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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.

Ep148: Wilder Things

This week, the Kicking the Seat Podcast remembers dreamer of dreams Gene Wilder. David Fowlie of Keeping it Reel joins Ian to discuss an actor, director, and author whose unique brand of soulful, manic comedy impacted a generation of movie lovers. The guys discuss Wilder's legacy and filmography (including some startling confessions about who hasn't seen what), and what we can learn from 2016's onslaught of celebrity deaths.

By way of supplemental material, you'll definitely want to check out Peter Sobczynski's excellent ode to Wilder on RogerEbert.com. And if you're in the Chicago area on September 13th, head on over to the Music Box Theatre for a double feature of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Blazing Saddles!

Episode 148 is your golden ticket to sweet, sweet memories!

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

Ep149: A Consistent Force of Love / DANIEL NOAH Interview

Ep147: Front Row WITH YOU