Rom-Com Rescue

Kira Sabin & Dr. Isabelle Morley
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A Couples Therapist and a Dating Coach Walk Into a Podcast… Love rom-coms but find yourself screaming at the screen? So do we. Rom-Com Rescue is the podcast where couples therapist Dr. Isabelle Morley and healthy dating educator Kira Sabin break down your favorite romantic comedies—the good, the bad, and the wildly unrealistic. We’re here to celebrate the heart-fluttering moments, call out red and green flags, and offer real-life dating and relationship wisdom along the way. Is that grand gesture actually love-bombing? Is the broody love interest just emotionally unavailable? Should they really have ended up together—or was the best friend the right choice all along? We’re unpacking it all with humor, heart, and a little tough love....because we believe you can create your own happily ever after.

  1. Fake Dating, Suede Disasters, and the Patrick Dempsey Glow-Up: Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

    JUL 17

    Fake Dating, Suede Disasters, and the Patrick Dempsey Glow-Up: Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

    Any takeaways from this episode? In this episode of RomCom Rescue, we rewind to the 1987 teen rom-com classic Can’t Buy Me Love, starring a baby-faced Patrick Dempsey and the effortlessly iconic Amanda Peterson. It’s got it all—$1,000 suede outfits, fake dating contracts, high school cliques, and the infamous African Anteater Ritual dance. Kira and Dr. Izzy dive into: Why Ronald might actually be the real villain Whether Cindy’s kindness makes up for Ronald’s total lack of a redemption arcThe very real 80s trope of choosing fake dating over… talking to your momFemale friendships in the 80s vs. now The moment Patrick Dempsey went from geek to Grey’s Anatomy godReal-life lessons we unpack: Be who you are, not who you think others wantYour “type” might just be your trauma with better hairAnd yes: if someone steals your poem to hook up with someone else…they’re not your personPlus: 👀 Behind-the-scenes trivia (Gerardo? Paula Abdul? Tucson extras??) 🧠 Pop psychology meets teen rom-com tropes 🎤 Kira’s soda jerk origin story & Izzy’s illegal cocktail making at 16 If you ever idealized a crush from afar, regretted your high school fashion choices, or just love a good Patrick Dempsey glow-up—this one’s for you. 🎧 Stream now on all major podcast platforms. 🎬 Watch Can’t Buy Me Love (1987) on Tubi for free or YouTube. 🗳️ Vote on our Instagram polls: Was Ronald redeemable? Did Cindy forgive too fast? 📩 DM us your hot takes on instagram: @romcomrescue Next week: We break down Dirty Dancing and ask the age-old question—does a boombox cure emotional avoidance? 👉 Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review if you’re loving this nostalgic, neurodiverse, and sometimes messy journey through romcom love lessons. Because at the end of the day... We believe you create your own happily ever afters. And maybe don’t wear white suede to a high school party. Just saying. Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    38 min
  2. Boomboxes, Blind Spots, and Bad Dads: A Deep Dive into Say Anything (1989)

    JUL 10

    Boomboxes, Blind Spots, and Bad Dads: A Deep Dive into Say Anything (1989)

    Any takeaways from this episode? We're kicking off our totally tubular '80s summer rewind series with the cult classic Say Anything (1989), starring Ione Skye and John Cusack. Kira’s teenage heart is swooning, while Izzy is…confused. We’re unpacking emotional enmeshment, obsessive crushes, and that infamous boombox scene (spoiler: it doesn’t go how you remember it). Come for the nostalgia, stay for the love lessons—and the healthy dose of side-eye. What We Cover: Lloyd Dobler: Dream guy or giant red flag?Diane’s wild ride from golden girl to jail visitorThe messy, manipulative father-daughter dynamicWhy first love is intoxicating (and often dysfunctional)80s tropes that shaped a generation of datersReal talk: Will Lloyd and Diane make it?Where to Watch: Say Anything is currently streaming on Hulu. New to RomCom Rescue? We’re a therapist + dating coach duo who dissect your favorite rom-coms for the love lessons inside. Because you deserve a healthy happily ever after—with boundaries. Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    39 min
  3. Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner: The Real Love Lessons Behind Dirty Dancing (1987)

    JUL 30

    Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner: The Real Love Lessons Behind Dirty Dancing (1987)

    Any takeaways from this episode? Welcome to Rom-Com Rescue—where we break down the best (and most questionable) love lessons from your favorite romantic comedies. Our 80s Series (Big Hair, Bigger Feelings) continues and this week, we’re diving into the sweaty, sultry, dance-heavy world of Dirty Dancing (1987), starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. It’s adult summer camp meets coming-of-age meets… wait, is this even a rom-com? In this no-holds-barred episode, Dr. Izzy (Team Nostalgia) and Kira (Team Harsh Truths) debate: Was this true love or just Baby’s first crush/sexual awakening?Is Johnny Castle actually romantic—or just emotionally dysregulated?What’s the real takeaway from the abortion subplot, class dynamics, and power imbalances?And does grinding in the woods count as character development?Expect giggles, gasps, and group therapy vibes as we talk sexual awakenings, bad boy tropes, and whether this iconic film deserves all the love it still gets. 💬 Topics Covered: Baby's identity, idealism, and fixer tendenciesJohnny Castle's hot body... and red flagsPower imbalances, age gaps, and gender roles in 80s rom-comsAbortion, classism, and privilege wrapped in a nostalgic dance movieWhether they'd actually make it in real life (spoiler: probably not)Iconic lines, fun trivia, and hot takes galoreThe real difference between love and infatuation📌 Movie Details: 🎬 Dirty Dancing (1987) 🎭 Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Cynthia Rhodes, Jerry Orbach 📺 Currently streaming: Available to rent on Amazon Prime; sometimes free on Hulu 💡 Love Lessons (Healthy & Not-So-Much): ✔ The myth that love can "save" someone ✔ Rescuing people ≠ real intimacy ✔ How first loves can blur the line between desire and connection ✔ The importance of emotional regulation and self-worth ❌ Power imbalances and class divides in relationships ❌ Red flags ≠ romance ❌ Punching car windows is NOT hot. (Okay, maybe just a little...) 🎤 About Your Hosts: Kira Sabin is a healthy dating educator, certified coach, and positive psychology practitioner. Dr. Isabel Morley is a licensed clinical psychologist and EFT-certified couples therapist. Together, they help you laugh, learn, and rewire your rom-com brain so you can create your actual happily ever after. 🔥 Call to Action: 📲 Follow @romcomrescue on Instagram for behind-the-scenes takes, polls, and more 80s rom-com debates. 📝 Love the show? Leave a review—it helps more rom-com lovers find us!   📺 Next Week: We’re rewinding to Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) with Mary Stuart Masterson, Eric Stoltz, and Lea Thompson. Stream it on Pluto for free and get ready to swoon… or scream. 💃 And remember... We've had the time of our life. (And we never felt this way before.) Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    46 min
  4. Engaged to a Stranger in a Coma? Sure. Let’s Talk About While You Were Sleeping - 30 Year Anniversary

    MAY 1

    Engaged to a Stranger in a Coma? Sure. Let’s Talk About While You Were Sleeping - 30 Year Anniversary

    Any takeaways from this episode? Unrequited crushes. Questionable fiancés. Holiday hospital champagne. And one very comatose Peter Gallagher. This week, we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1995 rom-com While You Were Sleeping starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman (currently streaming on Disney+), and let’s just say—this movie has feelings. And fiancés. And furniture. Kira Sabin (healthy dating educator + certified coach) and Dr. Isabel Morley (licensed couples therapist) dig deep into: 💍 Why this movie is built on a mountain of lies 🧠 What loneliness really does to our brains (and relationships) 💔 How fantasy and unrequited crushes keep us stuck 🛋️ Why Peter is basically Big and Jack is Aidan (Sex and the City parallels, anyone?) 🧃 And yes—we're side-eyeing that 90s hospital New Year's Eve party with alcohol flowing... We ask the big questions: Would you lie to a family because the grandma has a heart condition?Why did every ‘90s rom-com end in a rushed proposal?And seriously—why does no one feed the cat?Plus, we rewrite the ending you deserve, call out rom-com tropes that need to go (looking at you, angry-truth monologues), and explore how media conditioned Gen X women to wait for someone else to rescue them. Mic-drop truth? If you’re dating out of loneliness, you’re probably not building from love. Hot take? Jack and Lucy needed therapy, not a wedding. Love lesson? What starts in fantasy rarely grows into real intimacy. 📊 Stick around for Kira’s loneliness stats (spoiler: it’s officially an epidemic), and Isabel’s clinical breakdown of why Lucy needed way more than a boyfriend. Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    48 min
  5. Falling for Famous? Notting Hill & the Myth of Movie Love

    APR 25

    Falling for Famous? Notting Hill & the Myth of Movie Love

    Any takeaways from this episode? Bookstore Meet Cutes, Paparazzi Swarms & the (Infamous) ‘I’m Just a Girl’ Speech: This Week, We’re Rescuing ‘Notting Hill’! Break out your travel books and awkward British charm—because this week on Romcom Rescue, Kira and Dr. Izzy dive headfirst into 1999’s iconic ‘Notting Hill’ (now streaming on Netflix). Julia Roberts is America’s Sweetheart. Hugh Grant is peak floppy-haired confusion. But do the love lessons hold up… or is this relationship doomed to end in therapy bills and emotional whiplash? We tackle: The ultimate fantasy of bookstore meet cutes (do they actually happen? We have thoughts!)Power imbalances, celebrity privilege, and why “being mysterious” isn’t the same as “being emotionally available”Paparazzi plot holes, the world’s most expensive painting-as-apology, and whether grand gestures can really fix toxic dynamicsThe real MVP: Spike (plus why every romcom needs a lovable weirdo)Why we still love the soundtrack, the friends, and those dinner parties (seriously, bring them back!)Kira’s hot take: Anna Scott might be the OG love bomber, and William Thacker… well, let’s just say his self-worth could use a boost. Dr. Izzy’s reality check: Sure, Notting Hill is adorable—but let’s talk boundaries, trust issues, and what actually makes a healthy partnership (hint: it’s not just “floppy hair” and letting people walk all over you). PLUS: Real-life “bookstore singles night” ideas you can stealIconic lines, trivia, and why Kira can’t get behind this love story—no matter how good the Elvis Costello ending isTaco ratings, movie nostalgia, and your chance to vote: Romcom goals, or train wreck?Your Turn: Did Notting Hill give you butterflies… or make you want to block someone’s number?  Vote in our Instagram poll, DM us your spiciest takes, and let’s debate: Is this movie a classic, or is it just classic romcom B.S.? Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review—because the more you do, the more rom-com magic (and real talk) we can bring your way! At the end of the day, we believe in creating your own happily ever afters—even if it means saying, “I’m just a girl… with higher standards now, thanks.”Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    55 min
  6. Best & Worst Rom-Coms of the Year: Our 1-Year Podcast Anniversary

    APR 11

    Best & Worst Rom-Coms of the Year: Our 1-Year Podcast Anniversary

    Any takeaways from this episode? Woohoo!  It’s been one whole year of the Rom-Com Rescue podcast. A year of movies, missteps, magic, and yes—more than a few rants about enemies-to-lovers. In this special anniversary episode, Kira and Dr. Izzy reflect on: The rom-coms we loved (Rye Lane, Love at First Sight, Idea of You)The rom-coms we barely got through (Anyone But You, we're looking at you)Our favorite series of the year (and which ones deserved better)What we’ve learned from a year of love lessons on screenWhy repair matters more than romanceOur hopes, dreams, and manifesting Kristen Bell & Adam Brody as guestsAnd because this is Rom-Com Rescue, we of course go off on: Why trailers lieWhy enemies-to-lovers needs to go to therapy (or just… go)How we really feel about the "soulmate myth"Why Hollywood and healthy relationships still aren’t speaking the same languageBut beyond the laughs and hot takes, we’re celebrating something bigger:  🎉 A full year of doing this thing. Together. This podcast started as a dream and has become a weekly deep dive into what love can be—messy, real, and worth talking about. 🎧 If you’ve ever disagreed with us, laughed with us, or yelled “YES” during an episode, help us celebrate: ✅ Follow the show ✅ Subscribe wherever you listen ✅ Leave us a review (seriously—it means the world) ✨ It helps us keep bringing the rom-com magic and the real talk. Because at the end of the day…  We believe we create our own happily ever afters. Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    34 min
  7. Boundaries in Rom-Coms: The Good, The Bad, & The Uncomfortable

    APR 3

    Boundaries in Rom-Coms: The Good, The Bad, & The Uncomfortable

    Any takeaways from this episode? We all say we know what boundaries are… but let’s be real: most of us weren’t taught how to actually set them—especially in relationships. In this episode of RomCom Rescue, we’re breaking down the beautifully messy world of boundaries in romantic comedies. From the iconic (and sometimes problematic) classics to modern love stories that finally get it right, we’re unpacking how Hollywood has shaped our understanding of what’s romantic—and what’s actually just...a boundary issue. 🎬 We’re diving into: The early red flags in The Notebook 👀Creepy “romantic” gestures in Love ActuallyThe absolute boundary dumpster fire that is Sixteen CandlesSneaky manipulation in My Best Friend’s WeddingAnd yes...we’re revisiting Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Big Sick for some surprisingly solid examples of what healthy can look likeAlong the way, we answer: What are boundaries, really?Why are they so often misunderstood—or mislabeled as walls?How do boundaries protect emotional safety in relationships?What do healthy boundaries actually sound like in real life?👯‍♀️ Join Kira Sabin, certified coach and healthy dating educator, and Dr. Isabelle Morley, licensed psychologist and EFT-certified couples therapist, for a real talk about love, safety, emotional autonomy, and how rom-coms have helped (and hurt) our understanding of healthy connection. Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    43 min
  8. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Family Pressure, Self-Worth, and Choosing Your Own Path

    MAR 27

    My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Family Pressure, Self-Worth, and Choosing Your Own Path

    Any takeaways from this episode? Intrusive family members, making out in cars, fake pottery classes, and Windex... That's right! This week we are breaking down 2002 classic rom com, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, with Nia Vardalos and John Corbett.  Currently streaming on Max. What happens when love crosses cultural lines—and your entire family is along for the ride? In this episode of RomCom Rescue, we're breaking down the love lessons (and boundary blunders) in the iconic 2002 rom-com My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Kira Sabin, a certified coach and healthy dating educator, and Dr. Isabel Morley, a licensed psychologist and couples therapist, unpack what this movie gets right (and very wrong) about identity, in-laws, and choosing yourself while staying connected. From overbearing relatives to unexpected romance and a whole lot of lamb, we’re diving into: Why Toula’s growth arc still resonatesThe psychology behind boundary-setting with familyWhat healthy compromise really looks like in relationshipsAnd whether Ian and Toula would actually make it IRLWhether you're Greek, geeky, or just tired of dodging your aunt’s matchmaking attempts, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in now—and remember, you create your own happily ever after. Lanie Kazan' awesome videos #1 #2 #3 🌮Taco Rating🌮 Kira  Overall Tacos – 🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮 Love Lesson Tacos – 🌮🌮🌮🌮 Izzy Overall Tacos- 🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮 Love Lesson Tacos – 🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮  Come talk with us about your favorite rom-coms on instagram, tiktok, & youtube and Bluesky! Get show notes, transcripts, and more information on at Rom-ComRescue.com

    42 min
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About

A Couples Therapist and a Dating Coach Walk Into a Podcast… Love rom-coms but find yourself screaming at the screen? So do we. Rom-Com Rescue is the podcast where couples therapist Dr. Isabelle Morley and healthy dating educator Kira Sabin break down your favorite romantic comedies—the good, the bad, and the wildly unrealistic. We’re here to celebrate the heart-fluttering moments, call out red and green flags, and offer real-life dating and relationship wisdom along the way. Is that grand gesture actually love-bombing? Is the broody love interest just emotionally unavailable? Should they really have ended up together—or was the best friend the right choice all along? We’re unpacking it all with humor, heart, and a little tough love....because we believe you can create your own happily ever after.

Information

  • Creator
    Kira Sabin & Dr. Isabelle Morley
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Rom-Com Rescue
  • Show Website
    Rom-Com Rescue

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