Best Movies Vs Capitalism Podcasts (2025)

1
Severance/White Lotus 1:29:51

6h ago1:29:51

1:29:51

This week, Rivka and Frank dive into two of the most talked-about shows of the season: The White Lotus and Severance. They explore how Severance brilliantly captures Marx’s concept of worker alienation, debate whether The White Lotus functions as true satire or simply a glossy drama about wealthy vacationers, and discuss the political implications …

1
Tariffs, Trade, and Tension with Karl Denninger | Starting Strength Radio #314 1:14:23

7h ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Karl Denninger returns to the podcast to discuss the costs and benefits of current and past economic actions and their ramifications.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Episode 78: Why Are We Like This? – Dark Humor In Dark Times 1:13:37

4d ago1:13:37

1:13:37

Alex, Kate, and guest Jess Howard discuss dark humor during dark times, getting deep into what is making current times so dismal and how they approach it to survive via pop culture.

1
The Foundations of the Program | Starting Strength Radio #313 1:16:43

7d ago1:16:43

1:16:43

Rip discusses the foundations that Starting Strength model is built on to develop strength - movement patterns, stress, incremental loading.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Galaxy Quest (w/ MVC Editor John) 1:41:07

9d ago1:41:07

1:41:07

Rivka and Frank are joined by MVC editor John for a deep-dive into the sci-fi parody Galaxy Quest. They unpack the film’s clear affection for Star Trek, its sharp satire of fan culture and conventions, and why David Mamet once praised it as one of the best-structured screenplays in modern film. Speaking of space, Frank and Rivka give their take on …

1
Episode 77: Why Do Hobbies Cost So Much? And Other Symptoms of Capitalism 1:36:29

11d ago1:36:29

1:36:29

This week, Alex, Kate, and special guest Jess Howard discuss the consequences of the rising costs of hobbies, especially video games, including gatekeeping, a broken developer pipeline, and developers still not making a living despite those horrendous $80 price tags.

1
Q&A Episode - Media Hate, Most Important Lift, and the Perfect Burger | Starting Strength Radio #312 1:16:51

14d ago1:16:51

1:16:51

Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Jumanji [PATREON PREVIEW] 6:40

17d ago6:40

6:40

Rivka and Frank return with another duet to revisit a childhood staple: Jumanji, the Robin Williams-led adventure that shaped a generation’s imagination. But as they unpack the film, it becomes clear that it’s doing more than telling the story of a man trapped in a magical board game. Beneath the surface, Jumanji reflects deeper currents—tracing th…

1
Episode 76: We Played the Switch 2 and Have A LOT to Say About it 1:36:26

18d ago1:36:26

1:36:26

This week, Alex and Matt are joined by Jesse Vitelli, who previewed the Switch 2 last week and is here to discuss everything from the hardware and what's different to the games and their absolutely unjustifiable price tags.

1
Training Combat-Ready Soldiers, not Powerlifters | Starting Strength Radio #311 57:38

23d ago57:38

57:38

Rip discusses how the those entering basic training are the demographic that most rapidly gets strong using the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression and how a change in approach would prepare soldiers to operate effectively in the modern military environment.By Mark Rippetoe

1
A Bug’s Life (w/ Ellory Smith) 1:18:09

24d ago1:18:09

1:18:09

Rivka and Frank are joined by 3 time Emmy Nominated writer and comedian Ellory Smith to discuss the 1998 Disney / Pixar film A Bug’s Life. The trio deep dive into this radical animation, discussing its themes of exploitation and surplus value. They also discuss how the circus bugs symbolize mutual aid, and, in a controversial twist, they ask: Is Fl…

1
Episode 75: Fiction vs Memory in 'Warfare' 1:10:39

25d ago1:10:39

1:10:39

This week, Alex, Kate, and Jason discuss fact, fiction, and memory in Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland's 'Warfare,' what "based on a true story" really means, and whether any movie could ever truly be completely objective.

1
The Military Needs Strength with Grunt Proof | Starting Strength Radio #310 1:07:57

1M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Randall of Grunt Proof joins Rip to discuss the importance of strength for the modern military and how to get it done.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Up in the Air (w/ Marianne Williamson) 1:19:16

1M ago1:19:16

1:19:16

Rivka and Frank are joined by author, activist, and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson to discuss Jason Reitman’s 2009 comedy drama Up in the Air — a movie where George Clooney flies around the country firing people. The three discuss the film’s context coming out shortly after the 2008 financial crisis, the film’s depiction of “corp…

1
Episode 74: The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good of Fandom 1:11:25

1M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

This week, Alex, Adrian, and Neysha talk about the ugly, the bad, and the good of fandom, when fandoms rear their toxic heads, and when fandoms bring people together.

1
Be Kind Rewind (w/ Jesse Jae Hoon) 1:15:49

1M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

Rivka and Frank are joined by organizer and playwright Jesse Jae Hoon to delve into the 2008 Michel Gondry film Be Kind Rewind. Together, the trio explore how this quirky comedy, starring Mos Def and Jack Black, offers a poignant commentary on the power of community organizing and storytelling within movements. Frank and Rivka also discuss the curr…

1
The World Needs Stronger Women | Starting Strength Radio #309 58:19

1M ago58:19

58:19

Rip and team discuss the importance of strength training for women, common misconceptions that can block proper training, and why Starting Strength for women is... Starting Strength.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Episode 73: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie 35 Years Later 1:10:51

1M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

This week, Alex is joined by guests Brenda and Austin from the Secret Histories of Nerd Mysteries podcast to discuss the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

1
Q&A Episode - Backs, Tendons, and Peak Male Existence 1:38:29

1M ago1:38:29

1:38:29

Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Episode 72: Let's Bait Some Oscars... 1:05:15

1M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

This week, Alex, Jason, and Swara talk about what Oscar bait really means, whether filmmakers can make good art while chasing awards, and what they're hopeful for in the future of the Academy.

1
I Saw the TV Glow [PATREON PREVIEW] 3:28

1M ago3:28

3:28

Rivka and Frank join forces to dissect the 2024 indie horror gem I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun. The pair dive into the film's political subtext, its hauntingly beautiful portrayal of suburban oppression, and its poignant power as a trans allegory. 🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capit…

1
Monsters, Inc. (w/ Cassie Willson) 1:21:43

2M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Cassie Willson to discuss the 2001 Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. The trio dives into how the story of two monsters whose job is to extract energy through the exploitation of vulnerable human children offers a rich political allegory. This week, Rivka and Frank also cover the 2025 Oscars. Next week, we'll be wat…

1
Perspective on Testosterone Therapy with Dr. Wittmer | Starting Strength Radio #307 1:00:39

2M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Dr. Wittmer returns to discuss factors in testosterone replacement therapy, synergy with lifting and diet, and the importance of taking charge of your own health rather than relying on the standard medical industry.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Episode 71: What Exactly is Funny, These Days? 1:14:19

2M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

This week, Alex, Kate, and Jason discuss comedy—what they find funny, how their senses of humor have evolved over time, and how they draw the line between offensive and comedic.

1
Anora [UNLOCKED] 1:27:09

2M ago1:27:09

1:27:09

Following Anora's big night at the Academy Awards, we're UNLOCKING our Patreon episode on the film, which some have described as the "most comprehensive Anora podcast of all time." ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JAN. 30: Rivka and Frank unpack the varied politics of Best Picture Oscar winner Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey …

1
100TH EPISODE: Big Night (w/ Tom Cappello) 1:25:05

2M ago1:25:05

1:25:05

Rivka and Frank are celebrating their 100th episode of Movies VS Capitalism with a very special guest—Frank's dad, Tom Cappello! With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Tom brings a deeply personal perspective to the hit 1996 Stanley Tucci film Big Night. In this milestone episode, the trio dives into the politics of cooking—pa…

1
Training Stages and Age | Starting Strength Radio #306 59:46

2M ago59:46

59:46

Rip discusses how programming changes as strength accumulates as a result of training and what aspects vary when trainees start at different ages.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Episode 70: How to Do Content Warnings Right 1:06:23

2M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Alex, Kate, and Sarah discuss when content warnings go wrong and how to get them right.

1
Q&A Episode - TRT, Cutting Weight, and Success | Starting Strength Radio #305 1:16:16

2M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.By Mark Rippetoe

1
A Complete Unknown (w/ Svetlana Kitto) 1:22:52

2M ago1:22:52

1:22:52

Rivka and Frank are joined by writer Svetlana Kitto to discuss the 2024 Timothée Chalamet Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. The trio examines whether the film delves deeply enough into the politics of its time. They also explore whether it matters if an artist considers themselves political, how the women in the film manage to shine despite thei…

1
Episode 69: Do You Ever Really "Add It To Your List?" 1:07:33

2M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Alex, Kate, and Matt discuss whether they ever really "add it to their list" when people give them recommendations, whether they even like giving or receiving recommendations, and then give plenty of their own along the way.

1
The Substance (w/ Kate Eastman) 1:58:17

2M ago1:58:17

1:58:17

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor Kate Eastman to dive into the 2024 body horror thriller The Substance, a film that tackles the twisted intersections of beauty, capitalism, and patriarchy. The trio explores how this movie craftfully unpacks the moralization of beauty and self-care as a form of imprisonment, and why horror is the perfect genre fo…

1
Fast Cars, New Cars, Favorite Cars with Bobby Campbell | Starting Strength Radio #304 1:13:47

2M ago1:13:47

1:13:47

Rip talks to his friend, master mechanic Bobby Campbell, about cars, cars, and more cars.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Episode 68: Sometimes Dead is Better — Posthumous Releases 1:07:51

2M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Alex, Kate, and Adrian discuss when posthumous releases go right and when they go wrong.

1
What is a Lifter? | Starting Strength Radio #303 47:14

3M ago47:14

47:14

Rip talks about what types of people go to gyms and the differences between them - lifters, gym bros, personal training clients and so on.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Bezos: the Beginning (w/ Sean Morrow) 1:25:41

3M ago1:25:41

1:25:41

Rivka and Frank are joined by Sean Morrow of More Perfect Union to dive into the utterly bonkers straight-to-streaming biopic about everyone’s favorite capitalist, Jeff Bezos. Sean pitches it as a contender for the "so-bad-it's-good" hall of fame alongside The Room, and the trio explores why, against all odds, this might just be an accidental anti-…

1
Episode 67: Data Isn't Always Evil 1:14:01

3M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

This week, Alex, Jason, and Swara have fun with data: "Wrappeds," stats, metadata tagging, and the secret to enjoying Letterboxd!

1
Having a Beer with Jim Steel | Starting Strength Radio #302 1:31:21

3M ago1:31:21

1:31:21

Jim Steel drops in at the studio for a drink, to exchange stories, and discuss various things related to training and life.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Anora [PATREON PREVIEW] 4:55

3M ago4:55

4:55

Rivka and Frank are back with another “duet” episode, diving into the 2024 indie darling and Oscar-nominated film Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey Madison. The two discuss everything from the politics of sex workers on screen, fuck boys with oligarchy daddy issues, Sean Baker’s legacy, and more. This may in fact be…

1
Episode 66: We Cracked the Switch 2! 1:14:49

3M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

This week, Alex, Matt, and special guest Jesse Vitelli discuss the past, present, and future of consoles, including what might make the Switch 2 stand out.

1
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (w/ Harvey Kaye) 1:47:22

3M ago1:47:22

1:47:22

Rivka and Frank are joined by podcast favorite Harvey Kaye for a heated debate about the 1971 children's classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Is Wonka, the eccentric chocolate genius played by the brilliant Gene Wilder, simply a monstrous capitalist factory owner? And will Charlie, with his working-class roots, follow in his footsteps—or …

1
A Fork in the Road with Glenn Reynolds | Starting Strength Radio #301 46:52

3M ago46:52

46:52

The Instapundit, Glenn Reynolds, joins Rip on Starting Strength Radio to discuss recent political events, training, and other goings on.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Episode 65: Unpack Your Trauma with Universal Monster Movies 1:17:16

3M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Alex, Kate, and special guest Byron McKoy discuss the legacy of Universal Monster movies, the disaster of the Dark Universe, and what Kate thinks of

1
Best of Comments from the Haters! | Starting Strength Radio #300 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

A glorious edition of Starting Strength Radio to commemorate episode 300, a compilation of the best of Comments from the Haters!By Mark Rippetoe

1
UHF (w/ Jade Kim) 1:18:51

3M ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Rivka and Frank are joined by science communicator and YouTube host Jade Kim to discuss the 1989 “Weird Al” Yankovic comedy UHF. Jade and Frank are HUGE Weird Al fans, and Rivka is… patient. But even though this zany, fantastical movie starring the world’s greatest song parodist and incredible live performer (Frank wrote this copy, FYI), the movie …

1
Episode 64: Some May Call Disney a Malignant Tumor — Exploring Netflix and Casual Viewing 1:04:42

3M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Alex and Kate discuss casually viewing, what it means, and why they engage with it while Matt admonishes them for doing so.

1
Q&A Episode - Last Meals, Weight Gain, and Close Calls | Starting Strength Radio #299 1:20:12

4M ago1:20:12

1:20:12

Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.By Mark Rippetoe

1
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (w/ Will from About Face) 1:31:27

4M ago1:31:27

1:31:27

Rivka and Frank are joined by Will, a US Army veteran and member of the organization About Face: Veterans Against the War, to discuss the 2016 Star Wars standalone movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The group discusses the film’s themes around imperialism, war, revolution, radicalism, and what it means to compromise one’s morals for the sake of th…

1
Episode 63: WE'RE BACK, BABY! With Resolutions & Dreams for 2025 1:21:31

4M ago1:21:31

1:21:31

Alex, Kate, and Matt dig into their resolutions, hopes, and dreams for 2025!

1
How Programming Works | Starting Strength Radio #298 1:07:09

4M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Rip discusses how effective and efficient programming is based on structuring progression based on how quickly the lifter can add weight to the bar. All lifters begin as novices, making the novice linear progression the universal program until diminishing capacity for adaptation forces slower progress and a shift to more complex program organizatio…

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