Best Michael McGraw Podcasts (2025)

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Now It's Time For Halloween (ft. guests Edward Berger, Yorgos Lanthimos, Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Maika Monroe) 1:56:15

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3d ago1:56:15

1:56:15

It's Halloween, folks, so this week's episode of the Empire Podcast is extra-spooky, with Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Beth Webb get way too invested in a listener question about the horror movie death that they would want for themselves. Just keep repeating: it's only a podcast, it's only a podcast, it's only a podcast. Elsewhere, o…

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Truwant + Rodet + 1:24:50

1d ago1:24:50

1:24:50

Truwant+Rodet+ is a Basel-based architecture firm founded in 2015 by Charlotte Truwant and Dries Rodet, which operates across the fields of architecture, landscape urbanism, exhibition making, installations, furniture design, research, and teaching. In 2017, they received the Swiss Art Award for their project A Pavilion. Since 2018, they have been …

1
Kenny Dalglish & Asif Kapadia on Kenny Dalglish: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 33:11

5d ago33:11

33:11

If you can hear a high-pitched squealing noise in the background of our latest interview special, that's just Chris Hewitt vibrating with excitement. For this podcast puts him in the room with one of his all-time heroes, Liverpool FC icon Kenny Dalglish, who is the eponymous subject of Asif Kapadia's latest documentary, which is out today (October …

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Carousels and Roller Coasters 1:00:25

4d ago1:00:25

1:00:25

It's been a chaotic October for college football coaches and fans of the Virginia Cavaliers. LSU has added another high-profile opening to the coaching carousel, while UVA secured its third overtime win of the season by inches. In this week's episode, we discuss the state of the ACC and preview a pivotal weekend of college football. Topics for disc…

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Maggie Lawson on Her New Role as Sarah Silver in Boston Blue 30:56

5d ago30:56

30:56

Maggie Lawson joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about her new role as Sarah Silver in Boston Blue! 💙 In this episode, Maggie dives into what it’s like stepping into the shoes of the youngest superintendent in Boston PD history, how Boston Blue honors the Blue Bloods legacy while creating its own identity, and her excitement about working…

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We've Gone And Caught A Sniffle (ft. guests Nia DaCosta, Jeremy Strong, Rebecca Ferguson & Kathryn Bigelow) 1:59:22

10d ago1:59:22

1:59:22

This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt struggle with the enunciation of one word in particular (you'll have to listen to find out which). Incredibly, it's not 'Howl-o-ween', which is just one of the many things discussed by Chris and his three colleagues of such lethal cunning, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Ben Travis. They get their teeth in…

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EP#462 - Eli Roth, Jay Drakulic, Drumm, and Alex Lee Williams (Dream Eater) 1:22:26

9d ago1:22:26

1:22:26

This week, your Boo Crew takes you into the shadows of DREAM EATER, one of the most buzzed-about and terrifying new indie horror films of the year, and the second release from Eli Roth’s Horror Section Studios! Joining us are writer/director Jay Drakulic and writer/director/stars Mallory Drumm and Alex Lee Williams, the visionary team behind this c…

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Madeleine McGraw on The Black Phone 2: Returning as Gwen & Facing Ethan Hawke’s Terrifying Grabber 10:52

10d ago10:52

10:52

Madeleine McGraw joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias, to discuss her powerful performance as Gwen in The Black Phone 2. Madeleine opens up about revisiting Gwen’s trauma, how the character has evolved since the first film, and what it was like reuniting with Ethan Hawke and Scott Derrickson. She also shares emotional insight into Gwen’s guilt, str…

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Becca Breitfeller Breaks Down Her Journey and Bringing Sasha to Life in Chad Powers 19:40

12d ago19:40

19:40

Becca Breitfeller joins Pop Culture Unplugged with Elias to talk about her breakout role as Sasha in Hulu’s hit comedy Chad Powers! Becca opens up about her journey from film student to actor, the wild audition process that landed her the role, and why playing a loud, chaotic “mean girl” became one of her favorite experiences on set. She also share…

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Diane, Drew And The Greatest Poster Ever (ft. guests Rebecca Miller, Channing Tatum & Kirsten Dunst, Mason Thames & Madeleine McGraw) 1:59:53

18d ago1:59:53

1:59:53

This week's Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and James Dyer pay tribute to two cinematic greats who left us this week: the legendary Oscar-winning actress, Diane Keaton, and Drew Struzan, the artist who defined posters, and people's walls, for decades. Struzan's work inspires this week's question, which asks our trio to identify the g…

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Six More Weeks of Winning 45:54

20d ago45:54

45:54

We're halfway through a college football season that is full of surprises. In the ACC, teams like Virginia and Georgia Tech have defied expectations, while Florida State, Clemson, and North Carolina have underachieved. We discuss the ACC race at the midpoint of the season and preview a pivotal weekend in the conference. Topics for discussion includ…

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Claire Lovering on Playing Brenda in 'Play Dirty' and Working with Keegan-Michael Key 13:41

18d ago13:41

13:41

Australian actress Claire Lovering joins Elias on the Pop Culture On Point podcast to talk about her breakout role as Brenda in Shane Black’s new action-comedy Play Dirty 🎬 Claire shares how a last-minute self-tape audition landed her the part, what it was like working with Keegan-Michael Key, and the fun improv moments that made it into the final …

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Simone Kessell on 'The Last Frontier' – Love, Survival, and Filming in the Alaskan Cold 6:51

19d ago6:51

6:51

Actress Simone Kessell joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to talk about her captivating role as Sarah in Apple TV+’s new thriller The Last Frontier. 🎙️ Simone opens up about the emotional heart of the series — portraying a wife, mother, and survivor alongside Jason Clarke, who plays her husband, Frank. She shares how their relationship drives the…

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Cash Flo Talks Tulsa King Season 3 Bigfoot’s Journey and Working with Sylvester Stallone 18:52

22d ago18:52

18:52

The one and only Cash Flo — better known as Bigfoot from Tulsa King — returns to Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias for an exclusive conversation about Season 3, working with Sylvester Stallone, and what’s next for one of TV’s most talked-about shows. In this new episode, Cash opens up about Bigfoot’s journey, behind-the-scenes moments, and the lessons…

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Wish You Well (ft. guests Greta Lee & Jodie Turner-Smith; Robert Aramayo; Gillian Anderson) 1:45:37

24d ago1:45:37

1:45:37

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Alex Godfrey display his versatility as an interviewer, going from utter chaos with Tron Ares stars Greta Lee & Jodie Turner-Smith [22:46 - 34:31 approx] and Gillian Anderson [1:33:01 - 1:43:53 approx] to a heartfelt and passionate chat with Robert Aramayo, star of this week's excellent drama, I Swear,…

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The Shameless Plug #8: Wicked Panna Cottas 45:11

23d ago45:11

45:11

In this month's Shameless Plug, the show in which Chris Hewitt sits down with Empire editor Nick de Semlyen to do a deep dive into the latest issue of Empire, Chris Hewitt sits down with Empire editor Nick de Semlyen to do a deep dive into the latest issue of Empire. Which, for the first time in our history, has a musical on the cover, Jon M. Chu's…

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Why be an architect today? 15:21

23d ago15:21

15:21

Scaffold is back this week, with an episode that asks a simple question: why be an architect today? The Architecture Foundation is based inside the office of AHMM in Clerkenwell, which, back in July, hosted a summer school for teenagers just beginning to explore architecture. We decided to speak with some of them, to try and understand what draws y…

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Move Bill, Get Out The Way 45:45

26d ago45:45

45:45

Following an embarrassing blowout loss to Clemson, North Carolina has faced days of negative press coverage and rumors about Bill Belichick's future in Chapel Hill. Meanwhile, Virginia, a team with no preseason buzz, remains undefeated going into the bye week. In this episode, we discuss the trajectory of both programs and give our picks for the We…

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Michael Iskander on Faith, Leadership & David’s Journey in House of David Season 2 8:34

26d ago8:34

8:34

Michael Iskander joins Pop Culture Unplugged to talk all about House of David Season 2. Picking up after David’s legendary battle with Goliath, the new season dives deeper into faith, leadership, and the pressures of power. Michael shares insight into David’s emotional and spiritual growth, his evolving relationships with Jonathan and King Saul, an…

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Kaitlyn Bernard on Playing Rachel Jeffs in Surviving My Father 9:23

26d ago9:23

9:23

Kaitlyn Bernard joins Pop Culture Unplugged to discuss her powerful performance as Rachel Jeffs in Lifetime’s Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story. Based on Rachel Jeffs’ real-life memoir Breaking Free, the film follows her courageous escape from the control of her father, convicted cult leader Warren Jeffs. Kaitlyn opens up about: Preparing…

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Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Justin Tipping on Him: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 41:41

29d ago41:41

41:41

Justin Tipping's Him is a Jordan Peele-produced horror film in which a young quarterback discovers the kind of sacrifices it takes to become the GOAT of American Football. That young quarterback is played by Tyriq Withers, who is taken under the wing of a legendary quarterback played by Marlon Wayans, and in this Empire Podcast interview special Ja…

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Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera & Paul Greengrass On The Lost Bus: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 43:14

28d ago43:14

43:14

Paul Greengrass' The Lost Bus stars Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera as a bus driver and teacher, respectively, who have to navigate a deadly Californian wildfire while stuck on a school bus with a group of terrified children, very little water, and fire and flames closing in on all sides. Based on a true story (the 2018 Camp Fire is one of …

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EP#461 - Bishop Briggs 37:44

27d ago37:44

37:44

The Boo Crew welcomes back the incredible Bishop Briggs to celebrate the release of her Halloween EP, When It’s Halloween out NOW! We talk: Her lifelong connection to spooky season The creation and evolution of the EP Fusing personal emotion with Halloween fantasy Her favorite horror films Family Halloween traditions and how she’s passing them on T…

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

1M 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…

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Ariel Winter on Bringing Sabrina Grimm to Life in 'The Sisters Grimm' on Apple TV+ 5:41

1M ago5:41

5:41

Ariel Winter — you remember her as Alex Dunphy from Modern Family — joins Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about her exciting new role as Sabrina Grimm in Apple TV+’s animated fantasy adventure The Sisters Grimm. In this interview, Ariel shares what drew her to the series, how she connected with Sabrina, and what makes this magical, fairy-tale-meets-m…

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The Cavalanche 59:50

1M ago59:50

59:50

UVA's upset victory over Florida State was a euphoric moment for the Cavalier fan base and a signature win for head coach Tony Elliott. We discussed the biggest takeaways from one of the best games of the college football season and analyzed what it means for the ACC race going forward. Topics for discussion include: Virginia's victory over Florida…

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

1M 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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Yuvi Hecht Talks A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Playing Young David & Colin Farrell’s Advice 10:21

1M ago10:21

10:21

Yuvi Hecht joins Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to talk about his breakout role as Young David in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. From self-tape auditions to working alongside Colin Farrell, Yuvi shares how he prepared for the role, the emotional weight of the story, and the advice that helped him bring authenticity to the character. Highlights from …

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Christmas in September 53:42

1M ago53:42

53:42

An epic weekend of college football starts on Friday in Charlottesville and doesn't let up until late night on Saturday. With marquee matchups taking place across the country, which teams will solidify their resume as true contenders? In this episode, we preview the upcoming weekend of college football, both in the ACC and beyond, while taking time…

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Kerr Smith on Dawson’s Creek Reunion Benefit, Jack’s Legacy & Upcoming Book 17:24

1M ago17:24

17:24

Kerr Smith (Jack McPhee from Dawson’s Creek) joins Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about the upcoming Dawson’s Creek Reunion Benefit for F Cancer, supporting James Van Der Beek, and why this event means so much to the cast. Kerr opens up about Jack’s groundbreaking storyline, emotional fan encounters, and how the role changed television hist…

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Michael Chiklis & Mike Flynt on Bringing an Unbelievable True Story to Life in The Senior 5:16

1M ago5:16

5:16

Michael Chiklis & Mike Flynt join Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about The Senior, the inspiring true story of a man who returned to play college football at 59. Michael shares why this role moved him deeply and how the film is about so much more than sports — exploring redemption, family, and second chances. Mike opens up about seeing his …

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EP#460 - ETHAN EMBRY (LIVE FROM CREEP I.E. CON: AFTERMATH) 1:09:34

2M ago1:09:34

1:09:34

Live from the show floor at Creep I.E. Con: Aftermath, The Boo Crew brings you a phenomenal conversation with actor Ethan Embry– a performer whose work has defined decades of cult classics and unforgettable genre moments. We go deep on: His genre-shattering role in The Devil’s Candy to how he crafts characters from the inside out – from Cheap Thril…

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

2M 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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Rob Corddry & Mary Stuart Masterson on Humor, Heart & Second Chances in 'The Senior' 8:18

2M ago8:18

8:18

Rob Corddry & Mary Stuart Masterson join Elias on Pop Culture Unplugged to talk about The Senior, the inspiring true story of Mike Flynt — a man who returned to play college football at 59. They share what drew them to this incredible project, how the film balances humor, heart, and family, and why The Senior is more than just a sports drama. From …

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Pry-re Fest in Blacksburg 1:02:23

2M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Two high-profile losses rocked the ACC in Week 3. Virginia Tech's embarrassing home loss to ODU brought an end to the Brent Pry era in Blacksburg. Meanwhile, perennial juggernaut Clemson lost its second game of the season in Atlanta. Where do things stand in the ACC as we get into conference play? Topics for discussion include: Virginia Tech's deci…

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EP#459 - Jenna Davis, Violet McGraw and Madeleine McGraw: Live at Creep I.E. Con: Aftermath 1:08:42

2M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

This week, The Boo Crew hits the stage live at Creep I.E. Con: Aftermath for a panel packed with thrills, laughs, and horror love! We’re joined by three young icons of the genre: Jenna Davis, the unforgettable voice of M3GAN Violet McGraw (The Haunting Of Hill House, M3GAN, The Curse of The Necklace) and Madeleine McGraw (The Black Phone, The Curse…

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

2M 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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The Shameless Plug #7: The Running Mag 41:30

2M 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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Unpacking the Pack with Noah Fleischman 38:54

2M ago38:54

38:54

On this week's episode, we spoke with Noah Fleischman of The Wolfpacker and On3 to debrief the exciting non-conference game between NC State and Virginia. Noah provided his perspective on strengths and areas for concern from both teams, fan base expectations, and the race for the ACC title. Topics for discussion include: Takeaways from the UVA-NC S…

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Jesse Kove on President Down: Stunts, ’90s Action & What’s Next 15:08

2M ago15:08

15:08

Jesse Kove returned on Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias to talk about his latest action thriller President Down, now streaming on Tubi. Known for his role in Cobra Kai, Jesse opens up about stepping into the shoes of Agent Jacob Pike, why this film feels like a return to ’90s-style action, and what’s coming next in his career. Interview Highlights: D…

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

2M 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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EP#458 - Michael Chaves (The Conjuring: Last Rites) 44:11

2M ago44:11

44:11

The Boo Crew welcomes back the visionary Michael Chaves, director of The Conjuring: Last Rites, in theaters September 5th. In this exclusive in-studio conversation, Chaves unpacks the emotional and terrifying conclusion to the Ed and Lorraine Warren saga. From the chaos of the infamous Smurl haunting, to haunted sets, and the intensity of working w…

1
Chapel Hell 58:51

2M ago58:51

58:51

The opening week of the college football season was a mixed bag for ACC supporters. Statement wins by Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Miami were offset by losses from Virginia Tech, Clemson, and North Carolina. We discussed whether our perceptions have changed about the state of the conference race and looked ahead to Week 2. Topics for discussion…