In this episode of Within the Donut Hole, we open the case to the beautifully obsessive world of vinyl collecting with a very special guest: Mo Shafeek, co-founder of Mutant.

We dive deep into Mutant’s Wake Up Dead Man vinyl soundtrack release. From the haunting score by Nathan Johnson to the intricate artwork, packaging, and the dangerously tempting variant - the devilish “Eve’s Apple”. This is a conversation about what happens when film, music, and design collide to create physical media.

We talk process, collaboration, and the philosophy behind making something you don’t just listen to but hold. What goes into crafting a release that feels like an extension of the film.

And yes, we discuss how our love life meets our love of collecting records, cassette recorders pressed to our television sets, and of course, Mutant’s Star Wars Revenge of the Sith Lava release.

@aknivesoutpod

Sun, sand, and a perfectly constructed murder.

This week on Within the Donut Hole, we break down Evil Under the Sun, one of Agatha Christie’s most elegant films. With Hercule Poirot at the center, we explore how a seemingly simple timeline becomes a masterclass in direction, score, script, casting, cinematography, editing, costume design, and locations.

From airtight alibis to carefully hidden truths, this is classic cinematic detective storytelling at its finest and a fascinating blueprint for our modern-day sleuth Benoit Blanc.

And yes, the tray of unidentifiable cocktails and the mysterious cheese with cherries will be discussed.

@aknivesoutpod

In this chapter of Within the Donut Hole: a Benoit Blanc podcast, we step just outside the crime scene and into the casting office. We each draft five actors we believe would be perfect additions to the next Knives Out ensemble. Casting not by rumor or reporting, but by instinct for the unmistakable Rian Johnson vibe. From quiet intensity to legacy gravitas, we debate who belongs in Benoit Blanc’s next case. Before the speculation begins, I share the surreal real-world moment of meeting Rian Johnson and Nathan Johnson at Amoeba Records. Step within the donut hole.

@aknivesoutpod