Life Coaches Talk Movies

Episode 34 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) & Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0400

It's a 'Jumanji' double feature! If you were of the impression that movie-nerd life coaches wouldn't be able to find deep topics in a pair of rollicking comedy-adventure films, allow this episode to change your mind. We're talking about 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' (2017) and its sequel, 'Jumanji: The Next Level' (2019). These were both Jessica's picks, and since she and Gabi share the same appreciation for unabashed silliness, Gabi was hooked from the get-go. Giving a nod to the 1995 original while forging a very different path, these two new 'Jumanji' films follow four high schoolers into the Jumanji video game, where they occupy the bodies of their very eccentric avatars, and are tasked with saving the world of Jumanji...or else.

There is no shortage of physical comedy and unforgettable one-liners, but beneath the goofy facade of these movies is a story of identity: who you think you are vs. who you think you should be. When life throws you into situations that challenge the ego you have created, do you resist that challenge, or lean into it? Do you see transformation as an endpoint, or a way of being?

Thanks for listening! We'd be so grateful if you could leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

Interested in connecting with Jessica or Gabi? Here's how!

Jessica Heimsoth | Every Thought Captive Coaching
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Gabi Gilliland | Grief Grace Glory
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Episode 33 | Adventureland (2009)

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500

Our movie for this episode has had a long-standing place on Gabi's top ten list. 'Adventureland' (2009) tells the story of James Brennan's summer following his college graduation, when life throws him a series of curveballs, and he ends up needing to take a job as a games operator at his local amusement park, Adventureland. Set in 1987 (with an amazing soundtrack to boot), we join James on a literal adventure of self-discovery, love, heartbreak, and realization.

For years, Gabi wrote this movie off as the "dumb" one on her favorites list, but our discussion proves that might not be the case! This movie is full of rich ideas, especially about the messiness of human beings and of the human experience as a whole. We talk about the value of looking at others through a lens of tenderness, how much perspective matters when it comes to every experience we have, and more.

Episode 32 | Encanto (2021)

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400

It feels great to be back to talking about movies after a bit of a break, and for this episode, we're taking on Disney's 'Encanto' (2021)! If you have young children like we do, we know there's a decent chance that the songs from this movie are stuck in your head (and who could blame you, because they're AMAZING). 'Encanto' is the story of the magically-gifted Madrigal family who live in a tucked-away village in Colombia. Young Mirabel, the only Madrigal who doesn't have a magical gift of her own (or so she thinks) leads us on an adventure of growth, courage, discovery, and transformation.

We were both drawn to the dichotomy between the concept of a "gift" and a "curse", and the way this plays out through the film. We discuss the importance of the story that we tell, and how much we can learn from the Madrigal family as they confront what is actually holding their family together: Is it their magical gifts? Or is it love? And of course...we talk about Bruno.

Episode 31 | Real Life Loss & Grief: How Movies Help Us Feel Seen

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

After an unplanned break, we are so grateful to be back. And we're taking this opportunity to bring you an episode that combines some intense and important life updates (mostly from Gabi) with a discussion about the role that movies play in our lives as we move through real experiences of loss and grief.

Please note that the subject matter of this episode might be a bit jarring, even more so because it's not behind the protective veil of being on screen. Gabi talks openly and honestly about her recent experience with late term pregnancy loss and infant death. We're honored that you're here, but we understand if this episode is too intense and we won't be offended if you skip it.

Episode 30 | Hamilton (2020)

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0500

It feels pretty cool to be ending 2024 with the 30TH episode of our podcast! Round numbers are so fun. And what better way to close out the year than with a musical? We're talking about 'Hamilton' (2020)! It's a first-time viewing for Jessica and an umpteenth-time viewing for Gabi. 'Hamilton' is the filmed recording of a June 2016 performance of the beloved musical chronicling the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The brainchild of composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, it's hard not to get the musical numbers stuck in your head, even after a single viewing.

'Hamilton' serves up lots for us to talk about. We touch on the dichotomy of drive vs. desperation that comes up many times with several different characters. We look at the significance of the weaving together of the musical numbers and how that is echoed in the narratives of real life. We discuss the value of the people in our life who antagonize us in healthy ways, and what the modern equivalent of a duel might be. And of course, we aren't shy about picking favorites when it comes to scenes!

Episode 29 | The Value of Favorites: Movies & Beyond

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Join us for this special episode where we depart from our usual single-movie discussion, and instead explore a movie-related topic: The Value of Favorites.

This very podcast came about because Jessica and Gabi began sharing their favorite movies with each other. So, we have first hand experience with the connection that can happen when we let other people in on the things that we love most. We talk about the vulnerability of opening up, how a conversation about movies can stay surface-level or go deep, how picking favorites in movies and other categories can be a catalyst for self-knowledge, and much more!

Episode 28 | Inside Out (2015)

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Was this movie MADE for life coaches? Maybe! The movie for this episode is one of Jessica's picks, but it's beloved by both of our hosts: 'Inside Out' (2015). This Disney offering is unique among other animated films in its class. It takes the audience inside (literally) the mind of 11-year-old Riley who is about to move from Minnesota to San Francisco, leaving behind the only life she has ever known. At the control panel of her mind are five emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. As Riley navigates the massive shift of moving to a new place, we see how her emotions (and ours, by extension) each play a crucial role.

We laugh, we cry, and we dive deep into the richness that this movie offers our human-behavior-obsessed brains. We talk about how our current lens can affect our perspectives of our own pasts, how personality is NOT the person, what 'Inside Out' does really well when it comes to illustrating the THOUGHT-FEELING-ACTION sequence, where it falls short, and what this can teach us about the power we have over our own minds.

Episode 27 | Little Women (1994)

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Have you ever watched a movie and loved it so much that you want to immediately start it again? That's how Gabi and Jessica feel about the subject of this episode: 'Little Women' (1994). In Gabi's humble (or not so humble) opinion, this is the definitive film version of Louisa May Alcott's novel by the same name. Starring a young and energetic Winona Ryder as Jo, alongside a strong cast including Susan Sarandon as Marmee and Christian (Dreamboat) Bale as Laurie, 'Little Women' immerses us in the world of the March family in 1860s Massachusetts, where each sister comes of age, in her own way, and in her own time.

The story centers on Jo, so it's fitting that much of our conversation does as well. We talk about her similarities to Marmee, and how the two characters side by side are an illustration of the difference between responding to circumstances, and reacting to them. We explore how the March family's emphasis on character development plays out in the life of each of the girls, and especially in Jo, for whom loss is a major catalyst as she connects to her own voice and the value of her story. This episode runs a bit longer than our average, but for good reason!

Episode 26 | How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0400

We're Vikings, it's an occupational hazard! In this episode, we're taking on one of Jessica's top ten favorites: 'How to Train Your Dragon' (2010). This charming animated feature boasts a star-studded cast of voices, including Jay Baruchel as the awkward but endearing Hiccup, Gerard Butler as his imposing father Stoick, Craig Ferguson as the hilarious Gobber, and many more. We meet Hiccup in the fictional Viking village of Berk and witness him come of age in a society that expects him to be someone he's not. Through his unlikely companionship with a dragon he names Toothless, Hiccup challenges the generations-old Viking tradition of warring with dragons, and helps to usher in a whole new era for his people.

This movie is rich in themes and we managed to tackle quite a few of them, including the concept of personal "flaws" and how they can put us in a position to solve problems differently. We note how common it is for others to see people who are different as a threat, and that Stoick's relationship with Hiccup is clouded by a lack of connection. As usual, we dive into why our characters do the things that they do, and pay particular attention to the ideas of glory vs. obligation. Stories of triumph show us what's possible, but is it a waste if nothing comes from the risks we take?

Episode 25 | The Movie Characters We'd Want to Be Our Friends

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

TWENTY-FIVE episodes! To celebrate this milestone, we've chosen a special movie-related topic to discuss: The characters we can see ourselves being friends with, and why.

Naturally, we peel back the layers of the concept of true friendship, what it means to be drawn to a person vs. form a meaningful relationship with them, and the criteria we use for seeking out the people who could become part of our village. We imagine ourselves in the company of Lizzie Bennet, Jo March, Sherlock Holmes, and others, and let the conversation take us to some deep places in true life coach form.

We appreciate those of you who have been with us since the first episode, and those who have just started tuning in!

Episode 24 | The Holdovers (2023)

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400

A short movie doesn't necessarily mean a shorter discussion! We ended up recording this episode in two parts and combining them into one longer episode because we had SO MUCH to talk about. Join us as we wander through the humor, tenderness, and richness of 'The Holdovers' (2023), starring Paul Giamatti as the prickly teacher Mr. Hunham, Dominic Sessa as Hunham's complex student Angus, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Mary, the grief-stricken yet compassionate cook at Barton, an elite Massachusetts boarding school in 1970.

Gabi is particularly taken with the character of Mary as she brings to life the dynamic nature of acute grief. We talk about Mary's grace as she moves through the stages of grief, engaging with them in ways that are sometimes hard to watch. All of the lead characters are living the purgatorial paradox of being exactly where they need to be, but actively growing and shifting into what life is calling them to. Through their very human imperfections, they remind us that our "flaws" might be exactly what we need, for ourselves and to be there for others. 'The Holdovers' is an invitation to witness how human connection can help us do hard things.

Book: 'On Grief and Grieving' by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross M.D. & David Kessler

Episode 23 | Barbie (2023)

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

We're excited to bring you the second half of our Barbenheimer series! In this episode, we're tackling another movie that took the world by storm last summer: 'Barbie' (2023). Director Greta Gerwig helms this funny and surprisingly introspective film about the doll that was a hot pink sensation during Jessica and Gabi's childhoods. With Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the roles of Stereotypical Barbie and Beach Ken, the audience takes a nostalgic ride through Barbieland, where everything is perfect. Or is it?

We'd probably need several episodes to get through all of the themes that this movie brought up for us, but we do manage to dig into some big ones. We talk about balance as something we constantly pursue, rather than as a destination where we land. We explore the idea of tension between the world that is and what it "should" be. We examine power in its different forms, and what it means to really effect change. We also go into what we think this movie got wrong, where it went too far, and where it didn't go far enough.

Episode 22 | Oppenheimer (2023)

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 19:00:00 -0400

We're back with a bang (heehee) after resolving some technical issues, and in this episode, we're talking about 'Oppenheimer' (2023)! This film swept the recent Academy Awards and stars Cillian Murphy in the title role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the inventor of the atomic bomb. We watch his rise from theoretical physicist to national hero, followed by his fall from grace in the eyes of the government that sees his warnings about the unleashing of atomic energy as a form of disloyalty.

This movie gives us so much to talk about and we could honestly do several episodes about it before we run out of things to discuss, but the big themes that we tackle include our unexpected sympathy for the "villain" Lewis Strauss, and how human nature tends to write off complicated people (of whom there are MANY in 'Oppenheimer'). We look at the recurrent theme of theory vs. practice and what it means to be open to having our ideas changed, especially in a society that has very little tolerance for those kinds of shifts. We also dive into the interplay between collaboration and compartmentalization and what that tells us about the nature of trust, and the vulnerability that goes hand in hand with allowing people to bring their best work to the table.

Episode 21 | Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 01:00:00 -0500

For this episode, it's Jessica's pick! And she chose Guy Ritchie's witty romp, 'Sherlock Holmes' (2009). This adaptation stars Robert Downey Jr. in the title role with Jude Law as Watson. Rachel McAdams plays Sherlock's nemesis/love interest Irene Adler, and Mark Strong is the mysterious villain, Lord Blackwood.

Sherlock himself gives us so much to talk about as we examine his selfishness and narcissism that exists alongside his genuine care for Watson and love for Irene. This movie is full of witty humor, which requires the ability to think ahead in order to work. We look at Sherlock's extreme swings from motivated to stagnant and find lots of life coaching goodies. Sherlock Holmes may be a brilliant detective, but can he solve himself?

Episode 20 | How Movies Change Lives and the Ones that Changed Ours

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

We're celebrating our TWENTIETH episode! And to mark the occasion, we're departing from our usual format of talking about a single movie, and instead, we're diving deep into the topic of how movies change lives (and which movies changed ours).

Join us as we present a rather eclectic list of films, some of which we've featured on the podcast before, and many of which we'd love to talk about in the future!

Last but not least, we want to make sure we plug social skills coach Cole Jennette. Check out his Instagram!

Episode 19 | Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

"May the force be with us." It's a Star Wars episode! But don't panic, we promise you don't have to be a fan or even very familiar with the Star Wars universe to get invested in this movie. Jessica can vouch for that! We're discussing 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' (2016), the tale of a young woman named Jyn Erso who has dissociated herself from the battle between the Empire and the Rebellion. However, she finds herself being asked to assist the Rebellion in exchange for her freedom, and in the process, she discovers connection, purpose, and meaning, and channels it into the seemingly impossible quest of stealing the Empire's plans for the Death Star, a weapon that can wipe out entire planets and would signal the end of the Rebellion.

There is so much rich coaching material in this movie that it's hard for us to keep up with our thoughts! The characters of Jyn and Cassian (her new teammate in the Rebellion) showcase two very different responses to loss and trauma: bitterness and distance vs. a drive to find meaning and do something. We talk about meaning in the context of challenging circumstances. Do bad things happen for a reason? Is it up to us to create meaning, or is it always there?

Episode 18 | Return to Snowy River (1988)

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 01:00:00 -0500

It's so much fun when we tackle a movie that's a favorite for one or both of us! This time, it's one of Jessica's: 'Return to Snowy River' (1988). As promised, however, we do wrap up our discussion on 'Singles' (1992) since we couldn't bear to leave so much unsaid. 'Return to Snowy River' is the sequel to 'The Man from Snowy River', and is set in the stunning hill country of Australia in the late 1800s. The plot follows a dispute between landowners and weaves together a captivating love story against a backdrop of rapidly changing times.

The lead character, Jim Craig, gives us several examples of "showing" vs. simply "telling", as a very effective and memorable way to make a point. We dig into the prevalent theme of the us vs. them mentality, and how fear and judgment of others can turn into contempt. We touch on the dangers of oversimplification when it comes to our perception of other people. Can a person really be just one "type" of person? This film also showcases different kinds of pride, and reminds us that, if we're looking for meaning in life and in our circumstances, it has to be larger than the moment we're in.

Episode 17 | Singles (1992)

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500

We're back with our first episode of 2024! This time, Gabi has reached deep into the vault of her long-time favorite movies and pulled out 'Singles' (1992), a quirky and somewhat obscure romantic comedy set in grunge-era Seattle. In all of its early-90s glory, 'Singles' tells the story of five twenty-somethings who are navigating the period of tension between settling into their adult lives and looking for their next adventure: love.

Full of memorable one-liners and endearing moments, 'Singles' invites us to explore the very human tendency to keep moving forward and not stay still. The independence and rhythm that each of these characters have found in these years following college are proving to be more of a springboard than a landing spot. In different ways, they come to realize that they aren't meant to be alone, but the road to lasting love is quite different than what they pictured.

Episode 16 | Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500

It's our last episode of 2023! And it's a fun one...but aren't they all? Come with us as we peel back the layers of a movie that goes surprisingly deep, considering that its target audience is children and 'Shrek' universe afficionados. We're talking about 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' (2022), featuring Antonio Banderas voicing the title character. In this animated romp, Puss in Boots comes face to face with death (literally) when he learns that he is on the very last of his nine lives. Death is in the form of a Big Bad Wolf, and Puss is most certainly afraid of him, to the point that he'll accept a life of monotony and mediocrity just to keep him away, and take on one final and very dangerous quest for the chance of outsmarting death for good.

We talk about the human relationship to both life AND death, and the importance of connecting to our big why as an antidote to the paralyzing fear of our own mortality. We examine the effect that the awareness or closeness of death can lead to a person feeling more alive than they ever have before. Inspired by the various characters who are also seeking the wish in order to change their lives, we discuss the possibility that comes with believing that you have everything you need.

Episode 15 | A Discussion on Entering Movie Universes

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Instead of tackling a single movie in this episode, we're trying something new! Join us as we take turns answering the question: If you could enter the universe of a particular movie, which one would it be, and why?

Right off the bat, we are pleasantly surprised to learn that we chose the same three movies to answer this question! We talk about our relationship with our unique talents and skills and how we find ourselves wishing for the magical abilities found in fantasy films. This leads us to a deeper discussion about the importance of our mindset when it comes to who we are, and what it might look like to take a step out of our long-held beliefs about ourselves and our lives in order to gain a new perspective. We touch on the nature of heroism, particularly the fact that, in the stories we love, it doesn't require our central characters to abandon their nature and become someone, or something, else. The same goes for us in our own lives: Transformation doesn't mean becoming someone completely different. Perhaps it's about the story that we are being invited to tell.

Episode 14 | Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Join us as we chat about one of Gabi's all-time favorite movies: 'Silver Linings Playbook' (2012), starring Bradley Cooper as Pat, a young man who is trying to find his feet after coming home from an extended stay at a mental institution. Pat is laser focused on trying to win back his estranged wife, Nicki, when it's obvious to his friends and family (and us) that the ship has sailed. Pat meets Tiffany, a young widow played by Jennifer Lawrence, who has more in common with Pat than he'd like to admit, and her indelicate honesty may hold the key to helping Pat let go of his old life and embrace the future.

This film is a real balance of comedy and depth, full of lines that make us laugh out loud, as well as profound lessons for all of us, but especially those who are going through major life changes. We discuss the palpable tension between holding on and letting go, the vulnerability of sharing yourself with a person who has the power to reject you, and the life-changing effects of self-acceptance, not only on how we perceive ourselves, but also on our ability to meet other people where they are.

Episode 13 | Inception (2010)

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we're taking on one of the more "brainy" movies on our list of shared favorites: 'Inception' (2010). With Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role and a truly memorable supporting cast (hello, Tom Hardy!), we are presented with the futuristic concept of dream-sharing, where highly skilled "extractors" like DiCaprio's Dom Cobb can enter someone's mind and steal their ideas. Things take a turn when Dom is challenged to perform "inception", or planting an idea in a person's mind in order to bring about a certain outcome.

While 'Inception' is decisively sci-fi, its themes are grounded in the real world, and are especially relevant to life coaching. The film begs the question: Where do our ideas really come from? We talk about the defensive role that our subconscious can take when we encounter new concepts and challenges to our long-held beliefs. And while dream-sharing isn't a reality for us (yet!), the coaching process is remarkably similar, since we, as life coaches, can be the architects of hypothetical scenarios that we invite our clients to populate as they're working to gain clarity.

Episode 12 | Up in the Air (2009)

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

What's in your backpack? In this episode, we tackle a movie from Gabi's list that feels like it was made for life coaches to talk about: 'Up in the Air' (2009). Made during the height of the economic downturn in the mid-aughts, this is the story of Ryan Bingham, a blunt yet endearing commitment-phobe whose job entails flying all over the United States to fire people. In the role of Ryan, George Clooney gives us an intimate portrait of a man who feels most at home when he's not at home, and in the course of the film, is forced to confront and reconsider the philosophies that have shaped his chosen lifestyle.

As coaches, we're experts at helping our clients get to the root of why they do what they do so that they can implement lasting, values-driven change. We talk about Ryan Bingham's apparent lack of a why, and we segue into a broader discussion about what it takes for us to stick our necks out and attempt something way outside our comfort zone. We touch on the pitfalls of self-fulfilling prophecies and the escapism mentality, and what needs to happen in our minds for us to reconsider and even reverse long-held beliefs.

Episode 11 | Frozen (2013)

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Aaaaand...we're back! After a few weeks' break during which Gabi added baby number three to her family and Jessica launched an amazing new group program, we've dusted off our mics to discuss Disney's 'Frozen' (2013). Gorgeously animated and full of musical numbers that don't need to slap as hard as they do, 'Frozen' might be written off by many as being just another Disney princess flick, but it's brimming with subject matter that's surprisingly deep.

Paradox abounds in this story of two sisters who love each other deeply, but need to learn to act from a place of love and compassion rather than a place of fear, anger, desperation, and naiveté. We talk about the importance of stepping away in order to regroup, but also how vital it is to have a plan of return, because we are made for connection. And of course, we share our favorite Olaf moments, because how could we not?

Oh, and since we're freshly back after a break, Gabi left her opening blooper in for your listening pleasure. You're welcome.

Quick Update: We're Taking a Short Break!

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We're taking a short break from recording, but for a good reason! Gabi is getting ready to have her 3rd baby, and Jessica is working on the launch of her new group program. We can't wait to start recording again soon and dive into all the movies we're so excited to talk about.

Episode 10 | Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 01:00:00 -0400

Our movie for this episode is 'Stranger Than Fiction' (2006), which comes from Jessica's list of favorites and might even be in her top three! This is the ultimate "meta" movie, and it's chock full of themes and topics that we life coaches LOVE to talk about. Will Ferrell blends his comedic charm with remarkable tenderness for the lead role of Harold Crick, an IRS agent whose life story is being written by an author (Emma Thompson) who lives in the same city.

This movie is full of charm, but that doesn't mask the gravity of its subject matter. Harold learns through the author's voice in his head that he's going to die...imminently. What we witness is a man facing his own mortality, and as a result, coming to life. We talk about what it means to find meaning in life (and in death), which prompts Gabi to mention one of her favorite books of all time as a companion to this film: 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl. We talk about the impact of facing and embracing our mortality, and how confronting our limitations as mortal beings is a way for us to step into power and have a hand in writing our own story.

Episode 9 | Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0400

This episode features a movie from Gabi's list: 'Bend It Like Beckham' (2002)! This film was an unexpected sensation when it was released, likely due to a combination of David Beckham's appeal and the fact that director Gurinder Chadha's passion and connection to the subject matter is very much on display. Everyone involved in this movie seems to be having fun, and the result is a sweet, unassuming, heartwarming, yet very memorable story.

We cover lots of themes in this episode, including the impact of using deception as a tool to get what you want (and how it almost always implodes), the idea of our dreams and obligations being mutually exclusive, the meaning that parents tend to attach to their children's choices, and the amazing effect that openness can have on our ability to be receptive and learn new things.

Episode 8 | A Knight's Tale (2001)

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 01:00:00 -0400

My lords! My ladies! And...all you other people! In this episode, we're talking about a movie that we both love: 'A Knight's Tale' (2001) starring a fresh-faced Heath Ledger at the launch of his amazing (and all too short) career, alongside Paul Bettany in what could be considered his breakout role.

Even though this movie doesn't take itself very seriously, it gives us a LOT to talk about. We discuss William Thatcher's (Heath Ledger) willingness to stare conventions in the face and pick and choose which rules to follow so that he has a chance at becoming a knight, despite having been born a lowly son of a thatcher in the slums outside London. We explore the power of belief, whether we hold certain beliefs for our whole lives or just try them on for a bit to see how they impact our feelings and actions. Do you believe you can change your stars? What are you willing to risk to make your dream come true?

Episode 7 | Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This episode features a movie that has ranked high on Gabi's list of favorites ever since its theatrical release: 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World' (2003), starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany along with an incredible supporting cast. Jessica brings fresh eyes to this 20-year-old film after watching it for the very first time!

There's so much to say about this movie due to the richness of the plot and its fast pace that artfully weaves exposition into the action, so you learn a whole lot without having to be told a whole lot. We explore the themes of leadership that teeters on the brink of tyranny, how courage isn't defined by the absence of fear, and how a film with no female actors still manages to honor the importance of the feminine.

Episode 6 | Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This episode, we tackle a movie that we both love, but ranks very high on Jessica's list of all-time favorites: 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005). Yes, the one with Keira Knightley in the role of Lizzie Bennet, creating palpable chemistry opposite Matthew Macfadyen in the role of Mr. Darcy.

Prompted by the culture of upper class England in the early 1800s, we explore a question that touches every character in the film: What is the role of obligation in the major decisions we make? With commitments to our faith and families, how do we reconcile the presence of certain "rules" while acting in alignment with our own values? What is the difference between "I have to" and "I want to"? We also take a closer look at a couple of characters who are easy to brush off at first glance. Jane Austen's rich character development is a goldmine for life coaches!

Episode 5 | Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In a departure from our historical-action-adventure kick, in this episode we're talking about a movie that Gabi has loved for years, but Jessica hasn't seen (until now!): Woody Allen's 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2008). Loosely categorized as a romantic comedy, this film features Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson in the title roles, with Javier Bardem and an absolutely unforgettable Penelope Cruz.

This film kindles what we both agree is the most fun episode we've done so far, prompting us to explore the topics of humor, confirmation bias, and what it's like to be life coaches watching a movie where the characters come SO CLOSE to having a personal breakthrough, but decide to retreat to the safety of what they already know.

Episode 4 | The Three Musketeers (1993)

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

All for one, and one for all! In this episode we're talking about Disney's rendition of The Three Musketeers (1993) starring Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Oliver Platt, and a young wide-eyed Chris O'Donnell, banding together against Tim Curry's nefarious Cardinal Richelieu and his plans to betray the king of France. We discuss the theme of innocence versus cynicism both throughout this film and in our own society, and the way that innocent, earnest people are so often underestimated or written off as having nothing of value to teach us. We see innocence and vulnerability open doors in the course of this movie and reflect on how it's had the same effect in our lives.

And of course, no discussion of 'The Three Musketeers' would be complete without the immortal and philosophical question: "Which Musketeer are you?"

Episode 3 | Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400

Archery, swordfights, and Alan Rickman, oh my! In this episode, we tackle what might be Gabi's favorite movie of all time: 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' (1991). Gabi goes full nerd, and we both fangirl over Alan Rickman for the second episode in a row (because how could we NOT).

It's no surprise that it's Alan Rickman's portrayal of the reprehensible Sheriff of Nottingham that drives our discussion about what makes a villain someone who we love to hate. Do we write villains off as inherently bad, or do we let ourselves be curious about their history? We also get a bit meta in this episode, diving into the actual production of this film and the lessons we can take and apply to our own lives, like taking the script we've been handed and choosing to rewrite it, starting things before we feel ready, and charging ahead instead of getting stuck in analysis paralysis.

Episode 2 | Quigley Down Under (1990)

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 01:00:00 -0400

We talk about a movie that's at the very top of Jessica's list of favorites: 'Quigley Down Under' (1990). It's no wonder this movie gets a top spot. It features the unflappable Tom Selleck in the leading role, opposite Alan Rickman in his element playing the despicable villain.

We go deep on topics like what it means to be one of the true "good guys" and the importance of second chances and a shot at redemption in a society that has forgotten how to make room for the complexities of individual human beings and their experiences.

Episode 1 | Introductions & What Movies Mean to Us

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the very first episode of Life Coaches Talk Movies! Jessica and Gabi take a moment to introduce themselves and talk about where this podcast idea got started, and what movies mean to them.