
Cripple Threat (Anthony & Jamie)
Explore every episode of Cripple Threat
Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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24 Feb 2022 | E57 - You're Not You (2014) | 01:41:03 | |
Today we watched You're Not You, a by-the-numbers wheelie movie where Hilary Swank is diagnosed with ALS and befriends a dysfunctional young attendant who aids her through the ensuing health and marital troubles. We also discuss the tenets of a thorough assisted shower, the conspicuous absence of disabled life gurus, and the annoying Hollywood assumption that disabled lives are sexless and unproductive. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
29 Apr 2021 | E17 - Penguin Bloom (2020) | 01:15:10 | |
Today we watched Penguin Bloom, a true story about a recently paralyzed nurse who adopts a wounded magpie in the early months after her injury. Throughout the episode, we discuss precarious early morning transfers, the restorative power of pets, coffee assisted bowel movements, childcare from a wheelchair, and the nuances of able bodied envy. Follow us on social media @cripthreatpod Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
02 Jun 2022 | E71 - The Princess Bride (1987) | 01:41:17 | |
Today we chat with California based psychotherapist and fellow wheelie Mike MacLafferty (@archetypal_wellness) about The Princess Bride, a charming and essential comedy about a heroic farmboy who fights to rescue his true love from an evil king, all while spending much of the film in a state of significant paralysis. We also talk about how our disabilities inform and enhance our day jobs, being left alone during complex transfers, self-consciousness on the dance floor, the rarity of physical comedy involving disabled characters, and the benefits of 7-foot attendants. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
25 Nov 2021 | E47 - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) | 01:30:47 | |
Today we watched Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, a visual treat with a lazy romantic component and forgettable songs. We also talk about Tony singing in the shower, powerchair stigma, scoliosis pain, and making friends in your thirties. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
21 Apr 2022 | E65 - Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017) | 01:49:10 | |
Today we are joined by hilarious fellow podcaster / comedian Jessica Coyle to discuss "Mommy Dead and Dearest", a true crime documentary about a psychopathic mom who convinces everyone that her daughter is disabled for nearly two decades. We also talk about our favourite comedians, the tenants of good improv, Jessica's impressive array of voices, the prevalence of helicopter wheelie parents, the persuasive power of performed disability, effective pickup lines for Tony, and Jamie's resentment of winter cardio. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, and Catherine Jewett. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
05 May 2022 | E67 - Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018) | 01:31:25 | |
Today we watched Joaquin Phoenix in an admittedly good biopic about a comic illustrator with an acquired disability called Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot. We also discuss childhood home videos, the fiscal trap of disability support programs, disrespectful power chair technicians, the rarity of physical stuntwork in wheelie movies, and our favourite teachers in highschool. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
12 May 2022 | E68 - Maureen (Jamie's mom) | 01:31:43 | |
Today Tony interviews Jamie's mom for Mother's Day. With a list of questions from our Power Chair Patrons in hand, they talk about raising children with disabilities, travelling, movies, and cheesecake recipes. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
16 Dec 2021 | E50 - Zoolander (2001) | 01:38:53 | |
Today we watched Zoolander, a seminal wheelie film about an aging male model who can't turn left, and who gets embroiled in a plot to prevent the enforcement of child labor laws. We also discuss why Hansel is so hot right now, Tony's inability to turn his neck left, and how Jamie doesn't know where left is due to a terrifically poor sense of direction. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
01 Jul 2021 | E26 - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) | 01:43:03 | |
Today we watched a criminal Jack Nicholson antagonize an abusive nurse in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest and reflect upon our own unwillingness to leave (or return to) dysfunctional care environments. We also talk about getting stuck in foot traffic with a mobility aid, the struggle to create homely disabled spaces, bougie standards of living, and staring into the middle distance. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
11 Feb 2021 | E6 - My Left Foot (1989) (with Drew Gurza) | 02:08:58 | |
Today we have our first celebrity guest on the show: writer, public speaker, disability rights advocate, documentary subject, and spastic dancer Drew Gurza. Drew joins us to discuss My Left Foot, the Citizen Kane of cripple movies, in which Daniel Day-Lewis plays a disabled poet in search of autonomy and love through mastery of the only part of his body he can control. Throughout the show we discuss a smattering of topics, including the scarcity of cripple role models, the horrors of porridge, times when inter-able boundary encroachment has caused embarrassing public freakouts, Jamie's tedious vocabulary, how the wheelie experience is suited to quarantine, miscommunication in client directed care, and the disabled perils of dropping ones phone. Drew's Twitter https://twitter.com/drewgurza Drew's Sextoy Book https://thatshandi.co/ Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
10 Jun 2021 | E23 - The Favourite (2018) | 01:30:18 | |
Today we watched The Favourite, a black comedy about a british queen with crippling gout in the 1700's who pursues a scandalous love triangle with her two chambermaid attendants. We also talk about unsolicited compliments on dating apps, the uselessness of scooters, and the courtesy of fake laughter. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
31 Mar 2022 | E62 - The Dress (Short 2020) | 01:29:13 | |
Today we watched The Dress, a harrowing short film about a motel maid with dwarfism who goes on a bad date with a client. We also discuss bad accessible bathroom solutions, disabled dating show ideas, and how to identify badly written wheelie grief. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
26 May 2022 | E70 - Animatrix (2003) | 01:27:11 | |
Today we watched World Record, a short film about a competing Olympic sprinter who pushes his body to the point of disability and escapes the Matrix. We also daydream about starting our own wheelie uber, and about becoming disabled Neo. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
08 Apr 2021 | E14 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) | 01:14:31 | |
Today we watched Benjamin Button, a deeply misguided fantasy romance film where Brad Pitt ages in reverse and is barred from sleeping with Cate Blanchette until they both look age appropriate. Throughout we discuss the parallels between agism and disability, the Orwellian nature of vaccine sites, the pain of empty proverbs, hollywood's vapid obsession with de-aging, and funny fart noises. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
24 Mar 2022 | E61 - Forgive Us Our Trespasses (Short 2022) | 01:07:07 | |
Today we watched Forgive Us our Trespasses, a short film about a young boy with a prosthetic arm who runs from a Nazi officer hunting down disabled people in pre-war Germany. We also discuss our remedies for low moods, differences in our social lives growing up, and the importance of banality in the villains of disabled stories. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
27 May 2021 | E21 - Simon Birch (1998) | ||
Today we cover Simon Birch, a 1998 coming-of-age comedy about a cocky young boy with dwarfism who kills his best friend's mom in a freak pee-wee baseball accident. We also touch on alt-rock christian music, constipation, generalized anxiety, rude pastors, Jamie's impression of his dad, and alternatives to the word "love". Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
16 Jun 2022 | E73 - Morbius (2022) | 01:15:22 | |
Today we watched Morbius, a bad vampire movie in which Jared Leto fails to walk with forearm crutches. We also talk about the timber of Tony's voice, what it means to be busy with a disability, the hackneyed motivations of fictional wheelie characters, and riding in golf carts. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
18 Feb 2021 | E7 - The Fundamentals of Caring (2016) (with Kyle Hanna) | ||
In this episode, we have another special guest, our friend Kyle Hanna, to share his unique perspective on being a caregiver for people with disabilities, while reviewing the 2016 comedy The Fundamentals of Caring. We discuss the intricacies of the client-attendant relationship, our celebrity road trip wish lists, and the value of good bladder control. | |||
11 Nov 2021 | E45 - Gregory Go Boom (2013) | 01:21:38 | |
Today we watched a deeply offensive short film about a neglected wheelie who gets rejected 3 times and decides to self immolate. We also discuss Tony's ongoing cottage saga, Jamie's dubious usage of straws, rom coms with broken male leads, and how not to subvert cripple sentiment. Shoutout to @4moonscounseling for recommending the film! Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
20 Jan 2022 | E52 - Avatar (2009) | 01:48:02 | |
Today we watched Avatar, the famous James Cameron film about a wheelie who infiltrates a tribe on an alien planet to help them overcome a mineral-hungry human militia. Despite its unmatched visual splendor and excellent action set-pieces, the film devotes minimal imagination to its disabled elements. We also discuss Jamie's booster-shot experience, Tony's fascinating discussion with a neurologist, and the perceived hardships of Being Paul Giamatti. Thank you to our first Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming and Meghan Walsh Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
17 Feb 2022 | E56 - [TV] The Witcher (Season 1) (with George Parker) | 01:49:49 | |
Today we were joined by writer, poet, and fellow podcast host George Parker to discuss the first season of The Witcher. We discuss the implication of asking disabled people how they are doing, magical disabilities, and the pros and cons of having Donald Trump sit on your face daily. You can check out George's work at www.agparker.co.uk Also, a special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
09 Dec 2021 | E49 - I Am Sam (2001) | 01:39:36 | |
Today Tony and I watched I Am Sam, the infamous film about a developmentally disabled father who has to fight for custody of his daughter and defend his competency as a parent. We also discuss the phonetic weirdness of our last names, Jamie's dad's construction of a tandem bike, the absence of good modern parody movies, and that uncomfortable feeling when a "bad" film succeeds at emotional manipulation. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
25 Mar 2021 | E12 - Inside I'm Dancing (2004) | 02:04:58 | |
Inside I'm Dancing, also released under the title Rory O'Shea Was Here, is an Irish 2004 comedy-drama starring James McAvoy and the ever dependable Brenda Fricker. The film is a fun bromance between two wheelies who escape institutional care and try to live independently. Despite mediocre review scores, it turned out to be one of our favourites, mostly for the authenticity of its disabled aesthetics, light hearted tone, and thoughtful smaller moments. Throughout the episode, we discuss the significance of hairgel, the tragedy of displaced cripple laundry, deadbeat parents, and speech impediments. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
28 Apr 2022 | E66 - The Butterfly Effect (2004) | 01:14:38 | |
Today we watched The Butterfly Effect, an embarrassing puzzle film with Ashton Kutcher that invokes every offensive disabled stereotype in the worst way possible. We also talk about house visits from veterinarians, the fine motor inaccessibility of Sonic games, Jamie's fear of living independently again, and the challenges of grabbing granola bars with bad prosthetics. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
17 Jun 2021 | E24 - Wonder (2017) | 01:29:32 | |
Today we watched Wonder, a feel-good film about the first year of middleschool for a boy with a severe facial disfigurement. Throughout the episode we discuss the merit of stairs, sick-day rituals, effective cripple parenting skills, Paris Hilton's dog, and Tony's fear of sweets. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
03 Feb 2022 | E54 - [TV] Frasier | 01:34:51 | |
Today we watched a handful of episodes from Frasier and saw plenty of ableism in the treatment of the series' patriarch, Martin Crane. We also discussed the impact of the freedom convoy on Tony's morning care routine, our mutual indifference toward scrambled eggs, Jamie's fear of judgemental physiotherapists, and the compromise between aesthetics and accessibility in disabled living spaces. Thank you to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
29 Jul 2021 | E30 - The Bone Collector (1999) | 01:26:40 | |
Today we watched Denzel Washington play a bedridden wheelie detective in the murder thriller The Bone Collector. Despite a few cringe cripple jokes and questionable parallels to Hannibal Lector, the film contains an element of rare disabled power fantasy that is worth examining. We also discuss the merits of pureed burgers, abstaining from care for sake of politeness, the wrecklessness of walking backwards, and knuckle rubbing. | |||
10 Mar 2022 | E59 - [TV] Simpsons (S07E07) | 01:27:30 | |
Today we watched an episode of the Simpsons where Homer becomes disabled to get permission to work from home. We also discuss the pressure on wheelies to create their own accessible spaces, what makes long-running comedies timeless, and our ongoing frustration with "disabled costumes". A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
28 Oct 2021 | E43 - Misery (1990) | 01:36:47 | |
Today we watched Misery, a thriller about a lonely nurse who holds an author captive after a crippling car accident and forces him to re-write his latest manuscript. As well, we discuss Jamie's anxieties over food prep, the challenge of maintaining privacy in attendant care environments, the dangers of powerchair floor hockey, and a defense of Kathy Bates. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
07 Apr 2022 | E63 - Frank (2014) | ||
Today we watched Frank, a film about a talented musician that chronically covers his face with a paper mache mask. We also discuss how to maintain boundaries when addressing disability with new friends, the fun of watching non-wheelie movies through a disabled lens, Tony getting concussed in gym class, how to make jokes at a funeral, and befriending our student support people in highschool. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
05 Aug 2021 | E31 - Cake (2014) | 01:39:59 | |
Today we watched Cake, an excellent character study of a grieving mother with severe chronic pain played amazingly by Jennifer Aniston. We also discuss our real life encounters with ablest slurs, the threat of accessibility to able bodied pride, the struggles of cripple baking, the stress of a shy bladder, and also Tony tricks Jamie into describing his bathroom for 20 minutes. | |||
21 Jan 2021 | E3 - Picture This (2018) | 01:24:11 | |
Today we watch a short documentary called Picture This, starring Andrew Gurza - a fellow disabled friend of ours who embarks upon a quest to host a sex positive accessible party. Andrew's fearless confrontation of the taboos of cripple sexuality push against even our boundaries in ways that are hopefully insightful and entertaining. Video: https://youtu.be/3fMCsyhvnEc Follow Andrew @DrewGurza Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
01 Apr 2021 | E13 - [TV] Special - Season 1 (2019) | 01:45:52 | |
Today Jamie yells undeservedly at Special, a groundbreaking Netflix series starring a real CP wheelie who for years lived in the cripple closet by pretending his disability was the result of a car accident. We also discuss tongue twisters, ad-hoc jaw physio, ableist dentist chairs, and straight guy attendants who are intentionally bad at administering urinals. | |||
17 Mar 2022 | E60 - Paralympics Winter 2022 | 01:51:46 | |
Today Tony made Jamie watch sports, specifically a half dozen events from Paralympics 2022. We also discuss attendants with bad boundaries, Jamie's praise for the latest Spiderman, the significance of inclusive competition, and Being Tony Soprano. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
13 Jan 2022 | E51 - The Upside (2017) | 01:44:21 | |
Today we watched The Upside, a very popular disability film (adapted from a superior french version) about a recently paralyzed investor who hires an ex-convict as a "life auxiliary". Despite some elements of tired melodrama, the film is saved by a believable bromance, deft humour, and a painfully resonant moment of rejection. We also discuss our restful holidays, the perils of parental attendants, and when to introduce ramps to a new relationship. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
14 Jan 2021 | E2 - Faith Healers | 01:00:51 | |
In this episode, we tackle faith healers, covering another documentary from Emily Yates. Though we've never encountered a faith healer ourselves, we've both had amusing encounters with spiritual authorities who offer lofty prayers with good intentions. Article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/12fb29da-567c-488b-8523-d1f11a79e40c Video: https://youtu.be/l-M30YaHnm8 Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
23 Jun 2022 | E74 - [TV] Extras (S01E03) | 01:36:05 | |
Today we watched an episode of BBC Extras where Ricky Gervais meets (and reacts poorly to) the sibling of an acting colleague with cerebral palsy. We also discuss the appealing horror elements of Stranger Things, Tony's ongoing friendship with a sommelier, the rarity of good cringe humour involving disability, the dueling impulses of many high profile comedians, and buying new bed sheets. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
15 Apr 2021 | E15 - Music by Sia (2021) (with Maggie Whittum) | 01:29:12 | |
Today we are joined by filmmaker, disability advocate and stroke survivor Maggie Whittum to discuss the controversial new wheelie film Music. Through Sia’s directorial debut, Maggie offers her insight into our ongoing exploration of what constitutes an authentic disabled film. Unfortunately for Music, no amount of skillful choreography or arresting imagery can distract us from its deeply offensive caricature of autism and a misguided desire to redeem able-bodied characters through the burden of attendant care. Throughout the episode, we also discuss the tedium of slow and disobedient disabled bodies, how covid isolation has unexpectedly improved accessibility, the importance of creative outlets in communicating chronic pain, and the continual struggle of reconciliation with an acquired disability and the resulting gap between past and present self. Watch the trailer for Maggie's upcoming documentary "The Great Now What" here: https://www.thegreatnowwhat.com/ Phamaly Theatre Company: https://phamaly.org/ Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
20 May 2021 | E20 - Me Before You (2016) (with Justine Skourtis) | 02:05:10 | |
Today our friend Justine joins us to finally talk about Me Before You, a film about a rich paraplegic who hires a lowly barista to keep him company during the last six months before his assisted suicide in Switzerland. We devote much of the episode to tearing the film apart, since despite an engaging romance and attractive leads, it argues that life isn’t worth living if you can’t be an extreme sports douche. Also we discuss waterlogged powerchair joysticks, salty tequila shots, movie theatre choking hazards, and sexy food diaries. You can follow Justine @justineskourtis Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
14 Apr 2022 | E64 - Gift Tshuma | 01:01:26 | |
Today we chat with activist and musician Gift Tshuma about a variety of fun topics, including: strategies for disabled travel, setting proper boundaries and care standards with new attendants, the value of keeping one’s disability diagnosis private, and how to navigate invasive able bodied curiosity on first dates. Get in touch with Gift on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram ! A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
08 Jul 2021 | E27 - My Blind Brother (2016) | 01:36:52 | |
Today we watched an annoying Nick Kroll film called My Blind Brother, where a woman farcically concedes to dating a disabled guy as a "hilarious" form of penance and self-punishment. Also, we talk about leaving our wheelie comfort zones, what makes a good stoner comedy, bad table manners, and ideas for projecting Tony's voice in busy public spaces. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
04 Mar 2021 | E9 - I Care A Lot (2020) | 01:35:30 | |
Today we discuss our love-hate relationship with I Care A Lot, the hit dark comedy starring Rosamund Pike as a deplorable court appointed guardian who seizes the assets of elderly people for her own, only to one day target someone with the means to fight back. Indeed the film's first half is a perfect illustration of the disparate power dynamics between wheelies and their attendant programs, where "care" is too often a euphemism for "control". Throughout the episode we cover Tony's fight to wear pressure socks, the cruel conflation of diapers and resource management, our appreciation of Peter Dinklage, and dildo thievery. Also, our apologies for the audio this week. Not really sure what happened :( Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
25 Feb 2021 | E8 - Crip Camp (2020) | 01:41:57 | |
Today we rave about Crip Camp, a 2020 documentary film directed by Nicole Newnham and fellow wheelie James LeBrecht. Its a genuinely joyous portrait of a "disabled woodstock" summer camp where a bunch of cripples find community and confidence in their formative years - experiences they use to inform their advocacy and autonomy in adulthood. We also reflect on overcoming internalized ableism, surviving secondary school spec ed lunchrooms, and a hilarious body swap wheel-breakers scenario that testifies to our our compassion for our able-bodied friends. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
22 Jul 2021 | E29 - Edward Scissorhands (1990) | 01:42:22 | |
Today we watched Edward Scissorhands, an early Tim Burton film about a young man with scary scissors for hands that turns out to be a surprisingly heartfelt and progressive portrait of disability. We also discuss the joys of creating DIY accessibility solutions, the stress of dressing a disabled body, how to overcome complacency with inaccessible spaces, common ableist assumptions about cripple finances, and how to hug a wheelie. | |||
24 Jun 2021 | E25 - Desert In (2021) (with Anthony Lopez) | 01:31:54 | |
Today we have a conversation with actor Anthony Michael Lopez, an amputee starring in a new series Desert In, where he plays the benevolent groundskeeper of a mysterious hotel that resurrects the deceased loved ones of its residents. We explore the show's handling of Anthony's prosthetic limb, and why his character embodies everything he looks for in an acting role of late. Also, we discuss chronic imposter syndrome, how to subvert the expected power dynamics of cripple narratives, the joys of being mistaken for a war veteran, overcoming body dysmorphia, the desire to pass as able-bodied, and the importance of passion in disabled sex scenes. Desert In https://www.operabox.tv/desert-in Follow Anthony @flittergaggot Broad City Clip https://vimeo.com/161932967 Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
07 Oct 2021 | E40 - CODA (2021) | 01:46:17 | |
Today we watched CODA, a wonderful film about a teenage daughter trying to explain her passion for singing to her deaf parents. We also discuss the disabled penchant for tolerating inconvenience, generational differences in coping mechanisms, caregivers losing housekeys, and how to break-in new powerchair joysticks. | |||
24 Sep 2021 | E38 - Gattaca (1997) | 01:43:16 | |
Today we watched Gattaca, a sci-fi film about a disabled guy who slavishly collects his own dead skin so that Ethan Hawke can fool a eugenic regime and go to space. We also discuss SMA seminars, rude people in restaurants, orthopedic torture devices, unsolicited selfies, and the importance of dry controllers. | |||
19 Aug 2021 | E33 - The Shape of Water (2017) | 01:28:22 | |
Today we watched The Shape of Water, a 2017 adult fairytale about a mute janitor who falls in love with an anthropomorphized fish creature at a top secret government facility. As the first film we watched separately, we spend much of the episode parsing differences of opinion. We also discuss weekly insomnia, Jamie's first sauna experience, the hurdles of inter-able relationships, the absence of libidos in modern movies, and optimal strategies for flooding the bathroom. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
18 Nov 2021 | E46 - 39 Pounds of Love (2005) | 01:43:10 | |
Today we watched 39 Pounds of Love, a feel good film about a skinny wheelie with spinal muscular atrophy who journey's across America to confront the doctor that gave him a dire prognosis. We also discuss the dangers of outdated attendant phones, disdain for the "use it or lose it mentality", the terrible trope of unrequited cripple love, and Jamie's unlikely befriending of Dwayne Johnson. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
16 Sep 2021 | E37 - Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) | 01:41:28 | |
Today we reviewed The Peanut Butter Falcon, a fantastic buddy-comedy roadtrip film about a young man with downs syndrome who escapes his care-home facility with a fisherman friend to pursue a prospective career in wrestling. Throughout the episode, we discuss the joys of authentic inter-abled comradery on film, growing up with disabled siblings, the potential of video games to convey disabled experiences, and Jamie's closeted obsession with wordplay. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
01 Oct 2021 | E39 - The Mask (1994) | 01:41:35 | |
Today we watched The Mask, a formative childhood film for both of us about a MacGuffin that makes Jim Carrey behave like a horny alcoholic cartoon. Also we talk about bringing wheelchairs to cottages, spastic dental encounters, dismantling nostalgia, and letting go of harmful inhibitions. | |||
05 Jan 2021 | Coming soon to an ear-hole near you | 00:01:51 | |
Cripple Threat, coming soon | |||
18 Mar 2021 | E11 - The Descendants (2011) | 01:32:25 | |
Today we watched The Descendents, a 2011 dramedy from Alexander Payne in which George Clooney faces the dual crises of marital infidelity from a partner in a sudden coma. Throughout the episode, we talk about the anxieties of new or worsening disability, the need for closure in the face of heartache, and we ask how an unconscious offscreen wheelie is written with more humanity than Redmayne's Hawking. Anthony also proudly unveils a new cripple parody song. You can check out lyricist and graphic design aficionado Michael at michaelcumming.tv Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
14 Oct 2021 | E41 - Come As You Are (2019) | 01:43:57 | |
Today we have a heated debate about whether the consistent hilarity of Come As You Are is enough to forgive its faults. Also we talk about Canadian Thanksgiving, portion control, eating on a first date, and Louis Theroux documentaries. | |||
21 Jul 2022 | E77 - Girl in the Picture (2022) | 01:18:19 | |
This week we talk about The Girl in The Picture, a true crime documentary with barely any connection to disability according to Tony. We also discuss the complications of breathing with SMA, our routines for cleaning power chairs, and long road trips in Northwestern Ontario. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
06 May 2021 | E18 - The Elephant Man (1980) (with Dan Link) | 01:17:37 | |
Today our friend Dan Link joins us to watch The Elephant Man, a combination cripple biopic and creature feature about a severely deformed man in late 19th-century London who is recued from the circus by a renowned physician and subsequently embraced by high society. Throughout the episode, we discuss the hilarity and harmfulness of clinical language that describes disability, the significance of sound design in sustaining unease, the conflation of cripple courage and learned helplessness, and Lynchian first dates. Follow Dan on Instagram @danashtreelane and on Letterboxd @damienkarras73 Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
21 Oct 2021 | E42 - Best Summer Ever (2020) | 01:39:47 | |
Today we review Best Summer Ever, a Grease-inspired teen musical with a cast of wheelies that forced us more than any other film so far to confront our ableism. Also, we discuss the potential perks of disabled space travel, the circus of getting a photo ID with a headrest, going clothes shopping without an attendant, and the shock of seeing disabled characters in "unlikely" occupations. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
26 Aug 2021 | E34 - [TV] Special - Season 2 (2021) (Part I) | 01:41:26 | |
Today we watched disabled writer Ryan O'Connell continue to navigate the romantic and professional hurdles of daily life with cerebral palsy in the first half of Special Season 2. Again the show proves to be the most authentic, funny, and unflinching look at disabled life - so much so that it often feels too real, and provokes many of Jamie's personal demons. Throughout the episode, we discuss the wheelie temptation to downplay our limitations, the tendency to settle for unhealthy boundaries in romantic relationships, whether its ever okay to fetishize unflattering elements of disability, and the ongoing struggle of discussing disability with our parents. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
03 Jun 2021 | E22 - The Ringer (2005) | 01:31:03 | |
Today we truly slum it with The Ringer, a low brow sports comedy starring Johnny Knoxville who poses as a disabled person to rig the special olympics in order to pay a medical bill. The premise is disgusting - yes - but there's a silver lining in the prominence of the disabled characters in its core cast, and in where the film directs its jokes. Also, we discuss Jamie's ableist rehab staircase, self directed feeding tube maintenance, and personal hygiene roombas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
19 May 2022 | E69 - Ian, a moving story (Short 2018) | 01:18:56 | |
Today we watched Ian, a short film about a young boy with cerebral palsy who longs to play with his peers during recess. We also discuss the inaccessibility of comedy clubs, times we got detention in primary school, Tony's career as a milkman, expensive robot vacuums, and cheese theft. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
09 Sep 2021 | E36 - [TV] The Office (US) | 01:41:52 | |
Today we review an episode of the American Office where Michael Scott burns his foot and demands to be treated like a disabled person. We also discuss pet ownership with a disability, and have a fruitfully uncomfortable discussion about personal hygiene. | |||
15 Jul 2021 | E28 - Five Feet Apart (2019) | 01:49:29 | |
Today we watched five feet apart, a chronic illness drama about two teens with cystic fibrosis who fall in love during a long term stay at a sick kids hospital. Through this film we tackle the trope of disability as a romantic obstacle, which despite being a frustrating literary device is still extremely resonant for disabled people in reality. Also, we talk about the challenges of explaining disability to strangers (especially children), the unfounded embarrassments of feeding tubes, the over-romanticization of inaccessible tourism, and how to spot unhealthy disabled dating opportunities. | |||
10 Feb 2022 | E55 - Murderball (2005) | 02:03:18 | |
Today we watched Murderball, a documentary about two rival Paralympic rugby teams that use weaponized wheelchairs out of mad max. We also discuss our unfinished master's degrees, Tony's floor hockey league, the ongoing novelty of disabled parents, and Jamie's problem with the Jackass crew. Thank you to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
04 Feb 2021 | E5 - Run (2020) | 01:53:26 | |
Today we discuss a recent 2020 thriller called Run, a deceptively thoughtful examination of the horrors of inaccessible spaces and the often unintentional abuses of helicopter wheelie parents. We reflect on questionable care strategies from our own loving parents in childhood, and examples from our personal lives when otherwise familiar spaces have become inaccessible death traps. We also debate the ethics of casting able-bodied people in crippled roles and lament the tyranny of unblemished drywall and flooring in able-bodied homes. Also here's Jamie learning to walk, as cited in the episode: https://youtu.be/KfHtJEMKYwY Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
27 Jan 2022 | E53 - Pinocchio (1940) | ||
Today we watched the classic Disney film Pinnochio, about a paternal Toymaker whose puppet comes to life and embarks upon a dark and harrowing quest to become a real boy. We also take about Tony's appetite for adrenaline, our mutual disdain for disabled exceptionalism, and the toll of imposter syndrome. Thank you to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh & Kyle Hanna. We love you more than friends. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
30 Jun 2022 | E75 - Liar Liar (1997) | 01:42:08 | |
Today we watched Liar Liar, a film where Jim Carrey is dubiously disabled because he plays a lawyer who suddenly cannot lie, and is therefore unable to function. We also discuss being stranded in the rain with a power chair, the risk of running over a tube of toothpaste, and times we've accidentally injured ourselves under absurd circumstances. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
03 Mar 2022 | E58 - [TV] Black Mirror (S03E04) | 01:41:18 | |
Today we watched San Junpero, a single episode of the anthology Black Mirror, where a quadriplegic wheelie falls in love inside a VR simulation of 1980s nightlife. We also discuss Tony's childhood painting career, disabled roommate challenges in university, and our frustrations with fictional portraits of crippled romantic inexperience. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna & Riley Byrne. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
04 Nov 2021 | E44 - Rear Window (1954) | 01:36:18 | |
Today we watched Rear Window, a classic Hitchcock film about a disabled peeping-tom who witnesses a murder and enlists his wife and attendant to conduct an investigation. We also discuss Tony's bite therapy regiment, how to identify constructive pain, living vicariously through able bodied lives, disability as an allegory for impending commitment, and the ways we've overcompensated as a disabled partner. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
22 Apr 2021 | E16 - Stronger (2017) (with Geoff Makhoul) | 01:40:43 | |
Today our most able-bodied friend, Geoff, joins us to analyze the nightmare ergonomics of Jake Gyllenhaal portraying an amputee in the 2017 film Stronger. Throughout the episode, we discuss when it's acceptable for a disabled person to be deemed an inspiration, Tony's ongoing popsicle stick saga, the power of humour and close friends to help set the standard for proper wheelie treatment, how disability can exacerbate bad habits, and the tyranny of inaccessible toilets. To get in contact with Geoff or learn more about his physical fitness philosophy, check out in(Tension) Physical Training here: https://www.intensionphysicaltraining.com/ You can follow Geoff on Instagram @intension.geoff Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
13 May 2021 | E19 - Sound of Metal (2019) (with Michael Cumming) | 01:45:44 | |
Today our friend Michael Cumming joins us to talk about the Sound of Metal (2019), a film about a young drummer who goes deaf very suddenly and scrambles to keep his life together. Throughout the episode we discuss the need for more disabled role models, the evolving and harmful notion of normal, the promise of technology as a distraction from healing, the perils of burnt porridge, and the privilege of an expedient piss. Follow Michael on social media @michaelcumming and check out his website at michaelcumming.tv Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
07 Jan 2021 | E1 - Devotees | 01:06:42 | |
In our first episode, we react to the bizarre concept of devoteeism - a community of mostly able bodied people who fetishize disability. Since even now the status quo deems disabled people asexual, devotees reveal an opposite side of the cripple intimacy spectrum that leaves us with mixed feelings and big laughs. Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/9e399edb-3924-4406-bab5-01c5e170ca42 Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
09 Jun 2022 | E72 - Benny & Joon (1993) | 01:25:56 | |
Today we watched Benny & Joon, a whimsical comedy about a mentally ill young woman who pursues Johnny Depp while her brother resists the pressure to place her in a group home. We also discuss coping mechanisms for insomnia, the able bodied misconception that disability is reprieve from responsibility, Jamie destroying his mother's kitchen floor, and the utter cruelty of tickling a wheelie. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
12 Aug 2021 | E32 - The Little Mermaid (1989) | 01:34:13 | |
Today we watched The Little Mermaid, a classic Disney animated film about a half-woman sea creature who dreams of having legs so she can live on land and pursue a romance with a himbo prince. Throughout the episode we discuss Anthony's DIY powerchair projects, the herculean work-ethic of disney animators, our hypothetical collections of able-bodied trinkets, whether life is better under the sea, and the lack of inter-able love stories. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
11 Mar 2021 | E10 - The Theory of Everything (2014) | 01:42:58 | |
Today we cover The Theory of Everything, a boilerplate biopic about Stephen Hawking's marital problems, with a very surface level exploration of his career and struggles with motor neuron disease. We also talk about bad british accents, waking up during serious surgeries, expensive foot nurses, robot voices, and swearing at Tony's mom. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
03 Sep 2021 | E35 - [TV] Special - Season 2 (2021) (Part 2) | 01:49:16 | |
On today's episode, Jamie elaborates on a recent video that made him and his Thunder Bay friend's go viral. We also review the second half of special season 2, where Jamie finally pronounces Ryan O'Connel's name correctly, and begins to warm up to the show for its latent. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
02 Dec 2021 | E48 - Emily Kranking | 01:28:38 | |
Today we revisited the 2020 movie Best Summer Ever with star Emily Kranking. We discussed acting with a disability, the rising importance of authentic casting, and accessibility struggles of high school. You can follow Emily @emilykranking Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
07 Jul 2022 | E76 - [TV] House S04E03 | 01:31:37 | |
Today we watched an episode of House where the eponymous doctor fails to treat a man with SMA. We also talk about disposing of old mobility devices, the menace of Canadian geese, using disability as a plot device for diagnostic mystery, and some rules for recognizing bad dialogue. A special thanks to our Power Chair Patrons: Michael Cumming, Meghan Walsh, Kyle Hanna, Riley Byrne, Andrew Gurza and cjoudas. Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com | |||
28 Jan 2021 | E4 - The Sessions (2012) | 01:33:41 | |
Today we discuss The Sessions, a 2012 dramedy about a poet with polio who navigates the world in a ridiculous recumbent bed. Oh and also he hires a sex surrogate to conquer his body image issues and lose his virginity. During our review we address the nuances of disabled personal hygiene, the absurdity of cripple camps, and the deceptively harmful implications of the "dead cripple" trope. The Film https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1866249/ The Source Material https://www.thesunmagazine.org/issues/174/on-seeing-a-sex-surrogate Find out more at http://cripplethreatpodcast.com |