Best Subject Thread Podcasts (2025)

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The Holiday (2006) 54:23

Play Pause

2h 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.…

1
Deep Dive: The Compatibility Puzzle 32:46

38m 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…

1
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) 54:39

16d 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…

1
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) 50:05

22d 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

29d 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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EP 23: Down to Lobby 30:54

1M ago30:54

30:54

23-0912-M317 Statement of Amanda Haig, concerning the events surrounding a test fire drill in the Cardwell Building during her time of employment. Statement given 12 September 2023.By K.W. Krieger

1
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) 46:06

1M 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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EP 22: The Thornton Manuscripts 59:59

2M ago59:59

59:59

SM-1922-04 Statement of Dr. Alistair Thornton, recorded between May and June, 1922, concerning the events surrounding the admittance of a particular patient under his care at Sanctuary Meadows Psychiatric Institution.By K.W. Krieger

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EP 21: That Which Waits 20:15

2M ago20:15

20:15

2009-AUS/0317 Statement of Ellis Keene, regarding incidents of sleepwalking and recurring night terrors experienced at their home near Lismore, New South Wales. Statement given October 17th, 2009.By K.W. Krieger

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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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EP 20: Sky High 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

9146/QL-7194-H Statement of Rupert Fitzgerald, regarding his unusual experiences as a flight attendant. Statement taken on 22nd of April, 2015. Written and Performed by K.W. KriegerBy K.W. Krieger

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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

1
Ghost (1990) 47:08

2M 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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Phantom Thread (2017) 45:48

2M 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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EP 19: Empty Threads 15:06

3M ago15:06

15:06

UM/2259/41 Statement of Clara Henslow, relating to her experiences with a gift she received from her mother that was handed down from her late grandmother Judith Priestly. Statement given 12th October, 2006.By K.W. Krieger

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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

1
EP 18: Tethered 29:10

3M ago29:10

29:10

File 2745-UK/18110 Statement of Eleanor Kent. Regarding her involvement with the Veridian Dawn and their practices, Statement given June 14th, 2019.By K.W. Krieger

1
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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EP 17: The House on High Street 15:07

3M ago15:07

15:07

2025/GE-0419-H Statement of Gareth Elwood Investigative assistant here at ORACLE within the Vault for Esoteric and Irregular Lore otherwise known as VEIL filed 29th of August 2025, regarding his investigation into Dr. Claire LansingBy K.W. Krieger

1
EP 16: Good Fortune 24:12

4M ago24:12

24:12

File 7219-INT/01654 Statement of Gregory Paige, regarding a series of fatal incidents throughout his life, and the presence of certain figures connected to these events. Statement taken, February 9th, 2006.By K.W. Krieger

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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, …

1
EP 15: The Sound of War 21:07

4M ago21:07

21:07

File 1915-AUS/GALL-03872 Statement of Lieutenant Scott Marsh regarding his time during Service in the ANZACs during the Gallipoli campaign 1915 May - JuneBy K.W. Krieger

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EP 14 - Under Pressure 17:52

4M ago17:52

17:52

Statement of Lieutenant Adrian Fairmont, formerly of Her Majesty’s Submarine Division, regarding the events of an uncompleted reconnaissance mission over the Mariana Trench. Statement recovered from inside a journal surrendered after the end of WW2By K.W. Krieger

1
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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EP 13 - Skyhook 13:43

4M ago13:43

13:43

2007-UK/0471 Statement of Jeremiah McSweeney, dated 17th April 2007, concerning his personal account of a recurring and unexplained atmospheric presence. Details provided by the witness are inconsistent with verified meteorological data, and the described phenomenon has not been corroborated by independent observation.…

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EP 12 - Articulation 29:26

5M ago29:26

29:26

FILE: 786-11-B / 110625 Statement of Francis Merrow, regarding his career as a dollmaker and puppeteer, compiled from a series of letters to his brother Henry Merrow, between 1846 and 1849 Content tags Mutilation Gore Bodily HarmBy K.W. Krieger

1
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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EP 11 - Confession 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

CASE NUMBER: 2005/VM-0285-J Confession document authored by James McClelland, dated 13th May 2005, concerning the death of Benjamin Roth and the events preceding it.By K.W. Krieger

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EP 10 - The Unseen Machinery 32:16

5M ago32:16

32:16

1994-NWK/0709 Statement of Dr. Adrien Halifax, regarding an extended series of unsanctioned surgical procedures and observed anomalous physiological phenomena, Given July 9th, 1994. Statement taken from a typed document recovered at an abandoned medical clinic in Newark, New Jersey.By K.W. Krieger

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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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EP 09- Threshold 20:12

5M ago20:12

20:12

Case Number: 2014-SOM/0703 Statement of Aaron Delaney, Given 13th February 2014, Regarding a sleep study conducted at the Lasker Institute and the unexplained disappearance of his roommate, Ellis Keene.By K.W. Krieger

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EP 08 - Beneath Forgotten Sands 33:38

5M ago33:38

33:38

File 786-11-B / 110625 Statement of Dr. Amelia Crowley, former field archaeologist for the British Museum, regarding the excavation of an unrecorded tomb near Dahshur, Egypt, in November 1998. Statement given June 21st, 2001. The Obscura Dossier is a Podcast created by K.W.Krieger licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAli…

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EP 07 - Bloom 27:43

5M ago27:43

27:43

Case Number 2025-ANT/0921 Statement of Claire Lansing. Lead Botanist of the Antah Flora Expedition in relation to an unusual botanical discovery and the events that followed The Obscura Dossier is a Podcast created by K.W.Krieger licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license…

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EP 06 - Entry Not Found 25:05

5M ago25:05

25:05

CASE NUMBER: 2023-LDN/0413 Statement of Jordan Davis, delivered March 12th, 2009. Regarding a gas lamp located off Elder Street in Spitalfields, and what lies beyond its light. The Obscura Dossier is a Podcast created by K.W.Krieger licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license…

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EP 05 - It Does not Blink 18:52

5M ago18:52

18:52

File 9472-KP/110625 regarding a Personal account submitted by [REDACTED], received June 11th, 2025. Concerning an anomalous experience during a lucid dream state reportedly involving nonhuman awareness and persistent post-sleep phenomena. The Obscura Dossier is a Podcast created by K.W.Krieger licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommer…

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EP 04 - Thin Ice 17:12

5M ago17:12

17:12

Case Number 4729-AR/03852 - Police Statement of Willem Ryckhart, given March 12th, 2021. Regarding an unusual experience during a solo geological survey of Mount Anastae. The Obscura Dossier © 2025 by K.W. Krieger is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/…

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EP 03 - The Shimmering 15:57

5M ago15:57

15:57

Case Number: 2005-UD/2547 Letter filed with cold case police report about a mysterious infestation The Obscura Dossier © 2025 by K.W. Krieger is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/By K.W. Krieger

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EP 02 Web.io Pt 2 37:43

5M ago37:43

37:43

Case number 2017-GD/0714b Continuation of journal entries relating to a string of missing persons The Obscura Dossier © 2025 by K.W. Krieger is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/By K.W. Krieger

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EP 02 - Web.io Pt.1 27:13

5M ago27:13

27:13

Case number 2017-GD/0714 A collection of Journal Entries from a retired detective about a missing persons case that takes a rather unusual turn The Obscura Dossier © 2025 by K.W. Krieger is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/…

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EP 01 - Deadkeys 13:17

5M ago13:17

13:17

Case Number 1942-FR/0112 about a Typewriter found in France during WWII with some mysterious properties The Obscura Dossier © 2025 by K.W. Krieger is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/By K.W. Krieger

1
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…

1
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…

1
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…

1
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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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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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…

1
Groundhog Day (1993) 49:48

8M 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