Jude Klassen is a Toronto based writer, director, singer/songwriter and actor known for her unique urban feature films that blend music, comedy, family and living in the end times. Inspired by her LGBTQ+ teenager to create her second feature, Stupid For You, Klassen co-stars, with her real-life offspring, as the washed-up 90s punk singer, Dani Dest…

Today on Salt Lake Dirt, I welcome back filmmaker Matthew Taggart. Matthew was on the show last summer when we were covering the Wyoming International Film Festival. His film The Counterfeit Kid brought in several awards at the festival and was one of my top picks that year. The Counterfeit Kid is now streaming on most platforms so make sure to che…

In this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, actor and filmmaker Michael Cavalieri (Ritornato; La Porta Dell'Inferno) takes us on a cinematic pilgrimage to Sicily, where he uncovers stories of strength and sacrifice. Michael's narrative weaves through the landscapes of his ancestry, culminating in a documentary and feature film that celebrate the human spiri…

Dive into the mind-bending world of Violent Faculties, a novel by Charlene Elsby that blurs the lines between philosophy and fiction. Join podcast host Kyler Bingham as he uncovers the genesis of this gripping tale, where a philosophy professor turned experimental maverick pushes the boundaries of human decency. Discover the creative process behind…

Welcome back to Scribbles & Spills, the podcast where creatives of all kinds expound on their art and spill their secrets. Alexandrine Ogundimu is an author and the Editor in Chief of Filth Magazine. She received her MFA at NYU, and her debut novel THE LONGEST SUMMER is forthcoming from CLASH Books. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @cross_radica…

Today on the show I'm thrilled to welcome musician and actor Liv Rylan. I've become a fan of hers since I discovered her music a few months back. Check it out on Spotify. Thanks for listening! Kyler --- Episode Links: LivRylan.com IG: @livrylan

Dive into the world of film editing with Lucas Harger on the latest episode of Salt Lake Dirt. Discover the journey behind the scenes of two extraordinary sports documentaries Lions of Mesopotamia and Clemente, both set to premiere at South by Southwest. Join us as Lucas shares his unconventional path from making wakeboarding videos to cutting feat…

Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome Sal Velez Jr. (actor/executive producer) and Larry Krask (executive producer/actor/restaurateur). We talk about their latest film Switch Up which will premiere at SXSW this year. With anecdotes from their diverse careers, including stints at Second City and heart-stopping moments on the set of Black Summer, this ep…

Join Kyler Bingham for an intimate conversation with author Erik Fuhrer, whose latest collection Geller Studies weaves a tapestry of personal narratives through the surprising muse of Sarah Michelle Gellar's characters. From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to I Know What You Did Last Summer, Erik reveals how these iconic roles enabled them to unlock and a…

Join Kyler Bingham as he welcomes Tommy Burke, a seasoned film and television production veteran with a story that transcends the usual Hollywood narrative. In his compelling memoir, Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs, Burke shares the highs and lows of his 30-year career, interwoven with profound life lessons and near-death experiences. From battl…

Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome author Ben Tanzer. His novel The Missing will be released on March 21 on 7.13 Books. With a narrative that alternates between the perspectives of both husband and wife, The Missing offers a raw and intimate look at the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Tune in as Ben shares th…

Today on the show I welcome Melissa Shapiro. Melissa is a veterinarian, author, and animal advocate. Her life changed when, along with her husband Warren, they adopted a one pound deaf-blind puppy named Piglet. We talk about her journey with Piglet, from fostering to creating an educational movement. I was fascinated to hear how Piglet's challenges…

Today I welcome writer and musician Tara Giancaspro. I had a blast talking with Tara about her writing process, the pros and cons of Substack, and how she unexpectedly began creating music. Great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler ---- Artist Bio: Tara Giancaspro is the creator of xoxo Gossip Giancaspro, a weekly Substack including personal essays, …

Today I welcome back actor, writer, and director Alison Rich to the show. Her short film Pathological recently screened at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. When I heard that Alison had another film at Sundance (previously Training Wheels in 2022) I made it a priority to check it out. The short film is hilarious and thought provoking. I look forward…

2024 Slamdance Film Festival **THE DEATH TOUR** One of SLD's Top Picks this Year! --- Step behind the scenes of the documentary film The Death Tour. Today's episode offers a front-row seat to the passion, pain, and glory of a wrestling tour like no other. Hear directly from the creators and wrestling icons who bared their souls on screen, discussin…

Today on the show I welcome filmmaker and photographer Ilya Popenko. His film Roll Bus Roll: A Jeffrey Lewis Documentary is one of my top picks from both Sundance and Slamdance this year. If you have the chance to see this film in person (or through the Slamdance Channel), please do so. I highly recommend it! Thanks for listening! Kyler --- Synopsi…

Join us with filmmaker Giuseppe Garau, whose feature film, L'Incidente (The Accident), had its North American premiere at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Discover the enthralling narrative of a single mother's transformation through loss and resilience, captured through the lens of traditional film—without the safety net of modern technology. Thi…

Episode 227: Interview with Filmmakers/Cast of Daruma --- Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking journey of Daruma, a film that defies conventional storytelling by featuring two leads with disabilities in a narrative about the human condition. Join Kyler Bingham at Slamdance 2024 as he sits down with the passionate team behind this cinematic marvel…

One of my favorite films from Slamdance this year is All I've Got & Then Some. While in Park City I had the chance to talk to the creative team behind the film. Rasheed Stephens and Tehben Dean join me to talk about how the film came about and their experience so far at Slamdance. Great film, great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Synopsis: Ba…

On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt we are live at the Slamdance Film Festival, where the film African Giants is making waves. Hear from the creative forces, Omar S.Kamara (writer/director/producer) and Leo Blumberg-Woll (producer), as they reveal the inspiration behind their film's authentic dialogue and the intense casting process that found "the U…

Today on the show I am thrilled to welcome writer and historian Sam Wasson. Sam is my favorite Hollywood historian. He is the author of several fantastic books including Fifth Avenue, 5 a.m. and The Big Goodbye. He co-authored Hollywood: The Oral History with film scholar and educator Jeanine Basinger. Sam's latest book is The Path to Paradise: A F…

Discover the profound connection between humans and canines in Dog Spelled Backwards. Join Kyler Bingham as he delves into the heart of dog rescue with filmmaker and dog trainer Tim Almeida. Their conversation uncovers the stark realities of shelter life and the transformative power of patience and love in rehabilitating rescue dogs. This episode i…

2024 Slamdance Film Festival: Dive into the world of Love and Work, a film that defies the norm with its dystopian yet comedic take on a society where working is illegal. Join Kyler as he sits down with multifaceted filmmaker Pete Ohs to discuss the conception of this fascinating film. From the eerie allure of a shoe factory setting to the film's s…

Join us as we catch up with the creative team behind Fishing, a short film that will screen at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Director Josie Charles and writer/actor Esme Allen discuss the evolution of their film, the intimacy of a camcorder storytelling approach, and the emotional depth required to bring the character Lola to life. Learn about …

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Garcia Williams, the creative force behind the film Legend of El Cucuy. The film will screen at the 20424 Slamdance Film Festival. Cynthia talks about the folklore that inspired her work, the emotional journey of parenting and its reflection in her storytelling. Hear how an origin story of a feared villain …

In this episode, we welcome back filmmaker Jack Dunphy to discuss his Sundance-bound film, Bob's Funeral. Jack is one of my favorite guests so I had to have him on for a full length episode. Jack talks about the eight-year creative process that brings him back the Sundance Film Festival this year. Great film, amazing chat. Thanks for listening! Kyl…

Today on the show we have E'an Verdugo (Director/Writer) and Caleb Davis (Writer/Prodcuer), the creative minds behind Restorage, an episodic film that will screen at this year's Slamdance Film Festival. Great film, great chat! Kyler --- Synopsis: A fractured group of siblings each receive a portion of their inheritance. Robert receives the business…

Today on Salt Lake Dirt, filmmaker Radha Mehta joins me to talk about her film Dosh. Radha shares her compelling story of transforming personal trauma and the challenges into an evocative film that tackles the taboos of mental health and physical disability. Discover how her South Asian roots and a partnership with AFI helped her create a narrative…

Dive into the darkly humorous world of The Coroner's Assistant with writer-director Angeline Walsh as she unveils the intriguing Victorian London setting of her web series. Discover the accidental journey of medical student James Rigby into the macabre trade of cadavers, all wrapped in a comedic package. Explore the challenges of creating an authen…

In the latest episode, Adam Roberts discusses his new book, The Death of Sir Martin Malprelate, a novel where the classics come alive. Explore a re-imagined London where the greatest literary minds coexist, and a mysterious death unfolds a story of intrigue and suspense. Listen as Roberts gives an intriguing glimpse into the making of a novel that …

Today I welcome poet Clem Flowers to the show. Clem is originally from the South but now calls Salt Lake City home. We talk about some of their collections such as LUSH EYED// BLEED MOONSHINE, New Pansies For The Blue Dogs, and I'VE BEEN GOING THRU SOME THINGS. When I started reading Clem's work, I completely fell in love with it. I encourage you t…

Today on the show I welcome back writer Mallory Smart. I recently read her new novel I Keep My Visions to Myself, and I absolutely loved it! I know that our regular listeners will too. Highly recommended! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Logline: "Step into Stevie's world, a 26-year-old musician on the brink of fame. A tour offer catapults her into …

On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler interviews Carla Malden about her powerful new novel My Two and Only. They dive into the book's exploration of love, loss, and reinvention as a widow struggles with expectations to move on. Carla provides fascinating details about the four-year writing process and how she drew from personal experience. Their…

FilmQuest Episode #37 GUEST: Ben Davis FILM: The Jellyfish Man — Logline: Spencer’s neighbor refuses to turn off his music, but it’s unclear who is disturbing the peace. — Episode Links: Film Trailer WATCH the film beginning 11/28/23 on Omeleto TheJellyfishMan.com IG: @this.bendavis

This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I talk with author Daniel Weizmann about his writing journey from the LA punk scene to his most recent novel The Last Songbird, a mystery involving a Lyft driver and a famous folk singer. Great book, great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Synopsis: "A struggling songwriter and Lyft driver, Adam Zantz’s life changes…

This week's episode of Salt Lake Dirt features an in-depth interview with Charles Mudede, director and co-writer of the new film Thin Skin. Charles provides fascinating behind-the-scenes details on the film's inspiration from Ahamefule J. Oluo's off-Broadway show Now I'm Fine, the years-long process of writing and fundraising, and finishing post-pr…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- FilmQuest Episode #36 GUEST: Joe Gietl & Cameron S. Mitchell FILM: The Fledgling — Synopsis: Orphan …

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #36 GUEST: Kelsey Edwards FILM: Box Boy — Synopsis: A boy raised in a rigid, beige soc…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #35 GUEST: Ryan Couldrey FILM: You Have Reached Your Destination — Synopsis: With the …

Lexi Kent-Monning joins me to talk about her new book The Burden of Joy. From her career in the music business to her writing process we covered a lot of ground in this episode. I had a blast! You can purchase a copy of The Burden of Joy HERE. Great chat, amazing book! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Synopsis: Lexi Kent-Monning’s debut novel, The B…

This week Reuben Dendinger joins me to discuss his new book Cursed Images. I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. Highly recommended! Thanks for listening! Kyler --- Cursed Images (Hyperidean Press, August 31, 2023) is a dream-journal of late capitalism in 13 stories, a Gothic tarot of desire and fear. Driven by the cruelty of market …

Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome Christopher Wells and Daniel Rolnick to talk about their film Stories For My Children’s Children: Lessons from the Holocaust. This is a beautiful and heartbreaking film that I HIGHLY recommend. Great chat, incredible film. Thanks for listening! Kyler --- LOGLINE: This isn’t a Holocaust documentary; it’s a personal …

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler -- FilmQuest Episode #34 GUEST: Russell Goldman FILM: Closing Time — Synopsis: An estranged friend surpr…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #33 GUEST: Nicholas Acosta & Bill Moldt FILM: Alone — Synopsis: After a catastrophic d…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #32 GUEST: Zack Hosseini FILM: A Cotton Moon — Synopsis: A feckless loner uncovers cry…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #31 GUEST: Dan Shapiro FILM: Escape Attempt — Synopsis: A soldier escaping a WWII conc…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #30 GUEST: Phillip McLaughlin FILM: Toad Boy — Synopsis: A concerned principal reaches…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #29 GUEST: Moe Najati FILM: Ensouled — Synopsis: Clara, burdened by grief, embarks on …

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #28 GUEST: Michael Rich FILM: The Queue — Synopsis: An internet content moderator conf…

We are very excited to be covering ⁠FilmQuest 2023⁠. This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #27 GUEST: Nabil Chowdhary FILM: Recollector — Synopsis: A futuristic detective (a Rec…