Best TCM And MAX Podcasts (2024)

1
The Legend 1:02:35

3h ago1:02:35

1:02:35

After being removed from a film and ruining his friendship with Henry Fonda, John Ford begins to openly challenge his previous work. He deconstructs the Western and, for the first time, makes films specifically about Indians and women. But his power in Hollywood dwindles, and he soon finds himself out of work, a living legend living off his savings…

1
The Mythmaker 50:09

24d ago50:09

50:09

At the height of his powers, John Ford directs his masterpiece, an anti-racist Western called The Searchers. It’s a movie of contradictions: John Wayne plays the hero, but he's driven by hate and revenge. He’s searching for his niece, with the intent to kill her. Behind the scenes, Ford continues to use Monument Valley as a generic backdrop for the…

1
From The Plot Thickens: Decoding John Ford 50:10

9d ago50:10

50:10

We’re sharing a bonus episode of Ben Mankiewicz’s other podcast, The Plot Thickens. The new season of The Plot Thickens is all about John Ford, the most influential filmmaker of the last hundred years. In this episode, we’re exploring Ford’s early days, when he rose to fame by being one of the most reckless, independent directors in Hollywood. You …

1
Monument Valley 52:55

1M ago52:55

52:55

After D-Day, Ford goes on a historic bender then heads home... not to Hollywood but to Monument Valley, a secluded land with incredible scenery. There, he creates his own kingdom, a place he can work and create art without being under the thumb of studio executives. His stock company follows him from film to film, and Ford rewards his loyal subject…

1
The Search 51:12

1M ago51:12

51:12

This week, Ben traces the mystery of John Ford's missing D-Day documentary. The one time Ford talked about it, he claimed it was buried in a government film vault, too disturbing for public view. This sends Ben on a globe-trotting journey, following clues in the US, England and Russia. He encounters fellow seekers, as well as skeptics who question …

1
The Commander 43:38

25d ago43:38

43:38

Ford is finally in the military and his first assignment is… to make a sex ed film for soldiers! Soon he sees real combat and is injured while filming the battle of Midway. He’s nursed back to health with the help of John Wayne, while his Midway movie wins an Oscar and becomes a favorite of President Roosevelt. Ford then recuts December 7th, a movi…

1
The Araner 55:22

1M ago55:22

55:22

John Ford buys a yacht, where he cavorts, drinks and vacations. But he also keeps an eye on the looming threat in Europe, and uses his new vessel to enlist in the Naval Reserve. He rises through Hollywood and turns his friends into stars, including John Wayne – though he's increasingly abusive towards them on the set. As the ‘30s dissolve into the …

1
Go West, Young Man 52:06

2M ago52:06

52:06

John Ford was born in Maine as Sean Aloysius O’Feeney… or so he says. His birth records say differently, and it would not be the last time he changes his name. As a child, he visits Ireland and falls in love with his heritage, and later fights at the University of Maine when confronted with an Irish slur. He rediscovers his long-lost brother Franci…

1
Bonus Episode: Mario Cantone 1:00:13

3M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

In a special bonus episode of Talking Pictures recorded live at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival in Hollywood, host Ben Mankiewicz interviews actor, comedian, and classic movie lover, Mario Cantone. They discuss Mario’s life before acting, his role in HBO’s “Sex and the City” and the Max series “And Just Like That…,” and Ben challenges Mario…

1
Season 5 Trailer: Decoding John Ford 4:44

4M ago4:44

4:44

Meet John Ford, the curmudgeon with an eyepatch who just happened to be the greatest filmmaker of the 20th Century. Ford was a bully and a drunk who ruled Hollywood for five decades, making dozens of seminal movies – though he was incredibly hard to pin down. His behavior swung wildly from loyalty to cruelty, without notice. He won more Oscars than…

1
The Hard Hollywood Life of Kim Novak — 10th anniversary restoration 43:58

4M ago43:58

43:58

The first episode of You Must Remember This tells the story of actress Kim Novak -- a top box office draw of the late 1950s and the iconic star of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo -- and her painful struggles to assert herself from the mid-20th century through well into the 21st, in a Hollywood that repeatedly sent her the message that she was only valua…

1
Bill Hader 58:36

4M ago58:36

58:36

Director, actor, Saturday Night Live veteran, and cinephile Bill Hader joins host Ben Mankiewicz to talk about his heroes (Stanley Kubrick, Joel and Ethan Coen), about writing and directing his HBO show Barry, and if you’re hoping for a few of his expert impressions, you won’t be disappointed. Hader also ventures into his movie-watching past by ans…

1
Patty Jenkins 1:01:24

4M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Host Ben Mankiewicz visits with director Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman, Monster) and her mother (!!) to talk superheroes, female serial killers, and gets her take on being a female director in Hollywood. Patty surprises Ben with stories about her friendship with singer Steve Perry and she talks about that rumored Star Wars script. Plus, an impressive…

1
Errol Morris 54:32

5M ago54:32

54:32

Legendary documentarian and filmmaker Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line, The Fog of War, The Pigeon Tunnel) and host Ben Mankiewicz have a charged conversation about interviewing, serial killers, grave robbing and, yes, movies. Morris gives the longest, most original (and most surprising!) answer to our Super 8 question about movie props. Plus, he r…

1
Damien Chazelle 56:34

5M ago56:34

56:34

Director Damien Chazelle ( La La Land, First Man) describes his childhood as a budding filmmaker inspired by Walt Disney, his path to getting his first film made (Whiplash), and how the pandemic impacted casting for his recent epic Babylon. Chazelle surprises – and delights – host Ben Mankiewicz as they discuss his parents’ favorite films and which…

1
Alexander Payne 1:00:16

5M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Director Alexander Payne (Election, Sideways, About Schmidt) talks about the inspiration for his new film The Holdovers, what it’s like working with actors Paul Giamatti and George Clooney, and addresses the rumors of an Election sequel. He also shares the movie forever associated with one of his more awkward teenage dates. Plus, terrific answers t…

1
Mel Brooks 37:33

5M ago37:33

37:33

Host Ben Mankiewicz hangs out with his friend, 97-year-old legend Mel Brooks (The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein) in this often hilarious and sometimes poignant episode. Mel reminisces about Gene Wilder, David Lynch, his wife Anne Bancroft, and best friend Carl Reiner. He also recounts a tremendously funny dinner with Alfred Hitchco…

1
Introducing: Talking Pictures from TCM and Max 52:54

6M ago52:54

52:54

While we're hard at work on the next season of The Plot Thickens, we're excited to share Ben Mankiewicz's new podcast, Talking Pictures. The first guest on Talking Pictures is writer director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, The Holiday). Recorded at her home, Meyers talks about casting Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, gettin…

1
Cord Jefferson 1:00:58

6M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Writer director Cord Jefferson (American Fiction) and host Ben Mankiewicz talk life transitions, bravery, and family for this in-depth conversation. Jefferson charts his path from journalist to TV writer to first-time film director of 2023’s celebrated American Fiction. He shares the movies important to him and gives his take on the ending of Shaws…

1
Emerald Fennell 52:02

6M ago52:02

52:02

Writer-director Emerald Fennell has made two of the most talked about movies in recent years: Saltburn and Promising Young Woman. Fennell tells host Ben Mankiewicz why she makes uncomfortable films, why she prefers directing over acting, and shares a formative experience watching Jurassic Park. She also challenges Ben on his knee-jerk aversion to c…

1
Steven Soderbergh 1:00:58

6M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

This episode of Talking Pictures is special for host Ben Mankiewicz, whose favorite film of all time is Out of Sight, directed by Steven Soderbergh. Ben sits down with Soderbergh (Ocean’s 11, Full Circle, Erin Brockovich) to talk ‘70s films, George Clooney, and how one maintains a 35-year career as a film director. Soderbergh also offers a little r…

1
Introducing: Talking Pictures from TCM and Max 49:40

7M ago49:40

49:40

Our first guest on Talking Pictures is writer director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, The Holiday). Recorded at her home, host Ben Mankiewicz talks with Meyers about casting Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, getting script advice from Sunset Boulevard director Billy Wilder, and they discuss what it’s like to become famous fo…

1
Nancy Meyers 50:28

7M ago50:28

50:28

Our first guest on Talking Pictures is writer director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, The Holiday). Recorded at her home, host Ben Mankiewicz talks with Meyers about casting Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, getting script advice from Sunset Boulevard director Billy Wilder, and they discuss what it’s like to become famous fo…

1
Coming Soon: Talking Pictures 2:18

8M ago2:18

2:18

From TCM and MAX, this is Talking Pictures: A Movie Memories Podcast, hosted by Ben Mankiewicz. We all remember the first movie to really scare us, or the movie a parent loved and watched repeatedly. We know which movies changed us, inspiring a move or a new career path. Mankiewicz, the Turner Classic Movies host, collects these moviegoing memories…

1
S2 Ep. 8: “In Terms of Winning and Losing” with Gareth Neame 59:12

8M ago59:12

59:12

Experience the climactic season finale of The Gilded Age as society takes sides in the gripping Opera War, while an astonishing announcement sends shockwaves through 61st Street. Engage with our insightful hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers, as they unravel the intricacies of the thrilling second season finale. Joining the discussion is executive …

1
S2 Ep. 7: “Wonders Never Cease” with Luke Harlan and Sean Flanigan 1:02:54

8M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

Tragedy besets the House of van Rhijn family while the opening of the Metropolitan Opera is at risk. Join our hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers, as they unpack the penultimate episode of Season 2. They also talk to co-producer Luke Harlan and department head of hair Sean Flanigan about history, hair, and more on The Gilded Age. Learn more about y…

1
S2 Ep. 6: “Warning Shots” with EP David Crockett, Bernard Telsey, and Adam Caldwell 1:00:43

8M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Embark on a riveting journey as George sets foot in Pittsburgh, while Jack grapples with the challenges surrounding his patent. Accompanied by our insightful hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers, delve into the untold aspects of the Gilded Age. Joining the conversation are Executive Producer David Crockett and esteemed casting directors Bernard Tels…

1
S2 Ep. 5: “Close Enough to Touch” with Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Harry Gregson-Williams 55:17

8M ago55:17

55:17

Witness a captivating revelation as Larry uncovers a closely guarded secret, coinciding with Ada's momentous walk down the aisle. Accompany our insightful hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers, as they embark on a fascinating exploration of the historical inspiration behind The Gilded Age. Engaging in thought-provoking discussions, they are joined by…

1
S2 Ep. 4: “His Grace the Duke” with Lauri Pitkus and Douglas Purver 57:18

9M ago57:18

57:18

Amidst Peggy and Fortune's visit to Alabama, Marian grapples with uncertainty. Embark on a thrilling journey with our hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers, as they meticulously analyze the unfolding drama on 61st Street. Additionally, they engage in a fascinating conversation with location manager Lauri Pitkus and VFX supervisor Douglas Purver, delv…

1
S2 Ep. 3: “Head to Head” with Michael Engler and Kasia Walicka-Maimone 1:00:26

9M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Bertha forces the hand of New York society when a shocking secret rocks her world. Join our hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers, as they react to the episode and chat with director Michael Engler and costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone about this season of The Gilded Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
S2 Ep. 2: “Some Sort of Trick” with Deborah Kampmeier and Bob Shaw 58:14

9M ago58:14

58:14

Romance is in the air as Peggy returns to 61st Street, and Bertha gets the shock of her life. Hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers break down the episode and talk to director Deborah Kampmeier and production designer Bob Shaw about their work on The Gilded Age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
S2 Ep. 1: “You Don’t Even Like Opera” with Lord Julian Fellowes 56:31

9M ago56:31

56:31

Easter Sunday, 1886, and a new war is brewing in Gilded Age society. Are you ready to pick a side? Join out hosts, Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers, dissect Episode 201, “You Don’t Even Like Opera,” with our extraordinary guest, Lord Julian Fellowes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

1
Eyes Wide Shut, Part 2, and the Sexiest Man Alive in 1999 (Erotic 90s, Part 21) 1:30:10

10M ago1:30:10

1:30:10

In part 2 of the Eyes Wide Shut story, the movie is finally unveiled, and critics are divided on its quality, and the use of digital effects to evade an NC-17 rating. Where could Hollywood eroticism go from here? We’ll wrap up the Erotic 90s story with some thoughts on Richard Gere’s two-decade journey from American Gigolo to becoming PEOPLE Magazi…

1
Coming Soon: The Gilded Age Podcast Season 2 1:45

10M ago1:45

1:45

Join hosts Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers after every episode as they peel back the gilding between fact and fiction and talk exclusively to the people who bring The Gilded Age to life only on The Official Gilded Age Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy HBO

1
Eyes Wide Shut, Part 1 (Erotic 90’s, Part 20) 1:28:50

10M ago1:28:50

1:28:50

At the peak of their careers, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman left Hollywood for two years to collaborate with legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick on an erotic drama that the media speculated would pull back the curtain on maybe the most fascinating famous couple in the world. Though the meta element can’t be ignored, what Eyes Wide Shut actually ende…

1
90s Lolitas Volume 3: Wild Things, Cruel Intentions and Britney Spears (Erotic 90’s, Part 19) 1:15:08

10M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

If Adrian Lyne’s Lolita became a case study of what Hollywood and America didn’t want to acknowledge about its sexualization of young girls, as the 90s came to a close the culture was full of “acceptable” depictions of teens in heat. Two hit films from 1998 and 1999, Wild Things and Cruel Intentions, adapted classic templates of adult sexual manipu…

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