Oscarspalooza 2026: "Train Dreams" with Matt Sparacino and Mitch Lerner

A Postcard From Iceland with Ali Grusell

Ali Grusell returns to the show for our very first travel episode! Frank and Ali go to Iceland, and you get to come along for the journey! It's our most Nordic episode yet. We talk Icelandic facts, like the 24 hours of daylight, the history of women leading the country, their lack of a military, their lack of crime, and, of course, PIZZA. Apologies to any Icelandic listeners for all of our pronunciations - we tried! Check out Ali's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aligrusell/] for all of the incredible travel diaries that she made. And while you're there, check out her awesome business, Don't Sort Yourself! [https://www.instagram.com/dontsortyourself/] Shout out to the following people/places/things for making the trip so wonderful: * How Iceland Changed the World by Egill Bjarnason * Reykjavik Roasters for the American breakfast * The Big Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik. The rug really tied the room together. * Luka, our incredible walking tour guide * Przemek and Angie, our incredible glacier guides * Hvammsvík, the best hot springs in Iceland * Dill, the Michelin rated restaurant * Padre Pizza, who made us pizzas we couldn't refuse YAY ICELAND!!!

The Future is Pointless with Patti Kalil, Matthew Reckeweg, and Lex Davis

Today we are talking about a topic near and dear to my heart: Pointless Theatre. My guests today are Matthew Reckeweg, Patti Kalil, and Lex Davis. Matthew and Patti are the co-founding artistic directors of Pointless, and Lex and I served as chairs of Pointless for the last two years. For those of you who are listening who may not be familiar, Pointless Theatre is a theater company based in Washington, DC. Pointless Theatre is dedicated to creating bold, visceral, and affordable spectacles that gleefully smash the traditional boundaries between puppetry, theatre, dance, music, and the visual arts.  This episode has been a long time in the making. Pointless was founded 16 years ago by a band of misfits and miscreants from the University of Maryland. Many of the guests you know and love from Frank & Sense are in some way a part of the Pointless collective, including Matt Sparacino, Aaron Bliden, Jay Kasten, Michael Saltzman, Zach Latta, Lee Gerstenhaber, Becca Ballinger, Ali Grusell, and Navi, just to name a few. Over the past 16 years, the company has produced more than 20 original productions.  The scope of this episode is ambitious - from the origins of the company in a smoke-filled college group house to today, where it is evolving, once again, into something new.  We discuss ignoring bad advice, ruthless editing, and being dumb, stubborn, and brave. We also share some tough lessons learned about the pressure to professionalize, the limitations of the nonprofit structure, and how it can impact theater companies. We also share the story behind the origin of the name Pointless, and much more! Click here to watch the POV Waltz! [https://youtu.be/c3-6zqkahPE?si=KDEqPLr5ZL6mfe5I] Click here to read the statement from Matthew and Patti! [https://mailchi.mp/pointlesstheatre/pointless-press-2022-q4-17481364]

"The Life of a Showgirl" with Rebecca Wahls and Becca Ballinger

Our old pals Becca Ballinger and Rebecca Wahls are back on the show to talk about Taylor Swift's most recent album, "The Life of a Showgirl!" Since the last time we talked about Taylor, she got the rights to her music back, she got engaged, and she did a podcast. (She’s welcome on our show anytime, btw!) She's done dating Hamlets and she's knocking on Wood. She's back with an album that is...interesting! We talk about the rope era of show business, different types of pens, and going to the dentist. Plus, Lady Gaga makes a special appearance!

Oscarspalooza 2026 Wrap Party with Matt Sparacino and Mitch Lerner

In the final episode of Oscarspalooza 2026, Frank is joined (as always) by Matt Sparacino and Mitch Lerner as they bid a fond farewell to the year in film. It's our wrap party, and you're invited! We discuss the Oscars themselves and reveal our rankings of the 2026 Best Picture nominees. Then, Matt takes the stage to host the 2nd annual Matty Awards! We also hear some voicemails from the listeners, talk about the unceremonious firing of the Burger King, and much more. Crack open one small beer and join us for a super-sized spectacular! YAY MOVIES! Video available on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JXekZS6DTDnykNogofupV?si=34c627475a3f42ca] and YouTube [https://youtu.be/Pg896ntmR5A]! Follow Mitch on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mitchwlerner/] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/wolfwiggle/]! Follow Matt on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/matty.cino/] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/matty_cino/]! Follow Frank & Sense on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/frankandsensemedia/], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/frankandsense.bsky.social], and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/dudemcfun/]!

Oscarspalooza 2026: "Train Dreams" with Matt Sparacino and Mitch Lerner

ALL ABOARD! It's time to board the train. One. Last. Time. That's right, our final Best Picture nominee episode is here, and it's the 2025 film "Train Dreams!" Matt, Mitch, and Frank have an absolutely normal conversation about this whimsical, melancholy, meditative film and do not get sidetracked by any stupid train jokes. They talk about male loneliness, the effect of being a bystander, the beauty of the outdoors, William H Macy, and so much more. And they also play a game of Famous Trains. Join us for a wild ride that definitely doesn't go off the rails!