Celebrating the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Jim Henson with a series of podcasts presented by ToughPigs.com!
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The stories behind your favorite cult & genre films, and the people who make them.
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Looking for a podcast that takes your love of movies and TV to the next level? Look no further than The Cinedicate - the Chicago-based guide to the world of cinema! Host Armand and a crew of industry insiders, genre-lovers, and cinephiles are your trusty companions on this adventure through film. From heart-pounding action to soul-stirring romance, they cover it all with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the art of cinema. But they don't stop there - The Cinedicate also tackl ...
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SWAPCAST - Andor: Season 2 - Rebellion, Morality, and the Future of Star Wars
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2:03:39
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2:03:39Ready to journey back to a galaxy far, far away? This episode is your deep dive into the second season of Andor! Listen in as The Cinedicate and the Grindhouse Girls team up with WSTR: Galactic Public Access to discuss the darker edge Star Wars has taken. We break down real-world parallels, favorite scenes, and even weigh in on the future of storyt…
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THE LAWNMOWER MAN (1992) + VIRTUOSITY (1995) Part 1 | Virtual Insanity: The Cyber Thrillers of 1995
1:03:04
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1:03:04"I'm a fifty terrabyte, self-evolving, neural network, double backflip off the high platform. I'm not a swan dive." For the next entry in our Virtual Insanity series, we’re diving headfirst into the world of early virtual reality—and the filmmaker who helped bring it to the big screen. This week, we're going behind the scenes on VIRTUOSITY, the 199…
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SWAPCAST - Mean Girls (2004/2024) - The Musical No One Wanted
1:40:04
1:40:04
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1:40:04Get in, loser—it's time for a wild, unfiltered ride through the world of Mean Girls! Armand from The Cinedicate joins the ReShoot crew for an episode packed with hot takes, nostalgia, and musical mayhem. The we debates if the 2024 musical remake is so fetch... or a total flop compared to the iconic original. What to expect from the episode: Spirite…
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JOHNNY MNEMONIC (1995) Part 2 | Virtual Insanity: The Cyber Thrillers of 1995
1:00:18
1:00:18
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1:00:18"I can carry nearly eighty gigs of data in my head." For our Cinema Shock summer series, we wanted to take a look back at a few movies that were celebrating significant anniversaries this year. When we began browsing films released in 1995, we noticed an interesting trend: There was a glut of cyber thrillers released that year. And more specificall…
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#182 - Friendship (2025) - Male Loneliness, Social Anxiety, and Vulnerability
1:11:07
1:11:07
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1:11:07This week on The Cinedicate, Armand welcomes Hector from Reshoot to break down A24’s latest oddball gem, Friendship. From cringe-worthy social misfires to the secret struggles of forming adult friendships, they dive deep into male loneliness, vulnerability, and the awkward hilarity that comes with trying to make new connections. Get ready for hones…
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JOHNNY MNEMONIC (1995) Part 1 | Virtual Insanity: The Cyber Thrillers of 1995
1:35:12
1:35:12
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1:35:12"I want to get online... I need a computer!" For our Cinema Shock summer series, we wanted to take a look back at a few movies that were celebrating significant anniversaries this year. When we began browsing films released in 1995, we noticed an interesting trend: There was a glut of cyber thrillers released that year. And more specifically, cyber…
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#181 - Warfare (2025) - Brutality, Authenticity, and Healing
1:01:55
1:01:55
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1:01:55Journey into the gritty, unfiltered reality of modern combat as we dive deep into A24’s “Warfare,” the latest harrowing war film from Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza. In this discussion, we unpack the film’s raw authenticity, emotional impact, and unique production—from its absence of a traditional soundtrack to the real-life experiences that inspired…
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#180 - Star Wars: Andor (Season 2) - Tyranny, Rebellion, and Peak Star Wars
2:27:40
2:27:40
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2:27:40The Cinedicate dives deep into the thrilling conclusion of Andor with three generations of Star Wars fans dissecting everything from jungle conflicts to Mon Mothma’s political gambits. No stone is left unturned as we tackle fan service, emotional gut punches, and whether Andor just might be the best Star Wars story ever told. Expect heated debates,…
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The Legacy of Jim Henson | Jim Henson: Heart Felt (Epilogue)
2:03:52
2:03:52
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2:03:52“Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It's a good life, enjoy it.” Over the course of this series, we've come to not only love Jim Henson's work even more than we already did, but we've come to love and appreciate the person that Jim Henson was. In a cynical world, Henson was a beacon of hope and optimism and he spent his…
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SWAPCAST - Starship Troopers - Satirizing Fascism and Why This Film Still Resonates
1:53:19
1:53:19
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1:53:19Suit up, citizen! On this swapcast episode, Armand Haddad teams up with WSTR’s Todd Hoffman for an interstellar deep-dive into the cult classic Starship Troopers. From its satirical skewering of militarism and propaganda to jaw-dropping practical effects that still hold up, Armand and Todd tackle everything from fascism in sci-fi to parallels in th…
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#179 - Companion (2025) - Artificial-Intelligence, Love, and Isolation
1:14:11
1:14:11
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1:14:11On this episode of The Cinedicate, Katie and Brit from The Grindhouse Girls return to dive deep into the sci-fi thriller Companion. Together, we unpack the film’s mind-bending twists, viral marketing, killer performances by Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, and why going in blind is half the fun. The conversation winds through everything from AI roma…
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LABYRINTH (1986) | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
2:39:47
2:39:47
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2:39:47"Everything I've done, I've done for you. I move the stars for no one.” After the release of THE DARK CRYSTAL — and its critical and commercial failure — Jim Henson and his collaborator on that project, illustrator Brian Froud, went back to the drawing board for their next ambitious fantasy project. Utilizing the lessons that they’d learned on that…
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Lisa Henson and the Mystery of Kermit's Birthday
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26:50As we all know, May 9th is Kermit the Frog's birthday. Except... maybe it isn't? This is a Muppet mystery that's begging to be solved. To get to the bottom of this, we're chatting with someone who knows a thing or two about the frog: CEO of The Jim Henson Company, Lisa Henson! In honor of Kermit's (alleged) birthday, the anniversary of Sam & Friend…
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#178 - The Great Muppet Caper - Jim Henson's Legacy and How Disney Fumbled The Brand
1:06:55
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1:06:55Get ready for a nostalgia-packed dive into one of Jim Henson’s finest creations! Heather from WSTR Galactic Public Access joins in to celebrate The Great Muppet Caper, sharing childhood memories, behind-the-scenes Muppet magic, and why the Muppets’ unique blend of wit and heart still matters today. From fourth-wall-breaking genius to questionable D…
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This past February, The Muppet Script event brought celebrities, comedians, and musicians together for a live (and livestreamed) script reading of The Muppet Movie, with proceeds going to charity. It was such a hit, they're doing it again! The Scripted Muppet Caper is coming to Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles on May 5th. And like the first show, …
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SWAPCAST - The Wicker Man (1973/2006) - Bees, Bizarre Cults, and Bad Acting
1:21:10
1:21:10
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1:21:10On this wild anniversary episode, the Grindhouse Girls team up with The Cinedicate for a deep dive into the infamously off-the-rails 2006 remake of The Wicker Man. From “not the bees!”, bear costumes, a and punch-happy Nicolas Cage, we dissect everything that makes this cult failure so bizarrely watchable (or not). Along the way, expect hilarious t…
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Rewind: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (1986)
1:53:18
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1:53:18This episode was originally released in May 2022. In this Cinema Shock Rewind episode, we're revisiting our episode on Frank Oz's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Oz got his start as Jim Henson's closest collaborator, working with Jim during the Muppets' early years, and serving as a key piece of the Muppets' creative framework through the years of The Mupp…
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#177 - Invincible: Season 3 - Mark's Struggles, Conquest, and What’s Next for the Series
1:00:43
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1:00:43Suit up and dive into the chaos of Invincible Season 3 with The Cinedicate! Join us for a spoiler-packed review that battles through teen drama, jaw-dropping gore, and the cosmic consequences of Mark Grayson’s choices. From favorite character breakdowns (Battle Beast, anyone?) to heated debates about comic vs. adaptation, this episode tackles every…
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#176 - Andor: Season 1 - Tony Gilroy’s Masterclass of Gritty Storytelling in Star Wars
2:19:23
2:19:23
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2:19:23Join us as we dive deep into "Andor," unpacking the gritty layers of Star Wars' newest triumph. From heated discussions about the Empire's sway to exhilarating prison escapes and the complex tapestry of rebellion, this episode peels back the grand mythology to reveal compelling, grounded narratives. Experience Star Wars storytelling where politics,…
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THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN (1984) | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
2:19:18
2:19:18
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2:19:18"Hey, I tell you what is. Big city, hmm? Live, work, huh? But not city only. Only peoples. Peoples is peoples. No is buildings. Is tomatoes, huh? Is peoples, is dancing, is music, is potatoes. So, peoples is peoples. Okay?" With his dream project THE DARK CRYSTAL taking so much of his time and energy, Jim Henson was content to slim down his role on…
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#175 - Anora - A Testament to Authenticity and Vulnerability
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56:18In this episode of we dive into the Oscar-winning film "Anora" with special guest Cam Lewis. Together, we unravel the shocking twists and emotional depth of Sean Baker's latest masterpiece with the raw authenticity of guerrilla filmmaking and the gripping performances that brought this film to life. Tune in for a lively discussion that highlights w…
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#174 - The Gorge - A Cosmic Horror Hidden Gem
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50:25Join us as we dive into the unexpected twists of the thrilling film "The Gorge," starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. Discover why its hauntingly beautiful visuals and engaging storytelling make it a must-watch and a hidden gem. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, romance, or just a good story, "The Gorge" might just surprise you. Tune in for an …
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THE DARK CRYSTAL (1982) | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
2:17:16
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2:17:16"Another world, another time, in the age of wonder. A thousand years ago, this land was green and good - until the Crystal cracked." After the completion of THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER, Jim Henson focused on a project that had been in the works for years — its earliest seeds were planted well before even The Muppet Show had begun production — an ambitio…
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#173 - John Carpenter's Escape From New York - Cold War Anxieties, Police-State Dread, and Kurt Russell
1:11:32
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1:11:32Join us as we delve into John Carpenter's dystopian vision of the future, Escape from New York. Alongside Todd Hoffman from WSTR Galactic Public Access, we uncover the gritty and enigmatic world of Snake Plissken and his mission to rescue the President from a chaotic, prison-turned Manhattan. From the eerie post-apocalyptic undertones of the 80s to…
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#172 - Shadow (影) - Daoism, Philosophy, and Martial Arts
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57:13
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57:13In this episode of The Cinedicate, host Armand and guest Hector from Reshoot delve into the enthralling world of the 2018 Chinese film "Shadow." They explore its intricate portrayal of chaos and order, woven through the philosophies of Taoism. Hector shares his personal connection to the film through his studies in Taoism, while marveling at the fi…
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THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER (1981) | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
1:53:57
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1:53:57"There'll be mystery and catastrophe! But it's all in fun, you paid the money - wait and see! Hey! A movie! Starring everybody! And me!" After the success of THE MUPPET MOVIE, Jim Henson had hoped to get funding for a fantasy film that had become a sort of dream project of his. But that film — which would not feature the beloved and recognizable Mu…
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#171 - John Carpenter's Prince of Darkness - The Missteps of Cosmic Horror
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1:16:50Join Armand and special guests Katie and Brit from the Grindhouse Girls podcast as they illuminate the shadows of John Carpenter's enigmatic 1987 film, Prince of Darkness. In this episode, they take a candid journey into the film's unsettling cosmic horror and puzzling twists, sharing their first impressions and dissecting its eerie blend of scienc…
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#170 - Star Wars: Skeleton Crew - Pirates, Goonies, and Bringing Family Fun Back
1:35:38
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1:35:38Join us as we blast into hyperspace in the latest episode of The Cinedicate. This time, we are diving headfirst into the cosmic escapades of the latest Star Wars series The Skeleton Crew. Expect a journey full of pirates, treasure planets, and unexpected turns in a galaxy far, far away that might just reignite your love for storytelling set in a ga…
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THE MUPPET MOVIE (1979) | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
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2:01:45“Life's like a movie. Write your own ending. Keep believing. Keep pretending.” With The Muppet Show, Jim Henson had reached the goal that he’d set for himself many years before: He’d managed to get his beloved Muppets their own weekly television series. Not only that, but it was an enormous success, quickly becoming one of the most watched televisi…
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Muppet performer Noel MacNeal is getting ready for his live cabaret show - "Hey, This Was Really Fun!" - and what a great opportunity for us to sit down with the man behind the Bear for a chat about everything he's been up to lately. Listen in as Noel tells us about performing, directing, making his off-Broadway debut, and his love of Big Birds and…
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TWIN PEAKS: FIRE SHOCK WITH ME | Free Preview of CinemaShock+
1:07:06
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1:07:06Happy TWIN PEAKS Day everyone! To celebrate the day that FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper first entered the town of Twin Peaks, we wanted to offer our listeners a Free Preview of the first members-only episode of our Twin Peaks watch-along podcast FIRE SHOCK WITH ME! We did a deep dive into the creation of the TWIN PEAKS pilot episode as part of our s…
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How They Made THE MUPPET SHOW | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
2:07:56
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2:07:56By the mid-1970s, Jim Henson and the Muppets were as big as they'd ever been. They'd helped turn Sesame Street into a household name and continued to be a hot commodity on the variety show circuit. But Jim had yet to do the one thing he'd been trying to accomplish since the early 1960s: Create a prime time television show starring the Muppets, and …
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The Muppet Script - A Star-Studded Livestream Benefit
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36:42When a crisis hits, Muppet fans are known to band together to help the world. After the devastating wildfires in California, Muppet fan (and ToughPigs contributor) Matt Wilkie decided to gather some of his Muppet fan friends - including some celebrities - for a special fundraiser called The Muppet Script. On Sunday, February 9th, these folks will b…
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From the Arthouse to SESAME STREET | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
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2:19:04“As children, we all live in a world of imagination, of fantasy, and for some of us that world of make-believe continues into adulthood.” Despite spending years fighting against the notion that puppets were nothing more than “children’s entertainment,” Jim Henson found his greatest success thus far working on a television show aimed at toddlers: th…
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The Great Muppet Fandom Panel - Winter, 2025 Edition
1:28:52
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1:28:52The Great Muppet Fandom Panel is back! After a year-long hiatus, our podcast featuring Muppet fans talking over each other about the biggest headlines in the Muppet world. This uber-topical episode covers topics like the state of Sesame Street, the impending Muppets Rockin' Roller Coaster, drama in the fandom world, Muppet amigurumi, and so much mo…
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The Birth of The Muppets | Jim Henson: Heart Felt
1:58:57
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1:58:57It’s time to start a brand new series here on Cinema Shock! For the next few weeks, we’ll be telling the story of Jim Henson. To truly tell the story of Henson’s life and career, we have to go all the way back to the beginning: In this inaugural episode, we’ll explore Jim’s early years, through the creation of his first TV show, SAM & FRIENDS (wher…
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Fraggle Talk: BONUS Episode - Fraggle Rock LIVE!
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24:58Get ready, because the Fraggles are coming to your town! Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE kicks off its cross-country tour this week, and we have SO many questions about the show. So who better to ask those questions to than the show's writer, director, choreographer, and Fraggle expert John Tartaglia?? Listen to our bonus episode of Fraggle Tal…
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SWAPCAST - Revenge of the Jedi (1983) - The Darker Star Wars That Never Was
1:32:06
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1:32:06On this swapcast episode, The Cinedicate and WSTR Galactic Public Access delve into the tangled legacy of "Return of the Jedi," discussing the initial creative conflicts with George Lucas and Gary Kurtz. From merchandising influence that transformed fierce Wookiee warriors into cute Ewoks to recreating the light tone of the original film, journey w…
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#169 - Nosferatu (2024) - From German Surrealism to a Modern Masterpiece
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1:03:08On this episode, we delve into the mesmerizing world of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu. From the film's profound themes of control and connection to its captivating cinematography, we dissect how this modern remake balances tasteful sensuality and spine-chilling horror while paying homage to the 1920s original. With humorous takes on Count Orlok’s unexpe…
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"I'm afraid to close my eyes, I'm afraid to open them." 1999 was a landmark year for film, and several films released that year have had a lasting impact, greatly influencing everything that followed. And with the possible exception of THE MATRIX, few films have had changed their respective genres as much as THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. Created by a ha…
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#168 - Hot Frosty - Christmas Cheer, Holiday Magic, and Muscular Snowmen
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1:03:46Merry Christmas from The Cinedicate! Join us as we unwrap "Hot Frosty," a modern, muscular twist on Frosty the Snowman that unexpectedly warms hearts. From the stellar performances of Craig Robinson and Joe Lo Truglio to the comedic absurdity of a snowman with abs, our passionate cinephiles dissect the film's holiday magic, witty writing, and delig…
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Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Berry Christmas!
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1:10:45It's been a wild ride, but our Bear in the Big Blue Podcast podcast miniseries is coming to a close (for now). And what better way to end things than with a holiday party! Yes, it's Christmas (and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and something about a Winter Berry) in the Big Blue House! Joining us for this family gathering is ToughPigs' own Anthony Strand, co…
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Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Becca's Faves
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1:03:07Oh hi there! Welcome back to Bear in the Big Blue Podcast! We've got a sparkly new episode just for all you Toileteers, as we cover mistakes, computers, and going to the bathroom. All the hits! With special guest Danny Horn - founder of ToughPigs, host of The Fantastic Miss Piggy Podcast, and the brain behind Muppet Pictures! Episodes referenced in…
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"We're sorta like 7-Eleven. We're not always doing business, but we're always open." For Gary’s pick for a movie from 1999, he went with an infamous film that’s thre true definition of a “cult film.” When THE BOONDOCK SAINTS was (barely) released in theaters, it had practically no impact at all, but months later, when the movie hit home video, it b…
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Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Time For Some Quiet Time
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49:07Welcome back to Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - the podcast where we watch Bear in the Big Blue House and talk about it a lot! This week, we're highlighting the coziness of Bear, which is especially prevalent in these times when we can all really use a bit of quiet time. Joining us is special guest Eli Lee! Episodes referenced in this podcast: Episo…
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Bear in the Big Blue Podcast - Welcome to the Blue House
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58:58Introducing BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE PODCAST, a podcast miniseries from ToughPigs.com! Join Becca Petunia and Joe Hennes as they dive deep into the classic Henson series "Bear in the Big Blue House". For our first episode, Becca explores what she loves about the show, while Joe meets the residents of the Big Blue House for the very first time.…
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We’ve decided to wrap up 2024 with a look at a few films that are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. 1999 has become known as one of the best movie years of all time. While we’ve already touched on some of the biggest films of that year (THE MATRIX, FIGHT CLUB), there are a handful of films from that year that may not fit into one of our…
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Fraggle Talk: Back to the Rock - Ep. 213 "Hope and Socks"
1:26:44
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1:26:44As season 2 of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock comes to an end, so does season 2 of our companion podcast series FRAGGLE TALK: BACK TO THE ROCK. While we wait patiently for news about a potential third season pickup, we're wrapping things up with the season finale "Hope and Socks." Joining us to say "goodbye for now" are Executive Producers John Tar…
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#167 - Wicked - The Cinematic Transformation of a Broadway Classic
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58:46In this episode of The Cinedicate, Armand and his wife Chelsea unravel the magic and controversies surrounding the movie adaptation of "Wicked." From surprising casting choices to intricate plot expansions, they dive deep into what makes this cinematic retelling both nostalgic and groundbreaking. Discover never before told story of Elphaba, the wiz…
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Fraggle Talk: Back to the Rock - Ep. 212 "Letting Go"
1:23:51
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1:23:51Welcome back to FRAGGLE TALK: BACK TO THE ROCK, and the penultimate episode of Back to the Rock season 2! But we can't let go just yet - not before we have a chance to talk about the episode "Letting Go". This week, we're excited to welcome puppeteers Donna Kimball (Mokey) and Jordan Lockhart (Wembley) back to the podcast! PLUS! Bumping the lamp! A…
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