Escape Into Reality

Celluloid Man explores the rich history of Indian cinema that was partially preserved thanks to the efforts of P. K. Nair. The founder of the National Film Archive of India devoted his life to archiving at a time when there was no demand for it. Decades later, his archive continues to influence future generations of Indian film makers.

Original music by our friend Nikhil Lobo. Got thoughts or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you — reach out at [email protected].

The Imposter tells the unbelievable true story of a 23-year-old Frenchman who convinces a grieving Texas family that he’s their missing 13-year-old son. It's a case full of deception, denial, and deeper mystery — the kind of story that should make for a gripping documentary.

But does that make it a good documentary? Or is true crime a voyeuristic pleasure best left to late night television? Despite its negative connotation, true crime continues to be one of the top sub-genres and that deserves a discussion.

Original music by our friend Nikhil Lobo. Got thoughts or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you — reach out at [email protected].

Links:

I've Pretended to be 500 children by VICE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEU2R3F4Syw

"Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever" is a documentary directed by Chris Smith that explores the radical anti-aging efforts of tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson. Known for his biohacking regimen and the Blueprint protocol, Johnson is on a mission to defy aging and achieve extreme longevity.

The film traces his transformation from a successful Silicon Valley founder to a longevity pioneer investing millions in cutting-edge science to reverse aging.

In this episode, we unpack Bryan Johnson’s rigorous daily regimen, explore his controversial Blueprint lifestyle, and reflect on the philosophical questions his quest raises about mortality, self-optimization, and what it means to be human.

Original music by our friend Nikhil Lobo. Got thoughts or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you—reach out at [email protected].

Mayor is an eye-opening documentary by David Osit that attempts to portray the challenges of administering the unofficial capital of Palestine, Ramallah. The director follows mayor Musa Hadid as he struggles to keep his municipal services running following Trump's announcement of Jerusalem being recognized as the capital of Israel. Join us as we discuss the city of Ramallah, its citizens and how they persevere through this historical event.

Music by our friend, Nikhil Lobo. For feedback and/or suggestions, write to [email protected]

Links:

Promises: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0282864/

Icarus is a fascinating documentary by Bryan Fogel, and shines a light on Russia’s state-sponsored doping of its Olympic athletes. The documentary features Gregory Rodchenkov, the head of Russia’s anti-doping lab, blowing the whistle on the country’s extensive plans to provide its athletes with performance enhancers to game the Olympics in 2016. Tune in to hear a discussion on doping in sports, the role of politics in international games, and on the role the documentary played in exposing the truth.

Music by Nikhil Lobo.

For feedback and/or suggestions, write to [email protected]

They Shot the Piano Player is an innovative animated documentary by directors Javier Mariscal and Fernando Trueba, blending mystery, history, and music. The story explores the life of Francisco "Tenório" Júnior, a young Brazilian pianist from the Bossa Nova era whose life and tragic disappearance become the focal point of the narrative. Tune in to hear a discussion on the use of animation in a documentary, censorship in music and shrouding dissent, Operation Condor and its impact on ordinary apolitical citizens and of course, the life of Tenório.

Intro and outro music by our friend, Nikhil Lobo. For feedback and/or suggestions, write to [email protected]

They Shot the Piano Player - Making Of by MARISCAL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUwr384V_9s

How Brazil's Music Hid Protest Inside Harmony by Charles Cornell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXjvwQDfnTI