Best Alexandra West Podcasts (2024)

1
Understanding and Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts and Overthinking 23:51

4h ago23:51

23:51

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted and often distressing thoughts that can lead to a spiral of negative thinking, self-doubt, and overthinking, affecting your emotional well-being. In this episode, we discuss how to manage these thoughts and maintain a healthy mind. Highlights include: Understanding and overcoming intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, and o…

1
1961 with Larry Karaszewski 1:31:31

4d ago1:31:31

1:31:31

Larry Karaszewski isn’t just an award-winning screenwriter and producer — he’s also a serious cinephile, as evidenced by the fact that we asked him for a top five for the year of his birth, 1961, and he came back with six double-features. We talk about them all on this super-sized episode, with inspired pairings of American independents, Natalie Wo…

1
Powerful Inner Child Meditation for Deep Sleep 26:07

6d ago26:07

26:07

Reclaim the art of peaceful, rejuvenating sleep by nurturing the bond with your Inner Child – with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY Embark on a transformative meditation journey that will help you shift your perspective on sleep. Rather than simply viewing sl…

1
1967 with Mark Harris 1:18:50

11d ago1:18:50

1:18:50

Mark Harris has written three of the essential film books of our time, and one of them — “Pictures at a Revolution” — tells the story of Hollywood in flux by detailing the making of the five nominees for best picture of 1967. So he joins us to talk about that year, from the groundbreaking “The Graduate” to the nose-thumbing of “Bonnie & Clyde” to t…

1
Unlock Better Sleep | Uncovering the Link Between Emotions and Insomnia 33:36

13d ago33:36

33:36

Sleep is a fundamental human need, yet for many, it can be an elusive and frustrating experience. Insomnia, anxiety, and restless nights can profoundly impact our overall well-being, affecting our mood, productivity, and quality of life. In this episode, we explore the emotional roots of sleep disruption and uncover practical strategies to cultivat…

1
1987 with Carrie Courogen 1:11:53

18d ago1:11:53

1:11:53

Writer, editor, and director Carrie Courogen is the author of the breathtakingly good new book “Miss May Does Not Exist,” and since it’s a biography of Elaine May, she joins us to talk about 1987 — not only May’s unjustly maligned “Ishtar,” but the sheer perfection of “Broadcast News” and “Moonstruck.” For show notes - including where to stream thi…

1
The Life-Changing Power of Self-Responsibility and Accountability 27:58

19d ago27:58

27:58

In this episode, we explore the vital concept of personal accountability and how it can help you cultivate a stronger mindset and break free from a victim mentality. Discover practical strategies to boost your self-belief, authenticity, and emotional well-being. Embrace the Wu Wei Wisdom and take charge of your responses to life challenges to exper…

1
Episode 129. Bad Trip: Angel Heart (1987) and Jacob’s Ladder (1990) 1:37:14

22d ago1:37:14

1:37:14

Whether you’re ascending or descending, spiritual journeys through the afterlife are never easy. In this episode, Andrea and Alex tackle two films that share some overlapping tendencies but deviate in unexpected ways. REQUIRED READING Angel Heart. Dir. Alan Parker, 1987. Jacob’s Ladder. Dir Adrian Lyne, 1990. EXTRA CREDIT Satanic Feminism: Per Faxn…

1
1964 with Ben Mankiewicz 1:14:48

26d ago1:14:48

1:14:48

Film critic, historian, and TCM stalwart Ben Mankiewicz joins us, on the eve of a new season of his essential podcast “The Plot Thickens” to discuss the nuclear meltdowns of “Fail-Safe,” the political paranoia of “Seven Days in May,” the complex delights of “Marriage, Italian Style,” and more of the movies of 1964. For show notes - including where …

1
Are You Stuck on the Emotional Carousel of Despair? How to Break the Negative Thinking Cycle 31:59

27d ago31:59

31:59

In this episode, we expose the ‘carousel of despair’ many people get stuck on when they experience ongoing painful and out-of-control feelings and emotions. You’ll discover how to break this cycle of negative thinking and enjoy a more healthy and balanced mindset. With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual heal…

1
1976 with Alexandra West 1:15:29

1M ago1:15:29

1:15:29

Film critic, podcaster, and historian Alexandra West joins us to talk about her new book “Gore-Geous: Personal Essays on Beauty and Horror” and the movies of 1976, from the bloodbaths of “Carrie” and “Taxi Driver” to the erotic power plays of “In the Realm of the Senses.” For show notes - including where to stream this week's movies, links to refer…

1
Is Your Negative Thinking Harming You? Learn How to Eliminate Negative Self-Talk 26:52

1M ago26:52

26:52

In this episode, we explore negative thinking and negative self-talk. You'll learn how to weed out even the most subtle critical self-talk and break your negative inner-dialogue habit. Discover our online consultations, events and shop:https://www.wuweiwisdom.com With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual healt…

1
1983 with Richard Shepard 1:16:01

1M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Screenwriter and director Richard Shepard’s new film is catnip to us (and probably you too, if you’re listening to his show): “Film Geek,” an essay film about growing up as a movie-crazy kid in NYC in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. He joins us to talk about 1983, including Scorsese’s “King of Comedy,” Fosse’s “STAR 80,” and Forsyth’s “Local Hero.” F…

1
1991 with Alonso Duralde 1:15:08

1M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

Critic, podcaster, and author Alonso Duralde was just beginning his professional life in 1991, and witnessed the early pangs of what became known as the New Queer Cinema, a key point in his new book “Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film.” He joins us to talk about that moment, including the delights of “M…

1
Let Go Of The Past - A Powerful Guided Acceptance Meditation with David 28:35

1M ago28:35

28:35

Enjoy a powerful guided meditation to help you let go of past hurt and find inner peace and calm by learning to accept ‘what is’, led by Taoist monk and teacher David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Ot…

1
1954 with Glenn Kenny 1:09:01

2M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

Glenn Kenny is the author of the new book “The World Is Yours: The Story of ‘Scarface,’ and is one of our favorite film critics and scholars in general. He’s here to talk about the mighty 1954, a less-discussed year that gave us everything from “The Seven Samurai” to “Rear Window” to “The Creature from the Black Lagoon.” For show notes - including …

1
The Life Changing Power of Acceptance 30:51

2M ago30:51

30:51

In this episode, we explore the power of acceptance. You learn how mastering this profound Taoist spiritual principle will add greater ease, flow and positive potential to your life. Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health…

1
Episode 128. The Feral Feminine: Cat People (1942) 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

Coming to you live from Salem Horror Fest, Andrea and Alex prowl the darkest corners of RKO’s cult classic Cat People. From the themes of immigration and assimilation to the parallels of sex and power, we uncover how Jacques Tourneur and Val Lewton’s dark vision of 1940s America remains a prescient warning. REQUIRED READING Cat People. Dir. Jacques…

1
1990 with Kate Erbland 1:04:50

2M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Indiewire’s Kate Erbland was a literal child in the year 1990, but she luckily had parent who put very few viewing boundaries on her, which was how she ended up seeing “Die Hard 2,” “Ghost,” and one of her all-time favorite movies, “Pretty Woman.” She joins us to talk about those and MANY more. For show notes - including where to stream this week's…

1
The Three Lies That Create Your Unhappiness 25:06

2M ago25:06

25:06

In this episode, we expose the three powerful and destructive lies that are buried in many people’s subconscious minds and are controlling their lives. Discover our online consultations, events and shop:https://www.wuweiwisdom.com With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teacher) and Alexandra Lees (mi…

1
1997 with Tomris Laffly 1:06:54

2M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Film critic and journalist Tomris Laffly was just starting to figure out who she was as a filmgoer in 1997, so she joins us to share some of her favorite memories of that year: the heartache of “Good Will Hunting,” the dark humor of “The Ice Storm,” and the majesty of “Titanic.” For show notes - including where to stream this week's movies, links t…

1
Unlock the Taoist Secret to Success and Happiness: Wu Wei 29:22

2M ago29:22

29:22

This episode explores how the Taoist principle of 'wu wei' will radically improve your life. Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com We share the powerful Taoist secret to success, fulfilment and inner peace: wu wei! With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teach…

1
2002 with John Early 1:12:44

2M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

In advance of Friday’s theatrical debut of his Sundance hit “Stress Positions,” comedian, actor, writer, and cinephile John Early joins us to discuss all things 2002, from the earnestness of “Crossroads” to the sexiness of “Unfaithful” to the status of his Toni Collette website. For show notes - including where to stream this week's movies, links t…

1
2013 with Siddhant Adlakha 1:13:49

2M ago1:13:49

1:13:49

Filmmaker, actor, TV writer, and film critic Siddhant Adlakha was in a moment of transition in 2013, and vowed to see as many new movies as possible for the sake of career clarity. He walks us through some of those discoveries, from the spectacle of “Ram-Leela” to the melancholy of “Inside Llewyn Davis” to the intimacy of “Short Term 12.” For show …

1
Why It’s Ok to Be Disliked (+ What Other People Think Of You Is Not Your Business) 14:46

2M ago14:46

14:46

In this episode, we explore why it’s OK to be disliked. Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com If being negatively judged or criticised by others is particularly painful or debilitating, this teaching will help you! With your hosts, David James Lees (ordained Taoist monk, emotional and spiritual health teach…

1
1979 with Scott Drebit 1:09:56

3M ago1:09:56

1:09:56

Daily Dead columnist Scott Drebit’s new book is “A Cut Below: A Celebration of B Horror Movies, 1950s-1980s,” so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he picked 1979, a banner year for horror. He joins us to discuss the working-class scares of “Alien,” the insanity of “Zombie,” the inexplicable PG rating of “Tourist Trap,” and more. For show notes -…

1
Release Emotional Pain: A Powerful Guided Meditation with David 31:12

3M ago31:12

31:12

Enjoy a powerful guided meditation to help you let go of emotional pain and past trauma, led by Taoist monk, teacher and therapist David James Lees. ⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILST DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com Other teachings and guided medit…

1
2017 with Alison Herman 1:11:25

3M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

“Variety” TV critic Alison Herman had just moved to Los Angeles in the year of our lord 2017, and she joins us to recall, with fondness, the cockeyed comedy of “Phantom Thread,” the deft commentary of “Get Out,” and the totally not-divisive pleasures of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” For show notes - including where to stream this week's movies, links…

1
How to Release Repressed Emotions and Dissolve Emotional Pain 24:04

3M ago24:04

24:04

Learn the causes of repressed emotions, why they are unhealthy, and how to release the emotional pain you are holding onto. Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com In this episode, we discuss releasing repressed emotions and emotional pain. You’ll learn the deeper reasons why you may be finding it hard to let…

1
1994 with Bob Byington 57:18

3M ago57:18

57:18

It’s a special MID-WEEK EPISODE, in honor of Friday’s release of acclaimed director Bob Byington’s latest, “Lousy Carter.” Join us as we talk with Bob about the current indie landscape and the films of 1994, from the art of “Red” to the commerce of “Speed” to the pleasures of “The Hudsucker Proxy.” For show notes - including where to stream this we…

1
1965 with Robert Daniels 1:04:54

3M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

For show number two from SXSW, we’re joined by the prolific film critic and RogerEbert.com Associate Editor Robert Daniels. He sings the praises of 1965, from the devastation of “The Pawnbroker” to the thrills of “Flight of the Phoenix” to the sweep of “Doctor Zhivago.” For show notes - including where to stream this week's movies, links to referen…

1
Episode 127. In Plain Sight: Manhunter (1986) 1:41:22

3M ago1:41:22

1:41:22

In this episode, Andrea and Alex investigate how multiple characters are perceived and perceive Michael Mann’s entry into the Hannibal Lec(k)tor cinematic universe. From cops to killers and the humanity in between, these cuts go deep. REQUIRED READING Manhunter. Dir. Michael Mann, 1986. EXTRA CREDIT How Thomas Harris defined a genre and created fic…

1
Why Your Inner Child Is Fearful & Scared: Inner Child Healing 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

Learn why your inner child is scared and how to ease these fears and be less anxious about life. Discover our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com In this episode, we focus on why your inner child is fearful and scared, the root causes of this discomfort, and how to overcome these feelings of anxiety that hold you back…

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