale!)

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 07:24:00 -0000

Christina had the honor of interviewing the brilliant Ken Leung! This bonus episode includes their previously unaired talk about the season finale of 'Industry' now that the episode has aired.

Christina is joined by actor Ken Leung for this wide ranging conversation! Ken Leung is electrifying in his role as Eric on Industry (HBO Max) which takes place in the cutthroat world of finance and is now on it's critically acclaimed third season.

Ken Leung's career includes roles on TV shows like Lost and The Sopranos and in the films Rush Hour, Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the upcoming Joker 2.

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427: Coppola's 'Megalopolis'. SNL's Election Cast & Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist'. A Conversation With Ryan McQuade.

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 17:01:00 -0000

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to talk about the big film & movie news of the week! They talk about Saturday Night Live season 50's election cast (which includes Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and Dana Carvey as Joe Biden), Coppola's 'Megalopolis' and 'The Brutalist' written & directed by Brady Corbet.

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426: We Discuss & Review 'The Substance' From Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat & Starring Demi Moore (with Ryan McQuade)

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:48:35 -0000

Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor AwardsWatch) joins Christina to review and discuss the new body horror film 'The Substance' from writer/director Coralie Fargeat. The film stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley & Dennis Quaid. Spoilers!

Plus 'Musical-fishing'! Why are studios hiding the fact that their movies are musicals in their marketing campaigns and trailers?

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425: Alan Zweibel, An Original Saturday Night Live Writer & Five Time Emmy Award Winner! On The Early Years at SNL & The New Movie 'Saturday Night'

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:41:00 -0000

It's a huge fall season for SNL! Saturday Night Live will be back for its 50th season on September 23rd and Jason Reitman's movie 'Saturday Night', (about the first ever SNL episode in 1975) premieres in October. Christina is honored to have Alan Zweibel on the show. Alan is an original SNL writer and a 5 time Emmy awards winner. (Josh Brener plays Zweibel in 'Saturday Night) Alan talks about seeing a movie about his first episode of SNL and takes us behind the scenes of the American institution that is Saturday Night Live.

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424: AwardsWatch Podcast Telluride Film Festival Roundup (with Special Guest Christina Birro)

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:40:00 -0000

Christina joins The AwardsWatch Podcast to discuss their reactions to the films at the 51st Telluride Film Festival!

On episode 250 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson, Associate Editor Sophia Ciminello, and special guest Christina Birro of Pop Culture Confidential come together

The 2024 film festival season has begun and many of the biggest titles of the fall film slate, Oscar season are being released over the last week with both the Venice Film Festival and Telluride Film Festival. Based on our past episode, the Telluride Film Festival announced their line-up with the world premieres of Conclave, Nickel Boys, Saturday Night, The Piano Lesson, The End alongside with several other films, as well as movie that have premiered at other festivals like Anora, The Outrun, Maria, A Real Pain, September 5, Emilia Perez, and more. It made for a great lineup over the Labor Day weekend, and the group break down their time at the festival, talk about all the movies they saw above and more.

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

This podcast runs 2h01m. We will be back next week to discuss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and talk about our favorite “legacy sequels.” Till then, let’s get into it.

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423: Telluride Film Festival Mini Dispatch 2. 'Nickel Boys'

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:32:06 -0000

In a new Telluride Film Festival 2024 mini dispatch Christina talks to Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch.com about 'Nickel Boys', RaMell Ross narrative directorial debut.

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422: Our first dispatch from the 51st Telluride Film Festival! The exciting movie line up and more.

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:19:34 -0000

Our first dispatch from the 51st Telluride Film Festival! Christina is in the mountains of Colorado covering the legendary film festival. Christina talks about the exciting 2024 movie line up that was just announced yesterday. And talks to AwardsWatch Ryan McQuade about why Netflix buying Pablo Larraín's 'Maria', starring Angelina Jolie, sent shock waves through the film community. Stay tuned for more!

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421: A Conversation With Ken Leung On His Electrifying Portrayal Of Eric On TV's Industry And Much More.

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:15:00 -0000

Christina is honored to be joined by actor Ken Leung for this wide ranging conversation! Ken Leung is electrifying in his role as Eric on Industry (HBO Max) which takes place in the cutthroat world of finance and is now on it's critically acclaimed third season.

Ken Leung's career includes roles on TV shows like Lost and The Sopranos and in the films Rush Hour, Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the upcoming Joker 2.

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420: Our Massive Fall Movie Preview! (with Ryan McQuade)

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:52:29 -0000

Nosferatu & Maria Callas. Guadagnino & Almodovar. Popes & Gladiators.

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina for a discussion about (a mostly:) thrilling season of movies ahead!

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419: A rundown of the exciting fall TV season! (with Tyler Doster)

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 14:16:46 -0000

A fantastic new season of 'Industry'! 'Squid Game' returns! New shows starring Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum are on the schedule!

It looks like it's going to be an exciting TV season coming up this fall.

Tyler Doster (TV editor @ AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina for a rundown of 2024 fall/winter TV season

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418: Best Of The Year So Far! (with Ryan McQuade)

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:21:53 -0000

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to countdown their favorite movies of 2024 so far. A great mix! From Challengers to Hit Man and so many more. Plus the latest movie news, Horizon Part 2 heading to the Venice Film Festival, who will host the Oscars after Kimmel and Mulaney pass up the offer, Chalamet as Bob Dylan and much more!

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417: A conversation with actor Paul Raci about his powerful new movie 'Sing Sing'.

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 01:54:41 -0000

Paul Raci, Oscar nominated for his role in 2019's 'Sound Of Metal', is back on Pop Culture Confidential to talk about his phenomenal new film 'Sing Sing'!

The film centers on a group of inmates putting up a play at the maximum security prison Sing Sing through (the real) Rehabilitation Through the Arts Program. Mr. Raci, who plays theater director & group leader Brent Buell, stars alongside recent Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. The film also stars many formerly incarcerated men who were themselves real alumni of the program during their years in prison. The film is directed by Greg Kwedar who co-wrote the screenplay with Clint Bentley.

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416: The Star of 'Thelma'! A Conversation With 95 Year Old Acting Legend June Squibb

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:26:00 -0000

It's June all summer! Christina talks to acting legend June Squibb. The 95 year old actor stars as Nostalgia in the summer's biggest hit 'Inside Out 2' and as Thelma in Josh Margolin's wonderful directorial debut. 'Thelma', about a grandmother determined to get justice after she's scammed out of ten thousand dollars, is a generational story and an action comedy. And Ms. Squibb does her own stunts!

June Squibb's career spans seven decades on the stage and screen. She starred in Woody Allen's 'Alice' and Martin Scorsese's 'The Age of Innocence'. She has played Jack Nicholson's wife, Adam Sandler's mother, & Lena Dunham's grandmother.

June Squibb was Oscar nominated for her role in Alexander Payne's Nebraska.

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415: A visit with 'The Watch' co-hosts Chris Ryan & Andy Greenwald!

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 00:42:00 -0000

From their studios at The Ringer/Spotify in downtown Los Angeles Christina visits with the brilliant TV critics and co-hosts of 'The Watch' Chris Ryan & Andy Greenwald! They talk, among other things, about their longtime friendship and collaboration. The latest seasons of TV and discuss: are we in a particularly good moment for multifaceted female characters. Talk about shows like The Bear, Shōgun & Presumed Innocent. TV this election cycle & mixed feeling about Clooney's op-ed. How criticism has changed through the decades and so much more

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414: Beyond the 'Horizon'! A discussion about Kevin Costner's four part mega saga, struggle at the box office, filmmakers & their passion projects and much more (with Ryan McQuade)

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 20:07:16 -0000

Ryan McQuade (of AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina for a wide ranging discussion about Kevin Costner's four part, mega film project 'Horizon: An American Saga' and it's aftermath. Their thoughts on the first film. How will the lackluster reviews for part one and the slow box office affect the coming movies? They talk about filmmakers and their passion projects. What is Kevin Costner's legacy going forward and much more.

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413: 'I Am: Celine Dion' & A Countdown of the Most Powerful and Revealing Celebrity Documentaries (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:39:17 -0000

Ryan McQaude joins Christina to discuss the new documentary 'I Am: Celine Dion'. Plus they countdown their 10 favorite celebrity docs, from Hearts of Darkness to Get Back to O.J.: Made in America and many more.

Plus a fantastic announcement! Ryan will be joining us on a more regular basis. Once a month we'll have Fridays with Ryan with more great deep-dives, reviews, rants & raves!

X @ryanmcquade77

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412: Emmy Voting is Open! 2024 Emmy Nomination Predictions and Analysis with NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans.

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:17:22 -0000

2024 Emmy voting is open! Christina is joined by NPR TV critic & media analyst Eric Deggans to discuss the 2024 Emmy year, nomination predictions, possible surprises and much more. Will it be a big year for the critically acclaimed shows Shōgun and Baby Reindeer? Will The Bear dominate again for its terrific second season?

Voting closes on June 24 and the 2024 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 17. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Eric Deggans is NPRs TV critic/media analyst and the author of "Race-Baiter: How Media Wield Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation"

x @Deggans

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411: Early 2025 Oscar predictions! With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch.com)

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 03:55:00 -0000

Erik Anderson, Editor-in-Chief at AwardsWatch.com, joins Christina for some early Oscar predictions! What is the Oscar buzz post-Cannes and the spring festivals? What do we have coming up this summer and at the fall festivals?

Looks like it will be an incredible awards season! Particularly in the actress category; Amy Adams in 'Nightbitch' (will she get her seventh nomination?), Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, Karla Sofía Gascón who made a splash at Cannes & many more. So much to look forward to!

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410: Writer/director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel on his Cannes winning, first feature 'Armand', the brilliant Renate Reinsve & his grandfather Ingmar Bergman.

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:56:58 -0000

Guest writer/director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel talks to Christina about his fascinating first feature 'Armand', winner of the Cannes' Camera d'Or 2024. They talk about his ambitious and risky drama that revolves around a meeting between parents and school staff regarding an incident between two kids. On how he built the tension in the script, being inspired by '12 Angry Men' & Spielberg, what movies his grandfather Ingmar Bergman showed him, the brilliant Renate Reinsve and the 7 minute scene that required she take a 5 day break after filming.

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409: Crisis at the Box Office or: How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the "Bombs” (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Fri, 31 May 2024 18:45:46 -0000

Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor, AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina to discuss the reasons behind the low box office numbers this Memorial Day weekend (Furiosa and Garfield), the state of cinema & streaming, and looking forward to even more fantastic, original, risk-talking cinema ahead!

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Episode 408: Exclusive interview with 'Emilia Pérez´ star Karla Sofía Gascón! Audio interview in Spanish, transcript in English.

Fri, 24 May 2024 04:23:00 -0000

A translated version to English will be out shortly!

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Episode 407: Performances! Dispatch from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. ('Kinds of Kindness' 'Armand' 'Emilia Perez' 'Limonov: The Ballad')

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:52:00 -0000

Another dispatch from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival! Christina talks about some of the stand-out performances from the fest.

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406 'Megalopolis'! Highlights from the Cannes 2024 press conference with Francis Ford Coppola and a discussion of the film with critic John Bleasdale ('Writers on Film' podcast)

Sat, 18 May 2024 11:04:23 -0000

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Episode 405: Furiosa! Our 2024 Cannes Film Festival Dispatch. Part 3

Thu, 16 May 2024 21:00:00 -0000

Christina continues covering the 2024 Cannes Film Festival! Today from the FURIOSA:A MAD MAX SAGA press conference with actors Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & director George Miller.

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404: Streep & Dunaway! Mini Dispatch from Cannes 2024 Day 2,

Thu, 16 May 2024 06:24:22 -0000

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403: Our first dispatch from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival! Rain, glamour, politics and what we are looking forward to!

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:25:22 -0000

A short report from Cannes 2024! Christina talks about what she is looking forward to at the festival from Coppola to Lanthimos to following the brilliant jury lead by Greta Gerwig.

Stay tuned for more dispatches!

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402: The brilliant Kathryn Hunter! Working with Coppola on 'Megalopolis', 'The Tragedy of Macbeth', 'Poor Things', 'Andor'.

Tue, 07 May 2024 11:26:00 -0000

We are honored to have the brilliant Kathryn Hunter on the show this week. The award winning actor has played both Lear and Richard III on stage and gives an extraordinary performance as the three witches in Joel Coen's 'The Tragedy of Macbeth'.

Ms Hunter talks to Christina about working with Francis Ford Coppola in his upcoming film 'Megalopolis', the tattooed madame of Lanthimos 'Poor Things', 'Andor,' her process and the horrific car accident that left her with a broken back but also transformed her approach to her work.

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401: A conversation about the Netflix hit 'Baby Reindeer' (With Candice Frederick Senior Culture Reporter Huffpost)

Wed, 01 May 2024 11:41:00 -0000

The Netflix hit series 'Baby Reindeer' is based on Scottish comedian Richard Gadd harrowing experience being stalked by an obsessed woman as well as the trauma of sexual assault. Candice Frederick (Senior Culture Reporter @ Huffpost) joins Christina to unpack the series, process their reactions to it, talk about the important and complex issues it deals with, how some viewers are reacting to it and much more.

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400: Ambition, Love & Tennis! A Conversation about Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers". (With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:02:50 -0000

Ryan McQuade (Executive editor AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina for a deep dive into Luca Guadagnino's latest film 'Challengers'.

Join us as we talk about the dazzling performances by Zendaya, Mike Faist & Josh O'Connor, the score, the spectacular tennis scenes, and the electric love triangle at its center.

Ryan McQuade on X @ryanmcquade77

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399: 'Shōgun'; A conversation with director Hiromi Kamata

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:39:20 -0000

We have reached the finale of one of the best TV shows of the season! We're thrilled to have director Hiromi Kamata ('Let the Right One In', 'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters') join us to talk about 'Shōgun' & her incredible episode 'Ladies of the Willow World'. Ms. Kamata and Christina talk about the power of the women of 'Shōgun', why she showed the actors Bergman's 'Persona' & Wong Kar-wai's 'In the Mood For Love', and how 'Shōgun' was a personal journey for the director who is of Japanese and Mexican heritage. And much more!

Listen now!

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398: Our 2024 Summer Movie Preview! with Jazz Tangcay (Variety)

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:44:00 -0000

Variety's Senior Artisans Editor Jazz Tangcay joins Christina to discuss the huge, buzzy Hollywood titles that are hitting theaters this summer! 'The Fall Guy', 'Challengers', 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga', 'Kinds of Kindness', 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die, 'Inside Out 2'', 'Twisters', 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice', just to name a few. They also talk about 'Joker: Folie à Deux' as well as Coppola's Megalopolis' which premieres at The Cannes Film Festival.

Listen now!

Follow Jazz Tangcay on X: @jazzt

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397: A discussion about Alex Garland's 'Civil War' (with Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch)

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:38:00 -0000

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina to discuss one of 2024s most anticipated, and possibly divisive, films Alex Garland's 'Civil War'. The first trailer left us with a lot of questions and certain expectations but the film turned out to be something else completely. Christina and Ryan discuss the film, the discourse, Alex Garland, the incredible performances and much more.

Spoilers around the 36 minute mark!

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396: From Jon Stewart to 'True Detective', How the 2024 US Election & this Political Moment is Reflected in Popular Culture. Guest: Eric Deggans, NPR's TV Critic & Media Analyst.

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:41:56 -0000

NPR's TV critic & media analyst Eric Deggans joins Christina to talk about how the 2024 US election cycle is reflected in our popular culture. On the return of Jon Stewart. How are the late night talk shows meeting this political moment? What issues are TV creators exploring in shows like True Detective & Fargo as well as in the documentary series space.

Follow Eric Deggans on X @deggans

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391: A conversation with actor & author Molly Ringwald!

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:46:00 -0000

Actor, author, icon! Molly Ringwald joins Christina for a wide ranging conversation about her role as Joanne Carson in Ryan Murphy's critically acclaimed series 'Feud: Capote vs The Swans', her iconic and seminal films with John Hughes and her complicated feelings about them, her Swedish roots and so much more. Listen now!

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377: A conversation with Sofia Coppola ('Priscilla')

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:39:30 -0000

We are honored to welcome writer/director Sofia Coppola to the the show. In this exclusive conversation we talk about adapting and approaching Priscilla Presley's unique story. Why and how this story resonated with Coppola at this moment in her career & life. How she can see Priscilla from several perspectives, her mother's generation and from the perspective of her own teen daughters. Capturing the the essence of Elvis, approaching the complicated aspects of their relationship and much more.

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395: The speeches, the highlights and the surprises! Our Oscar 2024 recap. With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:46:19 -0000

"Oppy Oppy"! After Ryan McQuade's (AwardsWatch.com) stirring appreciation speech last week we had to have him back on to talk about Oppenheimer's magic night at the Oscars. Plus the best speeches, highlights, disappointments and surprises of the 96th Oscar ceremony.

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Episode 394: Oscar Predictions 2024! Who Will Win in Every Category. With Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:20:00 -0000

Oscar predictions 2024! Christina is joined by the best in the business: Executive Editor Ryan McQuade and Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch!

Ahead of Sundays' Oscar telecast they predict the winners in all 23 categories, talk about their most anticipated speeches, red carpet looks and much more.

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382: Till Death Do Us Part! The many movie-marriages of 2023. With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com)

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:56:52 -0000

There are so many fascinating, passionate & chilling marriages explored at the movies this year. Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon, Priscilla, Oppenheimer, The Zone of Interest, May December, to name a few! Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor @ AwardsWatch.com) joins us to dissect one of this years' big themes and discuss the state of matrimony at the movies!

@ryanmcquade77

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387: Creating the sounds of evil. "The Zone of Interest' sound designer Johnnie Burn ('Poor Things' 'Nope')

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:46:59 -0000

The brilliant sound designer Johnnie Burn talks to Christina about his research & emotional process creating the sounds of Auschwitz for Jonathan Glazer's powerful holocaust drama The Zone of Interest.

They also discuss his work with Yorgos Lanthimos on 'Poor Things', creating alien sounds for Jordan Peele on 'Nope' and much more.

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362: Oscar winning composer Ludwig Göransson on scoring Oppenheimer, his awesome process & collaboration with Nolan

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:42:13 -0000

Award winning composer/producer Ludwig Göransson joins Christina to break down his journey scoring 'Oppenheimer', his process, influences and close collaboration with director Christopher Nolan.

Photo credits: Courtesy of Ludwig Göransson

Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures

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390: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy & writer/director Andrew Haigh 'All of Us Strangers'

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:57:01 -0000

Christina talks to Andrew Haigh about his very personal journey writing and directing his beautiful film 'All of Us Strangers'.

As well as conversations with actors Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal & Claire Foy on their characters, love, loneliness, accidental cruelty and more. Listen now!

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393: Finn Bennett ('Peter Prior') on 'True Detective: Night Country', the incredible finale, the best fan theories, working with Jodie Foster and more.

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:37:00 -0000

We made it through the night country & everyone is talking about that finale! Christina talked to breakout star Finn Bennett ('Peter Prior') about Issa López 'True Detective: Night Country', his characters' almost biblical arc, working with Jodie Foster, his thoughts on Nic Pizzolatto's remarks, the incredible finale, the best fan theories and much more. Spoiler warning if you have not seen the finale!

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392: Robert Steen. The beautiful story of his late son Mats, what his family learned after Mats passing and the power of gaming. ('Ibelin')

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:22:08 -0000

Christina was honored to talk to Mat's father Robert Steen about Mats, his story and how it can give us deeper perspectives on gaming, on life and everything in between.

A new documentary by Benjamin Ree called 'Ibelin' just won top prizes and accolades at Sundance and several Nordic festivals & will be out soon on Netflix.

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389: 2024 Oscar Nominations Reactions! With Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:28:25 -0000

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com join Christina to discuss the 2024 Oscar nominations! The surprises, snubs, history making nominations and so much more!

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388: Our Most Anticipated Movies of 2024! With critics Candice Frederick (Huffpost) & Thelma Adams (The Wrap)

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:36:06 -0000

Critics Thelma Adams (The Wrap, Variety, AARP), Candice Frederick (Senior Culture Reporter @ Huffpost) and Christina pick their 10 most anticipated movies of 2024!

Follow on X:

Candice Frederick @ReelTalker

Thelma Adams @thelmadams

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386: Our reactions to the 2024 Golden Globes! With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 17:43:18 -0000

Christina and Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) share their reactions to 2024 Golden Globe awards ceremony. Oppenheimers big night! The celebrities! The winners! The telecast! The jokes (or lack of:) & everything else. Listen now!

X: @ryanmcquade77

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385: We are Starting 2024 with Emmys Predictions! Guest: Tyler Doster, TV Editor AwardsWatch

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:51 -0000

We are starting off 2024 with Emmys predictions!

Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch TV editor, joins Christina to discuss, predict, agree & disagree.

The 2023 Emmys ceremony airs January 15th 2024 (delayed from September due to the strikes). Succession! The Bear! Who will win? How have the strikes impacted the Emmys? and much more. Tune in and listen!

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384: Academy Award Winning Cinematographer Linus Sandgren. On the Mystery, Beauty, Ugly & Sexy of Saltburn

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 12:42:48 -0000

Academy award winning cinematographer Linus Sandgren joins us to talk about his incredible work on Emerald Fennell's visually stunning film Saltburn. Sandgren guides us through the gothic, vampiric style of the cinematography, how ugly & beauty work in tandem, their fascinating visual decisions regarding several twists in the film, and how he used 2 bathtubs for THAT scene that everyone is talking about.

Saltburn will stream globally on Prime Video from December 22, 2023

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383: Awards Season. The Succession Interviews! Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong. Justine Lupe, Arian Moayed and more.

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 13:53:14 -0000

Succession's final season has scored 27 Emmy nominations, 9 Golden Globe & 5 Critics Choice noms this awards season!

Don't miss Pop Culture Confidential's complete collection of Succession interviews. Christina's conversations with some of the incredible talent from all 4 season. More than 6 hours of exclusive interviews. Enjoy!

#awardsseason

1.Brian Cox 00.01.55

2.Jeremy Strong 01.01.30

3.Arian Moayed Interview 1. 01.46.10

4.Composer Nicholas Britell 02.34.06

5.Producer/Writer Georgia Pritchett 03.00.06

6.Arian Moayed Interview 2. 03.48.19

7.Justine Lupe 04.39.39

8.Brian Cox Live 05.21.49

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381: Our first, massive Oscar nomination predictions show of the season! (with the AwardsWatch team)

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:18:22 -0000

Strikes are over, Oscar season is heating up and the gang is back to together for a massive Oscar nomination predictions show! It's such an incredible season of movies. Erik Anderson, Sophia Ciminello & Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com join Christina to banter, predict and discuss the year in film!

Erik Anderson @awards_watch

Sophia Ciminello @sophia_cim

Ryan McQuade @ryanmcquade77

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380: Singer-songwriter, 4 time Grammy winner Jason Isbell on his role in Killers of the Flower Moon & the power of honesty in music and life.

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:11:16 -0000

Singer-songwriter & four time Grammy winner Jason Isbell joins Christina for an exclusive & wide ranging conversation. They talk about his first major film role in Martin Scorsese's epic Killers of The Flower Moon, on sobriety, honesty in songwriting and in life & not staying silent about intolerance in the popular country music world or anywhere else.

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379: Special episode! Ethan & Maya Hawke, recorded live from The Stockholm International Film Festival Nov 2023

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:05:00 -0000

Christina was honored to moderate a Face2Face interview with iconic actor/director/author Ethan Hawke at the Stockholm International Film Festival where Mr. Hawke was presented with their Achievement Award 2023 .

The festival also screened 'Wildcat' directed by Hawke and starring Maya Hawke as American novelist Flannery O'Connor.

Maya Hawke also joined the conversation!

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378: 'The writer in crisis'. We explore the many 'writers in crisis' characters in film. With Sean Fennessey (Host of 'The Big Picture', Head of Content at The Ringer)

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 20:33:44 -0000

Sean Fennessey, the brilliant host of 'The Big Picture' podcast & head of content at The Ringer, joins Christina for a great discussion on "writers in crisis"! This character type has been a constant in Hollywood & this year is no exception, with examples like Andrew Haigh's 'All of Us Strangers', Justine Triet's 'Anatomy of a Fall', & Cord Jefferson's 'American Fiction'.

On the show Sean & Christina discuss what makes the writer in crisis so fascinating, 2023s many interesting iterations and our 10 favorites historically, from Jack Torrance in 'The Shining', 'Barton Fink', 'Sunset Boulevard' and so many more.

Twitter @SeanFennessey

@theringer @TheBigPic

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376: Director & co-writer Mika Gustafson on her award-winning (Venice & London Film Festival) debut feature 'Paradise is Burning'

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:52:56 -0000

Congrats to our super talented guest! Director & co-writer Mika Gustafson just won an award for best first feature at the London Film Festival & Best Director at the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti section for her directorial debut 'Paradise is Burning'.

Her film is a joyful, emotional & complex story about three sisters navigating a difficult situation with an absent mother and the threat of being separated by social services. We talk about her film, the importance of stories about teen girls, directing newcomers, influences and much more!

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375: How movies & TV affect everything! Pulitzer prize winning author & data journalist Walt Hickey 'You Are What You Watch'

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 09:56:20 -0000

Popular culture, movies, TV shows & books affect us in profound and surprising ways. Pulitzer prize winning author & data journalist Walt Hickey joins us to talk about his fascinating new book 'YOU ARE WHAT YOU WATCH.

Entertainment affects our biology, geopolitics and everything in between. Did you know that girls participation in archery doubled after 'The Hunger Games' came out or that watching a scary movie affects our bodies? Walt Hickey talks about the Pentagon's involvement in films like Top Gun, how Manga helped lift the Japanese economy and much more.

‘You Are What You Watch’ is out on October 24th, 2023.

Follow on X: @WaltHickey

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374: Errol Morris, the Academy Award winning filmmaker on his John le Carré doc ‘The Pigeon Tunnel’, and truth & betrayal.

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:42:35 -0000

Academy Award winning filmmaker Errol Morris ('The Thin Blue Line', 'The Fog of War') joins Christina to talk about ‘The Pigeon Tunnel’ his captivating documentary & conversations with the late British intelligence officer & author David Cornwell aka John le Carré.

Christina and Mr Morris talk truth, betrayal, that history is chaos, interviews vs interrogations, Mr Morris "shut the fuck up" school of interviewing & much more

The Pigeon Tunnel premieres on AppleTV+ on October 20th

📸 courtesy AppleTV+

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373: Costume Designer Jacqueline West & Osage Wardrobe Consultant Julie O’Keefe 'Killers of the Flower Moon'

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:13:00 -0000

Costume designer and 4 time Oscar nominee Jacqueline West (The Revenant, Dune) & lead Osage wardrobe consultant Julie O’Keefe join Christina to talk about Martin Scorsese's epic 'Killers of the Flower Moon', the incredible costumes, and art and history that went into their work.

'Killers of the Flower Moon' premieres in theaters on Oct. 20th, 2023

Pictures courtesy of Paramount

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367: A conversation with award-winning casting director John Papsidera. ('Oppenheimer')

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 17:14:15 -0000

Award-winning casting director and a real master of his craft John Papsidera joins Christina on Pop Culture Confidential!

Papsidera is one of Hollywood foremost casting directors. He has collaborated with director Christopher Nolan for many years and has cast most of his films including “Memento,” “The Dark Knight"-trilogy, “Interstellar", “Inception" and his latest "Oppenheimer"

His long list of credits also includes “Jurassic World,” &“Suicide Squad" and TV series such as “Westworld”, "The Offer", "Wednesday" and “Yellowstone.”

They talk about what went into assembling the incredible cast for 'Oppenheimer', his collabs with Chris Nolan, casting biopics, casting Heath Ledger as Joker, his thoughts on the strikes and AI and so much more.

📸 courtesy John Papsidera

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Episode 372. Part 2, the contract! Tom O'Brien (critic/WGA member) is back to talk about the new WGA contract after the strike.

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:48:08 -0000

In part 2 of our coverage of the WGA strike, critic/WGA member Tom O'Brien (nextbestpicture.com) is back with us to discuss the key issues that have been settled in the tentative agreement between the Writers Guild and the studios.

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371: Deal! The Writers Guild has reached a tentative agreement with the studios & streamers. Guest: critic and WGA member Tom O'Brien.

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:57:49 -0000

Breaking! After a 146-day long strike the Writers Guild has reached a tentative agreement with the studios & streamers. Critic/writer at nextbestpicture.com and WGA member Tom O'Brien joins us with the news!

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370: REVISIT our conversation with Milad Alami writer/director 'Opponent', Sweden's Oscar submission.

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:44:06 -0000

Congratulations Milad Alami! His film 'Opponent' has been selected as Sweden's International Feature Oscar submission. Revisit Christina's conversation with the writer/director from earlier this year.

Iranian/Swedish writer-director Milad Alami ('Opponent') joins the show. Mr Alami, who himself arrived to Sweden as a refugee at age 6, has made a powerful film about a refugees family, masculinity & freedom.

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369: Jimmy Fallon's 'Tonight Show’ accused of being “toxic workplace” in new report. Drew Barrymore under fire for return amid writer's strike. TV editor Tyler Doster joins us to discuss this weeks breaking TV news.

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 08:59:58 -0000

TV editor Tyler Doster (AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina with insight and perspective on the breaking news out of the TV talk show universe this week:

16 current and former staff members of the Tonight Show spoke to Rolling Stone magazine about host Jimmy Fallons alleged erratic and toxic behaviour.

Drew Barrymore is under fire for reviving her daytime talk show amid the WGA, SAG strikes.

And what is the state of late night in general? Are people still watching in 2023? Listen now

X/Twitter: Tyler Doster @tylermdoster

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368: AwardsWatch & Pop Culture Confidential recap the 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival!

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:01:00 -0000

Christina joins forces with The AwardsWatch Podcast (Executive Editor Ryan McQuade, Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson and AwardsWatch contributor Sophia Ciminello) to give their reactions to the films they saw at the 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival.

Two weeks ago on the podcast, Ryan, Erik, Sophia and Christina came together to preview the 2023 Telluride Film Festival. Flash forward to now where the gang arrived at the festival and spent five glorious days watching some of the biggest films of the year that we will be talking about throughout award season. Recorded on the last night of the festival, they breakdown some of the major world premieres that the lineup offered like The Bikeriders, Saltburn, All of Us Strangers, The Holdovers, NYAD, Rustin, as well as a couple of titles that premiered at previous film festivals like The Zone of Interest, Poor Things, and Anatomy of a Fall. The gang also discuss their experience at the festival, as this was Sophia and Christina’s first time in Telluride. They also briefly mention how the overall vibe of the festival was as the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes are still on-going during the festivities.

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

This podcast runs 1h40m. We will be off next week as most of the AW podcast team will be at the Toronto International Film Festival. We will be back in two weeks to recap the show. Till then, let’s get into it.

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353: Our complete Succession interview collection! 8 exclusive interviews from 4 seasons.

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 18:45:58 -0000

Succession, one of the best shows in TV history, is coming to an end & with that we present Pop Culture Confidential's complete collection of Succession interviews! Christina's conversations with some of the incredible talent from all 4 season. More than 6 hours of exclusive interviews. Enjoy!

1.Brian Cox 00.01.55

2.Jeremy Strong 01.01.30

3.Arian Moayed Interview 1. 01.46.10

4.Composer Nicholas Britell 02.34.06

5.Producer/Writer Georgia Pritchett 03.00.06

6.Arian Moayed Interview 2. 03.48.19

7.Justine Lupe 04.39.39

8.Brian Cox Live 05.21.49

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Sharing a special episode from our friends 'The AwardsWatch Podcast.' What Will Be and What We Want to See at the 50th Telluride Film Festival'

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:15:13 -0000

Thanks for the invite! Christina had a great time on The AwardsWatch Podcast previewing the upcoming 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival. We are sharing the episode here!

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

AwardsWatch Podcast #198: What Will Be and What We Want to See at the 50th Telluride Film Festival.

From AwardsWatch.com :

On episode 198 of The AwardsWatch Podcast, Executive Editor Ryan McQuade is joined by Editor-In-Chief Erik Anderson and AwardsWatch contributor Sophia Ciminello are joined by journalist and host of the Pop Culture Confidential podcast, Christina Jeurling Birro, to predict and preview the upcoming 50th edition of the Telluride Film Festival, whose official lineup will be announced on August 30.

We are less than ten days till the beginning of the fall film festivals, and thus the start of a brand new award season. While the Venice Film Festival is happening on the other side of the world, in the mountains of Colorado lies the small town of Telluride that will be the host of its 50th annual film festival that has been the launching pad for dozens of films Oscar chances. The Telluride Film Festival is known for being a director focused festival, taking titles from all around the world in it’s lineup, with plenty of world premieres of some of the biggest films of the fall. Erik and Ryan went last year, and talked about their experience at the 49thannual festival in a previous episode, and how that Labor Day weekend was the part of the award season momentum for titles like Women Talking, TÁR, Bardo, Aftersun and many more.

With this being Sophia and Christina’s first time going to the festival, the crew get together to talk about their festival expectations, how everyone is going to have to step up with festival outfit game compared to Erik, the films that won’t be at the festivals, the world premieres we expect to be there and the films from other film festivals that could and should be part of the lineup. The episode is full of laughs and insights into the start of another busy award season. Expect to hear back from the same crew in two weeks to wrap up the festival and see how many of the lineup shacked out.

You can listen to The AwardsWatch Podcast wherever you stream podcasts, from iTunes, iHeartRadio, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.

This podcast runs 1h21m. We will be back next week to talk about our Top 5 Sports Movies in honor of the release of Gran Turismo. Till then, let’s get into it.

Music: “Modern Fashion” from AShamaleuvmusic (intro), “B-3” from BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack (outro).

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366: LA Times film industry reporter Ryan Faughnder joins us to talk about a summer Hollywood won't forget!

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:15:45 -0000

Labor strikes, box office hits & misses, Barbenheimer, superhero fatigue, the surprise and controversial hit Sound of Freedom, Hollywood's box office battle in China...it's a lot...

Ryan Faughnder, LA Times entertainment industry reporter & author of The Wide Shot newsletter, joins us to unpack a summer Hollywood won't forget!

Subscribe to The Wide Shot newsletter here:

https://www.latimes.com/newsletters/sign-up-for-wide-shot

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365: It's Margot Robbie's world! A deep dive into the career of actor/producer Margot Robbie. With Sophia Ciminello (Oscar Wild podcast, AwardsWatch)

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 19:08:00 -0000

We dive deep into the career of actor/producer Margot Robbie! This just as her film 'Barbie' (which she produced and stars in ) is about to top one billion dollars globally at the box office.

Sophia Ciminello (co-host of the Oscar Wild podcast and writer at AwardsWatch.com) joins Christina to talk about Robbie's fearless acting in films like The Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya & Birds of Prey. And as producer with films and TV like Promising Young Woman, The Maid, and of course Barbie.

Follow Sophia on twitter @sophia_cim

@OscarWildPod

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364: The actors strike, an existential battle! We are joined by Kevin E. West, member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee & veteran actor (Lost, Criminal Minds, Bones).

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:42:44 -0000

On July 14th, more than 160,000 actors joined the screenwriters, on strike since May, for the first dual strike since the 1960s.

We are joined by Kevin E. West, member of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating & organizing committees, author, and founder of The Actor’s Network. Mr West is a veteran TV actor with roles on shows including CSI, Criminal Minds, Bones, Lost, The Righteous Gemstones and more

Mr West takes us behind the scenes of the negotiations and talks about what is at stake in what the actors & writers are calling "an existential battle"

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363: Barbenheimer is here! Our Oppenheimer & Barbie discussion. With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:05:22 -0000

The biggest movie weekend of the summer is here and Ryan McQuade, executive editor AwardsWatch.com, joins us for a huge Barbie & Oppenheimer discussion. Spoilers!

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361: Emmy nomination reactions with Erik Anderson & Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch! Plus, Hollywood braces for the actors' strike.

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:16:39 -0000

Editor-in-Chief Erik Anderson & TV editor Tyler Doster of AwardsWatch join Christina to talk about their reactions to the 2023 Emmy nominations.

Plus, as the writers' strike continues Hollywood is bracing for the actors to join them. We discuss the ramifications.

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360:Summer Encore! Interview with director Sam Feder 'Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen' (Netflix)

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:40:00 -0000

Summer encore! Christina's interview with director Sam Feder who joined us to talk about his critically acclaimed documentary 'DISCLOSURE: Trans Lives on Screen', watch it on Netflix! The doc looks at transgender representations in film, television and media through interviews with trans actors, artists and activists including Laverne Cox, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, Jen Richards and Chaz Bono. A history filled with with stereotypes, tropes, heartbreak, bravery, and progress. Sam Feder talks to Christina about trans representation through Hollywood history (from DW Griffith, to Ace Ventura, The Crying Game, to Pose) , working with an almost all trans crew, the paradox of visibility, his thoughts on J.K Rowlings' anti trans sentiments and how she should really see Disclosure and so much more. Listen now!

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359: Maureen Ryan, journalist & author 'Burn it Down: Power, Complicity and a Call for Change in Hollywood'

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:53:33 -0000

Reporter, critic & author Maureen Ryan has been covering the TV & film industry in Hollywood for over three decades. Ms. Ryan joins Christina to talk about her NY Times bestselling book 'Burn it Down: Power, Complicity and a Call for Change in Hollywood', an investigation into patterns of misconduct, abuse and racism in Hollywood.

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358: Actor Grace Edwards on her stellar performance in 'Asteroid City' & working with director Wes Anderson.

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 11:26:09 -0000

Eighteen year old Grace Edwards stars in Wes Anderson's new film 'Asteroid City & joins Christina to talk about working with director Wes Anderson, on what she learned from co-stars Scarlett Johansson, Jeff Goldblum and more!

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357: REVISIT: Actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach on "The Bear', his incredible performance as Richie, chaos, love & found family.

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:00:20 -0000

Ahead of the much awaited premiere of season two of 'The Bear' this summer we revisit Christina's conversation with actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach! A conversation about his incredible performance, "cousin" Richie, how a frustrating character can fill you with compassion and a whole lot more from Mr Moss-Bachrach, who's career includes memorable roles in Girls, The Dropout and the Star Wars series, Andor.

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356: From the Spider-Verse to Asteroid City! A big month at the movies. Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) joins Christina to talk about some huge June releases.

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 09:25:08 -0000

Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch.com joins to Christina to talk about a big month at the movies, June 2023. The big titles, box office, what's going on with the Golden Globes and more. From 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' to Pixars latest. 'Elemental'. The tender 'Past Lives', Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City'. The controversial Flash film & much more.

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355: Revisit! Craig Mazin (Creator/Writer/Exec Producer ' The Last of US')

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:57:08 -0000

Revisit! We are thrilled to welcome back creator/writer/director/exec producer Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, HBO)!

Last time Mr Mazin was on Pop Culture Confidential we talked about his masterpiece 'Chernobyl'. He's back with the TV adaptation of the beloved game 'The Last of Us' which fans & critics are already calling -the best tv/film adaptation of a game ever!

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the process behind creating 'The Last of Us'.

'The Last of Us' is airing now in HBOMax

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354: We bid farewell to the Roys! Our Succession finale discussion with Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch)

Tue, 30 May 2023 11:27:40 -0000

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade of Awardswatch.com join Christina to discuss Succession and the masterful series finale!

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352: A conversation with editor Timothy Good ('The Last of Us') Recorded live at the Nordic Media Days Festival.

Wed, 24 May 2023 07:23:10 -0000

A psychological architect of film, editor Timothy Good! On this special episode, recorded live at the Nordic Media Days Festival in Bergen Norway, we dive into editor Timothy Good's unique work with Craig Mazin's acclaimed series 'The Last of Us'. His process, the emotional depth of the editing and beautiful episode 3 'Long, Long Time' starring Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett as Bill & Frank.

Twitter;

Timothy Good, ACE @timothygood

Nordiske Mediedager @mediedager

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351: A conversation with activist, educator & Tupac Shakur's former manager Leila Steinberg. The power of art, Tupac & Allen Hughes' incredible doc series 'Dear Mama'

Thu, 18 May 2023 16:39:34 -0000

When educator and activist Leila Steinberg was 25 years old she met a 17-year-old named Tupac Shakur. Music, poetry and social justice united them. She became involved in his career as his manager until 1993. Christina meets Leila Steinberg for a conversation about her journey, activism, Tupac and the incredible documentary series, 'Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur' directed by Allen Hughes (FX) in which she is featured & interviewed.

Leila Steinberg instagram leila_steinberg

https://www.aim4theheart.org

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350: A new survey asked 'what actors will get you to the movie theater?' & the results are fascinating! Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch) join us to talk modern movie stardom.

Thu, 04 May 2023 11:58:24 -0000

What actors will get you to the theater? A new major survey by the National Research Group asked consumers to name five actors that would make them most interested in seeing a movie in a theater & the results are fascinating: like that the average age of the top 20 is 58 years old!

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (awardswatch.com) join Christina for an interesting, fun & occasionally heated :) conversation about the results of the study, todays movie stardom & their own top 5 actors get them into theaters!

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349: Hollywood writers strike! With guest Tom O'Brien

Wed, 03 May 2023 12:54:22 -0000

Hollywood writers to strike as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have failed to reach a an agreement.

Film critic, writer and WGA member Tom O'Brien (Next Best Picture) joins us with the latest.

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348: 2023 Summer/fall movie preview & discussion with critic Thelma Adams

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:34:51 -0000

Gerwig, Scorsese, Nolan! The Flash, Napoleon & Oppenheimer. We have a massive summer & fall ahead of us at the movies. Critic Thelma Adams (Variety, The Wrap) joins us to discuss some of the biggest and buzziest releases coming up in 2023!

Twitter @thelmadams

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347: Kylie Rogers ('Beau is Afraid' 'Yellowstone')

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 11:25:25 -0000

We are joined by the talented Kylie Rogers, starring in Ari Aster's much anticipated 'Beau is Afraid' & as young Beth on the mega TV hit 'Yellowstone'. We talk about starting her acting career at age 8, how Dennis Hopper is an inspiration for her character in 'Beau is Afraid', working with Aster & Joaquin Phoenix, her most challenging scene on 'Yellowstone and much more.

'Beau is Afraid' premieres in US theaters on April 21st, 2023

📸 Kristine Canterbury

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346: REVIST: We revisit our conversation with TV Icon Henry Winkler ('Barry')

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:52:05 -0000

The critically acclaimed HBO hit 'Barry' just began airing its fourth and final season. We thought it would be fun, and a little bittersweet, to revisit Christina's conversation with TV icon Henry Winkler from season 1 of “Barry”! They talk about 'Barry', working on "Arrested Development", the influence of "Happy Days", living with dyslexia, jumping the shark, and much more.

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345: April TV! From Beef to 1980's psychological thrillers. We discuss! With Candice Frederick, Senior Culture Reporter at HuffPost

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:36:11 -0000

Candice Frederick, Senior Culture Reporter at HuffPost, joins Christina to talk about April's interesting TV shows & themes. Netflix Beef , Tiny Beautiful Things, Dead Ringers, Fatal Attraction, the return of Yellowjackets and much more!

Twitter Candice Frederick @ReelTalker

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344: Writer/director Milad Alami 'Opponent'

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:05:28 -0000

'Opponent' was featured in the Panorama Section of the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year and premiered in Sweden in March. The Paris-based sales company Indie Sales has boarded the film.

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341: Justine Lupe ('Willa' Succession)

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:27:10 -0000

The brilliant and talented Justine Lupe joins us. We talk about 'Willa' and the fascinating journey her character has taken with the Roy family. The women of Succession. Willa & Connor's engagement and where they stand as we begin the final season of Succession. On Lupe's career, working with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeremy Strong, the writers & cast of Succession and saying goodbye to one of TVs best shows!

📸 Emily Knecht.

HBO

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343: We discuss Ben Affleck's 'Air', 'Tetris', & movies about the entrepreneurial spirit! With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film)

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:49:15 -0000

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film) joins Christina to discuss Ben Affleck's 'Air', 'Tetris', & movies about the entrepreneurial spirit! From the Social Network to Moneyball.

The good, the bad and... the Beanie Babies?!

Twitter: @ryanmcquade77

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342: Special episode! A conversation with Brian Cox recorded live on stage. (Succession, HBO Max)

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:39:24 -0000

A special episode of Pop Culture Confidential! Christina in conversation with the great Brian Cox, celebrating the premiere of the last season of Succession.

Recorded at the premiere event in Stockholm, Sweden. Thanks to HBO Max Nordic and HBO Max!

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340: Extra episode! A potential strike looms as the Writers Guild of America and studios negotiate. We break down what's at stake. With guest Tom O'Brien

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:46:27 -0000

As writers and studios negotiate, Hollywood prepares for a possible strike. We break down what's at stake.

We are joined by Tom O'Brien, writer Next Best Picture. Contributing writer for GoldDerby. Member of WGA West

Recorded Thursday March 23rd 2023

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339: We recap and break down the 2023 Academy Awards. The best, the worst & the historic moments! With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch.

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:52:20 -0000

Christina & Ryan McQuade of Awardswatch.com break down and recap Oscars95!

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338: The narratives, the scandals, the surprises! The awards season year in review & everything leading up to Oscar 2023! With Mike Barone of 'Mike, Mike, and Oscar'

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:27:51 -0000

Thrilled to have Michael Barone of the podcast 'Mike, Mike, and Oscar' join us to analyze everything we need to know about this years' exciting Oscar season & how it has led up to Academy Awards 2023. The narratives, the festivals, what films made it all the way through and which lost steam, the surprises, the scandals, the Vegas odds, the beautiful EEAAO journey and much more. All leading to how we are predicting the big night on Sunday!

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337: Our Oscar 2023 predictions special with Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch!

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 11:01:00 -0000

Michelle or Cate? Brendan or Austin??!! It's finally here! It's our 2023 Oscar predictions special and we are thrilled to have editor-in-chief of AwardsWatch.com Erik Anderson with us again to predict the Oscar winners in a year that could be filled with historic wins and surprising upsets.

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336: Lesley Paterson 'All Quiet On the Western Front'. Oscar nominated screenwriter, producer & world champion triathlete!

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:44:00 -0000

Producer/Screenwriter Lesley Paterson is a powerhouse... yes, she is also a world champion triathlete. Paterson talks to Christina about her 16 year fight to make 'All Quiet on the Western Front', now nominated for 9 Oscars. How she used prize money from her sporting events to fund the book option year after year. Even competing & swimming with a broken arm to keep the dream of the film alive.

The Bafta winner talks about her journey as well as the research, writing and developing All Quiet on the Western front, the 1929 German novel by Erich Maria Remarque about the horrors of WWI and the young men lost in the trenches.

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335: We discuss the Bafta awards! The winners, the shockers and what it all means as the Oscars approach! With Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch.

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:45:24 -0000

We did the thing! Executive Editor at AwardsWatch.com Ryan McQuade joins Christina to recap the Baftas 2023. We discuss the winners the shockers, All Quiet on the Western Front taking the night and what it all means as the Oscars approach!

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334: Dispatch 3 from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival! With Nina Hoss (TÁR), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) & Angie Wang (MDMA)

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 14:27:00 -0000

In a new dispatch from the fest Christina talks to some really incredible women on creating and shaping their characters and their films! Filmmaker and juror Angie Wang talks about her film MDMA (2017) inspired by her own history dealing Ecstasy, on underrepresented voices in the industry and more. And actors Nina Hoss (TÁR), Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) on creating their characters

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333. Dispatch 2 from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Director Alison Millar on her brilliant doc 'Lyra'- on the life, work and tragic death of her friend, Northern Ireland’s fearless young reporter Lyra McKee

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:44:31 -0000

Director Alison Millar talks to Christina from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival about her brilliant doc 'Lyra'. The film is about the life, work and tragic death of her friend, Northern Ireland’s fearless young reporter Lyra McKee. It's executive produced by Hillary & Chelsea Clinton.

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332: Dispatch 1 from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Interviews with artisans. Director Todd Field 'Tar', composer Ryan Lott 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' and many more!

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:15:30 -0000

In our first dispatch from The Santa Barbara International Film Festival Christina talks to Oscar nominated artisans and filmmakers ahead of their panels and tributes at the festival!

Composer Ryan Lott of the band Son Lux ' 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'

Prosthetics Makeup designer Adrien Morot 'The Whale'

Writer, Director, Producer Todd Field 'TÁR'

Sound designer Markus Stemler 'All Quiet on the Western Front'

Production Designer Florencia Martin 'Babylon'

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331: REVISIT: Our conversation with actor Jeremy Strong

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:53:21 -0000

Actor Jeremy Strong (Succession, Armageddon Time) is receiving the prestigious Virtuosos Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2023 later this week. As Christina is visiting the festival we thought we'd revisit our conversation with Jeremy Strong. This conversation was recorded ahead of season 2 of Succession!

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328: NEW! The conversation continues with Craig Mazin (Creator/Writer/Exec Producer ' The Last of US') Including our talk on the incredible episode 3!

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:52:04 -0000

Our conversation with Craig Mazin continues. This is the full episode including our conversation on episode 3 starring Nick Offerman & Murray Bartlett.

We are thrilled to welcome back creator/writer/director/exec producer Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, HBO)!

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the process behind creating 'The Last of Us'.

'The Last of Us' is airing now in HBOMax

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330: REVISIT Abbott Elementary star Janelle James!

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:42:08 -0000

As Christina is travelling a few days this week we are revisiting some popular episodes 😃.

Emmy, Golden Globe & Critics Choice nominated for her role on the ABC hit sitcom 'Abbott Elementary', actor Janelle James on Pop Culture Confidential!

Ms. James talks to Christina about her incredible performance as Principal Ava, her stand-up career (she's opened for Chris Rock & Amy Schumer) and much more!

Photo: ABC

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329: REVISIT: Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) on their delicious, new satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:49:00 -0000

As Christina is travelling a few days this week we are revisiting some popular episodes 😃. First up:

Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) join Christina to talk about their excellent, dark satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy.

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327: Our Sundance Film Festival 2023 recap! With Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch, Insession Film

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 20:41:57 -0000

Ryan McQuade of AwardsWatch and InSession Film joins Christina to talk about what they saw at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Their favorite films, trends and filmmaker discoveries of the year!

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326: 2023 Oscar nominations! Reactions, surprises, snubs and more with Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade, AwardsWatch.com

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 21:40:00 -0000

Erik Anderson & Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch.com) join Christina to talk about their reactions to the 2023 Oscar nominations!

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325: A podcast special! Masterclass with Tom Hanks & Rolf Lassgård and producers Rita Wilson & Fredrik Wikström Nicastro. 'A Man Called Otto'

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 07:39:00 -0000

A podcast special! In Dec 2022 Christina moderated a live event: 'A Man Called Otto' Masterclass with Tom Hanks & Rolf Lassgård ('Ove' of the Swedish original 'En Man Som Heter Ove') as well as with producers Rita Wilson & Fredrik Wikstrom Nicastro.

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60gIfau_S6A

'A Man Called Otto' is produced by SF Studios and Playtone & distributed globally by Sony. The movie is now in theatres.

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324: Craig Mazin: Creator/Writer/Exec Producer 'The Last of Us'. Part 1

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:38:51 -0000

We are thrilled to welcome back creator/writer/director/exec producer Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, HBO)!

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the process behind creating T'he Last of Us'.

This is part 1 of our conversation. In part 2 we talk, in depth, about the fantastic third episode of The Last of Us. We will release that part of the conversation after HBO has aired epi 3 on Jan 29th.

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323: Abbott Elementary's breakout star Janelle James!

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 11:55:07 -0000

Emmy, Golden Globe & Critics Choice nominated for her role on the ABC hit sitcom 'Abbott Elementary', actor Janelle James on Pop Culture Confidential!

Ms. James talks to Christina about her incredible performance as Principal Ava, her stand-up career (she's opened for Chris Rock & Amy Schumer) and much more!

Photo: ABC

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322: The most anticipated movies/shows premiering the first half of 2023! With Matt Neglia (Next Best Picture)

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 11:36:00 -0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR. Cocaine Bear, Oppenheimer, Barbie! The Last of Us & Succession! Christina and Matt Neglia (Editor-in-Chief @ NextBestPicture.com) talk about some of their most anticipated films & shows releasing the first half of 2023!

Twitter: Matt Neglia @NextBestPicture

#meg3n #cocainebear #chevalier #knockatthecabin #infinitypool #barbie #johnwick4 #supermario #flash #guardiansofthegalaxy3 #themarvels #renfield #indianajonesandthedialofdestiny #MissionImpossibleDeadReckoning #scream #astroidcity #mafiamamma #oppenheimer #thelastofus #shrinking #succession #daisyjonesandthesix #pokerface #barry #truedetectivenightcountry

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321: Our Best, and Worst, Films of 2022! With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch)

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:27:49 -0000

Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch Erik Anderson joins us for our end of the year best, and worst, film experiences 2022! Happy Holidays!

Twitter: @awards_watch

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320: The Best of 2022. Dee Wallace, E.T. 40 years!

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 07:33:00 -0000

We revisit our episode with icon Dee Wallace & celebrate E.T. 40 years!

Ms Wallace talks about her iconic roles, from Cujo to E.T., the Spielberg classic celebrating 40 years this year! Her role as Mary, the kids' mom in E.T., is one of the most heartfelt portrayals of a single mom on screen. The role, and the film, has meant so much to many generations of film lovers!

We also talk about her latest book Born, & how to ask for what you want and need from life.

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319: Actor Sheila McCarthy. On the powerful themes, questions & truths of "Women Talking"

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 12:26:26 -0000

Actor Shelia McCarthy (Greta) joins us to talk about the upcoming 'Women Talking', a powerful new film written/directed by Sarah Polley and based on the novel by Mariam Toews. We talk about McCarthys' emotional and compelling performance, unpacking the difficult conversations, the need for humor and love and much more!

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318: So, what did we think?! Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film) is back to discuss Spielberg's The Fabelmans!

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 18:13:07 -0000

A while ago, on episode 304, we dove deep into Steven Spielberg's most personal movies and how his family has so often been a part of his storytelling. Now Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film) joins Christina again to discuss The Fabelmans, Spielberg's autobiographical new film, starring Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle and Seth Rogan

Twitter @ryanmcquade77

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315: Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) on their delicious, new satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 17:18:15 -0000

Writers Will Tracy (Succession) & Seth Reiss (The Onion) join us to talk about their excellent, dark satire 'The Menu', starring Ralph Fiennes & Anya Taylor-Joy.

In theatres Nov 18th!

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316: Hollywood on Hollywood. 'Babylon' and a deep dive into movies about the industry! With critic Zoë Rose Bryant

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:39:45 -0000

Film critic Zoë Rose Bryant joins us to talk about Damien Chazelle's "Babylon", the upcoming epic about 1920's Hollywood starring Brad Pitt & Margot Robbie. Plus a deep dive into the most essential films about Hollywood, from Singin' in the Rain and Sunset Boulevard to Boogie Nights and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Twitter @ZoeRoseBryant

Awards Editor: @WeLiveEntmt Writer: @NextBestPicture @Awards_Watch

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314: Laura Poitras, director 'All The Beauty And The Bloodshed'. On photographer Nan Goldin's life and her fight to 'take down' the billionaire Sackler family.

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:29:00 -0000

Academy Award winning director Laura Poitras joins us to talk about her urgent and powerful documentary 'All The Beauty And The Bloodshed' that portrays the life of groundbreaking photographer & activist Nan Goldin.

Godin survived an overdose to fight the opioid epidemic. Her main focus, to take down the billionaire Sackler family and the institutions who take their money. The Sacklers, owners of Purdue Pharma, have donated millions to art institutions around the world

Laura Poitras won the 2022 Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for her film

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313: Weird Al! We revisit our talk with Weird Al Yankovic, icon & parody king!

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 09:41:00 -0000

‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ , a parody of “based on true story biopics,” has premiered on The Roku Channel and we thought this is was perfect time to revisit our fun conversation with ”Weird Al”!

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312: We deep dive into The Banshees of Inisherin! with Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSessionFilm)

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:51:30 -0000

So feckin' good! Ryan McQuade (Executive Editor Awardswatch.com, Editor/Co-Host InSessionFilm) joins us for a deep-dive into Martin McDonagh's critically acclaimed new feature The Banshees of Inisherin. We talk about the powerful & razor sharp themes of regret and existential crisis, the humor, the tears and the shocking twists. Don't miss!

and fyi, SPOILERS!

Follow Ryan McQuade on twitter: @ryanmcquade77

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311: Actors Tom Hollander & Leo Woodall talk White Lotus 2, the new Italian season and the sexual politics of the 1 %!

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 13:04:57 -0000

The wait is finally over! The second season of The White Lotus, Mike White's Emmy winning, genius satire about wealth, privilege and class premieres soon.

We talk to actor Tom Hollander (Pirates of the Caribbean, In the Loop, Pride & Prejudice) who plays Quentin, an English expat vacationing with his friends, and Leo Woodall (Cherry, One Day) who plays his nephew Jack.

The White Lotus on HBO Max

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310: Jump scares and spine chillers! A horror deep-dive with film critic William Bibbiani.

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:51:00 -0000

Had a fantastic time talking about the horror genre with film critic & podcast host William Bibbiani (The Wrap, The Critically Acclaimed Network)!

We talk about how and why 2022 horror is making a killing at the box office, from 'Smile' to 'Barbarian' to 'Halloween Ends’. How the horror genre can help us process terrifying realities, from misogyny to living through a pandemic. How a studio like A24 and directors like Jordan Peele & Robert Eggers are doing groundbreaking work. Plus William Bibbiani's all time favorite jump scare and so much more!

Happy Halloween!!

Follow William Bibbiani :

on twitter @WilliamBibbiani

Critically Acclaimed Network patreon: www.patreon.com/criticallyacclaimednetwork

SaltCatSoap (handmade fancy soaps!): www.patreon.com/saltcatsoap

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309: The exciting race towards the Oscars 2023! Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch) is with us to cover it all.

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 09:54:31 -0000

Editor-in-chief Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch.com joins us again to cover the exciting race towards the Oscars 2023! What are this years Oscar-race narratives? We talk Brendan Fraser, Blanchett, Spielberg, love us some Banshees, disagree on a few screenplay predictions, talk about Will Smith and his possible come-back post slap, and the return of the Golden Globes, how will the industry & the stars handle that?! Tune in!

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308: A talk with actor Lane Factor 'Cheese' on the groundbreaking, hit show 'Reservation Dogs',

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 14:00:53 -0000

17 year old Lane Factor is a rising star! He was only 14 when he auditioned and got the part in the groundbreaking, hit show "Reservation Dogs". We talk about his role as 'Cheese', his Native American background, working with Sterlin Harjo & Taika Waititi, the emotional scenes that were really personal to him, working with Steven Spielberg in his upcoming film 'The Fabelmans' and much more!

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307: Our 'Blonde' discussion with culture reporter Candice Frederick!

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:43:41 -0000

Candice Frederick, Senior Culture Reporter @huffpost joins Christina for a discussion on the film 'Blonde', based on a novel by Joyce Carol Oates, directed by Andrew Dominik and starring Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe

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306 Best of: It's a Daisy Edgar-Jones year! A conversation with the star of 'Where the Crawdads Sing'.

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 07:22:13 -0000

Actor Daisy Edgar-Jones ('Normal People', 'Fresh', 'Under the Banner of Heaven') joins us to talk about her film 'Where the Crawdads Sing', based on the global best seller. Also, on working with producer Reese Witherspoon, playing survivors, wanting to play the villan, and much more!

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305 Best of: Our conversation with actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach ("The Bear'.) On his incredible performance as Richie, chaos, love & found family.

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:21:42 -0000

Revisit our interview with actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach! He joins Christina for an exclusive deep-dive into this summers' TV hit, 'The Bear'! A conversation about his incredible performance, "cousin" Richie, how a frustrating character can fill you with compassion and a whole lot more from Mr Moss-Bachrach, who's career includes memorable roles in Girls, The Dropout and the Star Wars series, Andor.

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304: A deep dive into Steven Spielberg's most personal films & stories ahead of 'The Fabelmans'. With Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film)

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:26:00 -0000

This was fascinating, fun.... and personal! Ryan McQuade joins me for this deep dive into Steven Spielberg's most personal stories, ahead of his semi-autobiographical new film The Fabelmans. Spielberg has so many times processed his childhood, his parents, their divorce, his traumas, through his stories. From Close Encounters to Indiana Jones to Catch Me if you Can and beyond you can find Spielberg working out his own life in his films. Ryan McQuade and Christina take a journey though these powerful themes in Spielberg's career!

Twitter: @ryanmcquade77

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303: A conversation with writer/director Kogonada ('After Yang') on memory, feeling displaced, the love of film & more! (Revisit)

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:27:32 -0000

A wonderful conversation with writer/director Kogonada about his film ‘After Yang’, memory, feeling displaced, being in the present, the love of movies, ‘Pachinko’ and much more

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302: Venice Film Festival 2022 writer/director Rebecca Zlotowski on her very personal film 'Other People’s Children', reimagining the image of the step-mother & female allies.

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:07:29 -0000

Writer/director Rebecca Zlotowski joins Christina at the Venice Film Festival 2022 to talk about 'Other People’s Children', her critically acclaimed new film!

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301: Venice Film Festival! 'Don't Worry Darling', 'The Whale' 'The Eternal Daughter' with writer/critic Connor Lightbody

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 19:01:24 -0000

Venice Film Festival dispatch! Writer, critic & film student Connor Lightbody joins Christina in Venice to review and discuss 'Don't Worry Darling', 'The Whale' and 'The Eternal Daughter'

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300: A conversation with Jared Harris and director Adrian Sibley "The Ghost of Richard Harris" from the Venice Film Festival 2022

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 15:09:20 -0000

Actor Jared Harris and director Adrian Sibley join me, at the Venice Film Festival, to talk about their powerful documentary "‘The Ghost of Richard Harris’.

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299: Venice Film Festival! 'Bones and All' ''All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, 'Monica', 'Master Gardner' with critic Raphael Abraham (Financial Times)

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 17:29:29 -0000

Venice Film Festival dispatch nr 3! Financial Times editor, film critic/writer Raphael Abraham joins Christina in Venice to review and discuss 'Bones and All', ''All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, 'Monica', 'Master Gardner'

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298: Venice Film Festival 2022 dispatch! Reviews & first reactions: 'Tár' and 'Bardo'. With critic Tom O'Brien (NextBestPicture.com)

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:05:22 -0000

Venice Film Festival dispatch nr 2! Critic and writer Tom O'Brien (NextBestPicture.com) joins Christina in Venice to review and discuss their first reactions to 'Tár' and 'Bardo'!

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297: Venice Film Festival 2022 dispatch. Review and first reactions, "White Noise"! With critic John Bleasdale.

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:49:00 -0000

Venice Film Festival dispatch. Critic and author John Bleasdale joins Christina to review and discuss their first reactions to Noah Baumbachs 'White Noise'... hint... they both LOVE it!

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Episode 296: The 2022 Emmys predictions special! With critic Thelma Adams

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 02:52:00 -0000

Critic & awards expert Thelma Adams joins Christina to predict the exciting 2022 Emmy awards!

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Episode 295: Director Sara Dosa "Fire of Love". Love, passion & volcanos.

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:40:18 -0000

Sara Dosa, director Sundance-winning documentary 'Fire of Love, joins us to talk about her incredible film following French volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft. A love story like no othe!. We talk about the Kraffts unique and powerful footage, their passionate relationship and their untimely death at the foot of Japans' Mount Unzen.

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294: Actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach on "The Bear', his incredible performance as Richie, chaos, love & found family.

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:21:00 -0000

Actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach joins Christina for an exclusive deep-dive into this summers TV hit, 'The Bear'! A conversation about his incredible performance, "cousin" Richie, how a frustrating character can fill you with compassion and a whole lot more from Mr Moss-Bachrach, who's career includes memorable roles in Girls, The Dropout and the upcoming Star Wars series, Andor.

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293: It's a Daisy Edgar-Jones year! A conversation with the star of 'Where the Crawdads Sing'.

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:23:08 -0000

Actor Daisy Edgar-Jones ('Normal People', 'Fresh', 'Under the Banner of Heaven') joins us to talk about her new film 'Where the Crawdads Sing', based on the global best seller. Also, on working with producer Reese Witherspoon, playing survivors, wanting to play the villan, and much more!

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292: A conversation with the great Keke Palmer! ('Nope')

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:38:00 -0000

The multi-talented actor Keke Palmer joins us! We talk about her critically acclaimed performance in Jordan Peele's horror-sci fi 'NOPE', how her 20 year career & experiences growing up as a child star informed her role in Nope, the films' themes of the scary side of fame and Hollywood and so much more.

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291: 'The Bear' deep dive! With Matt Neglia (NextBestPicture.com)

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 16:55:46 -0000

Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of NextBestPicture.com joins us for an in-depth examination of ' The Bear' the excellent, surprise hit of the summer! The powerful themes, the cast, the filmmaking, we cover it all.

Christina will doing deep dive, review episodes more regularly on Pop Culture Confidential. Send us your suggestions on the films & shows you'd like to hear about!

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290: The cast & creators of the new series 'A League of Their Own'! (Amazon Prime)

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:12:00 -0000

This week we are joined by the cast & creators of the new series 'A League of Their Own': co-creator and star Abbi Jacobson, co-creator Will Graham, D’Arcy Carden, Chanté Adams, Roberta Colindrez, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Priscilla Delgado, Molly Ephraim, Melanie Field & exec producer Desta Tedros Reff!

The series, which premieres on Amazon Prime on Aug 12th, is an adaptation of the 1992 film with all new characters and story lines, about the formation of the WWII era women's professional baseball team.

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REVISIT! A conversation with Rick Stanton, one of the lead divers in the dramatic Thai soccer team cave rescue.

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 18:58:01 -0000

Ahead of the premiere of Ron Howards major motion picture ‘Thirteen Lives’ we revisit our interview with Rick Stanton (in the movie played by Viggo Mortensen) one of the lead divers & key players in the 2018 dramatic rescue of the 12 boys and their soccer coach from an underwater cave in Thailand. Mr Stanton 's memoir is 'Aquanaut'.

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289: Ciao Venezia 2022! Critic John Bleasdale joins us to talk about what to expect from the 2022 Venice Film Festival.

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 18:38:00 -0000

In part 1 of our Venice Film Festival special we are joined by writer, critic & host of the podcast 'Writers of Film' John Bleasdale. We talk about the incredible line-up this year at Venice & what we are most looking forward to!

In part 2 Christina & John will meet up at Venice Film Festival for further discussions!

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288: From Hell's Kitchen to American Ninja Warrior to Floor is Lava, a conversation with super producer Arthur Smith, a pioneer in non-fiction television.

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:41:00 -0000

From Hell's Kitchen to American Ninja Warrior to Floor is Lava! With more than 200 shows for over 50 networks Arthur Smith is a pioneer in non-fiction television. He and his company have created and developed some of the biggest, longest running and most influential reality and unscripted shows in TV history.

Don't miss our conversation about the evolution of reality TV, how he shaped the genre and some great behind the scenes secrets from the surprise Netflix hit Floor is Lava!

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REVISIT! Co-directors Tia Lessin & Emma Pildes join us to talk about their excellent, urgent and vital documentary THE JANES (HBOMax)

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 13:37:20 -0000

Co-directors Tia Lessin & Emma Pildes join us to talk about their excellent, urgent and vital documentary THE JANES, HBOMax

The film is the story of the Jane Collective, a group of women who formed a clandestine network that used code names and safe houses in an underground service for women seeking safe and affordable abortions pre Roe v. Wade.

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287: A fabulously fun conversation with the great Hugh Bonneville!

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:41:14 -0000

A fabulously fun conversation with the great Hugh Bonneville! On 'Downton Abbey: A New Era', the Crawley family's new adventures, bringing back the original ensemble, how Lord Grantham has evolved this past decade and so much more!

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286: Summer blockbusters, box office & 2022 movies we are looking forward to! With Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch.

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 17:10:05 -0000

Always a blast when Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch.com) joins us! We talk about this summer at the movie. From Tom Cruise spectacular box office run, to "Elvis" and Lightyear'. And count down some of the movies we are looking forward to in 2022, the Monroe biopic 'Blonde', Spielberg's 'The Fablemans", Greta Gerwigs 'Barbie" and many more

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285: A conversation with 4-time Academy Award Winner Catherine Martin ('Elvis')!

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:32:00 -0000

An interview with legendary costume/production designer Catherine Martin! She has four Oscars to her name (two for Moulin Rouge! in 2002 , two for The Great Gatsby in 2014)

We talk about creating 'Elvis' with her husband and collaborator of 30 years, director Baz Luhrmann, the source of Elvis style, the jumpsuits, the Napoleon collars and Elvis immense cultural impact.

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284: Dee Wallace, actor, author & scream queen! On her iconic roles from Cujo to E.T, the Spielberg classic celebrating 40 years, and much more!

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 10:32:00 -0000

We are honored to be joined by actor and author Dee Wallace!

We talk about her iconic roles, from Cujo to E.T., the Spielberg classic celebrating 40 years this year! Her role as Mary, the kids' mom in E.T., is one of the most heartfelt portrayals of a single mom on screen. The role, and the film, has meant so much to many generations of film lovers!

We also talk about her latest book Born, & how to ask for what you want and need from life.

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283. Co-directors Tia Lessin & Emma Pildes join us to talk about their excellent, urgent and vital documentary THE JANES (HBOMax)

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 09:37:50 -0000

Co-directors Tia Lessin & Emma Pildes join us to talk about their excellent, urgent and vital documentary THE JANES, premiering on HBOMax June 8th.

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282: Benita Alexander tells her story. The NBC producer who's fairytale romance with a celebrity surgeon was a scam. Dr Macchiarini is now on trial over experimental windpipe transplants.

Tue, 17 May 2022 11:04:00 -0000

This week we are joined by Benita Alexander, the former NBC producer who’s fairytale romance with the so called ‘super surgeon’ Dr Paolo Macchiarini turned out to be all lies, a scam. Ms Alexander tells her story, how she fell for Macchiarini, the wedding that was to be officiated by the Pope himself, how she ultimately exposed Macchiarini in a stunning turn of events and how she is now working to help empower other women.

Ms Alexander is in Stockholm, Sweden covering Macchiarini’s trial. He is on trial over experimental windpipe transplants. She shares her thoughts on the trial, the accusations against him, her thoughts on Karolinska Institute’s handling of the situation and what she hopes the outcome will be.

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281: Are movies back?! Plus our Cannes Film Festival 2022 preview. With AwardsWatch Erik Anderson

Sat, 14 May 2022 09:33:00 -0000

Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch.com is back on Pop Culture Confidential! But are movies back?

We talk about the buzz around movies like Top Gun: Maverick, Everything Everywhere All at Once and more. Plus our Cannes Film Festival preview. Erik predicts the Palme d’Or winner, we think it’s going to be a Michelle Williams year, Ethan Coen is back at Cannes without Joel & Elvis is in the building. Listen now!

And don’t miss the new AwardsWatch.com podcast and all their upcoming Cannes coverage!

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280: Our Spring Television Special! With critic Thelma Adams

Sat, 07 May 2022 05:52:04 -0000

Dirty cops, scammers, Vikings, mormon detectives, complicated female characters, Netflix setbacks and the state of the TV industry. We cover it all in our spring TV special! We are so happy to welcome back critic, author & friend of the show Thelma Adams for this great discussion.

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279: Hollywood trials & when celebrities take the stand. A conversation with Professor Andrea M McDonnell

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:34:42 -0000

From the widely publicized trial of silent film star Fatty Arbuckle in 1921, to Weinstein, Cosby, Britney Spears conservatorship battle and the now ongoing Johnny Depp/Amber Heard defamation trial, celebrities in court seem like a constant source of news. Associate Professor of Communication Andrea M McDonnell joins us to dive into the subject of Hollywood legal battles, how they test our perception of celebrity and fame & much more

Professor McDonnell is a media scholar examining gossip, celebrity, gender, and politics, She is currently co-editing a collection with Adam Silver called A Gossip Politic, forthcoming later this year from Palgrave. And co-author, with Susan Douglas, of Celebrity: A History of Fame, NYU Press.

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278: We revisit our talk with actor Rick Rossovich! On the legacy of Top Gun, ahead of the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick.

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 12:06:22 -0000

We feel the need for speed!! On the show this week actor Rick Rossovich who played Ron ‘Slider’ Kerner, wingman to Val Kilmer’s Iceman, in Top Gun (1986). Mr Rossovich talks about his career, his experiences on Top Gun, the myths and legacy of the franchise, his work in TV and more! All leading up to this spring and the release of Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel 3 decades in the making! Will we see him in the new movie?! Well, we will just have to wait and see. Grab your Ray Bans and catch this interview now!

Rick Rossovich has starred in some of the most pop culturally iconic films and TV shows ever: The Lords of Discipline, Streets of Fire, The Terminator, Steve Martin’s Roxanne and Navy Seals . He played Dr. John 'Tag' Taglieri on ER and, and spent two years playing Lt. Anthony Palermo on Pacific Blue.

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277: Actor Billy Magnussen (Barry Levinsons' 'The Survivor' & 'Made for Love' season 2, HBO Max)

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:44:36 -0000

Actor Billy Magnussen joins us to talk about his versatile career, playing the villain in the latest Bond film 'No Time to Die' and taking on the iconic role of the young Paulie Walnuts in the Sopranos prequel ‘The Many Saints of Newark”.

Plus his two upcoming premieres. Magnussen is starring (as Dietrich Schneider) in Barry Levinsons’ powerful film ‘The Survivor’, based on the true story of holocaust survivor and boxer Harry Haft (April 27th, HBO).

As well as the season 2 premiere of the hit, sci fi dark comedy ‘Made for Love’ (April 28th HBO)

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276: A conversation with composer Nico Muhly (Pachinko)

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:38:42 -0000

The great Nico Muhly, composer, joins Christina for a wonderful conversation about how the incredible score for ‘Pachinko’ came together, his early influences, what he learned working for Philip Glass, how being open about his mental health struggles has helped his work and helped others. And much more!

‘Pachinko” is now on AppleTV+.

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REVISIT! Executive producer/writer Danny Strong 'Dopesick'

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 16:05:11 -0000

A conversation with Danny Strong (‘Game Change’, ‘Recount’) the creator/writer/director of ‘Dopesick’. Mr Strong talks about making the series & taking on the origins and devastation of the opioid epidemic in the U.S.

And how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history.

‘Dopesick’ starring Michael Keaton, Kaitlyn Dever, Michael Stuhlbarg

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275: Post-Oscar talk with Ryan McQuade! (AwardsWatch, InSession Film)

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 16:05:20 -0000

Ryan McQuade (AwardsWatch, InSession Film) joins Christina for a post-Oscar conversation. The ceremony, the winners, Will Smith/Chris Rock and more.

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274: Writer/Showrunner Liz Hannah "The Dropout" , "The Girl From Plainville"

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 08:26:00 -0000

Thrilled to have writer, producer, director Liz Hannah (The Post, Long Shot, Mindhunter) back on Pop Culture Confidential. Liz Hannah is currently involved in two of the most critically acclaimed, true crime series on television. She is a writer and exec producer on ‘The Dropout’, about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried) and creator, exec producer & showrunner on ‘The Girl from Plainville’, based on the true story of Michelle Carter (Elle Fanning) the teen who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the notorious ‘texting-suicide’ case.

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273: Kyle Buchanan is back! We talk Oscar predictions and his new book “Blood, Sweat & Chrome: The Wild and True Story of Mad Max: Fury Road”

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:02:44 -0000

New York Times journalist and awards season columnist Kyle Buchanan is back on Pop Culture Confidential for his yearly visit! We talk about his fantastic new book “Blood, Sweat & Chrome” on the chaotic making of George Miller's masterpiece Mad Max: Fury Road. Plus the crazy Oscar season 2022 and we predict Sundays winners!

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272: Kogonada "After Yang" "Pachinko"

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 13:14:29 -0000

A wonderful conversation with writer/director Kogonada about his film ‘After Yang’, memory, feeling displaced, being in the present, the love of movies, the AppleTV+ series ‘Pachinko’ and much more

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271: A conversation with Noomi Rapace!

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 11:43:42 -0000

She is never afraid of a challenge. The fearless and talented actor & producer Noomi Rapace joins us for a conversation about her new film Lamb, her most personal work yet, & much more. Noomi Rapace is also starring in the upcoming films Netflix ‘Black Crab” & the Sundance hit ‘You Won’t Be Alone’

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270: Will Smith, Coda and Squid Game big winners at the Screen Actors Guild awards 2022! SAG reactions with Erik Anderson! (AwardsWatch.com)

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 08:45:42 -0000

Erik Anderson, editor-in-chief, at Awardswatch joins us to talk about last nights 2022 SAG awards! Plus our reactions to the Academy Awards decision not to air 8 major awards during the Oscar telecast in March.

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269: Actor Jeff Hiller 'Somebody Somewhere' (HBO)

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:53:39 -0000

The wonderful Jeff Hiller (‘30 Rock’ ‘Community’ ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’) stars in the hit, HBO comedy-drama ‘Somebody Somewhere’. Jeff joins us for a great conversation about the themes of the show, finding your people & community, surviving bullying and how he, like his character Joel, found a safe space in the church and in school choir. Plus much more!

‘Somebody Somewhere’ is co-created & executive produced by Hannah Bos & Paul Thureen; starring and executive produced by Bridget Everett. Airs on HBOMax.

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268: "Beyond the Best Dressed-A Cultural History of the Most Glamorous, Radical, and Scandalous Oscar Fashion". Author Esther Zuckerman

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:04:11 -0000

Writer Esther Zuckerman joins us to talk about her new book “Beyond the Best Dressed” a cultural history of Oscar fashion!

Esther Zuckerman is an entertainment journalist whose work has been published by Thrillist, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and The A.V. Club, among others.

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267: Writer/director Kenneth Branagh, 'Belfast'

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 11:09:46 -0000

Writer/director Sir Kenneth Branagh joins us for a conversation about his semi-autobiographical new film “Belfast” and much more!

‘Belfast” is nominated for 7 Academy Awards including, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture

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266: A conversation with Oscar nominee screenwriter/director Eskil Vogt (co-writer 'The Worst Person in The World', writer/director 'The Innocents')

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 09:55:43 -0000

A conversation with newly minted Oscar nominee Eskil Vogt!

Vogt was just nominated for Best Original Screenplay, together with director Joachim Trier, for ‘The Worst Person in The World’. The film was also nominated for Best International Feature. We talk about his long collab with Trier, ‘The Worst Person in the World’, as well as his new film, his second feature as writer/director, the supernatural horror film ‘The Innocents’.

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265: The Oscar nominations 2022! With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch)

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 18:04:24 -0000

Erik Anderson, Editor-in-Chief of Awardswatch.com, joins us to to talk about the Oscar nominations 2022! The surprises, the snubs and state of the race.

The 94th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

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264: A conversation with actor Jamie Dornan, 'Belfast'!

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 11:53:00 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential, actor Jamie Dornan, star of ‘Belfast' the critically acclaimed and semi autobiographical film by Kenneth Branagh! Dornan joins us to talk about returning to him hometown for this movie, playing Branagh’s father, his intense year, Bond rumors and much more.

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253: Joachim Trier, director/co-writer 'The Worst Person in the World'

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 07:30:00 -0000

Director & co-writer Joachim Trier ( ‘Reprise’, ‘Oslo, 31 August’ ) joins us to talk about his critically acclaimed new feature “The Worst Person in the World”, life, love and rom coms!

“The Worst Person in the World” is Norways Oscar submission 2021 & actor Renate Reinsve won the award for Best Actress at Cannes this for her performance as Julie.

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263: The Sundance 2022 edition! With critic, host & writer Ryan McQuade

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 13:00:43 -0000

This week we are at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival! We are excited to be joined by Ryan McQuade, editor at InSessionFilm, host of the Chasing The Gold podcast and covering Sundance for AwardsWatch.com! We are a little more than half way through the virtual festival, Christina & Ryan sit down to talk about some the incredibly interesting movies at this years' fest. The most about buzzed films, which films they loved and which ones they just can’t wrap their heads around!

Twitter @ryanmcquade77

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262: Creator/Showrunner Patrick Somerville & EP Jessica Rhoades ("Station Eleven") on making a post apocalyptic show about joy and healing.

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:29:53 -0000

We are thrilled to be joined by EP Jessica Rhoades (Sharp Objects, The Affair) and creator, showrunner & EP Patrick Somerville (The Leftovers, Maniac) to talk about their groundbreaking series “Station Eleven”. On making a post apocalyptic show about joy and healing during an actual pandemic. On themes of grief and living in the now. And so much more.

“Station Eleven” is streaming on HBOMax.

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261: Most anticipated new TV shows of 2022! with NPR TV critic Eric Deggans

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 11:56:09 -0000

Thrilled to welcome NPR TV critic Eric Deggans back to the show for a new year of television! In this episode we talk about some of the most anticipated new shows coming the first half of 2022. Notorious scandals like the story of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee’s stolen sex tape in the upcoming Hulu series 'Pam & Tommy’, Julia Garner as con artist Anna Delvey in ‘Inventing Anna’ (Netflix) created by Shonda Rhimes, Amanda Seyfried as disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in ‘The Dropout’ (Hulu). Plus Jason Katims' (Friday Night Lights) new show ‘As We See It’ a comedy-drama series about living on the autism spectrum (Amazon Prime), ‘House of Dragon’ (HBOMax), ‘The Gilded Age’ (HBOMax) and much more! Eric Deggans talks about his favorites, some disappointments and what to expect coming your way! Listen now.

Twitter: @Deggans

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260: The good, the bad & the complicated. Motherhood in film & TV this season. With critic Thelma Adams

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:42:59 -0000

Critic & author Thelma Adams joins us for an in-depth conversation on the many incredibly interesting portraits of motherhood in film & TV this season, from The Lost Daughter to Succession to Spencer and many more!

Thelma Adams recent article in Variety is “Screenplay Contenders From ‘Lost Daughter’ to ‘Spencer’ Grapple With Messy Emotions of Motherhood”

Twittter @thelmadams

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259: Jazz Tangcay, Senior Artisans Editor at Variety, on the year in movies!

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:15:16 -0000

We are so happy to have Jazz Tangcay, Senior Artisans Editor at Variety, back on the show! We take a look at some of the incredible achievements behind the scenes, this tumultuous year in cinema. 2021 has been an incredible year at the movies, from giant blockbusters like Dune and Spider-Man to the haunting cinematography of The Power of the Dog, make up transformations and tragedy on set. Listen now. And Happy Holidays!

Jazz Tangcay Twitter: @jazzt

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258: We are joined by Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch). We talk controversial Golden Globes, awards season news & a 'Succession' finale deep dive!

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:35:00 -0000

Editor in Chief of AwardsWatch Erik Anderson is back! We analyze the controversial Hollywood Foreign Press Association and their Golden Globe nominations. We talk about the state of the Oscar awards race. Give our thoughts on West Side Story, Don’t Look Up and more. Plus we discuss this incredible season finale of Succession!

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257: We revisit our interview with Jeremy Strong 'Succession'!

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 12:03:46 -0000

This week we revisit our 2019 interview with the great Jeremy Strong!

Jeremy Strong talked to us while on location filming season two. We talked about researching media-moguls for the role, the relationship between Kendall and his father Logan, Succession in the age of Trump, filming the very powerful last scene of season 1 and how it almost made him quit acting, what's in store for Kendall in season two and so much more

Season 3 of Succession is on HBO MAX now

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256: A special episode! Kirsten Dunst & Benedict Cumberbatch 'The Power Of The Dog'

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 11:15:11 -0000

Happy Holidays to all celebrating Thanksgiving this week! As a holiday treat here is is a special episode of Pop Culture Confidential: Kirsten Dunst & Benedict Cumberbatch speak to us about their incredible performances in Jane Campions’ The Power of The Dog (Netflix)

Interviews were done by Christina on location at the Venice Film Festival for a segment originally aired on SVT, Swedish National Television.

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255: Writer/Producer Georgia Pritchett 'Succession', 'Veep', 'The Shrink Next Door'. Author 'My Mess Is A Bit Of A Life'

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:30:45 -0000

Thrilled to be joined by the multi-award-winning television writer and producer Georgia Pritchett (In The Thick of It, Veep, Succession) She is currently a writer and co-executive producer on HBO's Succession, now in it's third season and show runner of the new Apple TV+ miniseries The Shrink Next Door, starring Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell.

Her new memoir is “My Mess Is A Bit of A Life. Adventures In Anxiety”

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248: The era of Arian Moayed! On 'Succession' s3, Netflix 'Inventing Anna', 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' & much more.

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 13:00:27 -0000

One of our favorite guests returns! Actor, writer, director Arian Moayed joins us to talk about the incredible season opener of 'Succession' S3 (HBO Max), Stewy & lots of behind the scenes talk from the show. Plus Moayeds upcoming projects: from Shonda Rhimes new limited series ‘Inventing Anna’ (Netflix) to the much awaited new MCU blockbuster 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'. The actor , who’s born in Iran, also talks about saying no to roles playing “terrorist n4” and what he tells his students about fighting stereotypes and changing the industry!

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254: Kidman, Smith, Gaga & angry fans. AwardsWatch Erik Anderson is back with a report from AFI fest & all the movie and awards news

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:04:00 -0000

AwardsWatch Erik Anderson is back with a report for the AFI fest & more! We talk about Will Smith, on his way to Oscar glory as KING RICHARD & Lin Manuel Mirandas excellent directorial debut TICK TICK …BOOM! Nicole Kidman is incredible in Aaron Sorkin's Lucille Ball biopic BEING THE RICARDOS. Erik was disappointed by HOUSE OF GUCCI. We talk angry fans & much more Listen now!

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252: Executive producer/writer Danny Strong 'Dopesick'

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 09:02:01 -0000

And how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history.

‘Dopesick’ starring Michael Keaton, Kaitlyn Dever, Michael Stuhlbarg premieres on Disney+ on November 12th.

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251: Actor Reed Birney "Mass"

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 08:02:04 -0000

Actor Reed Birney (House of Cards, The Blacklist) joins us to talk about his Gotham Award nominated performance in the powerful film ‘Mass’. We spoke about his role (which first time director Fran Kranz wrote specifically for him), the tragedy of his character, themes of grief, forgiveness and surviving the worst. And much more.

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250: Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch! All the latest industry news, controversies & Timothée Chalamet heats up the box office

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 08:47:24 -0000

Erik Anderson, editor-in-chief AwardsWatch.com, is back for our regular segment covering all the most important industry & awards news! Dune and Belfast. The Golden Globes, just when we thought we were out they are dragging us back in. As well as the Dave Chapelle controversy and the tragedy on the set of Rust.

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249: A conversation with director Yngvild Sve Flikke, 'Ninjababy'

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 07:06:48 -0000

An unwanted pregnancy, an animated fetus and Rakel, a great character at the center, Ninjababy is a hilarious film that packs some powerful punches. We talk to director Yngvild Sve Flikke about the interesting themes, how differently the film has resonated around the world and much more, The movie won 4 Amanda awards at the Norwegian International Film Festival, it is one of Norways 2021 Oscar submissions and has made a splash at festivals, from Berlin to SXSW.

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247: An hour with Brian Cox!

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 11:47:18 -0000

At the height of the pandemic lock-down, while waiting to finish season 3, the great Brian Cox sat down with Christina to talk about his incredible portrayal of Logan Roy on HBO’s Succession, who he jokingly calls his “evil twin”. Now just days away from the premiere of S3 we are re-airing this candid conversation!

We go deep into the making of the show, his thoughts on Logans motivations, emotional scenes with Jeremy Strong and much more. Plus Mr Cox childhood, background and prolific career in roles such as Hannibal Lecktor in Manhunter and Robert McKee in Adaptation.

Succession season 3 start on Sunday Oct 17th HBO MAX

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246: Squid Game! Professor Areum Jeong on the cultural, political & artistic impact of the Netflix megahit

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 13:21:00 -0000

This week we talk about the biggest television show in the world, Squid Game! Honored to have Professor Areum Jeong with us to talk about the cultural, political & artistic impact of the Netflix megahit

Dr. Jeong, assistant professor at Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute in China, researches and teaches Korean film, theatre and performance including South Korea’s modern culture & K-pop. She earned a PhD in theater and performance studies from UCLA and has taught at UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and USC.

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245: Rick Stanton, one of the lead divers in the Thai soccer team cave rescue. Author 'Aquanaut'.

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 14:43:00 -0000

We are honored to talk to Rick Stanton MBE, one of the lead divers & key players in the 2018 dramatic rescue of the 12 boys and their soccer coach from an underwater cave in Thailand. An incident that, for weeks, was followed by the world. Mr. Stanton talks to Christina about his hobby, his passion for cave diving, the Thai rescue, how the boys got through it, his new book 'Aquanaut' and how he’s worked with the actor Viggo Mortensen (who’s playing Stanton in Ron Howards upcoming motion picture ‘Thirteen Lives’.)

Don’t miss the incredible documentary The Rescue (coming in October) directed by Academy Award winning producers & directors (Free Solo) E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.

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244: The race is on. AwardsWatch Erik Anderson joins us for movie news, hits & misses and a taste of Licorice Pizza!

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:31:33 -0000

The stars are out this festival & awards season and Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch.com is back with us! We talk Denzel, Will Smith, Kristen Stewart, Chastain. The state of the oscar race and festival hits & misses. Why musicals are struggling, the beautiful Gyllenhaals, we taste some Licorice Pizza and much more!

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243: Emmys 2021 Predictions Special! With critic Thelma Adams

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 03:38:36 -0000

Ted Lasso! The Crown! Get your ballots ready for Emmys 2021! Critic and writer Thelma Adams joins Christina as they predict this exciting year ahead of the Emmys telecast on Sunday the 19th.

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242: Our Venice Film Festival dispatch part two! On location with critic John Bleasdale

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 09:53:10 -0000

Welcome to part two of our Venice Film Festival dispatch! Critic, writer & host of the ‘Writers on Film’ podcast John Bleasdale joins Christina, in Venice, to talk about the the 2021 festival and review & discuss the films they have seen.

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241: Ciao Venezia! Critic John Bleasdale joins us to talk about what to expect from the Venice Film Festival 2021!

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 08:28:17 -0000

In part 1 of our Venice Film Festival special writer & critic John Bleasdale (The Guardian, Sight & Sound) talks to Christina about some of the movies, directors and performances they are most looking forward to at the festival: Almodovar, Sorrentino, Campion, Ridley Scott! Pablo Larraín imagines the days leading up to Diana and Charles divorce. The premiere of the much anticipated Dune. A LOT is discussed on this episode ahead of the fest next week.

And in part 2 Christina & John will meet up at Venice Film Festival for further discussions!

Don’t miss John Bleasdale’s new podcast Writers on Film!

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240: Jonas Poher Rasmussen director of the extraordinary, Sundance award winning documentary 'Flee'

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 17:37:48 -0000

Director Jonas Poher Rasmussen joins us to talk about his remarkable animated documentary 'Flee"‘.

The Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner ‘FLEE ‘tells the story of Amin, who through a series of interviews with Rasmussen, tells his dramatic journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan to Denmark in the 1980s & grappling with his traumatic past.

Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau are set to star, as lead voice actors, in the upcoming English version.

Flee (Flykt) premieres in Sweden on August 20th, Tristar. And rolls out in other territories through the fall & winter 2021.

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239: The Britney Spears case, #freebritney and Britneys fight for freedom. With culture writer Constance Grady (vox.com)

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 09:16:00 -0000

Culture writer Constance Grady (vox.com) joins us to talk about Britney Spears court case which she has followed closely, the #freebritney movement, how it has started major discussions on reforming conservatorships, the cultural implications and what will be happening going forward.

Grady recently written a series of articles “The Purity Chronicles” where she examines the bubblegum misogyny of pop culture and looks back at the sexual and gendered mores of the late ’90s and 2000s.

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238: Emmys & Venice & Gucci, oh my! Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch) is back with all the latest on movies, festivals & TV!

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 21:26:00 -0000

Erik Anderson, editor-in-chief of AwardsWatch, is BACK! We have a great conversation about the Venice Film Festival line-up, the Cannes winners, early Emmy predictions and those incredible House of Gucci posters. Listen now!

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237: Summer revisit: 'Allen v. Farrow'. Interview with director Amy Ziering

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 19:43:07 -0000

This week we revisit our interview (from March) with “Allen v. Farrow” director Amy Ziering. Congratulations on getting 7 EMMY nominations including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program.

Award winning filmmaker Amy Ziering joins us to talk about the much discussed 4 part HBO documentary series ‘Allen v. Farrow’. In ‘Allen v Farrow’ Ziering and co-director Kirby Dick examine the 1992 the sexual assault allegations made against director Woody Allen by his then 7 year old daughter Dylan Farrow, how it was dealt with in the criminal justice system, the media narrative and more.

‘Allen v. Farrow” is streaming on HBO and HBOmax.

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236: Summer Revisit! Composer Nicholas Britell (The Underground Railroad, Succession, Moonlight)

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 00:14:16 -0000

CONGRATS to Nicholas Britell on his Emmy nomination! (score: The Underground Railroad)

This week we revisit my interview from a few months ago with award-winning composer Nicholas Britell (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Big Short, Succession). We talk about Mr. Britell's powerful collaborations with director Barry Jenkins & their most ambitious work together yet, the series adaptation of Colson Whiteheads' Pulitzer prize winning novel The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime ) As well as about his work on Succession, the Kendall Roy rap and so much more.

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235: Summer Revisit: legend Danny Trejo!

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:55:53 -0000

This week we listen back to our interview from last year with legend DANNY TREJO! And don’t miss Mr Trejos new memoir ‘Trejo’ released this week.

Mr Trejo talks to us about his story, from a life of crime to hard prison time at San Quentin and Folsom prisons. How he turned his life around and how a promise to always help others led him to his massive Hollywood career with over 350 credits to his name! His films include ‘Heat’, ‘Machete’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Spy Kids’. The documentary “Inmate #1, The Rise of Danny Trejo’ is streaming now. His new cookbook is “Trejos Tacos: Recipes and Stories from LA"

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234: Summer Revisit! Bo Burnham ('Promising Young Woman')

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 11:08:33 -0000

Summer revisit! Our interview with director, actor, comedian Bo Burnham! Burnham stars in one of the best and most discussed films of the season, the critically acclaimed 'Promising Young Woman', written and directed by the Oscar nominated Emerald Fennell. Burnham joins us to talk about his multi-layered role as Ryan, about the interesting and difficult conversations audiences are having about the film, his massive You Tube comedy career, “cancel culture” and much more.

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233: Summer revisit! Brian Cox "Succession"

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 18:55:28 -0000

With a new season of ‘Succession” fast approaching, this week we revisit our exclusive hour with actor Brian Cox! Mr Cox joined us to talk about his incredible portrayal of Logan Roy on HBO’s Succession, who he jokingly calls his “evil twin”. We go deep into the making of the show, his thoughts on Logans motivations, emotional scenes with Jeremy Strong and much more. Plus Mr Cox childhood, background and prolific career in roles such as Hannibal Lecktor in Manhunter and Robert McKee in Adaptation.

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232: Summer revisit! Host and author Padma Lakshmi 'Taste the Nation', 'Top Chef'.

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 07:23:30 -0000

This week we revisit our interview with award winning host, author and executive producer Padma Lakshmi! We talk about her excellent documentary series Taste the Nation (Now shooting season 2!). Here she takes us on a journey across the US exploring the diverse food culture of various immigrant groups the shape America. Padma Lakshmi also talks to us about her own story, her mother who left India for NYC and how this has shaped her, living an honest life, Top Chef and so much more. Join us!

Taste the Nation is on Hulu

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231: Director Enrico Casarosa & Producer Andrea Warren, Pixar's 'Luca'

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:00:05 -0000

Director Enrico Casarosa and Producer Andrea Warren join us to talk about their new, magical film ‘Luca’. Enrico Casarosa talks about directing a movie that takes place where he himself grew up, on the beautiful Italian riviera in Liguria. We talk about the themes of friendship, feeling like an outsider and coming of age in ‘Luca’, how difficult it is to animate pasta, the Pixar Cultural Trust and how they got those Italian hand gesture right. And much more!

Luca premieres on Disney + on June 18th

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230: Cannes line-up 2021! The surprises, snubs & controversies. With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch)

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 08:06:24 -0000

Yes we can-can-can! Erik Anderson, editor-in chief at AwardsWatch joins us to discuss this years Cannes Film Festival line-up, the surprises (F9?), sexy nuns, snubs, the Netflix stand-off, are both Marilyn (‘Blonde’) and Diane (’Spencer’) going to Venice? And so much more! Listen now!

twitter @awards_watch

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229: An exclusive interview with Madonna's background singer and dancer, Donna De Lory. Celebrating "Madonna: Truth or Dare" 30 years!

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:56:30 -0000

Let’s celebrate! The groundbreaking documentary “Madonna: Truth or Dare” turns 30 this year, can you believe it? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Donna De Lory, singer, songwriter and legendary background singer/dancer. De Lory toured with Madonna on every concert from the Who’s That Girl Tour in 1987 up to the Confessions Tour in 2006. And worked with Madonna on albums such as Like a Prayer, Erotica, Ray of Light, Bedtime Stories and Evita. We talk about De Lory’s incredible career, her family steeped in music history, her journey with Madonna, the incredible impact of “Truth or Dare” and so much more

Donna De Lory’s new EP is “We Shine” featuring the single “Just a Dream”

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228: "Sopranos Sessions" Actor Vincent Curatola (Johnny 'Sack')

Thu, 27 May 2021 10:23:00 -0000

Sopranos fans rejoice! The ‘Sopranos Sessions’ is a triple feature exploring the award winning series through critics, cast and creator David Chase. We talk to actor Vincent Curatola about his iconic performance as New York underboss Johnny ‘Sack’, his audition, working with Gandolfini & Chase, dying on the Sopranos, the new prequel ‘The Many Saints of Newark’, why the series endures and much more.

Visit https://celebratethesopranos.com for more information on the film ‘Sopranos Sessions’

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227: Most anticipated movies of 2021 & Oscar contenders. plus the Golden Globes fallout! With Erik Anderson, Editor-in-Chief AwardsWatch.com

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:48:25 -0000

Yay! Erik Anderson AwardsWatch is back with us to talk about the most anticipated movies coming up in 2021, and who already has Oscar 2022 buzz! Plus we talk about the scandals surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the cancellation of the 2022 Golden Globes.

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226: Music Supervisor Iain Cooke “1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything” (AppleTV+)

Thu, 20 May 2021 09:32:34 -0000

Award winning music supervisor Iain Cooke (‘Amy’, ‘It’s A Sin’) joins us talk about Apple TV+’s new docuseries “1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything”, executive produced by Academy, BAFTA and Grammy Award winners Asif Kapadia (“Amy,” “Senna”) and James Gay-Rees (“Amy,” “Senna,” “Exit Through the Gift Shop”).

An exploration of the musicians and soundtracks that shaped the culture and politics of 1971, including The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed and more.

Premieres on AppleTV+ on May 21st

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225: Actor Aaron Pierre "The Underground Railroad"

Wed, 12 May 2021 07:21:53 -0000

Actor Aaron Pierre talks to us about stepping into the daunting role of Caesar in Barry Jenkins' masterful adaptation of Colson Whiteheads novel ‘The Underground Railroad’. Jenkins discovered Aaron Pierre onstage in ‘Othello’ at the Globe theatre. Pierre also starred in the Superman prequel series ‘Krypton’ and is about to star in M. Night Shyamalan new thriller “Old” summer 2021.

The Underground Railroad premieres on Amazon Prime on May 14th.

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224: Actor/Director/Author Justine Bateman on her new book 'Face: One Square Foot of Skin'

Wed, 05 May 2021 08:06:47 -0000

The reactions to writer, producer, director, Justine Batemans’ new book ‘Face : One Square Foot of Skin’ have been huge and it is already a best seller. The author joins us to talk about the book, why she wrote it and the themes of how society responds to aging faces.

Justine Bateman earned two Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination for her work on the 1980’s sitcom ‘Family Ties’. Bateman’s directorial feature film debut of her own script, ‘Violet’, had its World Premiere at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival, it stars Olivia Munn, Luke Bracey, and Justin Theroux,

Her best-selling first book ‘Fame’ was published in 2018 and her second book’ Face’ is out now.

In 2016, Justine earned her Computer Science and Digital Media Management degree from UCLA.

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223: Composer Nicholas Britell (The Underground Railroad, Succession, Moonlight)

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 08:03:14 -0000

This week we are joined by award-winning composer Nicholas Britell (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Big Short, Succession). We talk about Mr Britell's deep collaborations with director Barry Jenkins and their most ambitious work together yet, the series adaptation of Colson Whiteheads' Pulitzer prize winning novel The Underground Railroad. Premiering on Amazon Prime on May 14th.

And his work on Succession, the Kendall Roy rap and so much more.

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222: Our final and complete Oscar predictions 2021! With Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 09:47:50 -0000

We are capping off this long awards season with our final, and complete, Oscar predictions for 2021! Joining us is the maestro of Oscar predictions Erik Anderson, Editor-in-Chief at AwardsWatch for an interesting, surprising conversation about what could be a very historic evening. Have a great Oscar night and good luck with you ballots!

twitter @awards_watch

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221: 2021 Oscars special with Kyle Buchanan (NY Times)!

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:06:43 -0000

A yearly tradition! We are so happy to have Kyle Buchanan (NY Times pop culture reporter and the awards season columnist) with us again this year to talk Oscars 2021. Kyle fills us in on all the behind the scenes info about this Sundays show: how will telecast producer Steven Soderbergh reinvent the show, the historic nominations this year and some very interesting, and surprising, predictions!

Twitter @kylebuchanan

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220: Stylist, TV host and fashion expert Joe Katz! The celebrity red carpet, the multi-billion dollar industry & Oscar fashion: hits and misses.

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 12:59:01 -0000

We are getting ready for Oscar with a very special episode! This week we dive into the ‘red carpet industrial complex’, the multi billion dollar world of fashion & celebrity styling with expert in the field , Mr Joe Katz. Plus we talk about some historic red carpet hits and misses and Mr Katzs gives some predictions on what the celebrities will be wearing at this years Oscars on April 25th!

Joe Katz is a personal stylist and fashion expert. For the past several decades he as been a fashion contributor and expert for outlets like Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, and OK and In Touch magazines. He is the host of the The Katz Walk Podcast. He has reported on Oscar red carpets for the Associated Press, CBS and CNN.

Joe Katz is also a personal stylist. He was the in house stylist at the Montage Beverly Hills Hotel and has worked with PR execs from Louis Vuitton to Prada to Ralph Lauren.

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219: Most anticipated TV dramas of the season! With Eric Deggans, author and NPR TV critic

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:54:10 -0000

Always a blast to have author and critic Eric Deggans (NPR) with us to talk about the seasons most anticipated TV dramas. What to watch, what to skip! From HBO’s ‘Mare of Easttown’ starring Kate Winslet to Disney + ‘Loki’, Apple TV+ ‘Mosquito Coast’ and much more. Don’t miss!

Twitter @Deggans

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218: From Gaga to the Godfather! A conversation about upcoming biopics and movies about Hollywood with critic John Bleasdale

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 19:23:28 -0000

Film writer and critic John Bleasdale (The Guardian, The Independent, Sight & Sound) joins us for a conversation about some of the very interesting, upcoming biopics about iconic figures and films about Hollywood. From Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín's ‘Spencer’ to Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in Ridley Scotts ‘House of Gucci’. We also discuss ‘Francis and The Godfather’ Barry Levinson’s film about the making of ‘The Godfather ‘ starring Oscar Isaac and Ben Affleck directing the film about the making of Chinatown. All this and more!

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217: Bo Burnham 'Promising Young Woman'

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:11:42 -0000

Comedian, director, actor Bo Burnham stars in one of the best and most discussed films of the season, the critically acclaimed 'Promising Young Woman', written and directed by the Oscar nominated Emerald Fennell. Burnham joins us to talk about his multi-layered role as Ryan, about the interesting and difficult conversations audiences are having about the film, his massive You Tube comedy career, “cancel culture” and much more.

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216: Oscar nominations! Surprises, snubs & reactions. With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch)

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 20:03:27 -0000

Erik Anderson, editor-in-chief of AwardsWatch joins us to talk about the Oscar nominations. The surprises, snubs and analysis!

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215: 'Allen v. Farrow'. Interview with director Amy Ziering

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 19:22:00 -0000

‘Allen v. Farrow” is streaming on HBO and HBOmax.

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214: Golden Globe Awards! Predictions and the HFPA controversies (with critic Thelma Adams)

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:40:00 -0000

Scandals! Predictions! Fun! Critic and author Thelma Adams (twice chair of the New York Film Critics Circle, Gold Derby, Variety, MHzchoice) joins us to talk Golden Globes: the news that is rocking the Hollywood Foreign Press Assoc & we predict all categories, film & TV! The 78th Annual Golden Globe® Awards, hosted by Tina Fey from the Rainbow Room in New York and Amy Poehler from The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, will air LIVE on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

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213: Scandals & reckonings. We talk Whedon, Carano and 'Framing Britney Spears' with Megan McLachlan

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 19:45:39 -0000

Writer Megan McLachlan (Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, AwardsDaily) joins us to talk about the latest news, controversies and Hollywood implosions. News and revelations that have rocked the pop culture landscape, fans and the industry alike. Follow Megan twitter @heydudemeg

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212: Actor Nathaniel Curtis 'It's a Sin'

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 12:03:51 -0000

Actor Nathaniel Curtis joins us to talk about his performance in Russell T Davies powerful, emotional and daring new series “It’s a Sin” about a group of friends in the 80s, grappling with the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We talk about how the script affected him, tackling his first TV role, the support on the set, working with intimacy coordinators, what he learned about grief and much more. ‘It’s a Sin’ is on Channel 4 (UK), HBO and premiering on HBO MAX in the US on Feb 18th

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211: Sundance Film Festival 2021 Special! Reviews and news. With Erik Anderson, Awardswatch

Sun, 31 Jan 2021 20:19:07 -0000

Christina and Erik Anderson (Editor-in-Chief, AwardsWatch) have been “Sundancing” for days! They share their thoughts on some of the most talked about titles, their likes and dislikes and festival surprises. Sundance titles include Coda, Flee, Passing, John and the Hole, Summer of Soul, Mass, How it Ends, In the Same Breath, Eight for Silver, Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It, Ailey, Sparks Brothers and many more

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210: Director Edoardo Ponti on 'The Life Ahead', directing his mother Sophia Loren and more

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 12:30:53 -0000

An intimate conversation with writer/director Edoardo Ponti about his critically acclaimed new movie ‘The Life Ahead’. On the directing his mother, screen legend Sophia Loren, his parents influence, award season buzz and so much more ‘The Life Ahead’ is available on Netflix

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209: Our Sundance Film Festival preview special! With Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 21:05:43 -0000

Welcome to our Sundance Film Festival 2021 preview special! Christina is joined by Erik Anderson, Editor in Chief of AwardsWatch.com, to discuss what they are expecting and most looking forward to at this years' Sundance Film Festival!

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208: Jessica Bruder Journalist/Author 'Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 13:05:19 -0000

Our guest this week is journalist and Columbia Journalism School Professor Jessica Bruder. She is the author of ‘Nomadland’, now a major motion picture and Oscar frontrunner starring Frances McDormand, directed by Chloé Zhao. The book, and the movie, explores the subculture of older American workers, many priced out of their middle class life and with no pensions, who have given up traditional housing and are living in their RVs, trucks and campers. Modern nomads searching for temporary employment. Jessica Bruder spent three years on the project and 15,000 miles of driving — from coast to coast—following the community. 'Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century' is available on Amazon The movie ‘Nomadland’ will premiere in the US on Feb 19th 2021 on Hulu and in selected theaters. In other territories in March.

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207: Actor Paul Raci 'Sound of Metal'

Sun, 10 Jan 2021 18:03:22 -0000

Join us for an intimate conversation with this seasons' breakout star Paul Raci. Mr Raci is already garnering awards buzz for his role as Joe, a deaf Vietnam veteran and leader of a rehab for the deaf, in the critical acclaimed feature SOUND OF METAL. Mr Raci talks to us about how the role in many ways mirrors his own life, a Vietnam veteran and recovering addict himself. About his identity as a CODA, a Child of Deaf Adults. About growing up as a hearing child with two deaf parents and how he in many ways was a conduit for them in the hearing world. His Black Sabbath cover band where he performs entire concerts in ASL, American Sign Language. Working with actor Riz Ahmed and why director Darius Marder thought he was perfect for the role. Plus much more A full, written transcript of this interview (provided by https://www.scriptme.io) is available @ www.popcultureconfidential.com

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Epi 206 Happy New Year! Christina & Erik's/AwardsWatch most anticipated 2021 films/shows/award news.

Sun, 03 Jan 2021 21:33:22 -0000

Epi 206 Happy New Year! Christina & Erik's/AwardsWatch most anticipated 2021 films/shows/award news. by Pop Culture Confidential

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Epi 205: Director/writer/Pixar chief Pete Docter & Producer Dana Murray of Pixar/Disney's "Soul"

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:32:28 -0000

Happy Holidays listeners! Such a great Christmas special for you this week. A conversation with Pixar’s Pete Docter (co-writer, co-director & Pixar Chief Creative Officer) and Dana Murray (Producer) about SOUL, the new critically acclaimed feature starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. We talk about the ‘Pixar brain trust’, the incredible animation and music of Soul, the first black lead in Pixar history, the heartbreak of not being able to release the film in theatres and much more, Very Happy Holidays to you all! SOUL premieres on Disney+ on December 25th

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Episode 204: Actor Glynn Turman "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 18:25:52 -0000

Iconic, Emmy winning actor Glynn Turman (Cooley High, The Wire, In Treatment, Fargo) joins us this week! We talk about his role as Toledo in the new Netflix movie ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, working with Chadwick Boseman on his last film, Ingmar Bergman, Aretha Franklin and how this movie resonates so incredibly in 2020. ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ premieres on Netflix on December 18th.

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203:Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch) is back! Film/industry &awards, WW84, Mank, Hopkins, Boseman & more!

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 07:46:59 -0000

It’s time for one of our regular chats with the great Erik Anderson, editor in chief at AwardsWatch.com. We give you our thoughts on some of the upcoming, HUGE releases: from Fincher’s ‘Mank’ to Chadwick Boseman’s incredible last performance in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Plus industry news and an awards season update! #wonderwoman84 #mank #thefather #nomadland #hillbillyelegy #maraineysblackbottom #soundofmetal #supernova Twitter @awards_watch

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Episode 202: Arliss Howard ("Mank")

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 07:28:31 -0000

Don’t miss this exclusive and compelling conversation with actor/writer/director Arliss Howard (Full Metal Jacket, Natural Born Killers, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Amistad, Moneyball, Manhunt) A journey into his process, his brilliant performance as MGM’s Louis B Mayer in David Fincher’s new epic feature ‘Mank’, working with Fincher, Kubrick, Spielberg and Stone and so much more! ‘Mank’ premieres theatrically in some territories on Nov 13th. On Netflix Dec 4.

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Episode 201: Emerald Fennell (Camilla "The Crown")

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:01:07 -0000

My guest this week is the multi-talented Emerald Fennell (actor, novelist, writer and director). She stars in Netflix ‘The Crown’ as Camilla Shand, one part of what might be the worlds most famous ménage-à-trois. Fennell has starred in the BBC series ‘Call the Midwife’. She took over the reins from Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the head writer for season two of ‘Killing Eve’ and her directorial debut is the fantastic film ‘Promising Young Woman´ starring Carey Mulligan (premiering later this winter) Season 4 of ‘The Crown’ premieres on Netflix November 15th

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Episode 200: Viggo Mortensen ('Falling')

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:12:17 -0000

Welcome to the 200th episode of Pop Culture Confidential and we are thrilled to have actor/writer/director Viggo Mortensen with us! The Danish/American, three time Oscar nominee is known from such diverse films as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, A History Of Violence, The Road and Green Book and more. He joins us to talk about his directorial debut, Falling (which he also wrote and stars in). The movie stars the legendary actor Lance Henriksen (Aliens) as the conservative and homophobic father Willis who starts to exhibit symptoms of dementia, forcing him to sell the family farm and relocate to Los Angeles to stay with his son John (Mortensen) and his husband Eric (Terry Chen). The film also stars Sverrir Gudnason as the younger version of Willis, Laura Linney, David Cronenberg and Hannah Gross. “Falling” is premiering at the Stockholm Film Festival in November. In theatres December 4th (Sweden/UK)

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199 'Everything is changing...forever' Future of movies/the industry. w/ Erik Anderson/AwardsWatch

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 03:46:24 -0000

It’s a difficult year at the movies but also full of great films! Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch joins us to talk about the state of the industry: Disney is focusing on streaming, blockbusters are being pushed to next year. Will movie theaters survive the pandemic? It’s not looking good. But still, difficult year or not, it’s shaping up to be an excellent year in film: we talk Nine Days, The Father, Mank and more.

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Ep 198 David Litt fmr Obama speechwriter(Democracy In One Book Or Less) on the 2020 election & more.

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 06:51:26 -0000

David Litt, former speechwriter to President Obama, is our guest this week. The author of the book ‘Democracy in One Book or Less’ talks to us about the 2020 election, Trumps messaging these last 20 days, the Amy Coney Barrett hearings, threats to the democracy, voter suppression and more. In 2011, at age 24, ,David Litt was hired as a White House speechwriter and for almost 5 years, he wrote speeches for President Obama. In 2017 he wrote the book "Thanks, Obama: My Hopey Changey White House Years", which became a New York Times bestseller. And now he is out with his excellent , new book ‘Democracy in One Book or Less’ Twitter @davidlitt

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Episode 197: Kirsten Johnson "Dick Johnson is Dead"

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 08:42:20 -0000

Our favorite! Director, filmmaker and cinematographer Kirsten Johnson (Cameraperson) joins Pop Culture Confidential again to talk about her brilliant new documentary ‘Dick Johnson is Dead’ (Netflix). The very personal, funny and thought-provoking film is about coping with her fathers dementia and his inevitable death. I laughed and cried watching her film, we laughed and cried talking about it! Don’t miss!

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Epi 196 Alicia Vikander 'The Glorias', playing icon Gloria Steinem & finding her own voice (Replay)

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 09:20:44 -0000

“I thought a lot about growing up, about finding your own voice, who you are, what you want to do and the struggle of getting there!” We are replaying our interview with actor Alicia Vikander, from this spring, ahead of the premiere of her new film ‘The Glorias’ on Sep 30th (Amazon Prime) We are thrilled to bring you this special and personal conversation with actor Alicia Vikander! She talks to us about starring as feminist icon Gloria Steinem in the upcoming film ‘The Glorias’ (directed by Julie Taymor), about how she has has found her voice and what she wants to do with her Hollywood power! After more than a decade in the industry, and post Oscar-win, Alicia Vikander speaks to Christina about how she is learning to take small breaks and how cooking helps! About her focus and how she and Steinem connected in personal ways. How, early in her Hollywood career, an actress spoke up for her in an uncomfortable, sexist situation and how much that taught her. And how she wants to use her voice and her power to play women from all angles and all dimensions and to get smaller movies with interesting writer/directors off the ground, like her upcoming film ‘Blue Bayou’. And much more!

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Epi 195 Madonna's biopic! Film festivals! Oscar race! Movies are back!(w/ Erik Anderson AwardsWatch)

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:58:45 -0000

Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch.com is back to fill us in on all the movie news! What do we know about Madonna’s biopic? Venice just pulled off the first in-person festival of the season and ‘Nomadland’, ‘One Night in Miami’ and ‘Ammonite’ were the talk of the fest! Netflix has major Oscar buzz with movies like Fincher’s ‘Mank’ and Sorkins ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7” + the Academy’s new inclusivity rules! All you need to know on Pop Culture Confidential!

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Episode 194: Our HUGE 2020 Emmy predictions show! With critic Thelma Adams

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:22:43 -0000

Critic Thelma Adams (The NY Times, Variety, expert at Gold Derby) joins us to help you get your ballots ready! It’s our ultimate Emmy predictions show 2020! Who will take the gold? Will Succession win Drama? Will Schitt’s Creek sweep Comedy? Is it the watchmen’s night? Plus what can we expect from the telecast itself during these Corona times? A huge live show with a tremendously ambitious plan. Join us!

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Episode 193: Cynthia Nixon ('Ratched')

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 17:12:20 -0000

So happy to have actor and activist Cynthia Nixon back with us on Pop Culture Confidential! Since we last spoke Ms Nixon has run for Governor of New York and is now starring in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming Netflix show ‘Ratched’. Here Nixon plays opposite Sarah Paulson in the series which tells the origin story of asylum nurse Mildred Ratched, the iconic character we know from “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. We got the chance to talk to Nixon about how this series shows women's power in an era where that was not always granted, how interesting and rewarding it is to play a queer character from that era, what she learned from being on the campaign trail, how women are still immensely scrutinized and much more. Ratched premieres on Netflix on September 18th, 2020

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Episode 192: It's the HUGE 'Tenet' discussion episode! Guest: film critic John Bleasdale

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 05:22:13 -0000

Film writer and critic John Bleasdale (The Guardian, The Independent, Sight & Sound) joins us for an in-depth, funny, surprising, analysing discussion on Christopher Nolans ‘Tenet’. With SPOILERS!! ‘Tenet’ is finally being released (in some territories) to theatres this week, after months of speculation as to what was possible during the pandemic. The industry has been asking, can Nolan save cinema? Let’s see. Join us as we enter the time bending world of Christopher Nolan!

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Epi 191: Professor Lilly Goren on Senator Kamala Harris, historic VP pic and pop culture +politics .

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:49:22 -0000

“I want to be the last voice in the room” A partnership, is what Senator Kamala Harris told Joe Biden that she wanted before he announced her as his choice for Vice Presidential running mate. Professor Lilly Goren joins us to talk about Sen Kamala Harris, some history of the vice presidency and a look at this pop cultural moment in politics. And Maya Rudolph as Senator Harris, of course! Dr Goren is a professor of political science and global studies at Carroll University. Her research includes American government, the presidency and she often integrates popular culture film, TV and literature, as a means to understanding politics. Dr. Goren is the co-author of the books ‘Women and the White House’ and ‘Mad Men and Politics’

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190: Mulan to Disney+, Venice line up,Netflix Oscar buzz.Industry news w/ AwardsWatch Erik Anderson!

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:06:48 -0000

Erik Anderson, editor-in-chief at AwardsWatch joins us with the latest and best industry news: Mulan’s move to Disney+, Venice film festivals excellent line up of female directors, is Netflix leading the Oscar race? and more! Plus Christina is loving HBO’s upcoming Lovecraft Country and we’re both so excited for Judas and the Black Messiah. Listen now!

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Episode 189: Danny Trejo 'Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo'

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:09:55 -0000

DANNY TREJO, the legend, on Pop Culture Confidential! Mr Trejo talks to us about his story, from a life of crime to hard prison time at San Quentin and Folsom prisons. How he turned his life around and how a promise to always help others led him to his massive Hollywood career with over 350 credits to his name! His films include ‘Heat’, ‘Machete’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Spy Kids’. The new documentary “Inmate #1, The Rise of Danny Trejo’ is streaming now. His new cookbook is “Trejos Tacos: Recipes and Stories from LA"

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Epi 188: Tenet! #FreeBritney.Great docs 2020. All the latest news! (with Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch)

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 06:16:20 -0000

We love it when Erik Anderson (Editor-in-Chief of Awardswatch.com) joins us to talk about all the latest news! This week we talk about Christopher Nolans ’Tenet’, cancelled premieres and possible international release. And it’s a great year for documentaries: we talk about a few that have really moved us: ‘John Lewis: Good Trouble’, ‘Disclosure’ and ‘Welcome to Chechnya’. PLUS what going on with celebrities in quarantine? We we wonder about the #FreeBritney movement and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith discuss the state of their marriage at their Red Table. Join us!

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Episode 187: Brian Cox "Succession"

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 18:56:31 -0000

An exclusive hour with actor Brian Cox! Mr Cox joins us to talk about his incredible portrayal of Logan Roy on HBO’s Succession, who he jokingly calls his “evil twin”. We go deep into the making of the show, his thoughts on Logans motivations, emotional scenes with Jeremy Strong and much more. Plus Mr Cox childhood, background and prolific career in roles such as Hannibal Lecktor in Manhunter and Robert McKee in Adaptation. And of course what he knows about Succession season 3!

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Episode 186: Director Sam Feder 'Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen' (Netflix)

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:20:30 -0000

Director Sam Feder joins us to talk about his critically acclaimed documentary 'DISCLOSURE: Trans Lives on Screen', streaming now on Netflix! The doc looks at transgender representations in film, television and media through interviews with trans actors, artists and activists including Laverne Cox, Lilly Wachowski, Yance Ford, Jen Richards and Chaz Bono. A history filled with with stereotypes, tropes, heartbreak, bravery, and progress Sam Feder talks to Christina about trans representation through Hollywood history (from DW Griffith, to Ace Ventura, The Crying Game, to Pose) , working with an almost all trans crew, the paradox of visibility, his thoughts on J.K Rowlings' anti trans sentiments and how she should really see Disclosure and so much more. Listen now!

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Episode 185: Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch. Oscar news + update! What's on and what's off in Hollywood.

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 06:45:14 -0000

Erik Anderson, chief editor of Awardswatch.com, joins us again to bring us up to date on the ever changing industry news, the Oscar date changes and new rules. Plus some of the summers hottest movie premieres: Da 5 Bloods, Shirley and The King of Staten Island. And what’s going on with Chris Nolans Tenet? All this and more, listen now! Erik Anderson twitter @awards_watch

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Episode 184: Host and author Padma Lakshmi 'Taste the Nation', 'Top Chef'

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 09:50:37 -0000

Award winning host, author and executive producer Padma Lakshmi joins us this week! We talk about her excellent new documentary series 'Taste the Nation' (Hulu). Here she takes us on a journey across the US exploring the diverse food culture of various immigrant groups the shape America. Padma Lakshmi also talks to us about her own story, her mother who left India for NYC and how this has shaped her, living an honest life, Top Chef and so much more. Join us! Taste the Nation premiers on Hulu , June 18th

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Epi 183: Karina Longworth (You Must Remember This) on "Polly Platt, The Invisible Woman' and more

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 06:41:19 -0000

We are thrilled to welcome Karina Longworth to the show! Longworth is the creator and host of the now iconic podcast 'You Must Remember This'. Her excellent new season is called ‘Polly Platt, The Invisible Woman’ about the interesting and huge life of the Oscar nominated production designer, writer and producer Polly Platt. In our interview we talk about Polly Platt’s unfinished memoir, Platt’s marriage to and collaboration with Peter Bogdanovich, who had an affair with Cybill Sheperd during the filming of The Last Picture Show, and how Platt resonates in the industry much more than she has ever been given credit for. Also about Karina Longworths road to starting You Must remember This, how reporting on Hollywood is broken and so much more twitter @RememberThisPod

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Epi 182: Author/Media analyst Eric Deggans " Why the Images of George Floyd Dying Broke the Nation"

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 07:00:42 -0000

Eric Deggans, media analyst (NPR/NBC) and author of ‘Race-Baiter: How The Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation’ joins us to talk about yet another case of police brutality that has shocked the world, Trumps response and a system that allows for racism and violence to keep happening. You will find Mr Deggans article “A Tale of Two Videos: Why the Images of George Floyd Dying Broke the Nation” here; https://ericdeggans.tumblr.com

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Episode 181: 2020 summer movie preview! What to expect this summer like no other. (W/ Erik Anderson)

Thu, 21 May 2020 13:14:37 -0000

Erik Anderson, chief editor of Awardswatch.com, joins us for a summer movie preview! 2020, a very uncertain summer in the midst of the Corona pandemic BUT hopefully it can bring us a whole bunch of interesting and anticipated movies, both to VOD and in theaters! Will Christopher Nolan save the summer by being the first to open wide on July 17th? Spike Lee's trailer for Da 5 Bloods looks great! The Hamilton movie out a full year early. What can we expect to see, what will be pushed. And what about the rumors that the Oscars will be postponed?! All this and more, listen now! Erik Anderson twitter @awards_watch

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Episode 180: Director Lenny Abrahamson "Normal People"

Tue, 12 May 2020 18:43:31 -0000

This week, Oscar nominated director and executive producer Lenny Abrahamson (Frank, Room, The Little Stranger) joins us to talk about his critically acclaimed and audience beloved series Normal People, an adaptation of the Sally Rooney novel. We talk about young love, sexual consent, the intimacy between the characters , the controversy, a possible continuation of Marianne and Connell's story and much more!

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Episode 179: John Turturro "The Jesus Rolls"

Wed, 06 May 2020 17:49:29 -0000

The man, the myth, The Jesus! Actor/writer/director John Turturro joins us to talk about his new movie ‘The Jesus Rolls’! As well as creating the iconic character with the Coen brothers, about the underachievers, the dreamers, the ‘passione’ and so much more. From 'Do the Right Thing' ,'Barton Fink', to 'Quiz Show’ and 'The Big Lebowski’ Mr Turturro has brought to life some of the most memorable characters in cinema history. On TV he starred in 'The Night Of 'and most recently as Rabbi Bengelsdorf in Davids Simons' HBO miniseries 'The Plot Against America' based on the Philip Roth novel. 'The Jesus Rolls' premieres in Sweden on May 8th and is available to rent or buy on VOD in the US

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Episode 178: Screenwriter Jack Thorne ( Netflix 'The Eddy')

Mon, 04 May 2020 17:50:33 -0000

Screenwriter, playwright and five time BAFTA award winner Jack Thorne joins us to talk about his new Netflix series ‘The Eddy’, directed by Academy Award winner Damien Chazelle. Also, how E.T. impacted his writing and life, writing the smash hit Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for the stage, his process, crossing all genres, and much more!

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Episode 177: A special update! Big changes at the Oscars! With Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch)

Fri, 01 May 2020 13:45:27 -0000

Erik Anderson, editor-in-chief of Awardswatch.com, joins us for a special update and a break down of the new rules presented by the Academy! This Oscar year the Academy will allow VOD releases to qualify while major theaters are closed, they are changing the rules on awards campaigning, combining the two sound categories and more! Listen now!

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Episode 176: Jason Hehir, Director, Michael Jordan's 'The Last Dance'

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 07:40:20 -0000

Director Jason Hehir joins us to talk about “The Last Dance” his series that, this week, became the most in-demand documentary in the world! “The Last Dance” is a brilliant deep dive into Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls' dynasty and the final championship season in 1997-98. It features never before seen footage and exclusive interviews with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, coach Phil Jackson, Magic Johnson, Presidents Obama and Clinton and many more. Airing on @ESPN and @NETFLIX

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Epi 175: TV critic Eric Deggans (NPR) on the state of TV. The shutdowns, the future +what to watch!

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 13:13:51 -0000

Eric Deggans, TV critic and media analyst at NPR joins us to talk about the state of television in the Corona age. Netflix stunning growth, how the broadcasters are fairing, the “at home” format like 'SNL at home', the shutdowns and what to expect going forward. Plus what we should be watching now, his best tips, the Michael Jordan doc series The Last Dance, the incredible season of Better Call Saul, Bad Education starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney and more. Twitter @Deggans

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Episode 174: Holland Taylor "Hollywood"

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 09:49:46 -0000

Icon Holland Taylor joins us this week! Ms Taylor has a long career in the theatre and on Broadway. She’s starred in films like ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Legally Blonde’ and on television in shows like ‘Bosom Buddies’ with Tom Hanks, ‘Two and a Half Men’ and she won an Emmy for her role on ‘The Practice’. Recently we saw her in Jay Roachs’ ‘Bombshell’. Now she's starring in Ryan Murphys, much awaited, new Netflix series ‘Hollywood' as studio exec Ellen Kincaid. The cast also includes Broadway icon Patti LuPone, Darren Criss and Queen Latifah. Producer Janet Mock recently described the show like this: "HOLLYWOOD is a love letter to our little industry town where dreamers dwell, stars are born, and magic transcends reality.” ‘Hollywood’ premieres on Netflix May 1st, 2020

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Episode173: Italian journalist Alessio Lasta, reporting from the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 17:06:44 -0000

For the award winning Italian journalist Alessio Lasta reporting on the Covid-19 pandemic, in Northern Italy, is like nothing he has ever done before. It's like fighting a war with an invisible enemy, he says. Mr. Lasta is the the Milano based correspondent for the weekly, political talk show "Piazzapulita" on channel La7, one of the most viewed talk shows in Italy. His reports from inside the intensive care units were seen in Italy and around the world, and they changed the perception of the Covid 19 pandemic In our conversation we talk about how, and when, he first started to realize that the pandemic had overwhelmed the region, the personal stories he has encountered, how he works, the lockdown, Italy’s phase-2 and how the stories he has reported on have affected him tremendously. Alessio Lasta has reported for Rai and Mediaset. He has reported on the Italian bank crisis, right wing extremism and is the author of the book "La più bella. La Costituzione tradita. Gli italiani che resistono", published by "add editore", a reportage that shows the lives of many forgotten Italians, without rights". Twitter: @alessiolasta @PiazzapulitaLA7

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Epi172 writer Chris Smith on Trump's press briefings,claims ‘total authority' +the rise of Gov Cuomo

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 02:53:37 -0000

Journalist and author Chris Smith (Vanity Fair, NyMag) joins us to discuss Trumps press briefings, his claims to have “total authority” and his relationship to the media during the Corona pandemic. Plus , Mr Smith has followed and written extensively about NY Governor Andrew Cuomo and talks about his background, his relationship to Trump and how he is handling the crisis. Chris Smith is a contributing editor for Vanity Fair, New York Magazine and his recent book, The Daily Show (The Book), is a New York Times Bestseller.

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Episode 171: Steve Schirripa, 'Sopranos', 'Talking Sopranos'

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 12:51:04 -0000

We had the best time talking to actor Steve Schirripa (Sopranos, Blue Bloods) who played one of our favorite characters on The Sopranos, Bobby ‘Baccala’ Baccalieri; the big hearted wise-guy, Uncle Juniors caretaker who later married Tony Soprano’s sister Janice. In the conversation Mr Schirripa takes us back to filming the first scene with the the great James Gandolfini and the rest of the crew, how Bobby changed over the arc of the series, creator David Chase attention to detail and and how he found out about Bobbys death. And, about his new podcast! Sopranos co-stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa host the definitive Sopranos re-watch podcast. More info here: www.talkingsopranos.com

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Episode 170: Arian Moayed 'Succession'

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 17:44:30 -0000

We had such a great conversation with actor, writer, theatre director and arts educator Arian Moayed! We talked about Mr Moayed's background, acting and healing through the arts and, of course, his terrific performance as Stewy Hosseini on HBO's ‘Succession’… SO many great Succession stories, it will blow your minds! Behind the scenes of the show, great anecdotes, and good tales of Stewy and the dysfunctional Roy family! The Iranian born, Chicago bred, Tony nominated Arian Moayed (The Humans, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) is the co-co-founder of Waterwell, multimedia theater company that also teaches drama to hundreds of public school students in the New York area. He will star in Shonda Rhimes upcoming Netflix series ‘Inventing Anna’ and, of course, ‘Succession’ season 3 BONUS!!!! On PCC Premium this week 10 minutes of bonus material; an extra deep dive into a Succession scene with Arian Moayed! Become a member here: popcultureconfidential.supportingcast.fm Thanks for your support!

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Episode 169: The changing landscape of TV/Film with Erik Anderson. + our 'Tiger King' deep dive!

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 10:01:54 -0000

On this episode Christina Jeurling Birro and Erik Anderson (AwardsWatch) discuss some big industry news during these hard pressed and ever changing times: China reopened, then quickly shut down the countries movies theaters, the new landscape of television that’s on the internet and more. We talk about how New York Governor Cuomo’s press briefings are striking a nerve. And what else are we watching and looking forward to? From the entertaining new show Making The Cut/Project Runway, to the excellent season three of Ozark to the new series Tales from the Loop. Plus we take a real deep dive into the Netflix doc everyone is watching ‘Tiger King’! Erik Anderson www.awardswatch.com

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Epi 168: Kimmel, Fallon and how late night is tackling the Corona crisis. With journalist Jen Chaney

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 09:23:32 -0000

The show must go on----from home! Journalist and TV critic Jen Chaney (New York Magazine, NY Times) joins me to talk about how the late night talk shows are tackling their productions during the Coronavirus epidemic. The TV and Film industries are changing minute by minute as the Covid-19 outbreak shuts down productions and wreaks havoc on the industries and the people working in them. And it’s a new situation for the late night talk shows as well; Kimmel, Fallon, Colbert and the rest are finding other ways to keep their shows going. Many are broadcasting from their homes while in self-isolation: via iPhone, with the help of their kids, with guests on Skype. I talk to Jen Chaney about how this experiment is going and what it means for the future of late night.

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Episode 167: Judith Heumann "Crip Camp" (Netflix), Author "Being Heumann"

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 10:54:39 -0000

This week we are honored to have disability rights activist Judith Heumann on the show. Ms Heumann is the author of “Being Heumann” (together with Kristen Joiner) and stars in the new Netflix documentary “Crip Camp”, exec produced by Michelle and Barack Obama. She talks to us about how her experiences; like contracting polio in 1949, being denied the right to attend school at age five, facing discrimination in life and work, have shaped her activism and civil rights work. Judith Heumann is an internationally recognized leader in the disability rights community. She served in the Clinton Administration as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and she was appointed by President Obama as the first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights. “Being Heumann” is on Amazon now and “Crip Camp” premieres on Netflix March 25th

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Epi 166 An update w/ Erik Anderson: the state of the film industry, movies abt self-isolation & more

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 03:49:33 -0000

Epi 166 An update w/ Erik Anderson: the state of the film industry, movies abt self-isolation & more by Pop Culture Confidential

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Episode 165: Writer/Producer Ed Burns "The Plot Against America"

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:03:32 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential the great writer/producer Ed Burns. Burns, a former Baltimore detective and public school teacher, has together with David Simon written and produced some of TVs greatest shows, including "The Wire”. The Philip Roth novel "The Plot Against America” (published in 2004) imagines an alternate American history told through the eyes of a working-class Jewish family in New Jersey. The story follows the family as they watch the political rise of Charles Lindbergh, an aviator-hero and xenophobic populist, who becomes president and turns the nation towards fascism. Now writers/producers David Simon and Ed Burns have taken on the book and made a 6 hour HBO miniseries starring Zoe Kazan, John Turturro and Winona Ryder. We talked to Ed Burns about the series, why Donald Trumps’s presidency makes the show so urgent right now, the future of democracy and so much more. “The Plot Against America” premieres on HBO on March 16th

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164: Guest Erik Anderson/AwardsWatch on Coronavirus industry impact,César protests & our new collab!

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 21:31:11 -0000

Very happy to welcome back the Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch.com, Erik Anderson AND to announce our new collaboration! We will be collaborating on some interviews, podcast episodes and more. On this week’s show Erik and Christina have an interesting conversation about some of the most pressing news affecting the entertainment industry right now; the Weinstein verdict and the Polanski protests at the César awards. How the Corona/Covid-19 virus is affecting the entertainment industry, upcoming film festivals and more. And how pop culture, movies and TV reflect our times, in good times and bad. We talk about how the new thriller ‘The Invisible Man’ is an intelligent parable on abusive relationships and believing women and why Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Contagion’, from 2011, is one of the most streamed movies right now.

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Episode 163: Actor Rick Rossovich on the legacy of Top Gun, 1986 to 2020 and beyond!

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 08:35:34 -0000

We feel the need for speed!! On the show this week actor Rick Rossovich who played Ron ‘Slider’ Kerner, wingman to Val Kilmer’s Iceman in Top Gun (1986). Mr. Rossovich talks about his career, his experiences on Top Gun, the myths and legacy of the franchise, his work in TV and more! All leading up to this summer and the release of Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel 33 years in the making! Will we see him in The new movie on June 26th 2020? Well, we will just have to wait and see. Grab your Ray Bans and catch this interview now! Rick Rossovich has starred in some of the most pop culturally iconic films and TV shows ever: The Lords of Discipline, Streets of Fire, The Terminator, Steve Martin’s Roxanne and Navy Seals . He played Dr. John 'Tag' Taglieri on ER and, and spent two years playing Lt. Anthony Palermo on Pacific Blue.

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Epi 162 Exclusive interview with Alicia Vikander, playing icon Gloria Steinem and finding her voice.

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 07:09:31 -0000

We are thrilled to bring you this special and personal conversation with actor Alicia Vikander! She talks to us about starring as feminist icon Gloria Steinem in the upcoming film ‘The Glorias’ (directed by Julie Taymor), about how she has has found her voice and what she wants to do with her Hollywood power! After more than a decade in the industry, and post Oscar-win, Alicia Vikander speaks to Christina about how she is learning to take small breaks and how cooking helps! About her focus and how she and Steinem connected in personal ways. How, early in her Hollywood career, an actress spoke up for her in an uncomfortable, sexist situation and how much that taught her. And how she wants to use her voice and her power to play women from all angles and all dimensions and to get smaller movies with interesting writer/directors off the ground, like her upcoming film ‘Blue Bayou’. And much more! ‘The Glorias’ premiered at Sundance and will out later this year.

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Episode 161: Oscar week! Predicting the Oscars with Math. "Oscarmetrics" Ben Zauzmer

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:21:23 -0000

On this Pop Culture Confidential Oscar week special: Predicting the Oscars with math, analytics and good old fashion statistics! Our guest is mathematician Ben Zauzmer. Mr. Zauzmer majored in applied math at Harvard University and works as a manager of baseball analytics for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He applied his knowledge to his passion: the movies, and he has created a complex mathematical model to calculate a nominee’s percentage probability of winning. His model includes different factors: historic data, the film’s wins and losses at other awards shows leading up to the Oscars, the actors age, if they are playing a real character, box office etc. His predictions have been published in The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Ben Zauzmer is the author of the new book ‘Oscarmetrics, The Math Behind the Biggest Night in Hollywood’. Available on Amazon. Follow Ben Zauzmer on twitter: @BensOscarMath

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Episode 160: The 2020 Oscar predictions special with Kyle Buchanan of The New York Times

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 18:00:40 -0000

It’s our 2020 Oscar predictions special! We are thrilled to welcome Kyle Buchanan back to the show, for the 3rd year in a row. Mr Buchanan is the New York Times Carpetbagger columnist and reporter, covering every aspect of awards season. Join us as we predict the winners and discuss this years Academy Awards! Will 1917 or Parasite take Best Picture? Will there be upsets? So much to cover! Follow Mr. Buchanan on twitter @kylebuchanan

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Episode 159: Oscar week special! 'Citizen Canine', author Wendy Mitchell

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 06:02:41 -0000

Episode 159: Oscar week special! 'Citizen Canine', author Wendy Mitchell by Pop Culture Confidential

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OSCAR WEEK on Pop Culture Confidential: Nominee Regina Graves Set Decortor 'The Irishman'

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 13:06:46 -0000

OSCAR WEEK on POP CULTURE CONFIDENTIAL Award-winning set decorator Regina Graves (‘Blue Jasmine’, ‘I am Legend’, ‘The Knick’, ‘Gotham’, ‘Vinyl)’ joins us this week to talk about her work on Martin Scorsese’s epic new picture 'The Irishman’, premiering on Netflix this week. Regina Graves shares some the most fascinating aspects of her teams work and the massive endeavor that was ‘The Irishman’, with nearly 300 sets dressed. We talk how she collaborates closely with production designer Bob Shaw, with whom Graves has worked on multiple productions. The amount of detail that goes into finding or building pieces for, for example, Jimmy Hoffa's (Al Pacino) office set or for Russel Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and Frank Sheeran's (Robert De Niro) homes. How Martin Scorsese’s own family influenced the set decoration, the style of the Italian American gangster genre and so much more. And Regina Graves also talks about her latest production, the upcoming movie 'The Many Saints of Newark', the prequel movie to the Sopranos TV series. ‘The Irishman’ is out in a limited theatrical release now and premieres on Netflix on November 27th.

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OSCAR WEEK on Pop Culture Confidential:Nominee Barbara Ling Prod Designer on Tarantino's OUATIH

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 13:02:40 -0000

OSCAR WEEK on Pop Culture Confidential! Revisit our talk with the legendary production designer, and Oscar nominee Barbara Ling (The Doors, Batman & Robin, Falling Down, Less Than Zero). Barbara Ling talks to us about her incredible work on 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, turning back to clocks to 1969 and recreating some of LAs most iconic landmarks. From incredibly difficult face lifts on Hollywood Boulevard, to rebuilding Spahn Ranch, to how they used Tarantino’s massive memorabilia collection in their design work and much more.

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Episode 158: Our first TV special of 2020! With tv/film critic Candice Frederick

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 13:17:46 -0000

There is SO much great TV coming in 2020 so we took a pause from all the film award season coverage to dive into some of the upcoming TV news! TV and film critic Candice Frederick (The New York Times, The Guardian, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar) joins us to talk about some of the highlights: High Fidelity starring Zoë Kravitz, Gwyneth Paltrow’s new Netflix show about her often controversial wellness company GOOP, big stars like Al Pacino and Cate Blanchett coming to the small screen, new sitcoms by Awkwafina and The Rock and, of course, Ryan Murphy is back with two new shows!

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Episode 157: Our reactions to the Oscar nominations! With critic and Oscar expert Thelma Adams

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 16:35:02 -0000

A Pop Culture Confidential special! The great Thelma Adams (writer, critic, Oscar expert @GoldDerby ) joined us today, right after the Oscar noms were announced, to talk about our immediate reactions, thoughts and analysis. J Lo snubbed! Lot of love for Parasite, Jojo Rabbit and The Two Popes! The Irishman, Joker, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood still in the lead! Listen NOW. The heat is ON ahead of the Oscars on February 9th!

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REVISITING: Barbara Ling, Production Designer on Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 18:11:09 -0000

Welcome back to PART 2 of our 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' special! This week are joined by the legendary production designer Barbara Ling (The Doors, Batman & Robin, Falling Down, Less Than Zero). Barbara Ling talks to us about her incredible work on 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, turning back to clocks to 1969 and recreating some of LAs most iconic landmarks. From incredibly difficult face lifts on Hollywood Boulevard, to rebuilding Spahn Ranch, to how they used Tarantino’s massive memorabilia collection in their design work and much more.

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REVISITING: Mary Ramos, Music Supervisor on Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood'

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 18:09:03 -0000

One of our favorite guests returns to Pop Culture Confidential! Music Supervisor Mary Ramos has spent 27 years working with Quentin Tarantino, on every one of his films. Mary Ramos has expertly and painstakingly helped make Tarantino's soundtracks and epic musical choices a major part of his cinematic legacy. This week she talks to us about the incredible work she has done on his critical acclaimed new film 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood'. As always, in Tarantino’s films, the soundtrack on ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’ is meticulously curated. And, as always, Music Supervisor Mary Ramos adds her genius to the mix. Ms Ramos talks to us about Tarantinos musical vision for the movie, his music room where they discuss all the details, her detective-like work tracking down the often forgotten tracks that the director wants and some incredible stories about working on this production!

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Episode 156: Cats! Controversies! Awards season! Guest: Erik Anderson, Editor-in-Chief, AwardsWatch

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 11:22:03 -0000

A Pop Culture Confidential favorite is back! Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch.com Erik Anderson joins us for a super fun and jam-packed episode about the MUCH talked about year-end releases: how bizarre is the new musical Cats? The controversy surrounding Clint Eastwoods new movie Richard Jewell. Sam Mendes new epic 1917 and Greta Gerwigs Little Women, where do they stand in the Oscar race? PLUS we analyze this weeks Golden Globe, SAG and other guild award nominations ahead of the Academy Awards!

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Episode 155: Award-winning set decorator Regina Graves 'The Irishman'

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 14:04:49 -0000

Award-winning set decorator Regina Graves (‘Blue Jasmine’, ‘I am Legend’, ‘The Knick’, ‘Gotham’, ‘Vinyl)’ joins us this week to talk about her work on Martin Scorsese’s epic new picture 'The Irishman’, premiering on Netflix this week. Regina Graves shares some the most fascinating aspects of her teams work and the massive endeavor that was ‘The Irishman’, with nearly 300 sets dressed. We talk how she collaborates closely with production designer Bob Shaw, with whom Graves has worked on multiple productions. The amount of detail that goes into finding or building pieces for, for example, Jimmy Hoffa's (Al Pacino) office set or for Russel Bufalino (Joe Pesci) and Frank Sheeran's (Robert De Niro) homes. How Martin Scorsese’s own family influenced the set decoration, the style of the Italian American gangster genre and so much more. And Regina Graves also talks about her latest production, the upcoming movie 'The Many Saints of Newark', the prequel movie to the Sopranos TV series. ‘The Irishman’ is out in a limited theatrical release now and premieres on Netflix on November 27th.

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Episode 154: Director Jay Roach "Bombshell"

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:00:43 -0000

An exclusive hour with director Jay Roach about his explosive, upcoming new movie ‘BOMBSHELL’! Emmy award winning director Jay Roach ('Austin Powers', 'Meet the Parents', ‘Recount', 'Game Change', ‘ Trumbo') joins us to talk about Bombshell, the story of the toppling of the former Fox News Chief Roger Ailes after more than 20 women accused him of sexual harassment. Charlize Theron produced the movie and stars as Fox host Megyn Kelly, Nicole Kidman is anchor Gretchen Carlson and Margot Robbie plays a composite character of several women interviewed for the film, who were victims of sexual harassment. John Lithgow plays Roger Ailes. In our conversation Jay Roach talks about the shocking abuses and toxic environment that permeated Fox News, the impact the stories had on him as a director, the powerful performances and transformations by the actors, how he and Charlize Theron discussed the portrayal Megyn Kelly, the political impact of the story and so much more.

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Episode 153: A guide to the streaming wars with Richard Lawson, chief critic @ Vanity Fair

Sat, 09 Nov 2019 11:38:12 -0000

Get ready for battle! With the help of Richard Lawson, chief critic @ Vanity Fair, Pop Culture Confidential guides you through the, so called, streaming wars! Already overwhelmed by the content streaming out there? Well, get ready for new streamers like Apple Tv +, Disney + and HBO Max. Richard Lawson talks to us about the industry changes. What to watch. Netflix Oscar chances and more! Follow Richard Lawson on twitter @rilaws

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Episode 152: Gianni Russo "Hollywood Godfather My Life in the Movies and the Mob"

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:39:05 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential, Gianni Russo, author of the memoir ‘Hollywood Godfather’. Mr. Russo has a led a life so eventful it’s not surprising that the book has already been optioned, and a TV show is in the making! The film lover will recognize Gianni Russo from his role as Don Corleone’s son in law Carlo Rizzi in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. When he got the part, Russo was a 25 year old with no acting experience but his real life story and life with the mob surpasses that of any of the characters in the iconic Godfather movies. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with Mr. Russo about his childhood in Little Italy, how being struck by polio at the age of 6 changed his life forever and how Mafia boss Frank Costello took him under his wing at age 12. We talk about Frank Sinatra (who is godfather to Russos son, the aftermath of the the Kennedy assassination, how he got his role in the Godfather through his connections and how the film even saved his life when he was threatened by Pablo Escobar. And so much more! "Hollywood Godfather My Life in the Movies and the Mob" is available now. And Mr. Russo also has a podcast together with co-author Patrick Picciarelli also called Hollywood Godfather.

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Epi 151:Hot topics in pop culture! Joker,Succession,Netflix/Oscars+more w/ AwardsWatch Erik Anderson

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 12:57:57 -0000

There are so many interesting discussions in the pop culture zeitgeist right now. It's time we talk about them! We are happy to be joined by critic and Editor in Chief of AwardsWatch.com Erik Anderson to talk about all the Joker chatter, that incredible Succession finale, Netflix and the Oscars plus much more. Follow Erik Anderson on twitter @awards_watch and www.awardswatch.com

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Episode 150: Writer/Director Levan Akin 'And Then We Danced'

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 19:01:39 -0000

Episode 150: Writer/Director Levan Akin 'And Then We Danced' by Pop Culture Confidential

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Epi 149: Awards season is here! Oscar buzz from the film festivals+ Emmy predictions w/ Claudia Puig

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 17:49:22 -0000

The Joker! J Lo! Adam Driver! Almodovar! An exciting Oscar season is unfolding as the big film festivals roll out. Claudia Puig, President of the LA Film Critics Association and a critic on NPRs FilmWeek (KPCC), joins us to talk about the Oscar buzz coming out of the Venice, Telluride and Toronto film festivals. Plus Ms Puig and Christina share their Emmy predictions ahead of the big TV awards on Sep. 22nd. Let us know your predictions on twitter @podpopculture!

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Episode 148: Kaitlyn Dever, Susannah Grant, Sarah Timberman Netflix 'Unbelievable'

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 09:34:53 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential: writer/creator Susannah Grant, producer Sarah Timberman and actor Kaitlyn Dever about their gripping, true crime, drama ‘Unbelievable’. The Netflix limited series is based on an explosive article from 2016 (ProPublica/The Marshall Project) called “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” that went on to win the Pulitzer Prize. We spoke to Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich) and Sarah Timberman (Justified) about making this gripping and important show, what they learned about rape victims and trauma as well as about sexual assault investigations, making this post- #metoo, believing women and more. We also spoke with actor Kaitlyn Dever, who we last saw in another stellar performance in Olivia Wildes ‘Booksmart’, about playing this difficult role and why it was important for her to be a part of it. Kaitlyn Dever turns in an incredible performance as Marie, an 18-year-old from Washington state, raised in the foster care system who claimed that she was raped by an intruder in the middle of the night. When police detectives, her trusted foster moms and friends begin to doubt her story, she begins to doubt herself. She is shaken and traumatized as she has to recount her story again and again. Later two female detectives in another state (Toni Collette and Merritt Wever) are following leads of what seems to be a serial rapist on the loose and connections to Maries case are made.

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Episode 147: Liz Hannah, Writer/Producer on Mindhunter Season Two

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 18:39:13 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential we are thrilled to have screenwriter Liz Hannah in conversation about the incredible new season of Mindhunter, as well as working with Steven Spielberg on The Post and more! Liz Hannah burst onto the scene a couple of years ago when her first screenplay, a spec script about Washington Post owner Kay Graham and her decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, was picked up none other than Steven Spielberg. That became The Post starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Liz Hannah went on the write the critically acclaimed comedy Long Shot starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. Now she is onboard Mindhunter season two as a writer and producer. Liz Hannah talks to us about her career, working with David Fincher (exec producer and director on Mindhunter, writing and staging one of the most intense episodes of TV this year the Charles Manson episode, getting into the heads of serial killers and much more.

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Episode 146: Vilhelm Blomgren, 'Midsommar'

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 06:08:18 -0000

Join us for this great conversation as we dive deep into this seasons most buzzed about movie Ari Aster’s critically acclaimed ‘Midsommar'. Our guest is the very talented new star Vilhelm Blomgren. This summer Blomgren has starred in two major productions; HBOs ‘Gösta' by writer/director Lukas Moodysson and as the mysterious Pelle in ‘Midsommar’. Vilhelm Blomgren joined us to talk about the making of ‘Midsommar' and his incredible year! We talked about everything from working with the visionary director, Ari Aster, to interesting details about the long days filming in Hungary. We talked about the themes and layers in 'Midsommar’ like grief, immigration and loss. And what it was like for the Swedish actors to film some of the crazy things that go down in the movie. This and so much more. Welcome to Hårga!

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Episode 145: Barbara Ling, Production Designer on Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 05:25:30 -0000

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Episode 144: Mary Ramos, Music Supervisor on Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time in Hollywood'

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 17:06:00 -0000

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Episode 143: Jeremy Strong, Succession

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 13:54:49 -0000

Ahead of the much awaited second season of Succession, we are thrilled to have actor Jeremy Strong join us to talk about his brilliant performance as Kendall Roy. The critically acclaimed series, also starring Brian Cox as the patriarch Logan Roy, follows a family-owned media conglomerate and the power struggle within. It’s high stakes Shakespearean drama, black comedy and the timeliest of themes of power and greed. Jeremy Strong (Zero Dark Thirty, Selma, The Big Short) talked to us while on location filming season two. We talked about researching media-moguls for the role, the shakespearian relationship between Kendall and his father Logan, Succession in the age of Trump, filming the very powerful last scene and how it almost made him quit acting, what's in store for Kendall in season two and so much more Succession was created by Jesse Armstrong (The Thick Of It, In The Loop) and produced by Adam McKay (Vice and The Big Short). Season 2 of Succession premieres on HBO in August.

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142: Brett Gelman on the genius of Fleabag, finding comedy in drama +taking a stand against misogyny

Thu, 30 May 2019 17:20:16 -0000

We are so happy to have actor, comedian and writer Brett Gelman with us this week to talk about one of the best shows on TV ‘Fleabag’, his great performance on it and so much more. Brett Gelman is everywhere! No doubt you've seen him on one or more of your favorite shows: The Office, Mad Men, Another Period, Love, Twin Peaks: The Return, Californication, Curb Your Enthusiasm, just to name a few. Brett Gelman will be starring on the upcoming season of Stranger Things and on the Stephen King adaptation Mr. Mercedes. In our interview we talk about the genius of Fleabag and creator/star Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Bringing to life his odious but still relatable character Martin. Also how Gelman in 2016 severed ties with the network Adult Swim over, among other things, the “misogyny of their policies” and the backlash he received after, including death threats. You can watch Fleabag season 1 & 2 on Amazon Prime.

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Episode 141: Jessica Yellin, former CNN Chief White House Correspondent. Author of Savage News

Fri, 10 May 2019 10:25:00 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential awarding winning journalist and former CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jessica Yellin. Mr Yellin spent decades covering Capitol Hill, domestic policy, the White House, elections and more at MSNBC, ABC, CNN to name a few. Now she is on a mission to change how we receive and process the news. Recently she started a digital platform 'News Not Noise’, and using her instagram feed @Jessicayellin she reports video updates, bringing her followers the news “not a panic attack”. She has also just released her debut novel Savage News, the story of an ambitious journalist on the front lines of the new business and the White House, obviously built on many of her own experiences. Ms Yellin talks to us about her experiences as Chief White House Correspondent, misogyny in journalism, Savage News and her goal to bring hard hitting news not alarm to audiences.

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Episode 140: The Pop Culture Confidential movie preview special with critic Claudia Puig!

Fri, 03 May 2019 17:02:27 -0000

This week we are joined by the President of the LA Film Critics Association Claudia Puig who guides us through her most anticipated movie releases coming up this summer and fall. From Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart to Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, what to expect from the new Elton John biopic Rocketman, Scorsese's new Netflix movie and the new Lion King adaptation. And what is making the festival circuit this year and we talk Oscar frontrunners. Plus the conflict between the Writers Guild and the talent agencies has led to 7000 writers firing their agents, what does this mean for the industry going forward? Join us!

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Episode 139: Jared Harris star of HBO's 'Chernobyl'

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 07:09:46 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential actor Jared Harris joins us to talk about his spectacular performance in the new HBO miniseries ‘Chernobyl’. We talk about researching his character, Valery Legasov, the real-life Soviet nuclear physicist who was one of the first to understand the scope of the destruction, the lies and conspiracy that surrounded the disaster, how Harris choses his roles and what he learned from his father, actor Richard Harris. Over the past years Jared Harris has given us some of the most interesting and versatile performances in film and TV, from Lane Pryce (Mad Men) to King George VI (The Crown). He has played Andy Warhol, John Lennon and Ulysses S Grant, opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in Spielberg’s Lincoln. Now he stars in ‘Chernobyl’ a 5 part miniseries that delves into one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history. 'Chernobyl' also stars Stellan Skarsgård and Emily Watson. Written by Craig Mazin, directed by Johan Renck. ‘Chernobyl’ premieres on HBO May 6th

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Epi 138: Erin Lee Carr 'All That You Leave Behind' on love, loss, lessons from her father David Carr

Sat, 13 Apr 2019 11:37:23 -0000

This week we talk to documentary filmmaker Erin Lee Carr who has written the brutally honest and beautiful memoir 'All That You Leave Behind', about her relationship with her father the celebrated NY Times reporter David Carr, who passed away 4 years ago Erin Lee Carr talks to us about writing the memoir, about the the almost 2000 emails and texts that she and her dad wrote to each other through the years, her childhood, her dads addiction and her own struggles with addiction And of course David Carrs journalistic legacy and his greatest advice to her as she continues her acclaimed career as a documentary filmmaker. David Carr wrote the memoir 'The Night of The Gun’ (2009) where he investigated himself; his years as a crack addict, being a single parent to Erin and her twin sister Meagan through addiction and recovery, and his journey to columnist at the New York Times Some of Erin Lee Carr's work includes the films Mommy Dead and Dearest ( HBO ), Dirty Money: Drug Short (Netflix) and the upcoming At The Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (HBO)

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Epi 137 Nicholas Monsour editor "US". On Jordan Peele, editing horror, all those audience theories

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 10:03:26 -0000

This week we are so glad to speak to film editor Nicholas Monsour about his work on the innovative, multi-leveled, genre-defying and just flat out terrifying new movie ‘Us'. In this fascinating conversation Mr. Monsour speaks about working with Oscar winner Jordan Peele, his research and influences going into the project (which included the films of David Lynch, Friedkin and Bergman) working with the incredible actors and editing the doppelgänger scenes. We also spoke of the multiple levels of 'Us', the social commentary, the many fan theories, the intersection of comedy and horror, and how Peele and team worked to both entertain, scare and start the many, many conversations audiences and critics are having.

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Episode 136: author David Sedaris (Calypso)

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 12:43:05 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential, Christina talks to one of her personal favorites, author David Sedaris! Sedaris, a contributor to the New Yorker and This American Life, has sold 12 million copies of his books. His personal essays and reflections have entertained, enlightened and sometimes even shocked readers for decades. His latest book of essays ‘Calypso' is hilarious and charming and it beautifully deals with aging, loss and love. In our conversation, while on book tour in Stockholm, Sedaris reflects on his hatred of American service banter, his mothers alcoholism and his mentally ill sister Tiffany's suicide just a few years ago. He talks about his thoughts on his father who is a Trump supporter, how he and long-time love Hugh complement each other after so many years together and much more! ‘Calypso' is available now. Published in Swedish by Mondial.

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Epi 135 Writer Daniel Stiepleman 'On The Basis Of Sex', writing his aunt Ruth Bader Ginsburg's story

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 12:33:52 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential we talk about a legend, a role model, and a real bad ass, US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. My conversation is with someone who knows her very well, Daniel Stiepleman. Stiepleman is the screenwriter of the movie “On The Basis Of Sex", based on a major part of her life, and he also happens to be Justice Ginsburgs nephew. We talk about the case at the center of the movie, his aunts first reaction to Mr. Stiepleman wanting to write her story, her notes on his screenplay, and more. "On The Basis Of Sex "is directed by Mimi Leder (The Leftovers) and stars Felicity Jones as Justice Ginsburg and Armie Hammar as her husband Martin Ginsburg. The film premieres in Sweden on International Women's Day , March 8th , and is out in the theaters in the US.

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Episode 134: Our 2019 TV update! Russian Doll, Fosse/Verdon, Big Little Lies and more

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:09:12 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential journalist Alicia Lutes joins us with a 2019 television update! Ms Lutes recently spent a couple weeks covering the TCAs, the Television Critics Associations huge event where producers, showrunners and casts gather to present their new and returning shows. From FX Fosse/Verdon to HBOs new season of Big Little Lies, to sex advice with Dr Ruth and much more! Plus we discuss the brilliance of Netflix new show Russian Doll.

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Epi 133: The Pop Culture Confidential 2019 Oscar predictions special with Kyle Buchanan (NY Times)

Sun, 17 Feb 2019 11:44:05 -0000

Welcome to our 2019 Oscar prediction special! We are thrilled to welcome back to the show the New York Times Carpetbagger columnist Kyle Buchanan, who covers every aspect of award season. Join us as we discuss this crazy Oscar season and predict the winners. Follow Mr. Buchanan on twitter @kylebuchanan

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132: R Kelly/Bryan Singer, shocking exposés and survivors getting heard. Guest: writer Rachel Leah

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 08:00:57 -0000

This week we are joined by Rachel Leah (writer at Salon.com covering culture, race and criminal justice) for a conversation on some difficult topics but also about what may be the beginnings of a cultural shift. Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, R Kelly, Michael Jackson, Bryan Singer… Recently there’s been a wave of shocking articles, exposés and documentaries about allegations of sexual misconduct by high profile artists and industry titans. Allegations that have dogged them for years, sometimes even for decades. How can it be possible that these allegations have been industry, and even public, knowledge for years and still their careers flourish? But has the #Metoo movement allowed for more survivors to come forward with their stories when the justice system seems to often have failed them? And what does this mean going forward? Rachel Leah has been covering these topics extensively and joins us this week for an in-depth conversation.

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Episode 131: Tony McNamara, screenwriter "The Favourite"

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 20:19:52 -0000

Episode 131: Tony McNamara, screenwriter "The Favourite" by Pop Culture Confidential

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Episode 130: Director Rich Moore, Producer Clark Spencer "Ralph Breaks The Internet" + Spring TV

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 19:57:54 -0000

On the show this week the director and the producer of "Ralph Breaks the Internet”, the Oscar buzzed and critically acclaimed sequel to "Wreck-it Ralph"! Rich Moore (The Simpsons, Futurama, Zootopia) and Clark Spencer (Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia) join us to talk about developing their new movie, what they discovered about the darker side of the internet during their research process, Rich Moore’s legendary work on The Simpsons and what he learned about animation and satire, iconic characters from Lisa Simpsons to Vanellope to Disney princesses and much more. Plus TV and film critic Candice Frederick (The New York Times, The Guardian)on some of her most anticipate shows on TV this spring and some very interesting female protagonists we have coming our way.

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Epi 129: The race towards the Oscars! Predictions and analysis with critic+Oscar expert Thelma Adams

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:35:31 -0000

A new year, and a new Oscar race! Film critic, writer and Oscar expert Thelma Adams is here to guide us, ahead of the nominations announcement on January 22nd. Ms Adams joins us to talk about this very eventful year at the movies. How did the Golden Globes change the Oscar race? What are some of the years controversies, who will get nominated and take the gold on the biggest night of the film year? Thelma Adams has written for Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. She’s an Oscar expert at Gold Derby, a two-time past president of the New York Film Critics Circle and a best-selling novelist.

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128:Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw,Rob Marshall 'Mary Poppins Returns'

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 11:20:12 -0000

On a very special edition, Pop Culture Confidential went to London to meet the cast and director of the magical new movie “Mary Poppins Returns”! Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw and director Rob Marshall on the making of this sequel, 50 years in the making!

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Epi 127: Tonia Sina, Intimacy Director ‘Directing sex scenes for stage and film in the #metoo era’

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 08:44:03 -0000

When HBO and David Simon hired an intimacy coordinator/director to choreograph and monitor the on-set sex scenes on his show ‘The Deuce’ it started a lot of interesting conversations. We wanted to know more! On the show this week, one of the co-founders of ‘Intimacy Directors International’, Executive Director Tonia Sina. An intimacy director acts as an advocate for the actors, keeping actors physically and psychologically safe when acting in scenes of an intimate nature. As stunt coordinators have long done for fight scenes. Tonia Sina is the Executive Director of ‘Intimacy Directors International’ a nonprofit she cofounded in 2016. Ms. Sina has been researching intimacy for the stage and sexual harassment in the industry since 2004 and she also advises Universities on their curricula to help avoid harassment and abuse in academia.

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Episode 126: author Soraya Chemaly 'Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger'

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 10:44:13 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential it's all about rage! Joining us is Soraya Chemaly, author of the provocative, infuriating and inspiring new book “Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women’s Anger.” Ms Chemaly has written for Time magazine, The Guardian and The Atlantic. She is an activist and the director of the Women’s Media Center Speech Project. In our interview we talk about her new book, her research into women’s anger and rage, how women are taught and conditioned by society to suppress anger and how it can be a powerful tool in our lives. We talk about recent events such as how Serena Williams was penalized at the U.S. Open for arguing with the umpire, the Kavanaugh hearings, Jordan Peterson and so much more.

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Episode 125: Garrard Conley, author ‘Boy Erased' + our Halloween movie/TV special

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:34:53 -0000

This Halloween week writer and critic Alicia Lutes joins me to dissect some of the new horror hits on film and TV. We cover Jaime Lee Curtis' return for her final confrontation with Michael Myers in ‘Halloween’, Luca Guadagnino's reboot of Dario Argento’s ‘Suspiria' and the Netflix hits ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and ‘The Haunting of Hill House’. PLUS This week marks the US premiere of ‘Boy Erased' starring Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe and Lucas Hedges. We revisit our interview with Garrard Conley, author of the memoir 'Boy Erased’, and survivor of gay conversion therapy.

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Episode 124: Luke Davies, Screenwriter (‘Lion’ 'Beautiful Boy’)

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 12:23:08 -0000

This week Pop Culture Confidential Oscar nominated screenwriter Luke Davies talks about adapting the addiction memoir ‘Beautiful Boy’ starring Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet. As well as about his own painful and personal journal though a 10-year heroin addiction

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Episode 123: cinematographer Linus Sandgren (“First Man”) + an update on the Oscar race!

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 10:09:10 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential Oscar winning cinematographer Linus Sandgren talks about his incredible work on “First Man” Damien Chazelle’s new movie about Neil Armstrong. And: Gregory Ellwood covers movies and awards on The Playlist.net and is the host of the 4 Quadrant Podcast. Gregory joins us with an update on the Oscar race! From Lady Gaga’s star turn in “A Star is Born”, to Nicole Kidman’s in 2 powerful roles, Spike Lee is back and Christian Bale transforms himself, yet again, playing Dick Cheney in “Vice”… who are the frontrunners?

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Episode 122 writer Constance Grady: the Kavanaugh hearings and reflections in popular culture.

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 04:37:11 -0000

Episode 122 writer Constance Grady: the Kavanaugh hearings and reflections in popular culture. by Pop Culture Confidential

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Episode 121: Björn Runge, director "The Wife”

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 04:10:21 -0000

This week on the show our conversation with the award-winning Swedish director Björn Runge (The Wife). Glenn Close delivers a stunning, Oscar worthy performance in The Wife, a searing portrait of a marriage, intimately directed by Björn Runge. The film hits the zeitgeist on so many levels, particularly now at the height of the #timesup movement. Björn Runge talks to us about marriage, compromises, how the film quite literally saved his life, working with his own wife editor Lena Runge, why he left the Swedish film industry after a frustrating period, working with the great Glenn Close and much more.

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Episode 120: Writer/Director Paul Schrader “First Reformed"

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 08:58:10 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential we welcome a legend of cinema to the show, Paul Schrader! He is the screenwriter behind such films as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ and writer/director of American Gigolo and Light Sleeper, to name a few. Paul Schrader joins me this week to talk about his career, Travis Bickle, male anger, faith, love, Bergman and his spiritually brutal new work of art, First Reformed.

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Episode 119: TV Special Part 2. The creators of Netflix “Maniac” + Emmys recap

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 11:28:26 -0000

Episode 119: TV Special Part 2. The creators of Netflix “Maniac”, Cary Fukunaga and Patrick Somerville + 2018 Emmys recap with journalist Alicia Lutes

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Episode 118 TV Special Part 1. The creators of ”Forever”, Alan Yang and Matt Hubbard.

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 13:34:05 -0000

This week on Pop Culture Confidential the dream team of Alan Yang (Master of None, Parks and Rec) and Matt Hubbard (Parks and Rec, 30 Rock) on their new series “ FOREVER” , starring another dream team, Maya Rudolph and Fred Armison. Amazon’s new series "Forever" is already getting rave reviews right out of the box. It’s a comedy, but also quite a serious look at a marriage stuck in a rut. And there is a serious twist that we are not allowed to mention! The series stars the former SNL duo Maya Rudolph and Fred Armison as the married couple June and Oscar. Catherine Keener also stars. We talk to Alan and Matt about ”Forever”, their comedy icons, marriage, when Paul Tomas Anderson visited the set and much more. ”Forever” is out now on Amazon Prime!

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Episode 117: Todd Fisher ”My Girls: A Lifetime with Carrie and Debbie”

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 20:06:43 -0000

This week producer Todd Fisher on his excellent memoir "My Girls". This is a very personal story of his life with two iconic women: his mother Debbie Reynolds and sister Carrie Fisher. On their Hollywood life, tumultuous relationships and the huge pain of losing them both only 24 hours apart in December 2017. Todd Fisher, the son of ”America’s Sweetheart” actress Debbie Reynolds (Singing in the Rain) and singer Eddie Fisher grew up in Hollywood glamour. In our interview he talks about his childhood among Hollywood royalty, his great bond with sister Carrie, her meteoric rise to stardom with Star Wars, her struggles and how their mother formed their lives immensely.

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Episode 116: John David Washington & Sera Gamble

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 16:18:11 -0000

On the show this week, the star of Spike Lees powerful new movie BlacKkKlansman, John David Washingto and showrunner, executive producer of the the new Lifetime/Netflix series “You”, Sera Gamble. John David Washington stars as Ron Stallworth in the critically acclaimed new movie BlacKkKlansman, based on a true story and directed by Spike Lee. Stallworth, a black police officer in Colorado Springs, infiltrated the KKK in the 1970s. Also this week prolific writer, producer and show runner Sera Gamble of shows such as Supernatural and The Magicians. Her new show ”You”, which she co-exec produces with Greg Berlanti, stars Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail is a “twisted love story in the social media age”. It premieres on Lifetime and Netflix on September 9th. Plus journalist Alicia Lutes on Louis C.K’s return to stand up after accusations of sexual harassment.

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Episode 115: SPECIAL Your vote counts! + Greg Poehler

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:45:46 -0000

On this special episode of Pop Culture Confidential we have teamed up with Democrats Abroad to help spread the word to Americans overseas: your vote really counts in the very important 2018 US midterm elections! PLUS an exclusive interview with actor/director and expat Greg Poehler! Poehler , the creator of WELCOME TO SWEDEN a semi autobiographical sitcom and co production beteen TV4 Sweden and NBC, is now starring on YOU ME HER. You Me Her has just been renewed for its 4th and 5th season on the Audience Network and Netflix. We talk about how moving to Sweden lead him to a career back in Hollywood, following your dreams, why certain humor really does not translate, the privilege of voting in 2 countries and much more And Alex Lange, Chair of Democrats Abroad Sweden, guides us through the process of registering to vote and requesting your ballot as an overseas voter. Voter deadlines are upon us. Your vote really matters, be a part of this historic moment! To America voters abroad: on the website votefromabroad.org you can create your voter registration and ballot request form. Here you can get help, ask questions and get all the info you need to send it in!

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Episode 114: “Boy Erased” Garrard Conley

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:36:25 -0000

Episode 114: “Boy Erased” Garrard Conley by Pop Culture Confidential

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PCC Episode 113: "Weird Al" Yankovic

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 19:28:58 -0000

We are thrilled to be joined this week by an icon of American pop culture, the parody king and the coolest man with an accordion, ”Weird Al” Yankovic. He’s sold over 12 million albums, spoofed the biggest artists from Michael Jackson, to Nirvana, to Coolio, to Miley Cyrus. A career that spans four decades. Join us for a conversation about his musical process, capturing the zeitgeist, asking Kurt Cobain and Sir Paul McCartney for permission to parody their music, the pure magic of the accordion, how the industry has changed and being kind! http://weirdal.com And journalist Alicia Lutes (The Hollywood Reporter, The Nerdist, MTV) joins us again this week to talk about the much debated news about the changes coming to the Academy Awards.

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Episode 112: Actor, comedian, author Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians)

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 12:06:25 -0000

Episode 112: Actor, comedian, author Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians) by Pop Culture Confidential

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Episode 111: Zoe Perry of ‘Young Sheldon’ & the Season Highlights

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 04:01:02 -0000

Actress Zoe Perry of the hit CBS sitcom ‘Young Sheldon’ joins us this week to share what it means to be playing a younger version of a part that her mother Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne and Lady Bird) originated on the massive hit show ‘Big Bang Theory’, plus her thoughts on the cancellation of ‘Roseanne’. Then we give you all the highlights from this Spring with a compilation of just some of the guests such as Gustaf Skarsgård, Henry Winkler, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Karamo Brown.

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Episode 110: Fall TV Lineup & Comedy in the Trump Era

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:59:57 -0000

Eric Deggans, NPR’s TV critic, reports on the Fall TV lineup including the genre trends, and which shows look the most promising. Then, author and comedian Laurie Kilmartin discusses her latest book, live-tweeting her father’s death, and what it means writing for Conan in the age of President Trump.

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Episode 109: Screenwriter Craig Mazin on writing, the Weinsteins & his new HBO series “Chernobyl"

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:54:54 -0000

Host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined by screenwriter and producer Craig Mazin whose credits include the wildly popular sequels for “The Hangover” and “Scary Movie”, the hit podcast ‘Scriptnotes’ with fellow screenwriter John August, and the HBO limited series “Chernobyl”.

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Episode 108: Henry Winkler - Barry, Arrested Development & being The Fonz

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:51:07 -0000

TV icon Henry Winkler joins host Christina Jeurling Birro to speak about his newest hit show “Barry”, working on "Arrested Development", the influence of "Happy Days", living with dyslexia, jumping the shark, and much more.

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Episode 107: Killing Eve & The Cosby Verdict

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:46:24 -0000

Luke Jennings, author of the novel “Codename Villanelle”, the basis for the hit series “Killing Eve”, plus reporter Annette John-Hall joins to give some perspective on the Bill Cosby case and trials.

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Episode 106: Comedy writer Nell Scovell + The 2018 Summer Movie Preview

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:42:05 -0000

Veteran comedy writer Nell Scovell shares her experience from ‘The Simpsons’ to ‘Letterman’, and how she survived the male dominated writer's rooms. Plus our big summer movie preview with Mark Johnson of Awards Circuit.

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Episode 105: Director Johan Renck - Bowie, Breaking Bad & the new series ‘Chernobyl’

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:38:23 -0000

Director Johan Renck shares his ever changing creative journey, from Stakka Bo to working with Madonna, David Bowie and Beyonce, directing feature films and TV such as ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘The Last Panthers’. Renck also speaks about his latest project is the massive new HBO series ‘Chernobyl’ starring Emily Watson, Stellan Skarsgård, and Jared Harris from ‘The Crown’.

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Episode 104: Ane Crabtree & Bill Barretta

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:33:54 -0000

Award winning costume designer Ane Crabtree (Sopranos, Westworld) speaks about her powerful designs for The Handmaid’s Tale, that have also become an important symbol of protest worldwide. She also discusses her creations for the much awaited second season, how she finds inspiration, her upcoming projects, and much more. In 1955, Jim Henson created the The Muppets, and by the late 70’s more than 235 million people were watching worldwide. We are joined by veteran puppeteer/director Bill Barretta who is featured in a new documentary Muppet Guys Talking, that gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at a beloved institution. Mr Barretta shares the legacy of Jim Henson, the art of acting and voicing the Muppets, and what it is like to bring some of the most famous muppets, including the Swedish Chef, to life.

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Episode 103: Michael Kenneth Williams & Joy Press

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:27:54 -0000

Actor Michael Kenneth Williams, of The Wire and The Night Of, takes a very personal journey with a new documentary, and Joy Press speaks about how women are revolutionizing television and her new book “Stealing the Show”.

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Episode 102: Dr Adam Rutherford & Jonathan Abrams

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 17:56:27 -0000

On this week’s episode host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks with geneticist, and host of the BBC Radio show Inside Science, Dr. Adam Rutherford. He has been the science advisor on 'World War Z', 'Ex Machina', and 'Annihilation', one of the most talked about films this Spring. She is also joined by bestselling author Jonathan Abrams, who wrote “All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of the Wire”, the definitive oral history of David Simons groundbreaking show 'The Wire'.

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Episode 101: Gustaf Skarsgård

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 17:49:39 -0000

Host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined by actor Gustaf Skarsgård for an exclusive conversation about taking on Hollywood after his successes in Sweden, competition, rejection, advice from his father Stellan, stepping into the much anticipated upcoming season of Westworld, and so much more.

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Episode 100: Ruth E. Carter on costuming 'Black Panther' & Liz Shannon Miller of IndieWire

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:21:18 -0000

This week host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined by legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who designed the stunning costumes of the blockbuster hit ‘Black Panther’, then we get the lowdown on the Spring TV season with IndieWire’s Liz Shannon Miller.

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Episode 99: William Jackson Harper, star of The Good Place & Professor Kennan Ferguson

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 05:39:22 -0000

William Jackson Harper talks about his breakout role as Professor Chidi Anagonye on the brilliant hit comedy 'The Good Place', and a real Professor analyzes the philosophy of the show.

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Episode 98: The 2018 Oscar Special

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 09:42:34 -0000

On Oscar Sunday, Jimmy Kimmel will take the stage to host the 90th Academy Awards and Pop Culture Confidential has you covered. Senior Editor at New York Magazine/Vulture, Kyle Buchanan guides us through this particularly exciting and difficult to predict Oscar year!

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Episode 97: Karamo Brown, Queer Eye

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 08:35:07 -0000

He's one of the stars of the "Queer Eye" reboot on Netflix, as part of the new Fab Five - Karamo Brown is making the audience laugh, cry and contemplate some very important topics. The original "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" premiered on Bravo in 2003, a makeover show that delivered a whole new format. Five gay men brought their expertise to help straight men find their best selves. The show and the original cast broke barriers and the show was a runaway hit! The new cast are taking the show one step further, and by moving the show from New York to the South, where interesting encounters ensue. They are not just changing wardrobes - they are opening up conversations about race, LGBTQ rights and much more. Host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks to Brown about his experience making the show, what it means to be the first black "Queer Eye" star, and much more.

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Episode 96: Doug Jones, The Shape of Water

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:49:20 -0000

This year's Oscar frontrunner, with 13 nominations including Best Director (Guillermo del Toro) and Best Picture, is The Shape of Water. This week's guest, Doug Jones, is an integral part of the film, playing a nameless amphibian fish man captured at a military lab in Cold War era Baltimore. He becomes the love interest of a mute cleaning lady Elisa, played by Sally Hawkins. It's a romance like nothing we've seen before! Jones is an actor, former mime, and contortionist, with over 160 acting credits to his name. His twenty-year collaboration with director Guillermo del Toro has resulted in six films, one TV show, and twelve characters, including the films Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth. Host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks to Jones about his long relationship with Guillermo del Toro, the emotional connection to playing creatures and monsters, the challenges of prosthetic costumes, and much more! The Shape of Water will premiere in Sweden February 14th 2018 and has premiered in the US and around the world.

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Episode 95: Mac Quayle, Composer

Sun, 04 Feb 2018 14:00:35 -0000

From his Emmy award-winning electronic score for "Mr. Robot", to the old Hollywood feel of the FX show "Feud: Bette and Joan", to "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story". On this week's show - genre defying composer Mac Quayle. From his early career as a producer and music re-mixer, Quayle worked with Madonna, Whitney Houston, Depeche Mode, Beyoncé, and many more. After moving to Los Angeles, his work expanded to composing for television and film and in 2015 he became the composer for Sam Esmail's new series "Mr. Robot". Host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks to Quayle about his process working with showrunners to create the soundtracks, his latest work, and much more!

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Episode 94: Oscar Nominations With Sasha Stone Awards Daily

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 16:06:23 -0000

Episode 94: Oscar nominations with Sasha Stone, Awards Daily Awards expert, founder and editor of Awards Daily Sasha Stone joins us to discuss this years Oscar nominations: surprises, upsets and predictions ahead of the Academy Awards on March 4th, 2018!

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Episode 93: Ellen Lewis on casting 'The Post'

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 17:57:36 -0000

Our guest Ellen Lewis is the legendary casting director behind movies such as Goodfellas, Forrest Gump and The Wolf of Wall Street. She joins host Christina Jeurling Birro to share the unique process that went into casting Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed film The Post. With Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks already attached, Lewis set about to cast the large cast to play the real-life journalists and political figures in the script. The stellar ensemble includes Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Carrie Coon, David Cross, and so many more! We were honored to be joined by Lewis in our first season, a real portrait of her amazing career. This interview is included here as a postscript and is not to be missed!

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Episode 92: James ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald - Manhunt: Unabomber

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:57:30 -0000

Our guest, former FBI agent and criminal profiler, James "Fitz" Fitzgerald was one of the agents who brought down Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber. The critically acclaimed Discovery series “Manhunt: Unabomber” captures the gripping true story of mail-bomber Ted Kaczynski, his ability to elude the FBI for 18 years, and efforts made to bring him to justice. The series, now available on Netflix, stars Paul Bettany as Ted Kaczynski and Sam Worthington as our guest, FBI profiler James ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald. The story focuses on the ongoing Unabomber investigation in 1995 and 1996, as well as the build-up to his trial, where the role of linguistics in the investigation was pivotal in his arrest and conviction. Host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks to Fitzgerald about his twenty years with the FBI, how they broke the UNABOM case, his investigation of other high-profile cases and much more!

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Awards Season: Sterling K. Brown

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:38:14 -0000

Award’s season is upon us and the Golden Globes nominees have been announced, including our guest from this Fall - Sterling K. Brown for his role on 'This Is Us'. Brown has had a long acting career with success on both stage and television but his role as Randall on 'This Is Us' seems to have propelled him to the next level. His characters’ emotional journey and struggles have had audiences really connecting with the universal themes of family, joy and loss. The show ended the Spring season as the highest rated new network series among adults 18 to 49 with an impressive 12,8 million viewers watching the season 1 finale. The second season concluded this Fall. Brown can be seen in the recent release 'Marshall', alongside Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad and Kate Hudson. His upcoming feature films include Marvel’s 'Black Panther', Fox’s 'The Predator', and 'Hotel Artemis', alongside Jodie Foster.

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Oscar Race: Cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema, Dunkirk

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 07:27:40 -0000

As the Oscar race heats up, we look back over our guests of 2017 to see which fan favorites are in the running, including cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema for his work on the epic film Dunkirk. Shot on large format film, Hoytema and his team worked with director Christopher Nolan to create the stunning camera shots – from the visually stunning dogfights to the challenging water shots. We speak to Hoytema about the creative technical solutions his team used on Dunkirk, the industries’ return to using large format film, his reflections on working with so many great directors and much more!

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Episode 91: The Oscar Race with Mark Johnson

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 21:13:23 -0000

With awards season in full swing – we speak to Senior Contributor at Awardscircuit.com – Mark Johnson, to get all of his insights as we head into the Oscar race. We spoke to Mr Johnson in September about what he had seen at Telluride – an early award season predictor. On this episode, host Christina Jeurling Birro asks about the films we have discussed before, such as Dunkirk – but also the less talked about films like Lady Bird, Get Out, The Florida Project and many more. We speak to Mr Johnson to find out his Oscar Predictions, the hits and misses – and much more!

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Episode 90: Jennifer Haley – Writer, Mindhunter

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 17:41:06 -0000

Thrilling, dark, gripping and tense are just some of the words used to describe the hit Nexflix series Mindhunter. Playwright Jennifer Haley is a writer and co-producer on the series, and joins us this week to share her experience getting into the minds of FBI agents and serial killers. Mindhunter is a meticulously paced crime drama based on the writings of the pioneering serial killer profiler John E Douglas. Along with his team, they interviewed the likes of Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, and Ed Kemper during the seventies and eighties which resulted in a redefining of criminal profiling forever. The series has wonderful casting, beautiful cinematography, and some of the creepiest conversations you will hear this year. Lead by David Fincher who is Executive Producer and director of four of the episodes, the writers on Mindhunter have delivered an amazing array of characters.

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Episode 89: Amanda Hess, The New York Times

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:00:35 -0000

In light of the perpetually expanding list of people accused of sexual abuse in the entertainment industry, we speak to journalist Amanda Hess about her New York Times article “How the Myth of the Artistic Genius Excuses the Abuse of Women”. Host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks to Hess about separating the art from the artist, an industry in denial, why the myth of the artistic genius has been used to excuse abusive behavior, Harvey Weinstein, Louis C.K., the power of journalism, how we should continue covering this story and more.

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Episode 88: Breaking Bad 101 with Alan Sepinwall

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 09:38:08 -0000

On this week’s episode, we are joined by writer and TV critic Alan Sepinwall to discuss his new book Breaking Bad 101: The Complete Critical Companion, an unrivalled guide to one of television’s most important shows.  Sepinwall is a TV critic at Uproxx, He is also the author of the book The Revolution Was Televised, which is a favorite. Sepinwall is also co-author of TV The Book with another great critic Matt Zoller Seitz, who has been a guest on the podcast multiple times. Sepinwall’s latest book is THE complete guide to Breaking Bad, covering each episode of the series in Vince Gilligan’s phenomenal series that reinvented the TV narrative in so many ways.

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Episode 87: Director Kasper Collin & Sasha Stone of Awards Daily

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 09:59:29 -0000

On this week’s episode, we speak to Kasper Collin who directed the critically acclaimed music documentary I Called Him Morgan. Collin’s documentary accounts the life and musical legacy of jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan and the life of his common-law wife Helen Morgan, who would first save his life, then kill him. The documentary premiered at the Venice Film Festival and Metacritic announced the film as the best reviewed movie of the first half of 2017. We also speak to Sasha Stone of Awardsdaily.com to discuss the entertainment industry’s reaction to the disturbing sexual assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein and the Oscar Academy’s decision to expel Weinstein.

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Episode 86: Jeff Schaffer – Executive Producer, Curb Your Enthusiasm

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 18:37:20 -0000

After a six-year hiatus – Curb Your Enthusiasm is back! On this week’s episode, we speak to executive producer, writer and director Jeff Schaffer who takes us behind the scenes of the latest season with all of its awkwardness, insensitivity and laugh-out-loud comedy. Mr. Schaffer also speaks with host Christina Jeurling Birro about working with Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld on 'Seinfeld', what he learned writing for the Harvard Lampoon, and much more.

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Episode 85: Pamela Adlon

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 08:13:34 -0000

On this episode of Pop Culture Confidential, Pamela Adlon speaks about life, parenting, and her jewel of a show – Better Things. After a fantastic, Emmy nominated first season of her semi-autobiographical series, Adlon is back with an already critically acclaimed Season 2 of Better Things. Pamela Adlon directs, produces, co-writes and stars in the show, which has given us some of the most touching and relatable comedy about a single working mother of three.

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Episode 84: The 2017 Fall Movie and Oscar Preview Special

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 09:34:55 -0000

Last week we covered 2017’s Fall TV and Emmy awards, but September also marks the start of Oscar season and the big Fall movie releases. There are also the major film festivals like Venice, Toronto, and probably most important in terms of Oscar predictions – the Telluride Film Festival. In the last decade, eight Best Picture Oscar winners, including 12 Years a Slave, Argo, Birdman and Moonlight made their North American debut at Telluride. You could say that the festival has become something of an Oscar predictor. Joining us to talk about the Fall movies, Telluride and the start of Oscar season, is writer and senior contributor at Awardscircuit.com, Mark Johnson.

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Episode 83: The 2017 Fall TV & Emmy Prediction Special

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 12:56:48 -0000

It’s here! The annual Pop Culture Confidential Fall TV preview and Emmy awards prediction special. We take a look at the Fall TV season, what shows and trends are we most looking forward too, and we share our 2017 Emmy predictions! Guiding us through all of this - critic Jazz Tangcay, lead writer at Awardsdaily.com.

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Episode 82: Writer & Director Ruben Östlund

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 07:19:21 -0000

Our guest, Swedish director/writer Ruben Östlund, is the newly crowned winner of the Cannes Palme d’Or for his latest film "The Square", which is described as a poignant satirical drama reflecting our times. The suspenseful satire tackles the Swedish art scene, politics, media, community and national identity. The film stars Danish actor Claes Bang, Elizabeth Moss, Dominic West and motion capture artist Terry Notary, who gives a mesmerizing performance as the “ape-man” during a black-tie museum dinner. Östlund’s previous film "Force Majeure" won him the Jury Prize at Canne in 2014 and became a huge international hit. It’s about a father who runs away from danger instead of protecting his family and the emotional aftermath. The situation brings up the expectations of manliness and the uncomfortable humor of life itself. It was recently announced that "The Square" will represent Sweden at the 2018 Academy Awards, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome its writer/director Ruben Östlund.

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Episode 81: Sterling K. Brown

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 11:55:47 -0000

An Emmy winner in 2016 for The People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Emmy nominee this year for this role on the massive NBC hit This Is Us, Sterling K. Brown has had quite a year. Last year we were captivated by the excellent FX drama The People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, starring this week’s guest along with Sara Paulson and John Travolta, just to name a few. Brown portrayed prosecutor Christopher Darden with a performance that was complex, nerve wrecking and critically acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Brown has had a long acting career with success on both stage and television but his role as Randall on This Is Us seems to have propelled him to the next level. His characters’ emotional journey and struggles have had audiences really connecting with the universal themes of family, joy and loss. The show ended the Spring season as the highest rated new network series among adults 18 to 49 with an impressive 12,8 million viewers watching the season 1 finale. This Is Us returns to NBC for its second season on September 26th with guest appearances by Sylvester Stallone, Dan Lauria and Debra Jo Rupp. Not to be missed! Brown can be seen in the upcoming film Marshall, alongside Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad and Kate Hudson. He is currently in production on three feature films; Marvel’s Black Panther, Fox’s The Predator, and Hotel Artemis, alongside Jodie Foster.

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Episode 80: Peter Baker - Chief White House Correspondent, New York Times

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 11:29:44 -0000

Our guest this week is Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times. During his career he has covered four presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and now the Trump administration. Mr. Baker joined The Times in 2008 after 20 years at The Washington Post, including four years as Moscow bureau chief. His wife Susan Glasser is the chief international affairs columnist Politico. Mr. Baker has authored multiple books and his latest title is “Obama: The Call of History”, with incredible photography from The New York Times. Host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks to him about reporting on the last four presidents, the unique challenge of covering the Trump administration, his new book “Obama: The Call of History”, and much more!

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Episode 79: Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema - Dunkirk

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 11:04:37 -0000

Spectacular, jaw-dropping, sweeping and intimate - Dunkirk marks the return of director Christopher Nolan and our guest cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema. The World War ll drama is a different type of war story, about bravery and survival. It focuses on the days when 400,000 British and Allied troops were trapped by the Germans on the beaches of Dunkirk, seemingly doomed to die there. Shot on large format film, Hoytema and his team worked with Nolan to create the stunning camera shots – from the visually stunning dogfights to the challenging water shots. We speak to Hoytema about the creative technical solutions his team used on Dunkirk, the industries’ return to using large format film, his reflections on working with so many great directors and much more!

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Episode 78: Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud with author Anne Helen Petersen & Our Summer Tips

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 21:06:14 -0000

Just in time for Summer we round up our best pop culture tips to enjoy – including the book from our guest Anne Helen Petersen who writes about culture, celebrity, and feminism in 'Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud: The Rise and Reign of the Unruly Woman'. We have long been reading Petersen’s work and we can highly recommend her previous book 'Scandals of Classic Hollywood'. She has a PhD in media studies and is a Senior Culture Writer for BuzzFeed. Her latest book examines a group of iconic, brave women whose behavior pushes the boundaries of what some seem to think is acceptable for women in the limelight. And then - what are we at PCC looking forward to this Summer? We roundup our favorite TV shows, films, and much more!

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Episode 77: Television Maverick: Writer & Producer Chuck Lorre

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 12:01:16 -0000

It’s a real joy to welcome this week’s guest – television legend Chuck Lorre who has been a juggernaut, a sitcom comedy mastermind creating shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Dharma & Greg, Two and a Half Men, Mike & Molly, and Mom. Lorre has carried on the sitcom tradition in the footsteps of Norman Lear, who brought modern family dynamics to popular television with shows such as All in the Family and The Jefferson’s. His upcoming shows include Young Sheldon, a prequel storyline for Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, and Disjointed starring Kathy Bates as the owner of a pot dispensary. Host Christina Jeurling Birro speaks with Chuck Lorre about his impact on sitcom television, the challenge of getting The Big Bang Theory green-lit, his casting process, and much more!

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Episode 76: Jon Ronson & Helen Hollyman

Tue, 30 May 2017 08:47:14 -0000

On Pop Culture Confidential this week we speak with journalist and screenwriter Jon Ronson about his new film Okja that recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. We ask Ronson what really happened at ‘that’ Cannes premiere which became world news, what it was like working with director Bong Joon-ho, how to spot psychopaths, Trump and more. Then in celebration of Twin Peak’s return - we speak to Helen Hollyman, Editor Chief at Munchies, the Vice food website, who has followed and written about David Lynch’s obsession with coffee and how it’s evolved. David Lynch’s obsession with coffee goes far beyond the diner in Twin Peaks, he loves the beverage so much he has his own blend - David Lynch Signature Cup.

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Episode 75: Culinary writer Katie Parla & The Nerdist’s Alicia Lutes

Wed, 17 May 2017 08:13:05 -0000

Pasta, Italy, Master of None, Wonder Woman and the female gaze – Pop Culture Confidential is jam packed this week! We speak to Katie Parla, culinary writer and the author of the book Tasting Rome. Parla was the food concierge on the Italian episodes of the brilliant, and food obsessed, new season of Master Of None (Netflix) where we find that Dev (Aziz Ansari) has left New York and moved to Modena, Italy to learn the art of pasta making. Katie Parla speaks to us about Italian cuisine, Master of None, the food of Rome and even a few great restaurant tips! And we speak to Alicia Lutes, Managing Editor of Nerdist.com who shares her insights on the highly anticipated movie Wonder Woman directed by Patty Jenkins. Host Christina Jeurling Birro also asks Lutes about the female gaze in TV and film, how the sex scenes are getting a different perspective right now, and the current TV seasons many religious narratives.

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Episode 74: News, Trends and Controversies - The 2017 Spring Roundup

Tue, 09 May 2017 04:35:10 -0000

On this week’s episode of Pop Culture Confidential we are joined by VOX culture writer Constance Grady to discuss the biggest news, trends and controversies of 2017 so far. We speak about how the first 100 days of Trump has influenced storylines on TV, what the ousting of Bill O’Reilly really means for Fox and why The Handmaid’s Tale is so important to audiences today. We also ask Grady what excites her about the TV season and much more - don’t miss this episode!

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Episode 72: Tony Hale – Star of Veep & Arrested Development

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 08:05:37 -0000

From Buster on Arrested Development, to his Emmy winning role as the devoted body man to Selina Meyer on Veep – Tony Hale has already proven that he is one of our generation’s comedy greats. Host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined this week by Hale ahead of the upcoming sixth season premiere of Veep. In this political climate, what is better than the return of HBO’s hilarious political comedy Veep. Hale returns as Gary, the anxious and often-bullied body man to now ex-President Meyer, who is portrayed by the incredible Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Before Veep, Hale inhabited another anxious character – fan favorite Buster Bluth of Arrested Development. The show gave him the opportunity to work with Jeffrey Tambor, Jason Bateman and legend Liza Minnelli who played his girlfriend. On this episode we find out how the recent U.S. election impacted the comedy in Veep, what Hale has learned from the comedy legends he’s worked with, his own experience with bullying and anxiety, and much more!

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Episode 71: From Frasier, 24, Fargo and Legion - Jean Smart, TV Royalty

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 16:10:52 -0000

With unforgettable performances in Frasier, 24, and now one of this seasons’ most acclaimed new series Legion - Jean Smart is television royalty with a career spanning three decades and three Emmy wins. Smart’s career includes the iconic CBS hit sitcom Designing Women. A show that featured intelligent women who were both sassy and sympathetic and who expressed differing views on women’s issues. For her unforgettable role on Frasier, Smart won an Emmy, and on 24 she was gripping as First Lady Martha Logan whose fragile mental state deteriorated during the season. Smart then joined the Noah Hawley show Fargo where she gave a fearless performance as Floyd, the matriarch of the crime family. Their collaboration didn’t end there and today Smart is one of the stars of the acclaimed FX series Legion with Noah Hawley as co-creator. Legion is loosely inspired by the X-Men comics and here Smart plays Melanie Bird, a questionable therapist who is the leader of a group of super mutants being chased by the government. The show delivers a hypnotic and visual world that explores themes much as mental health in an unexpected way. We are very happy to be joined by Jean Smart on this weeks episode and to get the opportunity to speak to her portraying so many strong women, how she chooses her roles, and so much more!

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Episode 70: ‘Missing Richard Simmons’ with Dan Taberski

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 14:20:14 -0000

Richard Simmons, workout and fitness guru, is a true American pop culture icon. One example of the empire he built is his workout video “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”, which sold millions of copies. Three years ago Simmons mysteriously disappeared from public life, including cutting off contact with most of the world. This week we speak to Dan Taberski about his search for answers that lead to the massive podcast hit “Missing Richard Simmons”. Taberski is a writer, director and former producer for “The Daily Show” who was a student at Simmons fitness class “Slimmons” in Beverly Hills. He became friends with Simmons and had discussed making a documentary about his life and work. So why does the most flamboyant and visible exercise evangelist suddenly disappear without alerting friends and colleagues? Dan Taberski talks to host Christina Jeurling Birro about the importance of Richard Simmons, the many thousands of people that Simmons so generously helped during his career and the theories to why he may have retreated for the public eye.

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Episode 69: The stars of Orange is the New Black and Netflix Ted Sarandos

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 06:07:12 -0000

Now that the film award season has come to a dramatic conclusion we are happy to turn our attention to the upcoming season of television. This week’s episode of Pop Culture Confidential covers the recent Netflix event in Berlin where they unveiled the upcoming lineup. Host Christina Jeurling Birro was thrilled to speak with two of the stars of Orange is the New Black – Kate Mulgrew who plays Red and two-time Emmy winner Uzo Aduba who plays Suzanne ‘Crazy Eyes’ Warren. We also speak to Netflix Chief Content Office Ted Sarandos who shares his journey with Netflix and the power of user data in creating original content including the hit House of Cards. It’s a very special ‘on location’ edition of Pop Culture Confidential where we dive into the recent and upcoming milestones for Litchfield Penitentiary, what it means to be Captain of a Starfleet ship, the Oscar win for White Helmets and how Netflix is supporting film distribution, and much more!

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Episode 68: The 2017 Oscar Special

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 11:43:48 -0000

The Academy Awards are upon us and this is the annual Pop Culture Confidential Oscar predictions show! We are joined again by Sasha Stone, journalist and founder of the website Awards Daily, who gives all the details of this years statistics, trends and controversies. Annually there are many big award shows during the season, from the Golden Globes to BAFTA, each giving us a hint at which film could take the top prizes at the Academy Awards. So you can imagine how excited we are that the big day is almost here with this years host Jimmy Kimmel. On this episode host Christina Jeurling Birro and Sasha Stone discuss how the preferential ballot system can affect the results, the industry buzz around the nominees – and maybe most importantly, which films we predict will win in all of the main categories!

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Episode 67: Eugene Lee - Legendary SNL Production Designer

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 19:47:49 -0000

For those who follow Pop Culture Confidential, you know that we LOVE Saturday Night Live (SNL) and refer often to how it has influenced pop culture over the decades. We are so excited to be joined this week by Eugene Lee, who has been the original Saturday Night Live production designer since the start of the show's first season in 1975. At 77, he is one of the only original crewmembers still working. The SNL set Lee designed has a true New York vibe with real bricks and a nod to Grand Central Station. Three Tony Awards, 12 Emmy nominations, and one Emmy win later, Lee continues to carry on his accomplished tradition in theater while also leading the "SNL" production-design team, week in and week out. Lee comes from the theater world and has worked on Wicked, Sweeney Todd and Candide. He is not slowing down, he has also designed the sets for Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, which show the variety of his work. Lee joined us from his home and workshop in Providence, Rhode Island where he is based. He commutes to New York every Wednesday to start the week at SNL, meeting with the directors and screenwriters to understand their vision for each skit that will come that week. He hand sketches each set and works up until the last minute before each show, perfecting what we at home see on screen. We discuss the wonderful legacy of Saturday Night Live, his work process and the joy he feels being such a part of the experience we have had watching SNL for the last forty years.

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Episode 66: Colleen Atwood - Three-Time Oscar-Winning Costume Designer

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 09:38:46 -0000

Scissor hands, face masks and apes – oh my! Three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood has dressed some of the most iconic characters on the big screen. This includes Hannibal Lecter, Edward Scissorhands, Roxie Hart – and all the characters in eleven Tim Burton films. Atwood has been very busy this past year with Huntsman: Winter’s War, Alice Through the Looking Glass, her most recent collaboration with Tim Burton Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, AND the Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them for which she has been nominated for an Academy Award. From fantasy to modern day, Atwood’s costumes are always rich in detail and a deep study of character that isn’t always obvious at first. For Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children we travel back to Wales during World War II to an orphanage full of ‘peculiar’ children with unique superpowers. The character of Miss Peregrine, played by Eva Green, has the ability to transform into a bird that is reflected in the characters signature blue coat with birdlike elements. Each of the children’s costumes also has custom elements to reflect their own special powers. We are honored to be joined by such a legend in her field and ask Atwood to share how she began her career, how she approaches each character, her response to being Oscar nominated (again) and much more!

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Episode 65: Disney animation legends ride the waves with Moana

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 09:39:14 -0000

Their legendary careers have included the animated classics The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog – and this year’s Oscar nominated Moana. Directors Ron Clements, John Musker and producer Osnat Shurer of Moana join us this week live in Stockholm to share their excitement of being nominated and journey they have taken to bring the story to the screen. Musker and Clements started their partnership early and their collective CV is like a map of our Disney movie childhood – starting with The Great Mouse Detective. When Disney merged with Pixar it ushered in a new era and Shurer shares with us how the culture shifted for both companies. Moana, or Vaiana, as it is named in many European countries, is already a huge box office success in the US for its incredible visuals and inspiring female protagonist who sets out on a mythical adventure across a series of islands in the South Pacific to find the shape shifting Demi-god Maui. Another reason the film is so popular? It’s wonderful soundtrack! One of it’s composers is Lin-Manuel Miranda started working with the film nearly three years ago before his rise to total stardom with Hamilton. Now he is Oscar nominated for ‘How Far I’ll Go’, which is one of the films hits. On this episode we hear how all three were involved in the research for the film, including their travels through the South Pacific, the challenges of creating their first CG feature film together and the excitement of being Oscar nominated!

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Episode 64: Damien Chazelle & Mandy Moore – La La Land

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 09:43:23 -0000

When we say La La Land starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is one of the most buzzed about films this awards season – we’re not kidding! The film won every in every category it was nominated for at this years Golden Globes, including for Best Film and Best Director. As the most awarded film in Globe history – the road to Oscar glory seems unstoppable. Host Christina Jeurling Birro is thrilled to speak to two of the films creative powerhouses – writer/director Damien Chazelle and award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore. The film is Chazelle’s ode to Hollywood and musicals such as Singin’ in the Rain – and to the city of Los Angeles with its freeways, sound stages and dreamers. It is the perfect showcase for the beautiful choreography of Mandy Moore. Director Damien Chazelle was only in his late 20’s when he burst on the scene with his movie Whiplash, which went on to win three Oscars. He shares with us his creative process, what it takes to make it in Hollywood, what it was like to work with the films stars and his upcoming projects. Over her career Mandy Moore become a bit of a legend in the dance community. She has choreographed for films like Silver Linings Playbook and TV’s Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. We speak to her about the La La Land’s amazing musical numbers and teaching Stone and Gosling to not only dance but rival the greats like Fred and Ginger.

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Episode 63: Kirsten Johnson - Director of ‘Cameraperson'

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:11:44 -0000

Veteran filmmaker and documentary cinematographer Kirsten Johnson has spent the last 25 years capturing the often-harsh realities of humanity in some of cinemas most influential documentaries with directors such as Michael Moore (Fahrenheit 9/11), Laura Poitra (Citizenfour about Edward Snowden) and Kirby Dick (This Film is Not Yet Rated). Her latest documentary is a very personal exploration of her life behind the camera over her vast career and is on the 2017 Best Documentary Oscar shortlist. Cameraperson is like meditation or fragmented memories, a montage of footage with no voiceover that opens up all the questions Kirsten has asked herself during her career. The film moves between outtakes from documentaries she has shot intercut with private footage of her family including Kirsten’s twins and her mother. Through all of her footage, difficult and beautiful, you feel Kirsten Johnson’s warmth, empathy and her huge laugh fills the space. Host Christina Jeurling Birro has been a longtime follower of Kirsten’s work and was delighted to have the opportunity to speak with her about the ethics and moral choices faced when filming subjects, what is was like for her to relive the joys and the horrors she has seen, the power of the moving image and much more!

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Episode 62: Hollywood Legend Roger Corman & Professor Lilly Goren

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 20:21:57 -0000

We kick-off the New Year with a true Hollywood legend - Roger Corman, whose latest film Death Race 2050 is perfectly timed for the current political landscape. Then host Christina Jeurling Birro discusses politics and pop culture with author and political science Professor Lilly Goren, including how female presidents are depicted in film and TV, and how this might change after the recent U.S. presidential election results.

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Episode 61: The Legacy of The Daily Show

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:55:47 -0000

If you are a loyal listener of Pop Culture Confidential you know that we are huge fans of The Daily Show so we were very excited to speak to author Chris Smith who has arguably written THE definitive history of The Daily Show (The Book) that is now a New York Times Bestseller. To chronicle the shows astounding 17 years on Comedy Central Smith spoke to pretty much everyone involved with or adjacent to the show, including Jon Stewart who wrote the forward, Steven Colbert, Samantha Bee, Lewis Black, Steve Carell, John Oliver, writers, producers and more. The result is a very personal look at the shows evolution – from the early years with Craig Kilborn to Jon Stewart transforming the basic spoof-comedy show into a powerful, progressive and impactful voice in pop culture. Don’t miss this in-depth look at the impact of Jon Stewart, the process of making The Daily Show and much more! For those of you that want more episodes – we can recommend our previous interviews with The Daily Show correspondent Aasif Mandvi and producer/director Mikes Kahn who is now working at Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

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Episode 60: Oscar Predictions with Gregory Ellwood & Josefin Asplund star of Vikings

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 11:43:56 -0000

We are very excited that awards season is finally here! We speak to writer Gregory Ellwood about where we are in the Oscar race, and we speak to the Josefin Asplund – star of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the new season of Vikings.

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Episode 59: Steven Knight, Screenwriter of ‘Allied’

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 10:21:28 -0000

A Canadian spy, a French resistance fighter, and a love story set in the Sahara desert? Academy-Award nominated screenwriter Steven Knight has spent thirty-odd years bringing the new blockbuster ‘Allied’ starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard to the big screen. In those thirty years Knight has been busy writing critically acclaimed films like ‘Dirty pretty Things’ for which he was Oscar nominated, Eastern Promises, Pawn Sacrifice, and the upcoming sequel to ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ – just to name a few. Knight has also been busy with the hugely popular BBC/ Netflix TV series Peaky Blinders and the upcoming FX mini-series Taboo starring Tom Hardy. This week host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined by Steven Knight to discuss the decades long journey to making ‘Allied’ with director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump,” “Flight”), including the original inspiration for the plot. The World War II drama is inspired by the classic films like ‘Casablanca’ and tells the story of an intelligence officer and resistance fighter, who fall in love during a mission to kill a German official in 1942. They fall in love, have a child and settle down to a fairly normal life – until they are mortally set against each other when their identities are revealed. Knight also shares his journey as a screenwriter, how Brad Pitt inspired him to bring ‘Allied’ to the big screen, Peaky Blinders, his upcoming projects – and much more!

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Episode 58: Dr. Jessica Coon ‘Arrival’ & Vinzenz Kiefer ‘Jason Bourne’

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:45:58 -0000

Aliens, hackers and awesome prizes on this week’s episode! First we speak to Dr. Jessica Coon, a linguistic professor who was tapped by Hollywood to help Amy Adams communicate with aliens for the new blockbuster ‘Arrival’. We are also joined by German actor Vinzenz Kiefer, who took on Jason Bourne as hacker Christian Dassault.

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Episode 57: Morgan Spurlock, director of “Rats”

Sat, 12 Nov 2016 09:10:53 -0000

Disgusting vermin multiplying before our eyes, threatening to take over modern civilization? It's the unsettling new documentary “Rats” that takes us deep into the infestation of rats around the world. Our host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined this week by the films director Morgan Spurlock who also brought us Freakonomics, Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden and Oscar nominated Super Size Me for which he gained 25 pounds eating only McDonald’s for a month.

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Episode 56: Star of Atlanta – Brian Tyree Henry

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 20:40:35 -0000

Race, sexual politics, masculinity, friendship and parenthood – the new FX TV show Atlanta tackles all of these subjects with uncompromising honesty and humour. This week host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined by one of the shows stars - Brian Tyree Henry who gives a powerful performance on the show as Paper Boi, a rising-star of the Atlanta rap scene.

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Episode 55: Joe Swanberg, creator of ‘Easy’ on Netflix

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 12:12:29 -0000

This week host Christina Jeurling Birro is joined by Joe Swanberg – maybe one of the hardest working filmmakers in the indie world with 29 director credits to his name at the age of 35. His work has been at the center of the mumblecore film movement that has also included the Duplass brothers, Lena Dunham and many more. Often low budget, featuring naturalistic dialogue and relationship focused, his films like Digging for Fire, Happy Christmas and Drinking Buddies have attracted talent like Orlando Bloom, Anna Kendrick, Jack Johnson and Olivia Wilde. Swanberg has been called an American auteur and critics have compared him to Lars von Trier and even Ingmar Bergman. His latest project Easy, Netflix for which he is the creator, writer and director, is probably more mainstream than his previous work, but does not stray away from his usual themes. Each episode focuses on a different relationship and stars Marc Maron, Dave Franco, Malin Akerman, Orlando Bloom, Hannibal Buress, and many more. Don’t miss this portrait interview with Swanberg where he shares his work process, how he includes his own life and family into his films, what it’s like to punch a critic, why he hates movie awards - and much more!

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Episode 54: 'Life, Animated' director Roger Ross Williams and The Playlist’s Jessica Kiang

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 19:27:40 -0000

We are joined Oscar winning director Roger Ross Williams whose inspiring documentary 'Life, Animated' tells the story of Owen Suskind, an autistic boy whose family discovered he was communicating with them thru the Disney films he was watching and The Playlist's Jessica Kiang guides us through some of the biggest trends and controversies of the film season.

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Episode 53: Cynthia Nixon

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 05:11:37 -0000

Emmy award winning actress, active spokesperson for fair funding of public schools, breast-cancer survivor and ambassador Susan G. Komen For The Cure – Cynthia Nixon is just as powerful as the amazing kaleidoscope of characters she has portrayed. For most of us, she is best known for playing the glamorous lawyer Miranda on the iconic series Sex and the City, a role that still resonates with viewers today. Her most recent role is a spot-on portrayal of Nancy Reagan in the National Geographic movie Killing Reagan. Based on the best selling book of the same name, the movie also stars West Wing alum Tim Matheson as Ronald Reagan. The story centers on the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981 by John Hinckley, Jr. – an event that rocked the world and forever changed the security protocols for any US President. We are honored to speak with Nixon about Nancy Reagan’s legacy, how she is similar to her character Miranda, how surviving breast cancer has changed her, and much more.

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Episode 52: The Politics of Funny

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 15:05:32 -0000

Politics, power, and comedy. We speak with David Litt, former senior presidential speechwriter for Barack Obama and head writer/producer at “Funny or Die” DC, and author Rudolph Herzog who’s book “Dead Funny” documents humor in Hitler’s Third Reich.

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Episode 51: The Legacy of Oliver Stone & the Doc that Shocked

Fri, 09 Sep 2016 08:55:48 -0000

Critic and author Matt Zoller Seitz spent 100 hours interviewing Oliver Stone for his new book “The Oliver Stone Experience” and he joins us this week to tell all. Then we speak to director David Farrier about his documentary that shocked at Sundance. “Tickled” dives into a mysterious tickling competition online and Farrier shares the deep resistance he faced when trying to document a story stranger than fiction.

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Episode 50: Fall Movie Preview & Facing Escobar

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 16:48:51 -0000

The Fall movie lineup is upon us and we speak to Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune’s film critic, to get his recommendations and early Oscar contenders. We also speak with Javier Peña, the real DEA agent that helped bring down the murderous drug lord Pablo Escobar.

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Episode 49: Pop Culture Confidential Fall TV Preview

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:35:13 -0000

The Fall TV season is here! NPR TV Citric Eric Deggans guides us through the new shows, trends, hits and misses, to give us his recommendations. The season offers a mixed bag of genres with a lot of 70’s and 80’s nostalgia, which includes a MacGyver reboot on CBS and the series The Exorcist, starring Geena Davis, based on the iconic film. We also discuss the much-awaited Netflix superhero Luke Cage, which of the political satire shows will stand out in their election coverage, and is it possible to have carpool karaoke without James Corden? Deggans weighs in on The Get Down, This is Us, Bull, The Good Place and much, much more!

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Episode 48: Stranger Things - The Breakout Summer TV hit

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:34:59 -0000

The big talk of the Summer TV season (and one of our favorite shows) is the Netflix original drama Stranger Things, a show that transports us back to 1983. On this weeks show speak to breakout star Shannon Purser who plays fan favorite Barb on the show, and veteran prop master Lynda Reiss who has been able to capture the 1980’s to a tee. Created by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things is an eight part series starring Winona Ryder and Mathew Modine, but the story centers on a group of 12 year-olds and a supporting group of teenagers all played by an absolutely superb bunch of new actors. Shannon Purser plays Barbara Holland or Barb, the best friend of popular girl Nancy Wheeler, and she fantastically embodies the outspoken and intelligent character that we all identify with. Her performance has created what’s being called Barb-mania, with fans creating memes, fan art – even painting murals of her. Set in a small Indiana town, the show follows the disappearance of a young boy, uncovers a dark conspiracy and a scary monster along the way. The other star of the show is 1980’s American pop culture – everything from the opening credits, the music and the loving attention to details in the props plays homage to films of the era. Lynda Reiss is the prop master on the show and she has created a veritable time capsule of the 80’s with trapper keepers, BMX bikes and some wonderful fashion. Reiss shares with us how she approaches a period piece like this, her work on American Beauty and the elaborate prop work on True Detective, and much more.

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Episode 47: Director Paul Feig, Ghostbusters

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:29:57 -0000

Welcome to our Summer Pop Culture Confidential special! We are thrilled to talk to Paul Feig, the director of the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot and someone we have been wanting to talk to for a long time. With this years huge Summer release Paul Feig has taken on one of the most beloved comedy franchises: Ivan Reitman’s 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters starring Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis and a host of other comedy and acting greats. It is also his biggest project to date, massive in every way - from production to the audience expectations. Feig and co-screenwriter Katie Dippold have not written a continuation of the original Ghostbusters storyline but created new characters with their own origin story. The cast includes some of the best comic actors working today - Melissa McCarthy and SNL alumni Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon. We speak to Feig about the unexpected reaction to the all female cast of the Ghostbusters reboot, his continuing work for greater female representation in both TV and film, Freeks and Geeks, and the fantastic story behind his jump to becoming a full-time stand up comedian at the start of his career.

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Episode 46: Melissa Silverstein & Matt Zoller Seitz

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:27:23 -0000

On this weeks episode we dive into some of the most talked about, and difficult, topics in pop culture today. Melissa Silverstein, founder and editor of Women and Hollywood, discusses the much too slow progress for women in Hollywood and the backlash towards the upcoming female driven Ghostbusters reboot. And we speak to critic Matt Zoller Settz on how he approaches Woody Allen’s films today, post allegations. We have seen some serious ticket sales for female driven blockbusters such as Twilight and The Hunger Games. So the backlash towards women busting ghosts has been surprising, and the hatred expressed on social media shocking. We ask Silverstein – has the landscape in Hollywood actually changed for women? As of late, there have been some touchy topics, hard conversations and sadness in the pop culture community. It has become difficult as an audience member, as a fan, to come to terms with a filmmaker, artist or public figure accused of a horrific act. From Woody Allen to Johnny Depp, there are many examples of this occurring. One of the reasons we wanted to speak to Matt Zoller Seitz was his very honest article titled “I believe Dylan Farrow” which explained the complexity of being a film critic and separating the art from the artist once allegations have been made or confirmed. We explore all of these topics and much more in this very important episode.

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Episode 45: Going Full Frontal with Miles Kahn

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:23:14 -0000

No one is covering the issues, and in particular the 2016 US Presidential election, quite like Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. The shows Executive Producer, and a former Producer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Miles Kahn joins us this week to share what makes the show so successful and entertaining. Last year Jon Stewart left late night TV just before what may be the most absurd election to date. Luckily we were given something magical to replace the void. Samantha Bee was a twelve-year veteran correspondent of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart who was tapped to become one of the few women to host on late night. The show airs on TBS and the segments are smart, brave and super funny! Miles Kahn was a Senior Producer at The Daily Show for nearly ten years and in our opinion he perfected the art of the field piece, which included reports and interviews done by correspondents out of the studio. These pieces became the core of The Daily Show and now Full Frontal. He has produced legendary pieces for John Oliver, Jason Jones, Wyatt Cenac and of course Samantha Bee.

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Episode 44: Outcast’s Patrick Fugit and Reg E. Cathey

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:18:13 -0000

Anticipation for the TV show “Outcast” has been mounting since it was debuted at SXSW and was immediately renewed for a second season. The series has a stellar cast including our guests - prolific actor Reg E. Cathey, who is know for his work on The Wire, OZ and House of Cards, for which he won an Emmy, and Patrick Fugit who is know for his memorable performances in Almost Famous and Gone Girl. Robert Kirkman, creator of the hit show “The Walking Dead”, helms the series about Kyle Barnes (Patrick Fugit), a young man who has been plagued by possession since he was a child, who with the help of a local reverend, tries to uncover what lies behind the horror and supernatural manifestations to rebuild himself and his family. We are very excited to speak to both Reg E. Cathey and Patrick Fugit about the show, their previous work, their process in creating such memorable characters on screen and much more! Outcast premieres in the US on Cinemax on June 3rd and in Sweden on FOX Monday June 6th.

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Episode 43: Behind of Scenes of The Late Late Show

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:15:49 -0000

In just 15 months British actor, comedian and Broadway star James Corden has reinvented the late night TV format with The Late Late Show on CBS. For example, his ‘Carpool Karaoke’ segment with Adele is the most-viewed late night TV clip in social media history with over 102 million views to date! On this weeks episode Late Late Show writer Lauren Greenberg joins us to share what makes the show so successful. Greenberg has been with the show since the beginning and wrote the first segment on the very first show in which Corden and Tom Hanks did a hilarious reenactment of Hanks career in six minutes! For anyone following the late night TV lineup – the last two years has turned the scene upside down with the number of changes in the lineup on the major networks. James Corden was considered an unusual choice to replace Craig Ferguson on the show, as he was pretty unknown to US audiences. But quickly he and his amazing writing team have created some of the most viral hits online, with literally billions of views. The show is already getting Emmy nomination buzz and we wish them the best of luck!

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Episode 42: Becoming Meryl Streep

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:11:00 -0000

The newly released best selling book 'Her Again: Becoming Meryl Streep’, tells the origin story of arguably the most talented actor of her generation! Author, journalist and biographer Michael Schulman joins us on Pop Culture Confidential. Meryl Streep has 19 oscar nominations and 3 wins for her truly iconic performances that range from movies such as ‘Kramer vs Kramer’, ‘Sophie's Choice’, ‘The Devil wears Prada’, and ’The Iron Lady’, just to name a few. New Yorker journalist Michael Schulman did years of research and conducted over 80 interviews with Streep's friends and colleagues for his biography of her life. We talk about her school years where she was already burning with willpower and ambition, her passionate but tragic love story with ‘Godfather’ & ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ actor John Cazale. As well as her Hollywood breakthrough and first Oscar win for ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’, where she played Joanna, a woman who leaves her marriage and young son for over a year and returns to a bitter custody battle. Putting it mildly - costars Streep and Dustin Hoffman did not get along. Join us for this conversation about her life and the performances that formed one of our greatest actors!

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Episode 41: From Jaws to Dory – The Summer Blockbuster Season

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:07:00 -0000

What movie will take the summer box office this year? Will it be “The Legend of Tarzan”? “Captain America: Civil War”? Or will it be “Finding Dory”? In the summer of 1975, Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” broke all kinds of records and the Summer Blockbuster was established. May marks the start of Hollywood’s busiest season – so grab your popcorn as Pop Culture Confidential takes a look at the Summer Movies with Ben Fritz, reporter for The Wall Street Journal. “Jaws” is still credited as the first Summer Blockbuster, earning $14 million in its first week – incredible numbers at the time. Since then “Star Wars”, “Jurassic Park”, “Top Gun”, and “Batman” have been just some of the huge summer hits for this all-important Hollywood season. This summer we look forward to “Tarzan”, “X-Men Apocalypse”, the Ghostbusters reboot, and the return of Dory in “Finding Dory”, Pixar’s sequel to the 2003 hit “Finding Nemo” and much more!

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Episode 40: The Incredible History of Wonder Woman

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 19:00:34 -0000

The lie detector test, bondage, feminism and superpowers – welcome to the fascinating world of Wonder Woman and her creator William M. Marston, a Harvard educated psychologist, lawyer, inventor and comic book creator. With the recent release of ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ we get a first glimpse of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman before her own upcoming blockbuster is released in 2017. The character is legendary – from the impact of the comic in the 1940’s and the success of the TV version in the 70’s starring Lynda Carter, but her creator has had an equally amazing life. We spoke with comic book historian, and author of the comprehensive ‘Wonder Woman Unbound’ Tim Hanley about the legacy of Wonder Woman and Marston’s life – from his contributions to the modern polygraph, which became part of the Wonder Woman legend as her lasso of truth, his polyamorous relationship with two woman, and how his strong feminist beliefs coupled with a fascination of bondage became main themes in the Wonder Woman comics – and much more!

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Episode 39: Star of the Broadway smash hit Hamilton: Anthony Ramos

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:56:54 -0000

Never has there been such a talked about pop culture phenomena that the least amount of people have actually been able to see! The Broadway smash hit ‘Hamilton’ has taken the US by storm and on this weeks episode we speak to one of its stars – actor and singer Anthony Ramos. The musical has found the impossible recipe for success – mixing rap, R&B, and pop culture references to tell the story of the American founding father Alexander Hamilton. The show’s creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda weaves an addictive soundtrack into the remarkable milestones of Hamilton’s life, from orphan to chief architect of the American financial system, and his clash with Aaron Burr that ended in a duel that went down in history. Ramos is of Puerto Rican decent and grew up in Brooklyn where just a few years ago he was a rising baseball star. Now at just 24 he is a rising Broadway star with the role of a lifetime in ‘Hamilton’ and has appeared in on ‘Law & Order’. One sign of his success - along with the cast of ‘Hamilton’ he has not only preformed at the Grammys but at the White House for some of their biggest fans – President Obama and the First Lady!

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Episode 38: Revisiting The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:47:24 -0000

Race, sexism, class and fame were all at the heart of how the OJ Simpson trial unfolded, themes that still resonate two decades later. The new hit series on FX ‘The People vs OJ Simpson: American Crime Story’ follows the 1994-95 trial of OJ Simpson for the horrific murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. On this episode we are joined by showrunners Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski to discuss their new hit series on FX ‘The People vs OJ Simpson: American Crime Story’. The ten part series is based on the Jeffery Toobin book ‘The Run of His Life’ and it examines the racial tensions of Los Angeles, the flaws in the American justice system, our obsession with celebrity and the 24 hour news cycle. The outstanding cast of the show includes John Travolta as the larger than life litigator Robert Shapiro, David Schwimmer as OJ’s best friend Robert Kardashian, Sarah Paulson as the scrutinized prosecutor Marcia Clark, and Cuba Gooding Jr as OJ Simpson.

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Episode 37: Miss L – Anonymously exposing the sexism of the acting world

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:30:14 -0000

Miss L has taken the internet by storm. The anonymous actress based in the UK has been sharing every sexist casting call and audition notice she encounters – and it’s quite a collection! She started the Tumblr blog ‘Casting Call Woe’ four years ago to show the unusual and sometimes bizarre casting calls posted online, but quickly realized how prevalent sexism was in the industry. “It all started out of frustration at seeing such ridiculous things and really just wanting other people to see what actors were dealing with on a daily basis,” Miss L has explained. Here are just some examples of the real world casting calls for women that she has shared: We are honored to speak Miss L and ask – Since she started, has the conversation on sexism changed? What is the craziest casting call she’s seen? And much more!

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Episode 36: Bridget Carpenter – Adapting Stephen King’s 11.22.63 for Television

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:14:51 -0000

Alternative histories, conspiracy theories and a race against time - these are all at the heart of the gripping new Hulu series 11.22.63. The sci-fi series has an all-star team – it’s adapted from the best selling novel by Stephen King, J.J. Abrams is Executive Producer and it stars James Franco! On this week’s episode we speak to the woman behind it all – veteran writer (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) Bridget Carpenter. Carpenter adapted for television the story of a teacher, played by James Franco, who discovers a time portal that leads to October 21st, 1960 and goes on a quest to try and prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. We find out what it was like to recreate Dealey Plaza, to work with Stephen King and J.J.

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Episode 35: Rocking the Vote – Music, Politics & the Campaign

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 18:05:38 -0000

Sander’s playlist highlights his revolution, Clinton roars with Katy Perry, and Trump is rocking in the free world - even though Neil Young may hate it. This week on Pop Culture Confidential - the candidates and their music! Since the birth of the United States there has been a continued tradition of presidential candidates using music to express their campaign messages. We speak to Dr Eric Kasper, Asst Professor of Political Science and the co-author of the book "Don’t Stop Thinking About the Music: The Politics of Songs and Musicians in Presidential Campaigns" to find out – Where did the tradition of campaign songs begin? What does it mean for a candidate to have a musician’s endorsement? How can a campaign be hurt when a musician sends a cease and desist on the use of their track?

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Episode 34: The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 17:48:58 -0000

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Episode 33: Jenni Konner, a force behind HBO's Girls + the final Oscar verdict!

Sat, 20 Aug 2016 17:45:44 -0000

On this weeks Pop Culture Confidential: Jenni Konner, executive producer, writer and co-showrunner of HBO's "Girls", alongside show creator and star Lena Dunham. Jenni Konner started her career as a writer on Judd Apatow’s Undeclared and went on to become co-exec producer, with Apatow, on the groundbreaking series Girls. We talk about the cultural impact of the series, her close collaboration and friendship with Lena Dunham, their new feminist newsletter The Lenny Letter and why season six of Girls will be it’s last! And Oscar Sunday is finally here! The great Kyle Buchanan, senior editor of New York Magazine/Vulture and Christina talk through what is the most confusing Oscar year ever! Is it three way race for Best Picture between The Revenant, Spotlight and The Big Short? Leo DiCaprio has been doing excellent campaign work, they say, what does that mean? All the last pro tips you will need to win your Oscar pool!

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Episode 32: Comedy with a Passion! Writer Kevin Avery: Last Week Tonight, Totally Biased

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 11:59:39 -0000

This week’s guest Kevin Avery is a writer on HBO’s ‘Last Week Tonight’ and co-host of the very funny podcast ‘Denzel Washington is the Greatest Actor of All Time Period’ with fellow comedian W. Kamau Bell. His credits also include head writer on the critically acclaimed FX series ‘Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell’ which was created by Chris Rock, and writer on VH1’s ‘Best Week Ever’. From more serious subjects like Net Neutrality and immigration, to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue – Avery and the staff writers, along with John Oliver, impeccably dissect politics, global issues and humanity at large, all while making us laugh out loud. ‘Last Week Tonight’ is a show not to be missed! In this episode we get the chance to ask: Are there any subjects that can’t be funny? What makes Denzel Washington such a perfect podcast subject? Will Chris Rock rock the Oscars? What is the writing process for ‘Last Week Tonight’ and what is the writer’s room like? And MUCH more!

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Episode 31: From Pulp Fiction to Spotlight - Master Class with Music Supervisor Mary Ramos

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 07:55:41 -0000

More than a music supervisor Mary Ramos is a detective, a negotiator and a fixer when it comes to suggesting and securing the perfect music for her directors. If you have been to the cinema in the last twenty years - you already know her work! Her credits include over 100 films from Reality Bites to Spotlight, and the many iconic Quentin Tarantino soundtracks. At this year’s Göteborg Film Festival Mary Ramos joined for a Master Class, moderated by our podcast host Christina Jeurling Birro, to share her process. This episode was recorded live during this Master Class and we were excited to have the opportunity to ask her: What does her work as a Music Supervisor entail? How does she select music? What lengths will she go to to secure song rights? How does the process differ when working with composers? And MUCH more!

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Episode 30: The ‘Spotlight’ Special

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 07:52:23 -0000

Welcome to this very special episode of Pop Culture Confidential that we recorded live in London where we interviewed several of the greats, in and around, this year’s most talk about films – ‘Spotlight’. The film won ‘Best Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture” at the SAG Awards, and is a definite Oscar contender for Best Picture. We sit down with Mark Ruffalo and the Pulitzer Prize journalist for the Boston Globe he portrays in the film, Mike Rezendes. As well as Walter Robinson, the Pulitzer Prize winning investigative reporter for the Boston Globe who was portrayed in the film by Michael Keaton, and writer and director Tom McCarthy. We ask – What shocked them most during the original investigation? Has the Catholic Church done enough to stop the cycle of abuse? What was it like bringing the story to the screen? And MUCH more! In 2001 the Boston Globe’s investigation team, called Spotlight, was responsible for exposing the systematic cover up of sexual abuse towards children by more than 70 priests in the Archdiocese of Boston. The series published on the scandal won the Pulitzer Prize in 2003, and now writer and director Tom McCarthy has brought this investigation to movie audiences where we follow the journalists and editors as they uncover the unnerving details of the abuse scandal, the secrecy of the Catholic Church and the power they had over Boston.

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Episode 29: Susan Sarandon on Hedy Lamarr - Actress, Rebel and Inventor

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:07:17 -0000

On this weeks episode we are honored to talk to Susan Sarandon - Oscar winning actress, producer, Ping-Pong enthusiast, social and political activist, and passionately committed to human rights. Together with her production company Reframed Pictures; Susan Sarandon now embarks on a documentary project about one of her real inspirations, actress Hedy Lamarr! Lamarr was a Hollywood superstar know as the “the most beautiful woman in the world” but she had a secret life – as a brilliant inventor. Lamarr’s World War II invention changed history and our lives, and today is a technology that we use in cellphones, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication, but Hedy Lamarr would not get the recognition she deserved. Because of her storied career, Sarandon was in a unique position to understand what it was like for Hedy Lamarr to fight hard for roles on screen while fighting harder to change the world off screen. In this week’s episode we talk to Susan Sarandon about her new documentary but also why Hedy is an inspiration to her, how Sarandon has survived the pressures of Hollywood, why she is endorsing Bernie Sanders, the Oscar boycott, and SO much more!!

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Episode 28: The TV Season Highlights & Franklin Leonard of The Black List

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 11:04:42 -0000

The King’s Speech, Juno, American Hustle, Argo, and now Spotlight and The Revenant – these are just some of the scripts featured on The Black List that have gone onto receive Oscar nominations and Oscar gold! Our guest Franklin Leonard is the founder of The Black List and it’s podcast compliment The Black List Table Reads. And this week we check back in with our favorite TV critic June Thomas, Slate’s culture critic, to hear her highlights from the recent Television Critics Association’s ‘Winter Tour’ held in Los Angeles.

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Episode 27: The Filmmakers of Making a Murderer

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 10:55:24 -0000

This weeks guests Moira Demos and Laura Ricciardi spent ten years of their lives documenting the Avery case which became the Netflix docu-series “Making a Murderer”. If you have not watched the complete series, please know that this episode and the text below contain spoilers. Was Steven Avery setup by the local authorities as payback for the lawsuit? Is an innocent man in jail the second time? Was 16-year-old Brendan Dassey's confession coerced? The series is spellbinding and infuriating, regardless of guilt or innocence, as it shines a light on the entire justice system.

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Episode 26: The Oscar Countdown Continues!

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 10:52:34 -0000

full frenzy and what better way to start the year than to predict the nominees for this year’s Oscars. We last spoke to awards expert Sasha Stone, Awards Daily, after Telluride in September. Now we check in with Sasha and ask the big questions: Who are the frontrunners? What happened to the early buzz for Steve Jobs? Will Alicia Vikander receive two nominations? And much more!

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Episode 25: Gloria Steinem – A conversation with the feminist icon

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 13:53:44 -0000

Steinem has been an outspoken champion of women’s rights since the 1970s and has just released her new memoir ‘My Life of The Road’. Her work has been an inspiration to us personally and to a whole generation of women in pop culture – from comedian Amy Schumer to actress Lena Dunham, both of who are highlighting how society looks at women today with their work. As a columnist for New York magazine and a founder of Ms. Magazine Steinem has published seminal articles, including one that detailed her stint as a Playboy bunny to highlight the sexist treatment of women at Playboy Clubs, and a pioneering work in 1969, titled “After Black Power, Women’s Liberation.” Which brought her to national fame. More recently she has written about importance of Hillary Clinton’s run for President and what it means for society. Throughout her life she has battled for reproductive rights and has been vocal about her own abortion when she was 22. This book is in fact dedicated to “the doctor that changed her life”.

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Episode 24: Creating Carol with Screenwriter Phyllis Nagy

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 13:50:34 -0000

Gorgeous, moving and subtle – ‘Carol’ is a beautifully crafted tale of forbidden love that has wowed critics and audiences alike. And it’s no wonder – director Todd Haynes (Far from Heaven, I’m Not There) along with the films stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara have delivered Oscar worthy performances. ‘Carol’ follows two women from very different backgrounds that find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York. Their undeniable attraction is challenged by the conventional norms of the time but what emerges is an honest story of resilience and fulfillment. Our guest is screenwriter Phyllis Nagy who adapted Patricia Highsmith’s book “The Price of Salt” for the film. Highsmith wrote more than twenty novels before her death in 1995, many of which including “Strangers on a Train” and the Tom Ripley series but it is the love story of Carol and Therese that draws inspiration from her own life. We ask Phyllis about the twenty year struggle of bringing this story to the big screen, her friendship with Highsmith and how the period drama can be seen as a reflection of todays society.

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Episode 23: Mad as Hell - The Journalism Genre in Hollywood

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 18:17:20 -0000

From Citizen Kane, All The Presidents Men, Anchorman, and Newsroom to this years much buzzed about films Truth and Spotlight – Hollywood has had a long, adoring, but complicated relationship portraying journalism. The iconic 1976 film Network staring Faye Dunaway and Robert Duvall will soon celebrate its fortieth anniversary. In both television and film, journalism is still a hot topic today with crusading journalists, cutthroat executives and stressed newsrooms front and center. The film Network was groundbreaking when it premiered but it’s influence is still felt and has inspired filmmakers like Aaron Sorkin and TV personality Stephen Colbert. On the show, we speak to New York Times writer Dave Itzkoff and author of the hit book Mad as Hell: The Making of Network and the Fateful Vision of the Angriest Man in Movies about Network on the continuing allure of the journalism genre. Why are these depictions important in our greater culture? Why do newspaper journalists get so much more respect then their counterparts on TV? And is there any truth to the power-hungry female news producer?

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Episode 22: The Star Wars Episode

Sat, 02 Jan 2016 20:39:03 -0000

We are thrilled to speak with Roger Christian who won Best Art Direction - Set Decoration for 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' in 1977. Along with his team, he is responsible for the iconic interior of the Millennium Falcon, the first lightsaber, R2D2, and much more. And we talk to Entertainment Weekly senior writer Anthony Breznican about everything you need to know about Star War: The Force Awakens premiere and much more! Host/Producer: Christina Jeurling Birro. Producer: Renee Viterstedt. Editor: Tom Hansen.

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Episode 21: Creating the Costumes of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Kurt and Bart

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:17:11 -0000

This weeks guests have created some of the most iconic looks for superstars like Britney Spears, Pink, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Marilyn Manson. They are behind the wonderful costumes in the Oscar winning film Dallas Buyers Club, and most recently they designed the costumes for Mockingjay Pt 1 & 2 of the Hunger Games franchise. Kurt Swanson and Bart Mueller, who make up the New York-based costume design team Kurt & Bart, created meticulously detailed looks for Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and the rest of the cast, along with over 10,000 extras. Yes, you read that correctly - 10,000 extras! Unlike the previous Hunger Games films, Mockingjay Part 1 & 2 take place mainly in District 13 as Katniss leads the revolution against the Capitol. The costumes Kurt & Bart designed reflect the shift for each character as they take on new roles and the limitations of wartime. The result is both restrained in color and materials, but no less visually stunning.

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Episode 20: Listen to Me Marlon

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:15:17 -0000

Marlon Brando was one of the most acclaimed and influential actors of all time. He also was one of the most elusive and enigmatic. In the new documentary Listen to Me Marlon, written, directed and edited by Stevan Riley, we get a powerfully absorbing portrait that dives into the inner space of Brando’s mind. The film features exclusive access to Brando's previously unseen and unheard personal archive of private audio tapes the actor recorded at home, in business meetings, during hypnosis, in therapy, and during press interviews. And Brando doesn’t hold back as he reflects on his childhood, his movie career and the people he worked with. No talking heads, no interviewees: just Brando on Brando. We speak to director Stevan Riley to hear about his process making the film, what Brando felt about celebrity and his own appearance, his relationship with Francis Ford Coppola and the myths of Apocalypse Now - and much more! This year Listen to Me Marlon has been nominated for “Best Feature” at the 2015 International Documentary Association Awards, and is one of the documentary features submitted for the 2016 Oscar race.

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Episode 19: ‘The Leftovers’ Carrie Coon & the Science of Good TV

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:29:50 -0000

Carrie Coon burst onto the scene in 2014 with two remarkable performances in David Fincher’s Gone Girl and HBO’s The Leftovers. We are honored to speak with her! How would you react if 2% of the world’s population suddenly disappeared, including your husband and two children? This is the premise for Carrie Coon’s character Nora Durst on the hit HBO show The Leftovers, now in its second season. The show is co-created by Lost’s Damon Lindelof and the author of the novel, Tom Perrotta. We speak to actress Carrie Coon about her work on The Leftovers and what season two will bring for her character, what it was like to work with David Fincher on the psychological thriller Gone Girl and how the roles for women on television are evolving. Then we ask the question – can watching television increase your emotional intelligence? New research shows that watching award-winning television shows, such as Mad Men, Lost, The Good Wife or The West Wing, can increase our ability to read emotion and to empathize. We speak to Professor of Psychology Jennifer L. Barnes to find out what this research means for avid viewers like us.

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Episode 18: Behind the Scenes of Narcos - Escobar and the Blow Business

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 20:43:57 -0000

By 1982, cocaine made up 30% of all Colombian export, surpassing coffee, with much help by cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar. The new hit Netflix series “Narcos” traces his rise as one of the leaders of the Meddellín Cartel, the flow of cocaine from Colombia into the United States and the DEA’s attempts to bring down Escobar and the cartel. Brazilian actor Wagner Moura has received high praise for his portrayal of Escobar, who is a complex character – to say the least. He is one of the worlds most notorious criminals, reportedly responsible for over 4,000 murders and terrorizing many more, but to some he is also a hero, a Robin Hood like character who gave money to poor comminutes in Colombia, built soccer stadiums and even ran for office. At the time of his death, he was reportedly worth an estimated $25 billion dollars – making him also the wealthiest criminal in history. “Narcos” is filmed on location in Colombia with some real archival footage mixed in, and many of the real-life protagonists are consultants on the show. The result is equal parts drama and fascinating history lesson. We speak to producer Paul Eckstein about the extensive research that went into developing the project, the amazing cast and crew who have brought the scripts to life, and what is next for him and the team. We also ask him about his experience acting on Star Trek and why he thinks the show is a hotbed for talented writers.

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Episode 17: From Friday Night Lights to Cailtin Jenner - Buzz Bissinger

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 20:40:34 -0000

Twenty-five years ago Buzz Bissinger went in search of the Friday night lights – to chronicle the high school football ritual that can bring together a small American town. The result of this journey that took him to Odessa, Texas became the New York Times bestseller “Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream”, a book that would later be adapted into both a movie and TV show of the same name. The book shows America’s love of football while exposing its racism and greed, which is just as prevalent today but often overlooked. Since then Bissinger has not shied away from controversial subjects, including his own life. He has written about his struggle as a shopaholic which has included spending over $500,000 on high-fashion clothing in just two years, as well as his love of wearing women’s clothing. In his very touching book “Father’s Day: Across America with an Unusual Dad and His Extraordinary Son” he explores his relationship with his son Zach, who is savant challenged by serious intellectual deficits, as they take a road trip across the U.S.. As a contributor for Vanity Fair he has written very revealing profiles - of the disgraced journalist Stephen Glass, post scandal Tiger Woods, Oscar nominated Bradley Cooper and maybe his most memorable - Caitlyn Jenner in which he chronicles “the fears and doubts, love and courage, and tensions and traumas involved in the transition”.

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Episode 16: Priyanka Chopra - From Bollywood Superstar to Hollywood Rising Star

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 06:00:54 -0000

Guest: Priyanka Chopra This week we interview one of the world’s biggest movie stars. She acts, she sings, she dances, and as an FBI agent in the new ABC drama “Quantico” she kicks some serious butt! Priyanka Chopra, the Bollywood superstar has over 50 films on her resume, and is now taking Hollywood by storm – and making history by being the first South Asian woman to headline a US network drama. Priyanka Chopra was born in Jamshedpur India, but as a teenager she lived for some years with her aunt in the United States. She returned to India in her late teens and at 18 she won the Miss World Title, an event that helped start her film career. Today Chopra is one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses and a vocal advocate for women’s rights. She has shown herself to be extremely versatile by playing a range of unconventional characters, including a serial killer, a glamorous femme fatal, India’s real-life boxing champion Mary Kom and an autistic woman in the internationally acclaimed romantic comedy Barfi!. In “Quantico”, helmed by Joshua Safran of Gossip Girl fame, Chopra plays Alex Parrish, a new FBI recruit in training who is accused of a terrorist attack as the series begins. The series premiered in September on ABC and airs on Sundays. In Sweden it premieres October 19th on Kanal 5.

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Episode 15: Making the Impossible Possible – The Visual Effects of The Walk

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 05:58:33 -0000

Guest: Kevin Baillie Even a death-defying high-wire artist has to start somewhere. As a boy, Philippe Petit dreamt of performing daring feats for dazzled crowds. As an adult, his life’s ambition came true when on August 7, 1974, he successfully walked between the Twin Towers, 110 floors up with no harness or net! Our guest Kevin Baillie’s journey also reads much like a film script. By the age of seven, after being inspired by films like Back to the Future, he had already chosen his career path and was best friends with Ryan Tudhope, with whom he would later co-found the visual effects studio Atomic Fiction. With his dream, much determinacy and hard work, Baillie was working at Skywalker Ranch at just 18 years old! Flash forward; Baillie is the Visual Effects Supervisor on The Walk, and along with the team at Atomic Fiction, worked with legendary director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Flight) to bring Petit’s seemingly impossible stunt to life in The Walk. In this highly anticipated film staring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it is the absolutely stunning visuals that make this vertigo-inducing journey so believable, a feat that meant recreating the twin towers and New York in the 70s. Baillie has worked with Zemeckis on multiple films. Remember the gut-wrenching plane crash in Flight? That was his work! His resume also includes work on Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, Hellboy, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Sin CIty and Star Trek Into Darkness.

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Episode 14: Superagent Sue Mengers & the Groundbreaking Showrunners of TV and their heirs.

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 05:52:21 -0000

In the 1970s, there wasn’t a Hollywood agent more successful than Sue Mengers. Her client roster read like a who’s who of the hottest actors and directors of the time: Barbra Streisand, Gene Hackman, Ryan O’Neal, Ali MacGraw, Diana Ross, Michael Caine, Candice Bergen, Jacqueline Bisset, Mike Nichols, Peter Bogdanovich, and a glittering marquee of many other high- profile performers. Author Brian Kellow interviewed over 200 people, to collect all of wonderful moments in her often loud and abrasive life and career for his recently released biography Can I Go Now?: The Life of Sue Mengers, Hollywood’s First Superagent. The last twenty years has been referred to as the second golden age of television. Shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Freaks and Geeks, and The Wire were breeding grounds for the showrunners who are now bringing us smash hits like Empire, Girls, Madmen, Unreal and many more. Tara Bennett, who interviewed showrunners Joss Whedon, Ronald D. Moore, Damon Lindelof, Terence Winter, and many more for her book Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show, joins us to shine the light on the people making this golden era come to life.

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Episode 13: Spotlight on Boston with Black Mass & The Oscar Race Continues

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 05:29:12 -0000

Black Mass, starring Johnny Depp and directed by Scott Cooper, tells the terrifying story of real-life Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger who kept Boston in his grip for decades. After 16 years on the run he was finally arrested in 2011 and found guilty of federal racketeering, extortion, conspiracy and involvement in 11 murders. Former Boston Globe reporter Dick Lehr was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in investigative reporting. He spent decades reporting on Whitey Bulger and his unholy alliance with the FBI. Together with Gerard O'Neill, Lehr wrote the critically acclaimed, NY Times bestselling book Black Mass, which the film is based on, as well as the book, Whitey: The Life of America's Most Notorious Mob Boss. We also follow up with Awards Daily Sasha Stone, arguably the best Oscar tracker in the industry, who we last spoke to after the Cannes Film Festival. We get all the buzz from the Telluride Film Festival – a hotbed for Best Picture winners. One film getting buzz is Spotlight about The Boston Globe’s investigative reporting unit, or "Spotlight" team, and their coverage of the Massachusetts Catholic sex abuse scandal.

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Episode 12: The Pop Culture Confidential Emmy Special

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 06:41:01 -0000

Guest: Debra Birnbaum, Variety With the Emmy’s just over a week away, we share our thoughts on the nominations, the gala, the snubs, surprises and of course – PREDICTIONS! Our expert guide is Debra Birnbaum who is the executive editor, TV for Variety! She also covers the Emmy Awards, producing 13 special issues highlighting the Emmy contenders. She knows her Emmys!

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Episode 11: Project UROK – Destigmatizing mental illness through comedy and community.

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 06:33:39 -0000

Guest: Jenny Jaffe Funny, fearless and passionate are just a few of the words that describe Jenny Jaffe, comedy writer and founder of Project UROK - a nonprofit organization that is creating honest and frank videos for teenagers who are struggling with mental health issues, made by people who have been there before.Their message - You are not alone, you are okay! These include actor and writer Wil Wheaton (Stand by Me, Star Trek, The Big Bang Theory) who shares his struggles with mental illness and depression, Mara Wilson who came to fame as a child actress in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire shares her struggle with anxiety, as well as gossip reporter Perez Hilton who struggled with panic attacks.

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Episode 10: Goodfellas to Forrest Gump - Legendary Casting by Ellen Lewis

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 06:22:37 -0000

Guest: Ellen Lewis The iconic performances in Goodfellas, Scent of a Woman, Forrest Gump, The Devil Wears Prada, Wolf of Wall Street and close to 70 other films have one thing in common - renowned casting director Ellen Lewis. While the director and screenwriter create a films world, it is the casting directors job to fill this world with just the right mix of actors to create exhilarating onscreen chemistry. Lewis has been doing just that for directors such as Mike Nichols, Jim Jarmusch, and Martin Scorsese. In fact her IMDB page looks like a list of the best films from the past two decades. In this exclusive interview with Ellen Lewis we discuss her career changing films, tricks of the trade, why there is still no Oscar given for casting, and her recent work which includes the upcoming Steven Spielberg feature Bridge of Spies, and highly anticipated new HBO series Vinyl, produced by Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger.

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Episode 9: Show Me A Hero

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 06:17:37 -0000

Guest: Lisa Belkin Race, community and politics – topics just as relevant today as they were in 1988 when Mayor Wasicsko fought an aggressive battle to set in motion a housing desegregation plan for the city of Yonkers, New York. These dramatic real-life events are the inspiration behind the new HBO miniseries Show Me A Hero, written by The Wire creator David Simon, directed by Oscar winner Paul Haggis and starring the critically acclaimed Oscar Isaac. The series is based on the gripping book Show Me A Hero: A Tale of Murder, Suicide, Race and Redemption written by Lisa Belkin who followed the events and citizens of Yonkers for seven years.

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Episode 8: The Geopolitics of Funny - Aasif Mandvi, The Daily Show to The Brink

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 13:46:22 -0000

As correspondent on The Daily Show or on HBOs hit series The Brink, Aasif Mandvi is tackling bigotry and Islamophobia one show at a time. In this portrait of his life and career he shares the immigrant journey that brought him eventually to New York, the importance of The Daily Show and the unique opportunity he has today to change the perception of Muslims with his Funny or Die parody series Halal In The Family. Since Jon Stewart steps down this week from The Daily Show, after hosting the Emmy-winning program for the last 17 years, we ask Aasif about what the show, and Jon Stewart, has meant to him personally and on a larger scale – geopolitics in comedy today. We also speak to Amy Mitchell of the Pew Research Center in Washington, Department of Journalism, on the impact and influence of The Daily Show.

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Episode 7: Summer TV wrap up special and early Oscar gold!

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 13:43:32 -0000

It’s the TV season mid-year mark and we round up Spring’s biggest hits and misses! From the unbelievable finale of The Jinx, to the electricity of Empire - and looking forward - will True Detective season two live up the acclaimed first season? Time Magazine’s James Poniewozik gives us the lay of the TV land. And it's never to early to start predicting the Oscars! Sasha Stone, arguably the best Oscar tracker in the industry, shares who is leading the race post-Cannes!

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Episode 6: Kevin McEnroe & Our Town

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:39:20 -0000

Our Town, the critically acclaimed debut novel by author Kevin McEnroe, begins in the Golden Age of Hollywood and is a fictionalized account of his grandmother actress Joanna Moore - her life, passions, addictions and ultimate self-destruction. Kevin McEnroe, son of tennis legend John McEnroe and actress Tatum O’Neal, talks to Pop Culture Confidential about his book, how writing it was a very personal turning point and how his grandmother saved his life. Host/Producer: Christina Jeurling Birro Producer: Renee Viterstedt Editor: Tom Hansen Theme Song: Carl Borg

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Episode 5: Groundbreakers & Side Splitters

Thu, 28 May 2015 17:27:34 -0000

Episode 5: Groundbreakers & Side Splitters by Pop Culture Confidential

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Episode 4: The Letterman Late Night Legacy

Fri, 15 May 2015 13:44:00 -0000

Guests: Mary McNamara & Joe Toplyn After 6,028 episodes and nearly 20,000 guests, on May 20th, 2015 David Letterman will host his last night of "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS. We believed that this momentous occasion deserved a show all of its own. This David Letterman special dives into his 30+ year career and the moments that have made it so influential for pop culture.

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Episode 3: The Art of Game of Thrones and the Swede who conquered television.

Fri, 15 May 2015 11:53:53 -0000

Guests: Rob Feng & Henrik Bastin Whether it’s from Westeros or Stockholm, all roads can lead to Hollywood. In this episode we discuss Game of Thrones, The Comedians, Bosch and much more.

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Episode 2: Clinton to Colbert - The Unbreakable Relationship Between Pop Culture and Politics

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 04:47:00 -0000

We dive into the intersection of politics and pop culture - from Saturday Night Live, to the White House Correspondence Dinner. Guests: Allison Silverman & Ian Crouch.

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Episode 1: Aliens and the Jungle

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 20:13:00 -0000

Exploring the Church of Scientology’s reaction to the revealing new documentary ‘Going Clear’ and diving head first into the world of sex, drugs and classic music of ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. Guests: In this episode we speak with Kim Masters, Editor-at-Large of the Hollywood Reporter and host of KCRW's The Business, to get insights into how the Church of Scientology is reacting to the controversial new documentary on HBO – ‘Going Clear’. Blair Tindall, oboist and author of the memoir "Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music" talks about her experiences in the New York City classical music scene and working with Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman on the TV series based on her book.

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