Planes, Trains & Automobiles might look like a chaotic holiday comedy, but beneath the laughs is one of the most powerful Thanksgiving lessons in modern film. In this episode, Alex Hill breaks down how Neal and Del’s disastrous journey home reveals a deeper truth: the people who frustrate us most are often the ones carrying the heaviest stories.

From Del’s iconic “I like me” moment to the emotional reveal that reframes the entire movie, this episode explores compassion, patience, and the unseen weight people bring to our tables—especially during the holidays. If you want to enter Thanksgiving with more grace, presence, and understanding, this conversation is the perfect reset.

Follow along for more daily reflections that blend philosophy with the movies, songs, and shows we all love.

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Make today count.

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