Best Buster Scruggs Podcasts (2025)

1
Goin' Out West: Tom Waits on Film in 'Down By Law' (1986), 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' (1992), and 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs' (2018) 2:08:08

8d ago2:08:08

2:08:08

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio wrap up their cycle of Musicians on Film by diving into the filmography of Tom Waits, once dubbed a "performer, singer, actor, magician, spirit guide, changeling" by the great Neil Young. Joined by Madeline's dad Richard, the trio kick off the conversation by discussing Waits' starring role in Jim Jarmusch's "Down By La…

1
Big Feminist Swings: "A League of Their Own" (1992) and "Don't Worry Darling" (2022) with Emilio's Sister! 2:03:05

22d ago2:03:05

2:03:05

For our Musicians-Turned-Actor cycle "Two Shot", Madeline, Emilio and Julian are swinging for the fences with an unexpected pair of films - Penny Marshall's 1992 baseball classic 'A League of Their Own' and Olivia Wilde's 2022 release 'Don't Worry Darling', featuring acting performances by Madonna and Harry Styles, respectively. The cohosts are joi…

1
The Man Who Wasn't There 2:29:04

22d ago2:29:04

2:29:04

Send us a text Three university philosophy professors provide analysis of the Coen brothers’ ninth film, The Man Who Wasn't There. Contact Peter S. Fosl, Troy Jollimore, or Robert C. Jones Takin' her easy for all you sinners. Thanks for listening! Music: "The Lost Lamb" (Theme from Fargo) (traditional) Annie Chen: recorder Billy Jones: drums & perc…

1
Mule Variations 25th: Willie Nelson, Walt Whitman And Bob's Real Gone 1:01:54

1M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

This episode recorded back in November of 2024 was aging so gracefully we almost forgot to dust it off and take if down from the shelf. It was a little celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of Mule Variations and has a special alternate "Spiritual" version of Get Behind The Mule. For all you hardcore Tom fans, this one stays squarely c…

1
In the Moon for Love: 'Moonstruck' (1987) with Jamie Homs 1:49:52

1M ago1:49:52

1:49:52

Julian, Madeline and Emilio pop some Asti Spumante and welcome back podcast favorite and social media maven Jamie Homs to talk 'Moonstruck', the beloved 1987 romantic comedy directed by Norman Jewison. A "Suggestion Box" entry from Madeline, the group makes time to highlight the film's musician-turned-actor Cher, and her lauded and iconic turn as L…

1
Intergalactic Man of Industry: 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' (1976) with Michaela Brady 1:54:30

2M ago1:54:30

1:54:30

Madeline, Julian, and Emilio welcome back past guest and Julian's longtime friend Michaela Brady to continue discussing films with Musicians-Turned-Actors, and this time it's a "Mise-Unseen" on Nicolas Roeg's 1976 film "The Man Who Fell to Earth," starring David Bowie in his first acting role. Centered on the titular alien's efforts to harness eart…

1
'Jaws' (1975) at Fifty with Mike Duquette 1:51:32

2M ago1:51:32

1:51:32

This week, Emilio, Julian and Madeline set sail with pop culture writer and Spielberg aficionado Mike Duquette aboard to take on 'Jaws', the landmark film that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer. The group discuss what makes this film so unique in film history, Spielberg's maturation as a nascent Hollywood director, the ways in which t…

1
'Licorice Pizza' (2021): Life Plans and Stick Shift Vans 1:38:08

2M ago1:38:08

1:38:08

To kick off a new cycle featuring musicians turned actors, Julian, Madeline and Emilio rewatch 'Licorice Pizza', Paul Thomas Anderson's 2021 film and love letter to the San Fernando Valley circa 1973. Populated with memorable turns from Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Skylar Gisondo, Benny Safdie and others, the film is anchored by the perfor…

1
Marriage Gory: 'Possession' (1981) with Sylvie Dranoff 1:57:51

3M ago1:57:51

1:57:51

Madeline, Emilio, and Julian are joined by Julian’s oft-mentioned cinephile cousin Sylvie for a standalone discussion about Andrzej Żuławski’s singular film “Possession” (1981). Distinctly mixing a drama of romantic turmoil with elements of body horror, spy thrillers, and creature features, “Possession” centers on the alternatively broad and ground…

1
Owen Roizman's New York Cinematography, with Special Guest Brendan McDonald: 'The French Connection' (1971), 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three' (1974), and 'Network' (1976) 2:23:29

3M ago2:23:29

2:23:29

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio are joined by Brendan McDonald, the producer of 'WTF with Marc Maron,' to finish off their cycle of New York City movies with a "Close-Up" on the works of legendary cinematographer Owen Roizman. A versatile visual talent ready for whatever came his way, Roizman burst out of the gate with William Friedkin's crime drama "…

1
Outer Borough Scrambles: 'Good Time' (2017) and 'Anora' (2024) with Mariquita Reese 2:00:59

4M ago2:00:59

2:00:59

For our "Two Shot" episode featuring New York City movies, Emilio, Julian and Madeline welcome on Mariquita Reese, fellow cinephile and cohost of Post Film Clarity, to talk two recent NYC based films about late night desperation that sends characters racing around the boroughs - the Safdie Brothers' 'Good Time' from 2017 and Sean Baker's 'Anora' fr…

1
A "Wedding Banquet" (1993) Companion with NYU Film Professor Zhen Zhang 1:00:15

4M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

For a bonus episode this week, Emilio goes solo for a (mostly) spoiler free talk about a film he really loves, Ang Lee's "The Wedding Banquet". It was a successful and critically acclaimed independent film back when it was released in 1993, but has mostly stayed relevant as its esteemed director's international breakthrough. Yet it's a timeless fil…

1
FutureMakerPro: The Surreal Immigrant Experience of 'Problemista' (2024) 1:38:08

4M ago1:38:08

1:38:08

Madeline, Julian, and Emilio continue their cycle of New York City movies with a "Suggestion Box" entry covering "Problemista," the film debut of director, writer, and actor Julio Torres, known previously for his writing on Saturday Night Live, HBO special "My Favorite Shapes," and co-creating and starring in the supernatural comedy "Los Espookys."…

1
O Brother, Where Art Thou? 2:21:41

4M ago2:21:41

2:21:41

Send us a text Three university philosophy professors provide analysis of the Coen brothers’ eighth film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? Contact Peter S. Fosl, Troy Jollimore, or Robert C. Jones Takin' her easy for all you sinners. Thanks for listening! Music: "The Lost Lamb" (Theme from Fargo) (traditional) Annie Chen: recorder Billy Jones: drums & pe…

1
Giddy for Gitl: 'Hester Street' (1975) and its Timeless Charms with Sharyn Rothstein 2:07:34

4M ago2:07:34

2:07:34

For this cycle's "Mise-Unseen" entry, Julian, Emilio and Madeline fire up 'Hester Street', Joan Micklin Silver's overlooked and under-appreciated film from 1975 depicting the struggles one Jewish family, recently immigrants to the United States, face while assimilating to life in their new homeland at the turn of the century. The trio comment on th…

1
How Go The Dances?: ‘Frances Ha’ (2012) with Maggie Hill 1:44:00

5M ago1:44:00

1:44:00

Emilio, Madeline, and Julian are joined again by freshly-minted New Yorker Maggie Hill, who helps them kick off a new episode cycle focusing on New York City movies. They begin with a "View-nanimous" entry on “Frances Ha”, Noah Baumbach’s 2012 film co-written by him and the film’s star, Greta Gerwig. The four New York residents praise the many accu…

1
Oscar-Winning Comic Roles, with Special Guest Rob McClure: 'A Fish Called Wanda' (1988), 'City Slickers' (1991), and 'My Cousin Vinny' (1992) 2:36:31

5M ago2:36:31

2:36:31

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio are graced by the enthusiastic presence of Tony-nominated actor Rob McClure to finish off their episode cycle on Oscar-Winning Supporting Performances with a "Close-Up" about three classic comedic roles, which each garnered their performers the coveted trophies. The first of these would be Kevin Kline's role in "A Fish …

1
Jess LeProtto on his 'West Side Story' Experience 56:30

6M ago56:30

56:30

This week, Emilio, Madeline, and Julian have the privilege of speaking to Jess LeProtto, an accomplished Broadway performer whose triple threat talents earned him the role of the thorny yet memorable Jet "A-Rab" in Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of 'West Side Story'. Jess talks about his unusual first exposure to the music of West Side Story, the d…

1
West Side Story (1961 & 2021) with Ron Piretti 1:51:29

6M ago1:51:29

1:51:29

For our "Two Shot" episode of Best Supporting Acting Winners, Madeline, Julian and Emilio keep things local, and with the help of actor/teacher/fight director Ron Piretti, they dive into both film adaptations of the beloved musical 'West Side Story'. Both the Jerome Robbins original and the Steven Spielberg remake have the distinction of earning th…

1
The Big Lebowski 2:26:31

6M ago2:26:31

2:26:31

Send us a text Three university philosophy professors provide analysis of the Coen brothers’ seventh film, The Big Lebowski. "The Big Lebowski: Nihilism, Masculinity, and Abiding Virtue" Peter S. Fosl The Big Lebowski and Philosophy: Keeping Your Mind Limber with Abiding Wisdom Peter S. Fosl (Editor) Contact Peter S. Fosl, Troy Jollimore, or Robert…

1
'L.A. Confidential' (1997): On the Record with Matt Friedman 1:55:59

6M ago1:55:59

1:55:59

This week, Madeline, Emilio and Julian welcome back piano man extraordinaire and film aficionado Matt Friedman to discuss 'L.A. Confidential', the 1997 Neo-noir directed by Curtis Hanson and starring Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, and Kim Basinger in an Oscar-winning supporting role. The group discusses how this movie hits differently if …

1
Tom Waits On SNL: 'Nuff Said. 1:05:35

6M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Dream Regime reunites after a wee break only to dig deep into Tom and Kathleen's approach to songwriting AND realize that Tom Waits appeared on SNL, which gets featured. Enjoy folks!By Atomic Muse Production

1
Talking 'Dreamgirls' (2006) for One Night Only! 1:45:26

7M ago1:45:26

1:45:26

Continuing their conversations about films featuring Best Supporting Acting Oscar winning performances, Madeline, Julian and Emilio dive into a film they had yet to see: 'Dreamgirls', the 2006 film adaptation of the Broadway musical, starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, Anika Noni Rose, Danny Glover, and Jennifer Hudson, whose portrayal of Effie White ear…

1
MLK Day: RePost Episode from 2018 59:51

7M ago59:51

59:51

We did this episode early on back in 2018 In celebration of Dr. King's birthday where we paid tribute by reflecting on many of his great sayings and his final message - to serve with "a heart full of grace, and a soul generated by love." With a few of Tom's great songs dealing with the devil, love and houses to bless our journey on this great day.…

1
Not Everyone's Tempo: ‘Whiplash’ (2014) with Rob Mitzner 1:57:57

7M ago1:57:57

1:57:57

Emilio, Madeline, and Julian are joined by drummer Rob Mitzner to begin a new episode cycle on films featuring winners of the Best Supporting Actor or Actress Oscars, with a "View-nanimous" entry on director Damien Chazelle's 2014 breakthrough film, "Whiplash." Starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, the latter of whom won the requisite Oscar, the …

1
We Three ‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003) 1:38:08

8M ago1:38:08

1:38:08

Emilio, Julian, and Madeline wrap up their “Holiday Suggestion/Gift Box” mini-cycle with Satoshi Kon’s penultimate work, “Tokyo Godfathers” (2003). Rather than gold, frankincense, and myrrh, our three hosts come bearing different personal histories with the art form of anime. They discuss the benefits and challenges of this storytelling medium, and…

1
Fargo, Part 2 1:20:09

8M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

Send us a text Three university philosophy professors provide analysis of the Coen brothers’ sixth film, Fargo. Contact Peter S. Fosl, Troy Jollimore, or Robert C. Jones Takin' her easy for all you sinners. Thanks for listening! Music: "The Lost Lamb" (Theme from Fargo) (traditional) Annie Chen: recorder Billy Jones: drums & percussion Nathan Jones…

1
Fargo, Part 1 2:12:18

8M ago2:12:18

2:12:18

Send us a text Three university philosophy professors provide analysis of the Coen brothers’ sixth film, Fargo. Contact Peter S. Fosl, Troy Jollimore, or Robert C. Jones Takin' her easy for all you sinners. Thanks for listening! Music: "The Lost Lamb" (Theme from Fargo) (traditional) Annie Chen: recorder Billy Jones: drums & percussion Nathan Jones…

1
'Home Alone' (1990) for the Holidays... with Jamie Homs! 1:43:39

8M ago1:43:39

1:43:39

For Round 2 of our "Holiday Gift/Suggestion Box" mini-cycle, Emilio selects 'Home Alone', the 1990 Christmas holiday classic directed by Chris Columbus and starring Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. It's a first watch for Julian, a rewatch for Madeline, and a welcome return visit from our pal Jamie Homs, a musician extr…

1
'Wicked' Reactions with Down the Yellow Brick Pod and Courtney Iventosch 1:16:12

8M ago1:16:12

1:16:12

For a bonus episode this week, Madeline, Emilio and Julian call on some buddies to help them process and deepen their initial appreciation of the highly anticipated, record breaking movie of the moment, 'Wicked'! After sharing their first reactions to the film, the group welcomes pals and Oz experts EmKay and Tara from Down the Yellow Brick Pod to …

1
'Carol' (2015): A Very Todd Haynes Christmas 1:48:30

8M ago1:48:30

1:48:30

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio kick off their "Holiday Suggestion Box" episode cycle by discussing "Carol" (2015), the great Christmastime-set queer romance directed by Todd Haynes, holding up his title as the most-covered director on the podcast. A re-watch for Madeline and Julian and a first-time viewing for Emilio, the group discuss such topics as…

1
Flicky Dick: 'Nixon' (1995), 'Dick' (1999) & 'Frost/Nixon' (2008) with Madeline's Dad! 2:00:52

9M ago2:00:52

2:00:52

To end their "Politics" cycle, Madeline, Julian and Emilio put a different spin on their Close Up episode format by looking at three different actors' portrayal of one real-life political figure, former President Richard M. Nixon. The group welcomes in another Richard - Madeline's dad! - a retired history teacher and Watergate buff, to give these f…

1
Disengaged in '68: 'Medium Cool' (1969) & 'Shampoo' (1975) with Sydney Duncan 2:09:10

9M ago2:09:10

2:09:10

Madeline, Julian, and Emilio welcome NYC-based comedian, writer, and actress Sydney Duncan to continue their "Politics" episode cycle with a "Two-Shot" discussion on 1969's "Medium Cool" (dir. Haskell Wexler) and 1975's "Shampoo" (dir. Hal Ashby). Though differing on surface level, the two films bear striking similarities in their portrayals of apa…

1
The Demagogue in Denim: 'A Face In the Crowd' (1957) with Maggie Hill 1:36:12

10M ago1:36:12

1:36:12

For their Politics-related "Suggestion Box", Madeline, Emilio, and Julian invite social media professional and film lover Maggie Hill to a conversation about Elia Kazan's 'A Face In The Crowd', a film from 1957 whose observations about television, mass persuasion, and political ambition seem more relevant today than ever. Emilio starts the discussi…

1
'Night of the Living Dead' (1968): Zombie Ground Zero 1:23:33

10M ago1:23:33

1:23:33

Madeline, Julian, and Emilio mark this year's Halloween season with a bonus conversation on George A. Romero's genre-defining 1968 Horror film "Night of the Living Dead." A first-time viewing for each of them, the group trace the details of the film that have made far-reaching ripples in the Horror genre and Zombie subgenre ever since, aided by Mad…

1
Spin Dog-tors: 'Wag the Dog' (1997) with Idris Goodwin 1:41:59

10M ago1:41:59

1:41:59

Emilio, Madeline, and Julian continue their "Politics" episode cycle with a "Mise-Unseen" entry on Barry Levinson's 1997 film "Wag the Dog," and are joined to do so by special guest Idris Goodwin - a playwright, educator, fellow cinephile, and significant role model from Emilio's Chicago upbringing. The group get into the movie by discussing its pl…

1
Voting for Pedro: The Simple Charms and Politics of 'Napoleon Dynamite' (2004) 1:39:53

11M ago1:39:53

1:39:53

To usher in a new cycle on "Politics", Julian, Emilio and Madeline soft pedal their way into the theme by way of discussing Jared Hess's 2004 debut feature film 'Napoleon Dynamite', a high school movie featuring socially maladjusted yet charming teenagers, tater tots, rural Idaho, airborne food, fraudulent internet purchases, non-fraudulent interne…

1
That Thing He Did! Adam Schlesinger's Music in 'That Thing You Do!' (1996), 'Josie and the Pussycats' (2001), and 'Music and Lyrics' (2007) 1:44:29

11M ago1:44:29

1:44:29

To close out the "Musicians on Film" cycle, Julian, Madeline and Emilio dig into the work of ace songwriter Adam Schlesinger, focusing on catchy pop songs he penned for three films - 'That Thing You Do!' (1996), 'Josie and the Pussycats' (2001), and 'Music and Lyrics' (2007). Emilio and Julian break out guitars to point out some of the little detai…

1
The Times They Were a-Filmin': Bob Dylan in 'Dont Look Back' (1967) and 'I'm Not There' (2007) 1:48:39

11M ago1:48:39

1:48:39

Madeline, Julian, and Emilio continue their "Musicians on Film" episode cycle with a "Two-Shot" entry on a pair of unforgettable cinematic portrayals of Bob Dylan, namely D. A. Pennebaker's trailblazing 1967 documentary "Dont Look Back" (apostrophe not included), and Todd Haynes' kaleidoscopic 2007 film "I'm Not There." As two of many films out the…

1
Thespian Tom: A Sad & Beautiful World, Jim Jarmusch, And Farting In A Can 1:03:28

12M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

This one had to age a few months to reach it's prime but boy was it worth the wait! While Da Scherm hiked in Scotland, the rest of the gang put heads down to listen to the wisdom imparted from the great films featuring Tom Waits. From Down By Law to Short Cuts and Bustered Scruggs (yes he said Bustered) a great conversation on Tom's authentic actin…

1
'This is Spinal Tap' (1984): This Conversation Goes to Eleven! 1:33:33

12M ago1:33:33

1:33:33

For the Suggestion Box entry to the "Musicians on Film" cycle, Julian, Madeline and Emilio emerge from seed pods and go one louder for a conversation about 'This is Spinal Tap', Rob Reiner's hilarious and influential mockumentary from 1984 chronicling the US tour of England's loudest band. The trio dig into the film's origins, the improvised acting…

1
Down the Envy Drain: 'Saltburn' (2023) with Michaela Brady 1:59:32

1y ago1:59:32

1:59:32

Julian, Madeline, and Emilio are joined by writer, performer, cultural connoisseur, and Julian's longtime friend Michaela Brady, for a bonus episode on Emerald Fennell's recent shock-laden estate film "Saltburn." Aided by Michaela's regional expertise as an alum of Oxford University (and current resident in said city), the group dive into the worki…

1
'Mo' Better Blues' (1990) Makes It Mo' Better 1:40:16

1y ago1:40:16

1:40:16

This week, Emilio, Julian, and Madeline continue their cycle about “Musicians on Film” with an oft-overlooked Spike Lee Joint, “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990). While this film may be quite a shift from “Do the Right Thing” only a year before, our hosts discuss commonalities (and possible shared universes?) between the two films and the director’s filmogr…

1
009: Dorohedoro 42:08

1y ago42:08

42:08

Join Ket & Crow as they discus the hit Netflix Anime Dorohedoro! Dudes cut in half? Check. Dude living in your throat? Check. Totally awesome? Check. Next Episode: The Orville Season 1 Questions, Comments, or Recommendations? Let us know [email protected] instagram - @funclubpodcastBy Ket & Crow

1
Appreciating 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' (1982) with Mike Duquette 1:27:58

1y ago1:27:58

1:27:58

For this bonus episode, Emilio, Madeline, and Julian power up a communicator and call on the presence of Mike Duquette, an out-of-this-world pop culture writer based in Astoria, NY, to discuss Steven Spielberg's evergreen classic 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'. Mike brings his encyclopedic knowledge of all things 'E.T.' for a panoramic look at the fi…

1
The Hudsucker Proxy 2:36:28

1y ago2:36:28

2:36:28

Send us a text Three university philosophy professors provide analysis of the Coen brothers’ fifth film, The Hudsucker Proxy. Contact Peter S. Fosl, Troy Jollimore, or Robert C. Jones Takin' her easy for all you sinners. Thanks for listening! Music: "The Lost Lamb" (Theme from Fargo) (traditional) Annie Chen: recorder Billy Jones: drums & percussio…

1
'Nashville' (1975): Altman's Sprawling Masterwork 1:36:35

1y ago1:36:35

1:36:35

Kicking off a new episode cycle about "Musicians on Film", Julian, Emilio and Madeline hop on a three-wheeled motorcycle and revisit a movie they've previously seen and admired: Robert Altman's 1975 epic 'Nashville', a five-day, criss-crossing journey through the country music capital. The trio do their best to make sense of the many disparate thin…

1
008: The Death And Return Of Superman (Pitch) 59:56

1y ago59:56

59:56

Ket & Crow embark on a one of a kind journey in to the brain of Max Landis! Come along as your heroes talk about The Death and Return of Superman pitch that Max Landis was originally hired to write for DC Comics. Doomsday? Yes. Death? Yes. Next Episode: Dorohedoro Questions, Comments, or Recommendations? Let us know [email protected] instagram -…

1
High School Cycle Recap + Superlatives! 52:45

1y ago52:45

52:45

For this bonus episode, Julian, Madeline and Emilio reflect on the high school based films that were discussed over the last few months. Are there any shared characteristics between them? What about a high school setting makes for interesting, relatable stories? Lastly, the trio assigns superlatives to several of the memorable characters from the n…

1
Heckerling High: 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' (1982), 'Clueless' (1995), and 'Loser' (2000) 2:02:37

1y ago2:02:37

2:02:37

Emilio, Madeline, and Julian finish off their cycle on High School Movies with a "Close-Up" on the great director Amy Heckerling, and a selection of her school-based films. The trio kick it off with 1982's "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," Heckerling's directorial debut and an unforgettable ensemble comedy/drama with a Cameron Crowe-penned script and…

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