An examination of classic tropes and iconic characters pits connoisseur against cynic—one romantic comedy at a time. The cinematic world of love and laughter had rom-com enthusiast Madison head over heels from the time Harry met Sally. For genre skeptic Chelsea, however, it’s been a grueling enemies-to-lovers plot. In Love at First Screening, Madison introduces Chelsea to all the fan-favorite love stories she’s never wanted to watch. One friend’s passion might be the other’s displeasure, but doesn’t love conquer all? Tune in every Wednesday to find out.
There’s a chill in the air, like a shiver down your spine. Something wicked (Heart Eyes, 2025) this way comes and it isn’t only the creepy time of year. Don’t look behind you, keep away from that spooky closet, and whatever you do, don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Heart Eyes Killer on the loose. This week, our hosts venture into the unknown of slasher flicks– but don’t worry, love is never far away. We’ve been known to watc...
This week, our cohosts turn the dial to "max bronze", giving a real jolt to this spooky season as they discuss Lisa Frankenstein (2024), directed by Zelda Williams and written by Diablo Cody. Chelsea and Madison love an unnamed creature who doesn't speak, and wish some critics, who condemned the film for stitching together too many genres, had taken note. Starring Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Liza Soberano, and Carl ...
Okay, picture me this: you're a resident-- wait no, now attending-- physician run off her feet and your sister insists you come to dinner at her house for a blind date. On your way, you get in a wreck that leaves you in a coma, but he was going to ghost you anyway. What do you do, but one up him and literally ghost him. Hot girl shit. Anyway, that's the plot of 2005's Just Like Heaven with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruf...
In the season seven premiere, our hosts crack open a classic literature adaptation at the request of a LAFSter with Autumn de Wilde's Emma (2020). Madison swoons over this Regency-era friends-to-lovers tale, and Chelsea wonders whether the filmmakers intended to produce such a glaringly gay story. Amidst their appreciation for this movie's humor and memorable performances from Anya Taylor-Joy, Mia Goth, and Bill Nighy, our ...
For your season 6 bonus episode, Chelsea and Madison have dusted off their English degrees and learned how to read (again) to discuss Allison Raskin's debut novel, Save the Date.
After Emma's fiancé unexpectedly calls off the engagement, months before the wedding, Emma is left high and dry with a stack of non-refundable wedding deposits. Solution? Save her wedding date and find a new groom! This is certainly not your averag...
In the season six finale, our hosts are joined by special guest Savannah to discuss the high-camp sapphic spy spoof D.E.B.S. (2004). Listen in as they discuss peak 2000s-era fashion trends, terrible special effects, and the magic of queer camp culture. Starring Amy Foster and Jordana Brewster — with memorable appearances from Holland Taylor, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Jimmi Simpson — this hilarious romp proves that while you should...
The best (worst) episodes always start with a notes app apology from Madison trying to defend her decision to torture herself and Chelsea (and potentially you, dear listener) with a movie no one asked for. This week, our hosts survived watching 1996's "romantic comedy" Jerry Maguire. This movie can't pick a struggle (Tom Cruise, scattered plot, no romance), but by God it can pick a blessing: Regina King. Don't...
In this week's Cynic's Choice episode, our hosts brave the epic highs and lows of one Christian high school's evangelical battle with teen pregnancy and homosexuality as they discuss the biting satire Saved! (2004). After Chelsea pulls Madison away from a sermon on her personal lord and savior, Julien Baker, the duo launches head on into a discussion of this hilarious comedy's criticism of evangelical Christianity.
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This week, Madison reports to us live from the bottom of a well while waiting for Lassie (at least that's what we assume by the horrendous quality of her audio--truly sorry!) to bring Chelsea the fabulous Sandy B flick While You Were Sleeping (1995). Chelsea surprised us all by actually enjoying the quirky movie, finding the found family story heartwarming despite the odd circumstances that create it. Tangents include peeing in...
This week, we once again question-- is this movie only fine because of the cast? Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. save a moderately horrible script for Only You (1994). Listen as our hosts demand justice for Bonnie Hunt, try to remember the infamous name of the film (David? Damon?) and propose ways that this movie could have been changed to make it far more enjoyable. Also, can someone please confirm what happened to the podiatri...
This week, we hope you have a box of tissues handy, because here come the waterworks and the epic highs and lows of Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). After a brief contemplation on whether Madison's one-eyed step-cat can wink, our hosts make a mad dash to the chapel alongside a star-studded cast including Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, John Hannah, Rowan Atkinson, and even more "Oh, wait, I know them!"-Brits. Between ...
This week our usual and only host, Marissa, graciously invites Chelsea and Madison on to have a thoughtful and intellectual discussion about the 1952 American musical romantic comedy (?) Singin' in the Rain. Marissa guides our guests through the plot, history, and fun facts of this comedic romp, exploring the pitfalls and follies that accompanied the transition from silent films to talkies. Is it a rom com? Ehhhh. Is it a fabul...
This week, the pod dives into the best Drew Barrymore-Adam Sandler flick of all time, The Wedding Singer (1998). After the show's impromptu hiatus (thank you, LAFSters, for your patience!), has Madison finally picked her first rom com of the season? Either way, Chelsea has a bone to pick with Barrymore and stands firm that Sandler is not the comedic genius Hollywood seems to think he is. Plus both our hosts have questions about...
It's Cynic's Choice, baby! Chelsea reminds us all what this podcast is truly about-- romantic comedies and queer love. Listen in as our hosts discuss the high camp of But I'm A Cheerleader. Listen as they discuss gender as a performance, how Natasha Lyonne should never again play a straight character, and how brilliant satire like this handles heavy topics like conversion therapy so deftly.
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This week, our hosts travel back to 1960 after a brief stop at a soon-to-be divorcee's 25-year high school reunion in Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), starring Kathleen Turner and Nicolas Cage. While Chelsea and Madison's conversations about family, second-wave feminism, and meaningful character development remind us that this podcast still has a pulse, our hosts agree the film itself was dead on arrival.
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This week, our hosts take on a well-lauded movie in the romantic (comedy?) genre, Sleepless in Seattle. While Chelsea would have rather watched paint dry, Madison defends the merit of the movie-- even if she doesn't buy into the concept that this movie is romantic, nor comedic. Would this be a thriller with a different lens and music? Does that poor child actor need therapy? Does Tom Hanks? Why did Rita Wilson play his sister in th...
In the season six premiere, our hosts prepare to joust over the not-so-romantic comedy A Knight's Tale (2001). Madison proclaims she has finally broken the season premiere curse, but Chelsea thinks her cohost has tampered with the results. Either way, they both agree that people would wage war for the pleasure of Heath Ledger's smile, and Chaucer has never been more accurately portrayed in film. With a stacked cast includin...
CW: moderately explicit sexual content, drinking, and rom coms that actually involve communication.
On this heart-shaped holiday, our hosts invite you to take a drive with them through a nondescript mountain town to a sketchy distillery with three gal pals who take a trip that changes their friendship dynamic forever (possibly for the better).
Mads drives Chelsea and you, dear listener, through a tale of unrequited pining, one-bed s...
In their highly-anticipated Rom Com Respawn bonus episode, our hosts spend the evening with Ben Stiller and a menagerie of animated historical figures as they try to play matchmaker with Night at the Museum (2006). Chelsea supports the efforts of the National Wildlife Research Center to eliminate rabies in raccoons by 2053. Timothée Chalamet joins the ranks of Madison's celebrity nemeses. And amidst other tangents on child stardom,...
Get cozy this holiday season with a toasty drink of your choice in a well-loved mug and crack open a feel good rom com. Which one should you read? Obviously one of the best sapphic Christmas novels out there-- Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun! Ever since our hosts read this last year, they knew it had to be discussed on the podcast. Now, that dream is reality! Chelsea and Madison discuss themes of honesty, communication, and ...
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On Health Stuff, hosts Dr. Priyanka Wali and comedian Hari Kondabolu tackle all the health questions that keep you up at night with hilarity and humanity. Together they demystify the flashy trends, and keep you informed on the latest research. You can rely on Health Stuff to bring you real, uninhibited, and thoughtful health talk of the highest caliber, and a healthy dose of humor.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!