Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).
The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar Noé, Rachel Brosnahan, Amy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.
Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.
Following the fall of Bhishma, the Kaurava army requires a new commander. This episode marks the formal appointment and the beginning of Dronacharya's era as the General of the Kuru forces.
: The episode sets the stage for one of the most famous tactical maneuvers in the epic—the Chakravyuh (the Wheel Formation). Drona plans this nearly impenetrable circular formation specifically to trap the Pandavas, knowing that only Krishna and Arjuna know how to break it. Mahabharat - Episode - (112).mp4
: After Karna suggests Dronacharya as the most suitable successor to Bhishma, Duryodhana officially appoints his guru as the commander. Drona pledges to capture Yudhishthira alive to end the war, rather than just killing him, which aligns with Duryodhana's strategy to force a surrender. Following the fall of Bhishma, the Kaurava army
: Dronacharya, though a brahmin and a teacher to both sides, finds himself bound by his loyalty to the throne of Hastinapur, leading him to use his greatest knowledge against his favorite pupils. : Dronacharya, though a brahmin and a teacher