Love at First Screening

In this episode of their special “Rom Com Road-Trip” series, Chelsea has a lot to say about ambiguously fruit-flavored toaster pastries. Oh, but don't worry, she definitely gets around to telling a story at some point (even if she does get lost in the spooky potential and forgets the Com for this Rom). A witch on the run from her ex-boyfriend and a magical mafia reunites unexpectedly with her...

In this episode of their special “Rom Com Road-Trip” series, Madison takes Chelsea on possibly the most banal trip yet. Like, seriously all we saw was corn and then Madison started ranting about hornworms? Not her finest work, but if you are into that kind of thing, she does tell a semi-decent tale of a marriage of convenience. Starring Kat Graham and an alarming number of male characters--serious...

In this episode of their special “Rom Com Road-Trip” series, Chelsea's the designated driver on a trip where things are shaken, stirred, and on the rocks for the guitarist of a queer rock band quickly rising to stardom, who's on vacation in Stanley Tucci's favorite mountain town: Smashville. Starring Ariana DeBose and Kristen Stewart, LAFSters can look forward to adorable house goats,...

In this episode of their special “Rom Com Road-Trip” series, Madison invites Chelsea to ride to an unknown town to a romance bookstore where love is brewing alongside the oatmilk lattes. Of course, it can't always be easy to be vulnerable and open yourself up to something amazing. Starring Jamie Clayton and Raymond Ablack, it's a classic feel-good will they, won't they that'll have...

In this installment of their special “Rom Com Road-Trip” series, Chelsea shoves Madison into the car alongside a group of queer documentary filmmakers as they set out on a cross-country bar crawl. But you know what they say: It's all fun and gay until you're drunk in a motel room...and there's only one bed. Starring Stephanie Allynne and Roberta Colindrez, it's a sexy romp that&#39...

In the second episode of their special “Rom Com Road-Trip” series, Madison takes Chelsea to Ireland where a farmer and Michelin star chef find themselves putting on the performance of a lifetime whilst pretending to be in love, rather than being adversarial co-workers. What could go wrong? The cards spell out love... We've got an amazing cast—featuring Jesse Williams, Aisha Dee, Keke Palmer to...

In the first episode of their special “Rom Com Road-Trip” series, Chelsea drops Madison off at the Seattle-based retirement community of her dreams with an absolute farcical tale filled with disguises, schemes, and sapphic love for all ages. They’ve got a star-studded cast—featuring Beanie Feldstein, Lily Tomlin, and Dan Levy—and a hilarious plot, but they’re undecided on the title…maybe LAFSters...

This week, Chelsea and Madison welcome back TikTok extraordinaire Marissa to discuss the star-studded fantasy favorite Stardust (2007). Charlie Cox, Clare Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro grace the screen in this epic and romantic fairy tale that begs the question: "Do non-adventurers in magical realms have comprehensive insurance?" This episode is brought to you by the Spice...

To quote our lord and savior Lizzo, "it's about damn time" Madison gave Chelsea a break from rom-coms! (Well, sort of.) This week, our hosts dive into Jennifer's Body , the 2009 horror comedy flop that, in retrospect, critics may have misunderstood—much like Madison has misunderstood the reach of her "power" as a Florida State Park Junior Ranger. After debating which of...

In Season 2's first bonus episode, our hosts are joined by sexpert Nicole to discuss the intersection of sex and romantic comedies. Listen as they wind their way through discussions of intimacy, restrictions of sex on screen, the issues with presentation of sexual assault in film, and the value of intimacy coordinators. If you are looking for a list of the movies referenced in this episode tha...

The clock has struck midnight on season two as our hosts draw the regular season to a close with Midnight in Paris (2011) starring Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. While Chelsea may never forgive Madison for inflicting this movie upon her, we hope she can at least take solace knowing it’s over. Listen as our hosts discuss the pitfalls of nostalgia and ham fisted pseudo epiphanies as they stroll alo...

This week, Chelsea and cohost Emma (who has definitely been here the entire time!) introduce special guest Madison (who has absolutely never been on the show before!) to Mr. Right (2015), a film that bravely melds action, comedy, and romance into something your dad (or any other rom-com skeptic) might willingly watch! The old sandwich-cutting feud of last season resurfaces, Chelsea shares her pira...

This week, Chelsea is back in the driver’s seat (but is love?) with another Cynic’s Choice episode where our hosts watch The Feels (2017) featuring Constance Wu and Angela Trimbur. While love interest Lu cannot come on the journey of this movie, we hope our LAFsters won’t mind joining us as our hosts discuss the pitfalls of faking orgasms, failing at interpersonal communications, and the benefits...

This week, our cohosts welcome back to the pod fan-favorite stars Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant with Notting Hill (1999). This film may qualify as a rom com, but is it a Roman Holiday (1953) adaptation? Unclear. Meanwhile, amidst quips about cockroach energy and Disney Channel vibes, Madison declares herself the Queen of Quirky Tees, and Chelsea regales LAFSters with tales of her first funeral. Don...

This week's episode does a deep dive into senior romance as Madison and Chelsea discuss Something's Gotta Give (2003). Our hosts root for the back-to-back feature of Keanu Reeves, but lament the fact that they were expected to root for Jack Nicholson. They both rally behind Diane Keaton's excellene, as she is one of the Supreme Coastal Grandmas. Depsite Keanu, Diane Keaton, and Frances MsDormand,...

In this highly introspective episode, our cohosts welcome poet Amanda Kathryn to the studio to discuss Always Be My Maybe (2019). Madison says she'd swipe right on Keanu Reeves, and Chelsea raises a glass to all her fellow "bitter bitches" out there. Together they analyze the hazy intersection between passion and career, determine where to find the best french fries (or tater tots),...

This week, our hosts go back in time with their viewing of Kate and Leopold– but they are not alone in the studio! Tune in for the first guest episode of season two as the hosts and guest star Nia discuss the pitfalls of being a time-traveling woman, the importance of marrying wealthy to afford indoor plumbing, and Madison’s inability to remember which Hugh she’s talking about– it’s not Hugh Grant...

This week, work-life balance meets the ultimate hurdle: an enemies-to-lovers romance. It's time for our hosts to tackle The Hating Game (2021)! In addition to expressing concern about PDA in the workplace, Chelsea announces her campaign to stop folks from steamy fraternization in elevators. Madison just hopes to receive a pair of mop slippers and meet Dolly Parton...after apologizing to Channing T...

As far as rom coms are concerned, Madison swears up and down that this finally breaks the second season streak of no rom-coms as our hosts take on Monster-in-Law (2005). Chelsea, however, is more than skeptical, but will tolerate the film for the sakes of Wanda Sykes and Jane Fonda. In an episode sponsored by Chelsea’s wisdom (use promo code LAUGHS4TAILORS for 50% off clothes actually made to fit...

As far as rom coms are concerned, our hosts are 0 for 3, and headed into this week’s episode with listener pick Lady of the Manor (2021), the season’s romantic fails may continue to haunt Madison. In an episode sponsored by self-pleasure (use promo code LAUGHS4LAFS for 50% off indulging in whatever makes you giggle), the duo allow themselves to enjoy the film’s well-produced fart jokes, Judy Greer...

Come with our hosts this week, aperol spritz in hand, to Rome where they explore the classic Hepburn/Peck film, Roman Holiday. Madison gleefully walks Chelsea and the listeners through her Wiki rabbit hole about the Hollywood Blacklist and Audrey Hepburn's rise to stardom. While one of our hosts found the film to be…less than memorable, the other insists it’s one everyone should see at least once....

Whether you're flying solo or rollin' with the homies this week, buckle up! A special LAFSter request has our hosts behind the wheel of the 1995 cult classic Clueless . (Let's hope they're better drivers than Cher and Dionne!) After Chelsea reveals which Hollywood Baldwin (aka hottie) she'd like to watch for an hour or two, she asks Madison if they should re-brand LAFS as a teen movie podcast. Wil...

In the first episode of season two of Love at First Screening , co-hosts Chelsea and Madison dive into the 2005 film The Wedding Date. Madison attempts not one, but two, terrible accents. Chelsea questions why she ever agreed to watch this movie, much less continue this podcast. While Madison can forgive the (admittedly) lackluster film for the inclusion of Dermot Mulroney, Chelsea isn't so easily...

In this bonus episode, our very tired cohosts say a fond farewell to Season One with the help of a few very special guests, listeners (aka LAFSters) like you! Chelsea and Madison rank the 13 films they watched this season from best to worst (or most favorite to least favorite), consider the impassioned perspectives of LAFSters, and share their hopes for Season Two. Connect With Us - Instagram: htt...

In the first bonus episode of Love at First Screening, Madison and Chelsea veer away from rom-coms and watch vampire-superhero action flick Blade (1998). Chelsea finally gets to experience joy while watching a movie for the first time in too long and Madison quickly dashes it by taking a perfectly good 90’s action film and insisting they turn it into a rom-com. They said it couldn’t be done; howev...