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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.

Ep543: The Mighty Dunks

Ep543: The Mighty Dunks

Ian Simmons

Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast welcomes back Keeping it Reel's David Fowlie for a look at Gavin O'Connor's recovery drama, The Way Back. Ben Affleck stars as a construction worker who agrees to coach his old high school's basketball team--even though he's fighting through a personal tragedy, a divorce, and severe alcoholism.

The film's theatrical release coincided with the start of the pandemic lockdowns, and the guys finally had a chance to catch up with it on home video. Listen in to find out why The Way Back is a moving (if slightly flawed) antidote for our contentious times.

Also, Ian invites you to join him and the Spoiler Room crew this Sunday night during Wisconsin's first-ever "Podcastathon"--benefiting families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic!

Episode 543 is a one-take action-scene of podcasts!

Show Guide:

Intro Music: 0:00 - 0:14

Intro: 0:14 - 3:13

The Way Back Trailer: 3:13 - 5:24

The Way Back Discussion: 5:24 - 59:40

Outro Music: 59:40 - 59:55

Keep up with the latest seat-kicking goodness by following, liking, rating, and subscribing to us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, iTunes, Stitcher!

Ep544: Said the Spider

Ep544: Said the Spider
Ep542: Accademia Giallo: BLOOD AND BLACK LACE

Ep542: Accademia Giallo: BLOOD AND BLACK LACE