Hollywood AWAC: Recent Episodes
Hosted by Bill Thill
Hollywood AWAC, the Actors, Writers and Artists Collective, takes an inside look at the art and business of entertainment.
From Hollywood to Broadway, host Bill Thill introduces listeners to friends, colleagues and creatives who make their livings in front of and behind the scenes. From cast and crew to performers, artists and executives, guests share their stories, insights and the wisdom gained from their careers.
An upbeat look at an industry where art and business come together to create and define our culture. A podcast for fellow professionals and fans who want to experience all aspects of the inner workings of show business.
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"The Evolution of 'Survivor'"
"The NOT A Review Show!" host alliance of Bill Thill and Binging Betty discuss the creative, technical and cultural evolution of the long-running CBS smash hit/phenomenon that is "Survivor."
In this episode, 'longtime "Survivor" fan' Betty introduces 'late to the island' Bill to everything he's been missing by not following this landmark series.
This is a longer, deep dive episode of "The NOT A Review Show!" complete with several extended 2-3 minute clips from Survivor's most notorious and important moments.
With all previous seasons now streaming on Paramount Plus, "Survivor" is a bingers paradise and its ongoing "social experiment" is a window into our times.
The show that will Outwit, Outplay and Outlast us all, find out why we believe "Survivor" is the most illuminating reality show in the history of television.
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"Empire of Light"
"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty go to cinema paradise with the Sam Mendes written and directed "Empire of Light."
A romantic drama set around the "Empire Cinema" in a coastal English town in 1981, Mendes' film is inspired by both personal experience and the enduring magic of the movies. The film stars Olivia Colman and Micheal Ward in a story about human frailties and connection during uncertain times.
"Empire of Light" made its world premiere at the 49th Telluride Film Festival in September 2022 and received several nominations during award season including a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination for Colman and an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography for Roger Deakins.
So let's make a stop at the snack counter, take our seats, and find out why "Empire of Light" is Binging Betty's favorite film of 2022.
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"Bill's Dozen Double Features"
What do roses, doughnuts and The NOT A Review Show! have in common? -- They're all better by the dozen!
In this special minisode, Binging Betty puts Bill to the test by asking him to play movie matchmaker. An overview of the first twelve films and series NOT reviewed on the show and some suggestions for pairing them up with another marquee worthy movie for a do-it-yourself double feature.
The NOT A Review Show! has your ticket. Get ready to pop the popcorn and make an evening of it!
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"The Fabelmans"
"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty have a close encounter with Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical origin story, "The Fabelmans."
A film about art, family and the struggle to follow your muse while still staying connected to those you love, this is a must see for fans of Steven Spielberg and cinema itself.
Written by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner and featuring a John Williams score, "The Fabelmans" captures the fabled beginnings of the world's most popular film director.
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"The Whale"
"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty discuss director Darren Aronofsky's critically acclaimed "The Whale."
This episode was recorded just days before the 2023 Academy Awards where Brendan Fraser took home the Oscar for his brilliant performance as Charlie, a morbidly obese recluse seeking connection, meaning and redemption.
Written by Samuel D. Hunter and adapted from his own play, "The Whale" was nominated for three Academy Awards.
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"The 95th Academy Awards Oscar Telecast"
The NOT A Review Show! hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty roll out the champagne carpet and toast this years live Oscar telecast that aired on Sunday, March 12th on ABC.
Recorded just after the credits rolled, Bill and Betty's first reactions are positively positive.
Topics Include:
- Why did the red carpet wear the color champagne this year?
- Jimmy Kimmel; future Emmy winner for Best Host?
- Best speeches sung or otherwise.
- To Naatu Naatu or not to Naatu Naatu?
- Lady Gaga strikes a cord in Betty.
- "Navalny" strikes a cord in Bill.
- Plus, Everything and other and stuff...
A show for film lovers, our favorite teachers, our agent and all the people we neglected to thank.
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"Everything Everywhere All at Once"
"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty jump into the multiverse to talk about the critically acclaimed film that has garnered 11 Oscar nominations.
Recorded in the days before this year's Academy Awards, we believe that "Everything Everywhere All at Once", barring some verse jumping disruption, will be crowned Best Picture on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
A film of remarkable achievements, and one that we're absolutely googly-eyed for, listen and find out how we really feel.
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"Elvis Extras!"
Hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty summon up their inner "Hound Dog" and go down the Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" rabbit hole.
There's "A Little Less Conversation" in this special-feature 'minisode' but "That's All Right." This abbreviated offering is for those with curious and "Suspicious Minds":
-What is Austin Butler's connection to the Manson family? (What!!) Don't worry, Brad Pitt sets things right.
-Plus, the arm touch that was heard around the world.
-If Elvis strolled down Sunset Boulevard would anyone notice?
-What do the "Elvis '68 Special" and the "Star Wars Christmas Special" (1978) have in common?
This "Elvis Extra" is for everyone who "Can't Help Falling In Love" with The NOT A Review Show!
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"Elvis"
"The NOT A Review Show" Hosts Bill 'Shaky Leg' Thill and 'Colonel' Binging Betty put on their "Blue Suede Shoes" for a rockin' chat about Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis."
Our hosts are "All Shook Up" for Austin Butler's award winning performance as the "King of Rock and Roll" but do they both have "Burning Love" for the film?
Give a listen and find out, "It's Now or Never."*
*(You can actually listen anytime you like. It's a podcast, after all...)
Hollywood AWAC Podcasts Presents:
"The Banshees of Inisherin"
"The Not A Review Show" hosts Bill O'Thill and Binging McBetty have a chat about writer/director Martin McDonagh's latest dark comedy.
This Golden Globe winning film stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson (they also worked with McDonagh on "In Bruges") in a story about two friends who are havin' a row.
On a scale of one to ten fingers, with ten always being best, how would you rate this film?
Oh, there's also a little donkey...
Hollywood AWAC podcasts presents:
Bill Thill and Binging Betty are back to the grind with the limited series "Welcome to Chippendales" now streaming on Hulu.
Kumail Nanjiani stars as Chippendales founder Steve Banerjee in this real life, true-crime, eight episode offering.
Hollywood AWAC podcasts presents:
Bill Thill and Binging Betty as they lock onto "Top Gun: Maverick" in this blockbuster episode of "The NOT A Review Show!"
Can anything more be said about this 2022 global hit? -- We think so.
And, is Tom Cruise the "last" movie star?
Plus! Is there a subliminal message in a scene between Tom Cruise and Miles Teller that's hidden in plain sight? (Bill says, Yes!)
It's Tom Cruise. It's Top Gun. "Talk to me, Popcorn."
Hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty discuss The Son, from writer/director Florian Zeller (The Father, 2020).
Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, Zen McGrath and Anthony Hopkins star in this compelling drama about a fractured family struggling to deal with their troubled teenaged son (McGrath).
The Son is a film of extraordinary performances and deals with subject matter that is sensitive in nature.
Note: Includes conversation about depression and self-harm and specific details of the film are discussed.
Hosts Bill Thill and Betty McBinger (aka Binging Betty) try to solve the mystery of Rian Johnson's "Glass Onion" starring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, the world's greatest detective.
(Some spoilers, but we don't give it away...)
Hosts Bill Thill and Betty McBinger (aka Binging Betty) go Hollywood with Damien Chazelle's Babylon starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie.
Hosts Bill Thill and Betty McBinger (aka Binging Betty) go Hollywood with Damien Chazelle's Babylon starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie.
Hosts Bill Thill and Betty McBinger (aka Binging Betty), discuss the long awaited sequel to Avatar.
Host Bill Thill welcomes prop master Dutch Merrick to the show to discuss the art, science and business of props.
Have you ever wondered where all the objects you see actors interacting with on screen come from? The answer is probably a lot more complicated than you realize. With over two decades in the business, Dutch is a master of his craft and a great storyteller who's currently at work on a book and documentary film about the history of props and property masters in Hollywood.
A trade where creativity, art, engineering and good old fashioned hustle are necessary to succeed, this behind the scenes look at one of the most important aspects of putting on a show is sure to inform and entertain.
Plus, Dutch plays 'The Lightning Round' and wishes for a particular super-power that would definitely make his job easier!
SHOW NOTES:
Guest V.O.
"Previously On..." Leah Brock
MUSIC:
"Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra
INTRO CLIP:
"The Jerk" (1979)
CLOSING CLIPS:
"Blazing Saddles" (1974)
Bill welcomes writer and broadcaster Ken Zurski to the show to discuss his process of researching, writing and publishing his first book, "The Wreck Of The Columbia", a true story chronicling the sinking of a paddle wheel steamboat on the Illinois River on July 4th, 1918.
Ken sheds light on the path he took from radio professional to embracing stories of local history and subsequently conceiving of and launching his third book, "Unremembered: Tales of the Nearly Famous & the Not Quite Forgotten". That idea is now gaining footing with a global audience of historically curious readers.
Ken reminds us that stories are everywhere and how sometimes the inspiration we're looking for might be right in our own backyard.
SHOW NOTES:
GUEST V.O.: "Previously On..." - Leah Brock
MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra
INTRO CLIP: "Barton Fink" (1991)
Host Bill Thill sits down with writer Joe R. Lansdale ("Hap and Leonard", "Cold In July", "The Bottoms", etc.) and Kasey Lansdale to discuss their recent collaboration writing their new book, "Terror Is Our Business".
This talented father/daughter duo chat about the creative process and what it takes to build a life less ordinary while pursuing creative endeavors.
Joe's rise from his Nacogdoches, Texas roots to international best selling author is only part of the Lansdale family all-American success story.
Beyond being an award-winning author, Joe speaks with fatherly pride about Kasey's work as a singer/songwriter and recording artist, his son Keith's skill as a screenwriter and how his wife Karen was was the supportive muse that helped launch the entire Lansdale family creative enterprise.
A fun and inspirational discussion that celebrates the benefits of hard work and early rejection to the sometimes tearful results of meeting your idol, the creativity and kindness of the the talented Lansdales shines through as Joe and Kasey share their stories and tips for leading a creative life.
SHOW NOTES
GUEST V.O.:
"Previously On..." Leah Brock
MUSIC:
"Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra
"Sorry Ain't Enough" Kasey Lansdale
"Living In The Moment" Kasey Lansdale
INTRO CLIP:
"Bubba Ho-Tep" (2002)
Host Bill Thill meets up with critic, journalist, and digital content creator Tara McNamara at the Cinemark Theaters in Los Angeles to discuss movies of the 1980's.
Tara has been a critic for Common Sense Media for 15 years, written for Variety and Fandango and is the founder of 80sMovieGuide.com. She also produces the podcast, "80's Movies: A Guide To What's Wrong With Your Parents", a show she co-hosts with her daughter.
Tara is an expert on the films of the 1980's and her unique take on the decade, that was defined by teen movies and MTV, will both delight and horrify...and somehow that seems appropriate!
Film fans, and those harboring prom photos that feature big hair, will enjoy this trip down movie memory lane.--And we promise not to tell your kids!
SHOW NOTES:
GUEST V.O.: "Previously On..." - Leah Brock
MUSIC: "Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra
INTRO CLIP: "Caddyshack" (1980)
Host Bill Thill is joined by acting coach Dave Abbitt for an in depth conversation about acting and what's required to master the craft.
With many years in the entertainment industry, Dave is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable instructors around. His weekly scene study class at the Raven Playhouse in the NoHo Arts District is designed to challenge and inspire actors to reach their full potential.
Plus, the 'movie you might have heard of' toy line that got away and Dave plays "The Lightning Round!"
SHOW NOTES:
Guest V.O.
"Previously On..." - Leah Brock
MUSIC:
"Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra
INTRO CLIP:
"Birdman" (2014)
CLOSING CLIP
"Blazing Saddles" (1974)
To Squee Or Not To Squee!
Host Bill Thill is joined by self-described obsessed 'fangirl' and New York based documentary filmmaker Hansi Oppenheimer to discuss the power of female fandom.
According to the Urban Dictionary, Squee! is the sound a fangirl makes, 'To Squeal with Glee', when expressing a feeling of excitement and happiness.
We go behind the Squee! to discuss the self-empowerment of fandom and the influence fans have on the industry. Hansi also shares her experience of using new, readily available, technology to create filmed content for a receptive worldwide audience by any means necessary.
Plus, Hansi plays 'The Lightning Round!'
SHOW NOTES:
Guest V.O.
"Previously On..." - Leah Brock
MUSIC:
"Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra
INTRO CLIP:
"This Is Spinal Tap" (1984)
Host Bill Thill and Producer, Writer and Pop Culture expert Jake Deptula meet for coffee and conversation at Priscilla's coffee shop in Toluca Lake, CA.
In the shadow of Disney and Warner Bros. Studios, Priscilla's is the place to meet and greet friends in this famous media triangle neighborhood that's also home to the Garry Marshall Theater.
Part-time contributor to the Hollywood AWAC podcast and full-time inspiring guy, Jake talks about his career path, how to navigate in the new Hollywood environment and shares his insight into a way of thinking that will benefit any creative as they build a career in the business.
Plus, Jake plays 'The Lightning Round!'
SHOW NOTES:
Guest V.O.
"Previously on..." - Leah Brock
Music
"Hooray For Hollywood" Benny Goodman Orchestra
"Stayin' Alive" The Bee Gees
Host Bill Thill is joined by guest contributor, writer Michael Claibourne for an "Opening Night" overview of the Hollywood AWAC community and podcast.