Curated by Chance

EPISODE 17: Mocks and Docs

Neal dives into the delightful chaos of Waiting for Guffman, the cult classic mockumentary by Christopher Guest. He unpacks the absurdly earnest world of small-town community theater, introducing the eccentric Corky St. Clair, Blaine, Missouri’s quirkiest director. With heartfelt anecdotes and laugh-out-loud observations, Neal celebrates the improvised genius of the cast, from Parker Posey’s Dairy Queen dreamer to Fred Willard and Catherine O’Hara’s hilariously misguided stage couple. Neal shares personal memories tied to the film, why it resonates with theater lovers and skeptics alike, and how it brilliantly captures the lovable earnestness of amateur theater.

Lauren shifts the spotlight to Paris Is Burning, the groundbreaking documentary chronicling New York’s 1980s drag ball culture. With a blend of reverence and critical analysis, she explores the origins of voguing, the fierce competition of ball culture, and the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities in the face of societal rejection. From the larger-than-life house mothers to the heartbreaking reality of marginalized lives, Lauren celebrates the film’s enduring impact on queer representation, while highlighting its controversies. Together, Neal and Lauren weave personal stories and cultural insights into a vibrant discussion of two cinematic treasures.

Episode Prompts: 5014, Jet, Documentary

Special Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book Giveaway!

Purchase the book and go here: https://www.quarto.com/campaign/Rom-Com-Trivia-Preorder

Neal's Topic:

Waiting for Guffman (1996)

Watch the film here

Alternate Epilogue Neal Spoke About

Lauren's Topic:

Paris is Burning (1990)

Watch the film here

Criterion Collection Remaster

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Lauren - @paisleylo

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EPISODE 16: Podsplain It To Me

Lauren takes listeners deep into the complex world of museum ethics and cultural restitution, unraveling the fascinating saga of the Benin Bronzes. She recounts how these treasured artifacts were looted from Nigeria during a violent raid in 1897 and scattered across global museums, sparking heated debates about repatriation and cultural preservation. With wit and insight, Lauren sheds light on the ongoing tug-of-war between returning artifacts to their origins and preserving them for a global audience, challenging listeners to consider: who truly owns history?

Neal shifts gears with a celebration of Zatoichi, the iconic blind swordsman from Japanese cinema. He reveals the layered history of this legendary character, who first appeared in a 1962 film and evolved through 26 movies and a TV series. Neal connects Zatoichi’s influence to modern storytelling, from samurai classics to The Mandalorian. He also touches on The Warriors—the cult-classic film reimagined as a star-studded concept album by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Neal dives into the film's video-game-like structure, its iconic lines, and its cultural legacy, painting a vivid picture of why these stories endure. Plus the pair consider changing their podcast title. What do you think?

Episode Prompts: Mauve, 962, Steal/Steel

Special Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book Giveaway!

Purchase the book and go here: https://www.quarto.com/campaign/Rom-Com-Trivia-Preorder

Your trivia question: What one-named brand dress was Audrey Hepburn wearing in the opening of Breakfast at Tiffany's?

Lauren's Topic:

The Benin Bronzes

Learn More About Them

Neal's Topic:

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman

Criterion Set

The Warriors (1979)

Watch the film here

Warriors Concept Album

Listen to the album here

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The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

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Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

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EPISODE 15: Pretty in Shocking Pink

In this episode, Neal and Lauren bring their signature blend of wit and insight to two fascinating cultural topics. Neal dives deep into Pretty in Pink (1986), sharing behind-the-scenes stories, casting surprises, and the lasting impact of John Hughes’ quintessential teen rom-com. From Molly Ringwald’s iconic wardrobe to the alternate ending that test audiences rejected, Neal unpacks why Pretty in Pink remains a touchstone for teen cinema. Whether you’re Team Ducky or Team Blane, Neal’s exploration of the film’s music, themes, and legacy will have you dusting off your prom playlist. Neal also details his trials of being dry needled and recommends it to the masses in true fine art form.

Lauren shifts gears and takes us into the stylish world of Elsa Schiaparelli, the trailblazing Italian designer who defined avant-garde fashion in the early 20th century. From her aristocratic upbringing to her revolutionary designs that fused art and couture, Lauren paints a vivid portrait of Schiaparelli’s fascinating life. With tales of surrealist collaborations, iconic fashion innovations, and a larger-than-life personality, this segment is a masterclass in style and history.

Episode Prompts: Adrenaline, Pink, 1615

Special Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book Giveaway!

Purchase the book and go here: https://www.quarto.com/campaign/Rom-Com-Trivia-Preorder

Neal's Topic:

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Watch the film on Paramount Plus

Stream the film elsewhere

"If You Leave" by OMD

Neal's Recommendation:

The Women (1939)

Lauren's Topic:

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973)

Learn More About Elsa

Article about Shocking Pink

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Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!

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The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

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EPISODE 14: Running Up Solsbury Hill

In this episode, Neal and Lauren dive deep into two iconic works that shaped pop culture. Lauren takes listeners on a journey through So, Peter Gabriel's groundbreaking 1986 album. She explores its experimental sound, innovative collaborations, and social influence, highlighting Gabriel’s approach to music that incorporated diverse voices and global influences. From “Sledgehammer” to “In Your Eyes,” Lauren unpacks the inspiration, talent, and ambition behind each track, revealing why So continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Neal short-circuits at one point and then shares his passion for You've Got Mail [1998] and discusses how Nora Ephron's direction and storytelling captured the essence of romance and New York City. Exploring themes of identity, double lives, and love in the digital age, Neal explains how the movie remains timeless. From the charming dialogue to memorable scenes, it’s a quintessential rom-com that fans of the genre shouldn’t miss.

Episode Prompts: Angel, Fox, 998

E-mail ([email protected]) with an answer to the Rom-Com question in the episode for a chance to win a copy of Neal's book! The Question: What item was Patrick Dempsey's character saving up all summer for in Can't Buy Me Love?

Lauren's Topic:

Peter Gabriel’s So (1986)

Watch the music video for "Sledgehammer"

Listen to So on Spotify

The church that inspired "Your Eyes"

Neal's Topic:

You've Got Mail (1998)

Where to watch the film

Two Ways to Film The Same Scene - Great video on filmmaking!

Support Our Show:

Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!

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Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail us: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

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EPISODE 13: The Fragonard of Chicago

On this week's episode, Neal continues his BSE (Big Standing Energy) and tackles Fast Times at Ridgemont High [1982]r, revealing how the film changed the teen comedy landscape. From Sean Penn's iconic stoner Spicoli to Amy Heckerling’s game-changing direction, Neal uncovers the humor and heart in this cult classic. Listen in as he dives into the film’s killer soundtrack, its legacy, and how it paved the way for movies like American Pie and Clueless and has one iconic moment that literally ruined a small segment of the VHS industry.

Then, Lauren takes us on a deep dive into Gerhard Richter's Betty (1988). She explores the photorealistic painting’s air of mystery, discussing how Richter blurs the lines between photography, memory, and reality. Lauren shares fascinating tidbits about Richter's career, his shifting styles, and why Betty is more than just a portrait—it’s a masterpiece that will leave you pondering. Plus, for those wondering

EPISODE 13 PROMPTS:

Back, 82, Red

Neal's Topic:

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Dir: Amy Heckerling

Written by: Cameron Crowe

Where to stream the movie

Lauren's Topic:

Gerhard Richter

Betty

1988

See the artwork in person!

Documentary: Gerhard Richter Painting (2011)

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Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!

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The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

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In this episode, Neal and Lauren dive headfirst into both the frothy and the fascinating. Lauren kicks things off with a deep exploration of the Rococo art movement, focusing on The Swing by Fragonard. She unpacks its playful eroticism and hidden symbolism, revealing how this seemingly lighthearted artwork hides a web of societal commentary. We learn the difference between cherubs and putti and Lauren guides listeners through the lush visual language that made the Rococo period a lavish statement on beauty and pleasure. Don't miss her sidebar on how Frozen references this classic piece and click the link below to see it. Lauren also goes on a mini-rant about franchises!

Next, Neal shifts gears, tackling the gritty spy drama Slow Horses [Apple TV+]. He explores the humor and humanity behind the show’s dysfunctional MI5 agents, highlighting Gary Oldman's standout performance as the curmudgeonly Jackson Lamb. With a theme song by Mick Jagger and a tone that’s as cynical as it is thrilling, Neal explains how the show blends dark humor with espionage in a way that makes it both gripping and refreshing. Stick around for Neal’s breakdown of the show's unique cinematography and how Slow Horses bucks (get it?) the trend of delayed streaming schedules.

EPISODE 12 PROMPTS:

Froth, 5, Stone

Lauren's Topic:

Jean-Honoré Fragonard

The Swing

1767

Look at the artwork while listening

Frozen reference of The Swing

Neal's Topic:

Slow Horses

Where to stream the show

To see the amazing drone shot, check out the opening of Episode 6 from Season 4!

Support Our Show:

Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!

👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail us: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

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In this week's episode, Neal and Lauren bring a unique blend of personal stories and art history to the forefront. Neal kicks things off from recording live from the backseat of his Buick—hailstorms, train noise, and all—with a hilarious tale of winning Prom King in high school. Neal talks about Silver Bullet (1985), a lesser-known werewolf film based on Stephen King's novella Cycle of the Werewolf. From Gary Busey's improvised lines to the story's unique portrayal of disability, Neal examines what makes this cult classic stand out among horror fans. And don't miss the sidebar on Stephen King's Dollar Baby program, where aspiring filmmakers can adapt King's short stories for just $1—a program that launched the career of Frank Darabont!

Lauren follows up with an in-depth discussion of the British painter Francis Bacon. She unpacks Bacon’s life, struggles, and his fascination with dark themes—perfect for the Halloween season. Neal and Lauren dissect the artist’s obsession with “Screaming Popes,” referencing Bacon's haunting interpretation of Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X. They dive deep into how Bacon's post-war existentialism and bold artistic choices continue to influence modern art, cinema, and even horror films today. Plus, a discussion of "The Death of the Artist"!

EPISODE 11 PROMPTS:

53, Meat, Splatter

Neal's Topic:

Silver Bullet (1985)

Where to stream the film

Lauren's Topic:

Study after Velázquez's Portrait of Pope Innocent X (1953)

by Francis Bacon

Where to see the artwork

Support Our Show:

Love the show? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month!

👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail us: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

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EPISODE 10: You Can't Handle The Puns

In this episode, Neal and Lauren dive into the world of early George Lucas. Lauren gives a playful yet in-depth breakdown of THX 1138, Lucas’s first film, discussing its dystopian themes, the impressive DIY production, and how it laid the groundwork for the iconic Star Wars series. She shares fun production stories, like the bizarre involvement of cult members as extras and the origins of Wookiees!

Neal joins the conversation by highlighting the importance of Walter Murch’s editing philosophy and provides a fascinating look at how Lucas's friendships with legends like Coppola and Spielberg shaped his career. They also go down a rabbit hole of 1970s cinema, comparing THX 1138 to other dystopian classics and exploring its lasting influence on science fiction films. Then Neal jumps forward a few decades to talk about one of his favorite legal thrillers, the iconic A Few Good Men that started as a Broadway play from famed playwright-turned-screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.

EPISODE 9 PROMPTS: Gavel, Slate, 138

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Lauren's Topic:

THX 1138 (1971)

Where to stream the film

Neal's Topic:

A Few Good Men (1992)

Where to stream the film

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail us: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

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EPISODE 9: The Sands of Time Burn by FISCHER & TAG

In this week's episode, Neal and Lauren explore the wild world of action movies and conceptual art. Lauren recounts an embarrassing Zoom meeting mishap involving a school interview, a microphone, and a sandwich and later breaks down how a banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $120,000 and sparked debates about the nature of art. Neal dives deep into the history of action movies, tracing their evolution from the gritty film noir of the 1940s to the stylized "gun-fu" of the John Wick series. He explains how Taken (2008) revitalized Liam Neeson's career and launched a wave of "dad action" movies. And at the end of the episode, Lauren and Neal decide to create their OWN conceptual art...stay tuned to find out what it is!

EPISODE 9 PROMPTS: Banana, Job, 1060

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Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

Neal's Topic:

Taken (2008) and a brief evolution of the Action Movie

Where to stream the film

Lauren's Topic:

Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian (2019) and the world of conceptual art

Check it out here

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail us: [email protected]

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Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

Watch Neal on The Floor, premiering September 25th on Fox/Hulu!

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EPISODE 8: How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?

In this week’s episode, Neal and Lauren talk about chaotic spills, ancient art, and dream-like cinema. Neal recounts a history of personal injuries tied to performance days, while Lauren confesses to teaching through the heat of a frenzied classroom. After light-hearted banter, they dive deep into the aesthetics of lost art and surreal filmmaking.

Lauren talks about the history of Greek and Roman sculptures, uncovering the truth about their original painted surfaces and debunking the myth of "white marble perfection." Were these sculptures intentionally white, or did time (and a bit of scrubbing) erase their vibrant past? Neal breaks down Un Chien Andalou (1929), a short film directed by Luis Buñuel and co-written with Salvador Dalí, explaining its significance in avant-garde cinema, its use of dream logic, and how it influenced generations of filmmakers, including Tim Burton and David Lynch. Want to more? Listen and find out!

EPISODE 8 PROMPTS: Antiquity, 29, Gray

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Send us follow-up questions about art or film for our Patreon bonuses!

Lauren's Topic:

The truth about Greek and Roman sculpture and art!

Neal's Topic:

Un Chien Andalou (1929) by Luis Buñuel

Watch the film on our Instagram or HERE

He Likes to Chop Down Trees - Film School short Neal studied

Watch legend Robert Osbourne butcher the title of the film HERE

Recommendations:

Lauren: Visit a museum and check out this art and see how you feel now.

Neal: Check out these other great silent films influential to film...

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927)

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

Follow the show and its creators on Instagram:

The Show - @curatedbychance

Lauren - @paisleylo

Neal - @nealefischer

E-mail us: [email protected]

Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now!

Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now!

Pre-order Neal’s next two books!

Watch Neal on The Floor, premiering September 25th on Fox/Hulu!

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