An Emo Interview: Christopher Greenslate on Filmmaking, Writing, and His Hardcore Roots

Katie and Nani kick off this episode swapping stories from recent travels — Nani shares quite a few adventures and Katie regretfully missed seeing Hayley Williams while she was in Chicago. They geek out over the Amazon Prime show Company Retreat, breaking down the feel good nature of the show.

Then they welcome Christopher Greenslate, a former punk/hardcore kid who reinvented himself as an author and director. Christopher talks candidly about his creative evolution and the DIY ethos that never left him. They dig into his novels and films — from the tense, character-driven beats of Savior to the surreal intensity of Bananahead; the high-energy collision of sound and image in Drainomania; and the offbeat, mythic textures of Queen Kodiak. Christopher shares behind-the-scenes stories, his process for blending punk aesthetics with literary and cinematic forms, and how subculture informs narrative voice.

The conversation moves into craft and community: adapting raw energy into sustained creative careers, building collaborative ecosystems outside mainstream industry channels, and practical advice for writers and filmmakers trying to hold onto authenticity. 

Tune in for a lively mix of travel talk, music fandom, and a thoughtful deep dive into an artist who bridged punk roots with an artistic vision.