Best Backdraft Podcasts (2026)

1
BackDraft Episode 6 - 1996 NBA Draft 1:19:29

5h ago1:19:29

1:19:29

The 1996 NBA Draft could be one of the most loaded drafts in league history. The guys break down the historic careers of Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and several of the top players from this class. Merry Christmas to our listeners!By Chris Bengel & Ryan Struve

1
Episode 148: AGFL Christmas and New Year Extravaganza 1:04:21

2h ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Key TakeawaysFlorida 70.3 Success: Danny's 3rd place AG finish (2:16 bike, 1:34 run) validated a marathon-focused training block, proving high run volume can maintain bike fitness.Houston Marathon Goal: The primary goal is a sub-3:00 marathon in Houston to secure a Boston qualifier (BQ) for the 45-49 age group (target: 3:07:30 to beat the ~7.5 min …

1
BPS 452: The Filmmaker Who Refused to Tap Out: The Making of Heel Kick! with Danny Mac 1:02:05

4d ago1:02:05

1:02:05

On this episode, we sit down with Danny Mac, a Canadian filmmaker, actor, and producer whose story is a masterclass in indie filmmaking grit. Best known for his mockumentary Heel Kick!, Danny proves that passion and persistence can turn any dream—no matter how outlandish—into cinematic reality. Without the luxury of film school or industry connecti…

1
BPS 451: Making Movies Without Sight: Inside the Creative Mind of Gough 59:11

11d ago59:11

59:11

Every once in a while, a filmmaker comes along whose story redefines what’s possible. On today’s episode, we meet Gough, the world’s first legally blind filmmaker to write, produce, edit, direct, and star in a feature film. Based in Australia, Gough’s journey isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about rewriting the rules of what it means to c…

1
148. Black Christmas 1:13:51

2d ago1:13:51

1:13:51

Paul Young once sang "It's Christmas time, and there's no need to be afraid". How bloody wrong was he! For our Christmas Special we've gone for the 1974 Canadian proto-slasher, BLACK CHRISTMAS. Just like the ones you used to know. END CREDITS - Presented by Robert Johnson and Chris Webb - Produced by Chris Webb - "Still Any Good?" logo designed by …

1
BackDraft Episode 5 - 2007 NFL Draft 59:52

17d ago59:52

59:52

Chris & Ryan are dissecting the historic 2007 NFL Draft that featured several Hall of Famers and quite a bit of high end talent. The guys also break down the curious case of JaMarcus Russell and what may have led to his downfall with the Raiders.By Chris Bengel & Ryan Struve

1
BPS 450: From Video Games to the Big Screen: The Filmmaking Journey of Nicole Jones-Dion 36:44

18d ago36:44

36:44

Nicole Jones-Dion, a screenwriter, director, and producer, shared her unconventional path into filmmaking, beginning in the world of video games and comics before moving into film. Known for her work on projects like Tekken 2, Dracula: The Dark Prince, and the SyFy thriller They Found Hell, she has built a career in genre storytelling that blends s…

1
147. The Negotiator (w. Elliot Fitzpatrick & Lewis Howard) 58:28

14d ago58:28

58:28

As an extra special treat we have two guests tonight: from the superb award winning* podcast That's Not How It Went Down, we're joined by Elliot and Lewis to talk about the 1998 hostage action thriller THE NEGOTIATOR, which - in line with their show - may be based on true events. * Independent Podcast Awards 2025 - Best TV & Film Podcast END CREDIT…

1
BackDraft Episode 4 - 2018 NBA Draft 1:01:34

20d ago1:01:34

1:01:34

The guys are diving into the 2018 NBA Draft this time around. It was a draft filled with a few players that likely have already punched their tickets to the Hall of Fame along with a limited number of busts. Chris & Ryan also give their thoughts about Philips Rivers coming out of retirement at 44 years old.…

1
BPS 449: From Setbacks to Festival Wins: The Filmmaking Path of Dawn Fields 1:29:16

25d ago1:29:16

1:29:16

Dawn Fields is a Los Angeles-based producer, writer, and director whose journey through the film industry is marked by both struggle and triumph. Beginning her career as a production assistant in Atlanta, she quickly discovered her true passion was behind the camera. After relocating to Los Angeles with nothing but determination, she worked in dist…

1
BackDraft Episode 3 - 1999 NFL Draft 1:04:20

26d ago1:04:20

1:04:20

The guys are back from their Thanksgiving food comas and are diving into the 1999 NFL Draft. It was a draft that featured five quarterbacks and one of the more polarizing prospects that the sport has ever seen in Ricky Williams. Chris and Ryan leave no stone unturned in the latest installment of "BackDraft."…

1
BPS 448: Screenwriting, The BAM Method, And How To Write A Screenplay That Stands Out with Mike Bierman 1:59:10

1M ago1:59:10

1:59:10

Award-winning screenwriter Mike Bierman has carved an unconventional path into the world of storytelling, moving from reading his daughter’s audition scripts to building a reputation as both a prolific writer and founder of the Facebook group Screenwriters Who Can Actually Write. In this conversation, he shares his journey into screenwriting, his t…

1
BackDraft Episode 2 - 2003 NBA Draft 52:45

1M ago52:45

52:45

Chris & Ryan take a look at the 2003 NBA Draft in the latest episode. The 2003 NBA Draft produced one of the most star-studded draft classes that the sport has ever seen. In addition, the 2003 class also included one of the NBA's most iconic busts. The guys dive into all of that in the latest installment of "BackDraft."…

1
BPS 447: Turning a Script into a Movie: The Indie Filmmaking Story of Jamie Buckner 1:10:52

1M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Jamie Buckner’s filmmaking journey is one built on passion, persistence, and pure creative drive. After exploring careers in music, architecture, and art, he realized filmmaking combined everything he loved into one pursuit. Starting as a production assistant, Jamie worked his way through Hollywood’s ranks on major films like Seabiscuit, The Depart…

1
BackDraft Episode 1 - 2017 NFL Draft 1:07:46

1M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

In the inaugural episode, Chris Bengel and Ryan Struve dive deep into the 2017 NFL Draft, which took place in Philadelphia. They touch on the biggest stars, busts, underrated players, and undrafted free agents from a very intriguing draft year. Was the 2017 NFL Draft one of the better drafts that we've seen in recent memory? The guys break everythi…

1
BPS 446: The Screenwriting Secrets Every Indie Writer Needs to Know with Dan Benamor 40:03

2M ago40:03

40:03

Dan Benamor began his film career as an intern, quickly working his way up to head of development at a small production company. That experience gave him a deep understanding of story and the industry, shaping his perspective on what makes a screenplay stand out: confidence, strong character work, and purposeful storytelling. While he has tried dir…

1
BackDraft Episode 0 - Intro 7:59

1M ago7:59

7:59

Co-hosts Chris Bengel and Ryan Struve introduce the listeners to this exciting upcoming weekly podcast.By Ryan Struve

1
146. Braindead / Dead Alive (w. Andy Burt) 1:21:39

2M ago1:21:39

1:21:39

t’s time for another in our long line of “Horror But Released Too Late To Be Classed As A Halloween Special” episodes. Our fiend and horror afficionado Andy Burt is back and he’s gone for an old Kiwi favourite. Join in as we kick ‘casts for the lord, and have a lovely chat over some custard. Yes, it’s BRAINDEAD – or DEAD ALIVE if that’s what you ch…

1
BPS 445: What Every Indie Filmmaker Can Learn from a $5K Zombie Movie with Bojan Dulabic 1:26:42

2M ago1:26:42

1:26:42

A spark of madness is often the first step toward creation. On today’s episode, we welcome Bojan Dulabic, a passionate Vancouver-based filmmaker who pulled off a small miracle—he made a full-length zombie movie for just $5,000. But this isn't just a story of budgeting brilliance; it's a tale of relentless passion, artistic vision, and the kind of s…

1
Ep. 147- Colin and Danny Worlds Recap and Worlds Qual System Analysis 1:04:15

2M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Danny and Colin discuss the 2025 World Championships (Men's and Women's) and give their hot takes on the new Kona qualification system. Key TakeawaysNorwegian Dominance: The Norwegian team's success (winning both men's and women's titles) is attributed to a high-volume training model (25–30+ hrs/wk) that prioritizes threshold work and year-round al…

1
BPS 444: Phil Proctor: A Journey Through Comedy, Resilience, and the Art of Reality 55:33

2M ago55:33

55:33

The landscape of existence can sometimes feel like a cosmic play—actors shifting between roles, creating stories that ripple through time. On today's episode, we welcome Phil Proctor, an artist whose life weaves a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and humor. Known for his work with the legendary Firesign Theatre and an illustrious voice acting ca…

1
BPS 443: Breaking the Mold: Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe’s Journey to Crafting the Anti-Rom-Com 47:41

2M ago47:41

47:41

On today’s episode, we welcome the dynamic duo, Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe, two inspiring filmmakers who have decided to take the road less traveled by creating their own feature film, Like Love. Their journey is one of collaboration, determination, and creativity—filled with moments of laughter and the occasional unexpected hurdle.From the outs…

1
145. Paperhouse (w. Michael Féaux Wood) 1:13:06

2M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

It's time for this year's Halloween special with one of our regular spooky guests: the brilliant artist and all-round lovely bloke, Michael Féaux Wood. Michael has chosen the 1988 children's horror/fantasy, PAPERHOUSE. Is it still 'skill'? Have a listen and find out. END CREDITS - Presented by Robert Johnson and Christopher Webb - Produced/edited b…

1
BPS 442: The No-Excuses Filmmaking Philosophy of Len Kabasinski 52:47

2M ago52:47

52:47

Len Kabasinski shares his journey from childhood dreams of monsters and martial arts to becoming a prolific force in the world of independent B-movie filmmaking. He recounts the origins of his first feature Swamp Zombies, revealing how a passion for horror and action films, coupled with sheer determination and minimal resources, propelled him into …

1
AGFL Ep. 146- The Trials, Tribulations, and failure of Danny Royce at Ironman Chattanooga 1:13:25

2M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Colin and Danny discuss Danny's experience and lessons learned from his DNF at Ironman Chattanooga 2025.Key Takeaways-Danny's DNF stemmed from electrolyte imbalance (likely hypocalcemia) rather than fitness issues-Mental approach of racing with expectations vs. focusing on process negatively impacted performance-Support from team/community after DN…

1
BPS 441: Comedy, Confidence, and the Art of Reinvention with Rhonda Shear 56:52

3M ago56:52

56:52

Some moments in life are stitched together like the seams of a well-loved garment, their fabric woven with laughter, reinvention, and a refusal to let the world dictate what is possible. On today's episode, we welcome Rhonda Shear, a woman who embodies this spirit of transformation with a playful wink and an unstoppable drive. Many remember her as …

1
AGFL Episode 145: Mark Castrovinci a/k/a "Whiskers" 1:10:31

3M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Colin and Danny interview Mark Castrovinci co-founder of TopGunz Tri Team and recent finisher of the Leadville 100 mountain bike race experience.TakeawaysMark transitioned from rowing to triathlon, qualifying for Kona in 2021 after years of dedicated trainingHe recently completed the grueling Leadville 100 mountain bike race, overcoming severe GI i…

1
BPS 440: Crafting Authentic Stories from Lady Gaga to Sci-Fi Futures with Kim Ray 1:10:47

3M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

On today's episode, we welcome the multi-talented Kim Ray, a writer, producer, and director whose career spans reality TV, documentaries, and scripted projects. Best known for her work on the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, Kim’s journey through the industry is an inspiring tale of creativity, resilience, and innovation.Our conversation be…

1
144. Backdraft (w. Jamie Wall) 1:12:15

3M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

By Chris Webb, Rob Johnson, Jamie Wall

1
BPS 439: From Wrestling Rings to Public Access Mayhem: The Wild Ride of Mad Man Pondo 56:07

3M ago56:07

56:07

The world is far more peculiar than most of us dare to admit. Somewhere between a demolition derby and a wrestling ring, between the crackle of VHS tapes and the shriek of late-night public access, lies a man who has turned mayhem into meaning. On today’s episode, we welcome the unparalleled and unfiltered Mad Man Pondo, a professional wrestler and…

1
BPS 438: Why Your Script Still Isn’t Getting Read; And What to Do About It with Whitney Davis 49:11

3M ago49:11

49:11

In this episode, Whitney Davis, a seasoned literary manager and script consultant, breaks down the real-deal process of getting noticed in Hollywood—from landing a manager to crafting query letters that don’t suck. Sharing her own unconventional path into the industry, Whitney offers raw, practical advice for screenwriters and indie filmmakers on h…

1
143. The Towering Inferno 1:24:59

4M ago1:24:59

1:24:59

By Chris Webb, Rob Johnson

1
BPS 437: No Budget, All Hustle: The Filmmaking Grind of Staci Layne Wilson 43:32

4M ago43:32

43:32

In this colorful and deeply personal episode, Staci Layne Wilson shares her remarkable journey from a childhood surrounded by Hollywood legends and horseback riding to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and bestselling author. Born and raised in Los Angeles to a famed musician father (Don Wilson of The Ventures) and a glamorous pin-up model mother…

1
AGFL Episode 144, Mike Consolini aka Backdraft 57:00

4M ago57:00

57:00

Colin and Danny Interview Top Gunz Tri Team Member, Mike Consolini. Mike discusses his experiences with Ironman races, noting his struggles with bike volume and the importance of feeling fresh. He shares a challenging six-hour training ride and the benefits of having a local training partner. He also talks about his background as a paramedic firefi…

1
BPS 436: Lessons in Filmmaking, Failure, and Persistence with Greg Travis 54:01

4M ago54:01

54:01

In this episode, veteran actor and director Greg Travis dives into his decades-long filmmaking journey, culminating in the release of his once-abandoned 1984 feature Dark Seduction. Shot on 16mm black-and-white film, the noir-vampire hybrid languished in post-production limbo for over 30 years before digital technology made its completion possible.…

1
BPS 435: Building Films from Scratch_Mastering Microbudget Movie-Making with Evan Kidd 1:01:30

4M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Evan Kidd is a passionate indie filmmaker who believes great stories don’t need big budgets—just big heart. In this episode, he shares how he created his feature film Son of Clowns using the resources he already had: friends, favors, and faith in the process. With a deep respect for collaboration, Evan emphasizes the importance of building a reliab…

1
BPS 434: How Pixar’s Story Secrets Can Transform Your Filmmaking Process with Brit Cruise 52:17

4M ago52:17

52:17

Brit Cruise—educator, filmmaker, and producer of Pixar in a Box—takes us on a journey through the fusion of storytelling, science, and education. From his early days editing videos with dual VCRs to his innovative work at Khan Academy, Brit reveals how deep focus, analog creativity, and a love for explanation helped shape his approach to teaching c…

1
BPS 433: No Film School, No Problem Gary King's Journey of Grit and Creativity 1:12:34

5M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Gary King is a filmmaker who transitioned from a career in psychology and human resources to independent cinema, building a body of work that balances heart, hustle, and deeply human storytelling.In the spirit of Taoist unpredictability, Gary’s story unfolds not as a straight line, but as a rich weave of intuition, risk, and creative alignment. He …

1
142. Earthquake 1:19:11

5M ago1:19:11

1:19:11

Part 1 of our 1970s Disaster Movie Double Bill - or as we're now calling it, "Shake & Bake". It's time for Charlton Heston to put his vest on and rescue trapped Californians and a French woman in 1974's EARTHQUAKE. Very much like Carole King (and Martika), we hope you feel the earth move under your feet. PS While editing this episode, we enjoyed a …

1
BPS 432: Making Your Own Damn Movies: Inside Dave Campfield’s Troma-Fueled Filmmaking Path 57:22

5M ago57:22

57:22

When two Daves walk into a podcast, you don’t expect to stumble upon a meditation on art, failure, persistence, and horror-comedy. But that’s exactly what happened in this electric and delightfully unfiltered conversation with Dave Campfield, a filmmaker, actor, and host of the Troma Now Podcast, best known for his work in the cult Caesar and Otto …

1
BPS 431: How Tremors turned into a Masterclass in Storytelling with S.S Wilson 37:37

5M ago37:37

37:37

In this episode, screenwriter and filmmaker S.S. Wilson shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating the cult classic Tremors, revealing how creative limitations, meticulous story structure, and a deep respect for character and sound design brought the film to life. From his writing process with partner Brent Maddock to the evolution of the Tre…

1
141. Crocodile Dundee (w. Tyler Adams) 1:13:58

5M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

G'day, ya flamin' great galahs! We've popped a shrimp on top of the barbecue, donned our hats with corks dangling off them, and headed off to Lassiters for a meeting with Mister Udgawa. That's right, we've gone a bit Australian with our new episode. Our superb guest Tyler Adams from Goon Pod has chosen everybody's Antipodean hero (except for Kylie)…

1
The Long Awaited Return of AGFL 1:09:24

5M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

The long awaited return of AGFL Pod. Catch up on recent events and discuss personal growth in triathlon and life with podcast hosts Colin and Danny. A smorgasbord of updates!Key TakeawaysColin is dealing with a sacral stress fracture, not a hip issue as initially thoughtDanny has had a solid B-level season so far, with mixed results across racesBot…

1
BPS 430: Shooting Sharks in Your Living Room: The Art of DIY Filmmaking with Ron Bonk 58:18

5M ago58:18

58:18

In this episode, we dive into the wild, wonderful world of Ron Bonk, an indie filmmaker and founder of SRS Cinema known for the cult horror-comedy House Shark. Ron shares his journey from studying accounting and criminal justice to becoming a self-taught director, driven by a passion for storytelling and a deep love for genre cinema. With no Hollyw…

1
Superman 2025 Review (Spoilers) 21:33

5M ago21:33

21:33

We take a look at James Gunn’s Superman. Do we like it? Yeah but listen and find out why.

1
BPS 429: The Unfiltered History of Film Distribution with AFM Co-Founder with Michael Ryan 1:15:56

5M ago1:15:56

1:15:56

Michael Ryan started his career working in the TV industry for Sir Lew Grade’s UK company, ITC. In 1978 he formed J&M Entertainment with a colleague, a distribution sales agent for independent films. As J&M grew, it developed its business model to also take responsibility for financing new films & providing production finance.In 1980 Ryan and J&M w…

1
BPS 428: The Art of Film Marketing: How to Make Your Movie Impossible to Ignore with Danielle Raiz 32:58

6M ago32:58

32:58

A blank canvas. A single frame. The quiet hum before a film breathes life into a screen. But what happens after the final cut? How does a filmmaker's vision transcend the void and reach the hearts and minds of an audience? Today, we unravel this mystery with Danielle Raiz, a passionate advocate for creatives, whose work at Wix has been dedicated to…

1
BPS 427: From Pills to Pictures: Cynthia Hill’s Unlikely Path to Documentary Filmmaking 56:09

6M ago56:09

56:09

Cynthia Hill, a filmmaker from North Carolina, discussed her journey from pharmacy school to filmmaking, highlighting her documentaries "Tobacco Money," "Private Violence," and the upcoming eight-part series "Road to Race Day" on NASCAR. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and character development, sharing her experiences with funding th…

1
140. Space Jam (w. Anthony Bull) 1:29:58

6M ago1:29:58

1:29:58

Hi, folks. We're lucky to be joined by the NZ's King of Coffee, Anthony Bull, to talk about a couple of his other favourite topics: basketball and Looney Tunes. As luck would have it, he's chosen just the film: it's 1996's SPACE JAM. He sent us a delicious package of gin, tonic and coffee, which we polished off during the recording. Highly recommen…

1
BPS 426: Breaking the Rules: Crafting Powerful Films Without Hollywood Money with Shawn Whitney 51:56

6M ago51:56

51:56

Sometimes, the fire of creativity is struck not by lightning but by the slow, smoldering ache of dissatisfaction. And in today's soul-stirring conversation, we welcome Shawn Whitney, a filmmaker who found cinema not in the corridors of academia, but in the quiet rebellion of self-taught screenwriting and micro-budget filmmaking. Shawn Whitney is a …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Backdraft Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide