THE FIXATE & BINGE PODCAST, with Host, Joe Curdy: Deep dives into cinema and storytelling with voices who create it

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As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it's the perfect time to look back at the movies and television shows that have made the biggest impact so far this year.
In this special solo episode, Joe Curdy shares his favorite films and television series of 2026—from big studio releases and prestige television to independent gems that deserve a wider audience. Along the way, he reflects on the year's biggest surprises, a few disappointments, and the common themes that seem to be resonating with audiences today.
Featuring discussion of Project Hail Mary, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Toy Story 5, The Sheep Detectives, Omaha, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, Obsession, The Furious, The Bear, The Pitt, House of the Dragon, Silo, Jury Duty: Company Retreat, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Widow's Bay, and Cape Fear, this episode goes beyond reviews to explore why these stories matter—and what they might say about the kinds of stories we're seeking in 2026.
Whether you're searching for your next great movie, the next television series to binge, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversations about film and television, this mid-year check-in has something for every movie and TV fan.
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In Part 2 of our special WATCHING THE SKIES series, what began as a continuation of our exploration of cinema's fascination with UFOs and UAPs takes an unexpected turn when award-winning filmmaker Vito Trupiano (HELLBENT ON BOOGIE) joins the conversation.
A lifelong student of the UAP phenomenon—and currently developing a passion project centered on the subject—Vito brings a filmmaker's perspective and an enthusiast's curiosity to one of humanity's greatest mysteries. Together, we dive deep into Steven Spielberg's DISCLOSURE DAY, discussing what resonated, what left us wanting more, and how the film compares to decades of UFO storytelling on screen.
Our conversation quickly expands beyond the movies into documented encounters, government disclosures, military testimony, and the enduring questions surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena that continue to captivate scientists, skeptics, and believers alike.
Along the way, we also revisit several modern classics that have shaped the genre—including DISTRICT 9, ARRIVAL, THE VAST OF NIGHT, UNDER THE SKIN, NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU, NOPE, and PROJECT HAIL MARY—while exploring why UFO cinema continues to mirror humanity's hopes, fears, and fascination with the unknown.
Whether you're a lifelong believer, an open-minded skeptic, or simply a fan of great science fiction, this free-flowing conversation offers an engaging look at where film, imagination, and the unexplained intersect.
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For decades, stories of UFOs, extraterrestrials, and unexplained aerial phenomena have captured the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike. Inspired by my father’s seventeen years working for NASA—and the stories he shared about humanity’s enduring fascination with the possibility of life beyond Earth—I take a deep dive into some of cinema’s most influential UFO and alien-themed films.
In Part One of this two-part series, I explore classics such as THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL, STARMAN, THE THING, THEY LIVE, THE ABYSS, FIRE IN THE SKY, and CONTACT. Rather than debating whether UFOs or extraterrestrials exist, this discussion examines what these films reveal about us: our fears, our hopes, our politics, our faith, and our relationship with authority.
From Cold War anxieties and government secrecy to environmental concerns, media manipulation, consumerism, and the search for spiritual meaning, these films often use alien encounters as mirrors reflecting the societies that created them. Join me as I look beyond the flying saucers and little green men to uncover the deeper messages hidden within some of science fiction cinema’s most enduring works.
The truth may be out there—but the stories we tell about it can reveal just as much about humanity as they do about what might exist beyond the stars.
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This week on The Fixate & Binge Podcast, host Joe Curdy dives into one of the year's most touching independent films, HONEYJOON, with writer-director Lilian T. Mehrel.
Before the interview, Joe shares his thoughts on three recent releases: the mind-bending Japanese thriller EXIT 8, the big-screen return of MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, and the bone-crushing action spectacle THE FURIOUS, a film he absolutely loved.
Then, Joe sits down with Mehrel to discuss her acclaimed debut feature, HONEYJOON, a moving and surprisingly funny story about love, loss, grief, desire, and healing. Filmed entirely on location in Portugal's breathtaking Azores, the film follows a mother and daughter navigating profound loss while rediscovering life, connection, and themselves. 
The conversation explores the film's emotional origins, shooting in one of the world's most beautiful locations, creating authentic mother-daughter dynamics, balancing comedy with heartbreak, and what it takes to bring an independent feature from script to screen. HONEYJOON follows a mother and daughter traveling to the Azores after a family loss, where they confront grief, connection, and the possibility of moving forward. 
Whether you're a fan of independent cinema, stories about family and healing, or simply love hearing filmmakers discuss their creative process, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Listen now and discover why HONEYJOON is connecting so deeply with audiences. 🎙️🎬✨
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Actress, writer, and producer Jennifer Levinson knows a thing or two about wearing multiple hats. Best known for writing, producing, and starring in the acclaimed dramedy TRUST, Levinson joins The Fixate & Binge Podcast for a candid conversation about navigating the unpredictable realities of a career in Hollywood.
From memorable auditions and hard-earned lessons to the importance of maintaining a sense of humor when things don't go according to plan, Jennifer reflects on the experiences that shaped her both professionally and personally. She discusses how her definition of success has evolved over the years, why staying creatively active matters, and how resilience often proves more valuable than talent alone.
Jennifer also shares practical advice for aspiring actors, reveals the single best piece of acting advice she ever received, and offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of working in an industry that can be equal parts inspiring and unforgiving.
Warm, funny, insightful, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a must-listen for anyone pursuing a creative career—or anyone who has ever wondered what it really takes to keep showing up when the spotlight isn't guaranteed.
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