The Spark Parade (Adam Unze)

Drag Race superstar Trinity the Tuck loves the bonkers campiness of the queer classic movie Death Becomes Her for lots of reasons; the deliciously over-the-top performances by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, the iconic fashion, and the ridiculous story have had Trinity hooked since the first time she saw it. She watches it multiple times a year and it's influence has even seeped into her drag.

Listen as Trinity tracks the impact Death Becomes Her has had on her own career on this latest episode of The Spark Parade. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

For more from Trinity the Truck, check out Trinity Ruins Christmas: The Musical, the accompanying book, and even more on her website.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

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Dark Matter author, screenwriter, and showrunner Blake Crouch was more than familiar with Cormac McCarthy's bleak but beloved novel No Country for Old Men by the time the Coen brothers adapted it for the big screen. Even still, those dang Coens blew his expectations out of the water. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Crouch gushes about the film No Country for Old Men.

Crouch talks about the film adaptation's bold choices, like eschewing a traditional score and downplaying the use of dialogue, as well as how such decisions helped elevate the film's visceral impact. Crouch has since drawn inspiration from the Coen brothers' artistic fearlessness, especially when it comes to adapting the written word, as is the case for his new Apple TV+ series Dark Matter.

Listen to Dark Matter's Blake Crouch talk about No Country for Old Men. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Podcaster and comedian Jon Lovett is an avid gamer who discovered the acclaimed Outer Wilds in the thick of COVID lockdown. The game's sweet simplicity provided a perfect escape from the pandemic bleakness surrounding him and it quickly became his favorite game of all time. Eschewing the violence that is so prevalent in many of the gaming world's biggest titles, it is a meditative space adventure broken up into 22-minute cycles. The joy of low-stakes exploration struck such a chord with Lovett that he gets emotional when he speaks about his love for Outer Wilds.

Be sure to check out Jon Lovett's projects at Crooked Media! 

Listen to Jon Lovett chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Who needs a short, sharp blast of sunshine in their gloomy winter day?

*literally everyone raises their hand

Thought so! Here it comes! This week I had a frankly adorable conversation with super talented musician Claud about their love for one of my fave tv shows, Broad City.

We talked about all of the lols Broad City has brought us over the years, life in NYC and Claud remembers their chance encounter with Abbi Jacobson in LA. Sounds like the most fun you've ever had, doesn't it? It is!!

Ps Claud's BRILLIANT debut album Super Monster is out this Friday!!! 

Links:

Claud

Broad City

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This week, I'm joined by Australian rapper, singer and songwriter Allday to talk about his spark, the movie Home Alone!

We chatted about Home Alone's tremendous cultural impact and reminisced about the old days when you had to rent movies from movie store.  

Links:

Allday

Home Alone

The Plinth

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The Charlatans' front man and all around legend Tim Burgess joins me to talk about his spark (and our mutual obsession), David Lynch's groundbreaking TV series Twin Peaks.

It's always a joy when my guests pick an inspirational work that's also inspired me and this chat is no exception! Tim and I talk about the unique style that Twin Peaks injected into the television landscape, it's lasting impact on the broader cultural landscape and our shared love of all things Lynch.

Links:

Tim Burgess

Twin Peaks

Locke and Key

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Singer-songwriter Angie McMahon watched the mycelium-centered documentary Fantastic Fungi during the height of COVID and it radically changed how she sees the world. It brought the interconnectedness of the natural world into sharp focus for McMahon and that concept served as a major inspiration for her new album Light, Dark, Light Again.

Check out Angie's new album today!

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer and actor Kenzie was home-schooled, so she didn't have a typical high school experience. As a result, teen movies really struck a chord with her and 10 Things I Hate About You was at the top of the list. She loved the characters, the love story, and all of the stereotypical late 90's high school drama. The movie has brought her massive amounts of joy and she rewatches it whenever she gets a chance.

Kenzie’s new single, “Anatomy” is out now. Listen and learn more here.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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My guest today is singer/songwriter MILCK who spoke to me about her Spark, Kahlil Gibran’s globe dominating book The Prophet.

What's at the root of all religious doctrine? Is there common ground on which all of humanity can agree? 

MILCK and I tackle these giant ideas and also talk about humanizing our idols and embracing their flaws.

Links:

MILCK

The Prophet

MEN

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On this episode of The Spark Parade, Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter, producer, and activist Justin Tranter talks about feeling completely entranced the first time they heard Ani DiFranco’s song "Swan Dive." Listen to the full conversation above, and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Tranter instantly fell in love with “Swan Dive” and its poetic message of self-empowerment. Ever since, it's continued to shape their taste and songwriting process.

Listen to Tranter talk about DiFranco, their songwriting, and more above, or on your preferred podcast provider. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Another spectacular live show!

The Spark Parade partnered with Fotografiska NY for a live recording in celebration of more than 100 episodes of the podcast and the museums Andy Warhol: Photo Factory exhibition.

Three incredible guests joined me to talk about their New York-centric sparks: Catherine Cohen on Brigid Berlin's Polaroids, Melissa Lozada-Oliva on Because The Night by Patti Smith and Lachi on New York, New York by Frank Sinatra.

Links:

Fotografiska NY

Catherine Cohen

Melissa Lozada-Oliva

Lachi

Brigid Berlin's Polaroids

Because The Night

New York, New York

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Now that we're past election day, let's de-stress with a chat about something super chill and supremely soothing. I spoke to musician Charles Spearin (Broken Social Scene and Do Make Say Think) about Godfrey Reggio's classic experimental film Koyaanisqatsi, which features the music of certified legend Philip Glass. Have a listen and watch all your election related anxiety melt away. 

Links:

Charles Spearin

Broken Social Scene

Do Make Say Think

Koyaanisqatsi

His House

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On this episode of The Spark Parade, Atmosphere’s DJ and producer Ant discusses seeing a live performance of Hancock's instrumental hip-hop classic "Rockit" at age 13, a performance that ultimately led him to become absolutely obsessed with art of scratching. Listen to the full conversation above, and don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

After catching the live performance, the recorded version of the song (as well as the album it came from, Future Shock) became an all-time favorite for the budding producer. Ant reflects on the personal importance of the track, why it inspired him to master the scratching techniques it displayed, and how strange it was that the song became a hit.

Listen to Ant talk about Herbie Hancock's "Rockit," scratching, and more above, or on your preferred podcast provider. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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X Ambassador's frontman Sam Nelson Harris was so blown away by Richard Linklater's bold and wildly ambitious film Boyhood that he saw it twice in the same day. And it's a three-hour movie! Sam was struck by the dedication needed to create a film in small increments over 12 years, but it was the end result that really made an impact. He saw himself in the story of a young boy growing up and facing all of the joys and challenges of childhood.

Be sure to check out the new X Ambassadors album Townie.

Listen to X Ambassador's frontman Sam Nelson chat on this episode of The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Jazz saxophonist Marcus Strickland joins me to talk about his Spark, John Coltrane's legendary magnus opus A Love Supreme.

How does music convey complex ideas when it contains no words? Marcus and I talked about Coltrane's ability to infuse his music with meaning and his unique ability to replicate the live music experience on his albums.

Links:

Marcus Strickland

A Love Supreme

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Superstar cellist HAUSER spoke to me about his Spark, Baz Luhrman’s smash hit biopic Elvis.

What makes a great biopic? How can an actor channel the essence of a performer when the entire world knows their every move? How can artists persevere and make great art in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds? HAUSER and I have tackle these questions and so much more!

Links:

HAUSER

Elvis

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My guest is New York underground scene legend CHRISTEENE whose Spark is the New York underground queer film classic Pink Narcissus.

We talked about the impact Pink Narcissus has had on other art forms, the radical queerness depicted in it and the magical ability of artists to create incredible work with very few resources.

Links:

CHRISTEENE

Pink Narcissus

Andor

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The moment he read it, Everything Everything frontman Jonathan Higgs fell in love with the satirical absurdity of Chris Bacheldor's Bear V Shark and its skewering of our modern reliance on technology and entertainment. It inspired the complex backstory underpinning Everything's new album Mountainhead and affirmed Jonathan's broader worldview.

Check Everything Everything's new album Mountainhead here.

Listen to Everything Everything's Jonathan Higgs talk about all this and more above, or on your preferred podcast provider, and make sure to follow and review to support the show. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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I’m joined by Grammy nominated singer and Broadway star Mykal Kilgore who spoke to me about his spark, the Logo TV series Noah’s Arc. Mykal is warm and funny and smart and just an all around joy to chat with.

Noah's Arc was the first and only scripted series to focus on a group of black gay men and Mykal talks about the incredible experience of seeing his lived reality portrayed on TV for the first time. 

Links: 

Mykal Kilgore

Noah's Arc

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Broken Social Scene's bandleader Kevin Drew joins me to talk about his spark of Inspiration, Do Make Say Think's fifth album You, You're A History In Rust. Kevin is friends with the band (a couple of DMST's members are also in BSS), but he talks about being able to separate his personal relationships with the musicians from the music he loves so much.  

Our conversation covers learning to live with grief, the beauty of film soundtracks, our mutual love for Cyndi Lauper's She's So Unusual and we also propose a collaboration between Do Make Say Think and Rihanna.

Kevin's brilliant new instrumental album Influences (under the K.D.A.P moniker) is out now on Arts And Crafts.

Links:

Kevin Drew

You, You're A History In Rust

Mary J Blige: My Life

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What an exciting week you're having!! Or at least you'll be having an exciting week when you find out what I've got in store for you! I had a chat with international pop sensation Rod Thomas (aka Bright Light Bright Light) about international pop sensation Kylie Minogue's world dominating "comeback" album Light Years. You're going to have so much fun listening to it, you will squeal with delight! I also talk a bit about appreciating artwork that hasn't gotten the attention it deserves. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!

Links:

Rod Thomas

Kylie Minogue

Janet Jackson

Poster House

Stephanie McKay

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For its debut episode on Consequence Podcast Network, Unze is joined by the wonder that is Kid Koala to talk about Dead Alive (also known Braindead).

Kid Koala has loved Peter Jackson’s (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) legendarily gory and hilarious third film since the moment he first laid eyes on it. It’s since become a part of his artistic DNA. He’s drawn inspiration from the black humor, incredible practical special effects, and unique visual style that have been imitated by genre filmmakers for over 30 years.

“It definitely is one of those films you feel like your brain’s growing new synapses, because it doesn’t really have anything for it to link to that you witnessed before,” Kid Koala, aka Eric San, says. “It’s one of those films that really just changed forever what I thought was possible in a film — not just in that range, but just in art in general. I think that, raised on a steady diet of that, raised on a steady diet of The Muppet Show or Monty Python… It was just like, ‘Oh, okay, so this is an album?’ It’s not just 10 songs that are tailor-cut for radio plays; they could literally go all over the place and enjoy the universe that they’re in.”

Listen to Kid Koala chat about all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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I'm joined by the absolutely lovely musician James Felice of the Felice Brothers who spoke to me about his spark, Randy Newman’s classic album Sail Away.

For an entire generation, Newman's voice is inextricably linked to the Toy Story movies and other cinematic classics. But those recent career highlights can be a gateway into Newman's prolific career.

In addition to our chat about Sail Away, James and I speak about learning to appreciate music through older siblings and the lost joys of buying CD's blindly without ever hearing  a note from them.

Links:

The Felice Brothers

Sail Away

American Rust

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It's a bonus ep featuring an overview of my favorite films from the Tribeca Film Festival!

Links:

Butterfly In The Sky

God's Time

All Man: The International Male Story

Sophia

The Integrity Of Joseph Chambers

Nude Tuesday

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Singer, songwriter and producer Jesse Boykins III was introduced to The Fifth Element by his college roommate (who happened to be Jonah Hill!). He was hooked on the film's style and storytelling from the first frame and has continually revisited it as a source of creative inspiration throughout his career. Jean Paul Gaultier's costume design combined with Luc Besson's unique storytelling to create a distinctive sci-fi landscape, one that showed Boykins the power of combining masculine and feminine energies in his artistry.

Listen as Jesse Boykins III talks about what this film means to him and how it continues to influence his work on this latest episode of The Spark Parade. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

For more from Trinity the Truck, check out Trinity Ruins Christmas: The Musical, the accompanying book, and even more on her website.

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This week, I'm joined by Grammy nominated roots rock duo Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe along with Sam Hyken of pioneering hybrid orchestra Nu Deco Ensemble to talk about their collective spark of inspiration Led Zeppelin’s 4th untitled album, commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin 4.

How do the biggest albums of all time sound to you? Do you hear them in a different way to anyone else in the world? How would you reinterpret that music if you wanted to make it your own?

Rebecca, Megan and Sam talk through the process of collaborating on their new album Paint The Roses: Live In Concert through the lens of Led Zeppelin's globe dominating magnum opus. We also get into the Zeppelin's unparalleled musicianship and the profound impact their music has had on modern rock and pop.

Paint The Roses: Live In Concert is out now!!

Links:

Paint The Roses: Live In Concert  

Led Zeppelin IV

Songs In The Key Of Life

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What a week, right? Could anyone use a little reprieve from the chaos and insanity swirling around us? Well, I've got you covered, baby! I had a delightful conversation with comedian/composer Matt Buechele about his love for South Park: Bigger, Longer And Uncut, the notorious 1999 full length feature film version of Comedy Central's South Park. Matt and I show appreciation for the South Park team's reverence for musical theater conventions and laugh at the outrageous filthiness of the boundary pushing classic.  

Links:

Matt Buechele

South Park: Bigger Longer And Uncut

Kajillionaire

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Psychologist, life coach, heavy metal vocalist and podcaster Dr. Mike spoke to me about his spark, Steven Blush’s book American Hardcore: A Tribal History.

Dr. Mike's discovery of hardcore punk had a profound effect on his life and the way his sees the world. We dig into Blush's detailed recount of hardcore's history. The scene only lasted a decade, but it's influence has been felt by everyone from Dave Grohl to Flea.  

Dr. Mike and I explore hardcore's chaotic energy and  the vast network of hardcore micro-scenes in towns and cities across North America.  

Links:

Dr. Mike

American Hardcore

The Chair

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This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with award-winning lawyer, podcaster and creative Raifa Rafiq about two novels written by black women: Tayari Jones' An American Marriage and Bernardine Evaristo's Girl, Woman, Other. We dig into the heavier themes of both novels (racism in policing, racial profiling, grief, homophobia) and also luxuriate in the joy of reading stories about black love, both romantic and platonic.

Raifa Rafiq

Tayari Jones

Bernardine Evaristo

This Thing Changed My Life
 

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Whoops. Looks like I've outdone myself AGAIN! This week's super fun episode features my delightful conversation with synth pop superstar Ariana And The Rose about her love for world renowned light and space artist James Turrell, immersive theater (using Sleep No More as a jumping off point) and fellow synth pop superstars Goldfrapp. And if that's not enough to get your boat well and truly floating, I ramble on about experiencing art in unexpected ways. Sounds like your dream podcast, doesn't it?

Links:

Ariana And The Rose

James Turrell

Sleep No More

Goldfrapp

Birds Of Prey

The Lodge

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This week on The Spark Parade, The Beaches front-woman Jordan Miller recalls the time her tour manager introduced her to True Romance, the cult classic written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott. Listen to Miller explain the film's immediate impact above, and don't forget to follow and review The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Hooked from the first frame, Miller details how she loved the film's bright colors, ultra-violence, and -- most of all -- titular romance. She’s watched and re-watched it so many times, she admits, that it has ultimately shaped her perception of romantic relationships throughout her adult life.

Listen to Miller talk Tony Scott's True Romance above. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Singer/songwriter and actor Katelyn Tarver joins me to chat about her spark, an episode of Brené Brown's Unlocking Us podcast.

In her interview with Dax Shepard and Tim Ferriss, Brown talks about the power of relinquishing control. That interview inspired Katelyn to write the first single off of her upcoming album Subject To Change.

Katelyn and I talk about learning to accept the random nature of the universe, the perils of actors' auditions and drawing artistic inspiration from unlikely places.

Links:

Katelyn Tarver

Unlocking Us

The Eyes Of Tammy Faye

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Gossip frontwoman Beth Ditto loves everything about Missy Elliott’s second album Da Real World. The non-stop bangers, the icy production from Timbaland, the tight vocal harmonies -- it's basically flawless. More than just quality music, though, the record also reminds Ditto of a time when her musical taste was starting to truly develop. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Ditto explains how the album shaped her young mind. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Missy Elliott as a whole would go on to heavily influence Gossip, as the group looked to Southern soul music for inspiration. Hear how it manifested on the band's comeback effort, Real Power, here.

Listen to Beth Ditto dive into Missy Elliott's Da Real World on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Rapper, singer, and writer Dessa first came across Dave Eggers' memoir A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genious as a college student and was immediately drawn to its wild, vibrant prose. Eggers' frankness and honesty had a huge influence on Dessa's own writing. Her live performances have also been inspired by his unusual, subversive book readings.

Check out Dessa's new album Bury The Lede here!

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Congratulations on your new POTUS and VP, America! As a new president gift, here's my delightful chat with comedian Joyelle Johnson about her love for cinema classic Gone With The Wind. We cover flouncy dresses, unapologetically bratty rich people, portrayals of Black people in film and our current dizzying political climate. This one is a real hoot!

Links:

Joyelle Johnson

Gone With The Wind

Search Party

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Singer, songwriter and producer Cavetown joins me to talk about his Spark, the incredible animated series Adventure Time.

How can TV aimed at children change the minds and hearts of adults? Cavetown sees so much for adults to learn from Adventure Time and he's gained a greater appreciation for it from repeated viewings. 

We talk his favorite characters, the show's storytelling and world building and its broad emotional range.

Links:

Cavetown

Adventure Time

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Actor Brian J Smith was in awe of Asghar Farhadi's Oscar-winning film A Separation after he saw it for the first time. Subsequent viewings have only increased his admiration for the complex story of the acrimonious dissolution of a couple's relationship and the repercussions that follow. A Separation refuses to pass judgment on its characters. Every one of them is fully realized and makes both good and bad decisions throughout. It's a true reflection of the human condition and the lengths to which we all will go to protect the people we love.

Listen to Brian J Smith chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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The first time she saw David Lynch's neo noir classic Blue Velvet, singer and songwriter Slayyyter was immediately drawn to its distinctive visual style. The saturated colors and dramatic lighting acted as a mood board for her new album STARFUCKER. She was particularly captivated by Isabella Rossellini's lounge singer character Dorothy and incorporated elements of her story into the album's songwriting process.

Check out Slayyyter's new album STARFUCKER and you can catch her on tour from now through mid-November by following this link.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Comedian, actress, and author Phoebe Robinson first saw Sex In The City as a college freshman and has binge-watched the whole series annually ever since. She loves the camaraderie between the four leads, the sex positivity, and the nuanced take on romantic relationships. She is not, however, a fan of the SATC big screen outings or the poorly received sequel series And Just Like That...

Phoebe Robins is currently on her Messy AF tour through 12/7 find out here.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the moment her older sister introduced her to Edward Scissorhands, singer/songwriter Oh Land felt a kinship with the lead character, as well as his love interest, Kim. As a pre-adolescent trying to make sense of the world, she felt connected both to the isolation and awkwardness channeled through Edward and the romance and whimsy that shone out of Kim. Danny Elfman's score also left an indelible imprint on her young mind and has been a constant source of inspiration in the development of her own work.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Rapper, singer/songwriter and producer Pell joins me to talk about Kanye West's legendary second album, Late Registration. We talk about it's lyrical and musical complexity, the dramatic effect it had on hip hop, r'n'b and pop production and the deliciousness of the albums many featured guest appearances.  

Links:

Pell

Late Registration

Mama's Gun

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Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri joins me to talk about her spark of inspiration (and the spark that started her band), Wim Wenders' southwestern road movie Paris, Texas. Sharleen shares never before heard details of the profound influence this film has had on her life and career. You'll hear her band's origin story and some incredible anecdotes about Sharleen's encounters with the director and star of Paris, Texas.  

Links:

Sharleen Spiteri

Paris, Texas

Hacks

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This week, I had a positively scintillating chat with singer/songwriter Scott Matthew about his love for painter Vilhelm Hammershoi's work and his formative experiences with Morrissey's music. Did we talk about Morrissey's repellent political views? You bet we did! And if that's not enough excitement for you, I also talk a bit about the joy of discovering art as an adolescent. Sounds like a rockin' good time, wouldn't you say?

Links:

Scott Matthew

Vilhelm Hammershoi

Morrissey

The Catcher In The Rye

The Art Of Self Defense

When They See Us

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The Aces' front woman Cristal Ramirez's was obsessed with Paramore's Riot! from the moment it was first played for her. The energy and lyrics both blew her pre-teen mind, but it was Hayley Williams who really caught her attention. A flame-haired teenager who lead a successful rock band in a male-dominated industry, Williams provided endless inspiration for Ramirez as her own musical aspirations took flight. As a dedicated Paramore fan, she's always seen the band as a beacon of light and a force for good in the world.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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This week, I'm joined by three time Tony nominee, singer and actor Joshua Henry to chat about our shared love for D'Angelo's genre bending classic debut album Brown Sugar. Joshua talks about Brown Sugar's impact on his life and career, and also deconstructs his favorite tracks. Best of all, he gave me a few quick tastes of his incredible singing voice.

Links:

Joshua Henry

Brown Sugar

Mare Of Easttown

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*Backstreet Boys voice     Oh my god, I'm back agaaaaaaaain! Did you miss me? I slept non-stop for two weeks and now I'm refreshed and ready to deliver the goods. Which goods are those? Why, my delightful and charming chat with writer Brian Moylan about his love for poet, writer and art critic Frank O'Hara and legendary playwright Tennessee Williams. Sounds like a real hoot, don't it? And if that's not enough for you, I also give some sage advice about how and when you should challenge yourself with "difficult" art. 

Links:

Brian Moylan

Frank O'Hara

Tennessee Williams

Wind Of Change

Rabbit Hole

Jungle Fever

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Oakland rapper and vocalist Rexx Life Raj was inspired by Kid Cudi's major label debut Man On The Moon: The End Of Day from the moment he heard its lead single Day And Night. 

He joins me to talk about the personal connection Cudi creates with his listeners and the process of creating deeply personal music. We also dig into the different approaches hip hop artists take, from Cudi's confessional singing/rapping/humming hybrid to Kendrick Lamar's dense and highly exalted poetry. 

I also touch on my surprising Spark of the week: the reboot of Chip And Dale: Rescue Rangers on Disney+.

Links:

Rexx Life Raj

Man On The Moon: The End Of Day

Chip And Dale: Rescue Rangers

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Until The Ribbon Breaks' Pete Lawrie Winfield has a very close relationship with Run The Jewels' seminal second album Run The Jewels 2. The production, the rhymes, the features, and every element of it have impacted him personally and professionally. And he had a front-row seat to the creation of that masterpiece and it changed the course of his life and career.

Check out Until The Ribbon Breaks' new single and video "Nature Mother" featuring Emoni Wilkins! It is a meditation on the connection of the human spirit and the land around us.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Ted star Max Burkholder might have been born in the '90s, but the 1980 cult classic Airplane! still resonated with him like few other comedies before or since. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Burkholder gushes about the silly world of Airplane!, a style of comedy that grabbed him and never let go.

The actor admits that, upon first viewing, the performances in the film were so subtle he didn't realize it was a comedy. He's since grown to adore its blend of deadpan humor, slapstick, and surrealism, and it's proven to be a major influence for his work on Ted, a show from another one of his creative heroes, Seth MacFarlane.

Listen to Max Burkholder talk about Airplane! via the player above. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

All episodes of Ted are streaming on Peacock and you can learn more about Max Burkholder here.

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With a music producer father and a dancer/choreographer mother, Kylie Cantrall grew up with a front-row seat in the entertainment industry. As a result, music biopics struck a particular chord with her. None moreso than VH1's megahit CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story. Cantrall loved the eerily accurate performances and music video recreations, but the incorporation of TLC's phenomenal back catalog was the clincher. She was so hooked on the movie that she watched it dozens of times and still considers it to be one of her all-time favorites.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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The relentless silliness of Todd Phillip's smash hit comedy Old School is contrasted by the relatable everyman characters played by its breakout stars Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn. Comedian, actor, and podcaster David Gborie saw Old School as the moment when comedic leads became less polished and more like normal people who happened to be joke machines. It was one of the era-defining films that set him on a comedy career path and helped him to believe he could make it in the industry.

Please be sure to check David's podcast My Momma Told Me here and check information about his new comedy tour The Aluminium Foil Tour here.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Ever since hearing their self-titled debut, SHAED felt a special kinship with Sylvan Esso. Both bands came from a folky, acoustic background and were experimenting with electronic sounds -- not to mention they were both family ventures. On this episode of The Spark Parade, SHAED explains how Sylvan Esso helped to further shape their musical style. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

SHAED originally started as a straightforward folk band, but after running into trouble finding a drummer, they began looking for other outlets. When they heard Sylvan Esso’s electronic flourishes and programmed percussion, though, a whole new world opened up for them, and the solution to their troubles became clear. Ever since, they've been following their own passion for folktronica.

Listen to SHAED dive into Sylvan Esso's self-titled debut on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Check out SHAED's new single “Rocket in the Sky” here and stay tuned for their upcoming album Spinning Out, which drops on June 14th.

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Singer/songwriter Girli started watching the classic Reese Witherspoon movie Legally Blonde as a small child and loved that it embraced a traditionally girlie femininity while still embraces feminist principles like the right to self-determination and self-sufficiency. Legally Blonde mostly adheres to a romantic comedy structure and Girli loved that the romance wasn't between two people, but rather between the lead character Elle Woods and herself.

Girli's new album Matriarch is out now!

Listen to Girli's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Singer, songwriter and queer icon Daphne Guinness first listened to David Bowie's sensational fourteenth album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) when she bought it with her saved up pocket money as a child. Little did she know she'd later work with the man himself on her own debut album! Scary Monsters provided a template for Guinness' musical output, her work ethic in the studio and her willingness to push the boundaries of her sound.

Daphne Guinness' new album Sleep is out on June 21st.

Listen to Daphne's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill has loved Captain EO, the Michael Jackson starring short film that accompanied an attraction at Disney's theme parks, since she was a small child. She loves it's message of spreading joy and positivity through music and has used those principles throughout her career.

The first of a two part Tribeca Film Festival series kicks off with a look at queer buddy comedy Rent Free, heart wrenching family drama Color Book, straight buddy comedy Sacramento and moving documentary I'm Your Venus.

Listen to Judith's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Bethenny Frankel doesn't really watch much TV, but she found The Handmaid's Tale during the pandemic and was so drawn to its compelling performances and topical themes that she breezed through the entire series. Bethenny finds The Handmaid's Tale to be both a cautionary tale about the world we could be heading towards and a reflection of the world in which we live.

Bethenny appears in the Lifetime Original Movie Danger In The Dorm, which is out now.

Our Tribeca Film Festival coverage concludes with a look at mesmerizing music documentary They All Came Out to Montreux, neo-noir crime dramedy Lake George and US Narrative Competition winner Griffin In Summer, a coming of age story about a 14 year old playwright.

Listen to Bethenny's episode now and make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade!

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Singer, songwriter and front woman of the band Rainbow Kitten Surprise, first saw the film Scott Pilgrim Vs The World as a teenager while living in her home state of North Carolina. She loved the energy of the music and the film's depiction of queerness. The way the onscreen bands played their interest has had an effect on her own playing throughout her career.

The new Rainbow Kitten Surprise album Love Hate Music Box is out now.

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Musical comedian Sarah Hester Ross loves School Of Rock's... music and comedy, which has (perhaps obviously) had a huge impact on her career path. She really admires Jack Black's warm, funny performance, but also recognizes his skilled musicianship and incredible improvisations.

Catch Sarah at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August with her show Sarah Hester Ross Is What? and her special Don't Mess With A Redhead is available right now.

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Nick Carpenter, better known as Medium Build, has been a huge Weird Al Yankovic fan since childhood and he clearly remembers getting Yankovic's tenth album Running With Scissors as soon as it was released. Carpenter loves Yankovic's humor, the way he blends multiple musical genres and his daring use of instruments that are rarely found in pop music like the accordian.

Medium Build's latest album Country is out now.

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GRAMMY-Award winning songwriting and composing duo, Barlow & Bear (Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow) have been breaking boundaries in musical theater by independently carving their own path in the heavily male dominated space. Part of their success is their vastly different tastes and influences, as evidenced by their Spark choices. Abigail absolutely loves Katy Perry's breakout album One Of The Boys, with its massive pop hits "I Kissed A Girl" and "Hot N Cold." In contrast, Emily Bear has always adored the 1961 film version of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece West Side Story. Those opposing forces blend together perfectly in their music for Disney's highly anticipated sequel Moana 2!

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Prolific actor Chris Diamantopoulos latched onto George Michael's monster hit solo debut album Faith at a young age. It resonated with him as a fellow singer of Greek descent, but he was also blown away by Michael's songwriting prowess and the singular sound of his legendary singing voice. He's marveled at Michael's ability to create timeless songs without any formal training and has come back to his work for inspiration time and time again.

Catch Chris in the The Sticky on Amazon Prime Video when it premieres on 12/6!

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Singer and songwriter Bishop Briggs loves the sweeping emo theatricality of My Chemical Romance's breakout album The Black Parade. She's drawn to its punchy lyrics and anthemic melodies, but also loves the risk taking aesthetics that border on camp. In a wide ranging conversation, Bishop talks to Adam about her love for MCR, Lady Gaga's fearlessness, the exciting rise of queer artists like Lil' Nas X and Chappell Roan.

Follow The Spark Parade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

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🎙️ In this episode, host Adam sits down with singer-songwriter David Gray to explore his deep connection to Van Morrison’s iconic album Astral Weeks. From his first listen at university to his eventual obsession, David unpacks the album’s hypnotic power, poetic brilliance, and unique soundscapes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Astral Weeks shaped David Gray’s musical journey

✅ The poetic intensity and raw experimentation behind Van Morrison’s masterpiece

✅ Why Astral Weeks remains one of the most enigmatic and influential albums of all time

✅ The connection between Van Morrison’s songwriting and the Irish literary tradition

🔊 Whether you’re a longtime Van Morrison fan or new to Astral Weeks, this conversation offers fresh insights into one of the most celebrated albums in music history.

📢 Listen now and immerse yourself in the magic of Astral Weeks!

🎧 Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

🔗 Follow the show: thesparkparade.com | Instagram

#VanMorrison #AstralWeeks #DavidGray #MusicPodcast #ClassicAlbums #SingerSongwriter #MusicHistory

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In this episode, Adam Unze sits down with ZORA, the genre-blurring artist and producer, to dive deep into the nostalgic world of Spy Kids 2 and its lasting cultural impact. They discuss why the film remains iconic, how early-2000s music and aesthetics shape ZORA’s sound, the evolution of nostalgia-driven reboots, and the unexpected celebrity connections of the Spy Kids cast. Plus, ZORA shares insights into her creative process and how pop culture influences her artistry. This conversation is a must-listen for music lovers, film buffs, and pop culture enthusiasts alike!

🎧 Listen Now!

Hit play and join us for a deep dive into Spy Kids 2, nostalgia, and the intersection of music and film! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support the show. 🎙️

#SpyKids2 #ZORA #Podcast #PopCulture #MusicIndustry #FilmNerds #MovieFacts #Nostalgia

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This week on The Spark Parade, Adam is joined by the incredible musician Corook for a deep dive into Juno, the 2007 indie classic starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera. Together, they unpack the film's raw honesty, its nuanced approach to teenage life, and the way it portrays relationships with humor and depth.

Adam and Corook also explore Elliot Page’s groundbreaking career and the complexities of looking back on past work through the lens of identity and transition. They discuss the broader cultural impact of Juno, its handling of pro-choice themes, and how its understated realism makes it a standout coming-of-age story.

Plus, they reflect on the importance of visibility for trans and queer artists, the bravery of living authentically in the public eye, and why Page’s continued presence in Hollywood matters now more than ever.

And, of course, there's a little Christopher Nolan news thrown in for good measure!

Listen now for a thoughtful, engaging, and deeply personal conversation about art, identity, and the power of seeing yourself reflected on screen.

Rate & Review: If you love the show, leave a review and tell us what sparks your creativity!

#Juno #ElliotPage #Corook #LGBTQ #TransVisibility #ComingOfAge #TheSparkParade

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Filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel, Half Nelson) join Adam for a rich and nostalgic dive into two beloved films: Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining.

They explore how both films shaped their creative lives, the emotional and stylistic impact of each, and their unique experiences discovering them. From Flea’s surprise cameo in The Outsiders' Rumble scene to Ryan’s unforgettable VHS-era first watch of The Shining (cut off right at “Here’s Johnny!”), the conversation touches on everything from childhood wonder to directorial style, from film adaptations to haunting performances.

Along the way, they dig into:

• The stylistic choices in The Outsiders and Coppola's vision
• The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa and its unexpected founder
• The eerie magic of The Shining's unsettling performances
• The lore, fan theories, and filmmaking myths surrounding The Shining

🔗 Subscribe & Follow:

Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media @sparkparade for behind-the-scenes content, guest updates, and more.

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Composer and producer Adrian Younge joins me to geek out about his spark of inspiration: Marvin Gaye's classic album What's Going On, which celebrates it's 50th anniversary this year. How does music reflect our personal history? How does it reflect the history of our nation? Adrian and I speak about the cultural context in which What's Going On was created, the lasting impact the album has had on his music and the history of Blackness in America.

Links:

Adrian Younge

What's Going On

Daft Punk

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Legendary drum and bass DJ and producer Goldie joins Adam for a deep dive into the cultural force that helped shape his identity: the groundbreaking graffiti documentary Style Wars.

From his first encounters with the film and Subway Art to his close relationships with graffiti pioneers like Henry Chalfant and TATS CRU, Goldie unpacks the profound connection between street art and jungle music.

He also reveals how the layering, rebellion, and cryptic complexity of graffiti mirrors his approach to music production — especially on his new Rufige Kru album Alpha Omega, dropping May 15, 2025.

As Goldie tours the U.S. throughout April and May 2025, he’s reflecting on the sounds and visuals that influenced generations of underground artists. Hear how graffiti and drum and bass intertwine, why Style Wars still matters 50 years on, and what it means to leave your mark — whether it’s on a train, a wall, or a record.

Don’t miss Goldie live on tour this spring — and get ready for Alpha Omega, out May 15th.

#Goldie #RufigeKru #AlphaOmega #StyleWars #GraffitiArt #DrumAndBass #JungleMusic #StreetArt #HipHopHistory #SubwayArt #HenryChalfant #TATSCru #BboyCulture #DJGoldieTour2025

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Comedian and actor Amanda Seales loved The Cosby Show as a child and it had a profound effect on the development of her own comedy. It taught her to bring a personal slant to her stand-up. It's also incredibly important to her because it was a huge step forward for Black representation across all media and was one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.

Of course, the legacy of the show has been severely tarnished by disgraceful revelations about its namesake. Seales and host Adam Unze address the elephant in the room and whether it’s possible to separate art from artist. At the same time, they acknowledge that The Cosby Show was more than just one individual, and its influence on young Black people in the the ’80s like Seales was very real.

Check out Seales' new documentary In Amanda We Trust here!

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Night Court actor Nyambi Nyambi was enthralled with Kim Jung Gi's sprawling, interconnected covers for Marvel Comics' Civil War II series not just for their artistry, but for the masterful artistic practices used to create it. He attended multiple live demonstrations of Kim's work before his untimely death and has applied his details to his work as a visual artist and an actor.

Be sure to check out Nyambi Nyambi in Night Court on Tuesday nights on NBC.

Listen to Nyambi Nyambi gush over the album on this episode of The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts.

Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Goon's Kenny Becker's joins me to talk about his Spark, Vincent Van Gogh's masterpiece Wheatfield With A Reaper.

How can a two dimensional painting feel like a vast three dimensional world? How did Van Gogh find beauty in the most mundane landscapes? Exactly how long did it take for Van Gogh's gloppy, impastoed paintings to dry? We tackled these important questions and so much more.

Links:

Goon

Wheatfield With A Reaper

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Comedian Bassem Youssef, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, discovered Billy Joel's "Pressure" in an unlikely place -- midway through an episode of Amazon's superhero satire The Boys. From the first notes, he knew he had to seek out the song for himself. On this episode of The Spark Parade, Youssef explains how he fell in love with the track once he did. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The more Youssef dove into "Pressure," the more he connected with its energetic synth-rock vibe, soaring melodies, and themes of dealing with stress.

Listen to Bassem Youssef dive into Billy Joel's "Pressure" on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Ghosts actor Asher Grodman loves everything about Sidney Lumet's classic Al Pacino starring film Dog Day Afternoon. The story and its themes touch him deeply, but its the legendary performances by the incredible ensemble that really stick with him. Pacino's unselfconscious, honest portrayal of a complicated real-life character is a masterclass in screen acting. The film has aged incredibly well and was tackling subjects like gay and trans rights in a thoughful and nuanced way nearly fifty years ago.

Check out Asher Grodman is in Ghosts, which airs on CBS on Thursday nights.

Listen to Asher Grodman dive into Dog Day Afternoon on your preferred podcast provider. Also, make sure to follow and review to support The Spark Parade, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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As a tween, Palehound’s El Kempner had their tiny mind blown by Avril Lavinge’s smash hit debut album Let Go. Packed full of pop-punk bangers, it helped Kempner break out of the Disney radio lane they had inhabited to that point. They loved Lavigne’s relatable lyrics and resonated with queer-coded skater style. Even 20 years after its release, Kempner still has Let Go on repeat.

Listen to Palehound’s El Kempner chat about all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Actor and musician Johnny Flynn (Stardust, Netflix' Lovesick) joins me to talk about his spark, William Butler Yates’ poem The Song Of Wandering Aengus.  

We dive into Johnny’s personal connection to the poem, which stems from a variety of sources, including seeing his friend Jez Butterworth’s play The River which opens with this poem and his childhood wanderings through the natural world. But we also dig into broader concepts, like the influence of ancient folklore on modern art and the notion that there are no new ideas.

Links:

Johnny Flynn

The Song Of Wandering Aengus

Evelyn "Champagne" King

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Singer/songwriter and musician Evan Stephens Hall joins me to talk about the inspiration he's drawn from Kazuo Ishiguro's Booker Prize winning novel The Remains Of The Day. We touch on English repression, unrequited love and the pressures of duty and loyalty under the looming shadow of fascism.

Links:

Evan Stephens Hall/Pinegrove

The Remains Of The Day

In And Of Itself

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Singer/songwriter UPSAHL joins me to chat about her Spark, Christopher Nolan's mind-bending space odyssey Interstellar. UPSAHL and I pondered both the nature of the universe and our love of movies.

How do art and science intersect? How can we reconcile our emotional impulses with the limits of our scientific knowledge? And most importantly, would you go on a space mission to colonize another planet?

Links:

UPSAHL

Interstellar

Heartstopper

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This week, I'm chatting with singer, songwriter, producer, gamer and podcaster mxmtoon (aka Maia) about her spark of inspiration, the Life Is Strange video game series. We talk about the world building and freedom of expression created in these games, streaming game play on Twitch, using your audience as scapegoats for tough decisions and Maia's very personal connection to the next game in the Life Is Strange saga. 

Links:

mxmtoon

Life Is Strange

Rebecca Black

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As a young man, The Polyphonic Spree's Tim DeLaughter found a strong connection with a small piece of Ennio Morricone's score to The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. Il Forte (The Strong) is an instrumental piece that has moved and inspired DeLaughter in a way that no other music has. It acted as entrance music for The Polyphonic Spree concerts and provided an emotional foundation for much of his own writing.

The new The Polyphonic Spree album Salvage Enterprise is out now learn more about the band and the album here.

This month, we’re on a mission to spread the word about The Spark Parade If you love our show as much as we like bringing it to you, we need you to hop over to Apple Podcasts, hit the follow button, and leave us a review. Not only is it a quick and easy way to show your support, but it’ll also give you the chance to win some exclusive Consequence merch. Then, head to this link and submit your info along with a screenshot of your review. We’ll be shouting out our winners in December, so make sure to follow and review soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping The Spark Parade grow!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Portuguese singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist MARO spoke to me about her spark, Brazilian singer Simone’s breakout album Face A Face. 

Simone's voice is era defining and Face A Face is a genre melding collection of beautiful and romantic songs. She is a legendary song interpreter, as famous for covering songs by other artists as she is for recording original music. 

MARO and I talked about Simone's extraordinary ability to bring new life into old songs and the genderless quality of her voice, as well as marveling over her incredible, near 50 year career.

Links:

MARO

Simone

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Broken Lizard's Jay Chandrasekhar and Kevin Heffernan have created some incredible comedy classics like Super Troopers, so it's no surprise that they're both sparked by other legendary comedians. For Jay, it was love at first sight when he first experienced Eddie Murphy's big screen debut 48 hrs. He's drawn tons of inspiration from the movie's delicate balance between a gritty cop thriller and a light-hearted buddy comedy. Kevin has been obsessed with Steve Martin's classic comedy album A Wild And Crazy Guy from the moment he first heard it as a kid. It's a snapshot of a rock star comedian at the peak of his powers and it's massive success provided a template for decades of stand-up comedy specials.

Be sure to check Broken Lizard's new film Quasi, which is out now on Hulu.

Listen to Broken Lizard's Jay Chandrasekhar and Kevin Heffernan chat about this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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As a lifelong Janet Jackson stan, actress, singer, and drag superstar Peppermint loves Janet's entire back catalog. But her self-titled fifth album has a special place in Peppermint's heart. It represents a major leap forward in Janet's style and sound, as well as her public advocacy for the queer community. And, Peppermint has been so inspired by Janet's choreography that she's recreated two of her videos!

Learn more about Peppermint here and be sure to check her out in Peacock's The Traitors, a competition show, hosted by Alan Cumming, where contestants play the ultimate murder mystery game to win a prize of up to $250,000.

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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When Sleater-Kinney's Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker discovered Patti Smith's legendary debut album Horses, an artistic earthquake occurred in both of their lives. They were blown away by Smith's fearless, challenging lyrics and melodies and Robert Mapplethorpe's stunning portrait on the album's cover. Horses has remained a constant source of inspiration in Sleater-Kinney's decades long career, as the band has travelled the globe playing iconic venues infused with the spirit of Smith's music and that of her contemporaries.

Be sure to check out Sleater-Kinney's new album Little Rope, a record that was completed in the aftermath of a deadly car accident involving Brownstein’s mother and stepfather in late 2022, which is releasing 1/19 here!

Listen to the full interview for all this and more in the new episode. Please also take the time to like, review, and subscribe to the Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts, and keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

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Ghanaian-Australian musician Genesis Owusu joins me to talk about his spark, Kanye West’s album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. 

I’ve talked to a few people about Kanye and those conversations have, for the most part, focused entirely on his music and avoided talking too much about the chaos and controversy that followed him everywhere throughout his career. This conversation leans into a more holistic approach and we didn’t shy away from talking about Kanye’s complicated legacy.

Genesis and I spoke about the luxury and excess behind the scenes during the album's recording process, marvel at the collaborative nature of this musical benchmark and talk about the difficulty we both have with reconciling our love for Kanye's music with his often toxic public persona.

Links:

Genesis Owusu

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

There's Someone Inside Your House

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This week, I spoke with musician Skullcrusher (Helen Balentine) about the inspiration she's drawn from Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar winning animated feature Spirited Away. We talk about powerful female protagonists being underestimated in films, the wildly imaginative style of Studio Ghibli and we marvel at the intense emotional response evoked by hand drawn animation.

Links:

Skullcrusher

Spirited Away

Leave The World Behind

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Phoenix front man Thomas Mars joins me to talk about his Spark, It Was Twenty Years Ago Today is a 1987 British-made television documentary about the 1967 Summer of Love.

We talked about the beginnings of Phoenix and how they drew inspiration from the Beatles' process and sound. We touched on the singular nature of The Beatles influence and they're lasting impact on culture at large. And most importantly, I hung out with one of my favorite musicians!

Links:

Phoenix

It Was Twenty Years Ago Today

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Percy Jackson and The Olympians star Aryan Simhadri was a bit skeptical when he first saw The Devil Wears Prada, but he quickly became enthralled with the incredible acting and sharp storytelling. On this episode of The Spark Parade, the actor explains how it wasn't just the glitz, glamour, and fashion that drew him, but the powerhouse that is Meryl Streep.

Listen to the full conversation with Simhadri above, and please take the time to like, review, and subscribe to The Spark Parade wherever you get your podcasts. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.

Host Adam Unze (The Opus) explores creativity in all its forms on The Spark Parade by asking musicians, artists, comedians, and other creators to share the single cultural work that has most inspired them. Whether it comes from the world of music, film, comedy, visual art, or literature, we all have something that sparks our own creative desires. On The Spark Parade, guests reveal the single piece of art that ignites within them to fire of creation.

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