Director's Club

Jim Laczkowski

A monthly show that reviews one film director per episode with the occasional bonus episode. Episodes 123-172 were hosted by Brad & Al. As of 2022, new episodes will be hosted by Jim and/or Bill. The spin-off show, B-Side Me, is also here (for now) which is all about music/bands!

  1. B-Side Me Episode #4: Beach House

    FEB 12

    B-Side Me Episode #4: Beach House

    In addition to the monthly movie talk regarding directors (for Director’s Club), I'm happy to present the latest episode of the music version of that same format! Only this time, it's all about bands/musicians that we think are worth discussing. Along with co-host and partner Sharon Gissy, we both can’t wait for you to listen to us nerd out about music each month (sorry we skipped January). For Feb, it's all about the remarkably talented dream pop duo Beach House! The format is simple: each of us picks an A-side to discuss (a more popular well-known song) and then we choose a B-side (a song that’s more obscure) that we think you should listen to ASAP. Add our choices to playlists, listen to us talk about another art form we both adore just as much as film! Thank you so much to Sharon for joining me on this nerdy podcasting journey and can’t wait for March's episode (next year we will also have guests on too). More to come!

    1h 28m
  2. Episode 244: Frank Capra (feat. Ross Bratin & Tripp Burton)

    FEB 4

    Episode 244: Frank Capra (feat. Ross Bratin & Tripp Burton)

    The last director-centric episode was back in late November / early December but we're back on the regularly monthly schedule as of now! Huge thanks to my buddies Ross & Tripp for coming on to talk about a true blue classic storyteller, and we have a lot to say! For this episode on the legendary Frank Capra we focus on a couple more obscure titles instead of the popular ones. I chose the pre-code dramedy American Madness while Ross & Tripp picked the adaptation of the hit play Arsenic and Old Lace starring Cary Grant. That's the plan of action I'm taking with this show from now on - I choose a lesser-known film worth discussing and the guest does the same (as much as I love It's A Wonderful Life of course). I'm so grateful to the hosts of A Tripp Through Comedy, one of my favorite shows for joining me on this episode that I'm sure you'll enjoy if you're a fan of Capra (or even if you're not!). Follow Tripp & Ross: A Tripp Through Comedy Follow All-Things Me Here: JimLaczkowski.net

    1h 41m
  3. Episode 243: 50 Favorites Part IV: The Final Chapter (feat. Bill Ackerman)

    FEB 2

    Episode 243: 50 Favorites Part IV: The Final Chapter (feat. Bill Ackerman)

    The title says it all. 50 Favorites Part One was done back in 2021. Every couple of years, we nerd out some more! Collect them all, tell your friends! Welcome back Supporting Characters host Bill Ackerman for a 7-hour conversation about 50 more of our very favorite films, bringing the total to 200. Perhaps in 2028 we will return?? Thank you for listening and for the support and to Bill for being one of the best guests and friends on the planet. Stay tuned for two more DC episodes this month (Frank Capra + B-Side Me) and then in March, another epic-long episode covering the films of 1996 w/Erik & Collin. Parts 1-3 50 Favorites (2021): https://www.jimlaczkowski.net/50favorites1 50 Favorites Part II: Dead by Dawn (2022): https://www.jimlaczkowski.net/50favorites2 50 Favorites Part III in 3D (2024): https://www.jimlaczkowski.net/50favorites3 50 Favorites Part IV: The Final Chapter (2026): https://www.jimlaczkowski.net/50favorites4 Follow and Support Bill's Podcast! https://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters

  4. Dial P for Podcast #1: The Pleasure Garden, The Lodger, The Ring, Downhill

    JAN 31 · BONUS

    Dial P for Podcast #1: The Pleasure Garden, The Lodger, The Ring, Downhill

    Good evening. Welcome to Dial P for Podcast, Patrick Ripoll's year-long chronological voyage through the films of Alfred Hitchcock. Every month Patrick will be watching four Hitchcock features and talking about them here, from The Pleasure Garden to Family Plot, all across the year of 2026, examining the life and work of England's most famous cinema pervert. First up, a slate of silent films. In The Pleasure Garden (1925) a showgirl must fight for her love, in The Lodger (1927) a mysterious new boardinghouse tenant may or may not be a serial killer, in The Ring (1927) an up and coming boxing challenger must fight for his love and in Downhill (1927) a rich schoolboy takes the fall for a friend's crime with disastrous results. The birth of one of the most spectacular careers in film history, the master director's not-so-humble beginning. Check it out, here as a new Director's Club exclusive spin-off series! 0:00 - 0:44 - Intro Theme 0:45 - 18:47 - The Pleasure Garden (1925) 18:48 - 58:21 - The Lodger (1927) 58:22 - 1:19:48 - The Ring (1927) 1:19:49 - 1:45:21 - Downhill (1927) 1:45:22 - 1:46:09 - Outro Theme

    1h 46m
  5. Bonus Episode: Chicago Film Critic Nick Digilio (40 Years 40 Films - LIVE)

    JAN 23 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Chicago Film Critic Nick Digilio (40 Years 40 Films - LIVE)

    My first live podcast recording! Author/film critic/podcaster Nick Digilio sold out the community room at the Rogers Park Branch library in Chicago to talk all about his new book and memoir, 40 YEARS 40 FILMS. I asked questions, played movie clips, celebrated an accomplished Chicago legend that has meant a lot to me in so many ways these past 30+ years. Thank you to Sharon for coming to the rescue by filming the video last minute which you can view at the link below as an alternative to the audio. Oodles of gratitude to all the patrons, fans, friends and CPL staff for their support and accommodation. Huge congrats to Nick for another great success with this book and for the many years of reviewing films with passion! Thanks everyone for listening! Buy Nick's book: https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/40-years-40-films Video: https://vimeo.com/jimlaczkowski/nickdlibrary Be sure to visit: https://nickdigilio.com Check out my new website: https://jimlaczkowski.net/nickbookbonuspodcast

    1h 19m
  6. Bonus Episode: Ryan Verrill (The Disc-Connected & Antenna Releasing)

    JAN 19 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Ryan Verrill (The Disc-Connected & Antenna Releasing)

    Do you love physical media and movies? Then you should be following all-things Ryan. I am truly honored to be joined by returning guest and physical media community superhero Ryan Verrill. We discuss the many projects he has in the works while mainly focusing on his latest distribution company, Antenna Releasing. During the 2nd half of the conversation, we also discuss some of his favorite films of 2025! Per their website, Antenna Releasing is "always looking for exciting new voices in film to champion" and Ryan (along with his two hard-working compadres) are definitely making things happen already with their incredible new endeavor! Thank you so much to Ryan for talking with me on our lunch break and sharing with me all the good news at a time when we need it the most. Follow Ryan here, there, everywhere! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disc-connected/id1615134944 https://www.youtube.com/c/DiscConnectedMedia https://www.patreon.com/cw/DiscConnected https://letterboxd.com/disc_connected https://www.antennareleasing.com

    55 min
  7. Episode 242: Favorite Films of 2025 (feat. Patrick Ripoll + Bill Ackerman)

    JAN 2

    Episode 242: Favorite Films of 2025 (feat. Patrick Ripoll + Bill Ackerman)

    What a year. Thank God it's over. For a nearly five-hour long conversation among my two dearest friends and fellow podcasters, we reveal 25 our of favorite films of 2025. One of our guests mainly focuses on the horror genre while I decide not to rank the titles and simply list them in alphabetical order. Obviously, my number one is a film we talked about earlier this year in its entirety as a separate bonus episode (below). But there are 24 more films to celebrate as well (many more from my guests too). Joining me as always are film historian/podcaster/commentator Bill Ackerman (Supporting Characters) and the co-host of 96 Greers and the host of Tracks of the Damned, Patrick Ripoll. We all have opinions, lots of surprises to share and so many titles for you to seek out. I wish I was a bit more enthused about the year in film but I am very happy to share 25 titles that I certainly think are well worth your time. Hoping you feel this episode is also worth your time! And so grateful to my two passionate cinephiles for returning to nerd out on New Year's Day! Special thanks to guest contributor and friend Chloe Waryan (of Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast) for sharing her picks at around the 18 minute mark too! Follow Bill: Supporting Characters Follow Patrick: 96 Greers // Tracks of the Damned Listen To Us Discuss One Battle After Another: My Favorite Film of 2025 Other Year-End Episodes From Previous Guests I Recommend: The Nick D Podcast Genre Grinder Not Scared: A Horror Movie Podcast

    4h 53m
  8. Bonus Episode: Bloodbeat (1983)

    12/29/2025 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Bloodbeat (1983)

    What the hell is Bloodbeat?? From one-and-done French filmmaker Fabrice-Ange Zaphiratos, filmed in Wisconsin. A young woman travels to rural Wisconsin to meet her boyfriend's family, but she becomes possessed by the spirit of a Japanese samurai who goes on killing spree anytime she becomes aroused. You read that synopsis correctly which is precisely why I decided to concoct a special holiday bonus episode featuring friends Matt Greene & Jesse Oliver for an experimental episode on a truly bizarre holiday horror film that has become a favorite. You can still watch the movie after listening to us describe it in detail because you won't believe your eyes. It is available to find in its entirety on YouTube; I recommend blind buying the Vinegar Syndrome Blu-Ray linked below. For this deep dive rabbit hole, I edited together excerpts of Matt & Jesse describing it along with excerpts from other podcasts/YouTube videos sprinkled throughout. Clips from the film and director! There is a lot of synth music, robot voices, an edited/compressed version of me talking about this one-of-a-kind movie. Happy holidays and see you in 2026 for the year-in-review favorites of 2025 episode soon! More interesting info: https://www.wisconsinfrights.com/blood-beat Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Beat-Blu-ray-DVD-Combo/dp/B075427Q6Q

    33 min
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4.3
out of 5
143 Ratings

About

A monthly show that reviews one film director per episode with the occasional bonus episode. Episodes 123-172 were hosted by Brad & Al. As of 2022, new episodes will be hosted by Jim and/or Bill. The spin-off show, B-Side Me, is also here (for now) which is all about music/bands!

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Laczkowski
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2026
  • Episodes
    312
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jim Laczkowski
  • Show Website
    Director's Club

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