Culture Compost

A podcast dedicated to analyzing our favorite elements in pop culture. From movies and music to books and celebrities- if it's digestible, you'd better bet we're going to break it down!

1917: The One Shot Wonder

War has never been this beautiful!  This week on Culture Compost, Hannah and Cameron take on the Sam Mendes directed WWI film, 1917.  Oh what a technical marvel it is! Hannah goes on and on about it.  We dive into the skill and precision it took to make this film happen.We then dig into the compost pile.  Hannah breaks down the return of the adult drama by researching the budgets and proffits of her favorite R rated dramas.  That girl loves Mad Max: Fury Road.  Cameron on the other hand can't wait to gush about his first love, Jean Smart.  He talks about her return to the spot light in this years Mare of Easttown and Hacks.  Be sure to tune in next week for our episode on the Bong Joon-ho masterpiece, Memories of Murder.  South Korean film has never been the same.  

06-05
53:55

If You Like the Band U2, Tell No One!

On this weeks episode of your favorite podcast, Cameron and Hannah talk International thrillers! Tell No One is a French thriller from 2006 that keeps you on the edge of your sofa.  What happens when the case surrounding the murder of your wife gets reopened years later?  You run, that's what! What makes European thrillers stand out against Hollywood molds? Find out this week. Hannah also asks the question, What is likable out any of these actors? Who does she think is overrated and who can stay? Cameron also talks about his new favorite guilty pleasure, the 90s throwback drama streaming on Hulu and Freeform, Cruel Summer.  And join us next week when we celebrate Memorial Day by watching and dissecting the 2019 film, 1917.  Be sure to watch before you listen! 

05-22
41:41

Dumplin, or the Reason Cameron's Eyes are Stuck in a Permanent Eye Roll

From the Netflix film Dumplin', to the Duggar family cult, Hannah and Cameron talk feel good culture that doesn't make us feel so good. Join us as we dive into the Dolly Parton produced small town charmer, and decide for yourself if you love it or hate it. It's even okay to love it while you hate it! (Full disclosure, Hannah did like this weeks Watch Along! film, but Cameron made some great points that are making her reconsider.)Then, Cameron gets fast and pulpy with his new favorite publishing company, Hard Case Crime, and explores their partnership with Stephen King. Fun covers? Check. Fast paced stories? Check. Book you can read in a day? Ding!Ding!Ding!  Love it! And Hannah gets gross with the 2004 Hong Kong horror film, Dumplings. That wasn't a typo, she really did pick another film called Dumplings. Just make sure you know which one you're starting, because you be in for a surprise if you're looking for a Jennifer Anniston movie and end up with this... dumpling.  So make some popcorn, roll a joint, pour yourself a white claw, and join us as we watch through all the content we can- until our eyes bleed at least! Next week we're watching the French thriller, Tell No One. A gripping cult classic sure to leave you on the edge of your seat! 

05-15
36:52

The House Bunny- Tits, Ass, and Laughs

...Brains are in there somewhere, too. This week, Cameron and Hannah celebrate mothers day the only way they know how, laughing with tears in their eyes.  We watched the 2008 movie The House Bunny , staring the always delightful Anna Faris.  We discuss the the first drafts that never made it to screen, the jokes that just didn't work, and the comedy goldmine that is the bulk of the film.  Can you be sexy and still be smart?  Hell yeah.  Can you land a cute intelegent boy with more than your boobs? Still unclear.  Watch along for a fun and silly mothers day. This week in our Breakdown, Hannah unpacks the mini-series Unorthodox on Netflix.  It tells the story of a woman trying desperately to escape her arranged marriage in her extremely jewish orthodox community in Brooklyn.  It's a heavy hitter that is amazing from start to finish.  Cameron tackles the Oscar winning foreign language from from 2020 called Another Round starring Mads Mikkelsen.  We find out how drinking all day can effect your life.  Some good, mostly bad.  Tune in next week for our movie watch along, the 2018 film Dumplin! Fun and heartwarming movie that will shake off your winter blues.  

05-06
34:09

Midsommar: F*ck it, I'm Joining a Cult

On this weeks episode, Cameron and Hannah dive deep into the world of Midsommar, the movie that tells you that it's ok to feel your feelings and oh boy does this movie make you feel those feelings.  We discuss the meaning behind the madness and analyze what makes this movie stand out.  It is the third movie in our "Female Driven Spring Awaking" series and we can't think of a more fitting film.We also get into the compost and tell each other what we are breaking down this week.  Hannah tells Cameron about a movie she watched called Braid.  It is a psychological horror film centered around female friendship and mental illness.  And weirdly enough, Cameron also digested a female friendship film but his came from the 90s.  Clockwatchers stars Toni Collette, Parker Posey, Lisa Kudrow and Alanna Ubach in a workplace comedy about human connection.  Join us next week for the final film in our Spring Awaking theme, The House Bunny.  Watch along as we lighten it up a little and laugh.  It's silly and stupid, just like us.  

04-29
53:25

Suspiria: Spooky Spring Awakening in Berlin

On this weeks episode of Culture Compost, Hannah and Cameron continue their journey into Spring with another installment of 'Female Driven Movies Dealing with Sexual and Emotional Awakenings'! On this weeks episode we discus and dissect the 2018 psychological supernatural opus, Suspiria.  What does this movie teach us about life, death, and everything in between? Tune in and find out.  Out with the old world, in with the new! Body horror and an ancient witches coven? Sign me up! We also dive deep into the compost pile and present our weekly breakdowns.  Cameron read a dang book.  The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a Science Fiction Mystery Novel with more twists and turns than a bowl of noodles.  Hannah on the other hand watched a French action film.  Some people have questioned her ability to read.  Le Chant du loup (The Wolf's Call) is a 2019 submarine adventure full of action, intrigue and war.  Be sure to watch along with us because next week we are covering the third film in our Female Spring Awakening series, Midsommar.  

04-23
49:23

Like Poetry for the Eyes: I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House

This week hosts Cameron and Hannah begin a female-centric spring countdown to May, as they talk  the gothic drama I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House. The movie stars Ruth Wilson and spoooooooky ghosts.  It tells the story of a hospice nurse sent to aid an elderly horror writer in a house that may or may not be inhabited by the spirit of a previous owner.  We learn that death is not always as it seems and life isn't either.  Nothing like questioning your own mortality to jump start your Springtime.What pop culture things are we digesting this week? Cameron is enjoying the new dark comedy on HBO called Made For Love.  It's a delightfully funny, sci-fi show with some hard hitting reality.  Hannah takes us into the true-crime drama Murder at White House Farm.  She discusses her thoughts on the family centered murder suicide case that rock England in the 80s.  After listening to this weeks episode, join us in our Watch Along!, Suspiria from 2018.  It's our second movie in our female sexuality driven spring watchathon. Thats a lot to chew on and so is Suspiria. But you'll love it, we promise.

04-16
53:28

90's Thrillers: The Costly Kiss Goodnight

Hosts Cameron and Hannah get explosive in this weeks Watch Along! movie, The Long Kiss Goodnight. Starring  Geena Davis as a deadly assassin with amnesia and Samuel L. Jackson as the detective helping solve the mystery of her past, this cheesy thriller is the perfect blockbuster for a warm, spring night. And what's on their personal plates this week? For Hannah, the  tattoo competition reality show Ink Master has been filling her days, and Cameron introduces British pop punk bad, Dry Cleaning. Who are just about as lively as their name implies, but don't let that scare you away- their moody sound compliments a gin collins and an evening on the patio. And what are we watching next week? Join us for our next springtime movie, the creeping drama I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House- a Netflix original film with a divisive reception. Love it or hate it, you're sure to have an opinion either way. So let us do the endless Netflix scrolling for you, and join us for this weeks Watch Along! movie! 

04-11
47:03

Hamlet 2: Anything's Better than Tucson!

Hosts Hannah and Cameron talk this week's Watch Along! movie, the sinfully hilarious Hamlet 2!  A critically panned teen comedy, Hamlet 2 hits surprisingly hard with the one liners and is sure to bring tears to your eyes with it's R-rated jokes. Outdated in someways, surprisingly relevant in others, Hamlet 2 is a springtime comedy perfect to watch for a lazy Sunday. Continuing with the springtime sunshine, Hannah indulges in her new favorite Gypsy punk group, Balkan Beat Box. Traditional electro pop with lots of horns? Hannah says 'Yes please!' and Cameron says 'Pass!' He hates anything fun, like sunshine and candy and love. He hates music festivals, that's what I'm getting at.  And on Cameron's plate this week? A moody, detective miniseries from the UK and Japan, Giri/Haji. With elegant cinematography, an outstanding cast, and brilliant direction, Giri/Haji is the perfect show for a  night on the couch after a day of Easter feasting. Join us next week for our Watch Along! pick, 1996's The Long Kiss Goodnight. An over the top sexy thriller starring Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson, this action packed flick is sure to make you laugh aloud- but mostly when it's not trying to. 

04-04
34:34

Nomadland: An American Tale

Hosts Cameron and Hannah talk life and grief with this weeks Watch Along! film Nomadland. Directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Frances McDormand, this slow burn Americana explores the people surviving on the fringes of society. The stellar cast of non-actors perfectly capture the hope and loss and fear that runs through us all. So let us pick the movie for you, so you don't have to scroll endlessly through Netflix! Also on the menu for this weeks digestion, both hosts go to a darker place with Dead and Buried, an 80's creature feature sure to make you say Ew! Gross! Put it back!!  and the new Japanese Sci Fi thriller show Alice in Borderland.  If you're looking for a little fun gore, boy do we have the picks for you! And what's on the plate for next week? Cameron and Hannah are welcoming Easter with a slapstick favorite, Hamlet 2. A little bit sexy Jesus, a lot bit offensive, join us for a laugh in next week's Watch Along Flick! 

03-28
41:44

A Sizzling Spanish Skin Flick for the Springtime: Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!

Hosts Hannah and Cameron talk this weeks "Watch Along!" film, director Pedro Almodóvar's Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!  A sinfully delightful dark comedy, this films glamorous sets, dry humor, and toxic af romance make for a riveting ride. What's on our personal menu this week? Cameron's thinking easy digest with FX's comfy animation The Great North, and Hannah's feeling meat and potatoes with the Irish laugh-fest Derry Girls. Join us next we as we explore our next recommendation, the new indie darling Nomadland. Starring Frances McDormand in this slow burning Americana that's sure to make you feel...well, grief, probably! Just the way Cameron likes it. 

03-21
36:17

Snowy Creature Double Feature: THE THING!

This week in the compost pile, hosts Hannah and Cameron dig up a creature that takes it's shape from the victims it devours! No, not Mitch McConnell. He is far too scary.  We are talking about THE THING! We discuss the 1982 horror masterpiece directed by John Carpenter as well as the remake/prequel from 2011.  We debate whether puppets are the way to scare up some gore or whether CGI is the new art form.  Pick a side, because we will make you! Also, Stay tuned for our favorite picks of the week.  Hannah stays on the horror trend with the book The Bridge (2010)  and Cameron tackles the historical fiction novel, The Book Thief (2005).  Be sure to be ready for next weeks episode by watching Pedro Almodovar's twisted take on a romantic comedy, Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down!  (1989).  Makes you wonder, is this how Hannah met her fiancé?     

03-14
35:22

A Little Light Murder for the Morning, or La Ragazza Nella Nebbia

Every week Hosts Hannah and Cameron pick a new movie to watch and discuss with our audience. This week's pick? A 2017 cozy Italian murder mystery, The Girl in the Fog, or La Ragazza Nella Nebbia. And if creepy isn't your think, check out this episode's personal breakdowns: HBO's zany adult animation Close Enough, and NBC's hilarious workplace comedy Superstore. Next up on their watchlist? A snowy creature double feature, John Carpenter's The Thing (1982), and The Thing (2011)....cold, scary, isolated. Just some of the words we use to describe Cameron. And those movies we're about to watch. So grab a mug of something steamy, hopefully boozy, and let us pick the movie for you. Watch along with us!!!  

03-07
31:25

Night Stalker: True Crime or Crimesplotation?

Hosts Hannah and  Cameron dive deep into new Netflix Documentary series Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer.  It chronicles the years leading up to the apprehension of Richard Ramirez.  We ask the question: What's the difference between entertainment and exploitation?  Hannah and Cameron also explain their recommendations of the week! Mr. Mayor is put on the table as well as the novel Winter's Bone.  Tune and and join us next week when we cozy up with the Italian Thriller The Girl in the Fog.  Be sure to watch along with us!

02-28
34:06

It's Britney Bitch: A Ghost Story

Hosts Hannah and  Cameron dive deep into this weeks recommendation Framing Britney Spears, the New York Times's new exposé exploring the personal and financial abuse Britney has suffered under a legal conservatorship overseen by her father, Jamie Spears.  F*ck that guy, right?!  Hannah and Cameron also get into the 2017 indie smash hit A Ghost Story, and talk love, eternity, and douchebags at parties who won't stop shouting over everybody else. And what's on our watchlist for next week? Night Stalker, The Hunt for a Serial Killer.  So don't go away! 

02-22
53:16

Heather's: Lick it Up Baby!

Cameron and Hannah dig deep into the compost pile for a special Valentine's Day Film! Nothing says "Love" like murder and suicide!  That's why this week we have chosen the cult classic Heathers for all you lovers out there.We discus its impact on the "teen movie" genre and why it withstands the passing of time.  We also each pick our recommendations of the week.  This week we challenged each other to pick movies to watch with a date.  It wasn't easy, but we managed.   

02-14
34:08

Frances HA! - A Mumblecore Masterpiece

This week on Culture Compost, Cameron and Hannah dig into the world that is way too familiar to them, feeling aimless in their late 20s!  They analyze Noah Baumbach' s Black and White film Frances Ha starring Greta Gerwig.  Does it ring true in 2021? Or should we leave it in the garbage? Listen and find out!Plus our recommendations of the week! #culturecompostpodcast #podcast #film

02-07
35:24

The Woolf in the House

We have all had one of those nights.  The alcohol is flowing, the emotions are high, and we are with people we don't particularly like.  We dig deep  into a film that capture that situation perfectly, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?   It was the first movie to be released under the new MPAA rating laws, allowing a movie dealing with adult situations to be released to the public with nothing but a warning label.  We suggest leaving your offspring in the car.   Hannah and Cameron analyze the 1966 films impact on the culture at the time of its release as well as its effect on us today. We also enjoyed recommending our favorite things of the week.  Our wildly differing tastes show their true colors. 

01-31
42:34

First Blood, Last Blood, and All the Bloods In-Between!

This week, Cameron and Hannah dive deep into the 1982 film First Blood! It was the first installment in the Rambo franchise and the only one that still holds up today.  We discuss why we believe it is culturally relevant for a 2021 viewing followed by our favorite segment every week, our recommendations that only we could enjoy! 

01-24
38:58

Ma Vie en Rose

With cotton candy colors and a heavy hitting plot, the Belgian film Ma Vie en Rose (1997) offers a fresh take on a complex subject. 

01-17
25:59

Recommend Channels