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Welcome to Kicking the Seat!

Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).

The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar NoéRachel BrosnahanAmy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.

Ep257: Something Completely TIFFerent!

Today, the Kicking the Seat Podcast welcomes back Pam Powell of Reel Honest ReviewsThe Daily Journal, and FF2 Media for a look at the recently wrapped Toronto International Film Festival! Pam talks about the logistics of getting around a film festival; breaks down the best movies she saw; and recommends some emerging talents that you should definitely look out for during Awards Season.

Also, Ian tells you about the third annual Movie Hooley Irish-American Film Festival opening this week at the Gene Siskel Film Center; shares his surprising take on the new Reese Witherspoon rom-com; and draws the line (sort of) between obsessive fandom and financial responsibility, thanks to a line of special-edition Madballs.

Episode 257 is on the list, we swear!

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Ep258: Lexicon of Grunge

Ep256: They're Gonna Make it After All!