Reel Wisdom with Derek Diamond

Have the Oscars lost their appeal to fans of film? Derek gives his reasons why he’s not too excited about this weekend’s Academy Awards, how he thinks the ceremony has lost its appeal, what he would do to improve it, and how he compares the Oscars to pro wrestling (0:48). Plus, the Top 5 returns as Derek lists his Top 5 Movies from the ‘90s (10:26)! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Derek gives his thoughts on the phenomenal job that Wyatt Russell has done in bringing the John Walker character to life, and what the name “Captain America” truly means (0:52). Plus, Derek is joined by writer-director and stars of “Warmed-Over Krautrock,” Mark Tompkins, Kate Dalton, Adam Weber and Derek James Elstro. They discuss the inspiration behind the film and how it speaks to different type...

“Godzilla vs. Kong” is the first major blockbuster movie of 2021. Derek breaks down his thoughts on the film, why it’s exactly what it needs to be, the “SnyderVerse” fans allegedly trying to sabotage the film with bad reviews, and the use of his hometown of Pensacola in the movie (0:39). Plus, Derek is joined by writer-director and stars of “The Tangle,” Christopher Soren Kelly and Jessica Graham....

To celebrate seven years of "The Derek Diamond Experience", Derek hosts a special "Ask Me Anything" live show. Among the topics discussed are his thoughts on “Zack Snyder’s Justice League”, the news of “Black Widow” being delayed yet again, his excitement for the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series, some of his most anticipated movies of 2021, how much time he spends on his hair every morning, and how he feel...

This week, Derek looks back at his conversation with musician Laura Hall! (Note: This originally aired as Episode #123 of The Derek Diamond Experience on October 20, 2016) Musician Laura Hall chats with Derek about growing up around the music/improv scene in Chicago, working as a waitress at The Second City, her time on the hit comedy show Whose Line is it Anyway?, her band The Sweet Potatoes, her...

Derek looks back on a year of changes in the film and television industries and recaps some of his former guests thoughts on the pandemic (0:49). Plus, Derek is joined by writer-director and stars of “Dead Again,” Steven M. Smith, Tony Fadil and Elliot Cable. They discuss the inspiration behind the film, the dynamic between Tony and Elliot’s characters, some of their favorite stories from the set,...

It appears as if Superman will fly again, with JJ Abrams producing and author Ta-Nehisi Coates writing the script for another reboot. Derek talks gives his thoughts on why he has no problem with an African American Superman, and how a reboot can both help and hurt DC films in the long term (0:47). Plus, filmmaker Dr. Thomas Keith joins the show to chat with Derek about his new documentary, “Bullie...

It’s Episode 300! Derek reflects on years of podcasting, talks about some big changes in his personal life, and lists his Top 5 Moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (4:28). Plus, actor Brian O’Halloran joins the show to chat with Derek about the making of Clerks, how the movie has inspired a generation of filmmakers, Kevin Smith’s inspiration for the Dante and Randal characters, the thankles...

In honor of Black History Month, Derek talks about the history of African Americans in the film industry, some of the most emotionally powerful Black films, his thoughts on the newly released “Judas and the Black Messiah” (0:53). Plus, actress/director/producer Victoria Gordon joins the show to chat with Derek about the changes in her career due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the inspiration be...

It's been a long-debated topic: What is the better way to tell a story? Film or television? Derek gives his thoughts on the “watercooler talk” caused by compelling television, the appeal of both platforms, and why story structure is the reason he prefers film (0:48). Plus, writer/director Maceo Greenberg, actor Andrew Creer, and actress Samantha Robinson join the show to chat with Derek about thei...

After its initial launch, the “Cobra Kai” series quickly gained a loyal fanbase, one that expanded even more when the series moved to Netflix. Derek gives his thoughts on his initial expectations for the show, why nostalgia sells, and his thoughts on the latest season (0:44). Plus, actor Han Soto joins the show to chat with Derek about his pivotal role in “Cobra Kai” season three, the unique charm...

By popular demand, it’s the return of the Top 5 lists! With Valentine’s Day approaching, Derek lists his Top 5 Film and TV Couples (3:25). Plus, actor/writer/director Elesia Marie joins the show to talk about the inspiration behind the story of “Zombeez”, the strong filmmaking community of the Gulf Coast, how she’s been preparing for shooting, bee puns, what made her want to be an actress, trying...

The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the film industry, as many blockbuster films originally scheduled for a 2020 release are pushed back yet again. Derek breaks down the latest batch of delays, and how it will impact 2022 releases (4:19). Plus, actor Bourke Floyd joins the show to chat with Derek about his time on set of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, why PA’s deserve more cr...

Casting director Jaimie Beebe joins the show to chat with Derek about how the pandemic has affected her career, how running a friend’s production company started her career in the film industry, and her early career in reality television. They also talk about the risks and rewards of “putting yourself out there” to the industry, the process of a casting director’s job, the positive outcomes of Cov...

Actor Christina Wren joins the show to chat with Derek about how the film industry has adjusted to a virtual environment, how she was fascinated with acting from an early age, and the role her mother played in pursuing her career. She also talks about the importance of understanding all aspects of the film industry, playing the role of Major Carrie Farris in “Man of Steel” and “Batman V. Superman:...

This week, Steve Wise and Thomas Carter Rochester join Derek for a special roundtable discussion on “The Mandalorian” television series. They discuss their initial expectations for the series when it was announced, how it captured the same feel of the original trilogy, and the inspirations the creators used for both seasons of the show. They also break down some of the pivotal moments of season tw...

The Empire Strikes Back is widely considered to be not just the best film in the Star Wars franchise, but one of the best films ever made. Jason Robbins and Wally Phelps return to chat with Derek about their first memories of the film, some of its greatest moments, and why this film has some of John Williams’ best music. They also talk about how the changes in the Special Editions helped to enhanc...

Actor/writer/producer Lanett Tachel joins the show to chat with Derek about the positive and negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, what made her want to become an actor, their mutual love of storytelling, and how she got into the industry. She also talks about what goes into a producer’s job, the satisfaction of helping employ other filmmakers, the differences between working film and televis...

Since its premiere in 2005, The Office has become one of the most popular shows in recent memory. Wally Phelps and Josh Schenewerk join the show to chat with Derek about the faults of the first season, what got them hooked onto the show, and some of their favorite cold opens. They also talk about the void left by Steve Carell in the later seasons, some of the show’s underrated characters, the most...

Actor/stunt coordinator Christopher Dukes chats with Derek about how the pandemic has affected his career, what made him want to become an actor, and how working live performances at Six Flags led to him becoming a stunt coordinator. He also talks about the process of coordinating stunts for a film, what it was like on set for his latest film “Middleton Christmas”, and advice for aspiring actors....

Whether it’s binge watching, family traditions, or casual viewings, Christmas films have had special meaning to audiences for generations. Derek hosts a special live podcast to discuss non-traditional Christmas films, lists his top 5 Christmas movies, and reads the lists submitted by the listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of Derek’s personal favorite movies is the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film. In addition to it being a personal favorite, it’s also the first movie he saw in theaters! Jason Robbins and Wally Phelps (Monsters Anonymous) return to the show to chat with Derek about their first memories of watching the film, the layers of detail that went into its production, why the film still holds up...

Producer/director/writer Suzanne DeLaurentiis joins the show to chat with Derek about developing a program that trains wounded veterans to work successfully in the film/television industry, and what made her want to pursue a career in film. She also talks about the changes in the industry since the beginning of her career, the role of a producer, the idea behind one of her latest films “Middleton...

Director/Producer Tara Johnson-Medinger joins the show to chat with Derek about how filmmaking has benefitted from the rise of streaming platforms, working in the television broadcast industry and how it helped prepare her for a career in film. She also talks about the role of a producer in the film industry, why the business side of film is often overlooked, making her directorial debut with “My...

Revolutionary. Groundbreaking. Groovy. These are just a few words that are commonly used when describing the Evil Dead franchise. Filmmakers Steve Wise and Jason Robbins return to the podcast to chat with Derek about their first memories of the series, why it's innovative, and its brilliant balance of horror and comedy. They also talk about how “Evil Dead: The Musical” introduced Derek to the seri...