Can We Be Frank?

About Can We Be Frank?

Can We Be Frank? is a weekly podcast where Mike Axe, Robert Zappia, Derek Kedell, and Ruby Dorkings get honest about entertainment, creativity, culture, relationships, and life. With years of experience behind the scenes in entertainment, the four friends bring real stories, opinions, plenty of humor, and conversations that rarely go where expected. No scripts. No pretending. Just four friends asking the questions everyone is thinking. New episodes every Monday!

Publisher

Mike Axe, Robert Zappia, Derek Kedell, and Ruby Dorkings

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Feb 2024

Latest episode

8 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Sept 2026

   They're Making That?!

   Can you tell from a trailer whether a movie is going to be great, terrible, or so ridiculous you have to see it? Mike, Robert, Derek, and Ruby watch upcoming movie and TV trailers together and give their completely unfiltered first reactions. Some trailers leave everyone confused. Some spark arguments about remakes, recycled ideas, gratuitous violence, tired comedy, and whether Hollywood has officially run out of things to make. And then one comes along that reminds everyone exactly why a great trailer can still make you want to buy a ticket immediately. From Ali G and strange horror discoveries to Wicker, Spa Weekend, another version of Carrie, and I Play Rocky, we rate what we would actually watch, what we would skip, and which trailers completely changed our expectations. What upcoming movie trailer has you excited, confused, or asking, "They're making THAT?" Watch, Listen and Follow: links.canwebefrankpodcast.com (https://links.canwebefrankpodcast.com) Credits Hosts: Mike Axe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaxe/), Robert Zappia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-zappia-writer/), Derek Kedell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-kedell/), Ruby Dorkings (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-dorkings-4a7b1312b/) Producer: Mike Axe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaxe/) Editor: Derek Kedell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-kedell/) Theme: Paul Zappia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzappia02/) Logo: Lee Wiley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-wiley-02071b32/) Chapters 0:00 On This Episode... 1:55 Ali G Returns 8:31 Horror, Action and Immediate Regret 13:25 Wicker Changes the Mood 20:55 Action Movies and Familiar Ideas 24:39 Spa Weekend and Tired Comedy 27:31 Remakes, Carrie and Hollywood Originality 30:41 I Play Rocky Wins Everyone Over 36:17 What Should We Watch Next?

2. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Creativity on Demand!

   <p><strong>Can you actually be creative on demand, or do your best ideas show up when you stop forcing them?</strong> Derek, Ruby, Robert, and Mike compare how they get unstuck, find ideas, and do creative work when deadlines do not care whether inspiration has arrived.</p> <p>From blank pages, writers' rooms, editing, problem solving, and collaboration to showers, driving, music, dog walks, and simply starting before you feel ready, we explore why creativity looks completely different from one person to the next.</p> <p>Robert shares how he works through screenwriting blocks, imagines movie trailers to shape a story, and keeps moving when a deadline demands a draft. We also get into analysis paralysis, bad ideas that lead to better ones, using AI to organize the creative process, and whether people do their best thinking alone, together, at home, or in the office.</p> <p><strong>What gets you into a creative headspace when the ideas are not coming?</strong></p> <p><strong>Watch, Listen and Follow:</strong><br /><a href="https://links.canwebefrankpodcast.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">links.canwebefrankpodcast.com</a></p> <p><strong>Credits</strong><br />Hosts: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaxe/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Mike Axe</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-zappia-writer/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Robert Zappia</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-kedell/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Derek Kedell</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-dorkings-4a7b1312b/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Ruby Dorkings</a><br />Producer: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaxe/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Mike Axe</a><br />Editor: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-kedell/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Derek Kedell</a><br />Theme: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzappia02/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Paul Zappia</a><br />Logo: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-wiley-02071b32/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Lee Wiley</a></p> <p><strong>Chapters</strong><br />0:00 On This Episode...<br />0:31 Theme Song and the Earbud Debate<br />7:33 Can You Be Creative on Demand?<br />11:38 Blank Pages, Focus and Collaboration<br />21:46 Where Great Ideas Come From<br />28:46 Writing Through Creative Blocks<br />34:15 AI and the Creative Process<br />38:49 When and Where Are You Most Creative?<br />49:27 Final Thoughts</p>

3. 

   18 Aug 2026

   How Did These Movies Flop?

   Why do some great movies flop at the box office, only to become cult classics years later? Mike, Robert, Derek, and Ruby debate underrated movies, box office failures, forgotten films, and the movies audiences eventually realized deserved a lot more love. Robert makes the case for Watcher, Derek defends The Prestige, and Mike goes to bat for Donnie Darko and Adventureland, including what it was actually like being an extra on the movie. We also get into Blade Runner, Fight Club, The Big Lebowski, The Shawshank Redemption, and other movies that struggled commercially or were overlooked before finding devoted audiences. Plus, reality TV rabbit holes, superhero fatigue, Spider-Man debates, and whether even a lifelong Star Wars fan can finally have too much Star Wars. What movie do you think everyone else got wrong? Watch, Listen and Follow: links.canwebefrankpodcast.com (https://links.canwebefrankpodcast.com) Credits Hosts: Mike Axe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaxe/), Robert Zappia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-zappia-writer/), Derek Kedell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-kedell/), Ruby Dorkings (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-dorkings-4a7b1312b/) Producer: Mike Axe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeaxe/) Editor: Derek Kedell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-kedell/) Theme: Paul Zappia (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzappia02/) Logo: Lee Wiley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-wiley-02071b32/) Chapters 0:00 Welcome to Can We Be Frank? 10:40 Our Biggest "I Told You So" Moments 16:04 Underrated Movies Everyone Got Wrong 26:31 Donnie Darko, Adventureland and Mike's Movie Story 32:14 Box Office Flops That Became Cult Classics 40:20 Reality TV and Superhero Fatigue 46:32 Has Star Wars Finally Gone Too Far? 49:32 Final Recommendations

4. 

   11 Aug 2026

   Are Sex Scenes Really Necessary? When Movies and TV Go Too Far!

   A little suspense can keep you awake all night. A bucket ofblood might just make you look away. So when do sex, nudity, violence, gore, and profanityactually make a story better? And when are they thrown in because getting areaction is easier than earning one? Let’s be Frank. This week, we’re asking a simple question that turns out tohave no simple answer: Do we really need to see all that? Robert argues that gratuitous sex, nudity, violence, andprofanity are often signs of lazy writing or filmmaking. Derek comes preparedto challenge him. Ruby explains exactly where her line is, especially when thesound effects get involved. Mike keeps bringing it back to the one thing thatshould matter most: Does it serve the story? We get into horror movies that build real suspense withoutrelying on gore, violence that feels necessary to understand the story, sexscenes that add something, and plenty that probably do not. Along the way, we talk about Halloween, Psycho, Jaws, TheConjuring, Saving Private Ryan, Pulp Fiction, Game of Thrones, Euphoria,Twilight, Titanic, Anora, Saltburn, and several movies none of us can rememberthe names of when we actually need them. Can what we imagine be more effective than anything afilmmaker could show us? Are audiences becoming more sensitive? Or have moviesand television simply kept pushing the line because they can? Now we want to hear where your line is. When does sex, violence, or gore serve the story? When doesit become unnecessary? And what movie or show got it exactly right or went waytoo far? Be frank with us in the comments. If you enjoy the conversation, give the episode a like,subscribe, and share it with someone who will absolutely disagree with you. Watch, listen, follow, and find everything Can We Be Frank?: https://links.canwebefrankpodcast.com CREDITS Hosts: Mike Axe, Robert Zappia, Derek Kedell, and RubyDorkings Producer: Mike Axe Editor: Derek Kedell Original Theme Song: Paul Zappia Show Logo: Lee Wiley 0:00 On This Episode... 0:45 Welcome to Can We Be Frank 1:08 Derek’s “Can We Be Frank?” Radio Voice 3:08 Accents, Harry Potter & East Coast Dialects 7:55 Enough Is Enough: When Does Entertainment Go Too Far? 9:38 Horror: Suspense vs. Gratuitous Gore 14:25 Slasher Movies vs. True Horror 16:42 When Does Violence Serve the Story? 19:09 Where Do We Draw the Line With Violence? 21:19 Tarantino, Pulp Fiction & Stylized Violence 24:06 Gratuitous Nudity: Necessary or Lazy? 26:49 Game of Thrones and the “Mute Button” 28:59 Off Campus: Does the Sex Serve the Story? 30:43 Can Sex Scenes Be More Creative? 34:41 How Twilight Handled a PG-13 Sex Scene 37:55 Does Showing Less Make a Scene More Effective? 40:20 When Nudity Actually Serves the Story 42:05 The Hilarious Problem With Censored Movies 43:44 Saltburn: Shock Value or Storytelling? 45:41 What Will Be Considered a Classic in 100 Years? 48:14 How Sound & Music Change Everything 49:54 Is “Too Much” Ultimately Personal Preference? 50:46 Final Thoughts #MovieDiscussion #FilmAndTV #CanWeBeFrank

5. 

   4 Aug 2026

   What Makes a Story Unforgettable? | Can We Be Frank? S2 EP 05

   Why can one story stay with us for decades while another disappears before the credits are over? In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, Mike, Derek, Ruby, and Robert unpack the invisible machinery behind unforgettable storytelling: emotion, relatability, wish fulfillment, structure, surprise, performance, music, world building, and the deceptively simple question at the heart of so many great ideas: What if? From E.T., Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Breaking Bad, The Twilight Zone, and Smile to romantic comedies, horror movies, books, games, and everyday conversations, the group explores why familiar stories can still feel completely new. They also ask whether great storytellers need to understand the rules before they can successfully break them. Robert takes us behind the scenes of professional screenwriting, including pitching ideas, surviving studio notes, protecting the heart of a story through draft after draft, and learning how to separate useful feedback from creative interference. And because this is Can We Be Frank?, the conversation also makes room for a near catastrophic cat rescue, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, unnecessary nudity, excessive gore, and the question of whether audiences really need to see everything. Funny, thoughtful, and unexpectedly revealing, this is a conversation about why stories work and why the best ones never quite let us go. What story has stayed with you for years, and why? Tell us in the comments. We want to hear your Frank take. Watch, Listen, Follow, or Contact Us Find Can We Be Frank? on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Follow us on social media, or send us a question, topic idea, opinion, or message through our contact form: ✅ https://linktr.ee/canwebefrank 00:00 On This Episode... 00:45 Welcome & World Cup Update 01:42 The Cat vs. the Hide-a-Bed 06:33 Drone Shows vs. Fireworks 07:57 Guy Fawkes Night Explained 12:09 What Makes a Great Story? 14:28 Obsession, Smile & Emotional Storytelling 17:16 Are Movie Tropes Actually a Good Thing? 19:14 Spoilers, Timeless Movies & Why Classics Last 21:57 Story vs. Screenplay vs. Film 24:22 Fantasy, Escapism & Why We Love Adventure 26:26 Is There a Formula for Great Stories? 29:54 Robert's "What If?" Writing Process 33:28 Why Comedians Are Great Storytellers 34:11 Hollywood Pitch Meetings Explained 39:27 Why Robert Had to Write 19 Drafts 43:50 Reading Scripts & Taking Notes 46:56 Do Studio Notes Make Scripts Better? 49:45 Learning the "Spirit" of Creative Feedback 51:24 How to Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive 55:28 Next Episode Teaser: Is Nudity Just Lazy Storytelling? Hashtags #CanWeBeFrank #Storytelling #GreatStories #Screenwriting #CreativeProcess #StoryStructure #FilmPodcast #TVPodcast #MovieTalk #Hollywood #WritersRoom #PopCulturePodcast #EntertainmentPodcast #WritingCommunity #WhatMakesAGreatStory

6. 

   29 Jul 2026

   They Canceled Our Favorite Shows! | Can We Be Frank? S2 EP 04

   Why do some of the best TV shows disappear... while others seem to last forever? In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we take a trip through some of television's most unforgettable series—from The Office, Breaking Bad, Freaks and Geeks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Golden Girls, MASH*, and The Simpsons to reality shows like Selling Sunset, America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Clarkson's Farm, and more. Along the way, we dive into what really causes great shows to get canceled, why audiences connect so deeply with certain characters, how Hollywood decides what survives, and the behind-the-scenes realities of television production that viewers rarely get to hear about. If you've ever had a favorite show end before its time—or wondered why some series never seem to go away—this episode is for you. 👇 We want to hear from you: What's the one TV show you wish had never been canceled? Leave a comment and join the conversation! #CanWeBeFrank #TVShows #Television #Hollywood #TheOffice #BreakingBad #BuffyTheVampireSlayer #FreaksAndGeeks #TheSimpsons #GoldenGirls #Entertainment #Podcast #TVFans #PopCulture #YouTubePodcast #TelevisionHistory #RealityTV #Streaming #Nostalgia #FilmAndTV

7. 

   21 Jul 2026

   Is AI Helping or Hurting Creativity? | Can We Be Frank? S2 EP 03

   Can AI create real art, or does creativity still depend on the human behind the technology? In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, our first guest of Season 2, Drü of INDRÜWORLD, joins us for an honest conversation about AI music, human creativity, ethics, transparency, and the future of artists. Drü shares how she combines original songwriting, music production, AI tools, live performance, and community building to create something that is both digital and deeply human. We also get into the harder questions: Is AI replacing artists or expanding what they can do? Should AI-created work always be disclosed? And how do we embrace new tools without losing the people, stories, and emotion that make art matter? Stay through the end as Drü performs “Trucks Broke Down,” out now on all major music platforms. Is AI helping creativity, hurting it, or doing both? Tell us what youthink in the comments. Listen to “Trucks Broke Down” https://dru.indruworld.com/ Follow Drü: TikTok: @indruworld https://www.tiktok.com/@indruworld Instagram: @indruworld https://www.instagram.com/indruworld/

8. 

   13 Jul 2026

   When Passion Becomes Pressure: Can Work Ruin What You Love? | Can We Be Frank? S2 EP 02

   What happens when the thing you love becomes something you have to do? In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, Derek, Ruby, Robert, and Mike get into the complicated truth behind passion, creativity, work, and whether turning something you love into a job can slowly take the joy out of it. The conversation starts with what everyone is watching, from comfort shows and Taylor Sheridan-style storytelling to The Pitt, reality TV, and the shows that pull us in without us fully knowing why. But then it gets more personal. Can your passion survive deadlines, expectations, clients, pressure, and money? Is “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” actually true or is it the fastest way to turn something special into another responsibility? The crew talks about creative burnout, side hustles, finding purpose in the work, doing your best, and why sometimes the simplest version of something is the strongest. This one is for anyone who has ever loved making something, dreamed of turning it into a career, or worried that success might change the way it feels. Because loving something does not always mean it should become your job.

9. 

   4 Jul 2026

   Hollywood Is Out of Ideas. Creators Aren’t | Can We Be Frank? S2 EP 01

   What if the next big filmmaker, storyteller, or entertainer isn’t waiting outside a studio gate — but already building an audience from their phone? In the Season 2 premiere of Can We Be Frank?, Mike, Robert, Derek, and new co-host Ruby get frank about the changing future of entertainment: why Hollywood keeps reaching for remakes, why original ideas are breaking through on social media, and why creators no longer need permission to start. From Ruby’s journey from Christmas temp to working across three continents, to the rise of TikTok talent, niche audiences, horror hits, comfort movies, rom-com debates, and the question every creative secretly asks — “How would I grade my career so far?” — this episode is about ambition, reinvention, and the strange, exciting moment we’re all living through. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too late, too unknown, too underqualified, or too far outside the system to make something meaningful, this conversation is your reminder: the gatekeepers are not gone, but the gate is no longer the only way in. HOSTS: Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell Ruby Dorkings

10. 

    4 Jul 2024

    Blast from the Past: 90s Hits and Misses, Short Seasons, & Nepotism Fails | Can We Be Frank? EP 08

    Take a trip down memory lane on Can We Be Frank? as we revisit the iconic films and TV shows of the '90s. We'll discuss our top picks, the era's biggest box office hits, and vent about today's shrinking TV seasons. Plus, we tackle the topic of nepotism in Hollywood, spotlighting the critical reception of Kanye West's daughter in The Lion King tribute. Join us for a mix of nostalgia, critique, and candid conversation! HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

11. 

    25 May 2024

    Diplomas vs. Dares: Education, Extreme Antics, and Work-Life Harmony | Can We Be Frank? EP 07

    Join us on Can We Be Frank? as we debate the necessity of formal education in the entertainment industry, juxtaposed with thrilling tales from the wild world of Jackass and Nitro Circus. We also dive into strategies for balancing work with personal life, sprinkled with our favorite ways to unwind with hobbies. Tune in for a blend of daring stories and practical advice, perfect for adrenaline junkies and aspiring creatives alike! HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

12. 

    21 May 2024

    A Long Run with Your Name In Lights: Career Longevity | Can We Be Frank? EP 06

    Join us on Can We Be Frank? as we delve into the business of autograph conventions and the varied fees charged by celebrities. We also discuss the secrets to sustaining a long career in the entertainment industry and share the essential insights and advice we wish we had known when first starting out. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

13. 

    12 Apr 2024

    Tron Legacy or Letdown, Script to Strip, and Tackling the (Writers) Block w/ Guest Lee Wiley | Can We Be Frank? EP 05

    Get ready for a high-voltage episode of Can We Be Frank? as we ignite a debate between Tron and Tron Legacy – which digital universe reigns supreme? Dive into the art of adaptation with guest Lee Wiley, who reveals the magic behind turning screenplays into graphic novels. And if you're battling the creative blues, we've got the ultimate tips to turbocharge your imagination. Don't miss out – tune in and transform your creative hurdles into triumphs!

14. 

    22 Mar 2024

    Dress Distress, Oscar Fest, and Production Quests | Can We Be Frank? EP 04

    In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we delve into the buzz around one Oscar dress that sparked a social media firestorm, take a closer look at the award ceremony's unforgettable moments, and break down the typical timeline of a film's journey from initial idea to the big screen. Join us for an engaging exploration of fashion controversies, cinematic celebrations, and the realities of movie making.

15. 

    3 Mar 2024

    Award Show Controversies, Indie Film Breakdowns, and Production Highs | Can We Be Frank? EP 03

    In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we delve into recent Emmy and Oscar controversies and award show rules, celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking, and share our thoughts on the most rewarding part of the production process. Join us for a candid look at the highs and lows of creating and recognizing excellence in film and television. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

16. 

    21 Feb 2024

    New Wheels (of Fortune), Scripting Thrills (Halloween: H20), and AI Skills | Can We Be Frank? EP 02

    In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we delve into the transition of hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune post Pat Sajak, unwrap the intriguing screenwriting journey of Halloween H20, and answer a student's question about integrating AI into our work lives. Tune in for a blend of entertainment insights and tech talk. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

17. 

    21 Feb 2024

    Nepo-Babies, Networking, and the Film School Dilemma | Can We Be Frank? EP 01

    In this episode of Can We Be Frank?, we have a candid debate surrounding nepo-babies and the power of networking in the entertainment industry. Plus, we tackle a burning question from a listener: Is pursuing film school really worth it? Join us for a frank discussion on privilege, opportunity, and the realities of breaking into Hollywood. HOSTS Robert Zappia Mike Axe Derek Kedell

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.