Hot and Bothered

Ending Of: The Phantom of the Opera

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:01:23 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Phantom of the Opera. They discuss the black-and-white frame narrative of the film, what makes the phantom hot (and not), and the show's similarity to Beauty and the Beast.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Phantom of the Opera with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Phantom of the Opera

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:16:26 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet in a Parisian opera house to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Phantom of the Opera.

This week we discuss daddy issues, queer aesthetics, and Susan Sontag's definition of 'camp.' We finish the episode by calling Dr. Dominic Broomfield-McHugh to get his take on the film.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: Why Do We Love Mystery Novels?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan is joined by friend and mentor Dr. Stephanie Paulsell to discuss the appeal of mystery novels and their relationship to religion.

If you're interested in joining Stephanie and Casper on the Agatha Christie pilgrimage, you can learn more at commongroundpilgrimages.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Punch Drunk Love

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:56:56 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Mauricio Bruce analyze the ending of Punch Drunk Love. They continue their conversation about light and color in the film and discuss the relationship between humiliation and violence.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Punch Drunk Love with Vanessa and Mauricio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Punch Drunk Love

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:58:14 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Mauricio Bruce meet-up at a warehouse in the San Fernando Valley to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Punch Drunk Love.

This week we discuss the gender politics of this film and Anderson's use of light, color, and music. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Laura Barraclough to give us some background history on the San Fernando Valley.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Mauricio and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Love & Basketball

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:59:33 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Love & Basketball. Vanessa explains the implications of the one-on-one basketball game and Hannah talks about how careers get prioritized within heterosexual relationships.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Love & Basketball with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love & Basketball

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:56:17 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on the courts to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Love & Basketball.

This week we discuss double standards, bodies as commodities, and Title IX. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Samantha Sheppard to talk to us about women's roles in sports movies.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Desert Hearts (with Carmen Maria Machado)

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:57:51 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Carmen Maria Machado analyze the ending of Desert Hearts. They discuss femme expression, the bittersweet quality of the ending, and what they would want to see in a sequel.

If you'd like to join Vanessa and Carmen in Cornwall on their Rebecca pilgrimage, you can find more information about that here.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Desert Hearts with Vanessa and Carmen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Desert Hearts (with Carmen Maria Machado)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:47:20 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and author Carmen Maria Machado meet-up on a dude ranch in Reno, Nevada to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Desert Hearts.

This week we discuss Westerns, risk as a condition for love, the 'closet' in queer media, and briefly sidetrack into Heated Rivalry discourse. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Michael Higdon to talk to us about why people went to Reno for divorce.

If you'd like to join Vanessa and Carmen in Cornwall on their Rebecca pilgrimage, you can find more information about that here.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Carmen and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: The Princess Bride

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Princess Bride. They discuss violence as an expression of love and Buttercup's passivity.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Princess Bride with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Princess Bride

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:17:52 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at The Cliffs of Insanity to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Princess Bride.

This week we discuss frame narratives, parental vs. romantic love, and why literally everyone loves this movie. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Thomas Doherty to talk to us about the legacy of Rob Reiner.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: The Wedding Singer

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:06:06 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Wedding Singer. They discuss grand gestures and how well Billy Idol aged.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Wedding Singer with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wedding Singer

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:53:44 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up in New Jersey to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Singer.

This week we discuss Adam Sandler's star power, the importance of silly bits, and the cultural construction of beauty. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Deborah Anthony to talk to us about the history of marital surname changes.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: White Christmas

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 21:54:03 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of White Christmas. They discuss 50's nostalgia and why ballerinas are 'Christmas' coded.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of White Christmas with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

White Christmas

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:05:14 GMT

Happy holiday season! We're interrupting our mini-season on the wedding industrial complex to bring you our (now) annual holiday movie. Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at an inn Vermont to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered about White Christmas.

This week, we discuss the trope of the 'tricky Jew', minstrelsy, and nostalgia. We finish the episode by calling Dominic Broomfield–McHugh to talk about the connection between this movie and President Eisenhower.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus scene study from Vanessa and Hannah about White Christmas.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Bridesmaids

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:59:47 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Carvell Wallace analyze the ending of Bridesmaids. They discuss Helen's questionable taste level, the way the film frames romantic love vs. friendship, and how class performance constrains emotion.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Bridesmaids with Vanessa and Ariana.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bridesmaids

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:24:03 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Carvell Wallace meet in Milwaukee to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Bridesmaids.

This week we discuss female friendship, class politics, and The Hangover. We finish the episode by calling Nick Marx to talk to us about how SNL movies get made.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Ariana.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Best Man

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:13:27 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Dr. Simone Drake meet at an NYC bachelor party to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Best Man.

This week we discuss Black movies of the 90s, the Moynihan Report, and movie soundtracks. We finish the episode by calling Tyler D. Parry to talk to us about jumping the broom.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Ariana.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:56:49 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. They continue to discuss the movie's relationship to 'tackiness' as well as the promised future for Ian and Toula's daughter.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of My Big Fat Greek Wedding with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:12:22 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at Dancing Zorbas to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

This week we discuss Canadian multiculturalism, "tackiness", and the cultural construction of whiteness. We finish the episode by calling Susan Katz Miller to talk to us about interfaith families.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: The Wedding Planner

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:28:51 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Wedding Planner. They discuss Matthew McConaughey's masculinity, the role of dancing in the movie, and the how important it is to wear a helmet.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Wedding Planner with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wedding Planner

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:59:51 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at an outdoor movie in Golden Gate Park to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Planner.

This week we discuss the leading man's declaration of love, anxieties particular to the early 2000s, and Lauren Berlant's concept of Cruel Optimism. We finish the episode by calling Karen Dunak to talk to us about wedding ceremonies.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: My Best Friend's Wedding

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of My Best Friend's Wedding. They interrogate the constraints of monogamy and introduce a new segment to the show where they ask 'does this movie hate women?'

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of My Best Friend's Wedding with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My Best Friend's Wedding

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

It's time for our next mini-series of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Industrial Complex. Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on a Chicago River tour to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about My Best Friend's Wedding.

This week we return to our on-going conversation about post-feminism – can a woman in the 90s truly have it all? We finish the episode by calling Zoe Hendon to talk to us about royal wedding dresses.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing: When We All Get to Heaven

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Co-founder of Not Sorry, Ariana Nedelman, has a new podcast project out today!

When We All Get to Heaven is a 10-episode series that tells the story of one of the first gay-positive churches, the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, and how it faced the personal, social, and political trials of the AIDS epidemic, including the deaths of hundreds of its members.

The series is releasing over on Slate's Outward podcast and the second episode is already out.

Subscribe to Outward to hear the whole series!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Becoming Jane

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:28:51 GMT

Before we dive into our Wedding Industrial Complex mini-series, we're spending some time with the woman who popularized the marriage plot – Jane Austen. In honor of Austen's 250th birthday, we're dropping a joint episode with our friends at Pod and Prejudice all about Becoming Jane.

Vanessa, Molly, and Becca blend formats to bring you the ultimate movie deep-dive. What does this movie believe about love? What was the best line? Why did they insist on getting the facts of Austen's life SO WRONG?

We finish the episode by calling Julia Argy to talk about our upcoming Jane Austen class, which launches tomorrow at notsorryworks.com.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Daniel.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Brokeback Mountain

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:12:22 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Brokeback Mountain. They continue to explore the forces of poverty and underlying violence in the film.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Brokeback Mountain with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brokeback Mountain

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:22:13 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up in moody mountains to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Brokeback Mountain.

This week we discuss the underlying threat of violence in this movie, the western genre, and the impact of casting heterosexual stars as gay men. We finish the episode by calling Guy Foster to talk about gay romance written by women.

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! We're currently running a campaign to try to reach 100 new paid patrons by the end of September. If we hit our goal, all patrons will get to attend a special virtual live-recording with Vanessa and Hannah.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Love Simon

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Love Simon. They discuss the concept of 'tolerance', Simon's bravery, and realistic depictions of teenage coffee orders.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Love Simon with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love Simon

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:17:18 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on a school confession board to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Love Simon.

This week we discuss homonormativity, the narrative chokehold of 'coming-out', and the bizarre 'cool' parents in this movie. We finish the episode by calling Joseph Reagle to talk about anonymity online.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patreon Perk Unlocked: Bonus Scene Study

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:50:17 GMT

To celebrate our September Patreon campaign and encourage you to join, we're unlocking a bonus scene study for Twilight. If you become a patron at the $5/month level or higher, you'll receive new scene studies like this every other week. Our goal is to gain 100 new patrons in September! Sign up now at patreon.com/hotandbotheredrompod.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Bros

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Daniel Schroeder analyze the ending of Bros. They discuss Aaron's chocolatier ambitions, musical numbers, and rom-com endings in general.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Bros with Vanessa and Daniel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bros

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:24:32 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Daniel Schroeder meet at New York's LGBTQ+ Museum to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Bros.

This week we discuss the political messaging of the movie, it's promotion and marketing strategy, and whether a rom-com can truly be queered. We finish the episode by calling Joseph Gamble to talk to us about reading historical figures as queer.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Daniel.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Kissing Jessica Stein

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:16:55 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa, Hannah, and Marcelle Kosman analyze the ending of Kissing Jessica Stein. They discuss curly hair, how friendship and romance intersect, and Jessica's unresolved sexuality.

We finish the episode by calling Kirsten Fermaglich, author of A Rosenberg by Any Other Name: A History of Jewish Name Changing in America, to talk to us about Jewish last names.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Kissing Jessica Stein with Hannah and Marcelle

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kissing Jessica Stein

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:40:08 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor are joined by Marcelle Kosman in a literary New York apartment to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Kissing Jessica Stein.

This week we discuss sex drives, compulsive heterosexuality, and what compromises you can make in partnership.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Marcelle.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: But I'm a Cheerleader

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:32:22 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of But I'm a Cheerleader. They discuss Graham's courage and Megan's passion for cheerleading.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of But I'm a Cheerleader with Vanessa and Hannah

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But I'm a Cheerleader

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:10:38 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at True Directions to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about But I'm a Cheerleader.

This week we discuss heteronormativity and the film's mise-en-scène, and revisit the idea of 'camp'. We finish the episode by calling Lynne Gerber to talk to us about the ex-gay organization, Exodus International.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Episode: Women Loving Women (with Kathy Tu)

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:49:42 GMT

While we're between mini-seasons, we wanted to bring you this special conversation with Kathy Tu. Kathy is the co-creator of the queer podcast Nancy and the Executive Producer of 99% Invisible. She's also obsessed with reading WLW romance novels. We brought her on to reflect on queer romance, spread the gospel, and give us some recommendations.

Books mentioned:

Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
the Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
The Seal Cove series by Anna Berke
When You Least Expect It by Haley Cass
On the Same Page by Haley Cass
Those Who Wait by Haley Cass
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
The Grace Notes series by Ruby Landers
Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wisner

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: The Devil Wears Prada

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Avery Trufelman analyze the ending of The Devil Wears Prada. They discuss the film's relationship to the time-space continuum and whether Andy should get back together with Nate.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Sex and the City with Vanessa and Helen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Devil Wears Prada

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:03:50 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Avery Trufelman meet at Paris Fashion Week to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Devil Wears Prada.

This week we defend Miranda Priestly, learn about the truths and fictions of the fashion industry, and analyze Andy's makeover. We finish the episode by talking to Deborah Jermyn about Meryl Streep and aging women in Hollywood.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Avery.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obama, The Recession, and Sex and the City (with Stephen Metcalf)

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:43:52 GMT

We started our mini-season on 2008 with a question: why were chick-flicks so popular that year? To close out our season, we’re calling up one of our favorite cultural critics, Stephen Metcalf, to get some answers.

Stephen Metcalf is the host of What Rough Beast and Slate’s Culture Gabfest. He talks to us today about the economic and idealogical forces at play in 2008.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Sex and the City

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Helen Zaltzman analyze the ending of Sex and the City! They continue to feel depressed by the film and discuss the 'compromise' of the final wedding scene.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Sex and the City with Vanessa and Helen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sex and the City

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:47:30 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Helen Zaltzman meet at a resort in Mexico to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about the Sex and the City movie.

This week we discuss the politics of Carrie's wedding dress, the flatness of Louise's character, and the use of bird feathers in historical fashion. We finish the episode by talking to Janet McCabe about the phenomenon and legacy of the Sex and the City TV show.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Helen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Mamma Mia!

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:19:42 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Mamma Mia! They discuss Rosie crawling after Bill, Harry coming out as gay, and Sophie's shifting relationship to the concept of fatherhood.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Mamma Mia! with Vanessa and Hannah

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mamma Mia!

Tue, 27 May 2025 16:04:27 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on a fictional greek island to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Mamma Mia!

This week we discuss melodrama, the female gaze, and Susan Sontag's Notes on "Camp." We finish the episode by calling Carl Magnus Palm to talk to us about ABBA.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. They discuss Peter's puppet musical, Rachel's academic future, and Sarah's future as a pet psychic.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Forgetting Sarah Marshall with Vanessa and Hannah

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:09:11 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at a Hawaiian resort to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

This week we discuss cool girls, beta males, and Girl's Gone Wild. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Jeffrey Geiger to talk to us about the US imagination of Hawaii in cinema.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending of: 27 Dresses

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:06:13 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Sophie Gilbert analyze the ending of 27 Dresses. They discuss Jane's wedding dress, her skill as a bridesmaid, and her chemistry with Kevin.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of 27 Dresses with Vanessa and Ariana

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 Dresses

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:02:23 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Sophie Gilbert meet at a dive bar in upstate New York to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about 27 Dresses.

This week we discuss Katherine Heigl's career, the wedding industrial complex, and the way this movie treats race and queerness. We finish the episode by talking to Sophie about her new book Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves. Out today!

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Ariana.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Twilight

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:55:38 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Twilight. They chat about Bella's ambivalence about prom, Edward's superstrength, and the cultural power of the gazebo.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Twilight with Vanessa and Hannah

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:09:50 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up in Forks, Washington to play vampire baseball and record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Twilight

This week we discuss chivalry, cultural appropriation, and our new theme: movies of 2008. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Joseph Crawford to talk to us about the history of vampires in paranormal romance fiction.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Real Question: Should I Take an Art Class in 2025? (with Vanessa Zoltan)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT

While we’re in-between season, we wanted to share with you an episode of another Not Sorry podcast, The Real Question.

The Real Question is a show that holds space for life’s tough questions. Each episode, a guest brings a personal question they’re grappling with, and Chaplain Mauricio Bruce helps them find an answer. This season, our focus is on future-oriented questions – those that start with ‘Should I…’

In our first episode of the new season, Vanessa asks the question "should I take an art class in 2025?"

We’re currently looking for more guests, so if you have a question from your own life, please submit to be on the show!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: She's All That

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:26:08 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Ronald Young Jr. analyze the ending of She's All That. They chat about what makes a proper grovel and the narrative reasons for heroines to be motherless.

This is our last movie in our series on teen adaptations of classic literature! We're taking two weeks off and will be back on April 15th with Twilight and other movies of 2008. But if you find yourself missing us, be sure to join our virtual live show on April 13th! We're gathering to discuss 13 Going on 30.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of She's All That with Vanessa and Ronald

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She's All That

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:14:59 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Ronald Young Jr. grab their hacky sacks and meet at a performance art show to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about She's All That.

This week we deep dive into toxic beauty norms, fatphobia, and popularity. We finish the episode by calling sociologist, Amy Best, to talk to us about the history of the high school prom.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Ronald and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Easy A

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Easy A. They chat about intertextuality, grand gestures, and virginity.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Clueless with Vanessa and Kristen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Easy A

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:24:16 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at the Lobster Shack in Ojai, California to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Easy A.

This week we discuss what makes a 'rom-com' a 'rom-com', male writers' depictions of female friendship, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. We finish the episode with an interview with Professor Megan Hunt about the depiction of Christianity in this film.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Notebook x Melodrama with Vanessa Zoltan | Material Girls

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT

We have a special treat for you today! Vanessa recently guested on Hannah's other pop-culture podcast, Material Girls, to talk about The Notebook with Hannah and Marcelle. It was so good, we wanted to make sure you knew about it.

And if you love hearing Vanessa, Hannah, and Marcelle in conversation – good news, there's another episode out there! Vanessa was on Material Girls last year to talk about Bridgerton.

Material Girls Episode Description:

She's back! Beloved podcaster and author Vanessa Zoltan (she/her) joins Hannah and Marcelle to dig into one of the most famous "weepies" of the 21st century: The Notebook (2004). If you cry at the line "If you're a bird, I'm a bird," have the phrase "What do you want?" ringing in your head, or regularly view the 2005 MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss, then this episode is for you. Hannah first contextualizes The Notebook in early aughts America (think post 9/11 conservative politics) and Vanessa offers some info about Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook. They then jump into a theory section all about melodrama! You may be familiar with the concept — perhaps you've even accused a friend or family member of being melodramatic — but can you really define it? What about the idea of "a Melodrama of Failure?" Hannah turns to Elisabeth Robin Anker’s book, Orgies of Feeling: Melodrama and the Politics of Freedom, to bolster her thesis and the episode ends with a conversation about the relationship between the American Dream, sovereignty, Christian conservatism and heterosexuality.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Cruel Intentions

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:59:10 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Kristen Meinzer analyze the ending of Cruel Intentions. They chat about Cecil's moment of 'growing up' and whether death is enough of a punishment for Sebastian.

In this week's episode we promote our Mary Oliver writing retreat, you can check out more about that trip here.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Clueless with Vanessa and Kristen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cruel Intentions

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:09:01 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Kristen Meinzer meet at their aunt's mansion in the Hamptons to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Cruel Intentions.

This week we discuss female desire and villainy, the male gaze, and the dangers of a bored teenager. We finish the episode by calling scholar of French literature, Catriona Seth, to talk to us about Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

---

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Kristen and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Clueless

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Clueless. They chat about why young women love dreaming about their weddings and why they find bouquet tosses a little uncomfortable.

Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry Production

Find us at our website | Follow us on Instagram

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Clueless with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clueless

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 15:58:52 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at a mall in Beverley Hills to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Clueless.

This week we discuss the charitable-industrial complex, popularity, and age-gap relationships. We finish the episode with an interview with Deidre Lynch about Austen and her adaptations.

Also on this episode, Hannah mentions this episode of Articles of Interest, go listen!

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: She's The Man

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:00:00 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of She's The Man. The talk hairstyles, they talk gender politics, and they talk about our favorite 'freak' character, Eunice.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of She's The Man with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She's The Man

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:10:19 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet on the soccer field to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about She’s The Man.

This week we discuss toxic masculinity, Amanda Bynes’ funny accent, and the way gender politics get played out the sports field. We finish the episode with an interview with Laura Horak about her scholarship on cross-dressing in cinema.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: 10 Things I Hate About You

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:05:50 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of 10 Things I Hate About You. Vanessa reveals how little she knows about guitar and Hannah teaches us about different poetry forms.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus scene analysis of 10 Things I Hate About You.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 Things I Hate About You

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:48:48 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at Padua High School to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about 10 Things I Hate About You – our first movie in our high school adaptations series.

This week we discuss Kat's feminism, why Shakespeare is in 'the canon,' and the American high school formula. We finish the episode with an interview with Rebecca Hixon about her scholarship on Taming of the Shrew adaptations.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love Actually: Part 2

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:38:38 GMT

We're continuing our exploration of Love Actually this week with three plot lines we consider the 'non-romantic' stories – the stepfather and stepson, the sister taking care of her brother, and the aging rockstar and his manager.

We're off next week but we'll be back January 7th with 10 Things I Hate About You.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus discussion about two additional plot lines of Love Actually.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love Actually: Part 1

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:01:03 GMT

Happy holiday season! As a thank you to those who supported our Patreon drive last month we're bringing you a special bonus movie before the new year. Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at a school Christmas pagent to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered about Love Actually.

For this episode, we're focus on four plot lines – the prime minister, the writer and housekeeper, the cheating husband, and the man in love with his best friend's wife. We finish the episode with an interview Leon Neyfakh about the media coverage of Monica Lewinsky during the Clinton scandal. Next week, we look at three more plot lines from Love Actually.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus discussion about two additional plot lines of Love Actually.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's Ask Taylor Swift: Tim McGraw

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:01:00 GMT

Not Sorry has launched its first new podcast since 2020! Let's Ask Taylor Swift is co-hosted by Vanessa and podcaster, writer and cultural critic: Daniel Schroeder.

In each episode Daniel and Vanessa will focus on one song from Taylor's discography, asking themselves, each other, and you— the audience— what it is about Taylor's music that resonates so much with fans. In our first season, every episode will look at the lead single from one of Taylor’s albums.

We're sharing with you our first episode on Tim McGraw, but we've also just released our second episode on Love Story in the Let's Ask Taylor Swift feed. If you enjoyed this episode, go subscribe!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Pretty in Pink

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:00:04 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Pretty in Pink. They continue their analysis of Duckie as a queer icon and weigh the merits of Blane's apology.

---

We're in the middle of a Patreon drive. We're trying to get our numbers back to where they were last year! If you are a regular listener to our show, we'd love your support in making it possible. Pledge $5/month at www.patreon.com/hotandbotheredrompod.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patreon Scene Study Unlocked: Pretty in Pink

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:00:41 GMT

We'll be back on Tuesday with our regular scene study, but today we're offering you a bonus scene study as well. This perk is normally exclusive to Patreon and available to all members. You can sign-up at www.patreon.com/hotandbotheredrompod to hear a bonus conversation about every movie.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pretty in Pink

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:15:01 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet in the Chicago Suburbs to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, about Pretty in Pink – our last movie in our cross-class romance series.

This week we explore the delightful aesthetics of the film, the ‘queerness’ of Duckie, and desirability politics. We finish the episode with an interview Holly Chard on the politics and influence of John Hughes. Next week, we look at the final scene of Pretty in Pink.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Crazy Rich Asians

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:00:33 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Matt Potts is back to dissect the ending of Crazy Rich Asians with Vanessa. They discuss why Eleanor gives her approval, the over-the-top engagement party, and Rachel's final outfit.

If you want to hear more of Vanessa and Matt, good news! Together they host the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Matt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crazy Rich Asians

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:33:52 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Professor Matt Potts meet at a mansion in Singapore to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Crazy Rich Asians.

This week we discuss the tension at the heart of Asian American identities, how family pressures preserve class divides, and the allure of opulence. We finish the episode by calling journalist Jiayang Fan to talk to us about the important cultural impact of the film.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Matt and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Coming to America

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:10:16 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Racquel Gates is back to dissect the ending of Coming to America with Hannah. They discuss what Lisa gives up in moving to Zamunda, the Disney princess evocations, and the many roles played by Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.

Don't forget to check-out Racquel's book, Double Negative: The Black Image and Popular Media!

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming to America

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:35:04 GMT

Hannah McGregor and special guest Professor Racquel Gates meet in the fictional country of Zamunda to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Coming to America.

This week we discuss the tensions between Eddie Murphy and John Landis, what makes a 'black' film, and Racquel's concept of formal negativity. We finish the episode checking in with Vanessa for her thoughts on the movie.

Don't forget to check out Racquel's book, Double Negative: The Black Image and Popular Imagination!

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Material Girls: Dirty Dancing x Nostalgia with Andrea Warner

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:00:07 GMT

Have you missed Hannah these past two weeks? Never fear! They recorded a whole episode of their podcast, Material Girls, all about Dirty Dancing. We're sharing it this week before we move onto our next movie, Coming to America.

Here's the Material Girls episode summary:

In this episode, Marcelle and Hannah are joined by Andrea Warner (she/her), the author of The Time of My Life, an exploration of Dirty Dancing as a deeply feminist film. We begin with a conversation about sexy films that made our younger selves all hot and bothered before heading into the segment "Why This? Why Now?" Hannah guides us through the difficulty that writer and producer Eleanor Bergstein faced in getting this movie made and distributed. We talk Reagan, Roe v. Wade, and nostalgia for the 1960s. Hannah then introduces us to American literary critic Fredric Jameson, cultural historian Bill Osgerby, and Russian-American cultural critic Svetlana Boym. Together, Hannah, Marcelle and Andrea parse through their respective work about postmodernism, nostalgia, late capitalism and the construction of history to get a better understanding of why Dirty Dancing is such a compelling film. We end the episode with a discussion of the appropriation of Black music in the movie, the power dynamics within Baby and Johnny's romance and the unique representations of mutual aid.

If you love Dirty Dancing, join the club (with Hannah and Andrea)! If you haven't seen it, you get to be in a club with Marcelle. FOR NOW (we will get her to watch it!).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Dirty Dancing

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:43:02 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Lauren Sandler try not to cry their way through the ending of of Dirty Dancing. They discuss the music choices, the class politics, and the side characters they wish they heard more from.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Lauren.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dirty Dancing

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:38:30 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and special guest Lauren Sandler meet in the Catskills to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Dirty Dancing – one of our favorite movies of all time.

This week we discuss the abortion plot line, Baby’s relationship with her father, and the difference between desire and love. We finish the episode with an interview sociologist Phil Brown on the history of Jews in the Catskills. Phil is the founder and president of The Catskills Institute which is a robust online resource for this history.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Lauren.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Titanic

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:59:36 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Hannah and Vanessa break down the many endings of Titanic. They explore the meaning of the Heart of the Ocean diamond necklace and this movie's theology of heaven.

As we mention in the episode, Hannah has a new book out! You can buy Hannah's new book, Clever Girl: Jurassic Park, here.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Titanic

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:25:32 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Titanic – our first movie in our cross-class romance series.

This week we explore hubris, whether it's possible to divorce James Cameron from the film, and what we consider a ‘shipwreck.’ We finish the episode with an interview with musicologist Julie Hubbert on the mega-hit My Heart Will Go On. Next week, we look at the final scene of Titanic.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Kate & Leopold

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 13:59:30 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah examine the last scene of Kate & Leopold. They discuss what it would mean to time travel to the past for love and what they would bring with them to 1876.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate & Leopold

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:05:10 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet traveling through time to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Kate & Leopold. It's our final Meg Ryan movie!

This week we explore what it meant for Meg Ryan to be a rom-com star at 40 years old and the American fantasy of British history. We finish the episode with an interview with the chief historian of The Center for Brooklyn History, Dominique Jean-Louis, about the Brooklyn Bridge. Next week, we look at the final scene of Kate & Leopold.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: French Kiss (with Casper ter Kuile)

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:17:34 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Casper take a close look at the last two scenes of French Kiss. They discuss Kate's financial sacrifice for Luc and what it means that she's willing to up and move to France.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Casper.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French Kiss (with Casper ter Kuile)

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:44:27 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan meets Casper ter Kuile on a beach in Cannes to record this week’s episode, all about the 1995 movie French Kiss directed by Lawrence Kasdan.

This week we discuss the 'criminal with a heart of gold' trope and the power of kissing. We finish the episode with an interview with anxiety coach Dave Carbonell, all about aerophobia (a fear of flying). Next week, Casper is back to look at the final scene of French Kiss.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Casper.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: You've Got Mail

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:01:41 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah dissect (and relentlessly mock) the last scene of You've Got Mail. They discuss the lack of actual communication in this scene and the supposed charm of Joe Fox.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've Got Mail

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:41:56 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet on the Upper West Side of Manhattan to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about You’ve Got Mail. We’re onto our final Meg Ryan/Nora Ephron collaboration.

This week we explore how politics intersect with attraction and interview the former Editorial Director of Publisher’s Weekly, Jim Milliot, about the history of big box bookstores. Next week, we look at the final scene of You’ve Got Mail.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: When Harry Met Sally

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:59:55 GMT

For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah tackle the last scene of When Harry Met Sally. They discuss the interstitial ‘couch scenes’ which recur throughout the movie and the few details we learn about Harry and Sally’s life after reconciliation.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Harry Met Sally

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:00:46 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about When Harry Met Sally. We’re continuing our deep-dive into Meg Ryan with the movie that put her on the map as leading-lady material.

This week we explore whether 'opposites attract' is really a romantic principle we believe in and interview Professor Claude S. Fischer about the social history of telephones. Next week, we look at the final scene of When Harry Met Sally.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ending Of: Sleepless in Seattle

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 14:13:37 GMT

After our wide-lens analysis of a movie, we're going to spend a week closely studying its final scene. These scenes, which are often Happily Ever Afters, tell us a lot about what's important to the movie and its idea about love and coupledom. In this week's scene, the characters Annie, Sam, and Jonah finally get to meet each other on the top of the Empire State Building.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sleepless in Seattle

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:31:41 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at the top of The Empire State Building to record their first episode of Hot and Bothered together, all about the 1993 classic Sleepless in Seattle. It’s got Meg Ryan, it’s got Tom Hanks, it’s directed by Nora Ephron. What more could you want?

For the next nine weeks, we’re thinking about the influence and impact of Meg Ryan as a rom-com super star. Next week, we look at the final scene of Sleepless in Seattle. In two weeks, join us for When Harry Met Sally.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Have Mixed Feelings About a Rom Com

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:58:36 GMT

Well folks – we've arrived! Our tenth and final episode of our How To series about How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days. We've puzzled over its messaging, marveled at its efficiency, and learned a lot about the mechanics of film-making. On today's episode, Vanessa shares her concluding thoughts on the movie and brings her lingering questions to the brilliant cultural critic Anne Helen Petersen. We end the episode looking at the HEA with our new co-host, Hannah McGregor.

In two weeks, we're starting the next chapter of Hot and Bothered with Sleepless in Seattle! We'll see you on the top of The Empire State Building.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis inspired by this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Dress Like a Costume Designer

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:07:50 GMT

We can't wrap-up a deep-dive into How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days without talking about the most memorable part of the movie – the yellow dress Kate Hudson wears in the climax of the film. And while we're at it, it's worth obsessing over all the costumes in this film because this is a movie steeped in fashion. To help us unpack the craft of costume design, we're welcoming Colin Wilkes on the show.

Colin Wilkes is a costume designer who has designed theater, opera, puppetry, TV and film in many genres. She has her BFA in Costume Design from CalArts and her design work on rom-coms includes the 2020 Hulu movie Palm Springs and the 2022 Netflix movie Look Both Ways. She’s currently the designer for the Apple+ show Big Door Prize.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis inspired by this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Listen Like a Musicologist

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:04:07 GMT

The music of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days runs the gamut from country-pop songs to whimsical orchestrations. To the modern ear, it all sounds very specific to an early 2000s rom-com moment. This week, to help us understand that moment and the history of movie music more broadly, we have Julie Hubbert on the show.

Julie Hubbert is the LaDare Robinson Memorial Professor of Music at the University of South Carolina. She's the writer of Technology, Listening, and Labor: Music in New Hollywood Film (1967-1980) and Celluloid Symphonies: Texts and Contexts in Film Music History among other works.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis inspired by this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: See Like a Cinematographer

Tue, 07 May 2024 14:16:39 GMT

When watching at rom-com, have you ever noticed that the stars just kind of glow? That their skin looks silky smooth and their apartments are always sun-drenched? Lighting design and camera movement play a huge role in giving rom-coms their particular aesthetic, and those things (we're pretty sure) are part of the art of cinematography. This week, to help us understand the history of cinematography and the particular look of How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, we have Chris Cagle on the show.

Chris Cagle is an associate professor of film history and theory in the Film and Media Arts department at Temple University. His book, Sociology on Film: Postwar Hollywood's Prestige Commodity, examines the 1940s social problem film as both a form of popular sociology and a strain of middlebrow "prestige" cinema. Additionally, he has published essays in Cinema Journal, Screen, and Quarterly Review of Film and Video, and in a number of edited volumes, including most recently Cinematography and Middlebrow Cinema.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis with Chris.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Spot a Movie Star

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:04:02 GMT

The success of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is built around the chemistry and star-power of its two leading actors: Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. To truly understand this film, we have to understand the way movie stars operate in Hollywood, what casting these two actors meant in 2003, and what it means today.

Helping us in that task is Russell Meeuf, a professor in the school of Journalism and Mass Media at the University of Idaho. His work focuses on celebrity culture, popular cinema, masculinity studies and disability studies. He is the author of several books on media culture, including White Terror: The Horror Film from Obama to Trump, Rebellious Bodies: Stardom Citizenship, and the New Body Politics as well as John Wayne's World: Transnational Masculinity in the Fifties.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis with Russ.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Design a Movie World

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:00:06 GMT

After talking about setting last episode, we wanted to dig even deeper into the physical space inhabited by Ben and Andie. How does the design of their workplaces, apartments, and date-nights affect how we perceive each of their characters?

To help us tackle this topic, we're joined by Production Designer Stuart Blatt. Stuart walks us through the role of Production Designer, how he works with other crew members, and what he noticed specifically when watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days?

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis with Eric.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Understand Setting and Location

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:59:35 GMT

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, like many Rom-Coms, is set in New York City. It’s got fire escapes, taxi cabs, and a dramatic Manhattan Bridge scene.

In order to understand this film, we have to understand: What is it about New York that is so ripe for romance? And what parts of the city are highlighted in this movie and why?

To help us answer those questions, we’re joined by Eric Hynes, the Curator of Film at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis with Eric.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Conversation: How We Misunderstand Homelessness with Charyti Reiter

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:04:33 GMT

For our annual fundraiser at Not Sorry, we are again supporting the wonderful organization On The Rise.

On The Rise’s work begins with individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, Massachusetts and continues if and when they secure housing. From their origin as a women’s organization, their programs have evolved toward inclusion of those historically and structurally oppressed on the basis of gender.

In today's episode, Vanessa sits down with On The Rise’s Director of Clinical Services, Charyti Reiter to talk about misconceptions around homeless. We hear also from one of On The Rise's participants, JS.

You can help us reach our goal of $10k by donating here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Be a Film Critic

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:00:07 GMT

For our next deep-dive into How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, we wanted to better understand the story structure of a Rom-Com. We called up the delightful Hannah Giorgis, a film critic for The Atlantic, to help us break down the three-act structure and how it operates in this film.

Hannah brought some great citations and resources to the show:

“You’re So Vain”: An Oral History of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
The Big Sleepover:The fatal flaw of How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days
This tweet about romcom women being as annoying as possible

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis with Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Watch a Rom-Com

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:00:40 GMT

For our first deep-dive into How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, we wanted to look at the history of the rom-com genre. To help us dig into it, we called up the incredible Kathleen Karlyn, the founding director of the Cinema Studies program at University of Oregon and author of The Unruly Woman: Gender and the Genres of Laughter.

We wanted to know: Where does the history of the rom-com start? What do people mean when they say something is a ‘battle of the sexes’ movie? and how do gender norms and ideals inform this particular movie?

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis with Kathleen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:00:31 GMT

We make Hot & Bothered because we are interested in the way that love stories have impacted our lives and culture. For our fifth season of the show, we’re turning our attention to romantic films.

We're starting this season with 10 episodes on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, an iconic film of the early 2000s rom-com oeuvre. It has a perfect yellow dress. It has a karaoke battle. It has Matthew McConaughey on a motorcycle. It’s basically the epitome of everything people consider ‘silly’ about the genre. In the next ten episodes, Vanessa Zoltan will revisit How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in conversation with media experts and scholars to better understand the language of romance on film.

---

If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon have more great romance content including a close scene analysis with Hannah McGregor.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trailer: Hot and Bothered Season 5

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 04:53:01 GMT

Hot and Bothered is back for Season 5 with a brand new host! We're thrilled to be joined by Hannah McGregor to help us analyze all our favorite Romance movies. New episodes bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: Northanger Abbey (with Dr. Lesley Goodman)

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:32:16 GMT

In August Vanessa and Margaret are taking a trip to Bath to go on long walks, read Northanger Abbey, and talk about questions like: how do I learn when to trust my gut and when to doubt it? Once someone has lost our trust, can confidence ever be restored, and how?

In celebration of our trip, we're sharing a conversation from our Patreon archive with Professor Lesley Goodman all about Northanger Abbey. We hope you enjoy, and consider signing up for our pilgrimage!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: Wuthering Heights Pilgrimage (with Sanne Vliegenthart)

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:39:12 GMT

In September of next year, Sanne Vliegenthart is leading our Wuthering Heights pilgrimage to West Yorkshire. In this bonus, hear Vanessa and Sanne talk about Wuthering Heights and the incredible village of Haworth, where the Brontës lived. If you're interested in joining the pilgrimage, you can sign-up at: https://www.readingandwalkingwith.com/wuthering-heights-2024

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Persuasion (with Margaret H. Willison)

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:59:33 GMT

This week we're sharing another special episode from our Patreon-only Austen mini series! Vanessa and Margaret H. Willison discuss disability representation in the text and why Persuasion is the most mature Austen novel. Check out our patreon to hear more episodes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imperfect Romance with Nichole Perkins

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:58:43 GMT

This week we're joined by Nichole Perkins for a special conversation about her first romance novel experience and A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole. Nichole and Vanessa are co-leading an A Duke By Default pilgrimage in Edinburgh, Scotland in May 2024. Learn more (and sign-up) here!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bridgerton x Reading the Romance | Material Girls

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:02:24 GMT

This week we're sharing a special episode of one of our favorite podcasts, Material Girls. Vanessa joins as a guest to discuss Bridgerton the book series and its move into the mainstream through the Shondaland adaptation on Netflix.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-Run – Twilight in Quarantine: Nightmare

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:11:12 GMT

While you're waiting for our new season, have you considered revisitingTwilight in Quarantine? It's the perfect time of year for vampires, werewolves, and angsty teen romance! This week we're re-publishing one of our favorite episodes from book one: Nightmare.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Emma (with Professor Roxanne Eberle)

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMT

While we're working away on the next season of Hot and Bothered, over on our patreon we're going to be exploring the other Austen books and adaptations! This is our first episode of the patreon exclusive mini-season: a conversation about Emma with one of our favorite Austen scholars, Professor Roxanne Eberle. Next week we'll be discussing the 2020 movie adaption – tune in on Patreon to listen along!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: A Conclusion

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:00:37 GMT

In our final episode of the season, Vanessa and Lauren return to some of their central questions about Pride and Prejudice, its popularity and its politics.

We'll be back in a few months with our next season, but in the meantime we'll be releasing regular bonus episodes on our Patreon. We'd love to have you join the community supporting our work!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Bride and Prejudice (with Bedatri Choudhury)

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMT

For our final adaptation conversation of this season, we're talking to critic and writer Bedatri Choudhury about the film Bride and Prejudice. We explore how the class and gender dynamics of Georgian England transpose into 21st century India and discuss this question: is this a true Bollywood film?

Next episode, Vanessa and Lauren are back together to wrap-up the season.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Eligible (with Curtis Sittenfeld)

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:39 GMT

Curtis Sittenfeld is one of Vanessa's favorite authors and in 2016 she published her own take on Pride and Prejudice, Eligible. Eligible transposes Lizzy and company from 19th century England to modern-day Cincinnati, Ohio. In today's episode, we talk to Curtis about Eligible and the inspiration behind her new book, Romantic Comedy.

Join us in two weeks for our discussion of Bride and Prejudice with Bedatri Choudhury!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Fire Island (with Joel Kim Booster)

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:07:13 GMT

While we've been making Live from Pemberley, we've been blessed with a brand new Pride and Prejudice adaptation! We originally covered Fire Island when it was first released with guest Tobin Low. But this week, in honor of its recent Emmy nominations, we're revisiting the film with its writer and star Joel Kim Booster. From Joel, we learn about how Austen maps onto gay culture and hear about some of the behind-the-scenes decisions of the movie.

Join us in two weeks for our discussion of Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Longbourn (with Jo Baker)

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:08:48 GMT

Though we've finished our reading of Pride and Prejudice, a true understanding of the text and its cultural impacts wouldn't be complete without a look at its many adaptations. Over the next few months, we'll be looking a few examples and asking the question 'what do these teach us about the original text?'

The first episode of this short series is all about Longbourn by Jo Baker, and we were lucky enough to get Jo Baker herself to speak with us about the book.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Her Two Most Deserving Daughters (Chapter 61)

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 13:54:07 GMT

All ends well in Chapter 61 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss where we leave each character and the true importance of Pemberley.

Dr. Claudia Johnson joins us at the end of the episode to discuss comedy and our takeaways from the whole book. Our next episode is June 30th, where we'll be interviewing Jo Baker about her book Longbourn.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Engaged to Mr. Darcy! (Chapters 59 + 60)

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:13:47 GMT

Elizabeth and Darcy spread the news of their engagement in Chapters 59 and 60 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's different reactions and the delicious flirting between Lizzy and Darcy.

Dr. Sharon Marcus joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the model of sisterly love. Our next episode is June 16th, covering the final chapter – Chapter 61.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: It Taught Me to Hope (Chapters 57 + 58)

Fri, 19 May 2023 13:16:54 GMT

Mr. Darcy returns to Longbourn to propose (again) in chapters 57 and 58 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the romance that Austen leaves off the page and the deep self-reflection of these two characters.

Dr. Stephanie Paulsell joins us at the end of the episode to discuss her thoughts on the proposal. Our next episode is June 2nd, covering chapters 59 + 60.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live From Pemberley: Obstinate Headstrong Girl (Chapter 56)

Fri, 05 May 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Lady Catherine makes a visit to Longbourn in Chapter 56 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss how Lizzy wins the argument and whether Lady Catherine is the true villain of the book.

Dr. Susan Fraiman joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Lizzy's obstinacy in this chapter. Our next episode is May 19th, covering chapters 57 + 58.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Why is Not Every Body as Happy? (Chapters 53 – 55)

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:10:05 GMT

Mr. Bingley finally proposes to Jane in Chapters 53 through 55 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the cyclical nature of the book, Jane and Bingley's love match, and whether Mr. Bennet has changed at all.

Dr. Laura White joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Jane Austen's Anglicanism. Our next episode is May 5th, covering chapter 56.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: Reality Television and ‘The One’ (with Julia Argy)

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 21:42:41 GMT

As a special bonus episode, we're talking to our former host, Julia Argy, about the allure of reality dating shows and her new book The One. Just as many people dismiss romance novels as ‘trashy books’, there are a lot of TV shows geared at women that get dismissed as ‘trashy television.’ You know what we're talking about, shows like The Bachelor, Married at First Sight, Love is Blind. Shows that embrace and reproduce a fantasy about falling in love.

In this episode, Vanessa and Julia discuss what reality dating shows reflect about our own culture of love and surveillance. Julia's book is out today, be sure to check it out!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live and Pemberley: Lydia Was Lydia Still (Chapters 51 + 52)

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:04:38 GMT

Lydia and Wickham are married and returned to Longbourn in Chapters 51 and 52 of Pride and Prejudice. With new information about how the wedding went down, Vanessa and Lauren re-evaluate Lydia’s power in the situation and discuss Pride and Prejudice as the ultimate fantasy.

Dr. Amy Harris joins us at the end of the episode to discuss sibling hierarchy and rivalry in Georgian England. Our next episode is April 21st, covering chapters 53 – 55.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: The Sacred Space of Summer Camp (with Nathalie Folkerts)

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 18:01:33 GMT

Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Nathalie Folkerts, the director of our upcoming summer camp: Calling All Magnificent People. They explore how Nathalie's background in political organizing found a home in building our camp and discuss some of behind-the-scenes dreaming and decision making that's been happening. If you haven't yet signed up for camp, you can do so on our website!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: They Must Marry! (Chapters 49 + 50)

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:00:40 GMT

There is finally news of Lydia and Wickham in Chapters 49 and 50 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss and debate everyone’s reactions to the news. They tackle again a few favorite topics: Mrs. Bennet’s silliness, Mr. Bennet’s wry detachment, and Jane’s naiveté.

Dr. Alexander Wakelam joins us at the end of the episode to teach us about gambling and debt in 18th century England. Our next episode is April 7th, covering chapters 51 + 52.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patreon Sneak Peak: Bonus Interview with Dr. Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 20:18:49 GMT

We're in the middle of a Patreon drive here on Hot and Bothered, trying to increase our membership by 200 patrons. One of the wonderful things you can find on our Patreon is bonus interviews and extended interviews with experts! We're making this conversation with the brilliant Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre public so you get a sense of what that perk sounds like.

Jennifer Regan-Lefebvre is a historian of modern Britain, Ireland, and British imperialism at Trinity College. She's the author of the wonderful book Imperial Wine: The British Empire and the Making of Wine's New World.

If you're interested in hearing other fun perks like this, head over to our Patreon at: www.patreon.com/hotandbotheredrompod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Endless Ruin (Chapter 47 + 48)

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:04:52 GMT

Lizzy and the Gardiners return to Longbourn in Chapters 47 and 48 of Pride and Prejudice. There is no news of Lydia and Wickham yet, but we are reunited with the rest of the Bennets and their theories and stress about the whole situation. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Mr. Bennet’s self-deprecating humor and Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with clothes.

Dr. Kimberly A. Hamlin joins us at the end of the episode to teach us about age of consent laws in England and the US. Check out her wonderful book, Free Thinker: Sex, Suffrage, and The Extraordinary Life of Helen Hamilton Gardiner. Our next episode is March 24, covering chapters 49 + 50.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Mr. Wickham and Our Poor Lydia (Chapter 46)

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 14:09:51 GMT

Darcy and Lizzy’s budding friendship (or is it more?) comes to an abrupt end when Lizzy gets a letter from Jane in Chapter 46 of Pride and Prejudice. Lydia and Wickham have run away together and so Lizzy and the Gardiner’s must leave immediately for Longbourn. Vanessa and Lauren discuss whether this plot point counts as a ‘kidnapping’ and whether marriage to Wickham is the best ending for Lydia.

Dr. Ellen Stockstill joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the trope of the ‘fallen woman’ in literature and how it maps onto real historical anxieties. Our next episode is March 10, covering chapters 47 + 48.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: Interview with Charyti Reiter from On the Rise

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 23:54:28 GMT

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! We're taking time today to share a short interview with Charyti Reiter, Director of Clinical Services at On The Rise. Over the month of February, we're hoping to raise $10k to support their incredible organization. If you haven't already, please check out our fundraiser.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live From Pemberley: Not Only Astonishment, But Gratitude (Chapters 44 + 45)

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:16:02 GMT

We finally meet Georgiana Darcy in Chapters 44 and 45 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the awkwardness of the Darcy family and Austen's emerging definition of love as Lizzy begins to fall for Darcy at Pemberley.

Dr. Chloe Angyal joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the invention of the enemies to lovers trope and its imprint on more modern romcoms. Be sure to check out her upcoming romance novel, Pas De Don't! Our next episode is February 24th, covering Chapter 46.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: A Large, Handsome, Stone Building (Chapter 43)

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:12:25 GMT

Elizabeth and the Gardiners arrive at Pemberley House in Chapter 43 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the picture of benevolent aristocracy painted by Darcy's housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds. They also discuss Elizabeth’s reaction to Pemberley and to seeing Darcy again.

Darrick Borowski joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the architecture and aesthetics of Pemberley. Our next episode is February 10th, covering Chapters 44 + 45.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: The Life of Mary Wollstonecraft (with Charlotte Gordon)

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 14:00:44 GMT

We're taking a quick pause in reading Pride and Prejudice to deep dive into the life and ideas of Mary Wollstonecraft. We've been bringing up Wollstonecraft a lot throughout this series, wondering how Pride and Prejudice reflects (or rejects) the feminist ideas of the era. This week, Lauren talks to Dr. Charlotte Gordon, author of Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley. Lauren and Dr. Gordon discuss Wollstonecraft's life and radicalization, her influence on Austen, and why Wollstonecraft didn't become an enduring celebrity like Austen.

In two weeks, we return to Pride and Prejudice with Chapter 43, when Elizabeth's arrival to Pemberley.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Sneak Peek! (Forgiveness: An Alternative Account)

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 14:00:59 GMT

Beloved co-host of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Matt Potts, released his book Forgiveness: An Alternative Account a few weeks ago and it is so! good!! We're very excited to bring you an exclusive excerpt from the book - read by Matt himself.

You can find the book wherever books are sold, or snag a signed copy from our website!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: The Most Determined Flirt (Chapters 40 – 42)

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 15:57:38 GMT

Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet butt heads about Lydia in Chapters 40, 41 and 42 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Mr. Bennet’s parenting, the original sin of the Bennet marriage, and the power of secrets in these chapters.

Joanne Begiato joins us at the end of the episode to discuss regency ideas of parenting and family. Our next episode is on January 13th, when we’ll be joined by a special guest to discuss the life and legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Sexuality in the Regency (with Emily Nagoski)

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 14:13:47 GMT

This week we're sharing a special bonus interview with Dr. Emily Nagoski to talk about Lydia and the cultural norms around sexuality in regency England. Emily is a best-selling author, sex educator, and the host of a new podcast – Come As You Are. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for an excerpt of her episode "The Science of Horniness."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Such Coarseness of Expression (Chapters 37 – 39)

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:33:24 GMT

We’re finally headed back to Hertfordshire in Chapter 37, 38 and 39 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the way Darcy’s letter has changed Lizzy and Lydia’s vulgarity.

Kristin Samuelian joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the parallels between Lydia and Princess Caroline of Wales. Our next episode is on December 30th, when we’ll be reading Chapters 40 – 42.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Receiving This Letter (Chapters 35 + 36)

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:00:52 GMT

Mr. Darcy finds Lizzy and hands her a letter in Chapters 35 and 36 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the ‘romance’ of Darcy’s letter and the way in which it triggers a change in Lizzy.

Joanna Rakoff joins us at the end of the episode to discuss coming-of-age novels and the history of letters in literature. Our next episode is on December 16th, when we’ll be reading Chapters 37 through 39.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: In Vain I Have Struggled (Chapter 33 + 34)

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Mr. Darcy is banging down the door to declare his love to Lizzie in Chapter 33 and 34 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the ‘civility’ of Darcy’s declaration and why it doesn’t work out with Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lizzie.

Claudia L. Johnson joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Jane Austen’s politics. Our next episode is on December 2nd, when we’ll be reading Chapters 35 and 36.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Announcement: Rebecca Pilgrimage with Dana Schwartz!

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:00:32 GMT

Vanessa is joined by Dana Schwartz to chat about their upcoming Rebecca pilgrimage and the theme of haunting. Find out more here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: The Trouble of Practising (Chapters 30 – 32)

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 13:14:49 GMT

Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have arrived at Rosings, bringing a little fun and intrigue to the Collins party. Colonel Fitzwilliam proves to be a charming new acquaintance while Darcy continues to be his awkward self. Vanessa and Lauren discuss whether Darcy and Lizzy are flirting yet and Lady Catherine’s narcissism.

Margaret H. Willison joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the famous piano scene in chapter 31. Our next episode is on November 18th, when we’ll be reading Ch 33 + 34.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Edition: It Ends with Us (with Julia Argy)

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:03:46 GMT

We're taking a brief break from Pride and Prejudice, to read one of the most popular romance books of our current moment: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. Vanessa is joined by former co-host of Twilight in Quarantine, Julia Argy, to dive into the novel. Together they discuss the abuse narrative in the text, the love story at the heart of it, and why they think this book is having a moment.

This episode does contain spoilers, but we do our best to explain the book for those who haven't read it. And please be advised that the novel itself contains the topics of suicide, gun violence, sexual assault, physical assault, and domestic abuse – all of which we touch on in the episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Lady Catherine Seemed Gratified (Chapter 29)

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 13:16:57 GMT

The Hunsford party is invited to Rosings in Chapter 29 of Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy finally has the chance to meet the much-discussed Lady Catherine de Bourgh and must answer all of her impertinent questions. Vanessa and Lauren discuss whether to read Lady Catherine generously and what she reflects about the power of the rich.

Dr. Hannah McGregor joins us at the end of the episode to discuss sentimentality in the novel. Her book, A Sentimental Education, is available now! Our next episode is on October 21th, when we’ll be reading chapter 30-32.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: The Mercenary and The Prudent (Chapters 26 - 28)

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 13:10:08 GMT

Lizzy Bennet hits the road in Chapters 26 and 28 of Pride and Prejudice. Change is in the air in Hertfordshire – Wickham is pursuing something new, Jane is with her aunt and uncle in London, and Lizzy heads to Hunsford to see “the happy couple” (that is to say, Charlotte and Collins). In this episode, Vanessa and Lauren explore the difference between Charlotte and Wickham and role of ‘love’ in matrimony.

Dr. Natalie Hanley-Smith joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Wickham’s fortune hunting. Our next episode is on October 7th, when we’ll be reading chapter 29!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patreon Sneak Peak: Extended Interview with Claudia Johnson

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:57:34 GMT

We're in the middle of a Patreon drive here on Hot and Bothered, trying to increase our membership to 1000 patrons. One of the wonderful things you can find on our Patreon is extended interviews with experts! We're making this conversation with the brilliant Claudia Johnson public so you get a sense of what that perk sounds like.

Claudia Johnson is the Murray Professor of English Literature at Princeton University. Her many brilliant publications on Austen include Jane Austen's Cult and Cultures, the Blackwell Companion to Jane Austen, and 30 Great Myths About Jane Austen.

You can get access to our 'extended interview' perk for $5/month at our Kitty tier. Head over to our Patreon at: www.patreon.com/hotandbotheredrompod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Crossed in Love (Chapters 24 + 25)

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:05:47 GMT

Jane and Elizabeth have a heart to heart about Bingley in Chapters 24 and 25 of Pride and Prejudice. Caroline has written Jane a letter saying that her party won’t be returning to Netherfield. But you know who is in town? Everyone’s favorite Aunt and Uncle: Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. In this episode, Vanessa and Lauren continue their conversations about class, love, and marriage and look closely at Jane’s optimistic philosophy of life.

Dr. Amy Hollywood joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Mrs. Bennet’s nerves and the history of hysteria. Our next episode is on September 23rd, when we’ll be reading chapters 26-28!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Engaged to Mr. Collins (Chapters 21 - 23)

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:11:10 GMT

After Elizabeth’s refusal, Mr. Collins quickly turns his attention to Charlotte Lucas in Chapters 21 through 23 of Pride and Prejudice. And Lizzy isn’t the only Bennet sister who is suddenly lacking a suitor – Mr. Bingley an his party have left for London with no promise of returning. In this episode, Vanessa and Lauren explore Charlotte’s approach to marriage and poor Jane’s broken heart.

Dr. Briallen Hopper joins us at the end of the episode to discuss spinsterhood in Austen’s age and our own. Our next episode is on September 9th, when we’ll start volume two!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: A Private Audience (Chapters 19 + 20)

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:00:46 GMT

Mr. Collins finally makes his move in Chapters 19 and 20 of of Pride and Prejudice. He pulls Lizzy aside for his grand proposal… and can’t seem to understand it when Lizzy flatly refuses. Vanessa and Lauren explore different readings of Collins in this scene and discuss the ways that Pride and Prejudice offers a mirror for modern feminist readers.

Dr. Talia Schaffer joins us at the end of the episode to discuss historical perspectives on Collins as a potential romantic partner. Our next episode is on August 26th, when we’ll get a shock from Charlotte Lucas!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: The 2005 Movie (with Helen Zaltzman and Jenny Owen Youngs)

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:03:46 GMT

We're taking a quick break from reading Pride and Prejudice to watch the 2005 movie adaptation with one of our favorite podcasts, Veronica Mars Investigations.

Vanessa is joined by Helen Zaltzman and Jenny Owen Youngs to dig through the movie, comparing it along the way to the BBC mini-series and, of course, the original text. They ask important questions like: How does Elizabeth hear Darcy's insult at the Meryton Ball? Is Mr. Bennet the true villain of Pride and Prejudice? And is Matthew McFadden wearing a wig in this movie?

Next episode, we're returning to our original format with chapters 19 + 20 - the Collins proposal!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: An Agreement to Expose Themselves (Chapters 17 + 18)

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 13:01:45 GMT

It’s time for the Netherfield Ball in Chapters 17 and 18 of Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Darcy finally asks Lizzy to dance and the whole Bennet family seems to be on a mission to embarrass themselves in front of everyone. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the undercurrent of class privilege that surrounds balls in general and Lizzy’s prejudice around Darcy specifically.

Dr. Amanda Calhoun joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the enemies to lovers trope from a psychological perspective. Our next episode is on July 29th, when we’ll squirm through Collin’s proposal.

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Fire Island (with Tobin Low)

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 13:15:39 GMT

Last month, a new Pride and Prejudice adaptation dropped – Fire Island directed by Andrew Ahn. As your go-to place for all things Pride and Prejudice, we felt it was our duty to watch the film and report back on how it compares to the original. And we were lucky enough to get Tobin Low, the co-creator of the Nancy podcast and current editor at This American Life, in the studio to break it all down. We talk about our favorite moments and how the themes of family, class, and pride translate from the book to the film.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Most Gentlemanlike Appearance (Chapters 15 + 16)

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:38:15 GMT

A new love interest has hit the scene in Chapters 15 and 16 of Pride and Prejudice. The handsome Mr. Wickham has caught Lizzy’s eye, and he has quite the story to tell about Darcy. Vanessa and Lauren discuss their first impressions of Wickham and what it means to trust a stranger.

Dr. Mary Jean Corbett joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the British marriage law and customs that surround Collins’ plan to marry his cousin. Our next episode is on July 15th, when we’ll attend the Netherfield Ball. (But look out for a little bonus episode on July 8th!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juneteenth Spotlight: The Final 5 Campaign

Sun, 19 Jun 2022 14:18:22 GMT

We're cross-posting this special episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, which we've released today. This year in commemoration of Juneteenth, Not Sorry is spotlighting The Final 5 Campaign, a coalition working to close the final five youth prisons in Illinois. Vanessa is joined in conversation by one of their leaders, Alicia Brown, who tells us about what it means to be a prison abolitionist and her work with the campaign.

Please join us by making a donation, learning more about the failures of youth prisons, contacting your legislators about prisons in your state, and listening to their new podcast, Free The Youth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Little Elegant Compliments (Chapters 13 + 14)

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:03:17 GMT

Mr. Collins, the Bennets’ horrible cousin, has arrived at Longbourn in Chapters 13 and 14 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren dig into Collins as a religious figure and the impact of his sermonizing on the Bennet daughters.

Dr. Sandra Macpherson joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the entail and British land law. Our next episode is on July 1st and we'll meet another exciting character - Mr. Wickham!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: An Object of Admiration (Chapters 9 - 12)

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 13:01:37 GMT

With Jane sick upstairs, Elizabeth is stuck navigating the drawing room at Netherfield in chapters 9 through 12 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the influence of The Enlightenment on Austen, continue their discussion about Caroline Bingley, and evaluate the budding chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy.

Nell Stevens joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the ‘mean girl’ trope. You can pre-order her upcoming book here. Our next episode is on June 17th and we'll meet the wonderfully silly Mr. Collins!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: A Very Mean Art (Chapters 7 + 8)

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:31:28 GMT

Poor Jane Bennet has caught a cold in the rain in Chapters 7 + 8 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Darcy’s moral compass, the value of reading, and the prototypical ‘mean girl' – Caroline Bingley.

Thanks to Dr. Tim Fulford for speaking to us this week about the military context of Austen’s England. Our next episode is on May 27th and we'll hunker down in the Netherfield parlor in Chapters 9 through 12.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: A Pair of Fine Eyes (Chapter 5 + 6)

Fri, 06 May 2022 13:00:31 GMT

The Lucases take center stage in Chapters 5+6 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the friendship between Charlotte and Lizzy and the way that historical and cultural ideas around masculinity might affect how we read Darcy.

Thanks to Dr. Kate Fullagar for speaking to us this week about notions of savagery in 18th century England. Our next episode is on May 20th and we'll travel to Netherfield in Chapters 7 and 8.

---

If you plan to read along with us, we have a monthly zoom book club you can join on our Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: His Manners Gave Disgust (Chapter 3 + 4)

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:00:00 GMT

It’s time for the Assembly Ball and Bingley and Darcy are on the scene in Chapters 3 and 4 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Darcy’s famously bad first impression on Lizzy as well as the socio-political dynamics of a ball in the 19th century and today.

Our next episode is out on May 6th and we'll spend some time with Charlotte Lucas in chapters 5+6!

---

Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: A Truth Universally Acknowledged (Chapters 1 + 2)

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 13:03:15 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren dive into Pride and Prejudice, starting with a close look at Chapters 1 and 2. They discuss the famous first line of the book, the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and the brief glimpse of Lizzie we get in this chapter.

Our next episode is on April 22nd and we'll get our first glimpse of Mr. Darcy in chapters 3+4.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: An Introduction

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:04:03 GMT

Pride and Prejudice is one of the most famous and beloved novels of all time. It’s also, in many ways, the foundational text of the Romance genre.

In our quest to unravel the gifts, mysteries, and inner workings of romance literature, it seemed only right that we turn to Lizzy and Darcy next.

But before we jump into the first chapters, a few questions need to be answered. Questions like: Who is Jane Austen, and why does everyone care so much about this book?

---

If you plan to read along with us, we have a small book club you can join on our Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Pemberley: Trailer

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 14:00:30 GMT

Welcome to our new season, where we're coming to you Live from Pemberley! Starting March 25th, Vanessa and Lauren will dive into Pride and Prejudice, investigating its power and legacy in the Romance genre and our hearts. This is your hand-lettered formal invitation to join us! Pack your corsets and pack your bait (because I hear if you're nice enough, Darcy might even invite you to fish on his property).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: The Brontës

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:00:46 GMT

Throughout our season of On Eyre, we've given you some small glimpses into the life of Charlotte Brontë. You probably know that she came from a literary family, that she attended a school very like Lowood, and that she died young. But before we put Jane Eyre back on the shelf, we wanted to spend some more time with dear Charlotte and her life in Haworth.

This episode we're joined by the incredible Brontë biographer, Dr. Juliet Barker. Juliet shares with us more about how the Brontë children grew up, their joys and tragedies, and what the success of Jane Eyre meant to Charlotte.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Re Jane

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 14:00:13 GMT

After visiting the land of Jane Eyre films, we’re returning to modern book adaptations with Re Jane by Patricia Park. We’re lucky enough to be joined by Patricia Park herself to discuss her feelings about "Reader I married him", how she re-imagined Bertha, and how her own experiences visiting Korea informed the book.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: The 2011 Jane Eyre Film

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 14:00:26 GMT

When the wonderful women of the Heaving Bosoms podcast invited Vanessa on their show, we couldn't resist roping them in to our Jane Eyre adaptation project! This week, in a crossover episode, Vanessa, Erin, and Melody watch the 2011 film adaptation of Jane Eyre.

P.S. There's a lot of talk about Vanessa's book, Praying with Jane Eyre, in this episode. If you have yet to purchase your copy, just a reminder that we are selling signed and personalized versions on our website!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Wide Sargasso Sea

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 17:06:53 GMT

When Jean Rhys published Wide Sargasso Sea in 1966, she took on a question we’ve been asking a lot throughout this podcast: what about Bertha?

This episode, we are lucky enough to be joined by Dr. Erica L. Johnson, co-editor of Wide Sargasso Sea at 50 and Jean Rhys: Twenty-First Century Perspectives to discuss the book. From Dr. Johnson, we learn about Rhy’s life, how to categorize and think about her work, and what it shows us about Jane Eyre.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: The Flight of Gemma Hardy

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 14:00:46 GMT

Even though we've technically finished up our reading of Jane Eyre, we feel like the season isn't quite complete without a look at the many adaptations of the text. Over the next few months, we'll be looking a few examples and asking the question 'what do these teach us about the original text?'

The first episode of this short series is all about The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey, and we were lucky enough to get Margot Livesey herself to speak with us about the book. Vanessa and Margot discuss 'why do people keep coming back to this text?' and 'what are the hardest things in this text to modernize?'

We hope to launch or season on Pride and Prejudice on March 25th, but we need your help to do it! We're hoping to raise $4k by February 14th and we're almost at our goal. If you want Hot and Bothered to continue, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holiday Bonus: An Interview with Jasmine Guillory

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 10:00:56 GMT

We’ve been sitting on this lovely interview with Jasmine Guillory for a while, and we thought we’d share it with you as a special holiday treat! We discuss the personal and political as they relate to romance novels, and her latest book While We Were Dating.

We hope you’re taking care of yourself this season! To quote Jasmine in this episode “thinking of yourself as a person worthy of care is one of the hardest things.”

We'll be back in the new year with some episodes exploring adaptations of Jane Eyre, and we hope to launch or season on Pride and Prejudice on March 25th. If you'd like to help that season come to life, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Final Thoughts

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:40:17 GMT

After months for reading the book together, Vanessa and Lauren return to their original question for this podcast: Is this a book we want to be passing on? We discuss the importance of critical reading and what we think this weird book is all about.

As we approach the end of this book, we’d very much like to keep the show going and read Pride and Prejudice next! If you’re excited about a trip to Pemberley, please help us out by supporting us on Patreon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Vanessa’s Jane Eyre Sermon

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:04:51 GMT

Unfortunately we've run into some technical difficulties with the final episode of On Eyre! (Is this fate telling us that the season should never end?) While you wait, we have for you a short sermon Vanessa wrote about Jane Eyre.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Reader I Married Him (Chapter 38)

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren have finally finished the whole dang book! This week we read the very last chapter and discuss the hegemony of marriage, Bronte's descriptions of 'true love', and why St. John gets the last word of the novel.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: She Kindled The Bed (Chapters 36 + 37)

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 14:05:55 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren reach Ferndean in chapters 36 and 37 of Jane Eyre. This week we discuss Bronte's depiction of disability, Bertha's powerful exit from the novel, and how gossip spreads in the wake of tragedy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One Eyre: He Wanted to Train Me (Chapters 34 + 35)

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 14:16:24 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren say 'no' to St. John, in Chapters 34 and 35 of Jane Eyre. This week, St. John proposes to Jane. We look at his behavior before and after the proposal, discuss his missionary zeal, and debate whether the supernatural elements of this book serve or hinder its message.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: I Feel Now That I Was Right (Chapters 31 - 33)

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:14:28 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren enter Jane’s school room in Morton, in Chapters 31 through 33 of Jane Eyre. They continue to debate whether Jane should have left Rochester, and discuss St. John’s missionary aspirations and Rosamund’s beauty.

As you’ll hear in this week’s episode, we’re starting to think about the end of Jane Eyre! We’d very much like to read Pride and Prejudice next. If you’re excited about a trip to Pemberley, please help us out by supporting us on Patreon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Blameless in His Life and Habits (Chapters 28 - 30)

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:09:23 GMT

This week, we find that Jane has run away from Thornfield and is wandering the moors of England without a shilling to her name. Vanessa and Lauren discuss homelessness past and present and its tropes in literature. We also meet four brand new characters: The three Rivers siblings and their housekeeper Hannah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: When Body and Soul Rise in Mutiny (Chapter 27 - Part 2)

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 13:31:16 GMT

This week we're returning to Chapter 27 of Jane Eyre, this time zooming in on Jane and Rochester. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Jane's fears about becoming a mistress and compare it with the limitations of a Victorian marriage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Take The Maniac With You to England (Chapter 27 - Part 1)

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:06:40 GMT

With so much to cover in Chapter 27, we’ve decided to break it up into two episode. This week, Vanessa and Lauren focus in on Bertha and grapple with the racist and imperialist themes of Jane Eyre.

Many thanks this week to Dr. Rab Houston for consulting with us about the history of asylums in Victorian England. Check out his project Promoting Mental Health Through the Lessons of History.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Grave and Quiet at the Mouth of Hell (Chapters 25 + 26)

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 13:05:59 GMT

Vanessa Lauren finally journey up to the third floor of Thornfield Hall in Chapters 25 and 26 of Jane Eyre. They dissect the character of Bertha Rochester and try to parse out Charlotte Bronte’s voice from Jane Eyre’s as the narrator.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: I Am No Bird (Chapters 23 + 24)

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 13:08:37 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren meet under the chestnut tree at Thornfield in Chapters 23 and 24 of Jane Eyre. They discuss Rochester's proposal (!) and continue to examine the many power differentials in this budding relationship.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: I Felt Pain, and Then I Felt Ire (Chapters 21 + 22)

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren return to Gateshead in Chapters 21 and 22 of Jane Eyre. Mrs. Reed is dying, and Jane has come to sit by her bedside. But it's not a 'typical' death bed exchange – there's no great moment of redemption for Mrs. Reed, she dies a villain. Vanessa and Lauren explore what this dynamic reveals about Jane's growth over the course of the novel, and what it means about Jane's sense of home.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: I Can Live Alone (Chapters 19 + 20)

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:26:03 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren and start to get closer to the secrets at Thornfield Hall in Chapters 19 and 20 of Jane Eyre. After we learned about a mysterious gypsy in our last episode, we finally have a chance to meet her and hear what she has to say about our dear Jane. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the trope of the 'gypsy' in Victorian literature, the ways in which it's harmful to Romani people, and how it's being used in this text.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: It Does Good To No Woman (Chapters 16 - 18)

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 13:05:16 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren and settling in with the new party at Thornfield in Chapters 16 through 18 of Jane Eyre. After last week’s big bed burning scene, Mr. Rochester up and leaves Thornfield. But when we returns, he’s got a whole new cast of characters in tow. Our biggest introduction is to Miss Blanche Ingram, and Vanessa and Lauren debate whether she’s redeemable.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Paving Hell With Energy (Chapters 14 + 15)

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 13:14:40 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren set the bed on fire in chapters 14 and 15 of Jane Eyre. They take a close look at the character of Celine Varens and continue their debate on whether Rochester is a sexy hero or a manipulative boss (or both).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: But What Do You Think? (Chapter 13)

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren get cozy with Jane and Rochester in chapter 13 of Jane Eyre. The two lovebirds have their first real conversation in this chapter and it is steamy... well at least to them it is. Vanessa and Lauren aren't as sure that Rochester's brand of flirtation is the healthiest for our dear heroine.

Special thanks this week to Dr. Rachel Teukolsky, who was interviewed twice for this episode. Check out her latest book Picture World: Image, Aesthetics, and Victorian New Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Millions are in Silent Revolt (Chapters 11 + 12)

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:11:16 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren have arrived at Thornfield Hall in chapters 11 and 12 of Jane Eyre. And who do they find on the road outside of Thornfield? Why Mr. Rochester himself, the 'hero' of our romance! This week they analyze Jane's restlessness in her new home, The Gothic as it appears in these chapters, and why women are attracted to brooding bad boys like Rochester.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Praying with Jane Eyre: On Destiny

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 13:00:00 GMT

If for some reason you haven't heard (have you been living under a rock?), Vanessa wrote a book all about Jane Eyre! It's the inspiration for this podcast. After reading Chapter 10 last week, we realized there were some strong resonances between our conversation and the chapter of Vanessa's book on the theme of Destiny. We thought we'd take a week to share it with you and dig even deeper into chapter 10.

And if for some reason you haven't purchased Vanessa's book yet (have you been trapped in someone's attic?) you can do so here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: The World is Pleasant (Chapters 9 + 10)

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren wrap-up their time at Lowood School in chapters 9 and 10 of Jane Eyre. They discuss Jane's peculiar perspective on dying in chapter nine ("what a drag to die" as Lauren puts it), the special tenor of Helen's death by tuberculous, and the power of female friendship.

Many thanks to Phoebe Judge for lending her voice to Helen this week. Phoebe read the entirety of Jane Eyre aloud on her podcast Phoebe Reads a Mystery last fall. We highly encourage you to go back and listen to her reading of the book as a companion to our show!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: I Came On Purpose To Find You (Chapter 5 - 8)

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 15:53:10 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren settle into the Lowood School in chapters 5 through 8 of Jane Eyre. They grapple with the role of Christianity in this book, paying special attention to how Charlotte Bronte's ideas are expressed through the character of Helen Burns.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: Keep in Good Health and Not Die (Chapter 4)

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:04:17 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren slow down again to look closely at just one chapter - chapter four of Jane Eyre. They discuss Mr. Brocklehurst and his Christianity, Jane’s powerful use of her own voice, and what Gateshead Hall represents in the context of the larger book.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: I Resisted All The Way (Chapters 2 + 3)

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 13:09:17 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren tackle chapters two and three of Jane Eyre, spending more time at Gateshead Hall. They discuss the famous 'red room' scene, explore Victorian sensibilities about sex and womanhood, and grapple with Jane's comparison to a 'rebel slave.'

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: No Possibility of Taking a Walk (Chapter 1)

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 13:00:57 GMT

Vanessa and Lauren dive into Jane Eyre, starting with a close look at Chapter 1. They discuss the first sentence of the book, Jane’s abuse at Gateshead, and what it means to be a ‘precocious girl.’

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Eyre: An Introduction

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 13:00:00 GMT

If you know anything about Vanessa Zoltan, you know that Jane Eyre is her favorite book. In fact, she just wrote her own book about it: Praying with Jane Eyre. But after spending so much time lovingly pouring over this text, it's time to take a step back.

Each week of On Eyre, Vanessa and Lauren Sandler will take a critical look at the text and ask themselves ‘does this old book still have something to say in our world?’

But before we jump into the first chapter, a few questions need to be answered. Questions like: Who is Charlotte Bronte, and why should anyone (who isn't Vanessa) care about this book?

---

If you plan to read along with us, we have several book club options launching on our Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What We Love About Women's Liberation with Lauren Sandler

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:57:48 GMT

Next week, we're launching our new series On Eyre. But before we jump into 19th century England, we wanted to spend some time introducing you to our new co-host Lauren Sandler. Lauren's recent book This is All I Got: A New Mother's Search for Home is recently out in paperback. We talked to her about the process of writing her book and the similarities she see's between Jane Eyre and the continued vulnerability of women on the margins .

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What We Love about Being Stuck in a Cabin with Nichole Perkins

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 14:27:07 GMT

This week we're excited to share a conversation with Nichole Perkins about Romance Thrillers, the pleasure of competency, and her podcast This is Good For You. Stick around after our conversation to hear an episode of This is Good For You all about baking bread. And if you like the show, be sure to subscribe wherever you find your podcasts!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What We Love About Hopeful Endings with Emma Straub

Fri, 28 May 2021 15:05:39 GMT

We're between seasons of Hot and Bothered, so to keep you company we're bringing you interviews with our favorite writers and thinkers. This week, we're bringing you the wonderful writer and bookstore owner Emma Straub. Together we talk about how women's books are marketed, her love of writing hopeful endings, and why it's important to surround yourself with young people.

Her book, All Adults Here, is recently out in paperback. Go check it out!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What We Love About Audiobooks with Justine Eyre

Fri, 21 May 2021 16:34:25 GMT

We're following our interview with Julie Anne Long last week with someone else who Vanessa is obsessed with: Justine Eyre, the woman who reads Julie Anne Long's books.

Justine Eyre is a classically trained, multilingual actress who has narrated well over 400 audiobooks and received an Audie Award and multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards. We talked to her about her process of preparing to record a book, the joys of romance, and whether listening to an audiobook counts as 'reading.'

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What We Love About Regency with Julie Anne Long

Fri, 14 May 2021 12:00:07 GMT

We're between seasons of Hot and Bothered, but that doesn't mean we've stopped reading Romance novels. On the contrary, recently Vanessa has been binge reading The Pennyroyal Green Series by Julie Anne Long. And because Romance novelist are the nicest kind of people, we were lucky enough to get Julie on the phone. We asked her all of our questions about her books, how she got started writing, and regency romance. Enjoy this mini-episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking Dawn in Quarantine

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read all of Breaking Dawn and have some thoughts on imprinting, vampire sex, and best practices for vampire childbirth.

This is the final episode of Twilight in Quarantine ya'll! Thank you so much for being on this journey with us for the past year. We'll be back in June with On Eyre!

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us make our new Jane Eyre podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Announcing Hot and Bothered Season Three: On Eyre

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:29:06 GMT

Fact 1: Vanessa Zoltan has been the host of this romance novel themed podcast for almost two years now.

Fact 2: Vanessa Zoltan is a Jane Eyre evangelist. She’s literally written the book on Jane Eyre.

Fact 3: Vanessa has somehow never talked about Jane Eyre on this podcast???

Finally, we’ve come to our senses and one of life’s biggest contradictions is getting sorted. Coming June 1st 2021, our newest season--- Hot and Bothered: On Eyre. Vanessa will be joined by the brilliant journalist Lauren Sandler, and together with experts they’ll read through Charlotte Bronte’s seminal work and explore the questions and themes that emerge. If you want to read along, we’ll be starting with Chapters 1-4. Grab your SPF and your library card. This summer, we’re On Eyre.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Epilogue

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have officially finished Eclipse! Jacob wants to be a wolf full-time and we love that for him. Go Jacob, run like the wind and never come back. Seriously. Please don't come back.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us make our new Jane Eyre podcast!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Needs

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 27 of Eclipse and need a whole closet of custom designed free clothing from Alice stat.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Interview with Emily Nagoski

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 08:47:00 GMT

CW: In this episode we discuss sexual assault and read an explicit scene of assault and emotional abuse from Eclipse.

Still reeling from the Jacob/Bella plot line, Vanessa turns to sex educator and author Emily Nagoski for some help in making sense of Eclipse. They discuss the history of women's sexualization, how Jacob's storyline plays upon real and toxic gender norms, and what to do with Romance novels that uphold the patriarchy.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Emily's amazing books! She's the author Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, and two romance novels of her very own: How Not to Fall and How Not to Let Go.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing: The Real Question

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:30:53 GMT

We at Not Sorry are making a new show! It's called The Real Question and the first episode is out today. We've already checked-in with Alice, and she has assured us that you're going to love the show. So go subscribe now!

The Real Question is a weekly podcast exploring life’s questions through a surprising mix of pop culture and academic insight. Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile learned in divinity school about the art of paying attention. By paying attention to very specific things in our lives, we can begin to see something true about big, universal questions. In this podcast, they turn that attention to a variety of everyday scenarios in their own lives to see what’s really at stake. Questions about the tooth fairy can really be about the fear we have for our children. Questions about driving can really be about what it means to be a good partner. Each week, Vanessa and Casper walk each other through the process of figuring out what their ‘real’ questions are in conversations with texts ranging from movie musicals to theological treatises. In this intimate, thoughtful podcast we explore how friendship can be a tool for living a more intentional life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Ethics

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 26 of Eclipse and are still shaking off the horror of this whole Bella/Jacob situation.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Mirror

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 25 of Eclipse and they have a few special valentines to share with the class.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Snap Decision

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 08:46:00 GMT

CW: discussion of suicidal ideation, graphic violence, and abuse

We really only planned to skip one chapter in this book, but then Chapter 23 went and happened. Chapter 23 is a minefield of sexual and emotional abuse and we thought: 'You know what would be more fun than recording an episode on this nonsense? Not recording an episode on this nonsense.' So we moved on to Chapter 24. And don't worry, Chapter 24 still has plenty of problematic things to discuss! Topics include dismembering vampires and whether or not Bella actually stabs herself during the battle scene.

We also announce some extra Breaking News in this episode: We've decided not to read Breaking Dawn chapter by chapter. Honestly we can't keep subjecting ourselves to these books. Instead, we're going to do one episode covering all of Breaking Dawn, and then launch a new romance novel related mini-series in June. (More on that to come!) Until then, we'll be watching Eclipse and both Breaking Dawn movies with our patrons on Patreon and discussing all our feels in some bonus episodes. It's a bittersweet announcement, we know, but we hope you'll stay with us as we move onto new and exciting romance projects!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Fire and Ice

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 22 of Eclipse and they have a lot of ideas about how to stay warm without inviting Jacob into your sleeping bag.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Trails

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 08:47:00 GMT

CW: Because of the content of this chapter we spend a lot of time talking about sexual assault and emotional abuse.

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 21 of Eclipse and they don't know how anyone could be #TeamJacob.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Compromise

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 20 of Eclipse and do their best Richard Dawson impersonation in our Twilight version of Family Feud.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Selfish

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 08:47:42 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter nineteen of Eclipse and are continuing to explore the rich thematic questions that thread through these books: whether Bella is a cat vs. dog person, if Charlie is capable of any kind of parenting, and why nobody has acknowledged that Jasper being a confederate solider is super problematic.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technical Difficulties + Blooper Reel

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 20:39:43 GMT

We were hoping to release a regular episode today, but unfortunately we ran into some technical difficulties! It was probably Werewolf Jacob using our wires as a chew toy again.

While you wait for next week's episode, please enjoy this blooper reel from our Chapter 18 episode!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Holiday Bonus: A Self-Help Tape for Bella

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 08:47:00 GMT

We're taking one more week off before we're back to Eclipse. While you wait, here's a peak at what we've been up to over on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Instruction

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter eighteen of Eclipse and they're ready to hit the runway and Make It Work.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Alliance

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter seventeen of Eclipse and they're dreaming up business ideas for Alice's party planning company. First step: a suite of business tools where the Cullens can keep track of their revenue, as well as their blood grudges against other vampires. Technology can really do it all these days.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Epoch

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter sixteen of Eclipse and they've been chosen as the Forks High graduation speakers.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Wager (Skipped!)

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 08:47:31 GMT

CW: We discuss sexual assault when summarizing the events of this chapter. You can fast forward about 5 minutes to skip.

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter thirteen of Eclipse, but they honestly can’t bear to talk about it. So Julia has used her one and only Uno Skip Card to save us from having to re-live Bella’s sexual assault. Instead, we turn our dial to see what’s happening at Forks High School. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s prom season! What hijinks do our favorite high schoolers get up to at prom? Eclipse doesn’t tell us. But fortunately Vanessa and Julia are here to fill in the details.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Declaration

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter fourteen of Eclipse and it turns out that Tom Hanks is a main character in these books.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Newborn

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter thirteen of Eclipse and Vanessa gives advice from her stint as a robber in the 1980s.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Time

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 08:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter twelve of Eclipse and they've finally figured out that Bella is a time traveller.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Legends

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter eleven of Eclipse and they're uncomfortable with the amount of hot dogs in this chapter.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Scent

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter ten of Eclipse and they are joined by special guest Hannah McGregor of the podcast Witch, Please. Hannah has a lot of the same questions we've had in the past: Why doesn't Bella have a cell phone? Why don't werewolves wear something more convenient to their lifestyle? And why aren't Charlie and Carlisle banging?

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Target

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter nine of Eclipse and are revisiting these books scariest monsters: Capitalism and The Patriarchy. Don't look now, they're under your bed! They're right behind you!

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Temper

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter eight of Eclipse and they're doing all they can to not be sucked into the logic of these books.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Unhappy Ending

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 07:47:24 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter seven of Eclipse and they will always and forever be #TeamRosalie.... but Team Rosalie and who?

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Switzerland

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 07:47:42 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter six of Eclipse and are joined by reporter Rachelle Hampton to discuss Bella's latest kidnapping.

Don't miss it: Rachelle did some top-notch analysis earlier this month about Midnight Sun.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Imprint

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 07:47:12 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter five of Eclipse and they are obsessed with Sam Uley's love life. Can someone say drama?

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Nature

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 07:47:06 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter four of Eclipse and it's an episode full of harsh truths and crushed dreams for the characters this week.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Motives

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 07:47:19 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter three of Eclipse and they're ready to pitch a CW adaptation of Twilight staring Chad Michael Murray.

Because we're switching our release schedule to once a week (on Wednesdays!) we're trying to make our episodes longer. To that end, we have a new rotating segment called Reality TV. In today's episode, we try out our 'Shark Tank' edition for the first time, in which Vanessa and Julia both propose a new product that could be useful to the people of Forks.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Evasion

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read the second chapter of Eclipse and they've final solved the mystery of why so many socks go missing in the laundry: Edward is eating them.

Because we're switching our release schedule to once a week (on Wednesdays!) we're trying to make our episodes longer. To that end, we have a new rotating segment called Reality TV. In today's episode, we try out our 'Survivor' edition for the first time, in which Vanessa and Julia both vote a character off the Twilight Island.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eclipse in Quarantine: Ultimatum

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read the first chapter of Eclipse and are very interested to learn that Bella's favorite book is Wuthering Heights. They dive into the book-within-a-book relationship with some essential questions: Is Eclipse going to draw its themes from Wuthering Heights? Will Bella gets to become a ghost instead of a vampire? And, most importantly, why does Bella like the wrong Bronte book?

Because we're switching our release schedule to once a week (on Wednesdays!) we're trying to make our episodes longer. To that end, we have a new rotating segment called Reality TV. In today's episode, we try out our 'Bachelor' edition for the first time, in which Vanessa and Julia both come up with dates for the characters in Eclipse.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Treaty

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 07:47:54 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read the Epilogue of New Moon and they're starting a petition to bring RBG to Forks, Washington.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Vote

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 24 and they're rooting for Bella to say yes to the dress.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book three!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: The Truth

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 07:47:46 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 23 and they think that some bunk beds and a Daniel Craig shaped pillow would solve a lot of Bella’s problems.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Flight

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 22 of New Moon and they want to celebrate Edward for his self-control in several categories. Blood-thirst for Bella? Completely under control. Public displays of affection? Generous, yet tasteful. We can honestly say for once: Good job Edward.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Verdict

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 07:47:17 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 21 of New Moon. Though they've been giving advice for a while now, in this chapter it feels like there are two pressing pieces of advice that can supersede all that came previously:

DON'T murder
DON'T start romantic relationships with literal children

These are surprisingly difficult concepts for many characters to grasp.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Volterra

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 20 and urge Bella to jump into EMERGENCY MODE because she's far from home, wading barefoot and frantic through some deep trouble in Italy.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Race

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 07:47:52 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 19 of New Moon and they're starting to wonder if they should have read Fifty Shade of Grey instead.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New in Quarantine: The Funeral

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:47:37 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 18 of New Moon and they want to hear from you! Write in if you:

Also didn’t realize that this book was an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet
Have an idea of a sound effect for our genuine enjoyment section
Have a private jet and want us to come to your wedding

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Visitor

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 17 of Eclipse and have come to the conclusion that tough love is maybe the truest love of all. #TeamBalice anyone?

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Paris

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 07:47:26 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 16 and are scheming to unionize the poor werewolves who are clearly working too hard.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Pressure

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 07:47:47 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 15 and, true to type, Vanessa has to explain to Julia some 90s culture while Julia has to explain to Vanessa some modern technology.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, please consider reaching out to the Crisis Text Line, National Suicide Prevention Hotline, or National Domestic Violence Hotline.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Family

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 14 and they are demanding a feminist uprising against the werewolf patriarchy.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Killer

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 13 of New Moon and feel it's necessary to do a deep dive into the psychology of Bella's attractions.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Intruder

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 12 of New Moon, and are having flashbacks to book one. We know that Jacob is the middle of a transformative time - we just didn't realize he was transforming into Edward.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Cult

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 11 of New Moon, and between bad policing, white savior complexes, and gas-lighting, Charlie and Bella are hitting a home run on sucking this week.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: The Meadow

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 07:47:45 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 10 of New Moon, and they're starting to learn the ups and downs of parenting a teenager.

We encourage you to donate to one of the many organization raising money in support of Black lives and the current protests. If you donate $25 or more, send us a receipt and Julia and Vanessa will record a voicemail message just for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Third Wheel

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 9 of New Moon, and they're ready to give Jacob 'the talk' about his growing and changing body.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Adrenaline

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:47:16 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 8 of New Moon, and want Bella to hop on the #TeamJacob bandwagon and off the motorcycle (or at least wear a helmet).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Repetition

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:47:13 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 7 of New Moon, and they have some notes for Sam Uley on how to be a good cult leader. Pro tip: try to be less scary.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Friends

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 08:56:25 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 6 of New Moon, and need to introduce some high-level terms to Bella like 'internalized misogyny' and 'racism.'

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Cheater

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 5 of New Moon, and give Bella some much needed financial advice about saving for college.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Waking Up

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:47:25 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 4 of New Moon, and have some thoughts on how to get Bella through this break-up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: The End

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 3 of New Moon, and they are THRILLED that Edward and Bella have finally broken up. We've been waiting for this moment for so long ya'll and it's finally here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Stitches

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 2 of New Moon, and are thoroughly in the weeds with some big questions: is there a god? Is there such thing as a consensual rocking chair experience in the bedroom? How can we empower Bella's bodily autonomy? So buckle up, Twihards, it's a bumpy ride.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Moon in Quarantine: Party

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:47:15 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 1 of New Moon and they have a lot of advice on proper birthday etiquette and how to best take advantage of your astrological moment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: The Twilight Movie

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 07:47:25 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have watched the Twilight movie and give a thorough review of all the most important parts: the weather, the fashion, and our favorite minor characters.

Please Note: We've decided to not talk about Charlie Swan in this episode. We've given Charlie a lot of love throughout this first season of Twilight in Quarantine, but in this political moment we're thinking a lot about how police narratives are centered and celebrated in popular media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: The Whole Dang Thing

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 07:47:33 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read ALL of the first book of the Twilight series! Before they move on to New Moon, they take a look back at the whole book and give their final impressions and advice.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: An Occasion

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:47:29 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read the Epilogue, and they're organizing the After-Prom party for Bella and Edward.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: An Impasse

Fri, 29 May 2020 07:47:18 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 24, and they finally get to meet the elusive Renée. Unfortunately, she was not worth the wait.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: The Angel

Wed, 27 May 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 23, and are joined by Maren of the Remember Twilight podcast. Together, they discover that there's a gap in the market for Vampire Therapy and that maybe there's hope for true love after all.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Hide and Seek

Fri, 22 May 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 22 and feel greatly betrayed when it turns out that Bella is not actually from Phoenix.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Phone Call

Wed, 20 May 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 21 and are amused by the quaint technologies of the early 2000s like 'drawing' and 'writing.' Bella's gonna have her mind blown by photoshop and snapchat.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Impatience

Mon, 18 May 2020 07:47:47 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 20 and they're feeling as trapped in Bella's hotel room as she is.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Goodbyes

Fri, 15 May 2020 07:47:47 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 19 and they are starting to understand why the Cullens treat Bella like a toddler.

---

If $2/month doesn’t feel like a vampire sucking your blood, we’d love it if you could support us on Patreon. Your support will help us help Bella through book two!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: The Hunt

Wed, 13 May 2020 07:47:05 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 18 and they want you to JUST SAY NO to kidnapping.

---

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: The Game

Mon, 11 May 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 17 and have an important sports update: baseball is dumb.

---

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Carlisle

Fri, 08 May 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 16 and they think that you should always pack an umbrella. Or at least not laugh at those who do.

---

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: The Cullens

Wed, 06 May 2020 07:47:10 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 15 and are blowing the whistle on creepy rocking chair dynamics. If you see something, say something.

---

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Mind Over Matter

Mon, 04 May 2020 07:47:16 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 14 and they applaud Bella for living her best quarantine life.

---

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Confessions

Fri, 01 May 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read chapter 13 and they're already planning their Edward/Bella Halloween costumes.

---

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Balancing

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 12 and they continue to find Edward's outfits better than his behavior.

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Complications

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 07:47:06 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 11 and they finally find out why this book is called Twilight.

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Interrogations

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 07:47:38 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 10 and they realize that everyone really wants to smell like vegetables. They also both come to a very important conclusion: using your dog to get a message to your boyfriend is a fool's errand.

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Theory

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 07:47:59 GMT

This episode, Vanessa is joined by our friend Meredith Goldstein of the Love Letters podcast. Meredith is an actual advice columnist and an actual fan of Twilight, so it's a real treat to have her on. Vanessa and Meredith discuss chapter 9 and recommend some moral philosophy to Edward.

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Port Angeles

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:47:51 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 8 and they are #TeamAngela.

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Nightmare

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 7 and beg Bella Swan to do literally anything else but wait by the phone for a boy to call. Bella--take a nap, eat a banana, pet your goldfish and call your mom!

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Scary Stories

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 6 and they have different takes on the character of Lauren.

If you're enjoying Twilight in Quarantine, please consider supporting us on Patreon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Blood Type

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 07:47:03 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 5 and they'd like to teach the residents of Forks some things about consent.

Note: We've relaunched our Patreon! If you're enjoying our advice for the characters of Twilight, please consider supporting us in our work!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Invitations

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 07:47:33 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 4 and they're ready to start casting for Twilight the Musical.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Phenomenon

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 3 and, surprisingly, they're actually starting to like this book!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: Open Book

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:47:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia have read Chapter 2 and they have some questions about the weather patterns in Forks, Washington.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twilight in Quarantine: First Sight

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 16:00:50 GMT

Is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer the best book of all time? No it’s not. Is it the kind of cotton candy escapism joy we need during these uncertain times? Hell yes it is.

You may remember BFFs Vanessa Zoltan & Julia Argy from their all-star advice giving in Season 1. In this mini-season they’re sheltering in place in different cities, but they’re getting on the phone three times a week to read and talk about Twilight. On Twilight in Quarantine, they’ll work their way through the Twilight saga one chapter at a time, giving brilliant well-informed advice to Stephenie Meyer and her characters along the way.

In this episode, Vanessa and Julia read Chapter 1. They meet Bella and Edward for the first time and they are concerned about them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Epilogue

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:35:00 GMT

This week Vanessa talks about how the Friends-to-Lovers trope reflects the love she has for her real life partner, and how writing her own romance novel has allowed her to discover the importance of trust in her relationships.

Meanwhile, Ariana interviews Vanessa about the importance of happy endings, how romance novels have helped her through her own life, and why she and Ariana started this podcast anyway.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let This Drive a Wedge Between You: Lauren Sandler

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 08:35:00 GMT

Vanessa and Julia deal with a Reddit question from a woman whose boyfriend has recently found religion. Should his attempts to convert her end their relationship?

To explore this question, Vanessa talks with journalist Lauren Sandler about her research on Christian Romance Novels and their writers. At the heart of their discussion lies the question: how religion can affect romance? They discuss how religion can bring some people closer, and can tear others apart.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Extra-Virgin (Like Olive Oil)

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 08:35:00 GMT

This week, Vanessa’s friend, Liz, writes on the “Widowed Virgin” trope, telling the story of a Jewish widow who finds sexual awakening after her husband’s death. Vanessa reflects on her own Jewish upbringing, and confronts the familial urge to marry within the religion.

Vanessa, whose partner is non-Jewish and German, examines what it means to love someone outside of the community she was raised in. She turns to her brother, who married a wonderful Jewish woman, to discuss how important it really is to marry within your own religion. Vanessa comes to terms with her own happy ending as Liz writes an HEA for the widowed virgin of her story.

We also get our next writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with Lauren Sandler.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delete Your Social Media: JenReadsRomance

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 08:35:00 GMT

This week Vanessa and Julia discuss a boyfriend’s jealousy of his girlfriend’s dream man. Can someone’s fantasy life be threatening to their relationship?

To get answers, Vanessa talks with popular Romance advocate and critic Jen Prokop, of @JenReadsRomance on Twitter, about romance novel covers and why they should (or shouldn’t) change. We also hear a clip from Vanessa’s interview with Nichole Perkins who talks about representation in romance covers, and how they could improve.

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Treat Today Like No One is Watching

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 08:35:00 GMT

Jen wants to write a romance with her daughter as the main character. Vanessa just doesn’t understand why it has to be so...creepy.

This week on Hot & Bothered, Jen uses the trope “Fake Relationship to True Love” to explore what her daughter’s future relationship might look like as a powerful, self-actualized woman in the modern world. When it takes a creepy turn, Vanessa wonders what sort of message Jen is hoping her daughter will hear. With the help of The New York Times’ romance columnist Jamie Green, they explore the line between pretending and lying in the dating world, and how growing up under society’s gaze affects our quest for a happy ending.

We also get our next writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with Jen Prokop, @JenReadsRomance on Twitter and cohost of the Fated Mates podcast.

This episode uses Good Bones with permission from Tupelo Press.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay Safe: Steve Almond

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 07:35:00 GMT

This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy tackle one of the most intense Reddit questions yet: a girlfriend considering leaving her boyfriend -- a serial drunk driver.

With the stakes high, Vanessa and Julia struggle with how to give the best advice. For advice on advice giving, Julia turns to advice columnist, podcaster, and writer, Steve Almond. Together, they discuss the patriarchal problem of male rage, and what lies between the lines of love advice questions.

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Really Solid 60% Guy

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Elizabeth and Vanessa’s parents both got married fast, and fell in love after.

This week on Hot & Bothered, Elizabeth writes about the trope “Marriage of Convenience.” She’s taking this opportunity re-write her parents failing marriage with a happy ending. But the more Elizabeth writes, the more Vanessa wonders if Elizabeth is carrying some of the worst parts of the trope into her own life. She and Vanessa explore: how parents can inform our own idea of love, what it means to settle versus what it means to compromise, and what exactly is a happy marriage?

We also get our next writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with writer and columnist, Steve Almond.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monogamy Isn’t Working: Katie and Pam Mingle

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 07:35:00 GMT

This week, Vanessa is joined by Katie Mingle from 99% Invisible. They explore this week’s Reddit question written by a woman in a 10 year relationship who’s experiencing feelings for another man.

To find an answer, Vanessa and Katie call Katie’s mother, romance novelist Pam Mingle. Together, they revisit a question from earlier in this season: whether love at first sight exists. Pam, Katie and Vanessa consider the difference between romantic love and motherly love, the failures of monogamy, and whether Pam will write another romance novel.

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mom, Don't Listen

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Marissa Martinelli is writing a real sex scene. Vanessa is READY.

This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope “Mistaken Identity.” As Marissa tries to write a good sex scene for her mistaken characters, she and Vanessa explore the vulnerability of explicit sexuality, and wrestle with the freedom and the oppression of coded sexual language.

Vanessa turns to writer, romance-novel reader, and co-host of Thirst Aid Kit Nichole Perkins to understand what we talk about when we talk about throbbing members.

We also get our next (steamy!) writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Eyeballs: Meredith Goldstein

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 07:35:00 GMT

This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy marvel over their favorite Reddit dating advice question yet: a girlfriend curious about her boyfriend’s LOCKED DRAWER containing a secret object he refuses to divulge.

For insight into the most mysterious relational secrets, Vanessa turns to advice columnist, entertainment reporter, and paranormal romance novel reader Meredith Goldstein. Together, they explore the boundaries of privacy, paranormal intimacy, and what we keep in drawers.

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Next Exam Room

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Vanessa and Brigid share everything with each other - their thoughts, their feelings, even their endometriosis diagnosis.

This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope “Friends to Lovers.” In her writing, Brigid reckons with the way love changes in the transition from friendship to partnership. Together, Vanessa and Brigid wrestle with what they share with friends, what they share with their partners, and the intimacy born from shared pain.

Along the way, Rev. Dr. Matthew Potts returns to shed light on how we ask for care from our partners, and we get our next writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with advice columnist and entertainment reporter Meredith Goldstein.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Questionable Man: Amy Hollywood

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:35:00 GMT

This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy fight over the appropriate unsolicited advice to give a Redditor who just discovered his girlfriend lied to him about her virginity.

To make sense of their conflict, Vanessa turns to feminist and religious scholar Amy Hollywood. Together, they explore the religious history and origins of virginity, and the implications of how virginity is portrayed today.

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Helpful Scam

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Vanessa and her sister-in-law Suzanne agree: love-at-first-sight is questionable at best. Even still, Suzanne wants to explore a love-at-first-sight romance novel while anticipating the birth of her first child.

This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope “Love at First Sight.” Suzanne considers how a parent’s “supposed” to feel upon first sight of their newborn child, and how love grows and evolves over time. Vanessa considers the limitations of love-at-first-sight stories in a world full of bad men.

Along the way, Vanessa’s friend Sasha weighs-in with her own high-risk, high-reward experience with love at first sight, and we get our next writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with feminist and religious scholar Amy Hollywood.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conundrum

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 07:35:00 GMT

It’s no secret Olivia and Molly would love to have a baby. Vanessa thinks she might want a baby, but isn’t so sure.

This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope of “Secret Baby.” Olivia and Molly have been patiently hoping and working to bring a baby into their life. In the meantime, they craft their own vicarious happy ending, baby and all. Vanessa considers her ambivalence about having a baby, and invites a chorus of loved ones to weigh the pros and cons of her bringing a child into the world.

Additionally, we get our next writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with one of Vanessa’s favorite novelists, romance superstar Beverly Jenkins.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Divorce Him: Emily Nagoski

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 07:35:00 GMT

That’s right! You work on your writing, we’ll work on other people’s love lives!

This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy offer their support and unsolicited advice to an especially distraught Redditor wondering what to do with a husband who claims he’s no longer sexually attracted to her because of her past trauma.

In addition to the obvious answer (divorce him!), Vanessa turns to sex educator and NYT best-selling author Emily Nagoski to better understand the nuances around attraction, sexual connection, and how to live confidently and joyfully in our bodies.

Don’t forget to check out Emily’s new book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1476762090

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We All Hate Kokomo

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Vanessa has been faithfully holding onto her old love letters. Her friend Sejal, however, has decided to burn her own memorabilia and never look back. Which one is right?

This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope “Reunited Lovers.” Sejal has made peace with her past and seeks a vicarious happy ending for two fictional former flames. Vanessa, on the other hand, is forced to confront the reality of a former toxic lover and what it means to doctor the evidence of her romantic history.

Along the way, Rev. Dr. Matthew Potts weighs-in on how much of forgiveness is forgetting, and we get our next writing assignment from #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton , Julia Quinn.

Follow along on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and send us your romance advice questions for future episodes to hotandbotheredrompod@gmail.com.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with mind-blowing sex educator and NYT best-selling author, Emily Nagoski.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Such Thing as Too Many Romance Novels: Margaret H. Willison

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Another week to work on your next writing assignment? You’re welcome! This week, Vanessa and friend Julia Argy offer more unsolicited advice to a romance-fraught Redditor caught between the love she has in her arms and the love she’s read about in books.

Torn between fantasy and reality, Vanessa turns to librarian, pop culture expert, and America's Next Top Best Friend Margaret H. Willison to discuss the power of fantasy, and how imagining the love we *could* have helps us get the love we deserve.

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best Friend Lady Pirates

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Ariana Nedelman wants to write a romance novel, no matter how much it hurts. Vanessa Zoltan loves her friend Ariana, and doesn’t want her to do things that hurt!

This week on Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope “Enemies to Lovers.” Ariana confronts her own enemy, writing, in hopes she may grow to love it again. Vanessa reckons with letting a toxic enemy near her dearest friend.

Additionally, we get some guidance from Professor Stephanie Paulsell at Harvard Divinity School, and our next writing assignment from writer’s-block-busting, #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Follow along on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and send us your romance advice questions for future episodes to hotandbotheredrompod@gmail.com.

Next week: More love advice and a conversation with your new best friend and cultural critic Margaret H. Willison.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dump Him: Alyssa Cole

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Haven't finished the first writing assignment? No problem! We know writing takes time, so you'll have two weeks for each of Julia Quinn's assignments. In the meantime, Vanessa and her friend Julia Argy will buy you some time and turn to Reddit romance questions to offer their unsolicited (but solid) dating advice. This week’s advice? Dump Him.

As Vanessa and Julia consider how power and money work negatively in real dating relationships, Vanessa turns to award-winning romance novelist Alyssa Cole to explore why it is she likes the power imbalances in Cole’s love stories - as well as feminism, bailing on dates, and the restorative pleasure of masseuses on planes.

Send us your own romance advice questions for future episodes on our website at https://www.hotandbotheredrompod.com/advice

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justice for Dragons

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 08:35:00 GMT

Vanessa Zoltan thinks that happy endings are the best part of romance novels. Bryce Gilfillian is writing his first romance novel and refuses to write a happy ending.

This week on Hot and Bothered, we explore the trope of “Updated Fairytale.” Bryce sets out to write the gay fairytale he never had growing up. Meanwhile, Vanessa wrestles with her own princes, witches, and dragons.

Along the way we get a little help from Professor of Folklore and Mythology at Harvard University, Maria Tatar, and receive our first writing assignment from our own fairy godmother, #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Bridgerton series, Julia Quinn.

Follow along on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and send us your romance advice questions for future episodes to hotandbotheredrompod@gmail.com.

Next week: Love advice and a conversation with award-winning romance novelist, Alyssa Cole.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Heartfelt Valentine

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 11:47:00 GMT

Here is an Anti-Valentine from Vanessa and Ariana.

All 20 episodes of Hot & Bothered will be launching weekly, on Tuesdays, starting July 16th. In the meantime, we wanted to wish you a happy Valentine’s Day. Really! Happy Valentine’s Day! Or at least, happy Emma’s birthday.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preview: I Have Two Theories

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 19:54:00 GMT

A closer look at Season One of Hot & Bothered, coming early 2019.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot & Bothered Trailer

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 18:33:00 GMT

Romance novels are the publishing industry’s dirty little secret. They make up 34% of the U.S. fiction market, yet there's still so much stigma around reading them. Join Vanessa Zoltan in October 2018 as she investigates the joyful, feminist, sacred space of the Romance genre. Every episode, Vanessa challenges one of her friends to write their first romance novel. With the help of N.Y. Times Best Selling Novelist Julia Quinn of the Bridgerton series, we'll be falling in love again and again.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.