In Episode 3 of When Dudes Met Film, Damian Vargas and Josh Locklair welcome back special guest Koren Young for an expansive, nostalgic, and occasionally irreverent deep dive into the Ghostbusters franchise. Starting with the 1984 original, the trio unpacks how Dan Aykroyd’s fascination with the paranormal, Ivan Reitman’s improvisation-friendly direction, and the undeniable chemistry of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson came together to create one of the most perfectly balanced genre films of the decade—equal parts comedy, horror, and satire.

The conversation moves through Ghostbusters II, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and the divisive 2016 reboot, exploring everything from studio decisions and box office pressures to editing, music, casting “what-ifs,” and the realities of sequel fatigue. Along the way, Damian, Josh, and Koren share childhood memories of seeing the films for the first time, debate which entries hold up best, and examine how themes of science, commerce, skepticism, and belief quietly run through the franchise. They also dig into behind-the-scenes trivia, including Ray Parker Jr.’s iconic theme song, legal disputes, and why some callbacks feel earned while others don’t.

As always, the episode is packed with tangents—Bill Murray lore, paranormal beliefs, filmmaking technology, and the strange passage of time that turns childhood heroes into legacy characters. Thoughtful, funny, and deeply informed, this episode is both a love letter to Ghostbusters and a broader reflection on why certain films become cultural touchstones that refuse to fade away.

When Dudes Met Film brings together lifelong friends Damian Vargas in Southern California and Josh Locklair in Atlanta, Georgia, for deep-dive conversations on the movies that shaped them. From childhood classics that sparked their love of cinema to modern releases that continue to inspire, Damian and Josh blend nostalgia, personal insight, and industry know-how into every episode. Their shared background in television and lifelong passion for storytelling fuel thoughtful discussions that go far beyond surface-level reviews.

In each episode, the duo explores behind-the-scenes stories, cultural impact, and lasting influence of a chosen film, all while trading memories and perspectives from opposite coasts. With a mix of humor, history, and heartfelt reflection, When Dudes Met Film is more than a movie podcast; It’s a celebration of friendship and the enduring power of film to connect people across time, place, and genre.