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TV & Film

Trade Movies

Geoff Alexander

A podcast about trading movies with friends. Every episode, a guest picks a movie, and I pick a movie, then we watch them, discuss the two movies and the guest's relationship with movies.

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  • 22 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 2 hr 7 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • S1 · E9
    Friday · 2 hr 2 min

    Trade Movies BONUS #9 - Disposable Humanity (2026) with director Cameron Mitchell

    WHAT AN EP! I say that a lot but seriously folks: this one was intense and so rewarding. Many thanks to Cameron Mitchell for showing me is excellent documentary DISPOSABLE HUMANITY (2026), which is coming out TODAY! Please go support it: The premiere is September 4th at 4pm Eastern: https://watch.eventive.org/disposablehumanity/play/6a7868d1bdb10f0bb45affc6 And you can also find it permanently here: https://www.disposablehumanity.com/ Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Cameron Mitchell and Disposable Humanity 00:05:00 The Stumbling Upon Key Moments in the Filmmaking Process 00:13:00 American Eugenics Laws and Their Global Influence 00:21:13 Parallels Between Nazi and Modern Policies 00:28:54 Propaganda in Normalizing Eugenics 00:35:11 Observation and the Gas Chamber 00:48:39 Memory Keepers and Memorials 00:57:34 Growing Up in a Disabled Family 01:03:07 Ongoing Resistance 01:16:31 Human Dignity 01:20:09 The Human Cost 01:34:30 Documentaries 01:50:00 Media Theory and Closing Thoughts

  • S1 · E37
    August 15 · 2 hr 8 min

    Trade Movies #037 - The Testament of Ann Lee (2025) and Elmer Gantry (1960) with Kristina Reinis

    shoutout to all the QUEENS who may or may not have [redacted] their husbands thereby turning them into prophets/leaders/et cetera. We get a rundown of that phenomenon as well as two HIGHLY RELEVANT movies from last year and 1960. Super fun episode, I could listen Kristina talk for hours! Please follow her: https://www.kristinareinis.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@kristina.reinis https://www.instagram.com/kristina.reinis/ https://www.youtube.com/@kristina.reinis TOPICS Shakers, Ann Lee, religious history, ecstasy, film analysis, religious movements, American history, spirituality, utopian communities, religious trauma charismatic religion, American religious history, evangelicalism, Pentecostal, Shakers, Ann Lee, religious influence, gender roles, religious scandals, cults religious fundamentalism, charismatic leaders, gender dynamics, American history, film analysis, cults, televangelism, Ann Lee, Amy McPherson, Elmer Gantry Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Kristina Reinis and Her Work 00:05:57 The Historical Accuracy of the New Ann Lee Movie 00:12:05 Cultural Context: Shakers vs. Other Religious Movements 00:18:02 Choreography and Historical Representation in the Movie 00:25:55 Frustrations with Narrative Complexity 00:30:57 The Shakers' Approach to Theology 00:37:04 Ecstatic Experiences in Religion 00:43:00 The Split of Evangelicalism 00:48:43 Modern Charismatic Traditions 00:55:25 Empowerment in Conservative Religious Movements 01:02:47 The Complexity of Women's History and Accountability 01:09:07 Historical Figures and the Quest for Power 01:25:42 Dissolution of Family Structures 01:34:34 Character Dynamics and Power 01:48:03 The Nature of Deception and Trust 01:53:56 The Evolution of Fundamentalism 02:10:34 Concluding Thoughts on Gender Dynamics

  • S1 · E8
    August 2 · 1 hr 12 min

    Trade Movies BONUS #8 - The Highlander Center with Emma Cager Robinson

    THE COOLEST THING YET FOR THE POD! Thank you so much to Emma and the crew for hosting me back in February. I loved talking about the documentary, Highlander, the mission, movies, and everything else! Emma will be back on FOR SURE to talk Cyd Charisse, and I can't wait! Topics Highlander Center, social movements, community organizing, activism, intersectionality, history, civil rights, education, social change Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Highlander Center and its significance 00:08:21 Intersectionality in social movements and community building 00:22:53 The influence of media and film on social consciousness 00:34:53 The story of Dorothy Cotton and her role in civil rights 00:43:43 Getting involved locally: talking to neighbors and community 00:53:19 The power of individual skills and community action 00:55:35 The emotional and psychological aspects of social change 01:04:14 The importance of diverse stories and voices in activism 01:14:31 Media, film, and storytelling in social movements

  • S1 · E36
    July 2 · 2 hr 7 min

    Trade Movies #036 - Multiple Maniacs (1970) and Susan Slade (1961) with Magenta Elogy

    SPEAK A LIL JOHN WATERS FOR EM MEGAN. We are BACK with returning guest and irl spouse of mine Megan aka Magenta Elogy, who is boldly popping my John Waters cherry as though a giant lobster would: showing up out of nowhere and saying "WE MUST POD ON JOHN WATERS" until I become truly in a mania and start scaring some people. What a friend!!! Today we are taking a trip to THE CUCK LABORATORY GO READ MEGAN'S WRITING AND FOLLOW HER AT: https://magentaelogy.substack.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@magentaelogy TOPICS John Waters, Multiple Maniacs, queer cinema, film analysis, cult movies, Divine, independent film, transgressive art, film history, underground cinema film analysis, cult movies, director insights, cultural commentary, absurd cinema, Megan and Geoff, movie discussion, show notes, deep dive, entertainment film analysis, underground cinema, camp, John Waters, Delmer Daves, movie remastering, melodrama, cult films, movie analysis, filmmaking Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Themes 00:05:40 Exploring John Waters and His Influence 00:10:37 Diving into 'Multiple Maniacs' and Its Impact 00:15:35 The Aesthetic of John Waters and Divine 00:20:38 Cultural Commentary and Personal Reflections 00:25:18 Nostalgia and the Impact of Jackass 00:30:33 Queerness in Film 00:40:33 The Role of Taste in Art 00:49:37 The Duality of Characters in The Sopranos 00:54:12 The Portrayal of Idiocy in Cinema 01:03:26 Empathy for the Foolish: A Discussion on Class and Society 01:11:22 Absurdity in Film: The Baby on Fire Scene 01:17:15 Exploring Delmer Daves' Directorial Style 01:28:18 The Cuck Laboratory and Family Dynamics 01:35:35 Exploring the Unconventional in Film 01:38:16 The Complexity of Melodrama and Irony 01:40:41 Earnestness in Camp Cinema 01:44:25 Celebrating the Outsiders in Film 01:52:16 The Artistry Behind Classic Melodrama 02:05:02 Final Thoughts and Future Film Discussions

  • S1 · E35
    June 22 · 2 hr 3 min

    Trade Movies #035 - Coherence (2013) and My Name Is Julia Ross (1945) with Rebeca

    HELLO HELLO sorry for the DELAY, I have been streaming too much and working on LONGER VIDEOS, so that means I am still trying to BALANCE my WORKLOAD. I don't know why I'm yelling. Basically, I am going to get back to a regular schedule on this. I still have a big backlog! Because eps like this are super fun! We recorded this a while back, and I really loved going back and listening to it. Rebeca is great and you should follow her: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebs__bebs https://www.youtube.com/@rebs_bebs2 https://rebecaroblesrodriguez.carrd.co/ TOPICS film noir, filmmaking, movie analysis, film history, alternate realities, classic movies, modern cinema, film discussion, movie collection, film techniques cinema, acting, film history, classic movies, movie critique, Hollywood, gothic horror, film analysis, actors, movie culture CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction to Rebeca 00:05:16 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Education 00:14:18 Cultural Reflections and Millennial Humor 00:22:15 Exploring Movie Experiences 00:25:27 Nostalgia and Classic Television 00:31:30 Character Dynamics in Film 00:37:16 Psychological Ramifications in Storytelling 00:48:58 Nostalgia for Early 2000s Movies 00:54:18 Exploring Film Noir and Its Aesthetic 01:04:10 The Changing Landscape of Movie Stars 01:05:52 The Future of Film and Audience Engagement 01:14:22 Gothic Horror and Modern Influences 01:24:13 The Evolution of Sci-Fi and Horror Genres 01:33:46 The James Lipton Questionnaire 01:44:18 Favorite and Least Favorite Sounds 01:47:19 Alternate Careers and Aspirations 01:58:09 Movie Recommendations

  • S1 · E34
    May 20 · 1 hr 57 min

    Trade Movies #034 - $POSITIONS (2025) and La Strada (1954) with director Brandon Daley

    GO SEE $POSITIONS, SERIOUSLY! Feel free to listen to the pod first, it's spoiler-free, but please go see this movie. It's really great, and Brandon is super exciting new talent. Longtime Trade Movies heads will know that I am constantly wishing we had people doing more varieties of movies, and the concoction Brandon made here with a mix of Safdie brothers and 90s comedy and all kinds of older stuff...I love it. So we made sure he didn't get Boots Rileyed and watched Fellini's La Strada, which is like a grandfather/mother movie to his. RENT/BUY: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0GXZ8524R/ https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/-Positions/4951750 https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/positions/umc.cmc.3yhlyu51vf1jdcrgoe87goidz And follow Brandon + the movie: https://linktr.ee/positions.movie https://www.instagram.com/positions.movie/ https://www.instagram.com/coolbrandond/ TOPICS Positions, independent film, cinema influences, non-actors, authentic casting, TikTok cinema, filmmaking, crypto, gambling, Midwest culture filmmaking, cinema, independent film, movie analysis, cinematic influences, character development, genre blending, film history, movie recommendations Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Positions and Brandon Daly 00:06:33 Cinematic Influences and Inspirations 00:12:37 Visual Storytelling and Cinematic Techniques 00:15:34 Character Development and Empathy in Storytelling 00:24:01 The Challenge of Authentic Casting 00:27:18 Authenticity in Storytelling and Character Development 00:31:04 The Role of Non-Actors in Film 00:36:27 Exploring Disability Representation in Film 00:45:43 Personal Reflections on Gambling and Crypto 00:50:40 Dopamine Dependency and Finding Joy 00:51:20 Cinema Preferences and the Impact of Short-Form Content 00:56:24 Analyzing Skibbity Toilet and Its Cultural Impact 00:59:28 Reflections on Classic Cinema and Personal Growth 01:04:06 Navigating Dark Themes in Film 01:06:18 The Role of Disability in Character Portrayal 01:14:01 Influences and Inspirations in Modern Filmmaking 01:18:00 The Emotional Impact of Character Arcs 01:21:20 Exploring Themes of Guilt and Redemption 01:26:20 Cinematic References and Influences 01:31:11 The Complexity of Character Relationships 01:36:50 Recommendations and Personal Favorites 01:38:50 Exploring Independent Film and Unique Cinematic Styles 01:43:36 Cinematic Influences: Bollywood and Beyond 01:47:49 David Lynch: The Master of Surreal Cinema 01:50:04 The Artistic Vision of Takeshi Kitano 01:52:02 Recommendations and Influences in Modern Cinema

  • S1 · E33
    May 3 · 2 hr 12 min

    Trade Movies #033 - A Knight's Tale (2001) and The Devil's Bride (1974) with Megan McKelli

    ISEKAI MADNESS with MEGAN MCKELLI, actress/content creator/cosplayer/online person extraordinaire. This was a super fun one. I've been meaning to watch A Knight's Tale again since I was a kid, and it gave me a chance to make a truly insane pick in The Devil's Bride, which is absolutely worth watching but is also insane and Eastern European in a way that few things really are. What a great find by my pals over at Deaf Crocodile! Megan has been having some issues with her socials, but you can FOR SURE follow her here, and should: https://www.instagram.com/meganmckelli/ And also both here: https://www.tiktok.com/@meganmckelli/ https://www.tiktok.com/@meganmckelliadventures Topics gaming, anime, isekai, TikTok storytelling, media literacy, acting, community, digital content, TikTok, storytelling medieval stories, film analysis, cultural representation, wrestling, A Knight's Tale, The Devil's Bride, Chaucer, Eastern European cinema, rock operas, historical fantasy Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format 00:01:18 Meet Megan 00:02:32 The Hades and Persephone Myth 00:05:02 Understanding Isekai: A Dive into Anime 00:08:55 The Evolution of Anime and Storytelling 00:11:41 Exploring TTRPGs and Character Creation 00:16:13 The Challenges of Acting and Representation 00:19:21 Creative Outlets and Audience Engagement 00:22:14 Cultural Disconnection in Fantasy Narratives 00:23:57 The Impact of Budget on Storytelling 00:29:34 Exploring The Devil's Bride 00:34:53 Comparing Medieval Storytelling in Film 00:42:24 The Role of Music in Character Development 00:47:36 GURDVANUS 00:49:48 Character Arcs and Vulnerability 00:51:19 The Role of Music in Film 00:55:09 Class Consciousness and Representation 00:58:55 The Robin Hood Allegory 01:02:35 The Complexity of Relationships 01:07:39 Final Thoughts on A Knight's Tale 01:15:27 Introduction to TikTok Content Creation 01:16:02 Overcoming the Fear of Posting 01:18:04 The Joys of Anonymity on Social Media 01:19:59 Viral Moments and Community Engagement 01:25:04 Navigating Comments and Audience Interaction 01:29:55 The Unique Nature of TikTok Storytelling 01:34:51 Comparing Content Styles: Fiction vs. Analysis 01:39:53 The Future of Collaborative Storytelling 01:45:53 The World of Kayfabe 01:47:30 Iconic Wrestling Stories 01:47:30 Andy Kaufman and Wrestling's Influence 01:50:39 Wrestling as Theater 01:51:18 A Knight's Tale: Parallels in Performance 01:54:03 Character Development in Film

  • S1 · E7
    April 9 · 1 hr 17 min

    Trade Movies BONUS #7 - Interview with author Jared Sullivan about the Kingston Coal Ash Spill

    a DREAM. Thank you so much to Jared for appearing on the podcast to discuss his book. I CANNOT recommend it enough, even if you just like a legal thriller, he's such a great writer, but this is genuinely one of the most important and underknown stories of the 21st century...because coal ash is everywhere. Also, we loosely discuss A Civil Action (1998), by Steven Zaillian. Go buy Jared's book, "Valley So Low: One Lawyer’s Fight For Justice In The Wake Of America’s Great Coal Catastrophe" and follow him at: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690554/valley-so-low-by-jared-sullivan/ https://www.jr-sullivan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jared_sullivxn/ I will also include the disclaimer here: "This is a true story. All the people and events described in the pages that follow are real. Most of the material comes from court documents; from records I obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests; or from interviews I conducted with sources over a period of five years. (Some of these sources requested anonymity.) All quoted dialogue in the deposition, hearing, or trial scenes comes from official court transcripts or from audio recordings of the proceedings. Quoted dialogue in other scenes was, in most cases, recalled to me by primary sources, and I reproduced it word for word. Jacobs Engineering and TVA dispute much of my reporting.” Further information can be found in the Notes section of Jared’s book recounting the response from Jacobs and TVA. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to the Kingston Coal Ash Disaster 00:04:13 The Impact of the Kingston Disaster on Workers 00:06:47 The Legal Battle for Justice 00:09:50 The Role of TVA and Government Accountability 00:12:44 Personal Stories of the Affected Workers 00:15:48 Environmental and Health Implications 00:18:39 The Racial Disparities in Environmental Justice 00:21:48 Comparisons to Other Environmental Disasters 00:24:28 The Need for Legislative Action 00:27:26 Concluding Thoughts on Accountability and Justice 00:37:12 Nuclear Sites and Depleted Uranium in Tennessee 00:39:28 The Dark History of Irwin, Tennessee 00:41:51 Environmental Issues and Community Activism 00:43:51 The Role of TVA and Political Accountability 00:46:04 Corporate Responsibility and Legal Challenges 00:54:38 The Impact of Environmental Disasters on Communities

  • S1 · E32
    March 26 · 2 hr 55 min

    Trade Movies #032 - Pandora's Box (1929), Something Wild (1986), and Star 80 (1983) with Isabel

    SPECIAL TRI-EPISODE WHATTTTT???? Yes, so, Isabel is a fantastically knowledgeable Louise Brooks gal, so I wanted to have her on to discuss Pandora's Box and Louise Brooks in general. And I picked Something Wild to go along with it, since I knew one of the characters was big into Brooks, too. BUT THEN I watched Star 80 by Bob Fosse by happenstance around the time of the ep, and Isabel was nice enough to make this the first ever TRIPLE THREAT ep. And it's so good imo! I love doing the pod so much, but this was a particularly great episode to discuss what the H is wrong with men and the obsession with men towards certain women and the desire for seeing women's storytelling. Isabel can be found: https://www.instagram.com/angryweirdthing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@angryweirdthingg She's great! Topics Louise Brooks, Louise Brooks biography, Louise Brooks movies, film history, male gaze, exploitation, obsession, societal critique, Hollywood, women in film classic cinema, women in film, manic pixie dream girl, achievement culture, Hollywood history, Louise Brooks, Dorothy Stratton, Marilyn Monroe, gender roles, film analysis film history, women in cinema, Louise Brooks, Marilyn Monroe, Dorothy Stratton, representation, ethics, Hollywood, celebrity culture Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Louise Brooks and Film Selection 00:05:54 The Reception of Pandora's Box 00:14:18 Voyeurism in Film and Its Impact 00:21:08 The Consequences of Objectification 00:22:52 The Consequences of Relationships for Women and Men 00:23:50 Exploring the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Trope 00:25:24 Cinematic Representations of Women in Film 00:27:20 Dehumanization and Violence Against Women 00:30:01 The Complexity of Female Characters 00:32:34 Agency and Control in Relationships 00:34:41 The Manic Pixie Dream Girl: A Double-Edged Sword 00:37:34 The Evolution of Female Characters in Cinema 00:43:39 The Impact of Male Perspectives on Female Representation 00:50:28 The Complexity of Divorce in Film and Society 00:52:32 Exploring Female Agency in Classic Cinema 00:54:43 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Artistic Legacy 00:57:07 Navigating Fame and Personal Identity 00:59:03 The Dichotomy of Female Representation in Film 01:02:04 The Consequences of Sexual Liberation 01:04:59 The Role of Men in Women's Lives and Careers 01:07:56 Agency and Control in Relationships 01:11:03 The Objectification of Women in Media 01:14:00 The Legacy of Louise Brooks and Female Empowerment 01:16:51 The Complexity of Representation in Film 01:19:43 Exploring the Dark Side of Hollywood 01:22:43 The Evolution of Acting Styles 01:25:31 The Role of Directors in Shaping Performances 01:28:22 Reflections on Modern Filmmaking Practices 01:31:17 The Life of Louise Brooks 01:34:12 The Impact of Film on Identity 01:37:12 Agency and Rebellion in Historical Context 01:40:27 Exploring Obsession and Masculinity 01:43:15 The Complexity of Human Nature 01:46:17 Reflections on Personal Choices and Regrets 01:51:21 The Nature of Obsession and Control 01:54:53 Desires and Aspirations of Women 01:57:58 The Dilemma of Relationships 02:01:35 The Complexity of Female Characters 02:05:56 The Impact of Achievement Culture 02:10:12 The Consequences of Freedom and Control 02:13:38 The Tragic Lives of Iconic Women 02:22:14 Exploring Obsession in Film 02:25:07 The Perspective of Women in Cinema 02:28:16 The Role of Female Directors 02:31:13 Cultural Commentary on Women in Film 02:34:12 The Legacy of Iconic Actresses 02:37:17 Critique of Violence in Film 02:40:14 The Complexity of Female Characters 02:43:15 Recommendations and Reflections

  • S1 · E6
    March 23 · 43 min

    Trade Movies BONUS #6 - MuseumCast with Scott Winterrowd at the Sid Richardson Museum in Fort Worth

    we're trying something NEW HERE, folks! I flapped my wings and flew out to Fort Worth, Texas to visit Scott Winterrowd at the Sid Richardson Museum in Fort Worth, Texas to do a MUSEUMCAST. I don't know what actually to call it, but think of it as a tour of some really cool stuff through a very cool museum with stuff set to it. Kind of a slidecast, to borrow a Well There's Your Problem term. The reason for it was the incredibly cool exhibit "The Cinematic West: The Art That Made the Movies". I hope you enjoy, and PLEASE AND DEFINITELY go visit them: https://sidrichardsonmuseum.org/ Many thanks to Kyla Briggs for shooting the interview! Chapters 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:35 A Misdeal by Frederic Remington 00:07:18 A Taint on the Wind by Frederic Remington 00:10:08 Man's Weapons Are Useless When Nature Goes Armed by C.M. Russell 00:15:37 Among the Led Horses by Frederic Remington 00:23:03 Rounded-Up by Frederic Remington 00:27:15 Jumping on to a Horse by Frederic Remington 00:30:28 In the Wake of the Buffalo Runners by C.M. Russell 00:33:34 Will Rogers and Fairbanks as D'Artagnan by C.M. Russell 00:38:08 Movie Night at Taos Theater by Oscar Berninghaus 00:43:16 Wrap-up and Outro

  • S1 · E31
    March 5 · 2 hr 37 min

    Trade Movies #031 - Bad Boys II (2003) and Independence Day (1996) with Pat Buetow (nomdecoom)

    oh my GOODNESS I'VE BEEN WAITING TO PUT THIS ONE OUT FOR SO LONG!!! One of the funniest and most exciting episodes I've ever done. I'm so glad I got to meet and make friends with Pat, he's so incredibly funny and I am totally convinced about Bad Boys II now. Such an incredibly fun one!! Find Pat at: https://www.tiktok.com/@nomdecoom https://www.instagram.com/nomdecoom/ TOPICS Bad Boys II, American cinema, Michael Bay, action movies, drug trafficking, foreign policy, special forces, cultural commentary, maximalism, film analysis Michael Bay, Bad Boys II, American cinema, cultural commentary, imperialism, racial dynamics, film analysis, violence in film, aging films, personal anecdotes Cultural Critique, Therapy, Masculinity, Post-9/11 America, Michael Bay, Cinema, Violence, Miami, Nostalgia, Ideology cinema, war, sociopathy, American identity, Westerns, action movies, military culture, film critique, empire, violence military industrial complex, media influence, political ideologies, modern society, tech industry, cinema recommendations, corruption, morality, Spielberg, cultural commentary Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:05:52 Exploring Themes of American Identity in Film 00:11:51 Drug Trafficking and American Foreign Policy 00:17:58 Cultural Commentary on Action Movies 00:24:06 Manufacturing Consent in Cinema 00:33:56 American Fascism in Film 00:50:33 Racial Dynamics and Imperialism in Bad Boys II 01:04:37 Cultural Reflections and Memes 01:09:55 Post-9/11 America and Cinematic Violence 01:16:23 Nostalgia and the End of History 01:25:25 The Descent of American Cinema 01:37:47 Cinematic Reflections on War and Society 01:43:43 Sociopathy in Military Culture 01:55:43 Critique of Modern War Films 02:06:52 The Sin of American Empire 02:12:10 The Vicious Cycle of Corruption 02:18:27 Cynicism and the State of Modern Society 02:24:34 The Complexity of Spielberg's Narratives

  • S1 · E30
    February 23 · 2 hr 32 min

    Trade Movies #030 - My Left Foot (1989) and Freaks (1930) with comedian Lucas Waterfill

    MUCH FUN with my main man Lucas Waterfill discussing two all-timers. Absolutely loved My Left Foot, and loved Freaks since the first time I saw it, so I was real happy to do this ep! Lucas is doing standup at: GO BANANAS, Cincinnati, OH, March 19-21 HELIUM, Indianapolis, IN, April 2-4 Be sure to follow him on all platforms and check out other dates here: https://www.lucaswaterfill.com/ Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:06:10 Art, Artists, and Controversial Figures 00:11:54 Personal Stories and Political Views 00:17:51 Community and Support for Disabled Individuals 00:23:56 Movies as a Reflection of Society 00:39:59 The Controversial Production of 'Freaks' 00:45:00 Cultural Reflections and Empathy in Cinema 00:50:56 Eugenics and Disability Representation 00:56:55 Class Struggles and Societal Critique in 'Freaks' 01:11:59 Transitioning to 'My Left Foot' and Its Impact 01:20:44 The Complexity of Disability in Film 01:27:22 The Human Experience: Alcoholism and Its Impact 01:34:24 Cultural Reflections: Irish Identity and Disability 01:40:42 The Art of Storytelling: Method Acting and Authenticity 01:57:09 Representation Matters: The Need for Authentic Voices 02:03:07 The Economic Reality of Disability in Media 02:08:47 The Impact of Historical Context on Film 02:14:58 Critiquing Modern Horror and Its Aesthetic Choices 02:20:48 The Role of Social Commentary in Film

  • S1 · E29
    February 3 · 1 hr 36 min

    Trade Movies #029 - Skibidi Toilet (2023) and Playtime (1967) with Aidan Walker

    oh my GOODNESS this episode is GREAT!!! I feel like the show has been building towards an hour and a half discussion of Skibidi Toilet and Playtime with arguably the world's biggest Skibidi expert, and (Louie Anderson voice) I LOVE it! Seriously, this was so much fun. I feel like I talked too much as I often do so sorry to the listeners who wanted to hear more of Aidan (I did too I'm just not the greatest podcast host!!!), but you can find him at: https://www.aidanwalker.info/ which has links to all his socials and videos which are SO good! I'm such a fan! Topics Pasolini, Playtime, Skibidi Toilet, AI, adult content, cinema, technology, dystopia, modern media, cultural commentary, surveillance, capitalism, media, propaganda, Epstein files, trust issues, short form video, democratization, AI, human connection, cultural reflections, relationships, Brechtian theater, digital culture Chapters 00:00:00 Exploring AI and Gender Representation in Media 00:03:56 The Artistic Craft of Skibbity Toilet 00:06:43 Cultural Reflections in Skibbity Toilet 00:09:51 War and Media: The Modern Perspective 00:12:42 The Intersection of Gaming and Warfare 00:15:44 The Creator Behind Skibbity Toilet 00:20:12 The Role of Streaming in Modern Warfare Coverage 00:21:34 Propaganda and Information Warfare 00:22:31 The Dark Side of Ideological Manipulation 00:24:46 The Epstein Files and Trust Issues 00:27:19 The Emotional Toll of Misinformation 00:29:51 Epstein as a Reflection of Systemic Issues 00:31:36 The Banal Nature of Power and Abuse 00:36:14 Exploring Pasolini's Salo: A Leftist Perspective 00:39:06 Playtime: A Contrast of Modernity and Humanity 00:42:09 The Digital World of Playtime: A Cinematic Innovation 00:45:14 The NPCs of Playtime: A Reflection on Modern Existence 00:48:06 Surveillance and the Human Experience in Playtime 00:51:11 The Art of Long Takes: Playtime vs. Skibbidi Toilet 00:54:07 The Role of Technology in Modern Cinema 00:56:59 Constructed Realities: The Metaphor of Playtime 01:02:44 The Power of Physical Comedy 01:03:59 International Appeal of Visual Storytelling 01:05:08 The Role of Cinema in Social Change 01:07:04 Democratization vs. Alienation in Short-Form Video 01:11:38 The Nuances of Skibidi and Its Impact 01:17:13 Freedom Within Constraints: The Walled Garden of Media 01:25:55 The Future of Human Connection in a Digital Age 01:30:18 Art, Critique, and the Role of Digital Culture

  • S1 · E28
    January 23 · 2 hr 48 min

    Trade Movies #028 - The Lynchburg Story (1994) and You Got To Move (1985)

    ARGUABLY MY FAVORITE EPISODE I'VE DONE SO FAR?? This one was so unbelievably fun and fulfilling. Chloe is such an incredible speaker and communicator on Appalachian issues. She has a perspective that I've almost never heard in popular media, both as a native Appalachian and an early childhood caregiver. Truly one of the most admirable and inspiring people I've met doing this. And these movies are so good! I can't believe I didn't know about them. Chloe is here: https://www.tiktok.com/@clobug227 Topics Appalachia, healthcare, community activism, dental care, poverty, education, environmental issues, eugenics, cultural identity, mutual aid, healthcare, reproductive rights, motherhood, Appalachia, media representation, eugenics, opioid crisis, community, activism, storytelling Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 00:06:32 The Impact of Dental Health on Identity 00:12:24 Personal Stories and Historical Context 00:20:45 The Role of Education in Understanding History 00:28:12 Eugenics and Its Legacy in Appalachia 00:36:35 The Inescapable Reality of Human Conditions 00:43:10 Environmental Disasters and Their Hidden Costs 00:49:51 Global Implications of Local Environmental Issues 00:55:04 The Dark History of Eugenics and Its Modern Echoes 01:09:53 Exploring Anti-Authority Perspectives 01:15:51 Navigating Identity and Perception 01:21:35 Intersectionality and Societal Expectations 01:29:12 Distrust in Government and Health Systems 01:45:24 Frustration and Historical Context of Appalachia 01:51:01 Documentary Insights and Community Struggles 01:56:19 Racial Dynamics and Historical Narratives 02:01:49 Unionization and Cross-Racial Solidarity 02:12:35 Community Resilience and Future Change 02:22:00 The Role of Unions and Collective Action 02:30:03 Intersectionality in Activism and Community Building 02:38:59 Environmental Challenges and Community Resilience 02:46:11 Future Aspirations and Collaborative Efforts

  • S1 · E5
    January 11 · 42 min

    Trade Movies BONUS #5 - Interview with Matt Ellis on his new "France in the 1960s" online course

    In which we discuss "Citizen Langlois" (1995) and "Rock Hudson's Home Movies" (1992). Matt Ellis is a writer/academic/musician from Portland, Oregon. He has a PhD in Modern Culture and Media from Brown University and studies media, culture, and history from the left. He is teaching a class on France in the 1960s on Cinejourneys from January 27th through February 17th. It’s 100 bucks for 4 weeks, on Zoom, about two hours a class, with access to the films and readings for the class. You’ll get a France in the 1960s packet prepared by Ellis covering the period and ideas in question, and an individual one-on-one meeting with him to develop ideas for your own interest or work. And of course the classes! And CineJourneys has other classes upcoming too like “Casablanca, Mildred Pierce”, March 5th, and “The Infinite Worlds of David Lynch”, March 9th! Links: cinejourneys.com/the-birth-of-cinephilia-france-in-the-1960s/ historiesofthepresent.com x.com/matthiasellis matthewellis.online Topics film, cinema, nostalgia, preservation, Weimar, Henri Langlois, digital media, film education, collective experience, French New Wave Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Matt Ellis and His Classes 00:03:49 Exploring Weimar Cinema and Its Impact 00:06:38 The Evolution of Film Viewing Experiences 00:09:36 Nostalgia vs. Preservation in Film 00:12:50 Understanding Restorative and Reflective Nostalgia 00:20:56 Exploring Historical Context in Cinema 00:23:47 The Role of Archivists in Film History 00:28:05 Crisis of Access in the Digital Age 00:34:59 The Importance of Contextual Viewing 00:38:59 Rediscovering Lost Films and Their Impact

  • S1 · E27
    January 8 · 4 hr 38 min

    Trade Movies #027 - Stalag 17 (1953) and Die Hard 2 (1990) with Emma

    EMMA GETS THE FIRST CHALLENGE COIN as our first two-time guest! This was supposed to be a Christmas episode, as you can probably guess by my hat...but things came up and I wasn't able to get it out in time. HOWEVER, we spend most of the ep talking about like a million old movies. She has seen more Classic Hollywood than basically anyone I've met, I think? Love having Emma on, I have like a hundred recommendations that I can't wait to get to. Check out her Substack here: https://restorativeromance.substack.com/ And the pod here: https://reformedrakes.com/ And the rest of Emma's stuff here: https://linktr.ee/emmkick TOPICS movies, film analysis, Merchant Ivory, classic cinema, Rob Ray, Age of Innocence, William Wyler, horror films, action movies, John Woo, film analysis, classic cinema, melodrama, war movies, Christmas films, nostalgia, character development, public libraries, film adaptations, cultural impact, Christmas, Letterman, cinema, fail sons, Italian neorealism, classic films, slow cinema, action movies, romantic comedies, food culture, memoirs, film appreciation, female representation, auteurs, gender critique, melodrama, classic Hollywood, film narratives, romantic relationships, film, costume design, classic movies, romantic comedies, foreign films, John Ford, Christmas movies, film appreciation, Audrey Hepburn, Gene Tierney CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction and Christmas Spirit 00:03:48 Exploring Classic Films and Their Legacy 00:06:42 The Impact of Distribution on Film Recognition 00:09:44 William Wyler's Cinematic Influence and Legacy 00:11:00 The Enforcer: Rob Ray's Unique Tactics 00:13:56 Innovative Strategies in Hockey Coaching 00:16:56 The Sean Avery Rule and Its Impact 00:19:50 Metaphors in Sports and Film 00:20:43 Movie Recommendations and Formats 00:26:31 The Age of Innocence: A Critical Discussion 00:32:36 Exploring Claude Rains and David Lean 00:38:29 The Challenges of Film Distribution 00:45:55 Exploring Action Movies and Iconic Stars 00:52:15 Blind Spots in Classic Cinema 00:59:36 The African Queen and Its Legacy 01:07:26 The Christmas Movie Appeal of Stalag 17 01:13:31 The Complexities of Classic Cinema 01:20:29 Attraction and Aestheticism in Hollywood 01:26:29 The Impact of Aging on Film Stars 01:34:31 Character Dynamics in Little Women 01:41:31 Reading Preferences and Digital Books 01:47:43 Cultural Context of Die Hard 01:58:19 The Need for New Adaptations 02:05:12 The Impact of Long Films on Viewer Experience 02:11:02 Nostalgia and the Evolution of Comedy 02:20:56 The Charisma of Ric Flair 02:26:36 David Lean's Cinematic Legacy 02:36:50 Dating and Movie Preferences 02:43:58 Cinematic Context and Personal Reflections 02:49:19 The Complexity of Female Characters in Film 02:58:50 Audience Reception and Interpretation of Melodrama 03:04:04 The Language of Melodrama and Its Cultural Impact 03:12:23 The Complexity of Characters in Film Noir 03:19:04 The Morality of Characters and Forgiveness in Cinema 03:27:29 The Academy Awards and Controversial Wins 03:34:53 Hollywood Icons and Personal Preferences 03:41:40 Cinematic Critiques and Gender Perspectives 03:47:21 Classic Films and Their Impact 03:56:46 Exploring Mike Leigh's Cinematic Landscape 04:02:32 Diving into Foreign Cinema 04:10:41 Defining Christmas Movies 04:24:38 The Allure of Classic Cinema 04:31:18 Cultural Identity and Cinema 04:35:55 Reflections on Directors and Their Influence

  • S1 · E26
    Dec 14, 2025 · 2 hr 11 min

    Trade Movies #026 - It's a Wonderful Life (1946) & Trapped in Paradise (1996) with actor Bianca Castronovo

    IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME BABY! And what better way to kick off a couple of Christmas episodes than with my FAVORITE Christmas movie, Trapped in Paradise, and the BEST Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life. Go find Bianca here: https://www.biancacastronovo.com https://www.tiktok.com/@thebiancac https://www.instagram.com/thebiancac/ Keywords Bianca Castronova, Christmas movies, It's a Wonderful Life, film influences, storytelling, character development, community, sentimentality, filmmaking, holiday films, It's a Wonderful Life, Thomas Mitchell, directing, acting, Christmas movies, queer subtext, film criticism, set design, music in film, spirituality in cinema, storytelling Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Bianca Castronova and Christmasland Productions 00:01:54 Exploring Christmas Movies: It's a Wonderful Life vs. Trapped in Paradise 00:04:53 The Timelessness of It's a Wonderful Life 00:07:57 Character Analysis: George Bailey and Mary 00:10:57 The Societal Commentary in Potterville 00:14:52 Filmmaking Techniques and Visual Storytelling 00:18:49 The Charm of Classic Movie Stars 00:22:51 Acting Insights: Performance Analysis of Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed 00:28:32 The Challenge of Self-Presentation 00:30:06 Exploring Iconic Performances 00:31:39 Character Depth in Classic Films 00:32:27 Memorable Side Characters 00:37:09 Analyzing 'Trapped in Paradise' 00:39:13 Queer Subtext in Classic Cinema 00:41:05 The Evolution of Film Techniques 00:46:20 Spirituality in Film 00:48:41 The Divine Encounter and Human Reactions 00:49:35 Nostalgia for 90s Film Scores 00:50:48 Family Classics and Critical Reception 00:51:54 Critics vs. Audience: The Rotten Tomatoes Debate 00:53:29 The Impact of Public Opinions on Art 00:55:58 The Responsibility of Critique in Film 00:58:25 Cinematic Techniques: Focus and Perspective 01:00:38 Character Development and Emotional Depth 01:01:43 The Subtlety of Humor in Classic Films 01:10:38 George Gallo Interview 01:27:39 Discussing George Gallo Interview 01:36:54 The Stunts of Trapped in Paradise 01:43:38 Sentiment in Movies 01:54:58 Someone's remaking IAWL 02:03:25 Closing thoughts and recommendations

  • S1 · E25
    Dec 11, 2025 · 2 hr 35 min

    Trade Movies #025 - The Philadelphia Story (1940) and Sylvia Scarlett (1935) with Marza Whatever

    IT'S HEPBURN TIME with actor/singer/content creator/essayist MARZA WHATEVER. LOVED THIS EP and love her content! She's one of the very best video essayists working today, so PLEASE go check out her stuff! You can find all of her stuff at: linktr.ee/marzawhatever https://www.youtube.com/@marzawhatever https://www.tiktok.com/@numberletterpunctuation https://marzawarsinske.com/ Keywords AI, Male Loneliness, Content Creation, Gender Dynamics, Hitchcock, Cinema, Emotional Support, Therapy, Ethical Guidelines, micro shorts, Philadelphia Story, Catherine Hepburn, feminism, gender expectations, romantic comedies, class dynamics, old Hollywood, film analysis, cinema history Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Marza Orsinski and Her Work 00:06:34 The Evolution of YouTube Content Creation 00:12:39 The Impact of AI on Human Relationships 00:19:25 The Dangers of AI Validation and Loneliness 00:27:24 The Role of AI in Therapy and Human Interaction 00:39:43 Navigating Personal Safety and Relationships 00:46:21 Exploring Identity and Neurodivergence 00:57:33 The Impact of Corporate Influence in Film 01:06:20 Hitchcock's Influence and Controversies 01:12:36 Gender Dynamics in Film 01:18:13 Exploring Exploitation and Perspective 01:24:25 The Philadelphia Story: A Feminist Classic 01:40:19 Exploring George Cukor's Legacy 01:47:49 Modern Feminism and Romantic Relationships 01:56:05 Class Critique in Romantic Comedies 02:10:06 Musical Dreams and Low-Stakes Fantasies 02:16:47 The Appeal of Historical Dramas and Costumes 02:22:48 The Impact of Music in Film 02:30:15 Exploring Female Empowerment in Pre-Code Cinema

  • S1 · E24
    Dec 8, 2025 · 1 hr 33 min

    Trade Movies #024 - Hypernormalisation (2016) & The Saragossa Manuscript (1965) with David Backer

    OPACITY. OPACITY. OPACITY. (Steve Ballmer voice) OPACITY. Today we are talking complicated financial instruments, the Fundamental Unknowableness Of Things, Mamdani, complexity, propaganda, and so much more. INCREDIBLY thankful to David for appearing on the show, PLEASE GO BUY HIS BOOK: As Public as Possible: Radical Finance for America's Public Schools and he can be found here on all socials, DEFINITELY as well go follow him since his content is amazing: https://linktr.ee/davidibacker https://davidbacker.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@schooldaves and that incredible Baffler Mag article is here: https://thebaffler.com/latest/paying-for-it-backer Keywords David Backer, bond market, education finance, public schools, social movements, municipal bonds, financial opacity, HyperNormalization, Saragossa Manuscript, political economy, software usage, financial jargon, opacity, class struggle, public education, political structures, ideology, solutions, municipal bonds, public finance Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to David Backer and His Work 00:03:25 Understanding the Bond Market and Its Implications 00:06:30 The Role of Social Movements in Education 00:09:35 Exploring the Financial Mechanisms Behind School Funding 00:12:41 The Complexity of Capital Expenditures 00:15:36 The Nature of Bonds vs. Loans 00:18:32 The Opacity of Financial Systems 00:21:45 Cinematic Reflections on Finance 00:24:24 The Saragossa Manuscript and Its Parallels to Finance 00:26:24 Philosophical Insights from Film and Finance 00:35:20 Understanding Complexity Through the Feynman Method 00:36:17 The Insanity of Modern Society and Politics 00:38:28 The Challenges of Entering Power 00:41:16 The Mechanics of Municipal Bonds 00:44:06 The Infinite Complexity of Public Finance 00:46:33 The Role of Experts in Understanding Finance 00:49:20 The Opaqueness of Private Equity 00:51:55 The Language of Finance and Its Implications 00:53:42 The Deliberate Opacity in Financial Systems 00:57:57 The Class Struggle and Financial Opacity 01:01:15 The Need for a New Approach to Power 01:03:53 Philosophical Reflections on Causality 01:06:48 The Complexity of Political Structures 01:10:01 Art and Propaganda: The Role of Surkov 01:12:06 Hypernormalization vs. Kayfabe: A Dialectical Contrast 01:18:37 Public Education: Challenges and Solutions 01:25:01 Making Education Truly Public

  • S1 · E23
    Nov 15, 2025 · 3 hr 6 min

    Trade Movies #023 - Undercurrent (1946) & Night and the City (1950) with noir expert Stephanie Edd

    loved this ep! I could listen to Stephanie talk noir, Marxism, class consciousness, et cetera for hours! Was also fun arguing about Leave Her To Heaven and hearing about all the noir stuff she's involved in, which you can find at: https://stephanieedd.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@stephanieedd https://www.instagram.com/stephaniejedd/ Make sure and check out her novel THE CLEAR CASE as well as The Film Noir Database, both of which are available on her site! Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Film Noir and Stephanie Edd 00:03:21 Defining Film Noir: Themes and Origins 00:07:25 Psychological Themes in Film Noir 00:11:48 Class Consciousness and Economic Critique in Noir 00:16:18 The Role of Women in Film Noir 00:20:58 Exploring 'Undercurrent': A Unique Noir Perspective 00:29:54 Exploring Film Noir Tropes 00:34:45 The Burden of Patriarchy on White Men 00:39:44 Capitalism and Its Impact on Society 00:44:48 The Role of Women in Film Noir 00:49:45 Character Analysis: Alan and Anne 00:54:35 The Tragedy of Misunderstood Relationships 01:05:35 The Symbol of Freedom: Michael's Character 01:11:29 The Fetishization of Female Characters in Film 01:16:35 The Disturbing Trends in Beauty Standards 01:26:36 The Betrayal of Women in Patriarchal Structures 01:36:22 The Pressure of Masculinity and Incel Culture 01:43:33 Generational Conflict and Cultural Heritage 01:49:53 The Intersection of Wrestling and Politics 01:55:08 Integrity and Consequences in Capitalism 02:07:31 Exploring the Consequences of Societal Expectations 02:13:01 The Dark Side of Female Characters 02:19:08 Understanding the Roots of Evil in Society 02:25:19 The Impact of Mental Health on Behavior 02:31:21 The Role of Society in Shaping Individuals 02:38:22 Exploring Desensitization and Empathy 02:44:48 The Role of Women in Film Noir 02:49:02 The Influence of Identity in Film Noir 02:57:33 Connecting Film Noir to Contemporary Issues

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