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Murmur Digital Radio — TV & Film
Murmur Digital Radio

Where craft meets culture. Hosted by The Modern School of Film’s Robert Milazzo, Murmur is a prescient tour through our sight and sound culture; featuring scenes, songs, and an array of guest tour-guides from all sides of the brain. See you there.

Latest Episodes:

Murmur 111 : Geof Darrow and Steve Skroce | "The Matrix @20" Dec 27, 2019

We continue to talk about art that bother us. World-building has been strangely silent since The Matrix, a concept originally left for dead, pushed forward into standard by will, belief, and a corps of indelible artists. Geof Darrow and Steve Skroce - the two craftspeople first to join the legion - assemble here to add their DNA to our dish. Filmmaking with vision is a winnable war-of-art; to wit, the great irony of a film is can’t know we need one until it’s been made.

Murmur 110 : Chuck Palahniuk | "Fight Club" @20 Nov 02, 2019

Oh, F’it, let’s actually talk about the film Fight Club @ Twenty - still the smartest delinquent in the room - with the man whose book-as-rolling-ball-of-art-and-confusion began a movie birthed by an apropos society of full-throated artists: Chuck Palahniuk. The film still can’t drink, but it’s no less a danger to society. Its meta and mythos are more than meets the eye, and its fever-pitch lives in Chuck’s own agnostic baptisms. Write what you know, perhaps; film what’s to remain, please. Live from Cologne, Germany Live from Cologne, Germany, with an assist from Black Francis of The Pixies. Gleiten [Slide].

Murmur 109 : Henry Rollins | In:Pictures Sep 27, 2019

Henry Rollins — Professor Emeritus, The Modern School of Film — joins us in lovely, lovely Lima, Peru to triptych his life in three acts (i.e. three films) and continue our journeyIn:Pictures. His selections are as raw and ready-made as Henry; one indie, one Epic, one film family-photo one would sooner forget, but cannot. Blissfully, Robert Duvall came up a few times (read three) to boot. Henry never forgets, and his cinema, unsurprisingly, unforgiving. Welcome back, Professor. Thank you, Peru.

Murmur Meta : Wesley Snipes Sep 15, 2019
Once upon an art-form, the term "classically trained" meant something, for better and for worse. Wesley Snipes is the former and we're the former for it. Dr. Snipes joined us in Monaco to look back and ahead at his range, his craftsmanship and, most importantly, to teach us how to take a punch. And a kick. All in a dance move or two.

Murmur Meta : Wesley Snipes Sep 15, 2019
Once upon an art-form, the term "classically trained" meant something, for better and for worse. Wesley Snipes is the former and we're the former for it. Dr. Snipes joined us in Monaco to look back and ahead at his range, his craftsmanship and, most importantly, to teach us how to take a punch. And a kick. All in a dance move or two.

Murmur 108 : Ingrid Michaelson | Now That's Totally Cool, Almost Aug 23, 2019
SUBJECT : NOSTALGIA

Like the man sang, "It's never over". More than an 80's-lyric, though, while function is transient, what forms us, eternal. And gift-able. Singer/writer Ingrid Michaelson tiles the walls of both her home and her art with love and legacies that neither date, nor diminish. What transports her is the photo of the photo; the time of the time. Perhaps, in a world where the future is far less sexy, and less inconceivable, than ever, what's past is Epilogue. All those moments not lost in time. Rather held. Imperishable.

Murmur 107 : Thom Sonny Green of Alt-J | A View Of One's Own Aug 11, 2019
SUBJECT : PERSPECTIVE

Though rings of hell vary, we all travel through as a form of learning. There is very little understanding gained if we aren’t faced with uncertainty or with loss or with decay; or, frankly, with death. Thom Sonny Green of Alt-J is in touch with his heights because he’s faced-off with his depths. Amongst his antagonisms, his own physical well-being — diagnosed with Alport Syndrome at the age of 12, by then having lost a majority of his hearing and signaling the need for a kidney transplant — a cause for many to question their very journey, let alone architect a purpose. Thom cannot teach you what he’s learned, yet, as is the case with best of teachers, he chooses to candidly reviews his times, his trials and his continual triumphs. Most things, we can’t truly know ‘til we get there; however, getting a firm dose of relativity never hurts.

Murmur 106 : Adam Gardner & Lauren Sullivan "Calm Sprinting" Jul 26, 2019
SUBJECT : USE

We've all asked where things come from; so, let's leap-frog that by asking where they go -- "somewhere" is not the right answer. Two from the frontline, though, know. Partners in life and in use -- Adam Gardner (who has been moonlighting with Guster for 20 years) and Lauren Sullivan (who had us at "perseverate") -- have been keeping global score for 15 years with their advocacy/progeny, Reverb; rallying artists to make "best use" of sonic bullhorns to repurpose the wakes that spread into the ties that connect. Ties that are never plastic. And, if so, never single-use. So, listen-up, then act. But not necessarily in that order.

Murmur 105 : Matt Berninger of The National "The Freedom Of Dizziness" Jul 20, 2019
SUBJECT : ANXIETY

Few states deadlock past/present/future in an immediacy all too real. Though its sources constipate, its feels can softly (and not) extend into frontiers of fear, panic, paranoia, dread; yet, in doses, motivation and movement. It lives with us, is not us. Matt Berninger of The National bravely sources the ubiquity of his anxieties and the agreement he’s struck: blessings are curses and vice versa. He’s here to draw a map, not a line; and to sit with, not run from, the disconnections we mistakenly deduce as less than normal. So listen, think again, repeat.

Murmur 104 : John Woo "The Killer @30" Jul 05, 2019

What do you get a film that has everything? Let's start with a thank you, hand-delivered. Legendary filmmaker John Woo allows us in to his office and mindset as THE KILLER came of age thirty years ago. All films are documentaries, still some are templates. Such was THE KILLER and the touch of its creator -- a disciple of cinema, a priest of its power. When a film embraces hard choices, yet feels as innocent now as ever, 30 years fall away. Armed with two mics -- one in each hand, in the spirit of the Killer, himself -- we look back at the film with Master Woo at a culture and a generation of film that hasn't been the same since.

Murmur 103 : Walter Hill "The State Of The Western" May 14, 2019
SUBJECT : THE STATE OF THE WESTERN

If ever a genre was meant to appear, cloud, clear — then cloud again — it's the Western. Since it's birth, this most cinematic of forms has been chalked-up as storytelling scavenger, dusted, and left for dead, all ‘round the same campfire; only to see the most majestic of practitioners defending its frontier as reflector of morality, spinner of spirituality, and builder of fences around the seemingly unfence-ible [sic]. Unconvinced? Give a legend a shot — he has the pelts. Walter Hill digs up his unbreakable solace in the singularity pure/impure Western form; and, for no good measure, unearths a personal walk-through of its master gatekeepers, of which is he is a last artist standing.

Murmur 102 : Shovels & Rope "Better Homes & Jedis" Apr 22, 2019
SUBJECT : BALANCE

Living a life in proportion sounds as redemptive as gratitude, thankfulness, and good manners; yet, as empirical as the Yeti, let alone the Jedi. The whole IS the parts; the family photo is simply good scheduling. Singers/musicians/writers/spouses (and more) Shovels & Rope are proof the “try-less try” - where the elements of a life are built upon their inspirations, not their results - completes. In such a place the movements of a life, along with its set-backs, create a geometry no candle nor variety pack of incense can. So aspire to equilibrium, cautiously. Otherwise, what fun would a see-saw be?

Murmur 101 : Jeffrey Toobin "The Frankenstein School" Mar 19, 2019
SUBJECT : ART FROM ANTHROPOLOGY

Let's agree, it's advisable to not get your news from your art. Your art from your news, though? A longer story. At its height, art is a transposition of our existence in metaphor, in relief; never in reality. Jeffrey Toobin (CNN, The New Yorker) has uniquely messengered the Real for both digesters of journalism and of popcorn. Jeff knows a good yarn is a good yarn, even when our world deserves a “story by” credit. Hell, even Shakespeare knew as much. One can’t spell history without “story” nor facsimile without…well, you get the picture. So Storytellers look around — you can’t always make this stuff up; but, typically, you won’t need to.

Murmur 100 : Michael Rooker "More Is More" Feb 26, 2019
SUBJECT : EXPOSURE

Murmur at 100! Everything is everywhere. If you want to know it, hear it, celebrate it or drag it — it’s around. 24/7. Weekends, too. Ideas never sleep. For too few, such is the moment where a curiosity can be satisfied, or a bet settled. For too many, access has never been more accessible, nor girthier. Against all odds and sense, though, sometimes a true craftsperson (see Michael Rooker) joins the club; but, rather than wading in public pool of exhibition, Rooker sees exposure for what it is — a platform for art, a communion with fans — and is only fleeting forlorn about occasions when talk ain’t cheap. Then again, without cheap talk how would we know the difference?

Murmur 99 : Yaphet Kotto "Slip Away From Your Life" Feb 17, 2019
SUBJECT : RETIREMENT

A small handful of moments tie past, present, future in one. Leaving your work is such a matter, and when Art is your work, the conversation contaminates, beautifully. Groundbreaking actor Yaphet Kotto is not a reminisce'er by nature, but is he a retiree? And in a profession where one is arguably never hired to begin with, who is retiring from Art even up to? Perhaps, as Yaphet's work lives-on as dynamically than ever, retiring is one of those pesky mortal dilemmas. Our specialty, alas, when you got a job to do.

Murmur 98 : Doris Burke "Wounds From A Friend" Feb 02, 2019
SUBJECT : CRITICISM

Few words have as many synonyms -- feedback, advice, counsel, opinion, review, evaluation, coaching, teaching; so on. None are the final say, though; and many, contrary to common belief, come from a light place. In a 30 year career, ESPN's Doris Burke has managed to harness said light amidst a myriad of undulating egos, agendas, points-of-view, pressures, and past-times. Her brain and her voice are always on-time and reflect a greatest hits of her teachers and coaches both intentional and otherwise. She knows that in terms of criticism, tone and intent is all, and naming names is the lowest lying fruit. So, before you cast off criticism, let go and listen to Doris tell some truth. Come on, now.

Murmur 97 : Ian MacKaye "Some Kind of Dinosaur" Dec 01, 2018
SUBJECT : THE RECORD

What do we leave behind? Everything. All we said and did, touched and felt, saw and heard. Our wake in our wake. Our record. Ian MacKaye (Fugazi, Minor Threat) has been recording for decades; authoring, observing, writing, screaming, and riding the record as it ever spins. We want that name back! Records. Why waste an idea that covers it all? Ian sets his straight, or not.

Murmur 96 : Angie Dickinson “An Itch In Time” Nov 09, 2018
SUBJECT : THE PAST

A look back — a peek, not a stare — is the rudiment of progress. If we acknowledge humanity, art, culture, history, sex, athletics, politics et al are all in motion, so it stands that we develop as we develop; a greatest (and less-so) hits of the times we contain. Angie Dickinson - iconic actress, and purveyor of all the great film “feels”- befriends time in pairs; in clarity and in ignorance. Her past teaches her present — a present that capitulates seamlessly to Now, knowing the best stories and legends go unprinted. She also still loves it when people call her “Pepper”. Oh, Angie, indeed.

Murmur 95 : James Carville "We're Also Out Of Coffee" Oct 26, 2018
SUBJECT : CRISIS

Crying-wolf is all the rage; the danger being, lightening bugs have nothing in common with lightening. When strum and drang is our ring-tone, we need to revisit what deserves action and what deserves a cable cut. Strategist/Consultant/Teacher James Carville's historic pole position has enabled a career of avoiding cracks and deflecting crisis both for-and-of all five estates. He’s also student to and author of an inside vernacular that’s served both colleagues and causes well. There’s more to crisis than meets the ear; but, don’t panic, James will break it all down only to re-construct it by hour’s end.

Murmur 94 : Brandon Boyd "The Top Of The Sandbox" Oct 13, 2018
SUBJECT : CURIOSITY

You'll like this, it's pass/fail; or, rather, fail/pass. You either have this or you don't. You either are this or y'aren't. Yes, it can be transferred; but, it's best when encouraged or environments allow for it. You can't fake it, and it's far different than either intellect (though they couple well) or boredom (though this is easily mistaken.) You'll feel a certain "itch" at first then you'll need to set forth. Age is often both its confederate and its proof it's never too late. What is it? It's it. But do you have it? We think you already know. Singer/Writer/Painter Brandon Boyd of Incubus has it, ad absurdum et ad infinitum. …Curious?

Murmur 93 : Stephen Mangan "Bob's Your Content" Sep 28, 2018
SUBJECT : CONTENT AND CULTURE

There are limitless roads one many follow to pre-divine a culture - political, educational, infrastructural, even culinary. Amongst paths we've employed, one standard, hypnotic, vexing version is to simply open our eyes; particularly when we travel, specifically as lingual outsiders. Mercifully actor/creator Stephen Mangan tour-guides us through the triumphs and trapdoors of UK artistic content and what it's smallest forms - at the very least - intone about his nation and content gifts both given and received. Stephen's work, as his insight, crosses ponds effortlessly, including our favorite UK content confection "panel shows". Some artistic diplomacy has it's limits, however. Such are the benefits of home.

Murmur 92 : Serj Tankian "Danger, Incorporated" Sep 21, 2018
SUBJECT : RISK

Our boldest actions lie in the eye of the beholder. Seldom do the doers of hazardous-deeds self identify - such is the case with risk and its takers. Let's prove our case to Serj Tankian (System of a Down) defier of stop signs he's blind to. Be it personal, political, cultural, artistic, vocational or the myriad forms of vocal, Serj moves forward; success or loss notwithstanding. His measure is always on his terms and we're thankful he knows no better. Perhaps ignorance is risk.

Murmur 91 : Jonathan Coulton "Band of Insiders" Sep 09, 2018
SUBJECT : COMMUNITY

Arguably no word nor concept sounds more above inspection than Community. So, of course, let's go. Creator/Musician/Writer Jonathan Coulton has sought out, been part of, builds, and guides his very "own" Community. Sounds great. It is; but there are privileges that can lead to advantages and onward towards exclusions, as every donut has a hole. Groups and groupings are under siege and their diverse whereabouts scream out for dialogue; but fear not — Jonathan helps fill in this space by land and by sea.

Murmur 90 : Johnny Marr "The Rowboat Meets The Road" Aug 17, 2018
SUBJECT : COLLABORATION

Our most-requested subject/topic/tool/albatross present in everything we do, do all the time. Some humans readily concede this premise, others are sluggish studies. One artist who might prefer to be remembered as a collaborator-above-all is legendary band leader and member Johnny Marr. Professor Marr embodies as pure a study - and as reliable an authority - on working with others, as the history of art can conjure. His story IS history, and it's found him in groups, continually; working in service to a greater goal, remarkably. Architect of legendary, resonant chords - not the least of which have very little to do with sound itself - Johnny understands that transcendent ideas are found in groups; both in spite of, and often due to, their imperfections.

Murmur 89 : Neko Case "That Cuckoo Clock Feeling" Aug 10, 2018
SUBJECT : HARMONY

When sounds come together and form sound, the ear is intrigued. On-alert for no good reason other than its encounter with sonic perfection. Harmony is that perfection. Harmony is hermetic - lacking either panic or uncertainty - as there is usually safety in number. Neko Case knows her gangs and, as a practice, her harmonies. Not only a siren of modern myth and neo-story, Professor Case is proof of harmony's power to nourish and redeem; even if humans aren't always getting along. She authors her art en masse; and the environment remains (as do we), eternally grateful.

Murmur 88 : Alexis Krauss "Just Fucking Teach" Jul 27, 2018
SUBJECT :LEARNING TO TEACH

We've concluded that teaching is no more than exploring a series of opposites: Talking/Listening, Acting/Reacting, Planning/Improvising, Translating/Declaring, Progressing/Remaining, Global/Local, Inside/Outside, Human/Inhumane, Art/Science. Have we covered it all? Not a chance. So, let's ask Alexis Krauss, whose groundbreaking work as a teacher not only draw-drops her legions of (Sleigh Bells) fans and mountainsides of students past and present; but, inspires more answers than questions. As only great teacher can. Class is truly in session. Does everyone have a pencil?

Murmur 87 : Tyler Bates "Demolished, By Design" Jul 13, 2018
SUBJECT : THE INVISIBLE COMPOSER As competition for our visual receptors is at an all-time-high, are we forgetting to hear the score? Be it large or small screen. Or are we simply unable to locate it? In either case, forgive us as there is currently a run on cerebral noise in our moving imagery: oversized cinematic "heroes", stories where humanity (itself) hangs in the very balance, larger resumes in tighter spaces, and small-screen writing that is as hypnotic as ever. Fear not, true believer! As no modern composer cuts through the synaptic-thicket with quite the dexterity and audacity of Tyler Bates. His tireless loyalty to story, character, collaborator, history, and galaxy place him firmly, miraculously on the barrier between music, sound, and noise. Yet, it's Tyler's most unrequited love that consistently wins us over -- Silence.

Murmur 86 : Andy Bell of Erasure "Who Is It? It's Us." Jul 06, 2018
SUBJECT : ANTHEMS

Sounds and songs can inspire us to be a part of something larger; to understand a context for our lives, our trials, our travails, our triumphs. For over 30 years - as the "voice" of the seminal sonic duo Erasure - Andy Bell has proved more advocate than icon; more a delivery system for change, than intentional anthemic engineer. And millions of fans across the world continue to hear him loud and clear; showing-up en masse, as does Andy, with pride. Yet, though true anthems last over time, hearing them remains in the ear of the beholder.

Murmur 85 : Tom Scharpling "Full Battle Prattle" Jun 11, 2018
SUBJECT : WHEN CONVERSATION IS ART

In an age where rhetoric is mistaken for communication, let's spare a thought for times we've spoken, been heard, then returned such favor with our own. Now, take a moment and count how many of those moments you've had, recently. Finished counting, already? Us, too. Iconic creator Tom Scharpling ("The Best Show") has made communication art & craft his life's work; an unending series of conversations both true and false; hilarious, yet deceptively insightful. Sadly, in our experience, with the potential of real talk comes a real downside. Particularly when one's "job" resembles what one was taught to do as a human being. Who knew conversation could be so heartbreaking?

Murmur 84 : John Darnielle "My Own Private Iowa" Jun 01, 2018
SUBJECT : HOMETOWN ART & ARTISTS

Let's explore the fuel, fate, and fascination of the artist who lives and creates outside of "traditional" centers of art, such as New York, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo and elsewhere. Do artists who defy these hubs of creative traffic do themselves a vocational disservice, or have they discovered the 21st Century's worst-kept-secret? To wit, we've established that an artist needs an audience, but how large a one? And are artists even entitled to that ever-elusive work/life/sanity balance? The well-traveled, oft-acclaimed John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats (currently based in Durham, North Carolina, USA) could be onto something...and we don't mean merely a better price-per-square-foot.

Murmur 83 : Mike Patton "Forever '22" May 14, 2018
WORLD PREMIERE : MIKE PATTON

We are honored to both present the World Premiere of a track from Mike's unforgettable score to the film "1922" -- a script adapted from the novella by Stephen King -- and to talk cinephilia with one of the great living polymathic plumbers. To be able to visit Movie Dorkdom with Mike is as humbling as it is rare. Yet, though Dorkdum certainly has its privileges, can you love something too much be able to make it your vocation? Mike is living and scoring proof to the contrary. Perhaps you have to love it to do as well as he has for so long and in so many formats. Even plumbers love their pipes.

Murmur 82 : Pete Tong "Club Darwin" May 09, 2018
SUBJECT : THE DJ

Certain figures, certain forms, certain words survive in time because they were simply great from the jump. The DJ has gone from "great idea" to "transcendental figure" in no time. And, as the age of curation only strengthens, so shall the spell this hybrid artist (half-lover/half-craftsperson) casts. Cue: pioneering DJ, Pete Tong! There is an underbelly, however; as the DJ-life is, ironically, not for the romantic. Long nights short rests, and expectations to mix for the masses. Hang the DJ? Nah. Long may he and she reign/rain.

Murmur 81 : of Montreal's Kevin Barnes "The Secret To Cement" Apr 25, 2018
SUBJECT : IDENTITY

The classic ideal of identity is a detriment. The Stoics should have been more clear -- yes, "Know Thyself"; however, know that you are the sum total of multiple compounds, not merely a carrier identity. Kevin Barnes knows this. His many faces, styles, curiosities, sounds, stories, genres, personae...are all one. Oh, and by the way, he's also a huge Cleveland sports fan who loves a meditative baseball game at the Jake. Surprised? Here's your chance to not be.

Murmur 80 : Frankie Poullain of The Darkness "Better Than Francis" Apr 10, 2018
SUBJECT : THE ROCKSTAR

Certain ideas need to be revisited; surprisingly, this is one. It is our p.c. culture that's taken it from us? Is it our long-overdue examination of what allowances artistic professionals are granted? Or, is it that everyone now is called a "Rockstar" except Rockstars? Only one occupant of interplanetary craft can untie this knot - Frankie Poullain of The Darkness - offering-up his own definition of the word; who's "in", who's "out", and who should be scared.

Murmur 78 : U-GOD of Wu-Tang Clan "Put The Flag In My Hand" Mar 19, 2018
SUBJECT : LEGACY

A maddening topic, typically deflected. Perhaps, as with cats, there are far too many variables to manage; rather, as with Rashomon, no two people see their legacies, let alone those of others, similarly. To make matters more vexing, when one's legacy is connected to nine other Killa Beez (aka The Wu) straight from the slums of Shaolin, why even bother? We trouble U-GOD with our complexes; he, in turn, picks-up the flag and holds it high and, as always, raw.

Murmur 77 : Paul Auster "An Omelette About Me" Mar 05, 2018
SUBJECT : ART AS AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Consider the source of all painting, cinema, music, performance, and literature. Genre notwithstanding. The source is Self. Life. Details, echos, remembrances and references of our "real" life, midwifed into creation. Conscious or not, narrative or not -- art is always about what we're going through at the time. Acclaimed writer Paul Auster probably disagrees. And he should. As this author of iconic literature - including five memoirs (!) - has always been in the eye of the self-reflexive storm of creating, he would only feel its calm. Assuming there is one.

Murmur 76 : Guy Maddin "The Stupidest Man At Harvard (In Praise of Beloved Aunt Li'l)" Feb 19, 2018
SUBJECT : TEACHING FILM

A subject uniquely-near to us. Can film be taught? Yes. Should film be taught? That's up to the instructor. An instructor we'd never let down is filmmaker Guy Maddin who has made teaching a subtle advocation for the past several years. The film students at Harvard were exposed to this genius artist, begging the questions -- do advanced degrees make the film teacher? Is teaching an art? And what are film students truly signing on for when they study a craft and history that's concise and finite-enough to learn autodidactically? In the hands of Professor Maddin, learning film is merely an excuse to go to class.

Murmur 75 : José González "They Choose Where We Live" Feb 12, 2018
SUBJECT : ARTIST AS NEW PARENT

Singer/songwriter/musician José González provides us an exclusive, beyond-rare opportunity to share his (and Mom's) navigation of the early months, hours, days, and seconds of their baby Laura's life. Do artist/parents read "how-to" books or are they uniquely intuitive? To wit, does parenting make artists of us all, or fools? It's also humbling which decisions are made pre-birth, pre-sound, pre-geography, pre-art. Laura, naturally, will have the final say.

Murmur 74 : Efrim Menuck "A Gift That Grows Quickly" Feb 03, 2018
SUBJECT : FAITH In all forms. Secular, religious; man-made and ephemeral. What gets you out of bed, everyday? Efrim Menuck (Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Thee Silver Mount Zion) reviews his own journey in-and-out-of Faith. Totems useful and elusive. Is religious-faith the only kind possess-able? In the absence of faith is meaning even possible? And, are artists priests of a sort? Light topics for a complex mind.

Murmur 73 : Hamed Sinno "The Fear Quotidian" Jan 26, 2018
SUBJECT : FEAR A baseline for many. That timeless of motivators; back and forth. Such thins line, though, as fear continually masquerades as hate (and "phobia"). Hamed Sinno of Mashrou' Leila has been banned, labeled, censored, cursed, followed, chased, reviled, revered, applauded, lauded, targeted and blamed; yet, never silenced. Fearless. Well, maybe a fear or two has crept (and crawled) in along the way. No one is immune, entirely.

Murmur 72 : Ben Bruce "It Takes An Expat" Jan 19, 2018
SUBJECT : THE EXPAT We're all from somewhere else, no? If one were, however, to sketch-out the concept of "The Outsider", know that those who make-home in a country/community/culture outside of their birthplace, can potentially reflect, contribute, protect, nurture, extol, farm, and touch a world in ways no "insider" ever could. Asking Alexandra's Ben Bruce has no fear of the Expat. Here, he explores both the currency and privilege of living a life somewhere else; and why he's continually drawn to a life naturally impervious to homesickness.

Murmur 71 : Joshua Oppenheimer "The Scarecrow's Dilemma" Jan 12, 2018
SUBJECT : INTELLIGENCE The two edges of "Intelligence" -- one, steeped in curiosity, humility, and understanding; the other, in fear, judgement, and power. Which will you choose and how will you apply it? Here, filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer carves us a path; including the taxonomy of "genius", "master", "masterpiece"; and whether or not art can in fact increase one's "Intelligence".

Murmur 70 : Phil Elverum (Mount Eerie) "Our Own Bag Of Hammers" Jan 06, 2018
Don't be a tourist, be a traveller... or, so they say. But do they also say that to musicians? If so, then why do most musicians continue to "tour"? Is it a means of rebooting? Surviving? Seeking? Erasing? Healing? Communing? Curing? Phil Elverum (Mount Eerie) has utilized movement as a agent for all of the above; as well as a conduit for lessons he continues to pass on. Lessons co-promised both in art and in love.

Murmur 69 : Mike Francesa "Mondays at 1" Dec 29, 2017
Most pioneers are dead. So when we have one on the show, it’s humbling. Especially one we grew up listening to Monday-Friday for five-and-a-half hours a day; once for 24hours straight. As Mike Francesa has left his weekly radio show and “power chair” after 30 years, we (and he) finally get our lives back. So, let’s talk about it with the man, himself -- A teacher without students. An artist without a brush. The icon who now seeks a new audience.

Murmur 68 : Jock "A Fistful of Mondo" Dec 15, 2017
SUBJECT : MONDO There is a word that signifies a perpetual state of fandom. A state that artists never surrender to, no matter how accomplished or revered their work. The word... Mondo. Edison, Welles, Kubrick were Mondo; so was Picasso. Jock is a modern master of this über-genre; an artist whose singular DNA can be seen in his best-selling posters for Carpenter’s “The Thing”, Del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” & Deodato’s “Cannibal Holocaust”; as well as in Ava/"Ex Machina" and an Aurebesh Easter Egg he left for his son in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (a small, indie film in which Jock served as Costume Concept Artist.)

Murmur 67 : Jeff Bridges "The Actor From Scratch" Dec 08, 2017
SUBJECT : THE ART OF THE ACTOR There is an internal, human art to acting, independent of the technical execution of craft. Which human elements feed that mechanism? Or, as Brando once said, are we all “merely actors, everyday”? For Jeff Bridges it begins and ends with two gifts; one from his mom (his “first acting teacher”) and one from his dad -- we’ll give you a hint... Time and Love. Five years in the making, Jeff joins us to cover the Art of the Actor, up to and including the art of retirement. Rage on.

Murmur 66 : Anthony Bourdain "Artist For A Day" Dec 01, 2017
SUBJECT : THE ART OF LIFE Is there an Art to life? An approach to how we live that could be considered Art? Anthony Bourdain - inveterate Storyteller, unreliable Narrator, and Professor Emeritus of The Modern School of Film - joins us to untie & regift the notion of Existence-as-Art; and, how fairness, freedom, luck, timing, nepotism, narcissism, location, faith, kindness, risk, Yakuza tattoos, feigned smiles, and French & Italian Cinema, all factor in.

Murmur Meta : Dan Ariely "Just Say 'Maybe'" Nov 30, 2017
Professor of Psychology & Behavioral Economics, NY Times bestselling-author, and founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight,Dan Ariely sits with us for a MurmurMeta. Spoiler alert: by chat's end we've bared our soul at the altar of Dan's singular brilliance, which leads to some homework; namely, one of Professor Ariely's celebrated experiments. Have a listen, then watch this space for the results...

Murmur 65 : Torquil Campbell "What Difference Doth It Make?" Nov 24, 2017
SUBJECT : CHARACTER The notion and definition of Character feels up for grabs right now - politically, professionally, geographically, nationally, sexually, artistically - so let’s take a look at it. Rather, let’s ask an artist of multiple personae - writer/actor/co-lead singer of STARS - Torquil Campbell to help us understand what underpins Character and what needs and choices have shaped his. Also, in the true spirit of American Thanksgiving, we’ll clear-up some Canadian myths, once-and-for-all. All in our own diplomatic manner, of course.

Murmur 64 : Lynsey Addario "[Blank] Thy Neighbor" Nov 17, 2017
Do you have to love a subject in order to photograph it? Do you have to love a story so much you’d risk your life to tell it? Do you have to love something you’ve created enough to kill it? Genius photographer/journalist/artist Lynsey Addario joins us to lay it on the line, as she always does. Ain't love grand?

Murmur 63 : Bonnie 'Prince' Billy "Home School You" Nov 10, 2017
Have you ever considered the "where" creation happens? A room, a studio, a factory, a field, a street? For musician/singer Bonnie “Prince” Billy, creation and art began/begins at a home built into a the side of hill. Here Bonnie “Prince” takes a brave detailed look with us at the rooms that nurtured him, the family that fed him, and the personae that have helped him complete the circle.

Murmur 62 : Zola Jesus "This Mess Is A House" Nov 03, 2017
Let’s explore limitations; they serve as the DNA of art, creation, and life. Singer/Songwriter Zola Jesus views personal, geographic, and formal boundaries as open doors. Her disclosures are as full as her heart; and she prefers her Russian Cinema as she prefers her craft — painterly, slow, brutal, rewarding, gorgeous, inaccessible, and with realism to its furthest reaches.

Murmur 61 : Streeter Seidell "Funny Sans Frontières" Oct 27, 2017
Writer/Creator/Comedian Streeter Seidell (staff writer for Saturday Night Live) has some of the wisest insights we’ve heard for emerging funny people, including: what confidence has to do with comedy, the volume and value of the web-series for young comics, and how many "after parties" SNL actually has. We'll get there someday and report our findings.

Murmur 60 : Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) "The Obvious Child" Oct 20, 2017
Please...no more irony. No more post-modernism. No more hidden messages. Our head is about to explode! The work of musician/composer/creator Daniel Lopatin (aka Oneohtrix Point Never) engages our sense of love as much as he does our IQ. He is a multi-generational human resource for all-things sonic and visual; private and cinematic; high and low. Just the way we like our art.

Murmur 59 : Soledad O'Brien "I Will Follow (Follow)" Oct 13, 2017
The new world requires new maps. We. In turn, need new cartographers to help us redraw the journey of the "Entrepreneur", the "Innovator", the "Risk-taker". Soledad O'Brien has reinvented these titles as swiftly as she's earned them; and, friends, she's just getting started.

Murmur 58 : Hampton Fancher "One More Kiss, Dear" Oct 06, 2017
Hampton Fancher, screenwriter/architect for BLADE RUNNER both then & now, joins us to discuss all of the impossibly random steps that led us back to 2049, including: bumping into Ray Bradbury on the street, chasing Charles Bukowski down in New York, and what a Nazi officer's diary taught Philip K. Dick about empathy. When the legend becomes fact, (still) print the fact.

Murmur 57 : Harry Shearer "No Static At All" Sep 29, 2017
With the passing of legendary Steely Dan co-father, Walter Becker, we're humbled to be joined by actor/writer/bassist Harry Shearer as he reflects on Mr. Becker and Mr. Donald Fagen's legendary musical progeny -- from the beautiful imperfection of Donald's voice; to Walter's insight into Derek Small's kidneys; to the value of collaborative tension -- Harry reels it all in.

Murmur 56 : Dan Le Batard "Actors and Athletes and Bears" Sep 23, 2017
The lines between art, sport and journalism are thinner than ever. Perhaps nonexistent. To wit, no one paints within these faint boxes better than ESPN's Dan Le Batard. Here he discusses his strategy (or lack thereof) on all media-and-microphone-based matters...and egos.

Murmur 55 : The Blind Boys of Alabama "The Art of Healing" Sep 16, 2017
Two generations of The Blind Boys of Alabama: Mr. Jimmy Carter (the group's legendary co-Founder) and Mr. Joey Williams (at 25 years as a member, the "baby" of the Boys) check-in to discuss -- the difference between sight and vision, whether or not they'd accept an invitation to sing for the current President, and if art has the power to heal troubled times.

Murmur 54 : James Jean "The Forget-Me Knot" Sep 08, 2017
Artist James Jean (pictured here w/Mr. Sun) explores the artist's fear of and need for Exposure. James is a singular creator who counts amongst his collaborators Darren Aronofsky, Gerard Way, and the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. James likes to disappear; but we found him, and, here, so can you.

Murmur 53 : David Finkel "The Art of Hell" Aug 25, 2017
David Finkel - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient - checks-in to discuss how his time imbedded in Iraq changed his view of "war art". Why was Restrepo a greater struggle for him than The Hurt Locker? Which fantasies do war movies get correct, and what realities can they never possibly portray?

Murmur 52 : Larry Wilmore "The (Podcast) Ringer" Aug 18, 2017
Larry Wilmore is adding a new job title : Podcaster. Here we get into his motivations to join its ranks, as well as -- his thoughts on the dis/advantages of podcasting, its artistry, its role-models; and, whether or not nice guys finish first.

Murmur 51 : David Michôd "The State of Australia" Aug 11, 2017
Filmmaker/Writer/Proud-Aussie David Michôd checks-in to discuss the state of his homeland; it's art, its light, its craft, and its psyche. Is the country's adaptability its greatest strength or a vulnerability? What makes the Australian actor so versatile, but the native cine-love so fickle? All will be revealed in this fascinating chat with one of Australia's (New) New Wave.

Murmur 50 : Joe Mande "The (Anti-Social) Artist" Aug 07, 2017
Murmur turns 50! How do we celebrate? With writer/comic/social-guru Joe Mande, of course. We ask Joe about the need to find the Art in Twitter/Instagram/Social Media; as well as his take on Kathy Griffin's mean culpa, why NBC asked him to tread lightly on Trump Family tweets, and the possibility of being friends with comedians. In a word - Banana Boat.

Murmur 49 : Ronald D. Moore "The Genre-ist" Jul 28, 2017
Is Genre-Writing even a thing? We think so, but does creator/show-runner/writer Ronald D. Moore think so? Here Ron checks-in to discuss the State of Writing...Genre. What lessons did Ron learn from both George Lucas and from the marching-band? Would he ever try his hand at writing a series of novels? And why is Batman his hero of choice? All will be revealed.

Murmur 48 : Gerard Way "The Polymath" Jul 21, 2017
When writer/singer/artist Gerard Way is asked to define "Polymath", he leaves nothing out. A tribute to this Romantic Chemist's sensitivity, eloquence, and unflinching bravery.

Murmur 47 : Last Chance U Jul 14, 2017
Director of Netflix's "Last Chance U" - Greg Whiteley - joins us to discuss: the Golden Age of sports documentaries, the Gilded Age of athletics, and why everyone loves a Meritocracy.

Murmur 46 : Christopher Guest In:Pictures Jul 12, 2017
Christopher Guest joins us from The Onion AV Club Comedy Festival in Chicago to discuss : what he stole from Fellini, if he's sick of discussing Spinal Tap, and whether or not improv classes are worth it. With special appearances by Fred Willard, Harry Shearer, Jane Lynch, Catherine O'Hara, & Eugene Levy.

Murmur 45 : Frank Quitely Jul 07, 2017
Artist Frank Quietly checks-in to discuss: David Lynch's baby, video nasties, and whether or not he's actually an Artist.

Murmur 44 : Jonathan Safran Foer Jun 23, 2017
Best-selling author Jonathan Safran Foer checks-in to discuss : if tweeting and emailing are "writing", changing his mind about Dylan's Nobel, and the secret to French bread.

Murmur 43 : Donnie Yen "The State of Martial Arts" Jun 16, 2017
"The State of Martial Arts" with Donnie Yen. Donnie visits Murmur to discuss : choosing Kung-Fu over Juilliard, why Guillermo del Toro apologized to him, and how Jet Li forever changed the art-form.

Murmur 42 : The Tallest Man on Earth Jun 09, 2017
Singer/Songwriter/Stranger The Tallest Man on Earth checks-in to discuss : A Tension vs. Attention, Me vs. SuperMe, and learning English from a Fresh Prince.

Murmur 41 : Neil Halstead of Slowdive May 26, 2017
Singer/Songwriter Neil Halstead of Slowdive checks-in to discuss getting love on the road from Arcade Fire, Big Lewbowski Hell, and Keyrock (your honor).

Murmur 40 : Dr. Henry Louis "Skip" Gates, Jr. May 19, 2017
Teacher/Storyteller/Cartographer Dr. Henry Louis "Skip" Gates, Jr. checks-in to discuss : his cinema of subjectivity, why Friday-night is movie (and date) night, and disagreeing with his friend Spike.

Murmur 39 : Jim James May 12, 2017
Writer/Singer/Musician Jim James of My Morning Jacket checks-in to discuss our theme song! ...Jim wrote it. Allowed us to co-parent. And we're eternally grateful.

Murmur 38 : Dave Eggers May 05, 2017
Author/Teacher/Advocate Dave Eggers checks-in to discuss : Tom Hanks (author!), Bill Paxton's goodbye, and what the kids figured out about Snapchat.

Murmur 37 : Alex Ross Apr 28, 2017
Artist/Painter/Comic-Book-Fan Alex Ross chats with us in Chicago to discuss : the long-term benefits of watching The Electric Company, why Neo was more than just "the One", and if Superhero Cinema is trending humanely.

Murmur 36 : Thurston Moore Apr 22, 2017
Player/Poet/Professor Thurston Moore checks-in from London to discuss : his John Candy sweettooth, working at Kinkos with Jim Jarmusch, and the eternal sunshine of Sonic Youth.

Murmur 35 : Louis Theroux Apr 14, 2017
Filmmaker/Documentarian/Journalist Louis Theroux checks-in from London to discuss : the religion of celebrity, the ethics of documentary, and the necessity of white-whale hunting.

Murmur 34 : Tom Fontana "The State of Crime" Apr 07, 2017
Emmy-winning writer/producer/creator Tom Fontana ("Homicide: Life on the Street", "Oz") checks-in to autopsy "The State of Crime": why tv does it better, why Batman needs Joker, and where is the world is Yaphet Koto?

Murmur 33 : Henry Rollins Mar 24, 2017
Artist / Journalist / Hurricane Henry Rollins hits our shores to discuss : warming-up with President Lincoln, the intimacy of the microphone, and rocking his (eye) balls off.

Murmur 32 : Ti West "The State of Horror" Mar 17, 2017
Filmmaker/Writer Ti West joins us to discuss"The State of Horror", including : the high low-craft of horror, Cinema mortality, and whither 'San Andreas 3'.

Murmur 31 : Bryan Lee O'Malley Mar 10, 2017
Writer/Artist/Cartoonist/Keyboardist Bryan Lee O'Malley checks-in to discuss : Weird Al vs. John Hughes, the value of expectations, and the melancholy of emojis.

Murmur 30 : Shakey Graves Mar 03, 2017
Shakey Graves - singer/songwriter/actor-Emeritus - checks-in to discuss: the timelessness of Don Bluth, the point-tipping of Bob Log III,and the courage of Cornball Dongus.

Murmur 29 : Jonas Ackerlund Feb 25, 2017
Jonas Ackerlund - legendary filmmaker/director of music videos by Rammstein, Metallica, Pussy Riot, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Rhianna, Iggy Pop, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, U2, Madonna - joins us to discuss : why concert films fail, getting political with Pussy Riot, and the meaning of "lagom",

Murmur 28 : Alex Proyas "The State of Sci-Fi" Feb 17, 2017
Filmmaker Alex Proyas joins us to discuss "The State of Science Fiction", including his thoughts on : George R.R. Martin's taste, his favorite superhero, and why reboots intrinsically fail.

Murmur 27 : Justin Roiland Feb 10, 2017
Co-parent to Rick and Morty, VR "Truther" - Justin Roiland - checks-in to discuss: virtual brainstorming, schmoozing with gamers, and Natalie Wood's final film.

Murmur 26 : Tavis Smiley Feb 03, 2017
One of our "fierce mentors" Tavis Smiley checks-in to discuss : the definition of "truth", why Harrison Ford does interviews, and Madonna's misfire as an advocate.

Murmur 25 : Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols Jan 27, 2017
Parent of Punk, Survivor of Substance, and Pistol of Sex... Steve Jones checks-in to discuss : his Roxy Ringtone, the narcissism of rockstar eulogies, and hating Sex Pistols question.

Murmur 24 : Roger Corman Jan 20, 2017
Professor Roger Corman joins us to discuss why he's big in China, and why the baby is now only worth 20points, the word he uses to describe his "small" cinematic legacy.

Murmur 23 : Will Eisner at 100 with Frank Miller & Francesco Francavilla Jan 13, 2017
Will Eisner turns 100. Perspectives on this master of comic form and innovator of comic language from Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City, 300) and Francesco Francavilla (Will Eisner's THE SPIRIT).

Murmur 22 : Terry Brooks Jan 08, 2017
Best-selling author and builder-of-worlds Terry Brooks checks-in to discuss : life in a castle, the end of Shannara, and the loneliness of the long-distance writer.

Murmur 21 : Peter Bogdanovich Dec 30, 2016
Filmmaker/Writer/Philosopher Peter Bogdanovich checks-in discuss: "Citizen Kane" at 75, what made Welles cry, and why his friend Orson never received a funeral.

Murmur 20 : Adrian Utley of Portishead Dec 23, 2016
Adrian Utley - producer, writer, guitarist, Portishead-ian, and student - checks-in to discuss : the genius of Abba, the disdain for Flashdance, and whither Portishead.

Murmur 19 : Andrew Thomas Huang Dec 16, 2016
VR Filmmaker Andrew Thomas Huang checks-in to discuss: the importance of Beyoncé, Thom Yorke's howl/paean to L.A./actors, and what Hitchcock would of thought of virtual reality.

Murmur 18 : Iron & Wine Dec 09, 2016
Writer/singer/musician/professor/old-friend Iron & Wine stops-by LIVE to discuss: staying on the Dream path, David Lynch and the Art Life; and, Leonard Cohen's dispassionate gift... Oh, and he brings his guitar, as well.

Murmur 17 : James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins Dec 02, 2016
James Iha checks-in to discuss : Act 2 of his career, a phrase he learned in Los Angeles, and how reconnecting with Smashing Pumpkins is a "beautiful thing".

Murmur 16 : Daniel Lanois Nov 25, 2016
Multi Grammy-winning Producer, Musician, Singer, Writer... Artist, Daniel Lanois, checks-in to discuss: the benefits to delivering newspapers, the need to lock Peter Gabriel in his room, and the value of Bob Dylan's Nobel Peace Prize.

Murmur 15 : Sharon Van Etten Nov 18, 2016
Singer, songwriter, (forever) student Sharon Van Etten checks-in to discuss: going back to move forward, the need to ask for help, and David Lynch's Crazy Clown Time.

Murmur 14 : John Avlon & Mark McKinnon Nov 11, 2016
John Avlon Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Beast and Mark McKinnon Creator/Host/Exec Producer of Showtime's "The Circus" check-in to discuss : the definition of "media", Ben Bradlee's Rules of Journalism , and which journalists they trust and why.

Murmur 13 : Luke Spiller of The Struts Nov 04, 2016
Luke Spiller of The Struts checks-in to discuss : growing tired of the performance, the value of music videos, and playing Freddie Mercury in the movie.

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