Can We Be Frank?

Can you tell from a trailer whether a movie is going to be great, terrible, or so ridiculous you have to see it? Mike, Robert, Derek, and Ruby watch upcoming movie and TV trailers together and give their completely unfiltered first reactions. Some trailers leave everyone confused. Some spark arguments about remakes, recycled ideas, gratuitous violence, tired comedy, and whether Hollywood has offic...

<p><strong>Can you actually be creative on demand, or do your best ideas show up when you stop forcing them?</strong> Derek, Ruby, Robert, and Mike compare how they get unstuck, find ideas, and do creative work when deadlines do not care whether inspiration has arrived.</p> <p>From blank pages, writers' rooms, editing, problem solving, and collaboration to showers...

Why do some great movies flop at the box office, only to become cult classics years later? Mike, Robert, Derek, and Ruby debate underrated movies, box office failures, forgotten films, and the movies audiences eventually realized deserved a lot more love. Robert makes the case for Watcher , Derek defends The Prestige , and Mike goes to bat for Donnie Darko and Adventureland , including what it was...

When do sex, nudity, violence, gore, and profanity make a story better, and when are they just there for shock value? Robert, Derek, Ruby, and Mike debate how far movies and TV should go, asking one question throughout: Does it serve the story? From the suspense of Halloween and Jaws to the violence of Saving Private Ryan and Pulp Fiction , we explore when showing more strengthens a story and when...

What makes a story unforgettable, and why do some movies, TV shows, and characters stay with us for decades? Mike, Derek, Ruby, and Robert break down what makes great storytelling work, from emotion, structure, surprise, performance, and world building to the deceptively simple question behind countless memorable ideas: What if? Using E.T. , Star Wars , Breaking Bad , The Twilight Zone , and more,...

Why do great TV shows get canceled while others somehow survive forever? Mike, Derek, Ruby, and Robert dig into why beloved TV series disappear, what keeps others alive for years, and the business decisions that can matter just as much as whether a show is actually good. From Freaks and Geeks , Buffy the Vampire Slayer , and The Office to Breaking Bad and The Simpsons , we debate canceled-too-soon...

Can AI create real art, or does creativity still depend on the human behind the technology? Dru of INDRUWORLD joins Mike, Robert, Derek, and Ruby to debate AI music, human creativity, artist ethics, transparency, and what artificial intelligence means for the future of musicians. Dru explains how she combines original songwriting, production, AI tools, live performance, and community building as a...

What happens when the thing you love becomes your job? Derek, Ruby, Robert, and Mike debate whether turning a passion into a career is really the dream we are told it is, or whether deadlines, clients, money, and pressure can slowly take the joy out of something you once loved. We get into creative burnout, side hustles, perfectionism, finding purpose in your work, and the complicated truth behind...

What if the next big filmmaker, storyteller, or entertainer isn’t waiting outside a studio gate — but already building an audience from their phone? In the Season 2 premiere of Can We Be Frank?, Mike, Robert, Derek, and new co-host Ruby get frank about the changing future of entertainment: why Hollywood keeps reaching for remakes, why original ideas are breaking through on social media, and why cr...

Take a trip down memory lane on Can We Be Frank? as we revisit the iconic films and TV shows of the '90s. We'll discuss our top picks, the era's biggest box office hits, and vent about today's shrinking TV seasons. Plus, we tackle the topic of nepotism in Hollywood, spotlighting the critical reception of Kanye West's daughter in The Lion King tribute. Join us for a mix of nosta...

Join us on Can We Be Frank? as we debate the necessity of formal education in the entertainment industry, juxtaposed with thrilling tales from the wild world of Jackass and Nitro Circus. We also dive into strategies for balancing work with personal life, sprinkled with our favorite ways to unwind with hobbies. Tune in for a blend of daring stories and practical advice, perfect for adrenaline junki...

Join us on Can We Be Frank? as we delve into the business of autograph conventions and the varied fees charged by celebrities. We also discuss the secrets to sustaining a long career in the entertainment industry and share the essential insights and advice we wish we had known when first starting out. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

Get ready for a high-voltage episode of Can We Be Frank? as we ignite a debate between Tron and Tron Legacy – which digital universe reigns supreme? Dive into the art of adaptation with guest Lee Wiley, who reveals the magic behind turning screenplays into graphic novels. And if you're battling the creative blues, we've got the ultimate tips to turbocharge your imagination. Don't miss...

In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we delve into the buzz around one Oscar dress that sparked a social media firestorm, take a closer look at the award ceremony's unforgettable moments, and break down the typical timeline of a film's journey from initial idea to the big screen. Join us for an engaging exploration of fashion controversies, cinematic celebrations, and the realities of movi...

In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we delve into recent Emmy and Oscar controversies and award show rules, celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking, and share our thoughts on the most rewarding part of the production process. Join us for a candid look at the highs and lows of creating and recognizing excellence in film and television. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we delve into the transition of hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune post Pat Sajak, unwrap the intriguing screenwriting journey of Halloween H20, and answer a student's question about integrating AI into our work lives. Tune in for a blend of entertainment insights and tech talk. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we have a candid debate surrounding nepo-babies and the power of networking in the entertainment industry. Plus, we tackle a burning question from a listener: Is pursuing film school really worth it? Join us for a frank discussion on privilege, opportunity, and the realities of breaking into Hollywood. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell