The Well

The Drop – Part 26 “Surprise Drop”

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We sat down to record something short when Branan dropped a spontaneous Drop on Anson.  Television: The Handmaid’s Tale’s 6th & final sea...

Todd Stashwick – “The Place Where Imagination Ruled” – TWP072

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Todd Stashwick and Anson Mount have three things in common: 1) A love of whiskey, 2) They are both Starfleet Captains, and 3) They are both Dungeon Ma...

Introducing “Scroll to the Bottom”: Danny Trejo

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anson & Branan launch a new segment.  Anson scrolls to the bottom of Danny Trejo’s IMDB page and asks him about that little known credit, then chal...

Danny Trejo – “A Book of Miracles” – TWP071 (UPDATED)

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One day in 1968, Danny Trejo had hit rock bottom: solitary confinement at the Correction Training Facility, otherwise known as Soledad Prison. From th...

Adam Savage – Part 3 – “Art and Science” – TWP070

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How does Adam see himself, his life and his role as an inventor, artist and educator? Adam reflects on his unique career path, work/life balance, what...

Adam Savage – Part 2 – “Creativity as performance” – TWP069

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Adam gets a touch philosophical on the subject of creativity, discusses some memorable builds and Anson breaks out his Guillermo del Toro impression. ...

Adam Savage – Part 1 – “Hands-on Thinking” – TWP068

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We covered Isaac Newton's monstrous nature, the inevitability of calculus, pottery, Clive Owen's need for a foil, aesthetics as a point of view, lesso...

The Drop – Part 25: In Memoriam, David Lynch

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're tremendously saddened by the loss of a great artist, humanitarian and beautiful human being. David Lynch meant a lot to many people and we were ...

The Drop – Part 24 “Everything is Rhythm”

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a very busy fall season of Anson moving to a new town and Branan moving everywhere they finally find time to make contact. This episode feature ...

Roope Rainisto, Part 2 – “Creativity into Code” – TWP067

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our conversation with AI Filmmaker Roope Rainisto gets into the philosophical, ethical and legal aspects of generative art. Is the genie out...

Roope Rainisto, Part 1 – “Enslaving AI” – TWP066

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

AI filmmaker Roope Rainisto joins us from Finland for part 1 of our discussion about generative tools and working within AI's current possibilities an...

The Drop – Part 22

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Branan and Anson broadcast from a rooftop in Toronto accompanied by the soothing sounds of a nearby house renovation. In this Drop: Star Trek set tour...

Rod Lurie – “My Blood & Bones” – TWP065

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Film Director Rod Lurie was in Bulgaria, deep into pre-production for his film "The Outpost" when he got the call that his son Hunter had suffered a ...

THE DROP – “AT THE MOVIES” with Bilge Ebiri

08 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode: Bilge Ebiri, esteemed film critic (New York, Vulture) and friend of the show drops by to discuss where FURIOSA fits in George Miller’...

The Drop – Part 21

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode: Back surgery, heart ablation, genetic memory, the eternal jellyfish, Jules Verne, big leather books, The Heart Goes Last, The Curse, ...

TWP064 – Andrew Cumming -“Out of Darkness”

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan are still banging on about OUT OF DARKNESS and we are thrilled to have the film’s director Andrew Cumming join us for a chat from t...

Kenneth Mitchell – In Memoriam (repost) – TWP063

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When actor Kenneth Mitchell was given a life altering medical diagnosis, it forced him to change his relationship to the concept of time itself. Join ...

The Drop – Part 20 – “Out of Darkness”

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode: OUT OF DARKNESS, amateur speculation regarding the provenance of our species, recent vacations where Anson and Branan both experience...

The Drop – part 19

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode: Learning Sequences, Mosquitoes on Rainy Lake and other mosquito nightmares, BEEF,  painted nails, pizza tours, THE HARVEST, attendi...

TWP062 – “Gravity Savvy” with Daniel Reardon

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan take on the weighty subject of gravity and gravity waves with our guest Daniel Reardon doing most of the heavy lifting. Please enjoy ...

The Drop – Part 18

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this short Drop Anson and Branan discus STILL, the documentary about Michael J. Fox, BARRY, Beavis and Butthead, Something in the Dirt and new musi...

“The Harvest” with Doua Moua and Perry Yung – TWP062

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Doua Moua's tireless pursuit of his dream to produce his screenplay, "The Harvest," finally paid off. We are joined by Doua and his co-star, Perry Yun...

D&D Reunion with Nathan Stewart_TWP061

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know Anson used to be a Dungeon Master? In this episode Branan lures Anson into a surprise reunion with his old campaign players under the pre...

The Drop – Part 17

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode: Branan discusses his oceanic adventure turning 50, Anson recommends Dan Simmon's 'Hyperion', and they both catch-up on 'Succession', ...

Eric Zala – “Raiders of the Lost Youth” – TWP060

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eric and his buddies decided they would make a shot-for-shot remake of "Raiders of the Lost Ark".  The only problem?  They were just kids.  But the...

The Drop – Part 16-Athena Part 2 with Bilge Ebiri

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are not finished talking about ATHENA by Romain Gavras. This time we let film critic Bilgi Ebiri do all the talking. We also get into marketing ...

The Drop – Part 16-Athena Part 1

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this installment of The Drop Branan and Anson discuss and highly recommend the astonishing film ATHENA by Romain Gavras and film critic Bilgi Ebir...

Jello Biafra – “How to make Jello” – TWP059

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of our cultural heroes, Jello Biafra is a legendary figure in the punk rock scene and a spoken word artist and politician. He joins us to discus ...

Howard Berger & Marshall Julius – “Masters of Makeup” – TWP058

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Just in time for Halloween Branan sits down with author Marshall Julius and legendary makeup FX maestro Howard Berger to discuss their new book, and B...

The Drop – Part 15

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We were so taken with S.S. Rajamouli's landmark film, RRR, we deciated a whole Drop to it! Also, odd news stories and a subtle plea for a new watch.

WHATRYADOIN’ – Jack Hitt, Part 3 “Crystal Ballz”

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Back in April of 2020 author and journalist Jack Hitt sat down with us to discuss the beginings of the pandemic and make a few predictions. Over two y...

Vijay Gupta – Part 2 – “The Call” – TWP057

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine getting an anonymous phone call.  The person on the other end tells you that, not only has your work been recognized by group of world recogn...

Vijay Gupta, Part 1 – “Saying Yes” – TWP056

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When a virtuoso violinist realizes he has yet to develop his own artistic voice, nor any idea of how to accomplish that task, he is face with a choice...

The Drop – Part 14

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode Branan and Anson discuss: An evil & drugged cat, The STAR TREK: SNW premiere, SEVERANCE, TOP GUN 2, PAM & TOMMY, Robert Egger's THE NO...

Kenneth Mitchell – “Time.” – TWP055

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When actor Kenneth Mitchell was given a life altering medical diagnosis, it forced him to change his relationship to the concept of time itself.  Joi...

Tom McElroy, Part 2 – “How Far is Too Far?” – TWP054

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom McElroy has found the road less traveled to be full of unexpected turns, from the absurdities of reality TV to the perils of traveling in remote w...

Tom McElroy, Part 1 – “Chasing the Dream” – TWP053

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Who amongst us has not dreamed of a simpler life more connected to nature, of escaping the rat race and living a singular existence full of adventure?...

The Drop – Part 13

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode finds Branan tired and new father Anson unexpectedly well-rested. Discussed in this episode: SEVERANCE, GIRLS Vs. GANGSTERS AND MIKE TYSO...

The Drop – Part 12

15 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss impending Fatherhood! Plus Bo Burnham's INSIDE, Burt Reynolds' HEAT, Branan's experience Cabin living, camping with the ...

The Drop – Part 11

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Another installment of the segment in which we share all the things we've been watching, reading and hearing. AND... The amazing story of how Uncle Ph...

WHATRYADOIN – Daniel Reardon

21 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Early in the pandemic, the medical community struggled with ways to help people avoid getting sick through physical contact, particularly when it came...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Tzi Ma

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan chat with Tzi about his time on "Hell on Wheels", his incredible career trajectory, his ongoing fight against anti-AAPI hate, and tha...

THE DROP – Part 10

16 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan decide to turn the microphone over to friends and family who have been affected by the rise of anti AAPI violence and hatred in the c...

THE DROP – Part 9

21 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anson & Branan take time between seasons to discuss all the things they've been reading, hearing and seeing. In Episode number 9 of THE DROP we dis...

THE DROP – Part 8

07 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Discussed in this Drop:  PEN15 (hulu), THE SOCIAL DELIMA (Netflix), the looming danger of deep fakes, HUMAN NATURE (Netflix), LOVE ON THE SPECTRU...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Leon Ingulsrud, Part 2 – “Don’t Just Do Something! Stand There!”

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for part 2 of our conversation with the Martini Samurai Leon Ingulsrud. Topics include: consciousness, learning to "be" through art, how unmar...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Leon Ingulsrud, Part 1

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Back in March, when Anson & Branan founds themselves sheltering with their wives, friends, 6 chickens and 3 dogs, they decided they were missing a ver...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Kadiatou Diallo

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When she found out that her twenty-three year old son Amadou had been shot to death by four plain-clothes NYPD officers (in what they claimed was a ca...

THE DROP – Part 7

28 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Branan & Anson bring you more fun stuff to discover and experience during the lockdown... Can we even call it a "lockdown" anymore? Whatever. You're ...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Major David Hughes

03 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Major David Hughes serves as Chief of Professional Standards at the Newport News Sheriff's Office in Virginia. After nearly falling victim to his own ...

WHATRYADOIN’ – LeVar Burton

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

LeVar Burton is an actor, producer, director, writer, podcaster, and education advocate. In this segment of WHATRYADOIN', LeVar shares with us his th...

THE DROP – Part 6 – “We Can Do Better”

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the wake of murder of George Floyd, and the national outcry that has followed, Branan and Anson discuss the importance of listening and taking acco...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Jack Hitt, Part 2

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

American author and journalist Jack Hitt returns for part 2 to speculate upon a post-corona world. Topics include how what we hoard says about us, ho...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Jack Hitt, Part 1

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Hitt is an American author. He is a contributing editor to Harper's, The New York Times Magazine, and This American Life. In this episode Ja...

WHATRYADOIN’ – DAVID WADDELL

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

David Waddell is CEO and Chief Investment Strategist for Waddell & Associates. He also plays a mean guitar and has a knack for distilling the complex...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Jonathan Meiburg

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan Meiburg (from TWP004 and TWP005) returns as our first ever return guest. We check in with Jonathan who is staying very productive under lockd...

WHATRYADOIN’ – Ryan Robbins

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Ryan Robbins tells us what it's like to battle COVID-19 and why we need to take this seriously.

WHATRYADOIN’ – Brad Paisley, Part 2

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We've all probably heard one or two good country music stories. Well, Brad Paisley is about to raise the bar. For more information on Brad's mus...

WHATRYADOIN’? – Brad Paisley, Part 1

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In our new segment, we're calling folks to see what they're doing to stay creative during the coronavirus lockdown. Brad Paisley kicks us off by tell...

The Drop – Part 5 – “Quarantine Shmorantine”

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan come to you straight from Anson's Connecticut property where they are literally quarantined from one another. Join us for a deep div...

The Drop – Part 4 – “Hardcore Music History”

30 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Branan opens class in the School of Hardcore with the help of author Michael Azerrad, and Anson shares his adventures in Vietnam. You can find Mi...

The Drop – Part 3 – “The Port Loophole”

12 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anson shares stories from his trip to Portugal. Branan and Anson share what's making them excited in the worlds of film, TV, books and podcasts. Ans...

Michael Rosenbaum, Part 2 – “Where’s the Glitter?” – TWP052

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when reality doesn't meet your expectations? Hilarity ensues. Always.

Michael Rosenbaum – “The Power of Fear” – TWP051

14 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Michael and Anson go back a while, but it's also been a minute since they've seen each other. Two friends analyze the odd truths that come with age; t...

The Drop – Part 2

24 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Branan shares his adventures in Greece, he and Anson share what they're reading and listening to this autumn season, and they catch up with Leon "The ...

Welcome to THE DROP! – Part 1

13 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We did it! We have a title for our weird little, between-season installments. Thanks to Mee Chang and to Bogdan Orlic for helping us find it! Men...

End of Season 2 – “Mind the Gap”???

13 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan bring Season 2 to a close and tell you about everything that's making the excited in the worlds of music, movies, anime and more. AN...

“Call Your Dad” – TWP050

20 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anson asks Branan to delve into his father's mysterious past, a request which leads our hosts into a discussion about aging, the vagaries of the uncon...

Jake Weber – “The Photograph” – TWP049

14 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Many years ago, Anson saw a photograph on Jake's wall. It was a young Mick Jagger sitting next to an eight year old boy. When Anson asked if the boy w...

Dr. Douglas Vakoch, Part 2 – “To Work Without Guarantees” – TWP048

07 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our species cannot comprehend the time and distances inherent in interstellar communication. But noone understands this conundrum better than astrobio...

Dr. Douglas Vakoch, Part 1 – “To Risk Imagination” – TWP047

31 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Our species has always wondered if we are alone in the universe, Douglas Vakoch is an astro biologist beginning a multi-generational endeavor to final...

Melissa McCracken, Part 2 – “Memory Landscapes” – TWP046

17 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Branan tries to get to the bottom of the Synesthesia phenomenon with help from painter Melissa McCracken and neurologist Dr. Robert Algar. Their concl...

Melissa McCracken, Part 1 – “Dancing About Architecture” – TWP045

02 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Melissa McCracken is a painter living in a parallel dimension to ours: her synesthesia fills her world with colors and other atypical sensory experien...

Alice Cooper, Part 2 – “Rock’n’Roll Vaudeville” – TWP044

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rock legend Alice Cooper shares a surprising and touching story about one of the most interesting connections ever to come out of Hollywood: his frien...

Alice Cooper, Part 1 – “Shock Golfer” – TWP043

18 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Most people know Alice Cooper as the original Shock Rocker and a foundational pillar in the house of Metal. But few know that his journey into sobrie...

Doug Jones, Part 3 – “The Diamond Dave Face/Off” – TWP042

11 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

THE WELL becomes the morning zoo as Doug Jones tells us a little more about his acting career without a mask and Branan tells a story about his first ...

Doug Jones, Part 2 – “Acting While Drowning” – TWP041

04 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Doug Jones talks about how it feels to be the muse for our culture's most influential monster maker, Guillermo del Toro. Music in this week's...

Doug Jones – “The Bug Who (almost) Killed Randy Quaid” – TWP040

28 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Doug Jones envisioned an acting career playing the wacky neighbor in sitcoms, but his career had other plans. In this episode Doug shares war stories ...

“Lucky to Be Here” – TWP039

25 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan share their own near-death stories.

Ethan Peck, Part 2 – “Touching Death” – TWP038

14 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ethan was afraid to live his life until he almost lost it.

Ethan Peck, Part 1 – “Spock” – TWP037

07 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The first of four Star Trek episodes, Ethan Peck shares with us the story of auditioning for one of the most iconic characters in film and television ...

“Starstruck” – TWP036

28 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan each share a story about an awkward brush with fame.

Illeana Douglas, Part 2 – “Meeting Marlon” – TWP035

21 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

What would you think if someone told you that you were about to meet your idol? How would you prepare? What would you wear? What would you say? Il...

Illeana Douglas, Part 1 – “I Blame Dennis Hopper” – TWP034

14 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Illeana Douglas wasn't always a movie star, but her life has always been strangely intertwined with the American cinema. In fact, long before she kne...

Mac Barnett, Part 2 – “What Is Water?” – TWP33

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mac knew he wanted to be a children's book author. But how does one go about that? Join us to find out how Mac carved his way through a conventional...

Mac Barnett, Part 1 – “The Golden Ticket” – TWP032

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As a child, Mac desperately wanted to believe that there was a magical world in which anything was possible. Later, when he began working with childr...

“The Great Eagle God” – TWP031

24 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Branan shares a story of guilt and conscience from his own family history. And it's a doozy. Extra music for this episode was provided by Jason S...

Xzibit, Part 2 – “The #1 Rule of Acting” – TWP030

16 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

In 2002, Xzibit was offered a role in a movie which he accepted. And then reality hit: he wasn't an actor. Yet. Join us for this short, but enterta...

Xzibit, Part 1 – “Moral Compass” – TWP029

10 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

When Alvin Joiner was sixteen, he lost his home, his family, and his direction in life. Eventually, after living a life of violence and anger, he dec...

Todd Komarnicki, Part 3 – “Discipline” – TWP028

03 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Most writers will tell you that their most useful weapon is self-discipline. During our interview with Todd Komarnicki, he shared with us a useful in...

Todd Komarnicki, Part 2 – “Christmas Movies” – TWP027

24 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Todd produced what has become one of the seminal Christmas movies of all time: "Elf". Join us as Todd unveils the little-known cookies hidden inside ...

Todd Komarnicki, Part 1 – “Spectacularly Saved” – TWP026

24 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer/Producer Todd Komarnicki is a man of profound love and profound faith. Both have served his pursuits as an artist. Join Anson & Branan as the...

Seasons Bleedings – TWP025

11 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We're back!  Anson and Branan give an update about the upcoming Season 2 and Branan shares a story of gross bodily injury. 

Season One Finale – TWP024

19 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Anson and Branan recap the first season of The Well Podcast and talk about plans for season 2.  Also, Anson talks about filming "Star Trek: Discovery...

Lou Barlow, Part 3 – “Lou at Play” – TWP023

19 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Playfulness is it at the heart of the creative process and it can take many surprising forms. Lou Barlow has been playing with his sound, his process ...

Lou Barlow, Part 2 – “In His Own Orbit” – TWP022

10 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Lou Barlow is one of our generations most unique and prolific singer songwriters. In this episode he reflects upon his resistance to identity as a son...

Lou Barlow, Part 1 – “A Partial History of Lou Barlow” – TWP021

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Lou Barlow’s creative output goes by many names, Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr., Folk Implosion, Sentridoh, and Loobiecore. Throughout his career he’s carv...

Ward Fleming, Part 2 – “Imposter” – TWP020

23 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ward may have invented the pinscreen, but just because someone made something doesn't someone else won't be happy to take all the credit.  This is th...

Ward Fleming, Part 1 – “Preparing the Field” – TWP019

15 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Artist and inventor Ward Fleming invented one of the most famous and lucrative toys of the last fifty years.  But it was only one step in a personal ...

“Creative Stupidity” – TWP018

08 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We normally bring you stories of creative inspiration, but this week we have two stories of creative stupidity, courtesy of our own Branan Edgens. Co-...