Film Saves World

Shana and Michael catch up after a year long hiatus (they're busy with theater and adulting, sorry)! They fill you in on what they've been up to in their lives and talk about: - The well deserved success of Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie - Shana's new short film "Birdie" - WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike - Film Festivals/Distribution - Michael's amazing experience...

We are thrilled to welcome international bestselling author, actress, screenwriter, costume designer, and songwriter: Donna Foley Mabry! She is one of America’s most celebrated self-published authors and has written over 35 books. Donna is best-known for her book ‘Maude.’ This is the true story of her grandmother’s life and her journey to Detroit during the Great Depression. ‘Maude’ has over 15,00...

We are SO excited to chat with the extraordinary, versatile actress Suanne Spoke! Suanne is magical, real AF, and hilarious. She has had an incredible career spanning over 36 years in Hollywood. We dive deep into her audition process and talk about what it was like filming her newest hit series ‘The Thing About Pam’ with Renée Zellweger (based on the Dateline true crime story of Pam Hupp) - now on...

In this episode Shana & Michael catch up after their hiatus and then interview successful TV & Film writer/producer Ryan Farley ("Ozark," "Justified," "Cold Case," & so much more!). We talk about how Ryan got started in the business and what keeps him motivated/inspired; as well as his writing process and what it truly takes to make it as a writer/producer...

Happy Halloween!! In Part 2, Shana & Michael tell some SPOOKY ghost stories that actually happened to them (including an amazing experience that just happened recently to Michael at a haunted inn)!!! 💀🧛🤡😈🎃   #halloween #ghoststories #horrorfilms #witches #filmmakers #actorslife #filmpodcast

Join Michael and Shana for this special two-part Halloween episode of FSW!! They discuss why this is BOTH of their favorite Holiday, why old-school horror films are sometimes SO much scarier than modern-day high-tech films, and they even share some personal TRUE ghost stories!! This is one you don’t want to miss! 💀👻🧛🤡😈🎃   Check out Michael's hilarious ghost hunting web series "Para...

Well, hello there! Shana and Aris continue their conversation with Michael about his journey as an actor and filmmaker. Michael discusses his passion project, the indie feature film "Maybe Someday" (which he wrote, co-produced, and starred in). The film is about the pain of adulting, overcoming depression, and how it's never too late to get the life you want. You'll laugh and c...

We’re back with FILM SAVES WORLD podcast!!! This is a special two-part episode with Aris Alvarado returning as the GUEST cohost with Shana Gagnon as they interview their “guest star” Michael McKiddy!!  Michael gets to take a break as host this time and HE will be interviewed by Aris and Shana! In Part 1 - They discuss his recurring role on the Netflix hit show ‘STARTUP,’ - where Michael has a fant...

In this super fun episode we discuss an inspiring movie that we love with all of our hearts - AMERICAN MOVIE (a documentary feature that took home the grand jury prize at Sundance Film Festival in 1999)! It follows a small town filmmaker (Mark Borchardt) desperate to achieve his dream of making a movie. We talk about the most hilarious, relatable, and inspiring parts of the film, as well as the im...

On this episode we welcome the one-and-only Aris Alvarado! Aris is a terrific actor; adored by his friends, family, and colleagues. He is one of the kindest, most genuine people on the planet. And one of the hardest working and consistent actors in the business. To know Aris is to love him! He might live in Hollywood, but he stays true to his roots! New York born-and-raised, Alvarado will love the...

In this episode we welcome the extraordinarily talented, hard-working, incredible filmmaker/entrepreneur - Nicki Sun! Topics include: leaving your day job to fully commit to your life's passion; the LA hustle (the struggle is REAL), and how your roots/family shape who you become. We dive deep into the topics of inclusion/diversity in the industry; racism in America, preventing Asian hate crim...

In this episode we welcome our FIRST guest artist - the amazing director/actor/singer/cellist Andrew Retland! We dive deep into the subjects of social justice reform, what it "means to be an ally," systemic racism, and what it truly "means to be a Patriot," and so much more! Andrew also discusses his powerful new film, “Letter: To America, With Love (A Conversation Between A Fa...

Shana & Michael are half-vaxed! This episode is all about the awesomeness of the 1990’s, growing up in the 90’s, great films of the 90’s, and why are people NOW so nostalgic for the 90’s?! And they discuss Soleil Moon-Frye’s new documentary on Hulu “Kid90” - and why it was SO GOOD! 

Actors/writers/filmmakers Shana Gagnon ("Maude," "Secret," Phantom Films) & Michael McKiddy ("DeadHeads," "Dropping the Soap," "StartUp") discuss what to expect from this podcast, what projects they've worked on and are currently working on, living in Hollywood for over a decade, movies, TV shows, Detroit love, theater, more movies, and so...