Started listening because of “Tiny Dinos.” Such an amazing story told very well with great guests.

This show is Zany. It is unhinged (and deeply relatable) in its unflinching vulnerability to show what actually happens in our minds when we experience rejection and insecurity, as well as how we can shape those experiences into narratives that define our inner and outer lives. Perfect for drowning out minor dental operations or laughing aloud in a courtyard on a lunch break.

I’m not one to write reviews but 7 episodes in and I feel wrong not to. This show is strangely beautiful and inspiring, it’s honestly a work of art.

Listening again because I’m still thinking about all these interviews and the perfect tone of the whole show

I don’t care what you do for a living, we’ve all had our own dead eyes moment. This reminded me that the very thing I saw as personally tragic or humiliating was not necessarily viewed that way by others. Cathartic journey.

Hey if you are the arts or any interest in the arts the podcast is a wonderful reminder..it happens to all of us. I have to give big time props to the production values of the show. The use of music ..everywhere in the pod is perfect. Also I always liked Aimee Mann but hearing the cuts used in the show has totally got me diving into her catalog. She’s a gem.

If you’re just finding this series and wondering whether to invest the time in 3 Series - do it! It is MASTERFUL story telling, very funny, and insightful and so good that I didn’t want to listen to the final episode for so long just to preserve one final new ep. It goes to SO many places you’d never imagine, offers great behind the scenes acting/directing stuff from all kinds of people. And ofc it all finally leads to the icing on the cake!

Just keep listening to these over and over xoxo

Insightful and funny. Heard about it on David Farrier’s Substack Webworm. So glad I found it.

Better Help is a huge scam and it’s disappointing to hear that you’ve partnered with them despite the countless horror stories. BetterHelp preys on people with real problems and offers no help. In fact, their therapists are so improperly trained that they end up causing more harm by mismanaged treatment. BetterHelp also sells your confidential data and any information disclosed in confidence to their therapists. Their therapists lack boundaries, lack empathy, experience, they’re unprofessional, dismissive, and incompetent. Besides hearing the occasional gross BetterHelp ad and Connor Ratliff’s complicity in helping a horrible company profiting off low income people with mental health issues, this podcast is GREAT. Thanks for making it.

Well written. It’s stays true to it’s promise of being an adventure and a detective story. Lots of great lessons and reminders about silver linings. Even though his guests share stories about losing out on some thing, they laugh and have a good time

A flawlessly produced exploration into being a human artist that is timeless and universal.

Great show, but I had a really hard time finding season three. Finally found it under “unknown seasons” at the end of season 2. Just a heads up. Love the show!

I am more a science and technology type of listener. I never thought I would enjoy a podcast such as this, but Connor is endearing and explores some profound topics. I really enjoy listening.!

The last episode got a ton of attention but this was great from the very beginning. Connor is hilarious.

Just finished the whole thing. What a delightful journey Connor takes us on! An inspiring story for anyone who’s ever been rejected before (all of us.) Highly recommend☀️

Even if you aren’t an actor or in any way connected to the industry, this show hits on the universal experience of rejection and the stories we tell about them and ourselves in the wake of it all.

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to, great dry humor and great ending. Wait to listen to the last episode, go through the journey.

Delightful and surprisingly thoughtful and meaningful

I love this podcast

On paper, this doesn’t sound like something I’d be into. Luckily, I didn’t read the program description, and just started listening. I forget who, but someone on another podcast said it was good, and I just happened to need something new. After just a couple of episodes, I found it interesting and compelling. Connor talks to some amazing people, and as it went on, he kept getting some surprising “gets”, considering he’s not that high up in the industry. He’s not exactly Tom Hanks, if you know what I mean. So, let me just say, I started doing something I don’t normally do with podcasts - I started bingeing. I couldn’t stop listening. I’d have several different podcasts lined up, (I do about nine or ten hours of driving per day), and one episode would end, and I’d be like, “I need another”. So I’d add more episodes of Dead Eyes, and push them up the list. And, dammit, now I’m out! Connor, if you read this, I want to know if Hanks listened to the podcast, and what he thought. I don’t know if you can find that out. Anyway, great podcast. You should think about another.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this podcast. The “dead eyes” joke gets old.. but I guess that’s the name of the podcast. In the end, this podcast is genuine, informative, and funny. Connor can make fun of himself and also have deep conversations. I ended up giving a 5 star review because the cherry on top for me was the background music. I loved feeling like I was sitting in a café listening to Connor chat while sipping on a coffee.

This shaggy dog podcast is actually very well constructed and edited, and fun all along. It is a story about nothing (or not much of a story) and after much specific research and rambling conversations with many people, known and unknown, it runs into a solid multilayered cake about..life,simply. I am having a good time!

Found this podcast at the end of 2022, at first I was bummed that I was late to the party, then quickly appreciated that I could binge on the entire delicious program from Season 1 right up through to the end of Season 3 with Tom Hanks. This whole story was beautifully told, humorous, humbling and a solid reminder to appreciate where you are in life and all the crazy, winding, unexpected turns that brought you to this point/place in time. Thank you for this gift. Sorry to see it end, but looking forward to your next project.

What a white whale of a story. A triple decker awkward sandwich ultimately resulting in closure and resolution for multiple people. I appreciate that this resonated with so many creative people who felt compelled to come onto the show to talk about their experiences. As an amateur historian I appreciated the dive into finding real life private zielinski. It has been an absolute pleasure to root for the ultimate climax to a story that can finally have the long awaited exhale deep from the gut that comes from season 3. May we all find ourselves after loss, contemplation, re-examination, therapy, and finally a far fulfilling future because of our wounds along the way. Looking forward to your bright future, Connor.

This has been sitting in my queue forever. But just this week I was laid off and I suddenly decided to give it a go. Now I’m halfway through in 2 days and I’ve found it extremely comforting. Although I’ve never been in show business, I can relate to the idea that no matter how well you do, you just can’t control everything that determines if you’ll be successful or not. That line is so slim, so that’s not what you should use to determine your self-worth. These are all lessons that it sounds like Connor already worked through years ago, but it’s refreshing to hear them repeated by talented folks whose work I love and respect.

Wow! I just discovered this show and I’m hooked. One of the most creative and clever podcasts I’ve hear.

It really was all because thanos snapped his baby little fingers period.dot. Simple

I have never written a review for a podcast before but I love this podcast so much that I had to. Dead Eyes is a triumphant, brilliant, hilarious, honest, magical, inspirational journey. Especially recommended for creative people that may feel blocked or wounded in some way. May Connor’s story lift you up out of your rut and inspire you to make treasure out of your trash experiences. Truly, a pure delight.

I love this podcast from start to finish. Took so many turns, and journeys. Each one was surprising and fun.

This guy is a pedo in Hollywood

This podcast started out strong and stuck the landing with episode “Tom” - there were several episodes I could have done without and felt like a bit of a slog. However. Many episodes are exceptional and that last episode was very fulfilling! Congrats to Connor. I have no doubt you will be directed by TH one day very soon.

I’m sad I know how this podcast ends before even starting it but I'm happy I got to experience the journey. Very zen experience to listen to episodes back to back and here actors all connect on the same experiences and feelings.

Every actor or person dealing with rejection needs to listen to this! Connor takes us on a delightful, cathartic and humorous journey to unpack his disappointment. A well woven podcast that you must listen to from beginning to end.

Even if you haven’t been fired by Tom Hanks, you can relate to this!

Enjoyed this podcast way more than Band of Brothers.

It is so rare to stumble into a journey filled with delight, but listening to this podcast is just that. The story of being fired by Tom Hanks is Connor’s inspiration, but it is the way he tells the story, each episode filled with little nuggets to discover, interesting people to connect with, and the honesty, insight that makes this show so delightful. And it all culminates in one magical ending to discover. But the journey to that discovery is so much fun.

This is probably the BEST long-form podcast I’ve ever listened to. So engaging and thoughtful, I couldn’t stop listening. I’ve recommended it to everyone I know. Connor, you’ve created something I will think about for the rest of my life.

Engaging podcast, didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did!

A uniquely captivating and encouraging podcast!

I’ve thoroughly been enjoying this podcast and can’t recommend it enough. I just made it to season 3! This past weekend, I more or less binged it while doing some house projects. On Monday morning, I looked up some of my favorite podcasts that are released that day. For my podcast taste- mondays are a bit like a mini Christmas morning. I decided to take a little break from Dead Eyes and listen to the newest episode of Armchair Expert. The guest was none other than Tom Hanks.

Every person inspiring to become an actor in Hollywood should listen to this podcast. More importantly everyone should listen to this podcast about a man’s journey into his acting past only to find out… well, just listen. You will be happy you did.

I found this podcast through How Did This Get Made and stayed for the fascinating insider look at the world of acting and auditions. I’ve noticed Colin by voice in a few TV shows since I started listening. His sweet vulnerability invites honest conversations with his many guests (Ira Glass, Jon Hamm, various UCB folks…)

I would listen to Connor interview people and tell stories forever. The natural progression of ideas and moments of clarity are such a gift. At the end of The Big Zielinski I genuinely cried as the details of his life were read, obituary style. This is real, human stuff here.

This has been such a joy and I’m so sorry it’s almost over (2 more episodes to go!). I resisted listening to this podcast for the past two years because I couldn’t believe it would be that interesting. Boy was I wrong! It is the most delightful interesting journey where you feel you’ve made friends with some of your favorite comedy actors with Connor as your tour guide and stand in for all of us.

Such a great and entertaining ride! As an actor I feel so vindicated and it’s helped me find more peace and detachment from all the ups and downs of this crazy life.

This is such a good podcast. I was so bummed when it was over. It is funny, insightful and a nice break from listening to all of the negative stuff out there. I think Connor is awesome!!

This series is exactly what I needed in life right now. Listening to Connor come to terms with life the same as we all do in so many ways is exceptionally cathartic and is done so in such a funny and refreshing way. Well done, all around.

I love this podcast so much. It delivers on every level! Connor is totally lovable, there are many delightful guests, it’s well produced and a fun ride to go on. I dig the journey, the philosophy, the connections, the giggles, I even shed a tear or two. Life is what you make it! Expect nothing! Everything changes! Beautiful show.

Started listening at my brother’s suggestion, skeptical at first of the show’s premise, but ended up consuming all three seasons in six weeks. The show is charming, funny, and addictive. The host, Connor, is creative and unassuming, his interviews with numerous actors and directors are insightful and interesting. There is so much unexpected sage advice here that applies to life in general. Loved this podcast and would highly recommend.