Best Proximity Media Podcasts (2025)

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SINNERS Cultural Consultant Dolly Li on the Delta Chinese, Docs, and That Licking Line 51:26

Play Pause

3d ago51:26

51:26

How did a documentary and Ryan Coogler’s Chinese family ancestry lead to a role consulting on the blockbuster film SINNERS? Journalist, documentary filmmaker, and SINNERS cultural consultant Dolly Li joins IN PROXIMITY podcast host Paola Mardo to talk about her work on SINNERS, her documentary THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICA’S SOUTHERN CHINESE, and why…

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Making Hollywood Come to You with Talent Manager James Swoope (M88) 35:15

10d ago35:15

35:15

How do you get a manager? What’s the difference between a manager and an agent? James Swoope, talent manager at M88, breaks it all down with IN PROXIMITY podcast host Paola Mardo. From Cleveland to Hollywood, Swoope has built a career managing talent like Dominique Thorne (IRONHEART), actor and singer Coco Jones, designer and entrepreneur Jeff Stap…

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How Justin Tipping Blended Sports & Horror in HIM 37:25

17d ago37:25

37:25

Writer/Director Justin Tipping (KICKS, THE CHI) joins IN PROXIMITY podcast host Paola Mardo to break down the making of his new film HIM, produced by Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw Productions. He reveals how grief and greatness shaped his bold mix of sports and horror, how Hitchcock and Busta Rhymes inspired the film’s genre-bending score, and how gro…

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Trailer for Season 3 - Coming Monday September 22nd! 2:47

22d ago2:47

2:47

A voice memo from Ryan Coogler to Paola Mardo – writer, producer, Proximity Media’s head of audio, and the new host of IN PROXIMITY podcast! Starting Monday, September 22nd, catch weekly episodes with exciting guests pushing the boundaries of film, TV, music, art, and culture. Plus updates on Proximity’s latest projects like SINNERS, IRONHEART, EYE…

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21 - Proximity and Presence 5:00

30d ago5:00

5:00

I dive into what happens when real-world connection replaces scrolling. From a punk rock flea market table with some neon flyers and old music gear, the conversations quickly turned to leaving social media, quitting Spotify, and the hunger for face-to-face exchange. Along the way, I reflect on why proximity carries so much energy, and how experimen…

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020 - You're not marrying a platform 9:22

3M ago9:22

9:22

Based off of this post: https://socialmediaescape.club/2025/youre-not-marrying-a-platform/ And here's a link to that James Hart post.By Seth Werkheiser

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019 - Seek The Joy 4:37

3M ago4:37

4:37

Indie Thinkers interview with Angela Hollowell: https://indiethinkers.substack.com/p/angela-hollowellBy Seth Werkheiser

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IN PROXIMITY SPECIAL: IRONHEART WITH CHINAKA HODGE 1:13:03

3M ago1:13:03

1:13:03

From the Def Jam Poetry scene to the set of a major Marvel TV show, Oakland-raised writer, poet, rapper, actor, playwright, and screenwriter Chinaka Hodge knows how to tell an epic story. Her most recent project, the Marvel TV series IRONHEART, released to Disney+ in June. Starring Dominique Thorne, IRONHEART tells the story of “bad girl genius” Ri…

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018 - WHEN YOU HIT SEND, IT'S NOT THE END 2:43

3M ago2:43

2:43

That’s a little catchphrase I came up with: When you hit send, it’s not the end. Maybe I invented it, maybe someone else did—but it’s true either way. Right now, it’s summertime—open rates are down, comments are down, “likes” are down. But when you hit send, that doesn’t mean you’re done. Especially if you’re on Substack, you have the direct URL fo…

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017 - THE PODCAST HAS MOVED HERE 7:26

4M ago7:26

7:26

A lot has changed since the last Voice Note in May. I’ve moved all paid memberships to Memberful, and I’m now posting these audio entries here on Transistor. That means a new RSS feed, which you can grab here: https://feeds.transistor.fm/smec-currents And all episodes are here: https://smec-currents.transistor.fm/episodes This new podcast (called S…

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Author & Political Influencer Aaron Parnas Talks Social Media 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

Everyone is an influencer in their own way. Aaron gained a million followers in six days. Good content gets traction regardless of algorithms. TikTok's algorithm allows for natural virality. Substack enables sustainable income for creators. Ethics in reporting are crucial for credibility. Social media is not a reflection of real life. Understanding…

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Congressman Eric Swalwell Talks Life in Congress 35:00

5M ago35:00

35:00

Swalwell's district has transformed from low-income to one of the wealthiest in America. 40% of constituents in Swalwell's district are immigrants contributing positively to the economy. Congress faces existential challenges with a leader aiming for dictatorial power. Member relationships often differ in private settings compared to public appearan…

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016 - It's all a delivery truck 4:32

5M ago4:32

4:32

I’m starting to think of all this as a delivery truck. I make the thing, and the delivery person comes and picks it up. It goes on the truck, and then it’s out of my hands. You’ve seen the disclaimers from online shops—‘we’re not responsible for what happens during shipping.’ I’m kind of feeling that for myself now. Once I hit send, I’m out. I don’…

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015 - Your newsletter isn't your permanent address 3:54

5M ago3:54

3:54

Put something new on your website, and link it in your next newsletter. Your newsletter isn’t your permanent address, it’s a delivery vehicle. Build an archive of work on your website and link to your stuff from your newsletter! Oh, and this is the Alex Dobrenko` interview where his guest Isabel Cowles Murphy talks about someone else who says writi…

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Author & Journalist Jesselyn Cook Talks QAnon and Conspiracy Theories 50:04

5M ago50:04

50:04

EPISODE LINKS Jesselyn's latest release: The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706443/the-quiet-damage-by-jesselyn-cook/ Jesselyn's website: https://www.jessreports.com/ EPSIODE TAKEAWAYS: QAnon is a significant movement affecting many lives. The impact of QAnon extends beyond …

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014 - You're an artist 3:35

5M ago3:35

3:35

A reflection from today’s Escape Pod Zoom call, regarding Seth Godin’s ‘What is your art?’ post from 2015. I define art as having nothing at all to do with painting. Art is a human act, a generous contribution, something that might not work, and it is intended to change the recipient for the better, often causing a connection to happen. Five elemen…

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013 - Keep reminding people 3:32

6M ago3:32

3:32

Today’s episode is a bonus add-on to today’s post: “You’re not bothering them if they’re fans,” said kate ellen, about reminding your audience about what the heck you’re doing. We think our subscribers know about our latest work, but that’s hardly ever true. https://socialmediaescapeclub.substack.com/p/print-your-tour-diary-start-a-conversation Kee…

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012 - Make stuff with your readers 4:09

6M ago4:09

4:09

In today’s voice note, I reflect a bit on last Friday’s post, and talk about the idea of building side quests with your audience—not just broadcasting at all of them. Inspired by this zine project by Kel Rakowski: https://rakowwwski.substack.com/p/the-zine-we-made-together I riff on some small ways to collaborate: ask for summer memories, favorite …

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How Blues Music Inspired Ludwig Göransson and Ryan Coogler on SINNERS 40:57

6M ago40:57

40:57

SINNERS is only in theaters April 18 and we made a special two-part miniseries about the making of the film! Composer and executive producer Ludwig Göransson spoke with director, writer, and producer Ryan Coogler at his studio to talk about how the Delta blues and their family history inspired the film’s story and sound. They also break down the so…

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Law Professor Steve Vladeck Talks the Courts 31:53

6M ago31:53

31:53

The number of lawsuits against Trump's executive actions is unprecedented. The Supreme Court's role is crucial in determining the status quo of ongoing litigation. Congress is failing to uphold its responsibilities, leading to increased executive power. Nationwide injunctions are a contentious issue, with hypocrisy on both sides of the aisle. The D…

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011 - Ask for less 4:54

6M ago4:54

4:54

A common trap is treating your website like the finish line. “How do I get people to my WordPress,” is the wrong question. Your blog and your newsletter should work together—your blog builds the archive, your newsletter delivers the value right where people already are. Weave links into real writing. Offer substance in the inbox. Let readers wander…

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010 - Lead your fans to bigger places 4:57

6M ago4:57

4:57

Thanks to Parker Gates for sending me this clip: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHqrfkYxskX Where could you lead your current subscribers?By Seth Werkheiser

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Making IMAX History on SINNERS with Autumn Durald Arkapaw and Ryan Coogler 50:39

6M ago50:39

50:39

SINNERS is only in theaters April 18 and we made a special two-part miniseries about the making of the film! Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw sat down with director, writer, and producer Ryan Coogler at IMAX headquarters to discuss their collaboration as director and DP, how they called Christopher Nolan and Hoyte van Hoytema for advice, and h…

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009 - Explore bigger 4:35

6M ago4:35

4:35

From today’s episode: “A website and a tool cost money, I know. But platforms cost money too. A lot of them are free, but they charge you per transaction. And then because they charge you different fees, they call the shots. So they set up the guidelines. So if they don't like what you're putting up there, they can take it down. Then you're not mak…

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Congressman Jim McGovern Talks the State of Our Union 44:38

6M ago44:38

44:38

Jim McGovern has been in Congress for 15 terms, driven by a desire to help people. His journey to Congress was filled with unexpected challenges and learning experiences. Authenticity and being true to one's beliefs are crucial for effective representation. Leadership involves making tough decisions, even when public opinion is against you. The Ira…

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008 - Build a foundation 4:07

6M ago4:07

4:07

I included a Seth Godin quote in my latest newsletter with Laura Kidd: “The false proxy of how many people are following you on social media is a trap,” says Seth Godin, “I know people who have gotten 40 million views of a TikTok, and sold $200 worth of stuff to go with it.” It starts a bit after the 10:00 mark of this video: https://www.youtube.co…

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007 - Use your voice 5:45

6M ago5:45

5:45

Use your voice, even if it’s not a full fledged podcast, or 4K video. “This is who I am. If you're along for the ride, cool. Maybe hit subscribe. If you're not, hit unsubscribe. That's fine, too. And so, I think whether you want to do video or not, or if you want to do podcast audio or not, you don't have to do any of them. Find what's true for you…

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006 - Borrow from other industries 6:42

7M ago6:42

6:42

In a recent talk with Olivia Rafferty I asked if there was a take away from her work that someone could adapt to their own: "If musicians don't just focus on what other musicians are doing, and how they're making music. If people on Substack who make newsletters start to think like how could I make a newsletter in the way that like a ceramicist wou…

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Former Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan Sets the Record Straight 59:34

7M ago59:34

59:34

Takeaways The National Archives has 43 facilities across the U.S. There are 13.5 billion records in the National Archives. Presidential records are considered permanent records. Over 90% of presidential records are electronic. Only 1-3% of federal agency records are preserved. Records training is mandatory for federal employees. Presidential record…

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005 - Think who, not what 4:46

7M ago4:46

4:46

Someone asked me recently via my Email Guidance offering about starting a newsletter, and the classic “what’s it gonna be about?” I replied that instead of asking, "what should I write about?" try asking, "who should I write about?" Your experiences, projects, and adventures likely involved other people, so write about them. When you highlight some…

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004 - Success is given, not earned 4:22

7M ago4:22

4:22

Watched this great interview with actor Anthony Mackie on the Pivot Podcast, about success being given, not earned. This part is at about the 14:04 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqFfX0A8UAc Success is different for everyone, and heck, you might not even be playing the game - and that’s fine! But for a lot of us, trying to pay rent or get th…

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003 - Be mindful of where we're seen 4:55

7M ago4:55

4:55

Today I reflect (not a reaction clip) on a video by photographer Noah Kalina, who questions the instinct to post creative work online, comparing social media to a "cursed room" where content is lost in a sea of distractions (starting at the 1:40 mark in the video below). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBRuUj0pXAM I explore this modern dilemma, and…

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002 - Let go of what’s no longer useful 5:14

7M ago5:14

5:14

Today I’m reflecting on Andy J. Pizza’s recent post about letting go of outdated strategies. Ways of working that don’t serve us anymore. “Let go of what’s no longer useful,” as Mr. Pizza puts it. I’m also emphasizing the shift away from exhausting social media efforts and instead urging you to focus on email list building by sharing valuable work …

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001 - Talk to good people 3:23

7M ago3:23

3:23

This will be a collection of voice notes from me, from your pal Seth, because I just got too many ideas. And they all don't need to be blog posts. They all don't need to be newsletters. They all don't need to be videos. The stuff just comes to me a lot. So I want to get these out here, out and about. And I really came to come to that from a convers…

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Axios Financial Reporter Felix Salmon Talks DOGE 50:44

7M ago50:44

50:44

Doge's mandate is to eliminate waste and reduce government size. The agency's actions challenge the constitutional authority of Congress. Doge has taken control of the Treasury's payment systems. There is significant secrecy surrounding the size and operations of Doge. Employees of Doge are primarily young, loyal to Elon, and have tech backgrounds.…

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Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers Talk Politics — and Political Therapy 53:14

8M ago53:14

53:14

Casey sits down with Sarah Stewart-Holland and Beth Sillers, the hosts of the popular podcast Pantsuit Politics, to discuss the origins of their podcast, the evolution of political discourse, and the importance of community engagement. They share listener interactions that have shaped their journey, the role of news in politics, and the challenges …

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Sharon McMahon Talks Political History, Headlines, and Histrionics 54:17

8M ago54:17

54:17

In this episode of Mastering the Room, host Casey Burgat sits down with Sharon McMahon—former high school teacher turned powerhouse civics educator—to explore the art of making history matter in today’s fast-moving digital world. Sharon shares how the 2020 pandemic reshaped her career, leading her to build a dynamic, multi-platform media presence d…

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Kimberly Clausing Talks Economic Policy 49:21

9M ago49:21

49:21

Tariffs have been a part of U.S. economic policy since its inception. Historically, tariffs were a significant source of revenue for the U.S. government. The burden of tariffs is primarily borne by consumers, not foreign producers. Tariffs can hurt U.S. manufacturing by increasing the cost of intermediate goods. The interconnected nature of the glo…

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Author Brian Klaas Talks Chaos Theory 49:13

9M ago49:13

49:13

Chaos theory applied to social systems reveals the profound impacts of small events. Every decision, no matter how small, can influence larger outcomes. The past is not always a reliable predictor of the future. Uncertainty can be both a source of joy and fear in life. Political leaders often face impossible questions with no clear answers. Recogni…

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Rachel Morrison and Ryan Coogler on cinematography, directing, and THE FIRE INSIDE 48:49

10M ago48:49

48:49

From FRUITVALE STATION to BLACK PANTHER, Rachel Morrison and Ryan Coogler are longtime friends and collaborators. Rachel is a groundbreaking director and cinematographer who made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for MUDBOUND and the first to lens a Marvel film with BLACK PANTHER_._ Her feature direct…

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Martha Kumar from the White House Transition Project Talks Transition Season 40:31

10M ago40:31

40:31

Links The White House Transition Project Book: Before the Oath: How George W. Bush and Barack Obama Managed a Transfer of Power Book, Managing the President's Message: The White House Communications Operation Takeaways Presidential transitions involve filling about 4,000 positions. The first day of a new administration is crucial for setting priori…

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How to make it in Hollywood with Courtenay Valenti and Rebecca Cho 43:14

10M ago43:14

43:14

Veteran studio executive Courtenay Valenti began her career as an assistant at Warner Bros. in the 1980s, eventually rising to President of Production and Development. During her tenure, she championed major hits including BARBIE, THE COLOR PURPLE, and Proximity’s JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH. Today, Courtenay is Head of Theatrical and Streaming Fil…

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Political Commentator and Consultant Tim Miller on The Future of the Republican Party 44:40

11M ago44:40

44:40

Links Tim on X/Twitter Tim on insta Tim's podcast, The Bulwark Tim's latest book: Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell Takeaways Tim Miller emphasizes the importance of sports as an escape from politics. Miller's political journey has been unconventional and filled with challenges. The 2012 Republican autopsy aimed to broade…

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SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Run a Movie Theater in 2024 29:20

11M ago29:20

29:20

We took a trip to Gardena Cinema, one of the last family-owned, independent movie theaters in Los Angeles, to try and answer a simple question: What’s it like to own and operate an indie movie theater today? Proximity’s Head of Audio Paola Mardo talks with owner Judy Kim about how her immigrant parents built their business after they bought the sin…

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Former Trump Administration Official Joe Grogan and Author Kenneth Lowande Talk Presidential Power 46:14

11M ago46:14

46:14

Links Kenneth Lowande, Associate Professor of Political Science, Associate Professor of Public Policy (by Courtesy), Faculty Associate at the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan Latest book, False Front: The Failed Promise of Presidential Power in a Polarized Age At UM Joe Grogan, Former Director of the Domestic Policy Counci…

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How Writers and Producers Work Together with Jonny Sun and Rebecca Cho 39:10

11M ago39:10

39:10

GMORNING, GNITE! everyone's a aliebn when ur a aliebn too. BOJACK HORSEMAN. GOODBYE, AGAIN. Jonny Sun is a film and TV writer, producer, author, and illustrator who has worked with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Damon Lindelof. His background is in architecture and engineering as a doctoral candidate at MIT and a creative researcher at the Harvard metaLAB.…

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Journalist Mike Pesca Talks the Media Landscape 42:51

12M ago42:51

42:51

In this conversation, Mike Pesca, host of The Gist, discusses the evolution of news media, the impact of audience expectations on journalism, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in reporting. Mike reflects on the rise of 'miserabilism' in media, the importance of engaging interviews, and the need for journalists to hold political figures ac…

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Jon Else and Pete Nicks on Documentary, Truth, and Oppenheimer 42:55

12M ago42:55

42:55

Jon Else is an award-winning documentarian, cinematographer, and MacArthur Genius grant recipient. Over 40 years before Christopher Nolan’s OPPENHEIMER, Jon directed THE DAY AFTER TRINITY, a documentary film about J. Robert Oppenheimer. For almost two decades, Jon led the documentary program at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism where he m…

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Election Analyst Dave Wasserman Talks 2024 Election 49:44

12M ago49:44

49:44

Dave Wasserman grew up fascinated by politics and elections. Handicapping races involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Polling accuracy has improved since 2016, but challenges remain. Demographics are shifting, particularly among Hispanic voters. Pennsylvania is a crucial state for the upcoming election. The Senate race is more favora…

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Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler on Genre, Fear, and Filmmaking 47:33

1y ago47:33

47:33

GET OUT. US. NOPE. Jordan Peele is an award-winning writer, director, and producer of these groundbreaking films, and founder of Monkeypaw Productions. On this episode, Jordan walks Ryan Coogler through his early career, trading filmmaker dreams for comedy then finding his way to directing, genre filmmaking, how he wrote GET OUT but almost didn’t d…