songwriter Stephen Merritt is best known as the Cole Porter of his generation

for his unusual melodies, love-lorn lyrics, and dry wit.

But he's also notoriously known as the most miserable man in rock music.

Today we're talking to our good friend filmmaker Curthy Fix on her new documentary,

Strange Powers, Stephen Merritt and the Magnetic Fields.

The film primarily explores the long-term friendship between Stephen Merritt and his bandmate

Claudia Gonson and gives us a never-before-seen

look at the songwriter's complex personal life. We're also given an intimate look at the

songmaking process for the band, which has one of the most dedicated followings in popular music.

Listen as we chat with Kirthy on the 10 years spent making the film, the overblown

zippity-dooda controversy,

and what love song she thinks best represents the eccentric musician.

And we go even further back to Kirthy's own early years as a performance artist,

using the power of theater to cope with grief and the incredible origins of Pusilla,

her superhero alter ego with the really strong you know what.

I'm Fausto Fernos.

I'm Mark Fillion.

And this is Feast of Fun.

Today's shows brought to you by generous support of fantastic listeners like you.

Thank you.

We are terribly excited who have on today's show my good friend, documentary filmmaker, performance artist, musician, and all-round fierce, fierce lady, Curthy Fix.

For 10 years, she has dedicated her time, money, and energy

...