The Cinedicate: Film & TV Podcast

About The Cinedicate: Film & TV Podcast

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 tackles hard-hitting topics embedded within our films: like our own mortality, modern imperialism, and so much more. Each episode features an engaging guest from the world of film, from visionary directors to talented actors, and everything in between. They share their insights, secrets, and insider knowledge to give you an unparalleled glimpse into the magic of moviemaking and storytelling. Ready to join the conversation? Don't just watch movies – experience them with The Cinedicate! 🎥🍿 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Armand Haddad

Category

tv & film · tv & film · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

13 Sept 2020

Latest episode

27 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

222 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Jan 2026

   #193 - The Age of Disclosure (2025) - Unmasking the Black Budgets, UAPs, and Alien Tech

   Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today’s episode, we’re diving into the groundbreaking documentary The Age of Disclosure, where the secrets of UFOs and government cover-ups finally come into the spotlight. Joined by Todd of WSTR: Galactic Public Access, we dissect how director Dan Farah pulled together 34 high-level insiders—from military pilots to senators like Marco Rubio—to lay out a case for not only hidden crash retrieval programs, but a shadowy arms race that may have shaped the last century of secrecy. Whether you’re a longtime alien enthusiast or just starting to investigate the mysteries behind black budgets and reverse-engineered technology, join us as we navigate congressional hearings, declassified footage, and philosophical questions about humanity’s place in the universe—all inspired by the The Age of Disclosure, here on The Cinedicate. What to expect from the episode: A deep dive into the documentary "Age of Disclosure," exploring government cover-ups, whistleblower testimonies, and the decades-long struggle for UFO transparency Spirited discussion on theories of non-human intelligence, ranging from extraterrestrial and interdimensional visitors to secret terrestrial civilizations and ancient biblical connections Critical reflection on the implications of alleged alien technology for society, government spending, and the challenges ahead for public disclosure and accountability Episode Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction and The Age of Disclosure 00:02:01 - First Impressions 00:04:02 - Government Whistleblowers and Congress 00:05:19 - UAPs: Key Scenes and Scientific Breakdown 00:09:17 - Terrestrial vs. Extraterrestrial Hypotheses 00:11:03 - Government Experiments and Disinformation 00:13:28 - UAP Technology Explained 00:15:11 - Secrecy, Black Budgets, and a Shadowy Arms Race 00:18:10 - The Moon, Ancient Civilizations, and Lost History 00:23:24 - Disclosure and Push for Transparency 00:30:27 - Multiple Alien Races, Treaties, and Reverse Engineering 00:44:04 - Ancient Bodies, Media Fakery, and Pop Culture 00:46:02 - Philosophical and Spiritual Interpretations 00:57:00 - Will Major Disclosure Happen Soon? Listen to Todd on his podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access (https://open.spotify.com/show/5UZiFLeAu1jRKNZMYEhHHh). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   6 Jan 2026

   SWAPCAST - Idle Hands - 90s Vibes, Killer Soundtracks, and Stoner Comedy

   On this Swapcast episode with The Grindhouse Girls, we’re embracing the spirit of Spooptober as we dig into the late-90s cult classic, Idle Hands. Together with Katie and Brit, we unpack how Idle Hands stumbled out of the gate—released just days after the Columbine tragedy—yet found a second life as a beloved staple for fans of Halloween nostalgia and dark comedy. So, whether you’re here for the wild practical effects, the unforgettable soundtrack, or just love a good goofy group watch, join us as we dissect, reminisce, and poke fun at this gloriously weird gem from the VHS era. What to expect from the episode: A nostalgic group discussion unpacking Idle Hands as a cult 90s horror-comedy, including the film’s troubled release after Columbine and its transformation into a sleeper hit Playful banter and personal stories from the hosts about teen movie crushes, coming-of-age in the 90s/early 2000s, and the enduring appeal (and cheesiness) of slacker-stoner horror Candid takes on the film’s practical effects, genre parodies, controversial moments, and the challenges (and pitfalls) of remaking cult classics for new generations Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 - Spooptober Kickoff, Idle Hands, Columbine & Cult Classic Status 00:03:39 - The Cast and 90s/2000s Nostalgia 00:09:42 - Columbine, Gun Violence, & American Youth Culture 00:18:58 - High School Literature, Canterbury Tales & Coming-of-age Memories 00:23:28 - Gun Trauma & Idle Hands Reception 00:27:36 - Horror Parody, References & Soundtrack Nostalgia 00:43:00 - Hollywood Remakes, Generational Nostalgia & Finn Wolfhard’s Remake 00:53:20 - Teen Portrayals and Beauty Standards 00:59:28 - Letterboxd, Film Critique Culture & Community Reactions 01:10:01 - Ratings, Creative Wrap-Up, Upcoming Episodes & Sign-Off ---------- Listen to Brit and Katie on their podcast, The Grindhouse Girls (https://www.grindhousegirlspod.com/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   30 Dec 2025

   #192 - For Liberty! A Helldivers Film - Fan Passion Versus Studio Adaptations

   Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today’s episode, Armand and Alex suit up and dive into the fan-made Helldivers film, "For Liberty!" We explore how this ambitious passion project captures the satirical spirit of the video game franchise, as well as the complexities of war and loyalty. Together, we discuss why fan creations can sometimes outshine official adaptations, dig into the nuanced storytelling that only true players will catch, and unpack the layered parallels to real-world history and politics. Whether you’re a Helldivers veteran, a newcomer to the universe, or just interested in how games and movies can reflect the world around us, join us as we dissect what makes "For Liberty!" the definitive Helldivers experience—right here on The Cinedicate. What to expect from the episode: A deep-dive into the fan-made Helldivers short film "For Liberty," including its production, themes, and connection to the video game’s satirical universe Insightful discussion on the power of passion projects versus studio adaptations, highlighting the risks of handing over beloved franchises to creators unfamiliar with source material Provocative parallels drawn between Helldivers’ narrative and real-world political satire, exploring how media and video games critique democracy, propaganda, and the realities behind "freedom" Episode Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction and Helldivers Satire 00:01:10 - Fan-Made Film Release and the Power of Passion Projects 00:04:50 - Why Fan Works Outshine Official Adaptations 00:06:03 - Studio Adaptation Pitfalls 00:07:08 - Details Only Real Fans Get Right 00:10:41 - Explaining Helldivers Lore and Satirical World-Building 00:13:51 - "For Liberty" Film Story Beats 00:19:09 - Satire, Martyrdom, and Propaganda 00:22:50 - Comparing Satire: Helldivers, Starship Troopers, and Real Life 00:29:57 - The Lesser Evil: Choosing Sides Among Factions 00:39:11 - Satire’s Role in Storytelling—Games and Film 00:55:24 - Future of Helldivers Stories—Sequels, Adaptations, and Lore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

14 ratings

Spotify

4.7 / 5

14 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 72 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

95

Social presence

94

YouTube

0

Engagement

77

Contact The Cinedicate: Film & TV Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.