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The Carl King Show

by Carl King

Every week, I explore (and more importantly EXPLAIN!) music, filmmaking, and the other creative arts. Personal tastes are not technique. I don’t waste our time with the same old circular “it was good because I liked it because it was good.” No sir! I deconstruct and reverse engineer composition, screenwriting, and how to correctly pronounce the word “folks.”Who am I? I’m Carl King: musician, animated show creator, and author. You might even remember me as Sir Millard Mulch or Dr. Zoltan. I’ve worked with Dweezil Zappa, Mike Keneally, Devin Townsend, Morgan Agren, Virgil Donati, and Brendon Small. Past guests on my show include Steve Vai, Jon Schnepp of Metalocalypse, Mark Borchardt (Coven), and Trey Spruance of Mr. Bungle.So give it a listening, and let’s get beginned!

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Episodes

  1. Ep. 74 - Robert Eggers / The Witch

    Wouldst thou like to LIVE DELICIOUSLY? Wouldst thou like to experience a masterpiece of Type 2 art? Wouldst thou like to invest 4 Million Dollars in a first-time filmmaker and lead actress and make 40 Million Dollars back? In this episode, we'll analyze Robert Eggers's The Witch, a supernatural...

  2. 073: Jon Schnepp As Jymuloxx Cortribbonz of Nickelodeon's "Real Gibbons" (Re-release)

    Animation secrets revealed! Let's dive deep into a sweaty mind and body with this necessary re-release from 2011. Support this Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  3. 072: The Long Kiss Goodnight + Creative Projects: How To Focus On And Complete Them

    Here are two questions. Why did screenwriter Shane Black NOT work for 9 years after his film The Long Kiss Goodnight? And coincidentally, if you've got a Creative Project, how can you focus on and complete it? I'll attempt to answer those questions in episode 72 of The Carl King Show.…

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  4. 071: Wes Anderson's Asteroid City

    Have you ever asked yourself the question: can you wake up if you don't fall asleep? And what does that question REALLY mean? This week, we'll attempt to find out by examining Asteroid City, the latest surreal Type 2 film from Wes Anderson. Support this Show on Patreon:...

  5. 070: Adult Swim-Style Writing - How Not To Do It

    Imagine being such a fan of Adult Swim, that you decide to make your own animated TV pilot. You hire writers, voice actors, and an animator — and you spend two years of your life and $12,000 on it. And when it's finished, you realize: I have NO idea what I'm doing. Well, that happened to me in...

  6. 069: How Buddhism Makes Me Better Than Other People

    It doesn't. I'm making a joke. I'm going to share some common ideas from the world of Eastern philosophy and Stoicism. And how they have helped me be NOT better than other people. Support this Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking Subscribe on Apple Podcasts...

  7. 068: Am I Autistic Yet? (A Personal Episode)

    Have you ever asked yourself the question, "Am I Autistic Yet?" I'm about to, in This Week's episode of The Carl King Show. Understanding is useful, so here we go. Support this Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking Subscribe on Apple Podcasts...

  8. 067: The Lost Sir Millard Mulch Documentary (Chat With Chewbode Part 4)

    It's PART 4 of my Chat With Chewbode. Today we cover: The Lost Sir Millard Mulch Documentary, My Dabbling In Egomania, Advice Kevin Smith Gave Me, The Illusion of Fame, How I Think I Get Too Much Credit Support this Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking Chewbode is my longest-term...

  9. 066: Chat With Chewbode: Part 3 (Let's Destroy The Music Industry)

    Very Good Friends of Carl King, we've got another AUDIO-ONLY episode. It's PART 3 of my Chat With Chewbode, my longest-term friend and creative collaborator. If you haven't listened to Part 1 or Part 2, go back to Episode 62, where we talk about becoming friends and growing up in the swamps of...

  10. 065: If I Made A Mr. Bungle Documentary + How To Write Ugly Music

    I think of Mr. Bungle as my favorite band. They're unpredictable and can be hard to listen to. Sometimes I can't tell if they're joking or creating music that is complex and profound. So if I Made A Mr. Bungle Documentary, what would it be like? Support this Show on Patreon:...

  11. 064: Chat With Chewbode, Part 2 (How Education Failed Us)

    It's PART 2 of my Chat With Chewbode, my longest-term friend and creative collaborator. If you haven't listened to Part 1, go back to Episode 62, where we talk about becoming friends and growing up in the swamps of South Venice, Florida. Support this Show on Patreon:...

  12. 063: David Cronenberg's eXistenZ + Essay: What Is Reality?

    This Week's Conceptual Thought Idea Of The Week Is: "Does reality actually exist? And if so, how should we be talking about it?" Support this Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking Once we've figured out that whole reality thing, we'll examine David Cronenberg's EXISTENZ from 1999, in...

  13. 062: Chatting With Chewbode: Part 1 (From The Swamp)

    What the heck is a CHEWBODE? According to Urban Dictionary, it's a style of bed and breakfast where you can actually EAT THE BED for breakfast. And in some countries it's HOTDOG-flavored. But it's also the name of my longest-term friend and creative collaborator. Support this Show on Patreon:...

  14. 061: Music Is Not A Visual Art + David Cronenberg's Videodrome (1983)

    This week, we explore the idea of VISUALS maybe being a bad thing. Support this Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King shares an essay: "Music Is Not A Visual Art" and then examines David Cronenberg's Videodrome (1983) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts...

  15. 060: Don't Complain About Other People's Music + David Cronenberg's Scanners (1981)

    Should I spend a lot of time complaining about other people's music, instead of making my own? And what would happen if I start building a 3.5 million dollar house before the blueprints are done? Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King shares…

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  16. 059: Bernard Herrmann's "The Dragon" (1958) + Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023 Movie)

    Do dragons ever TRADE or BARTER with other creatures for unique and rare FEDORAS? What kind of items or services might a dragon exchange for such headwear? Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Bernard Herrmann's "The Dragon" (1958)…

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  17. 058: Mike Patton's Fantomas: Director's Cut + Robert Eggers The Lighthouse (2019 Film)

    Is Mike Patton God? And is Robert Pattinson's mustache the most MASCULINE thing you've ever seen? Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Mike Patton's Fantomas: Director's Cut (2001) + Robert Eggers The Lighthouse (2019 Film)…

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  18. 057: The Green Knight (2021) + Riley Green "If It Wasn't For Trucks" (2020)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines The Green Knight (2021) + Riley Green "If It Wasn't For Trucks" (2020) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  19. 056: Ali Wong in BEEF (2023) + Mike Keneally's "Potato" (1997)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Ali Wong in BEEF (2023) + Mike Keneally's "Potato" (1997). Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  20. 055: Travis Orbin (Complicated Metal Drummer) on Recording, Composing, and Touring

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King talks to Travis Orbin, a complicated metal drummer. Topics include: 1 - Home recording workflow 2 - Abilities like audiation: does he have PERFECT PITCH?! 3 - Strangest place he has toured 4 - Working out...

  21. 054: Mike Patton's Unusual Melodies, Fargo S2E1, Setting Goals For Creative People

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines 5 Unusual Mike Patton Vocal Melodies, Noah Hawley's Fargo S2E1, and then speaks about Setting Goals For Creative People. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts...

  22. 053: Steve Vai w/ Whitesnake "Now You're Gone" (1989) + Lair of the White Worm (1988)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Steve Vai w/ Whitesnake "Now You're Gone" (1989) + Lair of the White Worm (1988) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A…

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  23. 052: Secret Chiefs 3 "The End Times" + Picard S3E3

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Secret Chiefs 3 "The End Times" + Picard S3E3 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip! https://paypal.me/carlkingdom...

  24. 051: They Might Be Giants "Synopsis For Latecomers" (2021) + They Might Be Giants THE FILM (1971)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines They Might Be Giants "Synopsis For Latecomers" (2021) + They Might Be Giants THE FILM (1971) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564...

  25. 050: MARK BORCHARDT Guest Interview (2023)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King chats with his friend Mark Borchardt - the writer and filmmaker known for Coven. Also the host of Cinema Tonight on Riverwest Radio / Milwaukee. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts...

  26. 049: Danny Elfman's To Die For (1995)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines To Die For Starring Nicole Kidman + Score by Danny Elfman (1995) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  27. 048: Sleepytime Gorilla Museum's "1997" and Summer School (1987)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Sleepytime Gorilla Museum's "1997" and Summer School (1987) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  28. 047: Steve Vai Guest Interview (Vai/Gash Album, Lessons from David Lee Roth, Imposter Syndrome, Guitar Articulations)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King talks to Steve Vai about his new "motorcycle album" (called Vai/Gash), how he schedules his day, what he learned from David Lee Roth, 20th century classical music, status and imposter syndrome, guitar...

  29. 046: Cate Blanchett in TAR (2022) and Steve Vai's "Greasy Kid's Stuff" (1990)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Cate Blanchett in TAR (2022) and Steve Vai's "Greasy Kid's Stuff" (1990). Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  30. 045: Jordan Peele's NOPE (2022) + Mr. Bungle's "Holy Filament" (1999)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Jordan Peele's NOPE (2022) and Mr. Bungle's "The Holy Filament" (1999) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  31. 044: Danny Elfman's "The Simpsons" Main Theme + Adam Driver in White Noise

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines WHITE NOISE (2022) and Danny Elfman's Simpson's Main Theme (1989) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  32. 043 - What The Heck Are Creative Busyness Units? (2022 Wrap-up / Analysis)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King analyzes his Creative Busyness in 2022. Will he be ALLOWED to CREATE in 2023? Only the World Bureau For The Measurement of Creative Busyness (And Also Random Length Lumber) knows. Subscribe on Apple...

  33. 042: Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands + Danny Elfman Score Analysis

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines the screenwriting of Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands, and the musical score by Danny Elfman. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564...

  34. 041: Mr. Bungle "Travolta / Quote Unquote" + David Lynch's Blue Velvet

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Mr. Bungle's "Travolta / Quote Unquote" + David Lynch's Blue Velvet Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  35. 040: Tim Burton's Wednesday Ep. 1 (Netflix) + Sarah Brand's "Red Dress"

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines one film and one song: Tim Burton's Wednesday Ep. 1 (Netflix) + Sarah Brand's "Red Dress" Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send...

  36. 039: The Dark Crystal (1982) + Devin Townsend's "Moonpeople" (2022)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines one film and one song: The Dark Crystal (1982) + Devin Townsend's "Moonpeople" (2022) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me…

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  37. 038: Mia Goth in Pearl (2022), Cardiacs "Dirty Boy" (1995) Song Analysis

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines one film and one song: Mia Goth in Pearl (2022) and Cardiacs "Dirty Boy" (1995) Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564 Send Me A Tip!...

  38. 037: Metallica's St. Anger, Aubrey Plaza in Emily The Criminal, John Carpenter's Escape From LA, Creepy Ann Arbor Book Stores, and Evil Dead Suite

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King examines Metallica's St. Anger, Aubrey Plaza in Emily The Criminal, John Carpenter's Escape From LA, Creepy Ann Arbor Book Stores, and Evil Dead Suite by Roque Banos. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts...

  39. 036: "Why I Hate This Song" - Listener submissions featuring hits by Billy Ray Cyrus, Kings of Leon, Scott Stapp, Rebecca Black, 4 Non Blondes, and... Radiohead?!

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King plays a game called "Why I Hate This Song!" Listeners submit their LEAST favorite songs, and Carl King tries to explain why. Featuring hits by Billy Ray Cyrus, Kings of Leon, Scott Stapp, Rebecca Black, 4...

  40. 035: Films: Barbarian, Karen Gillan's Conventional, Mia Goth in X, Music: Trevor Dunn & Trio Convulsant's Séances.

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King presents reviews and filmmaking lessons on Barbarian, Karen Gillan's Conventional, and Mia Goth in X. Then, a Feature Segment: Carl reads a section of his Sir Millard Mulch book Robots And Aliens.…

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  41. 034: Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, Trio Convulsant) Interview + New Album "S​è​ances"

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King welcomes Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, Trio Convulsant) to talk about Trevor's new album "S​è​ances." Other topics: how he writes music, his use of dissonance, and music theory examples from Mr.…

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  42. 033: John Carpenter's The Ward, Werewolf By Night, Advice From Mark Borchardt, What The Heck Is Success?, StrangeCat Toys, Conlon Nancarrow

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King shares TWO filmmaking lessons (John Carpenter's The Ward & Werewolf By Night), unearths Advice From Mark Borchardt, explores What The Heck Is Success?, visits StrangeCat Toys, and names Conlon Nancarrow…

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  43. 032: Lalle Larsson (Swedish Piano Virtuoso / Composer) On Musicianship And Individuality - Part 1

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this LOST episode, Carl King talks to Lalle Larsson, a Swedish Piano Virtuoso & Composer about Musicianship and Individuality. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carl-king-podcast/id1202709564...

  44. 031: John Carpenter's The Thing & Wargames (Film Lessons), Vai Piano Reductions (Mike Keneally)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King shares TWO Filmmaking Lessons: John Carpenter's The Thing & Wargames, and the Album of the Week: Vai Piano Reductions (Mike Keneally) Get John Carpenter's The Thing https://geni.us/STTBWvV Get Wargames...

  45. 030: Big Trouble In Little China, Escape From New York (Filmmaking Lessons), Why Social Status Is An Illusion, Documentary Advice: Morgan Agren's Conundrum, Film Score: Godzilla!

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King shares TWO Filmmaking Lessons (Big Trouble In Little China, Escape From New York), tells us Why Social Status Is An Illusion, and gives Documentary Advice from his experience on Morgan Agren's Conundrum....

  46. 029: Buckaroo Banzai, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dual, Goal Setting For Creative People, How To Mix Orchestra + Metal, Secret Chiefs 3 Book of Souls Folio A

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King shares Filmmaking Lessons (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Buckaroo Banzai, Dual), gives tips on Goal Setting For Creative People, Answers a Listener Question "How To Mix Orchestra + Metal" and names…

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  47. 028: 10 Myths About Introverts, Film Reviews (Thor: Love And Thunder, The Fly), Album of the Week (Star Trek The Original Series Vol. 1)

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King revisits and re-examines his viral essay 10 Myths About Introverts, reviews two films (Thor: Love And Thunder and Cronenberg's The Fly), and names Star Trek The Original Series Vol. 1 by Fred Steiner the...

  48. 027: Forbidden Zone, A Dangerous Method, Songwriting Vs. Film Scoring, 5 Favorite Female Musicians, Scarecrow Video, Lux Part III, Steve Vai's Passion & Warfare

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King reviews TWO films: Richard Elfman's Forbidden Zone and Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method. He answers some musical questions: Songwriting vs. Film Scoring and names his 5 Favorite Female Musicians. Then he...

  49. 026: House of the Dragon Ep. 1 Review, Am I A Surrealist?, A Visit to Twin Peaks, Album of the Week: Sleepyime Gorilla Museum

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, we've got a Film Review of House of the Dragon Episode 1, a feature segment on a genre of creativity called Surrealism, Carl King visits the town of TWIN PEAKS, I answer a listener question, and we wrap it up with...

  50. 025: Why Did 7-String Guitarist Pete Peterson Ride His Bicycle 500 Miles?

    Support this Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carlking In this episode, Carl King talks to the incredible guitarist / composer Pete Peterson. He rode his bicycle FIVE HUNDRED MILES, and I ask him WHY. Other subjects include his unique 7-string guitars, working with drummer Travis…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Every week, I explore (and more importantly EXPLAIN!) music, filmmaking, and the other creative arts. Personal tastes are not technique. I don’t waste our time with the same old circular “it was good because I liked it because it was good.” No sir! I deconstruct and reverse engineer composition, screenwriting, and how to correctly pronounce the word “folks.”Who am I? I’m Carl King: musician, animated show creator, and author. You might even remember me as Sir Millard Mulch or Dr. Zoltan. I’ve worked with Dweezil Zappa, Mike Keneally, Devin Townsend, Morgan Agren, Virgil Donati, and Brendon Small. Past guests on my show include Steve Vai, Jon Schnepp of Metalocalypse, Mark Borchardt (Coven), and Trey Spruance of Mr. Bungle.So give it a listening, and let’s get beginned!

HOSTED BY

Carl King

CATEGORIES

music tv film

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Carl King Show have?

The Carl King Show currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Carl King Show about?

Every week, I explore (and more importantly EXPLAIN!) music, filmmaking, and the other creative arts. Personal tastes are not technique. I don’t waste our time with the same old circular “it was good because I liked it because it was good.” No sir! I deconstruct and reverse engineer composition,...

How often does The Carl King Show release new episodes?

The Carl King Show has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Carl King Show?

You can listen to The Carl King Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Carl King Show?

The Carl King Show is created and hosted by Carl King.
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