This week on Podcast Like It’s The 2000s, Phil and Emily welcome writer Emily Hughes to discuss Paranormal Activity — the micro-budget phenomenon that redefined horror for a generation. Together they dig into the film’s scrappy origins, the ingenious use of found footage to build dread, and how Oren Peli’s minimalist approach reshaped studio thinking about what a blockbuster could be.From its DIY filmmaking roots to its massive cultural impact, the conversation examines why Paranormal Activity remains one of the most effective and influential horror movies of the 2000s — and how it kicked off a wave of imitators that could never quite match its eerie simplicity.If you want to watch the full video of this conversation, hear bonus episodes, and access exclusive mini-series and behind-the-scenes content, join the Podcast Like It’s Patreon community for all that and more. 👻 👉 patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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65: Saw with Louis Peitzman
This week on Podcast Like It’s The 2000s, hosts @pmiscove and @emilystjams kick off a brand new Halloween miniseries, Somebody Scare Phil, with guest Louis Peitzman (Chasing Amy Adams). Together, they dive into the bloody brilliance and DIY spirit of James Wan and Leigh Whannell’s 2004 indie phenomenon Saw a film that reshaped horror on a shoestring budget and gave rise to a genre-defining franchise.The trio break down Saw’s grimy aesthetics, moral puzzles, and the line between psychological thriller and full-blown torture horror. Plus, Phil reveals how the franchise both terrifies and fascinates him (and why Emily might just make him watch all nine sequels).Recorded as part of the Somebody Scare Phil miniseries where Emily forces Phil to face his horror movie blind spots this episode’s a twisted treat for cinephiles who love a good scream and a good think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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64: Wit with Eliza Clark
Phil and Emily continue their deep-dive into Mike Nichols’ work from the 2000s with Wit , the acclaimed HBO adaptation of Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play. Joined by writer and producer Eliza Clark (Y: The Last Man, Animal Kingdom), they explore how Nichols recalibrated his directorial voice after What Planet Are You From? with this intimate, emotionally devastating story of a scholar facing terminal illness.The conversation digs into the film’s powerful performances led by Emma Thompson and the delicate balance Nichols strikes between theatricality and cinematic storytelling. Together, they unpack Wit’s themes of mortality, intellect, vulnerability, and humanity, while tracing how this project set the stage for his monumental follow-up, Angels in America.If you want access to full video episodes, exclusive bonus content, and more conversations like this one, head over to our Patreon and join the community today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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63: What Planet Are You From? with Emma Stefansky
Phil and Emily kick off a brand-new miniseries exploring the films and television of legendary director Mike Nichols in the 2000s. First up: the notorious 2000 sci-fi romantic comedy “What Planet Are You From?”, starring Gary Shandling, Annette Bening, and John Goodman.Joined by critic and returning guest Emma Stefansky, the trio dive deep into this infamous box-office bomb unpacking its chaotic tone, lack of internal logic, and bizarre premise about an alien sent to Earth to impregnate a woman. They discuss how the film reflects a turning point for Nichols, why it derailed Gary Shandling’s movie career, and what it reveals about Hollywood’s early-2000s obsession with “blank check” comedies.From alien sex jokes to comedy-career implosions, this episode is a hilarious, insightful breakdown of one of the strangest films of the decade and the perfect start to our Mike Nichols retrospective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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62: Burn After Reading with Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson
Phil and Emily wrap up their Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups mini series with Joel and Ethan Coen’s Burn After Reading. They’re joined by Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson, from the podcast The Queer Quadrant, to dig into this razor-sharp dark comedy that skewers espionage, bureaucracy, and human foolishness in equal measure.From the Coens’ tonal whiplash to the film’s biting satire of post-9/11 paranoia, the conversation unpacks the brilliance of a story where no one really knows what they’re doing but the chaos still matters. Along the way, they revisit the stacked ensemble of Clooney, Pitt, McDormand, and Malkovich, while situating the film within the Coens’ endlessly inventive career.If you enjoy this episode and want more exclusive deep dives, bonus content, and special mini series, join our Patreon at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Through Podcast Like It's... writers Phillip Iscove (Co-Creator of FOX's Sleepy Hollow), Kenny Neibart (Entourage, Hindsight) and now Emily St. James explore some of the best years in film, music and television. It all started in 1999, then 1989, then 2009 and now 1992! Follow Phil, Kenny and Emily as they dive into some of your favorite movies, TV shows and musicians! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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