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  • Revisiting Carrie Coon - From watching movies at her grandparents to the Gilded Age

    Revisiting Carrie Coon - From watching movies at her grandparents to the Gilded Age
    2025/04/03

    It’s been a crazy start to the year, with Raising Cinephiles on an extended hiatus after the Palisades Fire; I want to share one of my favorite episodes from last year in honor of The White Lotus finale airing this week. This episode features the iconic Carrie Coon, whose portrayal of Laurie is lighting up mom group chats across the country.

    Carrie Coon originally joined me, host Jessica Kantor, on Raising Cinephiles to discuss her introduction to cinema at her grandparent's house and a discovery of how her introduction to cinema may have influenced bringing Bertha Russell to life in The Gilded Age. Season two is now streaming on Max.

    I’m unsure when or if I’ll bring this podcast back once I’m fully settled in NYC, but I’d love to know what you think in the poll on substack.

    Originally from Copley, OH, Carrie Coon is a Chicago-based theatre, television and film actress. She received a BA in English and Spanish from the University of Mount Union and her MFA in Acting at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Coon was nominated for a Tony Award in the Best Featured Actress category for her Broadway debut as Honey in the transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre's production of "Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", directed by Pam MacKinnon. Although Coon did not win in 2013, the production was awarded Best Revival, Best Director (MacKinnon) and Best Actor (Tracy Letts).

    EPISODE CREDITS:Host, Producer, Editor: Jessica KantorBooker: Noelia Murphy

    Be sure to follow and tag Raising Cinephiles on Instagram



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com/subscribe
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    28 分
  • 🎬 Holiday Movies & Cozy Vibes with Lily Vonnegut 🎄

    🎬 Holiday Movies & Cozy Vibes with Lily Vonnegut 🎄
    2024/12/24

    It’s the holiday season on Raising Cinephiles! Jessica sits down with returning guest and holiday enthusiast Lily Vonnegut for a relaxed, festive chat about family movie traditions, favorite holiday flicks, and finding the right balance between cultural identity and seasonal fun.

    This episode is all about cozy vibes, laughter, and the magic of movies—whether it’s Christmas lights or Hanukkah donuts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    What’s Inside the Episode?

    🎥 Kicking It Off

    Jessica and Lily dive right into their favorite topic—movies! Jessica shares how her toddler, Miles, is more into roaring dinosaurs than reindeer this year, and Lily has some advice on introducing holiday movies to little ones.

    🕎 Balancing Hanukkah and Holiday Cheer

    Jessica opens up about raising her son in a Jewish household while still embracing the sparkle of Christmas. Lily offers tips for keeping the holidays inclusive and stress-free.

    🎄 Holiday Movies for Every Mood

    Whether it’s animated favorites like Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas or classics like Home Alone and Elf, Lily and Jessica break down the best films for kids and adults alike.

    🥡 Jewish Christmas Traditions

    Jessica shares her family’s “Jewish Christmas” tradition—Chinese food and a movie—and how it’s become a core memory for her. (Bonus: Holiday lights tours with a sprinkle of Hanukkah flair!)

    🍩 Sweet Family Traditions

    From creating hot chocolate bars to baking jelly donuts, Jessica and Lily explore fun ways to make holiday movie nights even more special. And yes, mini gingerbread houses might appear.

    Thanks for reading Raising Cinephiles! This post is public so feel free to share it.

    Movies Mentioned in This Episode

    * For the Kids: Polar Express, Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, Sing.

    * For the Whole Family: Home Alone, Elf, White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street.

    * For the Grown-Ups: The Holiday, Love Actually, Gremlins, Die Hard.

    Holiday Traditions to Try

    * Host a December movie marathon with hot cocoa and cozy blankets.

    * Explore movies that feel festive without being tied to one holiday.

    * Create your own traditions with family movie nights, themed snacks, or lights tours.

    Let’s Connect!

    What movies make your holiday season magical? Share your picks on social media and tell Jessica how you celebrate through cinema.

    Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jesskantor @raisingcinephiles Stay Tuned: Raising Cinephiles will take a break at the top of 2025, but we’ll be back soon with more fun and inspiration.

    🎄 Happy Holidays and Happy Watching! 🎬



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com/subscribe
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    32 分
  • Ep 73: Navigating Motherhood, Storytelling, and the Power of Producing with Carolina Groppa

    Ep 73: Navigating Motherhood, Storytelling, and the Power of Producing with Carolina Groppa
    2024/12/18
    Episode Description: In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Raising Cinephiles, Jessica Kantor sits down with producer, podcaster, and new mom Carolina Groppa. They discuss their shared love of cinema, the challenges of raising children while maintaining creative careers, and the transformative journey of motherhood. Carolina reflects on her upbringing in Brazil, her evolution from actor to producer, and how her experiences shape her approach to storytelling, community, and family. Together, they explore the balance of being both present mothers and passionate creators, offering listeners a raw and honest glimpse into the realities of working parents in the entertainment industry.Key Highlights:1. First Media Memory & The Power of Storytelling* Carolina’s first impactful TV experience was watching The Wonder Years, dubbed in Portuguese, as a child in Brazil.* Despite cultural and geographic differences, Carolina felt seen by the show’s themes of growing up and self-reflection, highlighting the universal nature of storytelling.* Discussion on how certain shows and films shape us at a young age, even when we don't understand the technical aspects of filmmaking.2. Growing Up with Cinema* Carolina’s father’s love of classic comedies and cinema influenced her taste, with movies like Amadeus and National Lampoon’s Vacation becoming family staples.* Moving to the U.S., TV shows like Full House and Family Matters became tools for learning English, reflecting the power of entertainment as an educational tool.3. Discovering Personal Taste* Carolina’s taste in film and TV evolved in high school and college when she began studying classic films.* She reflects on how taste is fluid, growing alongside life experience.* Jessica and Carolina discuss how aesthetic preferences (like color palettes and visual storytelling) impact their appreciation of certain directors like Aronofsky and Almodóvar.4. From Acting to Producing* Carolina’s path into the entertainment industry began with acting, but she later found her passion for producing.* Early frustrations with the acting industry’s limitations and the 2008 writer’s strike led Carolina to seek new opportunities.* Producing became a natural fit for her skills, and her experience as an actor helps her support other creatives and connect with story-driven content.5. Navigating Motherhood & Career* Carolina reflects on becoming a mother and the mental load of balancing her career and family.* She opens up about her community's support and how her mother’s help has been instrumental in navigating early motherhood.* Jessica and Carolina discuss the importance of "mom networks" and how having a strong community of working mothers in the industry provides essential support and inspiration.6. Screen Time & Early Cinema Exposure* Carolina and Jessica discuss their philosophies on screen time for kids. Carolina notes that her six-month-old is already aware of smartphones and FaceTime.* Jessica shares her strategy of prioritizing slow-paced, thoughtful shows over fast, overly-stimulating content.* Carolina’s "must-show" list for her son includes classics like Amelie, Big Fish, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King, as well as more contemporary favorites like Little Miss Sunshine and Forrest Gump.7. Reflections on Mentorship* Carolina’s concept of mentorship isn’t a singular fairy godmother figure but a "village" of mentors made up of her peers, colleagues, and friends.* The importance of community and how her podcast, Angle on Producers, became a platform to share wisdom, elevate underrepresented voices, and archive the often invisible work of producers.8. Final Thoughts on Raising a Cinephile* Carolina hopes to instill in her son an appreciation for storytelling and human connection through film.* Her "essential movie" recommendation for Jessica’s son is Amelie, a film that celebrates kindness, imagination, and being true to oneself.Memorable Quotes:* “Every film for me was a cathartic experience… If I was with someone who didn’t understand that, I’d be like, how could you possibly just leave this theater?” — Carolina Groppa.* “I’ve always had this internal feeling that as an immigrant, I can’t come here and not succeed at something.” — Carolina Groppa* “If you want to get something done, give it to a woman. If you want it done well, give it to a mom.” — Carolina Groppa* “I’m here to be abundant and give it away… What am I going to do with all this knowledge once I die?” — Carolina GroppaAbout Carolina Groppa: Carolina Groppa is an award-winning producer, podcaster, and creative powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Best known as the host of Angle on Producers, Carolina shines a spotlight on producers' often unseen but essential role in film and television. As a producer, her credits include The Honorable: Shayne and Autism in Love, and she’s an advocate for transparent conversations about the ...
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    38 分
  • Generations of Cinephiles: A Father-Son Journey with Filmmaker Michael Felker and His Dad Douglas

    Generations of Cinephiles: A Father-Son Journey with Filmmaker Michael Felker and His Dad Douglas
    2024/12/11
    In this special episode of Raising Cinephiles, Jessica Kantor sits down with filmmaker Michael Felker, director of Things Will Be Different, and his father, Douglas Felker, for an unforgettable multi-generational conversation about the power of movies to shape our lives and relationships. From first movie memories to the films that inspired them as creators and cinephiles, the Felkers explore how cinematic experiences create lasting bonds.The trio dives deep into childhood movie milestones, navigating age-appropriate films, and how to approach "radical" films like Fight Club as teaching moments. Michael reflects on how family film nights informed his storytelling in Things Will Be Different, while Douglas offers insight into the enduring magic of 2001: A Space Odyssey and how it terrified him as a child and a parent. The episode closes with heartfelt advice on how to raise a cinephile in an age of screens and short attention spans.Raising Cinephiles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:* [00:01:00] Douglas' First Movie Memory: Watching 2001: A Space Odyssey at age 6 and the childhood nightmares it inspired.* [00:03:00] Michael's First Movie Memory: Walking into the middle of Aladdin at age 4 and being awestruck by the giant screen and bold animation.* [00:09:00] Family Film Night Traditions: How VHS tapes, DVDs, and "Friday night movies" with pizza became essential to family bonding.* [00:11:00] The "Age Gates" Philosophy: Douglas' strategy for introducing films like Fight Club and Pulp Fiction at "just the right time" — and Michael’s perspective on how it shaped him as a cinephile.* [00:15:00] Father-Son Film Debates: The Felkers' ongoing conversations about movies like Back to the Future, The Matrix, and 12 Monkeys — and how different "time travel rules" apply.* [00:24:00] Movie Conversations that Last a Lifetime: Why analyzing films like Pulp Fiction together builds connection, not just cinephilia.* [00:30:00] Raising a Cinephile in the Age of Screens: Jessica's story of renting a theater for her son's first movie (The Red Balloon) and how she introduces Miyazaki classics like Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro to her toddler.* [00:32:00] The Magic of Miyazaki: Why Spirited Away at age 8 is a "perfect bridge" from childhood to a more expansive, imaginative world.* [00:38:00] Essential Film Recommendations from Michael & Douglas: From Spirited Away at age 8 to Fight Club at age 15 — plus Douglas’ thoughtful approach to introducing movies that help kids through the toughest life transitions.Must-Watch Movies Mentioned in This Episode:* 2001: A Space Odyssey (Douglas’ first cinematic memory and a cross-generational staple)* Aladdin (Michael’s first movie memory and a vivid introduction to the magic of animation)* Back to the Future (A timeless lesson on adolescence and self-worth)* The Matrix (Introduced to Michael at age 11, with big conversations on sci-fi and AI)* Fight Club (The delicate balance of introducing complex ideas to a rebellious teen)* Spirited Away (Both Michael and Douglas’ top pick for Jessica’s son at age 8)* The Red Balloon (Jessica’s first cinematic introduction for her toddler)* Pulp Fiction (The movie Jessica saw at 14 with her mom — and what it means to "come of age" too soon)* Princess Mononoke (A “next-level” Miyazaki film introduced to Michael as a pre-teen)* Time Traveler's Wife and Sliding Doors (Two films that spark great conversations about choice and destiny)* Superbad (The comedy that defined Michael’s freshman year of college)* Clockwork Orange (The "forbidden fruit" movie that Douglas delayed as long as possible)Listener ChallengeWhich movie would you recommend Jessica show her son as he grows older? Leave a comment with your pick; it might be featured in a future episode!Follow and SupportIf you loved this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review. New episodes of Raising Cinephiles release every Wednesday. For more updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow Jessica Kantor and Raising Cinephiles on Instagram @jesskantor - @raisingcinephiles. Watch Things Will Be DifferentFollow Michael Felker🎥 Be Part of the Conversation 🎥Have a story about how movies shaped your childhood or relationship with your parents? Send us a message or comment — we'd love to feature your experience on the show!Produced and Hosted by: Jessica KantorSpecial Guests: Filmmaker Michael Felker & Engineer/Cinephile Dad, Douglas Felker🎬 "Every cinephile has a first film memory. What's yours?" 🎬 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com/subscribe
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    43 分
  • Episode 71: “Raising Kinetic Kids: A Cinematic Journey with Steven C. Miller”

    Episode 71: “Raising Kinetic Kids: A Cinematic Journey with Steven C. Miller”
    2024/12/04

    In this thrilling episode of Raising Cinephiles, Jessica sits down with Steven C. Miller, the visionary director behind the upcoming action-horror film Werewolves, premiering December 6th (Jessica’s son’s birthday!). Together, they dive deep into:

    🎞️ First Movie Memories: Steven recalls Friday nights filled with pizza and Back to the Future—a movie that’s still shaping the cultural zeitgeist today.👩‍👧‍👦 Introducing Kids to Movies: From E.T. and Ghostbusters to accidentally-too-early screenings of Gremlins, Steven shares how he curated his kids’ cinematic experiences. Plus, the surprising story of how E.T. inspired his son’s name.🐺 Behind the Scenes of Werewolves: Steven reveals what it’s like filming in sweltering Puerto Rico with practical werewolves, collaborating with legendary creature designers, and how the title Werewolves almost didn’t happen.🎥 Parenting in Hollywood: Balancing filmmaking and family life, Steven discusses bringing his kids to set, their creative interests (his daughter might be the next great editor, and his son, a future game designer!), and making time for quality moments amidst the chaos.👾 Gateway Horror & Retro Gaming: From Poltergeist to Goosebumps, discover how Steven bridges generations with classic scares and old-school games like Contra.

    💡 Cinephile Homework: Don’t miss Steven’s ultimate recommendation for sparking a lifelong love of cinema—Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

    Hit play for an action-packed episode filled with heartwarming parenting tips, film nostalgia, and behind-the-scenes filmmaking secrets!

    👉 Listen now and share your thoughts: What’s the one movie that sparked your love of cinema? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday!

    See WEREWOLVES in theaters on December 6, 2024. Visit the official Website to get movie tickets: https://www.werewolvesmovie.com/

    #WEREWOLVES

    🐺 Follow Steven C Miller on Instagram @StevenCMiller🎞️ Follow Raising Cinephiles on Instagram @raisingcinephiles 🎧 Follow Jessica Kantor on Instagram: @jesskantor🎥 Support the Show: Share this episode with a fellow cinephile and leave us a review!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com/subscribe
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    43 分
  • Episode 70: Jack Michalski

    Episode 70: Jack Michalski
    2024/11/20

    Welcome to Episode 70 of Raising Cinephiles! This week, Jessica Kantor sits down with a truly unique guest: 10-year-old Jack Michalski, the son of frequent guest Lily Vonnegut. Jack shares his deep passion for cinema, his early memories of watching iconic films, and his exciting journey into screenwriting.

    In this episode, you'll hear about:🎥 Jack’s First Movie Memory: Watching E.T. at age six and how it sparked his love for movies and Steven Spielberg.🦈 Jaws and Spielberg Films: Why Jaws didn’t scare Jack and how he prepared by diving into behind-the-scenes content.🖋️ Jack’s Screenwriting Adventures: How a school project inspired Jack to write his first screenplay and his process for crafting stories like My Zombie Friend.👻 The Horror Genre: Jack’s love for comedic horror films like Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead.🎞️ Watching Movies as a Family: Jack’s movie nights with his mom, his favorite Tim Burton films, and recommendations for introducing kids to cinema.🎬 Future Filmmaking Aspirations: Jack’s dreams of being a screenwriter and director and how he’s already planning his first productions.

    Jack also shares his favorite tools for filmmaking, like storyboarding kits from the Academy Museum, and his advice for nurturing a love of cinema in kids.

    Don’t miss Jack’s recommendations for Jessica’s young son and his thoughts on what makes a film timeless.

    ✨ Join the Conversation:What movies sparked your love for cinema? Leave a comment, and let us know what films you’d recommend for kids exploring movies for the first time.

    🗓️ New episodes every Wednesday! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share.

    Follow Jessica Kantor and Raising Cinephiles for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.Instagram: @jesskantor @raisingcinephiles Website: Raising Cinephiles



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com/subscribe
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    19 分
  • EP: 69 Exploring the Legacy of Cinema and Ted Turner’s Life with Joni Levin & Keith Clarke

    EP: 69 Exploring the Legacy of Cinema and Ted Turner’s Life with Joni Levin & Keith Clarke
    2024/11/13

    Episode Description:In this episode, Jessica Kantor speaks with the dynamic producer-director / wife-husband duo Joni Levin and Keith Clarke, renowned for their work on the documentary Call Me Ted. Together, they delve into their personal journeys with cinema, the universal power of movies to connect, inspire and share early memories that shaped their love for storytelling. They discuss their latest project on the life of Ted Turner and the invaluable life lessons that movies can teach both children and adults.

    Listen as Joni and Keith share stories of family movie memories, discuss the impact of films on parenting, and explore how Ted Turner’s life reflects a unique drive to make the world a better place.

    Key Topics Covered:

    * Film’s Role in Childhood: Joni recounts her first movie experiences as an escape, and Keith shares how cinema transported him from his working-class upbringing in England.

    * Influence of Cinema on Parenting: They discuss how watching movies as a family nurtures curiosity, empathy, and shared understanding with children, from early Disney films to impactful stories like Dead Poets Society and Bend It Like Beckham.

    * Ted Turner Documentary Insights: Joni and Keith reveal the inspiration behind their latest project, Call Me Ted, detailing Turner’s fearless journey, from his trailblazing media ventures to his early advocacy for environmental preservation.

    * Connecting through Movies: How stories on the big screen can bridge generations and serve as catalysts for family conversations about emotions, dreams, and resilience.

    Quotable Moments:

    * “The best movies transport us both emotionally and open our worlds up.” - Keith Clarke

    * “Ted believed that with passion and determination, we could truly change the world.” - Joni Levin

    Episode Highlights:

    * 00:00-05:00: Jessica introduces the guests, Joni and Keith, and the conversation begins with their earliest movie memories, sharing touching stories of family and finding comfort in cinema.

    * 10:00-15:00: Joni and Keith talk about their shared love of storytelling and the role of humor in films. Jessica reflects on how cinema provides a communal escape.

    * 30:00-40:00: The two filmmakers discuss the journey of making Call Me Ted, offering insights into Ted Turner’s life, from his media empire to his lasting environmental legacy.

    * 45:00-50:00: Advice for parents on curating movie experiences for children, including recommendations on films that inspire confidence, empathy, and personal growth.

    Join the ConversationDo you have a cherished movie memory from your childhood? Let us know in the comments, or tell us which film you think young cinephiles should experience!

    Subscribe for MoreDon’t miss an episode! Follow Raising Cinephiles for new releases every Wednesday, where Jessica Kantor explores the world of cinema and family connections.

    Raising Cinephiles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com/subscribe
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    49 分
  • Episode 68: John Lawson

    Episode 68: John Lawson
    2024/11/06
    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com

    In this insightful episode of Raising Cinephiles, host Jessica Kantor sits down with award-winning actor John Lawson, who earned Best Actor at Slamdance for his role in the independent film Daruma. Together, they discuss John’s journey into acting, his influential family movie experiences, and the path that led him to star in Daruma, a film about a man …
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    40 分