In this explosive episode of Streamin’ Demons, Jo and Amelie dissect Barry Season 1 Episode 5: “Do Your Job.” Expect sharp takes on Barry’s emotional unraveling in acting class, the tense Bolivian raid, and Taylor’s unpredictable Leroy Jenkins moment. Plus, Amelie reveals her surprising past as a French ambulance driver—complete with blue-and-white “smurf” uniforms and Crohn’s-driven career pivots—and the hosts hype their upcoming live London taping at the Water Rats charity event. Don’t miss this deep dive into ethics, war trauma, and subtext from one of TV’s tightest series.
👉 Live in London on June 14, 2025? Grab your tickets for the David Bowie charity send-off!

See what else we are up to: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell

🔑 Key Moments:

• 00:01–04:00 – Intro & plug for Streamin’ Demons’ London live show at Water Rats (June 14, 2025).
• 04:18–07:00 – Amelie shares her jaw-dropping past as an ambulance driver in France.
• 13:10–14:00 – Analysis of Barry’s longing for family vs. Marine instincts in the chaotic London raid.
• 20:30–24:00 – Barry’s breakdown in acting class: guilt, war trauma & defining murder.
• 40:00–43:00 – The suitcase/phones scene at the school, shining light on Fuches’ sly moves.

This episode of Streamin' Demons gets uncomfortably real as we dissect Barry's fourth episode through the lens of actual workplace harassment and toxic relationship dynamics. Sally's devastating agent encounter isn't just good TV - it's every woman's nightmare job interview where "talent" takes a backseat to whether you'll sleep with the boss.

As we dive deeper, Amelie shares brutal stories about workplace discrimination in France (spoiler: it's fucked up), while Jo reveals his own "too ugly for the front" restaurant rejection that morphs to 'being meat'.

We break down why Barry's laptop gift feels so wrong (hint: it's the timing, not the gesture), share personal stories about age and gender discrimination that'll make you rage-quit capitalism, and analyze how the show brilliantly parallels Barry's killing addiction with real addiction cycles.

The Marines vs. Hollywood culture clash provides comic relief, but the real meat is in examining how people build emotional walls after years of professional and personal abuse. This isn't your typical TV recap - it's therapy disguised as entertainment analysis.

### The Laptop Gift Disaster - Why expensive early gifts feel like manipulation - Barry's domestic fantasy vs. Sally's reality - Real stories of overeager gift-giving gone wrong

### Sally's Professional Hell - The predatory agent's "just joking" defense - How years of discrimination build emotional walls - The audition room humiliation that hits different

### Workplace Discrimination Reality Check - French "mademoiselle" culture and professional dismissal - The "too young/too cute" professional trap - How marriage and motherhood change workplace respect

### Barry's Psychological Patterns - Acting class therapy vs. real change - The addiction cycle of trying to quit killing - How rejection triggers violent relapse

What the hell happens when the Chechen mafia uses FedEx to deliver bullets? Jo and Amelie dive deep into Barry Season 1 Episode 3 "Make the Unsafe Choice" - and holy crow, this episode is a masterclass in dark comedy meets existential dread. Everything goes sideways in the most beautifully fecked up way possible.

The Chechens want Barry to kill Paco, but they're sending him a bullet via FedEx like it's an Amazon delivery. Meanwhile, we meet Stovka - this legendary assassin who's basically the 'Ghost of Christmas Future' if Barry doesn't turn himself around.

Meanwhile, Sally gets hit in the face with the 'unspoken' (shouted, really) Hollywood ageism reality as she is called in to read for a part to play the mom of someone her own fricken age.

From Kafka references (because we're cultured like that) to the most absurd product placement in TV history, this episode shows why Barry just might be the best thing to hit TV since Archer.

In this episode of Streamin' Demons, hosts Jo and Amelie dive deep into Barry Season 1, Episode 2 "Use It." They explore how Barry begins to experience genuine emotional reactions following Ryan's death, particularly during the memorial scene with Ryan's father. The hosts analyze the self-centered nature of the acting class, the manipulative relationship between Barry and Fuches, and draw fascinating parallels between Barry and Dexter. This episode highlights the show's brilliant balance of dark comedy and emotional depth as Barry struggles with his emerging humanity.

• 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
• 01:50 - Recap of Ryan's death and the acting class's reaction
• 03:13 - Discussion of the memorial and the actors' self-centered responses
• 05:50 - Exploration of different types of friendships and social dynamics
• 10:06 - Analysis of the "Doubt" scene selection and its significance
• 14:30 - The realistic portrayal of police work in the show
• 28:48 - Barry and Fuches' relationship development
• 29:25 - The interrupted torture scene and domestic reality
• 32:24 - Barry's emotional breakdown at the memorial
• 33:19 - How Barry is learning to be human through acting
• 34:39 - Comparisons between Barry and Dexter
• 36:03 - The awkward interaction between Barry and Sally

• How Barry's acting class serves as a pathway to his emotional awakening
• The contrast between Hollywood fantasy and the realistic portrayal of crime
• Character analysis of Sally and her self-centered nature
• The brilliance of Bill Hader's writing and character development
• The show's unique blend of comedy and emotional depth

• Dexter (TV series) - Compared to Barry's character development
• Doubt (Film) - Referenced in the acting class scene
• Bill Hader's work on Saturday Night Live

Listen to Streamin' Demons on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!

#BarryHBO #StreaminDemons #BillHader #TVReview #DarkComedy #EmptyHell

Jo and Amelie dive deep into Barry's pilot episode, exploring how Bill Hader transforms from SNL comedian to complex hitman-turned-actor. We break down everything from Henry Winkler's perfect casting as Gene Cousineau to the brilliant way Barry stumbles into acting class while on a hit. Plus, Amelie brings fresh insights about the show's portrayal of LA's grittier side and the perfect musical moment with "Journal of Ardency." From the opening kill to the final scene in the cafe, we examine how this pilot episode earned its perfect critical scores and set up one of HBO's best dark comedies.

Show highlights:

• Barry's transition from Midwest hitman to LA actor
• The Chechens and NoHo Hank's introduction
• Sally Reed's iconic acting class scene
• Gene Cousineau's teaching methods
• The episode's perfect bookend structure
• Bill Hader's directorial achievements

Join Jo and special guest Amelie as they launch their comprehensive deep-dive series into HBO's 'Barry'. In this pilot episode, they explore Bill Hader's transformation from SNL comedian to the complex character of Barry Berkman, a hitman seeking redemption in LA's theater scene. From uncinematic reality to authentic PTSD portrayal, discover why this dark comedy resonates so deeply with viewers. First in a 32-episode analysis series covering all seasons of Barry.

Key Topics: • Bill Hader's evolution from SNL to dramatic acting • The show's unique approach to "uncinematic reality" • Character analysis and authentic portrayal of post-military life • Why audiences returned after the pandemic pause • Preview of upcoming episode-by-episode analysis

🎙️ Streaming Demons Special Episode 🗓️ New episodes weekly

Empty Hell presents a special Mother's Day episode with Amazon #1 bestselling author Jo Szewczyk (Surviving Gen X) and shark enthusiast JM Brannyk ranking horror's most memorable maternal figures. From Silent Hill's sacrificial love to a surprisingly deep analysis of maternal instincts in Jaws 3, this episode covers the good, the bad, and the downright terrifying mothers of horror.

Featured Discussions:

• Silent Hill - The Ultimate Mother's Story

• Aliens - Ripley vs The Queen

• Psycho - Norman's Mom Issues

• Child's Play - Single Mom Survival

• Jaws 3 - Maternal Instincts Under the Sea

• And many more maternal nightmares...

Hosts:

Jo Szewczyk - Amazon #1 bestselling author of "Surviving Gen X"

JM Brannyk - Shark enthusiast and Empty Hell regular

Find Empty Hell on:

Instagram: @emptyhellllc

Blue Sky: @www.hauntedmtl.com

Jo Szewczyk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/czykmate

In this unexpectedly heartfelt and chaotically hilarious episode, Jim Phoenix welcomes longtime friend and globetrotting co-host Amelie to talk all things Val Kilmer. From Willow to Batman Forever, The Doors, and the haunting brilliance of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, they explore Kilmer’s transformation from underrated icon to personal inspiration. Along the way, they tackle bidets, jungle toilets, French TV, karaoke with Val himself, and what it means to live one day at a time. This isn't just a tribute to a chameleon actor—it's a reminder of why we love movies, and why we hold onto the people who love them too.