Think film noir is all detectives and femme fatales? Think again. Kristy and Jeff trade daylight for streetlights as they slip into the smoky, shadowy world of Noirvember — a month-long celebration of crime, cynicism, and cinematic style. From doomed lovers to desperate antiheroes, this episode proves that in film noir, everyone’s guilty of something. 

🎬 Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and movies that linger long after the credits roll — no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover and noir obsessive) dive deep into the films that help define the noir genre. From shadow-drenched classics to hardboiled neo-noirs, they explore how filmmakers keep reinventing the art of darkness. 

Together, they unpack why noir endures — the fatalism, the shadows, the flawed humanity — and how its influence stretches into today’s indie thrillers. Whether it’s a desperate detective, a femme fatale, or a bad decision in the rain, this episode celebrates the beauty of bad choices and the allure of life in black and white. 

So, grab a drink, pull up your collar, and stream these noir treasures on Kanopy — where every frame tells a secret. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 

🎞️ Episode Highlights 

03:35 — M (1931) 

Kristy kicks off with Fritz Lang’s haunting masterpiece — a proto-noir that turned shadow into storytelling. From its chilling sound design to Peter Lorre’s unforgettable performance, M proves that true terror needs no gore, just guilt. 

07:13 — The Hitch-Hiker (1953) 

Jeff hits the road with Ida Lupino’s stripped-down, high-tension thriller — one of the first noir films directed by a woman. Two friends, one gunman, and a desert that feels endless. Minimalism has never been this menacing. 

11:56 — Bound (1996) 

Kristy rewires the genre with the Wachowskis’ sizzling debut. Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon’s chemistry is electric in this lesbian neo-noir about love, loyalty, and robbing the mob. Dangerous curves ahead. 

15:49 — Thief (1981) 

Jeff heads to Chicago for Michael Mann’s neon-drenched heist film starring James Caan. A master safecracker dreams of going straight — until the underworld pulls him back in. Moody, meticulous, and magnetic. 

19:40 — Winter’s Bone (2010) 

Kristy trades the city for the Ozarks in Debra Granik’s haunting modern noir. Jennifer Lawrence’s breakout performance anchors a bleak, beautiful story of family, fear, and survival in the shadows. 

23:11 — Gone Baby Gone (2007) 

Jeff closes with Ben Affleck’s morally murky debut — a Boston noir where every choice feels like a sin. Casey Affleck, Amy Ryan, and Ed Harris deliver a story that asks: what’s right when everything’s wrong? 

Think musicals are all jazz hands and happy endings? Think again. Kristy and Jeff pull back the curtain on movie musicals that hit every note — from campy cult sequels and chaotic rock operas to soulful folk tales and parody perfection. It’s a cinematic sing-along for anyone who’s ever belted out a showtune in the shower. 

🎬 Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and movies that linger in your mind long after the credits roll — no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, karaoke enthusiast, and part-time jazz-hand practitioner) dive into the dazzling, unpredictable world of movie musicals. From the rebellious to the romantic — and the downright ridiculous — they’ve curated a lineup that proves this genre is anything but one-note. 

Jeff starts the show on a high note with Grease 2, the gloriously campy sequel that deserves more love, before diving into the punk-rock chaos of Her Smell and the psychedelic Beatles fantasia Across the Universe. 

Kristy counters with a trio of wild showstoppers: Mel Brooks’ original The Producers (a biting Broadway satire that started it all), the Coen brothers’ bittersweet folk odyssey Inside Llewyn Davis, and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, a hilariously off-key biopic that turns parody into pure art. 

Together, they explore why musicals keep us coming back — the emotion, the excess, and the thrill of stories that can only be told through song. Whether it’s Michelle Pfeiffer bowling in heels, Oscar Isaac singing through heartbreak, or Daniel Radcliffe shredding on accordion, this episode celebrates the strange and spectacular side of the musical. 

So, tune up your vocal cords, warm up those jazz hands, and stream these toe-tapping treasures on Kanopy — no stage fright required. 

🎤 Big feelings. Bold voices. Zero tuition required. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 

Think you’ve seen it all when it comes to horror? Think again. Kristy and Jeff open the crypt to explore some of Kanopy’s creepiest, most unforgettable scares — from haunted Airbnbs and cursed convents to zombie trains and demonic detectives. It’s a cinematic séance for the film-obsessed. 

🎬 Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and movies that linger in your mind long after the credits roll — no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, horror junkie, and lifelong Halloween enthusiast) celebrate spooky season the only way they know how: with a full-blown Fright Fest. From psychological slow-burns to international nightmares, they’ve handpicked a lineup that proves the best horror isn’t always found at the box office. 

Kristy kicks things off with The Rental — Dave Franco’s chilling home-invasion debut — and the unstoppable terror of Train to Busan, the South Korean zombie masterpiece that redefined the genre. She rounds things out with Oddity, a mind-bending Irish folk horror about loss, superstition, and one unforgettable wooden golem. 

Jeff brings his own twisted delights: the religious psychodrama Immaculate starring Sydney Sweeney, the Turkish descent-into-hell nightmare Baskin, and the criminally underrated Exorcist III, a late sequel that’s smarter, scarier, and far more unsettling than anyone remembers. 

Together, they dissect what makes horror so addictive — the tension, the catharsis, and the universal joy of being scared out of your mind. 

So dim the lights, grab your garlic popcorn, and stream these frightful favorites on Kanopy — if you dare. 

💀 Real scares. Cult classics. Zero tuition required. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

🍿 Why Animation Matters 

Think animation is “just for kids”? Kristy and Jeff unpack why this medium often tells stories live action never could. Turning a dismembered hand into a hero, retelling true crime with emotional clarity, or weaving folklore into modern storytelling. 

🎬 Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and movies that linger in your mind long after the credits roll - no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, animation admirer, and self-proclaimed nostalgia junkie) dive into the endlessly creative world of animation. From eerie stop-motion nightmares to hand-drawn Irish folklore, and even a certain Nickelodeon classic that defined childhoods, this episode proves animation isn’t just for kids. It’s for dreamers, weirdos, and anyone who loves when movies push the boundaries of reality! 

Kristy brings bold picks that blend real life and fantasy, like the animated true-crime documentary My Old School, the breathtaking artistry of The Secret of Kells, and the moving friendship tale Robot Dreams. Jeff counters with the school shooting documentary Tower, the hauntingly original Stopmotion, and his early-2000s obsession Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.  

Together, they explore how animation can be funny, terrifying, heartbreaking, or all three in a single frame. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

🎞️ Episode Highlights 

00:57 — The Perfect Getaway (2009) 

Kristy kicks things off with a sweaty, sun-soaked thriller about honeymooners, trust issues, and a tropical vacation gone very wrong. 

02:46 — The Sandlot (1993) 

Jeff rewinds to his childhood VHS obsession, celebrating this nostalgic ode to baseball, fireworks, and summers before smartphones. 

04:48 — Memento (2000) 

Jeff recalls the Nolan classic that made him realize movies could truly bend time, memory, and storytelling itself. 

07:34 — The Painter and the Thief (2020) 

Kristy digs into this unconventional doc about art, crime, and the shifting perspectives that come with vulnerability and friendship. 

12:24 — In a Violent Nature (2024) 

Jeff spotlights an art-house slasher that flips the genre’s perspective, following the killer’s quiet, brutal path through the woods. 

15:43 — Triangle of Sadness (2022) 

Kristy revels in Ruben Östlund’s Oscar-nominated satire of wealth, class, and bodily chaos that takes a yacht trip from luxury to disaster. 

19:44 — The Art of Self-Defense (2019) 

Jeff makes the case for this pitch-black karate comedy about insecurity, toxic masculinity, and roundhouse kicks 

23:24 — But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) 

Kristy closes out with a cult queer rom-com that mixes camp, satire, and heartfelt romance, featuring Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, and a scene-stealing RuPaul. 

29:18 — Wrap-Up 

Kristy and Jeff reflect on how these films—whether funny, frightening, or flat-out strange—capture the unhinged, unpredictable spirit of a cinematic summer. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, movie marathoner, and the guy who treats every underdog story like Game 7 of the World Series) are stepping onto the field for a deep dive into the wide world of sports movies. From boxing rings to BMX tracks, buzzer beaters to underdog triumphs, this episode celebrates the stories that make us cheer, cringe, and occasionally cry into our rally towels. 

Kristy and Jeff’s picks range from gritty Oscar winners and cult comedies to overlooked indies and political docs that prove sports are never just a game. Whether you love the strategy of the ring, the heartbreak of the playoffs, or the sheer joy of a training montage, there’s something here for every fan. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

Episode Highlights 

00:45 — Childhood Sports Favorites 

Jeff remembers The Mighty Ducks as the ultimate underdog story, while Kristy shares a hometown connection to the cult hockey comedy Slap Shot (1977). 

04:10 — Raging Bull (1980) 

Kristy dives into Scorsese’s black-and-white boxing classic and the brutal portrait of Jake LaMotta’s life in and out of the ring. 

06:20 — Game 6 (2005) 

Jeff spotlights Michael Keaton’s overlooked indie about Broadway anxiety, Red Sox heartbreak, and how sports can mirror life’s biggest failures and triumphs. 

09:40 — Not Just a Game (2010) 

Kristy highlights this doc about the intersection of sports and politics—from Muhammad Ali to Michael Jordan, and even the bizarre hysteria over “bicycle face.” 

13:50 — The Fighter (2010) 

Jeff brings it back to his hometown with this Oscar-winning boxing drama starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, praising its authentic portrayal of Lowell, Massachusetts. 

17:40 — Shaolin Soccer (2001) 

Kristy lightens the mood with Stephen Chow’s kung fu-meets-soccer comedy, a chaotic, heartwarming, and hilarious parody of the underdog formula. 

21:10 — Rad (1986) 

Jeff takes a neon-soaked trip back to the ‘80s with this BMX cult favorite, packed with cheesy fun, adrenaline-fueled stunts, and a killer soundtrack. 

24:00 — Bonus Pick: BMX Bandits (1983) 

Kristy tosses in Nicole Kidman’s early Aussie adventure, complete with bikes, walkie-talkies, and criminals on the chase. 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we dig into cinematic oddities, unforgettable characters, and genre gems that deserve a second look—no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, movie marathoner, and lifelong believer that the truth is out there) face off in a genre showdown between monsters that crawl from the shadows and visitors from beyond the stars. Join them as they explore everything from creature features that wreak havoc on cities to alien tales that challenge our understanding of humanity, it’s a battle of the bizarre. 

Kristy unleashes a trio of monster tales that span from gothic romance and grotesque transformations to a giant river-dwelling creature that terrorizes a city. Meanwhile, Jeff takes us on a journey through alien encounters, from low-budget splatterfests and existential comedies to a linguistically rich first-contact drama that asks what it really means to communicate. 

Whether you're into monster mayhem or visitors from beyond the stars, this episode is packed with thrills, chills, and a few laughs along the way. 

So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let the genre games begin. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

Episode Highlights 

00:30 — Godzilla vs. Xenomorphs? 

Kristy and Jeff open with a hypothetical showdown between two cinematic icons—and use it to kick off their picks for the ultimate monster and alien movies. 

02:00 — The Host (2006) 

Kristy praises Bong Joon-ho’s terrifying river beast and the political subtext behind this modern Korean monster classic. 

05:30 — Arrival (2016) 

Jeff shares why Denis Villeneuve’s emotional, linguistics-driven alien drama might be the quietest, most powerful invasion film ever made. 

09:00 — Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) 

Kristy revisits Coppola’s lush, sensual take on the vampire myth—and makes a case for why this Dracula might be the scariest and sexiest of them all. 

13:00 — I’m Totally Fine (2022) 

Jeff spotlights this underseen indie about grief, healing, and alien imposters—with a heartfelt performance from Jillian Bell. 

17:10 — Trollhunter (2010) 

Kristy celebrates the Norwegian found-footage thriller that mixes mythology, mockumentary, and monster-hunting mayhem. 

24:15 — Bad Taste (1987) 

Jeff goes full cult-classic with Peter Jackson’s splatter-filled alien debut—a DIY gorefest where extraterrestrials harvest humans for fast food. 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we dig into eye-opening documentaries, unforgettable characters, and stories so strange they have to be true—no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, documentary junkie, and proud champion of VHS oddities) dive into the wild, weird, and deeply personal world of documentaries. 

From baseball pitchers on LSD and DIY Spielberg tributes to miniature war towns and midlife creative crises, Kristy and Jeff spotlight some of their favorite nonfiction stories currently streaming on Kanopy. These aren’t your typical history homework assignments. These are films that surprise, inspire, and occasionally blow your mind wide open. 

Whether you’re into true crime, lost media, pop-punk nostalgia, or The Shining fan theories gone off the rails, this episode is packed with rabbit holes worth falling into. 

So, settle in and let these stories surprise you, move you, and maybe even change how you see the world. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.

Episode Highlights 

00:45 — King of Kong (2007) & Freakonomics (2010) 

Kristy and Jeff kick things off by sharing the first documentaries that truly blew their minds—from retro arcade rivalries to statistical conspiracy theories. 

03:30 — Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made (2015) 

Jeff recounts a lifelong obsession with this joyful doc about childhood friends who spent seven years recreating Raiders of the Lost Ark shot-for-shot. 

07:00 — Marwencol (2010) 

Kristy dives into this hauntingly beautiful portrait of artist Mark Hogancamp, who built a miniature World War II town as a form of healing and storytelling. 

11:50 — Three Identical Strangers (2018) 

Jeff tries not to spoil the shocking turns in this gripping true story of triplets separated at birth—and the disturbing secrets behind their reunion. 

16:15 — Flipside (2023) 

Kristy breaks down this genre-bending, self-reflective doc about unfinished projects, creative ambition, and the quiet heartbreak of growing older. 

21:15 — No No: A Dockumentary (2014) 

Jeff pitches the psychedelic, political, and deeply personal life story of Doc Ellis—the MLB pitcher who famously threw a no-hitter on LSD. 

25:30 — Green Day: 20 Years of American Idiot (2024) 

Kristy celebrates the legacy of a punk rock milestone with this energetic, nostalgic look at Green Day’s landmark album and the tour that changed everything. 

30:00 — Room 237 (2012) 

Jeff and Kristy fall down the fan theory rabbit hole with this hypnotic collage film about The Shining, moon landing conspiracies, and the art of interpretation. 

34:45 — Final Thoughts 

Kristy and Jeff reflect on what makes a documentary unforgettable—and why the best ones often leave us with more questions than answers.   

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we celebrate cinematic detours, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts - no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, mixtape curator, and your pop culture pit stop concierge) are hitting the road, literally and cinematically, with an episode all about road trip movies. 

From cross-country chaos to soulful slow drives, Kristy and Jeff unpack their favorite films that turn the journey into the story. Think animated mayhem with Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, New Zealand wilderness hijinks in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and the deeply personal power of art and aging in Faces Places. 

Whether you’re craving absurd buddy comedy, family heartbreak, or a dose of French artistry, this episode has something for every kind of passenger. 

If you’re ready to cue the mixtape, buckle up, and explore some unforgettable pit stops, this episode will point your headlights in the right direction. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

🎞️ Episode Highlights  

00:40 — Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996) 

Jeff kicks things off with Mike Judge’s chaotic animated odyssey, featuring bio-weapons, FBI agents, and a psychedelic desert vision quest. 

04:50 — The Trip (2010) 

Kristy serves up dry British wit, dueling celebrity impressions, and culinary soul-searching in this gorgeous comedy starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. 

08:35 — Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) 

Jeff heads into the New Zealand bush for Taika Waititi’s hilarious and heartfelt tale of misfits on the run full of boars, bunkers, and a kid named Ricky Baker. 

12:55 — Hit the Road (2021) 

Kristy spotlights Panah Panahi’s moving Iranian family drama, where a child’s antics, a dying dog, and an unspoken goodbye make for a powerful emotional ride. 

18:50 — The Rugrats Movie (1998) 

Jeff revisits this surprisingly heavy animated adventure filled with baby brothers, muddy misadventures, and the existential dread of growing up (in diapers). 

23:40 — Faces Places (2017) 

Kristy wraps things up with Agnès Varda’s artful, intergenerational road trip with giant portraits, tender friendship, and one unforgettable museum run. 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we dig up hidden gems, cult comedies, and laugh-out-loud classics — no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film fan, VHS romantic, and proud meme connoisseur) dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of comedy. 

From Buster Keaton’s silent-era stunts in Sherlock Jr. and a madcap treasure hunt in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World to DIY VHS spoofs in Be Kind Rewind, cult board game chaos in Clue, and the forever iconic teen masterpiece Clueless — Kristy and Jeff share the picks that still crack them up and remind us why laughter never goes out of style. 

If you need a break from doomscrolling or another sitcom rerun, let this episode guide you to comedies that hold up, surprise, and deserve a spot on your next movie night. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

🎞️ Episode Highlights  

01:00 — Sherlock Jr. (1924) Kristy goes deep on Buster Keaton’s stone-faced genius, death-defying stunts, and the timeless charm of silent slapstick. 

05:20 — Be Kind Rewind (2008) Jeff rewinds to Jack Black and Mos Def’s DIY video store adventure, accidental “Sweeting,” and the magic of community-made movie homages. 

09:00 — Paris When It Sizzles (1964) Kristy shares an underseen Audrey Hepburn screwball delight — a rom-com about writing a rom-com, with spies, vampires, and meta jokes galore. 

12:25 — It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) Jeff breaks down the ultimate all-star comedy caper — car chases, chaos, Buster Keaton cameos, and the mother of all treasure hunts. 

16:00 — Clue (1985) Kristy gushes about the cult classic murder mystery farce: Tim Curry’s iconic butler, three possible endings, and jokes you catch on the 20th watch. 

19:00 — Masterminds (2016) Jeff recommends this awkward true-crime heist turned comedy of errors — complete with Zach Galifianakis, Kate McKinnon, and southern hijinks. 

25:35 — Clueless (1995) Both hosts agree: the teen comedy that shaped a generation. Jane Austen, plaid skirts, a perfect Paul Rudd, and the insult that still stings. 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required.   

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover and proud binge-watcher of all things bold and brilliant) celebrate Pride Month with a curated tour through Kanopy’s LGBTQ+ collection. 

From chaotic bisexual comedies and queer rodeo romances to radical trans storytelling and canon-busting classics, Kristy and Jeff share the films that moved them, cracked them up, and challenged what queer cinema can look like. This is a love letter to visibility, identity, and representation in cinema.  

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.  

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.  

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list. 

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 

🎞️ Episode Highlights 

00:01:00 – Jeff opens with Shiva Baby, a panic-inducing bisexual comedy of errors 

00:04:50 – Kristy recommends Wild Nights with Emily, a queer corrective to literary history 

00:08:30 – Jeff praises the slow-burn heartbreak of Portrait of a Lady on Fire 

00:11:50 – Kristy revisits Fire and its groundbreaking impact on queer Indian cinema 

00:15:30 – Jeff spotlights Tangerine, a raw, hilarious, and heartfelt trans story shot on an iPhone 

00:20:40 – Kristy brings in National Anthem, a dreamy modern western about chosen family 

00:24:00 – Jeff goes back to 1970 with The Boys in the Band, a pivotal early gay ensemble drama 

00:27:00 – Kristy reflects on In & Out and its personal resonance as a formative queer comedy