The Lack
Helen Rollins, Benjamin Studebaker, and Nina Power
The Lack is a weekly podcast from political theorist Benjamin Studebaker, philosopher Nina Power and filmmaker Helen Rollins. We take a work each week (film, poem, essay, book...) and relate it to a philosophical theme for a wide-ranging discussion about ideas, culture and society. Each week, there is an A-side public episode and a B-side, patreon only, private episode.
You can subscribe to our patreon at https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Our email contact is [email protected].
Our music is by Dom Kirtley.
Our graphics are by Bryce Behrman.
You can subscribe to our patreon at https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Our email contact is [email protected].
Our music is by Dom Kirtley.
Our graphics are by Bryce Behrman.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 2, 2026 • 1h 1min
Good Time
This episode is on the 2017 film, Good Time. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Oct 15, 2026 • 1h 2min
Fists in the Pocket
This episode is on the 1965 film, Fists in the Pocket. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Oct 7, 2026 • 1h 4min
The Fool
This episode is on the 2014 film, The Fool. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Sep 21, 2026 • 1h 2min
Victim
This episode is on the 1961 film, Victim. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Sep 10, 2026 • 1h 1min
Hoppers
This episode is on the 2026 film, Hoppers. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Aug 27, 2026 • 1h 1min
Herostratus
This episode is on the 1967 film, Herostratus. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Aug 16, 2026 • 1h 2min
K-Pop Demon Hunters
This episode is on the 2025 film, K-Pop Demon Hunters. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Aug 5, 2026 • 1h 1min
Project Hail Mary
They dissect the film's plot and the odd friendship with an alien. They debate the story as ideological critique of millennials and its tame, desexualized humour. They argue about editing pace, sedated recruitment ethics, and bureaucratic power. They praise the striking cinematography and alien design while musing on subtle religious cues.
4 snips
Jul 29, 2026 • 1h 2min
Obsession
A breakdown of a 2025 film that turns a wish into a horrific monkey's paw. Conversations about Zoomer filmmaking, commodified dating, and how desire becomes a product. Deep dives into surveillance, consent, and how scripted courting reshapes intimacy. A feminist reading traces cowardice turning into coercion and the cultural fallout after MeToo.
Jul 21, 2026 • 1h 1min
Eerie, Indiana
This episode is on the 1991 television series, Eerie, Indiana. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
