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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.

Ep164: The Mysterious Ways of John Fallon

Today's episode marks the beginning of an unexpected meta-trilogy of podcasts centering on spirituality in cinema. In the past week, Ian watched three very different films and had three very different conversations with various guests. Through hours of discussion, some common themes emerged regarding mankind's use of art to ask big-picture questions--as well as the answers we sometimes receive back.

In this first installment, Ian talks to writer/director John Fallon about his new movie, The Shelter, which opens in limited release and on VOD Friday. Fallon has had an eclectic career in the business, and he talks to Ian about getting started; staying positive and motivated during filming; and the other-worldly help and hindrances he experienced while embarking on his feature directorial debut.

In the coming days, you'll hear parts two and three of this mini-series, as the Kicking the Seat Podcast tackles Marvel's metaphysical masterpiece, Doctor Strange, and Mel Gibson's epic tale of peace amidst war, Hacksaw Ridge.

Also, Ian gives details on a Doctor Strange movie ticket giveaway, courtesy of Eman's Movie Reviews, as well as the Kartemquin Films Fall Festival, going on now through Friday, November 4.

Episode 164 is your first step into a wider world!

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Ep165: Shambala

Ep163: VAMPYRES in Love