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.

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

    MAR 5

    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

    2h 38m
  2. Trade Movies #030 - My Left Foot (1989) and Freaks (1930) with comedian Lucas Waterfill

    FEB 23

    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

    2h 33m
  3. Trade Movies #029 - Skibidi Toilet (2023) and Playtime (1967) with Aidan Walker

    FEB 3

    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

    1h 37m
  4. Trade Movies #028 - The Lynchburg Story (1994) and You Got To Move (1985)

    JAN 23

    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

    2h 48m
  5. Trade Movies BONUS #5 - Interview with Matt Ellis on his new "France in the 1960s" online course

    JAN 11 · BONUS

    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

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

    JAN 8

    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

    4h 38m
  7. Trade Movies #026 - It's a Wonderful Life (1946) & Trapped in Paradise (1996) with actor Bianca Castronovo

    12/14/2025

    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

    2h 11m
  8. Trade Movies #025 - The Philadelphia Story (1940) and Sylvia Scarlett (1935) with Marza Whatever

    12/11/2025

    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

    2h 35m

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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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