Episodes
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.
Published 04/25/24
Published 04/25/24
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.
Published 04/11/24
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.
Published 03/28/24
"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 redemption.
Published 03/14/24
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.
Published 02/29/24
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.
Published 02/15/24
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 the enjoyment of a movie can transcend traditional notions of quality.
Published 02/01/24
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 the beauty of love and forgiveness.
Published 01/18/24
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 journey toward self-awareness and acceptance.
Published 01/04/24
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.
Published 12/21/23
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 also discuss how Pearl Harbor shaped the American psyche and worldview.
Published 12/07/23
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
Published 12/07/23
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 WWII effort to rescue great works of art.
Published 11/30/23
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 music and visual storytelling.
Published 11/09/23
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.
Published 10/26/23
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.
Published 10/12/23
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.
Published 09/28/23
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.
Published 09/14/23
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.
Published 09/14/23
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.
Published 08/31/23
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 this heartwarming show that's not just for kids.
Published 08/24/23
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 and street-level aspects, and character growth; as well as the significance of familial relationships and the exploration of fate.
Published 08/10/23
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 freedom and what happens when everything turns out to be a lie.
Published 07/27/23
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.
Published 07/06/23