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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.

Ep140: MATT ROSS is Fantastic!

The Kicking the Seat Podcast celebrates 140 episodes with writer/director Matt Ross! His new film, Captain Fantastic, hits Chicago today, and Ian recently teamed up with fellow critics/friends David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel and Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com to interview the star of HBO's Silicon Valley and Big Love (as well as hit films like American Psycho, The Aviator, and Good Night, and Good Luck).

This warm and funny chat covers casting, parenting, and Ross' personal connection to the story of a man who tries to escape the rigors of modern-day life by fleeing to the wilderness with his family.

Also, Ian marvels at the Waldorf Astoria's ridiculously lavish paper towels; endorses Shout! Factory's new Ultra HD Blu-ray release, Rocky Mountain Express; and recaps his involvement with F This Movie's incredible "F Breast Cancer" Podcastathon, which raised over $7,000 for The Magnolia Tree Foundation last weekend!

Here's to 140 more episodes! Thanks to everyone who keeps things kicking!

As always, you can keep up with the latest seat-kicking goodness by following, liking, rating, and subscribing to us on TwitterFacebookiTunes, and Stitcher!

Ep141: The Choice is Made!

Ep139: HIGH 5 on July 5!