Erik Estrada on Pulling a Knife on Pat Boone, Tony Hawks: Destroying America, and Fallout

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Waltzing with Brando Cinematographer Garrett O’BrienWaltzing with Brando follows Hollywood legend Marlon Brando (Billy Zane) at the height of his fame as he dreams of leaving Hollywood behind to create the world’s first sustainable ecological retreat on a remote Tahitian island. To bring his vision to life, he enlists Bernard Judge (Jon Heder), an idealistic Los Angeles architect, in an against-the-odds effort to transform Tetiaroa, a challenging twelve-island atoll, into an environmentally conscious retreat.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show. Go to  https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFCheck the show notes for a direct link.Waltzing with Brando is now playing in theatres everywhere. Now on to my conversation with Garrett, I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today, we’re diving into a film that’s as much about cinema history as it is about the raw, unsettling power of horror. Fifty years after Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre shocked the world and permanently altered the landscape of filmmaking, a new documentary is taking a hard, fascinating look at its legacy.It’s called Chain Reactions—winner of the Venice Classics Award for Best Documentary on Cinema and an official selection at festivals like Telluride, Sitges, and BFI London. The film brings together voices like Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama, weaving their personal impressions, memories, and even traumas into a dialogue about how one scrappy, no-budget horror film embedded itself into our collective nightmares—and never left.The documentary is written and directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, a filmmaker who has carved out his own space as the leading voice in what he calls “cinema essays.” From 78/52 to Memory: The Origins of Alien to Lynch/Oz, Philippe has built a career exploring not just movies, but the cultural and artistic forces behind them. With Chain Reactions, he once again peels back the layers of a cinematic landmark.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFChain Reactions in now playing in New York and Los Angeles and will expand nationwide on 9/26. Now on to my conversation with Alexandre O. Philippe— I hope you enjoy the show

In TRAUMATIKA, a young boy’s night terrors become reality when his mother begins showing signs of demonic possession. What he’s about to experience will haunt him for the rest of his life and claim countless lives across generations. Today I’m joined by the co-writers and director of TRAUMATIKA, Pierre Tsigaridis and Maxime RançonToday’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6ufNow on to my conversation with Pierre and Maxime — I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. As the world continues celebrating the 75th anniversary of Peanuts®, Lee Mendelson Film Productions has given fans a treasure: the first-ever release of Vince Guaraldi’s complete soundtrack to You’re a Good Sport, Charlie Brown. Following the sell-out success of the premiere Zoetrope LP, demand has been so overwhelming that a second pressing is already on the way—along with an Eco-Black vinyl edition arriving September 12, 2025.At the heart of this historic project is producer Sean Mendelson, who—along with his brother Jason—has worked tirelessly to bring Guaraldi’s timeless jazz back to life in pristine form. With restored and remastered recordings, expanded liner notes, and an eco-conscious approach to vinyl production, this release isn’t just about preserving a classic soundtrack—it’s about honoring a legacy.Today, we sit down with Sean Mendelson to talk about the Eco-Black Vinyl release, Guaraldi’s genius, and what it means to carry forward his father Lee Mendelson’s enduring Peanuts legacy.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to  https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uF

Today I’m joined by legendary actor Erik Estrada to discuss the time he pulled a knife on Pat Boone, his work on Tony Hawks: Destroying America, and his work on the Amazon hit series Fallout. This interview was recorded at the Tucson Comic-Con. Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show Go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFNow on to my conversation with Erik —big thanks to the folks at Tucson Comic-Con for setting up this interview. I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Nicholas Colia to discuss GRIFFIN IN SUMMERGriffin Nafly (Everett Blunck) is the most ambitious playwright of his generation. He's also fourteen years old and living with his parents in a humdrum suburb while dreaming of moving to New York City. When his mom (Melanie Lynskey) hires a handsome 25-year-old handyman (Owen Teague), Griffin's life and his new play take an inspired turn. Also starring Kathryn Newton and Abby Ryder Fortson.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Universal Pictures How to Train Your Dragon. The film is currently available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. If you would like to win a free copy of the 4K disc, just send an email with your mailing address to [email protected] with the subject line “I can train your dragon.” Winners will be selected at random and receive notification by 8/31.Now on to my conversation with Nicholas, GRIFFIN IN SUMMER will be in theaters FridayAugust 29th, I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Erik Messerschmidt to discuss his Emmy-nominated work on Bono: Stories of SurrenderBono: Stories of Surrender is a vivid reimagining of Bono’s critically acclaimed one-man stage show, “Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music and Some Mischief…” As he pulls back the curtain on a remarkable life and the family, friends, and faith that have challenged and sustained him, he also reveals personal stories about his journey as a son, father, husband, activist, and rock star. Along with never-before-seen, exclusive footage from the tour, the film features Bono performing many of the iconic U2  songs that have shaped his life and legacy.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Universal Pictures How to Train Your Dragon. The film is currently available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. If you would like to win a free copy of the 4K disc, just send an email with your mailing address to [email protected] with the subject line “I can train your dragon.” Winners will be selected at random and receive notification by 8/31.If you’re in the Tucson area—or planning a trip to Southern Arizona at the end of August—come join me at this year’s Tucson Comic-Con! I’ll be moderating a panel with Mike Jaret and Tad Sallee to talk about their work on Going Postal: The Legacy Foretold. We’ll have a film screening, a Q&A with the filmmakers, and some fun giveaways. I’m really excited for this one—catch us Friday, August 29th at 3:00 PM in Panel Room 105! You can purchase tickets for the event https://tucsoncomic-con.com/Now on to my conversation with Erik, Bono: Stories of Surrender is currently streaming on Apple TV+.,  I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Wendy Lobel to discuss ANXIETY CLUBANXIETY CLUB provides an intimate and humorous look at anxiety through the eyes and minds of some of the most brilliant comedians working today. Marc Maron, Tiffany Jenkins, Baron Vaughn, Aparna Nancherla, Mark Normand, Eva Victor and Joe List offer candid reflections on their relationship with anxiety through exclusive interviews, standup performances, sketch videos, therapy sessions, and everyday life.With rare access to private therapy sessions, the film follows comedian Tiffany Jenkins (a content creator with over 9 million followers) as she undergoes behavioral therapy, capturing the profound changes her treatment brings about. Others find support from alternative sources, such as world-renowned meditation expert Tara Brach, PhD, or the psychologist-in-residence at The Laugh Factory, or simply from mentors in the comedy community. All of the comedians in ANXIETY CLUB have created standup or sketch material about their mental health that is not only funny but uniquely relatable and disarming to audiences. With comedy, vulnerability, and honesty, these comedians provide remarkable insight into anxiety - the most prevalent mental health disorder affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Universal Pictures How to Train Your Dragon. The film is currently available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD. If you would like to win a free copy of the 4K disc, just send an email with your mailing address to [email protected] with the subject line “I can train your dragon.” Winners will be selected at random and receive notification by 8/31.Now on to my conversation with Wendy, ANXIETY CLUB will be available on digital 8/15,  I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Jeremy Rudd to discuss DIE’CED: RELOADEDSeattle, Halloween night, 1987. Benny - an infamous serial killer long thought contained - breaks free from a high-security asylum, reborn behind a twisted scarecrow mask. As he leaves a trail of carnage across the suburbs, whispers of his gruesome past resurface, fueling panic in a city soaked in neon and fear. But Benny isn’t just killing for pleasure - he’s hunting someone. A young woman unknowingly tied to the darkest chapter of his madness becomes his fixation, and the closer he gets, the bloodier it gets. Die’ced: Reloaded delivers a brutal, synth-drenched slasher soaked in 1980s nostalgia, where Benny carves his place in horror history - one body at a time.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show go to https://referworkspace.app.goo.gl/G6uFDIE’CED: RELOADED will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand on Tuesday, 8/12Now on to my conversation with Jeremy Rudd. I hope you enjoy the show

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Ella Balinska and Hugo Keijzer to discuss The Occupant.You may know Ella from her breakout role in Charlie’s Angels, or her work in Resident Evil,  in The Occupant, she takes things to a whole new level. And with Hugo at the helm, they craft an intense, isolating journey that blurs the line between external danger and internal demons.In today’s episode, we unpack the making of The Occupant, explore the film’s themes of guilt, survival, and identity — and get a behind-the-scenes look at how this thrilling story came to life.Today’s episode of the Following Films Podcast is brought to you by Google Workspace. We keep things running smoothly and efficiently at Following Films with the convenience of cloud-based Google Workspace programs. Google Docs lets you work and save on Google Drive, Hangouts lets you video chat, Gmail gives you a professional email, and Calendar lets you organise – from anywhere, at any time. You should try it and see how it can help your business, too. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. If you sign up using my link, I can give you a discount, and it helps to support the show