Best Indie Film Quest Podcasts (2024)

1
Beehives, Greek Wisdom, & Invisible Hands: Pursuing Emergent Optimism with Byron Reese Part I 1:17:39

2M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Byron Reese is a futurist and an optimist. His new book We Are Agora: How Humanity Functions as a Single Superorganism That Shapes Our World and Our Future is named after the Ancient Greek marketplace and suggests that we might be part of a bigger entity that shapes our ends. Does the book have the insights we need to revitalize a sense of optimism…

1
Begin Again, Gattaca, Jerry Maguire and a course-correction quest 1:22:33

3M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Hello again. The podcast has been on hiatus for a bit. I'm bringing it back in video form at least for a limited season. In this episode, I will discuss why I stopped doing the show, what brought me back, and where I hope to head in context of the films Gattaca, Begin Again, and Jerry Maguire. If you're trying to find your way or just trying to sta…

1
Strength in Sisterhood with Triple Charm 23:36

12M ago23:36

23:36

On this special episode of CherryPop, multi-hyphenate dancing/singing trio Triple Charm joins Meg to talk all about sisterhood. The real-life sisters shed light on their love and appreciation for each other’s strengths and individualities and share how their strong bond helps them creatively collaborate. We also dive into holiday traditions, swappi…

1
In Her Shoes with La Rhonza 18:56

1y ago18:56

18:56

This episode of CherryPop is proudly sponsored by our friends at DSW. We’re going all in for fall! From the perfect knee-high or western boot for the office or back-to-school to your new favorite loafers, DSW has a shoe for every occasion! Shop their latest fall looks at dsw.com! On this episode of CherryPop, we’re highlighting rising stars in the …

1
Getting "Smarter in Seconds" with Blair Imani 21:02

1+ y ago21:02

21:02

On this episode of CherryPop, Meg welcomes educator, advocate, and author Blair Imani. “If you're a lonely kid who has to eat lunch at the library, like I did, it just feels like that's gonna be your life forever. So, if someone can tell you a real-life story of somebody who was in that situation and overcame it, it can help you be like, ‘Okay, rig…

1
In Her Shoes with Gia Kim 18:06

1+ y ago18:06

18:06

This episode of CherryPop is presented by DSW. DSW is your one-stop shop for all the need-right-now shoes from all your favorite brands. Visit http://dsw.com to find a shoe that’s right for you! Actor Gia Kim candidly shares her empowering personal growth journey playing Yuri in XO, Kitty, explains the show’s celebration of South Korean culture, an…

1
In Her Shoes with Nicole Maines 29:17

1+ y ago29:17

29:17

This episode of CherryPop is presented by DSW. This Pride Month, join us and our partners at DSW as we celebrate putting our best foot forward and unapologetically living in full color! Actor, activist, and writer Nicole Maines shares the powerful impact dreaming big had on her as a young trans woman, the joys and challenges of writing a graphic no…

1
Unfinished Business: Women in Film and the Quest for Equality 29:10

1+ y ago29:10

29:10

This episode is sponsored by Buffalo 8 Distribution: A Bondit Company. Buffalo 8 is a full-service film and media company focused on production, post-production, distribution, design, and finance. CherryPop host Meg McCarthy and Head of Buffalo 8 Distribution Nikki Stier Justice discuss the future of women in film, spotlighting Marcella Cytrynowicz…

1
Founder's Special: Thanksgiving Is for the Birds 7:37

2y ago7:37

7:37

This special episode is brought to you by CherryPicks' founder, Miranda Bailey. Known for producing indie films, Bailey’s work as a filmmaker has helped shape the cultural landscape of the independent films we know today. Founder’s Special is a limited editorial and digital series in which Miranda talks directly to you, sharing deeply personal stor…

1
The Doctor Is In: A Conversation with Grey's Anatomy Star Kelly McCreary 24:10

2y ago24:10

24:10

On this week’s CherryPop episode, Meg welcomes actress and star of Grey’s Anatomy, Kelly McCreary. Kelly shares her invaluable experience playing Dr. Maggie Pierce and how the character taught her to embrace her inner nerd. Additionally, she talks about Shonda Rhimes’ impact on the industry and sheds light on the precedent set by Shondaland of a su…

1
Indie Filmmaking With the Cast & Crew of "Never Forgotten" 23:38

2y ago23:38

23:38

This episode is sponsored by Wooden Finger Studios. Check out their mobile game Ethereal Run, available now on IOS and google play! On this episode of CherryPop, our host Meg McCarthy is joined by Never Forgotten director, writer, and star Ty Gordon, star Christy St. John, and producer Rodes Phire. Together they discuss the film's important comment…

1
Celebrating Our True Selves in "Mack & Rita" 35:31

2+ y ago35:31

35:31

This episode of CherryPop is presented by Gravitas Premiere's sparkling comedy with a magical twist, Mack & Rita. A 30-year-old writer played by Elizabeth Lail spends a wild weekend in Palm Springs and wakes up to find she has magically transformed into her 70-year-old self in this delightful comedy starring Oscar-winner Diane Keaton. On this week …

1
Intimacy & Inclusivity with Lolo Spencer 26:31

2+ y ago26:31

26:31

Joining Meg this week on CherryPop is actress and advocate Lolo Spencer. Lolo is the founder of Sitting Pretty Productions, a platform devoted to showcasing disability lifestyle authentically, and shares the importance of inclusivity in intimacy on screen. “That's a topic that I've been advocating for since day one when creating content, because it…

1
Style & Sisterhood in "Harlem" 44:02

2+ y ago44:02

44:02

This episode is presented by Prime Video. Available now on Prime Video, Harlem is a single-camera comedy following the lives of four best girlfriends from their college days at NYU, as they navigate sex, relationships and chasing their dreams “…When you go through things, it doesn't mean you have to stop being friends, it means that you love each o…

1
Cusp of Womanhood 31:37

3y ago31:37

31:37

This episode is presented by SHOWTIME. CUSP, a new SHOWTIME feature documentary is a captivating snapshot of girlhood, a coming-of-age story about the intimate passage of girls on the cusp of becoming women as three spirited girls find their voice while grappling with the often dark, traumatic realities of female adolescence. On a very special epis…

1
Introducing Lovers and Friends with Shan Boodram 8:47

3y ago8:47

8:47

There is so much great and life-changing information about sex and intimacy, but let’s face it, it can be dry as hell! Intimacy expert and sexologist Shan Boodram takes a deep dive into anything and everything about sex, relationships, and the science of attachment every week with expert guests and friends who will tell all. It’s everything The Tal…

1
Searching for Sexual Authenticity with Caitlin Stasey & Richa Moorjani 41:45

3+ y ago41:45

41:45

On the finale episode of CherryPop S2, Meg is joined by the very talented and insightful actress and filmmaker Caitlin Stasey. You know Caitlin from such shows as Reign (CW) and Bridge and Tunnel (Epix). Meg and Caitlin discuss nudity and simulated sex on screen, along with the double standard that pits women in mainstream film and adult entertainm…

1
Sex & Stigmas with Shan Boodram & Nadya Okamoto 38:48

3+ y ago38:48

38:48

There's no shame in it.... Joining Meg for the first half of this week’s educational and inspirational episode is entrepreneur and author Nadya Okamoto. Nadya is the co-founder of August, which provides sustainable, impactful, and inclusive period care; founder of Period Movement; author of Period Power; and host of Tigress Podcast. Meg and Nadya d…

1
Respecting the Female Gaze in "Run the World" 33:59

3+ y ago33:59

33:59

Run the World stars Amber Stevens West and Corbin Reid break down the first half of the two-part season finale and touch upon the importance of female friendships, mutual respect in a partnership, and representing all types of female pleasure and sex on screen. “It made me more comfortable [...] to be a part of a show that was going to include inti…

1
Getting Bold with Nikohl Boosheri 27:06

3+ y ago27:06

27:06

This week on CherryPop, the lovely actress Nikohl Boosheri joins Meg to talk all about her beautiful and badass The Bold Type character, Adena. They also chat about representation of Muslim women on screen and the importance of the film Farah Goes Bang, in which Nikohl plays Farah, a twenty-something-year-old woman who has yet to lose her virginity…

1
Asian Representation In Media with Sherry Cola & Kelly Hu 40:16

3+ y ago40:16

40:16

For this week’s powerful and important conversation, Meg hands the mic over to the very talented and inspiring comedian, Sherry Cola (Good Trouble), and the lovely and legendary Kelly Hu from such films and tv shows as The Scorpion King, Arrow, and most recently Finding ‘Ohana. Sherry and Kelly candidly discuss their experiences with racism on and …

1
Sex & The Divine with Herizen Guardiola & Cam 51:54

3+ y ago51:54

51:54

First up, Meg welcomes, country music singer/songwriter Cam on this week's episode of CherryPop! Cam discusses why she stopped being afraid of being sexualized by the country music industry, her experience filming the music video for her hit song "Till There's Nothing Left" (while eight months pregnant!), and why it’s important to dismantle and unl…

1
Sex & Empowerment in "Run the World" 44:56

3+ y ago44:56

44:56

This week’s CherryPop episode is brought to you by the authentic and unapologetic Starz original series, "Run the World." "Run the World" follows four smart, vibrant, and fiercely loyal Black women in Harlem as they strive towards world Domination. The show's creator, writer, and EP, Leigh Davenport, kicks the heartfelt, hilarious, and honest conve…

1
Sex & Tech in "The Girlfriend Experience" 28:34

3+ y ago28:34

28:34

This episode of CherryPop is presented by season 3 of the Starz original series, "The Girlfriend Experience." Season 3 focuses on Iris, a neuroscience major in London. As she begins to explore the world of transactional relationships, Iris quickly learns that her client sessions provide her with a compelling edge in the tech world...and vice versa.…

1
Amandla Stenberg 28:44

3+ y ago28:44

28:44

CherryPop is back! CherryPop's Season 2 premiere episode is presented by Baby Phat Beauty and features special guest, actor and activist, Amandla Stenberg ("The Hate U Give"). Together Meg and Amandla reflect on the importance of language when navigating and exploring sexuality, unlearning toxic patriarchal programming, and putting an end to female…

1
Season 2 Trailer 0:59

3+ y ago0:59

0:59

CherryPicks Presents: CherryPop: Conversations about women and sex on screen. Tune in each week as your host, Meg McCarthy, is joined by a rotating group of inspiring and talented co-hosts and guests. Together, they will explore how the representations of sexuality, intimacy, and beauty have culturally impacted women of all ages and gender expressi…

1
MILFIN Ain't Easy with Garcelle Beauvais 1:05:53

4y ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Follow us @thecherrypicks for future updates on podcasts presented by Cherry Picks. “Society doesn't know what to do with a woman over 50. They certainly don't know what to do with a woman over 50 who is sexy, who's comfortable with her desire, who also has children and doesn't see that as a contradiction.” -Beandrea July This week is the finale of…

1
Phoebe Waller-Bridge Election Quickie 3:12

4y ago3:12

3:12

This week we're taking a mental health break—because This F******g Election! We hope you are taking care of yourselves and your loved ones. But here are some politics-inspired Phoebe Waller-Bridge clips to send you into a new week with joy. Fleabag, hello! We'll be back next week with a brand new episode with a very special guest...So stay tuned! P…

1
Meet the Intimacy Coordinators Revolutionizing Hollywood feat. Bel Powley 51:21

4y ago51:21

51:21

This week, we take you behind the scenes for a look at what it really takes to capture intimacy scenes for the big and small screen. Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not what you think. Meet the Intimacy Coordinators Revolutionizing Hollywood featuring Bel Powley We kick things off with a personal story from co-host Meg McCarthy, who is also an NYU T…

1
Queer Women are the OGs of the Intimate Sex Scene with Quinn Shephard 49:11

4y ago49:11

49:11

S1 E3: Queer Women are the OGs of the Intimate Sex Scene, with Quinn Shephard This week, we talk through some of Beandrea’s favorite queer films from the last 20 years and give a shout-out the filmmakers behind them. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: queer women have been leading the charge when it comes to nuanced depictions of female p…

1
Queen of the Intimate Sex Scene: Gina Prince-Bythewood with Sasheer Zamata 42:47

4y ago42:47

42:47

Crowning the Queen of the Intimate Sex Scene: Gina Prince-Bythewood featuring Sasheer Zamata Show notes - https://bit.ly/2FIgSdC This week, Meg guides us through some of her favorite sex scenes from the last 20 years and shouts-out the filmmakers behind them. Even though the characters and stories are diverse in these flicks, we end up realizing th…

1
Getting Rid of Guilt & Shame: Atlantics and Cuties 20:29

4y ago20:29

20:29

This podcast contains sexual content and strong language and is not appropriate for children. CherryPop Ep.1—Part 2: Getting Rid of Guilt and Shame: Atlantiques and Cuties (BONUS) Check out the full show notes. There were so many movies to talk about last week that we decided to make it a two-parter. This week CherryPop hosts Beandrea July and Meg …

1
'Clitoral Stimulation is a Part of God's Plan': Getting Rid of Guilt & Shame with Natalia Dyer & Karen Maine 29:40

4y ago29:40

29:40

This podcast contains sexual content and strong language and is not appropriate for children. “I have now talked to my dad about female masturbation—not in an explicit way—but we can say the word ‘masturbate.’ And that would have not been possible ten years ago.” -Karen Maine, Writer-Director of Yes, God, Yes CherryPop Ep.1: 'Clitoral Stimulation i…

1
Introducing CherryPop from CherryPicks 2:13

4y ago2:13

2:13

Introducing CherryPop: a podcast about women and sex onscreen Presented by CherryPicks. Film critic Beandrea July and CherryPicks Director of Production Meg McCarthy are two movie lovers on a mission to find successful representations of female sexual pleasure onscreen. Join us each week as we take a deep dive into the movies that do this well. Mov…

1
Regarding the Bluebird and Taylor Swift 1:47:02

4+ y ago1:47:02

1:47:02

In this episode I expand on some ideas that came up in my discussion with Brian A. Loschiavo about his documentary about the Bluebird Cafe, a now iconic music in Nashville. After I did the interview, certain subsequent news stories involving Taylor Swift came out, and they did affect my take on the film. Since Taylor Swift was prominently featured …

1
Bluebird, a Music Doc on the Storied Nashville Venue, with Director Brian Loschiavo 40:04

4+ y ago40:04

40:04

Brian A. Loschiavo, the director-producer-editor of the Bluebird documentary, was first exposed to The Bluebird Cafe through the show Nashville, a series for which he developed supplemental digital content. The now iconic country-music venue that has been instrumental to the careers of so many musicians including Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, and Taylo…

1
Sheriff of Mars: the Long-Lost Musician Who Inspired Townes Van Zandt 2:34:13

5y ago2:34:13

2:34:13

By Nick Savides, director Jason Ressler

1
Will the Robots Save Us: Byron Reese on AI 1:28:52

5y ago1:28:52

1:28:52

By Nick Savides, Byron Reese

1
When a Comedy Documentary Turns Tragic 1:11:22

5y ago1:11:22

1:11:22

What's Eating Ralphie May won Best of the Fest at Nashville Film Festival and Documentary of the Year at Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival. The film was initially intended to be a weight-loss documentary that followed beloved comedian Ralphie May and his family, but it turned into a raw and intimate portrait of a family dealing with addiction d…

1
Two Notable Shorts from Nashville Film Festival 55:51

5y ago55:51

55:51

My podcast coverage of Nashville Film Festival continues in this short-films episode where I interview the directors for two different short films that got my attention at the festival. One has more of a documentary feel while the other one is a more stylized film with elaborate production design, so I paired the two interviews to explore how short…

1
How to Make an Award-Winning Film with a Two Person Crew: The Planters 30:44

5y ago30:44

30:44

Hannah Leder has a variety of acting credits including Deep Impact, Pay it Forward, and Judd Apatow’s Love series. She also has a recurring role on Apple TV+'s The Morning Show. On this podcast episode I interview Hannah about her work on The Planters, a quirky, character-driven comedy that won Best of the Fest, Best Cinematography, and Best Song a…

1
Nashville Film Festival 2019 Recap: Part III - My Top 5 Picks 1:08:10

5y ago1:08:10

1:08:10

This is Part III of my podcast recap of Nashville Film Festival 2019. In it, I share my top five films from Nashville Film Festival and why I picked them. It's a more personal take, so I also share some related things that came up when trying to put together the list. Sponsor for this Episode nsavides productions – I make friendly, engaging videos …

1
Nashville Film Festival 2019 Recap: Part II - Ideas on Screen 1:14:39

5y ago1:14:39

1:14:39

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend and do podcast coverage at the 50th Nashville Film Festival. While there, I interviewed a number of filmmakers and filled an entire notebook with observations about the various films and events I attended. My Nashville Film Festival podcast coverage began with this interview I did with some of t…

1
Nashville Film Festival 2019 Recap: Part 1 47:43

5y ago47:43

47:43

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend and do podcast coverage at the 50th Nashville Film Festival. While there, I interviewed a number of filmmakers and filled an entire notebook with observations about the various films and events I attended. My Nashville Film Festival podcast coverage began with this interview I did with some of t…

1
Capturing Authentic Cajun Culture on Screen: Lost Bayou 34:04

5y ago34:04

34:04

My podcast coverage of Nashville Film Festival begins with Lost Bayou, a film that premiered at Tribeca and went on to win Best Picture at the El Dorado Film Festival. Lost Bayou tells the story of a struggling addict who returns home to the Louisiana bayou to reconnect with her faith healer father, only to discover he’s hiding a troubling secret a…

1
The NICKSAV Film & Music SHOW Will Return! 9:15

5y ago9:15

9:15

Just a quick update about the recent hiatus, and where I'm at with the show. Short version: the podcast will return with my coverage at the 50th Nashville Film Festival. Special thanks to Stephen T. Hoover. His script Damage Control made it into the top-four finalist round for half-hour pilots in the festival's screenwriting contest, and he was the…

1
Commentary: HBO's Treme, The Wire, & Tom Piazza 1:46:36

5y ago1:46:36

1:46:36

In this episode I reflect on my podcast interview with writer Tom Piazza and share more of my thoughts about HBO's Tremeand how it compares to The Wire, both of which were created by David Simon. Afterwards I share some updates about some possibilities on the horizon. # Sponsor for this Episode nsavides productions – I make friendly, engaging video…

1
How to Rekindle Creativity and Find Purpose in a Distracted Age: Brian Solis 1:01:46

5+ y ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Even in the early days of the internet, Brian Solis was advising prominent companies about how to use social media to connect with potential customers. He's been called "one of the greatest digital analysts of our time” and has been sought out by the likes of Oprah, Shaq and Ashton Kutcher. Brian is also an award-winning author and world-renowned k…

1
Writer-Director-Actress Jenna Suru on the World-Changing Charms of Saint-Tropez 1:17:25

5+ y ago1:17:25

1:17:25

Jenna Suru's early film career involved working for Gaumont, one of the major French film studios and the world's first and oldest film company. There she was in charge of distributing Gaumont new releases to film festivals around the world. Later she went on to work for SND Groupe M6, a French distributor that also distributes American films in Fr…

1
Treme & Why New Orleans Matters: Writer Tom Piazza 1:21:39

5+ y ago1:21:39

1:21:39

Author Tom Piazza has written 12 books, many of which feature New Orleans, music, or both. His post-Katrina manifesto Why New Orleans Mattershelped to inspire the HBO show Treme, and the show's co-creator David Simon brought him on as a staff writer largely because of it. Tom received a Grammy Award for his album notes to Martin Scorsese Presents T…

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