In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana is joined by Sam to break down Dead City Season 2, Episode 3 — and it’s a big one! From Hershel’s vulnerable headspace to Maggie’s emotional crossroads, Negan’s shifting morality, and the strange new Central Park community, they dive into it all.

(Heads up: There’s a brief audio glitch in the first few seconds — just a little tech hiccup! It clears up quickly, so stay with us!)

The episode kicks off with listener feedback and a fun conversation on how music affects emotional moments in TV and film (Casper fans, we see you 👀). Diana and Sam dive deep into key themes, including Dama’s manipulation of Hershel, Maggie’s struggle to parent while navigating a hostile world, and how past sins—especially Negan’s—continue to shape the group’s future. Plus, they touch on fascinating callbacks to the OG Walking Dead series and wrap it all up with lightning round reactions, fascinating moments, and some great TV/movie recs: Duster, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Murderbot and more! 

00:00 Introduction and Listener Shoutout 01:52 Reflections on Music and Emotions 04:00 Community and Podcast Connections 05:56 Question of the Day: Central Park Animals 06:40 Hershel's Headspace and Dama's Manipulation 14:50 Maggie's Crossroads and Challenges 18:42 Negan's Morality and Relationships 23:33 Community Check-In: Central Park Crew 29:07 Character Analysis and Story Arcs 29:45 Lightning Round: Gut Reactions and Favorite Lines 31:19 Fascinating Elements and Theories 34:41 Callbacks to The Walking Dead 37:13 Question of the Day: Animals in Central Park 40:28 TV and Movie Recommendations 49:03 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of Screens and Focus, Diana and Sam return to dive into The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2, Episode 2. They unpack the layered themes of beauty and brutality, symbolized by the tragic death of artist Victor and what it reveals about the world and its characters. The conversation also explores betrayal, parental dynamics, and the strategic choices of Maggie and Negan. The episode closes with reflections on the emotional weight of music in a violent world, reactions to The Last of Us, and a few standout TV and movie picks—including The Stolen Girl, The Studio, Captain America: Brave New World, Babygirl, and Companion. This one is filled with deep emotion, smart insight, and a shared love of storytelling.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:04 The Power of Music in a Violent World

01:09 Victor's Death and Its Symbolism

07:28 Negan and Maggie's Leadership Challenges

10:22 Herschel's Suspicious Actions

11:47 Fire Bombs and Strategic Moves

13:45 Parental Roles in an Apocalypse

18:42 Trust and Betrayal

25:34 Excitement for Central Park and Zombie Animals

26:08 Benjamin's Survival and DAMA's Actions

28:15 Art in the Apocalypse

30:52 Classical Music and Emotional Connections

38:02 TV and Movie Recommendations 

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbN0nX61rIs

Ceremonials : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyLqVFSBpxo

Bach- Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prélude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1prweT95Mo0

Barber: Adagio for Strings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAoLJ8GbA4Y

Beethoven: Ode an die Freude/Ode to Joy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kcOpyM9cBg

Vivaldi - The Four Seasons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxofEmo3HA

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In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana and Sam dive into the long-awaited return of The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2. They revisit where we left off nearly two years ago, refresh listeners on key characters, and unpack major storylines featuring Negan, Maggie, and Hershel.

They pose the philosophical question of whether one can fake being a villain without becoming one again. Plus, they introduce the show’s intriguing new characters, break down power struggles between Manhattan and the Babylon Federation, and speculate about what’s ahead. The episode wraps with fresh TV and movie recs, including The Last of Us, You, The Righteous Gemstones, and more.

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Diana and Renee dive into the gripping Season 3 finale of Dark Winds, titled Béésh Łį́į́ (Iron Horse). They break down the emotional confrontations, character growth, and stunning moments that brought the season to a close.

Joe and Chee’s intense showdown at the train station takes center stage, while Bernadette’s arc shows her strength and independence — proving she didn’t need anyone to save her. Diana and Renee also reflect on the season’s themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal reckoning.

You’ll also hear about an exciting Walking Dead convention, personal stories about life’s small pivotal moments, and why telling Native stories deeply matters.

Plus, they wrap up with thoughtful insights and TV and movie recommendations to keep your watchlist fresh.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Podcast Updates

00:29 – Walking Dead Convention Highlights

02:18 – Dark Winds Season Finale Discussion

03:17 – Bernadette's Storyline and Character Development

06:30 – Joe and Chee's Showdown at the Train Station

14:10 – Themes of Heartbreak and Healing

26:39 – Season Recap and Future Expectations

27:48 – Excitement for the Next Season

28:35 – Reflecting on the Season’s Success

31:09 – Question of the Day: Small Moments, Big Impact

35:36 – TV and Movie Recommendations

37:59 – The Last of Us Discussion

43:14 – More TV and Movie Recommendations

48:22 – Renee’s Writing and Final Thoughts

TV & Movie Recs We Mentioned:

• Running Point (Netflix)

• Missing You (Netflix)

• The Glass Dome (Netflix)

• Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV)

• The Last of Us (Max)

• The Stolen Girl (Hulu/Freeform)

• Good Girls (Netflix)

• The Accountant 2 (In Theaters)

• The Last Stop in Yuma County (Paramount+)

• Havoc (Netflix)

Renee Hansen:  https://linktr.ee/renee.hansen  https://reneehansen.journoportfolio.com                        

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Diana and Renee dive into the emotional depths and rising tensions of the penultimate episode of Dark Winds Season 3. In Episode 7, truths emerge, loyalties fracture, and powerful bonds—both tested and unbreakable—come into focus. They explore Joe and Chee’s evolving brotherhood, Emma’s quiet but fierce loyalty, and Bernadette’s betrayal by those she trusted most.

As the finale looms, bold predictions fly—from a train station standoff to who might come to Bern’s rescue. Plus, they share standout TV and movie picks like Ransom Canyon, The Bondsman, and Sinners.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:54 Q of the Day!

01:22 Key Moments and Revelations

03:31 Character Dynamics and Relationships

08:47 Bernadette’s Struggles and Betrayal

16:31 Emma’s Emotional Journey

24:32 Loyalty and Betrayal Explored

25:41 Character Growth and Journeys

27:47 Speculations and Theories

32:02  Predictions for the Finale

33:47 TV and Movie Recommendations

44:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Crossroads Sweet Melissa Greg Allman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I89v-OFRm5Q

Gallows Pole Led Zeppelin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmxaT37yeOs

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In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee Hansen break down Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 6, “Ábidoo’niidę́ę́ (What We Had Been Told).” They explore Joe Leaphorn’s haunting, a dreamlike journey — where past trauma, Navajo legend, and present-day reckoning unfold in parallel, colliding in a powerful episode.

They discuss the emotional weight of the episode, themes of memory suppression and cultural storytelling, and the care taken in portraying childhood trauma — both on screen and behind the scenes. Plus, they wrap up with some favorite TV and movie recommendations you won’t want to miss.

🎬 TV & Movie Recommendations:

• The Pitt – We LOVED this one! Noah Wyle!
• Warfare – Intense, raw and unforgettable.
• The Pulse –Renee still on the fence with this one. 
• Black Mirror (select episodes) – Always worth diving into

00:00 Introduction and Question of the Day

00:57 Episode Overview and Initial Impressions

03:13 Key Points and Revelations

08:58 Themes and Emotional Impact

16:33 Cultural Aspects and Symbolism

22:25 Speculations on the Mysterious Character

22:47 Ketamine and Its Implications

25:15 Analyzing Joe's Journey

26:37 Director's Insights and Inspirations

28:14 Question of the Day: Dreams and Real Life Pain

30:57 TV and Movie Recommendations

40:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Variety Article - https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/dark-winds-episode-6-joe-leaphorn-fever-dream-david-lynch-1236342931/

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In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana and Renee kick things off with a heartfelt tribute to Val Kilmer, honoring his unforgettable performances in Top Gun, The Doors, Tombstone, and more.

They then dive into Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 5—an episode packed with emotional weight, major reveals, and some seriously intense moments. From Joe’s deepening guilt and spiritual crisis, to Emma’s powerful ultimatum, and Chee’s soulful spiral, there’s a lot to unpack. They explore the symbolism of the "monster," the idea of finding balance on the pollen road, and the tension between justice and morality.

You’ll also hear about key investigations, surprising relationship shifts, a little musical moment from Chee, and suspicions around Ivan. And as always, Diana and Renee bring their thoughtful insights, humor, and a few fun recommendations to wrap things up

00:00 – Introduction and Welcome 00:28 – Honoring Val Kilmer 04:05 – Question of the Day: 70s Songs That Hit You in the Feels 04:48 – Diving into Dark Winds: Episode 5 Overview 06:23 – Key Highlights and Analysis 08:40 – Character Deep Dive: Joe and Emma 14:54 – Investigations and Clues 20:51 – Comic Relief and Emotional Moments 23:43 – Singing Along with the Show 23:59 – Character Dynamics and Emotional Moments 25:01 – Uncovering the Mystery 26:07 – Supernatural or Human? 29:03 – Complex Relationships and Backstories 30:41 – Theories and Speculations 36:26 – Episode Wrap-Up and Viewer Engagement 38:47 – TV and Movie Recommendations

Make It With You -Bread- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0KXV0gB0dw

Superstar The Carpenters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJmmaIGiGBg

You Light Up My Life Debby Boone - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOShEUn0aA4

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Diana and Renee celebrate Rex Manning (April 8th) Day by discussing the cult classic film Empire Records, which grew in popularity after its 1995 release. They share personal traditions, fun facts about the film, and highlight its iconic cast, including Renée Zellweger and Liv Tyler. The conversation also touches on Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, with each sharing a favorite Nirvana song in tribute. Whether you’re a fan of ’90s culture, music, or nostalgic films, this mini-episode offers a fun and heartfelt look at Empire Records and its lasting impact.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Rex Manning Day 00:38 Empire Records: A Cult Classic 01:18 Renee's Personal Connection to Rex Manning Day 02:17 Diana's First Impressions of Empire Records 03:45 Fun Facts About the Film 08:49 Nirvana and Kurt Cobain Tribute 10:42 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of Screens in Focus, Diana Leathers and Renee Hansen break down Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 4, "Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)." They dive into the most intense moments, key character shifts, and the chilling supernatural undertones of the episode. The tension between Joe and Emma reaches new heights, Chee and Bernadette dig deeper into the investigation, and eerie mysteries continue to unfold.

Plus, they explore a thought-provoking Question of the Day, analyze power struggles, and share their latest TV & movie recommendations—including Mob Land, The Residence, and The Studio.

🔹 Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview 00:41 Question of the Day 01:17 Episode Highlights & Key Moments 02:41 Character Dynamics & Developments 06:44 Speculations & Theories 18:16 Themes & Relationships 23:56 Deeper Character Analysis 24:57 More Speculations & Theories 26:23 Emotional Impact & Performances 28:41 Power & Control 30:05 Unresolved Mysteries 34:37 Revisiting the Question of the Day 36:50 TV & Movie Recommendations:

• Mob Land (Paramount+)

• Marie Antoinette (PBS)

• Happy Face (Paramount+)

• The Boston Strangler (Hulu)

• The Studio (Apple TV+) – Seth Rogen is HILARIOUS!

• The Residence (Netflix)

• The Last of Us (S1 rewatch)

• The Life List (Netflix)

48:00 Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

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In this episode of Screens in Focus Podcast, Diana and Renee dive into Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 3. They explore Joe’s haunting guilt and its impact on his wife, Emma, Bernadette’s bold investigation, and the rising tension as the FBI closes in. They discuss the eerie concept of ghost sickness—sharing personal experiences—and speculate on how the show’s mysteries might connect. The shocking discovery by Chee of Bernadette’s photo raises new questions, hinting that everything is more connected than it seems. Plus, they break down subtle clues, question how Joe can escape the law, and share TV and movie recommendations like Severance, Adolescence, and Sing Sing.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:20 Question of the Day: Ghost Sickness

01:39 Upcoming Premieres

02:54 Dark Winds Episode 3: Initial Thoughts

04:21 Episode Highlights: Vine's Body and Joe's Guilt

13:31 Bernadette's Bold Moves

20:06 Cultish Drug House and Red Truck Mystery

33:45 Analyzing Relationships and Character Dynamics

35:35 Speculations and Theories on Plot Developments

44:47 Question of the Day: Do Spirits Affect the Living?

51:09 TV and Movie Recommendations

01:01:44 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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