Over a year ago, Isa and I started a podcast called Under the Bleachers. We now have upwards of a million 25 regular listeners and an active Patreon that covers our production costs. It’s true, we have yet to make any “Best Podcasts” lists or gain a significant audience outside of our loved ones, but I’m proud of what we’ve made.
While I couldn’t possibly pick my favorite episodes (these are my children), I’ve chosen seven to highlight here. If you haven’t yet, I hope you consider listening.
1. Episode 9: Before I Fall (2017)
Before I Fall perfectly fits the thesis of our podcast. It is pretty and dumb and there’s a time loop on Valentine’s Day. This episode marks the beginning of our obsession with Zoey Deutch, and I broke down laughing during the record. We are professionals!
2. Episode 12: Twilight (2008) ft. Yusong Liu
We (strangers) yelled at Yusong Lui while he was working a Doughboys show in Boston. He kindly waved at us and later agreed to come on our podcast. The Twilight episode sees us grappling with a stuttering Kirsten Stewart and questioning whether Edward Cullen is basic. By the way, you should also check out Yusong’s podcast Millennial Shelter.
3. Episode 20: Riverdale (2017-) ft. Katherine Krueger
Here’s the deal, I can’t keep up with Riverdale. It is too much for me and my fragile heart. Luckily, Katherine Krueger and Isa are both devout fans. We discussed the pilot and also shared clips of our favorite scenes, including Lili Reinhart pole dancing to gain access to the Southside Serpents. Sure!
4. Episode 31: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) ft. Jason Gore and Kristen Bartlett
Married couple Jason and Kristen are both extremely chill and funny. Jason also happens to be a podcast producer and veteran UCB performer while Kristen is developing a TV show for CBS. No big deal! We commend Fast Times at Ridgemont High for depicting a brother/sister relationship that’s free of sexual tension. There’s some other analysis, but that’s what is most important.
5. Episode 35: Interview with Liz Kruger and Craig Shapiro
If you watched Mary-Kate and Ashley movies growing up, this episode is for you. Together Craig and Liz wrote Passport to Paris and Our Lips Are Sealed, and Craig directed Our Lips Are Sealed, Winning London, and The Challenge. These two absolute stars, who are now producing the Charmed reboot, were kind enough to answer our questions about work they did twenty years ago. Dreams do come true!
6. Episode 49: Dear Evan Hansen (2021) ft. Bits over Broadway
In our first crossover episode, Merrill Kaye Arens and Connor Relyea bring their broadway knowledge to our discussion of Dear Evan Hansen. Hint: this movie sucks! But we do love the music and Isa and I did sing it on the way to Massachusetts for our pre-Christmas hang. Ben Platt please look away.
7. Episode 59: But I’m A Cheerleader (1999) ft. Allie Rubin
As of this writing, But I’m A Cheerleader is our most recent release. I listened to this episode while walking my dog and didn’t realize I was stupidly smiling at everyone who passed by. Allie, whose comedy is all over the internet, bravely shares their root and teaches us about lesbian jeans.
2022 doesn’t exactly feel like a fresh start (I’m currently in COVID isolation), but at least I can guarantee more fun episodes about stupid teen content. Thank you for reading and listening!
