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:

Hanging Up May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Shawnee is joined by author Sally Franson to talk about Hanging Up. Join them as they discuss Delia Ephron's 1995 novel of the same name, Nora and Delia's adaptation process, why Diane Keaton directed the film instead of Nora, Meg Ryan's final appearance in the Nora Ephron Cinematic Universe, how Meg Ryan came to narrate the audiobook for Sally's novel Big in Sweden, the stress-inducing number of phones in the film, and a Holiday Watch trifecta.

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Ilana Kaplan (Interview) Jan 22, 2025

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In this extra special episode, Shawnee chats with Nora Ephron scholar and author of Nora Ephron At The Movies, Ilana Kaplan. Join them as they discuss Ilana's history with Nora, the writing and interview process for her new book, the current state of the romantic comedy and why Nora's films remain the gold standard, the Nora Ephron Cinematic Universe, why Goodfellas wouldn't exist without Nora, the iconic Heartburn salad dressing, and Nora's impact on internet culture.
Nora Ephron At The Movies is out now from Abrams Books in hardback and ebook formats, and the audiobook is read by Matilda herself, Mara Wilson.

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You've Got Mail - Part 2 Oct 28, 2024

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In part 2 of this episode, Shawnee and screenwriter Carley Smale continue their conversation on the daisy of movies, You've Got Mail. Join them as they discuss
the Cafe Lalo scene, caviar garnishes and Nora's egg salad, Delia Ephron, the Upper West Side locations, the real-life inspiration for Kathleen Kelly's enchanting children's bookshop, her dream of an apartment, the staple piece of Kathleen's wardrobe that Meg Ryan didn't love, the wonderfully 90s opening credits, Holiday Watch, the film's excellent soundtrack, and the iconic song that almost didn't make the cut.

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You've Got Mail - Part 1 Aug 04, 2024

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In part 1 of this episode, Shawnee is joined by screenwriter, and Nora Ephron enthusiast, Carley Smale to talk about the daisy of movies, You've Got Mail. Join them as they discuss adapting The Shop Around the Corner for the 90s, the real life inspiration for Joe Fox and Frank Navasky, Kathleen Kelly's original name, the final Nora Ephron Cinematic Universe pairing of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, why You've Got Mail is still a gold standard romantic comedy, casting Greg Kinnear and Parker Posey, AOL and the internet in the 90s, and the film's surprising connection to Marvel Studios.

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Susan Seidelman (Interview) Jun 07, 2024

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In this extra special episode, Shawnee chats with Susan Seidelman, director of Smithereens, Desperately Seeking Susan, She-Devil, Making Mr Right and Cookie. Join them as they discuss meeting and working with Nora and Alice Arlen on Cookie, the film's casting process, how Cookie's costumes highlight her transformation from tearaway teen to mafia queen, working with Meryl Streep, eating Spaghetti Carbonara at The Apthorp, writing her memoir, and her advice for aspiring female directors.
Susan's memoir, Desperately Seeking Something: A Memoir About Movies, Mothers, and Material Girls, is out on June 18th and is available for pre-order.

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You've Got Mail 25th Birthday Special - Part 4 May 10, 2024

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To celebrate You’ve Got Mail’s 25th birthday last December, Shawnee spoke to two current and two former New Yorkers about their histories with the film and with Nora, and about the film’s third main character, New York City.

In part 4 of this very special birthday episode, Shawnee is joined by former New Yorker, and the author of I'll Have What She's Having, Queen Meryl and No Crying in Baseball, Erin Carlson. Join them as they discuss mingling, mixing and being at Barnes and Noble, why Kathleen Kelly's brownstone should be a historical site, their pitch for NoraCon, and what they think Kathleen and Co would be up to.

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You've Got Mail 25th Birthday Special - Part 3 Apr 26, 2024

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In part 3 of this very special birthday episode, Shawnee is joined by New Yorker Sheli Baez. Join them as they discuss the enduring appeal of You've Got Mail, Nora's ability to capture both the magic and the reality of New York, Gray's Papaya, Brooklyn's very own Shop Around the Corner, and Nora's love of Old Hollywood cinema.

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You've Got Mail 25th Birthday Special - Part 2 Mar 05, 2024

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In part 2 of this very special birthday episode, Shawnee is joined by former New Yorker Jami Jurich. Join them as they discuss the magic of Christmas in New York, coffee from Zabar's, venturing inside The Shop Around the Corner, celebrating special occasions at Cafe Lalo, and Jami's very own Birdie.

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You've Got Mail 25th Birthday Special - Part 1 Jan 31, 2024

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In part 1 of this very special birthday episode, Shawnee is joined by New Yorker and former Upper West Sider Matt Starr. Join them as they discuss 90s internet dating, bookstores, and the magic of the film's Upper West Side locations such as Cafe Lalo, Zabar's and the site of Kathleen Kelly's enchanting bookstore The Shop Around the Corner.

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Sarah Kernochan (Interview) Dec 23, 2023

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In this extra special episode, Shawnee and Dan sit down with filmmaker Sarah Kernochan, writer and director of the hilarious 1998 teen comedy The Hairy Bird (aka All I Wanna Do, aka Strike!). Join them as they talk to Sarah about her experiences working with executive producer Nora Ephron, as well as the incredible cast of young actors, including podcast favorite Gaby Hoffman, Kirsten Dunst, Rachael Leigh Cook, and Heather Matarazzo, plus the myriad challenges of getting the film made and distributed, which continue to this day.

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