Best The Romcom Games Podcasts (2025)

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270. The Wedding Banquet: Let's Try Looking More in Love 51:44

Play Pause

6h ago51:44

51:44

Grab your Bowen Yang Lego minifigs because we're starting Wedding month with this year's The Wedding Banquet (2025). We discuss the surprising plot, tropes we hate the most, and lying to Grandma. Join us for the celebration!

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A Chorus Line of Musicals From Our 1970s Record Cabinet, Part 2 47:39

3d ago47:39

47:39

Join us for the CONCLUSION of last week's episode. Today’s episode is a little bit different; normally we’re talking about all the things we had as children. Our records, our books, the TV shows we loved to watch (possibly while our parents were still at work or making dinner or smoking Virginia Slims while they watered the lawn). But the things ou…

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A Chorus Line of Musicals From Our 1970s Record Cabinet - Part 1 47:39

10d ago47:39

47:39

Today’s episode is a little bit different; normally we’re talking about all the things we had as children. Our records, our books, the TV shows we loved to watch (possibly while our parents were still at work or making dinner or smoking Virginia Slims while they watered the lawn). But the things our parents liked were also a big part of our growing…

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269. The Fault in Our Stars: Ours Is An Epic Love Story 59:35

14d ago59:35

59:35

We're finishing up Summertime Sadness with The Fault in Our Stars (2014), based on the book that kicked off an entire trend of "sick lit." Find out which one of us knows more about the Green brothers!

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Diving into “The Scott Fenwick Diaries” with Author Kristin Nilsen 1:13:33

17d ago1:13:33

1:13:33

On the eve of the release her second novel, The Scott Fenwick Diaries, we’re talking with someone we know who knows a LOT about the importance of all types of crushing as well being incredibly insightful about all THE FEELINGS that come along with them, our very own Kristin Nilsen! (Seriously, she was (and still is) all of us at age 12!) The Scott …

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268. Me Before You: Did You Ever Love Anything That Much? 1:04:18

21d ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Don't put away those tissues yet because we are still powering through Summertime Sadness despite our sniffles and puffy eyes. This week we're discussing Me Before You (2016), a light little romantic drama (just kidding). Triggers include assisted suicide and discussion of suicidal ideation.

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A Little Romance: GenX's First Teen RomCom 1:00:30

24d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Today we’re saving the 1979 sleeper hit, “A Little Romance,” the quiet little movie that captured tweenage hearts, gave millions of kids their first crush on a newcomer named Diane Lane, and made us all want to ride in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice … at sunset … and have an innocent kiss with our first crush. How did we miss this mo…

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267. One Day: I Love You, I Just Don't Like You Anymore 59:15

29d ago59:15

59:15

For our next bout of Summertime Sadness, we're joined by Anne Hathaway. Not physically, but spiritually, through her role in the movie One Day (2011). We also discuss character growth, diverging paths in life, and reality television.

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Our 3rd Annual Bicentennial Encore 1:21:24

1M ago1:21:24

1:21:24

Join us for one of our favorite conversations as we revisit the generation-defining year of 1976. In our all new introduction, we discuss Bicentennial fashion (red, white and blue Sears Tuffskins, anyone?) and all the fun patriotic collectibles. Lots of laughs. Our country’s Bicentennial hit differently for us GenX kids. For us it was all about pet…

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266. Remember Me: They Love This Freaky, Poetic Crap 58:08

1M ago58:08

58:08

This month we are celebrating Summertime Sadness, and we're off to an extremely tragic start with 2010's Remember Me. Trigger warning for the September 11th terrorist attacks. If you know, you know!

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Billy and Joey and Delta Dawn at the Copacabana: Story Songs of the 70s 1:23:11

1M ago1:23:11

1:23:11

Billy, Joey, & Delta Dawn go to the Copacabana: Story Songs of the 1970s: Join us today for the preservation of songs about car crashes, train accidents, shipwrecks, deadbeat dads, jail time, basic heartbreak and lots and lots of murder -- in an episode dedicated to the story songs of the 1970s. From Joey and Billy to Daddy and the sheriff, not to …

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265. Gorgeous: We Love Dolphins (with Nick Foster) 1:10:03

1M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Writer, rapper, and filmmaker Nicholas Foster joins us to discuss 1999's Gorgeous, an extremely silly Jackie Chan romcom that veers off into unexpected side stories involving gangsters, business, and boxing. Lots of boxing. Check out more of Nick's work at https://justnickperiod.com/

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Linger a Little Longer at the PCPS Camp Singalong! 1:03:43

2M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Linger with us as we sing our hearts out to the songs that turned out to be not just beloved but also universal. Whether it was Girl Scout camp, Boy Scout camp, Bluebirds or Brownies, Camp Fire Girls, Bible camp, theater camp or Jewish day camp (whew!) we all seemed to be singing from the same mimeographed songbook around the campfire. We sang abou…

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264. Summer Catch: Love's the Game 58:11

2M ago58:11

58:11

Summer Catch (2001) teaches us a lot, mostly about toxic masculinity and collegiate summer baseball leagues. We also discuss cool girls, summer love, and an abundance of subplots.

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Cinematic Sagas on the Small Screen: The TV Miniseries of the GenX Era 1:08:51

2M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Today we're saving that very special chapter of small-screen history — the shows you wished you could binge-watch but couldn't binge-watch because that wasn't possible — the TV miniseries. Whether it was the epic battles of Shōgun, the sweeping drama and historical significance of Roots, the misguided and controversial romance of The Thorn Birds, o…

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263. Falling Inn Love: I Do Love a Good DIY Project 54:29

2M ago54:29

54:29

Falling Inn Love (2019) has a city girl moving to a small town, but this time it's in New Zealand. Take us with you! We also discuss Sam's dream life, on-screen chemistry, and creepy dolls.

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Femmes Reading Filth Crossover: The Idea of You 1:19:52

2M ago1:19:52

1:19:52

Our friends over at Femmes Reading Filth invited us on their podcast to chat about The Idea of You (2024) and the book from which it was adapted. If you like what you hear, please go check out more Femmes Reading Filth wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Kick the Can, Freezetag and Hopscotch: A Top 10 List of the Games that Kept GenXers Outside 1:15:14

2M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Forget organized sports leagues and structured activities. Today's episode celebrates the original "unplugged" generation: Gen X! We're taking a deep dive into the impromptu, self-governed world of neighborhood games that defined our childhoods. From the chalk artistry of Hopscotch to the frantic dashes of Kick The Can, these weren't just games; th…

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262. Burlesque: Their Love's the Kind You Gotta Earn 52:18

2M ago52:18

52:18

Divas take the stage in 2010's Burlesque, an ultimately silly movie that happens to meet the theme of the month: small town/big city. We also discuss Labubu, drinking on the job, and the Wagon Wheel Watusi.

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Stay Sweet! Friends Forever: Gen X Yearbook Reader's Theater 1:19:49

2M ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Today we’ll be saving the precious messages inscribed into our school yearbooks that no one ever imagined would be read aloud PUBLICLY 40 years later. But that's exactly what we did -- welcome to Gen X Yearbook Reader’s Theater! (Sorry, Debbie). There may not be anything that signals the end of the school year more than the distribution of yearbook…

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261. Love Me: Love Between Lifeforms 49:42

2M ago49:42

49:42

Love science month concludes with Love Me (2024), in which two pieces of technology (science) fall in love (that's the love part). See, it fits the theme!

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The Unoffcial Hunger Games: Surviving GenX Field Day 1:00:12

2M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Get ready to kick off Season 16 as we flash back to the glorious chaos of Field Day! We're diving headfirst into the GenX end-of-year tradition that either filled you with the thrill of victory (and a coveted ribbon!) or the dread of impending physical exertion. We'll reminisce about the agony and the ecstasy of the tug-of-war (remember that glorio…

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260. Timer: Take the Guess Work Out of Love 55:54

3M ago55:54

55:54

Love science and time science come together in Timer (2009). Sam and Shelby get to say whatever they want about this movie and not feel bad because the creator went on to make Wandavision.

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Camp Songs, Thorn Birds and CHiPs Roller Disco: A Sneak Peek at Season 16 45:22

3M ago45:22

45:22

Tune in today as the topics of our Season 16 episodes are REVEALED! Consider this your TV Guide preview issue for the new season of The Pop Culture Preservation Society, full of pithy promos, clever hooks, and even a Season 16 theme song. Before the big reveal, Carolyn warms up the crowd with a walk through an actual TV Guide Preview Issue from 197…

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259. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: I Love This Memory 53:16

3M ago53:16

53:16

We're going "sad" this week with 2004's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. We discuss poorly-treated actors, wigs vs. dye, and the nature of memory.

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More of Mary, Maude, & Marlo (and The Woman Who Gave Them Life) 1:15:17

3M ago1:15:17

1:15:17

After a new opening conversation where we give a tribute to an non-M-named icon of our era, Linda Lavin, we are thrilled and honored to be talking to the trailblazing woman who wrote for some of the most iconic shows of the 70s and 80s, Susan Silver. Join us as Susan, the first female writer for The Mary Tyler Moore Show who opened the door for ove…

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258. Love Potion No. 9: The Biochemical Process of Feeling in Love (with Rob Schulte of Vanderpump Robs) 1:03:19

3M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

Our friend Rob of Vanderpump Robs joins us to chat about 1992's Love Potion No. 9. We also discuss little mustaches, the fear of rejection, and, of course, kissing cops.

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On The Wings of Love -- GenX Prom Dreams Forever! 1:17:57

3M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

Today we’re saving our GenX prom, that "Night To Remember,” the one we wanted to have just "One More Night" to experience "Always and Forever” — the dresses, the themes, the music, and all of OUR memories … and YOURS! Who drank so much water that day to be able to fit into her dress that she had to pee all night? Whose prom was basically a mini-wed…

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Counting Down The Best Sesame Street Sketches, Encore Edition 59:52

3M ago59:52

59:52

Which Sesame Street skits have been living in your head for the past 50 or so years? Rubber Duckie? Mahna Mahna? Ladybug Picnic? Grover screaming “FAAAAAR?” There are SO many classic, memorable skits we’ll never be able to get out of our brains — and we’re not complaining! Join us for an encore of one of our HAPPIEST episodes as we count down YOUR …

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257. Duck Butter: You Can't Play It Safe in Love 56:01

4M ago56:01

56:01

Something about Duck Butter (2018) makes us hungry because not only do we discuss shortcuts to falling in love, we also list ingredients to spear on a kabob and reveal the best way to reheat leftover Taco Bell.

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More Sunny Days of Sesame Street 1:18:17

4M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

We're back with an encore presentation of our tribute to Sesame Street with the added bonus of a surprisingly serious conversation inspired by a New York Times article about the demise of creative jobs for Gen Xers. If you went into a creative field as a young adult in the 90s, you have likely seen a tsunami of change in your industry, sometimes to…

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256. Stay the Night: He Could Be the Love of Your Life 53:39

4M ago53:39

53:39

We're still not asleep for 2022's Stay the Night, a movie NOT based off a hockey romance novel. We also discuss character growth, Canadian careers, and what in life is worth chasing after.

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The PCPS Sings Along with "Free To Be...You and Me (and Marlo!)" 1:23:02

4M ago1:23:02

1:23:02

Come with me, take my hand, and we'll ruuuuuuunnnnnn..... to Amherst, Massachusets for a gathering of PCPS listeners at the first-ever Free to Be You and Me museum exhibit and singalong at the Eric Carle Museum of Picturebook Art. It was .... how shall we say... EPIC? People have feelings about what could be the most important album for anyone born…

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255. Sleepless in Seattle: People Who Truly Loved Once are Far More Likely to Love Again (with Jenn Scott) 1:00:35

4M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

We're joined in our late night discussion of Sleepless in Seattle (1993) by Jenn Scott. We compliment Meg Ryan, forgive some light stalking, and wonder how airports could ever have been so easy to get around.

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Rereading "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" 1:09:30

4M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

The movie adaptation of Judy Blume's Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret came out two years ago this month and it's just starting to hit streaming services -- so we're bringing you an encore presentation of our episode reviewing/gushing over the movie. In addition to that, our new opening conversation includes an invitation to come see us IN PERS…

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254. Before Sunrise: Isn't Everything We Do in Life a Way to be Loved a Little More? 48:50

4M ago48:50

48:50

We're up all night watching a classic, Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise (1995). We discuss young romance, how time changes viewpoints, and the European railway system.

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Free to Be … You and Me: An Ageless Anthem 1:30:33

4M ago1:30:33

1:30:33

Free To Be ... You and Me was our generation's manifesto, played in every household and every classroom across the nation until we all knew that it was all right to cry, and mommies are people, and Atalanta didn't have to get married if she didn't want to. Join us for a deep dive on the album's origin story and take our hands, come along as we r-u-…

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253. Love and Monsters: There's No Mission More Admirable Than Love 55:33

4M ago55:33

55:33

Eagle-eared listeners of the show know how Sam feels about Dylan O'Brien, so you might have guessed our next watch would be Love and Monsters (2020). We also discuss unprecedented times, epic love quests, and better uses for the infinity stones.

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Where The Wild Books Are: PCPS Field Trip Edition 1:05:54

5M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

No better way to prep for our upcoming visit to the Eric Carle Museum for Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts than to revisit one of our favorite episodes, "Where The Wild Books Are." Join us for an all new opening conversation where we share what we're most excited to see at the museum as well as our dismay over some Eric Carle books that h…

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252. The Princess Bride: True Love Is the Greatest Thing in the World (with Emily and Jessica of Femmes Reading Filth) 1:01:46

5M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

We're joined by the hosts of the podcast Femmes Reading Filth to discuss the absolutely filthy flick The Princess Bride (1987). There's all this gross stuff like clever wordplay and a sick kid, ew! We also chat about true love, scary movies, and more. Follow our guests @FemmesReadingFilth

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Shakey’s, Shaun Cassidy, and The Sunshine Family 1:10:39

5M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Today we’re chatting about a handful of our most Hūsker Dū-inducing social media posts that have gotten the most attention from all of you. What was it about those little SeaWees mermaids that made you like and share by the 1000s? Or what about the brother boy detectives that made us all way more interested in solving crime? Why does Shakey’s Pizza…

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251. Beastly: You Have a Year to Make Someone Love You 56:44

5M ago56:44

56:44

Fantasy month continues with Beastly (2011), a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling that could have benefited from about ten times the camp. We also talk dolphin lifespans, attempts at being evil, and another character that's not as ugly as the movie wants us to think.

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Getting Schooled on Urban Cowboy: A Music-Loving History Teacher Weighs In 1:22:27

5M ago1:22:27

1:22:27

Travel with us to Gilley’s in Houston, Texas for a great debate about Urban Cowboy. Is it the Texan Saturday Night Fever? Do we even like Bud? What about Sissy? Why is the mechanical bull the lead player? And despite our differing opinions, how great is that soundtrack?!? (On that we all agree!) And bonus! We’re welcoming one of our favorite voices…

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250. Penelope: The Public Loves this Girl 54:29

5M ago54:29

54:29

Mmm mm mm Shelby is eating well this month because we're focusing on Fantasy, starting with 2006's Penelope. We talk about overvaluing appearances, storybook bedrooms, and how easily we'd kiss the main character of the movie.

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A Very Special Episode About a Very Special Episode Pt. 2 51:13

5M ago51:13

51:13

Settle in as we each take a deep dive into a Very Special Episode that is also Very Memorable for a variety of reasons. Who can’t forget when Barbara’s friend OD’d on “One Day at A Time?” Who is now fairly certain that her distaste for Leif Garrett began when his character pressured Buddy to have sex on “Family?” And who will never forget Alex P. K…

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249. Beautiful Disaster: I Did Kind of Love It, Yeah 56:25

5M ago56:25

56:25

Beautiful Disaster (2023) is... I'm having trouble figuring out how to describe this movie to you. We discuss the disjointed plot, the New Adult genre, and how much fun Dylan Sprouse is having.

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A Very Special Episode About a Very Special Episode Pt. 1 59:57

5M ago59:57

59:57

The 1970s and 1980s provided us with copious amounts of well-intentioned wisdom about the most sensitive and traumatic social issues of the day — drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, rape, pedophilia, suicide, child abuse and more — and packaged them into very memorable “Very Special Episodes.” These heavy-handed moral lessons were often h…

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248. Kodachrome: I Was Just Filled with This Infinite Love for You 55:33

6M ago55:33

55:33

Please join us as we cry our eyes out to 2017's Kodachrome. Please join us as we also thirst over sad Jason Sudeikis. Sorry, we like him better as a dirtbag!

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James at 15: The 1970s Dawson's Creek 1:06:12

6M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

James at 15 was an oh-so-70s groundbreaking coming-of-age dramedy before dramedy was a thing and served quite literally as the inspiration for 1998's Dawson's Creek. James at 15 was full of bell-bottoms, shearling jackets, groovy slang, boys who play flute, righteous dudes, fierce feminists and 'first times' -- and it attracted teen viewers like mo…

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247. What a Girl Wants: I Love You a Million Swedish Fish (with Torry of RTBP/RTBR) 1:09:52

6M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

We are joined by our friend Torry from Ready to Be Petty AND Ready to Be Romanced (she's busy!!) to discuss 2003's What a Girl Wants starring an angelic young Amanda Bynes. We also chat about addictive content, good dads, and the definition of a kebab.