Best Raul Rodriguez Podcasts (2025)

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Saw VI & VII aka Saw 3D: The Final Chapter 1:21:45

Play Pause

14h ago1:21:45

1:21:45

We finish the original Saw Timeline with 6 and 7. The experience of the highs and lows of the Hoffman Saga comes to its end. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz, respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul

1
Patrick Burke: How editing teaches you patience, precision, and maybe Lizard People 48:43

2d ago48:43

48:43

Ilse sits down with editor and former musician Patrick Burke of Method & Madness for a conversation that somehow covers 48-hour film projects, oyster shucking, and the terrifying beauty of a well-timed dissolve. Patrick shares what he’s learned about rhythm—both in editing and in life—and how collaboration, caffeine, and chaos (the good kind) fuel …

1
Saw IV & V 1:02:49

9d ago1:02:49

1:02:49

We continue our journey into the Saw franchise with what we are dubbing “The Hoffman Saga:Part 1”. Listen as we cover the first half journey of prominent John Kramer disciple Detective Mark Hoffman. Listen as we talk about how Luke from Gilmore Girls deserved the suffering he got, and insurance company getting tested, and even more needless retconn…

1
Tony Bondoc: You don’t need permission to create - Just corn, grit and heart 58:17

9d ago58:17

58:17

Ilse sits down with arts programmer, community builder, and fellow South Texan Tony Bondoc, whose resume runs from the Neo-Futurists to the League of Chicago Theaters. They talk about growing up on the Texas border, why “football for theater” (the UIL one-act competitions) shapes unstoppable creatives, and how gratitude and intention fuel his work …

1
Saw 1,2,3 1:20:23

20d ago1:20:23

1:20:23

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Steve Berg: paranormal but make it midwest 1:02:27

16d ago1:02:27

1:02:27

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The Revenant 52:24

23d ago52:24

52:24

We’re ending Innaritu month with an ending(and that’s enough). 2015’s The Revenant, the movie that finally gave Leonardo DiCaprio the long awaited Oscar. Listen as we talk about Civos cinematography, Alejandros ambition, and if this movie really deserved any Oscars. Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz as well as the …

1
Las Locas, Latina Fest & the Business of Being Funny with Janice V. Rodriguez 51:28

23d ago51:28

51:28

Ilse sits down with comedian, producer, and festival founder Janice V. Rodriguez, the woman who turned a New Year’s resolution into one of Chicago’s most vital comedy movements. Janice shares the origin of Las Locas Comedy, how the Latina Comedy Festival grew from a “one-show festival” into a multi-day powerhouse, and why comedy is equal parts spre…

1
Lucha Talk #168: CMLL Aniversario 92 1:41:25

1M ago1:41:25

1:41:25

Lucha Talk #168: CMLL Aniversario 92 WE ARE BACK. The duo is back after a year, and we're talking about a lot. We briefly catch up and discuss the great influence that the 2 major companies in America have had on Lucha Libre in 2025 with the tight-knit relationship between AEW & CMLL as well as TKO buying AAA. It's a lot of interesting stuff going …

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Birdman 1:15:28

30d ago1:15:28

1:15:28

We continue the month with the most acclaimed movies by Alejandro González Iñárritu, with Birdman starring the great Michael Keaton. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz, respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul…

1
Seances, Czech fairy tales & the secret life of a film programmer (ft. Raul Benitez) 41:12

30d ago41:12

41:12

Ilse sits down with film programmer and Chicago Screen Gem Raul Benitez, a man who’s been shaping the city’s film culture for over a decade without ever setting foot in film school. From curating cult Czech fantasy films at midnight to launching a Chicago–Mexico City filmmaker exchange, Raul has proven that programming is equal parts taste, hustle,…

1
Biutiful 41:55

1M ago41:55

41:55

Alejandros most “Oscar bait” movie starting a terrific performance by Javier Bardem. When hitman Uxbal finds out he has terminal cancer he has to settle his affairs in order before he passes. Is this any good? Tune in to find out! Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz as well as the main show @synspod…

1
Keiph Oliver: You can lead the work...or keep waiting to be picked. Your choice. 57:13

1M ago57:13

57:13

Ilse sits down with writer–producer–multi-hyphenate Keiph Oliver for a conversation that’s equal parts business school, therapy, and creative pep talk. They get into what it means to lead instead of chase, why filmmakers should stop gatekeeping their own work, and how YouTube might be a smarter move than Sundance. Also in the mix: self-worth, faith…

1
21 Grams 43:47

1M ago43:47

43:47

We continue with Alejandro González Iñárritu with his first American Film, 21 Grams, starring Naomi Watts, Benicio Del Toro, and Sean Penn, a very dark drama. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul…

1
Why your film needs a wizard & a paladin (ft. Ana J. Christian & C. Ryan Stemple) 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

Ilse kicks it with Ana J. Christian (editor/paladin) and C. Ryan Stemple (colorist/wizard)—aka the post team behind Journey Work Entertainment, the Chicago studio making indie films look like a million bucks (without ever leaving the Midwest). They talk about what post actually is, why metadata’s your ride-or-die, the emotional damage of 2AM color …

1
Amores perros 1:26:22

2M ago1:26:22

1:26:22

A new September is here and another one of The Three Amigos of Cinema is being covered. This month it’s all Alejandro González Iñárritu movies. First week we cover one of the most intense directorial debuts Amores perros…..a movie about a sensitive subject and a very young Gael Garcia Bernal. So make sure you hold onto your dogs tight and enjoy as …

1
Christina Gutierrez don’t trust none of you hoes (but does trust Canadian casinos) 41:54

2M ago41:54

41:54

Ilse sits down with comic and cultural icon Christina Gutierrez—yes, the one who won at a Canadian casino and used the money to move to London. A literal main character. They talk standup as healing, immigrant kid ambition, and how comedy becomes armor. Plus: British accents gone wrong, Catholic grandmas, hot horoscopes, and how a purse on stage be…

1
Shrek Forever After 1:13:24

2M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

We finish the month with the last chapter for the Shrek Franchise so far until the reboot in 2027, yay? Shrek Forever After is the It's A Wonderful Life but with disco balls, war & craziness. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz, respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.co…

1
Lorena Gonzalez: Follow your dreams, NOT the ghost 54:03

2M ago54:03

54:03

Ilse sits down with actor and storycreator Lorena Gonzalez to talk about growing up in a legitimately haunted house, quitting a job to chase a dream, and getting told by an all-white conservatory that she didn’t “have it.” (Spoiler: she definitely has it.) They get into gratitude on set, the struggle of starting late in the game, and the spirit who…

1
Shrek the Third 57:28

2M ago57:28

57:28

This week we cover the movie that single handily killed all the momentum of the Shrek franchise, Shrek the Third. Listen as we talk about good stuff in this critically mixed entry in this phenomenon. Is it as bad as everyone says? Or is there enough layers to keep the ship afloat? Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz …

1
Mindset, Madness & Florida Man with Laura Weiner-Kiser 41:50

2M ago41:50

41:50

Ilse sits down with certified life coach and mindset expert Laura Weiner-Kiser to talk self-discovery, burnout culture, and why rest isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. They unpack what it really means to show up as yourself, why mindset beats motivation, and how to escape the trap of constant self-promotion. Also: Florida Man makes an appearance. Obviou…

1
Shrek 2 1:31:22

2M ago1:31:22

1:31:22

We continue Shrek Month with the masterpiece that is Shrek 2. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz, respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul

1
Jon Silver: Tell the joke, make the film... and maybe google JFK 40:48

3M ago40:48

40:48

Ilse sits down with Jon Silver to talk comedy roots, producing madness, and why childlike wonder is the secret sauce. They cover the Chicago scene, theater headaches, and Jon’s latest film The Premiere—plus a few conspiracy theories for good measure. Follow Jon on Instagram @jonsilverpoop

1
Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Recap Show #23 How To Stop An Exploding Man 53:10

3M ago53:10

53:10

We're here, everyone, the season finale of Heroes, considered one of the best season finales in television history. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul

1
Shrek 1:22:34

3M ago1:22:34

1:22:34

As voted on by you guys we take a whole month dedicated to a Dreamworks animated franchise. Fitting that the first animated Dreamworks film we are covering after 5 years of doing this is Shrek. I don’t even need to elaborate. It’s one of the most popular films of all time and completely changed the game. Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpu…

1
Make the thing, don't wait (ft. Missy Hernandez) 43:14

3M ago43:14

43:14

Missy Hernandez joins Ilse to talk about making your own lane—from acting to screenwriting to producing. They dive into representation, identity, and the power of language, plus why safe sets and community matter more than ever. Find out more about Missy and her workshops at www.missyhernandez.com Mentioned in this episode: Thank you to our sponsor…

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Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Rewatch: Episode 22: Landslide 51:16

3M ago51:16

51:16

The penultimate episode of the landmark first season of Heroes. This episode has it all character crossovers,rigged elections, and payoffs before the big finale! Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz as well as the main show @synspod

1
The Terminal 1:20:19

3M ago1:20:19

1:20:19

We finish Tom Hanks Month with one of his most underrated films, The Terminal, one of Raul's favorite movies. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul

1
Jayson "Avocado" Acevedo says "You don't have to set yourself on fire (and aliens are watching)" 38:29

3M ago38:29

38:29

Ilse and Jayson "Avocado" Acevedo go all in on comedy, self-discovery, and the weird stuff that makes us human—think: alien surveillance, zodiac beef, and birthmark theories. They unpack what it means to be real onstage and off, how fear messes with your glow, and why living out loud matters. Wanna know more about Jayson? Go to www.jaysonavocado.co…

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Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Recap Show #21 The Hard Part 44:23

3M ago44:23

44:23

This week, Hiro will discover a dark truth about Sylar... He has a living mother. As the Petrellis choose sides, Claire will be torn between them. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul…

1
Catch Me If You Can 1:17:34

3M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

The first Steven Spielberg movie that is not a franchise film! Join us as we recap the ultimate Cat & Mouse chase. Based on the “true story” of Frank Abagnale Jr. (played brilliantly by Leonardo DiCaprio) and FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). Learn how the ultimate con man became an airline pilot,doctor, and lawyer all while avoiding the law eve…

1
A ghost named Patrick... and the Chicago indie film scene (ft. Andrea Zile Bish) 38:49

3M ago38:49

38:49

Writer/director/producer Andrea Zile Bish joins Ilse to talk birds, ghosts, and the Chicago indie scene. They cover creative burnout, ghost roommates, and why making art with your people is the real flex. Find out more about Bish at www.zilebish.com Mentioned in this episode: Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.…

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Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Recap: Episode 20: Five Years Gone 47:21

3M ago47:21

47:21

We’re in the post bomb future! Peter has the John Connor scar and is in a relationship with Niki, Nathan’s the President hunting down all of the “special individuals”, and Hiro has a samurai haircut and can speak perfect English. A crazy warning of the future that everyone doesn’t want to happen. Follow Billy and Raul on BlueSky @masterofpuns196 an…

1
Cast Away 58:07

3M ago58:07

58:07

We continue Tom Hanks Month with one of his most iconic and fascinating films, Cast Away. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul

1
"Be you on TikTok, Instagram is full of haters" says the viral queen Yessenia Carreon 41:08

3M ago41:08

41:08

Ilse chats with Yesenia Carreon about the real deal behind being a Latina mom on TikTok—authenticity, community, and making content that actually connects. They get into growth, monetization, and why keeping it funny (and real) matters. Follow Yesenia on Instagram @yesseniacarreon_ & TikTok @yesseniacarreon Mentioned in this episode: Thank you to o…

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Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Recap Show #19 .07% 46:07

4M ago46:07

46:07

This week on Heroes, Claire will horrifically reunite with Peter, as Linderman reveals to Nathan his collection and future endeavors with our protagonists, as Sylar finally meets Issac. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=…

1
Big 1:04:33

4M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

One of the first BIG hits for Tom Hanks! Josh Baskin makes a wish we all do when we were 13, he wishes he were bigger. Thanks to a mysterious Zoltar machine at the carnival he manages to get just that. Waking up as an older version of himself but with the mind and brain of his 13 year old self. This movie has giant pianos, toys,a blossoming romance…

1
Hispanic Wookiee is not a thing, Preston O'ffill 49:11

4M ago49:11

49:11

Ilse and Preston O’ffill talk improv, musical theater, hecklers, and what it’s like performing for kids vs adults. They get into short films, reality TV, and bring back the ‘Gringo Meter’ for a comedy vibe check. Plus: Preston shares what’s next on stage. To see Preston live visit https://www.prestonoffill.com/…

1
Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Rewatch: Episode 18: Parasite 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

Claire and The Haitian visit Angela. Mr. Bennet gets caught by The Company. We also finally meet the mysterious Linderman. Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz as well as the main show @synspod

1
Forrest Gump 1:32:17

4M ago1:32:17

1:32:17

This month, we're going to be focusing on one amazing actor, Tom Hanks, so this week we're talking about Forrest Gump, one of his most acclaimed and famous films. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul…

1
Trailer 0:50

4M ago0:50

0:50

What do tacos, Bigfoot, and a bird-obsessed ghost named Patrick have in common? Ilse. Obviously. Ilse Will Say is an everything podcast with a soft spot for the entertainment world. Expect pop culture takes, nostalgia spirals, weird guests, fake facts, and the occasional Chicago-specific rant. New episodes every week. 🎧 Follow now so you don’t miss…

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Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Recap Show #17 Company Man 48:04

4M ago48:04

48:04

This week, we explore one of the best episodes of the Series, where we discover the past of HRG and The Company. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul

1
EP 003 Phat Nguyen Part 2 of 3 1:24:27

4M ago1:24:27

1:24:27

This week we have @PhatActual for a chat for part 2 of our series! Stay tuned for the rest of this series!

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EP 003 Phat Nguyen Part 1 of 3 9:00

4M ago9:00

9:00

This week we have @PhatActual for a chat! Stay tuned for the rest of this series!

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Love Lies Bleeding 52:53

4M ago52:53

52:53

(TRIGGER WARNING: This film deals with issues of domestic violence) Finishing off LGBTQ+ 3: Let’s Go Lesbians! With a modern flick from the most hipster studio/successful independent company: A24. Starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brien as a introverted gym owner named Lou and an ambitious and homeless bodybuilder named Jackie respectively. Watch…

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Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Rewatch: Episode 16: Unexpected 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

This week Mr. Bennett and The Haitian leave a gun for Isaac. Claude leaves Peter to fend for himself. Also Simone finally gets written out of the show, much to Billys pleasure. Follow Billy and Raul on BlueSky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz as well as the main show @synspod

1
But Im A Cheerleader 56:07

4M ago56:07

56:07

We continue LGBTQ Month with the indie comedy But I'm A Cheerleader, a film about conversion therapy . Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul

1
Save The Cheerleader: A Heroes Recap Show #15 Run! 46:11

4M ago46:11

46:11

This week on Heroes Parkman will face his greatest foe, Jessica Sanders a very interesting episode while Claire finds about more information about her mother. Make sure you follow Billy and Raul on @MasterOfPuns196 and @raulvaderrdz respectively, as well as the main show @SYNSPod, all on BlueSky https://zencastr.com/?via=raul…

1
Chasing Amy 1:14:17

5M ago1:14:17

1:14:17

We continue LGBTQ 3: Let’s Go Lesbians! With the Gen X cult classic and first Kevin Smith movie: Chasing Amy. We discuss how much the film holds and doesn’t hold up to todays standards. Also just a nice intro to the ViewAskewniverse in general. Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz as well as the main show @synspod…

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Save The Cheerleader:A Heroes Rewatch Episode 14: Distractions 50:32

5M ago50:32

50:32

This week on Save The Cheerleader…Peter starts his Batman Begins training. Claire meets her biological mother. Finally Sylar breaks free from The Company. Follow Billy and Raul on Bluesky @masterofpuns196 and @raulvaderrdz as well as the main show @synspod