So if you’re like most of America, you loved the Podcast Serial. And if you haven’t listened to it yet, you should. It’s incredible. Like right now. Go. I’ll wait…
Ok we good? Good.
Serial, the immensely popular weekly investigation into a murder from 1999 has become the most downloaded podcast in history. This means that many of you fine people had never listened to podcasts before this thing came nor possibly even knew what a podcast was. But its over now, at least for a while. So what are you supposed to do with that podcast app sitting on your phone now? The Daly Planet is here to help!
I listen to a lot of podcasts. While working out, on my drives to and from work, and while sitting in my cube pretending to work. There are thousands out there on all different topics. But since we’re a movie blog, I thought I would give you some of my favorite movie-related podcast, in no particular order.
The Badass Digest Podcast – “Hosted by Evan Saathoff and Phil Nobile Jr. of Badass Digest, The Badass Digest Podcast (aka, The Badass Padcast Podcast) is the 1,225th greatest movie podcast in the world. Believe it”
Badass Digest is my all time favorite website for movie news, reviews and discussions. This is the site that I’m one multiple times per day, where I get my movie news from, and the reviews that I enjoy and respect the most. Managed by the Alamo Drafthouse theater chain, based out of Austin, TX, it carries on the same attitude and love of film that has made the independent cinema chain so popular. Every week Evan Saathoff and Phil Nobile Jr. discuss what new movies they’ve seen as well as some chosen older films. Earlier this year they tackled all 6 Rocky films and just finished up a run through the Mad Max Trilogy. The pod is ridiculous, funny, and irreverent.
The Canon – “Film critics Devin Faraci (Badass Digest) and Amy Nicholson (LA Weekly) have a weekly conversation about a movie — is it ‘canon’ or not? They will put it up to fan vote at the end of the show and the legacy of each film will be officially decided forevermore.”
The Canon is a new podcast by Wolfpop, a pop culture podcasting group headed by Paul Sheer (The League). As the summary above indicates, each week Devin and Amy argue for about 45 minutes about a particular movie to decide if its worthy of being in ‘the canon’. Past episodes have been about Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, It’s a Wonderful Life, Goodfellas. This pod is great because Devin and Amy are usually pretty passionate on either side of the argument and make some pretty compelling arguments. You’ll find yourself agreeing with one or both of them at multiple times throughout each show, but rarely will you find them agreeing with each other. You also get to voice your opinion on the official forums, voting on if you want the chosen movie in the Canon or not.
Hollywood Prospectus – “Lifelong friends Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald talk about the TV landscape, movies, music, and more. This podcast is part of Grantland, a sports and pop culture website founded by Bill Simmons and owned by ESPN.”
Hollywood Prospectus is where I go to get all my TV related news. They occasionally cover movies and music as well, but the pod is generally focused on discussing new TV shows, old shows and the state of television. Also, if you need a good sports related pod – check out Grantland’s BS Report.
Off Camera – “Off Camera with Sam Jones is the innovative podcast from award-winning photographer and director Sam Jones. Each episode offers thoughtful commentary from some of today’s most iconic celebrities. Off Camera provides real commentary in a relaxed setting, provoking great stories along the way. Because the best conversations always happen Off Camera.”
Off Camera is an interview type show where host Sam Jones will spend about an hour each week talking with a different celebrities; mostly actors. Previous episodes have included a fascinating interview with Matt Damon, Ed Helm, Robert Downey Jr. and Michael B. Jordan. It has some of the best interviews with actors I’ve ever heard, getting into the details of their craft, what they feel about celebrity, how they got where they are, and what keeps them motivated.
Maltin on Movies – “Leonard Maltin discusses his favorite films – and hidden gems you ought to see – on a different theme each week with comedian co-host Baron Vaughn.”
Another Wolfpop cast (noticing a theme here?) this is a podcast I actually just started listening to, so I’m still a few weeks behind, but I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve heard so far. I enjoy how each episode tackles a specific movie related theme (biopics, sequels, holiday movies), relates that theme to a new/current movie, and then some older, but great movies that follow this theme.
So there we have it. Some of my favorite podcasts. If you’re at all interested in movies and talking about movies (and if you’re reading this I’m kinda guessing you are) you should check them out. Also, if you have any other movie related pods that you think I should check out, let me know! I’m always looking for more stuff to listen to.
Happy listening.
