Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast

Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast

By Wendy Nielsen and Megan SamarinSociety & CultureParentingKids & Family
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Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast episodes

  • Girls Gone Hallmark: A Second Chance at Love

    Hallmark Channel kicks of their Spring Into Love lineup with a brand new original movie called "A Second Chance at Love" starring Eriq La Salle and Gloria Ruben. Megan and Wendy wonder if Hallmark is listening to their podcast because they called for this exact genre of Hallmark movies a few months ago.



    Did you think Hallmark started off the spring line up strong with "A Second Chance at Love?" Email us your review at [email protected].



    "A Second Chance at Love" premiered on the Hallmark Channel on March 26, 2022 as part of the channel's Spring Into Love line up. Listen in as Megan and Wendy review the movie sharing their favorite parts, what they wished for, and the always fun "Did You See That?" segment.







    News and Notes about "A Second Chance at Love"



    * The movie was filmed in Canada, mostly around the Vancouver region, January 22-February 9, 2022.* “I Do Again" was the original working title of this movie.* Eriq La Salle said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make this movie with Gloria Reuben. The two worked together on the hospital drama "ER" from 1995-2008.* This was Gloria Ruben's first Hallmark Channel movie.* Eriq La Salle signed a book deal with Ebony Magazine Imprint Sourcebooks for a thriller crime series in February 2022.* Buy "Laws of Depravity" by Eriq La Salle via Amazon ($14.95)* BJ Harrison plays Mema.




    Shop now




    Mentioned in this Episode



    * Episode 59: Megan and Wendy share their favorite hot old dudes.







    "A Second Chance at Love" Rating



    We have a 5-star movie rating system. What did we rate "A Second Chance at Love?"



    Megan - 4 STARS



    Wendy - 4 STARS



    What Movies are on this Spring on Hallmark?



    We've got the full line up on movies for spring and we're pretty excited about a bunch of them. Plus, Hallmark is definitely trying to get its viewers over to Movies & Mysteries this spring with a Tyler Hynes movie. Read the full Spring Into Love line up here.




    39 min
  • Episode 64: How to Fake Clean and More Spring Cleaning Tips

    Want to know how to fake clean? Megan and Wendy share their best spring cleaning tips, plus Wendy shares the origin story of learning how to clean without actually cleaning. Plus, vitamins, Megan proposes two questions, a college reunion decision, and Wendy mourns the loss of a Foo Fighter. Best of all, NO talk of Will Smith and the slap heard around the world.

    Who knows the difference between generic vitamins and name brand vitamins? Email us at [email protected].

    Megan and Wendy share the secret to fake cleaning in this podcast episode. Plus, tried-and-true cleaning tips and the products and tools you should be using to get your house tidy and clean this spring.
    Sleep Better with Dormeo

    Hot sleeper? Terrible pillow? Today’s episode is brought to you by Dormeo. Check out DormeoUSA.com to get on your way to a better sleep. Read Megan’s experience with her new Dormeo mattress topper and pillow.

    Visit DormeoUSA.com and learn more about how to sleep better.
    Mentioned on this Episode:
    • Dr Teal’s Restore & Replenish Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Scrub
    • Dove Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub
    • Tree Hut Watermelon Shea Sugar Body Scrub
    • Find Your Happy Place Body Scrub Lazy Weekends
    • Episode 63: Chit Chatty Episode (writer-inner Tara shares her struggles with cleaning perfection in response to this episode)
    • Influenced by TikToker @sarahshoots and this video about her vitamin regimen.
      • Here’s what Wendy bought:
        • Replesta 50,000 IU Vitamin D3 ($25)
        • Vitamin D3 + K2 with Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($20)
        • Nature Made Energy B12 1000 mcg ($9)
        • Vitamin B Complex by Nature’s Bounty ($8)
        • Taylor Hawkins and possible cause of death via NYPost
          • How to Fake Clean

          Here is the secret combination on how to fake clean!

          • Pledge + Dishwasher + Dryer = BOOM!
            • Cleaning Hacks and Tips
            • Use an empty laundry basket to clean sweep your clutter.
            • Keep refrigerator organized and easily cleaned with clear storage bins.
            • Empty vacuums after use.
            • Clean top to bottom and left to right to stay on task.
            • Keep your cleaning supplies together with a caddy.
            • Tide is for more than laundry.
            • Dawn Power Wash works wonders.
              • Shop now
              Megan and Wendy Approved!
              • Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Gentle Eye Makeup Remover ($32)
              • Cimetech wireless mouse and keyboard ($35)
                • 59 min
              • Girls Gone Hallmark: Spring Into Love Preview

                Bring on the butterflies and seasonal allergies! Megan and Wendy jump into a new Spring Into Love 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 during March and April.



                Want to see a list of all the movies? Read the Spring Into Love outline here.



                Megan and Wendy talk about what to expect from Hallmark Channel's Spring Into Love movie line-up which will premiere during March and April.





                NOT Mentioned in this Episode



                We did not include "Feeling Butterflies" which premiered on Saturday, March 12th because this movie is considered a stand-alone movie and not part of the Spring Into Love line-up.



                Spoiler Alert: Wendy watched "Feeling Butterflies" with the adorable Kayla Wallace and super cute Kevin McGarry and couldn't get past the digital butterflies. Woof. Worse than digital snow.



                Do People Watch Hallmark Movies & Mysteries?



                One must assume Hallmark really wants their loyal viewers to click on over to Movies & Mysteries. Two brand new movies premiering on Movies & Mysteries star BIG Hallmark names, including Tyler Hynes, Autumn Reeser, Nikki DeLoach, and Andrew Walker.



                * "Always Amore" premieres on Sunday, April 3rd 9/8c - This movie stars Tyler Hynes and Autumn Reeser as Ben and Elizabeth.



                * "Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate" premieres on Sunday, April 10th 9/8c - Starring Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker as Goldy and Tom.



                What Movies Will Premiere During Spring Into Love on Hallmark Channel?



                * "A Second Chance at Love" premieres on Saturday, March 26th at 8/7c - Stars ER alums Eriq La Salle and Gloria Ruben. Also stars Alvina August and Jarod Joseph.



                * "Just One Kiss" is a MUSICAL! It premieres on Saturday, April 2nd at 8/7c and stars Krysta Rodriguez, Santino Fontana, Illeana Douglas and Aida Turturro.



                * "A Royal Runaway Romance" debuts on Saturday, April 9th at 8/7c. This movie has very little details but it stars Philippa Northeast and Brand Daugherty.



                * "Love, Classified" premieres on Saturday, April 16th at 8/7c. This movie stars Melora Hardin, Arienne Mandi, Katherine McNamara and Max Lloyd-Jones.



                * "A Tail of Love" debuts on Saturday, April 23rd at 8/7c. This movie features Brittany Bristow and Chris McNally.



                Grab a Dudes of Hallmark T-Shirt Featuring Your Favorite Guys




                Shop now

                24 min
              • Episode 63: Chit Chatty Update

                Megan and Wendy welcome back the chit chat! Listen in for a very special chit chatty update including Wendy’s discovery of TikTok (finally!), Megan’s perfect McDonald’s meal, and the 40oz Stanley tumbler that costs $1 per ounce. Also, Megan and Wendy’s first favorite podcast returns, Elizabeth Holmes is a monster, a new Hulu show starring Amy Schumer, and a drunk Luke Bryan.

                Have you seen Luke Bryan in concert? Email us your experience! Email: [email protected].

                Megan and Wendy welcome back the Chit Chatty episode!
                Mentioned in Episode 63
                • Stanley 40oz Tumbler – OUT OF STOCK AGAIN
                  • Megan and Wendy investigate Stanley at Target stores
                  • “Totally Married” podcast with Elizabeth Laime and Andy Rosen rebranded as “Nobody’s Listening, Right?”

                    • “Totally Beverages” with Andy Rosen
                    • Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney split
                      • Listen to the Pop Culture Club where Megan was assigned to watch season one of “Vanderpump Rules”
                      • “The Dropout” on Hulu
                      • Is anyone eating a real breakfast? Listen to our episode with tons of great breakfast ideas. Are we following it? No. See the exhibit A.

                        • View this post on Instagram

                        A post shared by Megan and Wendy (@meganandwendy)

                        • Megan decides on the PERFECT lunch from McDonald’s.
                        • TikTok – Follow US @meganandwendy
                          • Shay Sullivan – the TikToker with the best 90’s hair
                          • HULU “Life & Beth” with Amy Schumer
                          • American Idol
                            • Luke Bryan’s 2021 summer concert in Irvine, drunk on stage
                            • Summer travel plans
                              • Shop now
                              Megan & Wendy Approved!
                              • Snoring problems? Wendy recommends these Anti-Snoring Clips (via Amazon).
                              • Megan’s favorite non-dairy Coffee Mate Natural Bliss oat milk creamer – brown sugar (via Target)
                                • 49 min
                              • Episode 62: Taking Off the Armor with Amanda Muse

                                Megan and Wendy are thrilled to welcome YouTuber and Podcaster Amanda Muse to this special “Conversations with Friends” episode! Listen in as Amanda shares how the pandemic forced her into becoming her family’s primary earner, the mental toll it took on her, and where she is now. Plus, Amanda shares thoughts on “gentle parenting” and how that applies when parenting her two children. In the words of Amanda Muse, “Bitch, Let’s Go!”

                                Thoughts or questions on today’s episode? Email us at [email protected].

                                Thank you to Dormeo for sponsoring today’s episode. Need a better night sleep? Check out  and get a 100 night risk-free trial with no shipping or restocking fees. Read Megan’s experience with Dormeo’s mattress topper and check out her super cute pajamas!

                                Megan and Wendy welcome YouTuber and Podcaster Amanda Muse to the podcast in this special “Conversations with Friends” episode where Amanda shares how the pandemic shifted hobby into paying the bills, her parenting style, and more!
                                About Our Guest: Amanda Muse

                                Amanda calls herself a storyteller, extrovert, cool mom, and virtual BFF. As an expatriate in Malaysia, Amanda started her YouTube channel “AmandaMuse” to document her journey into motherhood with her two children, and to connect with women around the world on a similar path.

                                Amanda’s YouTube channel has 120K subscribers and she has created an engaged community online that resonates with her authenticity and optimism through the highs and lows.

                                Now living in the Toronto area, AmandaMuse has become a lifestyle brand, where she shares her views on life through videos on YouTube, traditional media, social media, a webseries, her live online shows, and most recently a podcast called “Friendo.”

                                Meet Amanda Muse: Storyteller, extrovert, cool mom, and virtual BFF.
                                Where to Find Amanda Muse
                                • AmandaMuse on YouTube
                                • @AmandaMuse on Instagram
                                • @MuseAmanda on TikTok
                                • Friendo podcast (available on your favorite podcast platform)
                                • Shop Friendo Apothecary

                                  • Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
                                  • Elise Meyers on Instagram
                                  • Tova Leigh on Instagram
                                  • Happier in Hollywood podcast
                                  • Mom 2.0 Summit
                                    • Megan & Wendy Approved!
                                    • Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer ($29)
                                    • Amazon Basics Microfiber Sheet Set (Over 300,000 reviews!) $22
                                      • 1 hr 11 min
                                    • Episode 61: The Upside of Being 40+
                                      What ARE the upsides of being 40? Megan and Wendy share what was supposed to be an inspirational list but got deep about self-value, death, and friendships. Plus, the world hates Shake (and we're here for it), Wendy answers her own question, the water bottle phenomenon, "The Dropout," and Harry Potter fan fiction. Let's explore the upside of being 40+.
                                      Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts about this episode or anything we talked about.
                                      Megan and Wendy explore the upside to being 40 years old. But, is there? We say yes.
                                      Better Sleep with Dormeo
                                      Today's episode is brought to you by Dormeo.
                                      Looking for a good night's sleep? Check out and get a 100 night risk-free trial with no shipping or restocking fees. Sleep cooler with a Dormeo mattress topper that BREATHES drawing cool air in while expelling hot, humid air.
                                      See the Dormeo mattress topper and pillow Megan's been using for better sleep.
                                      Megan has been using the Dormeo mattress topper for a good night's sleep. You can get 100 nights free to try it yourself.
                                      Mentioned in Episode 61
                                      Have you watched the new season of "Love is Blind" yet? We talked a lot about season 2 in the most Pop Culture Club episode. How do you feel about Shake? And did you love how Vanessa Lachey told him he was on the wrong dating show?12 possible reasons why Wendy is tired all the time via Healthline.comSpoiler alert: diet, vitamin deficiency (D and B-12), lack of good sleep (snoring), being overweight...Wendy's ticking all the boxes on this list.Owala Freesip 20oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle is all over Instagram right now and people love it. Get it here from Target ($19.99) or Amazon ($19.99).The never-available Stanley Adventure Quencher 40oz Travel Tumbler ($40)These are supposed to be on Target shelves but are yet to be available on Target.com via AllThingsTarget.com.Who is Elizabeth Holmes?"The Dropout" on HULU starring Amanda Seyfried"Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup" by John Carreyrou
                                      Megan's podcast rut is over with the discovery of the Draco and Hermione fan fiction podcast called Remain Nameless.
                                      The Upside of Being 40
                                      Megan and Wendy share the upside of being 40.
                                      Understanding boundaries and drawing them when necessary.Knowing what you like and what you don't like.Few opinions actually matter.The ability to treat yo-self and knowing your value.A greater appreciation for your parents.Caring less about what other people think about you.
                                      Megan and Wendy Approved!
                                      Teavana Beach Bellini Herbal Tea ($5.69 at Target)Bissell Zing Power Canister Vacuum ($61.59 via Amazon)
                                      48 min
                                    • Girls Gone Hallmark: Welcome to Mama’s

                                      Megan and Wendy welcome friend of the show, Lori Garcia, host of The Untitled GenX Podcast, to recap and review "Welcome to Mama's." Listen in as they share what they liked, what they wished for and how they rated the last movie in Hallmark Channel's Loveuary line up.



                                      Do you think Amy needed bangs? Email the show at [email protected].



                                      Megan and Wendy recap and review Hallmark Original movies, including "Welcome to Mama's" starring Lorraine Bracco, Melanie Scrofano and Daniel Di Tomasso.





                                      * Our website meganandwendy.com* Instagram @meganandwendy * Join the Long Story Shorties community in our private Facebook group* Find us on TikTok @meganandwendy



                                      About Our Guest - Lori Garcia



                                      Megan and Wendy are so excited to have Lori Garcia - host of The Untitled GenX Podcast - join in on the review of "Welcome to Mama's." Lori is a writer, pop culture lover, and her podcast The Untitled GenX Podcast - is dedicated to the pop culture that raised us. She's the wife of one, mother of two, and perfectly Virgo in every way. Her hair went viral once, her words went viral twice, and she's still not over how My So-Called Life left us hanging.



                                      Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify or where ever you stream your favorite podcasts.



                                      More from The Untitled GenX Podcast



                                      * Find Lori on Instagram @theuntitledgenxpodcast* Following The Untitled GenX Podcast on Facebook* Support your favorite Podcasters on Patreon - for even more, exclusive GenX content! * Listen to Megan and Wendy discuss No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom on The Untitled GenX Podcast



                                      The Untitled GenX Podcast is a podcast dedicated to the pop culture that raised us. Episodes topics have included these walks down memory lane: The Cabbage Patch Kids Panic of 1983, A Christmas Story, That Latchkey Kid Life, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Star Wars: Episode IV, Anti-Drug PSA of the 1980s, Guns 'n Roses - November Rain and so much more. Lori Garcia is the host of The Untitled GenX Podcast.



                                      News and Notes About Welcome to Mama's



                                      * "Welcome to Mama's" was filmed in the Vancouver, British Columbia, region of Canada.* Alternate titles for this movie included “The Perfect Recipe."* Filming took place during November 15-December 3, 2021.* As part of promoting the movie, Hallmark has shared a series of 16 Italian recipes for a romantic dinner.* Melanie Scrofano plays Amy and is best known for ...
                                      42 min
                                    • Pop Culture Club February: Bank Robbers and a Boy Band
                                      Megan and Wendy are back with another Pop Culture Club episode. For Pop Culture Club February, Megan watched "The Town" starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner and Blake Lively. Wendy read "The Idea of You" by Robinne Lee. Listen in as they share what they thought of their assignments, plus hear what they each pick for March. Also, during each Pop Culture Club episode, you'll hear what Megan and Wendy are currently reading, watching and listening to.
                                      You don't want to miss a break down of "Love is Blind 2" (spoiler alert!), the first of the lasts hit Megan hard, Venmo stalking, and a surprise throwback question. Writer-inner Ashley asks listeners for a recommendation. Can you help? Email us at [email protected].
                                      Megan and Wendy discuss their Pop Culture Club February assignments. Plus, each share what they are currently reading, watching and listening to.
                                      Pop Culture Club March Assignment
                                      Play along with Megan and Wendy! For Pop Culture Club March:
                                      Megan will watch season 2 of "Summer House" which is available to stream on PeacockTV.Wendy will read "It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover
                                      Catch up on January's Pop Culture Club assignment.
                                      Mentioned in this Episode
                                      Body Buddy Non-Absorbent Lotion Applicator ($33)The countdown is on with the first lasts happening over the weekend. Can you relate?Do you Venmo stalk? Here's an explanation of why we love to do it.
                                      What we're watching:"Love is Blind," season 2 available on Netflix"Ghosts" on HBOMax"Somebody Somewhere" on HBOMax"The Gilded Age" on HBOMaxMeghan King, Real Housewives of Orange County reaction videos, YouTube"Married at First Sight," season 12 available on HULU"Inventing Anna" on Netflix"Pam & Tommy" available on HULU"Euphoria," season 2 available on HBO and HBOMax
                                      What we're reading:"A Fall of Marigolds" by Susan Meissner"Spoiler Alert: A Novel" by Olivia Dade"Little Secrets" by Jennifer HillierMidlife Bites: Anyone Else Falling Apart, Or Is It Just Me? by Jen Mann
                                      What we're listening to:Sleep Meditation for Women podcastGive Them Lala podcastUnder the Influence with Jo Piazza podcastBroadway Musical Cast Recordings Olivia Rodrigo
                                      Megan and Wendy Approved!
                                      Wit & Wisdom Girlfriend Jeans ($78)Trim Charcoal Treated 2 in 1 Cleanser and Massager Brush ($7)
                                      Shop now
                                      1 hr
                                    • Girls Gone Hallmark: The Wedding Veil Legacy

                                      Megan and Wendy share their thoughts on the final installment in The Wedding Veil trilogy. Listen in as they recap and review "The Wedding Veil Legacy" starring Alison Sweeney as Tracy. Will the legend of the veil come true for Tracy and new beau, Nick?



                                      What did you think of The Wedding Veil movie event? Email us at [email protected].



                                      Megan and Wendy review Hallmark movies every week, including The Wedding Veil movie event.





                                      Catch Up with Girls Gone Hallmark



                                      You don't want to miss what we had to say about the first two The Wedding Veil movies.



                                      * The Wedding Veil starring Lacey Chabert and Kevin McGarry* Autumn Reeser stars in The Wedding Veil Unveiled



                                      Check Out Our Award Nominated Podcast









                                      News and Notes About The Wedding Veil Legacy



                                      * Also known as "The Wedding Veil 3"* Other alternate titles were “Wedding Veil Wishes 3” and “Wedding Veil Wishes: Tracy’s Story”* Filmed in many regions of British Columbia, Canada, including Victoria and Sooke* Filming took place from May 10 through May 28, 2021* Reeser, Chabert, and Sweeney shared that the real “true love” of the movies is the love and friendship between the female characters* Victor Webster is Nick, stuff we’ve seen him in includes “Workin’ Moms” and “Younger”* The first two installments helped to attract the network's highest ratings for non-holiday movies in over a decade* Hallmark's senior vice president Elizabeth Yost, this moment has been years in the making, calling The Wedding Veil trilogy her "passion project."



                                      Does Your Favorite Hallmark Dude Make Our List?



                                      From Andrew to Wes and most everyone in between. Grab your very own limited edition Dudes of Hallmark t-shirt for $19.99. Check to shop below.




                                      Shop now

                                      25 min
                                    • Episode 60: Put the Donut Down! Easy Breakfast Ideas
                                      Did Wendy smash a sleeve of Hostess donuts before recording today's new episode? You bet. But sometimes there is a better breakfast choice. Listen in as Megan and Wendy share their favorite easy breakfast ideas - especially for busy mornings. Plus, Megan "Hulks out" during a road rage incident, dangerous tanning trends (don't do it!), and what it means to "touch grass" (a lesson in Gen-Z speak).
                                      Email the show at [email protected].
                                      NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Megan and Wendy share their favorite easy breakfast ideas - especially for busy mornings. Suggestions include pre-made breakfast sandwiches, picks from Trader Joe's, bulk bagels, and delicious non-dairy alternatives.
                                      Shop now
                                      Mentioned Up Top in this Episode
                                      Writer-inner Jen suggests that Wendy complain to AirBnB owner about the cleanliness of their rental.Episode 59: What Wendy discovered in their rental upon move-in.Should you self-tan via a nose spray? See it here.Megan's favorite Cerave body and face moisturizer ($12.99)La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($19.99)Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen ($20.99)Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream ($20.99)Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($20)Glowscreen SPF 40 ($20)Tom's of Maine Body Wash in Fresh Apple (unavailable everywhere!)CA laws and rules of the roadDefinition of "touch grass" via Urban DictionaryDefinition of "pushin p" via Urban Dictionary
                                      Breakfast Talk Mentions
                                      Why orange juice isn't a great choice (Wendy doesn't care anymore!)Are eggs good or bad for you?Eggs in jail commercial of our youthBetter than a donut breakfast ideasPerfect Bar (10/$19.80)We both really like Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Luna Bar (15/$18.99)Nutz Over Chocolate is Megan's favoriteLenny and Larry's Complete Cookie (12/$19)
                                      Favorite Easy Breakfast Suggestions
                                      OatmealTrader Joe's Steel Cut Oatmeal reviewBetter Oats Steel Cut ($3.19)Quaker Oats Old Fashioned ($3.79)Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar ($2.89)YogurtSilk Almond Milk Yogurt (dairy-free)Love Crunch Granola ($4.29)Wendy's favorite homemade yogurt bowl recipes
                                      Breakfast SandwichesEnglish muffins, ham and cheeseMegan's favorite dairy-free sliced meltable cheese is by Chao
                                      Bagels from the bulk section in your grocer's bakery department.Trader Joe's Egg Frittata with Swiss Cheese and CauliflowerScrambled eggs with leftover veggies, deli meat, and Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning
                                      Megan and Wendy Approved
                                      Red Aspen nails - get your own pair using Megan's linkKristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo and Conditioner
                                      43 min

                                    About Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy: The Podcast

                                    From the publisher's feed

                                    Megan and Wendy are best friends and moms approaching midlife who are exploring the things that bring us joy! Join us every week in conversations about parenting, beauty, fashion, and pop culture.