The Playlist Podcast Network – Details, episodes & analysis

There are few comedies more universally beloved or endlessly quotable than "This Is Spinal Tap", the 1984 mockumentary that redefined musical satire. Directed by Rob Reiner, who also appears as fictional documentarian Marty DiBergi, the film follows a hilariously inept British metal band on a disastrous American tour. It's a film so committed to authenticity that real-life rock stars, from Ozzy Osbourne to Sting, famously thought it was real.

With the 41st anniversary of "This Is Spinal Tap" around the corner, Reiner joined The Discourse to reflect on the film’s origins, legacy, and long-gestating sequel. “What we did with this film—we tried to be as honest as we could about what really happens on rock and roll tours,” Reiner says. “Every band that we’ve ever run into, every rock star, comes up and says it’s a staple on their tour bus.”

READ MORE: ‘Bring Her Back’: Michael & Danny Philippou Discuss Their Horror Evolution, Crying With Sally Hawkins, ‘Street Fighter,’ & ‘Talk 2 Me’ [The Discourse Podcast] 

That commitment to truth, even in absurdity, is what gives the film its staying power. “Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers got lost backstage. Van Halen had the crazy rider. We used it all,” Reiner adds. “That’s why I think it works.”

Beau Willimon, one of the writers on the “Star Wars” series “Andor” joins our The Rogue Ones podcast for a long and in-depth chat about “Star Wars,” the period of unrest, rebellion and revolution that “Andor” is set in and helping create this immense tapestry of beings trying to live their lives, maintain relationships, and survive during the upheaval of wartime.

Willimon spoke about his favorite character to write for, Saw Gerrera, the “Star Wars” movie he is co-writing with James Mangold, the possibility of staying longer in the “Star Wars” galaxy on a potential “Andor” spin-off show and more.

Director Andrew DeYoung has always had an eye for awkwardness ("Pen15," "Our Flag Means Death," and "Dave"), but with his debut feature, "Friendship," he goes from TV’s quirky corners straight to the deep end of the cringe pool. You want relatable pain, emotional chaos, and jokes so uncomfortable you laugh, wince, and maybe break out in hives? Look no further. With a cast including Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, and Jack Dylan Grazer, "Friendship" is the rare buddy comedy that leaves you feeling equal parts seen, unsettled, and surprisingly moved.

DeYoung joins Mike DeAngelo on the latest episode of The Discourse. It was clear he’s still riding the high from sharing his first feature with audiences at TIFF. "[The screening] went incredibly - more than I could have ever imagined. I've been in a theater that's laughing like that, and that wasn't necessarily my goal." Deyong said. "Of course, I wanted people to find this funny and interesting and whatnot, but to hear people laugh at that level was really a surprise."

READ MORE: ‘Friendship’ Review: Tim Robinson Is Riotously Hilarious In A24’s Absurdist, Nightmare-Fueled Cringe Comedy

In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast, host Mike DeAngelo falls for Netflix’s final Mike Flanagan (“The Haunting of Hill House,” “Doctor Sleep”) collaboration, “The Fall of the House of Usher.” The series follows two wealthy and powerful Pharmaceutical magnates whose family dynasty begins to wash away as their heirs start to meet horrifying ends. The series can be streamed in its entirety on Netflix and stars Bruce Greenwood, Carla Gugino, Mary McDonnell, Henry Thomas, Rahul Kohli, Willa Fitzgerald, Zach Gilford and more.

READ MORE: 'The Fall Of The House Of Usher’ Review: Mike Flanagan’s Gothic ‘Succession’ Is A Horror Tale Of Pharma Greed & Sackler Family Retribution

Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the series is one of the stars, actress Carla Gugino (“The Haunting of Hill House," “Watchmen,” “Gerald’s Game"). During the chat, Gugino, a longtime collaborator with writer/director Mike Flanagan, described jumping on board the project almost instantly and talked about her career at length.

A lot of people only think of Jake Johnson as the comedic actor who has shown up in a number of big projects over the years. But before all of that, he got his start as a writer in New York City. It’s just his time as a writer got overshadowed by his growing acting career. But for “Self Reliance,” his new Hulu film arriving this week, Johnson is not only returning to writing, but he also directed the film, as well. And in this episode of The Playlist Podcast, I spoke with Johnson about stepping behind the camera for "Self Reliance."

In this week’s episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo gets in the driver’s seat to discuss “Ferrari” with director Michael Mann (“Heat,” “Collateral,” “Ali”). The film is based on the real-life of Enzo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari - the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, who is played by Adam Driver. It focuses on a very specific point in Enzo’s life in 1957 when the bankruptcy was looming over the company, and the always-composed Italian carmaker was also experiencing heightened drama in his life due to hidden secrets coming to light. All of this occurring while Ferrari bets it all on a must-win, 1000 mile race in Italy. The film also stars Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Patrick Dempsey, and more.

READ MORE: ‘Ferrari’: Adam Driver Says “F*ck You” After An Audience Member Calls Crash Scenes “Cheesy” At A Recent Screening

During the interview, director Michael Mann discussed the long road to getting “Ferrari” made - a journey that started all the way back in the ’90s and also discussed the possibility of "Heat 2," a sci-fi film he wants to make and admiring one franchise with the Marvel Studio system.

In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo dives back into the mystery of Apple TV+’s latest mystery series, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” The show follows multiple characters in different eras on a twist-filled journey to uncover the mysteries of the organization at the center of the Godzilla MonsterVerse films. The show stars Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, and many more.

READ MORE: ‘Monarch’: Director Matt Shakman Talks The MonsterVerse Series, Working With Marvel, ‘Star Trek 4’ & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the ten-episode series are its leads, Kurt and Wyatt Russell, the two actors (and father and son) who play the same central character in the story at different points in his life, Lt. Lee Shaw. So Wyatt plays the younger version of the lieutenant in the 1950s, and Russell plays the character as a much older man in the modern day. And it turns out it was this very unique concept that hooked the duo.

In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo attempts to find out whodunit in Hulu’s new series, “A Murder at the End of the World.” The series follows a young amateur sleuth (Emma Corrin) who is unexpectedly brought to Iceland and finds herself at the center of a dark, tense, winding murder mystery. The show also stars Clive Owen, Brit Marling, Harris Dickinson, Alice Braga,  Raúl Esparza, and more.

LISTEN: ‘Monarch’: Director Matt Shakman Talks The MonsterVerse Series, Working With Marvel, ‘Star Trek 4’ & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the seven-episode series is one of its stars, Harris Dickinson (“Triangle of Sadness," “The King’s Man” “Where the Crawdads Sing"). During the chat, Dickinson talks about what led him to choose the murder mystery as his next project.

Steve-O is getting older. However, he’s never been happier or healthier. And in his new comedy special, “Steve-O’s Bucket List,” viewers get to see all sides of the comedian. ‘Bucket List’ is a comedy experience like no other, as Steve-O tells his own personal love story with a series of insane stunts serving as a backdrop. And in this episode of The Playlist Podcast, the “Jackass” star talks about his life, his recovery, and why now is the time to check all the things off of his own personal bucket list.

In today’s episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast, host Mike DeAngelo uncovers the mystery of Apple TV+’s latest mystery series, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” The show follows multiple characters in different eras on a twist-filled journey to uncover the mysteries of the organization at the center of the Godzilla MonsterVerse films. The show stars Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, and more.

READ MORE: Matt Shakman Has Moved On From ‘Star Trek 4’ But Still Hopes Someone Makes It, Didn’t Read Tarantino’s Draft Of The Script

Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the ten-episode series is Director/Executive Producer Matt Shakman (“WandaVision," “Game of Thrones,” “The Great,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia"). During the chat, Shakman talks about his journey from small-time television director on things like “It Always Sunny in Philadelphia” to “Game of Thrones” and “WandaVision.”