Episodes

  • Popcorn & Punchlines: Discussing Comedies on Kanopy

    Popcorn & Punchlines: Discussing Comedies on Kanopy
    Jun 27 2025
    Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we dig up hidden gems, cult comedies, and laugh-out-loud classics — no film degree required. This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film fan, VHS romantic, and proud meme connoisseur) dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of comedy. From Buster Keaton’s silent-era stunts in Sherlock Jr. and a madcap treasure hunt in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World to DIY VHS spoofs in Be Kind Rewind, cult board game chaos in Clue, and the forever iconic teen masterpiece Clueless — Kristy and Jeff share the picks that still crack them up and remind us why laughter never goes out of style. If you need a break from doomscrolling or another sitcom rerun, let this episode guide you to comedies that hold up, surprise, and deserve a spot on your next movie night. Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko. Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list. Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 🎞️ Episode Highlights 01:00 — Sherlock Jr. (1924) Kristy goes deep on Buster Keaton’s stone-faced genius, death-defying stunts, and the timeless charm of silent slapstick. 05:20 — Be Kind Rewind (2008) Jeff rewinds to Jack Black and Mos Def’s DIY video store adventure, accidental “Sweeting,” and the magic of community-made movie homages. 09:00 — Paris When It Sizzles (1964) Kristy shares an underseen Audrey Hepburn screwball delight — a rom-com about writing a rom-com, with spies, vampires, and meta jokes galore. 12:25 — It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) Jeff breaks down the ultimate all-star comedy caper — car chases, chaos, Buster Keaton cameos, and the mother of all treasure hunts. 16:00 — Clue (1985) Kristy gushes about the cult classic murder mystery farce: Tim Curry’s iconic butler, three possible endings, and jokes you catch on the 20th watch. 19:00 — Masterminds (2016) Jeff recommends this awkward true-crime heist turned comedy of errors — complete with Zach Galifianakis, Kate McKinnon, and southern hijinks. 25:35 — Clueless (1995) Both hosts agree: the teen comedy that shaped a generation. Jane Austen, plaid skirts, a perfect Paul Rudd, and the insult that still stings.
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    37 mins
  • Pride in Every Frame: LGBTQ+ Stories on Kanopy

    Pride in Every Frame: LGBTQ+ Stories on Kanopy
    Jun 13 2025
    Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required. This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover and proud binge-watcher of all things bold and brilliant) celebrate Pride Month with a curated tour through Kanopy’s LGBTQ+ collection. From chaotic bisexual comedies and queer rodeo romances to radical trans storytelling and canon-busting classics, Kristy and Jeff share the films that moved them, cracked them up, and challenged what queer cinema can look like. This is a love letter to visibility, identity, and representation in cinema. Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko. Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list. Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 🎞️ Episode Highlights 00:01:00 – Jeff opens with Shiva Baby, a panic-inducing bisexual comedy of errors 00:04:50 – Kristy recommends Wild Nights with Emily, a queer corrective to literary history 00:08:30 – Jeff praises the slow-burn heartbreak of Portrait of a Lady on Fire 00:11:50 – Kristy revisits Fire and its groundbreaking impact on queer Indian cinema 00:15:30 – Jeff spotlights Tangerine, a raw, hilarious, and heartfelt trans story shot on an iPhone 00:20:40 – Kristy brings in National Anthem, a dreamy modern western about chosen family 00:24:00 – Jeff goes back to 1970 with The Boys in the Band, a pivotal early gay ensemble drama 00:27:00 – Kristy reflects on In & Out and its personal resonance as a formative queer comedy
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    38 mins
  • Twists, Turns, & Tension: Why We Love Mystery Movies

    Twists, Turns, & Tension: Why We Love Mystery Movies
    May 23 2025
    Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required. This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (true crime junkie and twist-ending evangelist) dive into the shadowy world of mysteries and thrillers. From Jake Gyllenhaal’s chilling ambition in Nightcrawler to Nicolas Cage’s quiet heartbreak in Pig and his unhinged menace in Longlegs, Kristy and Jeff share the Kanopy thrillers that unsettle, surprise, and linger long after the credits roll. Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko. Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list. Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 🎞️ Episode Highlights 00:06:00 – Jeff kicks things off with Nightcrawler and Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense performance 00:09:00 – Kristy highlights the emotional complexity of Pig starring Nicolas Cage 00:12:00 – Jeff revisits the neon-soaked serial killer procedural Manhunter 00:14:00 – Kristy recommends the mind-bending time loop thriller Triangle 00:17:00 – Jeff brings in the grounded realism of A Hijacking, a Danish hostage drama 00:19:00 – Kristy explores The Awakening, a ghost story with gothic atmosphere 00:21:00 – Jeff breaks down the occult horror and Nicolas Cage’s performance in Longlegs 00:24:00 – Kristy shares her pick: Sea Fever, a tense and eerie maritime thriller 00:26:00 – Jeff unpacks the slow-burning tension of The Invitation 00:29:00 – Kristy makes her case for Serenity—and why she loves its bonkers twist
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    38 mins
  • Mother’s Day at the Movies: Tender, Terrifying, and Totally Worth Watching

    Mother’s Day at the Movies: Tender, Terrifying, and Totally Worth Watching
    May 9 2025
    Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required. This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (horror devotee and movie-night traditionalist) take on Mother’s Day at the Movies, celebrating all the ways motherhood shows up on screen, from heartwarming to horrifying. Kristy and Jeff swap picks from across the Kanopy catalog, highlighting maternal icons, complicated family dynamics, and the emotional whiplash of being someone’s kid. Expect Cher in a fish-shaped car, Joan Crawford with a wire hanger, and the Babadook lurking in the shadows. Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and on Letterboxd @kristypuchko. You can find Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. Don’t forget to follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list—and stream every film we mention for free at kanopy.com with your library or university card. 🎞️ Episode Highlights 00:56 — Jeff shares the Halloween classic that kickstarted his horror obsession (thanks, Mom!) 02:52 — Kristy names Singin’ in the Rain as her “gateway musical”—Gene Kelly supremacy confirmed 05:19 — Mermaids (1990): Cher’s wild mom energy, a nun-curious teen Winona, and baby Christina Ricci 07:00 — Jeff explains why The Babadook is more than a meme—it’s a brutal portrait of grief and single parenting 10:08 — Kristy cries (again) about Terms of Endearment and the legacy of messy, loving mother-daughter calls 13:57 — Who Took Johnny? offers a haunting look at grief, conspiracy, and the limits of closure 17:32 — Kristy brings Daughters of the Dust—a spiritual, poetic ode to legacy and matriarchal power 21:24 — Jeff dives into The Eyes of My Mother, a 76-minute art-house gut punch about inherited trauma 24:14 — Petite Maman rewrites the time-travel movie playbook with gentle grace and empathy 26:37 — Jeff introduces Mother’s Day (1980), a bonkers horror pick with the worst mom on the list 29:16 — Kristy ends with Relic, a terrifying and tender film about dementia, aging, and generational care 32:43 — Jeff confesses he’s never seen Mommie Dearest… but that’s about to change (no wire hangers!)
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    37 mins
  • Meet the Movie Lovers Behind The Film Library

    Meet the Movie Lovers Behind The Film Library
    Apr 25 2025
    Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Library, a podcast from Kanopy where we explore great films, hidden gems, and must-watch classics—all available to stream free with your library card. In this kickoff episode, new hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (movie lover, collector, and social media creator) introduce themselves the only way true cinephiles can: by sharing five films that define their taste. From genre-bending horror and high-stakes heists to iconic rom-coms and daring cult hits, this episode is a tour through some of the most intriguing titles you can stream right now on Kanopy. Get to know Kristy and Jeff through their thoughtful, funny, and occasionally chaotic back-and-forth as they break down what makes these films unforgettable. Whether you’re in the mood for a Charlie Chaplin deep cut, an Anne Hathaway kaiju dramedy, or a hauntingly real serial killer thriller, this list covers the cinematic spectrum—with plenty of recommendations for what to watch next. If you’ve ever wanted a podcast that feels like your smartest movie group chat, you’re in the right place. Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and on Letterboxd @kristypuchko. You can find Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. Don’t forget to follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list—and stream every film we mention for free at kanopy.com with your library or university card. 🎞️ Episode Highlights 00:33 — Jeff and Kristy introduce themselves 01:00 — Jeff’s first pick: The Great Dictator and why it’s more radical than you remember 03:55 — Kristy picks Parasite and celebrates Bong Joon-ho’s genre-defying brilliance 06:00 — Jeff examines Possessor, Brandon Cronenberg, and loving horror that gets weird 07:00 — Kristy’s palate cleanser: Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant in Charade 10:55 — Jeff’s wildcard comedy pick: Hot Rod and the joys of chaotic energy 11:00 — Kristy shares Swan Song, a bittersweet road movie with Udo Kier and Jennifer Coolidge 12:45 — Zodiac: Jeff’s Fincher obsession and Kristy’s absolute fear 15:37 — Kristy picks Colossal, Anne Hathaway as a kaiju conduit and the power of subtle storytelling 18:17 — Jeff goes vintage cult with The Wicker Man (the original!) 20:21 — Kristy closes with American Animals, a genre-blending true crime thriller you won’t forget
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    29 mins
  • From Moonstruck to Mother: Wild Performances That Made Us Fall in Love with Acting

    From Moonstruck to Mother: Wild Performances That Made Us Fall in Love with Acting
    Apr 25 2025
    Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we celebrate incredible films, hidden gems, and iconic performances - all streaming free with your library card. This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film fanatic and Letterboxd completionist) dive into the theme of “Acting in April,” spotlighting legendary actors, jaw-dropping performances, and award snubs that still sting. From Cher and Cage’s chaotic romance in Moonstruck to Willem Dafoe’s career of Oscar-worthy transformations, Kristy and Jeff swap picks and hot takes. This episode has everything from scene-stealing British dames and disturbing child villains to Jennifer Lawrence spiraling in Mother and Margot Robbie body-slamming her way out of typecasting in I, Tonya. This is your all-access pass to performances that go big, go weird, and go straight to your watchlist. Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and on Letterboxd @kristypuchko. You can find Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. Don’t forget to follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list—and stream every film we mention for free at kanopy.com with your library or university card. 🎞️ Episode Highlights 00:52 — Jeff kicks things off with Willem Dafoe: Four Oscar noms, zero wins. Justice for The Florida Project! 02:20 — Kristy shouts out Joan Cusack and the camp brilliance of Addams Family Values 05:37 — Kristy goes full psycho-biddy with What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 08:14 — Jeff unpacks Mother (2017) and Jennifer Lawrence’s fearless, full-send performance 10:45 — Moonstruck gets the love it deserves: Cher + Nic Cage = cinema magic 14:40 — Margot Robbie shocks in I, Tonya, proving she’s far more than The Wolf of Wall Street’s bombshell 17:15 — Kristy serves up tea with legends in Tea with the Dames 19:10 — Jeff pays tribute to comedy royalty with the Chris Farley doc I Am Chris Farley 21:03 — Kristy brings the heat with Glengarry Glen Ross and Al Pacino’s layered legacy 23:45 — Jeff spotlights Denzel Washington in Fences and Flight—and yes, he named a cat after him 26:30 — Kristy introduces The Bad Seed, a chilling performance so intense they changed the ending 29:44 — Jeff ends on Possession (1981), a movie so unhinged it might haunt you—in a good way
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    37 mins
  • Exploring Film Noir with Justin Chang

    Exploring Film Noir with Justin Chang
    Jul 12 2024
    This week The Film Library jumps into the shadowy world of film noir. Your hosts Alonso Duralde and Daniel Thompson, are joined by the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic and chair of the National Society of Film Critics, Justin Chang. Together they unravel the intricate layers of this timeless genre. From the raw, hard-boiled classics like "DOA" and "Detour" to the evocative international contributions seen in films like "Breathless" and "Burning," film noir is more than just a genre—it's a mood and a style that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Justin explores its roots in the post-war era, its themes of cynicism and despair, and its visual beauty, characterized by stark contrasts and gritty storytelling. He also discusses how films like Robert Altman's "The Long Goodbye" and Christopher Nolan's "Memento" have evolved the traditional noir template, creating unique and often mind-bending experiences. The group takes a look at the lasting impact of noir in contemporary cinema, examining how despair and unease from today's societal challenges, such as late-stage capitalism and the pandemic, might inspire future noir narratives. Get started with Kanopy at www.kanopy.com by entering your library card information or university login when prompted. Follow Kanopy at https://www.youtube.com/@KanopyOfficial https://letterboxd.com/kanopy/ https://www.instagram.com/kanopy https://www.tiktok.com/@kanopyofficial https://twitter.com/kanopy Follow Justin Chang https://x.com/justincchang Follow Alonso Duralde https://bsky.app/profile/aduralde.bsky.social Follow Daniel Thompson https://x.com/deckthedan Producer: Brandon Gray Executive Producer: Christian Pierce Graphic Design: Aleksandra Jelic © Kanopy, Inc. All rights reserved. Produced by Bramble Jam Podcast Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 03:34 Noir films explore American society's dynamics. 07:07 Film noir’s origins, influences, enduring legacy. 14:00 Analysis of neo-noir and mystery film. 19:16 Noir represents isolation 22:37 Altman's "The Long Goodbye" and "Under the Silver Lake" age well, capturing specific moods. 25:55 Reflective films offer escapism from current turmoil. 31:24 Influential international films paying homage to noir.
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    38 mins
  • The Art of Emotional Storytelling in Documentaries with Alex Winter

    The Art of Emotional Storytelling in Documentaries with Alex Winter
    Jul 5 2024
    This week hosts Alonso Duralde and Daniel Thompson are joined by actor and filmmaker Alex Winter. Well known for his character-driven and emotional documentaries, Alex shares his journey from acting to NYU film student to acclaimed documentarian, dissecting the societal impact of technology on marginalized groups. Alex discusses his pivotal works "Deep Web" and "The YouTube Effect," revealing how he adapts stories to serve their emotional arcs and the complexities of managing vast amounts of footage. Alex also shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of film distribution, the parallels between the film and music industries post-Napster, and the indispensable role platforms like Kanopy play in preserving and presenting diverse cinema. Their discussion highlights the challenges of documentary filmmaking, the influence of historical filmmakers, and Alex's latest projects. Plus, Alex shares some must-watch documentaries available on Kanopy, including recommendations like "Man on Wire" and "Faces Places." Whether you're a documentary aficionado or new to the genre, this episode promises to be a captivating exploration of the art and impact of documentary cinema. Get started with Kanopy at www.kanopy.com by entering your library card information or university login when prompted. Follow Kanopy at https://www.youtube.com/@KanopyOfficial https://letterboxd.com/kanopy/ https://www.instagram.com/kanopy https://www.tiktok.com/@kanopyofficial https://twitter.com/kanopy Follow Alex Winter https://www.instagram.com/alxwinter/ Follow Alonso Duralde https://bsky.app/profile/aduralde.bsky.social Follow Daniel Thompson https://x.com/deckthedan Producer: Brandon Gray Executive Producer: Christian Pierce Graphic Design: Aleksandra Jelic © Kanopy, Inc. All rights reserved. Produced by Bramble Jam Podcast Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 10:01 Alex Winter discusses production processes and challenges. 13:56 Societal impact and individual stories. 19:10 Alex’s struggle with indie filmmaking made him turn to docs. 24:02 YouTube documentary focused on emotional stories. 27:13 Struggles in the art and entertainment industry. 28:06 Challenges releasing independent films. 37:38 Prioritize meaningful films over mainstream success. 38:35 The impact of the writer’s strike leads to developing multiple projects. 41:46 Documentary filmmakers inspire a vibrant, active life.
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    49 mins