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Cows in the field

Blobcat Filmindustri
Philosophy
Masculinity
Friendship
Heat
Wrestling
Christmas
Film Industry
Hollywood
Nostalgia
Dogville
The Iron Claw
Film Noir
Film Awards
Demolition Man
Whiplash
Tenet
Capitalism
Christopher Nolan
Von Erich Family
Gaslight

A movie podcast inspired by a Werner Herzog quote, “We have to articulate ourselves, otherwise we would be cows in the field.” Hosted by Justin Khoo (professor of philosophy at MIT) and Laura Khoo (art historian turned fundraiser).

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes176Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Film InterviewsTV & Film

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Latest Episodes

We journey up river with Roxana Hadadi (New York Magazine and Vulture) to explore Martin Scorsese's 1991 film, CAPE FEAR! We explore how the film portrays the crumbling of American middle class institutions -- family, religion, law -- from the inside... more

We are joined by many time guest Emily St. James (Yellowjackets) to discuss Frank Darabont's modern Capra film about hope, defiance, cosmic injustice, Stephen King, prison, freedom, and more! Is it crazy to like Forrest Gump more than this film? Look... more

We are talking Safdies with Andrew Overbye (The Authorized Novelizations Podcast)! We discuss risking it all to have it all, capitalism, addiction highs and lows, five-way parlays, striving, the Sandman, and much more! In the gem, one can see the uni... more

We sit down with MIT philosopher Tushar Menon to discuss Looper. Does its time travel make sense? What questions does it raise about identity, regret, parenting, and cycles of violence? Would your younger self hate you now? Tune in to find out!

Visi... more

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Recent Guests

Tushar Menon
Philosopher of physics
MIT
Episode: 171. Looper (w/ Tushar Menon)
Aaron Meskin
Professor of philosophy at the University of Georgia, expert on philosophy of art and aesthetics
University of Georgia
Episode: 169. Billy Elliot (w/ Aaron Meskin)
Bar Luzon
Professor of philosophy at MIT; invited guest who brought the film and presents an immigration reading
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Episode: 168. Past Lives (w/ Bar Luzon)
Zed Adams
Professor of philosophy at the New School for Social Research
New School for Social Research
Episode: 167. Blade Runner (w/ Zed Adams)
Matthias Michel
Professor of philosophy, MIT; expert in the science of consciousness
MIT
Episode: 166. 2001: A Space Odyssey (w/ Matthias Michel)
Aaron West
Co-founder of Cine Journeys, author of The A24 New Wave
Cine Journeys
Episode: 165. Ex Machina (w/ Aaron West)
Tim Smartt
Senior lecturer in philosophy
University of Notre Dame, Sydney
Episode: 164. The Long Goodbye (w/ Tim Smartt)
Robbie Kubala
Philosophy of art and aesthetics scholar acting as guest on the episode
University of Texas at Austin
Episode: 163. Enemy (w/ Robbie Kubala)
Dave Baker
Philosopher of physics at the University of Michigan; fiction writer
University of Michigan
Episode: 162. The Grey (w/ Dave Baker)

Host

Laura Khoo
Art historian turned fundraiser; co-host who introduces topics and engages with guests

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 148 ratings
  • I love how the hosts talk about the philosophy behind the plot of a great movie selection. Very wise commentary with interesting I sights. Great podcast.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Flavio
    a year ago
  • A very insightful film podcast with two marvelous hosts. Having collaborated together on a review episode of the John Frankenheimer movie "Seconds", Justin and Laura were very engaging, keeping the flow of the discussion on with new and exciting questions regarding the film's themes and each of the participants' thoughts.

    Podchaser
    5
    royalewithoutcheesepod
    2 years ago
  • Great film podcast!

    I really enjoy this one. The range of films they talk about and then give respect to each (most recently Hot tub Time Machine and further back Eyes Wide Shut to give a flavour of the range) feels unusual and refreshing for a film podcast. They always get good guests too adding something of themselves to the choice of film.

    My favourite thing is how they get under the skin of a film and in particular the humanity of all the films. It’s not just a summary of what’s cool or bad

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Crayo the mister
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Great film podcast!

    Im always excited to see a new episode of Cows in the Field show up in my queue. Enjoyable discussions on philosophical themes in movies from people who enjoy film. Love the guests too!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Celeste_Talbert
    United States2 years ago
  • Best Philosophical Podcast in movies!!!

    Found the podcast through Matthew Strohl. I immediately fell in love with it because of the philosophical approach to movies. Some of the podcasts made me so happy. Things I have been saying to friends about certain films like Starship Troopers. To hear similar opinions or points being made about films in the show made me very happy!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A Dutch guy
    Netherlands2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Hosts' banter and guest dynamics are frequently highlighted as a strength.
Guests consistently add new perspectives, enhancing discussions.
Listeners praise the range of films discussed and the thoughtful, human-centered readings.
The show is appreciated for its accessible yet rigorous philosophy-forward analysis.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

173. The Shawshank Redemption (w/ Emily St. James)
Q: How does the ending function for the film's central themes?
The ending is discussed as a deliberate coda that shifts focus from Andy's escape to Red's redemption, adding a spiritual or existential layer that emphasizes friendship, renewal, and the persistence of hope even after institutional trauma.
169. Billy Elliot (w/ Aaron Meskin)
Q: What drew Aaron Meskin to Billy Elliot as a subject of philosophical interest?
He describes the film as a rich case study in how art and movement can negotiate gender, class, and identity within a social context.
164. The Long Goodbye (w/ Tim Smartt)
Q: Tim, so I didn't know you were a big fan of Altman, and in particular, The Long Goodbye. So when you suggested this, I was very excited. Tell us a little bit about your relationship to the film.
Tim describes growing appreciation with multiple viewings, noting how the film rewards rewatching as the pieces click into place, especially in understanding the central mysteries and the anti-institutional mood that Altman threads through the narrative.
162. The Grey (w/ Dave Baker)
Q: Dave, what interests you about this film, and what's your relationship with it?
Dave discusses the film as a meditation on meaning, death, and belief, noting its atheist or agnostic undertones and how it frames hope through human connection and courage rather than relying on traditional religious certainty.
157. Body Heat (w/ Alex Kugelman)
Q: How did you meet Will Sennett, and what was he like to work with?
Alex expresses how he met Will through mutual friends at a talent agency, praising his incredible comedic talent.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Interests
Professions
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cows in the field

What is Cows in the field about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two philosophy-minded hosts explore films through philosophical, aesthetic, and cultural lenses, featuring a rotating cast of academic guests and industry thinkers. Conversations consistently blend rigorous analysis with accessible, human-centered readings, often tying themes to broader social questions like immigration, memory, identity, and technology. The show stands out for its lively banter, cross-disciplinary approach, and willingness to reframe familiar films through fresh theoretical angles. Typical episodes balance close textual analysis with personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes storytelling, making it appealing to listeners who enjoy thoughtful, tradition-breaking film discussions and scholarly context without feeling inaccess... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Cows in the field?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Cows in the field:

1. Filmspotting
2. Critical Darlings
3. Blank Check with Griffin & David
4. Unclear and Present Danger
5. The Next Picture Show

How many episodes of Cows in the field are there?

Cows in the field launched 7 years ago and published 176 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Cows in the field?

Recent guests on Cows in the field include:

1. Tushar Menon
2. Aaron Meskin
3. Bar Luzon
4. Zed Adams
5. Matthias Michel
6. Aaron West
7. Tim Smartt
8. Robbie Kubala

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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