Best Dont Kill The Messenger Podcasts (2025)

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Dick Cook (Powerhouse Hollywood Executive & Former Studio Chief) on His Journey from Disney Ride Operator to Running Walt Disney Studios 46:40

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2h ago46:40

46:40

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Dick Cook, the former Chairman of Walt Disney Studios known as "the filmmaker's Chairman." From his humble start as a Disneyland train operator to running one of Hollywood's most successful studios, Dick shares how his Bakersfield roots and team-o…

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Basil Iwanyk (Acclaimed Producer & Former Studio Exec) on Jersey Grit, Building Thunder Road Films, and Mastering Independent Producing at Scale 54:19

14d ago54:19

54:19

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Thunder Road Films founder Basil Iwanyk, the producer behind some of the most engaging films of the last two decades. From The Town and Sicario to the game-changing John Wick franchise, Basil's films have redefined modern action cinema while earni…

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Donald Petrie (Veteran Movie and Television Director) on Comedy Directing, Family Legacy, & the Power of Audience Testing 45:53

28d ago45:53

45:53

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes director Donald Petrie, the American Film Institute Fellow whose romantic comedies have grossed hundreds of millions worldwide. From launching Julia Roberts in Mystic Pizza to directing Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality and pairing Jack Lemmon with Wa…

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Special Episode: The Art of Audience Test Screening Focus Groups in the Filmmaking Process 53:48

2M ago53:48

53:48

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz brings together three of his top focus group moderators from Screen Engine to reveal the secrets behind their craft during the filmmaking stage of movie testing. Terri Cavanaugh (VP of Qualitative Insights), Ari Virgil-Paige (Executive VP of the Movie Group), an…

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Michael Uslan (Originator & Executive Producer of the Batman movie franchise) on his role as Batman’s Batman and his journey 53:14

2M ago53:14

53:14

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Michael Uslan, the originator and executive producer of the Batman and Batman-related movie universe, who turned his childhood passion for comic books into Hollywood gold. As an avid comic book collector and Batman superfan, Uslan is proof that fo…

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Bonus: WiFiSciFi LIVE! - Don't Kill the Messenger 21:01

2M ago21:01

21:01

We present "Don't Kill the Messenger", a live episode as part of WiFiSciFi performed on December 6, 2020. Featuring performances by: Richard Nadolny as the Narrator/Emcee David S. Dear as Januae Sarah Rhea Werner as Shenta Eric Perry as Clont DJ Sylvis as Prolo Shannon Perry as Taina Lee Shackleford as Andras Journee LaFond as Omnon Enjoy!…

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Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer) on Making Blockbusters, Audience Testing, and 50+ Years in Hollywood 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the mastermind behind billion-dollar blockbusters, including Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, Bad Boys, Beverly Hills Cop, and the television shows CSI, The Amazing Race, and Fire Country. Bruckheimer shares…

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Addendum - Sticky Situation 9:57

3M ago9:57

9:57

This episode transpires between Episodes 31 and 32 Januae encounters a stranger familiar with the Endless Abode who may be able to help him find the way out. Written and produced by David S. Dear. Based on the RPG Numenera by Monte Cook Games, LLC. The voice of Januae was performed by David S. Dear. The voice of Galto was performed by Jordan Heaver…

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Arnold Rifkin (Legendary Agent & Producer) on Hollywood Deal-Making and His Life-Changing Relationship with Bruce Willis 45:36

3M ago45:36

45:36

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Arnold Rifkin, the legendary talent agent who pioneered the concept of a total talent agency and helped build one of Hollywood's most recognizable action stars. From founding Triad Artists to leading William Morris's film division and producing bl…

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Addendum - Water God 9:31

3M ago9:31

9:31

While working with the semblage outside of Charmonde, Januae receives a visitor who delivers some unpleasant news. Written and produced by David S. Dear. Based on the RPG Numenera by Monte Cook Games, LLC. The voice of Januae is performed by David S. Dear. The voice of Partran is performed by Mike Gagne Music is Hitman by Kevin MacLeod at http://in…

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Scott Ross (Visual Effects Pioneer, Producer, and Entrepreneur) on Creating Movie Magic and the Future of Hollywood Effects 49:27

4M ago49:27

49:27

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Scott Ross, a pioneering figure in the visual effects industry. As the former general manager of Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Senior VP of LucasArts Entertainment, and co-founder of Digital Domain with James Cameron and Stan Winston, Scott Ross s…

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Addendum - Conceptual Creation 20:28

4M ago20:28

20:28

While attuning the dimension walking device to his personal frequency Januae travels to a dimension where objects instantly manifest from thoughts. Written and produced by David S. Dear. Based on the RPG Numenera by Monte Cook Games, LLC. The voice of Januae is performed by David S. Dear. The voice of Glenna is performed by Karin Heimdahl. Music is…

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Mike Marcus (Manager, Producer, & Former Studio Head) on Building Hollywood Networks and Creating Hit Films 43:42

4M ago43:42

43:42

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Mike Marcus, whose impressive 57-year career spans from agency mailroom to MGM Pictures president to management company founder. In his early career as an agent, Marcus built an impressive client roster including Robin Williams, John Landis, and Sidne…

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Addendum - Chetena 9:40

4M ago9:40

9:40

Januae thinks back to a pivotal event in his childhood that influenced his decision to become an Aeon Priest. Written and produced by David S. Dear. Based on the RPG Numenera by Monte Cook Games, LLC. The voice of Januae is performed by David S. Dear. Music is Hitman by Kevin MacLeod at http://incompetech.com "Splash, Jumping, E.wav" by InspectorJ …

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Tony Sella (Marketing Executive and Producer) on Creating Unforgettable Movie Campaigns 48:39

5M ago48:39

48:39

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Tony Sella, the legendary marketing executive behind some of Hollywood's most iconic movie campaigns. During his decades at 20th Century Fox, Sella was the creative force behind unforgettable posters, trailers, taglines, and promotions for films inclu…

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Bonus: Avoid Seavel 17:05

5M ago17:05

17:05

By David S. Dear

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Shane Black (Writer, Director) on Redefining Action Movies and Embracing Authenticity 55:50

5M ago55:50

55:50

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews Shane Black, one of Hollywood's highest-paid screenwriters, who redefined action films with witty dialogue, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. From Lethal Weapon to The Nice Guys, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Iron Man 3, Shane discusses his journey…

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Bonus: Worth a Whisper 11:56

5M ago11:56

11:56

This is one of my favorite pieces of artwork from Numenera created by Bruce Brenneise, one that lit my imagination for what sort of world was left behind by those prior civilizations. Monte Cook Games created an entire town based on this artwork called Rachid. The monument above is called the Catholith, which is believed to be the source of the whi…

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Mike Medavoy (Legendary Agent, Producer, & Studio Executive) on an Extraordinary Hollywood Journey 40:23

6M ago40:23

40:23

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes an industry titan-- film producer and studio executive Mike Medavoy. With a career spanning over five decades, Medavoy has been closely involved with over 300 feature films, with seven winning Best Picture Oscars. From agent to studio chief to producer,…

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Addendum - Cleef 9:20

6M ago9:20

9:20

Januae and a slave contemplate their situation and its purpose late into a sleepless night. Written and produced by David S. Dear. Based on the RPG Numenera by Monte Cook Games, LLC. The voice of Ardeen is performed by Nikki Richardson. The voice of Januae is performed by David S. Dear. Music is Hitman by Kevin MacLeod at http://incompetech.com For…

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Chris Landon (Writer, Director, Producer) on Growing Up in Hollywood & Creating "Feel-Good Horror" 50:26

6M ago50:26

50:26

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Chris Landon, the acclaimed writer, director, and producer known for films like Happy Death Day, Freaky, Disturbia, and most recently, Heart Eyes. Son of television legend Michael Landon, Chris has carved his own path in Hollywood, specializing in…

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Addendum - Yesteryear 6:47

6M ago6:47

6:47

While Januae does his best to try to survive and sustain himself in the looped realm, he finds he gets a little "lost"... Written and produced by David S. Dear. Based on the RPG Numenera by Monte Cook Games, LLC. The voice of Januae is performed by David S. Dear Special guest voice performed by Jessica Vest Music is Hitman by Kevin MacLeod at http:…

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David Permut (Oscar® & Emmy® Nominated Producer) on Movie Maps, Making Movies That Matter, and Discovering New Talent 46:47

7M ago46:47

46:47

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with acclaimed producer David Permut, the visionary behind films like Face/Off, Hacksaw Ridge (Academy Award nominee for Best Picture), Dragnet, and most recently, Rustin. His films have garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, and he is known for …

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Elizabeth Gabler (President of Sony 3000 Pictures) on the Art of Book-to-Screen Movie Magic 52:04

7M ago52:04

52:04

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Elizabeth Gabler, known for transforming literary works into cinematic successes. From her early days as an agent's assistant to becoming president of Fox 2000 and now Sony 3000 Pictures, Gabler shares insights from her remarkable career developin…

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Brad Furman (Director/Producer/Writer) on his Journey from the Basketball Court to Film Sets 47:59

8M ago47:59

47:59

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes director and producer Brad Furman, known for films like The Lincoln Lawyer, The Infiltrator, Runner Runner, The Take, and City of Lies. The episode opens with Furman reading a touching tribute letter he wrote after the passing of his friend, filmmaker J…

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Catherine Paura (Veteran Entertainment Strategist) on Transforming Movie Marketing and Audience Research 51:26

8M ago51:26

51:26

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with his good friend, mentor, and colleague, Catherine Paura, a pioneering force in entertainment research who co-founded National Research Group (NRG) in 1977. As an accomplished entrepreneur, Paura helped establish the foundation for modern movie res…

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Brian Grazer (Oscar and Emmy-Winning Producer) on Curiosity, Creativity, and Human Connection 44:07

9M ago44:07

44:07

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews legendary producer Brian Grazer. As co-founder of Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard, Grazer's films and television shows have earned 47 Oscar nominations and 242 Emmy nominations, with his movies grossing nearly $15 billion globally. Known for hit…

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David Friendly (Academy Award-Nominated Producer and Former Journalist) on His Journey from Newsweek to Hollywood Success 55:09

9M ago55:09

55:09

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz interviews David Friendly, whose remarkable career transition from journalism to film production led to an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture with Little Miss Sunshine. David worked with industry giants like Ron Howard and Brian Grazer before establishing…

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Gary Lucchesi (Veteran Producer, Studio Executive, and Former Agent) on Working with Talent and Successful Filmmaking 51:35

10M ago51:35

51:35

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with Gary Lucchesi, the acclaimed producer and former President of the Producer’s Guild of America. From his early days as a talent agent at William Morris to his tenure as President of Production at Paramount Pictures, Gary has been a driving force …

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George Folsey Jr. (Veteran Film Editor & Producer) on Film Editing and the Art of the "Fix" 42:53

10M ago42:53

42:53

Send Kevin a Text Message (Interview recorded Aug 14, 2024 and released Nov 6, 2024. George Folsey Jr. died on December 29th, 2024 at the age of 85. Thank you, George, for all that you gave to this industry--you will be missed.) In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with George Folsey Jr., the legendary film edit…

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Susan Cartsonis (Veteran Producer & Former Studio Executive) on Filmmaking and Championing Women’s Stories 56:48

11M ago56:48

56:48

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with Susan Cartsonis, a renowned producer and former studio executive known for championing women's stories in Hollywood. From 20th Century Fox to independent producing, Susan has been behind hits like What Women Want, Where the Heart Is, Aquamarine,…

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Spring Aspers (President of Sony Music Group, Grammy Nominated Executive) on Music Supervision and the Magic of Movie Soundtracks 37:01

11M ago37:01

37:01

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of "Don't Kill the Messenger," host Kevin Goetz sits down with Spring Aspers, the Grammy-nominated President of Sony Pictures Music Group. With a career spanning from intern to President, Spring has become a powerhouse in the film music industry. Her work on blockbuster soundtracks like Spider-Man: Into the…