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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.

Ep169: The Will of MANOS

Fifty years ago today, Manos: The Hands of Fate premiered at the Capri Theatre in El Paso, Texas. It screened once, then disappeared for nearly three decades before being resurrected by Comedy Central's Mystery Science Theatre 3000.

"Manos" at the Music Box: (L-R) Ian, Jeremy, Jackey, Laura, Nicki (Photo: David Fowlie)

Today's episode features an interview with star Jackey Neyman Jones, who was in Chicago last weekend to screen the film at the Music Box Theatre, along with the co-author of her essential production memoir, Growing Up with Manos: The Hands of Fate, Laura Mazzuca Toops; son of Manos DP Bob Guidry, Jeremy Guidry; and jazz vocalist Nicki Mathis.

Between the Friday event and a Sunday book signing at Bucket O' Blood Books and Records, Jackey's father, Tom Neyman (who played the iconic "Master" in the film) passed away suddenly. What had been planned as a regular interview Sunday evening became a loving tribute to an artist and a father who could never quite fathom the adoration of his multi-generational following, but who was so grateful for the outpouring of affection.

Please enjoy this very special episode, and remember to share your love with those you hold most dear.

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Ep170: Sleep to Dream

Ep168: Compare & Contrast