My Perfect Romance

Join us as we unpack the themes, characters, and societal issues depicted in the 2026 film "The Drama." From love stories to mental health, gun violence, and toxic friendships, this episode explores the profound messages woven into this romance drama and what they reveal about our culture. In this episode: A detailed overview of the film's plot, characters, and major themes How the movie tackles s...

Join us as we explore themes of personal growth, midlife reinvention, and the empowerment found in embracing life's changes through our conversation with author Lindsay Goldstein. She shares insights from her debut novel, The Gap Year , and her own life experiences that inspired her storytelling. Key Topics: How midlife women are redefining love and adventure The importance of self-love, forgivene...

Today's episode Val, Courtney, and Lisa dive into the evocative novel Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman, exploring its themes of summer romance, self-identity, and profound emotional and physical connection. They analyze the symbolism woven into the story, discuss the characters' journeys, and share personal insights on love and acceptance. In this episode: Key insights into Elio and Oliver's r...

In this episode, we explore how to handle unwanted attention from neighbors, setting clear boundaries, and addressing uncomfortable situations tactfully yet assertively. Whether you're dealing with persistent friendliness or subtle flirting, learn practical strategies to protect your space and peace of mind. Key topics: Recognizing signs of boundary crossing in neighborly interactions The importan...

Join Val and Lisa as they dive into the intense world of two NHL superstars caught in a fierce rivalry turned romantic. This episode explores themes of love, identity, and societal pressures within the high-stakes world of professional hockey. Key Topics: The premise and storyline of Heated Rivalry , based on Rachel Reed’s novel, focusing on two top NHL players and their complex relationship. How...

Celebrating Pride Month, Val, Courtney, and Lisa dive into heartfelt stories of navigating love and identity within diverse family and cultural backgrounds. Join us as we explore the journeys of two young women discovering themselves and each other, highlighting the power of authenticity, communication, and support. If you'd like to share your love story, suggest a movie or book to review, ask us...

In this episode, we explore practical, action-oriented strategies to repair and strengthen your marriage based on Lee Balcom’s principles. Whether you're feeling disconnected or just want to deepen your connection, these insights can help guide your journey toward emotional safety, better communication, and lasting love. Main content insights: The distinction between simple and easy solutions in r...

Val, Courtney, and Lisa unpack a real-life scenario about the complexities of financial boundaries, social pressures, and relationship expectations among young partners. They provide insights into recognizing red flags, managing guilt, and prioritizing self-care in tricky relationship dynamics. Main topics: The impact of financial control and guilt-tripping in relationships Recognizing signs of un...

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the profound lessons about trust, vulnerability, and resilience, in a lively discussion inspired by the movie "The Fall Guy" and real-life relationship insights. Whether you're here for the humor, the heart, or the life lessons, this episode offers valuable takeaways on healing, growth, and love. In this episode: The significance of acknowledging hurt and making spa...

Explore the delightful love story of Jessica Everly and her husband Brandon as they share behind-the-scenes insights into their relationship, her writing journey, and her newest novel, Lyrics and Love Letters . Discover how love, timing, and growth intertwine to craft a story both on and off the page. In this episode: Jessica Everly's journey from speech pathologist to romance novelist Romantic be...

In this episode we discuss Abby Jimenez' novel "Yours Truly." Join us as we uncover an emotionally compelling romance that intricately weaves mental health, medical challenges, and heartfelt connection. This episode explores the depth of human resilience and the power of genuine love amidst life's chaos. Key Topics: Anxiety, PTSD, and autoimmune struggles Insights into how characters' internal cha...

Get ready for a lively exploration of the 2023 film Hitman , which layers comedy, psychological insight, and moral ambiguity into a compelling story. Join us as we unpack character transformations, the nature of authenticity, and what truly makes someone "the real deal." If you'd like to share your love story, suggest a movie or book to review, ask us what would you do?, or if you've written a pub...

Join us as Cassie and her husband, David, share their inspiring journey of love, storytelling, and life lessons. Learn how her background influenced her writing, and how Cassie uses that to emphasize the importance of self-actualization and authenticity in relationships.  If you'd like to share your love story, suggest a movie or book to review, ask us what would you do?, or if you've written a pu...

In this episode, we explore a listener question about dealing with emotional abuse, financial entanglement, and the daunting possibility of separation. We discuss practical strategies, emotional insights, and the importance of external support to regain independence and well-being. Remember, if you're in an abusive relationship, prioritizing safety and seeking support from professionals and truste...

Courtney and Lisa delve into the film 'Past Lives,' exploring its themes of love, nostalgia, and the complexities of relationships across cultures. They discuss the emotional depth of the characters, the significance of language, and the impact of fate and choice in love. They reflect on the immigrant experience and the longing that can intensify connections, ultimately leading to a poignant discu...

What happens when your best friend of a decade starts to feel like something more? This intriguing question forms the heart of the film "People We Meet on Vacation," directed by Brett Haley and based on Emily Henry's bestselling novel. Released in January 2026 on Netflix, this movie is a must see taking you through an emotional journey filled with laughter, love, and self-discovery. In today's pod...

Are you tired of dating and not knowing where you stand? Let's deep dive into the uncertainty of ‘situationships’ and how to navigate your feelings. Don’t let fear hold you back from expressing what you want! Into today's episode, we're going to discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the challenges of navigating new relationships while considering other potential connecti...

Ever wondered what really matters as we approach the end of our lives? When we reflect on our relationships, do we cherish moments or regrets? In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the profound insights from the book "When the Cranes Fly South"—a love story like no other, focusing on connections that truly define us. What would you want to reconcile if you knew your time was short? Courtney...

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a happy and healthy marriage can be challenging. Many couples find themselves stuck in patterns that lead to dissatisfaction and resentment. In this podcast, we explore valuable insights shared by relationship coach Monica Tanner, whose mission is to help couples transform their marriages through effective communication and connection strategies.  Monica Ta...

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth, sparked by a discussion of a romantic fantasy film. They explore the idea of shameful moments in life and how they can impact future relationships, emphasizing the importance of honesty and vulnerability. Val shares a personal experience of creating a list of past mistakes to present to a new partner,...

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the complexities of financial independence and emotional support within relationships, particularly focusing on a listener's experience of feeling vulnerable after major life changes. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining personal autonomy, understanding control dynamics, and the necessity of emotional support in partnerships. It emphasizes the nee...

Val, Courtney, and Lisa discus Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights,' exploring its complex characters, themes of love and revenge, and the societal pressures of Victorian England. The hosts delve into the tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine, the impact of societal norms on personal choices, and the timeless nature of Bronte's storytelling. If you'd like to share your love story,...

Author Debby Show discusses her novel "Paper Roses," which intricately weaves themes of family, trauma, and resilience. The book, inspired by true events, follows the life of Abby, whose world is turned upside down when her sister is arrested for a serious crime. As Abby delves into her family's past, she uncovers deep-seated secrets that span generations, exploring the impact of trauma on familia...

What would you do if you found out the girl you hired to help the love of your life fall for you, was also in love with her? Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the themes of love, identity, and self-discovery through the lens of the characters in the movie 'The Half of It,' to answer this question.  If you'd like to share your love story, suggest a movie or book to review, ask us what would you do?,...

Lisa, Courtney, and Val have guests Eva and Kiersten on to explore various themes including professional boundaries in relationships, emotional affairs, and the importance of friendship and support systems. The speakers share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness and maintaining healthy boundaries in both personal and professional relationships.  If you'd...