We are taking the week off to celebrate with our families but check out our 2023 Thanksgiving special to get in the festive mood!

Finding the perfect pop song isn't easy. Honestly, narrowing all the great pop songs of our lifetime into brackets was even tougher but we did it! Join us this week as we pit some of our favorite pop classics against each other to determine which comes out on top. 

This week we’re talking Gremlins—the movie that taught us three very important rules: keep them out of the light, don’t let them get wet, and absolutely never feed them after midnight. We dive into behind-the-scenes secrets, the film’s unhinged moments and discuss whether it will work nowadays.

No but seriously...wtf is going on in the world right now? Our resident political expert Guy Dufault is back to help Liz break down the insanity that is politics today. From the shutdown to the ballroom and everything else we don't entirely understand.

 In this episode, we head back to 1983 and step inside the creative madness behind one of the most iconic music videos of all time — Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” From its groundbreaking special effects to the unforgettable choreography, we uncover how a 14-minute short film changed the music industry forever. We also dive in to Halloween music, discuss the classics and why we don't have more Halloween bangers.

In this eerie episode, we ride through the misty woods of Sleepy Hollow and uncover the chilling legend that has haunted generations. Written by Washington Irving in 1820, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tells the tale of Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolteacher, and his fateful encounter with the mysterious Headless Horseman. Join us as we discuss the town, the legend and decide once and for all whether Ichabod was a hot guy. 

Join us this week as we dive into Liz's dream concert aka Lilith Fair! From the humble beginnings to an event that changed the face of music (at least for a little while), Lilith Fair took everything we knew about music and turned it on its head in the late 90s. We discuss the biblical origin of Lilith, why it was so impactful and our thoughts on the new documentary Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, including why it made some of us VERY emotional. 

Join us this week as we dive into the 1997 classic Good Will Hunting. We discuss the Ben and Matt lore, how the film got made, whether it holds up and why Greg wouldn't recommend assaulting your patients during therapy. 

In this episode, we dive deep into The Biggest Loser, the hit reality TV show that turned weight loss into primetime entertainment, for good or for bad. We get into the truth about the diet industry, some of our favorite moments in messed up diet culture, how we have fallen victim ourselves and our gym routines (lol). Finally, we discuss the new documentary, which is pretty mid if you ask us.  

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

Welcome back!! In our season 3 premiere, we tackle a subject that is very applicable to both of us: being old parents! We discuss exactly what it means to be geriatric when it comes to having kids, why it's a big deal and why it's actually not always that big of a deal. We also get into our experiences with having kids both young and old and break down one of the greatest "wait, how old are they?" parenting movies of all time: Father of the Bride Part 2. 

We missed you!

Join us for our season 2 finale, where we break down the quirky and thought-provoking 2004 romantic drama Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.  film We dive into the making of the movie, the heartache it flawlessly portrays and explore all the ways it exposes human nature. 

Let's all welcome Greg back to the podcast as we dive into the world of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello and its modern cinematic adaptation, O. Join us as we explore the powerful themes of jealousy, manipulation, and betrayal that transcend time and media. We'll discuss the original play, its complex characters, and the intense emotional journey it takes us on. Then, we’ll shift our focus to O (2001), a contemporary retelling set in a high school, where the story’s elements of tragedy are reimagined against a backdrop of teenage drama and athletics. 

Bands don’t need to be real to be great and we have the list to prove it. Join Liz and her bestie Brigid as they discuss their favorite fictional bands. From Powerline to The Wonders, Alexis Rose to Daisy Jones, 2gether to Zack Attack, we cover all the hits (and misses.) 

The Princess Bride bwings Meg McMahon and Liz back togetha today to take this trip down memory lane. This movie has something for everyone: romance, adventure, quippy dialogue and an incredible knack for dialogue. From the rats of unusual size to the incredible cast, we get into it all!

Bekah Berger joins the pod this week to discuss one of the most-watched events in entertainment: the Superbowl Halftime Show! In this episode, we dive into the humble beginnings with college marching bands to the high-energy, star-studded performances we see today. We talk about the most asked questions, the controversies and our thoughts on some of the biggest acts in the last 30 years.  From Nipplegate to Kendrick's political powerhouse performance, we cover them all!

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States and it feels like we haven’t had a minute to breathe since then. Join us this week with our resident political expert (and Liz’s dad) Guy Dufault as he helps break down what is really going on in American politics. From executive orders to tariffs, DEI to disaster aid, cabinet picks to who is really running the show, we get to the bottom of it all and show you that there is still a lot of hope to be found in the state of the union. 

She's baaack! Meg joins as co-host to help Liz dive into the emotional whirlwind that is My So-Called Life, the iconic 90s teen drama that captivated hearts and minds. From Angela Chase’s journey of self-discovery to the complex relationships that define adolescence, we explore why this show still resonates with viewers decades after it aired. We discuss the brilliant performances, the groundbreaking storylines, and how different it is to watch from adolescence to adulthood. Whether you’re a fan from the first airing or just discovering it now, join us as we break down what made My So-Called Life so unforgettable—and why its legacy lives on.

Homework
My So Called Life (Hulu)

Hold on tight, spider monkies because there's a new cohost in town! While Greg is off on official work business, Liz's very best friend Meg is here to help her dive into the hauntingly awful vampire saga that shaped an entire generation. Join them as they debate whether this is a good movie, why Kristen Stewart has such a hard time existing as Bella Swan, explain why they love Robert Pattison so much and recast the entire thing as an Oscar-worthy endeavor. 


Twilight (Hulu)

And with that, the 2024 season comes to an end. We're closing out the year with a roundup of the news that gripped the nation this year. From plane crashes to attempted assassinations, the solar eclipse to PDiddy's legal troubles and the Lively/Baldoni situation, we break it down and try to figure out what the hell happened this year??? Hope you had a great New Year!

In this episode, we dive into the two beloved versions of Miracle on 34th Street—the 1947 original and the 1994 remake. We explore how each film captures the magic of Christmas, with a special focus on the evolution of its characters, the deal with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and how each one succeeded in a variety of ways. 

Trigger Warning: LOTS of Santa talk, this episode should not be listened to around children.

Sometimes life doesn't go your way. Or in George Bailey's case, it almost always goes the polar opposite of your way and you end up being a huge curmudgeon but that's showbiz baby! In this weeks episode, we dive into the 1946 holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life, exploring why it's so beloved, what messages it really sends and why they need to get Uncle Billy the hell out of there asap. We also dive into what our own It's A Wonderful Life moments would look like and whether we've made anyone's lives better or, more likely, possibly worse. Tune in for a festive discussion that will remind you to appreciate the magic in your own life. 

The hills are alive and we couldn’t be happier about it! In this episode, we explore the beloved 1964 movie musical The Sound of Music and uncover the fascinating true story behind the von Trapp family. From their life in Austria during the rise of the Nazi regime to their journey as a traveling musical troupe in America, the real von Trapps led a life of resilience and harmony that’s both similar to and different from the Hollywood version.  

These days, it seems like everyone wants to skip right from Halloween to Christmas and we aren't having it! Join us this week as we dive into everything that makes fall awesome: from the unbeatable fashion to our favorite movies and songs. We also crown King and Queen of the fall, help you make a nice autumnal playlist and examine the difference between a summer and fall soup.

This week, we're mashing up all kinds of Halloween talk. From scary sleepover games to horror movie villians, we get into the scary, the boring and everything in between. 

Trigger Warning: Discussions of murder, suicide and sexual assault.

Tags: Frankenstein, Dracula, It, Pennywise, Halloween, Michael Myers, Light as a feather stiff as a board, Ouija, Bloody Mary, Us, Smile, 

Do you like scary movies? We sure do and this is one of our favorites! Join us as we dive into the iconic 1996 horror film Scream and examine its clever blend of satire, suspense, and slasher tropes. How did Scream revive an entire genre? Tune in and find out!

Homework
Scream (Max)

 In this chilling episode, we dive into the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, the woman at the center of one of America’s most notorious unsolved murders. On August 4, 1892, Lizzie's parents were found brutally slain in their Fall River, Massachusetts home, and Lizzie quickly became the prime suspect. Join us as we explore the gripping details of the crime, the sensational trial that captivated the nation, and list off all the possible other suspects.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most famous and controversial UFO abduction stories: the Travis Walton case. In 1975, while working with a logging crew in Arizona, Walton allegedly encountered a UFO and was missing for five days. His story has captivated UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike, raising questions about extraterrestrial life and the human psyche. We also explore the 1993 film Fire in the Sky, which dramatizes Walton’s experience with intense, chilling depictions of his abduction. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and ask the age old question: do aliens exist?

Six strangers are summoned to a mysterious mansion on a stormy night. Each guest, adorned with intriguing backstories and eccentric personalities, soon discovers they are being blackmailed by their enigmatic host, Mr. Boddy. When Mr. Boddy is found dead, chaos ensues as the guests—Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Mrs. White, and Colonel Mustard—attempt to unravel the mystery of the murder while grappling with their own secrets. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the movie, the backstory and the epic cast. Also stay tuned for the end when we discuss our favorite new show, The Perfect Couple. 

Homework

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and legacy of Kurt Cobain, the iconic frontman of Nirvana.  We explore Nirvana’s troubled start, rise to fame and effect it had on the 90s grunge scene. We also reflect on Cobain’s troubled genius, his struggles with fame and addiction, his tortured relationship with Courtney Love and the conspiracies surrounding his tragic suicide.

When we started researching this episode, some of us (Liz) knew little to nothing about the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. 38 pages of notes later, we learned a LOT. So much so that it took 48 minutes to get to the "Let them eat cake" portion of the program. Join us as we discuss this iconic figure, the highs and lows of her reign and why pretty much everything we know about her is all wrong. 

On October 14, 1987, 18-month-old Jessica McClure fell into a well in Texas and the world stood still. Join us this week as we dive into the three day rescue, the dark mark it left on one of the heroes involved and how it inspired the 24-hour news cycle as we know it today.

In our season 2 premiere, we're discussing heading back to school! We know how hard it can be for kids and parents alike so we have compiled some of our favorite back to school topics: our feelings as parents, what's cool to wear, tips to ease the transition and school supplies. And speaking of school supplies, we dive into the surprisingly VERY dark history of everyone's favorite cartoonist, Lisa Frank. From her early break through her tumultuous reign as queen of the trapper keeper, we discuss it all, including one very strange tie to Eminem??

We are so glad to be back for season 2!

Lisa Frank section begins at 20:00. 

Girl Scouts was a topic chosen almost entirely to have the chance to discuss the 1989 classic "Troop Beverly Hills" but ended up being so much more. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the history of the organization, the Oklahoma Girl Scout Camp murders, the movie and most importantly, the cookie of it all. 

Trigger Warning: murder, rape, molestation

Homework:

Troop Beverly Hills (Prime - rental) 

Join Greg & Liz as they dive into the history of tabloid talk shows, how they evolved into reality tv,  the man who turned trash tv into an empire and the murder that changed everything. 

TW: Beastiality 

Homework

Dark Side of the 90's - S1E1 - Trash TV: Dirty and Deadly (Hulu)
The Money Shot: Trash, Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows - Laura Grindstaff 

Babysitting. Seems like a simple concept but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Join Greg and Liz as they discuss the evolution of babysitting, the surprising role the women’s movement had on the industry, how society and horror movies turned babysitters into the perfect victim and whether or not The Babysitter’s Club is actually kind of a union. 

Homework:

 “Babysitter: An American History” Miriam Forman Brunell

In today's episode, we're talking all things summer! From our cookout staples to summer playlist, the smells of summer to the proper way to dress a pasta salad and Now and Then to Wet Hot American Summer...we cover it all. So grab your swim trunks, lotion up those stems and join us for this big summer blowout!

Now & Then (Prime)
Wet Hot American Summer (Starz)

Join us this week as we journey back in time to understand The Seven Wonders of the World. We start with Liz listing off her dead wrong list of what she THOUGHT they were and move on to figuring out WHY they were so important. We then break down each wonder, what made them special and where they stand today. Finally, we discuss the modern and natural wonders and discuss what we consider to be our very own wonder. 

2024 has been an especially hard year for celebrity losses, particularly July 11-13, 2024. What started out as an episode to honor Shelley Duvall turned into an In Memoriam for Shelley, Richard Simmons, Dr Ruth and Shannen Doherty. In this episode, we honor their lives, their work and the amazing legacy they all have left behind. 

In the summer of 2023, Greg began a year-long campaign to do an episode on Gladiator. No, not the Oscar-winning 2000 historical drama... the 1992 Brian Dennehy/Cuba Gooding Jr boxing movie that no one remembers. And as hard as Liz tried to explain to him that no one wanted to listen to a podcast about a movie with a 31% approval rating, he remained steadfast that "there was something there." She finally conceded on the grounds they cover both movies, which brings us to this weeks episode. We hope you enjoy as we discuss the movies, the themes, the trailer for Gladiator 2 and why men love watching people bash each other's faces in no matter what the century. 

From matchmaking to makeovers...join us as we examine the classic Jane Austen novel "Emma" and the iconic 90s film "Clueless" that was inspired by it. We'll unpack the similarities and differences between Emma Woodhouse and Cher Horowitz, examining how each character navigates their social spheres and give Amy Heckerling all the props for making such a true adaption. From Regency England to the halls of Beverly Hills High, discover how these two stories reflect the timeless themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

Homework

Emma (Novel) - Jane Austen
Emma (1996 movie) - Pluto
Emma (2020 movie) - Prime
Clueless - Paramount, ABC, Freeform

Grab your sparklers and join us as we dive into the Fourth of July! We go way back to discuss what a petty bitch John Adams is and why Greg is such a Foundie*. Then we move to our childhood celebrations, the time Greg fell in love under the McCoy Stadium lights and why it's important to bring a dish to certain cookouts. We also break down the Declaration of Independence, how fireworks are made and why you should always watch where you walk on this holiday. Happy Birthday, America!

*Foundie - big fan of the Founding Fathers

On today's Very Special Episode, we're discussing Very Special Episodes! Nothing was more unnerving than your favorite sitcom trying to unpack a whole ass trauma in 22 minutes and we can't wait to break down some of our favorites. From Jessie's caffeine pill addiction to Will's absentee father issues, we cover some of the most important learning tools of our generation. 

Homework
Boy Meets World - Cult Fiction S4E21
Saved By The Bell - Jessie's Song S2E9
Dinosaurs - Steroids to Heaven S3E15
Fresh Prince - Papa's Got A  Brand New Excuse S4E24
Full House - Shape Up S4E8
Roseanne - Crime and Punishment S5E13

Get ready to clean out those lockers because we are talking the last day of school! From the last day debauchery to embarrassing yearbook mishaps, we get into what it is that makes the end of the year so dang special. We also discuss two of our favorite last day of school movies: Dazed & Confused and Can't Hardly Wait.

Homework
Dazed & Confused (Prime)
Can't Hardly Wait (Tubi)

On May 30, 2024, we entered (more) unprecedented times when a former U.S. President was convicted on 34 felony accounts. But what does it all mean? Join us this week as we bring in political expert (and Liz's dad) Guy Dufault to help us break down the crime, the conviction, what it means for the future and how the hell we ended up in the dystopian nightmare that is the 2024 presidential election. 

In 2015, thousands of marriages imploded when the user list for the affair-seeking website Ashley Madison was leaked. In 2024, Netflix released a documentary that shines a new light on what really happened. Join us this week as we dive into the company, the scandal, the lies and the men who told them. 

Homework
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal (Netflix)

Grab your magic umbrella and sail into this episode as we discuss (almost) everyone's favorite nanny, Mary Poppins! From the heartbreaking origin story to the 1964 classic  and the 2018 remake, we break down the legacy and meaning behind this classic tale. We also dive into the impact it has had, the accusations of racism and divulge the one thing we think could have made it that much better.

Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins (2018)

"He's just not that into you." Six words that launched a tv episode, a best selling book and a major motion picture starring pretty much every actor in Hollywood. But what does it mean? Join us as we dive into how such a simple concept opened the eyes of millions of women, why it holds such a special place in Liz's heart and how we can apply it to so much more than dating.

Homework

He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo
"He's Just Not That Into You" Amazon Prime (Rental)
Sex and The City Season 6 Episode 4 "Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little" Netflix 

In this episode, we lace up our skates and hit the ice for a nostalgic journey through the iconic Mighty Ducks trilogy. From the underdog story of misfit kids turned hockey champs to their international adventures and then weirdly back to high school competition, we dissect the quacky charm, memorable moments, and enduring legacy of these beloved films. Join us as we explore the trials, triumphs, and flying Vs of the Mighty Ducks franchise. 

People have always been obsessed with celebrities but some take it further than others. Join us this week as we dive into the world of celebrity stalkers: the psychology behind it, the lengths some will go to meet their obsessions and what mental illness so many of them have in common. Plus, Liz details her top five celebrity obsessions in order from least to most troubling. 

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of record-breaking feats from the iconic Guinness Book of World Records. From the most hot dogs to the longest kiss, the tallest to the tiniest, we explore our favorites and revisit one of Greg’s favorite games: 9 or 90. 

Join us as we dive into the lore of The Illuminati. From Angels and Demons to Beyonce and Jay-Z, we discuss what’s real, what isn’t and how something called “Operation Mindfuck” turned the Illuminati into what it is today.

While Dan Schneider is best known for cranking out hit show after hit show for Nickelodeon, the new docuseries Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV  lifts the veil on the seedy underbelly of kids entertainment. Join us this week as we discuss the hostile work environment, inappropriate behaviors and crimes that exist behind the orange logo.  Is it finally time for kids to get their #metoo movement? We sure hope so!

**TRIGGER WARNING** Discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, pedophilia  and explicit content

Quiet On Set (Max)
I'm Glad My Mom Is Dead - Jeanette McCurdy

Join us in this episode as we delve into the mischievous world of “Problem Child” and its sequel. From Junior’s ”hilarious” antics to Trixies troublmaking, we dissect the good, the bad and the Gottfried behind these classic nineties films. 

Kathy Nicastro Luongo was found murdered in the parking lot of City Hall in Warwick, Rhode Island on May 20, 1984. Though the details of that day remain a mystery, two real estate agents turned citizen detectives have made it their mission to find out what happened. We are joined this week by Ben Kean, who discusses his ties to the case, the progress they've made, where they go from here and what it was like to help sell one of the most famous haunted houses in America, The Conjuring House.

Details about the case: Murdered: Kathy Nicastro Luongo | Warwick, RI | Uncovered
Facebook page: Facebook
Turn to 10 story: 40-year-old unsolved Warwick murder gets fresh look (turnto10.com)

In a surprising move, Greg chose the 1988 sobfest "Beaches" as the topic for this week. Join us as we discuss the movie, explore our own lifelong friendships, pinpoint the common symptom you had to have to die in the eighties and go off on multiple tangents that have absolutely nothing to do with Bette Midler.

Homework

Beaches (Prime)

Step into the world of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll as we take an look into one of the most iconic bands of the last century. From the lineup changes to the tumultuous relationships, join us as we dive into the music, the mayhem and the mysticism that is Fleetwood Mac. 

Imagine owning the world's greatest love songs, by the greatest voices of our time, in a once in a lifetime collection...well, you can't because no one has CD players anymore. But you can listen to us discuss them! Join us as we dive into some of the most beautiful songs of the 80's and 90's, break down the incredible videos and reevaluate everything we thought we knew about Michael Bolton's attractiveness. 

Inspired by finding a copy of “Memoirs of a Geisha” at a local thrift store, this weeks episode focuses on one of histories most incredible living works of art: the geisha. We explore their history, separate fact from fiction and celebrate the artistry of these iconic figures. We also take a closer look at the 1997 historical fiction novel, examining its impact on popular culture and  highly controversial portrayal of the Geisha experience. 

Homework

Memoirs of a Geisha 

The documentary "The Greatest Night In Pop" revisits one of the most groundbreaking moments in music history: how a night in January 1985 brought together 45 of the most successful musicians in the industry and Dan Akroyd to help fight the famine happening in Ethiopia. Join Greg and Liz as they discuss the documentary, the killer lineup and dig a little deeper into some of the details they left out of the movie. 

Homework

The Greatest Night In Pop (Netflix)

Nickelodeon holds a special place in the hearts of our generation, and for good reason: it always put kids first. Whether it was the game shows we knew we could beat, the original stories we couldn't have dreamt up or how it made all of our Saturday nights that much better, it couldn't be beat. Join Greg and Liz as they hop on the orange couch and take a trip down memory lane. 

Homework

The Orange Years - Hulu
Nickelodeon shows discussed: Pinwheel, You Can't Do That On Television, Double Dare, Hey Dude, Salute Your Shorts, Pete and Pete, Clarissa Explains It All, Rugrats, Doug, Ren and Stimpy, Blues Clues, Nick News, Snick, Are You Afraid Of The Dark, All That, Alex Mack, Roundhouse

How many interesting things are there to say about Mean Girls? The limit does not exist! Join us as we dive into the movie and the book that inspired it all. Unpack the nuances of friendships, cliques, gossip, reputations, teasing and so much more in this weeks fetch episode.

Homework
Mean Girls (Paramount)
"Queen Bees & Wannabes: Helping your daughter survive cliques, gossip, boyfriends & other realities of adolescence" Rosalind Wiseman 

We're staying right on top of that, Rose, with this week's episode about the nineties cult classic, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. Join us as we dive into the casting shakeups, how it thrived after being a box office failure and finally break down the insane plotlines in this roughed up classic. Come check it out once the dishes are done, man!

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead - Tubi 

Milli Vanilli was one of the most popular musical acts of the late eighties and early nineties but their success would be short-lived once it was discovered that they were faking the whole thing. But how did two young guys from Europe manage to fool the entire music industry? With a lot of help, it turns out. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the rise of Milli Vanilli, the deception heard round the world and why Rob and Fab deserve to be so much more than a punchline. 

Homework
Milli Vanilli (Documentary) - Paramount
Milli Vanilli: Behind the Music - Paramount

Have you heard there's a rumor in St Petersburg? Turns out, there was so much more to the tale of the Princess Anastasia than her mysterious end. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the road that lead to the famous mystery: from Tsar Nicholas II's ill-fated reign that resulted in a revolution to the families close ties to the mystical Rasputin to their tragic ending that resulted in decades of intrigue. Finally, we ask the most pressing question of all....how did any of this end up becoming a children's movie??

Homework
Anastasia - Disney +

Nothing says the end of the year like a pop culture roundup! Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the biggest headlines of the year. From Bravo's Scandoval to Barbie's Box Office Bonanza, from Gwyneth on the stand to Taylor in the stands, we discuss all the stories that gripped the nation this year, as well as what New Year’s Eve looks like this side of 40. We hope you had a wonderful holiday and will see you in the new year!

We are closing out our Christmas series this week with the creator of one of the largest home light displays in all of Rhode Island, Adam Wotherspoon.  We talk through his inspiration, how one actually pulls off a "Griswoldian" display, and what he really thinks about strangers driving by his house every night. We also get into the decor, the food, the gifts and the Christmas Vacation of it all. We hope you enjoy and have yourselves a wonderful holiday!

Homework

Christmas Vacation (Hulu)

Visit Wotherspoon Walk of Joy:
14 Hawthorne Court
North Kingstown, RI

Adam’s Instagram: @ri_christmas_guy @thirdspoon

http://www.thirdspoon.co/

Get those bells ready to jingle because we are rockin around the christmas tree this week! Join Greg and Liz as they power through their head colds to bring you all the thoughts on their favorite Christmas tunes. From the  military ties  through Mariah’s unparalleled  reign, from Bing and Bowie to Grande and Groban, we hit them all…or as many as physically possible in 45 minutes.

Who’s ready to get Dickensian?! “A Christmas Carol” is one of the most popular novels of all time but have you ever really thought about where it came from? Join Greg and Liz as they dive into Charles Dickens past, the child labor that inspired the tale, a psychological examination of Ebenezer Scrooge and all of the different versions that we love (or love to hate). 

Homework

A Muppet Christmas Carol (Disney + or Hulu)
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (Disney+) 
Scrooged (Paramount) 

The moment Greg's been waiting for has finally arrived! Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the man, the myth, the legend: Jean Claude Van Damme. From his classic movies to his influence on eighties kids ( especially a young Greg Charpentier), they cover it all!

Homework
Bloodsport
Lionheart
Kickboxer 

This weeks episode celebrates all of our favorite parts about the fourth Thursday in November! Join us as we dive into the presidential turkey pardons,  our favorite sides, dissect the few Thanksgiving movies we could find and pick which Friends episode is our favorite.

Homework
Planes, Trains and Automobiles  (Paramount)
Home For The Holidays (Showtime)
Dutch (Max)
Turkey Hollow (Disney Plus)
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Apple)
Garfield Thanksgiving (Peacock)
Friends (Max)
- Season 1 Episode 9
-Season 2 Episode 8
-Season 3 Episode 9
-Season 4 Episode 8
-Season 5 Episode 8
-Season 6 Episode 9
-Season 7 Episode 8
-Season 8 Episode 9
-Season 9 Episode 8
-Season 10 Episode 8

And we're back to finish up our recap of "The Woman In Me", the memoir from Ms. Britney Jean Spears. In this episode, we discuss her relationship with Kevin Federline, the road to conservatorship, how she finally broke free and our final thoughts on the book. We also go a little deeper into the creepy connection between two major players in the drama and dive into her iconic music videos. Finally, Greg issues a formal apology to those he offended last week - we promise this one is much easier to handle for those who hold Britney close to their hearts. 

Join us this week as we dive into the first half of the highly anticipated memoir from Ms. Britney Jean Spears. We move through her prescient childhood, her rise to the top, the Timberlake of it all, that 55-hour marriage and the partying that would turn the world against her. We had so much to say we couldn't even make it to K-fed! But don't worry, we'll be back next week with the rest. 

Homework
Britney Spears - The Woman In Me

Do you like scary movies? If so, this is the episode for you! Join us as we dive into the horror movies that have terrified generations old and new, break down what worked, what still makes no sense and finally reach the end of our spooky season episodes.

Homework

Nightmare on Elm Street (Max)
Child's Play (Tubi)
Friday the 13th (Max)
Pet Semetary (Max)
Children of the Corn (Roku)
Poltergeist (Max)
The Conjuring (Max)
Smile (Prime)
Us (Netflix)

Step into the eerie world of Halloween in our latest episode! Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the history of this bewitching holiday, exploring its ancient origins and modern traditions, as well as their favorite specials, music, candy and everything in between.

Part two of our witch episode is here! Join us as we dive into the mystifying world of witch trials, explore the curious history of witch tests, and conjure up the cinematic magic of "The Craft," "Practical Magic," and "The Witch" in this very special bonus episode. 

Since the beginning of time, witchcraft has been one of the most revered and reviled practices in the world. But it also has been one of the most misunderstood. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the ancient origins, the truth about paganism/Wicca and the surprising role female reproductive rights and land ownership played in their persecution. We hope you enjoy Part 1 of Witches and will see you back here on Monday for Part 2 🧙‍♀️😆

The time we have all been waiting for is here! Now that Halloween season has arrived, we have chosen two of our favorite topics for this weeks episode: Celebrities (Liz) and Ghost Stories (Greg). Join us as we discuss our experience with ghost stories, retell some of our favorites from the show Celebrity Ghost Stories and just fully immerse ourselves in the Halloween season (finally!)

Homework
Celebrity Ghost Stories (Tubi or Hulu)

We all love Meryl Streep but there is one kind of role that stands out above the rest: Mean Meryl. From a spicy seductress in She-Devil to fading starlet in Death Becomes Her,  from frigid fashionista in The Devil Wears Prada to skeptical sister in Doubt, we celebrate the talent of one of our generations finest actors. Join us as we explore her comedic flair, her incredible range and determine who the real devil is here...hint: it's not Meryl.

Homework

She-Devil (Freevee)
Death Becomes Her (Peacock)
Devil Wears Prada (Hulu)
Doubt (Rental)

Weddings. What was once a simple declaration of love is a now a huge undertaking that can wreak havoc on your finances and mental health. So how did we get here? Join Greg and Liz as they dive into their respective experiences,  the history behind the traditions and what the Banks-Mckenzie wedding would look like in todays economy.

Homework

Father of the Bride (Max)
The Wedding Planner (Starz)

New Kids On The Block took the world by storm in the late eighties and early nineties. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the music, the phenomenon and, most importantly, the rat tail of it all. 

Pauly Shore had a meteoric ride from MTV VJ to multi-film movie star but as with all things, whatever goes up must come down. Join Greg and Liz as they dive in to his fascinating life, his movie career and the exploits of everyone's favorite buuuuuuddy. 

Homework (All rented on Amazon Prime)

Son-in-law
Encino Man
Jury Duty
Pauly Shore is Dead 

Labor Day. While it hasn’t traditionally been the most exciting of holidays, it certainly is one of the most important for the workers of America. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the history of Labor Day - from the Haymarket Riots to the present-day Hollywood strikes. They also explore the modern workplace through the lens of three classic comedies and try to nail down why exactly we're not supposed to wear white?

Homework

The Secret of My Success - Netflix

Office Space - Max

Horrible Bosses - Max

When you think of TV shows in the nineties, it's impossible to forget about the most impressive tv block of all time: TGIF on ABC. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the friday night of it all: from the Tanners to the Winslows, The Matthews to the Sinclairs and everything in between. So sit back, relax and Thank Goodness It’s Funny.

Homework 

Family Matters (Hulu)
Full House (Hulu)
Step by Step (Max)
Boy Meets World (Disney +)
Dinosaurs (Disney +)
Hangin with Mr Cooper (Max)
Perfect Strangers (Prime)
Just the Ten of Us (Youtube)

Who doesn't love a great piece of celebrity gossip? Join Greg and Liz as they are joined by 92 PRO-FM's Bekah Berger to spill the tea on all of their favorite Hollywood stories of the past and present. From tabloids to social media, Joan to Perez, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn to Bennifer, they cover all the bases and then some in this extended episode. 

On July 30, 2023, the world lost Paul Reubens, the man who created one of the most iconic characters of our generation, Pee-Wee Herman. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the legacy he left behind, the complicated relationship between creator and character and the scandals that plagued his career.

TW: Child Pornography 

Homework

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (Amazon - rent)
Pee-Wee's Playhouse (Youtube)
Pee-Wee's Not Suitable for Kids Special (Youtube)
Conan Needs A Friend Podcast 

Girl Scouts was a topic chosen almost entirely to have the chance to discuss the 1989 classic "Troop Beverly Hills" but ended up being so much more. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the history of the organization, the Oklahoma Girl Scout Camp murders, the movie and most importantly, the cookie of it all. 

Trigger Warning: murder, rape, molestation

Homework:

Troop Beverly Hills (Prime - rental) 

Barbie Roberts is a 64-year-old doll that has taken the world by storm time and time again, most recently with the release of the summer blockbuster "Barbie."  But what is Barbie exactly? An icon? A stereotype? Or simply a mirror to a society that has proven they have no idea what to do with women? Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the movie, the doll and the woman we have to thank for both, Ruth Handler. 

Homework

Barbie (2023)

Tiny Shoulders (Rethinking Barbie) - Hulu 

Total Request Live. For teenagers in the late 90's and early 2000's, there was no greater barometer for what was cool than the MTV countdown show TRL. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the hits, explore the Carson Daly of it all and throw down in their most heated debate yet: BSB vs. *NSYNC

Yacht Rock. You may not know the name but you definitely know the sound. Join Greg, Liz and Tom as they dive into the history of yacht rock, what makes it so unique, our favorite yacht rock anthems, how Tom went from Summertime in Rhode Island to a billboard in Vegas and why Yachtley Crew is the best show in town.

Homework

“Sometimes When We Touch” (Paramount +)

Yachtley Crew “Seas the Day” album out July 14.

Yachtley Crew Tour Dates: https://www.yachtleycrew.com/shows

Being in your twenties is an awesome and scary time: you're barely an adult and yet the world expects you to have it all figured out. Enter the quarter-life crisis. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into why it is so much harder to become an adult now, how some classic twentysomething movies have held up decades later and what lessons our own quarter-life crises taught us. 

Homework

St. Elmo's Fire (Hulu)
Reality Bites (Peacock)
Garden State (HBO Max)

Join Greg & Liz as they dive into the history of tabloid talk shows, how they evolved into reality tv,  the man who turned trash tv into an empire and the murder that changed everything. 

TW: Beastiality 

Homework

Dark Side of the 90's - S1E1 - Trash TV: Dirty and Deadly (Hulu)
The Money Shot: Trash, Class and the Making of TV Talk Shows - Laura Grindstaff 

On January 6, 1994, Nancy Kerrigan was attacked after ice skating practice in what would become one of the biggest sports scandals in history. But was her Olympic teammate Tonya Harding to blame? Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the history, the drama and why, when it really comes down to it, Greg is Tonya and Liz is Nancy. 

Homework

The Price of Gold (Youtube)

I, Tonya (Hulu)

The Duggar family exploded onto the television scene in the mid 2000’s with an enormous brood of well-behaved children and an…interesting way of living. But behind the scenes was a much darker story. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the family secrets, break down the cult-like “religion” and put the fun in fundamentalism!

TW: This episode contains talk of sexual assault and child abuse.

Homework

Shiny Happy People (Amazon)

Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear - by Jinger Duggar Vuolo

We all remember the scary movies that terrified us as a kid. But what about the things that weren't supposed to terrify us? Those movies, tv shows, music videos and books that were "for kids" but still creep us out to this day?  Buckle up because we are diving deep into unintentional horror and all the moments that still haunt the nightmares of every eighties kid.

Homework
Labyrinth 
Return To Oz (Disney+)
Rugrats - The Missing Rugrat
Faerie Tale Theater (Youtube)
Willy Wonka (Tubi)
Black Hole Sun
Land of Confusion
Pee Wee's Big Adventure
Dumbo (Disney+)
Brave Little Toaster
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (Disney+)
Sideways Stories From Wayside School
Miss Nelson Books

Prom season is here! Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the history, the traditions and all the pressure that goes along with the big dance. What's up with the drugs and sex of it all? Why do so many teens turn the dance into a deadline? And what part does Morgan Freeman play in the history of prom? Tune in to find out!

Homework

• Full House - Prom Night - S6E22 (Hulu)
• Saved By The Bell - The Prom - S3E1 (Hulu)
• Fresh Prince of Bel Air - Just Say Yo - S3E19 (Hulu or HBO Max)
• Boy Meets World - Prom-ises, Prom-ises - S5E22 (Disney+)
• It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Underage Drinking - S1E3 (Hulu)
• Beverly Hills 90210 - A Night to Remember - S3E27  (Pluto)
• Laguna Beach - The Last Dance - S1E7 (Netflix)
• Are You Afraid of the Dark - Tale of the Prom Queen - S1E12 (Paramount +)
• Prom Night in Mississippi (Vudu)

Punky Brewster was an 8-year-old girl who was abandoned by her parents and escapes her foster home only to be discovered while squatting in an abandoned apartment. This could easily be the synopsis of a horror movie, but instead it ended up being a heartwarming television show that dealt with horrifying topics in an humorous way and inspired a whole generation of independent young women. Join us as we dive into what made the show so iconic, why being a teen star at that time was so different and how the show made us all deathly afraid of refrigerators.  

Homework

Punky Brewster (1984 series) - Peacock

Punky Brewster (2021 series) - Peacock

Kid 90 - Hulu

If you’ve ever said “Funky butt loving”, this one’s for you. On this weeks episode we are talking about baseball movie, specifically kids baseball movies. Learning your position on the field is a great metaphor for learning your role in life and these movies helped us do just that. Join us as we dive into the classics we grew up with, the real way to make an s’more and where “you’re killing me smalls” actually comes from because some of us embarrassingly thought it was the Goonies.

Homework

The Sandlot
Rookie of the Year
Bad News Bears

Every teenager wants a cool mom. But how cool is it, really? Join Greg and Liz as they dive into what makes a mom cool, the different categories they fall under and what some of our favorite on-screen mother-daughter relationships would look like in the real world.  What does it mean when your mom makes you move every time she goes through a breakup? Are there long term effects of your mom doing drugs before hosting the mother-daughter fashion show at school? Did Greg almost become a stepdad at 15 after a run-in with a cool mom? Tune in and find out!

Homework:

Beverly Hills 90210 Season 1 Episode 7 "Perfect Mom (Hulu or Pluto TV)

Mermaids (HBO Max)

Gilmore Girls (Netflix)

Nowadays, anyone can become famous for almost anything but back in the 90s, sometimes you only had one chance in the form of a “one-hit wonder.” Join Liz and Greg as they pay homage to the flash in the pan hit, try to figure out what even qualifies as an one-hit wonder and attempt to break them down into a top ten list both Liz and Greg can agree on. Spoiler alert: they can’t and may still be fighting about Hanson to this day. 

Judy Blume has never been afraid to tell the truth.  Due to her frank discussions of sex, puberty, religion and relationships, she remains one of the most revered and also challenged authors of our time. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into her life, her simply complicated novel “Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret”, the controversies surrounding her work and the movie that’s been 53 years in the making.

Homework

“Judy Blume Forever” - Amazon Prime
“Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret” - 1970 Book & 2023 movie 
“Forever”
“Deenie”
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/apr/03/judy-blume-book-banning-now-much-worse-in-us-than-in-1980s

https://brewminate.com/jerry-falwell-the-rise-of-the-moral-majority-and-the-1980-election/

Romeo and Juliet is considered to be one of the greatest love stories of all time but it wasn't one of the coolest until Baz Luhrmann put his spin on it. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the history of the love story, how the 1996 movie was unlike anything anyone had ever seen and why it had such a huge impact on their generation.  Who is the real tragic hero (hint: it's not Romeo)? Who got kidnapped on the Mexico City set? Is Greg the ultimate Dane-iac? Tune in and find out!

If you were to try and describe what the 80s were like you could always pop in a vhs of the neverending story and say “enough said”.  Through puppets, bullies, and unnecessary horse death we discover that not only is the main character reading a story, but the story is reading him. Join Liz and Greg as they break down this tale and discover it may be just one big metaphor for grief, and how the following sequels are essentially unwatchable.

Homework 
Neverending Story
Neverending Story 2
The Neverending Story (Novel)

The hunt is on but you won't find any chocolate in these easter eggs. Join Greg and Liz as they dive into the world of hidden messages in media. Where do they come from? What is the point?  What’s up with the Pixar theory? Did Jessica Rabbit invent the wardrobe malfunction? Can Liz convince Greg of the brilliance that is All Too Well? Tune in and find out! Some subject matter may not be appropriate for children. 

Homework:
Atari
The Office - Fun Run S4E1
Marvel 
Fight Club 
Raiders of the Lost Arc
ET
Star Wars
The Shining
Happy Gilmore
Pixar
How I Met Your Mother 
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 
Fight Club
Taylor Swift - Red - All Too Well

Babysitting. Seems like a simple concept but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Join Greg and Liz as they discuss the evolution of babysitting, the surprising role the women’s movement had on the industry, how society and horror movies turned babysitters into the perfect victim and whether or not The Babysitter’s Club is actually kind of a union. 

Homework:

 “Babysitter: An American History” Miriam Forman Brunell

In this episode we talk about “Big”, the 1988 classic tale of maintaining childhood innocence even if you accidentally turn into Tom Hanks overnight. Join Greg and Liz as they discuss the big ideas this movie brings up, the unforgettable scenes, the potential hidden horror movie, and the problematic sexual tension between a corporate women and what is essentially a 12 year old boy. 

Homework: Watch Big 

Claire's, Abercrombie, the food court.....The mall was a place where you could get a pretzel, a pair of shoes and a pet but it wasn't just a place where you shopped. It was where you discovered who you were and found the uniform to fit, where you gathered with friends and made memories that have lasted you a lifetime. Join Greg and Liz as they discuss the origin, history and evolution of the beloved American institution: The Mall.