In this episode of Deep Cuts, co-host Alex Young is joined by frequent guest Craig Smeaton and special guest, film writer Charles Pieper, for a conversation that moves between filmmaking, miniature worlds, and the bizarre realities of everyday life.

Charles shares insights into his work, creative process, and the stop-motion projects he has on the horizon—exploring the patience, imagination, and strange details that make handcrafted filmmaking so distinctive. From there, things get more personal as the conversation turns to crazy neighbours, memorable encounters, and the kind of stories that are almost too strange to be true.

We also dig into our reactions to the latest alien-disclosure release, discussing its big ideas, its impact, and where it lands for us. To round things off, the game takes us through three spooky, gothic, and wonderfully offbeat cinematic worlds.

It’s a funny, strange, and delightfully unpredictable episode of Deep Cuts.

Ann Cusack joins Deep Cuts: The Game!

This week, Jeff Penn welcomes acclaimed actress Ann Cusack to the hot seat, with co-host Alex Young and returning favorite Sam Berry joining the fun.

Known for her memorable performances across film and television, Ann shares stories from her career, reflects on working alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names, and proves that even seasoned actors can be challenged when it comes to the smallest names in the credits.

Then it's time for the game. Armed with three unforgettable films, Jeff puts Ann, Alex, and Sam to the test as they dig deep into their movie knowledge, searching for the most obscure actors they can remember. Every round brings surprising answers, unexpected connections, and plenty of laughs as the competition heats up.

Can Ann outplay two devoted movie fans? Will Alex finally reclaim bragging rights? And does Sam have another deep-cut masterpiece up his sleeve?

Actor and musician Courtney Gains joins Deep Cuts: The Game alongside guest hosts Amanda Jane Stern and Brantley Palmer for one of our most entertaining episodes yet.

Known for stealing scenes in some of the most memorable films of the '80s and beyond, Courtney shares hilarious stories from his decades in Hollywood, reflects on building a career as one of the great character actors of his generation, and talks about his passion for making music. His self-deprecating humor, incredible memory, and behind-the-scenes stories make this an episode movie fans won't want to miss.

Then it's time for the game, where Courtney, Amanda, and Brantley dig deep into three classic films, searching for the most obscure actors they can find. Will anyone uncover the deepest cuts, or will Courtney's encyclopedic knowledge prove impossible to beat?

It's a fun, funny, and nostalgia-filled episode packed with great stories, unexpected trivia, and plenty of laughs.

Actor, writer, producer, and director BoJesse Christopher joins Alex Young and returning Deep Cuts favorite Brantley Palmer for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about life in Hollywood. BoJesse shares stories from his career, including the roles he landed, the opportunities that slipped away, and the unpredictable twists that come with working in the entertainment industry.

From audition rooms and near-misses to memorable performances and behind-the-scenes insights, the conversation offers a fascinating look at the highs, lows, and surprises of a career spent in front of and behind the camera.

Then it's time for Deep Cuts: The Game, where our guests put their movie knowledge to the test by digging deep into the casts of three cult favorites packed with unforgettable characters, quirky performances, and plenty of obscure names. Who will uncover the deepest cuts and claim victory?

Tune in for great stories, plenty of laughs, and another battle of cinematic obscurity.

This week on Deep Cuts: The Game, filmmaker Morley Nelson joins us to discuss his feature film Uncontained, while director Aaron Bennett drops by to talk about his award-winning short film Joker's Wild. We dive into the challenges of independent filmmaking, the creative process behind bringing stories to life, and the friendships and collaborations that help make great films happen.

Then the conversation shifts to the game itself, where our guests tackle a trio of beloved crime classics filled with unforgettable characters, legendary performances, and plenty of opportunities for some truly deep cuts. As always, the goal isn't to name the biggest stars—it's to uncover the most obscure actors hidden within these cinematic favorites.

Who will find the deepest cuts? Who will get lost in the underworld of character actors? Tune in and find out.

What happens when a washed-up baseball pitcher discovers he might be a racewalking prodigy? Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz join Deep Cuts: The Game alongside co-host Dan Riskin to talk about their hit film Racewalkers, which they wrote, directed, and starred in. We dive into the making of the film, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and why racewalking proved to be the perfect backdrop for an underdog sports comedy.

This week on Deep Cuts: The Game, Jeff and Alex are joined by brothers Dan and Matt Riskin for a lively mix of workplace frustrations, high-stakes gambling, and unforgettable college-era chaos.

From tales of soul-crushing office culture to stories of ambition, excess, and friendship gone off the rails, the Riskin brothers bring their trademark wit and insight to a trio of films that couldn't be more different—yet somehow fit together perfectly.

Along the way, the conversation drifts into weird science facts, suggestions for funny travel gifts and plenty of laughs as everyone battles it out for Deep Cuts supremacy.

Who will walk away with the points? Who will get caught making a risky pick? Tune in and find out on this week's episode of Deep Cuts: The Game.

This week on Deep Cuts: The Game, Jeff Penn and Alex Young welcome filmmaker Stefan van de Graaff and composer Michael Whittle for a fascinating conversation about the art of independent filmmaking and the creative partnership between director and composer.

Stefan discusses his feature film Simmer, sharing stories from its production and the journey of bringing the project to audiences. He also gives us a glimpse into his upcoming film, One of Us, and what excites him most about the road ahead. Michael joins the conversation to talk about composing for film, creating emotional impact through music, and collaborating with filmmakers to help shape a story's identity.

Then the competition begins as Stefan and Michael step into the game, tackling movie trivia, unexpected connections, and a few challenges that put their film knowledge to the test.

It's another fun mix of filmmaking stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and movie mayhem on Deep Cuts: The Game.