Least Important Things

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 creates a timeless "aura noir" tension.
The Quest for Truth: Reflecting on the "God-like" pursuit of facts and how Woodward and Bernstein’s hunger inspired a lifelong passion for storytelling.
A Somber Confrontation: Luke reflects on the "crossroads" of his own career—comparing the romanticized dreams of investigative journalism to the reality of recording a podcast in a basement.
Democratic Accountability: Why the film's themes of unrequited power and the disruption of facts are more profound today than ever before.
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You can email the show at [email protected] or reach out via social media at the links below.

Read our articles and learn more about the show at www.leastimportantthings.com

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Sources for this episode:
Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.com
All The President's Men (1976) Official Trailer - Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman Thriller HD
All the President's Men (1976) - Ending Scene
“You haven’t got it.” - All The President’s Men

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"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 and Stranger Things episodes. Together, they explore how this film "changed the stars" for its cast and its audience, blending 14th-century jousting with the stadium-rock energy of the 1970s.
We’ll dive into:
Changing Your Stars: Analyzing William Thatcher’s journey from a squire to a knight and the film's enduring themes of class and self-determination.
The Ultimate Hype Man: Why Paul Bettany’s Geoffrey Chaucer remains one of the greatest supporting characters in cinematic history.
The Medieval Groove: A look at the legendary soundtrack, from the opening Queen anthem to David Bowie’s banquet dance.
Heath Ledger’s Legacy: Reflecting on Ledger’s star-making performance and why his work in this film feels like a gift that audiences can still savor 25 years later.
Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.
Support Least Important Things on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LeastImportantThings
You can email the show at [email protected] or reach out via social media at the links below.
Sources for this episode:
A Knight's Tale (2001) directed by Brian Helgeland
Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.com
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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 Year's Eve to the championship-winning final number, we explore the songs and choreography that made this a global phenomenon.
Wildcat Fever: We talk about the iconic cliques of East High—from the drama kids and brainiacs to the jocks and skaters.
The "Sliding Doors" of Pop Culture: We discuss the alternate reality where this was Grease 3 starring Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, and how the mid-2000s would have looked vastly different if Drew Seeley had remained the "voice" of Troy Bolton.
What's Happening with the Boltons: We break down the dynamics of the Bolton family and their financial situation.
Best of 2006: We revisit the most nostalgic moments, featuring the mounting evils of cell phones, basketball jerseys with shoulder pads, and the absolute peak of the ironic t-shirt era.
2000s Fashion Snapshot: From Ryan’s nine different hats to teenagers wearing blazers and fashion belts, we crown the outfits least likely to come back into style.
Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.
Support Least Important Things on Patreon — If we hit 40 members, Mike Wynne will do a Twilight rewatch!
You can be part of the show by leaving a voicemail here.
You can email the show at [email protected] or reach out via social media.
Read our articles and learn more about the show at www.leastimportantthings.com.
Sources for this episode:
High School Musical - Official Trailer
Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.com

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All content falls under fair use: any copying of copyrighted material is done for a limited, educational and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner.

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’m a God, Not The God: Why hitting rock bottom is the catalyst for Phil—and us—to finally ask for help and human connection.
The Calendar of Kindness: How small, repetitive acts of service transformed a career-driven egomaniac into the best version of himself.
Hope at Gobbler’s Knob: Why the film’s final message is a beacon of light for anyone feeling stuck in their own loop.
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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 [email protected] or reach out via social media at the links below. 
Read our articles and learn more about the show at www.leastimportantthings.com
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Sources for this episode:
Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.com
Groundhog Day 1993 -- OPENING TITLE SEQUENCE
Groundhog Day - I'm Not going to Play by Their Rules Anymore
'Groundhog Day' "I'm a god" scene
Phil Professes His Love To Rita | Groundhog Day (Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell)
Groundhog Day Clip 12
GROUNDHOG DAY - Official Trailer

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All content falls under fair use: any copying of copyrighted material is done for a limited, educational and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner.

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 overweight, bespectacled desk worker whose marriage is failing and whose glory days seem long behind him. Yet, it is precisely this "averageness" that makes him one of the most compelling figures in 20th-century fiction.
We’ll dive into:
The Master of the Slow Burn: How Smiley’s methodical, patient, and strategic nature allows him to outmaneuver enemies who mistake his calmness for weakness.
Icons of the Screen: Comparing the legendary performances of Alec Guinness in the BBC miniseries and Gary Oldman in the 2011 film adaptation.
The "Book is Better" Myth: Why watching a film first can sometimes be the perfect gateway into a complex literary world.
A Hero for the Rest of Us: Why Smiley resonates more deeply as we age, offering a portrait of heroism defined by wisdom, endurance, and the quiet battle for morality.
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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 [email protected] or reach out via social media at the links below. 
Read our articles and learn more about the show at www.leastimportantthings.com
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Sources for this episode:
Royalty-free music and sound effects via Artlist.com
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979) Opening Theme
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979) - Alec Guinness - Toby's Questioning
Smiley tells the Minister - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
The Genius of John le Carré
DR. NO | "Bond, James Bond" – Sean Connery, Eunice Gayson | James Bond
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All content falls under fair use: any copying of copyrighted material is done for a limited, educational and “transformative” purpose, such as to comment upon, criticize, or parody a copyrighted work. Such uses can be done without permission from the copyright owner.