Three Spielberg films. No easy emotions.

With filmmaker Sam Coale, we dive into 1941, A.I., and Empire of the Sun—the moments where Spielberg’s control slips and something deeper emerges. 

In this episode, we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of a film that took over conversations, quotes, and everyday life. Which film? Listen and find out. 

Thirty years after its release, Trainspotting still hits like a jolt to the system — a film about addiction and dead ends that somehow became a rallying cry for living. John and Miles are joined by Shawn C. Baker (The Horror Vision) to explore how Danny Boyle’s kinetic, transgressive masterpiece turns nihilism into something strangely life-affirming. Why does this film still feel so urgent, and what does it mean to “choose life” today?

In this episode, John and Miles explore how the original Star Wars trilogy became a kind of emotional survival guide—A New Hope teaching us how to believe again, The Empire Strikes Back showing us how to live with failure, and Return of the Jedi reminding us that sometimes the bravest act is letting go. Along the way, they pay tribute to Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, and Frederick Wiseman, reflecting on the many ways artists help us endure the systems and chaos of life. 

John and Miles kick off 2026 by reintroducing themselves to you, dear listener, as well as answering questions and talking about their most anticipated films of 2026. They also discuss the latest film in the 28 Days franchise - The Bone Temple. 

Listen as Miles and John break down 2025: what worked, what didn't, and some very pleasant surprises.