Every Rom Com

Jennifer Howell

Every Rom Com is an entertainment podcast where we have fun taking romantic comedies seriously. We cover a wide range of romantic comedies from classic to contemporary, blockbusters to independents. Our podcast goes beyond the usual suspects to include movies with diverse casts and LGBT representation, and we may also branch out into foreign films. In addition to providing reviews, we also provide cultural analysis and feminist perspectives. This podcast is intended for mature audiences and may, at times, contain adult language or subject matter.

  1. Every Rom Com 83: Love and Basketball

    5 hr ago

    Every Rom Com 83: Love and Basketball

    This week join Every Rom Com for a woman’s view on the sports romance genre, as we discuss writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood’s classic film “Love and Basketball.” We’ll explore the careers of Prince-Bythewood and actress Sanaa Lathan; we’ll delve into the history of women’s basketball, we’ll discuss our own relationship to sports, and we’ll ponder whether there’s such a thing as too many montages. As always, stay til the end of the episode to get our double feature recommendations for your next movie night! 0:00-9:54 Intro - What Was Your Relationship to Sports As a Kid? 9:54-19:24 TRAILER, Basic Info, Interesting Facts More Info On Love And Basketball: https://people.com/love-and-basketball-director-gina-Prince-Bythewood-admits-she-made-sanaa-lathan-cry-on-set-8750654  https://variety.com/2000/film/news/gina-Prince-Bythewood-1117760982/  https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/29069339/an-oral-history-love-basketball-20-years-later  https://www.essence.com/celebrity/love-and-basketball-15th-anniversary-sanaa-lathan-omar-epps/  https://people.com/sanaa-lathan-on-love-and-basketball-ahead-of-25th-anniversary-exclusive-8700195  Criterion DVD extras 19:24-24:01 General Opinion 24:01-35:12 Cast & Crew In-Depth More Info On Gina Prince-Bythewood: https://www.transracialjourneys.org/blog/black-excellence-gina-Prince-Bythewood/  https://communitiesthatcarecoalition.com/black-history-365-gina-Prince-Bythewood/  https://www.vogue.com/article/gina-Prince-Bythewood-profile  https://www.thewrap.com/the-woman-king-director-gina-Prince-Bythewood-interview/  https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/11/14/363793023/director-gina-Prince-Bythewood-its-time-to-obliterate-the-term-black-film   More Info on Sanaa Lathan: https://www.empireonline.com/people/sanaa-lathan/   35:12-48:49 Opening of the Movie, First Quarter, Monica and Quincy as Children 48:49-58:28 Second Quarter, High School Basketball, Monica and Quincy as Friends 58:28-1:10:42 High School Dance, Monica’s First Time Link to the Documentary “This Film Is Not Yet Rated”: https://archive.org/details/dmotion-ThisFilmIsNotYetRated/This+Film+Is+Not+Yet+Rated+(1+of+2).mp4  1:10:42-1:19:49 Third Quarter, College Basketball, College Relationship 1:19:49-1:31:57 A Brief History of Women’s Basketball More Info On The History of Women’s Basketball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHt8qIGLq68 WNBA TV documentary from 1997 https://nma...

    2h 33m
  2. Every Rom Com 82: The Cutting Edge

    8 Jun

    Every Rom Com 82: The Cutting Edge

    Every Rom Com continues its Sports Rom Com series with one of the all-time cult classics in the genre, “The Cutting Edge.” In addition to making-of and cast info, we discuss the history of figure skating as a sport, and find out whether the film’s hockey star to figure skater storyline and flashy Pamchenko move are even possible! Don’t miss our double feature recommendations at the end of the episode, and watch out for that toepick! 0:00-15:17 News From Our Lives in The Past Months; Sophia Talks About the Bad Kind of ICE in Minnesota and Ways to Help the Immigrant Community; Winter Olympics Some Organizations to Support In Helping Immigrant Communities: Haven Watch  https://havenwatch.org/  Immigrant Law Center of MN https://www.ilcm.org/  Smitten Kitten https://smittenkittenonline.com/  ISAIAH https://www.isaiahmn.org/   Some News Articles About ICE Abuses: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/30/lawsuit-camp-east-montana-texas-us-immigration-ice  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/migrants-face-dire-conditions-and-prolonged-waits-in-u-s-detention-centers  https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/03/26/camp-east-montana-compared-to-livestock-building-by-minnesota-rep-kelly-morrison  https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/ice-detainees-dying-by-suicide-at-alarming-rate-ap-investigation-finds  https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/private-prison-companies-enormous-windfall-who-stands-gain-ice-expands  https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/02/10/grassroots-group-haven-watch-grows-to-support-released-detainees-from-whipple-building  Correction - I was mistaken about ICE officers receiving a bounty per arrest; I believe this was the source for this idea - a plan that was later scrapped: https://theintercept.com/2025/10/31/ice-plans-cash-rewards-for-private-bounty-hunters-to-locate-and-track-immigrants/  Link to Alyssa Liu’s Awesome Olympic Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVmCfiFjoVE&t=340s  15:17-24:52 Trailer, Basic Info, Interesting Facts Link to Non-Enshittified Search Engine Recommended by Cory Doctorow: https://kagi.com/ More Making-Of Information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyXRluFTEus old interview clips  https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/59220  https://www.aol.com/articles/she-gave-us-toe-pick-155449601.html  https://ew.com/article/2014/02/07/the-cutting-edge-db-sweeney/

    2h 39m
  3. Every Rom Com 81: Christmas in Connecticut

    21/12/2025

    Every Rom Com 81: Christmas in Connecticut

    Spend the holidays with Every Rom Com as we get cozy with the 1945 classic: “Christmas in Connecticut.” We’re joined by professor and author Dr. Maria DeBlassie, who lends her insight on what makes this genre (and this film) so special! We also explore the career of Barbara Stanwyck, talk about our favorite Christmas foods, and discuss how this film relates to modern influencer culture! Join us for mismatched babies, double insulation, rocking chair innuendo, and other assorted shenanigans! Everything will be hunky-dunky! 0:00-20:50 Introducing Our Guest, Dr. Maria DeBlassie  Dr. Maria DeBlassie is a native New Mexican mestiza and award-winning writer and educator living in the Land of Enchantment. She writes and teaches about spooky stuff, romance, and all things witchy. She is forever looking for magic in her life and somehow always finding more than she thought was there. Find out more about Maria and conjuring everyday magic at mariadeblassie.com. More of Dr. DeBlassie’s thoughts on “Christmas in Connecticut” and the rom com in general: https://mariadeblassie.com/bruja-professor-blog/2025/12/19/what-a-christmas-what-two-iconic-holiday-romantic-comedies-teach-us-about-life-love-amp-history  Find Dr. DeBlassie on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdeblassie.writer/?hl=en  20:50-32:41 TRAILER, Basic Info, Interesting Facts TCM: Christmas in The Movies by Jeremy Arnold AMC American Movie Classics: Great Christmas Movies by Frank Thompson https://hollywoodrevue.wordpress.com/2021/12/12/christmas-in-connecticut-bringing-up-baby-same-set/  https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-real-women-behind-christmas-in-connecticut  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_Connecticut  https://youtu.be/Z9dIbfmxRrw?si=956owcZgkOGH5INy Hollywood At Home, Arizona Public Media 32:41-39:12 General Opinion 39:12-44:28 Barbara Stanwyck’s Life and Career “Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line” (1997) https://www.afi.com/laa/barbara-stanwyck/  https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Stanwyck  http://biography.com/actors/barbara-stanwyck  https://stanwyck-fans.livejournal.com/10528.html  44:28-51:49 Opening Scenes, World War II As Portrayed in Christmas in Connecticut 51:49-1:03:15 Introducing Elizabeth Lane, The Dilemma https://www.avclub.com/celebrate-christmas-with-the-subversive-1940s-rom-com-t-1845857392  1:03:15-1:12:36 Food in Christmas in Connecticut, Food Traditions At Christmas 1:12:36-1:19:23 Arrival At The Farm, A Thwarted Wedding, Jefferson Jones Arrives 1:19:23-1:29:10 Washing The Baby, Yardley Arrives, Trimming The Tree By The Piano 1:29:10-1:37:43 Another Failed Wedding, A Cow Intervenes, Sexual Innuendo In Christmas In Connecticut  1:37:43-1:57:08 Brief Overview of Homemaking Writing Over The Years, Possible Inspirations For Elizabeth Lane, Martha Stewart a...

    2h 29m
  4. Every Rom Com 80: Better Off Dead

    22/10/2025

    Every Rom Com 80: Better Off Dead

    This week on Every Rom Com we’re covering the ultimate cult classic teen movie of the 80s - “Better Off Dead.” This film is a big favorite of Jen’s and her two guests - Jason from the Force Five podcast and Chris from the Get Me Another podcast! Together we unpack the movie’s absurdist humor, let you know which plot points were taken from writer-director Savage Steve Holland’s real life, discuss our favorite John Cusack and Diane Franklin roles, and there might even be some competing Howard Cosell and paperboy impersonations - “Two dollars…” Overall, it’s truly a sight to behold - come take a listen! (Also check out Every Rom Com episode 79 on "One Crazy Summer"!) 0:00-10:27 Introduction, What’s New on the Force Five and Get Me Another podcasts!  Check out the Force Five Podcast: https://www.forcefivepodcast.com/  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/forcefivepodcast.com    Check out the Get Me Another Podcast: https://getmeanother.podbean.com/ (or wherever you get your podcasts) Twitter: https://x.com/getmeanotherpod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmeanotherpod/  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/getmeanotherpod.bsky.social    10:27-32:16 TRAILER, Basic Information, Interesting Facts If you’re having suicidal thoughts: In the United States and Canada you can call 988 to reach a suicide hotline: https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/suicide-prevention.html  Help for dealing with suicidal thoughts in the UK: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/  For More Information on “Better Off Dead”: Better Off Dead Panel at Beyond Fest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi-WvJZvnbw

    2h 47m
  5. Every Rom Com 79: One Crazy Summer

    27/09/2025

    Every Rom Com 79: One Crazy Summer

    This week, sail away with Every Rom Com, as we discuss the first of two sports rom coms we’ll be covering from director Savage Steve Holland, “One Crazy Summer.” We’ll dig into Holland’s career as well as Demi Moore’s, talk about our favorite bits from this cult classic, and learn a little about the sport of sailing! We’re joined by two returning guests: artist and author Ryan Estrada, who helps us unpack the movie’s animation sequences, and musician and appreciator of absurdist humor, David Rosen of the Piecing it Together podcast. You won’t want to miss this boat!    0:00-12:03 Welcome Back Guests Ryan Estrada and David Rosen, Favorite Sports Movies To See Ryan’s Work: ryanestrada.com  Follow Ryan on Social Media: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanestrada.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanestradadotcom/?hl=en  Hear Ryan Talk About “Jerry Maguire”: https://www.everyromcom.com/podcast-1/episode/32b40295/every-rom-com-25-jerry-maguire  Find David’s Work: bydavidrosen.com  Follow David on Social Media: Twitter: https://x.com/PiecingPod  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/piecingpod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecingpod/?hl=en  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/piecingpod.bsky.social  12:03-21:30 TRAILER, Basic Info, Interesting Facts More Info On “One Crazy Summer”: https://www.insidehook.com/film/director-steve-holland-cult-classic-better-off-dead-john-cusack  https://ew.com/article/2011/08/02/better-off-dead-blu-ray/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etvtelWqQTY  htt...

    2h 22m
  6. Every Rom Com 78: Bull Durham

    11/09/2025

    Every Rom Com 78: Bull Durham

    Join Every Rom Com as we continue our Sports Rom Com series with the sexy baseball love triangle, “Bull Durham”! Darin Lundberg of the NostalgiaCast podcast joins us to discuss the joys of baseball and baseball movies, explore the careers of Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon, and bring you the making-of details on this romantic classic from scripting to production! Stick around for the end of the show when we’ll give you a great group of double feature recommendations to pair with “Bull Durham” on your next watch!   0:00-18:02 Introducing Darin Lundberg of the NostalgiaCast and Back to Bluey podcasts!, Favorite Sports Movies, Can a Sports Movie Have Too Much Sports? Darin Lundberg has been podcasting for nearly a decade, but he’s been a film obsessive for longer than he can remember. Movies have been his babysitter, confidante, and constant companion, and in 2016, he started the NostalgiaCast podcast with best friend Jonny Craddock, in which they revisit and review the films of their childhoods, to see if they stand the test of time, or if they're past their prime. In 2023, Darin also started the Back To Bluey podcast with co-host Robert Yaniz Jr., in which they discuss the Australian animated phenomenon BLUEY from a father’s perspective, as an aspirational tool for their families during the day-to-day.  Find Darin’s Work Here: https://nostalgiacast.libsyn.com/  https://linktr.ee/nostalgiacast  https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/75ff27c1-6ea9-40ea-9e36-17cd1901d255  https://linktr.ee/BackToBluey  Follow Nostalgia Cast & Back to Bluey: Twitter: https://x.com/DWLundberg?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dwlundberg.bsky.social  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NostalgiaCast/  18:02-29:47 TRAILER, Basic Info, Interesting Facts More Info On “Bull Durham”: The Church of Baseball: The Making of Bull Durham, by Ron Shelton, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20080517143621/http://cgi.cnnsi.com/features/2003/si_movies/  https://vault.si.com/vault/2012/07/09/worshipping-at-the-church-of-baseball

    2h 38m
  7. Every Rom Com 77: Challengers

    31/08/2025

    Every Rom Com 77: Challengers

    Join Every Rom Com as we kick off our Sports Rom Com Series with Luca Guadagnino’s modern classic “Challengers”! Joined by podcaster, producer and filmmaker extraordinaire, Billy Ray Brewton, we’ll unpack the relationships in this complicated triangle, discuss how the game of tennis relates to the movie’s structure and themes, and bring you all the making of info currently missing from any “Challengers” physical media release! We’ll also reveal who’s #TeamArt, who’s #TeamPatrick and who’s #TeamNobody. Join us for this in-depth and at times adult conversation on one of the best movies of last year!    0:00-12:45 Welcome Back Billy Ray Brewton!, Favorite Sports Movies BILLY RAY is a filmmaker and film programmer based in Los Angeles. He’s the Creative Director of Make Believe, a frequent heel on the Screen Drafts podcast, and the producer of the new documentary, CORONER TO THE STARS, currently on the film festival circuit, about the life and career of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the former L.A. County coroner/medical examiner.  Check out “Coroner to the Stars”: https://www.coronertothestars.com/  Follow Billy Ray on Social Media:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyraybrewton/?hl=en Bluesky: https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/billyraybrewton.bsky.social  LIsten to Billy Ray’s other guest spot on “Dashing in December”! https://www.everyromcom.com/podcast-1/episode/4e89dd30/every-rom-com-50-dashing-in-december  12:45-27:38 TRAILER, Basic Info, Interesting Facts More Info on “Challengers”: https://www.vulture.com/article/challengers-justin-kuritzkes-interview.html  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmtHVtoyv0  https://deadline.com/2024/11/challengers-director-luca-guadagnino-interview-1236178882/  https://lwlies.com/interviews/luca-guadagnino-challengers/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRKYU7dHy4U  https://www.gq.com/story/how-challengers-umpire-darnell-appling-went-from-zendayas-assistant-to-internet-fave  27:38...

    2h 58m
  8. Every Rom Com 76: 500 Days of Summer

    13/08/2025

    Every Rom Com 76: 500 Days of Summer

    This week join Every Rom Com as we wrap up our L.A. Stories series with “500 Days of Summer”! Rob LaMorgese of the Get Me Another podcast joins us to discuss whether this film is a love story, which character (if any) is to blame,  the Los Angeles architecture featured in the movie, and much much more! We’ll also give you our usual making-of information, as well as winding up with a group of great double feature recommendations for your next movie night! Don’t miss our exploration of this non-linear atypical indie (anti)-romcom.  0:00-10:34 Welcome back, Rob LaMorgese of the Get Me Another Podcast! Favorite Places in Los Angeles  GET ME ANOTHER is available wherever you listen to podcasts and can be found on Twitter, Instagram, Threads and BlueSky @GetMeAnotherPod!  Check out Watts Tower here: https://www.wattstowers.org/  Help Support Our Podcast Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/everyromcom  Money goes to hosting fees, post-production and recording fees, and equipment fees!  10:34:-17:15 TRAILER, Basic Info, Interesting Facts More Info on “500 Days of Summer”: https://www.vogue.com/article/500-days-of-summer-oral-history-15th-anniversary  https://www.avclub.com/after-a-decade-of-discourse-500-days-of-summer-is-ba-1837104854  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1209556/500-Days-Summer-Revenge-writing-film-girl-dumped-you.html https://www.firstshowing.net/2009/the-definitive-interview-with-the-writers-of-500-days-of-summer/  https://ew.com/movies/2019/02/07/500-days-of-summer-neustadter-weber-webb/  https://ew.com/movies/2019/02/06/500-days-summer-viewing-party/  17:15-24:24 General Opinion 24:24-31:32 Cast & Crew In-Depth 31:32-41:11 Narration, Is “500 Days of Summer” A Love Story?  41:11-58:34 Non-Linear Storytelling, The Breakup, IKEA Scene, The Nature of Memory Timeline of Events in “500 Days of Summer”: https://gist.github.com/davidpots/d0fc156c711001dab61a   58:34-1:05:40 The Mus...

    2h 30m

About

Every Rom Com is an entertainment podcast where we have fun taking romantic comedies seriously. We cover a wide range of romantic comedies from classic to contemporary, blockbusters to independents. Our podcast goes beyond the usual suspects to include movies with diverse casts and LGBT representation, and we may also branch out into foreign films. In addition to providing reviews, we also provide cultural analysis and feminist perspectives. This podcast is intended for mature audiences and may, at times, contain adult language or subject matter.