Episodes

  • EPISODE 14: Running Up Solsbury Hill
    In this episode, Neal and Lauren dive deep into two iconic works that shaped pop culture. Lauren takes listeners on a journey through So, Peter Gabriel's groundbreaking 1986 album. She explores its experimental sound, innovative collaborations, and social influence, highlighting Gabriel’s approach to music that incorporated diverse voices and global influences. From “Sledgehammer” to “In Your Eyes,” Lauren unpacks the inspiration, talent, and ambition behind each track, revealing why So continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
    Neal short-circuits at one point and then shares his passion for You've Got Mail [1998] and discusses how Nora Ephron's direction and storytelling captured the essence of romance and New York City. Exploring themes of identity, double lives, and love in the digital age, Neal explains how the movie remains timeless. From the charming dialogue to memorable scenes, it’s a quintessential rom-com that fans of the genre shouldn’t miss.
    Episode Prompts: Angel, Fox, 998

    E-mail ([email protected]) with an answer to the Rom-Com question in the episode for a chance to win a copy of Neal's book! The Question: What item was Patrick Dempsey's character saving up all summer for in Can't Buy Me Love?

    Lauren's Topic:
    Peter Gabriel’s So (1986)
    Watch the music video for "Sledgehammer"
    Listen to So on Spotify
    The church that inspired "Your Eyes"

    Neal's Topic:
    You've Got Mail (1998)
    Where to watch the film
    Two Ways to Film The Same Scene - Great video on filmmaking!

    Support Our Show:
    Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!
    👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail us: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!)

    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 3)


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  • EPISODE 13: The Fragonard of Chicago
    On this week's episode, Neal continues his BSE (Big Standing Energy) and tackles Fast Times at Ridgemont High [1982]r, revealing how the film changed the teen comedy landscape. From Sean Penn's iconic stoner Spicoli to Amy Heckerling’s game-changing direction, Neal uncovers the humor and heart in this cult classic. Listen in as he dives into the film’s killer soundtrack, its legacy, and how it paved the way for movies like American Pie and Clueless and has one iconic moment that literally ruined a small segment of the VHS industry.
    Then, Lauren takes us on a deep dive into Gerhard Richter's Betty (1988). She explores the photorealistic painting’s air of mystery, discussing how Richter blurs the lines between photography, memory, and reality. Lauren shares fascinating tidbits about Richter's career, his shifting styles, and why Betty is more than just a portrait—it’s a masterpiece that will leave you pondering. Plus, for those wondering

    EPISODE 13 PROMPTS:
    Back, 82, Red

    Neal's Topic:
    Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
    Dir: Amy Heckerling
    Written by: Cameron Crowe
    Where to stream the movie

    Lauren's Topic:
    Gerhard Richter
    Betty
    1988
    See the artwork in person!
    Documentary: Gerhard Richter Painting (2011)

    Support Our Show:
    Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!
    👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail us: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)

    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)


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  • In this episode, Neal and Lauren dive headfirst into both the frothy and the fascinating. Lauren kicks things off with a deep exploration of the Rococo art movement, focusing on The Swing by Fragonard. She unpacks its playful eroticism and hidden symbolism, revealing how this seemingly lighthearted artwork hides a web of societal commentary. We learn the difference between cherubs and putti and Lauren guides listeners through the lush visual language that made the Rococo period a lavish statement on beauty and pleasure. Don't miss her sidebar on how Frozen references this classic piece and click the link below to see it. Lauren also goes on a mini-rant about franchises!
    Next, Neal shifts gears, tackling the gritty spy drama Slow Horses [Apple TV+]. He explores the humor and humanity behind the show’s dysfunctional MI5 agents, highlighting Gary Oldman's standout performance as the curmudgeonly Jackson Lamb. With a theme song by Mick Jagger and a tone that’s as cynical as it is thrilling, Neal explains how the show blends dark humor with espionage in a way that makes it both gripping and refreshing. Stick around for Neal’s breakdown of the show's unique cinematography and how Slow Horses bucks (get it?) the trend of delayed streaming schedules.
    EPISODE 12 PROMPTS:
    Froth, 5, Stone

    Lauren's Topic:
    Jean-Honoré Fragonard
    The Swing
    1767
    Look at the artwork while listening
    Frozen reference of The Swing

    Neal's Topic:
    Slow Horses
    Where to stream the show
    To see the amazing drone shot, check out the opening of Episode 6 from Season 4!

    Support Our Show:
    Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!
    👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail us: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)

    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • In this week's episode, Neal and Lauren bring a unique blend of personal stories and art history to the forefront. Neal kicks things off from recording live from the backseat of his Buick—hailstorms, train noise, and all—with a hilarious tale of winning Prom King in high school. Neal talks about Silver Bullet (1985), a lesser-known werewolf film based on Stephen King's novella Cycle of the Werewolf. From Gary Busey's improvised lines to the story's unique portrayal of disability, Neal examines what makes this cult classic stand out among horror fans. And don't miss the sidebar on Stephen King's Dollar Baby program, where aspiring filmmakers can adapt King's short stories for just $1—a program that launched the career of Frank Darabont!
    Lauren follows up with an in-depth discussion of the British painter Francis Bacon. She unpacks Bacon’s life, struggles, and his fascination with dark themes—perfect for the Halloween season. Neal and Lauren dissect the artist’s obsession with “Screaming Popes,” referencing Bacon's haunting interpretation of Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X. They dive deep into how Bacon's post-war existentialism and bold artistic choices continue to influence modern art, cinema, and even horror films today. Plus, a discussion of "The Death of the Artist"!
    EPISODE 11 PROMPTS:
    53, Meat, Splatter

    Neal's Topic:
    Silver Bullet (1985)
    Where to stream the film

    Lauren's Topic:
    Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X (1953)
    by Francis Bacon
    Where to see the artwork

    Support Our Show:
    Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!
    👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail us: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)

    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)


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  • EPISODE 10: You Can't Handle The Puns
    In this episode, Neal and Lauren dive into the world of early George Lucas. Lauren gives a playful yet in-depth breakdown of THX 1138, Lucas’s first film, discussing its dystopian themes, the impressive DIY production, and how it laid the groundwork for the iconic Star Wars series. She shares fun production stories, like the bizarre involvement of cult members as extras and the origins of Wookiees!
    Neal joins the conversation by highlighting the importance of Walter Murch’s editing philosophy and provides a fascinating look at how Lucas's friendships with legends like Coppola and Spielberg shaped his career. They also go down a rabbit hole of 1970s cinema, comparing THX 1138 to other dystopian classics and exploring its lasting influence on science fiction films. Then Neal jumps forward a few decades to talk about one of his favorite legal thrillers, the iconic A Few Good Men that started as a Broadway play from famed playwright-turned-screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.

    EPISODE 9 PROMPTS: Gavel, Slate, 138

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    Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

    Lauren's Topic:
    THX 1138 (1971)
    Where to stream the film

    Neal's Topic:
    A Few Good Men (1992)
    Where to stream the film

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail us: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)

    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)


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  • EPISODE 9: The Sands of Time Burn by FISCHER & TAG
    In this week's episode, Neal and Lauren explore the wild world of action movies and conceptual art. Lauren recounts an embarrassing Zoom meeting mishap involving a school interview, a microphone, and a sandwich and later breaks down how a banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $120,000 and sparked debates about the nature of art. Neal dives deep into the history of action movies, tracing their evolution from the gritty film noir of the 1940s to the stylized "gun-fu" of the John Wick series. He explains how Taken (2008) revitalized Liam Neeson's career and launched a wave of "dad action" movies. And at the end of the episode, Lauren and Neal decide to create their OWN conceptual art...stay tuned to find out what it is!

    EPISODE 9 PROMPTS: Banana, Job, 1060

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    Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

    Neal's Topic:
    Taken (2008) and a brief evolution of the Action Movie
    Where to stream the film

    Lauren's Topic:
    Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian (2019) and the world of conceptual art
    Check it out here

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail us: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)

    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)


    Watch Neal on The Floor, premiering September 25th on Fox/Hulu!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • EPISODE 8: How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?
    In this week’s episode, Neal and Lauren talk about chaotic spills, ancient art, and dream-like cinema. Neal recounts a history of personal injuries tied to performance days, while Lauren confesses to teaching through the heat of a frenzied classroom. After light-hearted banter, they dive deep into the aesthetics of lost art and surreal filmmaking.
    Lauren talks about the history of Greek and Roman sculptures, uncovering the truth about their original painted surfaces and debunking the myth of "white marble perfection." Were these sculptures intentionally white, or did time (and a bit of scrubbing) erase their vibrant past? Neal breaks down Un Chien Andalou (1929), a short film directed by Luis Buñuel and co-written with Salvador Dalí, explaining its significance in avant-garde cinema, its use of dream logic, and how it influenced generations of filmmakers, including Tim Burton and David Lynch. Want to more? Listen and find out!

    EPISODE 8 PROMPTS: Antiquity, 29, Gray

    Support our show by becoming a Patron! Only $5 a month
    www.patreon.com/curatedbychance
    Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

    Lauren's Topic:
    The truth about Greek and Roman sculpture and art!

    Neal's Topic:
    Un Chien Andalou (1929) by Luis Buñuel
    Watch the film on our Instagram or HERE
    He Likes to Chop Down Trees - Film School short Neal studied
    Watch legend Robert Osbourne butcher the title of the film HERE

    Recommendations:
    Lauren: Visit a museum and check out this art and see how you feel now.
    Neal: Check out these other great silent films influential to film...
    Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)
    The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail us: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)

    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)


    Watch Neal on The Floor, premiering September 25th on Fox/Hulu!
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • EPISODE 7: Falling for Lee Pace and Cozy Mysteries
    In this week's episode, Neal talks about digital heartbreak and reveals two pieces of good news: his next book comes out October 1st (Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book) and he will be appearing on Season 2 of Fox's The Floor with Rob Lowe. Today Neal talks about an Agatha Christie classic, the origins and brilliance of Hercule Poirot, and why the book is perfect for the fall season. Lauren switches gears and breaks down a movie for the first time, The Fall (2006) highlighting its unique production process, practical sets, breathtaking locations, and what makes it a hidden gem. Does Kenneth Branagh deserve to be in the conversation of best Poirot adaptations ever? Listen and find out!

    EPISODE 7 PROMPTS: 69, Eggshell, Fall

    Pre-order Neal's next two books!
    Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Oct 1)
    Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (releasing Dec 4)

    Watch The Floor premiering September 25th on Fox/Hulu

    Support our show by becoming a Patron! Only $5 a month
    www.patreon.com/curatedbychance
    Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

    Neal's Topic:
    Hallowe'en Party (1969)
    by Agatha Christie
    Where to get the book
    Poirot TV Series

    Lauren's Topic:
    The Fall (2006)
    Stream the film starting September 27th

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!
    Topics discussed: Agatha Christie, Halloween Party, Hallowe'en Party, Hercule Poirot, David Suchet, Kenneth Branagh, Indie Filmmaking, Tarsem Singh, The Fall (2006), Eiko Ishioka, Practical Effects in Film, Agatha Christie Adaptations, British Mysteries, Classic Mysteries, Halloween Mysteries, Art Direction in Film, Visual Storytelling, Lost Photos, Lawrence of Arabia, Anne V. Coates, Photo Storage, Google Photos, Social Media Marketing, Instagram Content, Patreon Support, Film Recommendations, Gothic Cinema, Limited Location Films, Child Acting, Film Production, Practical Filmmaking, Murder Mysteries, Timeless Movies, Salvador Dali, Ariadne Oliver, Apples
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • EPISODE 6: It All Comes Back to Pastry
    In today's episode, Neal and Lauren bring fascinating insights into art theory and indie filmmaking. Lauren dives deep into Walter Benjamin's theory of "The Diminishment of the Aura" and explores how it applies to the iconic Mona Lisa. She breaks down the painting's mysterious history, including lesser-known theories about its subject and Da Vinci's artistic mastery. Meanwhile, Neal takes on the world of indie filmmaking, sharing his thoughts on the improvisational sci-fi thriller Coherence (2013). He discusses the innovative ways filmmakers can work with limited budgets and no script and does a deep dive into the Dogma 95 movement and suggests some other limited location movies to check out. Lauren and Neal also coin a new rating system for movies (in the spirit of Siskel & Ebert) by a movie being a Popcorn Movie or a Cheesecake Movie!

    EPISODE 6 PROMPTS: 1763, Replica, Indigo

    Support our show by becoming a Patron! Only $5 a month. www.patreon.com/curatedbychance
    Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

    Lauren's Topic:
    Walter Benjamin's Diminishment of the Aura
    High Res Scan of the Mona Lisa
    Learn more about Da Vinci
    Go see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre!

    Neal's Topic:
    Coherence (2013)
    Where to stream the film
    Trailer for the film
    The film explained by the director

    Recommendations:
    Lauren

    Learn about Art Heists

    Read Stealing Rembrandts: The Untold Stories of Notorious Art Heists by Anthony M. Amore


    Neal

    Check out the movie Moon (2009) starring Sam Rockwell (limited location sci-fi)


    Middleditch & Schwartz: Completely Improvised Comedy Specials on Netflix


    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!
    Topics discussed: Walter Benjamin, Diminishment of the Aura, Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci, Art History, Renaissance Art, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Art Theory, Mechanical Reproduction, Louvre Museum, Art Heists, Mona Lisa Theories, Famous Paintings, La Giaconda, Italian Renaissance, Fumato Technique, Eyebrows in Art, Da Vinci Code, Coherence Movie, Indie Film, Independent Filmmaking, Low-Budget Films, Improvisational Filmmaking, Psychological Thriller, Science Fiction Movies, Filmmaking Techniques, Long-form Improv, Limited Location Films, Dogma 95, Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, TikTok Content Creation, Social Media Marketing, Patreon Support, Shakespeare in Love, Best Picture Controversies, Harvey Weinstein, Best Picture Winners, Tiramisu, Pistachio Desserts, Restaurant Recommendations, Art Criticism, Modern Art, Teaching Art History, Mentoring Students, Branded TikToks, Film Directing, Improvisation in Movies, Creative Freedom in Filmmaking, French Art, Da Vinci’s Masterpieces, Reproduction in Art
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Today's episode goes back to the eighties...well, sort of! Neal decides to move away from film (at least for a few minutes) while talking about the jukebox musical Rock of Ages (2009). He shares fascinating insights about this nostalgic musical and it's film adaptation that features the unlikely musical debut of the biggest movie star in the world. Lauren discusses Frederic Leighton's Flaming June and the beauty of aestheticism in the late 19th century. She delves into Leighton's life and connection to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the deeper meaning of women in paintings. Lauren and Neal also come up with new ways of reviewing theatre and quote a member of Wu-Tang Clan to describe our connection to the world of art. All that and more on the fifth episode of Curated by Chance. What would YOU have done with the prompts?

    EPISODE 5 PROMPTS:
    Orange, Actor, 700, Honey

    Support our show by becoming a Patron! Only $5 a month.
    www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Send us follow-up questions or questions relating to Art & Film for our Patreon Bonuses!

    Neal's Topic:
    Rock of Ages
    Where to stream the original Broadway cast album
    Learn more about the show
    Stream the film adaptation starring Tom Cruise

    Lauren's Topic:
    Frederic Leighton
    Flaming June
    1895
    Where to see the art
    Where to learn more about the painting
    Learn more about Leighton

    RECOMMENDATIONS:
    & Juliet (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

    LAUREN'S HOMEWORK:
    Go check out some Victorian Art!
    Check out Only Murders in the Building

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!
    Topics discussed: Jukebox musicals, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Constantine Maroulis, Kyle Gass, Laura Bell Bundy, Legally Blonde, 1980s, Rock of Ages, Tom Cruise, Frederic Leighton, Flaming June, Victorian Art, Greco-Roman, Aesthetic Movement, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Art History, Musical Theatre, Film, Adaptations, Madonna, Lactation, Grapes of Wrath, Wu-Tang Clan, Abba, Mamma Mia!, Only Murders in the Building, Big Night
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Get ready for a thrilling journey underwater and through Japan and New York City in Episode 4 of Curated by Chance! Hosts Neal and Lauren tackle an eclectic mix of topics that blend art history and cinematic suspense. This week, Lauren takes us through the fascinating life and works of Yayoi Kusama, the avant-garde queen of polka dots. From her early struggles in Japan to her rise as an influential artist in New York, Lauren sheds light on Kusama’s unique artistic vision, including her iconic Infinity Nets and her collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Neal dives into the tension-filled world of 1990s cinema with a breakdown of Crimson Tide (1995). Learn about the powerhouse performances by Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington, the intense mutiny aboard a nuclear submarine, and the genius of director Tony Scott.
    Stay tuned as the duo navigates the themes of creativity, conflict, and collaboration in both the art world and film industry. Plus, discover how Kusama's personal battles shaped her groundbreaking works, and what makes Crimson Tide a quintessential dad movie full of suspense and moral dilemmas.

    EPISODE 4 PROMPTS:
    Red, 450, Failure

    Support our show by becoming a Patron!
    www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Send us follow-up questions or questions relating to Art & Film for our Patreon Bonuses!

    Neal's Topic:
    Crimson Tide (1995) -
    Where to stream the film
    Where to buy the film

    Lauren's Topic:
    The Work of Yayoi Kusama
    Where to see the art
    Where to learn more about Kusama
    Kusama: Infinity - Documentary

    RECOMMENDATIONS:
    The Adventure Zone Podcast
    My Brother, My Brother and Me Podcast
    The Rest is Entertainment Podcast
    All About Agatha (Christie) Podcast
    Hoge & Jahns: Chicago Bears Podcast

    LAUREN'S HOMEWORK:
    12 Places To Find Infinity Rooms

    NEAL'S HOMEWORK:
    If you like Gene Hackman, check out Night Moves:
    Trailer for Night Moves (1975)
    Tony Scott: An Artist of Pure Cinema - Scott's style and influence

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!
    Topics discussed: Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Rooms, Avant-Garde Art, Polka Dots, Crimson Tide (1995), Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Tony Scott, Film Direction, Art Commercialization, Artistic Struggles, Submarine Movies, Mutiny in Cinema, 90s Blockbusters, Biography, Influence, Art Installations, Mental Health, Creativity, Louis Vuitton, Submarines, Dad Movies, Underwater, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne, Steve Zaillian, Silver Spoons, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Inside Man, Spike Lee
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Neal and Lauren Dive into Cinema and Art in Episode 3! This week, the dynamic duo takes on three intriguing prompts that lead to fascinating discussions. Neal explores the film Ocean's Eleven (2001), revealing the technical brilliance of Steven Soderbergh and the star-studded cast that makes this heist movie a fan favorite. Lauren, on the other hand, transports listeners to the world of Japanese Ukiyo-e art with an in-depth look at The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, offering insights into the artist's life and the lasting influence of this masterpiece. Plus, they share laughs over Brad Pitt’s endless snacking on set and Neal’s attempts at recreating early 2000s fashion. Stay tuned as Lauren pulls from Chance for the next episode’s prompts—what surprises await?

    EPISODE 3 PROMPTS:
    Olive, 8, Ocean

    Support our show by becoming a Patron!
    www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Neal's Topic:
    Ocean's Eleven (2001) - A deep dive into Steven Soderbergh’s heist masterpiece
    Where to stream the film
    Watch for Free Online
    Where to buy the film

    Lauren's Topic:
    The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) by Hokusai - Discover the story behind Japan’s most famous artwork
    Where to see the art
    Where to learn more about Hokusai

    RECOMMENDATIONS:
    Farewell Mr. Bunting - SNL Dead Poet's Society Parody
    Steven Soderbergh's Black + White Cut of Raiders of the Lost Ark. (Watch the blocking)

    LAUREN'S HOMEWORK:

    Utiga Hiroshige - The Last Great Master

    Harvey Ellis + M. Louise Stowell


    NEAL'S HOMEWORK:

    Watch AUDITION (1999) with no prior knowledge. *If you like horror*

    Check out Soderbergh's influence for one particular sequence in Ocean's Eleven. HERE is the shot from the movie and HERE is the likely influence from Hitchcock.


    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!
    Topics discussed:
    Heist Movies, Cinematography, Steven Soderbergh, Ocean's Eleven, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Dead Poet's Society, Hitchcock, Japanese Art, Ukiyo-e, Hokusai, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Woodblock Prints, Edo Period, Art History, Film Techniques, Lighting in Film, Movie Blocking, Japanese Culture, Prussian Blue, Debussy, Hiroshige, Woodblock, Van Gogh
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • Neal and Lauren are back with a vengeance for episode two! This week, Chance has assigned the dynamic duo four prompts that inspire some creative thinking. Lauren takes us on a trip to the museum to discuss abstract painter Mark Rothko and how his work even converted her to the abstract cause. Neal discusses a favorite film of his and even gives a lesson on "coverage" so that every time you watch a movie, you'll be thinking about it. For better for worse. Plus, the pair discuss their excitement for The Thursday Murder Club film adaptation and its cast! At the end of the episode, it's Neal's first time pulling Chance and it's a doozy!

    EPISODE 2 PROMPTS:
    France, Gold, 59, Rhinoceros

    Support our show by becoming a Patron!
    www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Lauren's topic:
    Mark Rothko
    Where to see the art
    Where to learn more about Mark Rothko

    Neal's topic:
    Midnight in Paris (2011)
    Where to stream the film
    Where to buy the film

    RECOMMENDATIONS:
    Watch a few movies and check out the coverage!
    The opening of Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Topics discussed: Abstract Expressionism, Abstract Painting, Mark Rothko, Pablo Picasso, Moon Landing, New York City, World War II, The Blacklist, McCarthyism, Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen, Annie Hall, Cinematography, Seagram Building, Jackson Pollock, Psy-op, Colorfield Artists, Exterminating Angel, Dog Day Afternoon, Diagetic Sound, Non-Diagetic Sound, Trans-Diagetic Sound
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  • In the show's first ever episode, hosts Neal and Lauren describe what each week looks like on Curated by Chance. Powered by an algorithm named Chance, built by a NASA scientist, Neal and Lauren will receive several prompts (words, numbers, colors, etc.) that will spark lively discussions in the world of art, film, literature, theater, and more! On the premiere episode, Neal takes us to the grimy streets of New York City to talk about The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) and its influence on the modern heist movie. Lauren details the behind-the-scenes stories of one of the world's most beloved pieces of art, Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night (1889). Together, the dynamic duo learn, laugh, and hopefully provide enough to keep you coming back week after week to see where Chance takes them!

    EPISODE 1 PROMPTS:
    New York, Blue, 89

    Support our show by becoming a Patron!
    www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

    Neal's topic:
    The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
    Where to stream the film
    Where to buy the film

    Lauren's topic:
    Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night (1889)
    Where to see the art
    Where to learn more about van Gogh

    RECOMMENDATIONS:
    Doctor Who: Season 5, Episode 10 - "Vincent and The Doctor"
    The Warriors (1979)

    Follow the show and its creators on Instagram
    The Show - @curatedbychance
    Lauren - @paisleylo
    Neal - @nealefischer
    E-mail: [email protected]

    Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!
    Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

    Topics discussed: Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gaugin, Doctor Who, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Quentin Tarantino, Heist Movies, Cinema Verité, MoMa, At Eternity's Gate, Starry Night, New York City, MTA, Triviality Podcast, Miss Information Podcast, NASA, algorithm
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  • Join filmmaker Neal Fischer and art curator Lauren Tagliaferro as they dive into the unpredictable world of ‘Curated by Chance,’ a podcast where creativity meets serendipity. Each episode, Neal and Lauren harness the power of a randomizing algorithm named Chance to generate unique prompts that drive their discussions. From exploring the unexpected intersections between film and visual art to dissecting the curious ways randomness shapes artistic expression, this dynamic duo invites listeners to ponder the influence of chance in the creative process. Whether dissecting a random film scene or analyzing an art piece through a whimsical lens, ‘Curated by Chance’ promises a fresh perspective with every episode.
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