Nerdtropolis Podcast Network

On this episode of Reel Insights, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, chats with Scrubs actor Nicky Whelan about her new film Crescent City, which stars Alec Baldwin, Terrance Howard, and Esai Morales. Advance Screenings: https://nerdtropolis.com/tag/advance-screenings 👍 Nerdtropolis Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolis 📸 Nerdtropolis Instagram: https://Instagram.com/nerdtropolis 🐦 Nerdtropolis Twitter: https://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis 🖥️ Visit Our Website: https://Nerdtropolis.com

Adrian Holmes joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about Bel-Air, the weight of stepping into Uncle Phil’s shoes, and what it means for the series as it heads toward the end.Holmes breaks down how he approached Philip Banks as a real, layered man, balancing authority with vulnerability while still honoring the character fans grew up with. He also opens up about why this version of Bel-Air hit people so hard, especially as it tackled family, identity, and belonging in a modern Los Angeles lens.The conversation digs into legacy, including what Phil wants for Will and Carlton and why “letting them fly” matters as the story reaches its final stretch. Holmes also talks about the creative swing the show took, the writers' being in tune with the culture, and how the series found its own voice rather than chasing nostalgia.We also bounce into a fun detour on Holmes’ other work, including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, plus a quick dream chat about what kind of role he’d want if he ever jumped into something like a Hot Wheels movie.Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Olly Sholotan, Akira Akbar, and Jimmy Akingbola.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Director Kevin Lewis joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to dive deep into Pig Hill, a chilling folklore-driven horror film inspired by local legend and psychological fear. Starring Shane West, Rainey Qualley, Shiloh Fernandez, and R.A. Mihailoff, the film follows a woman obsessed with the myth of the Pig People as disappearances begin to pile up.Lewis opens up about what first pulled him into the project, from the strength of the script to the way the story’s third act completely flipped his expectations. He talks about the power of real folklore, how legends seep into the subconscious, and why stories like Pig Hill feel unsettling long after the credits roll.The conversation explores how Pig Hill differs from expectations shaped by Willy’s Wonderland, leaning more into psychological horror and emotional tension rather than pure chaos. Lewis breaks down his creative mindset as a filmmaker, explaining how he always approaches his work as a fan first and why horror audiences are some of the most passionate and forgiving out there.Lewis also dives into the hands-on process behind the film’s practical effects and creature design, working closely with legendary effects artist Jason Baker. He discusses the challenge of creating something iconic that feels timeless, while balancing cinematic realism with a dreamlike, giallo-inspired visual style influenced by filmmakers like David Lynch and Dario Argento.The discussion touches on walking the fine line between gore and suggestion, the importance of letting the audience’s imagination do the work, and which scenes proved the most challenging to shoot under tight indie conditions. Lewis reflects on how limitations often push creativity and why trusting your gut can lead to some of the film’s most memorable moments.Lewis also looks ahead, teasing several upcoming projects and sharing his excitement for continuing to make genre films for fans who love bold, weird, and unforgettable storytelling.Pig Hill is now available on VOD from Cineverse.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

David Dastmalchian joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to dive deep into Dust Bunny, Bryan Fuller’s dark, whimsical, and emotionally rich feature directorial debut starring Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan, Sigourney Weaver, and Dastmalchian himself.David opens up about what instantly grabbed him when he first read the script — the childhood fears we all carry, the feeling of not being believed, and the universal terror of facing something you can’t name. He talks about Fuller’s ability to blend fantasy, horror, action, and heart into a story that feels both intimate and wildly imaginative, calling the movie a rare four-quadrant genre experience.He also shares why Dust Bunny works as a surprising holiday release, celebrating its color, humor, emotional core, and the kind of big-screen escapism people crave at the end of the year. David reflects on the dreamlike quality of the film’s world, the joy of watching audiences discover its layers, and the pure artistry Fuller brings to every frame.The conversation dives into childhood monsters, the value of sharing our fears, and the way movies help people feel less alone. David talks about working alongside legends like Sigourney Weaver and Mads Mikkelsen, praising Weaver’s fearless choices and calling the cast a dream for anyone who loves genre storytelling.He also touches on the creative lessons he’s learned from Bryan Fuller — especially the power of relentless vision, emotional honesty, and worldbuilding that transports viewers while still speaking to the heart.Dust Bunny hits screens December 12 and delivers a fantastical, darkly funny, and deeply human story perfect for the holiday season.

David Krumholtz and Caleb Alexander Smith join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to dive into Forelock — the darkly funny, character-driven LA story that blends crime, chaos, and an unlikely friendship between two men who should never have crossed paths.Caleb breaks down how much of the film’s wild world is pulled straight from real-life Los Angeles, from street-level absurdities to the surreal experience of constantly being mistaken for a certain superhero. He opens up about writing, directing, and starring in the film, sharing what it took to build Caiden’s wide-eyed innocence, survive a brutally unforgiving spandex suit, and guide a story that explores male friendship, identity, and the madness hiding beneath the city’s glossy surface.David talks about stepping into Randy, the sharp-tongued con artist whose humanity sneaks up on audiences. He reflects on finding the character’s emotional core, crafting some of the film’s biggest laugh lines on the fly, and discovering the unexpected chemistry that formed the heart of the movie. He also teases his upcoming role in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and how the project stays true to the graphic novel fans love.Together, the duo revisit their first meeting, break down the odd-couple energy that shaped their performances, and talk about the challenges — and joys — of making an indie film with grit, humor, and a beating heart.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Kevin Smith joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to celebrate the long-awaited 4K debut of Dogma, the bold, controversial religious fantasy that pushed boundaries, sparked protests, and became one of the most beloved films in his View Askewniverse.Kevin reflects on the surreal feeling of finally holding the 4K master after decades of the film being locked away. He shares why physical media still matters, how Lionsgate helped revive the movie, and what it meant to watch audiences pack theaters across the country for the Dogma tour/He also dives into the wild behind-the-scenes history, including how Chris Rock ended up joining the cast, the unexpected moment Don Cheadle nearly starred in the film, and why Sam Jackson got paid more than anyone despite never appearing on screen. Kevin also talks about working with the late Alan Rickman, praising his brilliance and calling Rickman’s performance one of the film’s greatest gifts.As he revisits Dogma with fresh eyes, Kevin opens up about rediscovering the movie’s heart, reconnecting with its themes, and appreciating the dedication of a cast and crew who worked for scale simply because they believed in the story. Kevin teases his next projects as well, hinting at a new period-piece script he’s writing with renewed passion and confirming another Jay & Silent Bob movie arriving next year.Dogma makes its long-awaited return on 4K home video on December 9.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Jon Heder joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights for a fun, offbeat conversation about Tapawingo — the quirky, small-town comedy where an oddball becomes an unlikely bodyguard for a misfit teen, putting him right in the path of the town’s resident bullies.Heder dives into what drew him to the film, breaking down his love for stories about weird, sincere characters who treat the smallest moments like they’re world-shaking events. He talks about the tight-knit vibe on set, the joy of making an indie with a cast full of lovable weirdos, and why these kinds of films always feel “special” to make. He also shares the story of meeting Billy Zane, how Tapawingo unexpectedly connected to their other project Waltzing with Brando, and why the timing of both films created such a wild coincidence. And yes — Jon even jokes about what Napoleon Dynamite would be doing in 2025… and accidentally describes the plot of Tapawingo. It's an unintentional, hilarious connection fans will love. Tapawingo is now available on Digital.Visit Nerdtropolis.comhttps://www.Facebook.com/nerdtropolishttps://Instagram.com/nerdtropolishttps://Twitter.com/nerdtropolis

Lee Byung-Hun joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to dive into the raw, gripping layers of No Other Choice — a tense character study where fear, pride, and desperation collide as one man spirals after losing the career that defined him.Lee opens up about the emotionally charged physicality behind his performance as Man-su — the shaking hands, the subtle gestures, and the nervous tics that make the character feel painfully real. He explains how those moments emerged from a blend of what was scripted, new direction from Park Chan-wook on set, and the emotions that surfaced naturally in the middle of each scene.He also reflects on the global rise of Korean cinema, sharing why audiences around the world connect so deeply with these stories. According to Lee, it’s the universality of the themes paired with the unpredictability of Korean storytelling — a combination that keeps viewers hooked no matter where they’re from.No Other Choice releases in theaters on December 25.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Paulina Chávez and Jacob Lofland join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things Landman Season 2 — the gritty, character-driven West Texas drama where loyalty is tested, secrets rise to the surface, and survival is anything but simple.Jacob opens up about filming his quiet, emotional truck scene with Billy Bob Thornton — a heartfelt father-and-son moment that hit him just as deeply as it hit fans. He reflects on returning for Season 2, the pressure of meeting the bar set by the first season, and what it took to step back into a character shaped by internal conflict and family legacy.Paulina discusses diving deeper into her character as Season 2 “gets into the nitty gritty,” sharing how the cast received scripts one episode at a time and relied on complete trust in Taylor Sheridan’s vision. She talks about the comfort of returning to a set that felt like home, collaborating with an intimacy coordinator to build stronger on-screen trust, and how much the entire cast cares about telling these stories with authenticity.Together, Paulina and Jacob reveal how long days in the Texas heat, long hours on set, and shared downtime helped them build a genuine off-screen friendship. They talk about supporting each other through the production, discovering how much they have in common, and how that connection naturally strengthens their work on screen.They also look back on Season 1, hint at the emotional stakes waiting in Season 2, and share why the world of Landman continues to challenge its characters in raw and compelling ways.Landman Season 2 is now streaming on Paramount+.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Director Alex Woo joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to dig into the heartfelt, surreal, and wildly imaginative world of In Your Dreams, Netflix’s new animated adventure about family, chaos, and the power of the dream world.Alex opens up about the childhood nightmare that stuck with him for life — a vivid, unsettling dream that sparked his fascination with dreams and ultimately helped shape the emotional core of the film. He talks about the early days of his career, from storyboarding on The Venture Bros. while still in college to bringing this dream project to life with co-director Erik Benson.He also reveals the surprising real-life origins of Baloney Tony — from “Butt**** Bear” to a stash-hiding My Pet Monster — and how those messy, funny memories helped inspire one of the movie’s standout characters. Alex shares why embracing imperfection became such an important theme and why Stevie and Elliot’s journey hits so close to home.Together, they dig into favorite moments, the absurd dream creatures, the heart behind the chaos, and what it might take for fans to get a sequel. And yes — Alex officially accepts his new title as the Ambassador of Nerdtropolis.In Your Dreams is now streaming on Netflix.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Yonas Kibreab and Haley Tju join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things Bat-Fam, the fun and heartfelt new chapter in Gotham that blends big action, family chaos, and a ton of charm.Yonas opens up about growing with Damian Wayne from Merry Little Batman to Bat-Fam, sharing what it’s been like to voice the character across his early teens and why the show’s family-focused storytelling means so much to him. He looks back at recording sessions, talks Gotham nostalgia, and reveals the lines he loves delivering the most.Haley dives into bringing Claire — formerly Volcano — to life and explores what it means to finally give the character her moment. She shares her love for classic Gotham characters, the joy of stepping into the DC universe for the first time, and why she thinks Bat-Fam captures a side of Batman fans haven’t seen before.Together, they reflect on their favorite episodes, the gadgets they’d steal from the Batcave, the show’s 90s-inspired animation style, and why Bat-Fam is the perfect series for families who want to pass down their love of Gotham to the next generation.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Alexandra Daddario joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things I Wish You All the Best — the heartfelt coming-of-age story directed by Tommy Dorfman and based on Mason Deaver’s bestselling novel.Daddario opens up about portraying Hannah, a protective older sister navigating love, motherhood, and acceptance while helping her sibling find their place in the world. She reflects on the film’s powerful themes of compassion, family, and identity — and shares how her own instincts as a sister and new mother shaped her performance.Alexandra also talks about the importance of empathy, why every young person deserves a “Hannah,” and teases her dream of joining the DC Universe once again after voicing Lois Lane.I Wish You All the Best, now in theaters, stars Corey Fogelmanis, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Amy Landecker, Lena Dunham, Alexandra Daddario, and Cole Sprouse.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Director Ruben Fleischer (Venom, Uncharted) and producer Bobby Cohen (Now You See Me, Now You See Me 2) join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about the long-awaited return of the hit illusionist franchise — Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. The duo shares how the new film brings together the original Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco) with a new generation of magicians (Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt) for their most daring and global heist yet. Fleischer reveals how he balanced such a massive ensemble cast, why the chemistry between Jesse and Woody still works perfectly after all these years, and whether he’s ready to return to the world of Uncharted. Cohen also explains the franchise’s timeless appeal and why audiences keep coming back for more movie magic.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Michael Iskander joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk all things House of David: Season 2 — the epic Prime Video series bringing faith, music, and ancient history to life.Iskander opens up about portraying the legendary warrior-poet King David, performing Hebrew psalms live on set, and how his personal faith and Egyptian roots influenced the show’s powerful sound and spirit.He also teases what’s next for David’s journey, the long-awaited House of David soundtrack, and how season two balances stunning action with emotional, spiritual depth.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Asa Butterfield joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about his first-ever animated feature, Stitch Head — a gothic, heartfelt adventure inspired by the beloved children’s book series.Butterfield opens up about stepping into the world of voice acting, the film’s spooky yet sweet tone, and how Stitch Head channels the spirit of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, and Pinocchio.He also shares why the story’s message about embracing imperfection and individuality resonates deeply with him — and whether he’s ready to return for more Stitch Head adventures.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Kate Mara joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to discuss her latest sci-fi thriller, The Astronaut, where she stars alongside Gabriel Luna and Laurence Fishburne. Mara opens up about the film’s psychological tension, her fascination with space, and why she admits she’d “never survive” real space travel.She also reflects on her experiences in The Martian, the eerie moments in The Astronaut that reminded her of Signs, and the joy she finds in voice acting—especially revisiting her role as Perl in TRON: Uprising.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Gabriel Luna joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about his latest role in The Astronaut, a grounded sci-fi thriller starring Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne. Luna opens up about filming in isolation in the Wicklow Mountains, rediscovering his childhood fascination with space, and the film’s haunting themes of fear and imagination.The conversation also touches on his lasting connection to Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the legacy of Ghost Rider, and why fans still celebrate his portrayal of Robbie Reyes years later.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Robert Patrick joins Reel Insights to talk about starring in both Tulsa King and Peacemaker, reuniting with Sylvester Stallone and John Cena, and what it’s like working with Taylor Sheridan and James Gunn. He reflects on his decades-spanning career — from Terminator 2: Judgment Day to today — sharing how he approaches complex characters, balances intensity with heart, and why he’s more passionate about acting than ever.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Jon Gunn joins Reel Insights to talk about directing House of David Season 2, the biblical epic’s massive scale, and working with star Michael Iskander as both a warrior and a poet. He opens up about balancing faith and storytelling, filming wild on-set moments, and his collaborations with Alan Ritchson and Zachary Levi.Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠

Schuyler Fisk joins Reel Insights to talk about Hallmark’s The Chicken Sisters, her iconic roles in The Baby-sitters Club and Snow Day, and her career as a singer-songwriter. She reflects on three decades in entertainment, from Jack Black memories to Loretta Lynn collaborations, while teasing what fans can expect from her new music.Visit ⁠⁠⁠Nerdtropolis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠