Darin Toonder on OBSESSION, Christmas Music, and Paul McCartney

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast, I’m your host Chris Maynard. Today, we are taking a look at one of the most talked-about, bone-chilling releases of the year. It’s sitting at a massive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and critics are calling it an absolute standout horror masterpiece. I am talking, of course, about Curry Barker’s hit horror-thriller, Obsession.Joining us today is a veteran of the screen who has over two decades of experience and more than 70 television episodes under his belt—from intense dramas like Ozark and Will Trent to beloved comedies like Modern Family. But in a movie defined by pure psychological tension, he manages to steal the show with a brilliant comedic performance that has quickly become an audience favorite.I’m thrilled to be speaking with the incredibly versatile, risk-taking, and man behind Harry in Obsession—the fantastic Darin Toonder! Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. I’m Chris Maynard.Every once in a while, a movie comes along that refuses to fit into a neat little box. It doesn’t care about genres, and it certainly doesn't care about playing it safe. That’s exactly what writer-director Tyler Cornack has delivered with Mermaid. Released by Utopia, this film is a sun-drenched, deeply surreal piece of indie cinema centered on a desperate Florida man who discovers a wounded, reptilian mermaid and decides to shield her from a ruthless world.It’s bizarre, it’s beautiful, and it features a brilliant ensemble cast—including today's guest.You know him from massive blockbusters, definitive political satires, and decades of unforgettable character work in projects like Veep, Dave, and Transformers. In Mermaid, he steps into the frame to play Keith, a calculating, menacing figure who serves as a massive threat to our main characters. The phenomenal Kevin Dunn is on the show today.It’s a loose, insightful, and entirely candid conversation with an absolute veteran of the craft.Here is my interview with Kevin Dunn.

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, and today we are diving into a project that is a must-see for anyone interested in lost cinematic history.One notable entry of the silent era is the loss of Lon Chaney’s 1922… classic? A Blind Bargain. For decades, it has lived only in production stills and the imaginations of horror historians. But our guest today has done something much more ambitious than a simple remake. Paul Bunnell has reimagined this macabre tale, transporting the gothic dread of the original into a stylized, 1970s landscape.The film follows a desperate young man who, driven by the need to save his mother, strikes a devastating deal with an unhinged physician. It’s a story of twisted experiments, moral decay, and the high price of hope.We’re going to talk about the challenges of reviving a "lost" story, the influence of the man of a thousand faces, working with Crispin Glover, and the process of bringing this dark vision to life. Please welcome to the show, the director of A Blind Bargain, Paul Bunnell.

Welcome back to another episode of the Following Films podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.Today on the show, we’re diving into a genre that feels like it’s been missing from the multiplex for far too long: the warm-hearted, 80s-style coming-of-age comedy. My guest is the legendary Bobby Farrelly, who is here to talk about his latest film, Drivers Ed.In the film, a group of teens hit the road in a stolen driver’s ed car, racing against time to help a lovesick high school senior (Sam Nivola) track down his college-freshman girlfriend and win her back. In 24 chaotic hours, they’re chased by school security and the cops, shot at by small-time crooks, and somehow adopt a three-legged cat. Also starring Kumail Nanjiani and Molly Shannon. Drivers Ed hits VOD this Friday, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air. It has that genuine heart and nostalgic energy that reminds you why we fell in love with these kinds of stories in the first place. Bobby and I get into the nuts and bolts of the new film, but we also take a deeper look at his career—specifically how he approaches the representation of characters with special needs. From the groundbreaking moments in There’s Something About Mary to the intentionality behind Drivers Ed, we discuss why having characters the audience truly cares about is the secret sauce to making his comedies work.We also touch on how laughter could be the fountain of youth. It’s a great conversation with a filmmaker who knows exactly how to balance a punchline with a bit of soul.Let’s get into my interview with Bobby Farrelly.

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. Today’s guest has captured the internet's heart by proving that being a parent doesn't mean you have to look like a suburban dad. Known to millions as the "Punk Rock Girl Dad," Sid Broderius has gone viral for his videos introducing his young daughter, Lorelai, to the high-energy world of The Riverboat Gamblers, Ramones, Against Me!, and The Clash.Based in Spokane, Washington, Sid has been a staple of the local music scene for two decades and currently plays in the band The Emergency Exit. Whether he is letting Lorelai explore his guitar collection or spinning classic punk vinyl, his philosophy is rooted in sharing his deepest passions to foster genuine family bonding through music and subculture.With a following of over 32,000 on Instagram and shout-outs from bands like Bowling for Soup, Sid is showing the world that the next generation of music fans starts at home. We’re going to talk about his viral journey, his life in the Spokane scene, and the art of passing down a punk rock legacy. Please welcome to the show, Sid Broderius.

Welcome to another episode of the Following Films Podcast. I’m Chris Maynard.Today, we are diving into a project that kicked off this year’s Dallas International Film Festival as the opening night selection. It’s a film that uses the backdrop of competitive youth basketball to explore much larger themes of family, grief, and the weight of expectations.Joining me today is writer and producer Todd M. Friedman to discuss his new film, Last Shot. Starring Jaime Pressly and Michael Rapaport, the story follows a young basketball prodigy navigating life after a significant loss. What makes this project particularly compelling is how it leans into a grounded, realistic drama—a narrative depth that stems from Todd’s own experiences on the sidelines and the unique decision to cast his son, Dylan Friedman, in the lead role.We’re going to talk about the transition from personal experience to the page, the collaborative process of indie filmmaking, and what it’s like to premiere a project of this scale.Todd, welcome to the show!

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.One of the most rewarding parts of this show is getting to highlight filmmakers who possess a truly distinct, non-formulaic voice, and today’s guest is a perfect example. Recently named one of Variety’s 2026 Directors to Watch, Chandler Levack is having a massive moment with two films hitting screens this week.On one hand, there is her indie festival darling, Mile End Kicks, a raw and vibrant portrait of a young writer finding her footing in the Montreal music scene. On the other, she is making her studio debut with the Netflix comedy Roommates. While it features a massive ensemble—including Sadie Sandler, Chloe East, Sarah Sherman, and Natasha Lyonne—it manages to elevate the traditional college freshman comedy into something far more poignant and relatable.Chandler’s background as a music and arts journalist for publications like SPIN and The Village Voice brings a unique texture to her filmmaking, and I’ve been eager to dive into her process. Today, we’re talking about the transition to a major studio project, what it was like collaborating with Adam Sandler, the critical importance of getting the right faces in the right roles, and, of course, the specific films and music that changed our lives.It’s a wide-ranging conversation with one of the most exciting directors working today. Please welcome to the show, Chandler Levack.

Welcome to the Following Films Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Maynard.On today’s episode, we are diving into the high-stakes world of true crime and the intricate process of bringing procedural intensity to the small screen. Joining us is Executive Producer Matt Robins to discuss his work on the series FEDS, which is currently airing on Investigation Discovery.We’re specifically looking at the upcoming episode, "Gangbuster," which premieres on April 1st. It’s a compelling look at a community in Southern Florida gripped by a wave of unsolved shootings, and the story follows rookie FBI Special Agent Jessica Box as she attempts to dismantle the gang responsible.In our conversation, Matt and I talk about the balance between the gritty reality of gang violence and the character-driven narrative of a rookie agent finding her footing under immense pressure. We also touch on the collaborative effort between federal and local law enforcement that makes this particular episode so authentic.It’s an insightful look at the storytelling behind one of the most gripping crime dramas on television right now. So, let’s get into it—here is my interview with Matt Robins

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. If you are anything like me, you are always searching for those rare stories that feel both intellectually sharp and deeply human, films that capture the messy, rhythmic chaos of life and relationships. Today, we are diving into a project that fits that description perfectly: the new romantic dramedy, Fantasy Life. Fresh off a triumphant run at the SXSW Film Festival—where it took home the Audience Award and a Special Jury Award for its star, Amanda Peet—Fantasy Life is a smart, New York-centric story written and directed by its lead, Matthew Shear.The film follows Sam Stein, played by Shear, a former paralegal who, after a panic attack, finds himself babysitting for his own psychiatrist. What follows is a summer on Martha's Vineyard involving a stalled actor played by Peet, her rock-bassist husband played by Alessandro Nivola, a house full of grandparents, and the delicate, shared history of mental illness. It features an incredible ensemble cast including legends like Judd Hirsch, Bob Balaban, and Holland Taylor. Joining me today is the multi-hyphenate behind the film, Matthew Shear, to talk about the transition from acting to the director's chair and the inspiration behind this "smart New York rom-com." Because there was so much to dig into regarding the writing process and this stellar cast, we have the entire conversation for you today, presented in two parts.Fantasy Life opens in New York on March 27th, with a nationwide theatrical release on April 3rd. Let’s get into my interview with Matthew Shear.

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast, your go-to source for in-depth interviews with today’s most exciting filmmakers and performers.In today’s episode, we’re joined by the legendary Doug Jones to discuss his latest film, Operation Taco Garry’s — a wildly absurd sci-fi comedy that blends alien invasions, outrageous humor, and a taco joint at the center of a cosmic conspiracy.Operation Taco Garry’s follows two brothers who accidentally uncover an intergalactic plot hidden inside Taco Gary’s. What starts as a wrong-turn road trip quickly turns into a fight to save Earth. This off-the-wall alien invasion comedy stars Simon Rex, Dustin Milligan, Brenda Song, Jason Biggs, and Doug Jones in a cast packed with comedic talent.Known for his transformative performances and iconic creature roles, Doug Jones brings his signature physicality and creativity to this unique sci-fi adventure. In this exclusive interview, we explore:What attracted Doug Jones to Operation Taco Garry’sHow he approached the film’s over-the-top sci-fi comedy toneWhat makes this alien invasion story stand out from traditional genre filmsBehind-the-scenes insights from working with the castIf you’re a fan of sci-fi comedies, alien invasion movies, or Doug Jones’ unforgettable performances, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Operation Taco Garry’s hits theaters Friday, February 27, so grab your tickets and experience the chaos, comedy, and cosmic conspiracy on the big screen.Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the Following Films Podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing you exclusive interviews with the filmmakers and actors you love.Now, let’s dive in. Here’s our conversation with Doug Jones.