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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.

Ep382: No Small Parts

Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast and Keeping it Reel's David Fowlie look at some little movies that are big on variety: the 2019 Oscar-nominated Shorts! The guys watched all fifteen films from three categories (Animation, Live-Action, and Documentary), and discuss the themes, social commentary, and odd connective tissue that make these short-form marvels noteworthy.

From dementia dramas to broken-home cartoons to proof that the Academy actively hates children--Ian and David confront one of the most unique celluloid grab bags in recent memory.

Also, Ian directs listeners to the latest episode of YouTube's You'll Probably Agree, in which he breaks down the Best Picture nominees with Mike Crowley!

Episode 382 will accept its award during the commercial break!

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Ep383: How He Got Into My Acid, I'll Never Know

Ep381: Saulnier School: Don't RUIN My PARTY!