Episodes

  • Better Off Dead & One Crazy Summer - Do You Even Binge? Ep 43

    Better Off Dead & One Crazy Summer - Do You Even Binge? Ep 43
    Mar 28 2026
    Better Off Dead & One Crazy Summer - Do You Even Binge? Ep 43

    The "Cinema of Steve Holland. This week, we’re diving into the mid-80s cult classics that defined a generation of weirdos. We’re breaking down the two "most famous" films from director Savage Steve Holland: the surrealist high school heartbreak of Better Off Dead (1985) and the Nantucket maritime madness of One Crazy Summer (1986).

    Better Off Dead (1985) The film that gave us the relentless paperboy and the "street value" of a mountain. We discuss how this mostly autobiographical story led to a massive rift between Holland and John Cusack, why Cusack famously walked out of the screening after just 20 minutes, and the legendary Howard Cosell-impersonating drag racers. Plus, we look at how a $2 debt became one of the greatest recurring jokes in cinema history.

    One Crazy Summer (1986) Hoops McCann and the quest to save a house on Nantucket. We dive into the classic 80s "rich douchebag" formula, the addition of a young Demi Moore, and Bobcat Goldthwait’s iconic scene stuck inside a Godzilla costume. We also explore why this is a personal favorite and how the "montage" technique was perfected in this era of filmmaking.

    Join us as we discuss:

    The Animation Origin: How Savage Steve Holland went from animating the "Whammy" on Press Your Luck to directing John Cusack.

    The Cusack Cold War: The awkward atmosphere on the set of One Crazy Summer after Cusack told Holland he’d never trust him as a director again.

    The $2 Serial Killer: The story behind the kid who auditioned for the paperboy like a cold-blooded assassin.

    Character Crossovers: Why stars from the TV movie Summer Girl kept popping up in Holland’s cinematic universe.

    The "Double Down" Formula: From skiing the K12 to the final boat race, why these movies always end with a high stakes competition.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Do The Right Thing & Reservoir Dogs - Do You Even Binge? Ep 42

    Do The Right Thing & Reservoir Dogs - Do You Even Binge? Ep 42
    Mar 21 2026
    Do The Right Thing & Reservoir Dogs - Do You Even Binge? Ep 42

    Week 8 of our Indie Movie Explosion series takes us to the 1990s and the streets of Brooklyn. This week, we’re breaking down two films that redefined "cool" and "confrontational" in cinema: The sweltering, social tinderbox of Do the Right Thing (1989) and the blood soaked heist gone wrong of Reservoir Dogs (1992).

    Do the Right Thing (1989) Spike Lee’s masterpiece about the hottest day of the year. We break down the real-life Brooklyn tragedy that inspired the film, the iconic opening dance sequence that left Rosie Perez in tears, and the "Love/Hate" speech that remains one of the most powerful homages to Night of the Hunter. We also discuss the controversial critical reception at the time and why Kim Basinger went off-script at the 1990 Oscars to demand this film get the respect it deserved.

    Reservoir Dogs (1992) The film that proved Quentin Tarantino was the ultimate "thief" of cinema. We dive into how a $30,000 "friends and family" project turned into a $1.5 million Sundance sensation thanks to Harvey Keitel, and why Tarantino partially funded the shoot with his earnings as a Golden Girls Elvis impersonator. Plus, we look at the "Stuck in the Middle with You" torture scene that almost got cut by Harvey Weinstein, and the heartbreaking reason we’ll never see the "Double V Vega" prequel following the passing of Michael Madsen in 2025.

    Join us as we discuss:

    Radio Raheem’s Legacy:

    Why the 240 "f-bombs" and the 8-hour opening shoot were essential to Spike Lee’s vision.

    The "Rat" Foreshadowing: Why Mr. Orange’s tipping habits at the diner were a dead giveaway.

    The Wardrobe Hustle: How a low budget meant Chris Penn wore his own track jacket and Steve Buscemi wore his own jeans.

    The Woods/Tarantino Beef: The agent who got fired for turning down five different offers without telling James Woods.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
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    55 mins
  • Clerks & Hollywood Shuffle - Do You Even Binge? Ep 41

    Clerks & Hollywood Shuffle - Do You Even Binge? Ep 41
    Mar 14 2026
    Clerks & Hollywood Shuffle - Do You Even Binge? Ep 41

    Week 7 of our Indie Movie Explosion series goes "guerrilla" as we break down the films that proved you don't need a budget, just a stack of credit cards and a lot of nerve. We’re diving into the convenience store philosophy of Clerks (1994) and the razor sharp satire of Hollywood Shuffle (1987).

    Clerks (1994) The $27,000 miracle that launched the View Askewniverse. We discuss how Kevin Smith financed the film by selling his comic book collection and maxing out ten credit cards, the "shoe polish" sign that explained why the shutters were always down (because they were actually filming at night), and the original "dark ending" that almost killed Dante Hicks. Plus, the legal battle with the MPAA that gave the film an NC-17 rating just for the way the characters talked.

    Hollywood Shuffle (1987) Robert Townsend’s middle finger to Tinseltown. We break down how Townsend used a "UCLA student" cover story to shoot without permits, the 17 day shoot that was spread over two and a half years, and the brilliance of the "Black Acting School" vignettes. We look at the similarities of In Living Color and why Townsend had to barter moving refrigerators just to get warehouse space for his big finale.

    Join us as we discuss:

    The Clerks logo trivia: Letters stolen from Cosmo, Rolling Stone, and a box of Goobers.

    Why Robert Townsend had to climb through crevices in Mandeville Canyon at 5:30 AM to dodge the cops.

    The Star Wars debate: Were the independent contractors on the second Death Star "innocent victims"?

    And the real-life Winky Dinky Dog inspiration that every LA local recognizes.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • New Jack City, King of New York & Requiem for a Dream - Do You Even Binge? Ep 40

    New Jack City, King of New York & Requiem for a Dream - Do You Even Binge? Ep 40
    Mar 7 2026
    New Jack City, King of New York & Requiem for a Dream - Do You Even Binge? Episode 40

    Week 6 of our Indie Movie Explosion series tracks the rise of the "New Jack" era and the ultimate cinematic comedown. We’re breaking down the high stakes hustle of New Jack City (1991), the cold-blooded neon-noir of King of New York (1990), and the stylistic masterpiece Requiem for a Dream (2000).

    New Jack City (1991) The highest grossing indie of ’91. We look at how the real-life Chambers Brothers and the "Broadmoor" apartment inspired the CMB empire, Wesley Snipes’ transition from a Michael Jackson music video to Nino Brown, and why the Nation of Islam security guards wouldn’t let Judd Nelson on set.

    King of New York (1990) Christopher Walken as the "vampiric" Frank White. We discuss how Wesley Snipes was living in his car during production, the "abomination" premiere that got the cast booed off stage, and the deal Abel Ferrara made with Donald Trump to film at the Plaza Hotel for free.

    Requiem for a Dream (2000) The "horror movie" of addiction. We break down Darren Aronofsky’s "hip-hop montage" style featuring over 2,000 cuts, Ellen Burstyn’s grueling transformation into Sara Goldfarb, and why the word "heroin" is never actually spoken in the film.

    Join us as we discuss the real life Detroit gang that inspired The Carter, Christopher Walken’s free hotel stay from Donald Trump, and the movie that Jared Leto starved himself to make.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Indie Movie Explosion #5 - Do You Even Binge? Episode 39

    Indie Movie Explosion #5 - Do You Even Binge? Episode 39
    Feb 28 2026
    Indie Movie Explosion #5 - Do You Even Binge? Episode 39

    This week, we are diving into the masterfully woven "ensemble" films of the 90s, where random encounters, natural disasters, and a lot of cigarettes define the era. From the sprawling streets of Los Angeles to the neon-lit corners of Hong Kong, we explore how directors like Robert Altman and Wong Kar-wai redefined how stories are told.

    In this episode, we cover:

    Short Cuts (1993): Robert Altman’s epic "slice of life" masterpiece that uses medfly spraying and earthquakes to tie together the lives of 22 principal characters in LA.

    Smoke (1995): Harvey Keitel and William Hurt star in this soulful drama centered around a Brooklyn tobacco shop, where a daily photo project reveals the beauty in the mundane.

    Blue in the Face (1995): The "improvised" sequel to Smoke, filmed in just six days with celebrity cameos from Lou Reed, Madonna, and Michael J. Fox.

    Chungking Express (1994): The film that moved Quentin Tarantino to tears. We break down Wong Kar-wai’s vibrant, neon-soaked stories of lovesick cops and expired pineapple cans.

    Join us as we discuss the "notorious" Julianne Moore scene, Jennifer Jason Leigh’s real life phone sex research, and the soundtrack that gave us Selena’s final recording.


    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Episode 38: The 90's Indie Revolution - Valley Girl, Repo Man, House Party & Swingers

    Episode 38: The 90's Indie Revolution - Valley Girl, Repo Man, House Party & Swingers
    Feb 21 2026
    Episode 38: No Budget, No Problem

    This week, we’re diving back into the Indie Film Explosion of the 80s and 90s, focusing on the scrappy, low-budget masterpieces that defined a generation. From guerrilla filmmaking on the streets of L.A. to the Sundance hits that launched superstars, we’re looking at the movies that proved you didn't need a massive studio budget to make a "real" movie.

    In this episode, we cover:

    VALLEY GIRL (1983): How Martha Coolidge navigated exploitation demands to deliver a genuine teen classic. We discuss the "Romeo and Juliet" of the San Fernando Valley, Nicolas Cage’s bizarre chest-hair triangle, and the music montage that made "I Melt With You" a hit.

    REPO MAN (1984): Alex Cox’s punk-rock satire of Reagan-era consumerism. We talk about Harry Dean Stanton’s refusal to use plastic bats, the secret behind the glowing Malibu, and why every product in the movie is labeled "FOOD" or "DRINK."

    HOUSE PARTY (1990): The Sundance darling that turned Kid ‘n Play into movie stars. We look at the improvisational genius of Robin Harris, the iconic "Funky Charleston" dance-off, and how a legal dispute with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince paved the way for this $26M success.

    SWINGERS (1996): The ultimate guerrilla film. Jon Favreau wrote it in 10 days, and Doug Liman shot it without permits using his own neighbors as actors. We break down the "Money" slang, the infamous answering machine scene, and how a tiny indie movie launched the careers of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Join us as we explore the cult classics that broke the rules and changed Hollywood forever.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

    Indie Movies, 80s Cinema, 90s Cinema, Cult Classics, Film History, Low Budget Filmmaking, Nicolas Cage, Jon Favreau
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    1 hr and 58 mins
  • Episode 37: The 90's Indie Revolution - David Lynch, Robert Rodriguez, and Richard Linklater

    Episode 37: The 90's Indie Revolution - David Lynch, Robert Rodriguez, and Richard Linklater
    Feb 14 2026
    Episode 37: The Indie Film Explosion of the 80s & 90s


    We’re changing things up. This week, we ditched the "director of the week" format because it started feeling like bad homework. Instead, we’re picking our favorite standalone indie hits from the 80s and 90s—including the movies that launched the careers of David Lynch, Robert Rodriguez, and Richard Linklater.

    From selling your body to medical science to fund a film, to finding a severed ear in a field, we're covering the grit and the weirdness of independent cinema.

    Movies discussed in this episode:

    Blue Velvet (1986): David Lynch’s neo-noir masterpiece. We talk about Dennis Hopper’s terrifying performance as Frank Booth and why the "joyride" scene was filmed with a stationary car.

    El Mariachi (1993): Robert Rodriguez’s $7,000 miracle. How he used clinical drug trials to fund the movie and used a wheelchair as a camera dolly.

    Slacker (1990): The "relay-race" film that defined Austin, Texas, and inspired Kevin Smith to make Clerks.

    River’s Edge (1986): The bleak "anti-teen" movie featuring a young Keanu Reeves and a very eccentric Crispin Glover.

    Is the 90s indie boom the peak of American cinema, or just a bunch of guys with too much free time? Let us know.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

    #BlueVelvet #RobertRodriguez #IndieFilm #90sMovies #KeanuReeves #DavidLynch #FilmReview #Podcast
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Episode 36: The 90's Indie Revolution-Jim Jarmusch

    Episode 36: The 90's Indie Revolution-Jim Jarmusch
    Feb 8 2026
    Episode 36: The 90's Era of Jim Jarmusch

    This week, we’re continuing our indie movie discussion with a look at Jim Jarmusch. We already covered his first film, Stranger Than Paradise, but today we’re moving into the late 80s and the 90s as he started getting more well-known.

    To be honest, most of his films aren’t made for the mainstream. They’re art-house to the core, and I’m still not entirely sure they’re for me... every movie is 2 hours long, but feels about 4 hours long.

    Despite that, he’s incredibly influential, especially in the world of “road movies.” We’re breaking down his shift from early collaborations with musicians like Tom Waits and John Lurie to his bigger 90s cult classics.

    In this episode:

    Down By Law (1986): A "neo-noir" prison break starring Tom Waits and Roberto Benigni. It’s a sad and beautiful world (or "word," depending on who you ask).

    Mystery Train (1989): Jarmusch’s first color film. A triptych of stories in Memphis where the journey is the point, even if you never actually get to Graceland.

    Night on Earth (1991): Five cities, five cab drivers, and a whole lot of dialogue. Featuring Winona Ryder, Giancarlo Esposito, and Rosie Perez.

    Dead Man (1995): A psychedelic Western starring Johnny Depp. It’s got a droning Neil Young score and a very different take on the American West.

    Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999): Forest Whitaker as a mob hitman living by the Hagakure. It tries pretty hard to be deep, but the RZA soundtrack is a vibe.

    Is Jarmusch a visionary or just a guy who makes very long walks look like art?

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

    #JimJarmusch #IndieFilm #90sMovies #JohnnyDepp #TomWaits #FilmReview #Podcast
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    1 hr and 39 mins