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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 Noé, Rachel Brosnahan, Amy 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.

Ep541: Hurt 'Til It Laughs

Ep541: Hurt 'Til It Laughs

Ian Simmons

Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast speaks with filmmaker Jorgy Cruz, whose documentary Funny Pains is now available On Demand! This movie is an all-access look at the personal and professional struggles of New York stand-up Wendi Starling, and also features a pair of comic round tables in which performers like Nikki Glazer, Jim Norton, and Yamaneika Saunders get personal with anecdotes about the biz.

Ian and Jorgy keep things spoiler-lite while exploring how the film came together; the odd trailer used to promote the film to wide audiences; and Jorgy's hard-hitting advice for making it in the arts.

Also, Ian talks about Criterion's new release of the 2018 Paul Dano drama, Wildlife, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Carrie Mulligan!

Episode 541 is working on its tight five!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 5:46

Funny Pains Trailer: 5:46 - 8:04

Funny Pains Discussion: 8:04 - 32:07

Outro Music: 32:07 - 32:23

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Ep542: Accademia Giallo: BLOOD AND BLACK LACE

Ep542: Accademia Giallo: BLOOD AND BLACK LACE
Ep540: Reelpolitik: Teachers Without Pants

Ep540: Reelpolitik: Teachers Without Pants