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Welcome to Kicking the Seat!

Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).

The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar NoéRachel BrosnahanAmy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.

Ep56: Destroy All Anniversaries!

Godzilla's rampage pales in comparison to Ian and Matt's takedown of Gareth Edwards' empty new blockbuster. That's right, Episode 56 finds the guys cleaning up after the puzzlingly successful and critically acclaimed disaster (of a) movie.

Also, Ian kicks off his ten-year wedding anniversary with a lovely if utterly uncomposed dedication to the girl so cool she married him in a movie theatre. And we conclude with a friendly reminder to check out The Arts Section at 8am this Sunday on Chicago's WDCB radio (90.0 FM), where Ian will discuss X-Men: Days of Future Past and Chef with host Gary Zidek!

Ep57: X-MEN: Dave of Future Past

Ep55: Your Friends and NEIGHBORS