It's Ben's first time in Park City, and despite the freezing temps, he and Keith take to Main Street to kickoff the indie film calendar-year, exploring the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Man-on-the-street interviews capture the vibrant atmosphere as Ben & Keith seek intel and advice from filmmakers, volunteers, and festival-goers alike. Listen for candid encounters with Frank Mosley, Russell Wayne Groves, Su Kim and more — including a sneeze and you might miss it cameo from Conan O'Brien, who warns us all — "Look out for the ice!"

00:00 Starting the Day: Leaving the Condo

00:08 Walking Directions and Weather Update

00:59 Discussing the Film Festival Experience

02:45 Exploring Main Street and Festival Atmosphere

04:28 Bird Watching and Film Festival Analogies

05:48 The Role of Sales Agents in Film Distribution

08:54 Navigating the Festival: Tips and Insights

09:23 Tunnel Walk and Festival Reflections

11:05 Interviews with Filmmakers and Attendees

20:01 Worlds Colliding at Sundance

20:25 The Impact of Social Media on Documentary Filmmaking

21:40 Excitement for the Future of Social Media

22:24 Meeting Industry Professionals at Sundance

23:00 Challenges in Indie Film Distribution and Financing

23:41 First Impressions of Sundance

24:27 The Importance of Optimism in Filmmaking

30:44 A Conversation with Su Kim

36:28 Wrapping Up Day One at Sundance

In this episode of Doc Walks, Ben & Keith duck out of the freezing temperatures of Park City for a warm and cozy indoor sit-down with Academy Award-nominated producer Diane Quon. A personal story of determination, Diane shares her inspiring journey from marketing executive to Academy Award-nominated documentary producer. From acclaimed films like 'Minding the Gap,' and 'Breaking the News,' to her Sundance premiering 'Third Act,' Diane shares insights and experiences as a late-entrant into the documentary world, relying on real-world experience and some well-timed words of encouragement too. 00:00 Braving the Cold: A Frosty Start 00:45 Seeking Warmth: A Change of Plans 01:48 Introducing Diane Quan: A Special Guest 05:55 Diane's Journey: From Marketing to Filmmaking 08:37 The Impact of Documentaries: Personal Stories and Social Issues 13:12 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers 16:39 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Gratitude

Step into 'Doc Walks' with indie filmmakers Keith Maitland and Ben Steinbauer as they kick off this walk & talk podcast with a pilot episode focused on their documentary origins, storytelling motivations, personal frailties, and a few bird sightings. Tune in for candid conversations, industry insights, and the ambient sounds of Austin's hike and bike trail.

From The Bear and Go Valley comes the show you didn't know you wanted (or needed, probably). Hosted, produced, and edited by Ben Steinbauer and Keith Maitland, with help from Tanner Bass. Theme song by Sam Billen and Primary Color Music.

00:00 Introduction and Sound Check

00:40 Launching the Podcast: Doc Walks

02:03 The Concept Behind Doc Walks

02:56 Insights on Documentary Filmmaking

06:22 Personal Journeys into Filmmaking

12:06 Challenges and Realities of Filmmaking

13:53 The Collaborative Nature of Filmmaking

17:19 Synchronicity and Creative Inspiration

25:34 Conclusion and Future Plans

Back from Sundance and inspired by Diane Quon's email to Morgan Neville, Ben & Keith discuss the impact of seeking career guidance in their early days as doc-makers. Join us for a walk around Austin's Ladybird Lake and a lively conversation about outreach and insights for aspiring and established documentary filmmakers alike. 

00:00 Starting the Journey: Back to Where It All Began

00:14 Post-Sundance Reflections and Illness

01:18 Networking at Sundance: Strategies and Insights

02:36 The Power of Reaching Out: Diane Quon's Story

04:46 Personal Experiences: Seeking Advice from Filmmakers

07:26 Wise Words from Albert Maysles: Love Your Subject

10:38 Exploring Austin: The Bat Bridge and New Projects

17:44 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers: Practical Tips

19:41 The Power of Encouragement

21:07 Seeking Advice and Building Relationships

23:36 The Importance of Community

30:35 Practical Tips for Aspiring Filmmakers

33:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

With SXSW in full swing, Ben & Keith walk downtown Austin with director Adam Bhala Lough (Telemarketers) the day before the premiere of Deep Faking Sam Altman. A prolific filmmaker, Adam shares stories behind the scenes of his new doc, gives tips on pitching, and after spending a year chasing AI pioneer Sam Altman, offers a surprisingly rosy view of the AI landscape.

00:00 Welcome to South by Southwest 2025

00:30 Meet Adam Bhala Lough: Prolific Director

01:23 Deep Faking Sam Altman: The New Film

01:49 The Journey of Making the Film

04:33 Challenges and Triumphs in Filmmaking

08:12 Pitching and Networking Secrets

12:59 The Train Keeps Moving

13:41 The Pivot: Embracing New Opportunities

14:29 Creating the Sambot

16:02 Journey to India

17:30 The Future of Documentaries

21:05 AI: A New Tool in Filmmaking

22:53 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

New York City — Ben takes on the Big Apple and a long walk with filmmaker Matt Wolf, all by himself. This episode features a deep dive into Matt Wolf's career and approach — from his days as a gay teen activist to his new two part series, Pee-wee As Himself, premiering on HBO Max. Matt leads Ben through the streets of the Lower East Side while sharing insights into his unique approach to doc filmmaking, the power of archival footage, and the importance of finishing what you start.

00:00 Introduction and First Impressions

00:44 Technical Difficulties and First Steps

01:18 Exploring the Neighborhood

03:11 Meeting Matt Wolf

05:14 Matt Wolf's Early Career

08:16 The Journey to Filmmaking

14:35 Reflecting on Success and Challenges

16:19 Finding New Stories

17:51 Navigating Construction Noise

18:26 The Art of Documentary Filmmaking

18:59 The Importance of Archival Material

20:56 Pitching and Funding Projects

23:20 Current Inspirations and New Projects

28:15 Challenges in the Documentary Industry

33:06 Passion for Filmmaking

35:29 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

36:50 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Walk and talk with ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT director Charlie Shackleton as he recounts the challenges (& opportunities) of bringing a film to new life after losing access to the subject. Ben & Keith explore Charlie's love-hate relationship with true crime and the way his film twists up familiar tropes. Never one to accept creative defeat, Charlie extolls the virtues of having a close collaboration with your entertainment lawyer and takes us back to the inspiration of Nick Broomfield as a basis for overcoming rejection on screen.  The three filmmakers have a lot of laughs and together decide to start a cult! Join them… for this episode of Doc Walks.

00:00 Welcome to Doc Walks: South by Southwest Day

00:49 Meeting Charlie Shackleton: A Unique Filmmaker

02:42 The Zodiac Killer Project: A Film About Failure

04:13 Overcoming Obstacles: The Making of Zodiac Killer Project

07:41 Archival Films and Legal Battles

11:17 Influences and Inspirations: The Filmmakers Who Shaped Charlie

15:28 Pitching and Funding: The Journey to Create Zodiac Killer Project

17:48 A Twist on True Crime: Charlie's Unique Approach

19:56 Starting a New Cult: A Filmmaker's Perspective

20:23 Intentional Critique in Documentary Filmmaking

22:08 Navigating Personal Involvement in Documentaries

25:32 The Reality of Developing Multiple Projects

29:13 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

34:24 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

Taking it back to the indie film boom of the 90s with super-sales-agent John Sloss of Cinetic Media. Walking through the tree-filled Zilker neighborhood in an escape from SXSW, John shares his career journey from a life-changing pickup basketball game with John Sayles to  longtime associations with film legends like Richard Linklater, John Pierson and Errol Morris. Ben & Keith eat up the stories of John's early days, but it's his unique perspective on the current state of the doc marketplace that makes John Sloss a real 'get' for Doc Walks. 

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:32 Meeting John Sloss

01:12 A Walk Through Zilker 

02:15 Career Highlights and Insights

13:54 The State of the Documentary Market

17:25 Wrapping Up and Future Episodes

Drink up the scene like a local as Keith & Ben chat up their fellow Austinites (and a few out of town visitors) at the annual Austin Film Society Parking Lot Party at SXSW. This episode is a veritable smorgasbord of festival conversation including appearances by local filmmakers Cassie Hay, Tracy Frazier & Karen Skloss; festival programmers like Bart Weiss and James Faust; SXSW-premiering CREEDE, USA editor Andrew Saunderson;  producer Mike Blizzard; and an AFS-appreciation conversation with CEO Rebecca Campbell. All that and a literal Rolls Royce car crash makes this bonus episode a unique peek into Austin's film community. 

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:59 Meeting Cassie Hay: A Filmmaking Journey

03:38 Tracy Frazier: From Documentaries to Gaming

06:39 Bart Weiss: The Evolution of Video Fest

11:56 Andrew Saunderson: Editing Creed USA

15:54 James Faust: Festival Highlights

16:16 Introduction to South by Southwest

16:53 Interview with James Faust

17:12 The State of Documentary Films

19:54 Challenges in the Film Industry

24:16 Rebecca Campbell on Austin Film Society

29:45 Mike Blizzard on Austin's Film Community

31:37 Karen Skloss on the Austin Film Society Party

34:22 Conclusion and Future Episodes

The flowers are blooming, Ben's chasing squirrels while Keith eyes the skies over Hyde Park for hawks… oh, and we're talkin' docs. Spring brings up new thoughts about New Media and the docmakers role vs the "influencer's paradise" of Youtube and social media.  This episode steps into Ben & Keith's perspectives on storytelling approaches and the future of media consumption — and we even stop to smell the flowers. Plenty to consider here, and next week look forward to a conversation with Academy Award nominee Kahane Corn Cooperman, feeling good after the SXSW premiere of her new doc, CREEDE, USA.

***Note that Ben got the numbers wrong for YouTube's net worth. They are projected to make $22 billion in 2025. The $8 billion he quoted was for the 1st quarter of 2025.

It's a picture perfect spring morning in East Austin, a beautiful walk made better by the presence of our guest, acclaimed filmmaker Kahane Corn Cooperman, in Austin to premier CREEDE, USA, her newest doc. Keith & Ben explore Kahane's illustrious career, from her 1991 Sundance debut with COOL WATER, to her days behind-the-scenes of DAZED AND CONFUSED, through nearly two decades as a producer and EP on The Daily Show, and her Oscar nominated run with the heartwarming short, JOE'S VIOLIN. An easy-going ramble through the Boog Creek greenbelt yields candid insights into Kahane's storytelling approach, as she provides invaluable advice for emerging filmmakers. "No wasted steps!" she says. And none were, in the making of this episode. 

00:00 Introduction and Mic Check

01:11 Introducing Kahane Corn Cooperman

02:22 Kahane's Early Career and Sundance 1991

04:11 Her Dazed and Confused Doc

10:19 The Daily Show Journey

14:53 Transition to Joe's Violin and Beyond

17:24 The Struggle of a Showrunner

20:22 It's All Connections

20:45 Introducing Creede, USA

26:24 Challenges and Realities

34:52 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

36:31 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Acclaimed filmmaker Sandi DuBowski has come to our hometown to present SABBATH QUEEN at Austin Film Society's Doc Days. Twenty-one years in the making, Sandi has grown up with this film… and they're taking the show on the road with dozens of fests, scores of community screenings, and an art house tour to rival any indie film this year. Sandi takes us on a heartfelt exploration of their work, from the groundbreaking TREMBLING BEFORE GOD to their work with the late 'Good Pitch' we delve into Sandi's passion for creating documentary films that foster community and dialogue. And they've got plenty to share about their unique fundraising strategies, and their philosophy of building deep, lasting audience and distributor relationships. This one starts off with ducks and ends up with a lightning round of advice that we can all benefit from, though nothing hits home more than Sandi's key takeaway: Go To The Love!

00:00 Introduction and High Fives

00:28 Meeting the Duck and Ducklings

03:00 Introduction to Sandi DuBowski

05:38 Trembling Before G-d: The Journey

11:56 Impact and Distribution of Trembling Before G-d

17:59 Personal Stories and Community Screenings

19:05 Spirituality and Filmmaking

25:56 Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Resistance

29:43 The Journey of Sabbath Queen

31:23 Balancing Filmmaking and Other Projects

35:17 Fundraising Strategies for Filmmakers

40:41 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

43:29 Reflecting on Influences and Future Projects

48:10 The Importance of Community and Art Houses

49:10 Final Thoughts and Where to Watch

Known for her versatility as a director, producer, showrunner, and distribution advocate, Avril Speaks joins us this week to walk and doc. From her theological start to her producing days on the SXSW award-winning feature JINN, Avril delves into the importance of storytelling, her transition into nonfiction during the pandemic, and her advocacy for better distribution practices. And, she's our first guest to act out a scene from the movie, ANNIE! 

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:28 Meet Avril Speaks

02:27 Avril's Seminary Journey and Its Impact

04:48 The Intersection of Film and Theology

10:21 From Seminary to Filmmaking: The Journey Back

11:51 Producing 'Jinn': A Relatable Faith Journey

18:08 Transitioning to Nonfiction During the Pandemic

19:12 Exploring Diverse Topics: From Family Histories to UFOs

20:04 Directing and Producing: Balancing Roles

21:03 Distribution Advocates: Origins and Mission

21:17 Challenges in Film Distribution

22:27 Creating a Filmmaker's Cheat Sheet

23:30 Funding and Support for Filmmakers

24:12 Collaborations and Outreach

25:48 Marketing Innovation Fund

28:08 Navigating the Film Industry

29:37 The Role of Producers

37:33 Advice for Young Filmmakers

40:00 Conclusion and Final Though

This one's a little different… Keith gets off the trail for an old-fashioned sit-down conversation with Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, the acclaimed husband-wife filmmaker duo behind the BOYS STATE and this year's MIDDLETOWN. Jesse and Amanda share insights and highlights from their films, their career, and the challenges and opportunities that come from working together as a married couple and film team. From THE OVERNIGHTERS through MIDDLETOWN, this sit-down episode offers an intimate look at the creative dynamics and career evolution of two impactful documentarians at the top of the form. Special thanks to the Austin Film Society for the collab on this one!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:10 Discussing 'Middletown' and Audience Reactions

02:40 The Impact of Streaming and Theatrical Releases

04:45 Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings

08:49 Meeting and Forming a Partnership

13:16 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Filmmaking

17:04 Navigating the Documentary Film Industry

23:59 The Uncertainty of Verité Filmmaking

24:57 Ethical Dilemmas in Documentary Filmmaking

26:11 The Role of Objectivity and Journalism in Documentaries

26:39 The Collaborative Process in Documentary Filmmaking

29:19 The Genesis of Boys State

34:21 The Impact of Boys State on Careers and Industry

38:37 Reflections on Middletown and Documentary Filmmaking

41:11 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

We're off to Kansas! Or… Ben is. He's flying back to to Lawrence, Kansas, to interview one of his professors from his days at the University of Kansas — Academy Award-winning filmmaker and KU professor Kevin Willmott. Known for co-writing BLACKKKLANSMAN with Spike Lee, Wilmott shares personal stories of his journey from a young creative in Kansas to an Oscar award-winning filmmaker. This one is jam-packed with a wide-ranging discussion covering the power of cinema, activism, the impact of Black history, and the challenges of making films outside Hollywood — and the role of the teacher. Ben is filled-up with admiration and respect for Kevin Willmott and before the end of this one, you will be too!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:01 Meeting Kevin Willmott

03:08 Kevin's Early Life and Influences

05:23 The Journey to Filmmaking

12:28 Activism and Filmmaking

20:27 CSA: Confederate States of America

29:46 Collaboration with Spike Lee

34:05 The Importance of Having a Follow-Up Project

35:11 Pitching 'Gotta Give It Up' to Hollywood

36:35 Collaborations and Career Milestones

40:22 The Impact of Black History on Filmmaking

44:08 Teaching and Building a Film Community

46:45 Challenges and Rewards of Independent Filmmaking

53:57 Facing Racism and Its Influence on Storytelling

59:43 Reflections on Activism and Filmmaking

01:05:39 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

Take a stroll with Reed Harkness, Portland-based creator behind SAM NOW, a creative portrait that follows the journey of the Harkness brothers, Reed and Sam, as they search for Sam's mother who mysteriously disappeared in the year 2000. This walk mirrors Reed's film, becoming a moving and unexpectedly epic conversation about family, loss, and long-haul filmmaking. This one takes us off the trail, through a literal portal with a detour into a stone-skipping dip in Boggy Creek. This one's got heart, humor, and a few unexpected turns—just like any good walk (or film) should.

00:00 Introduction to Reed Harkness

00:06 The Artist's Way Group

01:04 Walking Through East Austin

01:26 Meet Reed Harkness

02:23 Reed's Filmmaking Journey

04:37 The Mystery of Joyce's Disappearance

06:43 The Emotional Impact on the Family

09:29 The Filmmaking Process

15:50 Reed's Early Filmmaking Influences

23:09 From Play to Documentary

24:04 Sam's Journey and Filmmaking Challenges

25:12 The Emotional Impact of the Film

27:49 Balancing Filmmaking and Family

34:12 Exploring Meaning and Audience Reactions

42:32 Future Projects and Reflections

47:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

After 15 DocWalks Keith & Ben take a look back. Where did we start, where are we going? Walk with us as we discuss the evolution of the podcast, highlighting some highs and glossing-over some lows along the way. In addition to all that, we talk (as always) about changes in the film industry, notably Texas' new film incentives, and share some enthusiasm for upcoming episodes, including deep dives into classic docs, and long walks with impactful filmmakers, like next week's conversation with Portland-based filmmaker Reed Harkness. This one's just us — a look back, a look ahead, a chance to stand lakeside, beneath a spreading live oak tree and express gratitude for the doc life and each other — and you, if you're out there (& even if you're not). Onward!

00:00 Reflecting on 15 Episodes of Doc Walks

00:56 The Origins of Doc Walks

03:11 Recapping Memorable Episodes and Guests

04:20 The Joy of Connecting with Fellow Filmmakers

08:50 Upcoming Episodes and Future Plans

12:03 Filming Locations and Personal Stories

16:10 Austin's Creative Spirit and Challenges

20:58 Texas Film Production Incentives

21:44 Texas Film Incentives Explained

22:39 Squirrel Distraction and Life Lessons

23:14 Go Valley's Post-Production Expansion

24:33 Texas' Role in Film Incentives History

26:42 Gateway Drug Films and Personal Influences

32:44 Bird Watching and Documentary Insights

35:19 Reflections on Aging and Podcasting

37:09 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Two-time Sundance winner Reid Davenport is in town with his new film LIFE AFTER. We were excited to book time with Reid and his producer Colleen Cassingham for a  sit-down with Keith at the Austin Film Society Cinema. Reid shares the story behind what drew him to telling this complex story about the issues attached to state sanctioned assisted suicide and talks about his early filmmaking days where questions of identity and politics shaped him as a filmmaker with a unique perspective. Both Reid and Colleen appear on-camera in LIFE AFTER and we dig into that process, their respective roles, and how their story (& they) changed along the way. This is a film supported by ITVS and airing this Fall on Independent Lens and so of course, the recent cuts to CPB are in the air—but it's not all politics on this episode. We also dig into the filmmakers and films that inspired these two filmmakers and find plenty to laugh about together. Join us for a look at LIFE AFTER and life on the road with Reid Davenport and Colleen Cassingham.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

00:44 Setting the Scene: Austin Film Society Cinema

01:21 Introducing the Film 'Life After'

03:23 Challenges and Strategies in Film Distribution

06:27 Impact of Public Media Cuts

08:56 Exploring the Film's Themes and Personal Reflections

13:33 Production Process and Personal Insights

24:24 The Tension of Filmmaking

25:07 Exploring Disability in Film

25:45 Inspiration and Filmmaking Journey

31:15 The Role of Mentors

40:07 Practical Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

44:33 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

It's a sobering summer day in Austin as we invite the Austin Chronicle's  Richard Whittaker out for a walk. Fresh off the presses, Richard has researched and written a story that details the ramifications of the recent defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the impact that this move has on independent documentaries. We get into it, talking up the history and significance of PBS and ITVS, the Independent Television Service — the leading funder of indie docs in the public sphere. Richard provides context and detail far beyond the headlines for this hot-button issue affecting everyone who tells or takes-in non-fiction media. It's a frustrating, shared reality that we inhabit, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about documentary filmmaking and the future of public broadcasting. Subscribe and stay tuned for our conversation!

Richard's article in The Austin Chronicle: https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2025-08-01/texas-public-media-grapples-with-funding-loss-from-gop-bill/

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:28 Interview with Richard Whittaker

03:56 Impact of Funding Cuts on Public Broadcasting

09:20 The Role of ITVS in Independent Documentaries

10:48 Historical Context and Future Implications

16:48 Challenges and Responses from ITVS

22:00 Independent Production Budgets

22:29 Funding Strategies for Documentaries

23:20 The Role of Major Filmmakers

26:07 Challenges in Nonprofit Funding

28:17 Public Media and Political Perception

32:30 The Value of Public Media

36:29 Future of Documentary Filmmaking

38:37 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

We talk a lot about mentorship on this podcast—so it makes sense that we'd bring a pivotal mentor to both of us into the mix. Join us as we find a shady spot on the campus of the University of Texas as DocWalks becomes DocTalks with Dr. Paul Stekler. We'll get into Paul's POV from many angles—from his days as a Harvard PhD, to his filmmaking roots in New Orleans, through his role as the chair of the Radio-Television-Film department at UT, Paul has made teaching and community building a priority. But that hasn't held him back from building an impressive catalog of films… with SETTING THE WOODS ON FIRE, VOTE FOR ME, LAST MAN STANDING, and GETTING BACK TO ABNORMAL (& more) he's pushed political perspectives beyond wonky intellectualism into a place full of heart and humor. Paul has played a significant role in each of our careers—as he has with dozens of other filmmakers… and this episode celebrates lessons learned (or missed) in grad school, the many mea culpas of George Wallace, Henry Hampton and his EYES ON THE PRIZE, and the importance of community (not to mention: memories of drunken revelry with Richard Leacock). Take a seat as we replace DocWalks with DocTalks with Austin's doctor of documentaries.

00:00 Exploring the University of Texas Campus

00:56 Meeting Dr. Paul Stekler

01:26 Paul Stekler's Impact on Filmmakers

03:57 The Art of Taking and Giving Feedback

13:01 Paul Stekler's Journey into Filmmaking

14:43 Early Filmmaking Experiences and Challenges

18:41 The Role of a Director in Documentary Filmmaking

24:14 The Art of a Good Shot

24:28 Interview Techniques and Influences

25:27 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

26:06 The Importance of Passion and Story

27:33 Building a Filmmaking Community

28:44 Transition to Austin and Early Projects

29:42 George Wallace and Political Documentaries

34:27 Collaborative Filmmaking

38:22 Supporting Emerging Filmmakers

42:46 The Power of Documentary Films

46:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections

49:14 Next Episode Preview

This week we're breaking out of the non-fiction world to talk fictionalization with Oscar-nominated writer/director Greg Kwedar. Fresh off the awards trail with last year's SING SING, Greg shares insights and ideas about turning documentary style research into based-on-a-true-story truth. It's a light-hearted walk through Hyde Park, with another stop at a shady creek, as we dig into Greg's approach to creative partnership (he's 4-films deep with collaborator Clint Bentley) — and catering his directing approach for different acting styles. Step with us into a free-roaming conversation about creative resilience and the role of friendship and adventure that drives Greg's process.

00:00 A Stroll Through Hyde Park

00:49 Introducing Greg Quedar

03:00 Greg's Journey from Accounting to Filmmaking

10:37 The Inspiration Behind 'Sing Sing'

15:01 Exploring the Creative Process

27:36 The Importance of Colleagueship and Collaboration

28:31 Challenges in the Writing Process

29:35 The Lightning Bolt Moments

30:00 The Role of Friendship in Storytelling

31:31 The Joy and Struggles of Filmmaking

33:15 Preparing for New Projects

35:07 Working with Different Actor Processes

37:57 Documentary Filmmaking Insights

40:15 Reflections on the Creative Journey

47:26 Gateway Films and Inspirations

50:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

A walk down docu-memory lane as we welcome Ben's early filmmaking collaborator, roommate, and mentor Bradley Beesley…. A prolific and adventure-prone docmaker, Bradley's created acclaimed docs OKIE NOODLING 1 & 2, FEARLESS FREAKS, and SWEETHEARTS OF THE PRISON RODEO—among others. This walk takes us through Brad & Ben's old neighborhood, with a stop in front of the house they shared in French Place, here in Austin. In a flowing conversation filled with stories and insights from Bradley's early days at OU art school where he made the infamous PIZZA MAN, through his collaborations with Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, and his intense love of Oklahoma hand-fishing, it's no surprise that Ben calls Bradley, "The Pride of Oklahoma." And Austin takes plenty of pride in this former-pirate too!

Links:

The Making of Biffy Clyro, My Recovery Injection directed by Ben Steinbauer 

Okie Noodling (2000)

Fearless Freaks (2005)

Summercamp! (2006)

The Creek Runs Red (2006)

Okie Noodling 2 (2008)

Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo (2009)

Calls To Okies: The Park Grubbs Story (2014)

00:00 The Pride of Barbados

00:22 The Pride of Oklahoma

02:10 Walking and Talking with Bradley Beesley

04:29 Journey to Austin

05:35 The Flaming Lips Connection

20:49 The Making of Okie Noodling

27:33 Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo

28:38 The Best Summer of Bradley's Life

29:39 The Pirate Life of Filmmaking

33:16 The Okie Noodling Phenomenon

36:11 Creating the Noodling Tournament

38:56 Funding and Production Challenges

40:51 The Passion for Noodling

44:54 Advice for Young Filmmakers

47:49 Current Projects and Reflections

51:30 Conclusion and Future Guests

Summer's done and Fall is Falling as we (Keith & Ben) check in with each other about the state of our respective projects and how we go from development to production (fingers crossed). We don't have the answers, but we each have our approaches to deck-creation, sizzle reel sizzling, pitching & fundraising, all to get into the 'making' part of filmmaking. Ben shares details about his doc project DR. DANTE, a collab with filmmaker/producer Bradley Beesley and Jimmy Kimmel's company Kimmelot (plus Julie Goldman's Motto Films), as an adaptation of a short into a podcast into a feature doc. And Keith shares where he is with two upcoming projects: a twist on  true crime that he's making in partnership with Frank Mosley and Concordia Studio and an all-archival film about an international auteur. Fall is here and so are important deadlines—we're looking at expanding our industry connections and providing insights into the seasonal dynamics of this confusing industry… walk with us and let's figure it out together!

00:00 Introduction Under the Tree

00:28 Reflecting on Seasons and Time

01:03 The Big Reset: End of Summer

02:59 Pitching New Projects

03:41 Dr. Dante: A Comedic True Crime Doc

09:32 Challenges and Changes in Filmmaking

17:05 Building a Team and New Projects

21:22 The Excitement of Filmmaking and Education

22:06 Creating a Documentary Package

22:43 The Grant Route and Its Importance

24:27 Sundance Catalyst Invitation

26:38 Editing the Sizzle Reel

29:47 Balancing Multiple Projects

30:05 The Importance of General Meetings

33:51 Pitching and Developing New Projects

37:14 Fall Festivals and Film Releases

40:15 Wrapping Up and Future Guests

This one is pure gold! Join Ben on a solo walk with the legendary Maureen Gosling—a prolific documentary editor and director, and a longtime collaborator of Les Blank. Dig into the makings-of iconic films like SPROUT WINGS AND FLY, GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN and BURDEN OF DREAMS, and explore Maureen's latest work, THE NINE LIVES OF BARBARA DANE. We dive deep into the fascinating twists and turns of Maureen's career and her seamless transition from editor to director. Maureen inspires as she lays out the unique nature of her collaborative process—and there are ideas in here that we can all learn from. Don't miss this golden stroll through documentary history with someone who's lived it. 

Discussion links:

THE BLUES ACCORDIN' TO LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS (1968) 

SPEND IT ALL (1971) 

DRY WOOD (1973) 

HOT PEPPER (1973) 

A POEM IS A NAKED PERSON (1974) 

CHULAS FRONTERAS (1976) 

DEL MERO CORAZÓN (1979) 

BURDEN OF DREAMS (1982) 

SPROUT WINGS AND FLY (1983) 

IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER? (1984) 

GAP-TOOTHED WOMEN (1987) 

BLOSSOMS OF FIRE (2000) 

WAITING TO INHALE (2005) 

THE NINE LIVES OF BARBARA DANE (2023)

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

01:05 Maureen Gosling's New Film

02:26 Les Blank: A Legendary Collaborator

05:25 Early Career and First Projects

11:15 Filmmaking Philosophy and Techniques

16:26 Transition to Directing

24:19 Challenges and Collaborations

26:31 The Nine Lives of Barbara Dane

27:08 Chris's Annual Parties and Barbara Dane's Musical Influence

27:50 Discovering Barbara Dane's Legacy

28:59 Filming Barbara Dane's Last Concert

30:24 Barbara Dane's Son and His Life in Cuba

32:25 Raising Funds and Continuing the Documentary

36:38 Barbara Dane's Impact and Final Years

39:31 Maureen's Reflections on Her Career

44:14 The Importance of Documentaries

47:40 Upcoming Screenings and Live Music Events

49:13 Maureen's Time in Austin and Final Thoughts

Ben crashes the Matt and Bob show to talk WINNEBAGO MAN, viral videos before viral was a thing, and tracking down an angry RV salesman living as a hermit in Northern California. The conversation rips through documentary evolution—from Ken Burns photo zooms to Tiger King (quick: who directed it? exactly)—and lands on why docs are the offensive linemen of film: you don't know their names, but you need them. Ben breaks down Doc Walks, his new weekly walk-and-talk series with Austin filmmaker Keith Maitland, where tiny cameras, AI editing, and real conversation collide. They dig into HIGH HOPES (his Hulu dispensary doc with Jimmy Kimmel), the terrifying gamble of documentary filmmaking (what if nothing happens?), and why authenticity matters when everything else is fake. Plus: why Ben's wife is rooting for Chuy's love life.

Discussion links: WINNEBAGO MAN (2009) | HIGH HOPES (2023) | TOWER (2016) | SHERMAN'S MARCH (1985) | DEAR ZACHARY (2008) | ICARUS (2017)

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro | 01:00 HIGH HOPES | 02:00 WINNEBAGO MAN Origin Story | 06:00 Docs as Offensive Linemen | 07:00 Doc Walks Launch | 10:00 Authenticity vs AI | 11:00 Documentary Risks | 13:00 When Stories Swerve | 14:00 Where to Find Doc Walks

YouTube Tags:

documentary filmmaking, Ben Steinbauer, Winnebago Man, documentary filmmaker interview, Matt and Bob show, Doc Walks podcast, Keith Maitland, High Hopes Hulu, Jimmy Kimmel, documentary series, Austin filmmakers, Tower documentary, filmmaking podcast, indie filmmaking, documentary production, viral videos, Jack Rebney, reality vs documentary, authentic storytelling, film industry, documentary editing, Sherman's March, Ken Burns, Tiger King, documentary evolution, cinema verite, nonfiction filmmaking, Sundance documentaries, film school, documentary techniques, filmmaker interview, behind the scenes, documentary process, creative process, film production, independent film, documentary storytelling, Texas filmmakers, Austin film scene, entertainment industry, media production, film discussion, movie podcast, documentary history, filmmaking tips, creative collaboration, film theory, documentary craft

This week we're roaming from Go-Valley (the production compound) thru Govalle (the neighborhood) with Marfa, TX-based filmmaker Hillary Pierce, a producing force behind Ben Masters' THE RIVER AND THE WALL, and Maisie Crow's AT THE READY..

Hillary's path involves assisting the legendary Albert Maysles in New York (yes, he ate her leftovers), looping back to Austin, and then simultaneously working on two wildly different features with Keith, TOWER and A SONG FOR YOU. A meandering stroll through Govalle's sculpture garden and lizard-lurking trails, Hillary shares why "love your subjects" is ardent filmmaking advice, how producing a wedding preceded additional documentary productions, and why she eventually fled to Marfa during COVID.

We dig into the Documentary Producers Alliance - why it matters, what those crediting guidelines actually do, and how unsexy spreadsheets save productions. Hillary breaks down fundraising across political aisles, the death of traditional distribution, and why your next project might not need to be a feature.

The industry's burning down? Rumor has it. But Hillary's got ideas for what we build next.

Discussion links: TOWER (2016) | A SONG FOR YOU (2016) | THE RIVER AND THE WALL (2019) | AT THE READY (2021) | DOCUMENTARY PRODUCERS ALLIANCE

Timestamps: 00:00 Govalle Adventures Begin 02:00 From Maysles to Austin 07:00 The Costa Rica Doc That Never Was 09:00 Producing Two Features at Once 14:00 What the DPA Actually Does 21:00 Escaping to Marfa 24:00 Conservative Conservationists & Border Politics 28:00 Plans Are Made to Be Changed 33:00 Direct Distribution Isn't Plan B Anymore 40:00 Redefining Documentary Success 44:00 What Do We Build Next?

Tags: documentary filmmaking, film producer, documentary producer, Tower documentary, The River and the Wall, Albert Maysles, documentary distribution, direct distribution, indie filmmaking, Documentary Producers Alliance, DPA, Austin filmmakers, Marfa Texas, film production, documentary careers, filmmaking advice, Keith Maitland, Ben Steinbauer, documentary industry, independent film

Keith wanders LA's Atwater Village with acclaimed producer Megan Gilbride—a co-conspirator on TOWER, A SONG FOR YOU, and DEAR MR. BRODY. We stroll the neighborhood, two old friends and frequent collaborators, outlining just how Megan's the "producer kind of crazy" and not the "director kind of crazy."

Megan's got theories and she has opinions—and she's got the experience to back them all up. This wide-ranging talk covers a whole lot, like… the ethics of authenticity, how the budget tells a story, community building in the doc-making space, and the difference between journalism and cinema. 

Plus: creeping on a stranger's house to smell juniper trees, the Princess Bride theory of medium-specific storytelling, and why Megan won't shoot 70mm "if there's no wide shots in the fucking movie." The producer of WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM, LOVERS OF HATE, and FATHOM makes a case for JAWS, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HARVEY MILK, ALL THAT JAZZ and the NY EXPORT: OPUS JAZZ—or as she puts it: going to church… watching movies… making fucking cinema.

Discussion Links: TOWER (2016) | DEAR MR. BRODY (2021) | FATHOM (2021) | LOVERS OF HATE (2010) | WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM (2011) | THE REASON I JUMP (2020) | THE PLEA (2024) | JAWS (1975) | ALL THAT JAZZ (1979) | THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HARVEY MILK (1984) | THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987) | NY EXPORT: OPUS JAZZ (2010) | 32 SOUNDS (2022)

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and Atwater Village Setup | 01:00 Origin Story: The 2012 Picnic Table Pitch | 03:00 What Does a Producer Actually Do? | 06:00 Excellence, Financing, and Distribution as Creative Acts | 09:00 Cinema vs Journalism: The Grammar of Documentary | 13:00 The Psychology of Storytelling and Gut Instinct | 16:00 Ethics, Authenticity, and Not Being Provocative | 18:00 The State of Documentary in 2025 | 20:00 PBS as the Invisible Backstop | 23:00 Mid-Career Reality Check and Volume Problems | 26:00 Cauleen Smith's Life-Changing Question | 29:00 The Space Inside the Frame | 32:00 Do You Wanna Make Fucking Cinema? | 36:00 Princess Bride and Medium-Specific Storytelling | 39:00 Community as the Through-Line in All Her Work | 42:00 Battery Dies, We're on Zoom Now | 43:00 Gateway Drug: Jaws, Harvey Milk, All That Jazz | 46:00 What Makes Her Say Yes to a Project | 48:00 Go to Church: Watch Movies | 52:00 Where to Find Megan's Work

Welcome to Austin Studios, the airport-turned-soundstages located at the intersection of Austin Film Society and Richard Linklater's Detour Filmproductions… and who better to catch on the backlot than Mike Blizzard?

A producer known for APOLLO 10½, HIT MAN, and this month's BLUE MOON, all made with longtime collaborator Richard Linklater, Mike takes us through the old airport hangars where MISS CONGENIALITY stumbled and where WALKER spurred onto screens. Breaking down how true stories become narrative films. We dig into the real Gary Johnson (fake hitman, real person), Lorenz Hart's final night at Sardi's (BLUE MOON), and why Linklater keeps returning to stories that actually happened. 

Mike produced the Sundance doc NO NO: A DOCKUMENTARY, and as director of the non-fiction ode to local film, ALSO STARRING AUSTIN, he's the perfect tour guide through Austin film history. And, we're catching Mike just as CLEMENTE, his baseball-doc about Roberto Clemente, is rounding third on it's theatrical run and sliding into THE HISTORY CHANNEL — and BLUE MOON releases nationwide. It's a busy time for Blizzard, and we're glad he gave some of it to us….

Discussed Works: HIT MAN (2023) - Netflix | BLUE MOON (2025) - Sony Pictures Classics | APOLLO 10½: A SPACE AGE CHILDHOOD (2022) - Netflix
| ALSO STARRING AUSTIN (2018) - Available online | NO NO: A DOCKUMENTARY (2014) - Netflix | MISS CONGENIALITY (2000) - Various platforms | BERNIE (2011) - Various platforms | BOYHOOD (2014) - Various platforms | CLEMENTE (2024) - History Channel

We're wandering through a mystery neighborhood (we don't know the name) with Alex Ross Perry, who has TWO movies screening in Austin on the same day.

Here to promote his 10-year passion project VIDEO HEAVEN—an essay film about video stores screening at Austin Film Society, and his part of the omnibus VHS series at Fantastic Fest, Alex has built up a fair amount of cred since 2014's LISTEN UP, PHILIP. Of course, "you can't pay for Montessori preschool with cred." Ain't that the truth.

We catch Alex on the heels of last year's PAVEMENTS, a fictional(?) documentary about the indie rock band Pavement that aims to be both fabricated—and factual. We've got questions and he's got answers, pulling at the seams of a complicated film for which he created a fake Hollywood biopic (Joe Keery as Stephen Malkmus), staged a full off-Broadway musical with audiences who had no idea they were in a movie, and curated a hagiographic four-day Pavement museum all while cutting an archival dive into the 1990s phenoms against a  2022 reunion tour. It's a lot. 

We walk where the streets all have names… and end up with Alex's contrarian take on AI, which is both slanted and enchanting: the long and short of it, he's not worried.  This industry is built on execs' calendars filled with endless notes calls with the sole job of justifying everyone's existence. Just like politicians, "studio execs won't let themselves be put out to pasture….and nobody who's rich shows themselves the door."

Discussion links: IMPOLEX (2009) | LISTEN UP PHILIP (2014) | COLOR WHEEL (2011) | QUEEN OF EARTH (2015) | HER SMELL (2018) | RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW (2023) | VHS HALLOWEEN (2025) | VIDEO HEAVEN (2024) | SLOW CENTURY (2002) | PAVEMENTS (2024) | DUNKIRK (2017) | BARBIE (2023) | BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (2018) | ROCKET MAN (2019) | SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 (2008)

Tags

Alex Ross Perry, Pavement documentary, Video Heaven, indie filmmaking, music documentary, documentary filmmaking, Stephen Malkmus, experimental documentary, mockumentary, Robert Greene editor, Austin Film Society, Fantastic Fest, video store documentary, indie rock documentary, fair use filmmaking, VHS horror, Listen Up Philip, screenwriting, AI and filmmaking, narrative documentary