This week on The Wasteland Retrospective, host Shane Conto (The Wasteland Reviewer) is joined by film blogger and SPDM Crew podcaster Luke Burian for a deep dive into two essential entries in one of Japanese horror cinema’s most iconic franchises — the Ringu series:

🎬 Films Discussed:

• Ringu 2 (1999) — directed by Hideo Nakata — the direct sequel to the original Ring film that deepened the mythology of Sadako and the cursed videotape
• Ringu 0: Birthday (2000) — directed by Norio Tsuruta — the haunting Sadako origin story that reveals the tragic backstory behind one of horror cinema’s most iconic villains

If you’re a fan of Japanese horror, J-horror, Sadako, Hideo Nakata, the Ring franchise, supernatural horror, or Halloween season horror viewing — this is essential listening!

Shane Conto — film critic, writer & YouTuber: 🌐 Website | ▶️ YouTube | 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 🎥 Letterboxd

Also hosts Wasteland Watchlist, Cinematic Wasteland, and Wasteland Spotlight on the SPDM Crew network.

Luke Burian — film writer, blogger & podcaster: 🌐 Lost in Movies | ✍️ SiftPop | 🎙️ Flix and Chill | 🎙️ The Cinematic Wasteland | 🎙️ SiftPop Writers' Room

Have a film pairing suggestion or want to join the SPDM Crew? Email spdmcrew@gmail.com

📲 Follow SPDM Crew: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky 🌐 www.spdmcrew.com

🎵 Theme music by Kristofer Twadell | Logo by Jason Wilbur @ HiFlyer Creative

Leave a review and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your favorite podcast app!

This week on The Wasteland Retrospective, host Shane Conto (The Wasteland Reviewer) is joined by SPDM Crew creator Mike Hilty for a deep dive into two of the most visually stunning and emotionally powerful films from Laika Studios — the masters of stop-motion animation:

🎬 Films Discussed:

• Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) — directed by Travis Knight — Laika's most ambitious and visually breathtaking stop-motion animated film, set in ancient Japan and featuring an Oscar-nominated score
  • ParaNorman (2012) — directed by Sam Fell & Chris Butler — Laika's beloved stop-motion horror comedy about a boy who can speak to the dead — perfect for Halloween season watching

The Wasteland Retrospective is a weekly film podcast where Shane Conto and a guest each pick a related film to discuss together — spanning animation history, cult cinema, and hidden gems across every era of filmmaking

Shane Conto — film critic, writer & YouTuber: 🌐 Website | ▶️ YouTube | 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 🎥 Letterboxd

Also hosts Wasteland Watchlist, Cinematic Wasteland, and Wasteland Spotlight on the SPDM Crew network

Mike Hilty — SPDM Crew creator, TV & film enthusiast: 📸 Instagram | 📺 Serializd | 🎥 Letterboxd | ✍️ SiftPop

Also hosts Family Movie Night, Sportsball, Mix CD, SPDM TV, and Geek Speak Louder Than Nerds on the SPDM Crew network.

Have a film pairing suggestion or want to join the SPDM Crew? Email spdmcrew@gmail.com

📲 Follow SPDM Crew: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Bluesky 🌐 www.spdmcrew.com

🎵 Theme music by Kristofer Twadell | Logo by Jason Wilbur @ HiFlyer Creative

Leave a review and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your favorite podcast app!

This week on The Wasteland Retrospective, host Shane Conto (The Wasteland Reviewer) is joined by Jess Conto for a double dose of the one and only Dolly Parton — two iconic musical comedies that cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars:

🎬 Films Discussed:

• 9 to 5 (1980) — directed by Colin Higgins, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin — the beloved workplace comedy that became a feminist classic and spawned one of the most iconic songs in history
• The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982) — directed by Colin Higgins, starring Dolly Parton & Burt Reynolds — the Broadway musical adaptation that gave Dolly one of her most memorable film roles

The Wasteland Retrospective is a weekly film podcast where Shane Conto and a guest each pick a related film to discuss together — spanning cult comedies, musical cinema, and hidden gems across every era of filmmaking.

Shane Conto — film critic, writer & YouTuber: 🌐 Website | ▶️ YouTube | 📸 Instagram | 🎵 TikTok | 🎥 Letterboxd

Also hosts Wasteland Watchlist, Wasteland Spotlight, and Cinematic Wasteland on the SPDM Crew network.

Have a film pairing suggestion or want to join the SPDM Crew? Email spdmcrew@gmail.com

📲 Follow SPDM Crew: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Bluesky 🌐 www.spdmcrew.com

🎵 Theme music by Kristofer Twadell | Logo by Jason Wilbur @ HiFlyer Creative

Leave a review and rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your favorite podcast app!