In this very special Episode of LaunchLeft, Rain talks about the film, My Own Private Idaho, which her brother, River, and Keanu Reeves starred in, to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary. The episode features the film's writer and director, Gus Van Sant, the film’s producer Laurie Parker as well as the inspiration for River's character, Mike Parker. LaunchLeft also put out the call on social media for fans of the film to send in their testimonials about how MOPI profoundly impacted their lives which we hear throughout the show. 

The episode also serves as a premiere of not one but two new artistic pieces directed by Laurie Parker inspired by the film. First, a special interview with Mickey Cotrell who played “Daddy Carroll” in the “Little Dutch Boy” scene of the film, and second, a music video starring Caroline Kingsbury with her inspired cover of “Deep Night” which appeared in the original film. 

----------------- 

LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com 

LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft 

TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft 

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/ 

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft 

--------------------- 

LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a label, a podcast, a curation engine. LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism that enlists famed creatives to launch emerging bands. LaunchLeft begins with music, but ultimately aims to launch left-of-center artists in all creative fields.

-------------------- 

 IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [05:34] Writer and Director, Gus Van Sant, talks about how they got Keanu Reeves and River to read the scripts and decide to take the movie
• [16:11] Mike Parker joins Rain and they talk about how River’s character in the movie, Mike, was based on his upbringing
• [18:11] Mike shares stories of River, including meeting his mom and also passing out food to the unhoused population on a day off from shooting
• [26:02] Advice to any young unhoused people and also his wish for his children
• [32:55] Guest Corina Haywood shares her experience with the movie as a 16-year-old in San Francisco in the 90’s
• [38:55] Laurie Parker shares memories of the film and of the dimensions that the film had in it 
• [43:46] Mickey Cotrell, the actor who played “Daddy Carrol” interview
• [46:56] Caroline Kingsbury cover of “Deep Night” from the “Little Dutch Boy” scene from the film
• [50:23] Guest Jessica shares what the film meant to her and writing a thesis on it in university

Mickey Cotrell, the actor who played “Daddy Carrol” interview, Caroline Kingsbury cover of “Deep Night” from the “Little Dutch Boy” scene from the film, videos directed and introduced by MOPI producer Laurie Parker. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• My Own Private Idaho resonated with a lot of people, especially young people who were brought up through trauma or sexual identity issues, which helped them feel validated and know they belonged somewhere
• Sometimes it’s films and art that help give people a connection that they’re not alone, especially in times of confusion, and can give them an understanding of themselves as well

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.