In this episode of the Wicked Indulgence podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of Valentine's Day, exploring its traditions, popular gifts, and the cultural significance behind them. I, Jessica, along with my co-host Kevin, kick off the conversation with some surprising statistics about the holiday, including the staggering number of roses grown for the occasion—over 250 million! Kevin shares his hot take on roses, likening them to diamonds in terms of their perceived value, while I introduce the most popular Valentine's gift: chocolate. We discuss the history of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, dating back to 1861, and the staggering amount of chocolate consumed during this time.

As we transition into the topic of Valentine's Day-themed candies, we reminisce about the chalky conversation hearts that originated as medical lozenges. This leads us to a nostalgic discussion about our childhood experiences with candy and the peculiar tastes of certain sweets, like Necco Wafers.

The episode then shifts focus to the 2010 romantic comedy film "Valentine's Day." We compare it to "Love Actually," arguing that "Valentine's Day" is a more cohesive and enjoyable film with a star-studded cast, including Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel, and Julia Roberts. We appreciate how the film intertwines multiple storylines, each representing different aspects of love, from long-term relationships to the awkwardness of teenage romance.

Throughout our discussion, we critique the film's portrayal of relationships, noting the unrealistic connections between characters in Los Angeles and the lack of traffic on Valentine's Day—a glaring oversight in a city known for its congestion. We also touch on the film's themes of infidelity and the various stages of love, highlighting the importance of communication and honesty in relationships.

As we delve deeper into the film, we explore the dynamics of a two-week relationship depicted in the movie, discussing what constitutes an appropriate way to celebrate Valentine's Day early in a relationship. We emphasize the importance of personalizing the experience based on the partner's interests rather than adhering to traditional expectations.

In a particularly engaging segment, we analyze the character of Anne Hathaway, who works as an adult phone entertainer. We discuss the implications of her job on her budding relationship with Topher Grace's character and how he reacts upon discovering her profession. Kevin and I reflect on the importance of approaching such sensitive topics with curiosity and understanding rather than judgment.

Overall, this episode is a blend of humor, nostalgia, and insightful commentary on love, relationships, and the cultural phenomena surrounding Valentine's Day. We hope our listeners enjoy this exploration of both the holiday and the film, and we encourage everyone to celebrate love in their own unique ways, regardless of their relationship status.

00:00:00 - Valentine's Day Facts
Did you know that over 250 million roses are grown in preparation for Valentine's Day?

00:01:00 - Chocolate vs. Roses
The most popular gift for Valentine's Day is chocolate, not roses.

00:01:45 - Conversation Hearts History
The origin of conversation hearts and their transformation from medical lozenges to candy.

00:02:30 - Nostalgic Candy Memories
Discussion about Necco Wafers and personal anecdotes related to them.

00:04:10 - Introduction to Valentine's Day Movie
Transitioning from Valentine's Day traditions to discussing the movie "Valentine's Day."

00:05:20 - Movie Overview
Overview of the film "Valentine's Day" and its ensemble cast.

00:06:00 - Comparing Rom-Coms
Comparison of "Valentine's Day" to "Love Actually" and its themes.

00:07:00 - Los Angeles Realism
Discussion on the unrealistic connections between characters in the film set in Los Angeles.

00:08:30 - Character Connections
Speculation on the writers' backgrounds influencing character connections in the film.

00:09:30 - Rom-Com Rating
Rating the film "Valentine's Day" as a rom-com and discussing its entertainment value.

00:10:30 - Cast Highlights
Highlighting the star-studded cast and their performances in the film.

00:12:00 - Romantic Expectations
Discussion on romantic expectations and the portrayal of relationships in the film.

00:15:00 - Themes of Love
Exploration of various love themes presented in the movie.

00:20:00 - Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
Advice on appropriate Valentine's Day gifts for new relationships.

00:24:00 - Handling Unorthodox Jobs
Discussion on how to approach a relationship when discovering a partner's unconventional job.

00:30:00 - Curiosity Over Judgment
The importance of curiosity and understanding in relationships rather than jumping to conclusions.

00:50:00 - Final Thoughts on Relationships
Concluding thoughts on navigating relationships and the importance of communication.