Best John Darko Podcasts (2025)

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#66 - These ARE the HEADPHONES you are looking for (& more) 1:14:32

Play Pause

5d ago1:14:32

1:14:32

This episode brought to you by the Eversolo PLAY👉 https://bit.ly/3WK0Q6Tw/ 6moons' Srajan Ebaen0:00 Intro1:21 FiiO43:23 Shanling52:04 Aune1:03:31 Schiit1:09:41 Spotify Lossless (again)👉 As mentioned in this episode...FiiO FT7🛒 https://amzn.to/3YDraQU📖 https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/fiio-ft7/Shanling SCD3.3📖 https://darko.audio/2025/11/shan…

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Muppets Christmas Carol 1:20:38

6d ago1:20:38

1:20:38

Paul and Amy ring in the holidays with The Muppet Christmas Carol, celebrating the Muppets’ heartfelt take on Dickens, the film’s joyful performances, and the craftsmanship that made it a cozy holiday fave. They also reflect on the movie’s deeper emotional resonance in the years following Jim Henson’s passing, and why this Muppet classic continues …

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Remembering Rob Reiner 39:24

7d ago39:24

39:24

Over the weekend, the film world lost one of its greatest storytellers with the passing of Rob Reiner. In this special episode of Unspooled, Paul and Amy come together to celebrate Reiner’s extraordinary legacy, from his pitch-perfect understanding of characters and comedy to the heartfelt humanity that ran through his films. Learn more about your …

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Reel Confessions: Molly Lambert 34:36

7d ago34:36

34:36

Paul and Amy welcome Molly Lambert to Reel Confessions, where she gets candid about her film hot takes. From what people should and shouldn't eat in the theater to unpopular opinions on Charlie Sheen's acting, they truly discuss it all. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on…

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Brick 1:13:19

14d ago1:13:19

1:13:19

Paul and Amy step into the shadowy hallways of Brick, exploring how Rian Johnson fused hard-boiled noir with high school drama to create one of the most striking debuts of the 2000s. They also delve into Johnson’s meticulous planning, the film’s tight-budget and ingenuity, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s transformative performance. You can join the Unsp…

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Anchorman 1:17:34

20d ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Paul and Amy stay classy as they revisit Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, exploring how Will Ferrell and Adam McKay transformed a kooky idea about local news into a comedy landmark. They dig into the film’s improvisational energy, stacked cast, and reflect on how Anchorman helped launch a new era of American comedy. You can join the Unspooled…

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Beauty and the Beast or: Animorphs 1:32:16

23d ago1:32:16

1:32:16

#199--Beauty and the Beast (1991). In this episode we discuss the intricacies of furniture-based transfiguration.By Jack, Jun, Mike, and Shane

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2025 Thanksgiving Special 1:02:19

27d ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Happy Thanksgiving from Unspooled! Paul and Amy celebrate Thanksgiving by ranking cinema’s most disastrous families to spend the holidays with. They revisit the Torrances, the Sawyers, the Tenenbaums, and the deeply unsettling brood of Dogtooth to determine who would ruin dinner fastest. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at …

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Reel Confessions: Kareem Rahma 36:36

29d ago36:36

36:36

In the first episode of Reel Confessions, Paul and Amy sit down with Kareem Rahma to unpack his cinematic past. They touch on his first illicit R-rated watch, the strange ethics of “premium” movie theaters, and the almost spiritual journey of seeing emotionally devastating films on a plane. You can find Kareem @kareem, @subwaytakes, and @keepthemet…

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The Wiz 1:16:27

1M ago1:16:27

1:16:27

Paul and Amy ease on down the road with The Wiz, exploring its star-studded performances, ambitious set production, and how this all-Black reimagining of Oz became a cultural touchstone despite a less than stellar initial box-office run. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy o…

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Back to the Future (Re-Release) 2:17:00

1M ago2:17:00

2:17:00

Amy & Paul zoom at 88 miles per hour into 1985's Robert Zemeckis time travel comedy Back To The Future! They ask why Eric Stoltz wasn't the right choice for Marty McFly, discuss the film's critique of Reaganomics, and debate whether Steven Spielberg has had too much influence on our brains. Plus: Was the DeLorean originally supposed to be a fridge?…

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Prey 1:09:39

2M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Paul and Amy take aim at Prey, dissecting its bold reimagining of the Predator mythos, the stripped-down approach that sets it apart from the average sequel, and how the film brings new life and meaning to an iconic universe. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd…

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The Conjuring 1:20:58

2M ago1:20:58

1:20:58

Paul and Amy step into the dark with The Conjuring, unpacking the Warrens’ James Wan’s slow-burn scares, the real-life horror that inspired the film, and Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s uncanny chemistry. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their …

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Misery 1:08:20

2M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Paul and Amy crack open Misery, where Rob Reiner turns Stephen King’s nightmare of fame and obsession into a masterclass in tension. They unpack Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning turn as Annie Wilkes, James Caan, and what the film says about fandom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Pan's Labyrinth 1:05:44

2M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

With Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein on the horizion and spooky season in full swing, Paul and Amy dive into the mythical world of Pan's Labyrinth. They explore how they'd manage with eyeballs on their hands, how del Toro's upbringing shaped his unique vision of the world, and his knack for exploring political ideas through fairytales. Learn more…

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Remembering Diane Keaton 41:06

2M ago41:06

41:06

Over the weekend news broke that Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton passed away. Paul and Amy pay tribute to her remarkable legacy by celebrating her unforgettable films, fearless independence, distinctive style, and unwavering individuality that defined her career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Dead Poets Society 1:14:29

3M ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Paul and Amy reopen the pages of Dead Poets Society, chatting about Robin Williams' shocking shift to dramatic acting, characters cut from the film, and the film's lasting legacy in the years since its release. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of th…

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Minority Report 1:12:30

3M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Paul and Amy crack open 2002's Minority Report to discuss the impact technology continues to have on society, Tom Cruise's iconic performance as John Anderton, and how Spielberg tried to predict the future. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on Letterboxd for more of their …

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#65 - Spotify Lossless: too little, too late? 1:17:31

3M ago1:17:31

1:17:31

w/ 6moons' Srajan EbaenThis episode brought to you by AudioQuest👉 https://bit.ly/4fIkmaU🎓 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/johndarko0:00 Intro0:41 Spotify Lossless17:40 Topping33:20 DALI40:54 Node Audio48:31 HiFiMAN59:37 Kinki x Vinshine👉 As seen in this video...Spotify Lossless📖 https://darko.audio/2025/09/spotify-lossless-lands-at-last/DALI KUP…

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One Battle After Another 41:05

3M ago41:05

41:05

VIVA LA REVOLUTION! Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film, One Battle After Another, reenergizes the revolutionary spirit. In this special episode, Paul and Amy dive into PTA's biting critique of America, and how his vision - and an extraordinary cast - bring it all to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Dog Day Afternoon 1:09:52

3M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

Paul and Amy head to the streets of Brooklyn to discuss Dog Day Afternoon. They talk about how Sidney Lumet turned a botched heist into a cinematic event, Al Pacino's killer performance, and how culturally relevant the film and its themes still are today. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Fol…

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Spinal Tap 1:13:40

3M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Paul and Amy turn the dial up to eleven as they revisit 1984's Spinal Tap. They laugh through their favorite bits, explore Rob Reiner’s ambitious leap from sitcom actor to acclaimed director, and unpack how the film redefined and reshaped the very genre it set out to parody. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://disco…

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Celebrating Robert Redford 23:12

3M ago23:12

23:12

In this special midweek episode, Paul and Amy pay tribute to the late great Robert Redford. They take a look back on the first Redford films that made an impression on them, celebrate his career highlights both in front of and behind the camera, and reflect on how he always remembered to embrace the weird. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me…

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Clue 1:16:04

3M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

Paul teams up with Chris and Lizzie from the What Went Wrong Podcast to solve a murder mystery as they revisit the cult classic Clue. They reflect on the film's nostalgic charm, how casting shaped the film, and marvel at how edgy a PG rating could be in the 80s. Check out the What Went Wrong podcast at https://www.whatwentwrongpod.com/ You can join…

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The Breakfast Club 1:16:17

4M ago1:16:17

1:16:17

With the iconic teen drama returning to theaters for its 40th anniversary, Paul and Amy head back to high school to revisit The Breakfast Club. They dive into the movie’s legacy and talk about the scenes that didn’t make the final cut. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://discord.gg/ZwtygZGTa6 Follow Paul and Amy on …

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Memento 1:04:36

4M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Paul and Amy piece together their memories to unravel Memento, the thought provoking thriller that announced the arrival of one of the 21st century’s most visionary filmmakers. They dive into some big questions that the film presents: Can we really trust our own memories? How do we shape the way others see us? And what stories do we tell ourselves …

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Donnie Darko 1:11:09

4M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

This week, Paul and Amy dive into the mind-bending world of Richard Kelly’s 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko. They unravel its twisted timelines and alternate realities, explore its reflections on mental health, and examine what the film reveals about the turbulence of adolescence. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord at https://…

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They Live 1:06:07

4M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Put on your sunglasses—it’s time to see reality for what it truly is. Paul and Amy are rewinding the clock to 1988 to explore John Carpenter’s cult classic, They Live. Join them as they unpack how the film offers a sharp critique on Reagan-era America, reflects Carpenter’s political perspective, and why Carpenter wrote the script under a pseudonym.…

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#64 - A $120 hi-fi rack that DOESN'T look awful 1:39:44

5M ago1:39:44

1:39:44

This episode brought to you by AudioQuest👉 https://bit.ly/4fIkmaUw/ 6moons' Srajan Ebaen0:00 Intro0:46 Shanling7:37 Virtual Hi-Fi14:05 Co-linear Acoustics30:45 FitUEyes51:04 Bluesound58:32 Qualio Audio1:03:12 Hiby1:10:03 iFi / SilentPower1:20:00 Exact Express & Furutech👉 As discussed in this episode...Shanling🛒 https://amzn.to/4fsQTTM📖 https://dark…

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Summer Movie Recap 2025 1:06:47

5M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

The summer movie season brought the heat with unexpected hits, shocking flops, and plenty of surprises — and Paul and Amy are here to break it all down with their hottest takes. They talk about how Fantastic Four pulled Marvel out of its slump, dissect Pixar’s worst box office opening ever, and much more. You can join the Unspooled conversation on …

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The Naked Gun 59:30

5M ago59:30

59:30

With a reboot on the horizon, Paul and Amy revisit the 1988 slapstick classic The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!. From the creators of Airplane!, they explore how this team transformed a short-lived TV series into a beloved comedy franchise and in the process, helped invent a new species of cinematic comedy that left it's mark on cultur…

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Borat 1:25:47

5M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

Very nice! Amy and Paul dive deep into the influential and controversial 2006 film Borat. They discuss its place on major film lists, its impact on comedy and American culture, and the unique challenges faced during its production. The episode features a special interview with Borat director Larry Charles, who shares behind-the-scenes stories and i…

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Waterworld 1:26:24

5M ago1:26:24

1:26:24

There are summer blockbuster...and then there are summer flops. So this week, Paul and Amy take a plunge into the 1995 disaster, Waterworld. Stick around until the end, where they're joined by journalist and TCM host Ben Mankiewicz, who has his own personal connection to Hollywood misfires. You can join the Unspooled conversation on Paul’s Discord …

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Superman Revisited 1:47:13

6M ago1:47:13

1:47:13

With James Gunn’s Superman on the horizon, Paul and Amy revisit their 2022 episode on the movie that started it all—Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman. They look back at how Superman has evolved over the years, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’re hoping (and worried) about when it comes to the new take on the Man of Steel. You can join the Uns…

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#63 - 12 albums for your next hi-fi demo 1:10:01

6M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

w/ Twittering Machines' Michael Lavorgna👉 This episode brought to you by Bowers & Wilkinshttps://bit.ly/4ggz8X0👉 Darko's choices:Was (Not Was) - Out Come The Freaks (1984)🛒 https://amzn.to/44gVK6H📖 https://www.discogs.com/master/55697-Was-Not-Was-The-Woodwork-SqueaksThin White Rope - The Ruby Sea (1991)🛒 https://amzn.to/3GaMEPO📖 https://www.discogs…

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Donnie Darko or: Suck a Fuck Tolkien! 1:45:35

6M ago1:45:35

1:45:35

#200--Donnie Darko (2001). What even was this movie?By Jack, Jun, Mike, and Shane

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Air Force One 1:08:12

6M ago1:08:12

1:08:12

With July 4th just around the corner, Amy and Paul are getting into the patriotic spirit by revisiting the 1997 high altitude thriller Air Force One. They dive into how Harrison Ford wasn’t the original choice to play the president, discuss how the film holds up today, and Amy’s real-life trip to Kazakhstan. You can join the Unspooled conversation …

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NYT Top 100 Films 31:14

6M ago31:14

31:14

The New York Times unveiled their 100 best films of the 21st century last week and Amy and Paul are weighing in. In this mini episode, they unpack what they found to be bold choices, the snubs, and what left them scratching their heads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Paul Scheer & Amy Nicholson | Realm

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Speed Racer 1:05:42

6M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

With F1: The Movie hitting theaters this weekend, Paul and Amy are putting the pedal to the metal as they revisit the Wachowskis’ 2008 Speed Racer. They dive into how the film transformed from a box office flop to a cultural hit, explore its hyper-stylized visuals, and give some context on the chimpanzee. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimite…

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28 Days Later 1:01:42

6M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Hot on the heels of Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, Paul and Amy are bracing for the zombie apocalypse with a deep dive into 28 Days Later. They explore the film’s parallels to COVID-19 and 9/11 and reveal how Stephen King once bought out 800 tickets on opening night. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscript…

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Working Title Special 02 - "SLC Punk!" 1:12:53

6M ago1:12:53

1:12:53

We're back from our short hiatus with the highly anticipated follow up to our special episode where we watch SLC Punk! As reviewers with varying degrees of SLC, and varying degrees of Punk, we bring our uniquely qualified insight to this film.By Jack, Jun, Mike, and Shane

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#62 - Pixies & R.E.M. in Dolby Atmos, 3D-printed speakers & more 1:16:46

6M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

This episode brought to you by AudioQuest👉 https://bit.ly/4fIkmaUw/ 6moons' Srajan Ebaen0:00 Intro0:51 Zu Audio4:09 Sennheiser & aptX Lossless11:11 3D-printed speakers26:08 Cambridge Audio34:10 Stack Audio41:04 Chord Electronics50:50 OnFilter1:07:05 Pixies & R.E.M.👉 As discussed in this episode...Sennheiser BTD 700 (Yes, I mistakenly call it the 'B…

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Tommy Boy 1:15:33

7M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Amy’s back from Cannes, and this week, she and Paul are hitting the road with the 1995 comedy Tommy Boy. They dig into the behind-the-scenes tension between David Spade and Chris Farley, that it's one of Quentin Tarantino's favorite ’90s comedies, and how Farley’s tragic early death meant his full talent never truly got the spotlight it deserved. T…

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#61 - It's the end of hi-fi show coverage as we know it (and I feel fine) 1:27:48

7M ago1:27:48

1:27:48

This episode is brought to you by AudioQuest👉 https://bit.ly/4fIkmaUw/ 6moons' Srajan EbaenThis episode of the Darko.Audio podcast with 6moons' Srajan Ebaen is audio only. Why? Because the subject matter is what we might call 'inside baseball'. Srajan and I pull apart the hi-fi show model to question what we can learn from hi-fi show demos as they …