It’s a little hard to believe that our little show is now entering its third year of existence. What started as a fun little side podcast has now turned into something I am truly grateful for. LKet me give you a little backstory before I get into some of the things you can expect for year 3. 

When I started It’s Not That Bad, it was August 2021. I was already a few months into my first podcast, Made You A Mixtape. That show was a ton of fun, allowing me the chance to have some great conversations with fellow podcasters, friends and artists that I probably never would have had an opportunity to spend an hour online with. We talked about music, we talked about how lives have changed during the pandemic and it provided a much-needed outlet in a time when everyone was told to stay at home.

I enjoyed the process so much that I decided, “What’s better than one podcast? Two podcasts.”

I’ve always had a love of bad movies. I remember going to the video store and renting movies based sometimes on the title alone. Honestly, why else would anyone rent movies like Stuff Stephanie In The INcinerator or Bloodsucking Pharaohs In Pittsburgh. And yes, before you ask…those are actual movie titles that I have rented. The thing about it, though, is that more often than not, they provided a good smile and a much needed chuckle. I love all movies, but sometimes it’s the ones that make people groan that eventually make me smile.

It was in this enjoyment that I thought that a show talking about “bad movies” would be a good idea. However, I wasn’t a fan of the idea of spending an hour just crapping on a film. I’m not an actor, nor am I a director or a writer…I don’t make movies. Where do I get off telling the world why a movie sucks if I’ve never made a film. Besides, I’ve always been a firm believer that you get back the energy that you put out into the world. So, the idea was to try to find good things to say about the movies. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been fun.

That’s why, as we close in on episode 100, I truly appreciate all that we have accomplished so far. The laughs and conversations I’ve been able to share with guests from around the world, the time I get to spend with my wife as we sit and watch these films…if this is a hobby, then it’s a very satisfying one. 

Eventually, we also started There Can Only Be One, thereby providing an outlet to talk with passionate music fans and podcasters about their favourite artists, as well as a perfectly good excuse to deep dive into some more music. Selfish, sure…but no ears were harmed in the making of an episode.

But now, in year 3 of the It’s Not That Bad podcast, we get to expand once again. Year 2 saw the creation of our Grading On A Curve specials, and those are always a ton of fun to prep for and record. I’m lucky to have an amazing circle of friends to join in on those shows and the mayhem that ensues during our rankings always leaves me smiling after recording and editing. 

Year 3 brings a brand new segment to the It’s Not That Bad channel. Introducing Keep Watch Pass, a new segment that will debut on Monday, August 14th and appear weekly on Mondays. The theme of the show is simple…pick one subject, whether it be an actor or director or genre of franchise, and pick 3 movies from that subject: one movie you value so much that you would keep it, one that’s good enough to watch and not change the channel when it’s on TV, and one that you would pass if ever given the opportunity to watch it again. Think of it like Marry-Boff-Kill, but in a “treasuring movies” way instead of a pseudo-stalker kind of way.

The first show will be available to everyone. We want you to hear what we’re putting together and hope that you enjoy playing along while listening. After that, though, Keep-Watch-Pass will be available to subscribers on Spotify. As any podcaster will tell you, running a show does have its costs. I love what I do, and am happy to produce more shows for all of you. However, if you like what we do, please consider subscribing to the podcast. This will help us continue to produce more and more episodes for you.

Now before you think we’re going “full paywall”, that’s not the case at all. Episodes of It’s Not That Bad and Grading On A Curve will still, and always be, for everyone without having to pay, I love doing the show too much to ever take that away from all of you who have supported us with your ears for 2 years and counting. It is only episodes of Keep Watch Pass that will be for subscribers. We also want to hear what episodes you would love for us to cover on that show. We are always open to suggestions and love when you chime in.

SPEAKING OF EPISODE 100…

By our calendar, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the centennial episode will be dropping on Wednesday, October 11. For this very special episode, there can only be one movie that we could think of covering…the greatest bad movie of all time, The Room. Considering that the Tommy Wiseau “epic” celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, there’s no better time or movie for us to commemorate hitting triple digits in episodes. Be sure to let us know in the comments section below what you thought of The Room. This one is sure to be a good time.

Once again, thank you all for listening in, and don’t be afraid to let us know what you think of the movies we watch, the shows we release and what you would love us to cover.