The Smell Test Podcast

Diane's high school best friend Jessica joins us to discuss The Shining (1980). Buckle up, because we have a LOT of things to say about Jack Torrance. Be aware, this episode contains frank discussions of abuse.

Dr. Joe joins us to debrief on Ernest Scared Stupid (1991). Was Jim Varney one of the most prolific propagandists of the 1990s? Does Ernest hate colonialism? Tune in to find out what we think!

Rosemary's Baby (1968) was released during a tumultuous time in America and directed by a confirmed (alleged) creep. Does this iconic film pass the smell test?

Join us we debrief on Scream (1996) with our first return guest, Matt. Is Gale Weathers the worst? Was Stu in love with Billy? Tune in to hear what we think.

Special guest Cara joins us to discuss one of her all-time favorites, Hocus Pocus (1993). Does a film that starts with child murder pass the smell test?

Guest co-host Eric (@docsrants) joins us to discuss Addams Family Values (1993). Does this black comedy pass the smell test thirty-one years later?

This week, Jess and Diane revisit Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997). Tune in to find out what it shows us about diet culture and the way people with disabilities were treated at the time.

It's our 50th episode, which seems important somehow! Join us as we reflect on the past 49 episodes and determine whether Beetlejuice (1988) passes the smell test or not. As a FYI, this episode contains discussions of death and self-harm.

Join us for our first Adam Sandler film where we discuss Billy Madison (1995). Tune in to hear how this episode turned into a skin cancer PSA.

This week, Diane chose to give Kindergarten Cop (1990) a rewatch. How does it hold up in a time when cops aren't so uncommon in schools?

The final Homer sibling, Pat, joins us to discuss The Birdcage (1996). Does a movie that features homophobia, anti-semitism, and underaged relationships pass the smell test in 2024?

Back to the Future (1985) is an iconic film filled with assault, incest, and good ol' fashioned racism. Does it pass the smell test?

Old School (2003) was one of Diane's favorites. Now that she works with college students, does she feel the same way in 2024?

Hot Fuzz (2007) is part of a trilogy of films starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. It's one of Jess's all-time faves. Does it pass the smell test?

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) stars Robin Williams and Sally Field; and is about a divorced father who dresses in drag to trick his ex-wife into paying him to watch his own kids. With a description like that, can it pass the smell test?

The Goonies (1985) follows the 80s trope of a group of folks trying to fight capitalism. It's in the National Film Registry, but does it pass the smell test?

Join us for our Season 3 premiere as we discuss Three Men and a Baby (1987). Does a movie about perpetual bachelors raising an abandoned little girl pass the smell test? Tune in to find out!

Join us for our Season 2 finale where we discuss Hook (1991). Kelly, another member of the Homer household, joins us to debrief on whether or not the film passes the smell test. As a FYI, this episode contains discussion of abuse and suicide, so if you need to skip this one, we'll see you next time!

Party time, excellent! Join us as we debrief on Wayne's World (1992), which somehow turned into a discussion about age of consent laws in the United States.

Gueesssssss whoooooooooo's baaaaaaaaack? We have returned from spring break and can't wait to talk to you about Princess Bride (1987), including how this film perpetuated an irrational fear of quicksand that all Millennials have.

Superbad (2007) is yet another coming-of-age film that Diane loved. Does it pass the smell test 17 years later? Join us for our last episode before we go on spring break through the end of April!

Sister Act (1992) was one Jessica's staples from the video store. Join us as we talk religion, urban design, and why you should never trust a man who said he's leaving his wife.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) was a staple in the Homer household. Join us as guest co-host and internationally-featured librarian Jay joins us to talk about this film that ends up being a thinly veiled critique of capitalism.

Grandma's Boy (2006) stars Adam Sandler's best friends and has been a favorite of both hosts. Does this raunchy comedy pass the smell test?

She's All That (1999) was a favorite of Diane's as a young adolescent; and a film that's been parodied several times. Does it pass the smell test 25 years later?