Join Kyler Bingham for an intimate conversation with author Erik Fuhrer, whose latest collection Geller Studies weaves a tapestry of personal narratives through the surprising muse of Sarah Michelle Gellar's characters. From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to I Know What You Did Last Summer, Erik reveals how these iconic roles enabled them to unlock and articulate their own experiences with trauma and gender identity. This episode offers a deep dive into the emotional gravity of pop culture, the cathar...
Feb 26, 2024•40 min•Ep. 236
Join Kyler Bingham as he welcomes Tommy Burke , a seasoned film and television production veteran with a story that transcends the usual Hollywood narrative. In his compelling memoir, Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs , Burke shares the highs and lows of his 30-year career, interwoven with profound life lessons and near-death experiences. From battling cancer while on set to facing Parkinson's, this episode is an inspiring journey through the life of a man who faces life's challenges with optim...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 235
Today on Salt Lake Dirt I welcome author Ben Tanzer. His novel The Missing will be released on March 21 on 7.13 Books. With a narrative that alternates between the perspectives of both husband and wife, The Missing offers a raw and intimate look at the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. Tune in as Ben shares the inspiration behind his characters, the challenges of writing dual narratives, and the poignant moments that bridge the gap between fiction and reali...
Feb 12, 2024•55 min•Ep. 234
Today on the show I welcome Melissa Shapiro . Melissa is a veterinarian, author, and animal advocate. Her life changed when, along with her husband Warren, they adopted a one pound deaf-blind puppy named Piglet. We talk about her journey with Piglet, from fostering to creating an educational movement. I was fascinated to hear how Piglet's challenges became a source of strength, leading to a memoir, a children's book and a nonprofit dedicated to teaching resilience and inclusivity ( Piglet Mind...
Feb 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 233
Today I welcome writer and musician Tara Giancaspro . I had a blast talking with Tara about her writing process, the pros and cons of Substack, and how she unexpectedly began creating music. Great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler ---- Artist Bio: Tara Giancaspro is the creator of xoxo Gossip Giancaspro , a weekly Substack including personal essays, pop culture commentary, and the various and sundry of her silly little life. She has released music under the name Sweaty Lamarr, available to strea...
Feb 05, 2024•52 min•Ep. 232
Today I welcome back actor, writer, and director Alison Rich to the show. Her short film Pathological recently screened at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival . When I heard that Alison had another film at Sundance (previously Training Wheels in 2022) I made it a priority to check it out. The short film is hilarious and thought provoking. I look forward to more projects from Alison in the future. Thanks for listening! Kyler --- Logline: A compulsive liar's fabrications suddenly come to life, confron...
Jan 29, 2024•19 min•Ep. 231
2024 Slamdance Film Festival **THE DEATH TOUR** One of SLD's Top Picks this Year! --- Step behind the scenes of the documentary film The Death Tour . Today's episode offers a front-row seat to the passion, pain, and glory of a wrestling tour like no other. Hear directly from the creators and wrestling icons who bared their souls on screen, discussing the film's inception, the emotional bonds formed with communities, and the indomitable spirit that drives them to perform in the harshest condition...
Jan 23, 2024•25 min•Ep. 230
Today on the show I welcome filmmaker and photographer Ilya Popenko . His film Roll Bus Roll: A Jeffrey Lewis Documentary is one of my top picks from both Sundance and Slamdance this year. If you have the chance to see this film in person (or through the Slamdance Channel ), please do so. I highly recommend it! Thanks for listening! Kyler --- Synopsis: Roll Bus Roll casts an eye at the life and art of Jeffrey Lewis, one of the most prominent musicians associated with NYC's anti-folk scene.The fi...
Jan 23, 2024•18 min•Ep. 229
Join us with filmmaker Giuseppe Garau, whose feature film, L'Incidente (The Accident) , had its North American premiere at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Discover the enthralling narrative of a single mother's transformation through loss and resilience, captured through the lens of traditional film—without the safety net of modern technology. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the creative mind that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, the courage it takes to trust in the unseen, and t...
Jan 23, 2024•22 min•Ep. 228
Episode 227: Interview with Filmmakers/Cast of Daruma --- Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking journey of Daruma , a film that defies conventional storytelling by featuring two leads with disabilities in a narrative about the human condition. Join Kyler Bingham at Slamdance 2024 as he sits down with the passionate team behind this cinematic marvel. Discover the emotional roller-coaster from conception to the screen, the authentic casting triumphs, and the industry barriers shattered along the ...
Jan 23, 2024•24 min•Ep. 227
One of my favorite films from Slamdance this year is All I've Got & Then Some . While in Park City I had the chance to talk to the creative team behind the film. Rasheed Stephens and Tehben Dean join me to talk about how the film came about and their experience so far at Slamdance. Great film, great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Synopsis: Based on a true story, All I've Got & Then Some follows a day in the life of Rasheed, a homeless stand-up comedian living out of his car in Los...
Jan 23, 2024•14 min•Ep. 226
On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt we are live at the Slamdance Film Festival, where the film African Giants is making waves. Hear from the creative forces, Omar S.Kamara (writer/director/producer) and Leo Blumberg-Woll (producer), as they reveal the inspiration behind their film's authentic dialogue and the intense casting process that found "the Ugandan Marlon Brando." Explore the challenges and triumphs of indie filmmaking, from securing a unique house location to the emotional resonance of th...
Jan 23, 2024•21 min•Ep. 225
Today on the show I am thrilled to welcome writer and historian Sam Wasson. Sam is my favorite Hollywood historian. He is the author of several fantastic books including Fifth Avenue, 5 a.m . and The Big Goodbye . He co-authored Hollywood: The Oral History with film scholar and educator Jeanine Basinger. Sam's latest book is The Path to Paradise: A Francis Ford Coppola Story . I had such a great time chatting with Sam. We talk about our mutual love for early Hollywood, Coppola's company American...
Jan 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 224
Discover the profound connection between humans and canines in Dog Spelled Backwards . Join Kyler Bingham as he delves into the heart of dog rescue with filmmaker and dog trainer Tim Almeida . Their conversation uncovers the stark realities of shelter life and the transformative power of patience and love in rehabilitating rescue dogs. This episode is not just a story about dog training. It's a narrative about the human condition, our capacity to cope with loss, and the unexpected lessons our fo...
Jan 16, 2024•28 min•Ep. 223
2024 Slamdance Film Festival: Dive into the world of Love and Work , a film that defies the norm with its dystopian yet comedic take on a society where working is illegal. Join Kyler as he sits down with multifaceted filmmaker Pete Ohs to discuss the conception of this fascinating film. From the eerie allure of a shoe factory setting to the film's striking black and white visuals, get ready to explore a narrative that challenges our cultural relationship with work and the haunting beauty of a wo...
Jan 16, 2024•14 min•Ep. 222
Join us as we catch up with the creative team behind Fishing , a short film that will screen at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival. Director Josie Charles and writer/actor Esme Allen discuss the evolution of their film, the intimacy of a camcorder storytelling approach, and the emotional depth required to bring the character Lola to life. Learn about the meticulous planning and raw emotion that went into this single-take narrative, and why this film is not just a story, but an experience that defi...
Jan 16, 2024•16 min•Ep. 221
In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Garcia Williams, the creative force behind the film Legend of El Cucuy. The film will screen at the 20424 Slamdance Film Festival. Cynthia talks about the folklore that inspired her work, the emotional journey of parenting and its reflection in her storytelling. Hear how an origin story of a feared villain became a tale of empathy and the human condition. Great film, great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Episode Links: Cynthia's website IG: @cynthi...
Jan 16, 2024•16 min•Ep. 220
In this episode, we welcome back filmmaker Jack Dunphy to discuss his Sundance-bound film, Bob's Funeral . Jack is one of my favorite guests so I had to have him on for a full length episode. Jack talks about the eight-year creative process that brings him back the Sundance Film Festival this year. Great film, amazing chat. Thanks for listening! Kyler --- Logline: Searching for the root of generational trauma, the director takes a camera into his estranged grandfather’s funeral. --- Episode Link...
Jan 15, 2024•50 min•Ep. 219
Today on the show we have E'an Verdugo (Director/Writer) and Caleb Davis (Writer/Prodcuer), the creative minds behind Restorage , an episodic film that will screen at this year's Slamdance Film Festival. Great film, great chat! Kyler --- Synopsis: A fractured group of siblings each receive a portion of their inheritance. Robert receives the business legacy, Lisa is given the family estate and a priceless family heirloom, and Chase, receives an old storage unit filled with junk. Chase and Robert ...
Jan 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 218
Today on Salt Lake Dirt, filmmaker Radha Mehta joins me to talk about her film Dosh . Radha shares her compelling story of transforming personal trauma and the challenges into an evocative film that tackles the taboos of mental health and physical disability. Discover how her South Asian roots and a partnership with AFI helped her create a narrative that's as authentic as it is impactful. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about film, storytelling, and the human spirit's resilie...
Jan 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 217
Dive into the darkly humorous world of The Coroner's Assistant with writer-director Angeline Walsh as she unveils the intriguing Victorian London setting of her web series. Discover the accidental journey of medical student James Rigby into the macabre trade of cadavers, all wrapped in a comedic package. Explore the challenges of creating an authentic period piece on a budget and the serendipitous moments that brought the talented cast together. Listen to how a passion for history, storytelling,...
Jan 08, 2024•24 min•Ep. 211
In the latest episode, Adam Roberts discusses his new book, The Death of Sir Martin Malprelate , a novel where the classics come alive. Explore a re-imagined London where the greatest literary minds coexist, and a mysterious death unfolds a story of intrigue and suspense. Listen as Roberts gives an intriguing glimpse into the making of a novel that promises to captivate fans of history, literature, and mystery alike. --- Episode Links: PURCHASE from Datura Books Twitter/X: @arrroberts Forbidden ...
Jan 01, 2024•37 min•Ep. 215
Today I welcome poet Clem Flowers to the show. Clem is originally from the South but now calls Salt Lake City home. We talk about some of their collections such as LUSH EYED// BLEED MOONSHINE , New Pansies For The Blue Dogs , and I'VE BEEN GOING THRU SOME THINGS . When I started reading Clem's work, I completely fell in love with it. I encourage you to check it out! Links below. Clem even wrote a poem for Salt Lake Dirt called Instruments of Lavender , which I was completely blown away by. I'm h...
Dec 11, 2023•44 min•Ep. 214
Today on the show I welcome back writer Mallory Smart . I recently read her new novel I Keep My Visions to Myself , and I absolutely loved it! I know that our regular listeners will too. Highly recommended! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Logline: "Step into Stevie's world, a 26-year-old musician on the brink of fame. A tour offer catapults her into an existential voyage through life's intricate maze. Within this tense spiritual journey, Stevie confronts the age-old dilemma of fame versus the sa...
Dec 04, 2023•52 min•Ep. 213
On this episode of Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler interviews Carla Malden about her powerful new novel My Two and Only . They dive into the book's exploration of love, loss, and reinvention as a widow struggles with expectations to move on. Carla provides fascinating details about the four-year writing process and how she drew from personal experience. Their thought-provoking discussion touches on relationships as identity, the challenges of change, and craft elements like perspective. This conversation ...
Nov 27, 2023•46 min•Ep. 212
FilmQuest Episode #37 GUEST: Ben Davis FILM: The Jellyfish Man — Logline : Spencer’s neighbor refuses to turn off his music, but it’s unclear who is disturbing the peace. — Episode Links: Film Trailer WATCH the film beginning 11/28/23 on Omeleto TheJellyfishMan.com IG: @this.bendavis...
Nov 27, 2023•21 min•Ep. 211
This week on Salt Lake Dirt, I talk with author Daniel Weizmann about his writing journey from the LA punk scene to his most recent novel The Last Songbird , a mystery involving a Lyft driver and a famous folk singer. Great book, great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Synopsis: "A struggling songwriter and Lyft driver, Adam Zantz’s life changes when he accepts a ride request in Malibu and 1970s music icon Annie Linden enters his dented VW Jetta. Bonding during that initial ride, the two qui...
Nov 20, 2023•45 min•Ep. 210
This week's episode of Salt Lake Dirt features an in-depth interview with Charles Mudede , director and co-writer of the new film Thin Skin . Charles provides fascinating behind-the-scenes details on the film's inspiration from Ahamefule J. Oluo's off-Broadway show Now I'm Fine , the years-long process of writing and fundraising, and finishing post-production during the pandemic. Great film, great chat! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- Synopsis: Ahamefule Joe Oluo's days are spent at a soul-deade...
Nov 13, 2023•24 min•Ep. 209
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023 . This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler --- FilmQuest Episode #36 GUEST: Joe Gietl & Cameron S. Mitchell FILM: The Fledgling — Synopsis : Orphan Charlie wakes up in a hospital bed with a mysterious health condition that makes her averse to sunlight, and a hazy recollection of how she got ...
Nov 13, 2023•30 min•Ep. 208
We are very excited to be covering FilmQuest 2023 . This is the festival's 10 year anniversary and I wanted to celebrate it by talking to as many filmmakers as I possibly could. Great films, incredible conversations! Thanks for listening. Kyler FilmQuest Episode #36 GUEST: Kelsey Edwards FILM: Box Boy — Synopsis : A boy raised in a rigid, beige society where boxes define life meets a colorful girl who changes the way he views the world. — Episode Links: Pillar.io IG: @kelseymarieedwards...
Nov 12, 2023•14 min•Ep. 207
