Least Important Things

Pack your bags and grab your "Remains of the Day" lunchbox. This week on Least Important Things, we are traveling to the "Stool Capital of the World"—Blaine, Missouri—to rewatch the 1997 mockumentary masterpiece, Waiting for Guffman. Mike Wynne returns to the podcast with Luke Ferris to discuss the ambitious musical celebration Red, White and Blaine and the man with the dream:...

We are journeying back to Middle-earth to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film that changed cinema forever: Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. In this special rewatch, Luke Ferris is joined by his two older siblings—the people responsible for his Tolkien obsession—Jay Ferris and Anna Guerink. Together, they discuss the theatrical release of the first film...

In a special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Luke Ferris reads “A Legend of Knockmany” from the Irish Fairy Book .  So curl up in a wool blanket, grab a cup of tea or a pint, and settle in for a folk tale that goes deep into the lineage of Irish culture.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube . Support Least Important Things on Patre...

The Academy Awards is a dramatic cocktail of pop culture obsession and a rare "monoculture" experience. In this episode, Luke Ferris explores why we still tune in 70 years later, even as the "magic" of movie-star mystery has been replaced by social media intimacy. Luke explains the mechanics of the show and why the most moving moments often happen far away from the headlines. I...

It's time to crank up the pop culture oven in the kitchen of nostalgia because this week, Luke Ferris is joined by Zach Hall to deconstruct the "Secret Recipe" for media that stands the test of time—and the ingredients that cause others to sour. From the rediscovered love of The Mummy to the questionable lineage of Monopoly, we’re diving deep into the vault to see what still holds a...

Fifty years after its release, All the President’s Men still feels as relevant as ever. In this essay episode, Luke Ferris explores how a 1970s procedural about two reporters in a newsroom managed to capture the soul of a 13-year-old in 2006—and why it still resonates at age 33. We’ll dive into: The ASMR of the 70s : Why the tactile world of landline phones, typewriters, and match-lit cigarettes c...

"The seeker of serenity, the protector of Italian virginity, the enforcer of our Lord God—the one, the only, Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein!" In this episode, Luke Ferris celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 2001 rock-and-roll medieval mashup A Knight’s Tale . Joining the show to talk about the best hype man in cinematic history is returning favorite Audrey Ferris, from our Parent Trap an...

We're all in this together. In this episode, we’re going back 20 years to 2006 to rewatch a movie that defined a generation of Disney Channel kids: High School Musical. Joining host Luke Ferris are two Wildcats who were there at the beginning—returning guest Eliza McInnis and first-time guest Kloey Ramey. We’ll dive into: The Musical Magic: From the "Start of Something New" on New Y...

Well, it's Groundhog Day...again.  In this episode, Luke Ferris explores the 1993 dark-comedy classic Groundhog Day and the mental health lessons it offers about isolation, burnout, and the search for meaning in the mundane. We’ll dive into: The Breaking Point: How Phil’s move from "flight or fight" to total breakdown mirrors the anxiety of our own modern "long winters." I...

When we think of the quintessential British hero, our minds often jump to the high-octane world of James Bond or the eccentric brilliance of Sherlock Holmes. But as we grow older, the "throne of cool" begins to look a little different. In this episode, Luke explores the "anti-Bond": George Smiley. Created by John le Carré, Smiley isn't a dashing super-spy; he is an overwei...

For anyone who grew up in a northern climate, the phrase “snow day” carries a weight of pure, unadulterated magic. In this episode, host Luke Ferris explores the transition from the childhood wonder of "cosmic intervention" to the grounded reality of shoveling the driveway as an adult. Luke dives into the "sacred rituals" shared on playgrounds everywhere—from sleeping with spoo...

"Ten years. Ten years!" It's time to go back to high school for a special Grosse Pointe, Michigan, reunion episode centered on the 1997 action-comedy cult classic, Grosse Pointe Blan k.  Grosse Pointers Mike Wynne and Peter Tellarico join Luke Ferris to discuss the film's accuracy to 90s suburban Michigan. From the auto industry references to the snacks at the Ultimart, the boy...

After five years of walkable bliss, Luke Ferris has finally relented to the great American tradition: the daily commute. But in the transition from city sidewalks to suburban boulevards, he rediscovered a forgotten magic on the FM dial. In this episode, we explore the "surrender of choice" found in local independent radio (shoutout to Grand Rapids’ own WYCE ) and how the cinematic "...

Are you having a holly, jolly Christmas? Well, you’re about to… Welcome to the first-ever LIT Holiday Special! Luke Ferris and Mike Wynne answer listener questions about Christmas movies, holiday traditions, and more.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube .  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part of the show...

Uncover how the lore of J.R.R. Tolkien's comprehensive work—from The Lord of the Rings to The Silmarillion —speaks to a deeper understanding of life and death compared to the teachings of religion, philosophy, and science.   --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube .  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part o...

On a cold, snowy Sunday night, Luke Ferris drove to the movie theater to see the new film from acclaimed Norwegian director Joachim Trier called S entimental Value .  Here's what he learned... --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube .  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part of the show by leaving a voicemai...

Learn how a TV antenna and an old Super Friends episode led to clarity about the human relationship to technology.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube .  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part of the show by leaving a voicemail here .  You can email the show at leastimportantthings@gmail.com or reach out vi...

String up your Christmas lights and charge your walkie-talkies, today we’re discussing why we love Stranger Things . Joining Luke Ferris in the first-ever outdoor recorded episode is Audrey Ferris to discuss the sensational and nostalgic Netflix show, which is coming up on its fifth and final season.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or...

Welcome to a traditional like any other.  In this episode, we’re pitting the fiercest alien monsters together in a 16-team bracket tournament, where in one shining moment, we’ll crown the best alien monster in movies and television.   Joining Luke Ferris is an expert alien-analyst panel: Mike Wynne and Zach Hall.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your...

We’re celebrating 30 years since the release of Pierce Brosnan’s debut as James Bond 007 in GoldenEye.  Joining Luke for the podcast's first Bond rewatch are Mike Wynne and Zach Hall—aka 001 and 002. --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube .  Support Least Important Things on Patreon You can be part of the show by leaving a v...

In honor of the spooky season, we’re rewatching and discussing the found-footage monster-movie hit Cloverfield .  Joining Luke is Curtis Felten, who saw this movie five times in theaters, and cinephile taste-maker Jacob Felten. The friends reminisce on the cultural sensation that was Cloverfield and why this movie has stood the test of time.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every...

October is the best month for sports fans, so it is the perfect time for another athletics episode focusing on the leaders, playcallers, and mentors. So, who are the best coaches from movies and television?  Luke Ferris, Mike Wynne, and professional volleyball coach Tucker Bitting break down the best and worst of the coaching profession in pop culture.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Th...

In any sport across the globe, rivalries are the competitions that players circle on their calendars, journalists debate at nausium, and where fans unleash their deepest loyalties.  But in the bitterness and intensity, is there a deeper emotion that makes rivalries so special?  In this episode, we'll uncover why sports fans can't live without their rivals.  Featuring friends of the show,...

Cage. Travolta. Two faces enter. One wins. It’s John Woo’s Face/Off , featuring Luke Ferris and his John Travolta and Nicholas Cage–Mike Wynne and Zach Hall.  The boys discuss the outlandish performances, wild Woo action tropes, and why this movie still resonates with audiences.  --- Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube .  Support...

The 2000s were a critical period of transition for movie trailers. From the “In a World” setup to quick-cutting character narrations, the years from 2000 to 2009 laid the groundwork for the needle drop and "BRAAAM" trailers we know today. Luke Ferris and Zach Hall discuss why this era was so integral in the evolution of movie trailers and highlight their favorite trailers of the decade. ...