WAIM Podcast #085: Beth Lisogorsky

Back in mid-March, I had an amazing two hour discussion with Beth Lisogorsky, the mastermind behind the terrific Substack, Beth’s TV & Film Recommendations. We talked about film, television, identity, representation in culture, slow burn films, and so much more.

More than 90 minutes into that discussion, I realized that I had never hit the record button. I was devastated, embarrassed, and terrified that I had missed out on the chance to record a pod with one of my favorite culture writers on Substack. Thankfully, Beth was more than willing to sit down and give it another go. 

In our second recording, or conversation that is, Beth and I dive in practically where we dropped off in our previous, unrecorded chat. Our discussion here starts with some frank talk about impostor syndrome which arises due to a compliment I gave to Beth about her recent appearance on The Oscar Project podcast.

Feeling like an impostor is something that I wrestle with nearly every day as I continue my work as a writer, podcaster, and musician. In each discussion and with each essay, I often feel as though I am pretending to have the credibility to discuss the ideas and concepts that permeate this space. It’s a trait that Beth and I share and are working to get past, but it’s a struggle. 

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I share my unabashed enthusiasm about the new Max hit show The Pitt, and Beth and I discuss our built-in skepticism about medical dramas. We talk about Beth’s relationship with the Coen Brothers and how her favorite film in their canon is often forgotten altogether.

Beth tells a wonderful story of how she hated reading as a teen, but eventually fell head over heels with Agatha Christie and the Anne of Green Gables universe. It led to her falling equally in love with both TV adaptations, and to her Anne With A ‘E’ series recaps on her Substack.

We hit on knowing when to give up on a show or film, with Beth explaining that with so much to watch, we probably shouldn’t be spending time on film and TV we know aren’t really for us. We ponder the possibility of perfect films and Beth shares a pair of films that even though they’re flawed felt perfect for the moment in which she saw them. 

In addition to this conversation, Beth is working with me on a couple of other projects that are in the works here at What Am I Making. One of them includes an upcoming project on The Wizard Of Oz that I am excited to share very soon. In the meantime, here is a terrific chat with writer and critic Beth Lisogorosky. 

Cheers,
Matty C

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