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.

In Episode 2 of When Dudes Met Film, hosts Damian Vargas and Josh Locklair welcome filmmaker and self-proclaimed Back to the Future superfan Koren Young for a deep dive into one of the most beloved trilogies of all time. What begins as a discussion of Robert Zemeckis’s 1985 classic quickly expands into a full exploration of all three films, from first viewing experiences and box office history to behind-the-scenes stories about recasting Marty McFly, studio skepticism, and Michael J. Fox’s legendary work schedule.

The trio digs into what makes Back to the Future such an enduring cultural touchstone: its tightly constructed screenplay, playful approach to time travel rules, layered foreshadowing, and masterful use of nostalgia. They examine how technology, music, and production design shape each era of Hill Valley, debate which sequel holds up best, and unpack why the trilogy succeeds where so many franchises stumble. Along the way, they connect Back to the Future to other time-travel films, 1985’s remarkable movie slate, and the broader Hollywood obsession with remakes.

As always, the conversation veers into passionate tangents: Oscars that got it wrong, Huey Lewis cameos, conventions, celebrity encounters, and the ongoing tension between original storytelling and endless reboots. Insightful, funny, and unabashedly nostalgic, this episode is a love letter to a film series that rewards repeat viewings and proves that when great writing, casting, and craft come together, time itself becomes the ultimate storytelling device.

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.

In the very first episode of When Dudes Met Film, longtime friends Damian Vargas (Los Angeles) and Josh Locklair (Atlanta) dive into the earliest sparks of their movie obsessions. They trade stories about their childhood trips to the theater—Josh’s life-changing screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark at age seven and Damian’s countless summer visits to the famed Cinerama Dome, as well as Damian’s very first memory of seeing Superman: The Movie at the Egyptian Theatre with his dad. These formative moments shaped not only their love of movies but also their fascination with how films are made and why they matter.

From there, the conversation opens up into a joyful, nostalgic exploration of the 1980s. Damian and Josh debate the comedies that defined the decade, from Beverly Hills Cop and Ghostbusters to Airplane, Vacation, and When Harry Met Sally. Along the way, they discuss how Eddie Murphy dominated the era, why John Hughes practically personifies the ’80s, and what makes some films timeless while others feel locked in their cultural moment.

Mixing personal anecdotes, film history, and plenty of laughter, this premiere episode sets the tone for the series: two lifelong movie buffs reflecting on the films that shaped their lives and continue to resonate in pop culture today. Whether you grew up on these classics or are discovering them for the first time, you’ll feel right at home hanging out with Damian and Josh.

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.