
Welcome to the Desert of the Reel, a movie podcast where host Ryan Hudson forces co-host Jason Dietz to watch the big blockbuster movies he’s refused to watch because he didn’t think they were worth his time. As two passionate high school English/film/philosophy/creativity teachers with graduate degrees, we're dedicated to using our academic training to argue about and dig deeply into movies. We e... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 150 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | TV & Film | |||

Ghostbusters II: More Slime, Less Magic
The Ghostbusters are back; there's pink slime everywhere, Vigo is causing problems, and apparently New York just needs a little positivity.
This week, we're discussing Ghostbusters II (1989). We break down wh... more
In this episode, we explore the burning question of why we love Ghostbusters (1985). It's creative, it's funny, it's epistemological, and it's makes us ask questions.
Join us as we dig deeply into a movie that, on the surface, seems to be simply ent... more
What happens when doing the right thing becomes a disadvantage?
This week, Jason wanted us to watch I Care a Lot (2020).
In I Care a Lot (2020), Marla Grayson has mastered a system that rewards confidence, manipulation, and the exploitation of leg... more
In this episode, we examine Back to the Future 3, which Jason shockingly decides is better than the first one. His reason: the pathos! You heard it here first! In addition to discussing the superior pathos of this movie, we explore creativity and whe... more
I’ve only heard a few episodes so far, but after being FORCED to watch Hundreds of Beavers, it made the movie seem a lot more interesting to have the deeper meaning pointed out. Well put together, fun, and informative! Great work guys!
I feel like I appreciate movies more, now!
These two make me laugh it I also feel like I’m thinking about movies more.
A good time with some fun insights and thought provoking questions.
Absolutely great show that is a lot of fun and great insights!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.








Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Two English/film/philosophy teacher hosts unpack blockbuster and cult cinema through a rigorous, philosophy-inflected lens. Episodes center on deep analyses of storytelling craft, ethics, time, and culture, paired with witty banter and teaching-style explanations that make complex ideas accessible. They frequently connect cinematic choices to broader questions about creativity, technology, and society, while highlighting what makes certain films endure or fail. A standout aspect is the educators' emphasis on using movies as teaching tools and thought experiments, which can appeal to listeners who enjoy serious cinema discussion delivered with personality and practical takeaways.
What makes this show notable for potential listeners and spon... more
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The Desert of the Reel: A Movie Podcast launched 3 years ago and published 150 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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Recent guests on The Desert of the Reel: A Movie Podcast include:
1. Mark Hudson
2. Martin Harris
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