Best Brian Chee Podcasts (2025)

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True Grit with Stavros Halkias 2:58:27

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1d ago2:58:27

2:58:27

We love to pull the cork. Comedian (and probably the biggest Greek-American entertainer of our time) Stavros Halkias joins us to chat about 2010’s True Grit, the Coens’ true attempt to cash their post-Oscar blank check. We’re talking about Hailee Steinfeld’s incredible performance. We’re talking about Jeff Bridges’ distinctive mumbly delivery. We’r…

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Daryl Dixon S3 E6: Risk, Romance & Reckoning 47:02

3d ago47:02

47:02

The road to Barcelona heats up with high stakes, hard truths, and a kiss fans have been waiting for. In the penultimate episode of Daryl Dixon, Daryl and Paz rally support toward Barcelona while Carol fights to save Roberto and uncovers the truth about Antonio’s past. Diana and Renee react to shocking revelations about Fede and Maria, emotional fla…

1
Remembering Diane Keaton: A Screens in Focus Tribute 6:33

4d ago6:33

6:33

In this special bonus episode, Diana and Renee share their favorite Diane Keaton films, moments, and the lasting impact she’s had on Hollywood and audiences everywhere. From Father of the Bride and The First Wives Club to Something’s Gotta Give, this conversation celebrates her humor, heart, and unforgettable presence on screen. 🎬 Watch our Daryl D…

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A Serious Man with Marc Maron 1:51:51

9d ago1:51:51

1:51:51

The time has come for us to lock the gates. On the occasion of the end of WTF, Marc Maron joins us to talk about chaos, God, mathematics, and Jewish identity as we dive into 2009’s A Serious Man. Highlights of this episode include Marc asking, “Is this a bit?” when David opens the dossier, Marc’s discussion of his audition to play Larry Gopnik, and…

1
Daryl Dixon S3 E5 “Limbo”: Dust, Danger & Discovery 54:31

10d ago54:31

54:31

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee break down The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon Season 3, Episode 5, “Limbo.” Daryl rides solo across a brutal desert in true spaghetti western style, dust, danger, and discovery all around, while Carol faces emotional crossroads back in Solaz del Mar. Together, their journeys explore survival, strength…

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Burn After Reading with Fran Hoepfner 2:11:15

16d ago2:11:15

2:11:15

What did we learn, Palmer? That 2008’s Burn After Reading is pretty freakin’ hilarious, sir. Our Fran (Hoepfner, not McDormand) joins us this week to talk about Joel and Ethan Coen’s madcap dark comedy about a bunch of morons living in the DC area. The way John Malkovich says “mem-waah”...George Clooney’s homemade dildo chair…Brad Pitt’s stupid fac…

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Daryl Dixon S3 E4: Flames, Fury, and Friendship, Ep 285 45:14

17d ago45:14

45:14

Flaming walkers crash into Solaz del Mar, and chaos erupts, kicking off one of the most action-packed episodes of Daryl Dixon yet. In this episode of the Screens in Focus podcast, hosts Diana and Renee break down all the fire, fury, and heartbreak: Cooper’s tragic fate, Carol and Daryl fighting side by side like warriors, Antonio and Fede’s mysteri…

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28 Years Later Review: Spike’s Journey, Alphas & Horror Analysis 51:40

19d ago51:40

51:40

Diana and Sam discuss the long-awaited sequel 28 Years Later, exploring Spike’s coming-of-age journey, Isla’s emotional arc, the shocking birth scene, encounters with Dr. Kelsen and other survivors like Jimmy, and the evolving infected including terrifying Alphas. They reflect on revealing moments, franchise parallels, and tease what’s next for the…

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No Country for Old Men with Leslye Headland 2:56:24

23d ago2:56:24

2:56:24

The Two Friendos, plus “Masterpiece” Leslye Headland and “I would have had no problems handling that bag of money” Ben Hosley take on one of the most acclaimed films of the 21st century in this week’s episode. It’s No Country For Old Men week on Blank Check! We’re chatting about Anton Chigurh’s strange physicality, Tommy Lee Jones’ tired resignatio…

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Daryl Dixon S3 E3: Reflection, Revelation & Rick’s Brother! 46:04

24d ago46:04

46:04

OMG! Carol mentioned “a friend’s brother.” 😱 Diana and Renee break down Daryl Dixon Season 3, Episode 3, “El Sacrificio.” They kick off with listener feedback on last week’s question about integrating into new communities, drawing comparisons to past leaders like Ezekiel, Gregory, and Negan. From there, the conversation dives into the episode’s big…

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Remembering Robert Redford: A Tribute 9:55

25d ago9:55

9:55

In this bonus episode of Screens in Focus, we pay tribute to the legendary Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16th. We share personal reflections on his extraordinary talent, his captivating presence, and the impact his work has had on generations of film lovers. The episode revisits iconic performances from Jeremiah Johnson, All Is Lost,…

1
The Ladykillers with Connor Ratliff 2:47:07

1M ago2:47:07

2:47:07

We must have waffles forthwith! We must also have Connor Ratliff on the pod to talk about Tom Hanks for the first time since the completion of his Dead Eyes series! Join us for a spirited discussion about 2004’s The Ladykillers, a film that is universally regarded as the Coens’ worst, and is also the film that ended Hanks’ legendary decade-long bof…

1
Daryl Dixon S3 E2: Love, Loyalty & La Ofrenda 41:10

1M ago41:10

41:10

Rick’s brother in Spain!? We dive into this mind-blowing theory 👀 as Diana and Renee break down Daryl Dixon Season 3, Episode 2, “La Ofrenda.” From tense standoffs with bandoleros to tender young love and twisted customs, the Spanish town bursts with color, passion, and community. Carol’s bold moves spark deeper conversations about loyalty, surviva…

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Intolerable Cruelty with Katey Rich 2:15:37

1M ago2:15:37

2:15:37

We’ve been exposed. You’ve nailed our asses. Of course we’re going to defend this movie! 2004’s Intolerable Cruelty features George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones at the height of their powers, yet failed to connect with contemporary audiences. Guest Katey Rich joins us as we attempt to understand why. Too mean? Too talky? A lack of period trappi…

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Daryl Dixon S3 Premiere Breakdown | Hope, Hot Dogs & Heartstrings 47:05

1M ago47:05

47:05

Daryl Dixon is back! In the Season 3 premiere, Diana and Renee dive into hope, hot dogs, and heartstrings. From boat rides and stormy waters to Daryl and Carol’s unshakable bond, we break down the biggest moments, emotional themes, and surprising symbols. Along the way, we touch on the haunting English landscapes and the first glimpses of Spain. Pl…

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The Man Who Wasn't There with Jordan Hoffman 2:35:01

1M ago2:35:01

2:35:01

This one’s a real enigma - is The Man Who Wasn’t There a film about the alienation of a man who is deeply closeted and searching for connection in a tightly wound post-war world? Is it about a wife guy who doesn’t know how to express his feelings? Is it somehow about how Beethoven was not only deaf but suffered from horrific diarrhea at the end of …

1
Daryl Dixon Season 3 Trailer Talk: Reactions & Carol/Daryl Partnership 36:44

2M ago36:44

36:44

We’re getting ready for Daryl Dixon Season 3 and the trailer has us buzzing! From Carol’s journey and what she’s searching for, to Daryl back on his motorcycle, to the evolution of their partnership and the mystery of a deserted London. Diana and Renee dive into Carol’s needs and potential romantic storyline, Daryl’s cowboy energy, and their evolvi…

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O Brother, Where Art Thou? with Emily St. James 2:16:54

2M ago2:16:54

2:16:54

Those Soggy Bottom Boys really know how to carry a tune! Emily St. James joins us to talk about O Brother, Where Art Thou?, a wonderful film whose reputation was ultimately eclipsed by its octuple-Platinum soundtrack of “old timey” bops. When we’re on track, we’re talking peak Clooney, digital color correction, T. Bone Burnett, and the history of S…

1
The Big Lebowski with Seth Rogen 2:49:43

2M ago2:49:43

2:49:43

It’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for - Seth Rogen joins us to talk about the Coens’ 1998 stoner classic The Big Lebowski. It should come as no surprise that Lebowski has loomed large over Seth’s work as a writer and director, and we’re going in depth on the influence and lasting impact of The Dude. Make yourself a White Russian (but maybe t…

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Fargo with Zach Cregger 2:52:22

2M ago2:52:22

2:52:22

Did we get the director of Weapons, another “true story,” on our Fargo episode? You betcha. Zach Cregger joins the Blank Check crew to discuss the Coens’ 1996 masterpiece and we’re going SCENE BY SCENE dissecting this perfect movie. “Minnesota nice,” “Dark Marge,” the Mike Yanagita scene, the origins of Jerry’s overwhelming debt, the inner life of …

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The Hudsucker Proxy with Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger 3:41:00

2M ago3:41:00

3:41:00

(Gestures at a circle) You know, for kids! Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger of the Doughboys join us for a freewheeling, gut-busting episode about the time Joel Silver gave the Coens a bunch of money to make a “commercial film” and then it ended up being 1994’s The Hudsucker Proxy. A sampling of topics discussed: Paul Newman being hot up until the day …

1
Summer Watchlist: Sandman S2, Jurassic Reboot, Happy Gilmore 2 & More 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam share their summer watchlist, from cult comedies to buzzy sequels and dark fantasy hits. Sam kicks things off with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Train Wreck, Shiny Happy People, South Park, and Stick. Diana jumps in with The Sandman Season 2, Building the Band, The Summer I Turned Pretty…

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Barton Fink with Chris Weitz 3:27:26

3M ago3:27:26

3:27:26

Is John Goodman the devil? Is the studio system good, actually? Is it better to be the director of a bomb than it is to be the director of a film that doesn’t exist? Filmmaker (and part of a DGA-sanctioned directing duo) Chris Weitz joins us to talk about Barton Fink, possibly the greatest film ever made about the “art vs. commerce” divide inherent…

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28 Days, 28 Weeks… and a Glimpse at 28 Years Later 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

Deep Dive into the '28' Franchise: Examining the Rage-infected Universe. In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam delve into the 28 franchise, covering 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, and teasing 28 Years Later. They explore their personal connections to the genre, character arcs, unforgettable moments, and the emotional impact of ea…

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Miller's Crossing with Ari Aster 2:09:18

3M ago2:09:18

2:09:18

It’s a movie about hats, and a movie about giving folks the high hat. It’s also a movie about how Jon Polito is the greatest actor in the world. It’s Miller’s Crossing! Filmmaker Ari Aster (go see Eddington!) joins Griffin and David to discuss the Coen Brothers’ knotty homage to the gangster genre, a film overloaded with memorable characters and wi…

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Summer 2025 Bingeworthy Watchlist: TV, Movies & What’s Hooking Us Now 22:58

3M ago22:58

22:58

In this bonus episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee dive into their summer watchlists—with all the fun, surprises, and must-see picks for your next night in. From historical drama in The Gilded Age and the moody mystery of Smoke, to Renee’s retro gem Mildred Pierce and Diana’s gritty pick Waterfront, there’s plenty to explore. They gush abou…

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Raising Arizona with John Hodgman 2:41:57

3M ago2:41:57

2:41:57

Jesus Cock, that’s a hot new episode! John Hodgman returns to Blank Check to chat about Raising Arizona, the Coen’s swerve of a follow-up to Blood Simple that trades in the hallmarks of noir for the hallmarks of Looney Tunes. We’re talking about Nic Cage’s sad eyes, Holly Hunter’s year of iconic crying performances, rest stop public pomade, and peo…

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The Bear Season 4: Clocks, Clarity & Carmy’s Countdown 54:37

3M ago54:37

54:37

Diana and Renee dive deep into The Bear Season 4, unpacking the relentless ticking clock that hangs over the kitchen and the lives of these characters. They explore the confrontations that spark raw emotion and growth, from Carmy and Sydney’s powerful exchange to Richie and Carmy’s painful-but-healing moment, plus Donna and Carmy’s surprising, touc…

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Blood Simple with Ray Tintori & Jordan Fish 2:44:07

3M ago2:44:07

2:44:07

Gather round, folks - it’s time to embark upon a journey through one of the most sterling filmographies in American cinema. Our Coen Brothers series - Pod Country for Old Cast - kicks off with Joel and Ethan’s remarkably assured 1984 debut Blood Simple. Coen experts and hosts of the To The White Sea podcast Ray Tintori and Jordan Fish join us to do…

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Vamps with Caroline Framke 2:46:25

4M ago2:46:25

2:46:25

Our Amy Heckerling series comes to an end with 2012’s Vamps, a film produced too late to have an appropriate budget, and too early to be a streaming series. However - we find it charming! Caroline Framke returns to the podcast after 6 years (an eternity for us, but probably a blink for a vampire), and we talk about the pitfalls and pleasures of ete…

1
I Could Never Be Your Woman with Karen Chee 2:21:36

4M ago2:21:36

2:21:36

Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Amy Heckerling and Paul Rudd stars as ????? in a totally normal movie that might actually be a voodoo curse made against Amy’s enemies. Oh, also Saorise Ronan makes her FILM DEBUT. What a picture! The incomparable Karen Chee joins us to talk about 2007’s I Could Never Be Your Woman, a movie that was financed by a French s…

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Dead City Season 2 Finale: Loyalty, Loss, and Letting Go, Ep. 274 58:21

4M ago58:21

58:21

The Dead City Season 2 finale hits hard—with betrayals, brutal choices, and heartbreaking goodbyes. Sam joins me as we break down Maggie’s emotional face-off with the Dama, Hershel’s shocking decision, and Negan’s return to brutal form in that jaw-dropping “Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe” moment. We also talk about Ginny’s devastating fate, the tangled loy…

1
28 Years Later 2:52:29

4M ago2:52:29

2:52:29

Blank Check is going back to the British Isles with Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and one extraordinarily well-endowed zombie this week as they discuss 28 Years Later. This movie has so much to love in it – wet bones, third-act Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer doing a thing, the Angel of the North, Teletubbies, the aforementioned well-endowed zombies, mind-…

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TWD: Dead City S2 E7: Glass Bridge, Ghosts & Guilt, Ep. 273 46:52

4M ago46:52

46:52

In this episode of the Screens in Focus podcast, hosts Diana and Sam dive deep into Dead City Season 2, Episode 7—the penultimate chapter. They kick things off with a thought-provoking question: What’s scarier—heights, deep space, or the deep sea? The conversation unpacks Maggie’s terrifying moment on the glass bridge, shocking reveals with Hershel…

1
God Only Knows: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys & Movie Music Magic 39:10

4M ago39:10

39:10

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee celebrate Brian Wilson and the timeless music of the Beach Boys, with a special focus on the emotional brilliance of “God Only Knows.” Following Wilson’s recent passing, they explore the band’s unforgettable impact on film, TV, and pop culture, from the perfect song ending in Love Actually to 50 …

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Loser with Chandler Levack 2:32:48

4M ago2:32:48

2:32:48

The song. The hat. The…casual date rape?!!? In what should have been Amy Heckerling’s “blank check” after the success of Clueless, 2000’s Loser is a real LOSER. Filmmaker Chandler Levack joins us to chat about this technically-not-a-remake-of-The-Apartment “comedy” that gets college surprisingly wrong. Come for the Wheatus talk, stay for the in-dep…

1
TWD: Dead City S2 E6 – Bruises, Bear & Broken Bonds, Ep. 271 53:37

4M ago53:37

53:37

In this episode of the Screens in Focus podcast, Diana and Sam break down Season 2, Episode 6 of Dead City. They explore listener feedback, theories, and shifting character dynamics—focusing especially on Maggie’s evolution as she battles a bear, clashes with Hershel, and reconsiders her connection to Negan. They reflect on Negan’s emotional vulner…

1
Clueless with Heidi Gardner 2:37:12

5M ago2:37:12

2:37:12

Okay, so you’re probably going, “Is this like a Noxzema commercial or what?” But seriously, this is actually a way normal podcast about one of David Sims’ favorite movies! SNL’s Heidi Gardner (a total betty) joins us to talk about Amy Heckerling’s beloved Jane Austen adaptation, and we’re rolling with the homies. Join us for Alicia Silverstone and …

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TWD: Dead City S2E5: Power Plays and Poetic Justice, Ep 270 45:45

5M ago45:45

45:45

In this episode of Screens In Focus, hosts Diana and Sam dive into Dead City Season 2, Episode 5. This week’s episode is audio only, as Sam is recovering from knee surgery and couldn’t do video. They discuss pivotal deaths, shifting alliances, and power plays. From Negan’s manipulation to Ginny’s emotional turnaround, and Perlie’s tension between o…

1
The Handmaid’s Tale S6: Final Choices, Fierce Bonds & A Full Circle Ending 1:07:38

5M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana is joined by special guest Jenn Trepeck, host of Salad with a Side of Fries, who has also podcasted Seasons 4 and 5 of The Handmaid’s Tale, to break down the powerful season six finale Together, they explore pivotal character arcs—from Lawrence’s layered decisions, to Nick and June’s emotional ties, and Lu…

1
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 2:57:09

5M ago2:57:09

2:57:09

Griffin, David, Ben, and Marie accepted the mission. They live and pod in the shadows, for those they hold close, and for those they never meet. They also have a few notes for Tom Cruise and Chris McQuarrie with regards to Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Join the crew as they break down all the problems of this latest (and final???) inst…

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TWD: Dead City S2 E4 – Revelations, Redemption & Rebuilding. Ep. 268 49:13

5M ago49:13

49:13

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Sam break down all the twists, emotional gut punches, and "wait, what?!" moments from Dead City Season 2, Episode 4. From Maggie’s emotional unraveling to Negan’s complicated choices, and the growing question of whether anyone is really in control—this episode delivers. They also get into Hershel’s big…

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Deep Dive into The Last of Us Season 2 Finale: Highlights & Reactions, Ep 267 24:41

5M ago24:41

24:41

In this special episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Sam unpack the emotional rollercoaster of The Last of Us Season 2 finale—and the season as a whole. Diana’s firmly on the Joel & Ellie train 🚂 (justice for Joel!) and shares how Episode 2 and the flashbacks in Episode 6 had her bawling. Sam brings powerful insight into the show’s layered themes…

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Look Who's Talking Too with Max Minghella 2:32:32

5M ago2:32:32

2:32:32

The Ubriacco family are back and - can you believe it? - they’re still talking! Actor and filmmaker Max Minghella joins us to talk about Look Who’s Talking Too, the contractually-obligated, quickly produced sequel to Amy Heckerling’s surprise hit. We’re talking about Mr. Toilet Man (he eats your pee pee and poo poo), Elias Koteas’ Mr. Scary Uncle M…

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TWD: Dead City S2E3: Crossroads, Control & Central Park Tension, Ep 266 49:51

5M ago49:51

49:51

In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana is joined by Sam to break down Dead City Season 2, Episode 3 — and it’s a big one! From Hershel’s vulnerable headspace to Maggie’s emotional crossroads, Negan’s shifting morality, and the strange new Central Park community, they dive into it all. (Heads up: There’s a brief audio glitch in the first few sec…

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Look Who's Talking with Hillary Busis 2:22:04

5M ago2:22:04

2:22:04

In perhaps the spermiest film we’ve ever covered, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley hang out with a baby voiced by Bruce Willis and Amy Heckerling gets revenge on Harold Ramis. As David Sims says early in this episode - Look Who’s Talking is a VERY RICH text. Vanity Fair’s Hillary Busis joins us to talk about this 1989 “forgotbuster,” a film that mad…

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TWD: Dead City S2 E2 – Beauty, Brutality & Betrayal 48:01

5M ago48:01

48:01

In this episode of Screens and Focus, Diana and Sam return to dive into The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2, Episode 2. They unpack the layered themes of beauty and brutality, symbolized by the tragic death of artist Victor and what it reveals about the world and its characters. The conversation also explores betrayal, parental dynamics, and the s…

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National Lampoon's European Vacation with Jon Gabrus 2:43:00

5M ago2:43:00

2:43:00

Congratulations! You’ve won an all-expenses-paid vacation with Griffin, David, Ben, and Jon Gabrus to Europe! Only downside is…well, you have to watch this movie. From the strange cultural stereotypes to the unfortunate lack of jokes, Amy Heckerling’s sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation isn’t the smoothest trip. But, it certainly gives us an excu…

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TWD: Dead City Season 2 Premiere Breakdown, Ep 264 56:19

5M ago56:19

56:19

In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam dive into the long-awaited return of The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2. They revisit where we left off nearly two years ago, refresh listeners on key characters, and unpack major storylines featuring Negan, Maggie, and Hershel. They pose the philosophical question of whether one can fake b…

1
Johnny Dangerously with Josh Gondelman 2:26:02

6M ago2:26:02

2:26:02

He’s the nicest bad guy in town. His last name is an adverb. And he’s got some pretty wacky bits! Sweetie pie comedian Josh Gondelman joins us to talk about 1984’s Johnny Dangerously, Amy Heckerling’s loving homage to 1930’s gangster pictures. Things we attempt to understand in this episode: the cultural legacy of Joe Piscopo; the actual joke that’…