Episodes
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Episode Description: In this episode of Raising Cinephiles, host Jessica Kantor dives into the return of smoking on-screen. From the nostalgia-fueled imagery in shows like Stranger Things and The Queen’s Gambit to the resurgence of smoking in real life, we explore the cyclical relationship between Hollywood and cultural trends. Is smoking on-screen driving a real-world comeback, or is it reflecting a rebellion against wellness culture already underway? Join us as we question the allure of cigarettes in modern media and consider how we can talk to our kids about these powerful images.
Topics Covered:
* The history of smoking in cinema: from golden age glamour to modern resurgence.
* Truth Initiative's recent reports on tobacco imagery in popular streaming shows and award-winning films.
* How cultural nostalgia, aesthetic choices, and character development contribute to the rise of smoking in movies and TV.
* The real-world impact: Are we seeing a return to smoking in our social circles as a reflection of what’s on-screen, or is it vice versa?
* Conversations we should have with our kids to help them navigate tobacco imagery in the media they consume.
Films & Shows Mentioned:
* The Queen’s Gambit
* Stranger Things
* A Star is Born
* Babylon
* West Side Story
Links Cited in the Episode:
* Truth Initiative - While You Were Streaming: Tobacco Imagery in Streaming Shows https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/smoking-pop-culture/while-you-were-streaming#:~
=TOBACCO%20USED%20TO%20BE%20ALL,Schmidt%E2%80%9D%20and%20%E2%80%9CDaredevil.%E2%80%9D
* Truth Initiative - Tobacco Imagery Rising in Top Entertainment https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/tobacco-pop-culture/tobacco-imagery-rising-top-entertainment-including-among#:~
=Subtopic&text=Lights%2C%20Camera%2C%20Tobacco?&text=To%20find%20a%20smoke%2Dfree,rated%20and%20Oscar%2Dnominated%20movies.&text=While%20You%20Were%20Streaming%202023:%20Lights%2C%20Camera%2C%20Tobacco?&text=If%20playback%20doesn't%20begin%20shortly%2C%20try%20restarting%20your%20device
* Vanity Fair - Smoking Is Back in Movies: Here's Why https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/smoking-in-movies-awards-insider#:~
=Back%20in%20Movies.-,Here's%20Why,%2C%20character%2C%20and%20sometimes%20tragedy.&text=Bradley%20Cooper%20and%20Carey%20Mulligan,say%2C%20%E2%80%9CWhere's%20yours?%E2%80%9D
* Truth Initiative - Tobacco: A Starring Role https://truthinitiative.org/tobacco-starring-role#:~
=Tobacco%20imagery%20infiltrated%20films%20rated,West%20Side%20Story%2C%20PG%2D13
* The Guardian - Smoking Is Back, and It’s Still Cool and Deadly https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jul/02/smoking-is-back-and-its-still-cool-and-deadly
Connect with Us:
* Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jesskantor @RaisingCinephiles
* Share your thoughts on today’s episode and join the conversation. Let’s keep raising cinephiles who can think critically about what they see on-screen.
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 -
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com
Episode Description:In this episode of Raising Cinephiles, host Jessica Kantor delves into the world of children’s movies and how they shape parenting experiences. Jessica shares her personal journey watching beloved films like Curious George, Finding Nemo, and Luca with her son. These iconic movies not only entertain but also teach valuable life lesson…
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Missing episodes?
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Hi. Curious what I look like? Well, I am trying to do a video podcast for the first time. This might never happen again. I need positive encouragement. Also, I need to fix that eye-line when I read the teleprompter. (Oh - and if you’re listening on a podcast platform, you can watch on raisingcinephiles.com)
So, this episode is inspired by the screening of Modern Times I hosted for American Cinematheque’s Friend of the Fest. It was such a fun matinee, and there were A LOT of kids in the audience, including my son. He could not sit still. I thought I made a grave mistake choosing this film. My podcast guests had led me astray.
Then, a week later, something AMAZING happened. We were playing, and he said I was being brought to jail. But it was a really nice jail. And I realized it was the jail Little Tramp enjoyed. It was better than living in the Great Depression. So he took in the story, even though he also wanted to watch his seat slam back into an upright position and make a loud, distracting noise. A good lesson is that just because he isn’t watching the way society deems respectable, it doesn’t mean he isn’t paying attention.
Watching the movie also brought back a flood of memories—it was like Proust’s Madeline. The memories consisted of scenes from films that have permeated culture through time, which is what I outline in this short episode. I hope you enjoy the watch!
(Oh - and if you’re listening on a podcast platform, you can watch on raisingcinephiles.com)
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 -
In this special re-edit of the Thomas Ian Nicholas episode, we dive into his deep-rooted passion for cinema, which blossomed while he was making movies himself. Thomas reflects on his early movie memories, including the lasting impact of classics like Star Wars and The Shawshank Redemption.
He opens up about how he shares his love for film with his kids, navigating the challenges of selecting age-appropriate content and the joy of introducing his son to the magic of cinema. We also explore the importance of physicality in acting and the ongoing journey to bridge the gap between creative vision and execution. The conversation ends with a look at Mary Poppins and the timeless desire to create films that inspire adventure and a sense of wonder.
Here’s the video I mentioned, which reminds me to keep writing, and eventually, I’ll create something that matches my taste.
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 -
In this episode, Julie Cavaliere takes us on a journey through her first movie memory and her deep affection for classic cinema. As the conversation unfolds, Julie and Jessica tackle the complexities of managing screen time for children, emphasizing the need to curate quality content for young minds.
Julie opens up about her career path in the film industry, from studying film and TV production to her roles in development, acting, and writing. She also bravely shares her battle with postpartum anxiety, highlighting the crucial importance of mental health for parents. The discussion delves into the pressures of overstimulation and the importance of finding support as a mother.
Jessica and Julie bond over their children's quirky interests—whether it's trains or a particular love for the color yellow—and reflect on the significance of nurturing these unique traits. They explore how motherhood reshapes one's taste and perspective, sharing personal experiences from the postpartum period and the hurdles they overcame.
Before wrapping up, Julie recommends the timeless film 'Harvey,' while Jessica teases her upcoming presentation of 'Modern Times.' Despite a few technical hiccups at the end, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of cinema, motherhood, and mental health.
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 -
Tosca Musk, CEO of Passion Flix, discusses her love for romance novels and her passion for creating positive stories about love and relationships.
In this conversation, Tosca Musk and Jessica Kantor discuss their favorite movies and the influence of cinema on their lives. They talk about the films that have inspired them, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Strictly Ballroom. They also share their love for filmmakers like Baz Luhrmann, Nora Ephron, and Nancy Meyers. The conversation touches on the importance of storytelling and the emotional impact of movies. They discuss the joy of introducing their children to cinema and their different tastes and preferences.
Raising Cinephiles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Tosca also talks about the process of adapting books into movies and the importance of choosing diverse stories to appeal to a wide audience. She explains that Passion Flix focuses on romance book adaptations as feature films and episodic series. The platform aims to remove shame from sexuality and explore intimate scenes in a way that drives the story and promotes open communication. Tosca also talks about the growth of Passion Flix's library and the importance of niche streaming platforms.
Passionflix's next big film release will be “The Air He Breathes” on August 22. Based on the book by Amazon #1 bestselling author Brittainy Cherry. It's about a woman who - still mourning her husband's death - moves home with her daughter and meets a neighbor rumored to have a dark past who is also drowning in grief.
Thanks for reading Raising Cinephiles! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
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 -
In this episode, actress Esther Moon joins Jessica Kantor to talk about Esther's journey as an actress and the importance of pursuing a passion. They share their experiences of introducing their children to movies and the impact of cinema on their lives.
In this conversation, Esther Moon and Jessica Kantor discuss their experiences with introducing movies and traditions to their children. They talk about the challenges of finding kid-friendly movies in different cultures and the importance of exposing children to different languages and traditions. They also discuss the film JESA, in which Esther Moon stars, and the themes of holding onto traditions while also evolving.
Raising Cinephiles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
They explore the balance between preserving cultural rituals and challenging oppressive gender roles. The conversation concludes with a discussion on fostering a love of cinema and storytelling in children.
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 -
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com
It was such an honor to talk to Denise Di Novi. She’s a prolific producer, director, and fine artist who has made films such as HEATHERS, EDWARD SCISSOR HANDS, and CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE - all three movies had a profound effect on me both in life and as a filmmaker.
Denise shares her first movie memory and the joy of watching films with her mother. She dis…
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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.raisingcinephiles.com
In this episode, Jessica Kantor interviews Camille Guaty about their first movie memories and the impact of movies on their lives. They discuss the power of music in movies and the importance of introducing children to the story world before watching a movie. They also talk about the role of movies in teaching children about real-life topics like mortal…
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Despite doing this interview with Larengytus, it remains one of my favorite conversations. We discuss some incredible filmmaking and parenting topics, from films that play with their genre to guns on-screen and our mutual adoration of watching movies on 35 mm.
I hope you enjoy this new 22-minute edit of this inspiring conversation! The entire hour-long conversation is available to paid subscribers if you want to hear more.
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 -
I’m excited to share this recent re-edit and rerelease of one of our MOST popular episodes. We discuss how cinema influences our lives and kids and discuss one of my top movies, CLUELESS. Please enjoy the episode, available here and on your favorite podcasting platform. (And if you want the full-hour-long discussion, paid subscribers can access it in the archive!)
Gif credit.
This episode is edited by the incredible Mia Stewart, whom I met through my industry mom subgroup that encourages us to hire one another, especially in today’s environment with the industry tightening its belt.
That said, if you enjoy this podcast and the substack, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. It helps me attract partners and parents and allows me to create fun activities to inspire a future generation of Cinephiles.
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 -
This week, I had such an exciting and, dare I say, profound conversation with Joshua Triplett. We found common ground in the movies we love, how we approach our respective craft, and how we both take great pride in parenting.
It’s always interesting to speak with the parents of child actors, and hearing how the Triplett Family bonds through sharing their work with one another is a refreshing take on something that can often feel misguided. I especially loved how Joshua discussed not letting his daughters take work that isn’t artful or beyond their developmental stage simply cause they aren’t in it for the paycheck but rather for the love of it.
I hope you enjoy listening to the conversation!
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PODCAST SUMMARY:
Joshua Triplett shares his first movie memories and how they influenced his passion for acting and the film industry. He recalls his first theater experience, watching a horror film at a young age and being terrified and fascinated by it. He also discusses the impact of watching a movie about Michael Jackson's life and how it inspired him to pursue acting and performing. Joshua talks about growing up in a large family and the influence of his religious upbringing on his exposure to different types of media.
Joshua Triplett discusses the films he enjoys watching with his children and their impact on them. He mentions movies like Problem Child, Homeward Bound, Air Buds, and Three Ninjas, which he loved as a child and now shares with his kids. He also talks about introducing his family to the Indiana Jones series and how it made him appreciate the filmmaking process.
Joshua shares his passion for storytelling and mentions a project he wants to produce about HIV awareness. He also expresses his desire to portray good black fathers in the industry and the importance of family. In this conversation, Joshua Triplett and Jessica Kantor discuss their experiences in the film industry and the importance of loving what you do. J
Joshua recommends the film 'Origin' by Ava DuVernay as a movie that can help someone fall in love with cinema. They also mention their upcoming projects, including Joshua's debut album.
Joshua’s Music Project
Releasing on July 11th, you can pre-save Pursuit of Happiness - here, preview it, or watch the visual album.
Thank you for reading Raising Cinephiles. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
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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