Least Important Things

In a special St. Patrick’s Day episode, Luke Ferris reads “A Legend of Knockmany” from the Irish Fairy Book. 

So curl up in a wool blanket, grab a cup of tea or a pint, and settle in for a folk tale that goes deep into the lineage of Irish culture. 

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The Academy Awards is a dramatic cocktail of pop culture obsession and a rare "monoculture" experience. In this episode, Luke Ferris explores why we still tune in 70 years later, even as the "magic" of movie-star mystery has been replaced by social media intimacy. Luke explains the mechanics of the show and why the most moving moments often happen far away from the headlines.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The L...

It's time to crank up the pop culture oven in the kitchen of nostalgia because this week, Luke Ferris is joined by Zach Hall to deconstruct the "Secret Recipe" for media that stands the test of time—and the ingredients that cause others to sour.

From the rediscovered love of The Mummy to the questionable lineage of Monopoly, we’re diving deep into the vault to see what still holds a candle to the flame and what needs ...

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&...

"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....

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 Ev...

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 ...

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 ...

For anyone who grew up in a northern climate, the phrase “snow day” carries a weight of pure, unadulterated magic. In this episode, host Luke Ferris explores the transition from the childhood wonder of "cosmic intervention" to the grounded reality of shoveling the driveway as an adult.

Luke dives into the "sacred rituals" shared on playgrounds everywhere—from sleeping with spoons under pillows to wearin...

"Ten years. Ten years!" It's time to go back to high school for a special Grosse Pointe, Michigan, reunion episode centered on the 1997 action-comedy cult classic, Grosse Pointe Blank. 

Grosse Pointers Mike Wynne and Peter Tellarico join Luke Ferris to discuss the film's accuracy to 90s suburban Michigan. From the auto industry references to the snacks at the Ultimart, the boys explore why this film was rejected ...

After five years of walkable bliss, Luke Ferris has finally relented to the great American tradition: the daily commute. But in the transition from city sidewalks to suburban boulevards, he rediscovered a forgotten magic on the FM dial.

In this episode, we explore the "surrender of choice" found in local independent radio (shoutout to Grand Rapids’ own WYCE) and how the cinematic "vibe" of Quentin Tarantino’s Onc...

Are you having a holly, jolly Christmas? Well, you’re about to…

Welcome to the first-ever LIT Holiday Special! Luke Ferris and Mike Wynne answer listener questions about Christmas movies, holiday traditions, and more. 

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You can emai...

Uncover how the lore of J.R.R. Tolkien's comprehensive work—from The Lord of the Rings to The Silmarillion—speaks to a deeper understanding of life and death compared to the teachings of religion, philosophy, and science.  

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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. 

Y...

On a cold, snowy Sunday night, Luke Ferris drove to the movie theater to see the new film from acclaimed Norwegian director Joachim Trier called Sentimental Value. 

Here's what he learned...

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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 leastimpo...

Learn how a TV antenna and an old Super Friends episode led to clarity about the human relationship to technology. 

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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 leastimportantthings@gmail.com or reach out via social media at the links below. 

Read ou...

String up your Christmas lights and charge your walkie-talkies, today we’re discussing why we love Stranger Things.

Joining Luke Ferris in the first-ever outdoor recorded episode is Audrey Ferris to discuss the sensational and nostalgic Netflix show, which is coming up on its fifth and final season. 

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Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube. 

Support Least Important Thi...

Welcome to a traditional like any other. 

In this episode, we’re pitting the fiercest alien monsters together in a 16-team bracket tournament, where in one shining moment, we’ll crown the best alien monster in movies and television.  

Joining Luke Ferris is an expert alien-analyst panel: Mike Wynne and Zach Hall. 

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Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube. 

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We’re celebrating 30 years since the release of Pierce Brosnan’s debut as James Bond 007 in GoldenEye. 

Joining Luke for the podcast's first Bond rewatch are Mike Wynne and Zach Hall—aka 001 and 002.

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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 ...

In honor of the spooky season, we’re rewatching and discussing the found-footage monster-movie hit Cloverfield. 

Joining Luke is Curtis Felten, who saw this movie five times in theaters, and cinephile taste-maker Jacob Felten. The friends reminisce on the cultural sensation that was Cloverfield and why this movie has stood the test of time. 

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Catch new episodes of Least Important Things every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts ...