Best Elise Castle Podcasts (2026)

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My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) 52:36

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3d ago52:36

52:36

What happens when a narcissist decides she wants something? Why is it complicated when your best friend is also your ex? Why is it so important to keep alternatives at bay? Paul and Eli revisit Julia Roberts' unforgettable and unrivaled transformation into rom-com anti-hero in "My Best Friend's Wedding." For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced…

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The Holiday (2006) 54:23

19d ago54:23

54:23

Can a change of scenery help people find a partner? What is the nature of unrequited love? How do people react to sexual overtures from strangers? Paul and Eli savor impeccable kitchens and exquisite real estate in The Holiday, Nancy Meyers's 2006 starring vehicle for Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black. For show notes, click here.…

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Deep Dive: The Compatibility Puzzle 32:46

17d ago32:46

32:46

In this special episode, Eli interviews Paul about his upcoming book, Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection. Part 1 of this series is devoted to complexities of romantic compatibility. They discuss how they began studying attraction in the first place, why online dating failed to live up to its potential, and why a relationshi…

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It's a Wonderful Life (1946) 54:39

1M ago54:39

54:39

Does giving to others makes us happy? Why is expressing vulnerability so powerful? How can we feel grateful for what we already have? In collaboration with the Pods Fight Poverty campaign, Paul and Eli fire up Frank Capra's immortal and inspiring It's a Wonderful Life (1946), the generosity-filled holiday classic. With Giving Tuesday right around t…

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Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) 50:05

1M ago50:05

50:05

How do friend networks facilitate relationship formation? What happens to those networks when people fall in love? Are wedding guests just looking to hook up? Paul and Eli find answers lurking at both wedding altar and graveyard in the very British rom-com, Four Weddings and Funeral. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul …

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Bonus Episode: Beaches (1988) with Nina Badzin and Rebekah Jacobs 49:53

2M ago49:53

49:53

Do opposites attract? When is intimacy scary? Can offering forgiveness inadvertently escalate conflict? In this special crossover episode of the Dear Nina: Conversations about Friends podcast, Paul and Eli chat with Nina Badzin and Rebekah Jacobs about Beaches, the Bette Midler musical showcase about lifelong friendships.…

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S13 Ep14: And Just Like That... If We Never Meet Again... 50:29

1M ago50:29

50:29

No clips, just conversation. Elise and Mike take one more chance to talk about both Sex And The City, and And Just Like That... They talk about what took them so long to record this last episode, answer many (many) listener questions, share the things they just can't quite let go of, and, in sharing the thing they ended up loving the most about thi…

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Howl's Moving Castle (2004) 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

What happens when our self-esteem is tied to our looks? How can significant others make us feel confident? What is the nature of found families? Paul and Eli travel to the gorgeously trippy world of Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Hayao Miyazaki's anti-war fable about the power of love and hair dye. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and ed…

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The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005) 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

Are some people just late bloomers? Is asking questions a good dating strategy? What does it mean to be a good lover, anyway? Paul and Eli unpack The 40 Year-Old Virgin—the 2005 transgressive comedy from Judd Apatow—and reflect on how times (and they themselves) have changed in the intervening 20 years. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced,…

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Bonus Episode: Paul and Eli on the Speaking of Psychology Podcast with Kim Mills 37:53

2M ago37:53

37:53

In this special crossover episode of the APA Speaking of Psychology podcast, Paul and Eli chat with Kim Mills about the helpful and harmful lessons we absorb from romantic films.By Kim Mills, Paul Eastwick, and Eli Finkel

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Ghost (1990) 47:08

3M ago47:08

47:08

How does it feel to lose a loved-one? Do we benefit from having a partner who speaks our love language? What's so sexy about creativity? Paul and Eli take a nostalgia trip back to Ghost (1990), the romance/murder mystery/revenge epic/moral fable/all-around sensation starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. For show notes, click her…

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The Return of Wildcat Sports Talk, The BOYS are BACK! - Episode 1 56:47

3M ago56:47

56:47

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wildcat-sports-talk--1374806/support.By Power K Studios

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Phantom Thread (2017) 45:48

3M ago45:48

45:48

How is romantic attachment similar to parent-child attachment? Can the fear of intimacy make someone controlling? What's the connection between relationships and food? Paul and Eli revisit Paul Thomas Anderson's majestic Phantom Thread (2017), the Best Picture nominee that served up one of cinema's most deliciously warped loved stories. For show no…

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Bonus Episode: First Anniversary Show! 56:45

3M ago56:45

56:45

Year one of Love Factually is in the books! Paul and Eli first review their favorite moments from the first year of the show, and then (at 42:20) they count down the Top Five most accurate movies they've covered to date.By Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel

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Top Gun (1986) with Matt Rhodes 46:12

3M ago46:12

46:12

What assumptions lurk behind the man-approaches-woman default? Why is double-dating a good idea? Does the military take grief seriously? Paul and Eli invite the former naval aviator Matt Rhodes to discuss Top Gun, the 1986 blockbuster featuring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, and a sex scene unlike anything you've ever witnessed in a PG movie. For show…

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The Lobster (2015) with Yuthika Girme 55:05

4M ago55:05

55:05

Is society prejudiced against single people? How does culture control our sexual behavior? Do we need to find a partner who shares a hyper-specific similarity? Paul and Eli invite Yuthika Girme—one of the world's foremost experts in the science of both romantic relationships and singlehood—to discuss The Lobster (2015), Yorgos Lanthimos's deadpan, …

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S13 Ep13: And Just Like That... Party Of One 43:23

4M ago43:23

43:23

As the series comes to a close, Miranda and Lisa talk about marriage, and reconnect with their husbands, Seema decides whether she can be happy with certain things she may have to give up, Anthony confronts Giuseppe with his suspicion about their engagement, and Carrie contemplates being alone versus being on her own. Elise and Mike have a lot of t…

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Titanic (1997) 54:07

4M ago54:07

54:07

Are secret relationships especially alluring? How can we cultivate intimacy in a new relationship? What is the nature of heroism for men and women? Paul and Eli dive into Titanic – the 1997 epic that launched Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio to stardom – to learn whether hearts go on and on. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edite…

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S13 Ep12: And Just Like That... Forget About The Boy 47:58

5M ago47:58

47:58

Seema and Adam take a shower and make some plans. Harry tries to convince Charlotte to have a stay at home Thanksgiving. Giuseppe and Anthony have an announcement. Rock takes center stage. Herbert acts like an @$$ hat. Carrie struggles with whether or not her living situation still makes sense. And Elise and Mike spend quite a bit of time discussin…

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S13 Ep11: And Just Like That... Better Than Sex 55:27

5M ago55:27

55:27

After covering what happened concerning the most recent episode of La Edad Dorada, and the news that this will be the final season of And Just Like That... Elise and Mike discuss Seema killing Adam's mom (figuratively), Charlotte finding a quiet place to get a cleanse, Miranda tracking down a "baby momma," Anthony and Giuseppe's living situation, L…

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Moonstruck (1987) 55:28

5M ago55:28

55:28

Do men chase women because they fear death? Do partners in love drive each other crazy? How do people navigate breakups? Paul and Eli gradually unravel as they discuss the mayhem in Moonstruck, featuring an Oscar-winning performance by Cher and an unhinged performance by Nicolas Cage. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul…

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S13 Ep10: And Just Like That... Present Tense 44:00

5M ago44:00

44:00

So, we have a lot of feelings about this one. Harry and Charlotte are in various stages of recovery. Herbert can't be around food, Lisa wants him to go on medication, and Henry just wants to eat his frozen snacks in peace. Adam tries to prove a point by putting deodorant on his mouth, and Seema nearly causes a scandal by applying roll on outside a …

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Pride and Prejudice (2005) 49:18

5M ago49:18

49:18

How does marriage vary across economic systems? Do partners exchange beauty for status? Why do perceptions of a potential partner change over time? Paul and Eli pay homage to the one-and-only Jane Austen by revisiting the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. For show notes, click here. Hosted, p…

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S13 Ep9: And Just Like That... Happily Ever After 57:05

6M ago57:05

57:05

Aidan makes a surprise visit and ends up altering Carrie's plans. Charlotte experiences vertigo at work. Seema learns a few new things about Adam. Giuseppe has some advice on how Anthony might get his mother on their side. Lisa's work place flirtation may go a step too far. And Miranda is making some pretty important choices about what to tell Joy …

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S13 Ep8: And Just Like That... They Wanna Have Fun 53:00

6M ago53:00

53:00

Carrie plans a birthday party for Charlotte and finds herself enjoying the company of her neighbor. Miranda invites Joy and ends up going absolutely insane as the "party doula." Seema has an eyelash extension fiasco, and a serious flirtation with Adam. Anthony meets the "future Mother in law." Harry allowed the beans to be spilled after revealing a…

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High Fidelity (2000) 52:40

6M ago52:40

52:40

Are mismatched couples doomed? Why is it essential to calibrate our expectations? What happens when we seek closure on past relationships? Paul and Eli revisit High Fidelity—the seminal text that proclaimed "What really matters is what you like" —and find themselves on a semi-traumatic trip down memory lane. For show notes, click here. Hosted, prod…

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S13 Ep7: And Just Like That... Silent Mode 54:42

6M ago54:42

54:42

Aidan's visit to New York brings some surprises and important conversations with Carrie. Miranda is zeroing in on new real estate while also introducing Joy to Brady. Lisa receives life changing news. Charlotte is trying to convince Harry and herself that everything is going to be fine. And Seema braves the New Jersey train system.…

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S13 Ep6: And Just Like That... Under The Table 50:46

6M ago50:46

50:46

Carrie has a new neighbor, and things don't go great. Miranda has an... incident with her neighbor that leads to a new, but certainly not permanent, living situation. Harry drops some very big news on Charlotte and asks her to keep it to herself. Seema hits up a familiar face (to some of us) for a bank loan. And Lisa finds herself with a work crush…

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Materialists (2025) 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

What happens when we treat dating like a business proposition? How important is height in determining a man's desirability? If love isn't "the math," then what is it? Paul and Eli race from Celine Song's Materialists to the recording booth, hoping to make sense of the modern dating landscape. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited…

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S13 Ep5: And Just Like That... Apples To Apples 1:04:03

6M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Carrie's adventures in Virginia continue with a surprisingly drama free ATV ride, and an incredibly drama filled birthday celebration. Miranda's on camera mess up may cost her a potential relationship. Harry and Charlotte have a visiter. And Seema learns she has to vacate her former job faster than she thought.…

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S13 Ep4: And Just Like That... Carrie Golightly 54:11

6M ago54:11

54:11

Miranda gets some "media training." Charlotte parties like she's on Staten Island. Seema considers her professional future. Anthony tries to get Giuseppe back into the onesie. And Carrie takes a trip to Virginia.By Elise Castle and Mike Jensen

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Brokeback Mountain (2005) 54:10

7M ago54:10

54:10

Is romantic love like an addiction? What is the nature of anti-gay prejudice? How do people come to understand their own sexual identity? Paul and Eli revisit "Brokeback Mountain" in preparation for its 20-year theatrical re-release, while marveling at some truly legendary performances. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Pa…

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S13 Ep3: And Just Like That... The Rat Race 54:18

7M ago54:18

54:18

Carrie deals with an infestation, and some questions about her relationship. Miranda flirts with the wrong person. Seema has to choose between a relationship and being herself. Anthony has a new business venture. And Lisa and Charlotte are on a mission to get their kids into a good school. Also, Lily should not be dating a 20 year old...…

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Deep Dive: Grand Romantic Gestures 52:09

7M ago52:09

52:09

The first Love Factually Deep Dive! Grand romantic gestures pervade romance films. Are they effective? Are they sometimes unethical? Cornell professor Vanessa Bohns (You Have More Influence Than You Think) and bestselling author Dan Pink (The Power of Regret) join Paul and Eli for a freewheeling discussion that reaches some unexpected conclusions.…

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S13 Ep2: And Just Like That... Outlook Good 57:00

7M ago57:00

57:00

Carrie is dealing with false alarms and awkward phone calls, Charlotte questions Mr. Burton's behavior, Miranda meets some one in a bar (Rosie is finally here!), Seema takes an unexpected location tour with Ravi, and Lisa gets an unexpected pitch regarding her mini-series. Season three has officially begun!…

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27 Dresses (2008) 43:53

7M ago43:53

43:53

What are the risks of being a people pleaser? Why do weddings fall apart? Why is it so important to be authentic in relationships? Paul and Eli try on "27 Dresses" (and decode some Elton John lyrics) in pursuit of some insights. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel. Music by Andrew Fraker and Sons…

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S13 Ep1: And Just Like That... Season 3 is coming! 34:33

7M ago34:33

34:33

Elise and Mike are back! In this episode they break down the trailer for And Just Like That... season three. From all the returning characters, to a couple we won't be seeing this season, to a few new men (who is Carrie's neighbor?!), some exciting guest stars, and predictions and hopes. Along the way there's Ludacris, a dabbling of fan fiction, an…

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Frozen (2013) 47:50

8M ago47:50

47:50

What's special about sibling relationships? How do people with different attachment styles cope with stress? Why is it risky to get engaged to somebody you met that day? The megahit Frozen—starring the inimitable Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel—flips the traditional Disney script and offers some answers. This is a clean episode - suitable for all age…

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Mailbag: Friends-first, Weddings, & Therapy 33:49

8M ago33:49

33:49

The first Love Factually mailbag episode! Eli and Paul answer your questions about friends-first relationships, wedding stress, and memory erasure. Plus, we reopen the debate: When do relationships benefit from therapy, and why? See the graph of friends-first relationshipsBy Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel

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Marriage Story (2019) 52:15

8M ago52:15

52:15

What happens when we view marriage in terms of winning and losing? How does divorce affect children? What are the consequences of taking a relationship for granted? Paul and Eli sift through the wreckage in Marriage Story, Noah Baumbach's lacerating, multiple-Oscar-nominated masterpiece starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. For show notes, c…

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Groundhog Day (1993) 49:48

9M ago49:48

49:48

Can interactions with strangers fulfill our need to belong? Does ironic detachment mask attachment insecurity? Should we try to change ourselves into somebody else's ideal partner? Paul and Eli immerse themselves, again and again, in Groundhog Day, the timeless philosophical redemption tale starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. For show notes, …

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BONUS episode: Paul and Eli on the Dateable Podcast with Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu 47:34

9M ago47:34

47:34

In this special crossover episode of the Dateable podcast, Paul and Eli chat with hosts Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu about how people should - and shouldn't - apply lessons from the movies to their dating lives.By Julie Krafchick, Yue Xu, Paul Eastwick, and Eli Finkel

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Hitch (2005) 47:34

9M ago47:34

47:34

Is striving to avoid mistakes a good romantic strategy? Can couples who are mismatched on hotness get together? Does relationship success require that you be a desirable person? Paul and Eli dust off Hitch, the 2005 rom-com vehicle for Will Smith and Eva Mendes, in search of answers. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by Paul …

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Before Sunset (2004) 46:21

10M ago46:21

46:21

How does it feel to confront hard relationship choices? How can we truly listen to one another? What counts as infidelity? Paul and Eli unpack Before Sunset—the sequel to Before Sunrise—which features Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) unexpectedly reunited in Paris, confronting the past and changing the future. For show notes, click here…

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Barbie (2023) 48:06

10M ago48:06

48:06

How can people navigate the "friendzone"? Do men need romantic relationships more than women do? Does confusion about one's identity undermine relationships? Paul and Eli search for answers in the 2023 film Barbie, Greta Gerwig's feminist fantasia featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. For show notes, click here. Hosted, produced, and edited by …

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Jerry Maguire (1996) 46:20

10M ago46:20

46:20

Why is it so important to be able to celebrate with someone? Is parenting sexy? What are the challenges of being in a relationship when you don't know who you are? Paul and Eli search for answers in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire, Cameron Crowe's endlessly quotable rom-com, featuring acclaimed performances from Renée Zellweger, Tom Cruise, and Cuba Go…

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BONUS episode: Paul and Eli on The Happiness Lab Podcast with Laurie Santos 46:05

11M ago46:05

46:05

In this special crossover episode of The Happiness Lab podcast, Paul and Eli chat with Laurie Santos about lessons learned from fact-checking rom-coms.By Laurie Santos, Paul Eastwick, and Eli Finkel

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Say Anything (1989) with Laurie Santos 59:18

11M ago59:18

59:18

What are the benefits of optimism? How do people transfer attachments from parents to romantic partners? What exactly counts as stalking? Paul and Eli team up with Laurie Santos (Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast) to dive into the nice-guy manifesto Say Anything, starring (sigh) John Cusack and Ione Skye. For show notes, click he…

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Pretty Woman (1990) with Katy Milkman 55:37

11M ago55:37

55:37

How does a transactional mindset undermine relationship well-being? What's the nature of stereotypes? How can we tie our hands to achieve our goals? Paul and Eli invite Katy Milkman (Wharton professor and host of the Choiceology podcast) to discuss Pretty Woman, a Cinderella tale featuring Julia Roberts in a star-making performance. For show notes,…

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BONUS episode: Paul and Eli on the Sex and Psychology Podcast with Justin Lehmiller 41:17

12M ago41:17

41:17

In this special crossover episode of the Sex and Psychology podcast, Paul and Eli chat with Justin Lehmiller about how sex and relationships are depicted in movies.By Justin Lehmiller, Paul Eastwick, and Eli Finkel