In a bonus discussion cut from our 2024 Oscars Special, Jeff Jensen reads a prepared essay comparing Alexander Payne's nominated film The Holdovers to the 1970s films that inspired it.

In the 2024 edition of the Freshman Fifteen Oscar Specials, Jeremy and Daniel are once again joined by Jeff Jensen for a spoiler-free discussion of the year's Best Picture nominees. Following a lengthy deep-dive into the 10 films in question, the three hosts submit their personal ranking of each film nominated, from least to most deserving of the ultimate prize.

F15 is back with our SECOND October episode and the final entry in our comedy block. This time, we turn our focus to SNL alumn and Academy Award winner Adam McKay and his 2004 freshman film, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Daniel muses on the parallels between an artist's approach to making art and their approach to living life, while Jeremy reveals both the right and the wrong way to direct actors. Also, how are legendary characters created?

Proving themselves the most unreliable podcast ever, The Freshman Fifteen stumbles back in for part two of a no-longer summer series focusing on comedy directors. This time: New Zealand actor/writer/director Taika Waititi and his 2007 indie, Eagle vs Shark. Jeremy ponders how one considers the styles and trends of any given decade of film while Daniel delves into the ways in which the attitudes in which a filmmaker approaches their own life and relationships inevitably inform the art they create.

After a lengthy hiatus, The Freshman Fifteen is back to kick off a new summer series focusing on comedy directors. First up: legendary writer/director/producer Judd Apatow and his 2005 film, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Jeremy discusses how many cameras it takes to shoot a comedy scene while Daniel credits Apatow as one of the few filmmakers everyone in his house can enjoy. Also, are stand-up comedians the greatest actors of all?

In the seventh of their annual Oscar Specials, Jeremy and Daniel are, as always, joined by author and pop entertainment maven Jeff Jensen for a spoiler-free discussion of the the 2023 Best Picture nominees. Following a lengthy deep-dive into the 10 films in question, the three hosts submit their personal ranking of each film nominated, from least to most deserving of the ultimate prize.

A Freshman Fifteen exclusive conversation with director Alison Star Locke about her freshman film, The Apology (a dark thriller starring Anna Gunn, Linus Roache and Janeane Garofalo). Jeremy speaks with Alison about the freedoms of within a darker genre, writing psychologically complex characters and the value of a smart, committed crew. Also, Alison discusses the need for more female creative leadership in the film industry.

In this longest-ever episode, Jeremy and Daniel take a break from their podcast break to talk Academy Awards with the ever-faithful, ever-brilliant pop culture maniac Jeff Jensen once again. As always, it's a spoiler-free dive into the Best Picture nominees for Oscars 2022! True to tradition, the three co-hosts end the discussion with their rankings of each film nominated, from least to most deserving.