Best Convergence Magazine Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 156: Live From Converge 28:16

Play Pause

3h ago28:16

28:16

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they did live at Converge—a combination of AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium at GIA’s campus in Carlsbad, California. They checked in with Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez, Katherine Bodoh, Elizabeth Gibson, Georgie Gleim, Sara Murphy, Elizabeth West, Pinny …

1
For The Love Of Bagpuss (ft. guests Sean Penn; Cillian Murphy & Tim Mielants) 1:36:42

7d ago1:36:42

1:36:42

With Chris off on the fairway, taking his first proper holiday in approximately 20 years, its up to Helen O’Hara and James Dyer — the newly appointed Archbishop of Nerdbury — to hold down the fort, ably assisted by Empire news editor and former Pilot TV stalwart Beth Webb. Between the three of them, they do their level best not to refer to Cillian …

1
A Clint In The Eye (ft. guests Sam Riley; Hugh Bonneville & Allen Leech) 1:49:03

14d ago1:49:03

1:49:03

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast might just go ahead, make your day, as Chris Hewitt (having recovered from a colleague-inflicted mischief) invites Helen O'Hara and James Dyer into the podbooth for a discussion of the best films directed by Clint Eastwood. Amazingly, The Rookie is given short shrift. Then, our intrepid trio take a look at …

1
The Shameless Plug #7: The Running Mag 41:30

15d ago41:30

41:30

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt sits down with Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, to shamelessly plug the new issue of Empire magazine — is back back back, folks, and comes with a lovely slice of Brisket. Not the meat, mind you, but Glen Powell's dog, who somehow wound up on Chris' lap during one of his forays to the set of Edgar W…

1
Episode 155: Guest Scott Guginsky 25:28

14d ago25:28

25:28

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates sit down with Scott Guginsky, executive vice president of Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA), a non-profit trade association dedicated to battling jewelry crime. Scott, a decorated former NYPD detective sergeant, brings listeners up to speed on the latest high-tech robberies and a rece…

1
Gleesons Vs Skarsgårds: Dawn Of Clint Howard (ft. guests MJ Bassett; Sean Ellis & Orlando Bloom) 1:49:05

21d ago1:49:05

1:49:05

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast asks perhaps the biggest question ever tackled on this show: who would win in a fight between the Gleesons and the Skarsgårds? Join Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann, as they tackle that scenario and more. Is the world truly ready for the Coppola clan kicking bottom? Elsewhere, our in…

1
September 2025: Ground Robots in Ukraine, 155mm Artillery Round Production and Drone Executive Orders 10:07

22d ago10:07

10:07

In this episode, National Defense discusses the proliferation of ground robots in Ukraine, the status of the Army’s goal to increase the production of one-fifty-five millimeter artillery rounds and the potential impact of recent drone-related Executive Orders.

1
The Life Of Chuck/Charles/Charlie (ft. guests Eva Victor; Olivia Colman & Jay Roach; Sir Ben Kingsley) 1:58:18

28d ago1:58:18

1:58:18

This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt sit down, on Zoom and in person, with a cavalcade of cracking guests. There's Eva Victor, star/writer/director of the excellent Sorry, Baby, who talks about cats, directing themselves, and people who look like yams. [23:05 - 39:05 approx] Then there's Olivia Colman and Jay Roach, star and director of The…

1
Episode 154: Tariffs, American Watchmaking Revival, Executive Shuffle 25:48

28d ago25:48

25:48

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss the fallout from steep new tariffs imposed on India, the likely short- and long-term effects on the watch market from tariffs on Swiss exports, and the constant shuffle those in the jewelry industry face as they attempt to navigate the administration’s…

1
Reimagining Security Convergence | Katie Barnett & Gavin Wilson 1:11:33

1M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

What if convergence wasn't a single security professional but an interoperable partnership? We are delighted to speak with Toro Solution's Cyber lead Katie Barnett and Physical and Corporate Security Lead Gavin Wilson on their amazing partnership and converged service including: How to cross train in other security disciplines for operational succe…

1
The Life Of Custard (ft. guests Joaquin Phoenix; Tom Hiddleston & Chiwetel Ejiofor; Samara Weaving & Karl Glusman) 1:58:53

1M ago1:58:53

1:58:53

In one of those bumper-sized guest-filled jamborees in which we specialise, this week's Empire Podcast sees John Nugent sit down on Zoom to interview Eddington star, Joaquin Phoenix... or does Joaquin Phoenix interview John Nugent? All will be revealed. [18:52 - 35:59 approx] Elsewhere, Chris Hewitt has a lovely chat about The Life of Chuck with co…

1
Kruegersplaining (ft. guests Celine Song, Dave Franco & Alison Brie) 1:42:37

1M ago1:42:37

1:42:37

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast will haunt your nightmares, but in a good way, as Chris Hewitt returns to the host chair, just in time to tackle, with Beth Webb and Amon Warmann, a Mount Rushmore question about the best Final Girls in horror movies. Their final choices may shock you, but that's nothing compared to the bit where Chris expl…

1
The Shameless Plug #6: Two Days With James Cameron 42:04

1M ago42:04

42:04

Or 42 minutes with Chris Hewitt and Nick de Semlyen. Which would you prefer? Don't answer that. Anyway, that's what you've got with the latest episode of The Shameless Plug, as Chris and Nick sit down to talk about Nick's extraordinary adventures in New Zealand, shadowing James Cameron for two days as he put the finishing touches to this month's co…

1
Episode 153: Guest Andy Koehn 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Andy Koehn, owner of Wisconsin-based family jeweler Koehn & Koehn Jewelers. The veteran retailer and diehard classic rock fan shares his philosophy on how a store is like a stage, and its staff is like a band. (Even Mick Jagger relies on discipline a…

1
Alien Earth: An Empire Podcast Special ft. Noah Hawley, Timothy Olyphant & Sydney Chandler 42:21

1M ago42:21

42:21

In space, no-one can hear you pod. Thankfully, we're not on space, we're on Earth, so you will be able to hear this wonderful Empire Podcast special dedicated to Noah Hawley's excellent Alien prequel, Alien Earth, which dropped its first two episodes today on Disney+. Here, you will hear Chris Hewitt sit down with Hawley, the show's creator and sho…

1
The Not-So-Difficult Second Movie (ft. guests Guy Pearce and Benedict Wong) 1:45:04

2M ago1:45:04

1:45:04

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Helen O'Hara slip into the host's chair in Chris Hewitt's absence, and use her endless reservoir of patience to corral James Dyer, Alex Godfrey and Ben Travis in a discussion of the best second movies by notable directors (and yes, we know that we didn't mention [INSERT BLINDINGLY OBVIOUS CHOICE HERE])…

1
August 2025: U.S.-China Biotechnology Race, Hypersonic Weapons and Atlantic Alliance 25 9:53

2M ago9:53

9:53

In this episode, National Defense discusses the U.S.-China biotechnology race, the status of hypersonic weapons programs in the United States and a recent NATO amphibious exercise.

1
Hey, It's Enrico Pazuzu! (ft. guests Akiva Schaffer and James Gunn) 1:45:49

2M ago1:45:49

1:45:49

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast adds insults to injury, as the team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, Alex Godfrey, and Ben Travis — share their favourite movie insults. And, yes, misquote at least one of them horribly. Also, nothing on this earth will prepare you for Alex Godfrey's Pazuzu impression. We can only apologise in advance. Elsewhe…

1
Episode 152: Natural Diamond Council, High Jewelry Designs 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss outgoing Natural Diamond Council president David Kellie’s legacy and the challenges ahead for the NDC. Victoria reports on several exquisite new pieces from the high jewelry world, including a million-dollar Mellerio necklace inspired by Marie Antoinet…

1
Movie News Mews (ft. guests, Matt Shakman and Sam Rockwell) 1:40:40

2M ago1:40:40

1:40:40

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is all kinds of fantastic. Guest-wise, Chris Hewitt sits down (in person, and on Zoom) with Matt Shakman, director of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, to discuss the FF's debut in the MCU [24:33 - 40:07 approx]; and Sam Rockwell, the cool cat who's Mr. Wolf in The Bad Guys 2. [1:07:02 - 1:19:28 approx] Then…

1
Bobby Omelettes And The Dolby Rumbler (ft. guests Alex Cox and Ralph Ineson) 1:43:52

2M ago1:43:52

1:43:52

Do not adjust your speakers, or your headphones. Yes, Ralph Ineson's voice really is that deep and sonorous. And in this week's Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt sits down with the actor who plays the planet-eating entity, Galactus, in next week's The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and talks about how his voice is his passport. [1:04:38 - 1:20:16 approx] …

1
The Shameless Plug #5: Tron Ares, Light-Up Covers, And More 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

This month's episode of The Shameless Plug sees Chris Hewitt sit down with Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, for a deep dive into the latest issue of Empire magazine, which just happens to have a limited edition light-up cover to commemorate our latest cover movie, Tron Ares. Together, our dynamic duo discuss the art of the cover line, their favourit…

1
Episode 151: Guest Beth Hutchens 27:33

2M ago27:33

27:33

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates talk with Beth Hutchens, founder and creative director of FoundRae. Beth explains how growing up on the Mexican border instilled a deep appreciation for mysticism in her at an early age, and how this guides her design aesthetic. She shares her strategies for n…

1
Where's The Cueball Going? (ft. guests, David Corenswet and Joseph Kosinski) 1:32:25

3M ago1:32:25

1:32:25

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is dominated by bald baddies. Namely, a group discussion of the hairless horrors who have been tormenting do-gooders in all kinds of movies throughout the years. But also, our very own James Dyer, whose unexplained absence from the podbooth has Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and Alex Godfrey speculating wildly…

1
Are We The Baddies? (ft. guests Mahershala Ali & Rupert Friend, David Cronenberg, Gerard Johnstone) 1:58:21

3M ago1:58:21

1:58:21

This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt sit down for a pre-lunch chat about dinosaurs and sandwiches with Jurassic World Rebirth stars, Mahershala Ali and Rupert Friend, [25:28 - 36:36 approx] while Mike Muncer goes deep with the legendary David Cronenberg, as the Canadian director marks the release of one of his most personal films yet, The S…

1
Episode 150: Trends and Takeaways From the JCK Show 24:02

3M ago24:02

24:02

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share their thoughts and observations from the 2025 JCK Show. The hosts discuss the overall mood (upbeat), style trends (bold gold!), and their favorite highlights (the people!) from this year’s annual event in Vegas. Both always come away learning something n…

1
July 2025: Special Ops aircraft, Marine Corps drones and Army vehicles 8:08

3M ago8:08

8:08

In this episode, National Defense discusses aircraft modernization in Special Operations Command, the Marine Corps’ drone fleet and axed Army vehicle programs.

1
The Empire Podcast: The Movie (with guests Damson Idris, and Ivanna Sakhno) 1:48:08

3M ago1:48:08

1:48:08

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt break out the bleep machine for a particularly sweary chat with M3GAN 2.0 star, the delightful Ivanna Sakhno, [1:10:44 - 1:23:01 approx] and quietly judge the football team of Damson Idris, star of F1. [24:51 - 37:46 approx] Or F1: The Movie, to give it its full marketing moniker, which in…

1
Episode 149: Live From The JCK Show 45:14

3M ago45:14

45:14

In this week’s episode, JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates share interviews they did live on the 2025 JCK Show floor. They checked in with Cathy Calhoun, Rebecca Foerster, Marie-Claire Daveu, Minister Bogolo Kenewendo and other industry professionals, about the state of natural diamonds, gold prices, consumer trends a…

1
Mona Lisa Episode IV: A New Hope (ft. guests Julianne Moore & Michael Pearce, Ralph Fiennes & Jodie Comer) 1:48:56

3M ago1:48:56

1:48:56

It's another packed episode of the Empire Podcast, the show that dares to ask the big questions: isn't the Mona Lisa just a woman sitting down? Who's the richest Northern Irish person? Can you buy stocks in Glen Powell? Join the pod team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann — as they tackle those questions, discuss the origina…

1
Going Deep With Colin Trevorrow: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 32:55

3M ago32:55

32:55

In our latest Empire Podcast interview special, Chris Hewitt sits down (in a swanky London hotel room) with Colin Trevorrow, the director of Jurassic World and Safety Not Guaranteed, to talk about Trevorrow's latest movie, the Prime Video comedy Deep Cover, which he produced and co-wrote. But that's not all — Trevorrow also talks about his choices …

1
The Shameless Plug #4 45:21

3M ago45:21

45:21

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor Nick de Semlyen sit down and do a deep dive into the contents of the latest issue of Empire — is back, folks, and this one really is fantastic. That's because this month's cover story is The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which inspires Chris and Nick to talk about some of their se…

1
Yes, And/Yes, Andor (with guests Jack Lowden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Nick Mohammed & Orlando Bloom) 1:44:41

3M ago1:44:41

1:44:41

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt sit down in person with Deep Cover stars, Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, and Nick Mohammed, to talk about their experiences playing improvisers who go undercover as fake cops;[1:00:00 - 1:15:52 approx] and on Zoom with Tornado and Slow Horses star, Jack Lowden. [26:15 - 39:20 approx] …

1
Kyle MacLachlan And Mark Frost On Twin Peaks And David Lynch: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

Here's a damn fine special episode of the Empire Podcast for you to enjoy. We're in the grip of Twin Peaks fever all over again — the seminal David Lynch/Mark Frost TV show is being celebrated this Sunday (June 15th) at the BFI Southbank in London with a special 35mm print screening of the show's pilot, and if that weren't enough, every single epis…

1
Non Verbal Communication | Gary Simpson 25:55

4M ago25:55

25:55

Reading Between the Lines: Gary Simpson on Silent Signals That Could Save Lives What if the difference between life and death for your principal came down to a subtle shift in body language you almost missed? In this explosive episode, former military operator turned executive protection expert Gary Simpson reveals the invisible communication happe…

1
An Award-Losing Podcast (with guests Jai Courtney, Ian McShane, Dean DeBlois) 1:57:01

4M ago1:57:01

1:57:01

This week's episode of the freshly award-losing Empire Podcast sees the podteam lick their wounds after a demoralising defeat in the Best Podcast (Consumer) category at the BSMEs earlier in the week. How do they do this? By talking about movies, of course, as they discuss the week's news (a load of trailers, and a potential new James Cameron movie)…

1
Episode 148: 2025 JCK Show Preview 23:12

4M ago23:12

23:12

JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates discuss Victoria’s recent trip to Paris as a guest of Japanese watchmaker Credor to celebrate the brand’s update on a classic Gérald Genta timepiece from 1979. Next, the pair gear up for JCK Las Vegas by highlighting some of the exciting events on their show agenda, from Rob moderati…

1
June 2025: Ghost Bat, AUKUS and Project Convergence 8:45

4M ago8:45

8:45

In this episode, National Defense discusses the future of Australia’s sovereign uncrewed aircraft, the status of AUKUS Pillar Two and Project Convergence.

1
Wade Eastwood On The Stunts Of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 41:20

4M ago41:20

41:20

Whether it's Tom Cruise risking his neck underwater, or above ground while clinging to the wing of a biplane, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is filled with stunts that might just turn your hair white. That's if you don't lose it completely. That's just one of the side effects discussed in this Empire Podcast interview special, as the fil…

1
Starting In The Middle (with guests Jesse Armstrong, Tim Key, Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) 1:53:44

4M ago1:53:44

1:53:44

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees the podteam — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and Alex Godfrey — get to grips with the definition of in media res, as they discuss some of their favourite films that throw you right into the action. Elsewhere, they talk about the week's movie news, pay tribute to Empire's founding editor Barry M…

1
Christopher McQuarrie on The Final Reckoning, Benicio del Toro & Michael Cera on The Phoenician Scheme, Tony Gilroy on Andor s2 (spoilers), and Cannes You Dig It? 1:58:45

4M ago1:58:45

1:58:45

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt mark the release of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning by doing a non-spoiler, non-epic (less than 20 minutes!) chat with that film's director, the legendarily loquacious Christopher McQuarrie, [26:00 - 43:06 approx] and have a lovely natter with the stars of the new Wes Anderson fi…

1
The Shameless Plug #3: Jurassic World Rebirth And Other Animals 39:22

4M ago39:22

39:22

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, sit down and talk you through the latest issue of Empire — is back for its third episode, folks. This one is dedicated to issue 441 of Empire (on sale now at all good, evil, and virtual newsagents), which features Jurassic World Rebirth on the cover, and Nick ta…