So first of all, sorry for the long title. I usually try to make them shorter than that but decided to not only share my experience on being on the podcast, but to review an episode as well.
So a few weeks ago I was sent a message by Allie Jennings asking if I wanted to be a part of their podcast, being a guest for their Northanger Abbey (2007) episode. At first I wasn’t sure it was real, as I have recently been receiving a lot of scammy messages from sites asking me to be a rep or to collaborate with them, but of course nothing comes to fruition or they want me to pay for things.
But then I took a look over their profile and decided to message them back. We set up a time and I was extremely excited to be a guest on their podcast.
—Being a Guest on the Podcast—
We set up a time so that we could record and I was looking forward to being a part, but I was also a bit nervous. What if I freeze up, lose my train of thought, or repeat myself? All I could think of was game shows when they have people on and they are forever known as the person who gave the world’s dumbest answer.
But all my fears disappeared once we started talking. Allie and Mia immediately made me feel comfortable and I even forgot we were being recorded. I had such a great time discussing Jane Austen, rom-coms, JJ Feild, and Northanger Abbey with them. Mia and Allie are not only fun, charming, and easy to talk to; but extremely talented and very professional. The whole experience felt like being with friends and discussing your favorite things.
Their format is very fun and inviting as well. First they pick a rom-com character they are channeling, share a synopsis of the film they are reviewing, give background trivia on the film, discuss the film and the characters, and end it with a reality check and a trope countdown. It’s a lot of fun and well structured, but also leaves room to let the conversation flow naturally.
We had a few technical difficulties, I blame myself (electronics always go wrong around me.) But whoever did the editing did an amazing job, you couldn’t even tell we had any issues.
I listened to the podcast and was happy that only a couple of times I ran on a bit (when I was losing my train of thought), and I did repeat myself a few times, but on the whole I did a lot better than I thought I would. All together it was a wonderful experience and I loved every moment of it.
If you are interested in listening you can look them up on their podcast or you can click on the link here.
—Review of Podcast Episode, Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001) featuring Nick Casalini and Muriel Montgomery—
I had listened to their Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Persuasion (1996), both of which I enjoyed, and I encourage you to check out. But instead of reviewing those I decided to go down a different path. During the podcast we were talking about Northanger Abbey and the subject came up that I’ve slowly been introducing my niece to Jane Austen through films. We started with Sense and Sensibility (1995) and then this year watched Northanger Abbey (2007). I’m trying to decide what to do for next year when the ladies suggested that we watch Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Ooof, I don’t like that film or the book. I don’t hate it, it is more like I just don’t get it. I feel like Tom Hanks’ character in Big when he’s at the toy demo.
My friend loved it and we had watched it together, but I was not into it and I still don’t understand why people are. But after hearing Mia and Allie share how much they like it, I decided to give their episode a listen. This podcast feature guest stars Nick Casalini and Muriel Montgomery from Hella in Your Thirties.
So first of all I was laughing so much listening to this. Nick Casalini was so funny as a lot of things he said, went with my thoughts on why I don’t like the film. The only thing I do not agree with is his opinion that Colin Firth is not attractive.
All I wanted to do was forcefully take Nick in a barouche and explain to him why he is an amazing actor and a truly handsome man. Just kidding! (Or am I? LOL of course I am I don’t have a barouche.)
One of the best things I like about this podcast is that unlike some other film reviews where you feel they have a certain view or thought about the film that the review is headed toward, in this it is very free flowing and allows for a difference of opinion and for all views to be considered. I really enjoy that as it feels so often that people want your thoughts to follow theirs, I like when there is that allowance of all views.
Both Allie and Mia agreed that Bridget Jones, while a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, is not a good version of it, and that it would be better to separate it from being a Jane Austen adaption. This did improve my thoughts on the film, as while I still am not a fan of the film, after listening to their thoughts on the movie I better understand why people like it.
Bridget Jones is a regular person trying to do better, but as hard as she tries, she usually ends up in more of a mess. I have to say I do like that Bridget is an ordinary woman. She typically is dressed in clothes that one would buy off the rack and she isn’t always picture perfect. I really like the scene when she tried to be like Grace Kelly in the convertible but ends up with her hair in a mess, because that is sooo relatable. One trope I find super annoying is when you have this gorgeous woman who is always dressed perfectly with clothing and hair but she’s “unattractive.” I liked in this that Renee is her usual pretty self but she also has an attainable style, she doesn’t always look perfect and stylish and she doesn’t look as if she spent hours on her hair and makeup when the film stated she didn’t.
It was also nice to hear how this film impacted Mia and Allie; along with listening to their love of something they enjoyed from their childhood. And I loved Nick’s comments at the more absurd scenes, it was hilarious.
One thing I was sad about was that they didn’t talk about the only scene I love from the film, the cooking of the blue soup for the dinner party. That is the only scene I would be willing to watch over and over.
But whether you enjoy the film they talk about or not, you are going to enjoy their podcast. These ladies are so much fun!
For more on Northanger Abbey, go to I Watched Northanger Abbey (2007) with my 13 Year Old Niece
For more on Bridget Jones’ Diary, go to Why Do People Love Bridget Jones’ Diary?
For more Jane Austen adaptions, go to Recipe for Persuasion
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