Following Films Podcast

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Steven Feinartz, director of the new documentary film ARE WE GOODThe film is an intimate portrait of comedian and podcast pioneer Marc Maron, following the sudden loss of his partner and filmmaker Lynn Shelton. Maron struggles with grief, disillusionment, and a shifting comedy landscape. The film features interviews with comics including Nate Bargatze, John Mulaney, David Cross, W. Kamau Bell, and Laurie Kilmartin. As well as WTF podcast footage from his interviews with President Barack Obama, Andrew Garfield, Patton Oswalt and many more.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. You should try it and see how it can benefit your business as well. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFCheck the show notes for a direct link.The film is in theaters in NY & LA on October 3rd, with nationwide theatrical events on October 5th & 8t! for showtimes go to https://www.arewegoodmaron.com/

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Everett Blunck, star of the new film GRIFFIN IN SUMMERIn the same vein as the Sundance hit Theater Camp, GRIFFIN IN SUMMER revolves around Griffin Nafly, played by breakout star Everett Blunck, who is the most ambitious playwright of his generation. He's also fourteen years old, still living with his exhausted mother in the bland suburb of Borwood, and desperately attempting to self-produce his new divorce drama Regrets of Autumn, starring his unenthusiastic friends. But when Griffin forms a surprise summer friendship with handsome twenty-five-year-old failed performance artist turned handyman Brad, played by Owen Teague, his life (and play) will never be the same. The festival darling is written & directed by Nicholas Colia, making his impressive feature film debut, and stars young break-out Everett Blunck as well as Owen Teague (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets”), Abby Ryder Fortson (Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.) and Kathryn Newton (Lisa Frankenstein)Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. You should try it and see how it can benefit your business as well. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFCheck the show notes for a direct link.GRIFFIN IN SUMMER is now available on VOD. Now on to my conversation with Everett, I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Waltzing with Brando Cinematographer Garrett O’BrienWaltzing with Brando follows Hollywood legend Marlon Brando (Billy Zane) at the height of his fame as he dreams of leaving Hollywood behind to create the world’s first sustainable ecological retreat on a remote Tahitian island. To bring his vision to life, he enlists Bernard Judge (Jon Heder), an idealistic Los Angeles architect, in an against-the-odds effort to transform Tetiaroa, a challenging twelve-island atoll, into an environmentally conscious retreat.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show. Go to  https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFCheck the show notes for a direct link.Waltzing with Brando is now playing in theatres everywhere. Now on to my conversation with Garrett, I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today, we’re diving into a film that’s as much about cinema history as it is about the raw, unsettling power of horror. Fifty years after Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre shocked the world and permanently altered the landscape of filmmaking, a new documentary is taking a hard, fascinating look at its legacy.It’s called Chain Reactions—winner of the Venice Classics Award for Best Documentary on Cinema and an official selection at festivals like Telluride, Sitges, and BFI London. The film brings together voices like Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama, weaving their personal impressions, memories, and even traumas into a dialogue about how one scrappy, no-budget horror film embedded itself into our collective nightmares—and never left.The documentary is written and directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, a filmmaker who has carved out his own space as the leading voice in what he calls “cinema essays.” From 78/52 to Memory: The Origins of Alien to Lynch/Oz, Philippe has built a career exploring not just movies, but the cultural and artistic forces behind them. With Chain Reactions, he once again peels back the layers of a cinematic landmark.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFChain Reactions in now playing in New York and Los Angeles and will expand nationwide on 9/26. Now on to my conversation with Alexandre O. Philippe— I hope you enjoy the show

In TRAUMATIKA, a young boy’s night terrors become reality when his mother begins showing signs of demonic possession. What he’s about to experience will haunt him for the rest of his life and claim countless lives across generations. Today I’m joined by the co-writers and director of TRAUMATIKA, Pierre Tsigaridis and Maxime RançonToday’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6ufNow on to my conversation with Pierre and Maxime — I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. As the world continues celebrating the 75th anniversary of Peanuts®, Lee Mendelson Film Productions has given fans a treasure: the first-ever release of Vince Guaraldi’s complete soundtrack to You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown. Following the sell-out success of the premiere Zoetrope LP, demand has been so overwhelming that a second pressing is already on the way—along with an Eco-Black vinyl edition arriving September 12, 2025.At the heart of this historic project is producer Sean Mendelson, who—along with his brother Jason—has worked tirelessly to bring Guaraldi’s timeless jazz back to life in pristine form. With restored and remastered recordings, expanded liner notes, and an eco-conscious approach to vinyl production, this release isn’t just about preserving a classic soundtrack—it’s about honoring a legacy.Today, we sit down with Sean Mendelson to talk about the Eco-Black Vinyl release, Guaraldi’s genius, and what it means to carry forward his father Lee Mendelson’s enduring Peanuts legacy.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to  https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uF

Today I’m joined by legendary actor Erik Estrada to discuss the time he pulled a knife on Pat Boone, his work on Tony Hawks: Destroying America, and his work on the Amazon hit series Fallout. This interview was recorded at the Tucson Comic-Con. Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFNow on to my conversation with Erik —big thanks to the folks at Tucson Comic-Con for setting up this interview. I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Nicholas Colia to discuss GRIFFIN IN SUMMERGriffin Nafly (Everett Blunck) is the most ambitious playwright of his generation. He's also fourteen years old and living with his parents in a humdrum suburb while dreaming of moving to New York City. When his mom (Melanie Lynskey) hires a handsome 25-year-old handyman (Owen Teague), Griffin's life and his new play take an inspired turn. Also starring Kathryn Newton and Abby Ryder Fortson.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Universal Pictures How to Train Your Dragon. The film is currently available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. If you would like to win a free copy of the 4K disc, just send an email with your mailing address to editor@followingfilms.com with the subject line “I can train your dragon.” Winners will be selected at random and receive notification by 8/31.Now on to my conversation with Nicholas, GRIFFIN IN SUMMER will be in theaters FridayAugust 29th, I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Erik Messerschmidt to discuss his Emmy-nominated work on Bono: Stories of SurrenderBono: Stories of Surrender is a vivid reimagining of Bono’s critically acclaimed one-man stage show, “Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief…” As he pulls back the curtain on a remarkable life and the family, friends, and faith that have challenged and sustained him, he also reveals personal stories about his journey as a son, father, husband, activist, and rock star. Along with never-before-seen, exclusive footage from the tour, the film features Bono performing many of the iconic U2  songs that have shaped his life and legacy.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Universal Pictures How to Train Your Dragon. The film is currently available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. If you would like to win a free copy of the 4K disc, just send an email with your mailing address to editor@followingfilms.com with the subject line “I can train your dragon.” Winners will be selected at random and receive notification by 8/31.If you’re in the Tucson area—or planning a trip to Southern Arizona at the end of August—come join me at this year’s Tucson Comic-Con! I’ll be moderating a panel with Mike Jaret and Tad Sallee to talk about their work on Going Postal: The Legacy Foretold. We’ll have a film screening, a Q&A with the filmmakers, and some fun giveaways. I’m really excited for this one—catch us Friday, August 29th at 3:00 PM in Panel Room 105! You can purchase tickets for the event https://tucsoncomic-con.com/Now on to my conversation with Erik, Bono: Stories of Surrender is currently streaming on Apple TV+.,  I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Wendy Lobel to discuss ANXIETY CLUBANXIETY CLUB provides an intimate and humorous look at anxiety through the eyes and minds of some of the most brilliant comedians working today. Marc Maron, Tiffany Jenkins, Baron Vaughn, Aparna Nancherla, Mark Normand, Eva Victor and Joe List offer candid reflections on their relationship with anxiety through exclusive interviews, standup performances, sketch videos, therapy sessions, and everyday life.With rare access to private therapy sessions, the film follows comedian Tiffany Jenkins (a content creator with over 9 million followers) as she undergoes behavioral therapy, capturing the profound changes her treatment brings about. Others find support from alternative sources, such as world-renowned meditation expert Tara Brach, PhD, or the psychologist-in-residence at The Laugh Factory, or simply from mentors in the comedy community. All of the comedians in ANXIETY CLUB have created standup or sketch material about their mental health that is not only funny but uniquely relatable and disarming to audiences. With comedy, vulnerability, and honesty, these comedians provide remarkable insight into anxiety - the most prevalent mental health disorder affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Universal Pictures How to Train Your Dragon. The film is currently available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. If you would like to win a free copy of the 4K disc, just send an email with your mailing address to editor@followingfilms.com with the subject line “I can train your dragon.” Winners will be selected at random and receive notification by 8/31.Now on to my conversation with Wendy, ANXIETY CLUB will be available on digital 8/15,  I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Jeremy Rudd to discuss DIE’CED: RELOADEDSeattle, Halloween night, 1987. Benny - an infamous serial killer long thought contained - breaks free from a high-security asylum, reborn behind a twisted scarecrow mask. As he leaves a trail of carnage across the suburbs, whispers of his gruesome past resurface, fueling panic in a city soaked in neon and fear. But Benny isn’t just killing for pleasure - he’s hunting someone. A young woman unknowingly tied to the darkest chapter of his madness becomes his fixation, and the closer he gets, the bloodier it gets. Die’ced: Reloaded delivers a brutal, synth-drenched slasher soaked in 1980s nostalgia, where Benny carves his place in horror history - one body at a time.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFDIE’CED: RELOADED will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand on Tuesday, 8/12Now on to my conversation with Jeremy Rudd. I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Ella Balinska and Hugo Keijzer to discuss The Occupant.You may know Ella from her breakout role in Charlie’s Angels, or her work in Resident Evil,  in The Occupant, she takes things to a whole new level. And with Hugo at the helm, they craft an intense, isolating journey that blurs the line between external danger and internal demons.In today’s episode, we unpack the making of The Occupant, explore the film’s themes of guilt, survival, and identity — and get a behind-the-scenes look at how this thrilling story came to life.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today’s episode is a real treat—especially for fans of supernatural horror and '80s cult classics. We're joined by legendary director Chuck Russell, whose past work includes genre-defining hits like A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Blob, and The Mask. Now, he's back with a bold and grounded reimagining of Witchboard, the 1986 cult horror film that delivered equal parts cheese and chills.Russell’s new vision trades in the campy charm of the original for a darker, more atmospheric take. Set in present-day New Orleans, this Witchboard follows a young couple as they stumble upon a cursed artifact that awakens a vengeful witch, plunging them into a harrowing world of possession, occult terror, and temptation.Stick around as we chat with Chuck about reinventing Witchboard for a new generation, building dread without leaning on nostalgia, and how the haunted streets of New Orleans helped bring this eerie tale to life.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFOr you can check the show notes for a direct link.Now on to my conversation with Chuck Russell. Witchbaord will be in theatres on 8/15th  I hope you enjoy the show

Today I'm joined by Julie Berghoff. Julie is a Production Designer who won the Emmy and the Art Directors Guild award for The Handmaid's Tale. She was also nominated for excellence in production design on Electric Dreams based on the short stories of Philip K. Dick. Her first feature film was Saw, directed by James Wan which earned over 103M. In 2005, she segued into comedy, designing the Oscar and Golden Globe Nominated Film, The Kids Are Alright and in 2015 Emmy Winner, Olive Kitteridge both directed by Lisa Cholodenko. I had her on the show today to discuss her Emmy-nominated work on Apple TV+ The Studio.

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Jamie Bailey, Simon Phillips, Anthony Crivello, and Ken Bresser to discuss their work on The Omro Heist. In the film, an FBI agent goes undercover during a bank siege in his hometown, and he discovers the robbery is an elaborate cover-up orchestrated by the corrupt mayor to destroy evidence of a criminal conspiracy.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the showGo tohttps://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFOr you can check the show notes for a direct link.Now on to my conversation with Jamie, Simon, Anthony, and Ken. The Omro Heist is now available on Amazon Prime. I hope you enjoy the show.

Welcome to The Following Films Podcast, where we explore the stories behind the stories on screen. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today, I’m joined by a truly fascinating guest—Martin Harris, who delivers a memorable turn as the Boravian General in the latest entry in the DC Universe, Superman. Sharing the screen with the likes of Nicholas Hoult and Zlatko Burić, Martin’s role is small but powerful—appearing in several key scenes that fans won’t forget.But Martin’s journey to the big screen is as compelling as any superhero origin story. Before acting, he was a sports journalist in Poland, and it was none other than Kobe Bryant who encouraged him to follow his heart and pursue a career in the arts. That leap of faith took him from the press box to sets across Hollywood, with appearances in Stranger Things, NCIS: Los Angeles, Young Sheldon, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, just to name a few.Today, we talk about his professional journey, the surreal moments of working within the DCU, and the passion that drives his creative journey.Here’s my conversation with Martin Harris.

Welcome to Following Films, where we dig into the stories behind the movies—and the people—who challenge the way we watch them. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today, I’m joined by philosopher and film lover Matthew Strohl, author of the new book Hard to Watch, a passionate and thought-provoking call to expand the way we engage with cinema.We’re living in a golden age of movie access—between streaming, physical media, repertory theaters, and more, there’s never been a better time to explore the full range of what cinema has to offer. And yet, most of us tend to stick with the familiar, the comfortable, the easily digestible.In Hard to Watch, Matthew argues that we’re missing out by avoiding the so-called “difficult” films—the ones that challenge, provoke, confuse, or even frustrate us. From the rigorous minimalism of Jeanne Dielman to the body horror surrealism of Titane, Matthew makes the case that these films can be deeply rewarding—if we’re willing to meet them on their own terms.Described as part film guide, part self-help book, Hard to Watch is both an enthusiastic celebration of cinematic ambition and a thoughtful roadmap for getting more out of the films that don’t come with easy answers.Matthew Strohl is a professor of philosophy at the University of Montana, and his writing explores the intersection of aesthetics, art, and popular culture. He’s also the author of Why It’s OK to Love Bad Movies—so it’s safe to say his taste is both expansive and refreshingly open-minded.In our conversation, we’ll talk about what it means to truly watch a film, why discomfort can be a gift, and how embracing the hard stuff can change the way we see not just cinema—but ourselves.Let’s get into it.

Welcome to Following Films, where we explore the creative journeys behind the films that inspire us. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today’s guest is Steven Martini—an award-winning screenwriter, actor, musician, and the director of the deeply personal new indie film BitterSweet.This film is more than just a story—it’s Steven’s story. BitterSweet is based on his own real-life breakdown, a turning point that led to his late autism diagnosis and forced him to reexamine everything: his identity, his creative process, and his role as a father.Steven not only wrote and directed the film—he also stars in it alongside his wife, actress and producer Gabriela Kulaif. You might know his earlier work, including Lymelife and Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire, both of which earned acclaim and were executive produced by Martin Scorsese.BitterSweet is an unflinching look at undiagnosed autism, toxic masculinity, and the trials of early parenthood. It opens in select theaters June 11 and hits VOD worldwide July 3.In our conversation, Steven opens up about the emotional and artistic journey behind the film, the challenges of telling such a personal story, and the catharsis of turning pain into art.Let’s jump into it.

Hey everyone, welcome back to Following Films. I’m Chris Maynard, and today I’m talking with director Destry Allyn Spielberg about her new film, Please Don’t Feed the Children.It’s a tense, gripping horror-thriller set in a world where a virus has wiped out the adult population, and a group of orphans finds themselves taken hostage by a mysterious woman with a dark secret. The film features a fantastic cast — including Michelle Dockery, Giancarlo Esposito, and Zoe Colletti — and marks Destry’s feature directorial debut.Please Don’t Feed the Children arrives exclusively on Tubi this Friday, June 27, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned — this is a great conversation you’re going to want to hear!

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast, I’m Chris Maynard. Today I’m joined by two special guests from the bold new film Killing Mary Sue. It’s a darkly comic thriller about a corrupt senator plotting to kill his biggest liability — his rebellious step‑daughter — only for her to discover she has a hidden talent as an unstoppable killer.The film is currently available on VOD, and I’m excited to be talking with its star, Sierra McCormick, and its writer and director, James Sunshine. We’ll dig into the making of this unique story, what drew them to it, and what it was like to bring such a sharp and intriguing character to the screen. Stay tuned — you’re listening to the Following Films Podcast.