Last Podcast on the Left Episode: Dogma 25th Anniversary: An Interview with Kevin Smith Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this special 25th-anniversary episode of "Last Podcast on the Left," hosts Marcus Parks, Ben Kissel, and Henry Zabrowski sit down with legendary filmmaker Kevin Smith to celebrate and delve deep into his seminal work, "Dogma." The conversation navigates through Kevin Smith's influential career, the enduring legacy of "Dogma," and his ongoing creative endeavors.

Kevin Smith's Career and Influence

Ben Kissel opens the discussion by emphasizing Kevin Smith's pivotal role in the DIY filmmaking movement:

Ben Kissel [03:10]: "We have the massive honor of talking to somebody who was so incredibly influential to all of us growing up. To the founding of Last Podcast Network and to the entire DIY aesthetic that we approach our entire lives."

Kevin Smith reflects on his early inspirations:

Kevin Smith [03:35]: "It was something about watching just some fat guy from Jersey that went... and he just made it work. There was something as a high schooler, watching him and his buddies go and make a whole world of art and entertainment that was very inspirational."

Development and Re-release of "Dogma"

Celebrating the anniversary, Marcus Parks shares his excitement about "Dogma's" re-release:

Marcus Parks [04:17]: "It's in theaters around the country right now, so definitely go out and check it out."

Kevin Smith discusses the experience of watching his own film multiple times:

Kevin Smith [04:19]: "I got to see it in a theater, and it did kind of feel like you were reeling back the years a little bit, because it's deeply inappropriate and it's wonderful. They don't make them like that anymore."

Impact of "Dogma" on Audiences and Faith

Marcus Parks explores the diverse reactions "Dogma" has elicited from audiences over the years:

Marcus Parks [32:19]: "It's crazy how the movie affects people in both directions. For some, it reconnects them with their faith, while for others, it helps them step away from the church."

Kevin Smith shares personal insights on how faith influenced the creation of "Dogma":

Kevin Smith [36:36]: "I started writing Dogma when I was 22... It was shaped by my life experience, my childhood, my pop culture intake, my thoughts, feelings about faith."

A heartfelt moment occurs when Marcus Parks recounts his near-death experience and its impact on his faith:

Marcus Parks [36:59]: "I realized, like, if I start praying and there is a God, he's gonna be like, you made Dogma fuck. So I opted not to pray in that moment."

The Cast of "Dogma" and Jason Mewes

Ben Kissel praises the ensemble cast, highlighting Jason Mewes' standout performance:

Ben Kissel [52:12]: "We had an incredible cast, including George Carlin, Alan Rickman, Salma Hayek, Chris Rock, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Jason Mewes."

Marcus Parks elaborates on Jason Mewes' chemistry with seasoned actors:

Marcus Parks [52:32]: "Every night that I watched the movie, Jason stole the show. He was at his strongest and absolutely magical in his performance."

A memorable interaction between Jason Mewes and Alan Rickman is recounted:

Marcus Parks [61:08]: "One of the weirdest things I saw on set was Alan Rickman and Jason Mewes deeply engaged in conversation on the steps of the church. It was surreal."

Future Projects: "Dogma" Sequel and "Moose Jaws"

Kevin Smith shares his excitement about the upcoming "Dogma" sequel, now infused with decades of life experience:

Kevin Smith [39:53]: "I've been writing a Dogma sequel, fed by a lifetime of experience, including almost dying and losing my mind."

Marcus Parks introduces the new project "Moose Jaws", a continuation of the "Dogma" universe with a horror twist:

Marcus Parks [90:07]: "Moose Jaws is coming. If you loved Tusk, the story continues in Moose Jaws."

The hosts express their enthusiasm for these upcoming films, anticipating their impact on the horror and indie film communities.

Reflections on Podcasting and the Modern Era

Kevin Smith and the hosts discuss the evolution of podcasting, emphasizing its role in fostering community and creative expression:

Kevin Smith [11:26]: "Podcasting has become our modern-day congregation, where we can talk about the things we love and connect with our audience."

Marcus Parks highlights how the current DIY generation has mastered both creation and monetization:

Marcus Parks [12:56]: "The DIY generation now is much smarter about the business aspect. They understand how to monetize and build their own studio systems without relying on traditional studios."

Personal Anecdotes and Life Stories

Throughout the interview, Marcus Parks shares personal stories, including his experiences of nearly losing everything in a fire and how it led him to rediscover his passion for collecting memorabilia:

Marcus Parks [87:22]: "After the fire, I started collecting Rocky and Bullwinkle items obsessively, turning a traumatic experience into a creative outlet."

Kevi Smith adds humor and depth to the conversation, discussing his relationship with his family and creative processes.

Closing Remarks

As the interview wraps up, both hosts and Kevin Smith express gratitude and excitement for future collaborations and projects. They encourage listeners to engage with "Dogma's" re-release and upcoming film ventures, celebrating the enduring legacy of Kevin Smith's work.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Smith [03:35]: "Watching him just made it work. There was something inspirational about the way he created art without connections."

• Marcus Parks [36:59]: "If I start praying and there is a God, he's gonna be like, you made Dogma fuck. So I opted not to pray in that moment."

• Ben Kissel [52:12]: "We had an incredible cast... Jason Mewes stole the show."

This episode offers a profound look into Kevin Smith's journey, the significance of "Dogma," and the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking and podcasting. It's a must-listen for fans of horror, indie films, and those inspired by the DIY spirit.