917 - Touchdown Tim Chitters feat. D.J. Byrnes & Eephus (3/17/25)
Digest
This podcast covers a wide range of topics. It begins with a discussion of death threats received by Senator Tom Tillis from angry liberal voters, highlighting the intense political climate. The conversation then shifts to the broader issue of political anger and critiques the Democratic Party's perceived strategic failures. The podcast then focuses on Ohio politics, examining Vivek Ramaswamy's gubernatorial campaign, and profiles several controversial Ohio political figures, including Tara Ross and the Millers. A significant portion discusses an Ohio education bill that cuts funding while simultaneously proposing a billion-dollar stadium deal for the Cleveland Browns. The hosts then interview the filmmakers of "Ethus," a low-budget film. The filmmakers discuss the challenges of independent filmmaking, their creative solutions to budgetary constraints, and the impact of their close-knit living arrangements on the film's themes. The conversation touches upon the current state of independent cinema and concludes with reflections on the film's reception and the unique personalities often found in baseball.
Outlines

Political Climate, Death Threats & Democratic Strategy
The podcast opens discussing death threats against Senator Tillis, followed by a broader conversation about political anger and criticisms of the Democratic Party's strategy.

Ohio Politics: Ramaswamy, Tressel & Controversial Figures
A discussion of Ohio politics, focusing on Vivek Ramaswamy's gubernatorial campaign, his potential rivalry with Jim Tressel, and profiles of other controversial Ohio political figures like Tara Ross and the Millers.

Ohio Education Bill & Cleveland Browns Stadium Deal
Analysis of an Ohio education bill that cuts funding while proposing a billion-dollar stadium deal for the Cleveland Browns, highlighting the political implications.

Interview with "Ethus" Filmmakers: Part 1 - Concept & Challenges
An interview with the filmmakers of "Ethus," discussing the film's concept, the meaning of "eephus," and the challenges of low-budget filmmaking.

Interview with "Ethus" Filmmakers: Part 2 - Budgetary Constraints & Creative Solutions
The filmmakers detail the challenges and creative solutions born from their low budget, including embracing natural light and the impact of shared living arrangements.

Interview with "Ethus" Filmmakers: Part 3 - Advice & Shared Living
Advice for aspiring filmmakers, focusing on location shooting and the impact of the cast and crew living together during filming.

Interview with "Ethus" Filmmakers: Part 4 - Independent Cinema & Film Reception
Discussion on the future of independent cinema and reflections on the film's reception, including its connection to baseball culture.

Baseball's Eccentric Personalities & Podcast Conclusion
A discussion of unique baseball personalities and the podcast's conclusion.
Keywords
Eephus
An antiquated baseball pitch symbolizing the film "Ethus"'s theme of time's passage.
Political Anger
Widespread frustration and resentment towards politicians.
Democratic Party Strategy
The Democratic Party's strategies and responses to political challenges.
Ohio Politics
The political landscape of Ohio, including prominent figures and controversies.
Independent Filmmaking
The process of creating films outside the major studio system.
Low-Budget Filmmaking
Film production with limited financial resources.
Cleveland Browns Stadium Deal
A controversial stadium deal in Ohio, highlighting political priorities.
Independent Journalism
News reporting outside mainstream media.
Baseball Culture
The unique traditions and personalities associated with baseball.
Q&A
What are the key criticisms leveled against the Democratic Party leadership in this podcast?
The hosts criticize the Democratic leadership's perceived misreading of the public mood, their perceived capitulation to Republican policies, and their focus on short-term political gains.
What is the significance of the "eephus" pitch in the context of the film "Ethus"?
The "eephus" pitch, meaning "nothing" in Hebrew, symbolizes the film's central theme: the passage of time and how people fill their lives.
What is the central argument against the proposed Cleveland Browns stadium deal?
The hosts argue that using taxpayer money for a new stadium is fiscally irresponsible and prioritizes the interests of a wealthy owner over community needs.
What were the biggest challenges faced while making "Ethus" on a low budget?
Securing funding, managing resources, and finding suitable housing for the cast and crew.
How did the close-knit living arrangements of the cast and crew impact the film?
Living together fostered camaraderie and collaboration, influencing the film's themes of friendship and teamwork.
What is your outlook on the future of independent cinema?
The filmmakers remain optimistic, believing the desire for original cinema will lead to a resurgence of independent filmmaking.
Show Notes
Then, Eephus director Carson Lund and writer & star Nate Fisher join Will to discuss the film, its inspirations, how they went about shooting it, Meat Raffles, and some of their all-time favorite Baseball Guys.
Find D.J.’s chronicle of Ohio depravity at the Rooster: https://www.rooster.info/
Find showtimes for Eephus @ https://www.eephusfilm.com/
























