NSX returns to catch up with Sean Frackowiak. This time, Sean suggested FOUR LIONS, a bleak but riotous comedy dealing with young British men attempting to operate a terrorist cell. In addition, Christopher and Sean discuss recent films, including THE NAKED GUN, SUPERMAN, THE FANTASTIC FOUR, HONEY DON'T, and WEAPONS!

Comedian and Screenwriter Dave Sirus (King of Staten Island, Bupkis, SNL) joins NSX for a discussion of early superhero film, MYSTERY MEN. Discussion includes: Paul Reubens and the recent documentary Pee-Wee as Himself, what doesn't work in superhero films and comedy, and a deep discussion of how one director of commercials got very over his head.

Sean Frackowiak returns to help Christopher find a number of exciting horror films for his holiday weekend. Films discussed include: Insidious Inferno, Tumbbad, Hatching, Cronos, The Lure, The Loved Ones, Curandero, Uzumaki, Skinamarink, Impetigore, Kill List, and You Are Not My Mother.

Next Stop Xanadu returns, with Christopher speaking to playwright and screenwriter Justin Sherin about Martin Scorsese's new film Killers of the Flower Moon, the historical saga of murder and greed against the Osage Nation. Discussion includes: Martin Scorsese as a champion of cinema, the limitations of genre, and Scorsese's thematic obsessions with sin and greed.

Next Stop Xanadu's own Sean Frackowiak takes Christopher to a place he's never been -- The Dark Backward! While our host cringes and crawls through this thoroughly uncomfortable movie, hear him and Sean discuss: The unpleasantness of living in a trash-strewn hellscape; the genius of Wayne Newton; the implosion of HBO MAX -- and much, much more. Content warning: The film discussed features unpleasant scenes dealing with sexual abuse, self-harm, and other difficult topics. Listener discretion is advised.

Next Stop Xanadu meets Dr. Tonya Crombie, who helps parents raising children with anxiety issues. Together, they join the Hunt for the Wilderpeople, enjoying Taika Waititi's uproarious comedy about an unconventional guardian and his foster child. Topics include: The fears of parenting, the benefits of open-hearted love, why people don't mind spoilers about dogs, and how parents can be effective advocates for their children during highly emotional situations. Program note: the school shooting in Uvalde, TX is briefly discussed. Dr. Crombie on the web: https://guidanceforthefuture.com/

NEXT STOP XANADU returns with writer Lisa Boucher to discuss her book Raising the Bottom, a deep look at women and drinking culture in America. In addition to several years of her own recovery, Lisa has worked as a registered nurse and volunteered inside America's prison system. We talk to her about those experiences and more. Discussions include: Stephen King, master of horror. How COVID changed America's relationship with alcohol. Do non-violent offenders with addiction issues really belong in prison?

Lisa Boucher books: https://lisaboucherauthor.com/

NEXT STOP XANADU speaks to a candidate for U.S. Congress in Alaska's Special Election on June 11. Santa Claus (his legal name) is a city councilman and mayor pro tem from North Pole, AK, and he's running an unusual campaign. We talk to him about his many qualifications, working in government and for the public in a number of capacities over his long and varied career. We'll also ask him what it's like to be Santa all the time. Discussion includes: Leading with love and kindness. Jack Albertson was a down-to-earth guy. Santa's life as a bouncer in New York City. And: the difference between Kris Kringle and Santa Claus explained.

NEXT STOP XANADU returns with Texan media maven Sean Frackowiak for a look at the Zack Snyder's updated and expanded superhero epic. Discussion includes: Does Snyder know how to end a film, or is there something else at work? Joker Fatigue. The potential for Zack Snyder Biblical Epics. How Batfleck wasn't as bad as all of that. Also: an extended discussion of Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN.

NEXT STOP XANADU talks with Lawrence J. Haas, author of "The Kennedys in the World: How Jack, Bobby, and Ted Remade America's Empire". Our selected film is DARKEST HOUR with Gary Oldman starring as Winston Churchill. Discussions include: The influence of Churchill on the Kennedy brothers, the failings of biopics, and the parallels between historical events and current events.

Read Lawrence J. Haas' books: https://bookshop.org/books?keywords=lawrence+j+haas