This Movie Saved My Life

Thirty years after its release, Trainspotting still hits like a jolt to the system — a film about addiction and dead ends that somehow became a rallying cry for living. John and Miles are joined by Shawn C. Baker (The Horror Vision) to explore how Danny Boyle’s kinetic, transgressive masterpiece turns nihilism into something strangely life-affirming. Why does this film still feel so urgent, and what does it mean to “choose life” today?

In this episode, John and Miles explore how the original Star Wars trilogy became a kind of emotional survival guide—A New Hope teaching us how to believe again, The Empire Strikes Back showing us how to live with failure, and Return of the Jedi reminding us that sometimes the bravest act is letting go. Along the way, they pay tribute to Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, and Frederick Wiseman, reflecting on the many ways artists help us endure the systems and chaos of life. 

John and Miles kick off 2026 by reintroducing themselves to you, dear listener, as well as answering questions and talking about their most anticipated films of 2026. They also discuss the latest film in the 28 Days franchise - The Bone Temple. 

Listen as Miles and John break down 2025: what worked, what didn't, and some very pleasant surprises. 

We're back with one of our end-of-year anniversary celebrations, this time with two years-in-movies that were well-celebrated in 2025. Listen as John and Miles talk about their favorite films of 1995 and 1975. 

John and Miles talk about Michael Mann's Heat - one of the best L.A. neo-noirs ever made - turning 30 this year. Listen as they talk about their history with the film and what it means to them today. 

In this episode, John and Miles bid farewell to internationally renowned actors Tatsuya Nakadai and Homayoun Ershadi, as well as a discussion of Richard Linklater's latest film Nouvelle Vague. 

John and Miles discuss Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein and how it holds up to other versions and John's love for the original novel. 

Happy Halloween, dear listeners! In this episode, we are once again joined by Shawn C. Baker from The Horror Vision podcast. Listen as we discuss our top five favorite British horror films of all time. 

In this episode, John and Miles talk about their love for the horror film streaming channel Shudder and Joe Bob Briggs (aka "Joseph Robertson Brigadier").