Fog of Truth Podcast By Bart Weiss cover art

Fog of Truth

Fog of Truth

By: Bart Weiss
Listen for free

A podcast about documentaries Art
Episodes
  • Shuffle

    Shuffle
    Apr 8 2026
    Benjamin Florey on 'Shuffle': Recovery, Fraud in Treatment, and Building Impact Beyond the Film The Fog of Truth returns with an interview with filmmaker Benjamin Florey about his documentary Shuffle, described as a powerful film on drug abuse and institutions that harm people through fraud in addiction treatment. Florey explains why he framed the film with his own sobriety story, citing authenticity, his relationship to participants, and work-in-progress feedback from the Austin Film Society. He discusses the emotional toll of years of editing largely alone, the support of his wife, grants and screenings, and help from an investigative journalist consultant and editors Jackie Sein and Robin Schwartz. Florey outlines resisting salacious rabbit holes, using darkly humorous, repetitive editing to reflect the absurdity and cycle of relapse, and staying in touch with participants like Corey, Nicole, and Daniel's mom. He describes growing advocacy responsibilities, screenings with Thomas McClellan at Brown, calls for reforming fee-for-service insurance toward outcomes, and plans for a university tour, virtual screenings, and eventual streaming release via stoptheshuffle.com and Instagram. 00:00 Welcome Back Intro 00:33 Film Shuffle Overview 01:34 Why I'm In The Film 04:39 Editing Through The Pain 10:11 Keeping The Story Focused 16:28 Dark Humor Editing Style 19:03 Where Are They Now 20:59 Becoming The Spokesperson 26:19 Fixing Insurance Incentives 29:20 No Talking Heads Approach 34:19 If The Film Had A Foreword 36:51 How To Watch And Support 01:34 Sobriety Framing Choice 04:39 Editing Emotional Toll 10:11 Staying On Narrative Track 16:32 Dark Humor Cut Style 19:03 Where Are They Now 20:59 Becoming The Spokesperson 26:19 Policy Fixes And Obamacare 29:20 Why No Talking Heads 34:19 Forward For The Film 36:51 Where To Watch Next 39:14 Final Thanks And Wrap
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • Natchez

    Natchez
    Jan 8 2026

    Suzannah Herbert and Darcy McKinnon discusses their feature film Natchez. The story begins with a wedding invitation that sparks an exploration of how historic locations are utilized for modern purposes, leading to a road trip through the South and research into the antebellum era. Initial filming faced setbacks when access was denied by the board of a plantation, prompting a pivot to Natchez, Mississippi. The film focuses on Rev, an engaging character met during a tour, and the complex, often painful history of the South. The documentary, characterized by a visually striking style, aims to entertain while provoking thought on history, culture, and racism. It is set for theatrical release and a later broadcast on PBS.
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Fog of Truth: Ai Weiwei's Revolutionary Turandot

    Fog of Truth: Ai Weiwei's Revolutionary Turandot
    Dec 18 2025
    In this episode of Fog of Truth, Bart, John, and guest Daphne Street, an opera aficionado, discuss the documentary about Ai Weiwei's modern adaptation of Puccini's last opera, 'Turandot.' They explore Weiwei's unique interpretation, which highlights feminism and political discourse, and the challenges faced during production, including COVID-19 disruptions and Weiwei's brief incarceration. The documentary offers detailed insights into the production's visual and symbolic layers, bridging the gap between traditional opera and modern audiences. Daphne highlights Weiwei's calm and solution-oriented approach amidst obstacles, showcasing his confidence and versatility as an artist. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest 00:37 Overview of the Documentary 01:24 Puccini's Last Opera: Turandot 03:28 I Weiwei's Unique Interpretation 04:52 The Visual Spectacle 10:21 The Impact of COVID-19 11:57 Art and Politics Intertwined 14:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections 18:42 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
No reviews yet