Episode 2: Mawi Asgedom

After an introduction and a quick reflection on the first episode from Jim, Steve Ritter takes the stage and interviews a man of many accomplishments.  Mawi Asgedom is an author and public speaker that has overcome many struggles, and shares his story.  Mawi has spoken to over 750,000 students in more than forty states and trained educators at The Harvard School of Education, The Midwest Principal’s Center and many international conferences.  Day-time television host Oprah Winfrey named her interview of Mawi as one of her 20 Unforgettable Moments in October 2005.  Mawi has many stories, and we are honored to hear some of them for our 2nd episode here!  ITunes subscription feed.

Episode 41: William Friedkin

The great Phil Nobile Jr returns to talk with us about the legendary (and often controversial) director William Friedkin. Although we do touch upon his more renowned 70s era favorites, the two films we focus on are the controversial CRUISING as well as the mid-80s action crime drama TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA.  In addition, Jim digests the rather subpar Stephen King adaptation THINNER, Phil talks about a private 35MM screening he had of COCKFIGHTER, and Patrick ventured out the theater to see the newly released PARANORMAN.

Episode 40: Noah Baumbach

Jim and Patrick reunite alongside guest and friend to the show Dan Solomon, a journalist that has written for a wide variety of news outlets including Austin Chronicle, Texas Observer, and Culture Map.  We all gleefully talk about a filmmaker whose main strengths rely on screenwriting and strong characterization for this episode.  Noah Baumbach first came onto the scene in the mid 90s with the cult Gen-X classic KICKING AND SCREAMING.  Then we elaborate more on his even bigger success a decade later with the divorce dramedy THE SQUID AND THE WHALE.  In addition, Jim revisits the incredibly overlooked Billy Wilder satire ACE IN THE HOLE, Dan reviews the highly acclaimed and newly released documentary THE IMPOSTER, and Patrick addresses some questions we got from a listener that makes for some fun discussion!

Episode 39: Richard Lester

This week Director’s Club has film buff and hobbyist filmmaker Greg David talking with Patrick about highly influential American-turned-Brit director Richard Lester. The films we focus on capture the many sides of this unique director, from the French new-wave inspired pure joy of A Hard Day’s Night (where the template for the modern music video was born) to the unexpectedly touching and heartfelt Robin and Marian, which simultaneously tells a rousing adventure story while capturing deep feelings of loss and love. In addition, we talk about Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut and some low-budget superhero sequel that a guy named Chris Nolan did. Maybe you heard of it, it came out recently.

Episode 1: Steve Ritter & Jim Laczkowski

Get to know your hosts as they both tell a personal story of their own!  Stories of Our Lives is a podcast dedicated to interpersonal conversations and storytelling. On occasion, such as in this first 45-minute episode, there will be monologue versions from a guest, but for the most part, there will be interviews and discussions with each individual that appears on the show.  It will start out as bi-weekly podcast but may progress into more episodes as time goes on.  First up with have a story with Steve, and we learn of his heritage and family history.  Then, Jim recounts his month-long hospital stay when he almost died after contracting a rare disease at the age of 18.  Thanks for listening to these two stories, and we look forward to sharing more with you. ITunes subscription feed.

Episode 38: Lars Von Trier

Kurt Halfyard returns once again, alongside film blogger Matt Marko as they join Jim (sans Patrick this week) to talk about the controversial provocateur Lars Von Trier. Despite touching upon a few of his films throughout the conversation, we mainly focus on the stylistic film noir EUROPA as well as the highly acclaimed BREAKING THE WAVES.  In addition, Kurt revisits the Spielberg classic E.T, Jim reviews Oliver Stone’s latest film SAVAGES, and Matt touches on Aaron Sorkin’s THE NEWSROOM. 

Bonus Episode: Movies That Changed Our Lives

Inspired by a listener’s suggestion as well as the book “The Film That Changed My  Life” we both discuss five films that turned us into the avid movie fans we are today.  Although we consider them to be favorites for personal reasons, this conversation is not about why they are favorites necessarily, but more about how these particular titles excited, influenced and inspired us to seek out MORE movies.  There is always a moment where you fall in love with an art form based on an incredible experience you had, and we talk about five specific moments involving five specific movies.

Episode 37: Ridley Scott

Sean Dwyer of Film Junk Podcast joins us to talk about the prolific and widely acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott. Despite touching upon a few of his films throughout the conversation, we mainly focus on the sci-fi noir classic BLADE RUNNER as well as the Oscar-winning GLADIATOR.  In addition, Sean gives us a quick review of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, Jim has a surprise reaction to SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD, and Patrick proclaims MOONRISE KINGDOM as the best film of the year so far!

Episode 35: Paul Thomas Anderson

Steve Prokopy AKA Capone from Ain’t It Cool News, joins us for a live discussion on the incredible Paul Thomas Anderson, a well-respected master of filmmaking.  Despite touching upon all five of his films throughout the conversation, we mainly focus on MAGNOLIA and THERE WILL BE BLOOD in particular.  In addition, Steve reviews CHERNOBYL DIARIES, Jim finally watched FIVE EASY PIECES, and Patrick continues his J-horror journey with UZUMAKI (Spiral).

Episode 36: Jane Campion

Steven Ray Morris returns to talk with us about New Zealand director Jane Campion. Despite touching upon a few of her films throughout the conversation, we mainly focus on THE PIANO and IN THE CUT in particular. In addition, Steven reviews a show he’s been watching on Netflix, Jim revisits BLOW-OUT, and Patrick talks BEFORE STONEWALL and an Aerobicsploitation movie!!