The Big Damn Podcast

Big Damn Films

Welcome to The Big Damn Podcast, the monthly peek behind the scenes of our independent film production and distribution company, Big Damn Films.Hosted by the Big Damn co-owners, Michael C. Dougherty and Logan Liskovec, each episode is a retrospective of what we’ve accomplished in the previous month/quarter/year and how we’re progressing through our current slate of projects.  So, whether you're a film buff or just curious about the process of running an independent production and distribution company, get ready for anecdotes, lessons learned, and a sneak peek into the passion and hard work we invest in our Big Damn Films. New episodes are on the 15th of every month with bonus episodes whenever content allows. Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com.Follow us on socials:Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilmsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilmsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms

  1. 12/30/2025

    The Big Damn Podcast | Episode 023 - The Last One of 2025

    Episode 23 is the year-end curtain call. Michael and Logan look back on the chaos and the wins of 2025, what it actually took to get back behind the camera, and how the weird detours shaped the way Big Damn Films thinks about making work going forward.  They also unpack the creative domino effect that turned “one idea” into multiple projects, why Arbor Day is built to let them test a whole bench of collaborators, and what 2026 is shaping up to be with Arbor Day landing on Arbor Day plus multiple long-gestating Darkstone releases and more time out in the wild promoting, selling, and showing up.  In this episode: A 2025 recap: what worked, what surprised them, what they are carrying forward The “one mockumentary” idea that spiraled into “let’s make three movies” Why Arbor Day is a talent-lab for actors, writers, directors, and “day players” A 2026 preview: bigger releases, more promotion, more conventions Support the show: If you want to help keep the indie magic moving, join the Patreon. They even float the idea of a future “crew tier” where supporters can come be crew for a day.    Theme music: Huge shout-out to DJ Zephyr.  Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com. Want to see the chaos as it happens? 👉 Join our Patreon for early access to live recordings, rough cuts, and more behind-the-scenes mayhem: https://patreon.com/BigDamnFilms Follow us on socials: Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms Episode Music by Zafer. Find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duende.zafer/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min
  2. 12/02/2025

    The Big Damn Podcast | Episode 022 - Nurturing the Rise of a Horror Icon

    Episode 22 of The Big Damn Podcast, titled Nurturing the Rise of a Horror Icon, takes you behind the scenes of a major milestone for Big Damn Films. Michael and Logan sit down right after wrapping production on Arbor Day: The Root of Evil to unpack how this project grew from a small concept into a full cinematic feature with a powerful new horror presence at its core. They explore the chaotic fun of directing six different shorts with one unified crew, the emotional weight of completing their first feature as a company, and the standout performances that helped shape the new horror icon audiences will meet soon. The episode also includes updates on editing progress, holiday shipping news for The Fright Before Christmas 2 physical release, and a reminder of what Patreon members receive before anyone else. This is an honest, grounded conversation about building a studio, shaping a new genre villain, and celebrating the momentum that fuels Big Damn Films. Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com. Want to see the chaos as it happens? 👉 Join our Patreon for early access to live recordings, rough cuts, and more behind-the-scenes mayhem: https://patreon.com/BigDamnFilms Follow us on socials: Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms Episode Music by Zafer. Find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duende.zafer/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 16m
  3. 11/02/2025

    The Big Damn Podcast | Episode 021 - Planting The Seeds of a New Horror Legend

    In today’s episode, Michael jumps on solo — coffee in hand — right after Big Damn Films wrapped principal photography on Arbor Day: The Root of Evil.  This is short, but meaningful. Why this episode is late? Because we were finishing a movie. This is officially the FIRST feature completed by Big Damn Entertainment as a for-profit company. The crew has earned rest. The directors crushed it. The movie is in the can. And yes — our Big Damn Horror Icon is officially born. Inside this episode: why the wrap is such a personal weight liftedpost-production timeline + schedules being createdcast & crew paperwork being finalizedPatreon supporters already saw the first look at our Big Damn Horror Iconwe are well on track and deeply excited for what’s nextthis is a new chapter for Big Damn Films — for realMichael also owns the bumps, the hard moments, the stress, and the reality that this wasn’t easy — but it got done. Completion changes everything. Now the movie exists. Not as an idea. Not as a pitch. As footage. A special thank you goes out to: Patreon members (you already got the exclusive peek)our entire cast & crewthe directorsour investorsDJ for our music cuesIf you’ve been with Big Damn Films since Browncoats: Redemption — welcome back. If this is your first episode — buckle in. We’re excited. We’re grateful. We’re proud. And… yes. We’re back. Keep telling your Big Damn stories. Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com. Want to see the chaos as it happens? 👉 Join our Patreon for early access to live recordings, rough cuts, and more behind-the-scenes mayhem: https://patreon.com/BigDamnFilms Follow us on socials: Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms Episode Music by Zafer. Find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duende.zafer/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    5 min
  4. 09/01/2025

    The Big Damn Podcast | Episode 018 – Stroke Recovery & the Big Damn Future

    A candid episode on stroke survival, delays, and Big Damn’s pivot toward scrappy, powerful indie films that outlive their creators.  In this raw and honest episode of The Big Damn Podcast, hosts Michael and Logan pull back the curtain on setbacks, Michael's recovery, and the relentless drive of indie filmmaking. Fourteen weeks after a major stroke, Michael shares his journey through therapy, milestones, and humor—and how it’s reshaped his outlook on life, art, and what truly matters. The conversation moves from Michael’s personal recovery to the future of Big Damn Films, including delays with Z*Con, the bold shift toward faster, smaller productions, and why physical media still matters in an age of fleeting streaming catalogs. Listeners will also get updates on Rifters and the launch Big Damn Films’s first horror anthology feature. At its heart, this episode isn’t just about films—it’s about legacy. Michael reflects on loss, near-death experiences, and building an indie ecosystem meant to outlive its founders. As always, the team closes with gratitude to the Big Damn Patreon family and a reminder that whether you’re a fan, a filmmaker, or chasing your own dream, there’s always a seat at the table. Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com. Want to see the chaos as it happens? 👉 Join our Patreon for early access to live recordings, rough cuts, and more behind-the-scenes mayhem: https://patreon.com/BigDamnFilms Follow us on socials: Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms Episode Music by Zafer. Find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duende.zafer/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    55 min
  5. 05/16/2025

    The Big Damn Podcast | Episode 017 – Summer Hiatus Announcement

    This special episode is short and sincere. Logan pop's in to announce that The Big Damn Podcast is hitting pause for the rest of the summer while Michael recovers from a recent stroke. He’s on the mend (and as stubborn as ever), but healing takes time—and we’re putting health first. Expect us back in your ears with brand-new episodes starting in September. Until then, we may drop a few surprise updates or behind-the-scenes clips if the timing feels right. And while we recharge, we’d love to hear about your Big Damn Summer Plans. Share your own creative projects using the hashtag and tag us—we want to cheer you on. ❤️ Thank you for being part of our community.  🎧 Catch up on past episodes and keep telling your big damn stories. Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com. Want to see the chaos as it happens? 👉 Join our Patreon for early access to live recordings, rough cuts, and more behind-the-scenes mayhem: https://patreon.com/BigDamnFilms Follow us on socials: Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms Episode Music by Zafer. Find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duende.zafer/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    2 min
  6. 04/01/2025

    The Big Damn Podcast | Episode 016 – The Smodcastle Film Challenge, Creative Sparks, and Cardinal Chaos

    Originally recorded March 19, 2025 at 9:33 PM Michael and Logan are back with a raw, unfiltered recap of their wild ride through Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Cinemas 37-Hour Film Challenge. From filming on iPhones to crafting a cardinal costume out of a clearance Handmaid’s Tale robe, the duo shares how the madness reignited their passion for storytelling and their commitment to finishing Z*Con. This one’s full of laughs, lessons, and lightbulb moments—including:  What it felt like directing again after 12 years The unexpected therapy of a 48-hour film fest How Z*Con’s opening scene is evolving (and saving money) Indie horror inspiration, future gear upgrades, and chocolate pretzel-fueled filmmaking💥 Want to see the chaos as it happens?  👉 Join our Patreon for early access to live recordings, rough cuts, and more behind-the-scenes mayhem. 🎧 Subscribe now. The story’s just getting good. Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com. Want to see the chaos as it happens? 👉 Join our Patreon for early access to live recordings, rough cuts, and more behind-the-scenes mayhem: https://patreon.com/BigDamnFilms Follow us on socials: Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms Episode Music by Zafer. Find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/duende.zafer/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    36 min

About

Welcome to The Big Damn Podcast, the monthly peek behind the scenes of our independent film production and distribution company, Big Damn Films.Hosted by the Big Damn co-owners, Michael C. Dougherty and Logan Liskovec, each episode is a retrospective of what we’ve accomplished in the previous month/quarter/year and how we’re progressing through our current slate of projects.  So, whether you're a film buff or just curious about the process of running an independent production and distribution company, get ready for anecdotes, lessons learned, and a sneak peek into the passion and hard work we invest in our Big Damn Films. New episodes are on the 15th of every month with bonus episodes whenever content allows. Learn more about Big Damn Films by visiting: https://bigdamnentertainment.com.Follow us on socials:Facebook: https://facebook.com/bigdamnfilmsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BigDamnFilms/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdamnfilmsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bigdamnfilms