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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.

MUCHO MUCHO AMOR Filmmaker Round Table

MUCHO MUCHO AMOR Filmmaker Round Table

Ian Simmons

For decades, Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado enraptured audiences all over the world. His flamboyant persona and message of boundless love inspired compassion and raised eyebrows--until he mysteriously disappeared from the spotlight in 2010.

Netflix's latest documentary, Mucho Mucho Amor, explores Mercado's legend and catches up with an entertainer haunted by physical ailments, betrayal, and a desire to reconnect with his audience. Recently, Ian spoke with co-directors Cristina Costantini (Science Fair) and Kareem Tabsch (The Last Resort), and producer Alex Fumero about their early connections with Mercado; the challenges of getting the film made; and why the late entertainer's example of fearless identity expression is more relevant than ever.

Mucho Mucho Amor is now streaming on Netflix.

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FRIDAY THE 40TH Part 7: Psych!

FRIDAY THE 40TH Part 7: Psych!
First Lady of Rock: Suzi Quatro Interview

First Lady of Rock: Suzi Quatro Interview