Eye of the Duck: A Film Podcast

Jaksot

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  From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) 14.09.2026 2t 41min

  It’s Goro Day! This week we are going deep on the embattled, tragic, and nonetheless fascinating collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki and his fledging director son. Whatever you think of Goro’s movies, you’ve got to admit… the story of Studio Ghibli is incomplete without him! But it’s not just the rift between father and son this week. POPPY HILL is an impressive movie in its own right, and we have much to discuss. And it just so happens that fathers and sons also factor heavily into the film. Coincidence?
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  The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) 07.09.2026 2t 15min

  Finally, a movie about a Pod who casts! This week we are putting the “mini” in miniseries for the Hiromasa Yonebayashi cottagecore classic that is equal parts HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS and TOY STORY. And yes, the dad’s name is Pod and he does at one point cast out a fishing line!
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  Ponyo (2008) 31.08.2026 2t 27min

  When it comes to Hayao Miyazaki, the ocean is full of mystery and calamity. But one thing is for certain: Ponyo loves ham! This week is Miyazaki’s late-career “movie for five-year-olds” that somehow combines the terror of complete environmental catastrophe with… the joy of floating around in a candle-powered speedboat. And cool jellyfish! Topics discussed: delicious-looking tea, delicious-looking ramen, whether or not the mad scientist/wizard Fujimoto represents Miyazaki, the perils of painting backgrounds for Ghibli, prehistoric fish, and Frankie Jonas.
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  Howl's Moving Castle (2004) 24.08.2026 2t 28min

  Howl may be the worst type of early 2000s emo hunk. But listeners…We! Can! Fix! Him!!!
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  Spirited Away (2001) with Stephen Hilger (Into the Aether) 17.08.2026 3t 4min

  Listeners, it’s time to remember your name. We’re getting Spirited Away this week to a Studio Ghibli production that is often called the most influential animated film of all time. Joining us to help purify the stink spirits and return the river gods to their kingdom is our old friend Stephen Hilger. Topics discussed this week: the enduring mystery of No-Face, why the Radish Spirit rules, whether or not SPIRITED AWAY is the TENET of Miyazaki’s filmography, Ghibli’s art style in the digital era, and of course, MARIO ODYSSEY.
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  My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) with Nik Long 10.08.2026 2t 17min

  Did Studio Ghibli really make a family sitcom? Kind of! It’s Isao Takahata’s second-to-last film, and we simply couldn’t resist adding it to our series. Joining us to revel in the brilliance (and surprisingly vindictive behavior) of the man they call Paku-San (aka Mr. Munch) is our dear friend and digital producer, Nik Long! Topics covered this week: whether or not YAMADAS is more like EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND or MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, the long-standing rivalry of Miyazaki and Takahata and its similarities to the film CHALLENGERS, our nostalgia for discovering movies on television, Takahata’s love of bananas, and so much more!
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  Princess Mononoke (1997) 03.08.2026 2t 36min

  Before you listen to this episode, please join us in reciting the Ghibli prayer: Oh nameless god of rage and hate, we bow before you! This week we contend with what is unquestionably one of the greatest films ever made, animation or otherwise. It’s a period epic that somehow encapsulates everything we know and love about Studio Ghibli while also somehow raising the bar even higher. And hey, there’s even a kaiju!
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  Whisper of the Heart (1995) with Stephen Hilger (Into the Aether) 27.07.2026 2t 17min

  Country roads, take us home! Of the many, many movies that use this famous John Denver song, who would've expected the DEFINITIVE one to be about about a couple kids in Western Tokyo who fall in love with a really cool cat statue?
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  Pom Poko (1994) with Griffin Newman (Blank Check) 20.07.2026 2t 20min

  We’re back! Joining us after our one week hiatus is returning champion, the one, the only... Griffin Newman! We have so much to talk about this week, including: raccoon dogs, Isao Takahata’s hatred of modernity, the history of “serious” animation, Operation Goblin, Star Wars(?), Mr. Belvedere(??), Dave Matthews Band(????), and also How To “Ball Up” a Pipeline!
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  Porco Rosso (1992) 06.07.2026 2t 28min

  Farewell to freedom in the Adriatic and days of wild abandon! We’re soaring back over the sea this week to hang out with our close personal friend, Porco Rosso! This is… the best movie ever made, right? Topics discussed this week: whether or not Han Solo is just Porco in space, Italian antifascism, French antifascism, fascism in general, Looney Tunes, and of course, cool planes.
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  Only Yesterday (1991) 29.06.2026 2t 33min

  Get ready to reconnect with your 10-year-old self. Because we’re about to face some of the most embarrassing (and transcendent) childhood memories in movie history! Topics discussed this week: dividing fractions, the questionable taste of unripe pineapples, Takahata and Miyakazi’s legendary beef, uncanny animated facial muscles, the weather, and whether or not ALADDIN still holds up.
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  Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) 22.06.2026 2t 28min

  Finally, an animated film about how the gig economy is BAD but dirigibles are COOL! This week we hang out with the snarkiest cat around, Jiji, and his very cool familiar, a little witch who dreams of something better than eating pancakes for every meal. Even if you're not a freelancer, this film speaks volumes, because work/life balance is impossible and Kiki's about to find out why!
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  My Neighbor Totoro (1988) 15.06.2026 2t 33min

  The catbus is here and we’re off to explore the (friendly) haunted forest! This week we’re worshipping the ancient woodland spirit and face of Studio Ghibli — our good, personal friend, Totoro! But heads up, Adam and Dom have completely different takes on this one, so if you’re looking for a real Siskel & Ebert type disagreement, this is the episode for you.
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  Grave of the Fireflies (1988) 08.06.2026 2t 52min

  This week, we pay tribute to one of the most devastating (and life-affirming) movies ever made. It’s our very first Takahata film, and… it’s a doozy. We simply couldn’t do a Studio Ghibli series without honoring this masterpiece. **Please be aware that this episode includes some distressing themes around children and violence. We tried our best to celebrate the brilliance of the film but inevitably the conversation turned dark at times.
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  Castle in the Sky (1986) 01.06.2026 2t 27min

  Get in, losers, we’re going to Laputa! This week we take flight with Pazu, Sheeta, and a gang of pirates with some seriously questionable motives to find the mythical land in the clouds where cool robots take care of birds (and shoot lasers). It’s the first true Ghibli film, and, man, does it set the bar pretty high. Also... what the hell is going on with the English dub of this film?
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  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) 25.05.2026 2t 38min

  Calling all Tolmekians: it’s a series premiere!!!! Today we take flight with the Princess of the Valley of the Wind for our new Studio Ghibli series. What a dream (of madness)! For the next few months we’ll be fully devoted to the works of Miyazaki, Takahata, and the entire Ghibli collective. We hope you’ll join us in the Sea of Decay! The water is fine (it’s only mildly acidic and poisonous).
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  Send Help (2026) 18.05.2026 2t 14min

  Somehow, Sam Raimi has returned! SEND HEPL! The latest from our man R.O.C. Sandstorm is finally out on Blu-Ray and VOD, and we could not resist opening up the Necronomicon once again. It may not exactly qualify as an Evil Dead film, but… someone does in fact die! And Dylan O’Brien’s character may or may not be evil!! Also… Linda Liddle innocent!
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  The Passion of the Heist 11.05.2026 1t 50min

  And that’s a wrap on our Oceans series! This week, we are closing it out the only way we know how… by talking about the latest news in the Fockers franchise! That’s right, another Focker movie is coming out this year, and you better believe we have some thoughts about the trailer. It’s a legasequel? Also explored this week: listener questions, the future of the Oceans franchise, and most importantly… the reveal of our NEXT miniseries!!
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  Miniseries MAYhem 2026 04.05.2026 1t 24min

  The month of May is here! You know what that means… it’s time for some MAYhem, baby! We’re asking YOU to decide what our fall miniseries should be. The theme this year? MOVIE MONSTERS! Want to know your three choices? Listen in to find out, and head over to our Discord to cast your vote!
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  Logan Lucky (2017) 27.04.2026 2t 16min

  We're pulling one last heist for you! And, holy shit, is that Seth MacFarlane as an annoying British energy drink salesman? Channing Tatum is the George Clooney of our BONUS this week, and he may not be as rich or suave as Danny Ocean, but he sure knows how to rob a racetrack. We couldn't resist hanging out in West Virginia with the Logan crew (and the Bang Bros), and man, is Daniel Craig an absolute freak in this one?