Best Evan MacDonald Podcasts (2025)

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

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1d 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…

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544: Emma Thompson Discusses Dead Of Winter 31:49

2d ago31:49

31:49

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Dame Emma Thompson, who joins us to discuss her leading role in the thriller, Dead Of Winter. It tells the story of a grief stricken widow who stops at a remote cabin in snowy Minnesota having got lost, and soon finds herself in a desperate fight for survival.By Edith Bowman

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543: Composer Rob Simonsen On The Music Of Caught Stealing 44:38

5d ago44:38

44:38

It's part two of our Caught Stealing sonic special, as composer Rob Simonsen joins us to discuss his contribution to Darren Aronofsky's latest movie, and plenty more besides. Edith's chat with Joe from IDLES is also available, as indeed is the episode with Darren, so do check those out if you haven't already. But it was great to get Rob on his own …

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

8d 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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542: Joe From IDLES On The Music Of Caught Stealing 29:14

5d ago29:14

29:14

It's bonus time again, as we bring you not one but two episodes relating to the music of Darren Aronofsky's riotous and darkly comic thriller, Caught Stealing. We'll drop the episode featuring composer Rob Simonsen shortly, but first it's the turn of Joe from IDLES, who collaborated with Rob and the score and also provided original songs for the fi…

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541: Kogonada On The Music Of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey 33:31

9d ago33:31

33:31

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Kogonada, director of a wonderful film called A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, it tells the story of David and Sarah, two strangers who meet at a mutual friend's wedding and embark on a fantastical exploration of their respective pasts. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is score…

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

15d 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 …

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540: Jay Roach & Tony McNamara On The Music Of The Roses 28:08

12d ago28:08

28:08

It's bonus time again here on Soundtracking, as director Jay Roach and writer Tony McNamara join me to discuss their collaboration on The Roses - a reimagining of the classic 1989 black comedy, The War Of The Roses. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman - with stellar support from the likes of Zoe Chao, Kate McKinnon and Ncuti Gatwa - it…

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

16d 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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539: Eric Idle Discusses His Love Of Music 36:11

16d ago36:11

36:11

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is a true cultural legend. It's only Python Eric Idle, who joins us to promote his show Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life - Live. It kicks off on Wednesday with dates around the country, and you can find details and buy tickets at ericidle.comBy Edith Bowman

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

22d 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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538: Chris Columbus On The Music Of The Thursday Murder Club 38:49

19d ago38:49

38:49

It's bonus time, as we bring you an extra episode of Soundtracking with Chris Columbus, director of the adaptation of Richard Osman's bestseller, The Thursday Murder Club. With a stellar cast including Hellen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley & Celia Imrie, it tells the story of Four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders fo…

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537: Darren Aronofsky On The Music Of Caught Stealing 31:53

23d ago31:53

31:53

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Darren Aronofsky, who returns to the podcast to discuss his comedy crime thriller, Caught Stealing. Starring Austin Butler, Regina King, Matt Smith, Zoe Kravitz and Liev Schreiber among others, it tells the story of New York bartender Hank Thompson, who finds himself in all manner of trouble with a motley crue o…

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

29d 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…

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536: Ari Aster On The Music Of Eddington 37:19

30d ago37:19

37:19

Our latest guest on soundtracking is Ari Aster, writer and director of Eddington. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone, it tells the story of a standoff between the mayor and sheriff of Eddington during Covid, which quickly escalates into all manner of chaos as battle lines are drawn. Eddington is scored by Daniel Pemberton and Bob…

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Lucy Porter, Rosco McClelland, Jessica Fostekew and Marc Jenning 28:02

1M ago28:02

28:02

Des and the teams are at the Edinburgh Festivals to break up the week's big news, including discussions between the US and EU about ending the war in Ukraine, plans to review the pension age in the UK, the first ever michelin star water menu in the UK, the couple who got married at the Edinburgh Fringe and more. Lead Writer: Elaine Malcolmson Addit…

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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…

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Ep. 10 - Level 5 C*ntquake 1:30:55

1M ago1:30:55

1:30:55

Send us a text We discuss Edmonton's festival summer, the ever-changing moviegoing experience, and the legacy of Canadian entertainers. Did you find a new love at Folk Fest? Did you giggle at Kill Tony's American-style kkkhumour? Did you watch The Hunting Wives and/or Weapons and need some very smart and actually surprisingly talented and funny peo…

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535: Mark Hamill On The Life Of Chuck & Star Wars 23:15

1M ago23:15

23:15

We promised you a bonus, so here it is, as Mark Hamill joins Edith to discuss his role in The Life Of Chuck, and reminisce about Star Wars. Enjoy!By Edith Bowman

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534: Tom Hiddleston & Chiwetel Ejiofor Talk The Life Of Chuck 20:33

1M ago20:33

20:33

Our latest guests on Soundtracking are Tom Hiddleston and Chiwetel Ejiofor, who join us ahead of the release of the quite wonderful The Life Of Chuck. Based on a short story by Stephen King, it tells the story of 'everyman' Chuck Krantz, charting his life in reverse order, chronicling a death that coincides with the end of the universe to his forma…

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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…

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Ray Bradshaw, Marjolein Robertson, Jamie MacDonald and Amy Matthews 28:03

1M ago28:03

28:03

Des Clarke hosts Scotland's award-winning satirical news quiz.By BBC Radio Scotland

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533: Michael Pearce On The Music Of Echo Valley 37:10

1M ago37:10

37:10

From a waiting room at a railway station, Edith is joined by Michael Pearce. Michael is the director of the Apple TV + film, Echo Valley. Starring Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, Echo Falls tells the story of a mother who comes to the aid of her daughter when she turns up in somewhat of an alarming state. It's scored by Jed Kurzel - soon to be a…

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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…

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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…

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532: Celine Song On The Music Of The Materialists 44:25

1M ago44:25

44:25

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Celine Song, writer and director of romantic comedy, The Materialists. Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, the film follows the story of a New York City matchmaker torn between her aspiring-actor ex-boyfriend and a charming millionaire. It's scored beautifully by our old friend, Daniel Pembert…

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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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Edinburgh Festival Special: Val McDermid, Connor Burns, Chloe Petts and Ignacio Lopez 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

Des and the teams are at the Edinburgh Festivals to break up the week's big news, including deputy first minister Kate Fobes’s announcement about stepping down at the next election, calls for Scotland to have a minister for nightlife, Tom Holland filming the latest Spider-Man in Glasgow, Oasis landing in Edinburgh for their comeback tour and more. …

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531: Composer John Murphy On The Music Of Superman 42:52

2M ago42:52

42:52

Hello again, friends, and welcome to the second part of our Superman double bill with the composers that collaborated on James Gunn's movie. First up was David Fleming, in an episode that's already available for your listening pleasure. Now it's the turn of John Murphy, who has worked with James on a number of projects, but has a compiled a rich bo…

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530: David Fleming On The Music Of Superman & The Last Of Us 37:43

2M ago37:43

37:43

CONTAINS BIG SPOILER ABOUT LAST OF US!!! We have a double header of you to start your week, as both composers who worked on James Gunn's Superman join me to discuss their collaboration on the film. We'll release our chat with John Murphy shortly, but first it's the turn of David Fleming, who was previously a guest on this show to talk about his con…

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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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Athena Kugblenu, Chris Thorburn, Alasdair Beckett-King and Kathleen Hughes 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

Des and the team break up the week's big news. Including: The aftermath of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland, changing TV viewing habits in Scotland, the number of steps we need per day to be healthy, Michael Flatley’s bit to be President of Ireland and more. Lead Writer: Rebecca Bain & Alex Garrick Wright Additional material: Tamarin F…

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529: Matt Shakman On The Music Of Fantastic Four 39:54

2M ago39:54

39:54

Our latest guest on Soundtracking is Matt Shakman, director of the latest adventure in the MCU - The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn as the titular team, it's set in the 1960s of a retro-futuristic world where the Fantastic Four must protect against the planet consuming cosmic b…

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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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Susie McCabe, Alex Kealy, Krystal Evans and Scott Agnew 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

Des and the team break up the week's big news, including US President Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland, concerns about overtourism in Edinburgh, a study about optimism, Green MSP Patrick Harvie and more. Lead Writer: Jennifer WalkerAdditional material: Paul Brown, Chris Ballard, Scott Graham, Gregor Paton, Rebecca Bain & Alex Garrick Wright, James …

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527: Lena Dunham & Luis Felber On The Music Of Too Much 32:12

2M ago32:12

32:12

Our latest guests on Soundtracking are wife and husband Lena Dunham and Luis Felber - aka musician Attawalpa - who join us to discuss the Netflix TV show they co-created, Too Much. Starring Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe, it tells the story of Jessica, a New Yorker who starts a new life in London after a disastrous breakup, only to meet musician Fel…

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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] …

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Robin Ince, Amanda Dwyer, Gareth Waugh and Diona Doherty 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

Jay and the team break up the week's big news, including President Donald Trump's surprise interview with the BBC, a proposal to replace ferries with tunnels for Shetland, a new 'height filter' for dating, and the theft of Beyonce's unreleased music. Lead writer: Chris BallardAdditional Material: Kate Smurthwaite, Lee Jevon and Garth Apthomas, Chri…

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526: Behind the Scenes with the Artisans of F1® The Movie (Live at the Apple Store) 46:05

2M ago46:05

46:05

We have another bonus episode of Soundtracking for you, recorded in front of an audience at Apple Regent Street (London). The subject of this genuinely fascinating conversation is all about the recent release of F1® The Movie, and features key members of the production team. Edith is joined by cinematographer Claudio Miranda, editor Stephen Mirrion…

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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…

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Ep. 9 - Meet The Trudeaus 1:25:13

2M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Send us a text Hey it's just a lifestyle experience :) We got a club tour at a local lifestyle club comedy night. We talk about ordering Skip The Dishes at the sex club, how Sophie opened for world famous comedian Robby Hoffman at the Grindstone Comedy Festival, and we check-in with craftingeinstein after his sentencing. For our main topic we discu…

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525: James Gunn On The Music Of Superman 30:32

2M ago30:32

30:32

Welcome James Gunn, writer and director of the latest iteration of Superman. Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnehan, Nicholas Hoult and James's dog, it sees billionaire Lex Luther attempt to undermine our hero by turning public opinion against him. James is on cracking form, and is particularly passionate about his music, even writing a song fo…

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Chris Forbes, Kate Hammer, Rosco McClelland and Sooz Kempner 28:02

2M ago28:02

28:02

Des and the team break up the week's big news. Including: The state visit to the UK by French President Emmanuel Macron, inaccurate AI books about First Minister John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon, fans lending a spare room to Partick Thistle football club, the new Superman and more. Lead Writer: Nathan CowleyAdditional material: Mike Grace, Kate Smu…

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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…

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524: Alexandre Desplat On The Music Of Jurassic Park Rebirth 25:47

3M ago25:47

25:47

We're back with the second of our Jurassic Park Rebirth specials to kick off your week. We released Edith's chat with director Gareth Edwards a little earlier. Now it's the turn of his composer Alexandre Desplat, who of course had to contend with the legacy of all the wonderful music associated with the franchise, not least John Williams's iconic t…

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523: Gareth Edwards on The Music Of Jurassic World Rebirth 30:19

3M ago30:19

30:19

It's another two show week here on Soundtracking, as first director Gareth Edwards and then composer Alexandre Desplat join us to discuss their work on Jurassic World: Rebirth. In this first of the interviews, Gareth gives us the inside line on how he got the gig, cast members peeing in mangrove swamps, and Alexandre's last ditch efforts to land th…

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Jay Lafferty, Stuart Mitchell, Tiff Stevenson and Daliso Chaponda 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

Des and the team break up the week's big news. Including: The dramatic vote in Westminster over the UK government's welfare bill, President Donald Trump's flagship spending policy, new technology at Wimbledon, Debbie Harry at 80 and much more. Lead writer: Adele CliffAdditional material: Alice Bright and Darren Phillips, Evan Gilsenan, Nathan Cowle…

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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…

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522: Composer Antonio Sanchez On The Music Of The Studio & Birdman 45:46

3M ago45:46

45:46

King Of The Drums, Antonio Sanchez, joins us to discuss his work on Apple TV+ hit, The Studio, and his seminal, groundbreaking score for Birdman. He is an absolute delight, and fascinating in his exploration of his process.By Edith Bowman

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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…