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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.

Ep1214: Kicking the Seat's Top 10 Films of 2025 - LIVE Roundtable Discussion

Ep1214: Kicking the Seat's Top 10 Films of 2025 - LIVE Roundtable Discussion

The Oscars may be over, but the 2025 film discussion isn't finished until Kicking the Seat has a say!

This is Ian's first "Best of" list since before the pandemic, and the first time he's discussed his picks publicly with Earth's Mightiest Critics! In this opinion-packed episode, our robust roundtable will talk about Kicking the Seat's official Top 10--as well as some of the other critics' choices that don't appear on the list!

Join us for an award-worthy last look at a year bursting with memorable cinema! We also talk a little bit of Oscars and take your questions, comments, and SuperChats!

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Ep1215: List For Life: Everything Fun You Could Possible Do in Aledo, Illinois - Director and Cast Interview

Ep1215: List For Life: Everything Fun You Could Possible Do in Aledo, Illinois - Director and Cast Interview

Ep1213: The Bride! (2026) - Live Roundtable Review

Ep1213: The Bride! (2026) - Live Roundtable Review