Best Ruminations Radio Network Podcasts (2025)

1
Fantastic Four: First Steps 1:10:43

6d ago1:10:43

1:10:43

For their 206th episode, two invisible film critics, two rocky dads, and two stretchy teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, visit Marvel's next summer blockbuster, the hotly anticipated "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." They are not alone, either. The hosts welcome back frequent guest, Cati Glidewell of The Blonde in Front and Film Obsessive, t…

1
Rusty and Still Talking...Harry Potter, fandoms, random musings 59:38

13d ago59:38

59:38

www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork www.instagram.com/FromTheRedRoom Ruminations@FromTheRedRoom https://ruminationsradio.transistor.fm/ Music and Production by Mitch Proctor https://www.patreon.com/RuminationsRadio Speakpipe - leave us a voicemail ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

1
Franchise Fit: Mission Impossible (III and Ghost Protocol) 52:25

13d ago52:25

52:25

For their 205th episode, two mask-pulling film critics, two special agent dads, and two stuntman teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, return for their second of four retrospective episodes discussing the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Covering the next two, this episode breaks down the J.J. Abrams entry, "Mission: Impossible III" from 2006 an…

1
Abusive relationship? Technology and Music 59:11

20d ago59:11

59:11

We continue to knock the rust off with a new episode of Ruminations From The Red Room. We yak yak about a few odd topics from gamer tags to politics and settle in for a chat on how technology has brushed up against the world of music, and its impact on that great expression of human soul and art... is it all art? Does the tactile have no place? Doe…

1
Superman (2025) 1:09:45

20d ago1:09:45

1:09:45

For their 204th episode, two heroic film critics, two hopeful dads, and two cape-wearing teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, vault their podcast up in the sky to address the hotly anticipated and hot button summer blockbuster, "Superman," directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet in the tights and spectacles. Our hosts are unafraid t…

1
Ruminating On The Cure - Songs of a Lost World 1:11:25

26d ago1:11:25

1:11:25

"That's what we know now" - Ian Avery On the themes and topics Robert Smith bestowed on us...Aging and death. Our boy Ian hits it on the head again. We wax poetic, and gothic. We mourn and celebrate our youth and our old age. The band gets back together again. How do 4 years pass so quickly. Again? We take time to reflect, and ruminate on the impos…

1
Ruminating on the New York Times Top 100 Films of 21st Century 1:04:24

1M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

For their 203rd episode, two list-making film critics, two highly ranked dads, and two Top 100 teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, take this new episode as an editorial chance to talk about the hubbub created in the cinephile world recently when The New York Times asked for public input to create a master list of the Top 100 films of the 21st …

1
Predator: Killer of Killers 36:43

1M ago36:43

36:43

For their 202nd episode, two sneak-attacking film critics, two camoflauged dads, and two warrior teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, draw their swords and pistols on a frequently-mentioned franchise on the podcast: the "Predator" series. In June, Hulu released the stunningly animated "Predator: Killer of Killers," which continues the new stewa…

1
Franchise Fit: Mission Impossible (1996) & M:I-2 (2000) 52:46

2M ago52:46

52:46

For their 201st episode, two mask-pulling film critics, two special agent dads, and two stuntman teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a group of retrospective episodes reflecting on the recently finalized "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Taking them a pair at a time, this first episode covers Brian De Palma's "Mission: Impossible" from 19…

1
Episode 200! Mulholland Drive & Sunset Blvd 1:37:08

2M ago1:37:08

1:37:08

For their historic 200th episode, two detective-minded film critics, two dream theory dads, and two noir-loving teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, have reached a milestone that deserved a big movie and the help of stellar new guest. The hosts welcome Chicago-based film critic and artist Jeff York of The Establishing Shot and Pipeline Artists …

1
Sneakers (1992) 1:00:52

2M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

For their 199th episode, two altruistic film critics, two anagram-loving dads, and two hacker school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, tuck themselves into the warm sheets of the 1990s with the steady 1992 hit, "Sneakers." Directed by "Field of Dreams" director Phil Alden Robinson and top-lined by the Oscar-winning duo of Robert Redford and …

1
Designing the Music of Twin Peaks: An Interview with Lori Eschler 1:31:54

2M ago1:31:54

1:31:54

In this episode, Lori Eschler (music editor of Twin Peaks and Fire Walk With Me) gives your host John a tour behind the curtain of how, when and why the score of Twin Peaks and the film were built from Angelo Badalamenti‘s sound cue library. Between the technical details and Lori’s experience working behind the scenes, here’s a lot to learn in this…

1
From the Cine-Vault- Star Wars:Return of the Jedi 59:09

3M ago59:09

59:09

Andor Season 2 just wrapped up on Disney+ so let's go all the way back to 2023... And see what the Cinephile Fitsters had to say about Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on its 40th anniversary. https://discord.gg/N6MKWXU2 https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork https://www.instagram.com/cinephilehissyfit/ https://www.instagram.com/casabl…

1
From the Cine-vault: Stan Winston 52:01

3M ago52:01

52:01

Hop in your way back machine of choice and enjoy this classic episode from The Ruminations Radio Network's own Cinephile Mavericks; Don and Will, as the two wax poetic and respectful on the great Stan Winston. https://discord.gg/N6MKWXU2 https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork https://www.instagram.com/cinephilehissyfit/ https://www.…

1
Thunderbolts (2025) 1:20:15

3M ago1:20:15

1:20:15

For their 198th episode, two avenging film critics, two reject dads, and two asterisk-owning school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, arrive at the opening big hitter of the summer of the 2025. As usual, Marvel Studios staked claim the first week of May release slot for "Thunderbolts." The self-described "lapsed" Marvel shill and the Rotten …

1
Switch 2 and $80 Games? (My Fiancé stole my Steam Deck) 1:13:15

3M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

https://www.teepublic.com/user/ruminationsradionetwork www.RuminationsRadioNetwork.com www.instagram.com/RuminationsRadioNetwork Twitter: RuminationsRadioNetwork@RuminationsN Music and Production by Mitch Proctor for Area 42 Studios and Sound https://www.patreon.com/RuminationsRadioBy Ruminations Radio Network

1
Sinners (2025) 1:05:45

3M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

For their 197th episode, two non-musical film critics, two vampiric dads, and two enthralled school teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, turn their gaze and their microphones to the big April hit of Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" starring Michael B. Jordan. Our two fellas walked away very impressive with every aspect of this wild genre mashup. They s…

1
The Log Lady Introductions 33:28

3M ago33:28

33:28

For the final look into material from the original run of Twin Peaks, your host John investigates the Log Lady Introductions that aired in 1993 on Bravo. He tests whether there are story arcs in these introductions, while we learn more about who Margaret Lanterman is, the realities of Twin Peaks, and what lessons Margaret -and David Lynch -are tryi…

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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me —Questions in a World of Blue 2:17:16

4M 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
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) 1:05:00

4M 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
Pride & Prejudice (2005) 56:25

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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
Goldfinger (1962) w/ special guests Ben Cahlamer & Neil Shurley 1:00:12

8M 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
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me - Who Killed Teresa Banks 50:20

8M 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
The Very Best Theatrical Experiences 53:38

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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…

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