The Podcast Around the Corner: The Nora Ephron Podcast

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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 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. Support the show

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 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. Support the show

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 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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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! Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show