Trade Movies

Geoff Alexander
  • 3.7 (3)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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 #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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Trade Movies #024 - Hypernormalisation (2016) & The Saragossa Manuscript (1965) with David Backer

    12/08/2025

    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

    1h 34m
  8. Trade Movies #023 - Undercurrent (1946) & Night and the City (1950) with noir expert Stephanie Edd

    11/15/2025

    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

    3h 6m
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Geoff Alexander
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Geoff Alexander
  • Show Website
    Trade Movies