Best Steven Vargas Podcasts (2025)

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Iranian Escalation or a Neutralized Threat? - Matt Reed on Iran's Indefensible Oil Industry 47:03

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3d ago47:03

47:03

Rory and Matt Reed discuss the recent escalation of tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, focusing on the military actions taken by Israel against Iranian targets and the implications for regional stability and the oil market. They explore the motivations behind Israel's strikes, the U.S. response, and the reactions from Gulf Cooper…

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BEHIND THE LENS #480: Featuring Jesse Cowell, Sergio Comacho and Jonathan Adelson 1:44:23

4d ago1:44:23

1:44:23

This week it's all about DANCES WITH FILMS on BEHIND THE LENS, which is taking place right now at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. Get ready for one of the most fun-filled and hilarious, yet philosophical, conversations about filmmaking as writer/director/editor/cinematographer JESSE COWELL breaks down his award-winning short film B!TCH I'M…

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Pump the Brakes 6:14

5d ago6:14

6:14

I know the show just came back but sometimes you need to go with your gut. Here is a special announcement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Dynamics of Tanker Chartering and Freight Rates in Oil Markets 47:19

9d ago47:19

47:19

This conversation delves into the critical role of tankers in the global oil market with shipping analyst Jeff McGee of Makai Marine. Him and Rory explore the importance in transporting crude and refined products using the tanker market. The discussion covers the various types of tankers, the role of ship brokers in chartering, and the dynamics of …

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BEHIND THE LENS #479: Featuring Greg Porper, John Schimke, Jon S. Baird and Steven Rogers 1:12:36

11d ago1:12:36

1:12:36

This week on BEHIND THE LENS, we've got a lotta laughs thanks to director/writer/producer GREG PORPER and co-director/co-writer/ and editor JOHN SCHIMKE, who talk about their new, and often side-splitting comedy that opens this Friday, DON'T TELL LARRY. And who doesn't love musical theater, especially fresh off last week's exhilarating Tony Awards?…

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BEHIND THE LENS #478: Featuring Evan Ari Kelman, Matthew Jensen, David Joseph Craig and Brian Crano 1:16:58

18d ago1:16:58

1:16:58

This is a fun episode of BEHIND THE LENS as I'm doing something this week that I haven't done before – and that is give you an interview with a film's director, followed by my interview with his cinematographer. The film is the thriller BARRON'S COVE. The director/writer is EVAN ARI KELMAN. The cinematographer is MATTHEW JENSEN. But hilarity also e…

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The Theater Problem 44:35

20d ago44:35

44:35

We are doing things a little differently since The Lazy Geeks is under the Gen-Xer Pod banner. This week we cover news, a bitter Australian diner owner, and the problem with people not seeing movies and studios are the reason for it. Wanna Donate: Donations will allow us to remain ad-free and expand our content. Donate to our PayPal Cash App: $TheG…

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Facing the Contradictions of Today's Oil Market with Tamas Varga 48:22

23d ago48:22

48:22

In this episode of the Oil Ground Up podcast, host Rory speaks with Tamas Varga, a seasoned oil market analyst from PVM Oil Associates, about the current state of the oil market. They discuss the complexities of oil demand, particularly focusing on macroeconomic indicators, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the evolving dynamics within OPEC.…

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BEHIND THE LENS #477: Featuring Carlyle Eubank and James Bamford 1:14:42

25d ago1:14:42

1:14:42

A fun BEHIND THE LENS for you this week, thanks to writer/director CARLYLE EUBANK, who joins me talking about his feature directorial debut, BROKE, and director JAMES BAMFORD, who breaks it all down for THE LAST GUNFIGHT.Some of you might recognize Carlyle's name and if you do, it's probably thanks to "The Signal" which was written by Carlyle and d…

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Mark Rossano on Refining Industry Dynamics and Expected "Brownouts this Summer" 48:06

1M ago48:06

48:06

Mark Rossano connects with Rory and discusses the complexities of the oil and gas market, focusing on price volatility, OPEC's production strategies, and the geopolitical implications of Iran and Russia's oil exports. He emphasizes the importance of diesel in the economy and the impact of EU sanctions on global oil flows. The conversation provides …

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BEHIND THE LENS #476: Featuring Felipe Vargas, Nathan Furst and Griff Furst 41:13

1M ago41:13

41:13

This week on BEHIND THE LENS it's all about horror as we take a look at two distinctly different types of horror films and three talented filmmakers. One film, ROSARIO, is dark and twisted and steeped in ancient lore and curses and comes from FELIPE VARGAS. The other, A BREED APART, courtesy of THE FURST BROTHERS, NATHAN FURST and GRIFF FURST, has …

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BEHIND THE LENS #475: Featuring Duncan Skiles and Lorcan Finnegan 59:17

2M ago59:17

59:17

An interesting movie mix for you this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director DUNCAN SKILES and his new film NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, and director LORCAN FINNEGAN and his latest THE SURFER. As different as night and day, both films showcase storytelling creativity and some incredible – and indelible – performances, most notably from Nic Cage in THE S…

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Adi Imsirovic on OPEC's Dilemma: Balancing Production, Demand and an Evolving US Tariff Policy 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

OGU's new host, Rory Johnston, welcomes in Adi Imsirovic to delve into the complexities of the oil trading industry, exploring Adi's extensive background in both academia and commercial trading. They discuss the current challenges faced by OPEC, the impact of tariffs on oil demand, and the shifting dynamics of the energy market, particularly in lig…

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BEHIND THE LENS #474: Featuring Rachel Suissa 1:15:39

2M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

It's a fun BEHIND THE LENS this week thanks to writer/director/actor Rachel Suissa who I spoke with a few weeks ago specifically for today's show which is a salute to Mothers and Mother's Day courtesy of Rachel's new film GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE.Based on Rachel's own life, mapcap adventures, and mother-daughter angst, GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE is a l…

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The Toxic Fandom 28:33

2M ago28:33

28:33

Episode 4: The Toxic Fandom. The internet is plagued by fandom toxicity. Where does it come from? Why do older people hate new content? It isn’t as hard to believe as you may think. Also, we discuss Xbox price hikes for Christmas, Polygon sold, GTA VI pushed back, and Spotify cashes in on judgment against Apple. Wanna Donate: Donations will allow u…

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Geopolitical Implications of Natural Gas Supply and Shipping Challenges 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

In this episode of the Oil Ground Up podcast, Dr. Robert E. Brooks discusses the evolution of the LNG market, the role of RBAC in energy modeling, and the current dynamics of global energy supply, particularly focusing on the relationship between the U.S. and China regarding LNG exports. Dr. Brooks highlights the significant changes in the LNG indu…

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Unlocking Onshore Oil Potential in Namibia with ReconAfrica 44:49

2M ago44:49

44:49

Tony Greer interviews Brian Rainsborough and Chris Sembritzky from Renaissance Energy Africa about their exciting oil exploration efforts in Namibia. They discuss the significance of drilling one of the largest onshore wells in history, the geological challenges and potential of the region, and the economic viability of their operations. The conver…

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BEHIND THE LENS #473: Featuring Claes Bang, Jonah Hauer-King, Nick Hamm, Charlene Davis and Dafna Yachin 1:21:39

2M ago1:21:39

1:21:39

I think you'll enjoy this week's BEHIND THE LENS and the films we are discussing, but more than that, the filmmakers and actors I'm speaking with. Some jam-packed interviews today as we kick things off with my exclusive interview with actors CLAES BANG and JONAH HAUER-KING, together with writer/director NICK HAMM talking about his beautiful epic WI…

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Patrick De Haan talks Falling Gas Prices with Refining Declines in the United States 39:15

3M ago39:15

39:15

In this episode of the Oil Ground Up podcast, Patrick De Haan, Lead Petroleum Analyst at GasBuddy, discusses his career journey and the role of GasBuddy in tracking gas prices. He delves into the impact of energy policies on oil prices, the dynamics of OPEC's production decisions, and the forecast for future gas prices. The conversation also covers…

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BEHIND THE LENS #472: Featuring Alex Parkinson and Brian Skiba 1:04:09

3M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

This week on BEHIND THE LENS we're going from the Old West down into the deep blue, or not so blue, sea, discussing two wonderful films with two terrific filmmakers – LAST BREATH and GUNSLINGERS.First up, take a listen to my exclusive interview with director ALEX PARKINSON talking about LAST BREATH. Currently in theatres, LAST BREATH is a heart-pou…

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The Linux Paradigm 29:47

3M ago29:47

29:47

This week, we have some breaking news just prior to recording of the show. Coyote vs. Acme gets a distributor, DOGE to rewrite Social Security, TikTok gets a reprieve, and other stuff. Plus, Steven decides to leave Windows, and our craziest douchebag of the week. Wanna Donate: Donations will allow us to remain ad-free and expand our content. Donate…

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BEHIND THE LENS #471: Featuring Ami Canaan Mann 39:57

3M ago39:57

39:57

This week on BEHIND THE LENS, we're talking about a very special film about a very special woman that was made by another special woman.The film is AUDREY'S CHILDREN and that special woman is pioneering pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans and her groundbreaking work in the 1960s and 70s at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, or CHOP as it is mor…

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No More 22 Episodes 37:23

3M ago37:23

37:23

This week on The Lazy Geeks: Elon sells Twitter to… himself. Facebook is trying to offer people what it used to be. Avengers: Doomsday cast revealed. Things to do if you sent DNA to 23andMe. Lastly, a former gaming magazine is brought back by its new owner. Our main discussion today is why we won’t have 22 episodes and 7 seasons of any streaming se…

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BEHIND THE LENS #470: Featuring Colin Henning 55:15

3M ago55:15

55:15

This week on BEHIND THE LENS is my exclusive interview with writer/director/costume designer/producer and actor Colin Henning as he talks about his feature directorial debut, the beautifully moody and metaphoric APPALACHIAN DOG. Not only am I enchanted by this sultry, post-WWII, Southern Gothic delight, but by Colin himself who is already one of my…

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The More Things Change 52:35

3M ago52:35

52:35

We are back! Sort of. Steven returns to the original podcast in a more shortened form. There will be news. There will be a discussion topic. This week, Steven reports on a canceled Looney Toons movie may see the light of day, Elon pleads with Tesla employees to keep their stock, Threads is adding some things, California pushing a bill to standardiz…

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BEHIND THE LENS #469: Featuring Rob Taylor and Nic Costa 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

Hilarity ensues this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director/co-writer/actor ROB TAYLOR and co-writer/producer/actor NIC COSTA as they discuss their wild and wacky new comedy film RAGING MIDLIFE in this exclusive interview! And what a wild and wacky ride it is!RAGING MIDLIFE is the story of Mark and Alex (wonderfully played by Matt Zak and Nic C…

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BEHIND THE LENS #468: Featuring Peter Browngardt 58:25

4M ago58:25

58:25

We go from one end of the spectrum to the other this week on BEHIND THE LENS as we take a look at writer/director Atom Egoyan's dramatic new thriller SEVEN VEILS and everyone's favorite (and looney) pig and duck, Porky and Daffy, in writer/director Peter Browngardt's feature animated directorial debut LOONEY TUNES: THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP.First u…

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Canadian Energy and LNG Outlook with Josef Schachter 35:16

4M ago35:16

35:16

Josef Schachter, President of Schachter Energy Research Services, provides insights into the oil market and Canadian energy sector. He discusses the impact of US tariffs on Canadian oil, noting that the weakened Canadian dollar can offset some of the tariff's impact, and that the US Midwest relies on Canadian heavy crude due to quality issues with …

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BEHIND THE LENS #467: Featuring Tiffany Kim Stevens 1:08:56

4M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

It's a fun episode of BEHIND THE LENS as writer/director TIFFANY KIM STEVENS joins me in discussing her new quirky comedy TRIGGER HAPPY, plus my exclusive interview with director DITO MONTIEL talking about his latest dysfunctional family comedy RIFF RAFF.First up is my exclusive interview with director DITO MONTIEL talking the brilliantly conceived…

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BEHIND THE LENS #466: Featuring Ella Thomas 1:14:51

4M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

A terrific BEHIND THE LENS for you this week to finish off Black History Month as you're about to hear my exclusive interview with director JULIUS ONAH talking about CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, as well as my interview with actor turned writer/producer/and lo budget no budget micro-budget filmmaker ELLA THOMAS talking KNOW MERCY.First up is EL…

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BEHIND THE LENS #465: Featuring Cameron S. Mitchell and Cory Santilli 1:02:50

4M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

It's a Slamdance Special on BEHIND THE LENS this week as we look at two films marking their world premieres at the Slamdance Film Festival and chat with their respective filmmakers— CAMERON S. MITCHELL talks about DISPOSABLE HUMANITY while CORY SANTILLI discusses IN THE MOUTH.Kicking things off is my exclusive interview with CAMERON MITCHELL writer…

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Understanding Oil Tariffs and Their Impact with Steven Sinos 46:13

5M ago46:13

46:13

In this episode of the Oil Ground Up podcast, Ian Wagner sits in for Tony Greer and interviews Steve Sinos, managing partner at Blue Lacy Advisors, about the intricacies of risk management in the energy sector. They discuss the importance of understanding commodity risk, the dynamics of oil and crude tariffs, insights into the LNG market, and the v…

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BEHIND THE LENS #464: Featuring Steve Barnett and Matthew Ninaber 1:04:17

5M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

A fun BEHIND THE LENS show for you this week as we take a look at two very different action films – one in present day and another in the medieval era – thanks to my exclusive interviews with writer/director STEVE BARNETT talking VALIANT ONE and writer/director/editor MATTHEW NINABER talking A KNIGHT'S WAR.First up is my exclusive interview with wr…

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BEHIND THE LENS #463: Featuring Christian Sesma 45:22

5M ago45:22

45:22

It's a big day for BEHIND THE LENS as we're kicking off Year 11 of BTL Radio Show AND my 43rd year as a film critic! And what better way for "moviesharkd" to start a new year and new decade than with a shark movie. And what a shark movie I have for you today – INTO THE DEEP!Directed by CHRISTIAN SESMA and written by Chad Law and Josh Ridgway, INTO …

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Robert Connors on how Global Money Supply has Impacted Energy Prices 42:59

5M ago42:59

42:59

Tony Greer and Robert Connors delve into the current state of the energy markets, exploring the impact of political changes, trends in oil and natural gas prices, and the future of uranium and nuclear energy. Connors shares his insights on the importance of returns on capital in the energy sector and discusses the evolution of his business, Crude C…

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How Economic Prosperity is Linked to Energy Policy and Environmental Stewardship 53:22

5M ago53:22

53:22

In this episode of the Oil Ground Up podcast, Dan Romito shares his journey from NASDAQ to Pickering Energy Partners, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ESG, the need for better representation of the energy industry, and the impact of political changes on energy policy…

8M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

It's a wonderful mixed bag this week on BEHIND THE LENS thanks to director TERRY LOANE and his beautiful new film THE LAST RIFLEMAN, and actor COLIN CUNNINGHAM with his scene-stealing performance in HE NEVER LEFT (not to mention his ongoing role in Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An American Saga").Kicking off the show is the perfect film for this Vetera…