Overview
Hot and Bothered is all about the power of romance culture. We analyze romance novels and movies to better imagine our own happy endings. Episodes release weekly on Tuesdays.
CURRENT SEASON: Jane Austen’s Persuasion
For Season 6, Hot and Bothered is returning to its roots with a classic romance: Jane Austen's Persuasion. Many readers consider Persuasion Austen's most romantic novel. As a podcast obsessed with romance (and Austen), it was only a matter of time before we answered its siren call.
Joining Vanessa Zoltan this season is her longtime mentor, Harvard Divinity School Professor Dr. Stephanie Paulsell. Together, they'll read Persuasion one chapter at a time, asking what Austen's timeless novel can teach us about grief, beauty, aging, and—of course—love.
SEASON 5: Hot and Bothered (Movie Edition)
For our fifth season of the show, we turned our attention to romantic films. The season began with ten episodes on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, an iconic film of the early 2000s rom-com oeuvre. Following those episodes, Vanessa was joined by beloved academic and podcaster Hannah McGregor to dig into the canon of romantic films, from Titanic to Twilight to When Harry Met Sally, (just to name a few). We asked every movie “what does this believe about love?” And “do we agree?”
SEASON 4: Live from Pemberley
In Live from Pemberley, we continue our deep-dive into the classic texts of romance literature. This season we take a close look at the most famous Romance novel of all time: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Every episode, Vanessa Zoltan and Lauren Sandler read through the book, talk with experts, and ask themselves the question ‘is this still a story for our time?’
SEASON 3: On Eyre
Vanessa Zoltan and journalist Lauren Sandler embark on the English class you always deserved, diving deep into Jane Eyre through the themes of power and desire. Discussions range from ideas of class and colonialism to sex and gender as Lauren and Vanessa explore the roles of oppression and inequality, empowerment and rebellion in the text.
SEASON 2: Twilight in Quarantine
You may remember BFFs Vanessa & Julia from their all-star advice giving in Hot and Bothered Season 1. In this COVID-19 quarantine they got on the phone three times a week to read and talk about Twilight. On Twilight in Quarantine, they worked their way through the Twilight saga one chapter at a time, giving brilliant well-informed advice to Stephenie Meyer’s characters along the way. Advice like: “maybe you shouldn’t kidnap people.”
SEASON 1: Writing Romance
Season one of Hot and Bothered followed ten first-time romance writers as they tried to write their own romance novels. Each episode explored a particular romance trope and why we love it so much. Along the way, Julia Quinn, writer of the Bridgerton series, gave weekly assignments so listeners could follow along in the process. Season one was made in collaboration with Spoke Media.
Hot & Bothered is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
318 Episodes
We're returning to our roots with Season 6 of Hot and Bothered – reading classic romance literature. This season, Vanessa Zoltan will be joined by her mentor Dr. Stephanie Paulsell to read Jane Austen's Persuasion one chapter at a time. We'll ask questions about grief, beauty, aging, and, of course, love. If you want to be part of the conversation, you can join us for our weekly class which will follow each episode of the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2026
That's all folks! Season Five of Hot and Bothered, all about romance movies, has come to close. On today's episode, Vanessa shares her finals thoughts on the genre. In two weeks, we're starting our chapter-by-chapter read through of Persuasion! If you want to join us for our weekly class, which will accompany the podcast, you can sign-up at notsorryworks.com or become a $50/month patron at patreon.com/hotandbotheredrompod. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a summary of Vanessa's ten top favorite movies we watched this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2026
For our final bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa, Hannah, and Stephanie Paulsell analyze the ending of Casablanca. They discuss Ilsa's agency, Captain Renault's treatment of women, and how to improve the famous last line of the film. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a FREE bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa, Hannah, and Stephanie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2026
Vanessa Zoltan, Hannah McGregor, and Stephanie Paulsell meet at Rick's Café Américain to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered – our last movie of the season, Casablanca. This week we discuss why this movie is an enduring classic, the sexual schemes of Captain Renault, and what makes "America." We finish the episode by calling film historian Noah Isenberg to discuss his book We’ll Always Have ‘Casablanca’: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah, Stephanie and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Ariana Nedelman analyze the ending of Moonstruck. They discuss the confrontation between Rose and Cosmo, why Ronny doesn't have to kneel for his proposal, and the underuse of Cher as leading lady. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Ariana and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and our producer, Ariana Nedelman, meet-up at The Met to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Moonstruck. This week we discuss the specter of death, the gender dynamics, and the acting choices of the film. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Fred Gardaphé to get some context on Italian-American portrayals in film. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Ariana and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and podcaster/author Dana Schwartz analyze the ending of Shakespeare in Love. They discuss Viola's fate, the role of a muse, and how to execute a 'tragic' movie ending. Dana Schwartz has a new novel out TODAY, The Arcane Arts by S.D. Coverly. Order now! ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Dana and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and podcaster/author Dana Schwartz meet-up in Elizabethan England to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Shakespeare in Love. This week we discuss this movie's fuckboi interpretation of William Shakespeare, the collaborative craft of writing, and the Oscar campaign surrounding this film. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Roberta Barker to understand more about the playwright Tom Stoppard. Dana Schwartz has a new novel out next week, The Arcane Arts by S.D. Coverly. Pre-order now! ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Dana and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Roman Holiday. They discuss the extreme constraint of Ann's life as a princess, why Joe lingers after the scene, and what is left unsaid between them. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Roman Holiday with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at Trevi Fountain to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Roman Holiday. This week we discuss Joe's moral character, exposure journalism, and whether we think these two characters actually fall in love. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Rebecca Prime to learn more about Roman Holiday's writer, Dalton Trumbo, and the Hollywood blacklist. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Julia Whelan analyze the ending of Sense and Sensibility. They discuss deleted scenes, sisterly affection, and Austen's obsession with the villainy of hot men. If you'd like to join Julia on her Sense and Sensibility pilgrimage in the Cotswolds this fall, you can find more information about that here. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Sense and Sensibility with Vanessa and Julia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and actress, author, and narrator Julia Whelan meet-up at Barton Cottage to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. This week we discuss the brilliance of Emma Thompson, whether Colonel Brandon is right for Marianne, and the dangers of casting older actors as teenagers. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Claudia Johnson to get some context on Georgian manners and norms. If you'd like to join Julia on her Sense and Sensibility pilgrimage in the Cotswolds this fall, you can find more information about that here. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Julia and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Phantom of the Opera. They discuss the black-and-white frame narrative of the film, what makes the phantom hot (and not), and the show's similarity to Beauty and the Beast. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Phantom of the Opera with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet in a Parisian opera house to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Phantom of the Opera. This week we discuss daddy issues, queer aesthetics, and Susan Sontag's definition of 'camp.' We finish the episode by calling Dr. Dominic Broomfield-McHugh to get his take on the film. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026
Vanessa Zoltan is joined by friend and mentor Dr. Stephanie Paulsell to discuss the appeal of mystery novels and their relationship to religion. If you're interested in joining Stephanie and Casper on the Agatha Christie pilgrimage, you can learn more at commongroundpilgrimages.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Mauricio Bruce analyze the ending of Punch Drunk Love. They continue their conversation about light and color in the film and discuss the relationship between humiliation and violence. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Punch Drunk Love with Vanessa and Mauricio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and Mauricio Bruce meet-up at a warehouse in the San Fernando Valley to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Punch Drunk Love. This week we discuss the gender politics of this film and Anderson's use of light, color, and music. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Laura Barraclough to give us some background history on the San Fernando Valley. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Mauricio and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Love & Basketball. Vanessa explains the implications of the one-on-one basketball game and Hannah talks about how careers get prioritized within heterosexual relationships. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Love & Basketball with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on the courts to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Love & Basketball. This week we discuss double standards, bodies as commodities, and Title IX. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Samantha Sheppard to talk to us about women's roles in sports movies. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Carmen Maria Machado analyze the ending of Desert Hearts. They discuss femme expression, the bittersweet quality of the ending, and what they would want to see in a sequel. If you'd like to join Vanessa and Carmen in Cornwall on their Rebecca pilgrimage, you can find more information about that here. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Desert Hearts with Vanessa and Carmen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and author Carmen Maria Machado meet-up on a dude ranch in Reno, Nevada to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Desert Hearts. This week we discuss Westerns, risk as a condition for love, the 'closet' in queer media, and briefly sidetrack into Heated Rivalry discourse. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Michael Higdon to talk to us about why people went to Reno for divorce. If you'd like to join Vanessa and Carmen in Cornwall on their Rebecca pilgrimage, you can find more information about that here. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Carmen and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Princess Bride. They discuss violence as an expression of love and Buttercup's passivity. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Princess Bride with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at The Cliffs of Insanity to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Princess Bride. This week we discuss frame narratives, parental vs. romantic love, and why literally everyone loves this movie. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Thomas Doherty to talk to us about the legacy of Rob Reiner. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Wedding Singer. They discuss grand gestures and how well Billy Idol aged. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Wedding Singer with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2026
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up in New Jersey to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Singer. This week we discuss Adam Sandler's star power, the importance of silly bits, and the cultural construction of beauty. We finish the episode by calling Dr. Deborah Anthony to talk to us about the history of marital surname changes. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2026
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of White Christmas. They discuss 50's nostalgia and why ballerinas are 'Christmas' coded. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of White Christmas with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2025
Happy holiday season! We're interrupting our mini-season on the wedding industrial complex to bring you our (now) annual holiday movie. Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet at an inn Vermont to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered about White Christmas. This week, we discuss the trope of the 'tricky Jew', minstrelsy, and nostalgia. We finish the episode by calling Dominic Broomfield–McHugh to talk about the connection between this movie and President Eisenhower. ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus scene study from Vanessa and Hannah about White Christmas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Carvell Wallace analyze the ending of Bridesmaids. They discuss Helen's questionable taste level, the way the film frames romantic love vs. friendship, and how class performance constrains emotion. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Bridesmaids with Vanessa and Ariana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Carvell Wallace meet in Milwaukee to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Bridesmaids. This week we discuss female friendship, class politics, and The Hangover. We finish the episode by calling Nick Marx to talk to us about how SNL movies get made. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Ariana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Dr. Simone Drake meet at an NYC bachelor party to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Best Man. This week we discuss Black movies of the 90s, the Moynihan Report, and movie soundtracks. We finish the episode by calling Tyler D. Parry to talk to us about jumping the broom. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Ariana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. They continue to discuss the movie's relationship to 'tackiness' as well as the promised future for Ian and Toula's daughter. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of My Big Fat Greek Wedding with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at Dancing Zorbas to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about My Big Fat Greek Wedding. This week we discuss Canadian multiculturalism, "tackiness", and the cultural construction of whiteness. We finish the episode by calling Susan Katz Miller to talk to us about interfaith families. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of The Wedding Planner. They discuss Matthew McConaughey's masculinity, the role of dancing in the movie, and the how important it is to wear a helmet. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of The Wedding Planner with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at an outdoor movie in Golden Gate Park to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Planner. This week we discuss the leading man's declaration of love, anxieties particular to the early 2000s, and Lauren Berlant's concept of Cruel Optimism. We finish the episode by calling Karen Dunak to talk to us about wedding ceremonies. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of My Best Friend's Wedding. They interrogate the constraints of monogamy and introduce a new segment to the show where they ask 'does this movie hate women?' Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of My Best Friend's Wedding with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025
It's time for our next mini-series of Hot and Bothered, all about The Wedding Industrial Complex. Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on a Chicago River tour to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about My Best Friend's Wedding. This week we return to our on-going conversation about post-feminism – can a woman in the 90s truly have it all? We finish the episode by calling Zoe Hendon to talk to us about royal wedding dresses. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025
Co-founder of Not Sorry, Ariana Nedelman, has a new podcast project out today! When We All Get to Heaven is a 10-episode series that tells the story of one of the first gay-positive churches, the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, and how it faced the personal, social, and political trials of the AIDS epidemic, including the deaths of hundreds of its members. The series is releasing over on Slate's Outward podcast and the second episode is already out. Subscribe to Outward to hear the whole series! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025
Before we dive into our Wedding Industrial Complex mini-series, we're spending some time with the woman who popularized the marriage plot – Jane Austen. In honor of Austen's 250th birthday, we're dropping a joint episode with our friends at Pod and Prejudice all about Becoming Jane. Vanessa, Molly, and Becca blend formats to bring you the ultimate movie deep-dive. What does this movie believe about love? What was the best line? Why did they insist on getting the facts of Austen's life SO WRONG? We finish the episode by calling Julia Argy to talk about our upcoming Jane Austen class, which launches tomorrow at notsorryworks.com. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Daniel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Brokeback Mountain. They continue to explore the forces of poverty and underlying violence in the film. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Brokeback Mountain with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up in moody mountains to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Brokeback Mountain. This week we discuss the underlying threat of violence in this movie, the western genre, and the impact of casting heterosexual stars as gay men. We finish the episode by calling Guy Foster to talk about gay romance written by women. If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! We're currently running a campaign to try to reach 100 new paid patrons by the end of September. If we hit our goal, all patrons will get to attend a special virtual live-recording with Vanessa and Hannah. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of Love Simon. They discuss the concept of 'tolerance', Simon's bravery, and realistic depictions of teenage coffee orders. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Love Simon with Vanessa and Hannah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up on a school confession board to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Love Simon. This week we discuss homonormativity, the narrative chokehold of 'coming-out', and the bizarre 'cool' parents in this movie. We finish the episode by calling Joseph Reagle to talk about anonymity online. If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! We're currently running a campaign to try to reach 100 new paid patrons by the end of September. If we hit our goal, all patrons will get to attend a special virtual live-recording with Vanessa and Hannah. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2025
To celebrate our September Patreon campaign and encourage you to join, we're unlocking a bonus scene study for Twilight. If you become a patron at the $5/month level or higher, you'll receive new scene studies like this every other week. Our goal is to gain 100 new patrons in September! Sign up now at patreon.com/hotandbotheredrompod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Daniel Schroeder analyze the ending of Bros. They discuss Aaron's chocolatier ambitions, musical numbers, and rom-com endings in general. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Bros with Vanessa and Daniel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Daniel Schroeder meet at New York's LGBTQ+ Museum to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Bros. This week we discuss the political messaging of the movie, it's promotion and marketing strategy, and whether a rom-com can truly be queered. We finish the episode by calling Joseph Gamble to talk to us about reading historical figures as queer. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Vanessa and Daniel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa, Hannah, and Marcelle Kosman analyze the ending of Kissing Jessica Stein. They discuss curly hair, how friendship and romance intersect, and Jessica's unresolved sexuality. We finish the episode by calling Kirsten Fermaglich, author of A Rosenberg by Any Other Name: A History of Jewish Name Changing in America, to talk to us about Jewish last names. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of Kissing Jessica Stein with Hannah and Marcelle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor are joined by Marcelle Kosman in a literary New York apartment to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about Kissing Jessica Stein. This week we discuss sex drives, compulsive heterosexuality, and what compromises you can make in partnership. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Marcelle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025
For this week’s bi-weekly scene study, Vanessa and Hannah analyze the ending of But I'm a Cheerleader. They discuss Graham's courage and Megan's passion for cheerleading. Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram ---If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis of But I'm a Cheerleader with Vanessa and Hannah Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025
Vanessa Zoltan and Hannah McGregor meet-up at True Directions to record this week’s episode of Hot and Bothered, all about But I'm a Cheerleader. This week we discuss heteronormativity and the film's mise-en-scène, and revisit the idea of 'camp'. We finish the episode by calling Lynne Gerber to talk to us about the ex-gay organization, Exodus International. ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram If we give you butterflies, consider supporting us on Patreon! On Patreon we have more great romance content including a bonus close scene analysis with Hannah and Vanessa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025
While we're between mini-seasons, we wanted to bring you this special conversation with Kathy Tu. Kathy is the co-creator of the queer podcast Nancy and the Executive Producer of 99% Invisible. She's also obsessed with reading WLW romance novels. We brought her on to reflect on queer romance, spread the gospel, and give us some recommendations. Books mentioned: Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleurthe Fiancée Farce by Alexandria BellefleurThe Seal Cove series by Anna BerkeWhen You Least Expect It by Haley CassOn the Same Page by Haley CassThose Who Wait by Haley CassHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KuangThe Grace Notes series by Ruby LandersMistakes Were Made by Meryl Wisner ---Hot and Bothered is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025
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