Podstruck: A Rom-Com Rewind

CATEGORY: I DO... I THINKContinuing our collection of wedding rom-coms, Podstruck looks back this week at Four Weddings and a Funeral, the Hugh Grant breakout movie that turned him into a romantic comedy star. Mark Vigeant (Dropout, Edinburgh Fringe Fest) joins Chelsea and Elena to debate whether Andie MacDowell brings the heat or is a beautiful ice sculpture, why Cameron Crowe should envy Mike Newell's vignettes, the warm worlds that Richard Curtis writes even if they also have some sexism, what beer douchebags drink in the U.K., the incredible slate of side characters including Rowan Atkinson, how learning sign language can get you laid, and the most heartbreaking part of a truly sob-worthy funeral. It's a classic that absolutely deserves a rewatch. This episode was edited by Nick DukeWatch Mark's Special 'The Best Man Show': https://watch.dropout.tv/videos/mark-vigeant-the-best-man-showFollow Mark Vigeant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_vigeant/Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: I DO... I THINK                                           We continue our bucket of wedding rom-coms with the 1999 Gary Marshall flick, Runaway Bride, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere! Can these two recapture the electricity they had in Pretty Woman? We discuss all of this and more as Chelsea and Elena are joined by their husbands, the Jo(h)ns, to discuss this surprisingly divisive movie. But whatever side of history you land on, there's no denying the impressive supporting cast that includes: Hector Elizondo, Laurie Metcalfe, Joan Cusack, Rita Wilson, Christopher Meloni, Donal Logue and more! So join us as Chelsea questions Richard Gere’s status as a leading man, Elena has the revelation that Rita Wilson is still alive, and Chelsea gets worked up over a shoulder bite reference that never pays off. (And a bit of a hot tip, just let this movie wash over you!)This episode was edited by Nick DukeFollow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: I DO... I THINK                                           This week Podstruck is launching a new collection of wedding rom-coms starting with 27 Dresses! This 2008 romantic comedy starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden asks how a movie about terrible people can be charming and the answer is "Benny And The Jets." We pitch ways that this Aline Brosh McKenna script filled with smart dialogue could have been tightened for clearer plotting and we call out the insane moments like the gentlest car crash on earth and the the confusing racist turn that none of us were looking for. And is $20 a peek a good price for a look at Heigl's heinie? Listen on this long but goofy episode. Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: THOU HADST ME AT GOOD MORROW It’s the 20 year anniversary of She’s The Man and we inadvertently celebrate it this week, rewatching the Amanda Bynes Channing Tatum romp to cap off our Shakespeare collection. Joining us is a team of hilarious screenwriters: Monica Byrnes and Toria Sheffield. Together, we talk about changes from Twelfth Night to She's The Man, why everyone should watch The Hills, that time Elena hung out with Amanda Bynes and saw a certain pop star, and debate whether Channing Tatum smells like salami. Plus we debate whether Amanda's line deliveries are genius or deranged... or both. This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/ Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Listen to Toria's podcast about The Nanny: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oh-mr-sheffield-a-podcast-about-the-nanny/id1562784247Get bonus episodes on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SUBCATEGORY: THOU HADST ME AT GOOD MORROWEnjoy a sneak peak of an episode that is exclusively for our Patreon supporters and if you feel inclined support the making of this podcast visit Patreon.com/PodstruckPod and join to listen to the full episode! Chelsea and Elena take their relationship to the next level as they bond over Elena’s favorite movies of all time: Big Business. This 1988 comedy banger stars Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler as twins who are switched at birth, and move over Mandy Moore cause oh baby is a it a comedic ROMP to remember! This movie is a VERY loose interpretation of Shakespeare's play The Comedy of Errors, and while it may have received terrible grades on the ol' tomatometer do not be fooled, this movie is a GEM! Join us as we talk about the iconic plaza hotel, how we still aren't sure that Kyle MacLachlan isn't in this movie and/or has a secret twin somewhere, how perfect the line "is a frog's ass water tight" is, and why Bette Midler has always been Elena's north star.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: THOU HADST ME AT GOOD MORROWWe continue our Shakespeare collection of rom-coms with Much Ado About Nothing, the 1993 movie starring Emma Thompson, Kenneth Branagh, Robert Sean Leonard, Denzel Washington, Michael Keaton, Keanu Reeves, and Kate Beckinsale! Chelsea and Elena are joined by Broadway star Nik Walker (Hamilton, Spamalot, Masquerade) to discuss what this movie gets right and wrong about performing Shakespeare, the real life drama when Branagh cheated with Helena Bonham Carter, the film's who's who lineup of 90s stars are not acting in the same movie, who we wish would've been cast as Benedick, and why we think Shakespeare miiiight have needed an editor. Plus we argue over Keaton as Dogberry - a delightful big swing or just another Beetlejuice?This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/Follow Nik Walker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkywalks/ Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: THOU HADST ME AT GOOD MORROWThis week we are kicking off our new Shakespeare bucket of rom-coms with the 1999 teen classic, 10 Things I Hate About You starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz, Allison Janney, Gabrielle Union and Andrew Keegan! This movie is a modern reimagining of the classic Shakespeare play The Taming of The Shrew and the writers were inspired to modernize a classic after they saw Clueless and its immense success. We'll discuss how at times this movie feels a bit TOO similar to Clueless, but mostly we rave about the fashion and the immense influence it had on us, the brilliant cast, and how the paddleboat date was perhaps a mis-step. Plus Elena gets sad about the late great Heath Ledger and realizes she's been avoiding this pain for far too long. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Podstruck ventures into virgin territory by going to the movie theater in person and tackling the brand new Emerald Fennell movie Wuthering Heights, the Emily Brontë adaptation starring Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Hong Chau. We discuss how this movie manages to be equal parts putrid and sexy, the opening that made us think of Jon Hamm, why Wuthering Heights makes way more sense with teens, the importance of smell to choosing a partner, whether Nelly loves Cathy or Heathcliff, and Elena teaches Chelsea some new sex slang. It's a jam-packed episode ripped straight from the box office! This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/ Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SUBCATEGORY: CULTURE CLASHTo close up our Culture Clash category we are covering the 2018 summer blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians starring an all star cast including Michelle Yeoh, Constance Wu, Awkwafina, Lisa Lu, Henry Golding, Jimmy O.Yang, Nico Santos, Gemma Chan, Ken Jeong, Sonoya Mizuno, Remy Hii, Fiona Xie, Ronny Chieng, Chris Pang and more! We discuss how Jon M. Chu brought this book series to life on screen by using his signature colorful directorial style, why the food scenes made us drool, and some of the behind the scenes drama and hot goss surrounding the sequel that has yet to see the light of day! We also unpack the film’s biggest themes of extreme wealth, cultural identity, family expectations, and the tension between tradition and modern love all while swooning over leading man, Henry Golding. And a discussion of this movie would not be complete without an analysis of the opulent wedding that left Chelsea ooohing and awwing and Elena sneezing! So buckle up, cause this week we are going to Singapore! This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/ Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE BONUS EPISODEAs an exclusive bonus episode for our Podstruck Patreon subscribers AKA our Meet Cuties, we are talking through rom-com hot takes as submitted by our listeners, the Internet, and sharing a few of our own along the way. It's a debate-filled episode about beautiful dweeby men, Nancy Meyers' kitchens, Rizzo's divorcée vibes, kid side kicks, horny old people, the new podcast Elena wants to start, what incels think about rom-coms, and which actor can actually pull off being an asshole? Check out the first 15 minutes here and get the full episode on our Patreon.To listen to the FULL bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Podstruck celebrates Valentine's Day with another rom-com in our Culture Clash category, this time the 1997 Salma Hayek Matthew Perry movie Fools Rush In. Joining us is Chelsea Devantez (Glamorous Trash, Basic, The Problem with Jon Stewart) who defends this movie with her life, from the Southwest setting to the fact that it's ballsy and progressive for when it was made. She also sheds light on why reading Matthew Perry's memoir will ruin him for you and how this movie was almost derailed by him insisting on doing his own stunt. Plus, Elena tells the story of how following signs changed her life, Chelsea Davison questions whether the WASPy busybody deserved a happy ending too, and we debate whether the Hoover Dam is romantic or a place of death. And it's almost Elena's birthday so go leave us a review to celebrate!This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/ Follow Chelsea Devantez on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseadevantez/Listen to Glamorous Trash's episode on Matthew Perry's Memoir: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matthew-perrys-memoir-friends-lovers-and-the-big/id1533722524?i=1000586679944Listen to Chelsea's previous episode on Podstruck covering Love & Basketball: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/love-basketball-courting-on-the-court-with/id1770187159?i=1000684995161 Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/ Follow Podstruck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcast Join our Patreon and get Meet Cutie Perks: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the pod we launch a new collection of romantic comedies that involve people falling in love despite a culture clash with a box office banger, My Big Fat Greek Wedding! Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Gia Carides, Andrea Martin and even *NSYNC star, Joey Fatone! We discuss why despite this movie lacking conflict and a typical movie structure, it still works and is just a delight! Plus stories about forcing Nia Vardalos to hang out with you at a WGA event, grandmas showing their butts and mom showing off their nudes! Whew! It's a doozy. So get out your Windex, and Moussaka and get ready to fall in love with a Big Fat Greek Family, cause we sure did!Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're popping our TV show cherry this week with the HBO hockey sensation Heated Rivalry. Elena and Chelsea talk about why this gay sports love story has taken the world by storm, including Connor Storrie's ability to learn Russian, Hudson Williams' ability to communicate the book's inner monologue on his face, and all of the incredibly hot butts. Plus we discuss the parallels between this show and The Cutting Edge, the classic rom-com enemies to lovers trope and how it's used here, the music drops we loved and hated, which actor in the series might have been miscast, and finally how a pair of socks made Chelsea cry.Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Get bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our final episode of the subcategory "Rom-Com Icons" and we're covering the Frank Capra movie that swept at The Oscars, It Happened One Night, starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. And we are joined by our editor Nick Duke (Cinestory Writing Fellow, Second round at the Austin Film Festival, and a Screencraft Fellow) to break down what parts of this pre-Code Hollywood rom-com still work and what parts don't. Hint: it has to do with smacking the leading lady! We also discuss if Steve Buscemi is Clark Gable's doppelgänger, why It Happened One Night only happened because of a series of happy accidents, and why rom-coms don't sweep at the Oscars anymore!This episode was edited by Nick Duke who was also our guest!: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/ Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Follow Podstruck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and get Meet Cutie Perks: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE BONUS EPISODEAs an exclusive bonus episode for our Podstruck Patreon subscribers AKA our Meet Cuties we are covering the BRAND NEW Netflix movie People We Meet On Vacation based on the book by Emily Henry. We dish on all the major changes from the book to the movie, we explain why Emily Bader might be the next Julia Roberts, we talk about the pros and cons of road tripping and drug tripping alone, and we explain what Lukas Gage and Meryl Streep have in common. And it turns out maybe anyone can run? And did you know babies start off life NAKED? Lots to unpack in this travel-focused episode all about an adorable new rom-com.To listen to the FULL bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Podstruck continues the Rom-Com Icons collection of pioneering romance films with The Philadelphia Story. Ben Joseph (Dropout) and Ellie Race-Moore (Dropout) join Chelsea to talk about this Katharine Hepburn / Cary Grant / James Stewart classic about multiple men falling in love with a Philadelphia heiress. We dish on how this movie came together due to the power and vision of Hepburn, why the side character Liz played by Ruth Hussey stole our hearts, and the fact that hats are apparently the cool girl accessory for 2026. Plus this movie has what no others do: a dedicated pinch-cam.Video Visions Show Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visions_video/?hl=enFollow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy new year to the Podstruck community! This week we’re kicking off 2026 with our Rom-Com Icons category - beginning with a classic romantic comedy from 1960: Billy Wilder’s The Apartment. This movie stars Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray, and was nominated for TEN Oscars though only won a measly five, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay, proving that rom-coms CAN be respected by critics - who knew?! And joining us today is legendary comedian, actor, writer and producer Dana Gould (The Simpsons, Hanging With Dr. Z, Ted, the voice of Gex the Gecko and so so much more)! Dana brings his razor-sharp wit, his incredible impressions and deep love of classic films to the conversation. Together, we unpack how affairs were common place in the '60's, why women would be forced to put up with it, and discuss the genre gumbo that is The Apartment! Is it a comedy? Is it a tragedy? Is it just a work place harassment video in the guise of a rom-com?! Let's find out! Plus: martinis at any time of day, burlesque dancing at a workplace Christmas party, and the genius use of forced perspective by Billy Wilder. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of classic Hollywood, a rom-com GEEK like us, or just discovering The Apartment for the first time, this episode is a must-listen.This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/ Follow Dana Gould on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danagouldCheck out Dana's podcast The Dana Gould Hour: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dana-gould-hour/id499464663Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Follow Podstruck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and get Meet Cutie Perks: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: HORNIER FOR THE HOLIDAYSFor our final holiday movie of the year, Chelsea is joined by returning guests Catherine McCafferty & Margaret Kaminski to discuss 'Happiest Season,' the Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis queer rom-com from 2020. It's a romance that has us screaming RUN, but then we stay for the side characters who we can't get enough of. And we ask whether there was a version of this movie that ended with a love story with Aubrey Plaza. Thanks for listening to Podstruck throughout 2025 and cheers to a 2026 full of movies and love!This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/ Follow Catherine McCafferty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine_mccaffFollow Margaret Kaminski on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyfantastique/Subscribe to Catherine's show Pretty Gay: https://www.patreon.com/PrettyGay       Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Follow Podstruck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and get Meet Cutie Perks: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: HORNIER FOR THE HOLIDAYSToday Elena and Chelsea rewatch the Will Ferrell holiday favorite 'Elf,' which is only a little bit of a rom-com but that's probably for the best. Joining the Podstruck hosts is Matt Buechele (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) who discusses the appeal of NYC in the fall, the creepy babysitter vibes Zooey Deschanel gives off, the underrated musical score, and why Amy Sedaris declawing cats at camp steals our hearts. Plus - what is a hippie yearbook?This episode was edited by Nick Duke: https://www.instagram.com/n_dukie/Follow Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/Follow Matt on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell?lang=enListen to Matt's music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gFHHF3QyQxjbbKXV3qLu9Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and vote on Meet Cutie Perks: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE BONUS EPISODEAs an exclusive bonus episode for our Podstruck Patreon subscribers AKA our Meet Cuties today we're discussing the Netflix holiday rom-com Love Hard, featuring Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang. Chelsea and Elena dive in to figure out why this 2021 movie feels extremely 2009. Do we love it, hate it, or hate that we could've loved it but only liked it? And how big is Lake Placid really? Impossible to know.To listen to the FULL bonus episode, sign up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.