Best Michael Swaim Podcasts (2024)

1
Synecdoche, NY (2008) with Michael Swaim (Patreon Preview) 1:53:18

16d ago1:53:18

1:53:18

ORIGINAL EPISODE DESCRIPTION FROM PATREON: All aboard the bus to funland - this month's bonus ep sees Michael Swaim return after his main feed discussion about Lars Von Trier's Antichrist to talk about another bundle of sunshine, Charlie Kaufman's Synecdoche, NY! Slippery time, solipsistic myopism, romantic irony, and more... we got another dense s…

1
Control (2019) with Patrick Cotnoir 56:15

7h ago56:15

56:15

Original Patreon Description: Our February bonus episode is about the extremely fun and delightfully spooky video game Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment! Patrick Cotnoir returns and we're telling robots to fuck off, mixing metaphors, praising Uncle Mister Bones and absolutely knowing what ray tracing is! Listen now!…

1
694. I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours: Revenge Movie 51:24

5d ago51:24

51:24

We have another patron-chosen episode! This episode covers Adam and Maggie’s picks for movies about sweet, sweet revenge. Maggie talks about getting strong and somersaults. Also, they chat about clown tits.Vote every month on our poll for the topic of the next episode! Email us suggestions for episodes at magsandganz@gmail.com as well.Adam Ganser: …

1
The Curious Dr. Humpp (1970) with Pete Faecke 1:25:27

7d ago1:25:27

1:25:27

The doctor is in, but this this is one perilous physician! Artist Pete Faecke is here to break down the notorious, menacing, but most of all CURIOUS Dr. Humpp as this week's best horror movie ever made. That means we're getting into brains-in-jars, papier-mâché masks, and the history of sexploitation, so strap in and don't get throatchopped... you …

1
I'm Glad You Exist - Cara Lisette 1:10:35

14d ago1:10:35

1:10:35

On today's episode I'm joined by eating disorder and bi-polar influencer, Cara Lisette. Cara is a huge personality within the world of eating disorders and mental health, having released several books around eating disorders and bi-polar. Cara is also a qualified therapist working in the UK. You can find links to all of Cara's resources, writings a…

1
691. Frame Rate: Noises Off… (Feat. Sarah Griffith) 1:00:51

16d ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Sarah Griffith bumps into Michael and Abe and they discuss the 1992 comedy of errors Noises Off, from the play of the same name, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. Rotating sets, high school theater, a curt disagreement over the value of film vs. theater. Pretty sweet episode, in my opinion.Let’s thank Jane for suggesting the movie. You can be like Jan…

1
C.H.U.D. (1984) with Josh Jones 2:05:38

21d ago2:05:38

2:05:38

Cat is out of the bag and C.H.U.D. is out of the tunnel - Josh Jones is in the Horror House and he picked the Douglas Cheek eco-classic, C.H.U.D. as The Wire of creature features, the Van Gogh of early 80s cinema, and this week's best horror movie ever made! But what does it stand for? Child Having Unfortunate Dinner? Cyou Hjust Ugot DC.H.U.D.ed? O…

1
689. Escape from the Multicurse: Edge of Tomorrow 58:25

23d ago58:25

58:25

Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode…

1
688. Directorpiece Theatre - Creeps: The Art of Pulling a Mr. Ripley (Saltburn) 58:53

26d ago58:53

58:53

Adam Ganser brings a breakdown of how director Emerald Fennell designed the character of Oliver Quick, our sociopathic fuck machine. Whether you enjoy the film or not, Adam will lay out how Barry Keoghan and the filmmakers made you feel uneasy.Features:Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMightySupport…

1
687. Ander’s Sons: The Master 1:23:38

30d ago1:23:38

1:23:38

Our deep dive of Wes Anderson and P.T. Anderson continues: this time we discuss the 2012 film The Master which tells the story of a man who falls into cult. Michael and Abe discuss the movie’s themes, impressive acting, and how PTA runs his sets.Features:Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORPAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMightySupp…

1
Hour of the Wolf (1968) with Lonnie Nadler 1:36:47

1M ago1:36:47

1:36:47

Is Lonnie Nadler still alive, and will this night ever end? Soon, soon, youth - or never! Because we're talking about Ingmar "Bergy" Bergman's Hour of the Wolf! We're getting into the lasting influence Hour of the Wolf had on everything from David Lynch's filmography to The Blair Witch Project and Fargo, Lonnie's fascination with Southern Gothic an…

1
684. Frame Rate: Dead End Drive In (Feat. Adam Ganser) 1:04:29

1M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Adam Ganser joins Michael and Abe to discuss another Aussie cult-classic about being locked in an apocalyptic drive-in theater. Apparently, we’re the Australian guys this month. Don’t know why that happened, but here we are.Let’s thank James McLeod for suggesting the movie. You can be like James by heading over to the Small Beans patreon and pledgi…

1
681. Inside Dads: Heat, and other Crime Films 1:22:32

1M ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Our limited series with co-hosts Abe Epperson and David Bell digs deep into the internet meme of the “dad movie.” We can all probably name a dad movie, but can we isolate the tropes that really make this a bona fide film genre? Let’s find out!Features:Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/abethemighty David Bell: https://twitter.com/MovieHooliganSuppor…

1
678. Frame Rate: Patchwork (2015) 59:12

2M ago59:12

59:12

Michael and Abe jump back into independent cinema and stitch together a convo about Patchwork, a film about three women being turned into a Frankenstein (monster). This episode is brought to you by Wesley and Holly. You can be like them by heading over to the Small Beans patreon and pledging for the Pick the Flick tier. You can choose which movies …

1
The Exorcist III (1990) with Merritt K 1:11:48

2M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Is that a demon in your priest, or are you just happy to see us? Merritt K is here to talk about The Exorcist III, so #BlattyBoys stand up! We're getting into tricking George C Scott into comedy gold, the deep involvement with the Joker, Dyer's dire dying, the anti-Vietnam War sentiment, and a pitch for Lionel Ritchie's new hit song! You won't want…

1
677. Tales from the Pit: A Conversation About Death (Feat. Adam Ganser) 1:18:17

2M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

Michael asks Adam Ganser, fellow Small Bean, to discuss his relationship with death. They discuss their faith and assumptions, and the development of death in their lives. There’s also some stories from the community that spark some further introspection.Buy Michael’s book: https://www.patreon.com/smallbeans/shopSupport Small Beans: https://www.pat…

1
676. Shooting Threes: Hot Fuzz 1:06:30

2M ago1:06:30

1:06:30

Bridgett and Sarah continue their discussion of the Cornetto trilogy (aka The Three Flavours Cornetto”) by Edgar Wright! This time it’s Hot Fuzz. Next stop, The World’s End. Huzzah!Features:Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweetsSarah Griffith: https://www.tiktok.com/@sk_griffithSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: http…

1
675. Frame Rate: The Game (Feat. David Bell) 1:12:16

2M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Michael and Abe are joined by Gamefully Unemployed’s David Bell to discuss the 1997 thriller The Game, directed by David Fincher. Michael Douglas finds himself in an expensive and existential game of cat and mouse. The gang talks about how they’re terrible at escape rooms! This episode is brought to you by Bender Bending Rodriguez. You can be like …

1
674. Escape from the Multicurse: Arrival 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode…

1
I'm Glad You Exist - Michael Swaim 1:45:29

2M ago1:45:29

1:45:29

OH DAMN, it doesn't get much more personally special for me as far as guests go! Michael Swaim is a professional author, comedian, actor and podcaster. He became the face of the website Cracked.com during its hey-day, the popularity of which allowed him to branch off and create his own podcast network Small Beans (which can be found wherever you li…

1
Miracle Mile (1989) with Galen Howard 1:10:24

2M ago1:10:24

1:10:24

Actor and "Hope LA Doesn't Nuked"er Galen Howard is here to talk about the underseen nuclear anxiety dream that takes you down the rabbit hole, Miracle Mile! We're talking about how much Steve De Jarnatt put into this and Cherry 2000, Mare Winningham and Anthony Edward's perfect casting, the After Hours double feature, and much much more! Turn into…

1
671. Frame Rate - Tetsuo: The Iron Man (Feat. Tom Reimann) 57:38

2M ago57:38

57:38

Michael and Abe are joined by Gamefully Unemployed’s Tom Reimann to discuss the 1989 sci-fi body horror film, Tetsuo: The Iron Man. It’s a horrifying tale of a kind of metal contagion that turns people into hideous metal monsters. There’s a drill dick in it!This episode is brought to you by Theo. You can be like Theo by heading over to the Small Be…

1
669. Ander’s Sons: Fantastic Mr. Fox 1:18:41

2M ago1:18:41

1:18:41

Ander’s Sons returns! Our deep dive of Wes Anderson and P.T. Anderson continues: this time we discuss the 2009 film Fantastic Mr. Fox which tells the story of the Fox family as they nearly are killed by Mr. Fox’s attempts to relive his glory days. Michael and Abe discuss the beautiful sets and stop-motion, Wes Anderson’s character tendencies, and t…

1
666. Rough Stuff: Middle School Dances 1:03:08

3M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

The chaperones, the awkward standing around, and of course, the grinding. Follow Bridgett and Sarah as they share their own school dance horror stories. We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to relate to this rough stuff. Rough Stuff: https://twitter.com/roughstuffpodEmail us your horrible tales: roughstuffpod@gmail.comSupport Small Beans and access Add…

1
667. 1Upsmanship: GOTY 2023 1:02:40

3M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Let’s finish this. 2023 has been said to be potentially the best year of gaming ever. Why is that? What games have really stood out this year? Do Michael and Adam think that the crown should go to Balder’s Gate? Zelda? An indie game? Another Mario? You have to listen to find out in this special year-ending episode of 1Upsmanship.Michael Swaim: http…

1
Constantine (2005) with Mike Regan 1:51:11

3M ago1:51:11

1:51:11

Merry Christmas!! Hey, can you pick me and Reegs up from the airport? We just flew in from HELLAX and boy are our arms tired. Luckily the in-flight entertainment was this week's best horror movie ever made, Constantine (2005)! We're keeping things on theme for Plutember 3: All Georgie Picks: Week 2: With Reegs, talking about a psychic detective, be…

1
663. Frame Rate: Wake In Fright (Feat. Vanessa Guerrero) 55:02

3M ago55:02

55:02

Michael and Abe are joined by friend of the pod Vanessa Guerrero to discuss 1971’s Wake In Fright. It’s an Australian movie that follows a school teacher as he kind of descends into the madness of the outback and it’s a pretty unforgettable film (and free on youtube)!This episode is brought to you by Theo. You can be like Theo by heading over to th…

1
660. Inside Dads - 3:10 to Yuma, and other Westerns 1:24:25

3M ago1:24:25

1:24:25

Our limited series with co-hosts Abe Epperson and David Bell digs deep into the internet meme of the “dad movie.” We can all probably name a dad movie, but can we isolate the tropes that really make this a bona fide film genre? Let’s find out!Features:Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/abethemighty David Bell: https://twitter.com/MovieHooliganSuppor…

1
662. Tales from the Pit: BUY MY BOOK, or the Art of Self-Promotion (Feat. Jason Pargin) 1:13:31

3M ago1:13:31

1:13:31

In a never-ending quest to both sell books and ruin his own passions and pastimes, Michael Swaim has invited fellow author Jason Pargin (John Dies at the End, Zoey Ashe series) to break down all the hardest aspects of maintaining a career as a novelist, and learns lessons that apply to all of us, especially the ones with jobs or who want things.Buy…

1
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) With We Heard About Pluto 1:56:08

3M ago1:56:08

1:56:08

Did you do your best this year? Too late now... 'cause Santa's here. This week: a very special Plutember begins! It's all George picks, all month long, and first up - the gang's all here for Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)! This is one of my favorites, a seasonal classic and a perfect exploitation movie in my opinion. It's a genuinely compelling …

1
656. Escape from the Multicurse: Event Horizon 1:00:16

3M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode…

1
I'm Glad You Exist - Jay Du Heaume 1:30:57

4M ago1:30:57

1:30:57

James (Jay) Du Heaume is a professional musician currently living and working in London. He's been a good friend of mine for a number of years. His pilgrimage from Jersey to find success as a musician is one I keep a close eye on and feel passionate about supporting. Many people try, few people succeed. Lift up your friends when they try to pursue …

1
654. I'll Show You Mine If You Show Me Yours: Female Empowerment Movie 1:27:34

4M ago1:27:34

1:27:34

We have another patron-chosen episode! This episode covers Adam and Maggie’s picks for movies that exude female empowerment. Maggie talks about her new cat backpack (she now has a backpack to hold her cat in). They also reveal more details about their new video podcast that will soon release on Maggie’s YT channel.Vote every month on our poll for t…

1
652. Frame Rate: True Stories (Feat. Cody Johnston) 1:02:48

4M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

Michael and Abe are joined by Cody Johnston to discuss 1986’s True Stories, directed by David Byrne. They discuss how David Byrne is an alien, how the movie is an ASMR-like experience, and how great the music is.Features:Cody Johnston: https://twitter.com/drmistercody Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORPAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/Ab…

1
The Happening (2008) with Michael DeForge 1:39:43

4M ago1:39:43

1:39:43

M Night Defenders, ASSEMBLE!!!! We've got the awesome artist Michael DeForge (Birds of Maine, Adventure Time) in the house to talk about the eco-terror film that was both intensely ahead and of its time, The Happening! Don't miss out as we get into the b-movie roots, the embodiment of climate anxiety, and vital deleted scenes of this misunderstood …

1
649. Kings of King: The Shawshank Redemption 1:23:14

4M ago1:23:14

1:23:14

Abe and Mike discuss the 1994 drama The Shawshank Redemption! Our kings discuss perhaps our most anticipated movie yet! Will it dethrone The Shining on the top of our list? Has Frank Darabont etched his way into the title of Best King Director? Will Red ever learn the harmonica? These things are more, right now!Features:Michael Swaim: https://twitt…

1
648. Frame Rate: Bowling for Columbine (Feat. Katy Stoll) 1:05:48

4M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Michael and Abe are joined by Katy “Big Stollhouse” Stoll to discuss 2002’s Bowling for Columbine, directed by Michael Moore. They discuss propaganda, America, and sadly, the enduring legacy of its topic.Features:Katy Stoll: https://twitter.com/katystollMichael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORPAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMightySuppo…

1
646. Shooting Threes: Shaun of the Dead 1:08:31

4M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

Sarah and “The Bridge'' have a new trilogy to cover. This time it’s the Cornetto trilogy (aka The Three Flavours Cornetto”) by Edgar Wright! Let’s kick things off with 2004’s Shaun of the Dead!Features:Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweetsSarah Griffith: https://www.tiktok.com/@sk_griffithSupport Small Beans and access Additional C…

1
Night of the Hunter (1955) with Jenna Cha 1:56:16

4M ago1:56:16

1:56:16

How many episodes has it been, lord? 6? 12? Well I know you wouldn't steer me wrong, because this week the episode is about Night of the Hunter, and we're talking to Jenna Cha (The Sickness)! We're getting into what makes body horror so effective, receiving the perfect poster as a wedding gift, and pairing the movie with Skinamarink for the ultimat…

1
642. Frame Rate: Enemy (Feat. Jason Pargin) 59:05

5M ago59:05

59:05

Michael and Abe are joined by Jason Pargin to discuss 2013’s Enemy, directed by Denis Villeneuve. It’s the clone movie with Jake Gyllenhaal that has spiders! What does it all mean? The boys unpack the movie’s metaphors and land on that it probably shouldn’t be taken literally.Features:Jason Pargin: https://twitter.com/JasonKParginMichael Swaim: htt…

1
640. Directorpiece Theatre: How To Make a Movie in One Location Interesting 1:07:29

5M ago1:07:29

1:07:29

Adam and Abe talk about how movies with one location run the risk of becoming stale. John Hughes and his Breakfast Club makes the case for how a visually simple movie can become a classic.Features:Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMightyAdam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganzSupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.…

1
Donnie Darko (2001) with Siobhan Irving 1:29:06

5M ago1:29:06

1:29:06

28 days... 6 hours... 42 minutes... and 12 seconds. That is when the best horror movie ever made... will be discussed. And it's Donnie Darko! Siobhan Irving from Have A Nice Apodcalypse is here to break down the mind bender from Richard Kelly that inspired a generation of film nerds, Donnie Darko! We're talking about rejecting dichotomous thinking,…

1
639. Inside Dads - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and other Fantasy Adventures 1:07:50

5M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

Our limited series with co-hosts Abe Epperson and David Bell digs deep into the internet meme of the “dad movie.” We can all probably name a dad movie, but can we isolate the tropes that really make this a bona fide film genre? Let’s find out!Features:Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/abethemighty David Bell: https://twitter.com/MovieHooliganSuppor…

1
I'm Glad You Exist - Dan Liot 1:49:57

5M ago1:49:57

1:49:57

BACK FROM BEYOND THE PODCAST GRAVE! But for real, just a big ol' hiatus whilst I got some life stuff sorted. Big episode today - we're going familiar with my own family, my big brother, Dan Liot. Dan is on instagram as @jerseysoberwalker and has become an influencer and promoter within the sober scene in Jersey. He's been sober for over 1700 days n…

1
636. Frame Rate: Napoleon Dynamite (Feat. Billy Wayne Davis) 1:04:10

5M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Michael and Abe are joined by Billy Wayne Davis to discuss 2004’s Napoleon Dynamite. They discuss how culturally influential this movie was for about six months, the interesting backstory of its marketing, and how 2004 was stacked for comedies.Features:Billy Wayne Davis: https://twitter.com/BillyWayneDavisMichael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CO…

1
634. Kings of King: Dolores Claiborne 1:02:05

5M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Abe and Mike discuss the 1995 drama Dolores Claiborne! Our kings discuss its similarity to Gerald’s Game, the impressive acting chops of Kathy Bates, and the ever elusive Maine accent.Features:Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORPAbe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMightySupport Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.pat…

1
637. 1Upsmanship: Tastemakers 1:29:58

5M ago1:29:58

1:29:58

The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived. 1Upsmanship returns! New season, new place! This show’s new home is on the Small Beans patreon channel. For a few bucks a month, you will get 2 episodes of 1Ups every month! Pretty cool!The show returns with an episode about games that formed the hosts’ form and shape of what “games should be.” A look in…

1
Midsommar (2019) with Scott Whitten 1:49:51

5M ago1:49:51

1:49:51

The Spooky Newfie Scott Whitten is here to talk about Ari Aster's floral film that's as much Cannibal Holocaust as it is The Wicker Man, Midsommar! We're talking about leveling the "object" field between humans and nature, the dynamic use of space in foreshadowing, and all the piss and dongs floppin around... something for everyone. Don't miss out …

1
633. Escape from the Multicurse: The Nightmare Before Christmas 52:34

5M ago52:34

52:34

Our three co-hosts are stuck in the multiverse and need to get back to their home universe. Clearly, the only way to do that is to explore our cultural obsession with multiverses, alternate timelines and parallel worlds, and tie it all into a conversation about post-modern art, pop culture, and the lessons these stories teach us. Also, each episode…

1
632. Star Trek: The Next Futurama 57 - Crimes of the Hot 1:17:38

5M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

AN EXCLUSIVE EPISODE ON THE FREE FEED?!?! What will we do next?If you forgot, this show takes a Futurama episode and thematically pairs it with an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which works surprisingly well.This episode covers Futurama episode “Crimes of the Hot.”This show exclusively releases every other episode here on the Small Bean…

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