Best John Lenker Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 325- A Conversation with Vanessa O’Neil

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4d ago

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The Garland Legacy Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome Vanessa O’Neil to the podcast. Vanessa is the granddaughter of Judy Garland and daughter of, recent podcast guest, Lorna Luft. Brandon and Vanessa discuss what it means to carry the Garland Legacy and how she recently decided to pick up the mantle. The two also chat about what it means to…

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Ep. 324- Coal Miner’s Daughter

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You’re Lookin’ at Country Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most celebrated biopics in history. Brandon is, once again, joined by Peter Martin to discuss 1980’s Coal Miner’s Daughter. We discuss the Oscar winning performance of Sissy Spacek at the legendary Loretta Lynn. Brandon and Peter also pay tribute to the performances by Tomm…

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Ep. 323-More Classics Film Opinions with Brandon and Friends

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This or That Back by popular demand, Brandon is one again joined by Ben Burke, Emmett Stanton and Matt Duffy to discuss all things Classics film. The four play classic film games, discuss guilty pleasures and talk performances they wish could be recast. It’s another episode of outrageous fun with three of the Front Row’s most popular regulars. FEAT…

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Ep. 322- Talking Movie Musicals with Dave Karger

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Musical Matinee We’re continuing our tenth anniversary celebration with a conversation with Turner Classic Movies Host, Dave Karger. Dave and Brandon both share an affinity for movie musicals and spend time discussing some of their favorites. We also discuss what Dave has coming up on Musical Matinee which airs every Saturday at 12pm est/11am cst o…

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The best singer I've ever heard, live or otherwise | MCP #228 1:37:03

12d ago1:37:03

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Korby talks with Clark Beckham about the highs and lows of American Idol, faith and expression, and what it means to stay the course as an artist. Get full access to The Morse Code with Korby Lenker at korby.substack.com/subscribeBy Korby Lenker

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Ep. 321- A Conversation with Lorna Luft and James Duke Mason

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Welcome Lorna and Duke Front Row Classics is celebrating its 10th anniversary this week and we’re celebrating with a series of special episodes. Today, Brandon is chatting with two very special guests. We welcome the wonderful Lorna Luft and, friend of the podcast, James Duke Mason. Lorna and Duke chat with Brandon about 1954’s A Star is Born. We d…

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Ep. 320- Written on the Wind

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Written on the Wind Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most popular films in the catalog of Douglas Sirk. Brandon and Emmett Stanton discuss 1956’s Written on the Wind. The hosts celebrate Sirk’s signature style and melodramatic tone that permeate through all his films. The two also discuss the star studded cast including Rock Hudson…

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Ep. 319- Jezebel

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Jezebel Front Row Classics welcomes back our friends from Sweet Tea and TV to take a look at another movie with a southern flavor. Brandon welcomes back Nikki and Salina to take a look at 1938’s Jezebel. The three discuss the Oscar-winning performance from Bette Davis and why it remains one of the standouts of her career. We also discuss the direct…

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Earley AI Podcast - Episode 68 - Composable Intelligence: Rethinking Customer Data with Seth Earley and Abhi Yadav 44:27

20d ago44:27

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In this episode of the Earley AI Podcast, host Seth Earley sits down with Abhi Yadav, founder of iCustomer AI—a cutting-edge composable decision intelligence company. With a deep background in enterprise technology, Abhi pioneered the Customer Data Platform (CDP) category and is now leading innovation in advanced multigraph frameworks and customer …

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Ep. 318- Dangerous When Wet

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I Got Out of Bed on the Right Side Front Row Classics is taking a splash this summer with Esther Williams. Brandon and Ben Burke are chatting about 1953’s Dangerous When Wet. The two discuss Williams’ underrated talents as well as the prolific career of director, Charles Walters. The talents of Fernando Lamas, William Demarest, Jack Carson and Char…

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Ep. 317- Valley of the Dolls

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NEELY O’ HARA!!! Front Row Classics is taking a look at a not-so-great movie that has earned a cult status over the decades. Brandon welcomes Nigel Speed and Kevin McLain to discuss 1967’s Valley of the Dolls. We talk about the camp legacy the movie has left behind along with the devoted following from the gay community. The three talk about the st…

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Ep. 316- Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story with Holley Snaith

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Liza with a Z Front Row Classics welcomes back historian and freelance writer, Holley Snaith. Holley recently contributed two articles for PBS’ American Masters documentary, “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. Brandon and Holley discuss the highlights of the documentary as well as their own thoughts of Liza career, especially her career …

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The Artist You Grow Into: Anna Vogelzang on Being a 'Lifer' | MCP #227 52:08

26d ago52:08

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There’s a moment in this week’s episode where folksinger and creative lifer Anna Vogelzang says, “I needed someone to look at me and say: you’re still doing this.” I’ve been thinking about that. Because it’s not always easy to tell, is it? Whether we’re still in it. Whether it still matters. Whether we still matter. Anna’s someone I’ve admired for …

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Ep. 315- Celebrating Judy Garland with Pat Gallagher

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Happy Birthday Judy! Front Row Classics welcomes Pat Gallagher to celebrate Judy Garland on her 103rd birthday today! Pat is the “man behind the curtain” of The Judy Garland Archive on Instagram. He has earned a loyal following through his thought curation of Garland’s life and career. Brandon and Pat discuss their mutual admiration for Garland’s t…

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Ep. 314- TCM Imports with Alicia Malone

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TCM Imports Front Row Classics welcomes back Turner Classic Movies host, Alicia Malone. Alicia recently penned “TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema”. Brandon and Alicia discuss the origins of the book along with her passion for international cinema. The two also discuss the wide variety of genres covered in the book. “TC…

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Ep. 313-The Hitchcock Blonde That Got Away-Interview with Christopher McKittrick

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Celebrating Vera Miles Front Row Classics welcomes author, Christopher McKittrick, to celebrate Vera Miles. Chris recently penned a book called “Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away”. Brandon and Chris discuss how Miles’ shaped her life & career on her own terms. We also discuss her relationship with Alfred Hitchcock while making films lik…

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Life After Del McCoury: Jason Carter’s Next Chapter MCP #226 1:01:27

1M ago1:01:27

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“I lived the dream I had at nineteen. Now I’m trying to see what else is out there.”—Jason Carter For 33 years, Jason Carter was the fiddler for the Del McCoury Band—a role as iconic in bluegrass circles as it gets. He joined at nineteen, fresh out of Eastern Kentucky, and spent the next three decades on the road, backing one of the most revered vo…

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Ep. 312- Nashville

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Nashville Front Row Classics is celebrating the centennial of the great Robert Altman with one of this true masterpieces. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are taking a look at 1975’s Nashville. We discuss the legendary ensemble cast featuring the likes of Lily Tomlin, Henry Gibson, Ned Beatty, Keith Carradine, Shelley Duvall, Ronee Blakley and Geraldine …

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Ep. 311-TCM Film Festival-Conversation with George Stevens Jr.

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George Stevens Jr. Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back George Stevens Jr to the podcast. George was this year’s recipient of the Robert Osborne Award at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. Brandon and George discuss the award as well as the restoration of “Talk of the Town” and his documentary, “George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey…

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Earley AI Podcast Episode 67: How AI Is Transforming Software Engineering With Yang Li of Cosine 36:09

1M ago36:09

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In this episode of the Earley AI Podcast, host Seth Earley sits down with Yang Li, a leading figure in AI and software innovation. Yang is the Chief Operating Officer of Cosine, an advanced AI development firm, with deep experience driving startups, scaling organizations, and pioneering advancements in engineering and software development. Yang’s w…

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Ep. 310- Witness for the Prosecution

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Witness for the Prosecution Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most popular courtroom mysteries ever made. Brandon is joined by friend of the podcast, Matt Duffy, to celebrate Billy Wilder’s Witness for the Prosecution. Brandon and Matt celebrate the wit, drama and humor of this movies based on a play by Agatha Christie. The standout…

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Ep. 309- Dancing on the Edge-An Interview with Russ Tamblyn

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Dancing on the Edge Front Row Classics is proud to welcome Russ Tamblyn to the podcast! Brandon and Russ sit down to discuss several of the stories found in Russ’ memoir “Dancing on the Edge: A Journey of Living, Loving, and Tumbling Through Hollywood.” The two discuss his memories of films like Father of the Bride, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,…

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Ep. 308- Rebecca

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Welcome to Manderley Front Row Classics is taking a look at the only Best Picture winning film from Alfred Hitchcock’s canon. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to discuss 1940’s Rebecca. The film remains a favorite due to its gothic atmosphere and stellar performances. Brandon and Peter discuss the similarities and differences from Daphne du Maurie…

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Erin Rae on Grief, Creativity & Letting Go of the Dreamland | MCP #225 1:07:09

2M ago1:07:09

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Erin Rae is a Nashville singer-songwriter whose music blends introspective folk, vintage pop, and Americana into a sound both timeless and, I’d say, quietly radical. Raised in Jackson, Tennessee by musician parents, Erin was immersed as a kid in the language of song and storytelling. We talk about her early years in Nashville (she moved in her earl…

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Ep. 307-Discussing the Mayer Family Legacy with Alicia Mayer

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Welcome Alicia Mayer Front Row Classics welcomes Alicia Mayer to the podcast this week! Alicia’s family history is rooted in the Golden Age of Hollywood. She is the grand niece of Louis B Mayer and granddaughter of Ida Mayer Cummings. Brandon and Alicia discuss the history of the Mayer family and their immigration to America. The conversation also …

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Ep. 306- Top 5 Cary Grant Performances with Cassidy Krygger

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The Best of Cary Grant Front Row Classics is celebrating the ever-eduring star power of Cary Grant! We’re trying out something different in this episode and hope you’ll like it. Brandon is joined by actor, writer and social media curator, Cassidy Krygger. Cassidy and Brandon will be counting down their personal top 5 favorite Cary Grant performance…

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Earley AI Podcast Episode 66: Reengineering Knowledge for the AI Era 29:49

2M ago29:49

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In this episode of the Earley AI Podcast, host Seth Earley sits down with industry analyst and advisor Tony Baer, a seasoned expert in data, cloud, and analytics. With decades of experience guiding global tech leaders like AWS and Oracle, Tony brings a nuanced perspective on how knowledge engineering is evolving—and why context is the missing link …

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Ep. 305- TCM Film Festival 2025 Recap

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TCM Film Fest 2025 It was another eventful year at the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival in 2025. Brandon is joined by the Front Row’s Associate Editor in Chief, Craig McFarland, to talk about the many highlights from his third trip to Los Angeles. FEATURING: Brandon Davis and Craig McFarland Don’t forget to follow/reach us at: Website: https://l…

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Ep. 304- Mad About Musicals with Jessica Pickens

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Mad About Musicals Front Row Classics welcomes back, friend of the podcast, Jessica Pickens to celebrate one of our favorite genres. Brandon and Jessica are celebrating movies musicals. In this episode, we are sampling four favorites from the thirties through the fifties. We’re taking a look at Footlight Parade (1933), Moon Over Miami (1941), Bathi…

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Ep. 303- Captains Courageous

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Captains Courageous Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of the most celebrated adventure films of all time. Brandon is joined by author & historian John DiLeo to discuss 1937’s Captain Courageous. Victor Fleming’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s novel still tugs are the heartstrings. Brandon and John celebrate the amazing performance of Fred…

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Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on Fiddle Mastery, the Opry, and Finding Her Voice | Morse Code Podcast #224 46:14

2M ago46:14

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Great conversation with bluegrass fiddler Bronwyn Keith-Hynes on her exploding career — from attending this year’s Grammys under the auspices of Molly Tuttle (in whose band Golden Highway she plays fiddle), to making her debut on the Grand Ole Opry last month, to a year chock full of tour dates and festivals playing under her own name. We talked ab…

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Ep. 302- An Affair to Remember

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An Affair to Remember Front Row Classics is celebrating one of the most popular romances in film history. Brandon welcomes Daveyanna Garcia to take a look at 1957’s An Affair to Remember. The two discuss many of the memorable moments between stars Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. We also discuss the connections between the original 1939 film Love Affai…

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Ep. 301- 2025 TCM Festival Preview with Scott McGee

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TCM Film Fest 2025 Brandon is out in LA and ready to celebrate the 16th annual TCM Film Festival. Before he left Illinois, he was able to chat with Scott McGee. Scott is the Senior Director of Original Programming for Turner Classic Movies and is one of the original architects of the Festival. Brandon and Scott discuss many of the highlights that w…

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Ep. 300- Celebrating 300 episodes with Sam Wasson

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300th Episode Front Row Classics is celebrating its 300th episode with one of the most celebrated film authors working today. Brandon is thrilled to welcome historian, author & publisher, Sam Wasson. We discuss Sam’s origins as a film fan and what inspired him to write about film. We also discuss his two latest books, “The Big Goodbye” and “The Pat…

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Leah Blevins on Finding Her Voice, Signing with Dan Auerbach, and Learning to Let Go | MCP #223 54:27

3M ago54:27

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In this intimate episode of The Morse Code Podcast, host Korby Lenker sits down with rising Americana star Leah Blevins for a vulnerable, wise, and deeply human conversation about music, identity, and the winding path of the creative life. Leah opens up about her roots in Eastern Kentucky, her gospel-singing family, and the twin bond that shaped he…

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Ep. 299- Dark City Dames-Interview with Eddie Muller

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Dark City Dames Front Row Classics is thrilled to welcome back Czar of Noir himself Eddie Muller. Brandon and Eddie chat about the newly revised and expanded edition of “Dark City Dames: The Women Who Defined Film Noir”. The book chronicles Eddie’s interviews with 6 of noir’s greatest ‘dames’: Audrey Totter, Marie Windsor, Evelyn Keyes, Jane Greer,…

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Ep. 298- It Should Happen to You

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It Should Happen to You Front Row Classics welcomes Spring with one of the most charming romantic comedies of the 1950s. Brandon and Emmett Stanton are discussing George Cukor’s It Should Happen to You from 1954. The film features one of the best film performances from the effervescent Judy Holliday. We also celebrate the 100th birthday of Jack Lem…

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Ep. 297- McCabe and Mrs. Miller

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McCabe and Mrs Miller Front Row Classics is celebrating the 100th birthday of Robert Altman by taking a look at one of his greatest works. Brandon is joined by Spencer Davis to discuss 1971’s McCabe and Mrs, Miller. Brandon and Spencer discuss this classic anti-Western which features stellar performances from Warren Beatty and Julie Christie. The h…

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Ep. 296- Interview with Illeana Douglas-Connecticut in the Movies

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Connecticut in the Movies Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome actress & filmmaker Illeana Douglas to the show. Brandon and Illeana discuss her love of the movies which led to her becoming a professional in the business. Her love of the movies has led her to many exciting projects including her recent book, “Connecticut in the Movies”. We talk …

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Will Kimbrough on John Prine, Jimmy Buffett, and the Real Life of a Working Musician | MCP #222 1:23:59

3M ago1:23:59

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In this revealing episode of The MCP, I sit down with Grammy-nominated songwriter, guitarist, and Americana mainstay Will Kimbrough for a wide-ranging conversation on the hard truths and quiet joys of a life in music. From his early days as a 12 year old electric guitar player to getting signed to EMI, and then John Prine’s Oh Boy Records, to his w…

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Earley AI Podcast Episode 65: David Hartley and Dave Blatt - Turning AI Hesitancy into Opportunity 26:23

3M ago26:23

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In this episode of the Earley AI Podcast, host Seth Earley welcomes two insightful guests from Anders, a top 100 CPA firm: David Hartley and Dave Blatt. David Hartley is a seasoned CPA with a profound understanding of the synergy between finance and technology. He advocates for how AI can enhance traditional accounting roles rather than replace the…

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Ep. 295- Love, Queenie-Interview with Mayukh Sen

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Love, Queenie Front Row Classics welcomes author Mayukh Sen to celebrate the life of Merle Oberon. Mayukh recently penned “Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s First South Asian Star”. The book captures the complicated life of Oberon while also providing a picture of the political atmosphere of the first half of the 20th century. Brandon and Ma…

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Ep. 294-Canyon Passage

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Ole Buttermilk Sky Front Row Classics is taking a look at an unsung western classic from 1946. Brandon is joined by film historian & producer Daniel Marino to discuss Canyon Passage. The film, directed by Jacques Tourneur, embodies the post-war feelings of American in the forties. It features stunning Technicolor cinematography and an unlikely Osca…

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Ep. 293- James Duke Mason Returns

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Welcome Back Duke Front Row Classics is excited to welcome back James Duke Mason this week. Brandon and Duke catch up on everything happening in the last year. They also touch on some of Duke’s grandfather’s (James Mason) best performances. The discussion turns to films like A Star is Born, The Last of Sheila, Lolita and Heaven Can Wait. We also pr…

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Ep. 292- His Girl Hollywood-Interview with Maureen Lenker

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His Girl Hollywood Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author & entertainment journalist Maureen Lee Lenker. Brandon and Maureen discuss her origins as a classic film fan favorite film genres and most memorable writing assignments. The conversation, then, turns to her latest book, “His Girl Hollywood”, an historical fiction romance set in Clas…

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Celia Gregory on the Future of Radio, Music Curation & Building Community | Morse Code Podcast #221 46:25

4M ago46:25

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What does human-curated radio mean in an era dominated by algorithms? In this episode of The Morse Code Podcast, I sit down with Celia Gregory from Nashville’s WNXP to talk about the power of radio, music discovery, and how real people—not algorithms—shape the sound of a city. Celia shares her journey from college radio DJ to morning host at WNXP, …

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Ep. 291- Anna Christie

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Garbo Talks! “Garbo Talks!”. Front Row Classics is taking a look at one of most promoted events in film history. Brandon is joined by Peter Martin to break down 1930’s Anna Christie. The two discuss Clarence Brown’s adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize winning play. This early talkie helped to cement Greta Garbo as a screen icon. Brandon a…

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Ep. 290- Miss Grant Takes Richmond

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Miss Grant Takes Richmond Front Row Classics is taking a look at an underrated comedy gem in the career of Lucille Ball. Brandon welcomes back Sarah Royal, author of “AKA Lucy”, to take a look at Miss Grant Takes Richmond from 1949. This film came two years before Lucy reached superstardom on “I Love Lucy”. Yet, the film shows seeds of the birth of…

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Ep. 289- We’ll Always Have Casablanca-Chat with Noah Isenberg

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We’ll Always Have Casablanca Front Row Classics is pleased to welcome author, professor & historian Noah Isenberg. Noah penned one of Brandon’s favorite film books, “We’ll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie”. Brandon and Noah discuss their initial discovery of the film as well as their favorite…

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Earley AI Podcast Episode 64: Understanding AI: From Misconceptions to Effective Product Mindset 36:07

4M ago36:07

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In this episode of the Earley AI Podcast, we welcome guest, Jack Lampka, an accomplished advisor and speaker with over 27 years of experience in corporate roles within the tech and pharma sectors. Now based in Munich, Germany, Jack specializes in enhancing data storytelling and cultivating a product mindset among technical employees. His extensive …