Reel Beans: A Film and Coffee Podcast

Ben Schneider
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  • Film History
  • Updated Weekly

Two passions, one podcast. Join host Benjamin Schneider and a rotating cast of cinephile guests as we pair exceptional films with exceptional coffee—not just by taste, but by theme. Each episode is a masterclass in cinema and craft roasting, exploring the scenes, symbols, and ideas that spark real-world conversations long after the credits roll. From philosophical depth to cultural commentary, we journey through film history one cup at a time, examining stories that challenge, comfort, and inspire. Come for the cinema, stay for the brew. There's always something worth savoring. Sip. Watch. Repeat. RSSVERIFY

  1. Dorothy McGuire Double Feature: Seeing Past the Surface | Gentleman's Agreement & The Enchanted Cottage

    3d ago

    Dorothy McGuire Double Feature: Seeing Past the Surface | Gentleman's Agreement & The Enchanted Cottage

    SHOW NOTES Episode Title: Dorothy McGuire Double Feature: Seeing Past the Surface | Gentleman's Agreement & The Enchanted Cottage Description: What do a journalist pretending to be Jewish and a disfigured war veteran falling in love in a magical cottage have in common? They're both about learning to see what's actually there instead of what we've been taught to see. In this double-feature episode, Ben and returning guest Danielle Aubuchon explore two Dorothy McGuire classics asking the same question: What happens when we're forced to see past the surface? Gentleman's Agreement (1947) confronts antisemitism through a journalist who poses as Jewish to expose "polite" prejudice. The Enchanted Cottage (1945) finds beauty in what society deems "imperfect"—a disfigured veteran and a "plain" woman who see each other clearly for the first time. Both films reveal McGuire's range and her gift for playing characters learning to see clearly—whether recognizing unconscious prejudice or discovering their own worth. We explore silent racism, the glass bottles metaphor, and "nice people" who hate prejudice but won't fight it. Paired with Counter Culture's Hologram blend—a coffee that reveals different flavors depending on how you approach it—this episode asks: What would change if we all just actually SAW each other? sip. watch. repeat. Films Discussed: The Enchanted Cottage (1945) - Dir. John CromwellGentleman's Agreement (1947) - Dir. Elia KazanCoffee Pairing: Counter Culture Coffee - Hologram Blend Guest: Danielle Aubuchon | danielleaubuchon.com Featured Performances: Dorothy McGuire, Gregory Peck, Robert Young, John Garfield, Celeste Holm, Anne Revere, Herbert Marshall, Spring Byington, Mildred Natwick Links: Stream Gentleman's Agreement | https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/gentlemans-agreement Stream The Enchanted Cottage | https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-enchanted-cottage Counter Culture Coffee | https://counterculturecoffee.com Danielle Aubuchon | https://danielleaubuchon.com La Jolla Playhouse (co-founded by McGuire, Peck, Ferrer) | https://lajollaplayhouse.org Dorothy McGuire - TCM | https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/133081 Support Reel Beans: https://reelbeans.com/support | https://buymeacoffee.com/reelbeans | https://reelbeans.com/merch Connect: Instagram: @reel_beans | YouTube: @reelbeans | Website: reelbeans.com

    1h 37m
  2. The Descent (2005) — What Grows in Darkness | Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee

    May 12

    The Descent (2005) — What Grows in Darkness | Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee

    Season 2 kicks off with a descent into darkness. Join Ben Schneider and Kathryn Horan as they explore Neil Marshall's THE DESCENT (2005) — now in Ben's top ten horror films. Six women. One unmapped cave. Creatures that shouldn't exist. And betrayals that cut deeper than any monster ever could. We're pairing this claustrophobic nightmare with Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee, because Kathryn had a brilliant insight: mushrooms literally grow in caves. What starts as a clever connection becomes something deeper as we explore the Finnish WWII origins of mushroom coffee and why Lion's Mane is exactly what you need when the walls close in. In this episode: Why the UK ending hits different (and harder) than the US versionJuno's fatal mistake: when fight or flight goes horribly wrongWhat makes these women work when so many horror characters don'tNeil Marshall's Argento/Fulci influences and how they shape the terrorThe affair subplot you might have missedCave diving as metaphor for confronting truthWhy all-female casts are still revolutionary in horrorThis one's intense, claustrophobic, and earned every scare. Let's descend. sip. watch. repeat. RESOURCES: The Film: The Descent (2005) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486655/ Where to Watch - https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-descent The Director & Influences: Neil Marshall - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Marshall Dario Argento - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dario_Argento Lucio Fulci - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucio_Fulci The Coffee: Four Sigmatic Focus Organic Coffee Latte - https://us.foursigmatic.com/products/focus-organic-coffee-latte Connect with Reel Beans: Website: reelbeans.com Instagram: @reel_beans Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/reelbeans

    46 min
  3. Thelma & Louise (1991) — Freedom Tastes Like the Open Road | Mt. Comfort Coffee Guatemala Blend

    Apr 28

    Thelma & Louise (1991) — Freedom Tastes Like the Open Road | Mt. Comfort Coffee Guatemala Blend

    In the season one finale of Reel Beans, host Ben is joined by returning guest Josh Rozett to celebrate one year of pairing films with coffee. For this milestone episode, Josh shares Ridley Scott's 1991 landmark Thelma & Louise, paired with Mt. Comfort Coffee's Guatemala Blend - a bright, balanced cup that mirrors the film's journey from constraint to freedom. Ben and Josh explore how Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon create one of cinema's most authentic friendships, how Ridley Scott's visual style transforms the Southwest landscape into a character itself, and why the film's refusal to offer easy answers makes it a perfect seasonal closer. From Callie Khouri's Oscar-winning screenplay to that iconic final frame, this conversation examines how Thelma & Louise redefined the road movie by putting two women behind the wheel of their own destiny. The coffee pairing celebrates the heartland craftsmanship of Indianapolis-based Mt. Comfort Coffee, whose Guatemala Blend offers bright citrus and chocolate notes that evolve in the cup - much like the film's deceptively simple setup reveals profound depth. It's the kind of coffee you'd want riding shotgun on a journey toward the horizon. Season one wraps with gratitude for the listeners, supporters, and guests who made this experiment in film-coffee fusion possible. Here's to many more miles ahead. Film: Thelma & Louise (1991) Coffee: Mt. Comfort Coffee Guatemala Blend Guest: Josh Rozett Where to Watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/thelma-and-louise Where to Buy the Coffee: https://mtcomfortcoffee.com | https://www.instacart.com (search "Mt. Comfort Coffee") Episode Links: https://reelbeans.com | https://www.instagram.com/reel_beans | https://www.youtube.com/@reelbeans | https://letterboxd.com/reel_beans | https://rss.com/podcasts/real-beans Support the Show: https://reelbeans.com/merch | https://buymeacoffee.com/reelbeans

    55 min
  4. Laura (1944) & Sitting Pretty (1948) — Celebrating the Brilliant & Biting Clifton Webb | Intelligentsia House Blend

    Apr 14

    Laura (1944) & Sitting Pretty (1948) — Celebrating the Brilliant & Biting Clifton Webb | Intelligentsia House Blend

    Reel Beans — Episode 24 Clifton Webb Tribute: Laura (1944) & Sitting Pretty (1948) | Intelligentsia House Blend Welcome to Hummingbird Hill. This week we are celebrating one of Hollywood's most brilliant and wildly underrated actors — the one, the only, Clifton Webb. Frequent guest Danielle Aubuchon joins us for a tribute episode covering two sides of Webb's genius: the brooding, obsessive Waldo Lydecker in Otto Preminger's noir classic Laura (1944) and the pompous, hilarious, utterly magnificent Mr. Belvedere in Sitting Pretty (1948). Three Oscar nominations. Never won. Still underrated. Still brilliant. Paired with Intelligentsia House Blend — the everyday coffee for a man who was anything but ordinary. sip. watch. repeat. This Week's Guest Danielle Aubuchon | https://www.danielleaubuchon.com/ This Week's Coffee Intelligentsia House Blend | https://www.intelligentsia.com/products/intelligentsia-house-blend Where to Watch Laura (1944) | https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/laura Sitting Pretty (1948) | https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/sitting-pretty Learn More Clifton Webb — Wikipedia | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifton_Webb Clifton Webb — IMDb | https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0916067/ Find Reel Beans Website | https://reelbeans.com | Podcast | https://rss.com/podcasts/real-beans/ | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/reel_beans/ | YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@reelbeans Support the Show Support | https://reelbeans.com/support | Merch | https://reelbeans.com/merch

    1h 25m
  5. The Easter Beagle & Easter Bunny Specials (1974/1977) — Forgotten Holiday Animation | Stumptown Ethiopian Pairing

    Mar 31

    The Easter Beagle & Easter Bunny Specials (1974/1977) — Forgotten Holiday Animation | Stumptown Ethiopian Pairing

    EPISODE 23 - SHOW NOTES Easter Double Feature: The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town & It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown FILMS DISCUSSED: The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town (1977) Rankin/Bass stop-motion special narrated by Fred Astaire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Easter_Bunny_Is_Comin'_to_Town It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974) Peanuts holiday special with music by Vince Guaraldi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_the_Easter_Beagle,_Charlie_Brown COFFEE PAIRING: Purchase: https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/products/ethiopia-mordecofe (Note: Stumptown offers multiple Ethiopian single origins; Guji is available at Whole Foods and other retailers) Stumptown Coffee Roasters Story: https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/pages/our-story RANKIN/BASS EASTER SPECIALS - DEEP DIVE: Rick Goldschmidt's History (Rankin/Bass Historian): https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/1366/easter-bunny-is-coming-to-town-rankin-bass-easter-special/ PEANUTS EASTER BEAGLE - DEEP DIVE: 50th Anniversary Analysis: https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/a-basketful-of-peanuts-the-50th-anniversary-of-its-the-easter-beagle-charlie-brown/ Why It's "Forgotten" Among Peanuts Specials: https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/12559/its-the-easter-beagle-charlie-brown-1974-50-years-peanuts-holiday-specials/ VINCE GUARALDI SOUNDTRACK: Soundtrack Information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_the_Easter_Beagle,_Charlie_Brown_(soundtrack) ETHIOPIA GUJI COFFEE REGION: Guji Coffee Deep Dive: https://www.trabocca.com/coffee-knowledge/origin/guji-coffee/ STREAMING & AVAILABILITY: The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town: Available on various streaming platforms and DVD It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown: Exclusive to Apple TV+ (as of 2021) CONNECT: Website: reelbeans.com Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms

    25 min
  6. Friday the 13th (1980) + Starbucks Via Instant Coffee: Convenience Kills

    Mar 10

    Friday the 13th (1980) + Starbucks Via Instant Coffee: Convenience Kills

    About This Episode Host Ben and guest Kathryn Horan pair the 1980 slasher classic Friday the 13th with Starbucks Via Instant Coffee, joined by Marc Pyskaty, co-host of the Cinescare podcast. They explore why both became massive successes by prioritizing accessibility over sophistication. Featured Guest Marc Pyskaty - Co-host of the Cinescare podcast Cinescare Podcast Resources & Links Watch the Film: Friday the 13th (1980) on AmazonFind on JustWatchTry the Coffee: Starbucks Via on AmazonLearn More: Betsy PalmerHenry ManfrediniTom SaviniKevin BaconInstant Coffee History: USC ScribeNationwide CoffeeEnjoy Better CoffeeConnect with Reel Beans reelbeans.com@reel_beansYouTubeMerchSupport the Show

    1h 15m
  7. Now, Voyager (1942) — Bette Davis, Mental Health & Transformation | Brazil Coffee Pairing

    Feb 17

    Now, Voyager (1942) — Bette Davis, Mental Health & Transformation | Brazil Coffee Pairing

    Reel Beans Episode 21: Now, Voyager (1942) & Brazil Coffee Featuring Danielle Aubuchon Episode Summary In this episode, Ben and Reel Beans staple Danielle Aubuchon dive into the 1942 classic Now, Voyager, starring the incomparable Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale. They explore how the film was remarkably ahead of its time in its frank discussion of mental health, the lasting damage of a domineering parent who never wanted her child, and the complex journey toward independence and self-discovery. From Charlotte's transformation under the care of Dr. Jackwith to her unconventional relationship with Jerry (Paul Henreid), the conversation unpacks the film's emotional depth, iconic scenes, and its bold commentary on what happiness and fulfillment can look like when you stop living by someone else's rules. Much like Charlotte, who needed the right conditions and patience to fully bloom, great coffee follows the same principle — which is why this episode is paired with a rich, smooth Brazil coffee. Key Themes Mental health and the courage to seek helpThe damage of a domineering, possessive parentTransformation, independence, and self-worthUnconventional forms of happiness and loveThe general care of your fellow human beingCostume design as a reflection of character growthCoffee as a metaphor for patience and blooming under the right conditionsWhere to Watch Now, Voyager (1942) is available to stream Coffee Pairing: Brazil Coffee Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, and when given the right care, its beans produce something rich, smooth, and deeply rewarding. Here are some great options to brew along with this episode: Peet's Coffee — BrazilGroundwork Coffee — Black GoldDriven Coffee — Brazilian Coffee OriginsSources & Further Reading Criterion — "Now, Voyager: We Have the Stars"Connect with Reel Beans Website: reelbeans.comSupport the show: reelbeans.com/supportApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeDon't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps us reach more fellow film and coffee lovers! ☕🎬 Sip. Watch. Repeat. Keywords Now Voyager, Bette Davis, mental health, independence, transformation, classic film, Brazil coffee, character analysis, 1940s cinema, emotional journey, film analysis, character development, iconic scenes, classic cinema, romantic films, psychological drama, women in film, Golden Age Hollywood

    1h 17m
  8. Frankenstein (2025) - Guillermo del Toro's Adaptation | Film Analysis & Coffee Blends

    Jan 13

    Frankenstein (2025) - Guillermo del Toro's Adaptation | Film Analysis & Coffee Blends

    "I could not understand why men who knew all about good and evil could hate and kill each other." Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford for a deep dive into Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, based on Mary Shelley's classic novel. In this milestone Episode 20, we explore why Frankenstein transcends gothic horror—examining themes of obsession, love, ignorance, rage, and the human need for connection. We discuss Victor Frankenstein's dangerous ambition, the Monster's emotional intelligence, and why Shelley's story continues to resonate in modern cinema. During the coffee break, Ben breaks down coffee blends: what they are, why they matter, and how thoughtful construction creates balance and consistency. Much like Frankenstein itself, great blends are assembled with intention—the whole becoming greater than the sum of its parts. Sip, watch, and repeat. 🎬 Film Discussed Frankenstein (2025) Directed by Guillermo del Toro Starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi Where to Watch (availability may vary): JustWatch (search & availability): https://coffeebros.com/blogs/coffee/the-definitive-guide-to-coffee-blends-everything-youve-ever-wanted-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOoqjcu1pQx5bKm-ArZsK1u5Vkj2z2jEo0kxsGZselgFaeajONcIk 🎧 Listen to Reel Beans Main Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/real-beans/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/reel-beans/id1809151473Spotify: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-reel-beans-276782796/☕ Follow & Support the Show Instagram: https://reelbeans.comSupport the Show: https://reelbeans.com/supportMerch: https://reelbeans.com/merch🎙️ Up Next A tribute to "Women's Pictures" with Bette Davis in Now, Voyager, with special guest Danielle Aubuchon

    1h 2m
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About

Two passions, one podcast. Join host Benjamin Schneider and a rotating cast of cinephile guests as we pair exceptional films with exceptional coffee—not just by taste, but by theme. Each episode is a masterclass in cinema and craft roasting, exploring the scenes, symbols, and ideas that spark real-world conversations long after the credits roll. From philosophical depth to cultural commentary, we journey through film history one cup at a time, examining stories that challenge, comfort, and inspire. Come for the cinema, stay for the brew. There's always something worth savoring. Sip. Watch. Repeat. RSSVERIFY

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