Episodes

  • Clerks & Hollywood Shuffle - Do You Even Binge? Ep 41

    Clerks & Hollywood Shuffle - Do You Even Binge? Ep 41
    Mar 14 2026
    Clerks & Hollywood Shuffle - Do You Even Binge? Ep 41

    Week 7 of our Indie Movie Explosion series goes "guerrilla" as we break down the films that proved you don't need a budget, just a stack of credit cards and a lot of nerve. We’re diving into the convenience store philosophy of Clerks (1994) and the razor sharp satire of Hollywood Shuffle (1987).

    Clerks (1994) The $27,000 miracle that launched the View Askewniverse. We discuss how Kevin Smith financed the film by selling his comic book collection and maxing out ten credit cards, the "shoe polish" sign that explained why the shutters were always down (because they were actually filming at night), and the original "dark ending" that almost killed Dante Hicks. Plus, the legal battle with the MPAA that gave the film an NC-17 rating just for the way the characters talked.

    Hollywood Shuffle (1987) Robert Townsend’s middle finger to Tinseltown. We break down how Townsend used a "UCLA student" cover story to shoot without permits, the 17 day shoot that was spread over two and a half years, and the brilliance of the "Black Acting School" vignettes. We look at the similarities of In Living Color and why Townsend had to barter moving refrigerators just to get warehouse space for his big finale.

    Join us as we discuss:

    The Clerks logo trivia: Letters stolen from Cosmo, Rolling Stone, and a box of Goobers.

    Why Robert Townsend had to climb through crevices in Mandeville Canyon at 5:30 AM to dodge the cops.

    The Star Wars debate: Were the independent contractors on the second Death Star "innocent victims"?

    And the real-life Winky Dinky Dog inspiration that every LA local recognizes.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • New Jack City, King of New York & Requiem for a Dream - Do You Even Binge? Ep 40

    New Jack City, King of New York & Requiem for a Dream - Do You Even Binge? Ep 40
    Mar 7 2026
    New Jack City, King of New York & Requiem for a Dream - Do You Even Binge? Episode 40

    Week 6 of our Indie Movie Explosion series tracks the rise of the "New Jack" era and the ultimate cinematic comedown. We’re breaking down the high stakes hustle of New Jack City (1991), the cold-blooded neon-noir of King of New York (1990), and the stylistic masterpiece Requiem for a Dream (2000).

    New Jack City (1991) The highest grossing indie of ’91. We look at how the real-life Chambers Brothers and the "Broadmoor" apartment inspired the CMB empire, Wesley Snipes’ transition from a Michael Jackson music video to Nino Brown, and why the Nation of Islam security guards wouldn’t let Judd Nelson on set.

    King of New York (1990) Christopher Walken as the "vampiric" Frank White. We discuss how Wesley Snipes was living in his car during production, the "abomination" premiere that got the cast booed off stage, and the deal Abel Ferrara made with Donald Trump to film at the Plaza Hotel for free.

    Requiem for a Dream (2000) The "horror movie" of addiction. We break down Darren Aronofsky’s "hip-hop montage" style featuring over 2,000 cuts, Ellen Burstyn’s grueling transformation into Sara Goldfarb, and why the word "heroin" is never actually spoken in the film.

    Join us as we discuss the real life Detroit gang that inspired The Carter, Christopher Walken’s free hotel stay from Donald Trump, and the movie that Jared Leto starved himself to make.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Indie Movie Explosion #5 - Do You Even Binge? Episode 39

    Indie Movie Explosion #5 - Do You Even Binge? Episode 39
    Feb 28 2026
    Indie Movie Explosion #5 - Do You Even Binge? Episode 39

    This week, we are diving into the masterfully woven "ensemble" films of the 90s, where random encounters, natural disasters, and a lot of cigarettes define the era. From the sprawling streets of Los Angeles to the neon-lit corners of Hong Kong, we explore how directors like Robert Altman and Wong Kar-wai redefined how stories are told.

    In this episode, we cover:

    Short Cuts (1993): Robert Altman’s epic "slice of life" masterpiece that uses medfly spraying and earthquakes to tie together the lives of 22 principal characters in LA.

    Smoke (1995): Harvey Keitel and William Hurt star in this soulful drama centered around a Brooklyn tobacco shop, where a daily photo project reveals the beauty in the mundane.

    Blue in the Face (1995): The "improvised" sequel to Smoke, filmed in just six days with celebrity cameos from Lou Reed, Madonna, and Michael J. Fox.

    Chungking Express (1994): The film that moved Quentin Tarantino to tears. We break down Wong Kar-wai’s vibrant, neon-soaked stories of lovesick cops and expired pineapple cans.

    Join us as we discuss the "notorious" Julianne Moore scene, Jennifer Jason Leigh’s real life phone sex research, and the soundtrack that gave us Selena’s final recording.


    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Episode 38: The 90's Indie Revolution - Valley Girl, Repo Man, House Party & Swingers

    Episode 38: The 90's Indie Revolution - Valley Girl, Repo Man, House Party & Swingers
    Feb 21 2026
    Episode 38: No Budget, No Problem

    This week, we’re diving back into the Indie Film Explosion of the 80s and 90s, focusing on the scrappy, low-budget masterpieces that defined a generation. From guerrilla filmmaking on the streets of L.A. to the Sundance hits that launched superstars, we’re looking at the movies that proved you didn't need a massive studio budget to make a "real" movie.

    In this episode, we cover:

    VALLEY GIRL (1983): How Martha Coolidge navigated exploitation demands to deliver a genuine teen classic. We discuss the "Romeo and Juliet" of the San Fernando Valley, Nicolas Cage’s bizarre chest-hair triangle, and the music montage that made "I Melt With You" a hit.

    REPO MAN (1984): Alex Cox’s punk-rock satire of Reagan-era consumerism. We talk about Harry Dean Stanton’s refusal to use plastic bats, the secret behind the glowing Malibu, and why every product in the movie is labeled "FOOD" or "DRINK."

    HOUSE PARTY (1990): The Sundance darling that turned Kid ‘n Play into movie stars. We look at the improvisational genius of Robin Harris, the iconic "Funky Charleston" dance-off, and how a legal dispute with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince paved the way for this $26M success.

    SWINGERS (1996): The ultimate guerrilla film. Jon Favreau wrote it in 10 days, and Doug Liman shot it without permits using his own neighbors as actors. We break down the "Money" slang, the infamous answering machine scene, and how a tiny indie movie launched the careers of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Join us as we explore the cult classics that broke the rules and changed Hollywood forever.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

    Indie Movies, 80s Cinema, 90s Cinema, Cult Classics, Film History, Low Budget Filmmaking, Nicolas Cage, Jon Favreau
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 58 mins
  • Episode 37: The 90's Indie Revolution - David Lynch, Robert Rodriguez, and Richard Linklater

    Episode 37: The 90's Indie Revolution - David Lynch, Robert Rodriguez, and Richard Linklater
    Feb 14 2026
    Episode 37: The Indie Film Explosion of the 80s & 90s


    We’re changing things up. This week, we ditched the "director of the week" format because it started feeling like bad homework. Instead, we’re picking our favorite standalone indie hits from the 80s and 90s—including the movies that launched the careers of David Lynch, Robert Rodriguez, and Richard Linklater.

    From selling your body to medical science to fund a film, to finding a severed ear in a field, we're covering the grit and the weirdness of independent cinema.

    Movies discussed in this episode:

    Blue Velvet (1986): David Lynch’s neo-noir masterpiece. We talk about Dennis Hopper’s terrifying performance as Frank Booth and why the "joyride" scene was filmed with a stationary car.

    El Mariachi (1993): Robert Rodriguez’s $7,000 miracle. How he used clinical drug trials to fund the movie and used a wheelchair as a camera dolly.

    Slacker (1990): The "relay-race" film that defined Austin, Texas, and inspired Kevin Smith to make Clerks.

    River’s Edge (1986): The bleak "anti-teen" movie featuring a young Keanu Reeves and a very eccentric Crispin Glover.

    Is the 90s indie boom the peak of American cinema, or just a bunch of guys with too much free time? Let us know.

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

    #BlueVelvet #RobertRodriguez #IndieFilm #90sMovies #KeanuReeves #DavidLynch #FilmReview #Podcast
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Episode 36: The 90's Indie Revolution-Jim Jarmusch

    Episode 36: The 90's Indie Revolution-Jim Jarmusch
    Feb 8 2026
    Episode 36: The 90's Era of Jim Jarmusch

    This week, we’re continuing our indie movie discussion with a look at Jim Jarmusch. We already covered his first film, Stranger Than Paradise, but today we’re moving into the late 80s and the 90s as he started getting more well-known.

    To be honest, most of his films aren’t made for the mainstream. They’re art-house to the core, and I’m still not entirely sure they’re for me... every movie is 2 hours long, but feels about 4 hours long.

    Despite that, he’s incredibly influential, especially in the world of “road movies.” We’re breaking down his shift from early collaborations with musicians like Tom Waits and John Lurie to his bigger 90s cult classics.

    In this episode:

    Down By Law (1986): A "neo-noir" prison break starring Tom Waits and Roberto Benigni. It’s a sad and beautiful world (or "word," depending on who you ask).

    Mystery Train (1989): Jarmusch’s first color film. A triptych of stories in Memphis where the journey is the point, even if you never actually get to Graceland.

    Night on Earth (1991): Five cities, five cab drivers, and a whole lot of dialogue. Featuring Winona Ryder, Giancarlo Esposito, and Rosie Perez.

    Dead Man (1995): A psychedelic Western starring Johnny Depp. It’s got a droning Neil Young score and a very different take on the American West.

    Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999): Forest Whitaker as a mob hitman living by the Hagakure. It tries pretty hard to be deep, but the RZA soundtrack is a vibe.

    Is Jarmusch a visionary or just a guy who makes very long walks look like art?

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.

    #JimJarmusch #IndieFilm #90sMovies #JohnnyDepp #TomWaits #FilmReview #Podcast
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Episode 35: The 90's Indie Revolution-Gus Van Sant & The Portland Trilogy

    Episode 35: The 90's Indie Revolution-Gus Van Sant & The Portland Trilogy
    Jan 31 2026
    Episode 35: Gus Van Sant & The Portland Trilogy

    This episode is a total deep dive into the "Portland Trilogy" and the rise of one of indie cinema’s greatest legends. From the drug-fueled superstitions of Drugstore Cowboy to the Shakespearean street hustlers of My Own Private Idaho, we’re breaking down how Gus Van Sant put the Pacific Northwest on the cinematic map.

    We also get into the wild real-life connections you didn't see coming, like what Seinfeld’s mom has to do with James Dean and why Nicole Kidman’s performance in To Die For is the ultimate "girlboss" cautionary tale.

    In this episode:

    The Horror of Heidi Wong: We start with the viral horror sensation making our brains feel like they're on caffeine.

    Gus Van Sant’s Portland Trilogy:
    Recapping the gritty, low-budget beginnings of Mala Noche and how it paved the way for the 90s indie explosion.

    Hats on Beds & Pharmacy Heists:
    A deep dive into Drugstore Cowboy. We talk Matt Dillon’s "adult" breakout, the legendary William S. Burroughs, and why you should never, ever put a hat on a bed.

    Shakespeare on the Streets:
    Breaking down My Own Private Idaho. River Phoenix’s genius, Keanu Reeves’ Shakespearean soliloquies, and the "Prince Hal" connection.

    The "To Die For" Ambition:
    How Van Sant transitioned to the big leagues with Nicole Kidman and a young, "scrappy" Casey Affleck. Plus, the real-life murder trial that inspired it all.

    The Accent Hall of Shame:
    We couldn't talk about Far and Away without addressing Tom Cruise’s infamous Irish accent.

    Whether you’re a film school nerd or just looking for your next binge-watch, join us as we explore indie movies from the 90's

    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us on IG

    Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedian
    Lesa – @LesainLA

    Executive Prodcuers: Felipe Esparza & Lesa Esparza
    Producer: Rommel Suniga
    Music: Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 34: The 90's Indie Revolution

    Episode 34: The 90's Indie Revolution
    Jan 24 2026
    Episode 34: Raw Indie Filmmaking

    From the red carpet of Burt Kreischer’s Free Burt premiere to the zero-budget hustle of American Movie, we’re breaking down the grit of independent cinema. Whether it’s writing a script in eight days on a legal pad or maxing out credit cards to finish a horror flick, we’re looking at the filmmakers who refused to quit.

    The Breakdown:
    • The "Free Burt" Premiere: We recap our night with Burt Kreischer and the "outcast" family dynamic of his brand-new series.
    • Production Nightmares: A look at Living in Oblivion and the real-life anxiety of sound guys fighting with directors on crumbling 100-year-old sets.
    • American Movie: RIP Mike Shank. We revisit the legend of Mark Borchardt, the struggle to film Coven, and why Uncle Bill is the ultimate indie financier.
    • Indie War Stories: From hiring scissor lifts to dodging bad LED screens—the "craft service" reality of producing your own specials.
    • The 90s Revolution: How Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Easy Rider, and She’s Gotta Have It proved you can make it happen with zero budget.
    Subscribe to Do You Even Binge? on YouTube to catch all the clips we reference in our video version.

    Follow us:Felipe – @FelipeEsparzaComedianLesa – @LesainLA
    Executive Prodcuers:Felipe EsparzaLesa Esparza
    Producer:Rommel Suniga
    Music:Isaak Wintringham

    Stream “Do You Even Binge” everywhere: Spreaker | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

    Hear about Felipe's tour dates, new merch drops & more by signing up @ http://felipesworld.com Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (2 different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s “Gentefied”, NBC’s “Superstore” and Adultswim’s “The Eric Andre Show”, as well as winning “Last Comic Standing” (2010), and his popular podcast called “What’s Up Fool?”. Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins