Best Daniel R. Curtis Podcasts (2024)

1
#613 — Dan Stevens, Ed Skrein & Fra Fee, Alex Garland 1:54:22

36m ago1:54:22

1:54:22

Phew! After last week's single-guest situation, we're back to our bumper-sized best on this week's Empire Podcast. One of our favourite interviewees, Dan Stevens, returns to the pod after a brief hiatus, to tell Chris Hewitt all about his new film, Abigail, and his all-timer of a character intro in Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. Warning: Chris an…

1
#612 — Marisa Abela 1:21:34

6d ago1:21:34

1:21:34

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is perhaps less jam-packed and bumper-sized than normal, as we only have one guest. But what a guest, as Marisa Abela — terrific as Amy Winehouse in Sam Taylor-Johnson's Back To Black, the biopic of the iconic singer — talks to Chris Hewitt about the role, from the moment she got it to the gift she received…

1
#611 — Jordan Peele, Rufus Sewell & Philip Martin, Nell Tiger Free & Bill Nighy 2:00:30

13d ago2:00:30

2:00:30

This week's Empire Podcast has more guests than the Overlook Hotel, all chatting to Chris Hewitt about their new movies. First, producer Jordan Peele tells Chris why he was so taken by Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, that he came on board to help it get a theatrical release. Plus, they also talk why Peele is no longer acting. [15:40 - 30…

1
#610 — Cynthia Erivo, Luke Evans 1:39:16

20d ago1:39:16

1:39:16

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is brought to you by the letter E, as Cynthia Erivo and Luke Evans join Chris Hewitt to talk about their new projects. First up, Erivo talks about her astonishing performance in Drift, which she also produced, and in particular one harrowing scene, and its impact upon her. It's an incredibly intense and hon…

1
#609 — Sydney Sweeney, David Dastmalchian, Ernie Hudson 1:55:45

27d ago1:55:45

1:55:45

Halloween isn't for another few months, but this week's Empire Podcast delivers a hat-trick of horrors nonetheless, as Chris Hewitt has spooky sitdowns on Zoom with the stars of three scary fillums that are all out this week. First, Sydney Sweeney, star and producer of nun-more-black horror, Immaculate, talks about sticking the landing and possessi…

1
#608 — Ethan Coen & Tricia Cooke, Phillip Noyce 1:42:44

1M ago1:42:44

1:42:44

While we're waiting patiently for Joel and Ethan Coen to reunite as the filmmaking entity known as the Coen Brothers, can we interest you in the Coen Brother and Sister-in-Law? For Ethan Coen and his wife, Tricia Cooke, have teamed up to make the rambunctious road trip comedy, Drive Away Dolls, and on this week's episode they tell John Nugent about…

1
#607 — Robin Wright, DeWanda Wise 1:40:10

1M ago1:40:10

1:40:10

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and James Dyer cram into the podbooth just minutes after returning to London from a live show in Norwich, which was part of the pod's March tour (tickets still available for Sheffield, Dublin, and Salford via empireonline.com/podtour!). And, despite their exhaustion, they thr…

1
Vision vs. Myopia: Navigating the Future of Western Governance 56:03

2M ago56:03

56:03

Summary The conversation explores the problem of a lack of long-term strategic vision in Western societies, particularly the United States, and its impact on society. It discusses the challenges of short presidential and congressional terms, comparing them to countries like China and Russia with longer terms. The role of appointees and civil servan…

1
Talking About The Star Wars Prequels: An Empire Podcast Special 54:21

2M ago54:21

54:21

The new issue of Empire — on sale now at all good, evil and intergalactic newsagents — is something of a celebration of 25 years of the Star Wars prequels, George Lucas' trilogy of movies that began with The Phantom Menace in 1999 and concluded with Revenge Of The Sith, Order 66 and all that, in 2005. Since then, the prequels have generated more de…

1
Rebuilding Trust: Accountability, Transparency, and the Path Forward 59:52

2M ago59:52

59:52

Summary The conversation explores the erosion of trust in institutional structures, particularly in the education system and government. It discusses the need to address wrongdoings and rebuild trust by holding officials accountable. The importance of cultural and educational factors in shaping trust is highlighted. The conversation also delves int…

1
#606 — Josh Brolin, Adam Sandler & Paul Dano 1:37:28

2M ago1:37:28

1:37:28

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is perfectly balanced, as all things should be. In the first half, Chris Hewitt sits down with ol' Thanos himself, aka the one and only Josh Brolin, for a wide-ranging conversation that takes in birthday parties, Brolin's growth as an actor, his aversion to compliments, and his return as the indefatigable G…

1
Economic Tides and Power Shifts: Navigating Global Challenges and Opportunities 58:06

2M ago58:06

58:06

Summary In this conversation, Daniel and Beewan discuss various aspects of global economics and the challenges faced by economic powers throughout history. They explore the impact of social media on perception and the need for structure in monetary policy. They also discuss the consequences of locking countries out of the global economy and the bal…

1
FX's Shōgun: An Empire & Pilot TV Podcast Special, In Association With Disney+ 1:03:01

2M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

There can be only one thing more exciting than James Clavell’s Shōgun getting a brand new TV adaptation on Disney+, and that’s a special Pilot TV/Empire crossover podcast recorded to mark the occasion! Join Chris Hewitt, James Dyer and Nick de Semlyen as they get together to talk all things Japanese, Nick’s epic read of Clavell’s 1300 page book, an…

1
Beyond Extremes: Navigating the Crossroads of Ideology and Reality 48:01

2M ago48:01

48:01

Summary The conversation explores the rise of left-wing authoritarianism and right-wing fascism, highlighting the dangers of both extremes. It delves into the belief that individuals are inadequate and the need for big government to solve societal problems, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual capabilities. The conversation also dis…

1
#605 — Jessica Chastain & Peter Sarsgaard, Wim Wenders, Fernando Meirelles 1:54:49

2M ago1:54:49

1:54:49

It's another jam-packed episode of the Empire Podcast this week, folks. Our guest cup certainly overfloweth, as Olly Richards sits down on Zoom with Memory stars Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard (21:17 - 37:40 approx.), Ian Freer talks Kurosawa, Columbo, German goalkeepers and Japanese toilets with the legendary director Wim Wenders (58:36 - 1:…

1
Rethinking Education: A Deep Dive into Critical Thinking, Motivation, and the Power of Knowledge 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

Summary This episode explores the education system's failure and the need to teach critical thinking skills. It emphasizes the value of time and the importance of investing time in pursuits of substance. The role of vocabulary and language learning in intellectual growth is discussed. The conversation also highlights the need for motivation and enc…

1
#604 — Kingsley Ben-Adir, Tahar Rahim 1:44:10

2M ago1:44:10

1:44:10

This week's Empire Podcast brings you a double bill of wonderful actors, nattering away about their latest projects. How lovely. First up, Kingsley Ben-Adir talks to Amon Warmann about Bob Marley: One Love, the film that shines the spotlight on two pivotal years in the life of the legendary reggae singer, Bob Marley, and the madness of being part o…

1
#603 — Jeffrey Wright, Sean Durkin & Zac Efron 1:47:41

2M ago1:47:41

1:47:41

Another week, another packed episode of the Empire Podcast, and once again we're joined by some cracking guests. First, Jeffrey Wright, the freshly Oscar-nominated star of American Fiction, joins Chris Hewitt to talk about that movie, his working practices, the film's unusual original title, and more. (30:37 - 48:53)Then Alex Godfrey sits down on Z…

1
Energy and Empires: Navigating the Geopolitical Currents of the 21st Century 44:00

2M ago44:00

44:00

Summary This conversation explores the geopolitical landscape and the role of energy in driving economies. It discusses the historical background of the Middle East and the exploitation of the region for oil. The conversation also delves into the importance of communication, freedom, and the desire for democracy - highlighting the shift from the 20…

1
Rebuilding the Social Fabric: A Deep Dive into Communication, Education, and Unity 51:53

3M ago51:53

51:53

Summary The conversation explores the social contract's decline, the woke culture's impact, and the need for effective communication and critical thinking. It delves into the oversimplification of concepts, the loss of literacy and critical thinking skills, and the flaws in the education system. The conversation also highlights the subjectivity of …

1
#602 — Henry Cavill & Sam Rockwell, Kumail Nanjiani 1:44:59

3M ago1:44:59

1:44:59

The greater the spy movie, the bigger the guests. That's the motto of this week's Empire Podcast, as Chris Hewitt sits down with Henry Cavill and Sam Rockwell, stars of Matthew Vaughn's new spy caper Argylle, for a fun chat about dancing, fighting, and novelists. (23:46 - 40:04) Chris is also joined by the wonderful Kumail Nanjiani, who returns to …

1
Revisiting History: Unpacking Ideologies, Art's Impact, and Societal Responsibility 52:28

3M ago52:28

52:28

https://danielryancurtis.com Summary In their insightful dialogue, Daniel and Peter traverse a wide array of topics, from the tactics of the Soviet era and the rise of dehumanization to the potential for societal revolution. They emphasize the importance of historical knowledge, critically examining the darker facets of environmental activism and a…

1
Cartoon Saloon: An Empire Podcast Special 51:00

3M ago51:00

51:00

We love the Irish animation studio, Cartoon Saloon, at Empire. And we're not alone — the Kilkenny-based marvels behind the likes of Song Of The Sea, Wolfwalkers, and The Secret Of Kells recently had a BFI season devoted to their exploits, and to mark the beginning of their 25th anniversary. And in this very special edition of the Empire Podcast, He…

1
Breaking Free: Confronting Entitlement, Cultural Decay, and the Social Media Trap 47:58

3M ago47:58

47:58

Daniel and Peter actively delve into the state of society and its urgent need for transformation. They tackle the decline of culture, pinpoint the root causes of societal issues, and address the widespread lack of effective communication. Their dialogue highlights the intentional misrepresentation prevalent in media and the pervasive insincerity in…

1
#601 — Blitz Bazawule, Paul Giamatti & Alexander Payne, Andrew Scott & Paul Mescal 2:08:23

3M ago2:08:23

2:08:23

After last week's triumphant live show to mark episode 600, the Empire Podcast team — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Amon Warmann — return to the safety of the podbooth this week to kick off the road to 700... but we're not exactly skimping on the guests. First, Blitz Bazawule, director of The Colour Purple, tells Helen all about how h…

1
Breaking Boundaries: Embracing Growth Beyond Your Comfort Zone 47:56

3M ago47:56

47:56

In this conversation, Daniel and Peter discuss the concept of the human comfort zone and strategies for overcoming it. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection, setting goals, and taking action to break out of routines and pursue personal and professional growth. They also highlight the value of seeking constructive criticism and exploring …

1
New Formats, Reflective Insights, and Listener Engagement 6:20

3M ago6:20

6:20

email - drc@danielryancurtis.com website - https://danielryancurtis.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielryancurtis/ Twitter(x) - https://twitter.com/danielryancurti Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/danielryancurtis In this episode, Daniel discusses the new happenings for the podcast and expresses gratitude for the support from liste…

1
#600 (Live At Kings Place, London) — Tom Hiddleston, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Ray Winstone 2:42:11

3M ago2:42:11

2:42:11

Another landmark live show for the Empire Podcast saw a capacity crowd cram themselves into Hall One at our spiritual home of Kings Place, London, to celebrate Episode 600. And we brought along some exceptional star guests as well, as Tom Hiddleston — Loki himself — popped in for an extended chat about the God Of Mischief, and other animals, with C…

1
Redefining Success: A Journey Beyond the Conventional 49:05

3M ago49:05

49:05

In this insightful episode of 'The (All) Unknowing', we venture into the depths of what it truly means to be successful, challenging traditional benchmarks and advocating for a more profound, integrity-based understanding. Our conversation traverses the critical importance of nurturing genuine relationships and prioritizing quality of life over mat…

1
Navigating Hope and Integrity in a Complex World 48:25

3M ago48:25

48:25

In this episode of 'The (All) Unknowing', we embark on a profound exploration of hope amidst the challenges of modern society. We discuss the magnification of mental health issues, the accelerated pace of change, and the troubling trends of controlling narratives and spreading misinformation. Our conversation critically examines the waning culture …

1
#599 — George Clooney & Callum Turner, Kevin Hart & Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Dan Levy 2:05:40

3M ago2:05:40

2:05:40

We have a veritable guestapalooza this week as George Clooney and Callum Turner join us to talk The Boys In The Boat, Kevin Hart and Gugu Mbatha-Raw give us the lowdown on F. Gary Gray's heist movie Lift, and Dan Levy chats about his directorial debut Good Grief. Other than that, it's another fireside chat with just Helen and James this week as the…

1
Echo Preview Special ft. Sydney Freeland 20:49

3M ago20:49

20:49

Echo, the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe show to debut on Disney+, continues the story of Maya Lopez, the deaf, Native American vigilante whom we met back in Hawkeye. And in this very special preview interview with Sydney Freeland, the Navajo filmmaker who is one of the show's directors, Chris Hewitt discovers just what we can expect from this fi…

1
#598 — Joel Edgerton, JA Bayona 1:37:11

3M ago1:37:11

1:37:11

Happy New Year! With just two shows until 600, The Empire podcast crashes back into your feeds this week. Well, two thirds of it does because Chris is on holiday, leaving Helen and James to hold down the fort. And by that we mean have a cosy fireside discussion about all the fantasy books they devoured over Christmas, along with assorted stories of…

1
#597 — Michael Fassbender, Adam Driver 1:35:50

4M ago1:35:50

1:35:50

The final Empire Podcast of 2023 is here, folks, and it's a belter, with two incredible guests. First up, Michael Fassbender returns to the pod after an absence of a few years, and in an extended interview with Chris Hewitt, he talks about returning to the big screen with the double-whammy of David Fincher's The Killer and Taika Waititi's Next Goal…

1
Review Of The Year 2023: An Empire Podcast Special 2:50:44

4M ago2:50:44

2:50:44

Merry Christmas, you filthy animals! Here's a little Christmas bonus for you all: the Empire Podcast's Review Of The Year. 2023 (for that is the year in question) was a year that gave us so much, cinematically speaking, from Barbenheimer to Empire's official number one film, Past Lives, and everything in-between, including the first signs of weakne…

1
#596 — Rosamund Pike, Bradley Cooper & Carey Mulligan 1:46:27

4M ago1:46:27

1:46:27

The last Empire Podcast before Christmas brings you a pair of lovely interviews as our gift to you: first, Mike Muncer sits down on Zoom with Rosamund Pike to talk about class warfare and the challenges of starring in Emerald Fennell's Saltburn, which is now streaming on Prime Video. Then, Chris Hewitt has a lovely audience with Bradley Cooper and …

1
#595 — Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan, Zachary Levi 1:34:00

4M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

"Say hi to your family for me!" Mark Wahlberg, star of the action comedy The Family Plan, returns to the Empire Podcast for the first time in aaaaaaages this week, and brings his on-screen wife, Michelle Monaghan, with him for a fun chat with Chris Hewitt that takes in everything from kids swearing in front of their parents to Adele's impact on Wah…

1
Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt on Oppenheimer: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is one of the biggest and best films of the year, and in this very special episode of the Empire Podcast, Chris Hewitt sits down for an audience with its stars, Cillian Murphy, who stars as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, and Emily Blunt, who plays his redoubtable wife, Kitty. In a fun and free-…

1
#594 — Timothée Chalamet & Keegan-Michael Key, Jeff Rowe 1:40:43

4M ago1:40:43

1:40:43

On this week's Empire Podcast, Timmy Two Meats returns, only this time he's... Timmy Two Sweets? Yes, Timothée Chalamet, the star of Paul King's wonderful Wonka, is back on the pod, and this time he's brought his co-star, the wickedly talented Keegan-Michael Key, with him. Together, they talk to Chris Hewitt about musicals, sketches, and their frie…

1
#593 — Richard Curtis, William Oldroyd & Thomasin McKenzie, Riz Ahmed & Jessie Buckley 1:44:02

5M ago1:44:02

1:44:02

It's another guest-packed jamboree on this week's Empire Podcast, folks. First, Chris Hewitt asks Richard Curtis about revisiting his BBC Christmas classic, Bernard & The Genie, as the new Sky Cinema film, Genie. Chris also chats with William Oldroyd, director of the new thriller Eileen, and his star, Thomasin McKenzie. And then Amon Warmann Zooms …

1
#592 — Jon Batiste & Matthew Heineman, Joaquin Phoenix & Vanessa Kirby, Jennifer Lee 1:58:58

5M ago1:58:58

1:58:58

It's another jam-packed episode of the Empire Podcast this week, folks. First, Chris Hewitt sits down on Zoom with ace composer and musician, Jon Batiste, and Matthew Heineman, about their new documentary, American Symphony; then he battles an uncooperative microphone stand and emerges with an enormously fun interview with Napoleon stars, Joaquin P…

1
#591 — Rachel Zegler & Tom Blyth, Lily Gladstone, Tom Hiddleston 2:04:02

5M ago2:04:02

2:04:02

Can you tell the SAG-AFTRA strike is over after several long months, folks? We sure can, because the Empire Podcast this week was besieged by big-name Hollywood actor-types, all keen to appear on the podcast after months of walking up and down outside studios with picket signs. First up, the wonderful Rachel Zegler returns to the pod to talk to Sop…

1
#590 (live from Leeds) — Gareth Evans, Nia DaCosta 2:12:39

5M ago2:12:39

2:12:39

This week's Empire Podcast is up later than usual, for which we apologise most sincerely, but we're hopeful that it will be worth the wait. It's a very special live episode, recorded on Thursday night at Leeds Trinity University as part of their Journalism & Media Week, and saw Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara and James Dyer travel to Horsforth in Leeds …

1
A Celebration Of Powell & Pressburger ft. Thelma Schoonmaker & Kevin Macdonald 49:32

5M ago49:32

49:32

A Matter Of Life And Death. The Red Shoes. Black Narcissus. The Tales Of Hoffmann. The Small Back Room. The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. I Know Where I'm Going. We could just fill this blurb box by simply listing the films of Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, the filmmaking duo who might just be British cinema's greatest double act, but we w…

1
#589 — Emma Seligman, Kitty Green, Patrick Stewart 1:49:20

6M ago1:49:20

1:49:20

Blimey, it's another cracking line-up on this week's Empire Podcast, as first Sophie Butcher chats with Bottoms director Emma Seligman about female fight clubs and improv; Chris Hewitt talks to The Royal Hotel director, Kitty Green, about her excellent drama set in the Australian Outback (and yes, there's a question about snakes); and finally there…

1
#588 — Eddie Izzard, Matt Johnson, Greta Gerwig 2:07:28

6M ago2:07:28

2:07:28

It's not so much a hat-trick of amazing guests on this week's Empire Podcast, more a hat-treat as our bumper-sized Halloween edition brings you, tucked away at the episode's end (should you wish to skip there immediately), Ben Travis' warm and wonderful chat with Greta Gerwig, director of the year's biggest movie, Barbie, just in time to mark its r…

1
#587 — Richard Armitage, Errol Morris, Garth Davis 1:59:02

6M ago1:59:02

1:59:02

Another week, another episode of the Empire Podcast, another bumper crop of incredible guests. First, we bring you the enormously fun Richard Armitage interview that was recorded live at our recent London Podcast Festival show, where he talked to Chris Hewitt about becoming an author with his debut novel, Geneva (on sale now, fact fans). That runs …

1
#586 — Randall Park 1:33:37

6M ago1:33:37

1:33:37

This week's Empire Podcast would have been a lot longer had we kept in all the bits where Chris Hewitt was coughing. Needless to say, we cut (most) of them out (probably), leaving instead another fine and fun episode in which Chris is joined in the studio by James Dyer and Helen O'Hara, thus putting them at risk of infection. Thankfully, none of th…

1
London Film Festival 2023 Special ft. Michael Winterbottom and Randall Park 38:51

6M ago38:51

38:51

The London Film Festival — one of the greatest festivals in the world, and we're not just saying that because it's right on our doorstep and we can see a film and still be home in time for a combo of cocoa and Columbo — is back back back, folks, and to celebrate we are once again bringing you a special episode of the Empire Podcast. This one is a l…

1
585 — David Gordon Green, Chloe Domont, Wes Anderson 1:57:33

7M ago1:57:33

1:57:33

Another hat-trick of directors on this week's beautifully-designed, utterly symmetrical Empire Podcast, folks. First, Ben Travis says what a marvellous day for a chat with David Gordon Green, director of The Exorcist: Believer. Then, Beth Webb (yes, actual Beth Webb, back on the podcast!) chats with Chloe Domont, the writer/director of the savage r…

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