Least Important Things

Least Important Things

A podcast about movies, friendship, and finding meaning in the most important of the least important things in our lives. 

  1. George Smiley - The Hero for Middle Aged Men

    3D AGO

    George Smiley - The Hero for Middle Aged Men

    When we think of the quintessential British hero, our minds often jump to the high-octane world of James Bond or the eccentric brilliance of Sherlock Holmes. But as we grow older, the "throne of cool" begins to look a little different. In this episode, Luke explores the "anti-Bond": George Smiley. Created by John le Carré, Smiley isn't a dashing super-spy; he is an overweight, bespectacled desk worker whose marriage is failing and whose glory days seem long behind him. Yet, it is precisely this "averageness" that makes him one of the most compelling figures in 20th-century fiction. We’ll dive into: The Master of the Slow Burn: How Smiley’s methodical, patient, and strategic nature allows him to outmaneuver enemies who mistake his calmness for weakness.Icons of the Screen: Comparing the legendary performances of Alec Guinness in the BBC miniseries and Gary Oldman in the 2011 film adaptation.The "Book is Better" Myth: Why watching a film first can sometimes be the perfect gateway into a complex literary world.A Hero for the Rest of Us: Why Smiley resonates more deeply as we age, offering a portrait of heroism defined by wisdom, endurance, and the quiet battle for morality.--- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part of the show by leaving a voicemail here.  You can email the show at leastimportantthings@gmail.com or reach out via social media at the links below.  Read our articles and learn more about the show at www.leastimportantthings.com --- Sources for this episode: Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.comTinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979) Opening ThemeTinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979) - Alec Guinness - Toby's QuestioningSmiley tells the Minister - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)The Genius of John le CarréDR. NO | "Bond, James Bond" – Sean Connery, Eunice Gayson | James BondSend us a text Follow Least Important Things: Letterboxd Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook All content falls under fair use: any copying of copyrighted material is done for a limited, educational and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner.

    17 min
  2. The Magical Thinking of Snow Days

    JAN 20

    The Magical Thinking of Snow Days

    For anyone who grew up in a northern climate, the phrase “snow day” carries a weight of pure, unadulterated magic. In this episode, host Luke Ferris explores the transition from the childhood wonder of "cosmic intervention" to the grounded reality of shoveling the driveway as an adult. Luke dives into the "sacred rituals" shared on playgrounds everywhere—from sleeping with spoons under pillows to wearing pajamas inside out—all in the hope of tipping the scales of the weather. He also reflects on the 2000 Nickelodeon millennial childhood classic Snow Day, and how the movie’s aspirational portrayal of what a snow days inspired a generation.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part of the show by leaving a voicemail here.  You can email the show at leastimportantthings@gmail.com or reach out via social media at the links below.  Read our articles and learn more about the show at www.leastimportantthings.com --- Sources for this episode: Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.comSnow Day (2000) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers Send us a text Follow Least Important Things: Letterboxd Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook All content falls under fair use: any copying of copyrighted material is done for a limited, educational and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner.

    14 min
  3. What the Car Radio Taught Me About Change

    JAN 6

    What the Car Radio Taught Me About Change

    After five years of walkable bliss, Luke Ferris has finally relented to the great American tradition: the daily commute. But in the transition from city sidewalks to suburban boulevards, he rediscovered a forgotten magic on the FM dial. In this episode, we explore the "surrender of choice" found in local independent radio (shoutout to Grand Rapids’ own WYCE) and how the cinematic "vibe" of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood helped Luke transform road rage into a Cliff Booth-inspired state of mind. From the diegetic beats of Baby Driver to the neon-soaked streets of Drive, we’re looking at how the music coming through your speakers can turn a mundane 15-minute crawl into a meaningful moment of community. --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part of the show by leaving a voicemail here.  You can email the show at leastimportantthings@gmail.com or reach out via social media at the links below.  Read our articles and learn more about the show at www.leastimportantthings.com --- Sources for this episode: Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.comONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD - Official Trailer (HD)No Easy Way Out - Rocky IV [HD Audio]Best car scene ever Tommy BoyBaby Driver Opening Scene (2017) | Movieclips Coming SoonDRIVE Legendary Intro with Ryan Gosling (Full Scene)Once Upon A Time In Hollywood - Brad Pitt driving scene - Cliff boothonce upon a time in hollywood brad pitt driving sceneSend us a text Follow Least Important Things: Letterboxd Instagram YouTube TikTok Facebook All content falls under fair use: any copying of copyrighted material is done for a limited, educational and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner.

    17 min
4.7
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A podcast about movies, friendship, and finding meaning in the most important of the least important things in our lives.