Secrets of Movies and TV Shows

Secrets of Movies and TV Shows episodes:

• 05.23.2024

  The Secrets of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

  For the latest installment of the Monsterverse, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss this grand spectacle, its exploration of the implications of living in a world with giant monsters, and the enduring popularity of monster movies as escapism.

  
• 05.09.2024

  The Secrets of Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda

  In a universe where civilization has collapsed, Dylan Hunt navigates challenges to rebuild it. Jeff Haecker and Victor Lams discuss the 5-season series Andromeda and its themes of hope, resilience, and unity, as well as the rich worldbuilding and multidimensional...

  
• 04.25.2024

  The Secrets of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender

  Discussing the Netflix adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Kathryn Laffrey, and Jeff Haecker dive into the portrayal of beloved characters, concerning changes, and the nature of totalitarian systems.

  
• 04.11.2024

  The Secrets of Casablanca

  Casablanca remains a timeless masterpiece. Robert King, Noëlle Crowe, and Shelly Kelly discuss the film's WW2 setting and how the characters are transformed by self-sacrifice and love, patriotic ardor, and courage; virtues that are as relevant as ever today.

  
• 03.28.2024

  The Secrets of Dune 2

  Return to Arrakis! Jack Baruzzini, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss the epic Dune sequel, it's amazing production and its themes around the Fremen culture; the symbolic importance of water; justice v. vengeance; and relevance to contemporary issues.

  
• 03.14.2024

  The Secrets of Hoosiers

  "Hoosiers" is based on a true story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team and is regarded as a classic of the sport film genre. Fr. Joseph Sund and Jonathan Koral discuss the movies themes of compassion, teamwork, and...

  
• 02.29.2024

  The Secrets of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, Season 1

  The Monsterverse! Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss the Monarch series on AppleTV+ and its impact on the wider Monsterverse, as well ss the themes of collateral damage and the huan costs and societal impacts of real-world catastrophes.

  
• 02.15.2024

  The Secrets of Ghostbusters: Afterlife

  Diving into the 2022 Ghostbusters sequel, Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Rob Leonardi discuss the themes of legacy, family, and reconciliation; the non-neurotypical heroine; and the film's emotional depth, as well as the classic theme of good v. evil.

  
• 02.01.2024

  The Secrets of Bad Movies We Love

  Some bad movies are just bad, but there are some bad movies we love and keep coming back to. Thomas Salerno, Victor Lams, and Jimmy Akin discuss some of the bad movies they love, why they love them, and how...

  
• 01.18.2024

  The Secrets of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

  What does the final Indiana Jones movie have to tell us about getting older and facing our mortality? Dom Bettinelli, Shelly Kelly, and Thomas Salerno also discuss the real life Dial of Destiny, what makes a great Indy movie, and...

  
• 01.04.2024

  The Secrets of Avatar: The Last Airbender

  The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender is known for its rich mythology and profound themes. Robert King, Kathryn Laffrey, Jeff Haecker and Thomas Salerno discuss how it appeals to all ages, and the themes of unity, balance, and the...

  
• 12.21.2023

  The Secrets of Loki, Season 2

  Loki, season 2, changed everything! Andrew Hermiz, Patrick Mason, and David Handlos discuss the new characters; the theme of freedom, free will, and self-sacrifice; Loki's growth as a character; and the implications for Marvel's future.

  
• 12.07.2023

  The Secrets of Tora! Tora! Tora!

  A groundbreaking war movie made by both sides in the conflict. Thomas Salerno, Dom Bettinelli, and Patrick Mason discuss this story of the attack on Pearl Harbor, its epic scale, and the moral and ethical dimensions of the attack. They...

  
• 12.07.2023

  A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli

  StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give

  
• 11.30.2023

  The Secrets of Monuments Men

  In this crossover of Secrets of Sacred Art and Secrets of Movies and TV Shows, Kathryn Laffrey, Alix Murray, and Thomas Salerno discuss the 2014 film Monuments Men and the true story and real sacred art involved in the daring...

  
• 11.09.2023

  The Secrets of Fantasia

  The 1940 Disney film Fantasia is a classic, so Thomas Salerno, Kathryn Laffrey, and Victor Lams discuss their childhood memories, its artistic innovation, and technical advancements. They also discuss the film's message and cultural impact found in its mix of...

  
• 10.26.2023

  The Secrets of the Monsterverse

  Exploring the MonsterVerse cinematic universe, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss their love for the franchise, its proper American interpretation of Japanese monsters, and its potential for the future.

  
• 10.12.2023

  The Secrets of Foundation

  Diving into the first season of Foundation, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason discuss the complex narrative, where it deviates from Asimov, and the unique storytelling, especially the exploration of technology's societal impact.

  
• 09.28.2023

  The Secrets of Oppenheimer

  The father of the atom bomb. Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jason Eugea discuss the biopic about Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the atomic bomb, discussing its depth, historical accuracy, and nuanced portrayal, highlighting his complex relationships and ethical dilemmas.

  
• 09.14.2023

  A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest

  We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective.

  
• 09.14.2023

  The Secrets of The Karate Kid

  The 1984 Karate Kid endures as a classic and has even made a return to TV. Dom Bettinelli, David Handlos, Mike Denz, and Steve Nelson discuss the movie's themes of perseverance, mercy, and the importance of mentorship and guidance.

  
• 08.31.2023

  The Secrets of Ted Lasso

  Ted Lasso captivated viewers in a dark time. Dom Bettinelli, Lisa Jones, and Patrick Mason discuss what made the show so heartwarming and positive, the well-developed and nuanced characters, and where the show fell short, especially in its moral viewpoint.

  
• 08.24.2023

  The Secrets of Bluey

  Bluey is a children's show, but it's so much more. Thomas Sanjurjo, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi dive into the world of the Aussie pup with life lessons and laughter packed into every episode and unravel the deeper layers of...

  
• 08.10.2023

  Coffee and Comics: Across the Spider-Verse

  Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Andrew Hermiz, and special guest Mike Schramm from the Voyage Comics Podcast discuss "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," focusing on its multiverse concept, animation, and music; the film's handling of canon events, the balance between the multiverse...

  
• 07.27.2023

  The Secrets of Silo

  The hit new series Silo is a mystery in a box. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Jeff Haecker discuss the literal and figurative deeper layers and themes of this story, including how loss of history leads to loss of...

  
• 07.06.2023

  The Secrets of the Adventures of Tintin

  Adventures of Tintin is a 2011 star-studded animated film based on the famed comic book series, and Thomas Salerno, Jack Baruzzini, and Victor Lams discuss what makes the movie good for all ages and the moral messages it includes.

  
• 06.22.2023

  The Secrets of Movies We Can Watch Over and Over

  Do you have certain movies that you can watch over and over and never get bored? Thomas Salerno, Mike Creavey, and Mike Denz discuss their favorites; what makes a movie rewatchable; and how streaming services have changed rewatchability

  
• 06.08.2023

  Coffee and Comics: State of the MCU

  The Marvel Cinematic Universe changed superhero movies (and Hollywood) forever! Thomas Salerno, Andrew Hermiz, David Handlos, and Pat Mason discuss their favorite Marvel movies and shows and speculate about what's next for the MCU.

  
• 05.25.2023

  Coffee and Comics: The DC Universe

  Comics, movies, & TV have essentially merged & in this new series, Thomas Salerno, David Handlos, Patrick Mason & Andrew Hermiz will discuss how that intersection has affected both print & broadcast media & the themes they highlight, starting with...

  
• 05.18.2023

  The Secrets of the Natural

  The Natural is among the great baseball movies and Fr. Cory Sticha, Jon Koral, and David Handlos revisit its deeper themes and life lessons, including that natural talent isn't enough to succeed in life; that you have to be true...

  
• 05.04.2023

  The Secrets of The Super Mario Bros Movie

  It's a nostalgia trip for Nintendo fans, but it's also so much more. Fr. Cory Sticha, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, Thomas Salerno, and David Handlos discuss the hugely successful video game movie and how its faithfulness to the source material contributes...

  
• 04.20.2023

  The Secrets of Top Gun: Maverick

  The 2022 sequel to the 80s fighter pilot movie Top Gun was a surprise box office hit. Dom Bettinelli, Jason Eugea, and Cameron Kelly discuss what made it so good, its message about the importance of the human in the...

  
• 04.06.2023

  The Secrets of Classic Quantum Leap

  The original Quantum Leap series has become a TV classic so Fr. Cory Sticha, Joanne Mercier, and Shelly Kelly discuss the show's versatility through its time travel format and the moral and ethical questions it dealt with, including the importance...

  
• 03.23.2023

  The Secrets of A League of Their Own

  Play ball! Fr. Cory Sticha, Shelly Kelly, and Noëlle Crowe discuss this classic sports movie and the women's pro baseball league of the 40s and 50s that was nearly forgotten until the movie came out. they delve into its themes...

  
• 03.09.2023

  The Secrets of Wakanda Forever

  Wakanda Forever was more than just Marvel's tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Angela Sealana, Andrew Hermiz, Robert King, and Bill Field discuss how this film paints a portrait of growth through suffering and grief while touching on questions of historical and...

  
• 02.23.2023

  The Secrets of Field of Dreams

  Field of Dreams is more than a baseball movie; it's a vocation movie about receiving a calling. Fr. Cory Sticha, Shelly Kelly, and Noëlle Crowe discuss the classic movie and what it says about life, regrets, redemption, and following your...

  
• 02.09.2023

  The Secrets of Rudy

  It's one of the greatest sports movies of all, and Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, and Noëlle Crowe discuss its themes of heart and grit; vocation and calling; the journey and the destination; the power of prayer; and how Rudy couldn't...

  
• 01.25.2023

  The Secrets of The Dark Crystal (1982)

  The Dark Crystal was an innovative puppet-based fantasy story when it came out in 1982, and Thomas Salerno, Kathryn Laffrey, and Patrick Mason discuss why it continues to be a fan favorite 40 years later as well as the movie's...

  
• 01.12.2023

  The Secrets of Into the Spider-verse

  Is it the best Spider-man movie? Andrew Hermiz, Thomas Salerno, and Robert King discuss this animated superhero movie that brings together many versions of Spider-man into a story that gets to the heart of the superhero vocation.

  
• 12.29.2022

  The Secrets of Willow

  With a sequel to the 1988 film now out, Thomas Salerno, Robert King, and Patrick Mason revisit the beloved original, examining its connections to other fantasy, like Tolkien's works, and the bigger themes the story addresses.

  
• 12.22.2022

  The Secrets of Home Alone

  Home Alone is one of the funniest Christmas movies with its bumbling burglar antics. Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, and Andrew Hermiz also find that it's a touching story about family, faith, and forgiveness and the ability to change at any...

  
• 12.08.2022

  The Secrets of It’s A Wonderful Life

  Each person's life touches so many others and when they're gone, they leave a hole. Dom Bettinelli, Shelly Kelly, and Mike Denz discuss one of the greatest Christmas movies and its classic themes of the importance of every life, redemption,...

  
• 12.01.2022

  Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest

  Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, has a special Advent and Christmas greetings for all listeners and an important message about the mission of StarQuest.

  
• 11.17.2022

  The Secrets of Peanuts TV Specials

  Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts comic strip has also been a set of beloved holiday TV specials for many decades. Thomas Salerno, Shelly Kelly, and Mike Denz discuss why these are so beloved and the Gospel message that was often able...

  
• 11.03.2022

  The Secrets of Manifest

  Manifest is coming back on Netflix. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the former NBC show, its mysteries, the moral questions it raises, and how to deal with marriage when your spouse thought you were dead for five years.

  
• 10.20.2022

  The Secrets of The Village

  Can you escape fallen human nature in this world? Dom Bettinelli, Mike Creavey, and Mike Denz discuss the M. Night Shyamalan classic with its trademark twist including the themes of sin, redemption, and faith that it contains.

  
• 10.13.2022

  The Secrets of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

  The 4th Indiana Jones movie has a reputation as the worst of the franchise. But Dom Bettinelli, Shelly Kelly, and Thomas Salerno discuss how the movie has improved with age as overhyped expectations were replaced with joy at the campy,...

  
• 09.22.2022

  The Secrets of The Offer

  They talked about the Godfather movies, and so now Dom Bettinelli, Mike Creavey, and Andrew Hermiz tackle the series that showed the making of the Godfather, whether it's worthwhile as entertainment and documentary, as well as its interesting viewpoint.

  
• 09.08.2022

  The Secrets of For All Mankind

  What if the Soviets beat the US to the moon? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss this AppleTV+ series, how the alternate history unspools, and the moral choices it creates for the protagonists over its 3 seasons...

  
• 08.25.2022

  The Secrets of The Last Starfighter

  Few would claim The Last Starfighter is one of the great scifi movies of all time. But Dom Bettinelli, David Handlos, and Thomas Sanjurjo all agree that it's a great fun movie with a hero you want to root for...