Best Chris Franco Podcasts (2025)

1
Vendrak The Vertical, Scáthach, And The Kamino Kid (ft. guests Benny Safdie, Malcolm McDowell, Harris Dickinson) 1:55:38

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2d ago1:55:38

1:55:38

This week's Empire Podcast sees us welcome another hat-trick of wonderful guests, as Chris Hewitt has lovely chats with The Smashing Machine writer-director (and Happy Gilmore 2 villain), Benny Safdie, [24:13 - 40:39 approx] and bona fide acting legend, Malcolm McDowell, star of new WWII drama, The Partisan (please excuse the sound quality of Chris…

1
The Edge Is A Battenberg (ft. guests Brett Goldstein, Emma Thompson, Paul Thomas Anderson) 1:59:43

9d ago1:59:43

1:59:43

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is one of those jam-packed ones in which we specialise. Guest-wise, Chris Hewitt is blessed with the presence of our old chum, Brett Goldstein, who talks beards, bums, and baring his soul in new romantic drama, All Of You; [18:37 - 36:33 approx] and Chris also has a lovely chat with Emma Thompson as she ent…

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

17d 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 …

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250917 Chad Lamb - The Super Race 1:46:19

13d ago1:46:19

1:46:19

Chad Lamb: The Super Race [1:46:19] Click here for: High quality (1.84 GB) Click here for: Low quality (682.2 MB) 5097By BCF

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250914 Chad Lamb - The Messenger of the Seventh Seal 2:34:04

20d ago2:34:04

2:34:04

Chad Lamb: The Messenger of the Seventh Seal [2:34:04] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (988.32 MB) 5096By BCF

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

24d 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

25d 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…

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250910 Chad Lamb - The Mount Zion Showdown 1:41:38

22d ago1:41:38

1:41:38

Chad Lamb: The Mount Zion Showdown [1:41:38] Click here for: High quality (1.76 GB) Click here for: Low quality (652.05 MB) 5095By BCF

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250907 Danny del Mundo - The Daughters of the Firstborn 2:07:12

23d ago2:07:12

2:07:12

Danny del Mundo: The Daughters of the Firstborn [2:07:12] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (816.26 MB) 5094By BCF

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

1M 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…

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250903 Chad Lamb - The Former and Latter Rain 1:53:37

27d ago1:53:37

1:53:37

Chad Lamb: The Former and Latter Rain [1:53:37] Click here for: High quality (1.97 GB) Click here for: Low quality (728.93 MB) 5093By BCF

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49 - Insurers vs. Plaintiff Attorneys: Why Collaboration is Key to Staying Competitive with ClaimConnectIQ's Jeanette Hernandez 22:36

27d ago22:36

22:36

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the CEO at ClaimConnectIQ, Jeanette Hernandez. Jeanette discusses her career journey, the creation of ClaimConnectIQ—a platform connecting claims professionals with vetted service providers—and her work with AMA Roundtables, which foster industry collaboration. She explores talent shortages, the evolving insurer…

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250831 Chad Lamb - A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 5 2:43:16

1M ago2:43:16

2:43:16

Chad Lamb: A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 5 [2:43:16] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (1.02 GB) 5092By BCF

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

1M 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
250827 Chad Lamb - A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 4 1:43:31

1M ago1:43:31

1:43:31

Chad Lamb: A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 4 [1:43:31] Click here for: High quality (1.79 GB) Click here for: Low quality (664.18 MB) 5091By BCF

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250824 Chris Take - Seeking the Manifestation of the Promise 2:20:21

1M ago2:20:21

2:20:21

Chris Take: Seeking the Manifestation of the Promise [2:20:21] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (900.35 MB) 5090By BCF

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
CCR331: Cracking Global Markets with Transcreation Expert, Victoria Franco 30:26

1M ago30:26

30:26

In this episode, Kevin Rogers sits down with Victoria Franco to unpack transcreation—the blend of marketing strategy, cultural intelligence, direct response copy, and translation that turns English‑first offers into winners in Latin America. They break down why literal translation fails, how WhatsApp/DM culture flips the funnel, and why emotional r…

1
250817 Gabriel Smith - Touched - Part 4 2:33:57

2M ago2:33:57

2:33:57

Gabriel Smith: Touched - Part 4 [2:33:57] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (987.44 MB) 5089By BCF

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

2M 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

2M 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…

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250813 Chad Lamb - A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 3 1:42:40

2M ago1:42:40

1:42:40

Chad Lamb: A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 3 [1:42:40] Click here for: High quality (1.78 GB) Click here for: Low quality (658.73 MB) 5088By BCF

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

2M 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
250810 Chad Lamb - A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 2 2:55:16

2M ago2:55:16

2:55:16

Chad Lamb: A Message From the Holy Spirit - Part 2 [2:55:16] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (1.1 GB) 5087By BCF

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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])…

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48 - Training Tomorrow's Adjusters: The Importance of Mentorship in the Claims Industry with Gallagher Bassett's Gary Leonard 19:16

2M ago19:16

19:16

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Head of Liability, North America at Gallagher Bassett, Gary Leonard. Gary shares his unconventional path into the claims industry, insights from his private investigation background, and the importance of timely investigations and clear communication. He covers challenges faced by claims adjusters, the impac…

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250806 Chad Lamb - A Message From the Holy Spirit – Part 1 2:04:04

2M ago2:04:04

2:04:04

Chad Lamb: A Message From the Holy Spirit – Part 1 [2:04:04] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (795.95 MB) 5086By BCF

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250803 Chad Lamb - There Must Come an Ephesians 2:32:43

2M ago2:32:43

2:32:43

Chad Lamb: There Must Come an Ephesians [2:32:43] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (979.8 MB) 5085By BCF

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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…

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250730 Chad Lamb - Ephesians Parallels Joshua 1:34:43

2M ago1:34:43

1:34:43

Chad Lamb: Ephesians Parallels Joshua [1:34:43] Click here for: High quality (1.64 GB) Click here for: Low quality (607.71 MB) 5084By BCF

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47 - Turning Shopping Centers into Living Spaces: A New Approach to Housing with Collins + Collins' Howard Franco Jr., Esq. 8:26

2M ago8:26

8:26

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Partner of Collins + Collins, Howard Franco Jr., Esq. Howard explains the benefits and challenges of repurposing malls, including implications for the insurance industry and community revitalization. He shares examples of successful projects and emphasizes the need for creative, collaborative approaches to h…

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250727 Jim Swanson - Spiritual Ignition 2:14:22

2M ago2:14:22

2:14:22

Jim Swanson: Spiritual Ignition [2:14:22] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (862.22 MB) 5082By BCF

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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…

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250723 Chad Lamb - Grace & Works in Ephesians 1:42:33

2M ago1:42:33

1:42:33

Chad Lamb: Grace & Works in Ephesians [1:42:33] Click here for: High quality (1.77 GB) Click here for: Low quality (657.92 MB) 5083By BCF

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46 - Unpacking the Complexities of Bad Faith Claims: What You Need to Know with Erin Erickson and Paul Tranel 15:43

2M ago15:43

15:43

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Managing Partners and Shareholder at Bohyer, Erickson, Beaudette & Tranel, Erin Erickson and Paul Tranel. Erin and Paul highlight recent legal trends, legislative changes, and the impact of new residents on jury verdicts. They also cover the firm’s national recognition, the advanced pay rule, and the effects…

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250720 Chad Lamb - The Response to Grace 2:08:27

3M ago2:08:27

2:08:27

Chad Lamb: The Response to Grace [2:08:27] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (824.01 MB) 5080By BCF

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

3M 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

3M 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…

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250716 Chad Lamb - The Strength of Grace 1:37:30

3M ago1:37:30

1:37:30

Chad Lamb: The Strength of Grace [1:37:30] Click here for: High quality (1.68 GB) Click here for: Low quality (625.6 MB) 5079By BCF

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45 - From Legal Briefs to Insurance Claims: A Journey of Unexpected Twists with Golden Bear Insurance Company's Alexandra Santo 7:56

3M ago7:56

7:56

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Claims Consultant of Golden Bear Insurance Company, Alexandra Santo. Alexandra discusses her transition from practicing law to working in insurance, highlighting the variety and flexibility of her current role. She shares insights into handling general liability, cannabis, and legal malpractice claims, inclu…

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250713 Allistair Francis - The Purposeful Nature 2:45:24

3M ago2:45:24

2:45:24

Allistair Francis: The Purposeful Nature [2:45:24] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (1.04 GB) 5078By BCF

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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
250709 Chad Lamb - We Must Will To Do His Will: Listening for His Voice 1:36:13

3M ago1:36:13

1:36:13

Chad Lamb: We Must Will To Do His Will: Listening for His Voice [1:36:13] Click here for: High quality (1.66 GB) Click here for: Low quality (617.41 MB) 5077By BCF

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44 - Building Codes and Catastrophes: What Every Homeowner Should Know with Markel Group's Phyllis Modlin 9:12

3M ago9:12

9:12

Your host, Chris Tidball, talks with the Director and Sr. Counsel of Markel Group, Phyllis Modlin. Phyllis discusses the intricacies of construction defect litigation, common property damage issues, and the insurance industry's evolving responses. Phyllis highlights the rise in construction defect claims, the importance of adhering to building code…

1
250706 Noel Johnson - The Mystery of God Explored 2:48:23

3M ago2:48:23

2:48:23

Noel Johnson: The Mystery of God Explored [2:48:23] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (1.06 GB) 5076By BCF

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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
CCR330: How Dave Munson Built Saddleback Leather on Faith, Grit, and Story 57:41

3M ago57:41

57:41

In this episode of Paid to Create, I sat down with Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather and author of the new book They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead. Dave’s story is one of relentless curiosity, unwavering faith, and a passion for building things that matter. We got deep into how a single leather bag turned into a brand people brag about…

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250702 Chad Lamb - Overcoming in the Mind 1:37:18

3M ago1:37:18

1:37:18

Chad Lamb: Overcoming in the Mind [1:37:18] Click here for: High quality (1.68 GB) Click here for: Low quality (624.2 MB) 5075By BCF