BreakThru Radio Weekly
144 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsBreakThru Radio Weekly is a weekly podcast that features regular contributors offering their views on major political and/or cultural topics of the day. Additionally, it features a weekly movie review and discussion, 1st Person stories from people we encounter on the streets of NYC, and a preview of a song from an upcoming episode of BTR Live Studio.
Recurring segments and coverage:
FILM FESTIVALS: Tribeca Film Festival 2019 (Part 1 & Part 2), New York Film Festival 2018 (Part 1 & Part 2), Tribeca Film Festival 2018 (Part 1 & Part 2)
2009 FILM RETRO: The Hurt Locker,
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Episodes
Ep 177 // The VoiceLove Project / ‘Mr. Jones’
August 28, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Contributor Matt Ruby speaks with Doctors Tamatha Fenster and Marc Schiffman, of the VoiceLove Project, about their development of a low-cost method of putting isolated COVID-19 patients in better touch with their loved ones using walkie-talkies made for kids. If you’d like to support VoiceLove, find the campaign on GoFundMe. Also, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Mr. Jones,’ directed by Agnieszka Holland and starring James Norton, Vanessa Kirby, and Peter Sarsgaard–ou...
Ep 176 // Bold Economic Action vs. COVID-19 w/ L. Randall Wray / ‘She Dies Tomorrow’
August 21, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Associate Producer Joe Virgillito speaks with economist and author L. Randall Wray, a leading proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, about the kind of bold economic action that may be needed to deal with the economic consequences of the pandemic. Later in the episode, J. McVay and Jacqueline Sollerdiscuss the new movie, ‘She Dies Tomorrow,’ directed by Amy Seimetz–out now from Neon. And we also hear live performances from Nejma Nefertiti and Carriers, both recorded exclusively for BTRtoday. ...
Ep 175 // Lobbyist Influence at the DNC w/ David Moore
August 14, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes"Associate Producer Joe Virgillito speaks with journalist David Moore about the role corporate lobbyists play in the Democratic National Committee and how they influence the direction of the Democratic party. Moore is co-founder of Sludge, a website that features investigative journalism specifically on lobbying and money in politics. We also hear live performances from Mazzi & S.O.U.L. Purpose, Lotion Princess, Forever Honey, and Looms–all recorded exclusively for BTRtoday. Episode Credits...
Ep 174 // Best Movies of 2020 So Far + Pandemic First Watches
August 07, 2020 12:00 - 58 minutes"J. McVay, Jacqueline Soller, and Charles Hinshaw discuss their favorite films of the year so far: Bad Boys For Life House Of Hummingbird The Invisible Man John Lewis: Good Trouble Never Rarely Sometimes Always Shirley Slay The Dragon The Wild Goose Lake And also, the things they’ve watched for the first time during the pandemic that they enjoyed most: Coin Locker Girl (2015) Get On The Bus (1996) The Karate Kid (1984) LA 92 (2017) Mystic Pizza (1988) Mother (20...
Ep 173 // Medical Professionals Call For Reset / Trump & A Disputed Election / ‘John Lewis: Good Trouble’
July 31, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Life During Quarantine SHUT IT DOWN, START OVER, DO IT RIGHT: An open letter to America’s decision makers, on behalf of health professionals across the country. // U.S. PIRG ‘Ships don’t feed hungry children’: Democrats blast weapons spending in Senate GOP stimulus // Politico U.S. Republicans seek liability protections as coronavirus aid battle looms // Reuters There’s Still An Election As Trump demurs, an unimaginable question forms: Could the president reach for the military in...
Ep 172 // Rabbi Avram Mlotek w/ Matt Ruby
July 24, 2020 12:00 - 10 seconds"Contributor Matt Ruby interviews returning guest, Rabbi Avram Mlotek about how religious leaders are dealing with the ongoing crises in this country around the COVID-19 pandemic and racism. The Rabbi is a co-founder of Base Hillel, a home centered ministry for millennials, now in nine cities. His new book, ‘Why Jews Do That: Or 30 Questions Your Rabbi Never Answered’ is out soon. Plus live performances from Worriers and Seán Barna, recorded exclusively for BTRtoday. Episode Credits Prod...
Ep 171 // ‘House of Hummingbird’ / ‘Palm Springs’
July 17, 2020 12:00 - 55 minutes"J. McVay and Jacqueline Soller discuss two movies out now: ‘House of Hummingbird’ - directed by Bora Kim and starring Ji-hu Park -- out now from Well Go USA Entertainment. Palm Springs’ - directed by Max Barbakow and starring Andy Sandberg, Cristin Milioti, and J.K. Simmons -- out now from Neon and available to stream on Hulu. Plus live performances from Napoleon Da Legend and NO ICE’s Jamie Frey, recorded exclusively for BTRtoday. Episode Credits Producer/Host: J. McVay Contribu...
Ep 170 // ‘Hamilton’
July 10, 2020 10:45 - 1 hour"This week, we have a special full length discussion of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton’ which was just released on Disney+ last week, allowing more people to see the wildly popular Broadway production than perhaps ever before… while also re-kindling criticisms the show received early in its run about its treatment of slavery -- or the lack thereof. Mentioned in the episode: Lin-Manuel Miranda responds to 'Hamilton' slavery criticism // CNN Episode Credits Producer/Host: J. McVay Con...
Ep 169 // Conservative Hypocrisy / Russian Bounties / The Roberts Court / Box Office Loophole
July 03, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Life During Quarantine: Conservative Politicians are Framing BLM as “Marxist” Remdesivir, the First Coronavirus Drug, Gets a Price Tag // NY Times There's Still An Election: Biden campaign staffs up from Obamaworld // Axios What Elese? Trump Got Written Briefing in February on Possible Russian Bounties, Officials Say // NY Times John Roberts Was Already Chief Justice. But Now It’s His Court. // NY Times Our Week In Media Chris Hayes calls for Trump to resign: 'Urgent matte...
Ep 168 // Fireworks / Rigging an Election / Progressive Wins / Police Violence Quantified / ‘Shirley’
June 26, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Life During Quarantine Did Fireworks Conspiracies Fizzle Out? // BTRtoday Trump tells aides he supports second round of stimulus checks, but White House divisions remain // Washington Post There’s Still An Election “Insurgent” Progressives Do It Again // BTRtoday Are We Headed for a Voter-Suppression Catastrophe in November? // NY Mag CNN Poll: Trump losing ground to Biden amid chaotic week Biden Takes Dominant Lead as Voters Reject Trump on Virus and Race // NY Times What El...
Ep 167 // Ana Goñi-Lessan on Houston & George Floyd / ‘Da 5 Bloods’
June 19, 2020 11:30 - 1 hour"Ana Goñi-Lessan is a member of the Houston Chronicle’s editorial board. She recently visited the neighborhood of Third Ward there in Houston where George Floyd grew up and spoke with some of his childhood friends. She tells us about that and the reaction of the neighborhood and the city more generally to Floyd’s murder and the resulting protests and police violence. Also, Charles Hinshaw and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ directed by Spike Lee and starring Delroy Lindo, Jona...
Ep 166 // Andre Green On Our Current Inflection Point
June 12, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Andre Green is involved in non-profit work and politics in Massachusetts. He joins us to discuss the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and the protests and police violence that followed. He shares his personal reaction, as well as his observations of reactions locally where he is, and shares his thoughts on the implications of this moment and how it could continue to develop. Episode Credits Producer/Host: J. McVay Composer/Editor: Hansdale Hsu 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - START /// Andre G...
Ep 165 // George Floyd, Protests, and Police Riots
June 05, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"A warning: this episode contains descriptions of police violence… Excerpt from episode: On May 25th, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis. We discussed it on last week’s episode, which we recorded about 45 hours after the killing. We knew some of the details then -- enough to recognize the obvious similarities to other killings in the past. In video of the killing, George Floyd can be heard pleading. He can be heard calling for his mother. He begs his assailant, “don’t kill me.” “I c...
Ep 164 // A Looming Eviction Crisis / The Future of Moviegoing / 100,000 Deaths in the U.S.
May 29, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Life During Quarantine An ‘Avalanche of Evictions’ Could Be Bearing Down on America’s Renters // NY Times Cine Phobia: What will make Americans feel comfortable going out to the movies again? // Vulture US Deaths Near 100,000, An Incalculable Loss // NY Times There’s Still and Election Joe Biden Has Struggled With Young People. He Has A New Plan To Win Them // BuzzFeed News What Else? Fact-Checking Trump’s Twitter Doesn’t Matter // BTRtoday Our Week In Media From fruit-at-...
Ep 163 // Movies For The Pandemic
May 22, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by Jacqueline Soller and Charles Hinshaw to discuss movies that relate to various aspects of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. We also revisit a song from Monteagle’s last visit to BTR Live Studio ahead of the premiere, next week, of a new interview and video produced with her during lockdown. 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - START /// Pandemic Movies 02:00 - ‘The Dust Bowl’ 09:08 - ‘The Host’ 14:11 - ‘The Grapes Of Wrath’ 19:22 - ‘The Thing’ 26:02 - ‘10 Cloverfield Lane’ 29:05...
Ep 162 // Pandemic Parenting w/ George Flanagan & Maggie Oliver
May 15, 2020 07:45 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by George Flanagan and Maggie Oliver to discuss a series of articles George has recently been writing for BTRtoday about his experience as a parent during the COVID-19 pandemic: Parenting in the Time of a Worldwide Pandemic Remote Learning & Small Moments Help Ward Off the “Empty Days” of Quarantine What Happens When Mom Gets Sick During Quarantine? 9 Things That Parenting During This Pandemic Has Taught Me We also revisit a song from Shana Falana’s last visit to...
Ep 161 // Trump & Kushner Mismanage COVID-19 + Biden’s VP Options / ‘Driveways’
May 08, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Life During Quarantine Trump Says Task Force Will Wind Down // NY Times Volunteers Recruited by Kushner Tangled the Hunt for Medical Supplies // NY Times There’s Still and Election Big money donors are pressuring Joe Biden against picking Elizabeth Warren for VP: ‘He would lose the election’ // CNBC Our Week In Media “We Are Not Essential. We Are Sacrificial” // NY Times Rebecca Traister interview // On The Media Quick Hits & Rehash Linklater Rejected Hiring Joke Writers f...
Ep 160 // Life During Quarantine + There’s Still An Election / ‘Extraction’
May 01, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"News Roundup w/ J. McVay and Joe Virgillito Life During Quarantine Life Has to Go On’: How Sweden Has Faced the Virus Without a Lockdown // NY Times America’s growth streak is over: The economy shrank 4.8 percent, and the worst is yet to come // NY Times There’s Still and Election New York Cancelling Dem Primary Should Anger Bernie Supporters // BTRtoday Former Aides to Bernie Sanders Form a Super PAC to Support Joe Biden // NY Times Our Week In Media Chuck Schumer Is Allergic...
Ep 159 // 2020 Election Preview / ‘Selah and the Spades’
April 24, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay and Joe Virgillito share their thoughts on what they expect during the 2020 presidential race, as the general election begins under the unusual circumstances of a pandemic. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Selah and the Spades,’ written and directed by Tayarisha Poe and starring Lovie Simone, Celeste O'Connor, and Jharrel Jerome -- available on Amazon Prime Video. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Brooklyn duo ...
Ep 158 // Joe Biden Has A Podcast / ‘Tigertail’
April 17, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay and Joe Virgillito discuss the first four episodes of ‘Here's The Thing,’ the new podcast by presumptive Democcratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Tigertail,’ written and directed by Alan Yang and starring Tzi Ma, Hong-Chi Lee, Christine Ko, Yo-Hsing Fang, Fiona Fu, and Joan Chen -- available now on Netflix. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by New York band GOLD DIME, from their...
Ep 157 // Two COVID-19 Doctors Take To Instagram / The Case for Cuomo Over Biden (or not?) / ‘Slay The Dragon’
April 10, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Joe Virgillito chats with Dr. Lynn Jiang, one of two New York City ER doctors who created an Instagram account for healthcare workers to share stories and stay connected. Joe also chats with journalist Ryan Cooper about rumors recently swirling around New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that he could somehow become the Democratic presidential candidate over current frontrunner Joe Biden. They also discuss whether the governor’s newfound darling status is actually warranted. Later in the episode...
Ep 156 // Matt Ruby on COVID-19 / ‘Swallow’
April 03, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Contributor Matt Ruby joins us to share his thoughts and experiences during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and I will discuss the new movie, ‘Swallow,’ directed by Carlo Mirabella-Davis and starring Haley Bennett -- available now from IFC Films. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by New York musician Workman Song, from their upcoming BTR Live Studio session. Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu. [youtube]https://yo...
Ep 155 // COVID-19 and the Case for Medicare For All / ‘Contagion’ (2011)
March 27, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Joe Virgillito discusses how the continuing COVID-19 crisis may impact the movement pushing to make Medicare available to all Americans. His guest on the topic is Gerald Friedman, Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and author of the new book, ‘The Case For Medicare For All.’ Later in the episode, J. McVay and Jacqueline Soller discuss the 2011 movie, ‘Contagion,’ directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Jude L...
Ep 154 // The Democratic Primaries vs. COVID-19 / ‘Lost Girls’
March 20, 2020 12:00 - 57 minutes"J. McVay is joined by contributor Joe Virgillito to discuss the latest developments surrounding both the Democratic presidential primaries and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and I will discuss the new Netflix movie, Lost Girls,’ directed by Liz Garbus and starring Amy Ryan, Thomasin McKenzie, Gabriel Byrne, Lola Kirke, and Dean Winters. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by New York band Activity, from their upcoming BTR Live Stu...
Ep 153 // Sanders vs. Biden vs. Trump vs. COVID-19 / ‘Onward'
March 13, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by contributor Joe Virgillito to discuss the latest Democratic primary results and what those mean for candidates Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. Also, they discuss the escalating concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic and how the candidates -- and current president -- are approaching it, for better or worse. Later in the episode, J. McVay and Jacqueline Soller discuss the new Disney Pixar movie, ‘Onward,’ directed by Dan Scanlon with voices by Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Juli...
Ep 152 // Super Tuesday & Beyond / ‘The Invisible Man’
March 06, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by contributor Joe Virgillito to discuss this week’s Super Tuesday results and where the Democratic primary campaigns may go from here. Later in the episode, J. McVay and Jacqueline Soller discuss the new movie, ‘The Invisible Man,’ directed by Leigh Whannell and starring Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Storm Reid, and Harriet Dyer -- out now from Universal Pictures. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Philadelphia band Church ...
Ep 151 // Meet BTR: Maggie Oliver / ‘The Lodge’
February 28, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by guest Maggie Oliver, as we continue our series of recurring segments in which we meet the people behind what we do here at BTRtoday. Maggie has mostly worked behind the scenes at BTR, but soon she’ll be premiering a new podcast called ‘Super Superb,’ which she’ll produce and host. Later in the episode, J. McVay and Jacqueline Soller discuss the new movie, ‘The Lodge,’ directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala and starring Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, Lia McHugh, Ri...
Ep 150 // Prediction Markets & Elections / ‘Birds of Prey’
February 21, 2020 12:00 - 15 seconds"Wagering on elections is a lot like betting on sports. And in 2020, much of it is done on prediction markets -- sites that offer prediction exchanges on political outcomes. Contributor Joe Virgillito has more on one prediction market and its potential role in the 2020 Democratic primary and beyond. He chats with Will Jennings, Head of Public Engagement at Predictit.org and Jeff Joseph, Editorial Director and Publisher of Luckbox Magazine and host of The Political Trade podcast. Later in the...
Ep 149 // Meet BTR: Joe Virgillito / ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’
February 14, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by guest Joe Virgillito as we continue our recurring series of segments in which we meet the people behind what we do here at BTRtoday. Joe writes for BTRtoday’s editorial department, largely about politics. From August 2016 through October 2019, he was the host of a daily podcast here called The Daily Beat. He’s now an associate producer on and contributor to this podcast. Later in the episode, we revisit J. McVay’s and Jacqueline Soller’s conversation about ‘Portrait of...
Ep 148 // ‘1917’ / ‘Little Women / ‘Jojo Rabbit’
February 07, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay, Jacqueline Soller, and Charles Hinshaw discuss three movies nominated for Academy Awards at this weekend’s Oscar ceremony: ‘1917’ - directed by Sam Mendes and starring George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman -- out now from Universal Pictures. ‘Little Women’ - written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, and Chris Cooper -- out now from Columbia Pictures. ‘Jojo Rabbit’ -...
Ep 147 // Betting on the Super Bowl / ‘Beanpole’
January 31, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Joe Virgillito chats with Dave Forman, Senior Director of Research for the American Gaming Association, about the organization's newest findings that 26 million Americans will bet more than $6.8 billion dollars on this year's Super Bowl. Joe is then joined by Ryan Lee for a quick gambling primer. They’ll discuss this Sunday’s Big Game, best bets, and silly prop plays. Later in the episode, Charles Hinshaw and J. McVay discuss the new Russian movie, ‘Beanpole,’ directed by Kantemir Balagov -...
Ep 146 // Oscar Nominations + 2019 Film Favorites
January 24, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay, Jacqueline Soller, and Charles Hinshaw discuss the Academy Award nominations that were announced last week for films released in 2019. Additionally, they’ll be discussing some of their own film favorites from 2019 along the way. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Brooklyn band proper., from their upcoming BTR Live Studio session. Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu. Joe Virgillito is our associate producer. J. McVay’s Top 10 Films of 2019:...
Ep 145 // ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’
January 14, 2020 15:10 - 58 minutes"J. McVay, Jacqueline Soller, and Charles Hinshaw discuss ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,’ directed by JJ Abrams -- out now from Walt Disney Studios. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Blonde Redhead’s Kazu Makino, from her upcoming BTR Live Studio session. Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu. Joe Virgillito is our associate producer. [youtube]https://youtu.be/8Qn_spdM5Zg[/youtube] 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - Movie Review: J. McVay on ‘Star Wars: The R...
Ep 144 // Tim Kreider, Pt 2 w/ Matt Ruby / ‘Uncut Gems’
January 10, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour"Contributor Matt Ruby concludes his chat from last week with Tim Kreider, an essayist and a teacher, about his thoughts and tips on writing. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Uncut Gems,’ directed by Josh and Benny Safdie and starring Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, and Eric Bogosian -- out now from A24. And we’ll take exclusive early listen to performances by Lisel, from their upcoming BTR Live Studio sess...
Ep 143 // Tim Kreider, Pt 1 w/ Matt Ruby / Movie Catch-Up
January 03, 2020 12:00 - 58 minutes"Contributor Matt Ruby speaks with Tim Kreider, an essayist and a teacher, about his thoughts and tips on writing. Later in the episode, J. McVay shares some thoughts on a few movies released in recent weeks: ‘Uncut Gems’ -- directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. Out now from A24. ‘Little Women’ -- written and directed by Greta Gerwig. Out now from Columbia Pictures. ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ -- directed by JJ Abrams. Out now from Walt Disney Studios. And we’ll take exclusive ea...
Ep 142 // Films of the Decade / 2019 Review, cont’d
December 27, 2019 12:00 - 55 minutes"This week, J. McVay shares his favorite films of the decade. Also, as the year comes to a close, we take a listen to a few of our favorite 1st Person segments from 2019, revisit some of our favorite BTR Live Studio sessions, and hear music from a couple of artists J. McVay interviewed earlier this year for The Music Digest. Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu. 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - START /// J. McVay’s Films Of The Decade 01:20 - ‘The Act of Killing’ (dir. Joshua Oppenheimer,...
Ep 141 // 2019 Review / ‘Parasite’
December 20, 2019 12:00 - 55 minutes"For our next to last episode of the year, we’re revisiting our conversation about one of the best movies of the year: Bong Joon-Ho’s ‘Parasite.’ Also, as the year comes to a close, we take a listen to a few of our favorite 1st Person segments from 2018, revisit some of our favorite BTR Live Studio sessions, and hear music from a couple of artists J. McVay interviewed earlier this year for The Music Digest. Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu. 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Movie Revi...
Ep 140 // Meet BTR: Lottie Leymarie / ‘Honey Boy’
December 13, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by guest Lottie Leymarie as we continue our recurring series of segments in which we meet the people behind what we do here at BTRtoday. Lottie is a longtime producer and host of ‘Spotlight on the City,’ and ‘The Jaunt.’ She’s also Music Director and Co-Chief Content Officer. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Honey Boy,’ directed by Alma Har'el and written by Shia LaBeouf. LaBeouf also stars in the film alongside Noah Jupe and Lu...
Ep 139 // ‘Marriage Story’ / ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’
December 06, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Charles Hinshaw, Jacqueline Soller, and J. McVay discuss two new movies out now: ‘Marriage Story’ (Netflix) written and directed by Noah Baumbach and starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, and Merritt Wever. ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (Neon) - written and directed by Céline Sciamma and starring Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, and Luàna Bajrami. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Philadelphia band Queen of Je...
Ep 138 // Arielle the Herbalist w/ Matt Ruby / ‘Knives Out’
November 29, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Contributor Matt Ruby speaks with Arielle the Herbalist about the ways in which plants and herbs can help us to live better, healthier lives. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Knives Out’ written and directed by Rian Johnson and starring Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, and Christopher Plummer -- out now from Lionsgate. And we’ll take an exclusive early liste...
Ep 137 // John Cook on Climate Change Communication w/ Joe Virgillito / ‘Ford v Ferrari’
November 22, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Contributor Joe Virgillito speaks with author and researcher John Cook about the ways in which we communicate about climate change, including how to approach disinformation from skeptics and deniers of the science. Later in the episode, Charles Hinshaw and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Ford v Ferrari,’ directed by James Mangold and starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Josh Lucas, and Tracy Letts -- out now from Twentieth Century Fox. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a perform...
Ep 136 // Seaton Smith on Comedy w/ Matt Ruby / ‘The Report’
November 15, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Contributor Matt Ruby speaks with comedian Seaton Smith about his approach to stand up comedy, including the ways in which he incorporates elements of what he’s learned from improv, boxing, sermons, motivational speakers, ‘Zen and the Art of Archery,’ and famous comics such as Martin Short, Bill Burr, Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy. Later in the episode, Charles Hinshaw and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘The Report’ written and directed by Scott Z. Burns and starring Adam Driver and Anne...
Ep 135 // Meet BTR: Wayne Ski / ‘Motherless Brooklyn’
November 08, 2019 12:00 - 12 seconds"J. McVay is joined by guest Wayne Ski, longtime producer and host of the ‘BTR Hip Hop Show, ‘On The Avenue,’ and ‘The Electric Ride’ for BTR, as we continue a new recurring series of segments in which we meet the people behind what we do here at BTRtoday. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and Charles Hinshaw discuss the new movie, ‘Motherless Brooklyn,’ written and directed by Edward Norton, in which he also stars alongside Willem Dafoe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alec Baldwin, Michael K. Willi...
Ep 134 // ‘The Irishman’
November 01, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by Jacqueline Soller and Charles Hinshaw for a special feature-length discussion of the latest film from Martin Scorsese, ‘The Irishman’ starring Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci -- out now in a limited theatrical run before being available on Netflix later this month. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by Maneka, from their upcoming BTR Live Studio session. Music composed by and show edited by Hansdale Hsu. [youtube]https://youtu.be/qtdGJ6...
Ep 133 // New York Film Festival 2019, part 2 / ‘The Lighthouse’
October 25, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Jacqueline Soller, Charles Hinshaw, and J. McVay all attended the recently concluded 2019 New York Film Festival and share their thoughts on their favorite performances, directors, and more. Among them: PEOPLE: Alan Alda, Pedro Almodóvar, Luàna Bajrami, Kantemir Balagov, Antonio Banderas, Noah Baumbach, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Robert DeNiro, Laura Dern, Adam Driver, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Koji Fukada, Adèle Haenel, Vlad Ivanov, Lee Jeong-Eun, Scarlett Johansson, Bong Joon Ho, Song Kang-ho...
Ep 132 // New York Film Festival 2019, part 1 / ‘Joker’
October 18, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Jacqueline Soller, Charles Hinshaw, and J. McVay all attended the recently concluded 2019 New York Film Festival and share which films they enjoyed the most. Among them: A GIRL MISSING AMERICAN TRIAL: THE STORY OF ERIC GARNER THE IRISHMAN MARRIAGE STORY MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN PAIN AND GLORY PARASITE PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE Also mentioned: BACURAU BEANPOLE FIRST COW LIBERTÉ MARTIN EDEN THE WHISTLERS THE WILD GOOSE LAKE YOUNG AHMED Later in the episode, Jacq...
Ep 131 // 20yr Film Retro: 1999 In Review / ‘Parasite’
October 11, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Jacqueline Soller, Charles Hinshaw, and J. McVay close out their series of segments on films from 1999 by discussing their favorite films and performances of that year, as well as discussing their thoughts on the year overall and how movies have changed since then. Among the films discussed: American Movie Any Given Sunday Being John Malkovich Boys Don’t Cry Cruel Intentions Election Eyes Wide Shut Fight Club Girl, Interrupted The Green Mile The Insider Magnolia Ma...
Ep 130 // Meet BTR: Maia Macdonald / ‘Pain and Glory’
October 04, 2019 12:00 - 31 seconds"J. McVay is joined by guest Maia Macdonald, a longtime producer and host for BTR, as we begin a new recurring series of segments in which we meet the people behind what we do here at BTRtoday. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Pain and Glory,’ directed by Pedro Almodóvar and starring Antonio Banderas -- out now from Sony Pictures Classics. And we’ll take an exclusive early listen to a performance by musician Jesca Hoop, from their upcoming BTR Liv...
Ep 129 // 20yr Film Retro: ‘The Blair Witch Project’ / ‘Ad Astra’
September 27, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"J. McVay is joined by Jacqueline Soller and Charles Hinshaw to continue an ongoing project in which they look back on movies from 1999 to discuss how they hold up 20 years later. Seventh in the series: ‘The Blair Witch Project,’ directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the recently released movie, ‘Ad Astra,’ directed by James Gray and starring Brad Pitt -- out now from Twentieth Century Fox. And we’ll take an exclusive ear...
Ep 128 // Luisa Díez on SNL & Shane Gillis w/ Matt Ruby / ‘Hustlers’
September 20, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour"Contributor Matt Ruby and guest Luisa Díez discuss the recent controversy around Saturday Night Live hiring standup comedian Shane Gillis then quickly firing him over racist and homphobic remarks. Later in the episode, Jacqueline Soller and J. McVay discuss the new movie, ‘Hustlers’ directed by Lorene Scafaria and starring Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, and Lili Reinhart -- out now from STX Entertainment. And we’ll take exclusive early listen to a performance by m...