Kevin Conroy was not just the voice of Batman to a generation of fans. He was the voice. In this live conversation from the San Francisco Comic Con in 2018, he pulls back the curtain on how he landed the role, why his classical theater training made him the perfect Dark Knight, and how the emotional core of Batman shaped every performance he gave.

• Kevin Conroy explains how his classical theater training and deep understanding of Batman's trauma helped him create a version of the character that felt real, grounded, and timeless.
• Conroy shares memorable Juilliard stories, including living with Robin Williams, which reveals both the humor and the serious craft behind great performance.
• He also discusses the creative chemistry between Batman and the Joker, especially his collaboration with Mark Hamill, and how strong scene partners helped elevate the animated series into something truly special.

"I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman." - Kevin Conroy

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Sal Fragione owns a pizzeria in Brooklyn, where the Wall of Fame features only Italian celebrities. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, argues that a business in a Black neighborhood should also honor Black icons, but Sal refuses. The wall becomes a symbol of exclusion, and as more people take sides, tensions escalate.

Craig and Elizabeth talk about racial tensions, boom box culture, the Winter Olympics and the movie "Do the Right Thing" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 1:15

  Craig and Elisabeth talk about the Winter Olympics and the smell of death. Not in that order.

• 16:05

  Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Do the Right Thing."

• 1:05:42

  Recasting

• 1:26:44

  Double Feature

• 1:28:32

  Final Thoughts

• 1:32:55

  A preview of next week's episode "The Third Man."

A New Orleans detective hunts a brutal sex killer stalking the French Quarter, but the case forces him to face the darkest side of his own personality. His Jekyll-and-Hyde inner conflict grows more intense when he falls for the psychologist assigned to help catch the killer.

Craig and Elisabeth discuss awkward sex thrillers, New Orleans, directors with porn names and the movie "Tight Rope" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 0:57

  Craig and Elisabeth talk about their visits to New Orleans.

• 12:06

  Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Tightrope."

• 42:41

  Recasting

• 50:07

  Double Feature

• 1:00:04

  Final Thoughts

• 1:02:49

  A preview of next week's episode "Tightrope."

Two rookie reporters and rivals at The Washington Post investigate the botched 1972 break-in at the Democratic Party's headquarters in the Watergate complex. With help from a shadowy source known as Deep Throat, they connect the burglars to the White House and keep digging despite mounting pressure and threats. Following the money, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk about the current state of journalism, widespread corruption, president's Day and the movie "All the President's Men" on this week's Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

• 0:55

  Craig, Elisabeth and guest Annie Bulloch talk (reluctantly) about their favorite presidents.

• 8:11

  Craig, Elisabeth and Annie discuss "All The President's Men".

• 51:11

  Recasting

• 1:14:25

  Double Feature

• 1:20:11

  Final Thoughts

• 1:25:17

  A preview of next week's episode "Tightrope."

In early 20th-century Montana, Colonel William Ludlow lives on a ranch with his three sons: Tristan, Alfred, and Samuel. Their unconventional but tightly bonded life is shattered when Samuel is killed in World War I. Tristan and Alfred make it home, but the damage does not stop there. Soon after returning, both brothers fall for Samuel's fiancée, Susannah, and their growing rivalry starts tearing the family apart.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk about love triangles, Bart the Bear, snow in Oklahoma and movie "Legends of the Fall" on Elisabeth's Matinee Birthday.

Show Notes

• 1:20

  Craig, Elisabeth and guest Brendan Agnew talk cold weather across the country.

• 11:36

  Craig, Elisabeth and Brendan discuss "The Sound of Music".

• 58:46

  Recasting

• 1:21:39

  Double Feature

• 1:26:52

  Final Thoughts

• 1:32:33

  A preview of next week's episode "All the President's Men"

eels like a family reunion where the relatives happen to be movie icons. From the jump, the room lands on the perfect vibe: not "you were in my childhood," but "we grew up together," like distant cousins swapping stories you already love hearing.

• John talks about playing Brian Wilson and how meaningful it was to feel like they did right by him. He also shares a great detail about working alongside Paul Dano: they did not compare notes, but both found their way in through the Smile Sessions box set.
• Joan shares an early set memory: she starts as an extra, gets upgraded to a line, and is told to go buy an outfit. She winds up in purple corduroy pants while processing that this is somehow her life now.
• John tells a story about someone on Twitter posting "cast Joan Cusack more," and his reaction is basically "correct." The moment turns into a mini rally, and honestly, the internet should do more of that.

"All I did was look for dignity. It was a constant search for dignity." - Joan Cusack

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

Maria is a spirited, tomboyish young woman training at an Austrian abbey, and she's sent out to work as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain. In the captain's strict, quiet household, she shakes things up with warmth, playfulness, and music, gradually bringing the family back to life and forging an unexpected bond with their guarded father.

Craig and Elisabeth wrap up F#@K Nazis month by talking about what's happening in America right now, living with 8 kids, taking principled stands and the movie "The Sound of Music" on this week's Matinee Heroes!!

Show Notes

• 1:12

  Craig and Elisabeth talk about the sad state of affairs in America.

• 13:42

  Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The Sound of Music".

• 47:31

  Recasting

• 59:05

  Double Feature

• 1:04:29

  Final Thoughts

• 1:07:47

  A preview of next week's episode "Legends of the Fall."

During the last days of World War II, a solitary prospector crosses paths with Nazis on a scorched-earth retreat in northern Finland. When the soldiers decide to steal his gold, they quickly discover they just tangled with no ordinary miner.

Craig, Elisabeth and Cary Gordon discuss revenge fantasies, adaptable anti-heroes, heavy metal cruises and the movie "Sisu" on this week's Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

• 0:47

  Craig, Elisabeth and guest Cary Gordon talk about heavy metal cruising.

• 7:01

  Craig, Elisabeth and Cary discuss "Sisu".

• 28:05

  Recasting

• 46:10

  Double Feature

• 50:05

  Final Thoughts

• 56:11

  A preview of next week's episode "The Sound of Music."