The Lack
The Lack is a weekly podcast hosted by political theorist Benjamin Studebaker, philosopher Nina Power, and filmmaker Helen Rollins. Each episode takes a single work—whether a film, poem, essay, or book—and connects it to a philosophical theme, sparking wide-ranging discussion about ideas, culture, and society. The show releases a public A-side episode each week, with a Patreon-exclusive B-side for subscribers. Music and production are handled by Scorecard, and graphics are by Bryce Behrman.
Episodes
Fists in the Pocket
This episode is on the 1965 film, Fists in the Pocket. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
The Fool
This episode is on the 2014 film, The Fool. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Victim
This episode is on the 1961 film, Victim. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Hoppers
This episode is on the 2026 film, Hoppers. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Herostratus
This episode is on the 1967 film, Herostratus. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
K-Pop Demon Hunters
This episode is on the 2025 film, K-Pop Demon Hunters. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Project Hail Mary
This episode is on the 2026 film, Project Hail Mary. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Obsession
This episode is on the 2025 film, Obsession. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Eerie, Indiana
This episode is on the 1991 television series, Eerie, Indiana. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast/
Zorba the Greek
This episode is on the 1964 film, Zorba the Greek. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
We Are the Lambeth Boys
This episode is on the 1959 documentary We Are the Lambeth Boys. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The War is Over
This episode is on the 1966 film, The War is Over. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
A Man for All Seasons
This episode is on the 1966 film, A Man for All Seasons. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Silence
This episode is on the 2016 film, Silence. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
A Field in England
This episode is on the 2013 film, A Field in England. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Ikiru
This episode is on the 1952 film, Ikiru. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Matewan
This episode is on the 1987 film, Matewan. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Grapes of Wrath
This episode is on the 1940 film, The Grapes of Wrath. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Harvest
This episode is on the 2024 film, Harvest. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Stranger (Fremmed: Det første opgør)
This episode is on the 2025 Danish film, Stranger. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Conformist
This episode is on the 1970 film, The Conformist. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Zelig
This episode is on the 1983 film, Zelig. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Dogville
This episode is on the 2003 film, Dogville. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Surfer
This episode is on the 2024 film, The Surfer. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Boss of It All
This episode is on the 2006 film, The Boss of It All. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Peacock
This episode is on the 2024 film, Peacock. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Stromboli
This episode is on the 1950 film, Stromboli. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Black Bag
This episode is on the 2025 film, Black Bag. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Heretic
This episode is on the 2024 film, Heretic. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Black Narcissus
This episode is on the 1947 film, Black Narcissus. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Shrouds
This episode is on the 2024 film, The Shrouds. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Ordinary People
This episode is on the 1980 film, Ordinary People. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Big Chill
This episode is on the 1983 film, The Big Chill. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Other People's Money
This episode is on the 1991 film, Other People's Money. To hear the B-side on Iris Murdoch, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Devil's Advocate
This episode is on the 1997 film, The Devil's Advocate. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Persona
This episode is on the 1966 film, Persona. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Life and Loves of a She-Devil
This episode is on the 1986 miniseries, The Life and Loves of a She-Devil. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Witches of Eastwick
This episode is on the 1987 film, The Witches of Eastwick. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Deliverance
This episode is on the 1972 film, Deliverance. To hear the B-Side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Pass Thru
This episode is on the 2016 Neil Breen film, Pass Thru. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Bird (2024)
This episode is on the 2024 film, Bird. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
I Am Mother
This episode is on the 2019 film, I Am Mother. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Iron Giant
This episode is on the 1999 film, The Iron Giant. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Wild Robot
This episode is on the 2024 film, The Wild Robot. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Barry Lyndon
This episode is on the 1975 film, Barry Lyndon. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
A Separation
This episode is on the 2011 film, A Separation. To hear the B-Side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
This episode is on the 1989 film, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Leopard
This episode is on the 1963 film, The Leopard. To hear the B-Side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Emerald Forest
This episode is on the 1985 film, The Emerald Forest. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Babe: Pig in the City
This episode is on the 1998 film, Babe: Pig in the City. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Apocalypto
This episode is on the 2006 film, Apocalypto. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Anora
This episode is on the 2024 film, Anora. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
This episode is on the 1975 film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Return of Martin Guerre
This episode is on the 1982 film, The Return of Martin Guerre. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Living in Oblivion
This episode is on the 1995 film, Living in Oblivion. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World
This episode is on the 2023 Romanian film, Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Birth of a Nation
This episode is on the 1915 film, Birth of a Nation. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Mickey 17
This episode is on the 2025 film, Mickey 17. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Conclave
This episode is on the 2024 film, Conclave. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Locke
This episode is on the 2013 film, Locke. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
This episode is on the 2024 film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Eraserhead
This episode is on the 1977 film, Eraserhead. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Funeral Parade of Roses
This episode is on the 1969 film, Funeral Parade of Roses. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Dreams
This episode is on the 1990 film, Dreams. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Perfect Days
This episode is on the 2023 film, Perfect Days. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Tuesday
This episode is on the 2023 film, Tuesday. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Søn of Dad (Live in London w/Helen Rollins)
This episode was recorded live in London on the 2023 country music album, Søn of Dad.
Diva (1981)
This episode is on the 1981 film, Diva. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Bikeriders
This episode is on the 2023 film, The Bikeriders. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Substance
This episode is on the 2024 film, The Substance. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Beau is Afraid
This episode is on the 2023 film, Beau is Afraid. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Double Indemnity
This episode is on the 1944 film, Double Indemnity. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Over the Garden Wall
This episode is on the 2014 miniseries, Over the Garden Wall. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Vertigo
This episode is on the 1958 film, Vertigo. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Parallax View
This episode is on the 1974 film, The Parallax View. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
A Clockwork Orange
This episode is on the 1971 film, A Clockwork Orange. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Twisters
This episode is on the 2024 film, Twisters. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Lives of Others
This episode is on the 2006 film, The Lives of Others. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
The Battle of Algiers
This episode is on the 1966 film, The Battle of Algiers. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
Tickled
This episode is on the 2016 film, Tickled. To hear the B-side, subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thelackpodcast
