Best The Criterion Quest Podcasts (2024)

1
#46 Point Break 1:05:34

2M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Surf's up BTS fans! After an extended hiatus, we're back. To get us started off with a bang, we're going to pit Keanu against Keanu. That's right - we're going to see if the 1991 action classic POINT BREAK is better than, equal to, or worse than our beloved SPEED. Time to sit back, listen, and ask yourself: if you want the ultimate, you've got to b…

1
Production Professionals Interview Series - Linda Tiger, Studio Manager at Paradox Black 1:02:44

2M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

This session featured hosts Juney Dijkstra and Jess Avelsgaard interviewing guest Linda Tiger, Paradox Development Studio Black’s Studio Manager. The Production Professionals Interview Series features exemplary production professionals in a series of focused knowledge sharing conversations on a broad range of topics, from tackling tough conversatio…

1
How to Break the Burnout Culture 1:12:25

3M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

This session featured host Juney Dijkstra and guest Katie Rössler, LPC. Burnout is on the rise and though we are talking about it, we’re not discussing how to prevent or recover from it. During this talk, we discussed what burnout symptoms actually look like, why more people are burning out now more than ever, and steps you can take to prevent it. …

1
Bonus: A Look Back at 2023 2:21:12

4M ago2:21:12

2:21:12

Holy Moly! It’s been a minute! We’re back after a long hiatus to have a long, winding chat about a bunch of our favourite films from 2023. Chris & Lee discuss huge blockbusters (Barbenheimer included), smaller festival films, and some hidden gems that they really dug. They also give a bit of an update on the state of the podcast (we’re not gone, we…

1
Lifting a tip of the veil: The Production Interview Process 1:06:25

4M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

This session featured host Juney Dijkstra and guest Mae Mierop, Recruiting Operations Program Manager at Striking Distance. Mae lifted a tip of the veil on the production interview process: How to decode a job description's qualifications and responsibilities to prepare for the questions a hiring manager may ask, and how to approach answering quest…

1
Production Professionals Interview Series - Claire Bromley, Producer at Criterion Games 58:21

5M ago58:21

58:21

This session featured hosts Juney Dijkstra & Angela Dachowski interviewing guest Claire Bromley. The Production Professionals Interview Series features exemplary production professionals in a series of focused knowledge sharing conversations on a broad range of topics, from tackling tough conversations with your team, to preferred tools, methods an…

1
Mentorship - Level up the leaders of tomorrow: Igniting growth in the games industry 1:39:17

6M ago1:39:17

1:39:17

This session featured host Juney Dijkstra and guests Shams Jorjani, Maria Cornelius and Alex Bolle. Our latest panel looked uniquely at a chain of three mentors/mentees as mentorship knowledge is passed down and refined across three generations. With Shams mentoring Maria and Maria mentoring Alex, the three panelists discussed their experiences and…

1
Episode 323: The Children Are Watching Us 31:34

8M ago31:34

31:34

After a brief and annoying hiatus, Chris returns from the globe trotting adventure of truth seeking to settle down and spend some time with a distraught Italian family who are going through some troubling times with their relationships. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sorts of fun stuff: pat…

1
Episode 322: The Complete Mr. Arkadin 1:17:23

11M ago1:17:23

1:17:23

Leaving the harrowing and religious experiences of Sweden behind, Chris is joined by his buddy Adam as the pair set off on a globetrotting adventure to unravel the truth behind the mysterious and ominous Mr. Arkadin. Featuring Special Guest Adam Hetherington. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all …

1
Episode 321: The Virgin Spring 36:30

11M ago36:30

36:30

Having left the peaceful scenery of rural America, Chris now finds himself in the fields of Sweden where he bears witness to a horrible act of violence that shakes a family to their core, calling into question their faith as well as their humanity. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sorts of fu…

1
Episode 320: Young Mr. Lincoln 1:03:23

1y ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Leaving the corrupt world of business behind and instead diving into the world of lawyers and politicians… Chris finds himself sitting in on the trial of two young men accused of murder, as their defense attorney, a young many by the name of Abraham Lincoln, works to prove their innocence. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, mon…

1
Episode 319: The Bad Sleep Well 1:09:08

1y ago1:09:08

1:09:08

After the heartbreaking farewell at the station, Chris reunites with Lee as the pair make their way into the jungle of the post-war business world of Japan. Along the way they encounter intrigue, double-crosses and very devious methods of conducting corporate affairs. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks…

1
Episode 318: Forbidden Games 36:21

1y ago36:21

36:21

After leaving Lee at the beer hall with the lamenting poet, Chris embarks on a trek through the war torn French countryside where he encounters two small children who are processing their surrounds and death in some unique ways. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sorts of fun stuff: patreon.com…

1
Episode 317: The Tales of Hoffmann 49:44

1y ago49:44

49:44

After escaping the imploding Japanese empire, Chris reunites with Lee in a odd artists bar to have a few drinks and listen to a melancholy poet reflect on three women he loved and lost in the past: a mechanical doll, a Venetian courtesan, and the ailing daughter of a celebrated composer. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, month…

1
Episode 316: Ran 1:28:04

1y ago1:28:04

1:28:04

After taking a brief sojourn from the Quest to chat about the year that was 2022, Chris is again joined by Eric as the pair cross paths with an elderly warlord who has subjugated his throne to his three sons, although the transition of power doesn’t go as smoothly as he would’ve hoped… Featuring Special Guest Eric Coleman. Support us on Patreon whe…

1
Bonus: A Look Back at 2022 2:01:35

1y ago2:01:35

2:01:35

It’s 2023! What better way to kick off the new year than with a massive and meandering chats about some of our favourite films from the previous year. Joined by special guest Toby (and his seemingly endless fountain of slight negativity and ambivalence), Lee & Chris sit down and discuss everything from The Northman to Nope, RRR to Rescue Rangers… a…

1
Cultural Inclusion with Tina Merry 1:01:10

1+ y ago1:01:10

1:01:10

This session featured host Juney and guest Tina Merry, exploring what's meant by cultural diversity plus how our cultural values impact the way we navigate life, including how we communicate, plan and get work done. A game development industry veteran, Tina leverages global leadership experiences to support cultural inclusion, innovation and produc…

1
Episode 314: Pickpocket 43:16

1+ y ago43:16

43:16

After feeling feudal Japan, and taking a short work sabbatical, Chris returns to the lonely streets of Paris where he encounters an isolated young man with a penchant for kleptomania. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sorts of fun stuff: patreon.com/TheCriterionQuest Send us an email at thecri…

1
Episode 312 & 313: Samurai Spy/Kill! 54:37

1+ y ago54:37

54:37

Still wandering feudal Japan, Chris finds himself encountering more rebellious samurai by first crossing paths with a wanderer caught up in a web of political espionage and intrigue, before meeting up with a pair of down on their luck men who find themselves in the middle of two fighting clans. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes…

1
Episode 310 & 311: Samurai Rebellion/Sword of the Beast 1:14:32

1+ y ago1:14:32

1:14:32

Having arrived safely back at the small farming village, Chris meets up again with Claire as the pair encounter a troubling incident involving a family, their new wife/daughter in law and the local lord. After some shocking and bloody results, Chris hightails it to the mountains where he encounters more samurai on the run, along with some possible …

1
Transitioning into the Game Industry: How a Nurse, Make Up Artist, and Private Investigator got into Game Production 1:00:36

1+ y ago1:00:36

1:00:36

This session featured host Juney interviewing a panel of three game production professionals who successfully transitioned into the game industry: Michelle Velez of Electronic Arts, Giulia Carlotta Zamboni of Gamera Interactive, and Ariana Marchigiano of Blackbird Interactive, who discussed their background before transitioning into the game indust…

1
Episode 309: Ugetsu 52:24

1+ y ago52:24

52:24

After a triumphant return to the film festival, Chris sets out wandering the civil-war torn countryside of 17th Century Japan where he encounters two farmers looking to make some quick money and better their station in life… but at what cost? Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sorts of fun stuf…

1
Bonus: MIFF 2022 Wrap Up 31:12

1+ y ago31:12

31:12

After two and a half weeks of basking in the warm glow of the cinema screen, the 70th annual Melbourne International Film Festival has drawn to a close, and Chris saw a whole lot of movies! In this little mini wrap up episode he highlights some interesting films he saw during the last week and a half of the 2022 festival, giving some recommendation…

1
Imposter Syndrome: Even Tom Hanks thinks he's a Loser sometimes 1:19:49

1+ y ago1:19:49

1:19:49

In this episode, Juney hosted a session featuring PLAYERUNKNOWN Productions Art Director Scott Davidson. Scott talked to us about his experience with imposter syndrome throughout his career in the games industry. He will discuss the lows, the highs, the times he thought about giving up and how he kept going. Scott also shared useful ways of coping …

1
Bonus: MIFF 2022 Week 1 37:42

1+ y ago37:42

37:42

We’re taking a little break from the Collection for a few weeks, as Chris is spending most of his days sitting in the cinema watching brand new films at the 70th Melbourne International Film Festival! Joined by regular guest and fellow MIFF patron Toby, the pair discuss some of the films they’ve seen during Week 1 of the festival. Featuring Special…

1
The Importance of Networking with Demi Mark 1:00:07

2y ago1:00:07

1:00:07

In this episode, Juney hosted freelance producer Demi Mark! Demi talks to us about the importance of networking in the industry, sharing her story and other success stories, and giving a 101 on why, how and where to find and connect with peers from the game development community. There was a live Q&A after the event. Long form article & slides can …

1
Episode 308: Masculin féminin 33:25

2y ago33:25

33:25

After his lunar adventure around London with the misanthrope Johnny, Chris finds himself on the streets of Paris, this time crossing paths with a group of young men and women as they engage in hopeless love affairs with music, revolution, and one another. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sort…

1
Episode 307: Naked 53:15

2y ago53:15

53:15

By The Criterion Quest

1
Playtesting Masterclass with Steve Bromley 1:10:46

2y ago1:10:46

1:10:46

In this episode, Juney hosted game industry veteran, games user research consultant, author of the “How to be a Games User Researcher” book and most recently creator of “The Playtest Kit”, Steve Bromley! During this session, Steve offered solutions to many of the barriers to regular playtesting, such as “Where can I find playtesters”, “When should …

1
Episode 306: Le Samouraï 59:46

2y ago59:46

59:46

After saving himself from the annoying drowned vagrant, Chris reunites with Lee as the pair cross paths with a deadly contract killer working to outwit the police and outmatch his rivals in the gritty backstreets of Paris. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sorts of fun stuff: patreon.com/TheCr…

1
Episode 305: Boudu Saved from Drowning 45:20

2y ago45:20

45:20

After the strange encounter with the being from another planet, Chris reunites with the lovely Claire for a scenic trip along the Seine, where they stumble upon a upper middle-class bookshop owner who is in the process of saving the life of a somewhat reprehensible homeless man… will it work out well? Who’s to say! Featuring Special Guest Claire Sw…

1
#45 The Hunger 1:19:44

2y ago1:19:44

1:19:44

The SPEED gang sinks their teeth into the 80s cult film THE HUNGER starring Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon. Can Keanu Reeves and the careening bus take on seedy 80s New York, luscious billowing curtains in blue light and three absurdly attractive leads? Grab your Ankh and tune in to find out. We are joined by extraordinary editor…

1
Episode 304: The Man Who Fell To Earth 1:10:47

2y ago1:10:47

1:10:47

After their tumultuous time in Vienna, Chris meets up with old pal Eric as the two encounter a strange man from another world. They follow the alien as he invents and learns, in an attempt to save his dying planet while greed of men and the love of women get in his way. Featuring Special Guest Eric Coleman. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find b…

1
Episode 303: Bad Timing 53:12

2y ago53:12

53:12

After witnessing the brutal and amazing acts at the feudal lord’s palace, Chris is reunited with Claire (while Lee takes a quick breather) in the romantic streets of Vienna where they encounter a toxic relationship between a psychology professor and a young woman, along with the police detective investigating what may have driven the woman to attem…

1
Episode 302: Harakiri 52:22

2y ago52:22

52:22

By The Criterion Quest

1
Episod3 301: An Angel at My Table 1:01:35

2y ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Having safely left their voyage with Team Zissou, Lee & Chris find cross paths with a young New Zealand woman who, after seeming a bit “eccentric” at first, proves herself to be one of the country’s most thoughtful and talented literary minds. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sorts of fun stu…

1
Bonus: A Chat About The 2022 Academy Awards 1:02:09

2y ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Due to some unavoidable circumstances we’re going to be delayed in putting out or episode on Jane Campion’s An Angel at My Table. But, instead of leaving you without an episode this week, we decided to put out our 2022 Oscar chat a week or so early. Joined by Claire, Lee & Chris sit down to chat about their thoughts on this year’s nominations., who…

1
Episode 300: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou 1:28:38

2y ago1:28:38

1:28:38

After escaping the war and “comfort house”, Lee & Chris gather a small crew and hit the high seas joining documentary filmmaker Steve Zissou as he embarks on an overnight drunk and sets out to find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it. Anyone who wants to tag along is more than welcome… Featuring Special Guest Eric Coleman and Claire Swan. S…

1
Episode 298 & 299: Gate of Flesh/Story of a Prostitute 1:18:46

2y ago1:18:46

1:18:46

After the somewhat traumatic experiences with the donkey Balthazar, Lee & Chris take some much needed rest & relaxation in wartime and post-wartime Japan, spending a couple of hours with a variety of “comfort women” and the various men they interact with. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sort…

1
Accessibility as Success Criteria: Building accessibility from the ground up 1:01:30

2y ago1:01:30

1:01:30

In this panel, host Juney invites four experienced accessibility professionals to guide us through the process of planning, budgeting, implementing and testing accessibility features from the ground up in both new and ongoing projects to make better and more welcoming experiences. Our expert panellists: Ally McLean: Senior Producer at Mighty Kingdo…

1
Episode 297: Au hasard Balthazar 51:49

2y ago51:49

51:49

After their tough romantic rejection on the snowy bridge, Lee & Chris hightail it to the French countryside where they cross paths with a donkey named Balthazar who seems to take on the trials and tribulations of mankind as his wanders from owner to owner in his weary lifetime. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly comment…

1
Episode 296: Le notti bianche 49:22

2+ y ago49:22

49:22

After a little break and an extensive look back at the previous year, Lee & Chris find themselves once again in a small Italian village where they cross paths with a lonely man who is smitten by a young woman waiting patiently on a bridge for her lover to return. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and …

1
Bonus: A Look Back at 2021 Part 2 1:13:46

2+ y ago1:13:46

1:13:46

We’re back with Part 2, jumping straight back into our deep dive looking back at some of our favourite, and not so favourite, films of the past year. Joined again by special guest Toby, Lee & Chris continue their sit down starting with some of their least memorable cinematic experiences of the year before heavily disagreeing on some controversial g…

1
Bonus: A Look Back at 2021 Part 1 1:11:26

2+ y ago1:11:26

1:11:26

We’re back! It’s a new year and what better way to kick the podcast off again after a short break than to take a massive look and deep dive into the year that was 2021. Joined by special guest Toby, Lee & Chris sit down and discuss a multitude of films they watched during the year. Keep an eye out for Part 2, coming in the next few days. Warning, t…

1
#44 Gremlins 2 The New Batch w/ Guest Gizmo (A.J. LoCascio) 1:10:54

2+ y ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Never get them wet. Never feed them after midnight. Never go below 50. Make sure to take good care of your pet Keanus this holiday season. Special guest A.J. LoCascio (the voice of Gizmo in the upcoming HBO Max series Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai) joins us to compare Gremlins 2: The New Batch to Speed. How does this podcast even exist? Click her…

1
Fireside Chat with Maria Cornelius, Operations Manager at Spotify 1:14:43

2+ y ago1:14:43

1:14:43

During this Fireside Chat, Juney invited her guest Maria Cornelius, Operations Manager at Spotify, to talk about supporting and scaling large teams & organizations in ever-changing industries. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥: Operations Manager at Spotify. Former Business Developer and Operations Manager at Paradox Interactive. Experienced small businesses own…

1
Bonus: Slowing Things Down A Bit... 22:46

2+ y ago22:46

22:46

As the year is quickly drawing to the close, things in Lee & Chris’s work lives are heating up… We thought we’d take a minute to step away from the Collection, have a small chat about some of the films we’ve seen recently and let you all know we’re slowing things down a bit and taking a small break for a few weeks (but don’t worry, we’ll be back in…

1
Episode 295: Crazed Fruit 57:29

2+ y ago57:29

57:29

After breaking for school holidays and leaving their old teacher behind, Lee & Chris head to a small Japanese seaside community where the bump into two brothers who, while at a crossroad in their lives, are entwined in a love triangle with a married woman. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks and all sor…

1
Episode 294: The Browning Version 56:08

2+ y ago56:08

56:08

After their enlightening experience with the Franciscan monks, Lee & Chris decide to further their education by enrolling in a prestigious English boarding school where they encounter an ailing teacher reflecting back on his career during his final days of teaching. Support us on Patreon where you’ll find bonus episodes, monthly commentary tracks a…

1
#43 Stephen King's Firestarter 1:17:42

2+ y ago1:17:42

1:17:42

There's a chill in the autumn air, but we brought the fire! Join us for Stephen King's Bressonian slow cinema "classic" FIRESTARTER, starring Drew Barrymore. With special guest, the incredible Isla Hinck from Easy Allies! She helps us decide if this gem is better than SPEED, or is simply a dumpster fire. Plus, we talk MATRIX RESURRECTIONS. Happy Ha…

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