EPISODE 38: Funky Cold Messina

PROMPTS: Black, 1350, Fire

In this episode of Curated by Chance, things get dark—literally and historically—as Lauren takes us on a deep dive into the Black Death, while Neal brings the dad-movie heat with a Clint Eastwood thriller that simmers with guilt, glory, and Secret Service showdowns.

Lauren unpacks the devastating second wave of the bubonic plague that ravaged Europe in the mid-1300s, touching on its impact on global populations, religious structures, art, medicine, and even nursery rhymes (ring around the rosie just got darker). She explores how the plague may have helped birth the Renaissance, inspired deeply weird fashion (plague doctor masks, anyone?), and led to history’s earliest known version of quarantine.

Then Neal talks In the Line of Fire (1993), a political thriller starring Clint Eastwood as a guilt-ridden Secret Service agent and John Malkovich as a creepy would-be assassin. From moody jazz scenes and rooftop chases to wooden guns and visual effects that predate Forrest Gump, Neal makes the case for why this underrated dad movie deserves a second look—and maybe a burrata on top.

Lauren's Topic:

The Black Death (1346-1353)

Neal's Topic:

In The Line of Fire (1993)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

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EPISODE 37: A Jingle in the Brain Box

PROMPTS: 1024, Royal Blue, Ghost

This week Neal and Lauren dig into some cult classics—on screen and on the page—with sports corruption, spectral romances, and enough Gothic tropes to haunt your bookshelves for weeks.

Neal kicks things off with the 1994 basketball drama Blue Chips, directed by William Friedkin and written by sports-movie maestro Ron Shelton. From real-life coaching scandals to on-court drama starring Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, Neal unpacks the movie’s behind-the-scenes chaos and its lasting impact on college sports, athlete recruiting, and 90s nostalgia. If you love Bull Durham, White Men Can’t Jump, or the idea of Nick Nolte absolutely losing it on the sidelines, this one’s for you.

Lauren, inspired by the prompt “Ghost,” dives headfirst into the shadowy, seductive world of Gothic fiction. She explores the genre’s origins, tropes, politics, and what makes it the fairy smut of its time. From Jane Eyre to Shirley Jackson to Bigfoot erotica (you read that right), Lauren walks us through the genre’s history, feminist potential, spooky vibes, and cultural staying power—plus the vampire lore that explains why the Count on Sesame Street can’t stop counting.

Neal's Topic:

Blue Chips (1994)

Directed by William Friedkin

Lauren's Topic:

Gothic Fiction

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EPISODE 36: Desensitized Urologist

PROMPTS: Hand, Monochrome, 291

This week, Lauren and Neal find themselves surrounded by haunting photographs, avant-garde rebels, seduction by switchblade, and the power of a well-composed shadow. It’s all about hands—on camera, in print, and tattooed across the knuckles of cinema’s creepiest preacher.

Lauren dives into the story of Alfred Stieglitz and the legendary Gallery 291, where modern art and photography staked a claim in the American imagination. From pictorialism to straight photography, and from Paul Strand to Picabia’s mechanical portraits, this gallery helped launch modernism in the U.S. and gave us iconic images of Georgia O’Keeffe, especially her hands—obsessively captured by Stieglitz in photos that were both intimate and era-defining. Affairs, artistic movements, and gallery drama—who says photography history can’t be juicy?

Then Neal revisits the criminally underrated 1955 film The Night of the Hunter, directed by Charles Laughton and starring a hauntingly seductive Robert Mitchum. With its German Expressionist style, Southern Gothic tone, and nightmare-level villain, it’s no surprise that this one-off film became a favorite of Spike Lee, Scorsese, the Coens, and more. Love and Hate, stitched across the knuckles, meet deep focus cinematography and false prophets.  

Lauren's Topic:

Alfred Stieglitz

Neal's Topic:

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Directed by Charles Laughton

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Episode 35: Crow Drip

PROMPTS: Khaki, 624, Instrument

This week, Neal and Lauren dive into two genre-defining masterpieces—one epic adventure from late-90s Hollywood, and one triptych of religious fever dreams from the 15th century. You know, just your average Tuesday.

Neal kicks things off with a full-on love letter to The Mummy (1999), the film that gave us peak Brendan Fraser, tomb-raiding librarians, and one of the worst CGI effects ever committed to screen (we're looking at you, Scorpion King). From the film’s sweaty, snake-infested shoot in Morocco to Fraser’s near-death experience on set, Neal explores why this action-horror-romance-comedy hybrid has remained such a fan favorite—and how Rachel Weisz’s historically accurate eyebrows became a surprise icon.

Then Lauren finally (finally!) tackles The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch—a painting so packed with symbolism, medieval memes, and demon nuns that we barely scratch the surface. From the owl known as the “Bosch Bird” to a butt tattoo that’s technically playable sheet music, Lauren breaks down why this triptych is simultaneously hilarious, deeply religious, and weirdly hot on Instagram. Turns out “Jerry from Bosch” had a lot to say about sin, salvation, and maybe even EDM.

Neal's Topic:

The Mummy (1999)

Directed by: Stephen Sommers

Lauren's Topic:

The Garden of Earthly Delights

Hieronymus Bosch (1503–1515)

Check out the high-res version Neal found here:

https://archief.ntr.nl/tuinderlusten/en.html

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Episode 34: In Your Face Deion Sanders

Prompts: Face, Bull, Sepia

In this art-and-cinema-packed episode of Curated by Chance, Lauren and Neal tackle two iconic mediums of visual storytelling: Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece and the century-long evolution of sepia in film.

Lauren kicks things off with Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, diving deep into the tragic bombing that inspired it, the painting’s powerful symbolism, and the key role of Dora Maar—Picasso’s partner, muse, and fellow artist. She explores the visual chaos, hidden skulls, dismembered limbs, and why the painting is considered one of the most haunting and effective anti-war artworks in history. But can we celebrate Guernica without celebrating the man behind it? That’s where it gets complicated.

Then Neal unpacks sepia—from its origins as a cuttlefish-derived archival tool to its place in cinematic magic. He explores how The Wizard of Oz pulled off its iconic sepia-to-Technicolor transition, how filmmakers like the Coen Brothers embraced sepia in emotional storytelling, and how color grading today still carries cultural weight, for better or worse (we’re looking at you, “Mexico Filter”).

Lauren’s Topic:

Guernica by Pablo Picasso (1937)

Neal’s Topic:

Sepia in film

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EPISODE 33: Lauren Hates Melon

PROMPTS: Italy, 88, Chartreuse

Neal and Lauren explore two vastly different works—one about the magic of cinema, the other about fruit, vegetables, and a very ominous cucumber.

Neal kicks things off with Cinema Paradiso (1988), Giuseppe Tornatore’s love letter to film. He breaks down how the film blends nostalgia, mentorship, and the bittersweet passage of time through the relationship between young Toto and his surrogate father, Alfredo. From the iconic “film reel of kisses” to Ennio Morricone’s hauntingly beautiful score, Neal explains why Cinema Paradiso continues to resonate decades later—and why it’s one of the most romantic films about movies ever made.

Lauren takes a left turn into the world of Spanish Baroque painting with Juan Sánchez Cotán’s Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber (1602). She unpacks the eerie beauty of Cotán’s bodegón style, the stark black void that frames his produce, and why some of her students find this painting “deeply unsettling.” Plus, she shares how a seemingly innocent discussion on melons once caused a classroom mutiny.

Neal’s Topic:

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Directed by: Giuseppe Tornatore

Lauren’s Topic:

Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber (1602)

Artist: Juan Sánchez Cotán

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EPISODE 32: RRRebel

PROMPTS: Rebel, Rose, 314

This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore two films centered on rebellion—one a Technicolor classic, the other a bombastic action epic.

Lauren kicks things off with RRR (2022), the Indian blockbuster that became a global phenomenon. She dives into how this Tollywood spectacle reimagines history, blending revolutionary fervor with jaw-dropping action, heartfelt bromance, and unforgettable musical sequences (including the Oscar-winning Naatu Naatu). From its dazzling dance numbers to its over-the-top heroics, Lauren explains why RRR is one of the most exhilarating films of the decade—and why everyone needs to watch it immediately.

Neal takes a trip back to 1955 with Rebel Without a Cause, the James Dean classic that defined teenage angst. He breaks down how Nicholas Ray’s iconic film captured generational conflict, masculinity, and alienation, while also discussing the tragic fates of its stars. Plus, he dives into the film’s cultural impact, its connection to Back to the Future, and how Rebel Without a Cause cemented James Dean’s legacy as a Hollywood legend.

Lauren’s Topic:

RRR (2022)

Directed by: S. S. Rajamouli

Neal’s Topic:

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Directed by: Nicholas Ray

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EPISODE 31: You Won’t be Able to Take a Bath in Japan

PROMPTS: Phone, Silver, 17

This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive deep into the world of absurdity, dark humor, and controversial art, exploring two distinct works—one from cinema and one from fine art.

Neal kicks things off by discussing Serial Mom (1994), the black comedy directed by John Waters. He delves into the film's satire of suburban life and American culture, following Beverly Sutfin, a seemingly perfect PTA mom with a murderous streak. From the absurd humor to Kathleen Turner's stellar performance, Neal explores why this dark comedy preemptively tapped into America's true crime obsession, long before the podcast boom. He also shares some behind-the-scenes facts about the production, including a connection to the song "Tomorrow" from Annie and a cameo from Patty Hearst.

Lauren then takes us into the world of Austrian expressionist painter Egon Schiele, whose works from 1917 and beyond remain both controversial and influential. She uncovers Schiele’s dark personal history, including his tragic family background and complex relationships, while diving into his provocative artwork. Known for his unsettling depictions of sexuality and death, Schiele's works often challenge notions of beauty, consent, and the human body. Lauren discusses his often grotesque yet captivating art and how it continues to spark debates about the artist's intentions and legacy.

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Neal’s Topic:

Lauren’s Topic:

• Egon Schiele’s 1917 works

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EPISODE 30: Witches, Send Good Things to Neal

PROMPTS: Lunar, Electricity, 30

This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren celebrate their 30th episode with two cinematic classics—one romantic, one groundbreaking.

Lauren takes a deep dive into Moonstruck (1987), the beloved romantic comedy starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. From its theatrical dialogue to its fairy tale-like storytelling, she explores what makes this film such a timeless classic. She also discusses the film’s Italian-American identity, Cher’s Oscar-winning performance, and why this movie is secretly one of the best-written rom-coms of all time. Plus, Lauren shares why Moonstruck is a personal favorite (and her dad’s favorite, too).

Neal takes us back to the early days of cinema with A Trip to the Moon (1902), the legendary silent film by Georges Méliès. He explains how Méliès, a magician turned filmmaker, pioneered special effects, cinematic storytelling, and even matte painting. From the iconic moon face with a rocket in its eye to the film’s hand-painted frames, Neal breaks down why this film remains a foundational piece of movie history.

Lauren’s Topic:

Moonstruck (1987)

Stream the film here

Neal’s Topic:

Georges Méliès & A Trip to the Moon (1902)

Stream the movie here

Or check YouTube!

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Episode 29: Excuse Me While I Kiss This Guy

PROMPTS: Siren, Leather, 818

Neal embarks on an off-the-rails deep dive into Ice Ice Baby, Vanilla Ice’s meteoric rise, and the bizarre world surrounding his fame. From his disputed backstory to a failed Hollywood career (Cool as Ice, anyone?), Neal unpacks the highs, lows, and lingering pop-culture footprint of one of the 90s’ most notorious one-hit wonders. Plus, a wild fact about an important crew member that you won't want to miss.

Lauren brings things back to high art with Caspar David Friedrich’s Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog, one of the most iconic paintings of the Romantic era. She explores how Friedrich captured the sublime, the loneliness of modernity, and even how the Nazis co-opted his work for their own nationalistic purposes. Also, if you’re in New York this year, she highly recommends seeing Friedrich’s newly opened exhibition at The Met.

Neal’s Topic:

Lauren’s Topic:

Leave Neal a review on his Rom-Com book HERE!

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

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