Shows
The WellDanny Trejo – “A Book of Miracles” – TWP071 (UPDATED)One day in 1968, Danny Trejo had hit rock bottom: solitary confinement at the Correction Training Facility, otherwise known as Soledad Prison. From that moment, he decided to change his life completely. During a live interview at DragonCon 2024, Danny tells Anson about the redemptive power in helping others.
Music in this episode was provided by John Bartmann under a Creative Commons 1.0 Universal License.
Link to John Bartmann’s Patron: https://www.patreon.com/johnbartmann
Link to CC License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
https://youtu.be/2DUEVQs-RMs
2025-04-1840 minThe WellDanny Trejo – “A Book of Miracles” – TWP071One day in 1968, Danny Trejo had hit rock bottom: solitary confinement at the Correction Training Facility, otherwise known as Soledad Prison. From that moment, he decided to change his life completely. During a live interview at DragonCon 2024, Danny tells Anson about the redemptive power in helping others.
Music in this episode was provided by John Bartmann under a Creative Commons 1.0 Universal License.
Link to John Bartmann’s Patron: https://www.patreon.com/johnbartmann
Link to CC License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/
https://youtu.be/2DUEVQs-RMs
2025-04-1740 minThe WellAdam Savage – Part 2 – “Creativity as performance” – TWP069Adam gets a touch philosophical on the subject of creativity, discusses some memorable builds and Anson breaks out his Guillermo del Toro impression.
https://youtu.be/MmMMV3TnPmg
2025-03-2041 minThe WellAdam Savage – Part 1 – “Hands-on Thinking” – TWP068We covered Isaac Newton’s monstrous nature, the inevitability of calculus, pottery, Clive Owen’s need for a foil, aesthetics as a point of view, lessons from Steven Soderbergh, following the story’s lead, relinquishing control, Sir Anthony Hopkins’ need for George C. Scott’s tension, and how audience feedback improves creators.
https://youtu.be/bsi0RcKLmS4
2025-03-1738 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 25: In Memoriam, David LynchWe’re tremendously saddened by the loss of a great artist, humanitarian and beautiful human being. David Lynch meant a lot to many people and we were lucky to have shared time and space with him. Branan and Anson shares recollections and Branan breaks out his Lynch impression and a remastered fan film.
Mentioned in this episode:
Room to Dream is a wonderful biography / autobiography hybrid by Kristine McKenna and David Lynch. We recommend the audiobook version so you can Lynch tell his story in his inimitable “Great Plaines Honk” *according to Kyle MacLachlan*
Lumi...2025-01-2351 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 24 “Everything is Rhythm”After a very busy fall season of Anson moving to a new town and Branan moving everywhere they finally find time to make contact. This episode feature a bit of Branan’s travelogues. Recommendations include ‘The Penguin’, Werner Herzog’s ‘Every Man for Himself and God Against All’, ‘Wild Robot’, ‘Anora’ by Sean Baker, The Apprentice, ‘The Name of the Wind’ by Patrick Rothfuss, and a new book called Don Quixote.
Full performance by Sean Ryan, proprietor and wizard of Leap Castle, Ireland.
https://youtu.be/kaQqFRxtqPo
2025-01-0156 minThe WellRoope Rainisto, Part 2 – “Creativity into Code” – TWP067Part 2 of our conversation with AI Filmmaker Roope Rainisto gets into the philosophical, ethical and legal aspects of generative art. Is the genie out of the bottle? How do we respond and what choices do we have?
https://youtu.be/ja4S2d8fSB8
2024-08-1550 minThe WellRoope Rainisto, Part 1 – “Enslaving AI” – TWP066AI filmmaker Roope Rainisto joins us from Finland for part 1 of our discussion about generative tools and working within AI’s current possibilities and limitations.
https://youtu.be/nR__J4L3KY4
2024-07-2545 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 22Branan and Anson broadcast from a rooftop in Toronto accompanied by the soothing sounds of a nearby house renovation. In this Drop: Star Trek set tour, Moondog, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, MANIAC by Benjamin Labatut, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH by James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds, Emergence Magazine’s “Winds of Awe and Fear” by Nick Hunt and Ethernal Damnation’s INDXcoin.
https://youtu.be/H7Lonjt2CrM
And here, as read by Branan, the original apology video posted by Eli Regalado regarding his crypto currency investigation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsgCU-OxORo2024-07-0136 minThe WellRod Lurie – “My Blood & Bones” – TWP065Film Director Rod Lurie was in Bulgaria, deep into pre-production for his film “The Outpost” when he got the call that his son Hunter had suffered a sudden cardiac event. What you are about to hear is a story of loss, but also one of victory through the very decision to keep going.
Special thanks to Rod Lurie for sharing his story with us. Happy Father’s Day.
Extra music provided by Poddington Bear under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 International license.
2024-06-1731 minThe WellTHE DROP – “AT THE MOVIES” with Bilge EbiriIn this episode: Bilge Ebiri, esteemed film critic (New York, Vulture) and friend of the show drops by to discuss where FURIOSA fits in George Miller’s MAD MAX saga, Netflix, ATHENA, IN A VIOLENT NATURE, and the how going out to the movies is more fun and may just make you a better dresser.
https://youtu.be/y4kKxIX707w
2024-06-0858 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 21In this episode: Back surgery, heart ablation, genetic memory, the eternal jellyfish, Jules Verne, big leather books, The Heart Goes Last, The Curse, Uncut Gems, Safdie’s music choices, squid games game show, Alice in Borderland, Connections, James burke, Incan potatoes, hulked out grasses, The Holdovers featuring the mysterious Andrew Garmen, and Anson and Branan get Verklempt reading a listener review.
https://youtu.be/oUCwSOfVpac
2024-04-031h 00The WellTWP064 – Andrew Cumming -“Out of Darkness”Anson and Branan are still banging on about OUT OF DARKNESS and we are thrilled to have the film’s director Andrew Cumming join us for a chat from the far-flung Shetland islands. Mentioned in this episode: Learning to be a caveman, William Golding’s “The Inheritors”, “Quest for Fire”. “Clan of Cave Bear”, “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari and shooting in remote locations during COVID in the harsh Scottish winter. WARNING: Spoilers within! If you have not seen the film we suggest seeing it now that it is streaming. #OutOfDarkness @SignatureEntUK
https://youtu.be/U5xMX1OZr242024-03-1343 minThe WellKenneth Mitchell – In Memoriam (repost) – TWP063When actor Kenneth Mitchell was given a life altering medical diagnosis, it forced him to change his relationship to the concept of time itself. Join us for our first LIVE episode recording from April, 2022 reposted in remembrance.
https://youtu.be/VKD-FniubEs?si=u-9KfvIDpaXm8dIO
2024-03-0142 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 20 – “Out of Darkness”In this episode: OUT OF DARKNESS, amateur speculation regarding the provenance of our species, recent vacations where Anson and Branan both experience passport issues, volcanoes in Iceland and an actual dick measuring contest (not ours).
https://youtu.be/tzSijwuEjs4
2024-02-2356 minThe WellThe Drop – part 19In this episode: Learning Sequences, Mosquitoes on Rainy Lake and other mosquito nightmares, BEEF, painted nails, pizza tours, THE HARVEST, attending the world premiere of OPPENHEIMER, SAG Strike, the heaviest film ever made and what we all suspected about men and sports cars in now scientific fact.
https://youtu.be/ByLSaZN7x9I
2024-01-3128 minThe WellTWP062 – “Gravity Savvy” with Daniel ReardonAnson and Branan take on the weighty subject of gravity and gravity waves with our guest Daniel Reardon doing most of the heavy lifting. Please enjoy this fun and fact-filled historical romp though time and space.
https://youtu.be/5FqEVMsL_Jk?si=PuCjGKPXwCL2KTDL
2024-01-1053 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 18In this short Drop Anson and Branan discus STILL, the documentary about Michael J. Fox, BARRY, Beavis and Butthead, Something in the Dirt and new music from Little Moon.
2023-12-0718 minThe Well“The Harvest” with Doua Moua and Perry Yung – TWP062Doua Moua’s tireless pursuit of his dream to produce his screenplay, “The Harvest,” finally paid off. We are joined by Doua and his co-star, Perry Yung, who dedicated himself to understanding Hmong culture to portray the father in this deeply personal story.
2023-07-2452 minThe WellD&D Reunion with Nathan Stewart_TWP061Did you know Anson used to be a Dungeon Master? In this episode Branan lures Anson into a surprise reunion with his old campaign players under the pretext of interviewing Nathan Stewart of Wizards of the Coast about his role as advisor on the movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Nathan does eventually join the conversation, it’s like two episodes in one!
2023-07-101h 19The WellThe Drop – Part 17In this episode: Branan discusses his oceanic adventure turning 50, Anson recommends Dan Simmon’s ‘Hyperion’, and they both catch-up on ‘Succession’, ‘Beau Is Afraid’, The Dungeons & Dragons movie, meeting John Cleese, some new music and the unforgivable desecration of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar at the hands of he-who-shall-not-be named.
2023-06-1238 minThe WellEric Zala – “Raiders of the Lost Youth” – TWP060Eric and his buddies decided they would make a shot-for-shot remake of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. The only problem? They were just kids. But they had a secret weapon at their disposal: they were just kids.
Interested listeners may watch the fan film itself, and see those moments as described, at threaderskids.com
Special thanks to John Hudgens. Additional music for this episode provided by Audiorezout under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial International license.
2023-03-1645 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 16-Athena Part 2 with Bilge EbiriWe are not finished talking about ATHENA by Romain Gavras. This time we let film critic Bilgi Ebiri do all the talking. We also get into marketing versus promotion and how even a film like ATHENA can get lost in all the noise.
2023-01-3137 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 16-Athena Part 1In this installment of The Drop Branan and Anson discuss and highly recommend the astonishing film ATHENA by Romain Gavras and film critic Bilgi Ebiri stops by to help us articulate what makes this such an amazing film. Also, Branan and Anson perform an original play written by artificial intelligence.
2023-01-0938 minThe WellJello Biafra – “How to make Jello” – TWP059One of our cultural heroes, Jello Biafra is a legendary figure in the punk rock scene and a spoken word artist and politician. He joins us to discus how he found his unique voice and how to weather the slings and arrows of our chaotic political reality. His solution? Wicked humor.
2022-12-0550 minThe WellHoward Berger & Marshall Julius – “Masters of Makeup” – TWP058Just in time for Halloween Branan sits down with author Marshall Julius and legendary makeup FX maestro Howard Berger to discuss their new book, and Branan gets nostalgic and wistful thinking back upon his own almost makeup career.
2022-10-2757 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 15We were so taken with S.S. Rajamouli’s landmark film, RRR, we deciated a whole Drop to it! Also, odd news stories and a subtle plea for a new watch.
2022-09-0337 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Jack Hitt, Part 3 “Crystal Ballz”Back in April of 2020 author and journalist Jack Hitt sat down with us to discuss the beginings of the pandemic and make a few predictions. Over two years later we emerge from our basements and closets to check the accuracy of those predictions and we are once again visted by the ghost of Ignaz Semmelweis. What did we get right and what did we get wrong? Have any lessons been learned?
2022-07-0457 minThe WellVijay Gupta – Part 2 – “The Call” – TWP057Imagine getting an anonymous phone call. The person on the other end tells you that, not only has your work been recognized by group of world recognized artists and innovators, but they are also going to inject your bank account with enough money to change your work and, yes, your life. That’s what happened to Vijay Gupta. Here’s our episode about Vijay’s induction into the MacArthur Foundation’s Fellows program and the strange history of the so-called “Genius Grant.”
Vijay’s album “When the Violin…” can be found here.
2022-06-2115 minThe WellVijay Gupta, Part 1 – “Saying Yes” – TWP056When a virtuoso violinist realizes he has yet to develop his own artistic voice, nor any idea of how to accomplish that task, he is face with a choice: continue a lonely descent into angst, or learn to say “yes”. Here’s the story of how he chose the latter and developed a powerful friendship in the process.
You can find Vijay’s album “When the Violin” here.
You can find out more about “Street Symphony” here.
You can find Steve Lopez’s book “The Soloist” here.
2022-05-3037 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 14In this episode Branan and Anson discuss: An evil & drugged cat, The STAR TREK: SNW premiere, SEVERANCE, TOP GUN 2, PAM & TOMMY, Robert Egger’s THE NORTHMAN, Cixin Liu’s The Poetry Cloud (can be read here) And Euphemisms That Get on My You-Know-Whats by Adam Sharp.
Cat illustration by Louis Wain
2022-05-1642 minThe WellKenneth Mitchell – “Time.” – TWP055When actor Kenneth Mitchell was given a life altering medical diagnosis, it forced him to change his relationship to the concept of time itself. Join us for our first LIVE episode recording.
Additional music provided by Kevin McLeod under a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution license.
2022-04-2541 minThe WellTom McElroy, Part 2 – “How Far is Too Far?” – TWP054Tom McElroy has found the road less traveled to be full of unexpected turns, from the absurdities of reality TV to the perils of traveling in remote wildernesses. Along this sometimes tangled path one thing remains clear, we were not meant to go it alone.
And if you haven’t checked it out yet, our Island Survival Exit Interview is now on YouTube where Anson Mount interviews Branan Edgens about his time in St. Croix learning primitive survival skills from Tom McElory of wildsurvivalskills.com.
https://youtu.be/mtC1HfCxTtA
2022-04-1149 minThe WellTom McElroy, Part 1 – “Chasing the Dream” – TWP053Who amongst us has not dreamed of a simpler life more connected to nature, of escaping the rat race and living a singular existence full of adventure? It’s easier dreamed than done but primitive survival expert Tom McElroy of wildsurvivalskills.com sat down with us to tell us how he did it and share the unexpected twists and turns of his adventure thus far.
2022-03-2942 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 13This episode finds Branan tired and new father Anson unexpectedly well-rested. Discussed in this episode: SEVERANCE, GIRLS Vs. GANGSTERS AND MIKE TYSON (!), Joel Coen’s THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH as reviewed by Ethan Coen, Octavia Butler’s WILD SEED, THE SPARROW by Mary Doria Russell, A delinquent dancing cactus, wisdom from Sterling Hayden, Anson’s worst moment as an actor, and a giant and expensive rebar chicken, and more!
2022-03-2136 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 12In this episode we discuss impending Fatherhood! Plus Bo Burnham’s INSIDE, Burt Reynolds’ HEAT, Branan’s experience Cabin living, camping with the gang, John Fahey , Mr. Rogers discusses silence, Never Ending Story, Fellini’s Toby Dammit excerpt from SPIRITS OF THE DEAD, Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater in F minor, RV 621: VI Eja Mater, fons amoris and how is it compares to BB King and Shakespeare, MIDNIGHT MASS (Netflix), Mark Twain, I am One of You Forever by Fred chapel, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, SUCCESSION (HBO), THE DEATH OF STALIN, Our Mathematical Universe by Max Tegmark, Fabric or Reality by David Deutsch...2022-01-151h 00The WellThe Drop – Part 11Another installment of the segment in which we share all the things we’ve been watching, reading and hearing. AND… The amazing story of how Uncle Philip became a guitar!!! You won’t wanna miss this one. This episode is dedicated in loving memory to Kao Ly Ilene Her.
2021-10-1149 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN – Daniel ReardonEarly in the pandemic, the medical community struggled with ways to help people avoid getting sick through physical contact, particularly when it came to our strange habit of constantly touching our faces. That’s when Astrophysicist Daniel Reardon got an idea. What follows is the strange and funny tale of a highly intelligent man falling down the rabbit hole of stupidity and then using his story to make people smile during a very dark time.
Extra music for this episode provided by Krestovsky under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercia-Share Alike 3.0 license.
2021-08-2129 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Tzi MaAnson and Branan chat with Tzi about his time on “Hell on Wheels”, his incredible career trajectory, his ongoing fight against anti-AAPI hate, and that time he was busted for selling powdered sugar at Andy Warhol’s house.
For more information about the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund you can visit their website here.
Additional music provided by Bored With Four under a Creative Commons Attribution, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 3.0 International license. Their track “Kung Fu” can be found here.
2021-06-0946 minThe WellTHE DROP – Part 10Anson and Branan decide to turn the microphone over to friends and family who have been affected by the rise of anti AAPI violence and hatred in the country.
2021-05-1653 minThe WellTHE DROP – Part 9Anson & Branan take time between seasons to discuss all the things they’ve been reading, hearing and seeing.
In Episode number 9 of THE DROP we discuss: QUEEN’S GAMBIT and Anya Taylor-Joy’s eyeballs , Bryan Fogel’s THE DISSIDENT, Netflix’ series of lockdown shorts, HOMEMADE, Darius Marder’s SOUND OF METAL, HBO’s The Lady and the Dale, The educational streaming platform Curiosity Stream , The Afrofuturism collection on the Criterion channel featuring John’s Coney’s whacked-out Space is the Place YouTube Link) starring Sun Ra and John Akomfrah’s inventive documentary The Last Angel of History (YouTube Link), Ramin Bahrani’s...2021-03-2157 minThe WellTHE DROP – Part 8Discussed in this Drop:
PEN15 (hulu), THE SOCIAL DELIMA (Netflix), the looming danger of deep fakes, HUMAN NATURE (Netflix), LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM (Netflix), THE DEMON IN THE MACHINE (book), TO HOLD UP THE SKY (book), HARPER’S magazine essay “MAKING MEANING”, BECOMING YOU (Apple TV), WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS (Netflix), The spiritual rootedness of LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO (music) versus the spiritual distance of GEORGIAN FUNERAL CHANTS (music), NORMAL PEOPLE (Hulu), THE SECRET MUSEUM OF MANKIND series (music anthology), and the greatest film of all time BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC (Netflix)
2020-12-0747 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Leon Ingulsrud, Part 2 – “Don’t Just Do Something! Stand There!”Join us for part 2 of our conversation with the Martini Samurai Leon Ingulsrud. Topics include: consciousness, learning to “be” through art, how unmarked time slips away into the future, and the eternal question of “Where’s Waldo?”
2020-11-1343 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Leon Ingulsrud, Part 1Back in March, when Anson & Branan founds themselves sheltering with their wives, friends, 6 chickens and 3 dogs, they decided they were missing a very important thing: a new drink recipe. So they phoned up the Martini Samurai himself Leon Ingulsrud of “Hell on Wheels” to help them out with their predicament.
2020-11-0246 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Kadiatou DialloWhen she found out that her twenty-three year old son Amadou had been shot to death by four plain-clothes NYPD officers (in what they claimed was a case of mistaken identity), Kadiatou immediately boarded a flight for New York City. When she arrived, she suddenly found herself the centerpiece of a political and cultural maelstrom which she had not asked for. Further incensed that the media had dismissed her son as “an unarmed, West African street vendor”, Kadiatou decided to write the memoir “My Heart Will Cross This Ocean” and reclaim her son’s identity. Join us as Kadiatou shares wit...2020-10-0850 minThe WellTHE DROP – Part 7Branan & Anson bring you more fun stuff to discover and experience during the lockdown… Can we even call it a “lockdown” anymore? Whatever. You’re bored and we know it.
You can find the trailer for TENET here.
You can find the trailer for “Mind Game” here.
You can find the trailer fro “The Vow” here.
You can find “The Monster of Florence” by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi here.
You can find the trailer for “My Octopus Teacher” here.
You can find the trailer for PEN15 here.
You can fi...2020-09-2849 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Major David HughesMajor David Hughes serves as Chief of Professional Standards at the Newport News Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. After nearly falling victim to his own local police culture, and then spending years considering its systemic issues, Major Hughes simply was not willing to keep silent after the killing of George Floyd. He sat down and penned a stunning op-ed for the New York Times entitled, “I’m a Black Police Officer. Here’s How to Change the System.” After we read it, we knew we had to speak to him.
You can find Major Hughes’ op-ed here.
Revere...2020-08-0348 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – LeVar BurtonLeVar Burton is an actor, producer, director, writer, podcaster, and education advocate. In this segment of WHATRYADOIN’, LeVar shares with us his thoughts on representation in fiction, his memories of his friend and fellow advocate Fred Rogers, and why the Holodeck will one day be realized.
For more information about LeVar and everything he’s doing, check out his website here.
Links to all the authors LeVar mentions in this segment:
Octavia Butler
Samuel R. Delaney
Nnedi Okorafor – Her Binti Series can be found here.
Ken Liu
...2020-07-1452 minThe WellTHE DROP – Part 6 – “We Can Do Better”In the wake of murder of George Floyd, and the national outcry that has followed, Branan and Anson discuss the importance of listening and taking accountability. Yes, this is two white guys trying, very clumsily, to talk about racial justice in our nation. We ask for your patience because this is, embarrassingly, a little new for us.
The documentary about James Baldwin entitled “I Am Not Your Negro” is currently streaming on Netflix and Youtube. Here is the official trailer.
You can stream the documentary series “Eyes On the Prize” for free on the Facing History...2020-07-0159 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Jack Hitt, Part 2American author and journalist Jack Hitt returns for part 2 to speculate upon a post-corona world. Topics include how what we hoard says about us, how nature is enjoying a quiet respite from us noisy humans, what is an essential worker, the end of cruising and the return of outdoor theater.
2020-05-0843 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Jack Hitt, Part 1Jack Hitt is an American author. He is a contributing editor to Harper’s, The New York Times Magazine, and This American Life. In this episode Jack sits down with Anson and Branan to look into their crystal balls and speculate upon what a post-corona world may look like, Jack suggests a John Prine song as our new national anthem and Branan is attacked by an animal on air!
Mentioned in this episode:– A tale of a theatrical production gone horribly wrong, FIASCO!:https://www.thisamericanlife.org/510/fiasco-2013– The story of the remote island of Nauru’s invol...2020-04-3039 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – DAVID WADDELLDavid Waddell is CEO and Chief Investment Strategist for Waddell & Associates. He also plays a mean guitar and has a knack for distilling the complex maze that is our national economy down to an easily digestible form. Which is a good thing given that Anson was a theater major and Branan studied “Fine Arts”. Dave also explains what he learned about the Chinese economy while spending a year living in Hong Kong, and how robots are now controlling a surprising amount of trade. Yes. Robots.
2020-04-2343 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Jonathan MeiburgJonathan Meiburg (from TWP004 and TWP005) returns as our first ever return guest. We check in with Jonathan who is staying very productive under lockdown producing two albums for his two bands SHEARWATER and LOMA while editing his first book about the evolution of his favorite South American raptor – the striated caracara. Among other topics discussed: The unsung role of the Antarctic in evolution, working with a legend in modern music, the comfort and nostalgia of a ring tone, and what Texas pastime he shares with George W. Bush.
2020-04-181h 00The WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Ryan RobbinsActor Ryan Robbins tells us what it’s like to battle COVID-19 and why we need to take this seriously.
2020-04-1327 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’ – Brad Paisley, Part 2We’ve all probably heard one or two good country music stories. Well, Brad Paisley is about to raise the bar.
For more information on Brad’s music, charities and everything else, check out his website.
For more information on Lou Barlow’s music and adventures, make sure to check out his highly entertaining website.
2020-04-0925 minThe WellWHATRYADOIN’? – Brad Paisley, Part 1In our new segment, we’re calling folks to see what they’re doing to stay creative during the coronavirus lockdown. Brad Paisley kicks us off by telling us about how his charitable, free grocery THE STORE was open only two days when the virus took hold in the US. Now he’s figuring out how to get the food TO the people who need it.
You can find out more about Brad’s music and charitable work at his website.
2020-04-0428 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 5 – “Quarantine Shmorantine”Anson and Branan come to you straight from Anson’s Connecticut property where they are literally quarantined from one another. Join us for a deep dive into the history of pandemics and the mystery of viruses.
You can find out more about Carl Zimmer and his book “A Planet of Viruses” here.
You can see the preview for the film “The One I Love” (2014) here. It is available on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon and many other platforms.
Addition music for this episode provided by Greivous Angels under a Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives Non-commercial 3.0 US License...2020-03-3144 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 4 – “Hardcore Music History”Branan opens class in the School of Hardcore with the help of author Michael Azerrad, and Anson shares his adventures in Vietnam.
You can find Michael Azerrad’s book “Our Band Could Be Your Life” here.
You can find Emily St. John Mandel’s “Station Eleven” here.
2020-01-3053 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 3 – “The Port Loophole”Anson shares stories from his trip to Portugal. Branan and Anson share what’s making them excited in the worlds of film, TV, books and podcasts. Anson pours some port and Branan tells the amazing story of “The Port Loophole”. NOTE: Listen and find out how you can become a co-producer of an upcoming episode (which involves helping him to not die on a deserted island).
2019-12-1258 minThe WellMichael Rosenbaum, Part 2 – “Where’s the Glitter?” – TWP052What happens when reality doesn’t meet your expectations? Hilarity ensues. Always.
2019-11-2609 minThe WellMichael Rosenbaum – “The Power of Fear” – TWP051Michael and Anson go back a while, but it’s also been a minute since they’ve seen each other. Two friends analyze the odd truths that come with age; then Michael discusses his relationship to fear, and how meeting that fear head-on through music has led him to greater growth and happiness.
You can find Left on Laurel’s first album “Saved By The Ground” on iTunes or by clicking here. You can also find their facebook page here.
2019-10-1445 minThe WellThe Drop – Part 2Branan shares his adventures in Greece, he and Anson share what they’re reading and listening to this autumn season, and they catch up with Leon “The Martini Samurai” Ingulsrud.
If you’d like to learn more about the Greek island of Delos, there are many resources on line including this article and the Delos museum website.
Dr. Robert Sapolsky’s book BEHAVE helps us understand why and how we do the things we do. Buy it here.
Take a look at this video of Dr. Sapolsky discussing his book on Book TV here.
...2019-09-2439 minThe WellWelcome to THE DROP! – Part 1We did it! We have a title for our weird little, between-season installments. Thanks to Mee Chang and to Bogdan Orlic for helping us find it!
Mentioned in this episode:
Sebadoh’s official site can be found here.
You can order “A Canticle for Lebowitz” here. And you can learn more about Walter M. Miller, Jr. here.
You can order “The Animal Dialogues” here.
You can find the podcast “S-Town” here.
2019-08-1338 minThe WellEnd of Season 2 – “Mind the Gap”???Anson and Branan bring Season 2 to a close and tell you about everything that’s making the excited in the worlds of music, movies, anime and more. AND… they need your help with naming the episode. Listen to find out how you can become a creative member of the team!
2019-07-1423 minThe Well“Call Your Dad” – TWP050Anson asks Branan to delve into his father’s mysterious past, a request which leads our hosts into a discussion about aging, the vagaries of the unconscious, and the incredible power of responsibility. Now call your dad.
Episode links:
Radiolab’s amazing episode “What’s Up, Doc?”
Travel Light by Jason Shaw is provided via a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution license.
2019-06-2035 minThe WellJake Weber – “The Photograph” – TWP049Many years ago, Anson saw a photograph on Jake’s wall. It was a young Mick Jagger sitting next to an eight year old boy. When Anson asked if the boy was Jake’s younger self, he only got a one word answer: “Yeah.” Fifteen years later, Jake finally shares the story of how that photograph came to be on his wall and the heartbreaking childhood surrounding it.
“Treated Acoustic Guitar” is provided by Sleep You Resting Giant via a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
“Overdriven Melancholic Guitar” is provided by Monplaisir via a Creative Commons 1.0 Univ...2019-06-1441 minThe WellDr. Douglas Vakoch, Part 2 – “To Work Without Guarantees” – TWP048Our species cannot comprehend the time and distances inherent in interstellar communication. But noone understands this conundrum better than astrobiologist Douglas Vakoch. A year and a half after our first interview we catch up with his METI project to find out what it is like to dedicate one’s life to the longest term project in the history of human endeavor.
Episode Links:
METI
Georgina Torbet
Sonar Calling – The organization that collaborated with METI to send music to a distant solar system.
His Master’s Voice by Stanislav Lem
...2019-06-0749 minThe WellDr. Douglas Vakoch, Part 1 – “To Risk Imagination” – TWP047Our species has always wondered if we are alone in the universe, Douglas Vakoch is an astro biologist beginning a multi-generational endeavor to finally answer this question.
Episode links:
METI
Georgina Torbet
Doritos commercial link
2019-05-3135 minThe WellMelissa McCracken, Part 2 – “Memory Landscapes” – TWP046Branan tries to get to the bottom of the Synesthesia phenomenon with help from painter Melissa McCracken and neurologist Dr. Robert Algar. Their conclusion? Maybe we all have synesthesia!
2019-05-1746 minThe WellMelissa McCracken, Part 1 – “Dancing About Architecture” – TWP045Melissa McCracken is a painter living in a parallel dimension to ours: her synesthesia fills her world with colors and other atypical sensory experiences. She tries to explain what this world is like and in doing so reminds us all of the importance of communication, tolerance and patience. Please take a moment to review her work here: www.melissasmccracken.com
2019-05-0335 minThe WellAlice Cooper, Part 2 – “Rock’n’Roll Vaudeville” – TWP044Rock legend Alice Cooper shares a surprising and touching story about one of the most interesting connections ever to come out of Hollywood: his friendship with Groucho Marx; and about how their respective work wasn’t all that different.
2019-04-2621 minThe WellAlice Cooper, Part 1 – “Shock Golfer” – TWP043Most people know Alice Cooper as the original Shock Rocker and a foundational pillar in the house of Metal. But few know that his journey into sobriety involved replacing one addiction with a new and more healthy one: golf. At 71 years of age, having played more courses than almost anyone alive, Cooper still plays 6 days a week and once even considered going pro. Join Anson as he picks the decapitated brain of Alice Cooper.
2019-04-1931 minThe WellDoug Jones, Part 3 – “The Diamond Dave Face/Off” – TWP042THE WELL becomes the morning zoo as Doug Jones tells us a little more about his acting career without a mask and Branan tells a story about his first and last gig as a monster maker in Morocco! Plus, competitive sheep herding with David Lee Roth for some reason. Aaaaaahayaaaeah!!!
2019-04-1144 minThe WellDoug Jones, Part 2 – “Acting While Drowning” – TWP041Actor Doug Jones talks about how it feels to be the muse for our culture’s most influential monster maker, Guillermo del Toro.
Music in this week’s episode:
The Cemetery by Sinqlogue provided via a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution license.
Worky Worky by Andy G. Cohen provided via a Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution license.
Tennessee Hayride by Jason Shaw provided via a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution license.
2019-04-0436 minThe WellDoug Jones – “The Bug Who (almost) Killed Randy Quaid” – TWP040Doug Jones envisioned an acting career playing the wacky neighbor in sitcoms, but his career had other plans. In this episode Doug shares war stories from his life as a creature performer, including an incident where he accidently maimed fellow actor Randy Quaid.
Music for this episode:
Workdaze by Nctmm provided via a Creative Commons 4.0license.
Piscoid by Andy G. Cohen provided via a Creative Commons license.
Jenny’s Theme by Jason Shaw provided via a Creative Commons 3.0 license.
Snappy by Jason Shaw provided via a Creative Commons 3.0 license. h2019-03-2835 minThe Well“Lucky to Be Here” – TWP039Anson and Branan share their own near-death stories.
2019-03-2522 minThe WellEthan Peck, Part 2 – “Touching Death” – TWP038Ethan was afraid to live his life until he almost lost it.
2019-03-1432 minThe WellEthan Peck, Part 1 – “Spock” – TWP037The first of four Star Trek episodes, Ethan Peck shares with us the story of auditioning for one of the most iconic characters in film and television history, and how he overcame his own misgivings. When the shoes look way too big, we think only of feet.
2019-03-0734 minThe Well“Starstruck” – TWP036Anson and Branan each share a story about an awkward brush with fame.
2019-02-2813 minThe WellIlleana Douglas, Part 2 – “Meeting Marlon” – TWP035What would you think if someone told you that you were about to meet your idol? How would you prepare? What would you wear? What would you say? Illeana shares a hilarious and heartwarming story about finding herself in exactly this situation when, one day, she realized she would be meeting Marlon Brando. And Branan shares a story about his own (rather embarrassing) brush with fame.
2019-02-2128 minThe WellIlleana Douglas, Part 1 – “I Blame Dennis Hopper” – TWP034Illeana Douglas wasn’t always a movie star, but her life has always been strangely intertwined with the American cinema. In fact, long before she knew she wanted to act, her life was forever changed when her parents saw the 1969’s indie “Easy Rider” and decided it was time to become hippies. Join us as we hear Illeana explain how her conservative, Connecticut childhood was ruined, how her father drove goats around town in a station wagon, and how her life was set on a course of creativity that will leave you astounded, perhaps asking yourself if there really is a des...2019-02-1430 minThe WellMac Barnett, Part 2 – “What Is Water?” – TWP33Mac knew he wanted to be a children’s book author. But how does one go about that? Join us to find out how Mac carved his way through a conventional education in an unconventional way, studied life and art with literary giant David Foster Wallace, and managed to land his first book deal.
2019-02-0720 minThe WellMac Barnett, Part 1 – “The Golden Ticket” – TWP032As a child, Mac desperately wanted to believe that there was a magical world in which anything was possible. Later, when he began working with children, he began to realize that world was real, and that he could help to shape it. Join us as we venture deep into the heart of The Chocolate Factory.
2019-01-3138 minThe Well“The Great Eagle God” – TWP031Branan shares a story of guilt and conscience from his own family history. And it’s a doozy.
Extra music for this episode was provided by Jason Shaw under a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution license. To hear the track “Hoedown” go here.
2019-01-2413 minThe WellXzibit, Part 2 – “The #1 Rule of Acting” – TWP030In 2002, Xzibit was offered a role in a movie which he accepted. And then reality hit: he wasn’t an actor. Yet. Join us for this short, but entertaining story of how Alvin Joiner made the transition from rapping to acting.
2019-01-1612 minThe WellXzibit, Part 1 – “Moral Compass” – TWP029When Alvin Joiner was sixteen, he lost his home, his family, and his direction in life. Eventually, after living a life of violence and anger, he decided to make a change. But his past would come back to haunt him in a strange but familiar voice, the one that had been implanted in him by his long deceased mother: his conscience.
2019-01-1034 minThe WellTodd Komarnicki, Part 3 – “Discipline” – TWP028Most writers will tell you that their most useful weapon is self-discipline. During our interview with Todd Komarnicki, he shared with us a useful insight into this concept. All that, and take a hike with Branan and Anson as they try to uncover the whereabouts of missing beavers!
2019-01-0323 minThe WellTodd Komarnicki, Part 2 – “Christmas Movies” – TWP027Todd produced what has become one of the seminal Christmas movies of all time: “Elf”. Join us as Todd unveils the little-known cookies hidden inside his film that allude to many other holiday classics, and why Christmas movies have to power to make us laugh, cry and hug.
2018-12-2420 minThe WellTodd Komarnicki, Part 1 – “Spectacularly Saved” – TWP026Writer/Producer Todd Komarnicki is a man of profound love and profound faith. Both have served his pursuits as an artist. Join Anson & Branan as they venture deep into a Christmas story that took them over a year to unearth: how Todd once lost his faith, and in-so-doing, almost lost his life. Happy holidays to one and all.
2018-12-2441 minThe WellSeasons Bleedings – TWP025We’re back! Anson and Branan give an update about the upcoming Season 2 and Branan shares a story of gross bodily injury.
2018-12-1212 minThe WellSeason One Finale – TWP024Anson and Branan recap the first season of The Well Podcast and talk about plans for season 2. Also, Anson talks about filming “Star Trek: Discovery” and what it’s like to join the larger Star Trek family. Oh… Anson Branan his a tree with his truck. Enjoy, and don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list on our website. We’ll be sending updates via newsletter. Have a great summer!
Music for this episode was provided by Little Glass Men under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Tracks:
Cloud Launching
Simplify
Open Door
2018-06-1912 minThe WellLou Barlow, Part 3 – “Lou at Play” – TWP023Playfulness is it at the heart of the creative process and it can take many surprising forms. Lou Barlow has been playing with his sound, his process and his ideas since he was a kid. In this episode of THE WELL we look at the importance of staying loose and indulging in play.
Music from this episode in order of appearance:
Up From the Well
You Fell Down the Stairs
Mr. Genius Eyes
I Feel Good Inside About Me
Pet Your Puppy
Winslow
...2018-04-1924 minThe WellLou Barlow, Part 2 – “In His Own Orbit” – TWP022Lou Barlow is one of our generations most unique and prolific singer songwriters. In this episode he reflects upon his resistance to identity as a songwriter and performer. He shares what drives him as a writer and how it feels after 20 years to be playing with J Mascis in Dinosaur Jr again. To see the last known photo of Ray, the Day Kitty, go here.
Music from this episode in order of appearance:
Rise Below Slowly
Lou Rap
Cougar Hood
That Kind of Year
Don’t Call Me...2018-04-1036 minThe WellLou Barlow, Part 1 – “A Partial History of Lou Barlow” – TWP021Lou Barlow’s creative output goes by many names, Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr., Folk Implosion, Sentridoh, and Loobiecore. Throughout his career he’s carved out a niche for himself as a the unofficial godfather of low-fi folk music and/or emo. For some he is the Bob Dylan of the alternative music scene; uninhibited, brutally honest, sensitive and a touch avant garde. Our own Branan Edgens has been a big fan for over 25 years and is excited for you to join him on part 1 “A Partial History of Lou Barlow”.
Music from this episode in order of appeara...2018-03-1930 minThe WellWard Fleming, Part 2 – “Imposter” – TWP020Ward may have invented the pinscreen, but just because someone made something doesn’t someone else won’t be happy to take all the credit. This is the story of an inventor and his imposter, and how one man had to fight off a swarm of people looking to profit off of his life’s work. Enjoy.
Additional music for this episode was provided by Podington Bear under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license. Tracks: Golden Hour, Pythagoras, Skeptic, Blue Highway.
Music also provided by Krowne under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike license. Their trac...2018-02-2318 minThe WellWard Fleming, Part 1 – “Preparing the Field” – TWP019Artist and inventor Ward Fleming invented one of the most famous and lucrative toys of the last fifty years. But it was only one step in a personal research project that has spanned the majority of Ward’s life, with implications that extend deep into molecular activity and even deep into the heart of Jupiter. Enjoy!
Extra music for this episode was provided by Podington Bear under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial license.
2018-02-1635 minThe Well“Creative Stupidity” – TWP018We normally bring you stories of creative inspiration, but this week we have two stories of creative stupidity, courtesy of our own Branan Edgens. Co-host Anson Mount asks Branan to expound upon how his pursuits of genius rarely mix well with electricity. And then… THE SQUIRREL STORY!!!
Additional music for this episode was provided by Jason Shaw under a Creative Commons Attribution license. The track “Rocky Top” can be found here.
2018-02-0914 minThe WellRoel Reiné – “Titian Red” – TWP017Roel’s Album MONOTONIC DIVERSITY is available HERE.
Roel Reiné is an accomplished action director. But when he isn’t swinging lenses around flying fists and crashing cars, he is composing deeply meditative music through the manipulation of a raw electronic signal. EDM (electronic dance music) is as close a genre title as Roel can muster, but it cannot possibly describe what it is he does.
Join Anson as he sits down to listen to some of Roel’s music and ask the director about his journey from Holland to Hollywood.
Additional music for this...2018-02-0241 minThe WellEva Longoria, Part 2 – “Marriage… Sweet, Sweet Marriage” – TWP016Eva and Anson discuss the joys of finding your person and becoming boringly domestic. And Branan coaches Anson on being a mindful spouse. Enjoy!
Bonus music for this episode of The Well was provided by Kevin MacLeod under a Creative Commons Attribution License. His rendition of Mozart’s “Divertimento” can be found here. And his rendition of Leo Delibes’ “Divertissment” (from the ballet “Sylvia”) can be found here.
2018-01-2524 minThe WellEva Longoria, Part 1 – “No Sabían Que Eramos Semillas” – TWP015To see Eva’s documentary “The Harvest” click HERE.
To see Eva’s documentary “The Harvest” click HERE.
Most people realize that Eva Longoria is both a tremendously talented actress. Fewer realize that she is also savvy, having parlayed her comedic skills into a career directing and producing a variety of projects, in addition to launching her own product line. Fewer still are aware of Eva’s drive to better understand the collective challenges we face as a species, and how she uses her creative skills to share those discoveries.
Join Anson as he sits down wit...2018-01-1530 min