Film History

The Podcast Around the Corner: The Nora Ephron Podcast

Join Shawnee Mead and special guests every month as they celebrate the work of writer, filmmaker, and queen of romantic comedies, Nora Ephron.

Latest Episodes:

Michael Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Shawnee and Dan head out to the middle of Iowa to see if angels really do exist. Join them as they discuss yet another of Nora’s great ensemble casts, a dancing John Travolta (of course), Nora’s foray into the whimsical, and why, despite its flaws, 1996’s Michael is a lot more charming than it gets credit for.

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Mixed Nuts Sep 27, 2023

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Christmas has come early! In this episode, Shawnee and Dan celebrate the holidays with what is quite possibly Nora’s most divisive film ever: Mixed Nuts! Join them as they discuss the incredible ensemble cast, all the hilarious gags, and why, despite its flaws, Nora’s attempt at a French farce continues to be misunderstood and underappreciated nearly 30 years after its release.

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Kristin Marguerite Doidge (Interview) Aug 08, 2023

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It’s time for another interview! Join Shawnee and Dan as they chat all things Nora with Kristin Marguerite Doidge, author of Nora Ephron: A Biography! They get into Kristin’s history with Nora, what made her want to transform her Masters thesis into a full-fledged book, her thoughts on the divisive Mixed Nuts, and whether she identifies as a Sally, Annie or Kathleen.Nora Ephron: A Biography is available from Chicago Review Press.

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Lynda Obst (Interview) Jul 01, 2023

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In this extra special episode, Shawnee and Dan chat with none other than Lynda Obst, producer of This is My Life and executive producer of Sleepless in Seattle! Join them as they discuss Lynda’s experience producing Nora’s first two directorial efforts, their incredible friendship that began way back in Nora’s journalism days, plus the current state of romantic comedies and how Nora’s legacy continues to endure.

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Sleepless in Seattle May 23, 2023

Show notes

It’s time to dive into Nora’s sophomore film as a director: Sleepless in Seattle! Join Shawnee and Dan as they gush about Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks becoming a classic rom-com couple (despite only sharing the screen for a matter of minutes!), the Jonah that almost was (and why he ultimately wasn’t), how An Affair to Remember inspired Nora’s screenplay, and more!

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This is My Life Apr 10, 2023

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It’s time for Nora Ephron’s 1992 directorial debut! Join Shawnee & Dan as they discuss Meg Wolitzer’s original novel and why Nora was the perfect choice to write and direct the adaptation, Nora’s first time collaborating with her sister Delia, the original casting choice for Dottie, the terrific chemistry between Julie Kavner, Samantha Mathis, and Gaby Hoffman, the always-amazing cast of supporting actors, and why the criminally underrated This is My Life is not just a good first effort, but a good movie period.

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My Blue Heaven Mar 03, 2023

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Shawnee and Dan stay within the world of organized crime as they dive into Nora’s second mob movie in as many years! Join them as they discuss My Blue Heaven‘s connections to a certain other mob movie released in 1990, the alternate choices to play Vinnie Antonelli, how the finished film may differ from Nora’s original screenplay, and why, despite this, it still manages to entertain, thanks to its fantastic cast.

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Cookie Feb 01, 2023

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Nora once again teams up with her Silkwood co-writer Alice Arlen for her second 1989 release, a teen comedy set in the world of New York mobsters! Join Shawnee and Dan as they discuss the often-forgotten-about film, Cookie; it’s incredible cast featuring Peter Falk, Dianne Wiest, and Emily Lloyd; its trailblazing director, Susan Seidelman; and why Cookie really deserves a second chance.

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Erin Carlson (Interview) Jan 03, 2023

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As a special New Year’s surprise, Shawnee and Dan present their interview with Erin Carlson, author of I’ll Have What She’s Having: How Nora Ephron’s Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy! Join them as they chat about the beginning of Erin’s journey as a Nora fan, her guided tour of Nora’s NYC, and some of the surprising things she discovered about Nora while working on her book! Find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with and listen as soon as possible!I’ll Have What She’s Having, Queen Meryl and Erin’s forthcoming book, No Crying in Baseball are available from Hachette Books.

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When Harry Met Sally... Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

We’ll have what she’s having! Join Shawnee and Dan as they discuss one of the greatest and most iconic romantic comedies of all time. They get into all of their favorite bits, the collaboration between Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner, why Jess and Marie are the movie’s actual best couple (and why this might be Carrie Fisher’s real career-defining performance), and why When Harry Met Sally… continues to resonate with audiences over 30 years later.

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