When Isabel Met Aviva

By Isabel Thottam and Aviva Peltin

A podcast about romcoms, female-driven screenwriting, and breaking into the industry! Hosted by Isabel Thottam & Aviva Peltin.... more

· TV & Film

5

1414 ratings

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FAQs about When Isabel Met Aviva:

How many episodes does When Isabel Met Aviva have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.

When Isabel Met Aviva episodes:

June 25, 2025 Season 4 - Episode. 9: Bride Hard (Interview with Shaina Steinberg)
This week on the pod, we are joined by writer Shaina Steinberg, who wrote BRIDE HARD, now in theaters! We spoke with Shaina a few days after her MOVIE PREMIERE and got to hear all about her experience seeing her first movie being made! In this episode, we also discuss the challenges of the film industry, the importance of persistence, networking, and the impact of the WGA strike on job availability. Shaina shares her experiences in writing and rewriting, the differences between film and TV, and the significance of collaboration in the creative process.
About Shaina: Originally from Chicago, Shaina Steinberg graduated from Vassar College with a BA in English Literature. During and after college, she traveled extensively, including living abroad in Scotland and working in Colorado as a horse wrangler. She received her master’s degree from New York University where she studied the representation of war in art and literature, culminating in a thesis on photojournalism and the Vietnam anti-war movement.
Shaina began her career working on Malcolm In The Middle, before joining the WB show Everwood. At the end of the series, she moved on to Cold Case, Bionic Woman and the Starz show Spartacus. She also wrote two episodes of Chase for NBC.
Additionally, Shaina has developed pitches, pilots and features with companies such as Temple Hill, Endgame Entertainment, Fremantle, eOne, Blondie Girl, Josephson Entertainment and Alcon. She was named to the Young and Hungry List in 2013 and to the WriteHer List in 2017.
Shaina's website: https://www.shainasteinberg.com/

Bride Hard Showtimes: https://www.fandango.com/bride-hard-2025-240818/movie-overview

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social
Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella
...more
1h 17min
June 18, 2025 Season 4 - Episode. 8: Here’s The Tea On Scammers!
We're back with a chatty episode, just the two of us! Like old times! This episode is a good one filled with...tea! We share some updates on our personal writing journeys, our #romcom real-life moments, and discuss how our emotional states are influenced by planetary shifts - casual chit chat, you know?! We also discuss the importance of community and the pitfalls of scammers targeting writers!!

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social
Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella
...more
43min
June 11, 2025 Season 4 - Episode. 7: The OG Screenwriting Tweeter (Interview with Kim Hornsby)
Writer Kim Horsnby joins us for this episode of the pod to explore the intricacies of screenwriting, the importance of community support, and the journey from novel writing to screenwriting. We chat about the challenges of breaking into the rom-com market, the power of manifestation, and the differences between writing novels and screenplays! Kim has always been super active on social media and started #ScreenPit on Twitter to help writers pitch their scripts - we think you'll love this fun chat!
Kim's Links:
Greek Retreat: https://thegoodwordwritersretreat.com/
Watch Braving Rapids - Streamer Links: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/braving-rapids
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHGA3O5O-l
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076067797418
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/kimhornsby

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella
...more
1h 16min
May 28, 2025 Season 4 - Ep. 6: The Million Dollar Spec Script (Interview with Diane Drake)
In this episode, we get real deep and talk about heartbreak and how our perspectives on the romcom have evolved recently. Then, we interview the inspiring and fabulous Diane Drake, who wrote romcom hits, such as ONLY YOU and WHAT WOMEN WANT. Diane sold ONLY YOU for one million dollars in the 90s, no big deal, and WHAT WOMEN WANT is one of the highest-grossing romcoms of all time. **faints** She shares with us how she sold her first spec script, her thoughts on the golden age of romcoms, and what we can learn from her career. This chat was so special to us, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to bask in her presence.

Diane's Website: https://dianedrake.com/

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social
Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella
...more
1h 19min
April 23, 2025 Season 4 - Ep. 5: How To Make a TV Pilot…Internationally (Interview with Heather Pilder Olson and Debra Pralle)
Welcome back to another episode of the pod! Filmmakers Heather Pilder Olson and Debra Pralle join us to discuss their pilot project, "A Broad Abroad," which they filmed in Italy! We loved hearing their insights on the challenges of international filmmaking, the importance of community in the creative process, their experiences with festival screenings, and their future plans for their pilot.

Follow @abroadabroadtvshow
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31726572/
Follow Debra on Instagram: @debra.pralle
Debra's Website: https://www.openwindowentertainment.com/
Follow Heather on Instagram: @hbowriteon
Heather's Website: http://www.heatherpilderolson.com/
Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social
Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella
...more
1h 10min
April 16, 2025 Season 4 - Ep.4: How to Make a TV Pilot (Interview with Anisa Ashabi)
In this episode of the pod, we're joined by Anisa Ashabi! Anisa shares her journey as a screenwriter and filmmaker, discussing her latest project, 'Finding Chaz.' Anisa shares her creative process, the challenges of casting and fundraising, and the dynamics of working with a director to make her script into a TV pilot! She's so inspiring and we're proud of her for making it happen!

Anisa' Instagram: @anisa_ashabi
Finding Chaz Instagram: @findingchazpilot
Anisa's Webiste: https://www.anisaashabi.com/

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social
Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella ⁠
...more
1h 4min
April 02, 2025 Season 4 - Ep.3: How to Climb Up the Film Hierarchy (Interview with Alex Cottle)
In this episode, we chat with Aviva's friend she met during an internship: Alex Cottle!
Alex shares her journey through the film and television industry, discussing her experiences in LA and New York, her passion for rom-coms, and the importance of queer representation in media. She offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the need for motivation and the willingness to reach out for guidance. Alex also highlights her current projects, including a podcast and a feature film, while reflecting on her creative process and the significance of storytelling.

Alex's Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexcottle/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alexcottle.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cottle-11771469/

Dinosaurs V Robots Films
https://dinosaursvrobots.com/
https://vimeo.com/1030099681 (Society for Paranormal Healing - full film)

Wish You Were Here
https://wywhpostcards.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wishyouwerehere_postcards/

The Introvert's Survival Guide
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Introverts-Survival-Guide-Audiobook/B0CGFTVWCZ?source_code=BLGORWS0107160001

Hit Singles
https://www.audible.com/pd/Hit-Singles-Audiobook/B0DYGL75BF?qid=1742325147&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=FTXNFCQ3N2P9VZ3FV673&plink=SVhx7PjU3L9rwkq1&pageLoadId=AkoaEes2s14hrIqU&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social
Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella ⁠
...more
56min
March 26, 2025 Season 4 - Ep 2: And Action: How To Direct A Romcom (Interview with Christine Luby)
In this episode, Isabel & Aviva chat with Australia-based Christine Luby, a seasoned film and TV director! Christine shares her journey into the world of directing the romcom and discusses the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, the importance of script development, and the nuances of filmmaking, including budgeting and collaboration! If you've ever wanted to direct your film, this is the episode for you!

Follow Christine on Instagram: @christinelubyFeel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram and BlueSky: @avivapeltin
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella ⁠
...more
1h 13min
March 19, 2025 Season 4 - Ep 1: Keep Calm And Write A Romcom
We're back! It's our 4th season of the pod, and we're ready to be #consistent with our episode releases and our screenwriting! In this episode, Isabel shares advice from her producers and mentions that she got on the dating app Raya. Aviva talks about a general meeting she had, and Isabel gives a pep talk to Aviva and all our listeners to keep calm...and write that romcom!!

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠
Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.social
Instagram: @whenisabelmetaviva
Twitter/X: Isabelmetaviva
Follow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Follow Aviva on Instagram, X, and BlueSky: @avivapeltin
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella ⁠
...more
43min
February 26, 2025 Ep 10: British vs. American Romcoms (Interview with Catherine Slaughter-King)
It's our last episode of season 3! We interview Catherine Slaughter-King, a Development Executive & Producer in the United Kingdom! We had such a fun chat discussing the difference between British and American romcoms - can you guess which ones are our favorites?!

About Catherine
Catherine Slaughter-King is a Development Executive & Producer across all genres of feature films and television. She is currently working on projects with Oscar-winner Olivia Coleman's South of the River Pictures, Argo Films, Northern Ireland Screen and Channel 4. Catherine has produced six films over the last couple of years, including five films with Reel One Entertainment - the romantic comedy feature films A BET WITH THE MATCHMAKER (starring Brett Donahue, Emily Alatalo), THE LOVE SUBSCRIPTION and THE ROYAL BAKEOFF, the thriller films A PODCAST TO DIE FOR (starring Kate Miner, Claire Friesen), DEADLY SURROGACY (starring Emily Tennant, Jason Cermak) and DADDY'S DEADLY SECRET, as well as a variety of Christmas Films. Catherine also Executive Produced STEALING IN SUBURBIA forLifetime Movie Network.

Feel free to email us: ⁠[email protected]⁠Our new Bluesky account: whenisabelmetaviva.bsky.socialInstagram: @whenisabelmetavivaTwitter/X: IsabelmetavivaFollow Isabel on Instagram: Isabel_k_t⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Aviva on Instagram, X, and BlueSky: @avivapeltinMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/la-vita-bella ⁠
...more
55min

FAQs about When Isabel Met Aviva:

How many episodes does When Isabel Met Aviva have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.