Best Ruminations Radio Network Podcasts (2025)

1
Ghost (1990) previously only available on Patreon 1:12:20

24h ago1:12:20

1:12:20

For their first Pateon exclusive episode, two lovestruck film critics, two "Crazy for Swayze" dads, and two ditto-making school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, check off a few delightful and dreamy boxes with an opposite on the 1990 smash hit "Ghost." The movie has been in Don's all-time Top 10 for decades, and Will---coming off a 1990 bin…

1
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) 56:55

9d ago56:55

56:55

For their 195th episode, two imposter film critics, two murderous dads, and two non-Italian school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, stay in the monumental year of 1999 for one more week with another cornerstone film. Lapped at the time by the likes of "The Matrix," "American Beauty," "Magnolia," and "Fight Club," stands the late Anthony Min…

1
The Iron Giant (1999) 41:20

16d ago41:20

41:20

For their 194th episode, two beatnik film critics, two Cold War-curious dads, and two robotic school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, turn it back to the great year of 1999 to love on a flop that turned into a classic. Brad Bird's "The Iron Giant" has gone from being trounced at the box office to being an animation exemplar for all ages, an…

1
Seventh Pod of a Seventh Pod 54:23

24d ago54:23

54:23

https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitter: RuminationsRadioNetwork@RuminationsN Production by Mitch Proctor for Area 42 Studios and Sound Episode Artwork by Charles Langley for Area 42 Studios and Sound https://www.patreon.com/RuminationsRadio…

1
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) 1:05:00

24d ago1:05:00

1:05:00

For their 193rd episode, two suburbanite film critics, two nanny-gawking dads, and two accosted school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, circle back to a cinematic cottage industry found in the 1980s and 1990s of so-called domestic terror: stories that preyed on the pearl-clutching fears of the upper middle class. One of the best to get the …

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me —Questions in a World of Blue 2:17:16

23d ago2:17:16

2:17:16

What kind of questions are asked in a world of blue, and how do the answers arrive? In this final episode looking into Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, your host John looks into Laura Palmer’s path through the film. Laura’s quest to unmask her adversary BOB takes her into her dualities, and both worlds, as she navigates from asking questions to under…

1
Pride & Prejudice (2005) 56:25

1M ago56:25

56:25

For their 192nd episode, two haughty film critics, two betrothed dads, and two classical school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, refine their usual viewing to discuss possibly unexpected from their norm, but something with extreme class. We're talking about director Joe Wright's sumptuous 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudic…

1
To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) 1:14:50

1M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

For their 191st episode, two Secret Service film critics, two sweaty dads, and two counterfeit school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, seep into the seedy side of nefarious crimes of money and the slimy side of Los Angeles with William Friedkin's 1985 stunner "To Live and Die in L.A." Our guys always make time for a Willem Dafoe blind spot …

1
Under Siege (1992) 1:06:19

1M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

For their 190th episode, two enlisted film critics, two centerfold dads, and two non-silent school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, pull up their anchors, load their guns, and take on an 1990s action movie classic! Steven Seagal (and us) never had it better than 1992's "Under Siege," co-starring Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey. This was dire…

1
Gamez Rot Yr Brane (the 6th w/Special Guest) 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitter: RuminationsRadioNetwork@RuminationsN Production by Mitch Proctor for Area 42 Studios and Sound Episode Artwork by Charles Langley for Area 42 Studios and Sound https://www.patreon.com/RuminationsRadio…

1
Double Feature: Anora & Pretty Woman 1:01:09

2M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

For their 189th episode, two romantic film critics, two pretty dads, and two school teacher with hearts of gold, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, cover one more Oscar contender before the big awards. With Sean Baker's "Anora" surging up the Oscar odds charts with wins at the Critics Choice Awards, BAFTAS, and the top guilds for producers and director…

1
Women Speak about Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me 1:57:30

2M ago1:57:30

1:57:30

This week’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me episode is a space where guest host Agent Ivy grows a discussion with Courtenay Stallings (Laura’s Ghost), Emily Marinelli (Twin Peaks Tattoo Podcast) Lindsay Stamhuis (The Bicks/Bickering Peaks), and Hilary Flor (Full Blossom of the Evening). (editor's note: Do not miss this episode) Production by Mitch Pr…

1
Captain of America: Brave New World 51:58

2M ago51:58

51:58

For their 188th episode, two patriotic film critics, two winged dads, and two reformed Marvel Schill school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, swoop in to sing what appears to be minority praises for the new Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Captain America: Brave New World." The movie might be bombing with critics, but we think there's plenty …

1
Tron (1982) Tron Legacy (2010) 57:41

2M ago57:41

57:41

For their 187th episode, two digitized film critics, two dads who fight for the users, and two Master Control school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, squeeze together a "TRON" double feature to cover the landmark 1982 original and its pumped-up 2010 sequel "Tron Legacy." Will was a first-time to The Grid, while Don was happy return to the f…

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me - The Ones Who Knew Her 1:59:20

2M ago1:59:20

1:59:20

Paraphrasing the Log Lady, there are many stories in Twin Peaks. It is a story of many, but begins with one. The one leading to the many is Laura Palmer. Laura is the one. But Many is made up of a large number of Ones, and this episode is about the ones that were closest to the center around Laura Palmer, the ones who knew Laura Palmer better than …

1
The Substance 57:43

3M ago57:43

57:43

For their 186th episode, two glamorous film critics, two substance-abusing dads, and two out-of-control school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, catch up to the recent Academy Award nominations to discuss "The Substance!" Filmmaker Coralie Fergeat's celebrity thriller, rife with body horror and Hollywood commentary has wowed audiences and cr…

1
X-Men (2000)...(& "Unknown-To-Icon") 1:11:38

3M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

For their 185th episode, two futuristic film critics, two mutant dads, and two socially-consicous teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a new sub-series for 2025 called "The Anniversary Parade." A host of key classics are celebrating benchmark anniversaries this year and our show will gradually crack into that list all year long. First up …

1
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim 1:09:07

3M ago1:09:07

1:09:07

Happy New Year! For their 184th episode, two horse-riding film critics, two horn-blowing dads, and two sieging teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, celebrated a new year with a conversation on the recent spin-off "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim." The anime-style film is a deep prequel to the War of the Ring from the Peter Jackso…

1
Gladiator II 1:01:02

3M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

For their 183rd episode, two Romanesque film critics, two dirt-rubbing dads, and two non-emperor teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, came together for a recent new release they both had circled on their calendars for a long time even before 2024. Celebrated film director Ridley Scott stepped back into the "Gladiator" arena to make the long-dis…

1
The Healing Magic of Twin Peaks Workshop 6:56

4M ago6:56

6:56

Our friends Scott Ryan (Blue Rose Magazine) and Emily Marinelli (Twin Peaks Tattoo Podcast) have a four-part zoom workshop to tell you about that begins this March. Production by Mitch Proctor and Area 42 Studios and Sound Additional audio editing John Bernardy https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com w…

1
White Sands (1992) 51:16

4M ago51:16

51:16

For their 182nd episode, two suspicious film critics, two Corvette-driving dads, and two sheriff-wannabe teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, dipped their toes into the wellspring that is the movie resume of the Oscar-nominated Willem Dafoe. This week's show covers 1992's "White Sands," directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Dafore alongside …

1
The 5th Episode 1:00:43

4M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

This week we see Tony dive head first into the Playstation 5 Pro and we break down Kyle's topic of the Mid Gen Refresh. Concern is in the air for the future of physical game media and game preservation with Tony's topic. Finally Hop has us ruminating on when is the right time to pull the plug and give up on a game, and also discussing how our years…

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me - Who Killed Laura Palmer 2:07:45

4M ago2:07:45

2:07:45

This week’s look into Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me focuses on the killer and how much more there is to their story and motives. Why does their plan turn from possessing Laura into killing her? What’s the deal with Philip Gerard, and the Grandson? What’s the role of a familiar? Why was Ronette at the train car? Your host John addresses all of this,…

1
Star Trek: First Contact w/Ben and Neil 1:18:42

5M ago1:18:42

1:18:42

For their 181st episode, two science officer film critics, two brave dads, and two assimilated teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcomed Neil Shurley and Ben Cahlamer for their second consecutive episode. Their challenge was to boldly go where no show had gone before. The four set their phasers on stun to cover 1996's "Star Trek: First Cont…

1
Games to movies to games to stream or not... Riddles in the dark 1:07:10

5M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitter: RuminationsRadioNetwork@RuminationsN Production by Mitch Proctor for Area 42 Studios and Sound Episode Artwork by Charles Langley for Area 42 Studios and Sound https://www.patreon.com/RuminationsRadio…

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me - Who Killed Teresa Banks 50:20

5M ago50:20

50:20

This week’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me episode looks into the nuts and bolts of the story and plot in the film, which your host John thinks moves through Teresa Banks: why she was murdered, and what repercussions happen as a result. How is the Deer Meadow police department involved? How is Teresa Banks a Blue Rose case? What are the Lodge Entiti…

1
Goldfinger (1962) w/ special guests Ben Cahlamer & Neil Shurley 1:00:12

5M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

For their 180th episode, two golden film critics, two secret agent dads, and two laser-wielding teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, brought in a pair of special guests for the first of two "guest's choice" episodes. The podcast welcomed prolific creator Neil Shurley and returning guest and Phoenix-based film critic Ben Cahlamer to put their be…

1
The Very Best Theatrical Experiences 53:38

5M ago53:38

53:38

For their 179th episode, two nostalgic film critics, two surround sound dads, and two crowd-ready teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, take a special episode to spell out an editorial they have in mind for a while. Will and Don carry on a conversation ranking the best theatrical experiences of their lives so far. From formative moments and chee…

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me — We Live Inside a Dream 1:54:18

5M ago1:54:18

1:54:18

This week, your host John focuses his look into Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me on Dale Cooper, the FBI and the supernatural in-betweens they investigate. While piecing together Cooper’s story from his moments in the margins, you’ll get a deep look into the dream logic that plays throughout the film. On the agenda: The Philip Jeffries scenes, Carl Ro…

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me — Reading the Sounds 54:34

5M ago54:34

54:34

Your host John is all ears as he continues looking into Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, starting with the soundtrack and music releases, and how the tracks are used in the film. Then it’s onto what sound effects, filters and frequencies may represent, before a look into Lodge-adjacent use of words, lyrics to songs, and what happens when sounds can’t…

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me— Reading the Codes and Symbols (w/ Elle Holgate) 42:22

6M ago42:22

42:22

Agent Elle returns to have a conversation with your host John about the codes and symbols found in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. They look for meanings within the TV set in the credits, the name Teresa Banks, Lil’s presentation, and iconography of the Jade Ring, utility pole, and the Jumping Man. What could it mean that the director of the FBI is …

1
Tight 90: Commando (1985) 1:01:52

6M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

For their 178th episode, two non-Austrian film critics, two log-carrying dads, and two rocket-launching teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, kick off the beginning of a recurring side series of films described as a "Tight 90." In today's day and age of exhausting epics and effusive directors' cuts, Will and Don celebrate movies that nailed thei…

1
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me — Production History (w/ Scott Ryan) 1:29:27

6M ago1:29:27

1:29:27

In this first installment of episodes exploring Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, your host John sits down with author Scott Ryan to discuss the film and Ryan’s book Fire Walk With Me: Your Laura Disappeared. They look into the timeline of the film’s production, from script to editing and everything in between. You get the origin of the Blue Rose, det…

1
Challengers (2024) 1:13:18

6M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

For their 177th episode, two racket-tightening film critics, two titillated dads, and two sweaty teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, circle back to earlier in 2024 to watch more than just tennis balls being hit back and forth in the Luca Guadagnino's mainstream breakout hit "Challengers." Our guys debate trying to say great things about a very…

1
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) 52:04

6M ago52:04

52:04

For their 176th episode, two hungover film critics, two jug-filling dads, and two stuttering teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, pop a few aspirins and take it back to 1995 to talk about "Die Hard with a Vengeance." Our hosts sing the praises of the addition of Samuel L. Jackson and debate the possible difference between "favorite" and "best" …

1
Anyone But You 1:02:14

6M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

CINEPHILE HISSY FIT #175 (October 18, 2024): For their 175th episode, two buff film critics, two gossipy dads, and two romantic teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, found themselves smitten recently with last year’s runaway hit “Anyone But You.” Many have called this Sydney Sweeney/Glen Powell vehicle the return of the big screen rom-com. Our h…

1
The Abyss (1989) 59:22

7M ago59:22

59:22

CINEPHILE HISSY FIT #174 (October 11, 2024): For their 174th episode, two roughneck film critics, two bioluminescent dads, and two teachers with the bends, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, venture below the waves to the deep trench of James Cameron hallmarks that compose “The Abyss,” starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn.…

1
Alien: Romulus (2024) 1:29:11

7M ago1:29:11

1:29:11

For their 173rd episode, two space trucker film critics, two face-hugged dads, and two android school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome back their returning favorite guest Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front for the second appearance of two back-to-back shows. They collaborate to evaluate the hotly anticipated late summer blockbust…

1
Suitable Flesh (2023) 59:01

7M ago59:01

59:01

For their 172nd episode, two possessed film critics, two hot-and-bothered dads, and two demonic school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome back their returning favorite guest Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front for the first of a pair of episodes. This show hops into the land of Lovecraftian horror with the 2023 Heather Graham vehicl…

1
Trippin' on Cinema: "Hell Comes to Frogtown" 1:00:31

7M ago1:00:31

1:00:31

For their 171st episode, two virile film critics, two amphibian dads, and two chastity-belted school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, return for another episode in their "Trippin' on Cinema" sub-series. This time around, they went with the late-night schlock of "Hell Comes to Frogtown" starring the late Hall of Fame professional wrestler "R…

1
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) 1:05:49

7M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

For their 170th episode, two primate film critics, two post-apocalyptic dads, and two tenet-loving school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, circle back to a film they missed together in the form of the early 2024 summer blockbuster "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." They circled the calendar for this one after their series on the reboot tr…

1
(Console) War is Over 1:04:57

8M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitter: RuminationsRadioNetwork@RuminationsN Production by Mitch Proctor for Area 42 Studios and Sound Episode Artwork by Charles Langley for Area 42 Studios and Sound https://www.patreon.com/RuminationsRadio…

1
Dante's Peak & Volcano (1997) 1:05:38

8M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

For their 169th episode, two volcanic film critics, two ash-covered dads, and two pyroclastic school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome back film critic and “And The Winner Was…” podcast host Joel Winstead for his second consecutive guest spot. Turning back the clock to 1997, the trio dove into the hot lava that was the double feature…

1
Take Your Turn & Get Your Hands on This 1:09:44

8M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitter: RuminationsRadioNetwork@RuminationsN Email: [email protected] Music and Production by Mitch Proctor for Area 42 Studios and Sound https://www.patreon.com/RuminationsRadioBy Ruminations Radio Network

1
Twisters (2024) w/guest Joel Winstead 1:01:22

8M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

For their 168th episode, two unrealized film critics, two dirt-sniffing dads, and two windy school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, welcome film critic and “And The Winner Was…” podcast host Joel Winstead to the show to kick up some dust and weather with a discussion on this summer’s hit soft reboot sequel “Twisters.” The original holds a s…

1
Episode Xero:Exclusivity, Gaming redemptions, Sega Consoles 54:15

8M ago54:15

54:15

This week Triple C and the Guru of Goth join the fray. Is exclusivity a good or bad thing for the industry, and is it slowly becoming a thing of the past? We discuss games that started out as something you tossed aside but later returned to with great intrigue, and maybe fell in love with. We also break down the great Sega consoles and if our favor…

1
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (pt 2) 1:01:16

8M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

For their 167th episode, two reflective critics, two non-Dad Movie dads, and two thankful school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, conclude their three-episode arc discussing Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This final portion split from a long recording talking about "The Return of the King" goes on to measure the series's c…

1
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 51:26

9M ago51:26

51:26

For their 166th episode, two critics, dads, and school teachers who bow to no one, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, continue with the second of a three-episode series discussing Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This second episode is the beginning half of a split recording that centered on the epic conclusions cemented by "The Return …

1
The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring & The Two Towers 58:10

9M ago58:10

58:10

For their 165th episode, two Middle Earth critics, two hobbit-footed dads, and two heroic teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin the first of a three-episode series discussing Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Will recently devoured the recent three-night Fathom Event anniversary showings of the Extended Editions of all three…

1
Deep Rising (1998) 52:34

9M ago52:34

52:34

For their 164th episode, two saltwater critics, two tentacled dads, and two skin-melted teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, hit the way back machine to 1998 to enjoy the creature-feature highs and lows of "Deep Rising" from future "The Mummy" breakout director Stephen Sommers and starring the late Treat Williams doing his best Harrison Ford st…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ruminations Radio Network Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide