Salt Lake Dirt

Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome author Ben Tanzer. His novel The Missing will be released on March 21 on 7.13 Books.

With a narrative that alternates between the perspectives of both husband and wife, The Missing offers a raw and intimate look at the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Tune in as Ben shares the inspiration behind his characters, the challenges of writing dual narratives, and the poignant moments that bridge the gap between fiction and reality.

Today on the show I welcome Melissa Shapiro. Melissa is a veterinarian, author, and animal advocate. Her life changed when, along with her husband Warren, they adopted a one pound deaf-blind puppy named Piglet.

We talk about her journey with Piglet, from fostering to creating an educational movement. I was fascinated to hear how Piglet's challenges became a source of strength, leading to a memoir, a children's book and a nonprofit dedicated to teaching resilience and inclusivity (⁠⁠Piglet Mindset).

Amazing chat!

Thanks for listening.

Kyler

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Episode Links:

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SLD Podcast Info:

Today I welcome writer and musician Tara Giancaspro. I had a blast talking with Tara about her writing process, the pros and cons of Substack, and how she unexpectedly began creating music.

Great chat! Thanks for listening.

Kyler

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Artist Bio:

Tara Giancaspro is the creator of xoxo Gossip Giancaspro, a weekly Substack including personal essays, pop culture commentary, and the various and sundry of her silly little life. She has released music under the name Sweaty Lamarr, available to stream everywhere, including "Abbey, I'm Sorry I Stole Your Man," a Jolene sequel from Jolene's perspective. She has been published in Wig-Wag Mag and Drunk Monkeys Literary, is a Cancer sun, and got bit by a

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Episode Links:

Subscribe to Tara's Substack

Twitter: @SweatyLamarr

IG: @SweatLamarr

Today I welcome back actor, writer, and director Alison Rich to the show. Her short film Pathological recently screened at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. When I heard that Alison had another film at Sundance (previously Training Wheels in 2022) I made it a priority to check it out.

The short film is hilarious and thought provoking. I look forward to more projects from Alison in the future.

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Logline:

A compulsive liar's fabrications suddenly come to life, confronting her with the fantastical reality she created through deception.

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Episode Links:

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SLD Podcast Info:

2024 Slamdance Film Festival

**THE DEATH TOUR**

One of SLD's Top Picks this Year!

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Step behind the scenes of the documentary film The Death Tour. Today's episode offers a front-row seat to the passion, pain, and glory of a wrestling tour like no other. Hear directly from the creators and wrestling icons who bared their souls on screen, discussing the film's inception, the emotional bonds formed with communities, and the indomitable spirit that drives them to perform in the harshest conditions. It's a testament to the spirit of wrestling and the power of storytelling that transcends the screen.

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Synopsis:

Each winter, a gang of professional wrestlers leaves Winnipeg on a

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Episode Links:

DeathTourDoc.com

Film Trailer

IG: @deathtourdoc

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Guests on this Episode:

Today on the show I welcome filmmaker and photographer Ilya Popenko. His film Roll Bus Roll: A Jeffrey Lewis Documentary is one of my top picks from both Sundance and Slamdance this year. If you have the chance to see this film in person (or through the Slamdance Channel), please do so. I highly recommend it!

Thanks for listening!

Kyler

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Synopsis:

Roll Bus Roll casts an eye at the life and art of Jeffrey Lewis, one of the most prominent musicians associated with NYC's anti-folk scene.The film opens with an exploration of the anti-folk, offering a glimpse into the unique movement that challenges traditional folk conventions. Then the viewer follows Jeffrey on tour, across cities and continents. Jeffrey, is a self-deprecating genius, introduced through contrasting narratives: his own modest self-assessment, and the views of fans and fellow artists such as Adam Green.The documentary reaches its emotional climax as Jeffrey opens up about a lost love, revealing his mental health struggles that impacted his relationship.

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SLAMDANCE Screenings:

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Episode Links:

Join us with filmmaker Giuseppe Garau, whose feature film, L'Incidente (The Accident), had its North American premiere at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Discover the enthralling narrative of a single mother's transformation through loss and resilience, captured through the lens of traditional film—without the safety net of modern technology. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative mind that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, the courage it takes to trust in the unseen, and the universal threads that connect audiences across the globe.

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Synopsis:

After being fired, Marcella, a gentle hearted mother going through separation, buys a tow truck; she gets trapped deeper and deeper in a cynical and aggressive world until a terrible opportunity shines in front of her.

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Episode Links:

Film Trailer

Film Website

IG: @storiadelfantasma

Slamdance Tickets

Episode 227: Interview with Filmmakers/Cast of Daruma

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Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking journey of Daruma, a film that defies conventional storytelling by featuring two leads with disabilities in a narrative about the human condition. Join Kyler Bingham at Slamdance 2024 as he sits down with the passionate team behind this cinematic marvel. Discover the emotional roller-coaster from conception to the screen, the authentic casting triumphs, and the industry barriers shattered along the way. This episode is not just a behind-the-scenes look; it's a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and the relentless spirit of independent filmmaking.

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Synopsis:

Daruma follows PATRICK (wheelchair user) who discovers he has a

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Episode Links:

Linktree: @darumamovie

IG: @darumamovie

Slamdance Info

GUESTS:

Alexander Yellen (Director/Cinematographer)

John W. Lawson (Actor)

Kelli McNeil-Yellen (Writer/Producer)

Abigail Hawk (Actor/Associate Producer)

Marc Dahlstrom (First Assistant Director)

Lauren Appelbaum: (RespectAbility - Non Profit Organization)

One of my favorite films from Slamdance this year is All I've Got & Then Some. While in Park City I had the chance to talk to the creative team behind the film. Rasheed Stephens and Tehben Dean join me to talk about how the film came about and their experience so far at Slamdance.

Great film, great chat!

Thanks for listening.

Kyler

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Synopsis:

Based on a true story, All I've Got & Then Some follows a day in the life of Rasheed, a homeless stand-up comedian living out of his car in Los Angeles, giving everything he’s got to make his dreams come true.

Having booked his first paid stand-up gig, this day is special for Rasheed, but what should be a smooth day quickly turns into a circus of events that could ruin his shot at getting his first big break.

Supported by his best friend Rose, Rasheed stumbles through the untimely and often bizarre twists and turns of the day as he criss-crosses Hollywood, relentlessly reminding us that each day can be the best day of our lives.

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Episode Links:

On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt we are live at the Slamdance Film Festival, where the film African Giants is making waves. Hear from the creative forces, Omar S.Kamara (writer/director/producer) and Leo Blumberg-Woll (producer), as they reveal the inspiration behind their film's authentic dialogue and the intense casting process that found "the Ugandan Marlon Brando." Explore the challenges and triumphs of indie filmmaking, from securing a unique house location to the emotional resonance of their Slamdance premiere. This is a behind-the-scenes look at indie cinema that you won't want to miss.

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Synopsis:

Alhaji (28), an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles, is visited for a weekend by his younger brother, Sheku (25), a law student. Unknown to Alhaji, Sheku has come with a specific intention: to reveal the secret that he will be dropping out of law school and moving to LA to pursue acting, just like his older brother. Over the course of the weekend the brother’s relationship is tested and tensions rise as they converse about a variety of subjects with differing views and life philosophies. Alhaji pushes back on Sheku’s newfound dream as the facade of his own life begins to show. When bad news leads Alhaji to put himself in a

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Episode Links:

PURCHASE Slamdance Tickets

Omar's Website

IG: @africangiantsfilm

IG: @oskamara

IG: @lennyynardo