Join Tom Needham on SOUNDS for an eye-opening and compelling conversation with Peabody and Emmy Award-winning director Todd Bieber, whose latest documentary “American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly” delves into the controversial practice of cat declawing. In this exclusive interview, Bieber sheds light on the medical, ethical, and emotional ramifications of a procedure that remains shockingly common in the United States, despite being banned in most industrialized countries.

Director John Pilger Discusses “The Coming War on China” on The SOUNDS Podcast with Tom Needham

Tom Needham presents an exclusive interview with renowned documentary filmmaker John Pilger, who will discuss his films “Utopia” and “The Coming War on China.". Pilger is also widely known for his work on films about Julian Assange, including “The War You Don’t See” and his 2007 film, “The War on Democracy,” which examines U.S. interventions in Latin America.

He will also discuss "Utopia” a documentary that sheds light on the struggles of Aboriginal Australians. The title refers to Utopia, Northern Territory, one of the most impoverished areas in Australia. As producer, writer, and director, Pilger visited Utopia and found Aboriginal families still living in dire conditions without access to electricity or running water. The film highlights the alarming fact that Aboriginal Australians are imprisoned at ten times the rate Black South Africans were under apartheid. Pilger also critiques the exploitation of Aboriginal lands for mining, noting that tax revenue from this mining has done little to alleviate their poverty. “Utopia” is available on Icarus Films DVD and video-on-demand.

Pilger’s latest work, “The Coming War on China,” offers a stark warning about the growing threat of nuclear conflict with China. The film highlights the significant buildup of military bases around China, the largest since World War II, and recounts the history of U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands. Beginning in 1946, the U.S. conducted a 12-year series of nuclear bomb tests, in part to study the effects of radiation on the local population, whom Pilger describes as being treated like “guinea pigs.”

On the upcoming episode of SOUNDS with Tom Needham, filmmaker Alan Rudolph joins to discuss the restored 4K release of his satirical film, “Breakfast of Champions.” Based on Kurt Vonnegut’s acclaimed novel, this darkly comedic portrayal of American life returns after 25 years, offering a fresh and timely reflection on the madness and chaos that still resonate today. Starring Bruce Willis as the unraveling car dealership magnate Dwayne Hoover, the film features an impressive ensemble cast including Albert Finney, Nick Nolte, Glenne Headly, and Barbara Hershey. As the story unfolds, Hoover’s search for meaning leads him to Kilgore Trout, a reclusive science fiction writer played by Finney, resulting in an explosive and unpredictable collision of two very different worlds.

Alan Rudolph’s direction brings out both the absurdity and the poignancy of Vonnegut’s narrative, capturing the cracks beneath the veneer of the American Dream. Now, with this pristine 4K restoration, the film offers a new generation the chance to appreciate the wit and performances that may have been overlooked in its original release. Rudolph reflects on the renewed relevance of “Breakfast of Champions,” noting that today’s audience might be even more prepared to grapple with its surreal exploration of identity, success, and the search for truth in an increasingly chaotic world.

A key figure in independent cinema, Rudolph’s work often delves into the complexities of human relationships, blending fluid storytelling with unconventional humor. From his early collaborations with Robert Altman to his celebrated films like “Choose Me” and “Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle,” Rudolph has consistently pushed the boundaries of narrative film. With “Breakfast of Champions,” he once again demonstrates his unique ability to bring complex literary works to life, ensuring this cult favorite remains as compelling now as it was 25 years ago.