Ken Burns | Blocks Podcast w/ Neal Brennan

[@withoutakikstand]

Going from Ken saying "That's what I do, I wake the dead. I'm still trying to talk to my mother." where I am almost crying to Neal hitting us with "I'm trying to do comedy bro" might be one of the funniest moments I can remember

[@nthuzsm]

So beautiful and so funny

[@thechristinediane]

Ken's summation is so profound. Slaying with just a few words.

[@user-tc1fw5ms5s]

The ending killed me. This podcast is so good

[@munchingtiger4330]

wish I wasn't reading comments before watching the video, but that's my fault for intentionally revealing spoilers. Still laughed out loud hahah

[@jenniferbugarini783]

@@munchingtiger4330 I just did this to myself too. Why are we like this? haha

[@commaJim]

Ken Burns?!? This is an unexpected treat

[@lisaschneider7493]

Heck yeah it is!

[@GO-lh3rt]

this is an ad

[@johnjohn518]

Thinking the same. Love how s documentaries

[@danielharrang1513]

"When you have Dick Cheney and Bernie Sanders voting for the same person, you know there is something threatening the Republic that transcends party. Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their country and not their party." Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns

[@Junklogic]

Please don’t call videos treats

[@EshenBaum]

The editing really makes this show special. Putting in the camera moves while Ken is naming them was great!

[@EshenBaum]

Such a grounded and normal workaholic. Dang smart people…

[@ttacking]

It was a delightful exposition of taxonomy

[@ttacking]

Almost like a different kind of verisimilitude? Wait I'm overanalyzing simple examples of technique, I think?...and I don't even think I know what verisimilitude means?? Or taxonomy????

[@ttacking]

Exposition!!???

[@user-tc1fw5ms5s]

Agreed!

[@cheddar-samosa5789]

Amazing podcast. Please bring more non comedian guests. The conversation is a breath of fresh air.

[@Supermanohman]

If Ken Burns happens to see this, I passed American History class in high school 20 years ago because I wrote an extra credit paper on the Civil War... the entire show. Without your documentary I would've failed because there was nothing as substantial as that show that would give me enough content for such a paper.

[@wakegary]

Ken just drops "BOR-RING" as a reply, in character as his highly unpopular 'telegram-savvy incel discord badboy' persona: (90's FM Radio Host Chorus Effects on Voice) '𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙝, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 #𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨' 🌋🧯

[@acerulz25]

I’d of bet the deed to my home that I’d never hear Mr. Ken Burns say the f word and I’m loving every minute of this podcast, I grew up watching his stuff! Neal I love how you get people so comfortable to talk about things most people don’t, keep up the amazing content man!

[@HandyMan657]

It was kind of like seeing Herman Munster curse in The Cotten Club, or Don Ameche in Trading Places.

[@dpclerks09]

39:49 "I AM" That's my favorite response I've ever heard to "Where are you, Spiritually?"❤

[@candacepotter49]

Holy shit balls, Neal!! I haven’t even watched it yet and I’m over the moon! I watch Ken Burns documentaries regularly! I love his work and I love your work and this makes me so very happy! Geeking out hard over here.

[@cirquemedia]

Ken Burns is an American treasure... Always impressed with your influential guests and thoughtful interviews.

[@wakegary]

Thanks, but you should be thanking Neal TBH :)

[@xavmiz3070]

This interview could have been twice as long and I'd still be locked in.

[@HlifeRomania91]

Totally

[@alexweider5539]

Amen. Reminded me of years ago when I would tune into PBS to see Burns or others actually have something real and moving to say, without interruption or some kind of angle. Needed this.

[@billynaylor249]

Right? I could have watched seven 2 hour episodes of this.

[@toastedpetOG]

Yeah, at this point I'm down for a doc on Mr. Burns here.

[@simonlee9993]

I routinely play the Ashokan Farewell for people. They love it. A guy at a wedding once recognized it as "a song I hear in a civil war documentary once." Thanks, Mr. Burns : )

[@AugaAuf]

From Germany: Thank you very much for this special episode! The last 10 minutes brought me to tears due to Burns ability to find words for the unbearable suffering, the unselfish sacrifice for an idea and the lifelong pain the surviving soldiers, the wifes and the parents of the GREATEST GENERATION had to go through. Not to mention the fallen heros in Colleville-sur-Mer and so many other places. And in a couple of weeks a person will be President of the United States of America (again) that called exacltly those people "suckers" and "loosers". The Abyss.

[@SuperMcgenius]

The National film Board of Canada needs to be credited for pushing the documentary, Ken Burns has done some great work .😊 I grew up both in Montreal and New York City in the 1970s and to put this in perspective. Our history teacher George Kirshner ( rip ) had Howard Zinn and Black Panthers come and talk to us. These experiences formed my worldview.❤ Shout out to Studs Terkel

[@jngnorwood152]

Good job Neil, you leveled up on this one.

[@TheOldHippiebilly]

I've always adored Ken Burns and considered him incredibly brilliant. That said, it's nice to see that he FINALLY got a haircut that doesn't make him look like a total dork. 😂

[@bigmo10]

🎉🎉🎉

[@mrmatt6740]

Thank you for having this wonderful conversation with Ken Burns! It provided such insight to his wisdom, insight and approach to his work.

[@switchbackfive]

I was excited for the interview, now find out I get to see a new Leonardo doc, yay! Eta. Save PBS!

[@markalbert9011]

The story about his father and swearing is heart touching. A father who is dealing with sooooo much, loses it for a moment, then turns that into something special with his sons that lasts generations. It's one of those parenting moments you might not realize for years how well you handled it.

[@alexweider5539]

As a kid who grew up in Brooklyn in the 80s, that one film - Brooklyn Bridge - THAT documentary remains probably my favorite Ken Burns film. It's hard to remember now, but there was a time when that whole area was basically a forgotten industrial area on the Brooklyn side (now DUMBO). Seeing that documentary changed the way I thought about history, the bridge, and the story of the bridge itself. I wrote a paper in 8th Grade on Emily Roebling because of Ken Burns' movie! What an American Treasure. Thank you!

[@ashleyromero5302]

The timing and selection of certain "blocks" popping up in text behind the guests is always so funny, "HIGH ON DOCS"

[@seanmartin365]

This was one of the best so far. I love you both.

[@LeviandBoomer]

Neal needs to do more of these kind of interviews

[@zoeyb]

The scream I scumpt - what a treat for today! Hellll yes

[@tekspec]

this is the best episode you’ve ever done. beautiful, human and moving

[@runnybabbit4516]

What an artist with story. More artist interviews!

[@monalucas4254]

Absolutely fantastic interview, from both Neal and Ken. Wow. I love his docs but never imagined he'd be this interesting to hear (though I've seen an interview with him now and then over the years). Stellar work.

[@ephinae]

Astounding guest choice! Huge Ken Burns fan! Thanks for keeping it interesting Neal, and thanks for all your work Mr. Burns!

[@andrewstacey4868]

Wow!!! Well done Neal!!!!! Thanks for sharing

[@deannad9105]

Amazing interview! I wish Neal had asked- - Will there be a Ken Burns documentary? -If so, would that something he would participate in making or would he be willing to provide content to an outside documentarian? -Would he want his daughters to do it or an outside person, who may have a more neutral perspective? -Have his daughters shown any interest in him as a documentary subject?

[@wakegary]

wishes are the best

[@godnah]

I expected this one to be at least 4-6 hours long.

[@renebarger3667]

I’m here to make this comment. Thanks for beating me to it.

[@lordaleksandre]

This is a GOATed comment

[@wakegary]

@@renebarger3667 BURNED

[@yohojones]

I can't wait to watch this after work. I've been waiting for a long form interview with Ken forever!

[@johnyaworsky8525]

Did not see that coming. Worlds kinda colliding for me. Great episode.

[@lizmetcalf3714]

Happy Thanksgiving, Neal. Thanks for the feast ❤

[@SALVATl0N]

Neal, you're really good at this. I hope you keep going. So many times I've had frustrations listening to other posts that don't know the next question to ask or leave Stones unturned. Keep going please.

[@thedylangirl]

I was invited to an advanced screening of The American Buffalo. We (First Peoples) took our son and his girlfriend (Caucasian) to it. We all left crying. She was quietly sniffing the whole way home saying “I had no idea; why didn’t we learn this in school?” Thank you, Ken. We appreciate you.

[@AlphaLoveFree]

All of the videos I've watched that you do I love...and this one with Ken Burns is the best! Thank you!

[@Daniel-RunToRoyal]

This was amazing!!! Kindness, folks!!!

[@lille-mary1517]

Loved listening to Ken in this conversation. Thank you for a great interview Neal.

[@sharroneblanck109]

Blocks us so good. We humans are amazing. Good stuff. Thank you Neal.

[@generaljellyroll8737]

Ken Burns commented and liked on a photo I was in I was in that a photographer took on the PCT. It’s really them two and not me but I still think it’s one of the coolest things ever to happen to me. I feel like Ken Burns and Rick Steves would make the most wholesome and interesting thing to relax to

[@wakegary]

is mr rogers spraying ropes off in the corner cuz im in #suspensionbridges

[@Krpfan]

Wonderful conversation!

[@TheBookofBeasts]

Wow, such a great interview. I never immediately think that I am going to have to watch a interview again but this time I will.

[@Mr.Goodbar517]

Side note: love the new production and cues lined up in the editing 🤌🏽

[@wakegary]

"it's rooted in nature, which is perfect"

[@bobcat73]

Awesome interview. Thank you for sharing that.

[@VeryApe]

Incredibly insightful and inspiring. Thanks so much Neal, this was special.

[@akiag4678]

HAPPY 2024 THANKSGIVING NEAL & guest !!!

[@wakegary]

Thanks! Unless you meant Ken when you said guest. Either way, I sure am full! (rubs stomach and waves goodbye)

[@ListerTunes]

I always love the editing of this podcast, but this episode is spectacular. You outdid yourself, Will Hagle.

[@MARLEN446]

My dictionary app is being put to good use this ep! 😅

[@brandonsingleton5598]

Goddammit. I love Ken Burns so much.

[@godnah]

So much life wisdom packed into one man...but WHO will do the documentary on HIM?

[@bigmo10]

Neal obviously 😄

[@wakegary]

michael moore, but he's deep into a nitrous binge

[@ASwagPecan]

Brennan always gets the best guests; Ken Burn’s Huey Long documentary is my all-time favorite.

[@marleegoss6883]

Excellent interview

[@silentm999]

Holy shit. You got Ken Burns.

[@justinmitzel3556]

Neal forgot to mention one of my all time favorite Ken Burns documentaries - The National Parks. What an incredible and important story teller!

[@ramonmuniz7296]

Considering how much Neal would talk about documentaries on How Neal Feel, this feels like the biggest guest Neal has ever had on.

[@Gorongirl]

DOC WATCH ❤

[@TheCompleteJeff]

What an interesting get for the show! Well done

[@cme3688]

Civil War is the best documentary ever made. Period.

[@tortera]

Just brilliant. Thank you so much.

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

The Purple Heart is both for the wounded and those killed in combat. When WWII was over, Uncle Sam had 500,000 surplus Purple Heart medals, which lasted through Korea and Vietnam and beyond. In 2000, there were still 120,000 medals in stock.

[@robvangessel3766]

The more history I learn, the more ambivalent I become - as opposed to being blindly idealistic on an issue. And I also get more confident abt the shaping of my political judgment, as it gets continually refined by objective facts. Often finding out I was simplistic abt the facts surrounding certain events. (The Alamo was a recent example).

[@kevinmccombs3201]

Great EP. Ken sticking with PBS and not giving up creative control is admirable bc you know they were throwing massive $ at him. Ain't nobody stirring my soup! Can listen to ol Kenny Docs for hours, in 1 hour increments of course

[@jeffreyhunt1727]

Terrific & unexpected episode. Fantastic and well done.

[@electric7man]

That was a great interview, Neal.

[@smallberries]

Wow. Ken Burns is amazing

[@michaelhopkins4061]

My favorite yet!!

[@WillieSimpson777]

I walk the Brooklyn Bridge a lot and I swear I've seen Ken stroll past me twice. I wasn't sure it was him but him confirming he still walks it cinches it!

[@AcidHouseKid]

Oooh. Nice guest.

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

Excellent interview, Neal. Great job. You're a natural.

[@Dusmar]

Thank you for not placing and mixing your ads like a malevolent, money-hungry jerk. 'Blocks" should be standard of how podcasts should responsibly insert ads into their product.

[@crnkmnky]

18:57 I'm curious if y'all discuss how the 📽️ filmmaking workflow has changed since 1989. Remember kids, Ken's team used to edit 10-hour documentaries without a single computer. Just filmstrips and a razor blade. 🎞️✂️

[@KenrickBlock]

Incredible interview.

[@nyngg]

speechless at the ending. wow. Ken is like oh, we ending?... boom

[@wakegary]

I guess he doesn't Burn at both ends! (hands @nyngg his jaw back, apologizes that he doesnt have a replacement pair of jeans for nyngg's now-soiled JNCOs) Thanks, just made that up just now.

[@Boricua2k]

Ashamed to say I've never actually set eyes on a Ken Burns doc, but DaVinci has been one of my favorite historical figures since I had to do a research project on him in school. Can't think of a better intro to Burns' body of work. Fantastic interview with an amazing mind!

[@kagartoe]

What a great interview.

[@aamsergie]

OMG - Thanksgiving episode!!!! Def going to watch later Amazing

[@crnkmnky]

​@@azizmooshoolov2308 Not sure why you buried this vague critique under someone else's Thanksgiving comment. But I _am_ curious what's wrong with Shelby Foote. Excessive glazing of Confederate generals?

[@azizmooshoolov2308]

@crnkmnky I didn't mean to put it there, but Shelby Foote was an unapologetic Lost Cause prophandist and later in his life he proved his racism.

[@dennypet]

37:44 is as close to wisdom as we're gonna get.. ❤

[@ryancampbell2067]

A gem

[@mvubu6823]

"Trying not to make the other wrong" PURE GOLD, and it is American culture to blame others for all wrongs.

[@HlifeRomania91]

❤❤❤thanks what a treat ❤❤❤

[@michaelnoller9063]

This is a great interview. Well done Neal.

[@Afterglow.Studios]

Ken “Better than Cop Rock” Burns

[@TylerJHill]

The beginning of this is hilarious, Neal asks a simple introductory question and Ken Burns launches into things he's said a hundred times in interviews and press tours and you know he's always like this it is DE lightful

[@blakejohnson4713]

Never thought I'd see Ken Burns dropping F bombs. Good stuff.

[@wakegary]

funny to think of that as "fiction bombs", as if Ken wrote/directed/edited/starred/self-funded horrible rom-coms over and over.

[@EasyTiger.01343]

13:56 fantastic point, well made.

[@brettcdalton]

This is great.

[@mehowkielan1984]

Wow, the most simple advice to try not to make the other wrong, is the most difficult thing to do consistently. I might have to tattoo this phrase on my right hand.

[@markalbert9011]

Ken Burns is working on a film about The American Revolution?....thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@ChuckTaurus-b5f]

Ahhh. The Chris Brennan of documentary sits down with neal brennan. This should be good🍿

[@josecano-qy9ym]

great interview

[@alltogetherfitandproper4252]

Well done

[@EugeneGM1]

Ken Burns!? Wow. That's incredible.

[@amity797]

Saw Ken Burns at the Laugh Factory in ‘88 and he killed!

[@gxkgstkdfjcjfufucjc]

O excited for this one, cool get

[@liloly17]

Best ep

[@HandyMan657]

Legend

[@alexweider5539]

Let's not forget the New York doc series by his brother Ric!

[@scottoneil8618]

Ken Burns finally got a non Ramones haircut!

[@atomicsmith]

I’ve seen lots of interviews with Ken Burns, but this was amazing. Would love a part 2.

[@FogLaboratories]

awesome

[@michaelmclaren7373]

The National Parks and Jazz. Always.