Explore every episode of the podcast The Artists: Arts, Culture, and Cinema with Suchita Bhhatia

We are HUGE Tony Leung fans! What a great artist!

We wanted to take this opportunity to bring film scholar Mark Gallagher, author of Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, to The Artists for a fascinating exploration of a question: What separates a great artist from a good actor?

Tony Leung has this extraordinary ability to say so much with so little. A fleeting expression, the smallest gesture, a pause, a look — and suddenly, he conveys the entire emotional spectrum of a scene. Yet he can also move effortlessly between comedy, action and deeply nuanced collaborations with filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai.

If you’ve seen Chungking Express, Happy Together, Lust, Caution and so many of his other films, you’ll know what makes him such a compelling artist.

In this new episode of The Artists, Mark Gallagher and Suchita Bhhatia explore Tony Leung’s artistry through these three remarkable films, examining what makes his performances so extraordinary.

For artists across disciplines, this is a must-watch conversation. And of course, if you’re an actor, this episode is especially for you!

The arts are interconnected, and there is so much to learn about our own creative practice by studying the work of a great artist.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts. #theartistspodcast #tonyleung #chungkingexpress #lustcaution

I am a HUGEEEE Tony Leung fan! What a great artist!And so, I wanted to take this opportunity to invite film scholar Mark Gallagher, author of Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, to explore a question I find fascinating: What separates a great artist from a good actor?Tony Leung has this extraordinary ability to say so much with so little. A fleeting expression, the smallest gesture, a pause, a look — and suddenly, he conveys the entire emotional spectrum of a scene. Yet he can also move effortlessly between comedy, action and deeply nuanced collaborations with filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai.If you’ve seen Chungking Express, Happy Together, Lust, Caution and so many of his other films, you’ll know what I mean.In this new episode of The Artists, Mark and I explore Tony Leung’s artistry through these three remarkable films and examine what makes his performances so compelling.If you’re an artist practising any art form, this is a must-watch conversation. And of course, if you’re an actor, this episode is a must-watch for you! The arts are interconnected, and there is so much we can learn about our own creative practice by studying the work of a great artist.Watch the full episode on YouTube and Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts.If you enjoy this conversation, like, share, subscribe and leave us a review. Follow @the.artistspodcast for more conversations exploring how extraordinary artists think and work.Film stills: Chungking Express (1994) and Happy Together (1997), directed by Wong Kar-wai. Images courtesy of Janus Films.

One of the best episodes of The Artists Podcast is back — this time in WATCH MODE.

What does it take to become a better screenwriter? How do you develop your craft, find your own process, and write stories that connect with millions?

In this deeply insightful conversation, Niren Bhatt, the screenwriter behind blockbusters including Stree 2 (which crossed ₹400 crore at the box office), Bala, Munjya and Bhediya, takes us inside the mind and process of a working writer.

This is an episode to return to, revisit and learn from. Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter, an established writer, a filmmaker or simply someone interested in the art of storytelling, there is something here for you.

IN THIS CONVERSATION, WE DISCUSS:

• Writing is a thinking process: How does a writer think, and how do you find your own creative process?

• The purpose of writing: Maslow’s hierarchy, self-actualisation and the search for creative fulfilment.

• From theatre to screenwriting: What playwriting taught Niren about dialogue, scenes and storytelling.

• Learning the craft: Syd Field, Robert McKee — and the advice Niren received from Gulzar Saab.

• The writing process: Research, procrastination and knowing when to stop preparing and start writing.

• The first draft to the 15th: Why Stree 2 went through multiple drafts, and why rewriting is central to the craft.

• Script literacy and bouncing boards: Who should read your script, and why the right feedback matters.

• Rejection and self-doubt: The realities of a writer’s life and the importance of a supportive creative collaborator.

• Market research and algorithms: When analysis helps — and when it can become a trap.

• The anatomy of genre: What successful genre films get right, and what writers can learn from them.

Every writer has a different process. This conversation may help you refine yours — or discover it.

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE on YouTube and Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts.

If this conversation helps you, like, share, subscribe and leave us a review. Follow @the.artistspodcast for more conversations exploring how extraordinary artists think and work.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A BETTER SCREENWRITER & THINKER?One of the most insightful episodes of The Artists Podcast — with Niren Bhatt, the writer behind blockbuster hits across genres, including Stree 2, Bala, Munjya and Bhediya.This is a masterclass in the craft of writing — from finding your process to surviving rejection, writer’s block and endless drafts.We get into:How writers think — and find their own processWhy writer’s block might be a mythFrom the first “vomit draft” to the 15th or 16th draftScript literacy, feedback and finding your writing circleRejection, imposter syndrome and mental healthGenre, market research and what successful producers get rightEvery writer has a different process. This conversation might help you refine yours — or discover it.WATCH MODE: For the first time, watch the full episode on YouTube and Spotify. Link in bio.If you’re a writer, filmmaker or storyteller, don’t miss this one.Like, share, subscribe and follow @the.artistspodcast for more conversations that go deeper into the minds and craft of extraordinary artists.

HOW DO YOU GET DISCOVERED AS AN ARTIST?Al Pacino was doing plays when Francis Ford Coppola saw him and fought to cast him as Michael Corleone in The Godfather — even when the studio wasn't convinced. Pacino's early footage didn't impress them either, until Coppola shot the restaurant scene that changed everything.The lesson? Put yourself out there. Keep showing up. You never know who's watching.Hear the full story with Lawrence Grobel on The Artists Podcast.Watch the full episode on YouTube & Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts.Like, share, subscribe & follow @the.artistspodcast.

THE ARTISTIC INTEGRITY OF AL PACINO

Al Pacino was offered $17 million — and walked away.

Why would one of the greatest actors of his generation turn down that kind of money? What does this reveal about Pacino’s relationship with his craft, his choices and the kind of artist he wanted to become?

In this clip, Lawrence Grobel — longtime close friend of Al Pacino, acclaimed journalist and author of Al Pacino and Conversations with Brando — shares the story behind Pacino’s decision.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube & Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts.

Like, share, subscribe and follow @the.artistspodcast for more conversations about great artists, cinema and the ideas behind their work.

Al Pacino became one of the greatest artists of his generation. But why?What qualities did he hone that others missed? Was it resilience? Confidence? Instinct?Perhaps surprisingly, Pacino was full of self-doubt. But he had something else: an openness to choosing the right scripts, the right directors, and allowing each collaboration to shape him as an artist.And then there is Marlon Brando.Both legends. Both in The Godfather. But how different were they as artists? What did each bring to the craft — and what made their approaches so distinct?And most importantly: which 3 Al Pacino films should every Gen X watch?We explore all this and more with Lawrence Grobel — a longtime close friend of Al Pacino, acclaimed journalist and New York Times bestselling author, who spent more than 25 years in conversation with Pacino and has written extensively about some of the greatest artists of our time.Watch the full episode now on YouTube & Spotify. Listen on Apple Podcasts.Follow our insta@ the.artistspodcast #TheArtistsPodcast #AlPacino #LawrenceGrobel #MarlonBrando #TheGodfather #Cinema #Film #Actors #GenX #GreatArtists

Al Pacino Was Full of Self-Doubt | The Making of a Great ArtistAl Pacino was full of self-doubt — and almost wasn't cast in The Godfather.Why was Pacino almost rejected for the role that would change his life? What was his equation with Marlon Brando? What influenced the trajectory of his career the most? And what qualities — beyond talent — made him a great artist?This and much more in this fascinating episode with Lawrence Grobel, the legendary interviewer, writer and author who has spent decades in conversation with some of the most extraordinary artists of our time.Grobel has written more than 25 books and has interviewed and spent time with icons including Al Pacino, Marlon Brando, Barbra Streisand and Dolly Parton. His conversations with Pacino began in 1979 and continued for more than 25 years, eventually becoming the book Al Pacino: In Conversation with Lawrence Grobel.In this conversation, we explore:Al Pacino and self-doubtWhat was happening beneath the confidence of one of cinema's greatest actors?Why Pacino was almost rejected for The GodfatherHow did he end up becoming Michael Corleone?Pacino and Marlon BrandoTheir relationship, their contrasting personalities and the extraordinary legacy they created together.What shaped Pacino's careerThe people, choices and experiences that influenced his trajectory as an artist.What makes Al Pacino a great artist?Talent, instinct, discipline, vulnerability — and his relentless commitment to the craft.The artist behind the iconWhat can we learn from Pacino about artistic life, doubt and longevity?We also pay tribute to Dolly Parton, another extraordinary artist Grobel has known and interviewed, and hear some of his remarkable stories from a lifetime spent in conversation with great artists.Watch the full episode on YouTube & Spotify.Listen on Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate and review The Artists Podcast. It helps us continue bringing you conversations with extraordinary artists and thinkers.Instagram: @the.artistspodcast Like. Share. Subscribe

WHAT MAKES AL PACINO A GREAT ARTIST?

It wasn't confidence.

Al Pacino was full of self-doubt.

And yet, he became one of the most extraordinary actors of his generation.

In this new episode of The Artists Podcast, we explore the making of Al Pacino with Lawrence Grobel—acclaimed author and journalist who has known and interviewed some of the greatest artists of our time, including Al Pacino and Marlon Brando, and has written more than 25 books.

Why was Pacino almost not cast in The Godfather?
What was happening beneath the confidence we see on screen?

From The Godfather and Scarface to Scent of a Woman and beyond, this is a conversation about the artist behind the icon.

Episode dropping soon on YouTube & Spotify.

Subscribe and stay tuned.

Follow @the.artistspodcast for conversations about artists, cinema, creativity and the minds behind great work.

#TheArtistsPodcast #AlPacino #LawrenceGrobel #TheGodfather #Scarface #ScentOfAWoman #Acting #Cinema #Film #Artists #Filmmaking #Actors #GreatArtists

What makes a great filmmaker? And what makes a culture capable of recognising great cinema?

In this episode of The Artists Podcast, we explore the cinema, thinking and extraordinary legacy of Adoor Gopalakrishnan—one of India's most important filmmakers and a defining force in Malayalam cinema.

A National Award-winning filmmaker whose films have travelled to and received recognition at major international festivals, Adoor developed a cinematic language entirely his own. His films are deeply attentive to human behaviour, silence, relationships, space and the inner lives of ordinary people.But Adoor's contribution extends beyond the films he made.

We also look at the ecosystem he helped build through Chitralekha and the film-society movement—creating audiences for serious cinema, introducing viewers to world cinema and expanding the possibilities of what Indian cinema could be.

Could this culture of film societies, film appreciation and informed audiences be one of the reasons Malayalam cinema continues to thrive as one of India's most vibrant film cultures?

Joining us is V. K. Cherian—film writer, author, former film-society activist and media professional, whose engagement with Malayalam cinema began as a student through the Chitralekha Film Society in Thiruvananthapuram.Cherian has spent decades documenting India's film-society movement and the renaissance of Malayalam cinema, including through his books India's Film Society Movement: The Journey and its Impact and Noon Films and the Magical Renaissance of Malayalam Cinema.His first-hand experience of the Chitralekha movement offers a fascinating perspective not only on Adoor, but on the cultural ecosystem that helped audiences discover and value great cinema.Find V. K. Cherian and his work:www.vkcherian.in

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts⭐ If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, follow, rate and review The Artists Podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with remarkable artists, filmmakers and thinkers.

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#TheMagicOfAdoor #AdoorGopalakrishnan #TheArtistsPodcast #VKCherian #MalayalamCinema #IndianCinema #WorldCinema #AuteurCinema #FilmStudies #CinemaStudies #Cinephile #FilmPodcast #IndianFilmmakers #GenZ

How do you define a GREAT FILM?

Three films by Adoor Gopalakrishnan that every Gen Z cinephile should watch.

In this new episode of The Artists Podcast, we explore the cinema and thinking of one of India's most important filmmakers with V. K. Cherian—a journalist, film writer and author who has spent decades documenting Indian film culture. Cherian first encountered Adoor as a student through the Chitralekha Film Society in Thiruvananthapuram and has since written extensively on Adoor and the renaissance of Malayalam cinema.

Adoor's cinema asks us to slow down and really look—at people, relationships, society, silence and the spaces between things.

So if you're discovering Adoor for the first time, where should you begin?

We have three films for you.

Go deeper into the full conversation on The Artists Podcast.

Dropping soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube — link in bio.

Follow @the.artistspodcast for conversations about how great artists think, see and create.

#TheArtistsPodcast #AdoorGopalakrishnan #Adoor #IndianCinema #MalayalamCinema #WorldCinema #FilmStudies #Cinephile #FilmPodcast #GenZ #AuteurCinema #Cinema

What makes a filmmaker an auteur? Is it a recognisable style—or a deeply personal way of seeing the world?

In this new episode of The Artists Podcast, we explore the idea of the auteur through the extraordinary cinema of Pier Paolo Pasolini with Robert S. C. Gordon, a leading scholar of Pasolini and modern Italian culture.

Pasolini brought poetry, literature, mythology, politics, religion and his own radical way of seeing into cinema—creating a visual language that was unmistakably his.

So, what makes Pasolini an auteur?

go deeper into the full conversation.

The Cult of Pasolini | How Did Pasolini Think?

Full episode on YouTube & Spotify.
Listen on Apple Podcasts.

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#TheArtistsPodcast #Pasolini #PierPaoloPasolini #RobertGordon #AuteurCinema #AuteurTheory #ItalianCinema #CinemaStudies #FilmTheory #WorldCinema #Cinephile #FilmPodcast

Who was Pier Paolo Pasolini—and what made him one of the most fascinating, controversial, and uncompromising artists of the 20th century?A poet, filmmaker, writer, intellectual and provocateur, Pasolini approached cinema differently from almost anyone around him. He saw cinema as a "language of reality" and developed a visual grammar shaped by poetry, literature, painting, faces, landscapes, religion and politics.In this episode of The Artists Podcast, we explore how Pasolini thought, created and saw the world with Robert S. C. Gordon, Serena Professor of Italian at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of the British Academy. Gordon is one of the leading scholars of modern Italian literature and cinema, and has written extensively on Pasolini, including the influential study Pasolini: Forms of Subjectivity.What is the central theme of a great artist? How does childhood shape an artist's imagination? Why did Pasolini's lack of conventional film training allow him to develop such a distinctive cinematic language?We explore his relationship with Federico Fellini and Orson Welles, his "cinema of poetry," The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Oedipus Rex, his fascination with faces and landscapes, and the complicated relationship between intellectualism and artistic ego.And finally: Which Pasolini films should Gen Z watch today?This is a conversation about Pasolini—but also about what happens when an artist refuses to fit into the world around him.⏱️

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🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts⭐

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#TheCultOfPasolini #Pasolini #PierPaoloPasolini #TheArtistsPodcast #ItalianCinema #WorldCinema #CinemaStudies #FilmTheory #AuteurCinema #Cinephile #FilmPodcast

Pier Paolo Pasolini remains one of cinema’s most fascinating contradictions: poet, filmmaker, writer, intellectual, provocateur—and an artist who refused to fit comfortably into any category.

He approached cinema as a poet, not simply as a filmmaker. Without conventional film-school training, he developed a visual language entirely his own, drawing from literature, painting, mythology, religion, politics and the faces of people rarely given space on screen.

He worked with—and around—some of the greats of Italian cinema, including Federico Fellini and Orson Welles, while creating films that could be as beautiful as they were disturbing and controversial.

His life was as provocative as his cinema. His sexuality, politics and outspoken public persona repeatedly put him at odds with Italian society, while his violent death in 1975 remains surrounded by unanswered questions.

Watch the episode to find out.

Dropping Soon!

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#TheArtistsPodcast #Pasolini #PierPaoloPasolini #ItalianCinema #WorldCinema #FilmTheory #CinemaStudies #Cinephile #FilmPodcast #AuteurCinema #FilmHistory

The full watch episode is now available on YouTube & Spotify.
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts.

What does it really take to make a great film?

In this episode of The Artists Podcast, Suchita sits down with Siva Ananth—filmmaker, writer, director, producer of Thug Life, and one of Mani Ratnam's closest creative collaborators for over two decades.

Together, they explore the creative process behind Thug Life, what it's like working alongside two legends—Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan—and why filmmaking is ultimately a collaborative art.

This conversation also explores:

• The making of Thug Life
• Working with Mani Ratnam & Kamal Haasan
• Why choosing the right collaborators can make or break a film
• Filmmaking as a team sport
• South Indian cinema vs. Hindi cinema
• Literature, cinema, and the audience
• The rise of Marathi and Kannada cinema
• The qualities that define a great director

A thoughtful conversation on collaboration, creativity, leadership, and the craft of filmmaking.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube
🎧 Stream the full episode on Spotify
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts

⭐ If you enjoy our conversations, please subscribe, follow, and leave us a rating or review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us continue bringing you more conversations, insights, and artists.

Follow us on Instagram: @the.artistspodcast

What does it take to build a great film? Is it vision, craft—or choosing the right collaborators?In Episode 165 of The Artists Podcast, Suchita sits down with Siva Ananth—filmmaker, writer, director, and producer of Thug Life, and a long-time creative collaborator of Mani Ratnam.Together, they explore:• The making of Thug Life• Collaborating with Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan• Why choosing the right collaborators can make or break a film• Filmmaking as a team sport• South Indian cinema vs. Hindi cinema• The relationship between literature, cinema, and audiences• The rise of Marathi and Kannada cinema• The qualities that define a great directorA thoughtful conversation on collaboration, creativity, and the craft of filmmaking.🎥 Full episode dropping on YouTube🎧 Full episode dropping on Spotify🍎 Listen on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoy the conversation, subscribe, follow, and leave us a rating or review. Your support helps us continue bringing conversations with filmmakers, artists, and creative thinkers from around the world.Follow us: @the.artistspodcastHashtags#TheArtistsPodcast #SivaAnanth #ThugLife #ManiRatnam #KamalHaasan #IndianCinema #SouthIndianCinema #Filmmaking #FilmPodcast #Cinema #Storytelling #CreativeCollaboration #ArtsAndCulture #FilmProducer #Director

Storytelling vs Storyliving.

Can a story be so immersive that you no longer watch it—you live it?

In this episode of The Artists Podcast, Vicki Dobbs Beck takes us behind one of the most groundbreaking immersive storytelling projects ever created: Alejandro G. Iñárritu's CARNE y ARENA (Virtually Present, Physically Invisible).

The experience became the first virtual reality work to receive a Special Academy Award (Oscar), recognizing it as a visionary new form of storytelling. Created in collaboration with Iñárritu, cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, and ILMxLAB, it invited audiences to step into the lived experience of migrants crossing the U.S.–Mexico border, redefining what cinema could be.

As the former Vice President of Immersive Content Innovation at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Vicki Dobbs Beck shares the story behind its creation—and how immersive storytelling is changing the language of cinema itself.

If you're curious about where storytelling is headed, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Watch on Spotify & Apple Podcasts and You tube

Follow @the.artistspodcast for more conversations on cinema, creativity, AI, and the future of storytelling.

#StorytellingVsStoryliving #VickiDobbsBeck #TheArtistsPodcast #CarneYArena #AlejandroGonzalezInarritu #ILM #ImmersiveStorytelling #VirtualReality #XR #Cinema #FutureOfStorytelling #Filmmaking #AI #CreativeTechnology

What happens when storytelling moves beyond the screen?When does an audience stop watching a story—and start living inside it?In this episode of The Artists Podcast, we are joined by Vicki Dobbs Beck, one of the pioneers of immersive storytelling.As the former Vice President of Immersive Content Innovation at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Vicki has helped shape groundbreaking experiences across Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and emerging technologies, while collaborating with leading technology companies including Meta. Recognized by Variety as a Digital Innovator to Watch, she has spent her career exploring the intersection of storytelling, technology, and human experience.Together, we explore one of the defining questions of our time:How do we move from storytelling to storyliving?What is the fundamental difference between the way Hollywood studios and technology companies think? How will AI, XR, spatial computing, and immersive media reshape the future of narrative? And what does it mean to build stories that audiences don't just watch—but inhabit?Whether you're a filmmaker, storyteller, technologist, creative entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of entertainment, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into where storytelling is headed.⏱️ Chapters01:41 Storytelling vs Storyliving07:00 The fundamental difference between how a studio and a tech company approach storytelling09:30 How do technology companies think?10:20 Why finding original stories is becoming increasingly difficult11:20 Working with Alejandro G. Iñárritu 18:50 Why filmmakers must think like transmedia storytellers21:05 Vader Immortal: Experiencing Star Wars beyond the film24:11 What If...? and storytelling for Apple Vision Pro26:00 Building stories across multiple platforms 29:42 The evolution of immersive storytelling37:23 Leading from the front as a female leader🎥 Subscribe to The Artists Podcast for conversations with filmmakers, artists, authors, creators, and cultural thinkers exploring creativity, storytelling, cinema, technology, and the future of art.🎧 Also dropping on:• YouTube• Spotify• Apple Podcasts⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us continue bringing you more conversations, insights, and artists.Follow us:Instagram: @the.artistspodcast

How Do Studios & Tech Companies Think Differently?

On this new episode of The Artists Podcast, we're joined by Vicki Dobbs Beck—one of the pioneers shaping the future of immersive storytelling.

Formerly Vice President of Immersive Content Innovation at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Vicki has helped lead groundbreaking storytelling initiatives across Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and collaborated with Meta to explore the future of immersive media. Variety recognized her as a "Digital Innovator to Watch" for her contributions at the intersection of entertainment and technology.

Together, we explore one of the defining questions for the future of storytelling.

 YouTube
 Spotify
 Apple Podcasts

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#TheArtistsPodcast #VickiDobbsBeck #IndustrialLightMagic #ILM #Disney #Marvel #Meta #Storytelling #FutureOfStorytelling #ImmersiveStorytelling #ExtendedReality #XR #VirtualProduction #ArtificialIntelligence #CreativeTechnology #Filmmaking #Cinema #Innovation #Hollywood #Tech

Dropping soon

In this episode of The Artists Podcast, we dive deep into the mind of David Lynch with acclaimed film scholar Todd McGowan — author of The Impossible David Lynch, a provocative exploration of Lynch’s cinematic language and the impossible, unconscious core of his films.Lynch occupies a rare space between mainstream visibility and independent cinema authenticity — blending the bizarre and the normal, the dreamlike and the narrative, to create films that defy conventional categorization. Whether you’re a filmmaker, cinephile, or lover of the strange, this episode reveals how Lynch thinks — and why his cinema continues to challenge and captivate global audiences.Subscribe  @suchita_filmmaker_podcaster  to stay tuned.#TheArtistsPodcast #DavidLynch #ToddMcGowan #TheImpossibleDavidLynch #FilmTheory #CinemaStudies #IndependentCinema #MainstreamCinema #SurrealCinema #PsychoanalyticFilm #AuteurCinema #FilmScholar #WatchEpisode #YouTubePodcast #FilmDiscussion #Cinephile #MovieTalk #FilmAnalysis

In Episode 156, we enter the unsettling, hypnotic world of David Lynch with acclaimed film scholar Todd McGowan, author of The Impossible David Lynch.Lynch is one of cinema’s greatest paradoxes. He worked within Hollywood systems and budgets, yet created films that feel radically independent. From Blue Velvet to Mulholland Drive, from Twin Peaks to Wild at Heart, his cinema resists easy interpretation while remaining deeply watchable.So how did Lynch stay between mainstream cinema and art-house radicality?Todd McGowan unpacks Lynch through Kant, Freud, fantasy theory, and the unconscious — revealing why Lynch’s films are not puzzles to solve, but experiences to undergo. We explore whether Lynch was more classical than we assume, how he erased the “wall” between fantasy and reality, and why feeling — not logic — structures his cinema.This episode is essential for filmmakers, theorists, and anyone fascinated by how cinema can disturb, seduce, and transform an audience.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:28 Kant, Freud & Lynch04:20 Erasing the wall (Blue Velvet)06:57 Staying between mainstream & art film (clip)08:15 His most “mainstream” film – Wild at Heart10:01 Godard & Lynch (clip)11:30 Cinema of feeling vs cinema of reason12:20 On Godard’s passing (clip)15:57 Lynch as a traditional Hollywood director? (clip)20:12 Dune — $42 million “disaster”?23:09 Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Twin Peaks, Lost Highway29:00 Returning to Kant — the philosophical LynchWatch on YoutubeListen on Spotify/ Apple#TheArtistsPodcast #DavidLynch #ToddMcGowan #TheImpossibleDavidLynch #FilmTheory #CinemaStudies #AuteurCinema #BlueVelvet #TwinPeaks #MulhollandDrive #WildAtHeart #Dune #PsychoanalyticTheory #ArtHouseCinema #FilmPodcast #Cinephile

Artists & Taste | Artistic Rants #14

Everyone is talking about AI.

But perhaps the bigger question is...

Can AI learn your taste?

Watch till the end.

And if you're an artist, filmmaker, writer, photographer, musician or creator—this one's for you.

Follow @the.artistspodcast for conversations on arts, culture & cinema. #theartistspodcast #artists #tasts

There were, in many ways, two Kubricks: the pre-Spartacus Kubrick and the post-Spartacus Kubrick.

The common belief is that once Kubrick became Stanley Kubrick, success followed effortlessly.

The reality was very different.

Despite becoming one of cinema's most celebrated directors, Kubrick spent much of his career battling rejection, financing challenges, unrealized projects, and the immense pressures of filmmaking.

Great artists are often remembered for their successes. What we forget are the disappointments, failures, and resilience that shape the journey.

Filmmaking is a high-stress profession. It demands conviction, persistence, and the ability to keep going when the odds are against you.

Perhaps that's one of the most important lessons Kubrick leaves behind: talent matters, but resilience matters just as much.

🎧 Catch the full conversation with Professor Nathan Abrams on The Artists.

Available now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

🔗 Link in bio.

#StanleyKubrick #TheKubrickMyth #TheArtistsPodcast #Filmmaking #Storytelling #CreativeProcess #Cinema #Creativity #Artists #FilmDirector #IndependentFilmmaking #Resilience #NathanAbrams

Was Stanley Kubrick simply a genius—or did he train himself to become one?

In this episode of The Artists, filmmaker Suchita Bhhatia sits down with renowned Kubrick scholar Professor Nathan Abrams to explore the inner life, creative process, habits, struggles, and mindset of one of cinema's greatest storytellers. From photography and self-education to financing challenges and artistic obsession, this conversation uncovers what today's artists can learn from Kubrick's extraordinary journey.

01:55 – Kubrick before he became Kubrick
03:00 – The qualities of young Kubrick: curiosity, personality & childhood
06:17 – Photography and learning the art of seeing
09:22 – What does it take to become a self-taught filmmaker?
13:25 – How Kubrick developed his artistic taste
18:00 – When did the world begin taking Kubrick seriously?
21:14 – Why even Kubrick struggled to get financing
23:00 – Genres, intellectual trends, and cinematic trends
29:00 – Ideas, depth, and technological innovation
30:12 – Filmmaking as a high-stress profession: the hidden cost of creating
30:51 – Doubts, insecurities, and creative challenges
40:50 – An excellent director but a cheap producer?
41:27 – Three Stanley Kubrick films every Gen Z viewer should watch

If you're an artist, filmmaker, writer, or simply curious about creativity, this episode is an invitation to understand not just Kubrick's films—but how he became Kubrick.

#StanleyKubrick #Kubrick #NathanAbrams #TheArtistsPodcast #Storytelling #Filmmaking #CreativeProcess #Cinema #FilmTheory #Creativity #Screenwriting #Directing #IndependentFilmmaking #Artists #FilmPodcast #MovieLovers #Cinephile #ArtAndCulture #VisualStorytelling #FilmEducation

How did Stanley Kubrick become one of the greatest storytellers in cinema?

It wasn't just talent.

It was a lifetime of training his mind—through photography, reading, chess, music, relentless curiosity, and learning how to truly observe the world.

Long before he made masterpieces, Kubrick was honing himself as an artist.

In this conversation with renowned Kubrick scholar Professor Nathan Abrams, we explore the inner life and creative process behind one of cinema's greatest minds—and what today's artists can learn from it.

🎧 The full episode drops tomorrow on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts.

Because understanding great artists isn't about admiring them—it's about learning how they became who they were.

#StanleyKubrick #TheArtistsPodcast #Storytelling #Filmmaking #Creativity #Cinema #Artists

In celebration of the birth anniversary and enduring legacy of Agnès Varda, we are revisiting one of our favourite conversations on The Artists Podcast.

Joining us is acclaimed film critic Carrie Rickey, former chief film critic of The Philadelphia Inquirer and author of the acclaimed biography A Complicated Passion: The Life and Work of Agnès Varda.

Why did Martin Scorsese call Agnès Varda one of the "gods of cinema"?

From photography to filmmaking to installation art, Varda continually reinvented herself and expanded the possibilities of cinema. Long before many of her contemporaries, she explored themes of feminism, memory, labour, aging, immigration, and identity while creating a cinematic language entirely her own.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Varda's relationships with artists, filmmakers, and intellectuals
• Her transition from photography to cinema and installation art
• How she developed her own cinematic grammar
• The French New Wave and her place within it
• Her partnership with Jacques Demy
• Her friendships with Andy Warhol, Susan Sontag, Jim Morrison, and many others
• Why her work continues to inspire filmmakers across generations, including Martin Scorsese

04:15 Varda's relationships with people — Jim Morrison, Susan Sontag & others

14:02 Creating a new cinematic syntax

17:25 The challenges of financing films

21:00 "Jumping into the swimming pool"

23:00 The complicated relationship between Varda and Jacques Demy

27:00 Encounters with Andy Warhol, Susan Sontag & other cultural icons

29:00 What happens when both husband and wife are filmmakers? How Demy's career affected Varda's trajectory

32:00 How Varda bought back her films to own the copyright

33:00 Agnès Varda, Jim Morrison, and a funeral shorter than a Doors song

38:12 Martin Scorsese's admiration for Agnès Varda

A conversation about cinema, creativity, artistic independence, and one of the most original artists of the twentieth century.

🎥 Watch on YouTube & Spotify
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate and review us on Apple or Spotify so we can continue bringing you more conversations, insights, and artists.

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#AgnesVarda #CarrieRickey #TheArtistsPodcast #MartinScorsese #FrenchNewWave #JacquesDemy #WorldCinema #CinemaStudies #FilmTheory #AuteurCinema #WomenInCinema #FilmPodcast

“Martin Scorsese called Agnès Varda one of the ‘gods of cinema.’ Why?”**As we celebrate the **birth anniversary and enduring legacy of Agnès Varda**, we are revisiting one of our favourite conversations on *The Artists Podcast* with acclaimed film critic and biographer **Carrie Rickey**, author of *A Complicated Passion: The Life and Work of Agnès Varda*.Beyond the awards and the French New Wave, we explore what made Varda’s way of seeing so original—and why her work continues to inspire generations of filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese.This clip is from **EP 151**, and I’m delighted that the **full watch episode is now dropping on YouTube & Spotify**.🎧 Also available on **Apple Podcasts**.Whether you're discovering Varda for the first time or rediscovering her remarkable cinema, I hope you'll join us.**Link in bio.****@the.artistspodcast**#AgnesVarda #MartinScorsese #TheArtistsPodcast #CarrieRickey #FrenchNewWave #WorldCinema #CinemaStudies #FilmTheory #AuteurCinema #Cinephile

OLD MODELS OF FILMMAKING HAVE CRASHED?

From Kane Parsons and Backrooms to creators like Markiplier and Curry Barker, the path to becoming a filmmaker is changing.

The question is no longer who will give you permission.

The question is: what story are you going to tell?

Follow @the.artistspodcast for #arts #culture #cinema

#ArtisticRants13 #Filmmaking #CreatorEconomy #Backrooms #KaneParsons #TheArtistsPodcast

The haunting interiors of Devi.
The iconic tracking shot in Charulata.
The moving train interiors of Nayak.

How do cinema and spaces work together? And what is the relationship between cinema and architecture in the world of Satyajit Ray?

In this clip from The Artists Podcast, film scholar Ranjani Mazumdar helps us unpack how Ray used interiors, movement, space, and architecture to create psychological depth and emotional worlds—turning homes, trains, and corridors into living characters within his films.

From the haunting stillness of Devi to the emotional architecture of Charulata and Nayak, we explore how Ray thought visually—and spatially.

Watch on Spotify & YouTube — link in bio
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Rate and review us so we can continue bringing you more conversations, insights, and artists.

#SatyajitRay #RanjaniMazumdar #TheArtistsPodcast #IndianCinema #Charulata #Nayak #Devi #CinemaStudies #FilmTheory #Architecture #WorldCinema #FilmPodcast

In the birth month of Satyajit Ray, we are dropping a very special episode.

Where did Ray’s unforgettable characters emerge from?
Was he fundamentally an Indian filmmaker—or deeply, profoundly a filmmaker of Bengal and Kolkata?

How did one artist move so effortlessly between stories of women, loneliness, urban anxieties, politics, childhood, fantasy, detective fiction, and even horror?

What shaped Ray’s gaze? Where did his extraordinary empathy, observation, and range of storytelling come from?

In this expansive episode of The Artists Podcast, we explore the inner world of Ray with film scholar Ranjani Mazumdar—one of India’s most respected voices on cinema, urban modernity, and visual culture.

From Charulata and Mahanagar to Devi, Nayak, Akira Kurosawa, and Ritwik Ghatak—this is a journey into Ray’s cinema, thinking, and world.

03:15 Environmental & spatial aesthetics in Ray’s cinema
04:40 Habits that made Ray deeply cinematic
07:16 Kolkata filmmaker or Indian filmmaker?
08:15 Devi, Nayak, Charulata
12:00 Cinema & architecture — Charulata and Mahanagar
15:00 Creating psychological states
21:00 Ray’s ability to understand women & inner life
28:00 Kurosawa & Ray
29:00 Ray & Ghatak
38:00 Rejecting the popular — B&W to colour
39:00 Three Ray films for Gen Z

🎥 Watch on YouTube & Spotify — link in bio
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts
⭐ Rate and review us so we can continue bringing you more conversations, insights, and artists

#SatyajitRay #TheArtistsPodcast #RanjaniMazumdar #IndianCinema #RayAndHisWorld #CinemaStudies #WorldCinema #AuteurCinema #FilmPodcast #Cinephile

In the birth month of Satyajit Ray, we are dropping a very special episode — “Satyajit Ray & His World”.

Where did Ray’s unforgettable characters emerge from? Was he fundamentally an Indian filmmaker — or deeply, profoundly a filmmaker of Bengal and Kolkata? How did one artist move so effortlessly between stories of women, loneliness, urban anxieties, politics, childhood, fantasy, detective fiction, and even horror?

What shaped Ray’s gaze? Where did his empathy, observation, and extraordinary range of storytelling come from?

Join us for an expansive conversation on all things Ray with film scholar Ranjani Mazumdar, as we journey into the mind, cinema, and inner world of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

Full episode dropping on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts.

#SatyajitRay #TheArtistsPodcast #RanjaniMazumdar #IndianCinema #CinemaStudies #RayAndHisWorld #FilmPodcast #WorldCinema #AuteurCinema

“The whole idea of the film business is based on a reactionary idea.” — Jonathan Rosenbaum 🎙️A Great Episode of THE ARTISTS is dropping our You Tube Channel!In this riveting conversation, we’re joined by legendary film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum—a long-time contributor to Cahiers du Cinéma, former lead critic of the Chicago Reader, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on Orson Welles.Rosenbaum—also the co-editor of the essential film book This Is Orson Welles—takes us deep into the cinematic and philosophical legacy of one of the most enigmatic auteurs in film history.A must-listen for cinephiles, dreamers, and anyone interested in the mystery behind the lens.🎥 Dropping on YouTube- Subscribe!Watch the full episode- link in comments below🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (link in bio)#orsonwelles #citizenkane #jonathanrosenbaum #theartistspodcast #suchitabhhatia #spotify #applepodcasts

“The whole idea of the film business is based on a reactionary idea.” — Jonathan Rosenbaum"Orson Welles was considered a failed Hollywood Director"A Great Episode of THE ARTISTS has dropped on our you tube Watch 🎙️In this riveting conversation, we’re joined by legendary film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum—a long-time contributor to Cahiers du Cinéma, former lead critic of the Chicago Reader, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on Orson Welles.Rosenbaum—also the co-editor of the essential film book This Is Orson Welles—takes us deep into the cinematic and philosophical legacy of one of the most enigmatic auteurs in film history.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts🎥 Watch the full episode right here on YouTube⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro01:40 The book — This Is Orson Welles05:40 Meeting Orson Welles + the film he was making before Citizen Kane07:10 Who was Orson Welles as a man11:00 “Capable of being honest”14:28 Making Citizen Kane16:00 Woody Allen repeats it vs Welles who refused17:14 “The whole idea of film business is reactionary” 18:40 Touch of Evil + The Other Side of the Wind21:04 Films he wanted to make vs films he actually made22:25 Orson Welles’ battles with the studios25:41 Footage destroyed by the studio26:00 “Failed Hollywood director” — #Welles27:00 He had the right collaborators31:00 Greatest quality as a director#orsonwelles #citizenkane #jonathanrosenbaum #theartistspodcast #filmmaking

THE CINEMA OF RAJ KHOSLA — Why Do We Talk Hitchcock But Not Khosla?New episode drops tomorrow on our YouTube channel — link in bio.Why does global film culture celebrate Hitchcock endlessly, yet rarely speak of Raj Khosla—one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile, inventive, and genre-defining directors? In this episode, we explore how an artist’s personhood and their cinema can be deeply interconnected… or not at all.From noir to masala, from his mentorship under Guru Dutt to shaping generations of filmmakers—including Mahesh Bhatt, who began his journey assisting Khosla—this conversation maps the evolution of Indian cinema through one remarkable filmmaker.A deep dive into a master filmmaker we don’t speak about nearly enough.Watch the full Episode: Subscribe and stay tuned.#rajkhosla #indiancinema #theartistspodcast #gurudutt #maheshbhatt

THE CINEMA OF RAJ KHOSLA — Why Do We Talk Hitchcock But Not Khosla?Why does global film culture endlessly celebrate Hitchcock, yet rarely speak of Raj Khosla—one of Hindi cinema’s most versatile, inventive, and genre-defining directors? In this episode, we explore whether a filmmaker’s personhood and the cinema they create are deeply intertwined—or deliberately separate.From noir to masala, from mentorship under Guru Dutt to shaping generations of filmmakers—including Mahesh Bhatt, who began his journey assisting Khosla—this conversation traces the evolution of Indian cinema through one remarkable yet under-discussed filmmaker.Joining us is **Amborish**, a **National Award–winning writer and journalist**, whose insights bring historical depth and critical clarity to the discussion. Find him on Linkedin/ Instagram.*Timestamps:*00:00 — Introduction01:45 — Why do we talk Hitchcock but not Khosla?02:44 — Raj Khosla: the director vs the person04:22 — Moving from noir to masala cinema10:50 — Working with Guru Dutt: a mentor–disciple relationship14:00 — The shape of Bollywood: then and now17:00 — Mahesh Bhatt assisting Raj Khosla: a guru–shishya bond19:40 — Film schools in America vs India’s apprenticeship tradition20:21 — Cinema culture and understanding: India vs the West29:10 — Khosla’s personal quest for love and his female protagonists34:10 — Financing films and industry markers of the era42:00 — Kaagaz Ke Phool47:00 — Do we know our cinematic legacy enough?A necessary conversation on memory, mentorship, and the filmmakers we choose to remember.*Now streaming on our YouTube channel — link in bio.*#podcast #rajkhosla #gurudutt #maheshbhatt #indiancinema #theartistspodcast

New Episode — Full Watch

Two masters. Two radically different ways of seeing cinema.

In this episode of The Artists Podcast, we explore the worlds of Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirō Ozu with renowned film scholar David Desser—a leading voice in Japanese cinema studies.

How do artists form a way of seeing the world?
And what shapes their stories, styles, and cinematic language?

From cultural influences and philosophy to audience, failure, and ambition—this conversation looks at what made Kurosawa and Ozu two of the most influential filmmakers in history.

🎥 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
⭐ Rate and review us on Apple or Spotify so we can continue bringing you more conversations, insights, and artists

How do artists form a way of seeing the world?
And what shapes the cinema of masters? Dropping Soon!!

If you enjoy the episode, do leave us a rating on Apple or Spotify—it helps us bring you more such conversations

A powerful new episode of The Artists Podcast is live.This time, we’re joined by Abhishek Majumdar—playwright, theatre director, Professor at NYU, and one of the most incisive thinkers on drama, time, and performance today.This is not just a conversation—it’s a deep inquiry into the structure of drama itself. From Aristotle and Shakespeare to Picasso, metaphors of place, silence, and audience responsibility, this episode challenges how we think, write, and create.🔍 What does drama even mean today?🧠 Why does structure matter more than style?🎭 How do audience and society shape each other?📚 Why is wide reading essential for originality?🤔 And why does Shakespeare still dominate our imagination—did he even exist?If you’re an artist, writer, filmmaker, theatre-maker—or simply obsessed with how stories work—this episode is for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS02:27 Thinking multidimensionally03:12 Defining drama: compressing time05:07 Contemporary drama & the play of time06:23 Thinking drama today07:00 Why the present is not the artist’s forte (clip)08:42 Why short-term thinking limits artists09:26 How are you thinking?13:06 The process of writing14:32 Picasso copying Van Gogh16:29 Sense of wonder in craft (clip)18:00 The nine kinds of silence20:22 Audience vs society21:57 Audience & responsibility (clip)24:38 Understanding the metaphors of a place (clip)35:35 Shakespeare — did he exist?#TheArtistsPodcast #Drama #Theatre #Playwriting #StoryStructure #DramaTheory #ContemporaryDrama #Shakespeare #Aristotle #WritingProcess #AudienceAndSociety #CreativeThinking #Artists #Storytelling #ArtAndCulture #TheatrePodcast #FilmAndTheatre #IndianTheatre #PodcastEpisode

AI & The Future of Artists — What You Must Know Now | ft. Amanda BrockThe future of creativity is being rewritten in real time.In this episode of The Artists Podcast, we are joined by Amanda Brock—CEO of OpenUK and a leading global voice on AI, policy, and intellectual property.As AI rapidly becomes the new infrastructure for creation, this conversation goes beyond hype to address the real questions artists, filmmakers, and creators must confront today:Where do we actually stand in the evolution of AI?Is policy keeping up with innovation?What happens to copyright, ownership, and authorship?And how do you position yourself as a creator in this shifting landscape?Amanda brings clarity to the opportunities, the risks, and the inevitable bottlenecks—framing AI not just as a tool, but as a new operating system for creativity.This is essential viewing for anyone serious about building, creating, and sustaining work in the age of AI.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:00 How open is AI today? The current landscape02:44 What stage are we in: policy and structure04:00 Is the world aligned on AI policy?08:29 IP challenges in AI-driven films11:55 Caution when creating long-form AI films15:00 AI as the new dot-com boom20:00 The policy gaps we’re facing22:30 What happens if it all goes wrong? (productivity vs creativity)30:56 The future of AI for creators and artists36:10 Closing insights#TheArtistsPodcast #AmandaBrock #AIForArtists #FutureOfCreativity #ArtificialIntelligence #AICreators #Copyright #IntellectualProperty #CreativeEconomy #Filmmaking #AIRevolution

From Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! to Oscars® 2026 —Renuka Shahane joins THE ARTISTS Podcast (Episode 168) for a deeply insightful conversation on cinema, creativity, and conscience.Renuka reflects on her journey from Circus and Nukkad to the iconic blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and her evolution as an actor, filmmaker, and storyteller.She speaks about her latest directorial work Loop Line — an animated short film shortlisted among 113 films for Oscars® 2026 consideration, making it the only Indian animated short on the list.The conversation also explores theatre as artistic foundation, money vs creativity, patriarchy in Indian cinema (then & now), AI and emotional ethics, and mental health in creative professions.🎙️ A rare, honest conversation with one of Indian cinema’s most thoughtful voices.📺 Watch now🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on cinema, culture & creativity⏱️ PLEASE LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW ON SPOTIFY/ APPLE FOR US TO REACH MORE ARTISTS AND THINKERS LIKE YOU AND CREATE A BETTER CONTENT.

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Loop Line & Oscars® 2026 shortlist02:55 – Art vs commerce: why money can limit creativity05:50 – Pressures of success and survival09:00 – From Circus with Shah Rukh Khan to Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!14:00 – How an artist is shaped by surroundings17:00 – Why theatre is essential for actors19:00 – The cultural impact of Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!22:00 – Surabhi and Indian television’s golden era25:00 – Patriarchy then vs now: cinema & gender30:00 – AI, emotional ethics & creative responsibility41:00 – Mental health, work culture & the 8-hour workday#RenukaShahane #TheArtistsPodcast #IndianCinema #HumAapkeHainKoun#Oscars2026 #WomenInCinema #IndianFilmmakers #PodcastInterview#MentalHealth #AIandArt #shahrukhkhan #salmankhan

Two masters. One unforgettable conversation.Why did François Truffaut admire Alfred Hitchcock so deeply?And how did their dialogue reshape how we look at cinema?In this clip from The Artists Podcast, I explore this iconic exchange with Annette Insdorf, who brings a rare, first-hand perspective to Truffaut’s thinking and his relationship with Hitchcock.It’s one of those conversations that stayed with me—and I think it opens up something important about how filmmakers learn from each other across worlds.

If you’re interested in cinema, this is worth spending a few minutes with.

🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

PLEASE LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW ON SPOTIFY/ APPLE FOR US TO REACH MORE ARTISTS AND THINKERS LIKE YOU AND CREATE A BETTER CONTENT.

#TheArtistsPodcast #FrancoisTruffaut #AlfredHitchcock #TruffautHitchcock #FrenchNewWave #CinemaStudies #FilmTheory #AuteurCinema #Cinephile #FilmPodcast

In 2025, The Artists asked questions that don’t resolve easily.

Why did Orson Welles come to be seen as a “failed” director by Hollywood?
How was Alfred Hitchcock really thinking?
Is data shaping content — or is content shaping data?
What does AI mean for filmmakers — ethically, creatively, existentially?
What lies at the core of creativity?
What is shaping the cultural imagination of India today?
Why is Bertolt Brecht still urgently relevant?
What gave David Lynch his singular imagination?
What do filmmakers like Raj Khosla continue to teach us about form, emotion, and restraint?

Across cinema, culture, design, media, theory, AI, and mental health,
The Artists became a space for listening.

We followed one central question:
What lies at the core of creativity?

We moved between legacy and the future,
between form and feeling,
between structure and imagination,
between technology and the inner life.

These conversations were never designed to trend.
They were designed to stay.

We’re back on Spotify & all podcasting platforms- Apple and more.
Over the past months, we’ve been building The Artists into a video-first podcast experience.

In 2026, the show shifts fully into a watch-first format on YouTube—
not to be louder, but to be closer.
To see pauses. To feel silences. To sit with ideas.

🎧 Stay tuned on all podcast platforms for audio episodes.
🎥 For the full experience, watch on YouTube: @suchita_filmmaker_podcaster

Stay Tuned on Instagram: @the.artistspodcast

If you’ve been here already, thank you for thinking with us.
If you’re arriving now, welcome — you’re entering mid-conversation.

This is not a finale.
It’s a continuum.

With gratitude to the voices who shaped this year:

David Sterritt, Siva Ananth, Suhel Seth, Evan Shapiro, Dev Benegal, Preeti Vyas, Abhishek Majumdar, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Dr. Avinash De Sousa, Anthony Sequeira, Todd McGowan, Amborish, Sunil Nair, Vivek Lath

And to everyone who listened, reflected, and stayed.

Suchita Bhhatia | Metaphysical Lab

PLEASE LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW ON SPOTIFY/ APPLE FOR US TO REACH MORE ARTISTS AND THINKERS LIKE YOU AND CREATE A BETTER CONTENT.

#TheArtistsPodcast #Cinema #Culture #Creativity #AIandArt #IndianCinema #Storytelling #DavidLynch #Hitchcock #OrsonWelles #Brecht #RajKhosla #MentalHealth #FutureOfStorytelling

Welcome to The Artists.

In this episode, Suchita Bhhatia sits down with Suhel Seth—businessman, columnist, actor, and one of India’s most sharp and unapologetic cultural commentators.

This conversation dives into the evolving idea of Indian taste—what shapes it, who defines it, and whether we are in the middle of a cultural renaissance or creative fatigue.

From advertising legend Piyush Pandey to the rise of influencer culture, Suhel brings a brutally honest lens to creativity, branding, nostalgia, and the shifting relationship between creators and audiences.

They explore:

• Who are we really creating for?
• Has algorithm-driven culture diluted artistic integrity?
• What defines modern Indian identity today?
• And what stories urgently need to be told now?

A provocative, unfiltered conversation on art, commerce, and the cultural psyche of India.

🎥 Watch the full video episode on our YouTube channel: @suchita_filmmaker_podcaster

Listen to 165+ episodes of The Artists across platforms.

Follow for more conversations on art, cinema, culture, and the minds shaping it.

#TheArtistsPodcast #SuhelSeth #IndianCulture #Creativity #Storytelling #SuchitaBhhatia #TasteOfIndia

Welcome to THE ARTISTS, podcast! We are thrilled to be fully on ‪@YouTube‬ and for this very special episode, we dive deep into the culture of modern India with the one and only Suhel Seth.Suhel Seth is a renowned Indian businessman, columnist, author, and public speaker. As the Managing Partner of Counselage India, he advises top corporations on brand strategy, leadership, and reputation management, making him a trusted voice on social and commercial trends for the Indian consumer base. He is also a regular columnist for leading publications and a well-known actor, frequently offering sharp insights on business, society, and politics.Join Suchita and Suhel as they discuss creativity, storytelling, the power of nostalgia, and what truly defines modern Indian taste and culture and where are we heading!

(PLEASE LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW ON SPOTIFY/ APPLE FOR US TO REACH MORE ARTISTS AND THINKERS LIKE YOU AND CREATE A BETTER CONTENT.)

Video Chapters (Timestamps)00:00 – The Artists Intro animation01:07 – Piyush Pandey's core 03:10 – Creator vs audience - where is the demarcation 06:00 – What is the Taste of India09:34 – Cultural Renaissance or Creative exhaustion 17:10 – Who are you making your art for?18:00 – Algorithms, audience.22:00- Influncer & Branding culture ​24:27- Delhi vs Bombay, Why Bombay is a Shit show!​26:22- The urgent story we need to tell as ArtistsSubscribe & ListenThe Artists is now fully on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel here: ‪@suchita_filmmaker_podcaster‬ ‪@metaphysicallab‬ Join our instagram handle- @the.artistspodcast- to stay tuned!Listen to all 165 previous episodes of The Artists on our audio platforms:

A fantastic new episode of The Artists is here! 🎙️

This time, Suchita sits down with Siva Ananth — filmmaker and most recently producer on Thug Life, alongside legends Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan.

We dig into:

1. The making of Thug Life.

2. Collaborating with two stalwarts — Mani Ratnam & Kamal Haasan.

3. Why choosing the right collaborators can make or break a film.

4. Filmmaking as a team sport — like cricket, like soccer!

5. South vs Hindi cinema — the strengths, the gaps.

6. The deep bond between literature, cinema, and the audience.

7. The rise of Marathi & Kannada cinema.

8. The essential qualities of a great director.

🎧 Follow the.artists podcast for arts, culture, and cinema.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ A Great Episode of THE ARTISTS 🎙️
In this riveting conversation, we’re joined by legendary film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum, a long-time contributor to Cahiers du Cinéma, former lead critic of the Chicago Reader, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on Orson Welles. Rosenbaum—also the co-editor of the essential film book This Is Orson Welles—takes us deep into the cinematic and philosophical legacy of one of the most enigmatic auteurs in film history. www.jonathanrosenbaum.net

🔍 In this episode, we dig into:

1. This Is Orson Welles and Walter Murch’s new book on the craft of editing and sound

2. Who was Orson Welles? Myth, genius, renegade—or all three?

3. “All of man’s achievements turn to dust”—Welles’s haunting existential reflections

4. The elusive The Other Side of the Wind and Welles's fascination with dreamers and illusions

5. A timeless breakdown of the classic Citizen Kane

6. And finally, Rosenbaum reflects on Welles’s greatest quality as a director—his fearless ability to experiment, subvert form, and chase the poetic truth.

A must-listen for cinephiles, dreamers, and anyone interested in the mystery behind the lens.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fantastic episode of The Artists podcast, we are joined by the legendary Sir David Sterritt—renowned film critic and scholar, celebrated for his extensive writings on Alfred Hitchcock, Jean-Luc Godard, and more recently, Martin Scorsese.

Sterritt, who previously appeared in Episode 89 where we explored Hitchcock, Godard, and Kiarostami (a must-listen if you haven’t already!), returns to unpack the essence of Pure Cinema—a term often used but rarely understood in its full cinematic depth.

He’s written for esteemed publications like MovieMaker, Sight and Sound, and Cinéaste, and his insights offer a compelling journey through both classic and modern film thinking.

🎬 This episode dives into:

1. What truly defines Pure Cinema

2. The dance between suspense, commerce, and artistic intent

3. Inside Hitchcock’s mind—his process, precision, and preoccupations

4. Vertigo

5. The ever-important role of the audience

6. 2001: A Space Odyssey

7. And yes, we circle back to Scorsese—briefly, but brilliantly

A treat for cinephiles, filmmakers, and anyone curious about the grammar of great cinema.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎭 A powerful new episode of THE ARTISTS PODCAST is live!

This time, we're joined by the brilliant Abhishek Majumdar—playwright, theatre director, professor at NYU, and an incisive thinker on all things drama and performance.

This is not just a conversation; it's a deep dive into the very structure of drama—where it comes from, how we’ve been shaped by Aristotle and Shakespeare, and how we can begin to break those molds to create original work.

🔍 What does the word drama even mean today?
🧠 Why does the structure of our storytelling matter?
🎭 What’s the relationship between audience and society—and how do we honour both?
📚 Why is wide reading essential for original creation?
🤔 And... why does Shakespeare still remain the most celebrated playwright in history?

Tune in for a truly enlightening episode—this one's for every artist, creator, and curious mind.

Music Courtesy: Francesco Biondi (IPI: 00542050494) pixabay - 

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Email id: metaphysicallab@gmail.com/ 

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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a leading actor chooses to set boundaries, the industry takes notice.
What began as one artist taking a stand on working hours has now cracked open long-suppressed conversations about working conditions in the Indian film industry. What Deepika Padukone may never have anticipated is unfolding—a ripple effect that could spark real, long-overdue transformation, especially around the mental health and well-being of artists and workers across the filmmaking ecosystem.

From those in the spotlight to the countless invisible crew members working punishing hours—this episode of The Artists Podcast is a timely, urgent listen.

We’re joined by mental health expert Dr. Avinash Desousa of the Desousa Foundation in a powerful conversation as part of our ongoing series: Artists and Mental Health.
Together, we ask: Why is it so important to speak openly about mental health in the film industry—and what needs to change?

Digs:
1) Productivity vs Work hours2) Designing and respecting the well being of all in the crew3) Steps Production companies should take when working longer hours4) Women in the crew and the boundaries5) Building strong interpersonal relationships based on compassion and respect.6) Women are equal participants in the industry 

Music Courtesy: Francesco Biondi (IPI: 00542050494) pixabay - 

Follow @THE.ARTISTSPODCAST for insights!

Email id: metaphysicallab@gmail.com/ 

You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia,

For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on all the shows produced and distributed by Ep.Log Media are personal to the host and the guest of the shows respectively and with no intention to harm the sentiments of any individual/organization.
The said content is not obscene or blasphemous or defamatory of any event and/or person deceased or alive or in contempt of court or breach of contract or breach of privilege, or in violation of any provisions of the statute, nor hurt the sentiments of any religious groups/ person/government/non-government authorities and/or breach or be against any declared public policy of any nation or state.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ New Episode | THE ARTISTS Podcast
"Brecht and Dialectical Thinking"
with Anthony Squiers, author of Bertolt Brecht’s Adaptations and Anti-Capitalist Aesthetics Today

In an age dominated by doomscrolling and passive viewing, what does it mean to create art that wakes us up instead of lulling us into consumption? In this rich and urgent conversation, scholar Anthony Squiers joins us to re-examine Bertolt Brecht’s radical vision of theatre, adaptation, and aesthetics—and why it matters now more than ever.

Drawing from his book Bertolt Brecht’s Adaptations and Anti-Capitalist Aesthetics Today, Anthony explores how Brecht’s theatrical techniques—rooted in disruption, distance, and dialectics—are tools for reshaping not just art but consciousness.

We cover:

1. Brecht in the Age of Doomscrolling – How Epic Theatre holds up against passive digital aesthetics.

2. Brecht’s Techniques and Innovations – From Gestus to the Alienation Effect, and how they work today.

3. Filmmakers Who Echo Brecht – Cinema that resists identification.

4. Brecht vs. Stanislavski – Emotional immersion vs. critical distance.

5. Art That Effects Consciousness – Why Brecht wanted you to think, not feel.

6. Aristotelian vs. Brechtian Plot Structures – Neat catharsis or jagged provocation?

7. Sartre and Brecht – Political art as philosophical ground.

8. Adaptation as Intervention – Brecht’s irreverent, purpose-driven approach to classic texts.

9. Dialectical Thinking as Creative Tool – Ways to think in tension, contradiction, and complexity.

10. Epic Theatre in 2025 – What does radical performance look like now?

11. Instagram Reels & Passive Aesthetics – What does it mean to consume without questioning?

12. Gestus in Performance – The body as a site of political storytelling.

13. Shakespeare vs. Brecht – Poetic psychology vs. historical materialism.

💭 “The proof of the pudding is in the tasting.”
Let this episode be your first bite into Brecht’s theatrical revolution.

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