Best John Stephens Matt Russell Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

2d 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
Episode 204: CHRISTIANS, CONFLICT AND COMPASSION 41:47

1h ago41:47

41:47

As Christians, we are called to be people of compassion and justice but in a world full of polarization, it’s easy to get swept into extremes or let politics shape our ideology. Together, we explore how to meet people where they are in their grief, how to care for the hurting without rushing to take sides, and how to let the gospel guide us toward …

1
The Life Of Custard (ft. guests Joaquin Phoenix; Tom Hiddleston & Chiwetel Ejiofor; Samara Weaving & Karl Glusman) 1:58:53

9d 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
Episode 203: CHATGPT AND FALL KICKOFF 30:26

7d ago30:26

30:26

John and Matt are back from summer break, and Pod Have Mercy is kicking off a brand-new season! In this episode, they catch up on everything that’s happened over the summer and share a preview of the exciting things coming this fall at Chapelwood. From new guests to meaningful conversations and big moments in the life of the church, this season is …

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

16d 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
Episode 202: HOW TO PROCESS GRIEF 58:20

14d ago58:20

58:20

Grief touches every life, but knowing how to navigate it—especially alongside friends and family—can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we’re joined by grief expert and therapist Sasha Coles for an honest, compassionate conversation about loss. Together, we explore healthy ways to process grief, support one another, and create space for healing in…

1
The Shameless Plug #6: Two Days With James Cameron 42:04

17d 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…

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

18d 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
The Not-So-Difficult Second Movie (ft. guests Guy Pearce and Benedict Wong) 1:45:04

23d 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])…

1
Hey, It's Enrico Pazuzu! (ft. guests Akiva Schaffer and James Gunn) 1:45:49

1M 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…

1
Movie News Mews (ft. guests, Matt Shakman and Sam Rockwell) 1:40:40

1M 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…

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

1M 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

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…

1
Where's The Cueball Going? (ft. guests, David Corenswet and Joseph Kosinski) 1:32:25

2M 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
Episode 201: Talking to Your Children About Loss – What to Say and Not to Say 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Revs. John Stephens and Matt Russell sit down with renowned child psychologist Dr. Michelle Forrester in a timely and practical podcast episode. Dr. Forrester will share guidance to help your children (and you) process their feelings, answer difficult questions, and nurture resilience and comfort during challenging times. Chapelwood.org/Resources…

1
Are We The Baddies? (ft. guests Mahershala Ali & Rupert Friend, David Cronenberg, Gerard Johnstone) 1:58:21

2M 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
The Empire Podcast: The Movie (with guests Damson Idris, and Ivanna Sakhno) 1:48:08

2M 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…

1
Mona Lisa Episode IV: A New Hope (ft. guests Julianne Moore & Michael Pearce, Ralph Fiennes & Jodie Comer) 1:48:56

2M ago1:48:56

1:48:56

It's another packed episode of the Empire Podcast, the show that dares to ask the big questions: isn't the Mona Lisa just a woman sitting down? Who's the richest Northern Irish person? Can you buy stocks in Glen Powell? Join the pod team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann — as they tackle those questions, discuss the origina…

1
Going Deep With Colin Trevorrow: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

In our latest Empire Podcast interview special, Chris Hewitt sits down (in a swanky London hotel room) with Colin Trevorrow, the director of Jurassic World and Safety Not Guaranteed, to talk about Trevorrow's latest movie, the Prime Video comedy Deep Cover, which he produced and co-wrote. But that's not all — Trevorrow also talks about his choices …

1
The Shameless Plug #4 45:21

2M ago45:21

45:21

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor Nick de Semlyen sit down and do a deep dive into the contents of the latest issue of Empire — is back, folks, and this one really is fantastic. That's because this month's cover story is The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which inspires Chris and Nick to talk about some of their se…

1
Yes, And/Yes, Andor (with guests Jack Lowden, Bryce Dallas Howard, Nick Mohammed & Orlando Bloom) 1:44:41

3M ago1:44:41

1:44:41

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt sit down in person with Deep Cover stars, Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, and Nick Mohammed, to talk about their experiences playing improvisers who go undercover as fake cops;[1:00:00 - 1:15:52 approx] and on Zoom with Tornado and Slow Horses star, Jack Lowden. [26:15 - 39:20 approx] …

1
Kyle MacLachlan And Mark Frost On Twin Peaks And David Lynch: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

Here's a damn fine special episode of the Empire Podcast for you to enjoy. We're in the grip of Twin Peaks fever all over again — the seminal David Lynch/Mark Frost TV show is being celebrated this Sunday (June 15th) at the BFI Southbank in London with a special 35mm print screening of the show's pilot, and if that weren't enough, every single epis…

1
An Award-Losing Podcast (with guests Jai Courtney, Ian McShane, Dean DeBlois) 1:57:01

3M ago1:57:01

1:57:01

This week's episode of the freshly award-losing Empire Podcast sees the podteam lick their wounds after a demoralising defeat in the Best Podcast (Consumer) category at the BSMEs earlier in the week. How do they do this? By talking about movies, of course, as they discuss the week's news (a load of trailers, and a potential new James Cameron movie)…

1
Wade Eastwood On The Stunts Of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 41:20

3M ago41:20

41:20

Whether it's Tom Cruise risking his neck underwater, or above ground while clinging to the wing of a biplane, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is filled with stunts that might just turn your hair white. That's if you don't lose it completely. That's just one of the side effects discussed in this Empire Podcast interview special, as the fil…

1
Starting In The Middle (with guests Jesse Armstrong, Tim Key, Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) 1:53:44

3M ago1:53:44

1:53:44

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees the podteam — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and Alex Godfrey — get to grips with the definition of in media res, as they discuss some of their favourite films that throw you right into the action. Elsewhere, they talk about the week's movie news, pay tribute to Empire's founding editor Barry M…

1
Christopher McQuarrie on The Final Reckoning, Benicio del Toro & Michael Cera on The Phoenician Scheme, Tony Gilroy on Andor s2 (spoilers), and Cannes You Dig It? 1:58:45

3M ago1:58:45

1:58:45

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt mark the release of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning by doing a non-spoiler, non-epic (less than 20 minutes!) chat with that film's director, the legendarily loquacious Christopher McQuarrie, [26:00 - 43:06 approx] and have a lovely natter with the stars of the new Wes Anderson fi…

1
Episode 200: BISHOP ANDE EMMANUEL (UMC Nigeria) 56:36

3M ago56:36

56:36

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re joined by Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the resident bishop of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria. In a conversation that is both sobering and urgent, Bishop Emmanuel sheds light on the escalating tensions between UMC and GMC members in Nigeria—tensions that have led to violence, misinformation, and even the tragic lo…

1
The Shameless Plug #3: Jurassic World Rebirth And Other Animals 39:22

3M ago39:22

39:22

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, sit down and talk you through the latest issue of Empire — is back for its third episode, folks. This one is dedicated to issue 441 of Empire (on sale now at all good, evil, and virtual newsagents), which features Jurassic World Rebirth on the cover, and Nick ta…

1
The Extraordinary Miss Flower: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 30:31

4M ago30:31

30:31

Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard's The Extraordinary Miss Flower is part-concert film, part-performance art piece inspired by the life of its subject, a woman called Geraldine Flower. When she passed away a few years ago, her daughter Zoe discovered a number of letters, written over the years by suitors of Geraldine's, which painted a picture of a wil…

1
Rosamund Pike & Matthew Rhys, Final Destination Bloodlines directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, Superman and Spelling Bees 1:38:49

4M ago1:38:49

1:38:49

This week's episode of the BSME Awards-nominated Empire Podcast had better not be the episode that the BSME Awards judging panel listens to ahead of voting, or our nomination might be rescinded. Which is to say, chaos reigns as Chris Hewitt returns — eventually, after being waylaid by a McQ&A — to the hosting chair, and is joined by Helen O'Hara, J…

1
Episode 199: WE'RE IN TANZANIA (ft.Bishop Mande Muyombo) 28:19

4M ago28:19

28:19

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we’re recording from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a very special guest: Bishop Moyambe. Together, we explore the inspiring work of the United Methodist Church in Tanzania, how it’s growing, how lives are being changed, and what the future holds. Bishop Moyambe shares firsthand stories of transformation, hope, and the p…

1
Lily Gladstone & Kelly Marie Tran, Great Actor/Director Pairings, Tariffs and Teen Movies 1:39:12

4M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

It's another cracking episode of the (freshly award-nominated) Empire Podcast this week, folks, as Helen O'Hara slips into the hosting chair and tries to wrestle James Dyer and Alex Godfrey into shape as they talk about changeable movie titles, great actor/director pairings, Alex's favourite teen movies, the week's movie news including Donald Trump…

1
Episode 198: SHANNON HOPKINS 49:59

4M ago49:59

49:59

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Shannon Hopkins, co-founder and lead cultivator of RootedGood, to talk about the evolving landscape of the church and its role in today’s world. Shannon brings a wealth of experience in social entrepreneurship and innovation, having launched or influenced more than 15 campaigns and trained over 200 social ent…

1
Episode 197: SHAME 17:11

4M ago17:11

17:11

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we talk about shame, how it shows up in our lives, how we carry it, and how we begin to let it go. As Christians, we often wrestle with guilt and shame, but we also believe in something stronger: connection. In this episode, we explore the idea that the antidote to shame isn't perfection—it's being known. True healing h…

1
Wyatt Russell, David Harbour & Hannah John-Kamen, Paul Feig, Ryan Coogler, And It’s Episode 666 1:57:55

4M ago1:57:55

1:57:55

It had to happen: the Empire podcast has finally gone to hell — quite literally in this case, as this particular show is episode 666. Perhaps appropriately, James is in the driving seat for this one, embracing this demonically anointed episode to bring you such thematically-relevant discussions as a Mount Rushmore of movie Satans and an off-topic d…

1
Episode 196: POPE FRANCIS 31:43

4M ago31:43

31:43

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we reflect on the life, leadership, and lasting legacy of Pope Francis, following the news of his passing. Known as a reformer, a bridge-builder, and a pope of the people, Francis reshaped the global perception of the Catholic Church with his compassion, humility, and unwavering focus on the margins.Join us as we unpack…

1
The Convergence Is Here (ft. Gareth Evans, Christian Gudegast, and Gavin O'Connor), And Mount Rushmoreapalooza 1:55:20

4M ago1:55:20

1:55:20

It was foretold by the Ancient Ones: The Convergence (or Gunvergence, if you will), the day on which three absolutely slamming action movies will be released at the same time in the UK (albeit on different formats), ushering in a new era of sweaty dad bods, car chases, and many scenes where people die in a hail of bullets. And that day is today, fo…

1
The Shameless Plug #2 — The June Issue 31:57

4M ago31:57

31:57

The Shameless Plug returns, folks, for a second glorious episode in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, sit down in the podbooth and tell you how (and why) the sausage is made. That sausage being the new issue of Empire, which is on sale now in all good, evil, and virtual newsagents. Our dynamic duo talk through the month's big c…

1
Episode 195: EASTER (with Rev. Michael Jarboe) 21:49

4M ago21:49

21:49

In this Holy Week edition of Pod Have Mercy, John Stephens and Michael Jarboe take a thoughtful (and at times hilarious) walk through the final days leading up to Easter: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. They share insights from their own ministry experiences, the weight and wonder of this season, and even pause…

1
Easter Guestapalooza (Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland, Ludwig Göransson, Osgood Perkins), Movie Musicals, And The Oscars' Latest Stunt 1:59:21

5M ago1:59:21

1:59:21

This week's Empire Podcast (episode 664 if you're keeping score!) is more packed with goodness than your average Easter egg. Not only do Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and Alex Godfrey get into a discussion about what exactly makes a musical a musical (along with an impromptu visit to a certain mountain), but they tackle the week's movie news, includi…

1
Kevin Macdonald on One To One: John & Yoko — An Empire Podcast Interview Special 29:25

5M ago29:25

29:25

Kevin Macdonald's latest documentary, One To One: John & Yoko, is out now in cinemas around the UK, folks, and it's well worth your time for anyone with even a passing interest in John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, and their lives after The Beatles split up. But if you're a Beatlemaniac, this is manna from heaven as it not only brings you remaster…

1
Episode 194: A.D. PLAYERS 1:10:03

5M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we welcome Jayme McGhan and Andy Pederson from A.D. Players at the George Theatre for a powerful conversation on art, faith, and moral courage. Jayme, the Executive Artistic Director and an accomplished playwright and educator, and Andy, the Education & Theater for Young Audiences Director, join us to discuss their new …

1
Ralph Fiennes & Juliette Binoche, Rami Malek & Laurence Fishburne, Christopher Landon, Movie Weddings, And Helen Returns! 1:57:56

5M ago1:57:56

1:57:56

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is jam-packed etc. etc. Bumper-sized, and so on and so forth. But it's true, perhaps this week more than ever as Chris Hewitt sits down for chats with two pairs — first, there's Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, who reunite almost 30 years after The English Patient for this week's Odyssey-sampling drama, …

1
Will Poulter, Amber Midthunder, Beatles, Avengers, And Farewell To Val Kilmer 1:40:20

5M ago1:40:20

1:40:20

This week's Empire Podcast sees the long-awaited return of one of our favourite guests, the wonderful British actor Will Poulter, who talks to Chris Hewitt about his role in the new movie, Death Of A Unicorn, playing a prize A-hole, and impromptu tongue-twisters. [20:38 - 33:28 approx]Another returning guest joins us this week, as the delightful Am…

1
Episode 193: REV. ERIC SOARD 51:32

5M ago51:32

51:32

In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Eric Soard, Executive Director of the Wesley College Foundation and an ordained deacon in the Memphis Annual Conference. Eric shares his powerful journey from youth ministry in Tennessee to a decade of mission work in Tanzania, where he and his family served in orphan care, church planting, and community devel…

1
George MacKay, Irwin Winkler, And The Avengers Doomsday Cast Announcement 1:59:44

5M ago1:59:44

1:59:44

We start on a director's chair. We pull back to reveal its back. On it is emblazoned a name. That name? George MacKay, the wonderful star of this week's thought-provoking original movie musical, Joshua Oppenheimer's The End, who pops into the podbooth to have a good old natter [from 30:49 - 48:20 approx] with... We pull back. It's another director'…

1
Episode 192: TRAVEL AND TRANSCENDENCE 29:16

5M ago29:16

29:16

This week on Pod Have Mercy, we explore the transformative power of travel, the way stepping into unfamiliar places can open us up to awe, wonder, and something beyond ourselves. When we allow the mystery of a place to surprise us, we find that travel isn't just about geography, it's about transcendence. We draw parallels between these experiences …

1
The Shameless Plug #1 — The May 2025 Issue 34:25

5M ago34:25

34:25

Welcome to The Shameless Plug, a brand new Empire Podcast regular show, folks. As the title suggests, every month Chris Hewitt will sit down with Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, for a deep dive into the latest issue of Empire, bringing you the stories behind the stories and covering everything including the cover. This month's cover feature is Thun…

1
Barry Levinson, Gints Zilbalodis, Snakes On A Podcast, And The Convergence 1:43:06

5M ago1:43:06

1:43:06

It's another bumper-sized edition of the Empire Podcast this week, folks, in which Chris Hewitt sits down on Zoom with the legendary director, Barry Levinson, on the eve of the release of his new gangster movie, The Alto Knights, starring Robert De Niro, Robert De Niro and Robert De Niro's dogs. [23:31 - 40:13 approx] Then, we also hear from Gints …

1
Episode 191: WHAT IS AN EVANGELICAL? 31:59

5M ago31:59

31:59

In this episode of Pod Have Mercy, we tackle a big question: What is an evangelical? Using insights from a recent Pew Research Center study featured in Christianity Today, we explore the shifting landscape of evangelical identity in America. From racial diversity to political affiliations and even church attendance trends, we unpack the surprising …