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(I'm taking a little break over the next few weeks because my sweetie is coming to visit! See you in October).
This month, I'm celebrating the fourth anniversary of my podcast! After more than 100 episodes, I had sunk into a tiny romance slump — then I discovered these romcom parodies, poking gentle but hilarious fun at romance tropes (do grown women always trip and fall in romcoms?!) Not only are they clever and perfectly written parodies, they're also enjoyable if predictable (heh) romcoms, too. Sometimes celebrating while giggling at beloved romance conventions and clichés is just the thing you need to reinvigorate your love for an entire genre.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
It's just like a corny movie! Only it's real life! Wholesome yet subversive. Oh these two.
You're quite beguiling — did you know that? When Liam Hemsworth tells you this in your alternate universe romcom life, you must believe.
The 10 best romcoms set in New York City
(See what I mean about these round ups?! I think I've seen most of these movies, but not all of them.)Support the show
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I've been feeling a bit under the weather, while also preparing for my sweetie's upcoming visit (a much longer visit this time), and my heart's full of romance and thoughts about when we first fell in love. So it's the perfect time to replay my episode about Cyrano, Joe Wright's lush romantic musical version of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story. Every gorgeous musical phrase and motif by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National, and lyric by The National lead singer Matt Berninger and his partner, Carin Besser, embodies the yearning thrill and desperate longing of falling deeply in love with someone. A couple of years on, I still cry when I hear this score and watch Peter Dinklage's face express the pain and exhilaration of romantic love.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
Director Joe Wright on why Cyrano is his most personal film since Atonement.
I'm incapable of hearing this song and these lyrics without bursting into tears. One of my favorite songs in the entire movie.Support the show
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Being single — whether it's a temporary identity or permanent — is valid life choice, but it doesn't often feel that way in our society. Living a romantic life can mean being part of a couple, and also includes being unpartnered, child free, parenting a pet, and falling in love with yourself. Some brave real life artists and fictional characters of the 19th and early 20th century managed to create this type of life, and while you shouldn't need to be a courageous soul to pull it off, these romantic stories and movies about their lives are encouragement to live our lives out loud.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
Movies/Shows
The pace of this movie is glacial at first and the frames and acting very mannered, but you quickly fall in love with Cynthia Nixon as Emily Dickinson in A Quiet Passion.
The Brontë sisters Confidential! Tarnish and all.
This is a very corny trailer from way back in the early 90s but it really sums up the Edith Wharton story well.
My Cousin Rachel is all sorts of suspenseful and intense and Rachel Weisz is utterly compelling in her role as an independent widow trying to find her way in 19th century England.
A Quiet Passion and the real Emily Dickinson
Wild nights — Wild nights! Emily Dickinson's love life
Of course if you're lucky you can visit the Brontë parsonage in Haworth.
What Edith Wharton taught me about marriageSupport the show
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The 4th anniversary of the show is coming up, and I have learned so much about myself and my desires while making this podcast. I appreciate every listener, and also feel so grateful for the journey I've been on, taking a closer look at some of the best romances in books and on screen. So I'm replaying an episode from my 2nd anniversary that celebrates connection and sexual desires, and creating space for them. Even if it's a tiny corner of your heart, finding room for pleasure and passions is some of the most important interior decorating you'll ever do.
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I'm child free but Anne Hathaway, Brooke Shields and Nicole Kidman are the hottest of hot mamas in these romcoms, and make motherhood look like living your best life on steroids. It's a difficult enough job without worrying if you qualify for the MILF label like these ladies do, and sure, they're guilty of mothering while sexy and gorgeous. But these actresses of a certain age playing mothers of a certain age taking a chance on hot lovers and age-gap romance also act out the real challenges of showing up for yourself, your desires and those you love, at any age.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
There's nothing like a second chance romance — but maybe not sprung on you at your daughter's destination wedding, which she would very much like to live stream.
"I went a little crazy. I'm allowed, right?" Yes, yes you are.
"Did I not warn you? People hate happy women." This trailer is a bit all over the place, so just grab a beverage and a snack, snuggle under a blanket and watch this movie. Totally worth it.
Yes, why does it take longer to find love when you get older?Support the show
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Let's close out Pride Month with a replay of my episode about two amazing LGBTQ screen romances: the romantic drama Supernova, and the gleeful musical about teen love, The Prom. Prepare for snotty crying, then bopping in your chair.
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Don't miss my episode on the fantastic LGBTQ romcom Fire Island.
And the fabulously funny, honest and sexy gay romcom Bros.Support the show
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Hey romance friends! Let's celebrate Pride Month with a trio of smart, funny, quirky movies about queer girl crushes on high school classmates. Classmates to lovers is one of the most popular romantic tropes ever, and these movies have quite the unique take on those beats. The friendships are deep and full of love, the romantic explorations are hot, sexy, and heartfelt and the kisses are swoon-worthy. High school can be an exciting, and scary time for figuring out your desires and identity, but these young women navigate it all like the survivors they are.
CW: lots of swearing, explicit talk of anatomy, sex and religion
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
The intention of Pride Month is "to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Looking at this trailer I laughed hysterically all over again. Bottoms is wild, horny and unhinged, but somehow it manages to become a cohesively hilarious and heartfelt queer coming-of-age romp. It's not for everyone but IYKYK.
A fascinating deeper look at the cultural themes and motifs in the original Fight Club movie from 1999.
There's so much more to high school life than being Booksmart — it took me a long time to learn that, too. I need to tuck this trailer away in my pocket and pull it out when I need to be cheered up. The slow mo power walk of these besties in their party era is total hysteria.
"Love is the trying and reaching and failing." The Half of It would not be half the movie it is without Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu.Support the show
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A romcom where a main character is addicted to porn? That's just the beginning of this amazing character study, written, directed by and starring Joseph Gordon Levitt. Jon is a difficult man to admire: he's a dishonest womanizer, marinated in heteronormative culture and toxic masculinity. Then two women cross his path and change it —one to his detriment (Scarlett Johansson as Barbara) and one to his betterment (Julianne Moore as Esther). Esther provides the mirror to Jon's behavior, and despite being at least 20 years older than he is, she's sexy, wise, and grounded and manages to wear down his defenses. This is slowburn romance with a gorgeous pay off.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
The sexy charm of Joseph Gordon Levitt makes even a toxic Jersey boy seem vaguely attractive.
"Anybody can join the HITRECORD community. We make videos, stories, songs, visual art, and of course, more! So whether you like writing, acting, filmmaking, music, drawing, photography, or whatever else, there are people here making stuff you might want to collaborate on.Or even if you don’t fancy yourself an “artist” per sé, this is me giving you the go-ahead to jump in anyway. Part of the spirit here has always been not to worry too much, and just give it a try."
Joseph Gordon Levitt is a smart sexy cookie who left college when he decided to only 'be in good movies'."
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It's been a couple of years, a hot minute since we spent time with the Bridgerton and Featherington families. If this was real life, every single woman in the Ton would now be a confirmed spinster, but fortunately, in this glittering romantic period costume drama world, we resume the story as the wallflower Penelope Featherington finally gets the romance she has dreamed of. The second part of Season 3 airs on Netflix next month — how in the Regency world will this friends to lovers trope play out? I'm here for it all.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
Dearest gentle reader, we have been apart for far too long.
I'll never forget the buzz around the first Bridgerton season. Everybody talking about a...romantic period costume drama?! About time. And if you thought the first season was hot and sexy, the second one was incendiary.
The completely awesome Season 3 soundtrack.
This is how you do body positivity in a modern adaptation of a historical romantic costume drama.Support the show
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Romance friends! I'm celebrating my 100th episode this week with an indulgent deep dive into the tear-stained emotion, blind love and delicious word play in Taylor Swift songs. My romance friend Mariah, a Swiftie from way back, returns to the show so we can gush together over the passion, the heartbreak, the artistry, the tiny exquisite emotional universe that is every Taylor Swift song (almost 250 released, and counting).
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
Music
A few of Mariah's absolute favorites:
10 minute version of All Too Well
My Tears Ricochet
Cornelia Street (Live from Paris)
And a few of mine:
Anti-Hero
Exile
Willow
A fantastic round up of the most iconic Taylor Swift music videos.
How to become a Swiftie. "3. Read into her song lyrics. Many of them contain complex metaphors or references to her past works that you may miss on the first listen. Try listening to her music multiple times and reading the lyrics to understand her songs in depth. She usually writes about romance as well as personal struggles." I believe we've got that completely covered.
Taylor Swift doesn't just have an economic impact wherever she goes, she has a cultural impact too.
"This award celebrates my family and my co-writers and my team. My friends and my fiercest fans and my harshest detractors and everyone who entered my life or left it."
The best place to find suggestions for the most romantic Taylor Swift song or observe her songs analyzed by musically gifted fans is the Taylor Swift sub Reddit.Support the show
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I'm a J Lo fangirl from way back, and even though the title of her narrative concept film based on the album of the same name seemed ridiculously self-absorbed, I got completely transported by it anyway, because...J Lo. It's not just the story of her second chance romance with the person she never stopped loving, and has reunited with over the age of 50, it's a story about how she learned to love herself in the intervening years. I was also super invested in the making-of documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told. But if I'm being honest, that title gave me the ick too — until I discovered that was what Ben Affleck called the emails and letters written to each other as they were falling in love all over again. And just like that, all was forgiven.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
I freaking love the trailer for This Is Me Now. Irresistible! The steampunk heart factory with J Lo toiling away in a sexy tank top, and her homage to Singing in the Rain, are two of my favorite scenes in this short movie.
You don't figure stuff out when everything's hunky-dory — you figure it out when it's hard. Yassss, La Lopez. These trailers are absolutely compelling and were cut by a master editor — J Lo does not play. Bypass the title and get stuck into The Greatest Love Story Never Told.
I got this wrong: Variety actually says "J. Lo has earned more than $1 billion in box office receipts, and that’s just for her rom-coms." But I'm guessing her portion of that was in the multi millions.
Decider film critics can be counted on for the most succinct and mouthwatering reviews.
All you needed to know about the album, documentary and movie project.
"There’s something bigger here that I can share about what I’ve learned in these past 20 years, and when I’ve been making all these records about love, and trying to figure that out.”Support the show
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I have the sweetest hangover that I don't want to get over. My first ever visit with my long-distance sweetie was amazing, he's already gone home, and we're already planning our next visit. I'm exhausted, but in the very best way, so I bring you a replay of my second chance romance episode, which I created a little over a year ago after I got on dating apps for the first time in years, hoping for a love like this. And then Twitter brought us together —once upon a time, it was good for something. Never give up, romance friends!
The Long Distance Romance episode that I mentioned.
And the Second Chance Part Two episode that I mention at the end.Support the show
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I'm meeting my LDR sweetie for the first time this week, after more than a year of online dating, and excited doesn't begin to cover it. Humans are spread out all over the globe yet hyper connected, so many of us will experience a long distance romance at some point in our lives. LDRs are thrilling and intensely romantic, but can also leave you open to frustration and pain. A decent lingerie collection, unlimited Skype, solid communication skills, generous use of emojis and regular video sex really helps. The characters in these movies love while distant in either geography or the heart, and their screen journeys have all of the intimacy, affection —and miscommunication and heartache —that's part of loving someone across the miles.
CW: miscarriage, sex
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
"What are you wearing?!" There are many hilarious scenes in Going the Distance thanks to the timing of this fantastic ensemble cast, but there's plenty of genuine emotion too.
"I have a good life, but I never again met anyone who made me feel the way you do." What Happens Later is a poignant romance about missed connections and bad timing that surprises in quiet ways. David Duchovny and Meg Ryan are a perfect match for this style of overlapping conversational script, infusing it with gentle comedy, midlife weariness and emotional depth.
The ending is ambiguous, which makes the story feel light and hopeful, and if you watch to the end, you see Meg Ryan's touching dedication, which brought a lump to this romcom fan's throat.
When you look at stills from the shoot, you realize how beautifully lit and art directed What Happens Later is. It looks nothing like this dinky regional airport.
How to survive a long distance relationship and make it work.Support the show
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I'm a classic film nut, and there's no better example of overblown, dramatic and romantic Hollywood storytelling than the movie Black Narcissus, starring Deborah Kerr. Based on the 1930s Rumer Godden novel, it’s a story that shows how women throughout history have so often buried themselves in service to others as they sublimate their own feelings and desires — or more likely, find those desires shamed, controlled and punished. So let's celebrate Women's History Month by enjoying stories where women conduct even the tiniest rebellions against the oppression of their true selves.
CW: explicit discussion of sex, desire and religious belief.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
My guest, Violet Grey, blogs about kinky sex and spirituality at Becoming Violet Grey. And she writes erotica for the sex positive site BloomStories: "Intimate audio stories designed for diving deep into your pleasure."
The trailer for the 1947 Black Narcissus movie.
And a slightly different, thrilling and sizzling angle on the convent of Saint Faith.
The enduring allure of erotic masterpiece Black Narcissus
The first edition book jacket of the novel is stunning.
And so is the classic 1911 perfume on which the title is based.
Rumer Godden was quite a woman.
Rumer Godden converted to Catholicism late in life, and a few of her 60 works of fiction and nonfiction, like Black Narcissus, explored the mystical, spiritual and practical aspects of religious life.Support the show
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In this episode, I'm joined by my romance friend Mariah to gush, giggle, get deep and then frothy again about the Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, directed by Greta Gerwig. It was the most mega of mega movie hits last year, now Oscar nominated in many categories, and well deserved. It's been a long time since a movie has made me laugh and think this much, and we just can't stop talking about it.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
There are more clips and even more delicious gushing in my recent Boss in Pink: Barbie (Part 1) episode.
This is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, which I mentioned early on, but just couldn't fit into the episode. Who am I kidding: the whole movie is my favorite scene.
The Margaret Atwood poem that Mariah mentions is You Begin.
Every single person on the planet: If you haven't seen Barbie yet, please do. And then let us know what you think.Support the show
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My favorite shows, books or movies feature women over the age of 40 finding sensuality, romance and connections of whatever type they desire. Unfortunately, society likes to pretend that women — especially older women —don't have desires. There aren't many examples of sexy fearless aging in Hollywood once you get beyond the Book Club and Nancy Meyers movies, shows like And Just Like That and Grace and Frankie, all of which feature the movie industry stable of "acceptable older actresses." That doesn't stop me from constantly searching for any romantic story featuring not-young, but wise, experienced, sexy women. Erin Keating, host of the Hotter Than Ever podcast, spent her career in TV development and has thoughts about all of this. We dish, get deep, and have fun chatting about what sexy and authentic women's lives look like after a certain age, on screen and off.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
On Hotter Than Ever, Erin Keating has fascinating, wide-ranging conversations with women who "broke the rules and reshaped their lives for the better." She also talks about career, ambition, reinvention, relationships, divorce, dating, sex (and more sex), aging, body image and more "in a frank, irreverent way that also manages to be deep as f*ck." So true.
I absolutely loved her intimate, vulnerable episode from last fall, "Making Peace with Divorce and Opening Your Heart to Love."
I briefly mentioned The Old Lady Project in this episode. It's an initiative to encourage the development of screenplays, scripts and theatrical works with "significant parts for women older than 50, a demographic that is mostly unseen in mainstream media."
The "bottle" movie that Erin mentioned is Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, starring Emma Thompson. I did an entire episode on this fantastic movie a couple of years ago, and if you like stories about sexy, gorgeous, complicated women of a certain age, don't miss it.
Personally, I've never seen a Nancy Meyers movie that I haven't loved, especially because of how sexy and authentic and messy her middle-aged women characters are.
Katee Robert writes the most intelligent, sizzling hot, and kinky romantic erotica. Her Dark Olympus series is not to be missed.Support the show
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I'm one of the last remaining people on planet earth to see this amazing movie, and it still managed to surprise me, even after all the hype. I love Greta Gerwig, I love her courage in telling a story about feminism and patriarchy using Bazooka pink, candy colors and a beloved, if stereotypical, doll. And I love Barbie even more now after learning about her modern diversity and variations. For a doll that's survived more than 60 years, transformed amid many cultural changes, and is still selling in the millions each year, she remains an inspiration.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
The Barbie trailer — but you will want to see the whole thing. Maybe many times.
How Greta Gerwig and her Oscar-nominated art directors created Barbieland and all those fantastic Dreamhouses.
Greta Gerwig may not have gotten an Academy Award nomination as Best Director, but Barbie is nominated for Best Picture, which I forgot to mention, so that's pretty fantastic. In my Barbie Part Two episode, we'll talk about the fantastic America Ferrera performance in this movie, for which she's received an Oscar nomination.
The fascinating history and evolution of Barbie.
More fun facts on Barbie.Support the show
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It's a holiday miracle: I've finally watched one of the most perfect Hallmark holiday movies I've ever seen, with stellar writing, directing, editing, and acting. The story is heartfelt, it has relatable stakes, it's romantic and touching and funny: everything a holiday movie should be. Not surprisingly, it's inspired by one of my favorite romcoms of all time, Groundhog Day, the original time-loop romance. I rooted for all of the characters, and the central romance, from the first moments of this movie, and also got very very hungry for latkes with applesauce and jelly donuts.
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"A romcom where a magic dreidel causes a woman to get stuck in a Hanukkah time loop and I know what you're thinking but it's so good."
A little preview to hold you over until it's re-broadcast a bit later in the month.
I was invited to a friend's house for Hanukkah one year and their sweet son was so excited to teach me how to play the dreidel game.
Mouthwatering recipes for Hanukkah celebrations, including a recipe for homemade jelly doughnuts or sufganiyot. I'll take mine with Nutella, please.
"Journalist" Vic Michaelis stars in Very Important People, interviewing "the most interesting people in society today" all played by comedians given an elaborate, surprise makeover, complete with latex masks, to help them invent a new character on the spot.Support the show
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There's no way to exactly describe the dark and hilarious debut dramedy Shiva Baby except to say: you giggle at what should be sad, feel heartbroken for what should be exciting, become annoyed with the emotional meddling, and end up a ball of stress and tension — until the twists and turns of this darkly comic plot unwind the whole thing, ending with a painfully hysterical moment and heartwarming queer romance in the making. With an emotional roller coaster loaded with relatives and lovers like these, who needs enemies? By the end of the movie, it only proves that laughter is therapy.
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Shiva Baby is a little over an hour and well worth seeing, but if you only have a minute, the trailer captures some of its unique flavor.
Rachel Sennott would love to "help other young women write or act in comedy" and girl, you're a fresh, generous, delightful soul. Her journey into acting and comedy —and this movie —is such a sweet wholesome story.
"Women decode sexual messaging from a young age...They have to process what sex means, what it can do for them, what it should do for them, what they’re supposed to do for it...and I’m interested in how women figure it out." An interesting interview with director and writer Emma Seligman.
A beautiful explanation of the meaning and ritual of the ancient Jewish tradition of sitting shiva.Support the show
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How I love a romance set aboard a luxury cruise ship or ocean liner, especially classic movies set on ships in the early to mid 20th-century, a heyday of ocean travel. The coziness, the leather luggage with a separate toiletries case, the cute staterooms and cabins, the service, people dressing for elegant dinner and dancing, the endless ocean views, and falling asleep rocked by waves...of course, in this dream, I'm on the Cunard Line in a massive luxury suite with full balcony, and my sweetie is right by my side as we sail to some exotic location. Shhhhh — don't wake me up.
https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com
All you ever wanted to know about the history of the ocean liner.
Movies in this Episode
Let Them All Talk
Like Father
An Affair to Remember
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Now, Voyager
The Lady EveOne Way Passage is a 1932 melodrama starring William Powell as an escaped murderer traveling on a ship from Asia to America to face charges. He persuades the detective supervising him to remove his handcuffs so he can flirt with a beautiful woman he’s met on board, played by Kay Francis, who's in the final stages of a fatal illness. She doesn't know about him and he doesn't know about her as they fall in love. Sob.
Romance on the High Seas is a ridiculously delightful romcom farce of mistaken identity on board an ocean liner, starring Doris Day in her first movie role.Dodsworth is a romantic drama about mid-life and second chances starring Walter Houston as a Midwest auto manufacturer who sells his lucrative company and sails to Europe for the trip he’s always wanted. Except he’s traveling with his self-centered, shallow wife, brilliantly played by Ruth Chatterton, and his affection for her is fading fast. When she begins having an affair on board right under his nose, he surprises himself by falling in love with a grounded, compassionate, free-spirited American woman also traveling on the ship, played by Mary Astor. Maybe you have to be a certain age, but I absolutely love the satisfying happy ever after in this movie. It was made in 1936 but still feels fresh today.
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