Best Dana Gardner Podcasts (2025)

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Avatar: Fire and Ash 2:44:30

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3d ago2:44:30

2:44:30

We went back to Pandora and we all fell in love with a very special lady. She’s a bit prickly. A bit unconventional. But boy, is she something! Join us as we chat Avatar: Fire and Ash, aka VARANG: THE AWAKENING, the third installment in Big Jim’s Sully family saga. Yes, this movie’s a bit messier than the previous ones. Yes, it repeats many of the …

1
Rob Chadwick 53:08

9h ago53:08

53:08

Do you have a personal safety plan? Listen to retired FBI Special Agent, Rob Chadwick, former head of the FBI's Tactical Training Program, who joined me to talk about his book "The Practical Guide to Personal Security : Become a Competent and Confident Stakeholder in Your Own Safety." We discuss situational awareness, instinct, use of force, the im…

1
Ella McCay with Richard Lawson 2:05:31

10d ago2:05:31

2:05:31

It’s pretty hard being the governor of an unnamed state when you’re a 34-year-old woman with a husband who’s the heir to a local pizza empire and you’ve got a brother who has agoraphobia and your sleazy dad keeps leaving you weird voicemails and Julie Kavner is narrating your entire life story! Wooo, that was a lot. James L. Brooks’ Ella McCay is A…

1
Honey Don't with Mattie Lubchansky 2:35:59

17d ago2:35:59

2:35:59

Honey Don’t? Honey probably shouldn’t have. But that’s okay, because Honey, we’re gonna talk about it anyway! Writer and illustrator Mattie Lubchansky joins us to close out our Coens series with Ethan and Tricia’s latest offering from earlier this year. How do we feel about Margaret Qualley and Aubrey Plaza as performers? How do we feel about Chris…

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Drive Away Dolls with mxmtoon 2:30:38

17d ago2:30:38

2:30:38

Two gals and a briefcase full of dicks. What more could an 84 minute caper need? mxmtoon joins us to chat about Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke’s lesbian road trip movie Drive Away Dolls, and brings with her the fascinating perspective of someone whose first Coen movie was…Drive Away Dolls! We’re chatting about Ethan and Tricia’s unconventional relatio…

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The Tragedy of Macbeth with Dana Schwartz 2:44:13

1M ago2:44:13

2:44:13

You can’t say “Macbeth” in a theater, but you can certainly say it on a podcast! Dana Schwartz joins us (in her third Blank Check appearance on a witch-centered film) to talk about Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, the first solo-directorial effort from a Coen Brother after their amicable split. We’re debating the success of Frances McDormand and…

1
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs with Paul Scheer & Jason Mantzoukas 3:29:53

1M ago3:29:53

3:29:53

Six segments. Four legendary movie podcasters. Three and a half hours of keeping David Sims away from his family. Welcome to our Ballad of Buster Scruggs episode! How Did This Get Made’s Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas join the Two Friends to talk about the Coens’ final film together (as of this recording), a grab bag of western vignettes that cou…

1
Lisa Gardner 52:19

1M ago52:19

52:19

Exploring female serial killers, research, and the fearless women who bring crime fiction to life with #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner. Lisa is known for her razor-sharp psychological thrillers rooted in real-world law enforcement and FBI research. A self-described “research junkie,” she’s shadowed cadaver-dog teams, toured the FB…

1
Hail, Caesar! with Shirley Li 2:36:34

1M ago2:36:34

2:36:34

Would that it twere so simple to lasso that lazy ol’ moon! This week, we’re chatting about all the studio shenanigans in Hail, Caesar! with our pal Shirley Li. Speaking of Shirley, we all knew she was skilled at getting David “The Dog” Sims off the leash, but did you know that she also attended researcher JJ’s wedding?! Lore drop! Join us as we unp…

1
Inside Llewyn Davis with Rachel Zegler 2:41:24

2M ago2:41:24

2:41:24

🎵🎶Puh-pa-please Mr. Kennedy (uhoh!) please won’t you listen to our puh-podcast🎶🎵This week we broadcast, not from a balcony, but from the Blank Check office, with guest Rachel Zegler (she connects with people, JJ’s research confirms)! Coming off of back to back Blank Checks the Coen’s took their time to release Inside Llewyn Davis, a somber comedy f…

1
Lisa Bailey 1:17:08

2M ago1:17:08

1:17:08

Lisa Bailey, former FBI Forensic Artist and author of Clay and Bones, joined me talk about her 18 years in the Bureau. Lisa brought faces back to life—working scenes from 9/11 to looking for skulls at the Body Farm, giving names to the unidentified, and dignity to the forgotten. She is the expert on skull-rendering and through her work she solved n…

1
A House of Dynamite 2:32:32

2M ago2:32:32

2:32:32

Kathryn Bigelow is back. But are WE so back? Not quite. The gang discusses the recent release A House of Dynamite, a film in which the president listens to podcasts, Tracy Letts loves the Mets, and the city of Chicago may or may not be completely leveled by an atomic bomb. Do we kind of miss Mark Boal now? Are we praying Kathryn Bigelow directs som…

1
True Grit with Stavros Halkias 2:58:27

2M 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…

1
Pete Lapp & Kelly Kennedy - Queen of Cuba 1:13:37

2M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

This unique episode dives deep into one of the most shocking espionage cases in U.S. history. Retired FBI Special Agent Pete Lapp and journalist and author Kelly Kennedy join me to discuss their gripping book, The Queen of Cuba — the true story of Ana Montes, a senior DIA analyst who secretly spied for Cuba for 17 years. #spies #counterintelligence…

1
A Serious Man with Marc Maron 1:51:51

2M 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
Burn After Reading with Fran Hoepfner 2:11:15

3M 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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No Country for Old Men with Leslye Headland 2:56:24

3M 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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The Ladykillers with Connor Ratliff 2:47:07

3M 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…

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Undercover World ~Dana Ridenour 1:17:30

3M ago1:17:30

1:17:30

Secrets, danger & deception. Get ready for a fascinating journey into the undercover world with retired FBI Special Agent Dana Ridenour. Dana worked UC work for 13 years, several times working under deep cover. Dana shares her FBI journey and her three books Behind The Mask, Beyond The Cabin, and Below The Radar. Listen to the podcast, then read he…

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Intolerable Cruelty with Katey Rich 2:15:37

3M 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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The Man Who Wasn't There with Jordan Hoffman 2:35:01

4M 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
O Brother, Where Art Thou? with Emily St. James 2:16:54

4M 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…

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The Big Lebowski with Seth Rogen 2:49:43

4M 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…

1
Rosemary Dew 1:03:12

4M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

What was it like to join the FBI in the 1970s? Rosemary Dew joined as the 96th female Special Agent and became the 7th female Supervisory Special Agent--a true pioneer. She dedicated 13 years to the Bureau, where she experienced numerous challenges, but also great laughs. Rosemary authored No Back UP taking us through a fantastic journey, where som…

1
Jeremy Rebmann 1:13:05

4M ago1:13:05

1:13:05

Retired Special Agent Jeremy Rebmann unveils his captivating journey in his memoir, Send Me, Chronicles of an FBI Sniper. From his early days as a case agent to the rigorous selection process, and ultimately becoming a sniper tasked with hunting down terrorists and criminals, Jeremy offers an exclusive glimpse into the intense world of FBI SWAT. Th…

1
Fargo with Zach Cregger 2:52:22

4M 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 …

1
The Hudsucker Proxy with Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger 3:41:00

5M 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
Barton Fink with Chris Weitz 3:27:26

5M 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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When Vulnerability Becomes Your Most Powerful Career Tool | feat. D Magazine’s Power Couple - Marissa & Michael Horne 57:13

5M ago57:13

57:13

Lisa Gardner is joined by D Magazine’s power couple, Marissa and Michael Horne, to discuss leadership, love, and purpose. The conversation delves into their remarkable journey as a married couple, their professional achievements, and their approach to leadership across different sectors. Marissa, with a background in tech and financial services, an…

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Katherine Schweit: Women Who Talk to The Dead 53:33

5M ago53:33

53:33

Katherine Schweit is an accomplished author, attorney, andformer FBI special agent. With a background in journalism and law, she served as a Chicago prosecutor before joining the FBI, where she investigated major crimes and worked closely on mass casualty and active shooter cases. Schweit is the author of "Stop the Killing: How to End theMass Shoot…

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

5M 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…

1
Playing From The Rough | feat. Jimmie James 59:58

5M ago59:58

59:58

Lisa Gardner is joined by Jimmie James, former ExxonMobil executive and author of "Playing from the Rough." James shares his remarkable journey from poverty in East Texas to becoming a senior executive, using golf as a metaphor for life's challenges. He discusses his book's inspiration, which includes honoring his mother, preserving his family's st…

1
Raising Arizona with John Hodgman 2:41:57

5M 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…

1
Jerri Williams 1:02:15

5M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Jerri Williams, kicks off Authors' Row, a series that highlights FBI and non-FBI authors that write about the FBI! Jerri is a former FBI special agent with 26 years of experience, who dedicated her career to exposing the schemes of con artists and corrupt officials. Leveraging her expertise, she writes crime fiction and hosts the popular FBI Case F…

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A Son's Courageous Quest to Restore Dignity for Our Veterans | feat. Gino Johnson 42:52

5M ago42:52

42:52

Lisa Gardner is joined by Gino Johnson, CEO of Champions for Veterans, to discuss his inspiring mission to help veterans secure the benefits they deserve. After witnessing his father's 17-year struggle to receive proper VA compensation, Gino created an organization dedicated to educating and empowering veterans through their benefits process. Hear …

1
Blood Simple with Ray Tintori & Jordan Fish 2:44:07

5M 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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Real Successful And Wholistic CEOs Always Ask THIS Question First | feat. Business Growth Strategist Dana Earhart 52:25

6M ago52:25

52:25

Lisa Gardner is joined by business growth strategist Dana Earhart to explore the transformative power of wholistic leadership. Dana shares her personal journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, revealing pivotal moments that reshaped her approach to work and life. They dive deep into the importance of creating a balanced life across five ke…

1
Vamps with Caroline Framke 2:46:25

6M 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

6M 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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How You Can Step Into Your Confidence Era | feat. Sheena Yap Chan 43:43

6M ago43:43

43:43

Lisa Gardner chats Sheena Chan, an author, speaker, and host of the popular "Tell Self Confidence" podcast about you can create your own confidence. Sheena shares her personal journey of starting her podcast in 2015 to provide representation and support for Asian women struggling with confidence issues. Through over 800 interviews with successful w…

1
Hannah Hannah: Honor Your Right to Bear Arms 1:22:07

6M ago1:22:07

1:22:07

In this episode of Badass in Heels, Hannah, a remarkable woman who has made her mark in the world of shooting and extreme sports shares her journey from growing up on a ranch in Colorado to becoming a professional mountain biker and breaking barriers as a female athlete. She discusses the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, her exper…

1
28 Years Later 2:52:29

6M 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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STOP Seeking Common Ground And Start Seeking Higher Ground | feat. Nina Vaca 32:24

6M ago32:24

32:24

Lisa Gardner chats with Nina Vaca, the CEO of Pinnacle Group to discuss her personal journey and the key principles that have guided her success, including the importance of a growth mindset, courage, and transparency. Nina draws powerful parallels between her experiences as a triathlete and the leadership lessons she has applied in building her co…

1
Loser with Chandler Levack 2:32:48

6M 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…

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Organizations Grow At The Speed Of Trust And R.A.I | feat. Jimmy Hart 45:56

7M ago45:56

45:56

Lisa Gardner chats with Jimmy Hart, Founder of Hart Global Industries, about a powerful framework called R.A.I. (Respect, Affirmation and Inclusion). Jimmy shares how his early experiences growing up during desegregation and mentorship from African American leaders shaped his passion for fostering respect, affirmation and inclusion in the communiti…

1
Clueless with Heidi Gardner 2:37:12

7M 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 …

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

6M 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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Look Who's Talking Too with Max Minghella 2:32:32

7M 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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Look Who's Talking with Hillary Busis 2:22:04

7M 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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National Lampoon's European Vacation with Jon Gabrus 2:43:00

8M 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…