Back by Popular Demand with Dennis Camlek

Hosted by Dennis Camlek

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Jun 2026

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About the show

From movie theatre usher to accomplished executive, Dennis Camlek channeled his childhood passion for movies into a career in entertainment marketing. Each episode finds Dennis joined by industry thought leaders and content creators to discuss their own passions and achievements, while also addressing topical issues shaping today’s media landscape. Who knew mopping movie theatre floors would lead to this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

June 7, 20261 hr 27 min

Episode 65 - The Length Paradox with Professor Akira Mizuta Lippit

In today’s highly fragmented media landscape, most people can’t last more than a few seconds without checking their phones for another dopamine hit. We live in a doomscroll culture where audiences raised on social media crave quick, bite-sized content. Yet, modern movies are longer than ever. If collective attention spans are shrinking, why is Hollywood making longer films? Author and USC Film Professor Akira Mizuta Lippit joins Jason Thompson and Dennis to unpack this "length paradox" and explore its impact on the next generation of filmmakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 5, 20261 hr 27 min

Episode 64 - "Rocky III"

Propelled by Survivor’s massive hit single ”Eye of the Tiger,” 1982’s “Rocky III” mirrored Sylvester Stallone’s meteoric rise to fame and ushered in the Reagan 80’s with energy and vibrancy. The film explored new terrain for the franchise, showing the consequences of celebrity, complacency and mortality. Jim Camlek and Nick Malone lace up their gloves and return to the ring to pity any fool who doesn’t champion this rousing entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 9, 20261 hr 35 min

Episode 63 - "Caddyshack" and Sam Sokolow

Film comedies are often time capsules, but some, like Harold Ramis’ 1980 cult classic “Caddyshack,” resonate universally. Film and television producer - and now Clemson University film professor in practice - Sam Sokolow joins the show to discuss his career accomplishments, recent pivot to education and why a lowbrow golf comedy has far more significance than one might realize. "I mean, he’s been club champion for three years running and I’m no slouch myself." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 14, 20261 hr 22 min

Episode 62 - "Days of Thunder"

Given the massive success of “Top Gun,” you can’t blame Paramount for running it back with producers Don Simpson & Jerry Bruckheimer, director Tony Scott and actor Tom Cruise. 1990's “Days of Thunder” would inevitably, and perhaps unfairly, be labeled as “Top Gun on Wheels,” but the reality is the film is a superb technical achievement, an entertaining, high octane action vehicle that thrust you into the exciting world of NASCAR. Charlie Legg joins the pit crew to discuss his love of racing, and argue that while rubbin’ is racing, you’re not supposed to hit the pace car. Dedicated to the late Robert Duvall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 7, 20261 hr 38 min

Episode 61 - "Moonstruck"

It’s not every day that you fall in love with your Fiance’s brother, but such is the premise of 1987’s “Moonstruck,” the critically acclaimed and universally adored film that made Cher a movie star. She won a richly deserved Best Actress Academy Award for her performance as repressed widower Loretta Castorini. This cinematic gem about family, sugar cubes and Cosmo’s moon also took home hardware for Best Supporting Actress (Olympia Dukakis) and Best Original Screenplay (John Patrick Shanley). Laura Lubrano joins Dennis to celebrate her proud Italian heritage and savor all the wonderful ingredients of this delicious romantic comedy. Ma, I love him awful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 6, 20261 hr 48 min

Episode 60 - "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" & Director Nicholas Meyer

With “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” considered a costly, poorly received misfire, Paramount tapped veteran producer Harve Bennett and rising filmmaker Nicholas Meyer to refashion the sequel. Meyer’s vision was clear: Hornblower in space. “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” a rousing, superbly crafted entertainment, ultimately saved the franchise and is considered one of the great science fiction films of its time. “Khan” director Nicholas Meyer joins Dennis and his brother Jim to discuss how Dickens and Melville were exactly what “Star Trek” needed. ‘From Hell’s heart, I stab at thee! For hate’s sake, I spit my last breath at thee!’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 24, 20261 hr 40 min

Episode 59 - "Rain Man"

1988 was a transformative year for Tom Cruise. In July he headlined the forgettable guilty pleasure that is “Cocktail,” and at year's end he co-starred with Dustin Hoffman in Barry Levinson’s critically-acclaimed “Rain Man.” The highest grossing film of the year, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture (among others), “Rain Man” catapulted Cruise’s career to the next level and the paradigm-shifting movie star never looked back. Riding shotgun in the Buick Roadmaster, David O’Sullivan joins Dennis to argue that underwear is underwear wherever you buy it, whether in Cincinnati or wherever. Dedicated to Jim Camlek. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 1, 20261 hr 56 min

Episode 58 - "The Shining"

Time has been kind to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” His adaptation of the best-selling novel was initially dismissed by critics and author Stephen King, however it has since been hailed for its chilling aesthetic, superb visual fabric and harrowing sound design. Always ahead of his time, Kubrick got the last laugh, as "The Shining" is now rightfully considered one of the greatest horror films in cinema. Steve Cozzolino checks in to the Overlook and joins Dennis to discuss why all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 13, 20251 hr 41 min

Episode 57 - "No Country for Old Men"

Celebrated screenwriters with a distinct world view, Joel and Ethan Coen pivoted in 2007 with an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel No Country for Old Men; and in typical Coen Bros. fashion they turned in one of the great works of the 21st century, the winner of the Best Picture Academy Award. While guest Jason Thompson would never take a satchel of drug money he still joins Dennis to celebrate this masterwork from two of the most significant filmmakers of this generation. Don’t put it in your pocket sir, it’s your lucky quarter. Anywhere not in your pocket, where it'll get mixed in with the others and become just a coin. Which it is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 31, 20251 hr 32 min

Episode 56 - "Almost Famous"

In 1973 most 15 year olds barely scratch together enough cash to buy an album, yet Cameron Crowe was already touring with bands like Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers and Fleetwood Mac, and writing about it for Rolling Stone. He harnessed those talents into a successful filmmaking career and that early experience was showcased in the critically-acclaimed "Almost Famous." Music lovers Laura Lubrano and Jason Zollan return to the show and join Dennis to stand up for the uncool, because the only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you're uncool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.