THE FIXATE & BINGE PODCAST, with Host, Joe Curdy: Deep dives into cinema and storytelling with voices who create it

Joe Curdy
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Film Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Fixate & Binge Podcast, where host Joe Curdy dives deep into the world of film and television — exploring the stories that move us and the creators who bring them to life. Each week, Joe sits down with filmmakers, writers, actors, and producers from around the globe to unpack the art, craft, and cultural impact of movies and TV. From indie gems to major releases, every conversation blends thoughtful analysis with candid, down-to-earth storytelling. Whether you’re a passionate cinephile, a storyteller in the making, or just someone who loves a good binge, this show helps you see what’s on screen in a whole new light. Expect smart conversation, honest recommendations, and insights that connect cinema to real life.  🎬 New episodes every Tuesday. Tune in, think deeply, and binge wisely.

  1. Sep 1

    THE AI QUESTION HOLLYWOOD DOESN’T WANT TO ASK: Film Producer Elizabeth Caddy on GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE

    Send us Fan Mail What if the technology threatening Hollywood could actually protect some of its most vulnerable performers? Film producer Elizabeth Caddy returns to The Fixate & Binge Podcast for a provocative, wide-ranging conversation that begins with Gore Verbinski’s GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE and quickly evolves into something much bigger: the rapidly changing—and increasingly unsettling—relationship between artificial intelligence, entertainment, and humanity. Elizabeth and Joe dive into the dangers AI poses to filmmaking, creativity, performers, and society itself, while also confronting an idea that is considerably harder to dismiss: Could AI actually be used to replace child actors—and in doing so, protect children from an entertainment industry with a long and disturbing history of exploitation, bullying, addiction, abuse, and trauma? It’s an uncomfortable proposition. And Elizabeth doesn’t shy away from it. The conversation also includes Joe’s review of HOKUM (which Elizabeth thinks may have been a little too generous), along with Elizabeth’s recommendations for HEEL, starring Stephen Graham, and STOP! THAT! TRAIN!, starring RuPaul. But ultimately, this episode becomes a much deeper discussion about where we draw the line with AI—and whether the technology we fear might, in some circumstances, actually be capable of protecting the people Hollywood has historically failed to protect. It’s provocative. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s a conversation Hollywood desperately needs to have. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

  2. Aug 25

    THE LAST PICTURE SHOWS: A 10,825-Mile Journey Through America's Vanishing Theaters

    Send us Fan Mail For decades, movie theaters have been more than places to watch films—they’ve been gathering places, community landmarks, and an essential part of the American experience. But across the country, many of those theaters are disappearing. Award-winning, National Emmy-winning documentarian, writer, and producer Rustin Thompson set out to see them before they’re gone. In his new film, THE LAST PICTURE SHOWS, Rustin takes an extraordinary 10,825-mile road trip through the American West, traveling through Washington, Utah, Montana, Nevada, and Arizona and visiting small towns and independent movie theaters that are struggling to survive—or closing their doors altogether. On this episode of The Fixate & Binge Podcast, Rustin and I talk about the journey behind the film, the people and communities he encountered along the way, and what we lose when these theaters disappear. We also discuss the changing moviegoing experience, the challenges facing small-town cinemas, and why preserving these seemingly ordinary places may actually mean preserving something extraordinary about America itself. Because when the last picture show ends, what else disappears with it? This is the story of a filmmaker who drove 10,825 miles to find out. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

  3. Aug 18

    WHY WE LOVE BAD PEOPLE — AND THE DANGEROUS REASONS WE EXCUSE THEM

    Send us Fan Mail Why do we keep rooting for people who do terrible things? From Tony Soprano and Walter White to Dexter Morgan, Billy Butcher and Daemon Targaryen, television has become extraordinarily good at making us understand morally compromised characters. We know their trauma. We understand their motivations. We see their vulnerabilities. And somehow, the better we understand them, the easier it becomes to forgive them. But when does understanding become justification? In this nearly hour-long solo episode of The Fixate & Binge Podcast, Joe Curdy explores our fascination with television's antiheroes—and the uncomfortable possibility that the moral reasoning we use to defend fictional characters may not be so different from the reasoning we use to defend real people. Joe begins with a look at Paramount+'s THE AGENCY, starring Michael Fassbender, before diving into the evolution of television's morally complicated protagonists and asking why charisma, competence, power, trauma and even humor can make us surprisingly forgiving of terrible behavior. Then Hulu's new FURIOUS, starring Emmy Rossum and Lola Petticrew, takes the conversation somewhere darker: What happens when legitimate trauma and righteous anger become the justification for violence? And then fiction collides with reality. Joe examines the extraordinary public reaction surrounding Luigi Mangione following his recent guilty plea in the federal case stemming from the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—and the larger debate over whether anger toward America's healthcare system can ever justify murder. But this isn't a Left-versus-Right argument. Because that's the uncomfortable part. We all do it. We forgive the people we believe are fighting for our side. We minimize behavior when we agree with the cause. We find reasons to excuse people we admire, people who entertain us, people who look the part, and people who are fighting someone we dislike even more. We've all heard—or perhaps said—the dangerous sentence: "I don't approve of everything they do, BUT..." So what comes after the but? Maybe television didn't destroy our moral compass. Maybe it simply taught us how easy it is to understand the villain. And maybe the most dangerous thing about the antihero isn't that we become like them—it's that we become convinced they're right. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

  4. Aug 11

    DO US PART: The Rom-Com Isn’t Dead — Writer & Director Reed Arnold Just Proved It!

    Send us Fan Mail DO US PART: The Rom-Com Isn’t Dead — Reed Arnold Just Proved It For decades, the romantic comedy was one of Hollywood’s most dependable—and beloved—genres. Then streaming changed the theatrical landscape, horror took over the multiplex, and the mid-budget rom-com seemingly disappeared. Enter Reed Arnold. In this episode of The Fixate & Binge Podcast, Joe Curdy sits down with Arnold—the writer, director, and star of DO US PART, his impressive feature-film debut—to talk about bringing a genuinely funny, heartfelt romantic comedy back to the big screen. Set against the increasingly chaotic backdrop of a countryside wedding, DO US PART follows a best man desperately trying to keep a celebration from completely unraveling when buried feelings, complicated friendships, and one very unexpected confession threaten to derail everything. But beneath the laughs is something much more meaningful: a story about unrequited love, enduring friendship, sacrifice, and the painful question of what might have been. Joe recently gave DO US PART a 4.5/5-star review, calling it “a breath of fresh air” and a welcome reminder that the theatrical rom-com “hasn’t lost its mojo—Hollywood has simply forgotten how much we still need it.” In this wide-ranging conversation, Reed talks about writing, directing, and starring in his debut feature; the origins of DO US PART; translating the story from stage to screen; creating authentic chemistry between his three leads; balancing escalating comedy with genuine emotional stakes; and why romantic comedies still matter. DO US PART is currently playing in select theaters and arrives on Apple TV on August 14, 2026. If you’ve been waiting for Hollywood to remember how to make you laugh, fall in love, and maybe even shed a tear along the way, this episode—and this movie—are for you. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

  5. Aug 4

    THE ODYSSEY Explained: Christopher Nolan's Most Human Film Yet?

    Send us Fan Mail Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY is already being celebrated for its breathtaking IMAX photography and epic scope—but is its greatest achievement something far more intimate? In this solo episode of The Fixate & Binge Podcast, Joe Curdy moves beyond the spectacle to explore the film's deeper philosophical questions. Is Odysseus' voyage really about crossing the Mediterranean... or confronting the man he has become? What does "coming home" truly mean after years of war, violence, moral compromise, and unbearable loss? Joe also offers an honest—and perhaps controversial—take on experiencing the film in 70mm IMAX versus standard digital IMAX, questioning whether the premium format ultimately enhanced or distracted from the emotional experience. From Matt Damon's quietly devastating performance to the haunting presence of Athena, Zeus' Law, survivor's guilt, and the unforgettable metaphor of the Sirens' "delicious itch," this episode explores why THE ODYSSEY may be Nolan's most reflective and emotionally resonant film to date. Sometimes the longest journey isn't across an ocean. It's the one that leads us back to ourselves. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

  6. Jul 28

    25 YEARS OF QUEER CINEMA HISTORY: Queer Cinema Trailblazer Todd Stephens & Birkett Turton Celebrate the Cult Classic GYSPY 83

    Send us Fan Mail Twenty-five years after its release, GYPSY 83 has become something rare in independent cinema: a film that grew more meaningful with time. On this special episode of The Fixate & Binge Podcast, I am joined by writer/director Todd Stephens and actor Birkett Turton to celebrate the enduring legacy of a film that has evolved from an overlooked independent release into a beloved cult classic. Todd Stephens has long been recognized as a trailblazer in Queer Cinema, creating deeply personal stories centered around identity, belonging, friendship, and the search for connection. With GYPSY 83, he introduced audiences to an unforgettable road movie about two young people discovering themselves, finding confidence, and creating their own chosen family. We revisit the making of the 2001 film starring Sara Rue as Gypsy and Birkett Turton as Clive, exploring the incredible chemistry between its two leads, the challenges of bringing the story to life, and how a movie that was not initially embraced by critics has gone on to inspire generations of fans. Todd and Birkett share behind-the-scenes memories from production, reflect on the film's cultural impact 25 years later, and discuss why GYPSY 83 continues to resonate with audiences searching for stories about acceptance, individuality, and finding your place in the world. Before welcoming my guests, I also have a little fun discussing the early backlash toward Christopher Nolan's upcoming THE ODYSSEY and offering a playful message to those already writing off a film before they've even seen it. This episode is a celebration of independent filmmaking, Queer Cinema history, and the rare films that become more powerful as the years go by. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

  7. Jul 14

    The Heart Behind the 2025 film HORSEGIRLS: Lauren Meyering & Lillian Carrier on Authentic Autism Representation

    Send us Fan Mail Writer-director Lauren Meyering and breakout star Lillian Carrier join The Fixate & Binge Podcast to discuss one of 2025's most heartfelt independent films, HORSEGIRLS, which debuted at New York's 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.  Inspired by a true story, HORSEGIRLS follows Margarita, a 22-year-old autistic woman navigating adulthood while caring for—and being cared for by—her fiercely protective mother, played by Gretchen Mol. As Margarita discovers the unexpected world of competitive hobby horse riding, she begins to find confidence, community, and her own identity at a pivotal moment in both of their lives. Joe sits down with Meyering and Carrier for an honest conversation about adapting a deeply personal true story for the screen, the importance of authentic neurodivergent representation, collaborating with Gretchen Mol, balancing humor with emotional honesty, and why the film refuses to rely on familiar Hollywood clichés. Carrier also reflects on bringing her own lived experience as an autistic actor to the role of Margarita and what it meant to portray a character with such sincerity and authenticity. Plus, Joe shares why HORSEGIRLS became one of his favorite discoveries of the year, praising the remarkable performances from Carrier and Mol and the film's compassionate portrait of family, independence, and acceptance. If you love character-driven independent cinema and conversations about authentic storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

  8. Jul 7

    The Mid-Year Movie & TV Check-In: What's Working in 2026?

    Send us Fan Mail As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it's the perfect time to look back at the movies and television shows that have made the biggest impact so far this year. In this special solo episode, Joe Curdy shares his favorite films and television series of 2026—from big studio releases and prestige television to independent gems that deserve a wider audience. Along the way, he reflects on the year's biggest surprises, a few disappointments, and the common themes that seem to be resonating with audiences today. Featuring discussion of Project Hail Mary, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Toy Story 5, The Sheep Detectives, Omaha, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, Obsession, The Furious, The Bear, The Pitt, House of the Dragon, Silo, Jury Duty: Company Retreat, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Widow's Bay, and Cape Fear, this episode goes beyond reviews to explore why these stories matter—and what they might say about the kinds of stories we're seeking in 2026. Whether you're searching for your next great movie, the next television series to binge, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversations about film and television, this mid-year check-in has something for every movie and TV fan. Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below! Read our Letterboxd reviews at: https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/ Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=ms Follow us on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

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About

Welcome to The Fixate & Binge Podcast, where host Joe Curdy dives deep into the world of film and television — exploring the stories that move us and the creators who bring them to life. Each week, Joe sits down with filmmakers, writers, actors, and producers from around the globe to unpack the art, craft, and cultural impact of movies and TV. From indie gems to major releases, every conversation blends thoughtful analysis with candid, down-to-earth storytelling. Whether you’re a passionate cinephile, a storyteller in the making, or just someone who loves a good binge, this show helps you see what’s on screen in a whole new light. Expect smart conversation, honest recommendations, and insights that connect cinema to real life.  🎬 New episodes every Tuesday. Tune in, think deeply, and binge wisely.

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