Reel Insights

Nerdtropolis

Welcome to Reel Insights, part of The Nerdtropolis Podcast Network, where Sean Tajipour brings you closer to the stars and stories shaping today’s biggest movies and TV shows. On each episode, Sean sits down with actors, directors, and creators for fun, insightful conversations that go beyond the usual press junket. From behind-the-scenes stories and career journeys to surprising moments and personal passions, Reel Insights gives listeners a front-row seat to the people behind the entertainment they love. Whether it is a major blockbuster, a buzzy new series, or a rising talent you need to k

  1. 8h ago

    ELLIE KEMPER: The Office & Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

    THE OFFICE and UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT star Ellie Kemper speaks with Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour for a full interview about her partnership with Pirate’s Booty and helping families discover fun, screen-free summer adventures.Kemper shares the imaginative games she loved growing up, reveals how her two sons have inherited her love of Pirate’s Booty, and discusses reuniting with Titus Burgess for the upcoming ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE animated series. She also explains what she enjoys about voice acting and why the new show can connect with both children and adults.The actress also reflects on younger generations discovering THE OFFICE, her unforgettable role as Erin Hannon, and why the beloved comedy remains relevant years after its finale. Plus, Kemper enthusiastically pitches a Pirate’s Booty animated TV series—and says she would even write it herself for a lifetime supply of her favorite snack.Visit Nerdtropolis.comInstagram.com/nerdtropolisFacebook.com/nerdtropolisTikTok.com/@nerdtropolisYouTube.com/@NerdtropolisX.com/Nerdtropolis

  2. Jul 18

    WENDELL PIERCE, ANDRE HOLLAND & SHELDON CANDIS: They Fight

    André Holland, Wendell Pierce and director Sheldon Candis join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to discuss They Fight, the powerful boxing drama based on the 2018 documentary of the same name. The film follows a reformed former inmate who returns to the boxing gym while trying to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family.In They Fight, Holland plays Walt Manigan, who struggles to reintegrate into society and find a path forward. His only opportunity comes from a place he thought he had left behind when he begins coaching a group of teenage boys at a local Washington, D.C., youth gym.Holland, Pierce and Candis reflect on the people who believed in them before they fully believed in themselves. Pierce credits his parents with giving him the confidence to believe he could accomplish anything, while Holland remembers how his mother encouraged his creativity and enrolled him in his first drama class.Candis discusses growing up in a home filled with movies and having parents who supported his dream of moving to Los Angeles to become a filmmaker. He explains why having people invest in that dream was essential during the difficult journey of building his career.The conversation also explores how safe spaces can change the direction of a young person’s life. Pierce remembers Coach Mack and the New Orleans playground that became his sanctuary, while Candis shares how his experiences at a YMCA and his connection with the Batey family transformed his understanding of himself and his history.Holland opens up about high school drama teacher Darryl Revel, who helped him recognize that acting could become a real career. He explains that without his teacher’s guidance, he may never have realized that performing professionally was possible.The interview closes with Pierce discussing his upcoming return as Perry White in Man of Tomorrow and the passion of DC fans. Holland, who voiced Harvey Dent in Batman Unburied, also responds to the possibility of joining the live-action DC Universe.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolisTikTok.com/@nerdtropolis

  3. Jul 18

    TITUS WELLIVER & JESSICA FRANCES DUKES: The Westies

    Titus Welliver and Jessica Frances Dukes join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to discuss The Westies, the gritty new MGM+ crime drama premiering July 12. The series explores the violent world of New York City’s Irish mob during the 1980s and the growing conflict threatening to tear the organization apart.In The Westies, Welliver plays Glenn Keenan, a character whose visible tattoos add another layer to his dangerous and unpredictable presence. Dukes plays Birdie Polk, whose conversations and interactions with Keenan reveal more about the people operating inside this brutal criminal world.Welliver explains how his real tattoos have become part of certain characters, including Harry Bosch and Glenn Keenan. He discusses why tattoos felt right for The Westies’ 1980s setting and why they help make Keenan feel like someone living outside the expectations of society.The conversation also explores Welliver’s upcoming role in The Night Agent. Because he plays a Department of Justice prosecutor, his tattoos must be completely covered since they would not fit the character in the same way they do in Bosch or The Westies.Dukes opens up about how she builds a character through her scene partners rather than relying on a single costume, accessory or physical detail. She explains how Birdie continued to evolve once she began working opposite Welliver and responding to the choices he made during their scenes together.Welliver and Dukes also discuss the detailed 1980s sets and how the show recreates a specific period in New York history. Welliver explains why The Westies stands apart from traditional mob dramas by focusing on the Irish mob, its tense relationship with the Gambino crime family and a story that has rarely been fully explored on screen.The interview closes with Welliver explaining why The Westies offers something different for viewers who think they already know the crime drama genre.Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolisTikTok.com/@nerdtropolis

  4. Jul 18

    J.K. SIMMONS & TOM BRITTNEY: The Westies

    Spider-Man star J.K. Simmons and Tom Brittney join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about The Westies, the gritty new MGM+ crime drama premiering July 12. Brittney has also recently been linked by unconfirmed reports to the DCU’s future Batman role, while Simmons remains one of the most recognizable comic book actors through Spider-Man, Invincible and The Legend of Korra.In The Westies, Simmons plays Eamon Sweeney, the old-school leader fighting to maintain control of his criminal empire. Brittney plays Jimmy Roarke, a younger and more rebellious member of the organization who represents a generation hungry to change how business is done.Simmons and Brittney break down the growing conflict between the Westies’ established leadership and the younger generation. They explain how control, ambition and survival create a dangerous internal struggle that could threaten the future of the entire organization.The conversation also explores why the quieter scenes can feel just as threatening as the show’s violent moments. Simmons discusses using silence, listening and observation to reveal what Eamon is thinking, while Brittney opens up about Jimmy’s relationship with Bridget, played by Sarah Bolger, and how their private moments offer a different side of his character.Simmons also explains his approach to researching the real Westies. Because Eamon and Jimmy are fictional characters created for the series, he focused on lifting the characters from the page instead of trying to imitate specific historical figures.The interview closes with Simmons and Brittney revealing one of the show’s most unexpected elements: its dark humor. They discuss how Irish gallows humor brings moments of light into an otherwise brutal world and why humor becomes essential when the dramatic stakes are so high.Plus, Simmons delivers the ultimate compliment by calling Nerdtropolis “the best word in the history of words.”Visit Nerdtropolis.comFacebook.com/nerdtropolisInstagram.com/nerdtropolisTwitter.com/nerdtropolisTikTok.com/@nerdtropolis

  5. Jun 27

    JENNIFER HOLLAND: Peacemaker

    Jennifer Holland joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about Supergirl, Krypto, Peacemaker, and the real-life dog who helped inspire DC’s newest superdog. In this conversation, Holland opens up about her dog Ozu becoming part of DC history as the inspiration behind Krypto.This summer, Supergirl takes audiences on an epic interstellar journey to save the life of Kara’s best friend, her dog Krypto. Starring Milly Alcock in the title role, the DC Studios film also features fan-favorite DC characters including Superman and intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo. Directed by Craig Gillespie, Supergirl explores the origin of a reluctant superhero as Kara discovers her own brand of heroism on her own terms. Supergirl is only in theaters and IMAX June 26 from Warner Bros. Pictures.Holland talks about what it has been like to see Ozu, a scruffy adopted dog who was once afraid of humans, become the heart of Krypto’s journey in the DC Universe. She explains how Krypto plays an important role in Supergirl, serving as Kara’s emotional center and compass throughout the story.The conversation also dives into why audiences connect so strongly with animal characters, especially in superhero stories. Holland shares why the bond between humans and animals can be so meaningful, and how that connection gives viewers an easy emotional way into stories like Supergirl.Holland also breaks down which parts of Ozu made their way into Krypto, including his famous ear, rebellious streak, sweet personality, and loving nature. She also praises the visual effects artists behind Krypto, explaining how Ozu was used as a motion reference and how the final CGI work feels incredibly real on screen.The conversation also covers Holland’s role as Emilia Harcourt in the DC Universe. Sean calls Harcourt the Nick Fury of the DCU, and Holland talks about what it means to play such a strong and complicated character across projects like Peacemaker and the larger DC world.Holland also opens up about working with John Cena, praising his growth as an actor, his emotional performance as Peacemaker, and the lessons she continues to learn from him. She also shares her excitement about possibly returning as Harcourt and wanting to know what happened to Peacemaker after Rick Flag sent him away.Milk-Bone is teaming up with Supergirl to celebrate one of the film’s most iconic relationships: Supergirl and her super-powered pup, Krypto. In partnership with Warner Bros., Milk-Bone is releasing limited-edition Milk-Bone treats inspired by Supergirl, spotlighting the bond between Krypto and Supergirl as a reflection of the connection pet parents share with their own dogs.

  6. Jun 27

    THE SEASON: Jessie Mei Li, Chris Pang & Justin Chien

    Jessie Mei Li, Chris Pang and Justin Chien join Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about The Season, the new Hulu drama series now streaming. The series follows a group of friends in Hong Kong’s elite boating scene as their summer getaway turns into a world of betrayal, power plays, hidden agendas and family drama.In this conversation, Jessie Mei Li, Chris Pang and Justin Chien open up about the family values and personal lessons that helped shape them as artists. Li shares how her parents helped her embrace humor, fun and what she calls her “silly billy” energy, which allows her to approach her work without taking life too seriously.Pang reflects on growing up with parents who are Wing Chun martial arts instructors. He explains how discipline, respect and consistency became important parts of his life and acting career. Chien also talks about the importance of integrity, professionalism and being a good person, lessons he says came from watching his parents lead by example.The interview also dives into defining summers that changed them. Chien shares a personal story about attending summer camp in Northern California, where he learned more about identity, culture and pride as an Asian person in America. Li also reflects on how one summer helped her say yes to new experiences, let go of old limits and embrace a more open version of herself.The Season stars Jessie Mei Li, Toby Stephens, Karena Lam, Chris Pang, Celina Jade, Justin Chien, Yvonne Chapman, Kōki, Lee Jae-yoon, Anson Lo and Marf Yau. The drama streams exclusively on Hulu in the U.S. and will also be available on Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers.

  7. Jun 27

    JOEY IWANAGA: The Furious

    Joey Iwanaga joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about The Furious, the explosive martial arts action. In this conversation, Iwanaga breaks down playing Pak Long, a dangerous and unpredictable villain whose loose screws make him one of the film’s most intense characters.Iwanaga opens up about why Pak Long was such a fun role to play, explaining that the character lives on a thin line between good and evil. While Pak Long may come across as deranged, Iwanaga talks about the emotional idea behind him, including a man who never fully understood unconditional love and spirals when his plans for family, money and control fall apart.The conversation also dives into the brutal fight style of The Furious. Iwanaga explains how director Kenji Tanigaki immediately saw him as a kicker, but he wanted Pak Long’s movement to pull from more than one style. He talks about blending taekwondo, full-contact Kyokushin karate and even dance into the character’s rhythm, making Pak Long’s fighting style feel sharp, unpredictable and physical.Iwanaga also gets real about the pain behind the action, saying the physical impact in The Furious was almost all real. He shares what it was like fighting elite martial artists like Joe Taslim, Xie Miao, Brian Le and Yayan Ruhian, and why you cannot hold back when working with performers of that level.The interview also covers the no-faking spirit of The Furious, the pressure of making action look brutal while keeping everyone safe, the trust between martial artists, and the massive rehearsal process behind the film’s final police station battle. Iwanaga also reflects on how martial arts becomes a universal language, especially when timing, distance and precision matter more than words.

  8. Jun 27

    JOE TASLIM: The Furious, The Raid & Mortal Kombat

    Joe Taslim joins Nerdtropolis Mayor Sean Tajipour on Reel Insights to talk about The Furious, the explosive new martial arts action film. In this conversation, the Mortal Kombat, The Raid and Warrior star opens up about playing Navin, a relentless journalist whose search for his missing wife pulls him into a brutal fight against a criminal network.Taslim breaks down why The Furious was made for action fans and how director Kenji Tanigaki, producer Bill Kong and the entire team worked to elevate the martial arts genre. He also shares why the film’s raw, physical and dangerous action style makes it feel like the kind of movie built to shake theater walls.The conversation dives into how The Furious gives Taslim a chance to bring judo to the forefront of action cinema. He explains why judo is not about looking flashy, but about control, destruction and storytelling through movement. Taslim also discusses the beautifully designed fight language between Navin and Wang Wei, played by Xie Miao, and how their judo-versus-kung-fu dynamic becomes a form of character storytelling without words.Taslim also reflects on working with a cast full of elite martial artists, including how training and physical performance helped him build a bond with Xie Miao despite language barriers. He explains how martial artists communicate through movement, respect and trust, creating a deeper connection through the action itself.The interview also explores Taslim’s action legacy, from The Raid to Mortal Kombat, Warrior and now The Furious. Taslim opens up about why he believes actors have a responsibility to show up physically for action scenes, why too many cuts can hurt the connection between the audience and the character, and why real performance still matters in modern martial arts cinema.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Reel Insights, part of The Nerdtropolis Podcast Network, where Sean Tajipour brings you closer to the stars and stories shaping today’s biggest movies and TV shows. On each episode, Sean sits down with actors, directors, and creators for fun, insightful conversations that go beyond the usual press junket. From behind-the-scenes stories and career journeys to surprising moments and personal passions, Reel Insights gives listeners a front-row seat to the people behind the entertainment they love. Whether it is a major blockbuster, a buzzy new series, or a rising talent you need to k

Information

  • Creator
    Nerdtropolis
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    351
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nerdtropolis
  • Show Website
    Reel Insights

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