Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast

Megan and Wendy are split in their review of this week's Hallmark movie "South Beach Love." Listen in as they talk news and notes, what they liked, and what they wished for. Plus, a dancing scene that could of been choreographed by one of their husbands.

What did you think about South Beach Love? Email the show at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy review Hallmark's "South Beach Love" which premiered on Saturday, October 9, 2021 as part of the 2021 Fall Harvest line up.

News and Notes on South Beach Love

* South Beach Love was based on the book by Caidad Piñeiro. Buy it here from Amazon.* The movie was set in Miami but actually filmed in St. Petersburg which is located in Florida's Gulf Coast, nearly 270 miles from Miami.* William Levy (Tony) actually owns two restaurants in Miami.* Taylor Cole was most recently seen in Hallmark's One Perfect Wedding.* Listen to our recap and review of One Perfect Wedding.* William Levy came in third place on season 14 of Dancing with the Stars.* Taylor Cole is scheduled to star in Hallmark's Making Spirits Bright as part of the 2021 Countdown to Christmas line up.

Taylor Cole and William Levy on set of South Beach Love. Notice Taylor is wearing a neck fan! Listeners of our Tuesday episode know how much Megan loves a neck fan.

Cuban Irish Food

* There is actually a Cuban-Irish roaming truck/food cart called Cubish in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Cole (@taylorquinncole)

2021 Hallmark Fall Harvest Let Down

We've talked about it from week-to-week but will say here again that we are pretty disappointed with the 2021 Hallmark Fall Harvest line up. The first movie was full of fall vibes but every movie since has had literally nothing to do with the fall season. Do you think Advice to Love By will be a fall movie?

Catch up and listen to our reviews of the movies in the Fall Harvest line up:

* Roadhouse Romance* Love Strikes Twice* Taking the Reins* Raise a Glass to Love

And don't miss our

Megan and Wendy talk this week about faking it. Do you fake it when it comes to friendships and relationships? Do you fake it on social media? Do you fake it to hide things? To stay safe? To make it through? It's a big conversation that is about clear as mud.

We really would love to know how you feel about faking it. Email us anytime at [email protected].

Are you faking it? Let's talk about why.

Where Do You Listen to the Podcast?

We got an email from a listener who listens to our podcast from a remote mountain in Washington! We'd love to know where you listen to the podcast! Email us.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Ted Lasso, season 2. If you haven't watched this Apple TV show yet, jump in. It's not about sports, it's not slapstick. Season 1 is so feel good and season 2 takes us to a deeper understanding of the main characters. 5-STAR television. It won 4 Emmys this year - what more do you need?Wendy put a call out to listeners asking for tips on hot flash remedies.Advent Calendar Update! Wendy is anxiously awaiting opening her Bonne Maman jam and honey calendar.Megan is considering a Nespresso Advent Calendar (see the UK version here).Wendy's teenage daughter wants this Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar.Dust off those Apple Watches!Check out our Shorties Facebook Group today for the announcement of another Shorties Get Moving Challenge. Let's close those rings.4 Reasons Why People Fake on Social Media via Thrive GlobalShould we show a raw, relatable, no-filter look at our lives on Instagram Stories?Do you fake it 'till you make it? Read more about what it exactly is via PsychCentral.Faking smiles might improve your mood. Read more about it via Very Well Mind.Why vulnerability is hard (via Mindful).Comparing pain with others - don't do it.15 signs of fake friends

Megan and Wendy Approved!

Megan loved The Heart Principle and The Two Lives of Lydia BirdGrab these rice crackers at Trader Joe's: Original Savory Thin Crackers

Miss last week's episode? Here's a few you should definitely catch up on:

Managing teens and their techPreview of Hallmark's Countdown to ChristmasSuffering from buyer's remorse

On this week's Girls Gone Hallmark bonus episode, Megan and Wendy review yet another non-fall themed Hallmark movie called Love Strikes Twice. This new, original movie starring Katie Findlay and Wyatt Nash has left many asking: Is "Love Strikes Twice" a Hallmark movie?

Why do you think Hallmark has so many non-fall movies in their Fall Harvest line up? Email the show at [email protected].

Should Girls Gone Hallmark Continue in 2022?

We are super grateful for all the original and new listeners who have found our bonus Girls Gone Hallmark movie review podcast! The question is...should we continue to recap and review Hallmark original movies next year?

If you have strong feelings about it, shoot us an email at [email protected].

News and Notes about Love Strikes Twice

* The teleplay for Love Strikes Twice was written by C. Jay Cox. He also wrote Sweet Home Alabama (2002) with Reese Witherspoon and New in Town (2009) with Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr.* Several of the same producers on Love Strikes Twice are the same for One Summer - which premiered the day after this premiere on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.* This movie was filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.* You might recognize Katie Findlay from Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, How to Get Away with Murder, The Carrie Diaries and The Killing (one of Wendy's favorite series).* Wyatt Nash competed on Survivor: Redemption Island (season 22, 2011) under his birth name Matt Elrod. He finished in seventh place and was the sixth member to join the jury. Wyatt Nash/Matt Elrod was asked to compete again on Survivor: Caramoan (season 26) but declined - according to his Wikipedia page.

What do you think: Is Love Strikes Twice a Hallmark movie? Let us know.

Hallmark Fall Harvest Podcast Episodes

Need to catch up on our reviews of the 2021 Fall Harvest movies?

* Taking the Reins* Raise a Glass to Love* Roadhouse Romance

2021 Countdown to Christmas Preview Podcast Episode

Don't miss our 2021 Countdown to Christmas preview episode! Grab a hot cocoa and listen here.

Hallmark Channel recently announced they will premiere 41 brand new movies during their annual Countdown to Christmas. Listen in as Megan and Wendy give their first impressions of the movies that have officially been announced.

Got a teenager who won't put their cellphone down without smoke coming out of your ears? Megan and Wendy talk parenting woes in this week's episode, specifically managing teens and their tech. Now, Megan and Wendy don't totally agree on how much freedom each of their teens should have when it comes to electronics but they do fundamentally acknowledge that teenagers need some limits and supervision.

We'd love to know what your guidelines are when it comes to kids and electronics. Email the show at [email protected].

Are you totally hands off when it comes to your kids' smartphone usage? Or, do you read every single text on the daily? Or, maybe somewhere in the middle? Megan and Wendy talk parenting and managing teens and their tech in this week's episode.

Welcome New Listeners!

Are you new to Long Story Short: The Podcast? Welcome! We love that you found us (hey, how did you find out about our podcast? Email us at [email protected] and tell us, please!)

If you want to know more about Megan and Wendy, click to read our bios. Megan is the red head with the long hair and Wendy has the sassy, short blonde hair.

We'd love for you to join our private Facebook group or follow us on Instagram.

New podcast episodes are available each Tuesday and our bonus Hallmark Channel movie review episode on Thursday. Plus, our website is always brimming with new, relatable lifestyle content.

Mentioned in Episode 45

Episode 44: Buyer's RemorseFootball for Dummies Cheat SheetAmerican football explained for beginnersThe different football rules between college and NFLBiggest college football rivalries (see #4 and why Megan's cute new hat will never be allowed in our house)

Yes, the movie Rudy (1993) was based on a true storyWendy might finally get TikTok now that she's found DadsGotMoves (these two definitely get the party started)

@dadsgotmoves Mom is the main character ##dadsgotmoves ##maincharacter ##familytime ##couplegoals❤️ ##momsoftiktok ##dadsoftiktok ♬ Con Calma - Teban

We be jammin' with this Bonne Maman Advent Calendar ($35) - 25 days of jams and honey!Mark your calendars for October 15, 2021 when we release our popular Gift Guides! Podcast listeners knows to listen for the SPECIAL CODE WORD for extra entries into our annual Gift Guide Giveaway!

Helpful Teen and Tech Links for Parents

Free, printable teen cell phone contract via Josh ShippApple iPhone Screen Time instructionsBe Internet Awesome - Talking to kids about cyber safety via GoogleBark Parent Control AppLife360Safety AppCircle and Disney Circle - Parental Controls

Viewpoints on Kids and Cellphones

Leading with Trust: Why we let our teens have some phone freedom by Hilary AchauerOur family's smartphone rules: No tech in the bedroom by Meredith GarvinWorried about your teen on social media? Here's how to help. by Christina CaronFacebook knows Instagram is Toxic for Teen Girls, Company Documents Show by Georgia Wells, Jeff Horwitz and Deepa Seetharaman

Megan and Wendy APPROVED!

Musty towels BE GONE! Megan swears OxiClean Odor Blasters worked at removing that stinky, musty funk from her bath towels.Fake your hairline and cover up the gray with L'Oreal Magic Root Coverup.

Bring on the hot cocoa and ugly sweaters! Megan and Wendy dive into their very first Countdown to Christmas preview episode. Listen in as the ladies from Long Story Short give their first impressions of the brand new movies the Hallmark Channel will premiere this holiday season.

We asked listeners a lot of questions during this episode. Email us at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy talk about Hallmark Channel's original new movies set to premiere during Countdown to Christmas.

Want More Hallmark Countdown to Christmas Movie Reviews?

With so many Countdown to Christmas movies in 2021, we have added a brand new Hallmark tier to our Patreon! For just $3/month we will give you TWO additional Hallmark Countdown to Christmas movie reviews. Join Patreon today!

When Does Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas Begin?

Countdown to Christmas begins on Friday, October 22, 2021 with new movies expected to premiere every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

It was recently announced that there will be 41 original movies this holiday season premiering across many of Hallmark's entertainment platforms, including Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and the Hallmark Movies Now app.

Will the Hollywood Strike Affect Hallmark Movies?

According to Heavy.com, the impending IATSE strike could possibly affect the production of new Hallmark movies either not filmed yet or not completed with post-production. It will be interesting to watch this unfold over the next few weeks.

What Movies are in 2021 Countdown to Christmas?

Of the 41 original new movies, Hallmark has released the titles, cast, and synopses for only nine movies. We know the turn around time on these movies is really tight. Some movies on the schedule are likely not even in production yet.

On September 30, 2021 @SleepyKittyPaw shared this list of movies expected to premiere during Countdown to Christmas. This person says they are 99% sure the 19 movies listed under "Not Yet Officially Announced" are all for the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas.

Now know of 41 new, original holiday movies produced, or soon-to-film, for Hallmark, with NO acquisitions—a first for the network. Possible we will see at least 1 more, since CRASHING THROUGH THE SNOW premiered in July. Would say 99% confident unannounced are all for Hallmark. pic.twitter.com/CUdAhOb77S— Ho! Ho! Holiday Viewing! (@SleepyKittyPaw) September 30, 2021

Countdown to Christmas Preview

At the time of recording this episode, we knew of the first nine movies. They include:

* You, Me & The Christmas Trees starring Danica McKellar, Benjamin Ayres and Jason Hervey (10/22/21).* Boyfriends of Christmas Past with Catherine Haena Kim, Raymond Ablack and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (10/23/21)* The Santa Stakeout featuring Tamera Mowry-Housely, Paul Campbell and Joe Pantoliano (10/24/21)* Christmas in Harmony starring Ashleigh Murray, Luke James, Loretta Devine, Michelle Williams and Basil Wallace (10/29/21)* Coyote Creek Christmas with Janel Parrish...

Could Taking the Reins be the first Hallmark movie that Wendy enjoyed more than Megan? Listen in as the ladies of Long Story Short discuss Taking the Reins, the third movie in this year's Fall Harvest line up. But first, how bad was the digital fall foliage?

Are you loving or just liking Hallmark's Fall Harvest line up? Are we being too hard on production for not having enough fall feels? Email the show at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy review Taking the Reins which premiered on the Hallmark Channel on September 25, 2021.

Don't Miss our Bonus Countdown to Christmas Episode!

Look for another bonus episode on Friday, October 1st from us in your podcast feed!

We will preview the first nine Countdown to Christmas movies! Listen in for our first impressions, plus if we plan to watch it or skip it based strictly on cast and synopsis.

We also will talk about the impending IATSE strike and how that might affect Hallmark Channel's plan of premiering 41 new movies during the holiday season. And finally, what we hope for from movie #9 - #30.

News and Notes About Taking the Reins

* This movie was filmed on location in Connecticut.* Meadowbrook Farm in Marlborough, CT

* Taking the Reins was previously titled Love at the Steeplechase.* Filming wrapped in July 2021.* The production company for this movie told Hartford Courant that leaves would be digitally recolored.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikki DeLoach (@nikdeloach)

Chemistry Between Nikki DeLoach and Scott Porter?

Spoiler alert: Wendy says that the kiss between characters Sam (Nikki DeLoach) and Luke (Scott Porter) was the hottest kiss she's seen from ANY Hallmark movie this year. The chemistry between Nikki DeLoach and Scott Porter was perfect. Great casting!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikki DeLoach (@nikdeloach)

Megan and Wendy talk about big life changes and suffering from buyer's remorse. Listen in as they each share what's fueling their own regretful decision making plus some tips on how to manage those feelings. Also, Megan's new favorite lunch courtesy of TikTok, the arrival of fall decor, and Wendy sobs over a Canadian bakery she'll never visit.

Thank you for your emails last week! Got something to say about today's episode? Email us at [email protected].

Megan and Wendy talk about managing those feelings of buyer's remorse.

We've Refreshed our Patreon Pricing!

We are really excited about the changes we have made to our Patreon pricing. For just $5/month, you will receive exclusive content made specifically for our Patreon subscribers. This includes: one of our "chit chatty" podcast episode, a brand new, in-person Megan and Wendy video (no more Zoom videos!), and a weekly Friday Five where we trade off on sharing five things to help make your day better.

Click HERE to sign up for Patreon today and get immediate access to the archives!

Mentioned in Episode 44:

Friend of the podcast Lynnee suggests the following:Wit and Wisdom JeansSofft shoes for women Megan's new favorite salmon bowl recipe via Emily Mariko on TikTok.

@emilymariko Best lunch of the week! ♬ original sound - Emily Mariko

Kewpie MayoThis blog post says you can eat the Trader Joe's smoked salmon right from the package. Wendy's air fryerWilliams-Sonoma Cast Iron Pumpkin Dutch OvenLe Creuset Signature Tartan Dutch OvenBrach's Candy Corn and Brach's Mellowcreme PumpkinsProject Bakeover (Hulu) - episode 9 was Wendy's favoriteThe Kneaded Knook Bakery & Cafe The psychology behind buyer's remorse via Psychology Today5 tips on how to overcome buyer's remorseRetail therapy and why it hits just rightStaying balanced with big life changesWhy it's ok not to be happy all the time

Megan and Wendy APPOVED!

Trader Joe's Brazil Nut Body Butter (get it here on Amazon if you aren't local to Trader Joe's)Bliss Pumpkin Powerhouse Resurfacing & Exfoliating maskBest pumpkin skincare for fall

Do you suffer from buyer's remorse? How do you help manage those feelings or have you figured out a way to avoid them all together somehow? Email us and share your experience!

Megan and Wendy find themselves annoyed with the amount of swirling and sniffing in Hallmark Channel's newest movie Raise a Glass to Love. Listen in as they rate and review the second movie from Hallmark's Fall Harvest line up starring Laura Osnes and Juan Pablo Di Pace.

What did you think this movie? Email us at [email protected].

Raise a Glass to Love premiered on the Hallmark Channel on September 18, 2021.

News and Notes About Raise a Glass to Love

* Raise a Glass to Love was filmed in British Columbia, Canada. * The Okanagan Valley, a region in the Canadian province of British Columbia, was chosen to replicate Sonoma County's wine country.* This movie wrapped filming on July 25, 2021.* Laura Osnes is a two-time Tony Award nominated actress and singer.* Page Six reported in August, 2021 that Laura Osnes was terminated from the Broadway show called "Crazy For You" because she refuses to be vaccinated for COVID.* The Broadway League requires audience, performers and backstage staff to be vaccinated (via New York Post).* Open letter to Laura Osnes from OnStage Blog and Javier Muñoz.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Javier Muñoz (Javi) (@javiermofficial)

* Forbes says that the Master Sommelier Diploma exam is the world's hardest test.* So much that there was a massive Master Sommelier cheating scandal.

* California's peak "fire season" is from July - October.

Who is Jennifer Huether?

Jennifer Huether is Canada's first female Master Sommelier and appeared as herself in Raise a Glass to Love. You can visit her website here.

Not One Fall Decoration

We're not really sure why this movie is in Hallmark Channel's Fall Harvest line up. There weren't any fall elements that would indicate that this movie was made specifically for the 2021 Fall Harvest schedule. Instead, we think it's one of those non-specific movies Hallmark can slide into any line up when they need a movie.

Megan and Wendy share their feelings about clothes, including what they need and what they want as summer transitions to fall. Plus, circling back to bras that fit, uncomfortable high-waisted jeans, and determining what is "business casual." Also, two great television shows you should be watching, a birthday cake update, a new season of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and Megan fills Wendy in on the Gabby Petito case.

Do your wear both pajamas and a robe? Email the show at [email protected].

Listen as Megan and Wendy talk about clothes, including what they want and need as summer transitions to fall.

Mentioned on Episode 43

The Big Leap on Fox/HuluThe Other Two on HBO Max OriginalsNCIS: Hawaii starring Vanessa Lachey premiered on CBS on 9/20/21Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team on CMTMaddie Massingill on InstagramFormer DCC, Former DTWS winner Melissa Rycroft on InstagramDCC KaShara Garrett on InstagramList of "Cut" DCC Vets over the years, including 2021 (SPOILERS!)

Timeline of Gabby Petito missing persons caseGabby Petito update (as of 9/20/21) via CNNTravel vlogger's footage shows Gabby's vanSlain couple officially ruled out as part of caseGabby Petito podcast coverage: Crime Junkie Podcast

Why is main stream media not covering missing person cases of women and girls of color?

Related: Wendy's favorite jeans from Stitch Fix

Shut up with these FUPA exercises

What is "business casual" for women in 2021?Find your bra size onlineMegan's favorite no-wire bra from HanesMegan's favorite Warner's multi-pack undies available on Amazon

HOKA Bondi tennis shoes

Megan and Wendy Approved!

Real Techniques Blend and Blur Foundation BrushTree Hut Vitamin C Scrub

Grab Your Own Hoodie for Fall!

We recently launched a store full of APPROVED! merchandise, including hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts. SHOP HERE.

Megan and Wendy roll right into Fall Harvest with this week's brand new Hallmark Channel movie review of Roadhouse Romance. Callie (real-life singer, songwriter Lauren Alaina) returns home to Tennessee after deployment and meets Luke (Tyler Hynes) by accident, literally. Will their new friendship blossom into more, will Callie ever find Grandpa Tucker's secret BBQ recipe and will the restaurant survive a low fall festival turn out? Lots of storylines with this one, friends.

Email the show! What did you think Roadhouse Romance? Did you love Hallmark Channel movie newcomer Lauren Alaina? Do you also want to run your fingers through Tyler Hynes' hair? Send your thoughts to [email protected].

Megan and Wendy talk about Hallmark Channel's newest Fall Harvest movie called Roadhouse Romances starring Tyler Hynes and Lauren Alaina.

News and Notes for Roadhouse Romance

* This movie takes place in Tennessee but was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.* Filming wrapped in May 2021 and premiered on the Hallmark Channel on September 11, 2021 as part of the Fall Harvest line up of movies.* Lauren Alaina was a runner-up on season 10 of American Idol and also competed on season 28 of Dancing with the Stars.* She sang two of her own songs in this movie as Callie; "Run" and "What Do You Think Of?" She also sang "When You Say Nothing At All" made famous by Alison Krauss.

Willa Looks Familiar - But From What?

* Sarah Edmondson played Callie's Aunt Willa. She might look familiar to documentary fans who saw her as one of the major players to expose the cult featured on HBO's docuseries The Vow.

2021 Fall Harvest Line Up on Hallmark

We think Roadhouse Romance was a strong start to the 2021 Fall Harvest line up on the Hallmark Channel! What's next?

* Raise a Glass to Love - with Laura Osnes (One Royal Holiday) and Juan Pablo Di Pace (from Fuller House)* Taking the Reins - starring Nikki DeLoach (Days of Our Lives)and Scott Porter (from Friday Night Lights and Ginny & Georgia and Hart of Dixie)* Love Strikes Twice - featuring Katie Findlay (Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist) and Wyatt Nash (from Riverdale and GLOW)* South Beach Love - with Taylor Cole (One Perfect Wedding) and William Levy.* Listen to our review of One Perfect Wedding.* Advice to Love By - starring Erinn Westbrook (Riverdale) and Brooks Darnell (A Winter Getaway).* Listen to our review of A Winter Getaway.

Reviews of Tyler Hynes Movies

We have reviewed a couple of Tyler Hynes movies from the past year and he is a favorite for sure. Catch up on our reviews:

* Sweet Carolina * It Was Always You* On the 12th Date of Christmas

Megan and Wendy Merch!

Fans of the podcast can now get their own APPRO...