The Smell Test Podcast

We revisit the 1980 slasher classic Friday the 13th to see if it still passes the smell test. We critique its dated treatment of sexual harassment and questionable moral logic around who lives and dies. We also discuss the film’s B-movie acting, memorable kills, and the surprising origins of Jason Voorhees. Does this horror classic hold up, or does it belong at the bottom of Crystal Lake?

In this episode, we revisit David Cronenberg’s 1986 body-horror classic, The Fly . We discuss its unsettling transformation scenes, questionable scientific ethics, and surprisingly complicated love story. Along the way, we revisit 1980s dating norms, unpack the film’s treatment of women and consent, and consider how our perspectives on relationships, reproductive rights, and technological innovati...

Spooky san continues! In this episode, we unpack the 1992 horror classic  Candyman . Together, we explore the film’s tangled relationship with race, gentrification, and urban legends, questioning how horror can expose systemic racism while reinforcing harmful stereotypes. We also dig into the ethics of academic research, the outsider’s gaze, and what happens when scholars study communities without...

It’s Spooky Season, and we’re digging into the 1990 cult classic Tremors ! Join Diane and Jess as they revisit Kevin Bacon, Reba McEntire, and giant underground worms while debating cheesy monster mayhem, gun culture, women’s expertise, and what makes a good leader. Does this creature feature still pass the smell test, or should it stay buried?

In this episode, we revisit  A Very Brady Sequel (1996). We discuss our personal connections to  The Brady Bunch , the movie’s parade of cameos and retro references, and its heavy reliance on nostalgia. We also examine the Brady family’s naïveté, Jan’s treatment, the uncomfortable Greg-and-Marcia sexual tension, and the film’s handling of Indigenous art.

Summer of Sequels continues! This week, we cover Return of the Jedi (1983) and talk about colonialism.

The Summer of Sequels is in full effect! Diane's pick Carrie 2 (1999) is loosely based on the original. Tune in as we talk about the first movie we've covered that is a sequel to a previous episode. Topics include the propensity to protect young affluent men, similarities and differences with the original film, and of course: virginity.

Our Summer of Sequels begins with Naked Gun 33 1/3rd. Tune in to hear us talk about police culture, race, and Anna Nicole Smith.

This episode we discuss Corrina, Corrina (1994) starring Ray Liotta and Whoopi Goldberg. Tune in to hear us talk about interracial relationships in the 1950s, childhood trauma, and the fact that behind every successful man is probably a woman who helped him get there.

We've been wanting to do this one for a while. Tune in as we discuss Ladybugs (1992). Tune in to hear why we think a misunderstanding of this movie influenced the dummies who don't want trans people in sports.

This episode, we cover Diane's pick, Disturbing Behavior (1998). Give it a listen if you want to hear about how it parallels the rise of the manosphere.

Buckle up, because you're in for a wild ride as we revisit the traumatic classic The NeverEnding Story (1984). Tune in to hear us wax philosophical about what The Nothing really is.

Steel Magnolias (1989) is based on a true story and features a cast of Hollywood starlets. Tune in to hear us weigh in on how we would've handled Shelby's dilemma and talk about how Truvy's husband wasn't as bad as we remembered.

We return from spring break to talk about 1989's The 'Burbs , which is somehow our first Tom Hanks movie. Prepare your ears for discussions about the racist origins of suburbs, xenophobia, and how cool crows are.

Wish Upon A Star (1996) was a Disney Channel Original Movie that followed the body-swap trope. Tune in to hear the origins of body swap movies, our thoughts on who we would swap with, fatphobia, and the ethics of trading places with someone.

Harry and the Hendersons (1987) had a formidable impact on Jessica's thinking today. Tune in to hear more about it! Topics include toxic masculinity, environmental protection, and why Diane thinks Seattle sucks.

Orange County (2002) debuted 24 years ago and supplanted Jack Black as a physical comedy icon. Tune in as we give this film a review. Topics include elderly abuse, addiction, and nepo babies.

Double Jeopardy (1999) stars feminist icon and activist Ashley Judd. Tune in as real-life lawyer Jess gives us a lesson on why the film's premise isn't legally sound.

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) follows wannabe beauty queens in small town Minnesota. Join us as we talk about if this is really a black comedy or plain offensive in 2026. Topics include disability representation, beauty standards, and which contestant we most identify with.

What Women Want (2000) stars Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt--and a host of other famous actors. Topics include talking about what an (alleged) asshole Mel Gibson is, and debriefing on if this film really represents the female psyche.

Three Amigos! (1986) is where Steve Martin and Martin Short's longtime friendship and collaboration began. Topics include the proliferation of police state, portrayal of women of color, and how much Chevy Chase sucks.

Happy New Year, everyone! This week we talk about 2001's Bridget Jones's Diary . Topics in this episode include fatphobia, new year's resolutions, and workplace relationships.

For our final movie of 2025, we cover 1990's Edward Scissorhands . Tune in to hear us talk about how people deemed the "other" are treated in society; and our alleged opinions of certain lawsuits.

Home Alone (1990) kicked off a franchise that has endured for thirty years. Listen to hear our opinions on if Kevin McAllister was really that bad--and why we think Buzz is the worst.

This episode, we talk about what Saved! (2004) shows us about Christianity, teen pregnancy, and disability justice. Just casual topics! **Please note that this episode has a few technical difficulties with jumbled words. Thanks for sticking with us!**