The Poppedcast

Hello and welcome back to Popped, a blog about film history and cinema culture. Thanks for reading.

There we are then, my first live Substack complete.

I’ve done webinars at work before, and this was like that, but fun! It was a really great chat and the time flew by.

Thanks to Vicki Lesley for letting me join your film club. If exploring autism on film is something that interests you then please do consider joining Vicki, for free, on her page for the current Film Thread season.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into the chat live. And if you weren’t able to join us, don’t worry, it’s all here in video or audio form! If you subscribe to my podcast you can listen to it that way, or you can watch a video above.

I’m reposting what I wrote in the build-up to the event in case you missed it and to provide some context.

Why this film then?

I’ve been reading Vicki’s excellent page for a few years now. Being a documentary filmmaker, Vicki’s Substack is full of insight on her time making her last project, The Atom: A Love Affair as well as documenting thoughts and notes on her next project which is in its early stages.

On top of all that, Vicki hosts her own film club which has seasons around different themes. This season explores autism on film which is a topic I’m really excited to talk about. I am by no means an expert in the subject however I have recently been exploring neurodivergence in different ways as members of my family begin to see new aspects in themselves. It’s been a revealing and fascinating year.

For the Film Thread I wanted to pick a film that deals with autistic experience for women; a topic that’s grossly under-researched.

I’ve not seen it before, where can I catch up?

You can catch it on Prime or for free on Rakuten in the UK. Outside of the UK, here’s a link to find where to stream: JustWatch

I’d also like to include the links that Vicki added into her post that act as show notes here. Take it away, Vicki!

Before I go, I promised to share some links to other positive female autistic screen representations and writers, so here we go…

Firstly here are some TV shows I’ve watched and some film suggestions I’ve not but have heard good things about:

On TV…

* Dinosaur (BBC sitcom about a palaeontologist in Glasgow written by and starring autistic writer and comedian Ashley Storrie)

* A Kind of Spark (children’s BBC drama based on a YA novel by a female autistic writer and with multiple autistic lead cast members)

* Patience (Channel 4 drama series about an autistic criminal archivist, with an autistic actor in the main role; also the French drama series on which it’s based, Astrid: Murder in Paris).

On Film…

* Room to Move (a feature doc recently released on Netflix about a newly-diagnosed autistic dancer exploring how dance and stimming intersect in her life)

* Temple Grandin (biopic of the real life American inventor and noted autistic self-advocate, starring Claire Danes)

* Keep the Change (a groundbreaking authentically-cast rom-com about a couple who meet at an autism support group - based on a wonderful earlier short film, which I have seen - sadly the feature doesn’t seem to be streaming online and I can’t afford to stump up the very steep cost of an expensive US DVD import which is the only option to watch it I’ve found so far…)

And here are some autistic women writers whose work I always appreciate reading and learning from:

On Substack…

* Andrea Anderson- writing and educating about neurodivergent self-discovery at Belong...we are neurokin

* Sam Galloway (she/her) 💕 - writing about the double whammy of autism and perimenopause at Divergent Menopause

* Ruth Elliott-Booth - honestly sharing her creative life as a disabled, autistic woman at Becoming Me

* Dr Gemma L. Williams - an autistic academic publishing essays and mini-podcasts at Neurodiverse Universe

* Amanda N. Bray - an autistic writer and editor offering publishing strategy & guidance at The Publishing Spectrum and more personal writing at ✵ The Co-Writing Studio ✵ and, of course,

* Katherine May, the bestselling author of Wintering, Enchantmentand The Electricity of Every Living Thing, her memoir about a midlife autism diagnosis, at The Clearing by Katherine May

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time.

Thanks

Gareth

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

In this episode, I share my thoughts on 007 First Light and take a look at how film and games continue to inspire each other. I also explore how GoldenEye 007 helped define a generation of gaming, from its technical breakthroughs to its long-lasting influence on modern shooters.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

In this episode, I dive into my latest obsession with the Star Wars universe, from TV series to movies and games, exploring how the franchise continues to evolve and adapt to modern streaming and cinematic landscapes. I share my thoughts on the success of the Mandalorian, the complexities of Star Wars storytelling, and potential directions for future installments.

Make sure to subscribe to my Substack!

Stay tuned for my upcoming episode on James Bond and more!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Join Gareth as he dives into his latest journey through Universal Monster films, revealing how his curiosity and storytelling background shape his take on cinema. Perfect for film enthusiasts, storytellers, or anyone interested in the history of horror

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

In this episode, I read out my essay from the Popped blog where I explore The Bride (2026) as a modern conversation with The Bride of Frankenstein (1935).

Stick around at the end where I have a quick chat around my thoughts on both films!

As always, thanks for listening!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to Popped. A space to explore cinema history, cinema culture, and how world events can be reflected through the silver screen.

Though I’m not usually into award ceremonies, this year I tuned into BAFTA as a friend of mine was up for an award. It’s moving to see someone you know being recognised for an amazing talent that they have. They were also dressed to kill!

This month’s Poppedcast touches on the awards, on the controversy surrounding this year, as well as the people involved and some of the great achievements of the night.

There’s also time to look back at the films I picked out last month (one of them is near three hour documentary about the rugby legend Gareth Edwards) and a reveal of a new Popped feature incoming.

If you enjoy this podcast, please do share with others, it really is the best way to support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome to the Poppedcast. A space to explore cinema history, cinema culture, and how world events can be reflected through the silver screen. Thanks for reading.

This week is an audio version of a written post. I take a look at how three landmark works captured the human cost of Thatcher’s Britain.

From rising unemployment to racial tension and the birth of neoliberal individualism, this episode explores how film and TV documented a country in crisis, and why their warnings still matter today.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped, a blog connecting film and cinema history to our lived experience.

It’s been a little while but I’m excited to be back with the Poppedcast which has a new feel to it.

After reflecting on the kind of stuff I like to listen to, and the experience I want create for Popped, this month’s Poppedcast is a more reflective, less “recommend-y” listen. It’s something I had fun putting together and I’m happy with it. I hope you enjoy.

This month I have a look into a box of DVD’s I found, not before reflecting on the week we’ve had news wise, and the effect the constant bombardment of atrocities has on us all.

Note: It hadn’t sunk in that The Story of Gareth Edwards is presented by Gareth Edwards. I simply cannot wait to watch this. How is he going to pull this off!?

Finally the documentary I spoke about is called Cover-Up and it’s on Netflix now. It’s not an easy watch; the content is pretty harsh. But there is a strong link to the important role that proper journalism has to play in holding those in power to account.

I’d love your thoughts and feedback on the episode.

If you feel like someone you know would take something from listening to it please do pass it on.

Take care of yourselves. Go and watch some films.

Gareth

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello and welcome back to Popped! A newsletter about the history and culture of cinema.

What’s in this month’s Poppedcast?

As usual I have some excellent clips, books and docs to talk about. More detail on each one below. The archive clip this month is lovely and it would be great to hear what you think.

Clip

The Saviour of Cinema - Aunt Laura

I don’t often use the word quintessential, but this is quintessential British archive viewing. A wonderful little story about a cinema, and the woman who ran it, Aunt Laura.

https://youtu.be/MWTbzJJxuAQ?si=DhFPHQ6N2rEyA1Bi

Book

I love romcoms and I am a feminist: A manifesto in 100 romcoms by Corrina Antrobus

A perfect movie companion and book of suggestions for looking at romcoms in a new way and taking back control of what is a fantastic genre.

You can buy the book here.

During this part I also mention the shopping guide by Story Has It, and here it is if you need some filmy ideas for Christmas!

Documentary

Music by John Williams - Disney+

I urge you all to hunt down this documentary on Disney+ if you have the time over the festive period. I guarantee it will result in a new list of rewatches from Star Wars to Jurassic Park. He is one of the most accomplished artists of our time.

Thanks again for listening and reading! Please do pass this on to anyone you think may enjoy. And if you have any clips you would like to share, you can reply to this email or leave a comment!

Gareth

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com

Hello my pride of cinema stars and welcome to this month’s Poppedcast. A listening experience where I talk about a book, a clip and an additional interest from the cinema world.

It’s only the second month so I’m still finding my feet with this new format. I say “um” more than anyone else on earth and good grief am I a heavy breather. I’ll stop breathing for the next Poppedcast ‘k?

I’m particularly enjoying the book side of things though. There’s a growing list of interesting books to explore so I’ll keep getting them as long as my wallet will let me!

The clip I've found for this month is also a great one. It’s from the Parkinson chat show. I get the feeling that his interviews will keep cropping up on this podcast. They’re always fantastic.

Below you will find the links and information I spoke of in the Poppedcast.

If you have any books you would like to recommend, or interesting clips you’ve seen, please comment on this post. I’d love to hear them!

Gareth

Show Notes

Home Work - A Memoir of My Hollywood Years

by Julie Andrews - Get it here

Here is the clip of her swearing loads!

Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams

It’s a two part clip. Here’s part 1 (which there is a sample of in the podcast)

and here is part 2 (only need the first minute or so of that one to finish off the argument)

Will & Harper

You can watch this documentary on Netflix right now. But here is a trailer:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit popped.substack.com