Screens in Focus Podcast

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.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com

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

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com

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/

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com

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

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewel

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

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com

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

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com

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

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com

Diana and Renee dive deep into Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 2, discussing intricate plot details, character relationships, and thematic elements. They also pay tribute to Gene Hackman, touching on his notable roles and his recent passing. The podcast further explores questions around protagonist Joe Leaphorn's priorities and commitments, providing rich character analysis and poignant comparisons, including Jim Chee and his connection with Bernadette. Additionally, the episode features TV and movie recommendations including Adolescence, Gross Point Garden Society, and Electric State.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:24 Remembering Gene Hackman 04:15 Question of the Day 06:16 Episode Two Overview 08:42 Leaphorn's Struggles and Supernatural Elements 16:18 Bernadette's Dangerous Path 21:16 Chee's Obsession and Investigation 23:05 Suspicious Characters and Cultural Clues 25:28 Agent Washington's Role 26:53 Analyzing Leaphorn's Strategy 27:17 Emma and the FBI Agent: A Budding Friendship? 29:22 Chee and Bernadette: Unresolved Feelings 29:51 Confirmed: Fourth Season Announcement 30:15 Joe and Emma: A Realistic Relationship 33:06 Bernadette's Professional vs. Personal Life 33:46 Joe's Emotional Struggle with the Case 37:24 The Supernatural Encounter 40:42 Spencer and the White Van Mystery 42:32 Question of the Day: Duty vs. Family 48:11 TV and Movie Recommendations 56:12 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com

In this episode of Screens in Focus, hosts Diana Leathers and Renee Hansen (site/expert editor at Undead Walking) break down the premiere of Dark Winds Season 3, Episode 1. They explore the show's captivating blend of crime drama, Navajo folklore, 70s setting, the new and returning characters. They discuss standout moments, including the use of a David Bowie song, supernatural elements, and fascinating character arcs. The conversation also expands to favorite folklore tales and TV/movie recommendations, including The Gorge, Mickey 17, Running Point, The Pitt, and 1923.

🔹 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Dark Winds Season 3

00:37 Question of the Day: Folklore Tales

01:18 Why We Love Dark Winds

03:01 Episode 1 Breakdown

06:08 Character Highlights and Analysis

08:32 Bernadette's New Role

11:26 Chee's Backstory and Trauma

11:39 Leaphorn's Struggles and Guilt

23:43 Speculations and Future Predictions

25:57 Reflecting on the 70s Vibe

26:53 Supernatural Elements and Folklore

28:17 Archaeological Discoveries and Theories

31:51 Folklore Tales and Personal Impact

36:04 TV and Movie Recommendations

47:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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

Follow and subscribe to Screens in Focus.

Website: www.screensinfocus.com

Email: [email protected]

X https://x.com/screensinfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screensinfocuspodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screensinfocus

Feedback and TV/Movie Recommendations:

Google voice (669) 223-8542‬

Free background music from JewelBeat.com: www.jewelbeat.com