Beyond the OC (Welcome to the OC)

Rachel and Melinda are joined, once again, by Stephanie Savage, The Executive Producer and Writer on The OC, to discuss, "The New Kids On the Block" (S2 Ep 3). Stephanie reveals the reason behind the creation of The Bait Shop and why the Cohen's house was under construction. They also dive into the purpose behind bringing Zach, Alex, Lindsay, and DJ onto The OC, and how they develop the storyline....

Melinda and Rachel talk to Patrick Rush about all things casting related with The OC, including the prominent Michael Cassidy and Olivia Wilde. As they navigate through "The Way We Were" (S 2 Ep 2) they discuss DJ "the hot yard guy," and Seth's declaration of selflessness. Fast forward to the end of the episode, listen in to hear Rachel's thoughts on Seth climbing on a hot dog stand to declare his...

It’s time to dive into Season 2. This means new love interests, the Bait Shop, Atomic Country, and so much more! Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Distance” (S2 Ep1) the episode Melinda thinks is the real end to season 1 and the episode Rachel declares “the hot men scruff episode.”  The hosts dive into the characters in this episode -- hear their thoughts on Seth’s actions and attitude and on Theres...

This episode the hosts dive into the cultural impact of The OC. They are joined by TV critic and author of the book, “Stop Being a Hater and Learn to Love the O.C.,” Alan Sepinwall. Find out what Alan loved about the show and what he thought didn’t work. The OC didn’t make it into Alan’s top 100 TV shows of all time -- the hosts want to know why! Also, hear all about what being a TV critic entails...

What would The OC be without the music? And you can talk music, without Alexandra Patsavas, the Emmy-nominated music supervisor from The OC! In this special episode, Rachel and Melinda learn all about what music supervision entails from the super fun to not-so-sexy but needed tasks. Find out which band passed on The OC, the song Alex was afraid might not pass, and one cover song Alex would chose t...

You know his name from The OC credits, but how well do you know McG? Executive Producer and OC native, McG (Joseph McGinty Nichol), talks all things The OC. Hear about the cast music video that McG called “an epic fail,” the birth of The OC, and how the truth came out in the casting office. There are lots of laughs and great memories shared, as well as serious discussions about struggles with ment...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Ties That Bind,” (S1 Ep27) with none other than the man who wrote it himself, Josh Schwartz! Hear from Josh his thinking behind the creation of this episode and the theme he based it on. Curious if he planned for this finale at the start of the series? Listen to find out! Josh answers questions the hosts have about this episode like, “was the word abortion not allow...

Rachel and Melinda are back with Adam Brody, for part two of their interview with him. They dive further into the episode “The Strip,” (S1 Ep26), and share some behind the scene stories, like how Rachel made her way into the episode and why she had to go to "The" Vegas. Keep listening to hear Adam’s take on Mischa Barton’s recent comments and hear how things went south with his relationship with T...

Rachel and Melinda are joined by Adam Brody, who played fan-favorite Seth Cohen on The OC, to discuss “The Strip,” (S1 Ep26). However, in part 1 of this 2 part episode, the conversation takes a turn away from the episode and dives more into Adam’s overall OC experience. How similar is Adam to Seth? How did he feel about his performance playing the character? What does he still struggle with in reg...

Rachel and Melinda are joined by Amanda Righetti, who played Hailey Nichol on The OC, to discuss “The Shower,” (S1 Ep25). See how it all began for Amanda with a deal with Fox, which landed her on The OC for her first major acting role. And then, how that same deal, took her away from the show! What was it like playing a role much older than she was? A role where she had to make out with Tate Donov...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Proposal,” (S1 Ep24). They’re joined by Alan Dale, who you may know from Entourage, Lost, and Dynasty, but most likely, The OC, where he played Caleb Nichol.  Hear how this New Zealand kiwi made his way to the US to expand his acting career where he’s played several roles, many of them ending in a heart attack! Alan shares his favorite acting role, tells a story of...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Nana,” (S1 Ep23). They’re joined by award-winning actor, singer, songwriter, and musician, Kathryn Gallagher. Oh, and she’s Peter Gallagher’s daughter! Kathryn, too, has her own Camp Gallagher story to tell. She also opens up about her struggles with bullying. She now has a massive career on Broadway, and she shares her first television experience and the help she g...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The L.A.,” (S1 Ep22), the episode which Melinda calls, “so meta it almost turns in on itself and implodes.” They’re joined by actor, producer, director, Grady Bridges from The Valley himself, Colin Hanks! Before The OC, came Orange County the film, starring Colin Hanks. They discuss this connection, plus Colin shares what he does in this episode which is a nod to his fa...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Goodbye Girl,” (S1 Ep21) with Navi Rawat, who played Theresa Diaz on The OC. Later, the hosts are joined by super-fan and Vanderpump Rules star, Scheana Shay! Navi comments on Theresa’s life choices in this episode. She also shares which cast members she still sees, and who she enjoyed working with during filming. The women discuss being working moms, their favorite...

Ay, dios mio -- it’s the Telenovela! Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Telenovela,” (S1 Ep20) with Wilson Bethel, whose very first acting role was playing Brad the Water Polo Player on this episode!  Wilson shares why he got humiliated on the set of The OC, the line in this episode he called “his most shameful,” and the time he passed a cocktail weenie to Josh Schwartz. Rachel and Wilson went on to...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Heartbreak,” (S1 Ep19) but first, they chat with Off the Vine podcast host and former Bachelorette contestant, now co-host, Kaitlyn Bristowe. Kaitlyn asks her pressing OC questions to the hosts. Find out her favorite Summer quote from this episode, hear about her time on Dancing with the Stars, and find out what Julie and Summer would do for their intros if they wer...

Rachel and Melinda are joined by Dynasty actress and OC fan, Elizabeth Gillies, to discuss “The Truth” (S1 Ep18). They share what it’s like doing publicity and Rachel tells a story about a talk show mishap on Jimmy Fallon -- not Jimmy Kimmel! Hear about Liz’s experience as a first-time director, her farm micro-wedding, and how she first fell in love with The OC. Of course, there’s more Oliver talk...

Rachel and Melinda are joined by Entourage series creator and OC fan, Doug Ellin, to discuss “The Rivals” (S1 Ep17). They discuss the crossovers of The OC cast members on Entourage, the similarities between the two shows, and dive into the complexities of viewing these shows through a 2021 lens. Find out what Doug thinks of Ryan’s criminal skills and Marissa’s naivete, and how Summer is similar in...

Rachel and Melinda are joined by The OC Set Costumer and now, Celebrity Stylist, Nicole Chavez, to discuss all things fashion and “The Links” (S1 Ep16). Nicole shares the latest fashion trends, discusses the trends from The OC ones that are making a comeback, and breaks down some of your favorite character's fashion styles. Learn about what goes into working in TV wardrobe, revisit some of the bes...

Rachel and Melinda are joined by superfan and the host of the podcast “Everything Iconic,” Danny Pellegrino. They discuss “The Third Wheel” (S1 Ep15), plus way more as Danny asks the questions that fans want to know! And what is this episode without Rooney? Later, lead singer of “Rooney” Robert Schwartzman joins to talk about his experience filming this episode!  Danny takes the reins when he asks...

Rachel, Melinda, and their guest, Editor and Director on The OC, Norman Buckley, discuss “The Countdown” (S1 Ep14). The hosts and Norman share their thoughts on the unexpected thing that makes a great actor, the unique use of music throughout The OC, and some of the challenges of filming television. They also share behind-the-scenes stories of Norman’s first time editing and directing, where the o...

Rachel, Melinda, and their guest, Executive Producer and Writer on The OC, Stephanie Savage, discuss “The Best Chrismukkah Ever” (S1 Ep13). This is the script that Stephanie said changed her life. Learn about what it was like going from producer to writer, who came up with Chrismukkah, and the episode line so good that it gave Rachel and Melinda the chills! The Best Chrismukkah Synopsis: It’s Seth...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Secret" (S1 Ep12) with their guest, Chris Carmack, who played Luke Ward on The OC. From "Nashville" to his band, Life on Eris, catch up on all things Carmack! And of course, the hosts talk memorable moments from "The Secret" like yogalates and the flossing scene. Chris also weighs in on the evolution of Luke from here on out. The Secret Synopsis: Luke and Ryan disco...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Homecoming” (S1 Ep11) with their guest, Kelly Rowan, who played Kirsten Cohen on The OC. Find out who made Kelly laugh the most on set, her nickname for Rachel, and hear about Kelly's role in a Speilberg film! And of course, all about the Thanksgiving episode! The Homecoming Synopsis: Seth went from zero to two girls and both of them show up at Thanksgiving, as do t...

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Perfect Couple” (S1 Ep10) with their guest, Bonnie Somerville, who played Rachel Hoffman on The OC. The women talk second acts, their Zach Braff connection, sex scenes, and of course, the famous Chinese food seduction scene from this episode. The Perfect Couple Synopsis: Kirsten worries about Sandy's professional relationship with Rachel. Rachel unsuccessfully tries...