Best Insipid Podcasts (2025)

1
Let's Talk About: The New American Theocracy 57:23

3d ago57:23

57:23

What do you think? Text me and let me know! What if the rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S. isn’t just political—but the fruit of a long, coordinated theological strategy? In this episode of Freestyle Theology, Dr. Bradley Melle sits down with Margaret Bronson, the force behind Deconstruction Doulas, to uncover the disturbing roots of America…

1
Let's Talk About: Christianity & Colonialism 57:37

12d ago57:37

57:37

What do you think? Text me and let me know! What If Colonialism Lives On—in Our Bodies, Beliefs, and Churches? In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Bradley Melle is joined once again by Rev. Joash Thomas for an in-person deep dive into Christianity, colonialism, and inherited trauma. From intergenerational disease to theological rigidity, they ex…

1
Let's Talk About: Modern Fragmentation 50:20

19d ago50:20

50:20

What do you think? Text me and let me know! Why does everything feel so fractured—and has it always been this way? In this solo episode, Dr. Bradley Melle dives deep into the 500-year story of fragmentation in the Western world, from the shattering of medieval consensus in the Reformation to today’s tribalism, polarization, and nostalgia-fueled pol…

1
Classic RomCom - "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" feat. Sophie Cousens 1:01:44

2M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Delightful British author, Sophie Cousens, joins us to chat about this movie, Kate Hudson, and a tantalizing taste of British celebs and comedians she knows and has worked with. Her latest book is IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM though Paige began raving about her a couple years back after reading THE GOOD PART. If you can resist reading her entir…

1
Let's Talk About: Christian Supremacy 55:44

2M ago55:44

55:44

What do you think? Text me and let me know! Church historian Bradley Melle chats with Rev. Joash Thomas about Christian supremacy, colonialism, and trauma in the church. Brad and Joash dive into how Christianity's history—from Constantine to today's Christian nationalism—has often prioritized power, dominance, and control, leading to deep historica…

1
Classic Movie - "The Parent Trap" 1998 - feat. Hannah Orenstein! 58:29

2M ago58:29

58:29

We are joined by the delightfully sunny author Hannah Orenstein. Are there HUGE PLOT PROBLEMS with the plot of The Parent Trap? Yes, of COURSE! Did we love it anyway? What cold hearted monster wouldn't?! Order Hannah's book Playing With Matches and pre-order her upcoming, Maine Characters! Tried to group all the commercials into one long break at 2…

1
Classic Movie - "Her" 59:21

2M ago59:21

59:21

Interesting and boring all at the same time (depending who you ask). HER raises truly fascinating questions about what constitutes a "person" if they're not physically present. Find books by Beth Harbison everywhere books are sold, and definitely look for Paige’s book The Other Side of Now in Spring 2025 and find her hilarious one minute Hallmark, …

1
March movie - "Challengers" 54:49

3M ago54:49

54:49

Are the Harbisons impressions guys? Does Beth know which of the Challengers is actually hot and which one is SO LAME (but also still hot)? Does Paige like gingers? These questions and more are answered in this week's thrilling, slow-motion episode of Nameless Best Friends. If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy…

1
Classic Movie - "Something's Gotta Give" 1:05:50

3M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

It's hard to find fault with a Nancy Meyers movie because the scenery is so intoxicating. That's her trick. She lures us in via gorgeous kitchens with refrigerators to die for...and Jack Nicholson's character very nearly does. Arguably that would have been better, because then she could have stayed with that nice doctor, Keanu Reeves. Look, there w…

1
February Movie: The 5th Element - feat. Adam Smiarowski! 56:58

3M ago56:58

56:58

I would describe this movie but WHOOOOOOOOO CAAAAAAAARES--once you listen to this episode, you'll become painfully aware of exactly who wrote this description--and it might not be who you think! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February Movie - Valentine's Day (2010) PT II 48:31

4M ago48:31

48:31

For the theme, 'So...This is Love?" In this one, the Harbisons think florist code is problematic, Paige gets in a tit-off with her nonexistent child, and everyone recalls warmly the one year they all liked Ashton Kutcher (‘shton’ to his friends, among whom jack counts himself). Oh, and also, don't worry, Adam grabbed his ****. Get bonus content on …

1
February Movie - Valentine's Day (2010) PT I 49:34

4M ago49:34

49:34

For the theme, 'So...This is Love?" In this one, the Harbisons think florist code is problematic, Paige gets in a tit-off with her nonexistent child, and everyone recalls warmly the one year they all liked Ashton Kutcher (‘shton’ to his friends, among whom jack counts himself). Oh, and also, don't worry, Adam grabbed his ****. If this wasn't enough…

1
January Makeover Episodes - WHIPLASH - feat. Richie Costales! 1:07:31

4M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Wow, wow, wow, let's all gather round and watch what SO many lists claim is one of the best movies of all time. Gollllly but do not all of us agree with that! And by the way, this is a VIDEO episode for our $10 & Up Patreon Members!!! That's right, we're bringing back the vid! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for …

1
January Makeover Episodes -The Brady Bunch A Selection feat. Jen Lancaster! 1:28:39

4M ago1:28:39

1:28:39

Well, well, well, it was no surprise Beth made the gang watch The Brady Bunch, but what WAS a surprise was just how Jan it all was. Feat. Jen Lancaster! Pre-order Jen's upcoming book!!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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January Makeover Episodes -"The Substance" 1:17:12

4M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

Our fourth season opens with us mixing it up a little bit - instead of enduring every one of the off-season movies even Hallmark doesn't care about, we're widening the net by choosing a theme for the month and torturing each other with surprise choices. This month's theme is, loosely, "makeovers" and this is Paige's choice. It was indeed torture fo…

1
Hallmark Classic - "Shoe Addicts Christmas" Part Two 1:01:20

5M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

This is part two of two. Once upon a time, Beth Harbison wrote a book called Shoe Addicts Anonymous and it became a New York Times Bestseller, which was followed by Secrets of a Shoe Addict, and then her publisher asked her to write a Christmas story to follow up and that was the novella A Shoe Addict's Christmas. That's right, the exact same name …

1
Hallmark Classic - "A Shoe Addicts Christmas" - feat. Cole & Richie! PART ONE 45:20

5M ago45:20

45:20

Once upon a time, Beth Harbison wrote a book called Shoe Addicts Anonymous and it became a New York Times Bestseller, which was followed by Secrets of a Shoe Addict, and then her publisher asked her to write a Christmas story to follow up and that was the novella A Shoe Addict's Christmas. That's right, the exact same name as this movie! And there …

1
Hallmark Classic - "Hats Off to Christmas!" feat. Jen Lancaster! PART TWO (rerun!) 47:29

5M ago47:29

47:29

Or...."Fa-La-La-La-La-La-La-La-Hat" -- PART TWO!" Man, oh, man. If you know this movie, you know it. If you don't, you are in for QUITE a film. For one thing, absolutely watch it. They truly do not make them like this anymore. They just don't. This quality is unmatched. It's so bad in the best way. It has it all. It has Lizzie McGuire's sister in 2…

1
Hallmark Classic - "Hats Off to Christmas" - feat. Jen Lancaster PART ONE! 43:46

5M ago43:46

43:46

Or...."Fa-La-La-La-La-La-La-La-Hat -- PART ONE!" Man, oh, man. If you know this movie, you know it. If you don't, you are in for QUITE a film. For one thing, absolutely watch it. They truly do not make them like this anymore. They just don't. This quality is unmatched. It's so bad in the best way. It has it all. It has Lizzie McGuire's sister in 20…

1
Holiday Classic - "Love Actually" - feat. Sarah Mitchell PART TWO 57:38

5M ago57:38

57:38

or...Actually Just Love Actually. PART TWO Our guest for this one is the wonderful, inimitable Sarah Mitchell. You got your celebrities, now it's time for a nameless best friend, because that is the heart of this show! You might remember her from our My Norwegian Holiday episode, and if you don't then go back and listen! The movie, of course, needs…

1
Holiday Classic - Love Actually - feat. Sarah Mitchell! (Rerun!) PART ONE! 54:13

5M ago54:13

54:13

or...Actually Just Love Actually. Our season finale!!!! PART ONE! Well, except for the Besties, which we will do after the New Year when we're all a little bored and need something to do. Our guest for this one is the wonderful, inimitable Sarah Mitchell. You got your celebrities, now it's time for a nameless best friend, because that is the heart …

1
Holiday Cringe Classic - Kirk Cameron Presents: Saving Christmas - feat. Jen Lancaster & Fletch! (from the Patreon vault!) 1:07:24

5M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Wow, what words to even use to describe this...piece. For a hella devout group of people, there's so much ego, so much 'missing the point,' so much car-sitting. The preaching, the sanctimonious monologues, the very very white hip hop flash mob...the CAMERON of it all. Holy god, is all we have to say. We had an amazing time with Jen & Fletch, so the…

1
Holiday Classic - The Holiday - feat. James Tupper (rerun!) 56:45

5M ago56:45

56:45

Nate from Big Little Lies, aka James Tupper joined us to watch a movie he HAD NOT SEEN, which is The Holiday. Does it hold up? What, in his professional opinion, does he think of this movie after crawling out from the ROCK he lived under in order to miss it for 20 years? Find out in this rerun! And if you want to see James really do his thing, chec…

1
Hallmark Movie Classic - "A Christmas Melody" 1:16:44

5M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

We were treated to a visit from actor Ellyn Jameson and producer Kayla Foster today to get their takes on - get this - the first Hallmark movie either of them had ever seen! Don't tell Kayla's mom, though! Anyway, Director and actor Mariah Carey is at her blurry best - if by "best" you mean "worst" - in this Lacey Chabert gem from 2015. Enjoy! If y…

1
Disney Movie - "The Ultimate Christmas Present" - From the Patreon Vault! 50:08

5M ago50:08

50:08

It's Paige's fault. Entirely. Teen Beach Movie and now this. Look, if you're looking for a great or beautiful film, this is far from it. But if you want a time portal directly to sitting in front of your heavy, bulky monster of a TV in the year 2000, it's a miracle! Is there magic in it? Yes. Is it magical? No. Worth watching? We did it for you! Ge…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Hannukah on the Rocks" 1:30:28

5M ago1:30:28

1:30:28

Hilarious author Lindsay Hameroff (Till there was You) joins us for what some of us found to be a pleasant holiday diversion. It's no "Round and Round," sure, but it's also not "Letters to Santa." Most importantly, it brings Marc Summers back to our screens, where he shows genuine warmth and charm at a time when we need it most. If you hate commerc…

1
Netflix Movie - "The Christmas Prince" - From the Patreon Vault! 1:08:41

5M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

If you love The Sound of Music so much that you'll settle for anything even remotely similar, this is the movie for you! Not saying that's a bad thing, we actually found it pretty enjoyable. Were there a few ridiculous coincidences? Of course. A cheap device to create pity and a "serious" tone? Indeed. Was there a happy ending? Weirdly enough...we'…

1
Netflix Movie - The Princess Switch (from the Patreon Vault) 57:11

5M ago57:11

57:11

Vanessa Hudgens and Vanessa Hudgens star in The Princess Switch! Little to no effort is made to make this in any way plausible but it's still a pleasant movie. The rental house "Kevin" and "Stacy" have is fantastic, but what isn't beautiful in Belgravia, amirite? Besides the castle. By the way, only one of us thought it was a good idea to leave the…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Sugarplummed" 54:37

6M ago54:37

54:37

Mixed feelings on this one. Is "Sugarplum" the actresses single name? Is she human? Why doesn't she understand anything about life? If she's just a character, does she have a human double out here somewhere? Why aren't these questions ever answered??? If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations str…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Private Princess Christmas" 1:09:58

6M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Wasn't Nancy Meyers working on a new, updasted Private Benjamin? And could they re-release the original with Goldie Hawn in the meantime? That was a great movie. This is not that movie. This is the story of a man with Issues that any sensible woman would stay away from. Not one surprise here. But we had fun discussing it! If you hate commercials bu…

1
Netflix Movie - "Our Little Secret" - feat. Sarah Mitchell! 1:05:55

6M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

Beth couldn't make it to this recording so Jack read her notes, which ended up feeling at times like they were reading her diary. Anyway, we have another Lindsay Lohan Christmas offering. Not a great one but here it is. If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us on Patreon f…

1
Hallmark Movies - Thanksgiving Palooza Part Three 46:50

6M ago46:50

46:50

This is part three of three. Seven movies in one long weekend is a LOT. Add a sudden breakup for one of your hosts and emergency surgery for a dog and it was just too much. We did the best we could! If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us on Patreon for an ad-free experie…

1
Hallmark Movies - Thanksgiving Palooza Part Two 41:27

6M ago41:27

41:27

This is part two of three. Seven movies in one long weekend is a LOT. Add a sudden breakup for one of your hosts and emergency surgery for a dog and it was just too much. We did the best we could! If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us on Patreon for an ad-free experienc…

1
Hallmark Movies - Thanksgiving Palooza Part One 56:14

6M ago56:14

56:14

This is part one of three. Seven movies in one long weekend is a LOT. Add a sudden breakup for one of your hosts and emergency surgery for a dog and it was just too much. We did the best we could! If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us on Patreon for an ad-free experienc…

1
Hallmark Movie - Christmas on Call 44:45

6M ago44:45

44:45

This movie was terrible. Yes, of course we all want to think about emergency rooms and car accidents at the holidays, but somehow this movie was lacking that special zing you'd expect with such a theme. Hallmark hates us. Clearly. If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us o…

1
Netflix Movie - "The Merry Gentlemen" Part Two 47:35

6M ago47:35

47:35

This is part two of two. We're glad you're back. Beth couldn't make it for this recording, so it's just the kids! Paige, Jack, and June had a lot to say about The Merry Gentlemen and Chad Michael Murray in particular. If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us on Patreon for…

1
Netflix Movie - "The Merry Gentlemen" Part One 44:07

6M ago44:07

44:07

This is part one of two. Beth couldn't make it for this recording, so it's just the kids! Paige, Jack, and June had a lot to say about The Merry Gentlemen and Chad Michael Murray in particular. If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us on Patreon for an ad-free experience a…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Confessions of a Christmas Letter" 1:15:28

6M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

It's fun to see Angela and Kevin on screen together again, if you're a fan of The Office. And this is set at Christmastime. So. If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lot of pithy life observations strewn in, look for us on Patreon for an ad-free experience and bonuses! You can also find us on Apple Podcasts here: https://p…

1
Classic Movie - "Return to Oz" - feat. Laura Hankin! 1:12:56

6M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

In honor of WICKED being released today, we're sharing a previous Patreon-only episode, talking with the fabulous and funny author, Laura Hankin, about this weird movie from the 80's. Unlike the Judy Garland version, this movie follows the original L. Frank Baum stories more faithfully - it helps to know that going in. A creepy Halloween classic, p…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Christmas with the Singhs" 1:09:06

6M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

Some of us thought this was a delightful movie. Some had quibbles. What did YOU think? Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Hallmark Movie - "Jingle Bell Run" Part Two - feat. Hallmark Snark! 54:58

6M ago54:58

54:58

This is part two of two. It's our first crossover episode! For this one, we join forces with Hallmark Snark to share our takes on Jingle Bell Run, and we get to do snarks and sparks and "will this love last?" Which we all pretty much agreed it wouldn't. But it's fun while it's here! If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lo…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Jingle Bell Run" Part One - feat. Hallmark Snark! 46:29

6M ago46:29

46:29

It's our first crossover episode! For this one, we join forces with Hallmark Snark to share our takes on Jingle Bell Run, and we get to do snarks and sparks and "will this love last?" Which we all pretty much agreed it wouldn't. But it's fun while it's here! This is part one of two. If you hate commercials but love a sassy movie breakdown with a lo…

1
Netflix Movie - "Hot Frosty" Part Two - feat. Emily & June! 51:05

6M ago51:05

51:05

This is part two of two. We had a watch party with Paige's lifelong bff, Emily, and Jack's fiance, June! Unsurprisingly everyone had a LOT to say about this one. Obviously we realize this is not supposed to be a serious drama but is it too much to ask that Hot Frosty be...hot? If you want to enjoy our episodes without commercials, look for us on Pa…

1
Netflix Movie - "Hot Frosty" Part One- feat. Emily & June! 52:14

6M ago52:14

52:14

This is part one of two. We had a watch party with Paige's lifelong bff, Emily, and Jack's fiance, June! Unsurprisingly everyone had a LOT to say about this one. Obviously we realize this is not supposed to be a serious drama but is it too much to ask that Hot Frosty be...hot? If you want to enjoy our episodes without commercials, look for us on Pa…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Santa Tell Me" 1:15:28

7M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

This movie sure inspired us. Believe it or not, MOST of our complaints ended up on the cutting room floor, but there was no way to cover this one without pointing out that there was zero chemistry among any of the leads and the sister character was obviously dead. Not only that, but the family had clear left the house in a huge and desperate hurry …

1
Hallmark Movie - "Tis the Season to be Irish" Part Two - feat. Amy Shiels! 44:14

7M ago44:14

44:14

This is part two! For this (two part!) episode, we are joined by the lovely, funny, and authentically Irish actress, Amy Shiels! How lucky for all of us! She sets us straight on some "conventional wisdom" about Ireland, specifically Irish songs; but she spends most of the time proclaiming her absolute adoration of Hallmark movies. They should get o…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Tis the Season to be Irish" Part One - feat. Amy Shiels! 43:18

7M ago43:18

43:18

For this (two part!) episode, we are joined by the lovely, funny, and authentically Irish actress, Amy Shiels! How lucky for all of us! She sets us straight on some "conventional wisdom" about Ireland, specifically Irish songs; but she spends most of the time proclaiming her absolute adoration of Hallmark movies. They should get on that and hire he…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Trivia at St. Nick's" Part Two - feat. Sophia Benoit! 41:08

7M ago41:08

41:08

The hilarious Sophia Benoit, author of "Well, This is Exhausting", joins us to discuss Triva at St. Nick's. We have a lot to say, hence the two parts. Stick around after the end of episode one for a sample of Jack's excellent song, "Sorry Sorry Sorry." (Some of us are over-apologizers). Remember, if you prefer no commercials, we do have a Patreon w…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Trivia at St. Nick's" Part One - feat. Sophia Benoit! 44:44

7M ago44:44

44:44

The hilarious Sophia Benoit, author of "Well, This is Exhausting", joins us to discuss Triva at St. Nick's. We have a lot to say, hence the two parts. Stick around after the end of episode one for a sample of Jack's excellent song, "Sorry Sorry Sorry." (Some of us are over-apologizers). Jack's music is available on all platforms; look for Thalo. Re…

1
Hallmark Movie - "Holiday Mismatch" Part Two 42:19

7M ago42:19

42:19

Welcome back! Paige, Beth, and Jack are still at it. This is part two of "Holiday Mismatch - if you missed part one, it's out there somewhere! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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