The Smell Test Podcast

Jurassic Park (1993) is a film both Diane and Jess saw in the theaters. Join us as we discuss women in STEM, capitalism, and the ethics of de-extinction.

Diane knew Cruel Intentions (1999) so well she could recite lines from it. Does it pass the smell test 25 years later?

Join us as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) by discussing whether it's bodacious or bogus in the context of our current culture.

Bio-Dome (1996) is widely panned as one of the worst films of all time. Does that mean it doesn't pass the smell test? Tune in as we talk environmentalism, himbos, and purple sticky punch.

Join us for our first in-person podcast recording! This week we reviewed Camp Nowhere (1994), a childhood favorite for both of us, and the root of our crush on Andrew Keegan--does it hold up, though?

The Crush (1993) was Alicia Silverstone's debut film. Diane loved it so much she bought the DVD; and made Jess watch it knowing it probably won't pass the smell test. Tune in to see what they think!

Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993) was a staple in Jess's Mel Brooks-loving household. Does this parody of a classic tale pass the smell test?

Clueless (1995) is based on the Jane Austen novel Emma and adds a whole new meaning to "brotherly love". Join us as Kamille, a Jane Austen fan and Jess's longtime best friend, tells us if she thinks it passes the smell test.

Joint beloved film time! Listen to us dissect a film we both loved as teens-- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). Is Bianca the real shrew in this? Does it pass the smell test? Tune in to find out!

Happy 2024! We are back from an unexpected hiatus. Join us for our long-awaited John Cusack episode where we try to answer the question: Are John Cusack characters the archetype for incels today? We cover Better Off Dead (1985), One Crazy Summer (1986), Say Anything , (1989) and High Fidelity (2000) in this one.

Is Love Actually (2003) actually good? Join us as we pick apart this film that is simultaneously beloved and derided by many.

Scrooged (1988) was a modern rendering of the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol . Listen to us dissect this film with a 2023 lens in our season 2 premiere.

Diane's college friend Daniel Pewewardy joins us for our season finale to review of Blank Check (1994), a pro-capitalism fantasy film that may be responsible for Bit Coin Bros today.

Superstar (1999) is based on a beloved SNL character played by Molly Shannon. Jess and Diane both watched and loved it when we were younger. Does it pass the smell test today? Our answer may surprise you...

Being Swell in Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead (1991) was Diane's ultimate fantasy as a kid. Does child neglect pass the smell test? Tune in to find out! (Please note the audio this week is a little shoddy, but what are you going to do about it? Take the $0 we make from this away?)

Coneheads (1993) was a staple in Jess's family. Join us as we discuss the ways in which the film captures the immigrant experience.

Stephanie joins us to talk about Carrie (1976). Did the kids in the gym deserve it? Kind of...

The Exorcist premiered 50 years ago in 1973. Does it pass the smell test today? Join us as we talk to guest co-host Jen about this film

Lorick joins us to discuss Maximum Overdrive (1986)--the first and only film directed by Stephen King.

This week, Jess and Diane discuss the cult classic Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

Join us as we talk to Jess's husband Eric about Night of the Living Dead (1968)--the archetype for all other zombie films.

The Changeling (1980) traumatized a young Jess. There are major spoilers in this one as we pick apart this film by considering treatment of disabled people, power, and privilege--in addition to how unrealistic it is to feature a non-rainy Seattle.

With spooky season upon us, it's time to discuss I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997). Join us as we discuss the real villain of the film (spoiler alert: it's the patriarchy).

Jess and Diane continue spooky season by discussing The Craft (1996), the first joint favorite covered on the podcast!

This episode is Diane's finest hour. IYKYK. Join us as we discuss her teen favorite, Teen Witch (1989).