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Emily and Phil continue their exploration of The Todd’s—Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—with a deep, emotional dive into Todd Field’s devastating directorial debut, In The Bedroom (2001). Joining them is critic and editor Katey Rich, bringing insight into what made this restrained, quietly explosive drama a standout of early 2000s cinema.Together, they unpack Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson’s powerhouse performances, the film’s chilling portrait of grief and middle-class rage, and how Field’s naturalistic style both subverts and elevates melodrama. They also reflect on the film's surprising Oscar run and how it signaled the arrival of a serious new voice in American filmmaking.📽️ This episode is part of our ongoing mini-series dedicated to the modern auteurs named Todd. You don’t want to miss it.Follow Katey Rich
Instagram & Twitter: @kateyrichtalking

#PodcastLikeIts2000s #InTheBedroom #ToddField #KateyRich #SissySpacek #TomWilkinson #FilmPodcast #Oscars2000s #IndieFilm #CinephileSeries #TheTodds

Phil & Emily kicks off our brand-new mini-series The Films of The Todds—a deep dive into the cinematic worlds of Todd Haynes, Todd Phillips, Todd Solondz, and Todd Field. First up? Todd Solondz’s provocatively layered and deeply uncomfortable 2001 film Storytelling.
Joining Phil & Emily is writer and pop culture commentator Rich Monahan to unpack the film’s divisive two-part structure ("Fiction" and "Non-Fiction"), its dark satirical tone, and how Solondz pushes buttons in ways that still challenge audiences today. They explore how Storytelling deals with race, exploitation, authorship, and the blurred lines between truth and narrative, all with Solondz’s signature deadpan bite.
It’s a bold and biting start to a series about four very different Todds—tune in for uncomfortable laughs, critical analysis, and one of the weirdest uses of a red box in movie history.
🎧 Let the Todd chaos begin.
Follow Rich Monahan:

• Instagram: @richmonahan

#Storytelling #ToddSolondz #PodcastLikeIts2000s #TheTodds #RichMonahan #IndieCinema #2000sMovies #DarkComedy #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast

Phil and Emily are kicking off their new mini-series The Films of “The Todds”—a deep dive into the wildly different worlds of Todd Haynes, Todd Phillips, Todd Solondz, and Todd Field. And what better way to start than with one of the most chaotic, irreverent, and painfully 2000s comedies: Road Trip (2000).
Joining them for this raunchy, college-era nostalgia fest is film critic David Ehrlich (IndieWire), who helps break down the film’s R-rated antics, surprisingly tight script, and why Tom Green is the ultimate agent of chaos. Plus, they’re joined by special guest Amy Smart for a bonus interview, where she reflects on her experience making the movie and the 2000s comedy boom.
Get ready for gross-out gags, dorm room disasters, and a trip down memory lane with the ultimate party movie that defined a generation.
BONUS: Phil sits down with actress Amy Smart to reflect on her early career, from the chaos of Road Trip to the over-the-top antics of Starsky & Hutch. They dive into the wild world of 2000s comedy, the pressure of filming iconic scenes, and the unique challenges of being the “straight person” in movies full of larger-than-life characters like Tom Green and Ben Stiller.Amy shares behind-the-scenes stories about navigating fratty set environments, balancing TV and film work, and the surreal experience of going from indie darling to mainstream star. Plus, she reveals the surprising connection between Todd Phillips and Quentin Tarantino that even die-hard fans might not know.

🎧 Buckle up for the first stop on the road to The Todds—it’s going to be a wild ride!
Follow David Ehrlich:

• Instagram: @davidehrlich
• Bluesky: @davidehrlich.bsky.social

#RoadTrip #PodcastLikeIts2000s #DavidEhrlich #AmySmart #ToddPhillips #2000sComedies #TheTodds #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #CollegeComedy #Nostalgia

Phil and Emily are wrapping up their dive into Beyoncé’s films of the 2000s mini series with the wild, over-the-top thriller Obsessed (2009). Joining them for this high-stakes finale are Sidney Butler and Austin Harris, ready to break down the campy chaos of this Beyoncé vs. Ali Larter showdown.From glass-shattering catfights to wildly intense stares, they unpack why Obsessed became a cult classic for messy movie lovers and why it holds a special place in Beyoncé’s filmography. They also explore the film’s place in the Fatal Attraction–inspired thriller boom, Idris Elba’s “perfect husband” energy, and the pure, unhinged joy of watching Queen Bey throw someone down a flight of stairs.Is it a misunderstood thriller or a perfectly executed piece of camp? Tune in for this hilarious and fiery discussion to find out!🎧 Don’t miss the finale of our Beyoncé’s films of the 2000s mini series.Follow Sidney & Austin:

• Sidney: @sidneynbutler
• Austin: @austinsharris

#Obsessed #PodcastLikeIts2000s #Beyonce #SidneyButler #AustinHarris #ThrillerMovies #CultClassics #BeyonceInMovies #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a deep dive into the 2008 musical biopic Cadillac Records, and they’re joined by writer and film critic Mike Natale to help unpack this rich (and underrated) chapter in Queen Bey’s acting career.
Beyoncé stars as the legendary Etta James in this chronicle of Chess Records and the rise of American blues and rock ’n’ roll. The trio explores her powerful performance, the film’s incredible music, and its blend of historical drama and star-studded musical storytelling.
They also discuss the film’s place in the biopic boom of the 2000s, Beyoncé’s evolution as both a dramatic actress and executive producer, and why Cadillac Records deserves more attention as a key turning point in her screen career.
🎧 A soulful, layered episode for movie and music lovers alike!
Follow Mike Natale:

• Instagram: @snarkbuddies
• Bluesky: @mikenatale.bsky.social

#CadillacRecords #Beyonce #EttaJames #PodcastLikeIts2000s #MikeNatale #MusicalBiopics #ChessRecords #2000sCinema #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast #BeyonceInMovies

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with the crown jewel of her early film career: Dreamgirls (2006). Joining them is the immensely talented actress and singer Barrett Doss (Station 19, Iron Fist), bringing her Broadway perspective to a dazzling conversation about one of the most ambitious movie musicals of the 2000s.They dive into Beyoncé’s transformation into Deena Jones, Jennifer Hudson’s powerhouse performance, and how the film navigates fame, friendship, and the cost of ambition. From Bill Condon’s glossy direction to the unforgettable music, this episode unpacks the legacy of Dreamgirls and what it meant for Beyoncé’s evolution as both a performer and a movie star.Get ready for high notes, behind-the-scenes tea, and a deep appreciation of the film that brought “And I Am Telling You” back into cultural consciousness.Follow Barrett Doss:

• Instagram: @dontgo_jasonwaterfalls

#Dreamgirls #Beyonce #JenniferHudson #PodcastLikeIts2000s #BarrettDoss #MovieMusicals #2000sCinema #BeyonceInMovies #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a dive into 2006’s slapstick reboot The Pink Panther! Joining them are returning guests Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson from Queer Quadrant, ready to unpack the chaotic energy of Steve Martin’s Inspector Clouseau—and Beyoncé’s role as the glamorous pop star turned murder suspect, Xania.
They discuss the film’s cartoonish tone, Martin’s commitment to physical comedy, and how Beyoncé brings surprising poise and presence to a film that’s very much doing the most. Is this the moment her movie-star persona fully crystallized? Or just a glittery detour on the way to Dreamgirls?
From cringe-y accents to unforgettable pink gowns, this episode is a fun, fast-paced look at a film that’s as messy as it is memorable.
🎧 Tune in for laughs, nostalgia, and a dash of 2000s chaos.Follow Brooke & Jordan (Queer Quadrant):

• Instagram: @thequeerquadrant
• Twitter: @QueerQuadrant

#ThePinkPanther #Beyonce #PodcastLikeIts2000s #QueerQuadrant #SteveMartin #2000sComedy #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast #BeyonceInMovies

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with 2003’s The Fighting Temptations! Joining them is pop culture writer and critic Louis Peitzman, who helps break down this feel-good gospel comedy starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé in one of her first major film roles.
They dive into the movie’s blend of music, faith, and small-town charm, Beyoncé’s effortless charisma on screen, and how The Fighting Temptations fits into her early career as she transitioned from Destiny’s Child superstar to a full-fledged cultural icon. Plus, they unpack the film’s stacked supporting cast (Faith Evans! Angie Stone! The O'Jays!) and ask the important question: is this secretly one of Beyoncé’s most underrated movies?
Join us for a joyful, music-filled conversation about choir competitions, early-2000s fashion, and the making of a legend. 🎧✨Follow Louis Peitzman:

• Instagram: @louispeitzman
• Bluesky: @louispeitzman.bsky.social

#TheFightingTemptations #Beyonce #PodcastLikeIts2000s #LouisPeitzman #GospelMovies #Early2000s #MovieMusicals #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #BeyonceInMovies

We’re kicking off our brand-new Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a groovy start: Austin Powers in Goldmember! Phil and Emily are joined by writer, comedian, and Beyoncé superfan Akilah Hughes to break down Queen Bey’s feature film debut as the iconic Foxxy Cleopatra.From Mike Myers’ chaotic brand of early-2000s comedy to Beyoncé’s effortless star power, we dive into how Goldmember captured a cultural moment—and how Beyoncé completely stole the show. We also unpack the movie’s outrageous gags, surprisingly stacked cast, and whether the Austin Powers franchise still holds up today (spoiler: it’s complicated).Is Goldmember the ultimate time capsule of early-2000s pop culture? And how did it hint at Beyoncé’s massive future in film and music? Tune in for a hilarious and nostalgic conversation to find out!Follow Akilah Hughes:

• Instagram: @akilahh
• Bluesky: @akilahh.bsky.social

#Goldmember #AustinPowers #Beyonce #PodcastLikeIts2000s #AkilahHughes #FoxxyCleopatra #2000sComedy #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #BeyonceInMovies

Surprise, Swifties and sleuths! For our April Fools’ bonus episode, Phil and Emily hit pause on the movie talk to investigate one of the most unexpected pop culture crossovers of the 2000s: Taylor Swift’s guest appearance on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation—yes, really.
In this chaotic and deeply unserious deep dive, we break down the 2009 episode “Turn, Turn, Turn,” where Taylor plays a rebellious teen who journals, wears eyeliner, and may or may not be involved in a murder. We discuss her acting chops (or lack thereof), how this episode somehow turns into a montage of three separate crimes, and why this CSI arc feels like a Black Mirror episode we hallucinated.
Along the way, we spiral into discussions about Cats, Les Misérables, My Chemical Romance, and the long-lost dream of Gaylor. If you’ve ever wanted to hear two film nerds try to unpack goth Taylor Swift getting murdered with scissors on CBS primetime… this is the episode for you.

#CSI #TaylorSwift #TurnTurnTurn #PodcastLikeIts2000s #AprilFools #SwiftTok #CSITaylorSwift #Gaylor #CatsMovie #PopCulturePodcast #EmilyAndPhilLoseIt #CrimeProceduralChaos