Revisiting the Cosy Christmas Romance of 'You've Got Mail'
This week we’re diving deep into the warm, nostalgic chaos of You’ve Got Mail with Tash Stamos, a certified pop-culture obsessive and fellow rom-com tragic. We rewind to that golden era of cinema when Meg Ryan ruled our hearts, Tom Hanks somehow became everyone’s dream man, and dial-up internet felt like the height of romance.
Together we unpack the scenes that ruined us emotionally, the cosy New York that probably never existed, and the sheer magic of watching two people fall in love before smartphones made everything… less magical. We also get into the wild debates: is Joe Fox a charming anti-ghoster or an absolute menace? Is Parker Posey the underrated queen of the film? And does You’ve Got Mail still set the bar for rom-com endings?
If you’re due for a rewatch or you’ve simply forgotten how good it feels to cry at a perfectly delivered Nora Ephron line, this episode is your sign.
(Note: this episode was originally posted in 2024 as audio-only)
LINKS:
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CREDITS
Host: Ash London
Producer: Ash London
Filmed at: Session in Progress , Melbourne.
Social Producer: Lily Gichard
Executive Producer: Anna Henvest
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'Champagne Problems' ... The Review Nobody/Everybody Asked For
We’re back with another round of our Netflix Christmas film deep dives, and this week Alice James jumps in with us to unpack Champagne Problems.
Honestly, this one had us in our feelings. It’s way better than your average festive cheese, which somehow makes judging it on our chaotic little matrix even funnier.
We get into everything from Minka Kelly’s unreal skin to the dangerously hot lead who had at least one of us 'sliding off the couch'. There’s snow, there’s champagne, there’s a tiny fart in a cute knit, and there’s Roberto, who absolutely steals the show… and maybe our hearts.
We break down the movie category by category, debate the gift-giving crimes, admire the Paris backdrop and yes, we absolutely give bonus points for men crying with their dads. A Christmas miracle if ever there was one.
Come hang out, have a laugh, and add Champagne Problems to the list. It’s a beauty.
LINKS:
Follow Alice on tikok
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Follow the podcast on instagram
Order Ash's debut novel Love on the Air
CREDITS
Host: Ash London
Producer: Ash London
Social Producer: Lily Gichard
Executive Producer: Anna Henvest
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nickson Clark Finds His Happily Ever After
This week on Hopeless Romantics, we get a chance to see the softer side of NZ broadcast legend Nickson Clark, and honestly, we’re still recovering.
Nickson lets us into the love story at the centre of his life with Sarah. Before the nappies and the gentle chaos of new parenthood, it was just the two of them figuring out who they wanted to be together and the kind of life they wanted to build.
We talk about the intentional way he and Sarah want to raise their son, why kindness is the non-negotiable in their home, and how becoming a parent has forced him to slow down, breathe and learn a whole lot of patience.
It’s honest, emotional and full of those little moments that remind us why love is always worth it.
Find every episode and discover your next favourite podcast on the rova app or rova.nz
LINKS:
Follow Nickson on instagram
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Follow the podcast on instagram
Order Ash's debut novel Love on the Air
CREDITS
Host: Ash London
Editor: Lily Gichard
Social Producer: Lily Gichard
Executive Producer: Anna Henvest
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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34:02
What Love Actually has ACTUALLY Taught Us About Love
Christmas has fully landed at Hopeless Romantics and honestly, we’re thriving. This week Damaris Treasure jumps back in with us as we revisit one of the greatest festive films of all time, Love Actually, and unpack what it has actually taught us about love.
We break down the big storylines that still hit hard as adults. Mark and Juliet’s placard moment, Harry and Karen’s heartbreak, Jamie and Aurelia’s whirlwind fantasy, Sarah and Carl’s almost-love, and the unexpectedly beautiful bond between Billy Mack and his manager. Some of it is romantic, some of it is messy, and some of it is just painfully real.
It’s our Christmas deep dive with a little Aussie/Kiwi/Brit honesty, a lot of laughter, and a few emotional gut punches along the way. Merry Christmas, darling.
Find every episode and discover your next favourite podcast on the rova app or rova.nz
LINKS:
Follow Damaris on substack
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Follow the podcast on instagram
Order Ash's debut novel Love on the Air
CREDITS
Host: Ash London
Producer: Ash London
Social Producer: Lily Gichard
Executive Producer: Anna Henvest
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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32:42
Kaylee Bell and The Magic Of A Good Christmas Love Song
We’re going FULL FESTIVE ROMANCE this week with the brilliant country superstar Kaylee Bell, who drops in to talk Christmas music, big feelings and the joy of giving back.
Kaylee tells us the story behind her brand new Christmas single, written years ago in a Nashville flat full of fairy lights and mates who loved the season as much as she does. After her little one arrived earlier this year and spent time at Starship, she wanted to do something meaningful. So now every Spotify playlist add sends one dollar to Starship. Absolute angel behaviour.
We also dive into our favourite modern Christmas songs, why December turns everyone into a nostalgic romantic mess, and how the season forces us all to slow down, take stock and maybe even admit who we actually want under the mistletoe.
It’s cosy, it’s silly, it’s heartfelt and it’s very us.
LINKS:
Listen to Kaylee's new Christmas track here
Follow Kaylee on instagram
Follow Ash on tikok and instagram
Follow the podcast on instagram
Order Ash's debut novel Love on the Air
CREDITS
Host: Ash London
Producer: Ash London
Social Producer: Lily Gichard
Executive Producer: Anna Henvest
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The podcast for everyone who loves love. Join Ash London as she navigates the worlds of real-life relationships, relishes in her favourite romantic stories, and ultimately attempts to better understand the human heart in all its glory.