THE SECRETS OF
Movies and TV Shows
Secrets of Movies & TV Shows is a podcast for anyone who loves film and television — and suspects there’s more going on beneath the surface. Each episode explores the hidden themes, deeper meanings, and cultural ideas embedded in movies and TV shows, from classic cinema to today’s most talked-about series. We look past spectacle and plot to examine why these stories work, what they’re saying about the human experience, and why they matter.
Hosted by a rotating panel of thoughtful commentators, the show blends informed analysis with accessible conversation. We explore character arcs, symbolism, storytelling techniques, and moral questions, drawing connections between popular entertainment and timeless human concerns: identity, sacrifice, hope, justice, love, and redemption. Whether we’re unpacking a blockbuster, a streaming favorite, or an overlooked gem, our goal is to help listeners see familiar stories with fresh eyes.
As part of the StarQuest Production Network, Secrets of Movies & TV Shows approaches pop culture with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to human values rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. That perspective doesn’t turn the show into a sermon — it simply means we take storytelling seriously as something that reflects and shapes how we see the world.
If you enjoy lively discussion, thoughtful insights, and discovering what’s hidden in plain sight, this show will change the way you watch movies and TV.
Send us your feedback at [email protected] and visit us at the StarQuest Media Facebook page.
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Purchase the streaming and Blu-ray/DVD versions of the movies and TV shows discussed on Secrets of Movies and TV Shows at the The Secrets Store.
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Listen Now
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The Secrets of Netflix’s Frankenstein
A striking take on Frankenstein asks: who’s the real monster? Jeff Haecker, Hannah Grace Murray, and Patrick Mason unpack grief, parenthood, moral limits, and how Guillermo del Toro’s visuals restore the Creature’s humanity.
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The Secrets of The Return
What happens when a war hero finally comes home—and finds rot everywhere? Alix Murray, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Salerno debate trauma, kingship, Penelope’s choices, and the epic story of Odysseus.
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The Secrets of 2001: A Space Odyssey
Is 2001 a masterpiece or an endurance test? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Robert King, and Jeff Haecker tackle HAL’s AI warning, human violence, alien intelligence, and that unforgettable ending. Does progress save us—or undo us?
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The Secrets of A Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
What if Christmas depends on belief itself? Dom Bettinelli, Patrick Mason, and Shelly Kelly examine Miracle on 34th Street—asking whether faith can survive cynicism, if “common sense” blocks wonder, and why hope still matters in a commercial world.
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The Secrets of Wake Up Dead Man
Faith, guilt, and redemption clash in Wake Up Dead Man. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, and Thomas Sanjurjo unpack this unique Knives Out mystery, spotlighting its rare, authentic depiction of priesthood and powerful Catholic themes.
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The Secrets of The Muppet Christmas Carol
How does a felt frog teach us about redemption? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason reflect on The Muppet Christmas Carol, unpacking its spiritual depth, musical soul, and surprising emotional weight beneath the whimsy.
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The Secrets of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Season 1
Is Disney+’s Percy Jackson faithful to the books—or rewriting prophecy? Jeff Haecker and Rob Leonardi break down Season 1, from mythological accuracy to character arcs and surprising betrayals. What should Season 2 get right?
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This Advent, Help StarQuest Continue the Mission
Advent begins. Help StarQuest bring faith and reason to the world. Become a $10/month patron (or increase your current donation by $10 per month) and be among the first 400 donors to receive a Mysterious World sticker signed by Jimmy and Dom. Your gift is…
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The Secrets of The Fantastic Four: First Steps
What if Galactus wanted your baby? Jeff Haecker, Rob Leonardi, and Patrick Mason dissect Fantastic Four: First Steps—a pro-life Marvel film with retro style, strong family themes, and a shocking post-credit twist: Is Dr. Doom Tony Stark?
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The Secrets of Foundation, Season 3
Is love just control in disguise? Season 3 of Foundation raises the stakes with shocking betrayals, the fall of empire, and a chilling twist on Asimov’s Mule. Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason question what truly drives humanity.
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The Secrets of K-Pop Demon Hunters
What if shame gave demons power? The panel dissects K-Pop Demon Hunters, from Korean folklore to spiritual warfare and idol culture. Patrick Mason, Angela Sealana, Maria Johnson, and Isabella Bettinelli uncover what’s beneath the glam.
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The Secrets of Superman (2025)
Superman’s humanity takes center stage in James Gunn’s debut DCU film. Rob Leonardi, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason dissect the politics, pacing, and punch of this reboot, asking: Can Superman be too human?
