This is the end. We’ve done 158 episodes. We’ve had a bunch of great guests. I’ve had the privilege of working with 3 varied and passionate co-hosts and the podcast introduced me to so many friends that I now consider part of my extended family. But, it’s time for me to shut the “doors” and move on from this thing that has been so good to me.
Podcasting is the most fun I’ve had working on FilmDispenser.com. I’ve spent countable hours chatting film and pop culture for the last 3 years. I’m still doing it on SHIELD Your Ears, Rebellious Scum, and Stray Noir. I’ll also be popping up on other shows and writing more for the website. So, this show is down but I’m not out.
I guess this is the part where I answer, “why?”  I’d like to pull my old tricks and tell you to listen and find out. But I’m not worried about downloads anymore. The Film Dispenser Podcast was my attempt to make a show about cinema. I wanted to dive deep into weekly releases and discover classics every episode.  But I found myself in the position of creating a show that wasn’t satisfying the desires in my head. My co-hosts, always game for a challenge, had individual passions which lead to great conversations about specific film series or pop culture outside of the theater. But I never wanted this to be a catch-all show. I wanted a show where I could debate the merits of Michael Bay in one segment and admit that Bergman’s The Virgin Spring makes me weep in the next. The podcast never became the thing I thought it was.
I’m proud of every episode, even the ones with bad audio levels and the time capsules of my embarrassing and since-evolved opinions. And they will remain on the site and on iTunes as a part of The Film Dispenser Podcast Network. Thank you to every guest and co-host who were ever a part of this wonderful thing in my life. From beginning to end, you all mean a lot to me, no matter how little we speak outside of the pod.
And thank you, listeners. We’ve had our ups and downs on the number of people who listen. But some of you have been there from the beginning. Thank you for listening and thank you for interacting. Bob and Marie, you two have been incredible champions of our show and I appreciate every email, text, and tweet. And to you silent folks, thank you for being out there, listening. I have a lot of love for you all.
My goal right now is to get a lot more film in FilmDispenser.com. You’re about to see more of our Conversations on Film, and our weekly questions are back. I’ve got plans for Home School Film School, so be listening out for that. I’m also pursuing this love of film in ways I find more creatively satisfying. I shot my first short film a week ago and have plans to submit it to the Chattanooga Film Festival. I’m working on my Hulu (Criterion) queue. And I’ve got a few film texts ready for devouring. My love of film has only grown in the last three years. This show has been a key part of that by making sure I’m up to date and constantly looking back. Now, after a 158 episodes, it’s time to evolve. Stay in touch. Keep going to the cinema. Share the art and the fun. Love movies. We’ll all be a little better if we do.
Thank you,
Spencer