This week on the Spit Take Podcast, Adam and Alex sit down with writer and director Gregory Pellerito to talk about his new coming-of-age film, Moments of Youth. The conversation starts with the movie's inspirations—from classics like American Pie, Can't Hardly Wait, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off—before diving into what makes Gregory's film stand out from the teen comedies that inspired it.

Gregory explains why he wanted to tell a story that balances outrageous comedy with a thoughtful look at the lasting emotional effects of school violence, focusing not on the tragedy itself but on the lives that continue long after the headlines fade. Adam and Alex discuss how the film captures friendship, grief, and growing up without becoming preachy or political, creating a coming-of-age story that's both nostalgic and surprisingly heartfelt.

The conversation also explores:

• How the film's scavenger hunt became the perfect backdrop for a one-night adventure.
• Casting thousands of actors to find the right chemistry.
• John Farley's standout performance as the principal.
• Writing authentic teenage friendships as an adult.
• Using social media as a storytelling device.
• Why Betsy's scene-stealing character almost deserves a movie of her own.

Of course, it wouldn't be Spit Take without going completely off the rails. The discussion veers into favorite teen comedies, Not Another Teen Movie, Super Troopers, Tacoma FD, sports, fantasy football, horror movies, Taylor Sheridan shows, Nicolas Cage, and plenty of hilarious movie recommendations along the way.

If you love behind-the-scenes filmmaking, coming-of-age movies, or just hearing filmmakers geek out about movies with fellow movie fans, this is an episode you won't want to miss.