Hollywood in Toto with Christian Toto

This week on The Hollywood in Toto Podcast, we dive into the increasingly complicated battle to save the theatrical experience, led in part by Matt Damon himself. The Oscar-winning actor has been vocal about the future of movie theaters, streaming vs. cinema, and the rapidly changing Hollywood business model — but his latest argument comes with a major caveat you won’t want to miss.

Damon is currently co-starring with longtime collaborator Ben Affleck in The Rip, and the iconic duo offer some sharp, thoughtful insights into the evolving media landscape, box office economics, and what’s really at stake for filmmakers and audiences alike. Still, there’s one glaring problem with Damon’s reasoning — and it’s a doozie.

Plus, we sit down with actor and director David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place) to discuss his inspiring new TV series, Seeking Beauty. The show follows Henrie as he travels across Italy, exploring how the nation’s deep Christian faith helped inspire some of the world’s most breathtaking art, architecture, and culture. From historic churches to iconic cities, it’s a visually stunning journey that feels like a travel documentary, faith-based series, and art history lesson rolled into one. Think of it as visiting Italy’s most spectacular destinations without leaving your couch — though fair warning: you’ll probably want to book a trip the moment the episode ends.

Topics include: Matt Damon and movie theaters • Ben Affleck films • The future of Hollywood • Streaming vs. cinema • The Rip movie • David Henrie interview • Seeking Beauty TV show • Christian art and culture • Italy travel inspiration • Faith and creativity

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EWTN+ "Seeking Beauty" - https://www.seekingbeauty.show/

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Read: "Virtue Bombs: How Hollywood Got Woke and Lost Its Soul" https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Bombs-Hollywood-Woke-Lost/dp/1637580991

In the latest episode of The Hollywood in Toto Podcast, your host breaks down the best movies of 2025—and names the absolute worst films of the year. Which films soared above the rest, and which high-profile projects crashed and burned? Even A-list actors like Robert Pattinson and Robert De Niro (an acute TDS sufferer) weren’t immune to bad scripts and disappointing performances, and Toto explains exactly what went wrong.

On the flip side, discover the No. 1 film of 2025, a powerful fact-based drama led by a rising star and centered on a most unusual sport. Toto unpacks why this movie stood out in a crowded year of Hollywood releases and what it says about the future of smart, adult storytelling.

This episode also features an in-depth interview with Mark Malkoff, author of "Love Johnny Carson." The book is a heartfelt yet honest tribute to the true king of late-night television, exploring Johnny Carson’s legacy, personal flaws, and the wild behind-the-scenes stories from The Tonight Show that shaped American pop culture. Learn what made Carson tick, why he remains unmatched in today’s media landscape, and why his absence still leaves a massive hole in late-night TV.

Topics include:

Best movies of 2025
Worst films of 2025 (even with A-list stars)
Robert Pattinson and Robert De Niro movie misfires
Johnny Carson’s cultural impact and Tonight Show legacy

If you love movie reviews, Hollywood commentary, film rankings, pop culture analysis, and classic TV history, this episode of The Hollywood in Toto Podcast is a must-listen.
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"Love Johnny Carson" - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Johnny-Carson-Obsessive-Journey/dp/0593472551

Subscribe to HiT's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HollywoodinToto

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Read: "Virtue Bombs: How Hollywood Got Woke and Lost Its Soul" https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Bombs-Hollywood-Woke-Lost/dp/1637580991

On the latest episode of the Hollywood in Toto Podcast, host Christian Toto dives deep into one of Hollywood’s most revealing double standards yet. Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are teaming up on the upcoming thriller The Housemaid, but off-screen their public comments sparked wildly different reactions from Hollywood, the media, and the cultural gatekeepers. Sweeney found herself under intense fire from the far-Left after appearing in a supposedly “controversial” American Eagle jeans ad—a campaign many called completely innocuous.

Meanwhile, Amanda Seyfried faced far less scrutiny after labeling the late Charlie Kirk a racist and sexist, despite offering no supporting evidence. Why did the outrage machine roar for one actress and barely whisper for the other? And what does it reveal about Hollywood politics, cancel culture, and media bias? Toto breaks down the celebrity backlash, the ideological double standard, and why the treatment of these two stars makes the conversation far more complicated than the headlines suggest.

Then, the show welcomes author and culture commentator Lisa De Pasquale to discuss her new book, The Gen X Handbook for Middle Age. Smart, funny, and brutally honest, the book is a must-read for Gen Xers who still want to rage against the machine—while building meaningful, joyful lives in middle age.

If you care about Hollywood hypocrisy, pop culture politics, free speech, celebrity news, Gen X culture, and conservative media analysis, this episode delivers sharp insight with zero spin. 🎧 Listen now to the Hollywood in Toto Podcast — where pop culture meets truth.

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"The Gen X Handbook for Middle Age" - https://www.amazon.com/Gen-Handbook-Middle-Age-Fulfillment/dp/B0F4PMD8J6

Subscribe to HiT's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HollywoodinToto

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Read: "Virtue Bombs: How Hollywood Got Woke and Lost Its Soul" https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Bombs-Hollywood-Woke-Lost/dp/1637580991

In the latest Hollywood in Toto Podcast, we hit pause on politics and dive into the magic of moviemaking with veteran producer Matt Baer. His newest project, the heartfelt romantic comedy “Merv,” brings together Zooey Deschanel (Elf) and Charlie Cox (Daredevil) as a freshly split couple navigating the ups and downs of co-parenting their lovable dog, Merv. But when Merv starts acting… different, the pair must figure out whether he’s mourning their breakup or reacting to something deeper.

Baer shares fun behind-the-scenes stories, including the realities of working with dogs on a movie set, how the team captured Merv’s most charming moments, and what surprised him most about making a rom-com with a canine co-star at the center. And of course, we get the answer to the big question: Did a producer who’d never owned a dog fall in love with man’s best friend during production?

This episode is packed with film industry insights, rom-com storytelling tidbits, and a delightful peek into the making of one of Hollywood’s newest feel-good films. Perfect for movie fans, rom-com lovers, and anyone who can’t resist a heartwarming dog movie. 

Keywords: Hollywood in Toto Podcast, Matt Baer, Merv movie, Zooey Deschanel, Charlie Cox, dog rom-com, behind-the-scenes filmmaking, working with dogs, new romantic comedy, film producer interview, Hollywood podcast, movie industry insights.
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"Merv" trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsQXu_9-7qA

Subscribe to HiT's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HollywoodinToto

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Read: "Virtue Bombs: How Hollywood Got Woke and Lost Its Soul" https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Bombs-Hollywood-Woke-Lost/dp/1637580991

This week on The Hollywood in Toto Podcast, we break down the cultural and political fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s one-week suspension — and the controversial narrative surrounding it. In this episode, we explore how Kimmel’s misinformation, and the media response that followed, may be fueling real-world consequences across the country. Why do late-night hosts keep pushing divisive narratives, and what does it mean for a nation already struggling to trust its institutions? We unpack the shocking new poll that illustrates why misinformation from major media voices truly matters.

Then, we shift to an emotional and deeply personal conversation with filmmakers Marc Aramian and Veronica DiPippo, the creative team behind the upcoming film He Named Him Adam. This powerful project confronts abortion, its human impact, and the ripple effects often left unspoken. Aramian and DiPippo reveal how a major Hollywood star came aboard the film — and why that endorsement could elevate this story to audiences worldwide. We dig into the film’s message, the challenges of bringing such a delicate subject to the screen, and the hope that He Named Him Adam can spark honest conversations about life, choice, and consequence.

If you care about media bias, cultural discourse, faith-driven storytelling, and the future of Hollywood, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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He Named Him Adam crowdfunding campaign: https://www.henamedhimadam.com

Subscribe to HiT's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HollywoodinToto

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Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HollywoodInToto

Read: "Virtue Bombs: How Hollywood Got Woke and Lost Its Soul" https://www.amazon.com/Virtue-Bombs-Hollywood-Woke-Lost/dp/1637580991