Podstruck: A Rom-Com Rewind

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.

CATEGORY: HORNIER FOR THE HOLIDAYSWelcome to season 2 of Podstruck! We are kicking things off with The Family Stone, a movie that hits even harder after the passing of Diane Keaton. It's a movie for anyone who loves strata, stress, and a brother/sister swap. Elena and Chelsea debate whether Luke Wilson and Sarah Jessica Parker have chemistry that revs our engines, we shout out Rachel McAdams' various performances as mean girls, and we predict what will happen in The Family Stone sequel which was recently announced.Follow 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.

PATREON EXCLUSIVE PREVIEWToday we are announcing our first annual superlative awards! Who wins the Walter White Award for Insane Chemistry, or the Cold Wet Wipe Award for Least Chemistry? We will let you know! And please chime in and let us know who would win your awards?! Is Uma Thurman's wardrobe in "The Truth About Cats & Dogs" incredible or Amelia Bedelia come to life? What do you think is the best opening of any of the movies we covered this year? We'll cover all of this AND more in this super special episode!Thank you so much for supporting us in our first year of the podcast. We can't wait to be back mid December with our Hornier For The Holidays movies!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: ENGAGED TO THE WRONG DUDEFor our final movie in Season 1 of Podstruck, we're revisiting the Cher and Nic Cage classic, Moonstruck, which just so happens to be our namesake inspiration! Elena and Chelsea are joined by Rose Surnow (Pivoting, Marvel) to talk about how every line in this John Patrick Shanley movie is a masterpiece, why the chemistry makes us feel like there's a furnace in our bakery basement, which actors we felt deserved Oscars and which didn't, and whether we are actually over the moon for the giant moon motif.This week's episode was edited by Nick Duke: @n_dukieFollow Rose Surnow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosesurnow/Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastSupport our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: ENGAGED TO THE WRONG DUDE                                                   This week we cover 'Sleepless in Seattle'! The 1993 Nora Ephron rom-com starring everyone's favorite duo: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan! We discuss the romance of stalking, the rainy charm of Seattle, whether people ate tiramisu in the 90s, what celebrities LOVE Victor Garber, and and whether kids really are the ultimate matchmakers or if Nora is just manipulating our emotions. Plus we'll dig into whether Bill Pullman's character was really that bad, or just a guy with allergies? And we gush over an adorable young Gabby Hoffman and a wry as ever Rosie O'Donnell.     Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and become a Meet Cutie: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod00:00 Introduction to Sleepless in Seattle03:11 Listener Engagement and Movie Recommendations05:52 Exploring the Movie's Themes and Characters08:57 Behind the Scenes: Nora Ephron's Influence11:51 Cultural Context and Reception15:00 Act One Recap36:34 Chemistry Check39:37 Act Two Recap41:05 Is Stalking Romantic?50:52 Relationship Rut or Sweet Spot?54:10 Tiramisu57:03 Ghosty Moments59:49 Judy Greer Award01:01:55 Act Three Recap01:10:04 Binge or Cringe01:15:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: ENGAGED TO THE WRONG DUDEWe're kicking off our new rom-com theme Engaged To The Wrong Dude with the Adam Sandler Drew Barrymore 1998 classic 'The Wedding Singer.' Allie Goertz (Mad Magazine, MST3K) joins us to talk about why we love all the butt grabbing, the pros and cons of blue eye shadow, the insane chemistry between Adam and Drew, feminist Billy Idol, which plot point felt straight out of a porno, and why the goofiness and sweetness of this movie brings us back on board again and again even if a few of the jokes feel dated.  Follow Allie Goertz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliegoertz/Watch the "Ruiner" Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfUTh6ujUZk&list=RDZfUTh6ujUZkFollow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and become a Meet Cutie: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: LOVEY DOVEY TIMEY WIMEYOur final movie in the collection of time travel rom-coms is the 2013 gentle charmer, About Time, starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams. And for this sweet but meandering movie, we're joined by writer and podcaster Jordan Morris (Jordan, Jesse, Go!, Free With Ads, Bubble, Youth Group) who brings up PG-13 Sex Poses, the incredible bargain that is Love Actually, why Rachel McAdams is pretending to be average looking, and asks why Richard Curtis is obsessed with sex workers. Plus we talk about the character that gives us weird chemistry vibes and would stress us out in real life. And... is this movie the prequel to Looper!?This week's episode was edited by Nick Duke: @n_dukieFollow Jordan Morris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordandavidmorris/Listen to Jordan, Jesse, Go!: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/jordan-jesse-go/Listen to Free With Ads: https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/free-with-ads/                           Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and become a Meet Cutie: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE BONUS EPISODEListen to the beginning of an exclusive bonus episode for our Podstruck Patreon subscribers AKA our Meet Cuties covering the 2020 time loop rom-com, Palm Springs. Chelsea and Elena discuss how this Hulu movie builds on Groundhog Day and yet finds ways to make the time loop feel completely fresh. It's a movie jam-packed with synchronized dances, J.K. Simmons hunting a man, dinosaurs, an exploding goat, blue cocaine, and a very compelling romance between Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. 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.

CATEGORY: LOVEY DOVEY TIMEY WIMEYThe time travel rom-coms venture into time loops this week with the groundbreaking philosophical masterpiece, Groundhog Day, a movie that destroyed the friendship of Bill Murray and Harold Ramis but made America fall in love. Chelsea and Elena talk about the days they wish they could repeat forever, whether Ned Ryerson is the Devil and the groundhog is God, how many serial killers are really walking among us, the changes between the movie and the original script by Danny Rubin, and more. Plus Elena makes amends for a celebrity misdeed and Chelsea confesses about creeping on Andie MacDowell's dog. The Podstruck gals get goofy as they talk about one of their all-time films.This week's episode was edited by Nick Duke: @n_dukie                              Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and become a Meet Cutie: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: LOVEY DOVEY TIMEY WIMEYTo kick off our new collection of time travel rom-coms, we're joined by comedian Demi Adejuyigbe (The Good Place, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Gilmore Guys) to cover our third Meg Ryan movie - 'Kate & Leopold.' We rewatch this underrated movie about a Duke in the 1870s (Hugh Jackman) falling through a portal to modern day NYC and finding love, and talk about the bromance between him and Breckin Meyer, whether Harvey Weinstein used a plot point to deflect suspicious from himself, whether Hugh Jackman should've played Mr. Darcy, and what films are secretly rom-coms. Plus... is Meg Ryan in The Matrix? Her wardrobe suggests yes. This week's episode was edited by Nick Duke: @n_dukieFollow Demi Adejuyigbe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electrolemon/                              Follow Podstruck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podstruckpod/Podstruck TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podstruckpodcastCheck out our Patreon and become a Meet Cutie: https://www.patreon.com/c/Podstruckpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CATEGORY: BFFS WHO ARE DTFFor the final rom-com in our friends-to-lovers theme BFF's Who Are DTF, we watch the 2005 Ryan Reynolds, Amy Smart, Anna Faris movie 'Just Friends.' This movie is a throwback to a time where the worst thing that could happen to a guy was getting "friendzoned" since apparently women were only suitable as friends if you got to also have sex with them. But are the characters even friends? Would Chris Klein's serenade actually work on women? Should Anna Faris have been on SNL? Is there a really good movie in here hiding under the layers of the fat suit? We can't help but go deep on this extremely polarizing holiday cult-favorite.Follow 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.

CATEGORY: BFFS WHO ARE DTFThis week we are joined by comedian Alex Song-Xia (The Tonight Show, Rick & Morty, Praise Petey) to cover the next rom-com in our BFFs Who Are DTF bucket, "Always Be My Maybe." This movie has an all-star cast with Ali Wong, Randall Park, Michelle Buteau, and an Oscar worthy cameo by Keanu Reeves! We cover whether Randall Park's character is even worthy of Ali Wong's, the perks of being a latchkey kid, and how de-aging actors is a delicate dance between believability and just making them look like a narc. Plus we'll dive into whether being in your high school band well into your thirties is a good idea or not, why Sasha Tran is opening so many restaurants and how that might not be a good idea in 2019, and debate whether buying all your boyfriend's merch to make him feel better about himself is a good move or not. Join us for a movie that took us on a real rollercoaster of emotions! And yes, Alex did cry!This week's episode was edited by Nick Duke: @n_dukieFollow Alex Song-Xia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexsongxia/                               Follow Alex Song-Xia on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/alexsongxia/Follow 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.