iCritic LIVE

iCritic LIVE

The official podcast for iCritic.net! Here, your host Kevin T. Rodriguez discusses movies, pop culture, and life in-between!

Episodes

January 28, 2026 16 mins

Send us a text

As Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle opened to massive box office and critical fan reaction, fans wondered whether this could break into the Oscars. But the reality is far simpler—and far less dramatic. The Academy was never going to nominate a movie that functions as a direct, late‑series continuation of an ongoing storyline.

In this episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin unpacks why Infinity Castle, despite its scale, spectacle,...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

We’re kicking off the new year with a special live episode! 🎉 Join us as we look back on last year’s highlights, talk about what’s next for the podcast, and unveil some exciting updates—yes, including our brand-new website! We’ll chat about upcoming content, community plans, and how you can get involved in shaping what’s ahead.

It’s a casual, interactive hangout to celebrate a fresh start and share our visio...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In this explosive episode of iCritic LIVE, we tackle the shocking news: Netflix is set to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. What does this mean for Hollywood, streaming dominance, and the future of movie theaters? Are theaters doomed—or is there still hope for the big screen experience? Join us as we break down the deal, the industry shake-up, and what it means for audiences everywhere.

Support the show

►Want a question answe...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Dive into the controversial new documentary God & Country in this episode of Discussing the Donald Trump Documentary Christians Don’t Want You to See. With guest co-host Pat Kahnke, we unpack how faith, politics, and power collide in America, exploring why this film challenges narratives some would rather keep hidden. Expect sharp insights, candid conversation, and a deeper look at the intersection of religion and...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Draco. Hermione. Abuse as romance. Alchemised didn’t just spark controversy — it invited it. On this episode of iCritic LIVE, we unpack how a toxic ship became a publishing spectacle, why fandom backlash was inevitable, and what it says about the line between fantasy and harm.

Support the show

►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): h...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Xbox is making moves—but are they the right ones? In this episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin breaks down the latest shifts in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, from studio acquisitions and Game Pass evolution to the uncertain fate of physical media and platform exclusivity. It’s not all green lights: we’ll explore the risks, the promises, and why cautious optimism might be the most honest stance right now. Whether you're ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

🎙️ Is Taylor Swift’s fan devotion a heartfelt connection—or a billion-dollar strategy? In this episode, we unpack the calculated brilliance behind Swift’s empire, from surprise drops to merch rollouts, and ask whether her relationship with fans is more transactional than emotional.

💸 Why does every Swiftie era feel like a marketing masterclass?
 🎤 How does Taylor balance authenticity with empire-building?
 �...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we dive into the surprising reversal by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which has decided to bring Jimmy Kimmel back to its affiliate lineup after previously sidelining the late-night host. What changed—and what does this say about the shifting dynamics between content, controversy, and corporate strategy? We unpack the behind-the-scenes pressures that led to the cave-in, explore Kimmel’s en...

Mark as Played
September 11, 2025 17 mins

Send us a text

Charlie Kirk died. Despite not liking the man, his death has been weighing on me.

Support the show

►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip

►Get free money just from buying gas! Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT

►Want to i...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Netflix has officially dropped its first comprehensive guidelines for using generative AI in content production—and the timing couldn’t be more loaded. In this iCritic LIVE episode, we unpack the streaming giant’s attempt to balance innovation with ethics, union pressure, and audience trust.

From The Eternaut’s AI-generated VFX to the controversy surrounding What Jennifer Did, Netflix is no stranger to backlash. Now, w...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Netflix just scored its first major box office win with KPop Demon Hunters—a surprise theatrical smash that grossed $18 million in just one weekend across 1,700 screens. But will the streaming giant treat this as a fluke, a fan-service stunt, or a blueprint for future releases?

In this episode, we dissect the cultural phenomenon behind KPop Demon Hunters, from its viral soundtrack and Billboard domination to ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In this eyebrow-raising episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin dives into the unexpected drama involving Emmy-winning animator Jorge R. Gutierrez—best known for The Book of Life, Maya and the Three, and El Tigre. What started as admiration turned into digital exile when Gutierrez hit the block button... but why?

Was it a misunderstood critique? A clash of creative philosophies? Or something far more bizarre? Kevin un...

Mark as Played
August 20, 2025 18 mins

Send us a text

The title says it all.

Support the show

►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip

►Get free money just from buying gas! Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT

►Want to invest in stocks commission-free? Use Robinhood! Sign up thr...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

🧤 Is the 2020s Fantastic Four film secretly brilliant... or just fantastically flawed? In this episode of iCritic LIVE, our panel of middle-aged cinephiles takes a nostalgic stroll back to the superhero origin that dared to predate the MCU boom. With decades of movie-watching wisdom and a dash of generational sass, the crew dissects The Fantastic Four: First Steps—exploring its cultural context, character dynamics, a...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

The gloves are off and the satire is on. In this charged episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin breaks down the political chaos and cultural absurdity surrounding the Trump-inspired South Park storyline. Is it biting satire or bloated spectacle? A comedic masterpiece or a missed opportunity? We dig deep into the episode’s commentary, its character portrayals, and the wider ripple effects on pop culture.  

From media ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

🔍 The sleuthing gets serious as (AKA: iCritic) examine the bold, if enigmatic, attempt to reintroduce Detective Conan to American audiences. From name changes and cultural localization to shifts in tone and marketing, this episode unpacks the strategy behind the soft reboot and questions whether the series truly found its footing stateside.

🎭 Expect critical analysis, franchise context, and a dash of nostal...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

In this fiery episode of iCritic LIVE, we dive deep into the branding bombshell dropped by TMS Entertainment: the retirement of the Case Closed name in English-speaking markets in favor of the original Detective Conan. What does this shift mean for the franchise’s global identity, and why now, after two decades of Case Closed branding?

Host Kevin peels back the layers—from marketing strategy and localization ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

Step into the forgotten pages of Disney history with iCritic LIVE! In this special episode, "Disney Classics the World Has Forgotten," we dive deep into the hidden gems and long-lost treasures of Disney’s vast catalog. From underrated animated films to theme park attractions lost to time, we’ll uncover the stories behind these forgotten classics and explore what made them so magical. 

Joined by pop ...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

On this episode of iCritic LIVE, we sit down with the visionary behind MoviePass, founder and CEO Stacy Spikes, for an exclusive discussion about "Mogul by MoviePass." What is Mogul, and how is it set to revolutionize the film industry for independent creators and moviegoers alike? Join us as we delve into the origins of this innovative platform, its mission, and what it means for the future of entertainment...

Mark as Played

Send us a text

The anime and gaming industries have always been at the forefront of digital innovation, but could Encore be the next game-changer in ecommerce? In this episode, we dive deep into how Encore is reshaping the way fans purchase their favorite anime collectibles and gaming merch. We’ll explore the platform’s unique approach to marketplace dynamics, user engagement, and whether it truly stands as the future of fandom-driv...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Betrayal Season 5

    Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.