Abe Epperson

Michael Swaim, known for his sharp insights on pop culture, and Abe Epperson, a talent in storytelling, dive into the chaotic last days of L. Ron Hubbard. They dissect Hubbard's eccentric ambitions in filmmaking, with humorous critiques of projects like 'Revolt in the Stars.' The conversation highlights the absurdity of his life, his isolated routines, and the bizarre creativity within the Church of Scientology. Light-hearted banter pairs with insights into cult dynamics, painting a surreal portrait of Hubbard's unhinged legacy.

Michael Swaim, a creative historian, and Abe Epperson, a speaker exploring significant figures, dive into the eccentricity of L. Ron Hubbard's final days. They discuss his bizarre habits, controversial tactics against critics, and his unorthodox aspirations for space exploration. The duo balances humor and serious topics, touching on the absurdity of Hubbard's legacy and the Church of Scientology's dark manipulative strategies. Their lively banter and critical insights also reveal the complexities of Hubbard’s influence on Clearwater and beyond.

Abe Epperson, a podcaster and D&D enthusiast, dives into riveting discussions on the body horror film 'The Substance.' The conversation covers deep themes like aging, identity, and societal beauty standards. They examine a woman's harrowing exchange of bodies with her younger self, critiquing gender representations and the experiences of women in film. The hosts also explore the impact of celebrity culture on body image and the emotional struggles depicted in the narrative, providing compelling insights into identity and trauma.

Join Michael Swaim, known for his work with Gamefully Unemployed, and Abe Epperson as they welcome David Bell for a deep dive into the classic film Alien. They explore its psychological horror and metaphorical birthing themes, humorously envisioning Disney princesses facing the terror of Xenomorphs. The trio critiques character depth, focusing on the iconic Ripley and examines the evolution of film editing styles. With playful banter and a passionate dissection of craftsmanship, they celebrate the enduring legacy of a cinematic masterpiece.

Michael Swaim and Abe Epperson dive into the 2017 horror film Gerald’s Game, discussing the flaws of act two and survival in relation to the bag of bones. They analyze the storytelling approach, character development, and suspense building techniques used in the film. The hosts also critique the lack of female empowerment in the original story and discuss their rankings of various Stephen King movies. From discussing the director's skills in horror to exploring the symbolism and craftsmanship, this podcast episode is a must-listen for horror movie fans.

Directorpiece Theatre welcomes Adam Ganser and Abe Epperson to discuss the production of Escape from New York, including its shoestring budget and how it influenced Metal Gear Solid. The podcast also explores the importance of budget in filmmaking and the techniques used by the director. The hosts touch on creating conflict through writing style and the debate over off-brand soda.

The guests discuss the meditative filmmaking of Terrence Malick, comparing it to 'Saving Private Ryan' and exploring the metaphoric sequences in 'The Thin Red Line.' They also delve into the unique narrative structure of Terrence Malick's films and compare cinematography styles in war films.

Guest Abe Epperson joins the hosts to dissect and critique Vince Offer's Underground Comedy Movie. They discuss the movie's lack of direction, offensive content, and repetitive jokes. The conversation also touches on anime, sketch comedy movies, and the challenges of creating a feature-length comedy flick. They reflect on the impact of movies and memories, and end with a nonsensical conversation about TikTok, cryptocurrencies, and mythical creatures at a Halloween party.

Guests: Robert Brockway, Michael Swaim, Abe Epperson. The hosts and guest discuss the movie 'Robin Wright at the Congress' and analyze its animation, self-indulgence, and message. They delve into the concept of virtual actors, the impact of technology on creativity, and the theme of identity and shape-shifting in the film. Additionally, they critique a compelling speech scene and promote their work, encouraging audience support and engagement.

In this podcast, Michael Swaim and Abe Epperson discuss Stephen King's relationship with religious tales, the cult-like fascination with the movie 'Children of the Corn', its numerous sequels, and how it compares to other King tales. They explore the plot and characters of Gatlin, Nebraska, delve into a chilling scene from the film, and discuss Stephen King's involvement in the movie adaptation. The speakers also touch on the horror of children punishing adults in a realistic setting, the role of religion in Stephen King's writing, and the distortion of the church. They end the podcast by ranking various Stephen King movies and teasing the next season of 'Kings of King'.