The Couch with Mary Carver

I get it now. It actually makes total sense that the new holiday movies sneak up on us every year, since it's happening during spooky season. Right? That explains it, for sure. It has nothing to do with capitalism rushing the calendar more every year or us getting older and time flying faster. Nope! Spooky season strikes again!   Well anyway. Whether you're ready for it or not (and let me tell you, and I will keep on telling you, how incredibly ready I am for some cheese and cheer in my life), holiday movies are beginning in 3, 2, 1...NOW. This weekend brings us the first new holiday movies of the season! Woohoo!   As always, my best friend (and best friend of the show) Anna Rendell and I are here to guide you through this hectic but holly-jolly season. We've waded through all the new holiday movies (nearly 100 of them, which is thankfully and bizarrely a much smaller number than recent years) to create for you a list of 23 holiday movies to watch in 2023.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also take time to talk about spy shows, lipsticks and earrings, other podcasts, and Hallmark's continued inability to cast children who look and act the age the script says their characters are.   All right, it's time to talk holiday movies with Anna. Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: My latest (in)courage article The (in)courage podcast (where Anna is the voice) The Hooked on Holiday Movies bundle (stay tuned for the 2023 version) The Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook At Midnight (Paramount+) A Moment of Christmas: 25 December Devotions for Moms (by Anna Rendell) Sleepless in Seattle (watch on Hulu) The Cutting Edge (watch on Hulu or Showtime) Field Day (Hallmark Channel) The Bear (Hulu)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: SUGARFIX earrings at Target Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick FUBAR (Netflix)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Anna on Instagram at @annaerendell or at annarendell.com, and you can find her holiday devotional at Amazon. As always, you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Because you know me to be a clearly indoorsy person who loves the convenient things in life, you might be surprised by today's topic. My good friend (and good friend of the show) Kathi Lipp is here to talk about homesteading and home renovation—and the shows that give us hope we can do those things. Kathi is a speaker and author, and her newest book, The Accidental Homesteader: What I've Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home, came out yesterday. Part how-to, part memoir, and totally down-to-earth for even the most novice homemakers, this book is about the mindset of freedom, independence, and strength that anyone can find, no matter where they call home. And it's the inspiration for today's conversation about home shows that we have loved watching and are watching these days! Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also take time to talk about rewatching favorite shows, The Bear on Hulu, our devotion to TBS, and the online ads that have worked on us. All right, it's time to talk homes with Kathi. Let's get started! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Meg Tietz of Sorta Awesome MAX is where you can stream HGTV, DIY, and Magnolia Network shows. Clean Sweep Homestead Rescue Home Town Tiny House Nation Stay Here Flea Market Flip Good Bones Restoring Galveston The Biggest Little Farm Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver Bargain Mansions Grow Cook Eat Married to Real Estate @redleafranch on TikTok NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Rewatching The West Wing Watching The Bear (Hulu) And watching it slowly because it's real intense! Buying clothes based on an online ad (from Bloomchic, who's not a sponsor but who did create and sell me two very cute and comfy shirts) DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Kathi on Instagram at @kathilipp or at kathilipp.com, and you can buy her newest book, The Accidental Homesteader: What I've Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home, today. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch! This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

One of my favorite parts of the Barbie movie was the soundtrack, chock full of songs written specifically for the movie. And that got me thinking about all the other iconic songs we have purely because a movie called for them. So today my brother (and friend of the show) James Walters is back on The Couch to talk about some of our favorite movie theme songs. James is not just my brother and a music and pop culture expert, of course. He's the owner of The Big Gay Collective, creating fabulous scented products including a whole lot of amazing candles. He's also a former professional musician and the person on this planet whose pop culture memories most closely overlap with mine. So obviously he's the person who invited me to go see Barbie and the person who's perfect for another musical conversation. But not a conversation about musicals. Because we're talking about movies that are specifically not musicals. Because why? I don't know but these are the parameters we ended up with. Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also get into the King of Soundtracks, my favorite TV show which I promise I do really love even though I blank on the name of it, and karaoke. Lastly, a note about the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, a.k.a. the writers strike. I'm not a member of the unions, nor am I paid to promote any of their products. As a quasi-journalist who reports entertainment information, I will continue providing that service to you at this time. But I fully acknowledge that the movies and series we discuss here on The Couch would not be possible without the writers, and I support those striking in favor of fair treatment and compensation. All right, it's time to see how long you can listen without breaking into song. Let's get started! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The songs in this playlist Phil Collins Songs learned on the piano during childhood Our middle school music teacher, as always My adolescent love for Christian Slater NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Revisiting Pinterest Buying a pink dress to wear to Barbie DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's a guilt-free, laidback zone for people who love pop culture. (That's you!) Find James on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and buy his candles and other scented goods. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch! This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Between the writers' strike and the post-4th of July summer situation we have most years, August doesn't have a ton of new content to offer. But don't you worry! I'm here to make sure you know what IS returning and premiering. Plus, we take a look at Hulu, in case you need more options for what to watch. Speaking of What to Watch, remember that I create a monthly watch guide for Patreon members and newsletter subscribers. So for details on everything I talk about today plus a whole bunch more (including a list of series you can catch up on during slower seasons, like this one), head over to marycarver.com/patreon. Yes, it's a few dollars a month, but you'll get that monthly watch guide, a monthly movie watch party, and a bonus podcast episode. All right, it's almost time to get started on this episode, but I do want to reassure you that even when it's just me here on The Couch, rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome and present. So be ready for that. Now, let's dive in! MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: The Couch episode #164 (where I talk about Paramount+) The Couch Facebook group The Couch on Patreon Welcome to The Couch!

July might not have a lot of new (or even returning) series to offer but wow! We are looking at more than two dozen new movies this month! So I am here to help you navigate it all. Now, I know you're going to be listening carefully and taking notes during this very educational episode, but in case you get distracted or overwhelmed, don't worry! You can find dates and locations of everything I mention (plus more) in the July Watch Guide, a free resource for all Patreon members (join us at marycarver.com/patreon!). Of course, even when it's just me on The Couch, I welcome rabbit trails and side notes. So I share about a movie screening I recently attended and my undying affection for a certain spy series. It's time to dive into what's showing this month, so let's get started! MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: The Couch Facebook group The Couch on Patreon Welcome to The Couch!

You asked, and I answered! Today I'm answering all your burning pop culture questions, from what does the writers' strike mean for us and what's going on with streaming these days to what movies should we see in the theater this summer and, of course, what is Hallmark doing for Christmas in July. My good friend (and good friend of the show) Alana Dawson is back for volume 8 of Ask the Couch, as well as a conversation about the rom coms we've seen lately (and the ones still on our lists to be watched). Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also share some life updates, discuss book bans, and talk about where we get our nature fix. Basically, we cover it all, and you don't want to miss it! Let's get started! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Friends University Emily Henry books Carley Fortune books I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green The Accidental Text by Becky Monson (free on Kindle Unlimited!) The Couch Podcast #161 (summer movie preview episode) The Couch Podcast #148 (best of 2022 with Alana) Hallmark on Peacock S'moreos at Target NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Eating cereal (it's fortified with vitamins!) Walking in nature Reading only ebooks for now A commute on the back roads DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Alana on Instagram at @alanapdawson. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch! This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Even though we're focused on starting summer and looking forward to all our fun plans for the season, it's not just time to look ahead. Today I'm joined by my good friend (and good friend of the show) Jenny Rapson, and we are taking a look back. Jenny is a longtime friend of The Couch, but she's also now hosting her own podcast. Disaster Queen examines disasters that have taken place in the past and reflects on what these parts of our history mean and what we can learn from them. So in honor of her new show, Jenny joined me this week to go back 30 years to the pop culture of 1993. I know. It's incredibly rude of us to point out that 1993 was three decades ago. I promise you we're just as upset about this as you are. Still, existential crises aside, it's fun to remember the biggest movies, TV shows, music, and news of 1993. So much happened that year! And, of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also get into the joys of growing up without social media and generally unsupervised, reboots from Animaniacs to Murphy Brown, our eternal love of Whitney Houston, my incredibly picky taste when it comes to reading thrillers, and our shared experience of failing our first driving tests. It's a whirlwind and a virtual trip in the time machine—and I know you're going to love it. Let's get started! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Couch episode #40 (Jenny and I look back at 1994) The first Got Milk commercial (Aaron Burr!) The top songs from each week in 1993 NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: A Small Light on Disney+ Looking for more tame thrillers like The Last Flight (free on Kindle Unlimited right now), The Lies I Tell, I Have Some Questions for You, and The Last Thing He Told Me (adapted into a new series on Apple TV+) DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Jenny on Twitter, Instagram, and her website. Find her new podcast, Disaster Queen, on Instagram or wherever you stream podcasts! And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch! This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

It's summer and you know what that means! Summer! Movie! Preview! My good friend (and friend of the show) Dawn Camp is back on The Couch to talk all about the movies coming out this summer. We have big action sequels to discuss, as well as animated movies for the kids and quieter indie films. So if you're wondering what to see with your family or for a girls night out or on a date night, we've got you covered! Of course, you know this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, so we also chat about writing books, watching baseball, our undying love of picture books, and my childhood friend who makes movies (including one coming out this summer). It's a great time, just like every movie preview episode is, and I know you're going to love it. Let's get started! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Katie Reid (friend of the show and author of A Very Bavarian Christmas) Romance GenreCon in Kansas City Fantastic Mr. Fox The Couch on Patreon Shrinking on Apple TV+ NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Watching the Braves via a VPN Writing fiction! Picture books (especially Lou by Breanna Carzoo and Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival) DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Dawn on Instagram at @dawncamp or on her website, And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch! This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

May might be coming to a close, but it's always a good time to appreciate and learn more about Asian Americans through books, TV series, and movies. My good friend (and friend of the show), Tasha Jun, is back on The Couch this week to talk about some of our favorite stories about Asian Americans. We're talking about everything from children's picture books to Oscar-winning movies, and you don't want to miss it!   And, of course, because this is The Couch where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also talk about Tasha's new book, the origins of AAPI Heritage Month, zombies as my least favorite monster, the importance of representation and why we keep talking about it, favorite snacks and fast food, and elephant documentaries. We covered a lot! But most importantly, we made a list of great stories about Asian Americans for you. So, let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Tell Me the Dream Again: Reflections on Family, Ethnicity, and the Sacred Work of Belonging by Tasha Jun AAPI Heritage Month (History Channel and PBS) The Couch episode #48 with Tasha (about romantic comedies) The Couch episode #85 with Tasha (about Shang-Chi) The Couch episode #108 with Tasha (about Turning Red) The Couch episode #126 with Tasha (Ms. Marvel) Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri National Treasure: Edge of History (Disney+) American Born Chinese (comic book and Disney+ series)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Secrets of the Elephants (Disney+) Kettle corn Taco Bell app   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun—plus, you'll receive a complete list of our recommendations there! Find Tasha on Instagram at @tashajunb or sign up for her newsletter on her website, and find her book (Tell Me the Dream Again) on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.  And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.  

I've noticed a trend lately, and it's . . . spooky. That's right, I'm talking about TV series and movies about ghosts. They're everywhere these days! Ghosts are really having a moment. When I noticed this and decided to talk about it on The Couch, I knew the only person to have this conversation with was my friend and fellow podcaster, Meg Tietz. Meg is the founder and host of Sorta Awesome, and someone who loves a good ghost story. So we are talking about why these stories are so popular right now, which shows and movies you should watch, and (of course) if we believe in ghosts ourselves. Now, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also talk about celebrity gossip, the scary books we read as kids, and a specific genre of books that we're not feeling guilty about reading at all. This episode is so fun it's scary . . . get it? Ghosts? Scary? Anyway, let's get started! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: School Spirits (Paramount+) Lockwood & Co (Netflix) Boo, Bitch (Netflix) Julie & the Phantoms (Netflix) Ghosts (FOX/Hulu) Not Dead Yet (ABC) Spirited (Apple TV+) Afterlife of the Party (Netflix) We Have a Ghost (Netflix) Darby & the Dead (Hulu) NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Beyond the Blinds podcast YA hockey romance novels (such as Breaking the Ice by Julie Cross, Center Ice by Cate Cameron, and In the Penalty Box by Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount) DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Meg at @sortaawesomemeg on Instagram, on the Sorta Awesome podcast, or in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch! This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

We all know Hallmark movies are a staple of the holiday season. But new movies air on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries all year long! Do you watch them?   I do, and so does my best friend and best friend of the show, Anna Rendell. But this year, Anna hasn't had a chance to watch any of the new, non-holiday Hallmark movies yet, so this week I'm telling her—and you—which ones to watch next time they air, plus one to avoid and one coming soon to look forward to.   Now listen, Anna and I hadn't talked in person in several weeks, so we did use up a lot of our podcasting time talking off-microphone. I have no excuse and yes, that does mean this episode is full-on rapid-fire. I think you're gonna love it anyway!   And of course, short episode or not, this is still The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome. So we manage to talk work-from-home wardrobes and a reboot that's actually good. Are you ready? Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Curious Caterer: Grilling Season (next airing May 7, 10am CST) The Cases of Mystery Lane (next airing May 21, 8pm CST) Sweeter than Chocolate (next airing May 6, 10am CST) Made for Each Other (keep an eye out for the next airing) The Wedding Cottage (next airing May 9, 7pm CST) Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (premiering May 19, 8pm CST)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: No bra during the day at home (#workfromhome perks!) Party Down, season 3 (a reboot, on Starz)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Anna at @annaerendell on Instagram or at annarendell.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Last weekend my family went to the movies and as we sat through eight (EIGHT!) trailers, my youngest daughter whispered to me, “Mom, there are a LOT of new movies coming out in May!” She's not wrong, but as we know, every single month brings us A LOT of new movies and series. With so many options, I feel it's my duty as your favorite pop culture-loving friend to narrow it down and help you pick a few gems to watch each month.   So today we're talking about the new movies and series you'll probably want to watch in May (while keeping in mind that I'll share the where and when of allllll the new stuff in the May Watch Guide, which is extremely thorough and completely free for everyone in the Patreon community). Then (but wait! there's more!) I'm taking a look at Apple TV+ and what you might want to watch during a short subscription or free trial.   After all, I know you're playing the streaming subscription rotation game like I am. So let's make sure you have a game plan for the day you hit “subscribe” on this service.   Of course, as you've learned, even in solo episodes of The Couch like this one, rabbit trails and side notes are welcome. So get ready to hear about my feelings on birds, the book club selection I loved, a snack I devoured, and so much more. (And, as always, I want to hear YOUR rabbit trails and side notes, so head over to the Facebook group and tell us all the things.)   All right. We've got a lot to add to our watch lists, so let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: The Couch Facebook group The Couch on Patreon   Welcome to The Couch!

You know what's worse than wasting your entire TV-watching window by clicking and scrolling and searching for the exact right thing to watch? Nothing! Nothing is worse than that!   So let me help you. April is bringing us DOZENS of returning series, new series, movies, documentaries, and comedy shows. It's too much—and that's why I'm here to help you navigate this mess. You can find dates and locations of everything you might want to watch in the April Watch Guide, a free resource for all Patreon members (ahem, that's marycarver.com/patreon). But today I'm making sure you know about three returning series, a moving series, four options for kids, five new series, four documentaries and comedy specials, and three (count ‘em, THREE!) new romantic comedy movies.   Of course, even when it's just me on The Couch, I welcome rabbit trails and side notes. (Obviously. Because when it's just me, they're all MY rabbit trails and side notes. Duh.) So get ready to hear more about a TV show I'm still obsessed with, a book I loved and read in one day, and the supermodel I'm told I look like. Or, was once told. Four decades ago. Whatever, it's fine.   Get ready to make plans for what you're going to watch this month. It's time to get started!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: ·      The Couch Facebook group ·      The Couch on Patreon     Welcome to The Couch!

Netflix is at it again! Recently, Netflix has released several new adaptations of kids' books, and I am here for it. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile was originally released in the theater and, I'll confess, isn't my favorite. But Lockwood & Co, a series about British teen ghost hunters that's based on a book series, is fantastic. And since The Magician's Elephant, which just came out this week, is based on a book by the wonderful Kate DiCamillo, I have high hopes for this animated film.   NOTE: Lockwood & Co. is excellent, but it's not for little kids. It's pretty creepy, and while every family is different, I'd say it's best for 12-13 and older. I personally, as a grown adult, found some scenes a little scary! As always, I recommend consulting Common Sense Media to help you make decisions about what to watch.   With all that in mind, and some scheduling issues making new episodes a struggle over here, I thought it was the perfect time to bring back an episode from last year. In episode #113, I was once again joined by my friend (and friend of the show) Latasha Ferguson, a speaker, writer, podcast host, educator, and mom. She's super knowledgeable about movies and books for kids, plus super fun too!   And of course, because this is The Couch, where rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome, we'll also get into coffee, other podcasts, and something called a “15-minute rule.” It's a good one to enjoy again this year, so let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The full list of TV or movie adaptations based on children's books   ALSO MENTIONED: The Couch Podcast episode #70 with Latasha Ferguson (about what to stream right now) The Couch Podcast episode #52 with Amanda White (more about children's book's adaptations) The Couch Podcast episode #108 with Tasha Jun & Michelle Reyes (about Turning Red) Matilda Everything Everything Peter Rabbit Paddington Grace P. Cho Mr. Popper's Penguins The Princess Diaries books Spinoff of To All the Boys I've Loved Before This scene from Designing Women Perspective on the cancellation of BSC   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Califia Farms cold brew coffee Dead Eyes, a podcast   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Latasha on Instagram at @latashamferguson, on her podcast Overcome to Become, and at latashaferguson.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

This is not an episode about Daisy Jones and the Six. I mean, we're going to talk about that but mainly to get us to the topic we are covering, which is movies about starting a band. Yes, it's similar. Yes, there's a reason for that! We just know that after you watch Daisy Jones, you're going to be looking for more “let's start a band” content. And that's where we come in.   My friend and fellow podcaster, Emily Humphries, is here to help me make a list of all the best movies (plus a TV series as a bonus) about getting the band together. These movies have all the overcoming underdogs, melodramatic creatives, and shockingly fantastic musical performances you're looking for. It will certainly get you from week to week as you wait for new episodes of Daisy Jones or help fill the void when the miniseries is over.   And of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we have quite the conversation about country music history, parenting kids with an age gap, and how freaking tired we all are. But you know, in a totally fun way!   All right, this is a fun one, friends. You are so going to fall in love with Emily and also have the very best watch list after this episode. So let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ·      Harry Potter books on Audible ·      The Couch on Patreon ·      Kindle Unlimited (30-day free trial here) ·      We are all Elijah. ·      Lauren Ruth Martin and 9 to Kind ·      Daisy Jones & the Six novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid ·      Daisy Jones & the Six miniseries on Amazon Prime ·      I can't believe I forgot to mention Perfect Harmony. ·      House of Cash ·      George & Tammy ·      The soundtrack for Julie & the Phantoms   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: ·      Planning a Harry Potter birthday party ·      Regency romance novels (again) ·      Sunday afternoon naps (again and always and forever, amen)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Emily on Instagram at @simplystoriespodcast or on her podcast, Simply Stories. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

March is here, and I'm coming in like a lion with another solo episode! This week I'm sharing the things I'm obsessed with—from a salty snack to a rom com getting a bad wrap to the audio books I cannot stop talking about—as well as the things I have not loved and am here to warn you against. Because that's what friends do, right?   Of course, as we are heading into a new month, I also have my monthly picks for you. So if you're wondering what to watch, I got you. (And remember, for a nearly exhaustive list of all the month's returning series, new series, and new movies—plus when and where to watch them—join The Couch Patreon community. A free monthly watch guide is just one of many perks of supporting my work that way.   Now, sit back and get comfy for a conversation about all the pop culture that matters—and maybe a few side notes and rabbit trails. After all, this is The Couch.   Let's get started!     MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: ·      The Couch Facebook group ·      The Couch on Patreon     Welcome to The Couch!

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you're celebrating with a significant other or friends or family members, or just avoiding the whole thing, today (or this week) gets most of us in the mood to watch a new romantic comedy. But which one? Well, thanks for asking.   My friend, fellow writer, and friend of the show Kayla Craig is back to help me make a list of recent rom coms for you. And of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also talk a bit about the Libby app and Super Bowl commercials, as well as where you can stream the 2006 Amanda Bynes comedy, She's the Man. Because of course we do.   It's a good time, and I know you're going to leave with the perfect movie for your Valentine's Day viewing.   And if we don't mention a movie you want to watch, I have a whole BONUS section of this month's What to Watch Guide where I tell you what romance and romantic comedy movies are streaming on each of the platforms. It's a lot of movies, like 70 of them. So get yourself a Valentine by going to marycarver.com/patreon. Sign up and get that guide today!   Okay, it's time to talk rom coms. Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: ·      She's the Man (Paramount+) ·      Father of the Bride (HBO Max) ·      The Reunion (Apple TV+) ·      Cost ‘n' Mayor (Instagram)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: ·      The Libby app for ebooks and audio books ·      Super Bowl commercials (these were my faves)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Kayla on Instagram at @kayla_craig and @liturgiesforparents, on her newsletter, or on the Liturgies for Parents podcast. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Tired of having the TikTok songs stuck in your head? We're here to help! Well, kind of.   My brother, good friend of the show, and candlemaker James Walters and I are talking about original songs sung by characters in TV shows and movies that are not musicals or musical episodes. Yes, it's a tiny little niche, but we manage to create quite a long list of songs sure to get stuck in your head. You're welcome in advance.   Of course, this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, so James and I get into a Canadian fishing trip, a favorite Glee performance and a new Glee documentary, some changes going on in James's business, and lots of songs we wanted to include but could not because they didn't meet the parameters we made for ourselves.   As always, we had so much fun talking about music in pop culture and—as always, again—we want to hear your feedback. What songs did we leave out? What pop culture music topic should we tackle next? Tell us all about it over on Instagram or in The Couch Facebook group.   Okay, it's time. Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: The songs in this YouTube playlist Sing Street on Freevee Ben Schwartz, who plays Jean-Ralphio on Parks and Rec and Yasper on The Afterparty. Two Shots from The Afterparty The Couch Podcast #106 about Tick Tick Boom! The Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog Lost in the Woods from Frozen 2   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Chaffles (like this) Witchy romance books (like this)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find James on Instagram and buy his candles and home goods. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

What's that, you say? You don't know what to watch? Well, I am here to help!   February is bringing us at least 50 new TV series, returning TV series, new movies, and movies new to free streaming. Fifty! We have choices, is what I'm saying, and I'm here to help you make good ones. Or, at least the ones I'm gonna make.   Today's episode is the first in a new series called “What to Watch,” where I share with you my picks for the following month. Now, this won't include every single thing coming out next month (but as always, if you want that info, I compile it for you in a free monthly watch guide available at Patreon). But I'm talking about the new stuff I'm planning to watch next month (and finnnnnnne, a few things I won't be watching but you probably will be).   It's just us on The Couch this week, but don't you worry. I manage some side notes and rabbit trails all by my own self. So get ready to hear about my new job, what I'm doing most Sunday afternoons, and an update on the fact that yes, I am still coughing because apparently I have caught the cold that never ends.   Believe it or not, it really is a good time. So let's talk about what to watch in February!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: The Couch Facebook group The Couch on Patreon   Welcome to The Couch!

Going to the gym. Drinking more water. Flossing every day. Those are good goals, I guess, but you know what's more fun? Pop culture resolutions!   Last week we looked back on the best of 2022 pop culture, and today we're looking forward to our pop culture goals for the year. My good friend, good friend of the show, and fellow podcaster Amy Clark is here with me, to talk about all the ways we hope to experience and enjoy more pop culture in 2023.   Of course, this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, so Amy and I get into reality TV, places to find new recipes, episodes on her podcast, episodes on this podcast, and the newsletter we both subscribe to and love.   We had a blast talking about our pop culture resolutions and we'd love to hear yours as well. If you haven't joined The Couch Facebook Group, this is the perfect time to do so! All week long, we're talking book recommendations, movie trailers, TV reboots, and more—and I'd love for you to hang out with us. There's always room on The Couch, and that includes the Facebook group! Just click on the link in the show notes and click “join group”!   Okay, I just know you're going to love this episode, so let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: Pop Culture Parenting Goals for the Year on MomAdvice.com NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter Ben Rector M3GAN (movie) Babylon (movie) The Couch Podcast episode #146 with Alonso Duralde The Couch Podcast episode #118 with Dana White Book Gang, Amy's podcast The episode about Libby on Amy's podcast Storygraph Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter Kanopy app Flipster app   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Traitors on Peacock Instagram recipe reels (@callmekristatorres is one of my favorites)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Amy on her website, in the Mom Advice Book Club, and on her podcast, The Book Gang. And, of course, you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

What was the best movie of 2022 or, as we ask here on The Couch, your favorite movie of 2022? That's right! Today my good friend and good friend of the show (and podcast coach extraordinaire), Alana Dawson, and I are looking back on our favorite parts of pop culture from the past year, sharing our favorite movies, TV series, and books.   As you know, here at The Couch, side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, so obviously Alana and I get into other fun topics like the best ways to make smoothies, how to watch The Chosen, and whether or not a certain mystery belongs on a best-of list or in the DNF (did not finish) pile.   We had a great time talking about our favorites of 2022, and after you listen, we'd love to hear from you. Head on over to The Couch Facebook group and tell us what you loved in 2022! Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: What's Your Word? on (in)courage The Couch's Patreon community   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Whipped cream on smoothies (via @lillieeatsandtells) Taking all of January to reflect and plan   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Alana on Instagram at @alanapdawson or on The Podcasting Party. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

The holidays might be over, but we're not finished talking about holiday movies. (I mean, really, are we ever?) More than 200 new holiday movies aired on Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, and dozens of other channels and streaming services between October and December. Hallmark made more progress in the direction of diversity and also (maybe? kind of?) had some new competition this year. And Netflix didn't premiere a single new movie starring Vanessa Hudgens. Let's discuss.   Anna Rendell, my best friend and best friend of the show, is here to break down the season with me, from viewership numbers to our top 10 faves. Or at least 10-ish movies that at least one of us think belongs in the top 10. (Come for the list-making; stay for the debate over a movie Anna and I drastically disagree on!)   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also discuss doing our nails, getting our hair cut, and spoilers (hello, HI, there will be spoilers in this episode). If you love holiday movies like we love holiday movies, this is the episode you've been waiting for.   Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: Hallmark vs. Great American Family: Who's Winning the Holiday Movie War? (an article on Decider.com with actual ratings and stats) A list of the holiday movies I watched in 2022 on Letterboxd Hallmark changes social media code of conduct   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Dashing Diva nail strips Regular haircuts   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Anna at @annaerendell on Instagram or at annarendell.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

What do you mean there are no more new Hallmark Christmas movies? That's right, friends. We've reached that point in the calendar when all the new holiday movies have been aired. So what do we watch now?   Well, don't despair! I'm here with Alonso Duralde, holiday movie expert, to help!   Alonso is a film critic, podcaster, and author. He's the film reviews editor for The Wrap, co-host of several movie-related podcasts including Linoleum Knife, Maximum Film, Breakfast All Day, A Film and a Movie, and my favorite, Deck the Hallmark. He's also the author of Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas and co-author of I'll Be Home for Christmas Movies. What I'm saying is that he knows movies, and he was kind enough to join me on The Couch to share his expertise.   And he didn't even mock me . . . much . . . for my own lack of classic movies expertise.   Before we get started, if you've been missing my reviews of this year's new holiday movies, they do exist! This year's review episodes, where I've been joined by friends of the show Anna Rendell, Emily Humphries, Dorina Gilmore, Jen Babakhan, Tori Rask, and Latasha Ferguson, are over on Patreon. So give yourself a Christmas present and join the Patreon community! You'll get all those review episodes, plus monthly bonus episodes, an exclusive monthly movie watch party, a monthly What to Watch Guide, access to every download in my resource library, and more! Head over to marycarver.com/patreon to join us!   All right, let's get started.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The classic holiday movies on this list   ALSO MENTIONED: A Christmas Story 8-Bit Christmas The ultimate White Christmas soundtrack Turner Classic Movies (TCM)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish Movie trailers (especially this one for Spirited)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Alonso on Twitter or at The Wrap, and listen to him on the Linoleum Knife, Deck the Hallmark, Maximum Film, and Breakfast All Day podcasts. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Did you know the song, “White Christmas,” has been covered more than 100,000 times? And while you might think Mariah Carey's version of “All I Want for Christmas is You” is the only version, it has actually has been recorded by other artists more than 13,000 times!   Christmas covers are a big thing—so big, in fact, that we sometimes don't even realize the version of a song we're most familiar with or like the most isn't the original version. See exhibit A: me and “Please Come Home for Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing).” Apologies to Charles Brown, who actually wrote and originally released the song 17 years before the Eagles sang it.   With so many different versions of Christmas songs (which, by the way, just making a list of the so-called biggest or most-loved or famous Christmas songs is daunting), I knew we needed to help you narrow down the options. And to do this, I knew I needed someone with a lot of opinions about music. So obviously I called on my good friend (and good friend of the show) Amanda White.   Amanda and I have created a festive, fun, and meaningful playlist for you, and I suspect you're going to love listening to our process. After all, it does involve some awkward music clips and even more awkward singing, not to mention my decision to seize the day and mention once again my disgust for bonnets and my deep affection for both ska music and Gloria Estefan. Meanwhile, Amanda brings us a version of “Let It Snow” via a bizarre and twisty walk down the memory lane of old-school blogging.   Yes, this episode is a ride, and you will not regret it. After all, you know and love the way we welcome side notes and rabbit trails here at The Couch, so you know (and will love) what you're in for. Get ready for a good time, friends! It's time to get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Spotify playlist with our favorite versions of our favorite Christmas songs Truth in the Tinsel (Advent activity book by Amanda) David Phelps singing O Holy Night The Star (movie) “Blood harmony” discussed in this podcast The Twelve Days of Christmas by Hilary Knight (picture book) My Christmas Love (Hallmark movie) Most recorded holiday songs according to Billboard   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Kindle Unlimited (get your first month free with this link) What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon Reading different genres Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer The Martian and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Amanda on Instagram or at ohamanda.com., and buy her book (Truth in the Tinsel) today. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

If you have or love little kids or even big kids who sometimes miss the magic of being a little kid, you'll love this episode about children's picture books for the holidays. I'm joined by my friend (and friend of the show), Katie Kenny Phillips, to build a list of 12 Books of Christmas!   Katie is a writer and children's book author of several adorable books and a mom of five kids who still love pulling books out of their Christmas book basket every year. And my kids know that while the level of difficulty or Pinterest-like detail may vary year to year, we are going to read a whole stack of holiday books every December, no matter what. So Katie and I are sharing with you a few of our family's favorites, plus I tell you about a few books I'm looking forward to reading for the first time this year.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also discuss chocolate-covered fruit, hiding our treats from our kids, and British lady detective shows.   Before we start our list of Christmas picture books, a quick question: Have you been missing my reviews of this year's new holiday movies? Are you dying to know what someone else thought about that Christmas movie on Netflix or the one on Lifetime or, obviously, Hallmark? You know I'm watching them and you know I've got opinions! And I've been chatting with friends about these movies over on Patreon, where you can find weekly episodes with reviews of the most recently released holiday movies. You also get a whole bunch of other fun perks when you join Patreon, so go to patreon.com/thecouch and consider joining. It's basically a Christmas present for yourself, you know. And ‘tis the season for that!   All right, let's start the show.   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: All the books on this list (don't tell; there are more than 12!)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Tru Fru British lady detective TV shows   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Katie on Instagram at @katiekennyphillips, and you can find her books on Amazon. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Have you seen the new Black Panther movie yet? Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is making a somewhat quieter splash than the first movie featuring T'Challa did, but it's doing well in the box office and also prompting quite a few debates amongst fans.   One of the biggest and most educated superhero fans I know is my friend Theo, and he's joining me this week to break down the newest Marvel film.   Theo Davis is a local friend and also one of the pastors at my church, but he's also an artist, a gamer, and an avid consumer of all things comic and superhero. Basically, he was the perfect person to invite to The Couch to process my own reaction to this movie and examine what worked, what didn't, and why.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also discuss a new video game (or, if you're not old like me, a new game), fast food breakfast, and all the evidence we need that carbs are good.   We're going to dive into Black Panther, but before we do . . . if you enjoy movie reviews, Couch-style, you should join me over in The Couch Patreon community! Right now, during holiday movie season, friends and I are breaking down all the new holiday movies we're watching each week. And all year long, Patreon members get a detailed monthly what to watch guide, a monthly virtual movie watch party, a bonus podcast episode, and a list of other perks. Sign up now at patreon.com/thecouch, and you'll get those holiday movie reviews plus the 2022 Hooked on Holiday Movies Bundle.   All right, let's get started.   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: Theo's Facebook review of Black Panther Wakanda Forever Episode #77: Diversity in the MCU with Michelle Reyes Episode #85: Why is Shang-Chi Such a Big Deal with Michelle Reyes & Tasha Jun Episode #126: Talking about Ms. Marvel with Tasha Jun   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Tunic (Xbox game) Various fast food breakfast burritos Carbs   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Theo on Instagram at @theo_davis or @TheDavisArts, or over on Facebook. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

Could our favorite TV shows GET any funnier? Oh yeah, they can. Because as we have seen time and time again, adding the pressure and potential catastrophe of a holiday to our favorite characters in our favorite shows inevitably leads to hilarity. And sometimes a little reflection or heartwarming connection.   But mostly? Holiday episodes are comedy gold.   This week, my good friend (and good friend of the show) Kathi Lipp is back on The Couch to talk with me about our favorite Thanksgiving-themed television episodes. Kathi is a best-selling author, nationally respected speaker, and podcast host, and one of my very favorite friends to talk TV with. Just like we did in episode #94 with Christmas (and Hanukkah) episodes, we do the hard work of rewatching and remembering our Thanksgiving favorites. From slap bets and family feuds to multiple turkeys (so many turkeys), we've created the perfect playlist for your holiday weekend.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also get into bedtime shows, pumpkin bread recipes, anticipatory grief and blatant misogyny, the brilliance of Donald Glover and Danny Pudi, and Kathi's deep disappointment in the way I still have not watched all of The West Wing. Yeah, it's a bit all over the place, but that's the fun of it!   Now, one note: We did record this several weeks ago. So we don't know what new Thanksgiving-themed episodes will air this fall. Please, come tell us about any episodes you've watched this year that will certainly become our new favorites!   Before we get started, have you gotten your 2022 Hooked on Holiday Movies bundle yet? We've been watching holiday movies for weeks now, but believe it or not, we're only about halfway through the holiday movie season! We have so much more holiday movie goodness to look forward to between now and the end of the year, and getting the bundle will make that beloved holiday pastime better than ever. Go to HookedOnHolidayMovies.com for a printable schedule, BINGO cards, movie guides, movie watching party tips, an exclusive playlist, and so much more. After all, ‘tis the season for Thanksgiving episodes and Christmas movies!   All right, let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   The West Wing – Chibboleth (S2E8) Black-ish – Auntsgiving (S3E7) Modern Family – Three Turkeys (S6E8) Modern Family – Punkin Chunkin (S3E9) HIMYM – Slapsgiving (S3E9 and S5E2) New Girl – Thanksgiving (S1E6) Everybody Loves Raymond – Turkey or Fish (S1E10) The Goldbergs – In Conclusion, Thanksgiving (S3E8) Gilmore Girls – A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving (S3E9) Friends – The One with All the Thanksgivings (S5E8)   ALSO MENTIONED: Clutter-Free Academy podcast episode #515: What to Watch While Decluttering Clutter-Free Academy podcast episode #516: What to Watch While Decluttering, part 2 The Couch Podcast episode #94: The Best Christmas & Hanukkah TV Episodes with Kathi Lipp 6 Sitcoms That Make Us Give Thanks at MomAdvice.com The Gilmore Girls Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving at MaryCarver.com Will & Grace Thanksgiving episodes The turkey drop episode of WKRP   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Call the Midwife Community Chocolate chip pumpkin bread (here's the recipe)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Kathi on Instagram at @kathilipp, in her Clutter Free Academy community, or at kathilipp.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

It's almost Thanksgiving, so it's time to reflect on this year and the things that have enriched our lives, taught us something new, or just helped us get through the hard spots. We are talking the parts of pop culture we are thankful for this year!   My friend Barb Roose joins me for this conversation, and she not only has a lot to be grateful for but also a lot of insight into why and how pop culture adds value to our lives. Barb is a sought-after speaker, successful writer, and brilliant literary agent—as well as a fellow writer at (in)courage, the online community I've been with since 2009. So of course she has a lot to offer!   And you know, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we certainly got off topic a bit. But it could not be helped. We needed to talk about faux leather jackets, high school plays, the necessity of naps, and our approaches to seasonal thermostat decision making.   This is an especially fun episode too, because I asked you what you're thankful for this year and share some of your answers as well. Before we jump in, though, a quick reminder that time is running out to purchase your tickets to the Hooked on Holiday Movies LIVE Event coming up on the 19th. It's not too late to plan a road trip or girls night out (or both) and snag your tickets. Head over to HookedOnHolidayMovies.com to get them now!   Okay, let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: TikTok and Instagram Reels Audiobooks (including these celebrity memoirs) The Great British Baking Show My book club Spotify The Dead Eyes podcast Love is Blind Waffle and Heardle online games Live theater Hallmark Channel's progress toward diversity and inclusivity   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Vegan leather wrap from Macy's Naps   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Barb on her website, where she will give you a free ebook about self-care or on Instagram at @barbroose. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

If you love holiday movies and reading romance novels, then I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you also love reading holiday romance novels! If so, this episode is for you.   (And if you happen to love watching holiday movies but aren't as big a fan of reading romance, this episode is still for you, because we have some fun, behind-the-scenes information about how a certain holiday movie is being made.)   Today I'm joined by my friend (and friend of the show), Katie Reid. Katie is a writer, a podcast host, and a singer/songwriter—and she is the author of a holiday romance novel that, you guessed it, is being adapted into a movie! So she gives us the scoop on that, then we talk about a few other holiday romance novels you might also enjoy. It's a good time, and will almost certainly bulk up your TBR list.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also discuss seasonal reading, book clubs, hot drinks, and what to do when we just can't connect with a book.   Before we jump into book talk, though, let's talk girls night out. Let's talk movie watching party. Let's talk live recording of this very podcast! Yes, I'm talking about the first-ever Hooked on Holiday Movies LIVE, and yes, you should absolutely come to this event! If you live in the Kansas City area or even if you're a few hours away (I'm talking to you, Des Moines, Omaha, St. Louis, and Oklahoma City), this is the event for you. Hooked on Holiday Movies Live is going to be the most fun holiday party of the season. There's no pressure at this party—no gift exchange where you have to figure out if you're supposed to bring a real gift or a gag gift. No boss (or worse, spouse's boss) to impress, no family to deal with, and if you aren't a crafty person, no craft projects to do! (To be clear, we will have a craft project for those who are interested, but I promise it is not required. Not at all!) And we'll have lots of other fun festivities—food, drinks, trivia, giveaways, time to watch a movie together (again, if you want), and we'll finish up with a live recording of The Couch Podcast. Friends, you don't want to miss this. Go to HookedOnHolidayMovies.com to get your tickets today! And then invite a friend! It's going to be a blast!   All right, let's get to the show.   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: A Very Bavarian Christmas (free on Kindle Unlimited right now) Most of the books on this list   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Hot chai latte made at home Putting down a book that I don't love   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Katie on Instagram, on her podcasts (The Martha & Mary Show), or at katiemreid.com. You can find me on Instagram or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

The leaves may still be falling and the pumpkin spice may still be calling your name, but it's no longer just autumn. We are in that sweet spot on the calendar where we are fully fall and fully holiday movie season, and it is glorious.   To help us prepare ourselves for the coming avalanche of holiday movies, Dara Alston of the Dear Hallmark podcast is here with me to preview this year's new holiday movies from UPtv and Lifetime. Dara is a writer and podcaster and, just like all the best people are, a self-proclaimed cornball and devoted fan of made for TV movies. So that means yes, though we met for the first time in this episode, we did have a whole lot to talk about.   And of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also talked about cozy mysteries, the restorative powers of cheese dip from a jar, a possible Frasier reboot, and so much more.   You are going to love this episode. But before we jump in, I wanted to make sure you've gotten your 2022 Hooked on Holiday Movies Bundle. This bundle, this package, this veritable cornucopia of holiday movie resources is available on HookedonHolidayMovies.com, and you don't want to start this season without it! It includes a printable schedule of all the new holiday movies airing this year, BINGO cards and word search games and trivia questions to make your viewing even more fun, tips for hosting your own movie watching party (although of course I hope you'll come to mine on November 19), festive recipes, an exclusive holiday playlist, and guides to the best holiday movies in fun categories like baking! music! road trips! And more. Get your bundle today at HookedonHolidayMovies.com.   Okay, let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The UPtv holiday movie schedule The Lifetime holiday movie schedule Frndly TV streaming service   OUR PICKS: The Picture of Christmas (UP) Christmas Lucky Charm (UP) Sappy Holiday (UP) Christmas Masquerade (UP) Santa's Got Style (UP) Reindeer Games Homecoming (Lifetime) Steppin' Into the Holiday (Lifetime) A Christmas Spark (Lifetime) The 12 Days of Christmas Eve (Lifetime) A New Orleans Noel (Lifetime) Well Suited for Christmas (Lifetime) Six Degrees of Santa (Lifetime) Santa Bootcamp (Lifetime)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Elementary (Hulu) Tostitos cheese dip   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Dara on her podcast or YouTube channel, Dear Hallmark. You can also connect with her on Instagram or Facebook. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

Are you ready, friends? It's happening this week! Holiday movies are beginning!   I know, I know, we haven't even had Halloween yet. This is why I've shared a fun movie watch game with Patreon subscribers that involves using leftover—or pregame—Halloween candy. Let's just embrace it!   And, as always, my best friend and best friend of the show, Anna Rendell, is here to help me prepare you for this most glorious of seasons. This week we're previewing all the new holiday movies airing on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (and telling you which ones we're most excited about . . . although, honestly, it's most of them). And, to help make your holiday movie season even better, we have a brand-new and improved Hooked on Holiday Movies bundle available on our website.   So grab a handful of mini Snickers and Reese's pumpkins, snuggle under your spooky lights or Halloween tree or whatever seasonal décor you have, and get ready to mark your calendar up with the Hallmark holiday movies you don't want to miss! (And remember, go to HookedOnHolidayMovies.com for your bundle, too. It has a printable schedule of all the movies, our picks and their premiere dates, BINGO cards, movie party hosting tips, recipes, a playlist, and so much more!)   Okay, let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The 2022 Hallmark holiday movies schedule   OUR PICKS: Jolly Good Christmas A Magical Christmas Village Lights, Camera, Christmas! The Royal Nanny Christmas at the Golden Dragon Inventing the Christmas Prince Three Wise Men & a Baby Haul Out the Holly The Gift of Peace Holiday Heritage Hanukkah on Rye A Tale of Two Christmases A Holiday Spectacular The Holiday Sitter   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Sweater pants from Target Actually reading my library books (like Just Another Love Song and Nora Goes Off Script) The Rockettes on Instagram   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Anna at @annaerendell on Instagram or at annarendell.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Remember a few weeks ago when my friend Kayla Craig joined me on The Couch to talk about the shows that are so good that we'd subscribe to their streaming networks just for them? Yeah? Do you remember how we were a little off the rails and a lot talkative and had so much to say that I promised a second installment of what we're now calling “a limited series”?   Yeah? Well, this is that. We're back to talk more streaming services and more shows that keep us hitting the subscribe button. If you've been wondering what to watch on these streamers, we've got you covered!   We also are a little wild in this episode, as Kayla had just reached an enormous writing deadline and I had, in a strange coincidence I'm still not over, spent the previous night in the emergency room with my daughter. Not the daughter I'd been in the ER with the night before recording our first episode together. Nope. Different day, different daughter. It's a weird time right now.   (Note: Everyone is fine. Just a little broken arm for one and a migraine for the other. They're resilient and recovering.)   Thankfully, this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, so when Kayla and I got distracted by talk of games on our phones, candle scents, and even Jessica Simpson's memoir, it was okay.   Before we get started . . . have you bought your tickets for the live, in-person Hooked on Holiday Movies event coming up? Anna Rendell and I are hosting a movie watching party and live podcast recording on Saturday, November 19, near Kansas City, MO—and we want you to join us!! So book a flight, plan a road trip, or if you're local, make a night of it! We're going to have food and drinks, giveaways and crafts, and of course, the movie and the podcast recording. It's going to be so fun; you don't want to miss it! Grab a friend and put on something festive, and get your tickets today at hookedonholidaymovies.com.   Okay, let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   The Bear Only Murders in the Building Dopesick Under the Banner of Heaven The Dropout Little Fires Everywhere Candy Four Weddings & a Funeral (the series) Cruel Summer Holly Hobbie Reboot Just Add Magic Gortimer Gibbons Upload Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Z: The Beginning of Everything Sylvie's Love Girls 5Eva Rutherford Falls Take Note Ted Lasso The Morning Show For All Mankind Mythic Quest Schmigadoon! The Afterparty Severance Amber Brown Loot Partner Track The Lincoln Lawyer Shadow & Bone Pretty Smart Never Have I Ever Dead to Me Narcos Queen's Gambit Emily in Paris Julie & the Phantoms The Babysitters Club The Healing Powers of Dude Sweet Magnolias The Crown   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Heardle by the decades (games on my phone) The smell of bonfire Fireside candle from Bath & Body Works ALDI candle warmer lantern   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Kayla on Instagram at @kayla_craig and @liturgiesforparents, or on the Liturgies for Parents podcast. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

You may have noticed that I'm a big fan and proponent of family movie nights. I've talked about it with friend of the show, Jenny Rapson, and sneak the topic into just about every conversation I can. So you will not be surprised to hear I have found a family movie night EXPERT and invited her to The Couch!   Jennifer Borget is a blogger and award-winning digital content creator, as well as the founder of the Movie Night Journal. She and her husband and their three kids love movies and have got this thing down to a science—which is lucky for us, because today she's sharing all kinds of tips and ideas for making movie nights a success for the entire family.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, Jennifer and I also talk about having husbands who work nights, different types of candy corn, and what we're watching after the kids go to bed.   Before we get started . . . did you hear the news? Tickets are now on sale for the Hooked on Holiday Movies Live Event! For the first time ever, my best friend and best friend of the show, Anna Rendell, and I are hosting a movie watching party and live podcast recording. Please join us on Saturday, November 19, in Liberty, Missouri (which is just outside Kansas City, home of Hallmark, the maker of our favorite holiday movies). We're going to have food and drinks, giveaways and crafts, and of course, the movie and the podcast recording. It's going to be so fun; you don't want to miss it! Grab a friend and put on something festive (or cozy . . . you do you!), and get your tickets today at hookedonholidaymovies.com.   Okay, let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   The Movie Night Journal The Croods Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse Bumblebee Jump In Secret Headquarters The Adam Project The upcoming Percy Jackson series Strange World Black Panther 2 Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Spellbound (no trailer yet)     NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Watching TV after the kids go to bed Eating candy pumpkins and candy corn   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Jennifer at @movienightjournal and @jenniferborget on Instagram, and make sure you check out the Movie Night Journal too. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be an actual scholar of your favorite author or book? To spend your days diving deep into the background of how a beloved story came to be and then getting to share everything you've learned with people who love the book, the author, the entire story as much as you do?   Well, I'll be honest and tell you I hadn't thought about this before, but now I'm obsessed. My friend Melissa Zaldivar is on The Couch this week to talk with us about Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, and Orchard House (the home Alcott lived in and where she set the events of Little Women). As a tour guide of the Orchard House, Melissa is an expert on all of this and generously shares her insights and expertise with us.   She's also an editor and a writer, as well as both fun and thoughtful. You're going to love getting to know her.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, Melissa and I do touch on college majors, plastic pumpkins, and “witness houses,” a term that was new to me but makes so much sense.   Before we jump in, I do want to make sure you've signed up for my email list. In just a few days, I'll be sending out my free, downloadable and printable WHAT TO WATCH GUIDE for October. So many new series and movies are coming out, so you don't want to miss this! And next week, I'll be sending an extra edition of the newsletter with a whole lot of big news. I'm talking a giant giveaway, a new exclusive Couch community, an updated Hooked on Holiday Movies bundle, and details about the first-ever Hooked on Holiday Movies Live Event! You do not want to miss any of this, so go sign up at marycarver.com/email.   Okay, this is a fun episode. Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Orchard House The 1994 movie adaptation The 2019 movie adaptation The BBC Radio dramatization (audiobook) Taste by Stanley Tucci This is Us Parenthood GK Chesterton Greta Gerwig   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Flying a drone Putting up fall decor   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Melissa at @melissazaldivar on Instagram, and get a free digital copy of her upcoming book, What Cannot Be Lost, at https://thegoodbook.com/not-lost. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Are you overwhelmed by all the streaming choices out there? Do you find yourself accidentally subscribed to too many services and unsure what to watch, where to even start? Well, worry no more! I am here with my friend, Kayla Craig, to share our favorite shows on all the streaming networks in the first episode of what we're calling a limited series.   In other words, we talked so long that we have to chop this into parts. But in the end, you're going to have a solid watch list for whatever streamer you're committed to this month. And I'll even be updating my printable Streaming Guide for you to reflect our recommendations.   Kayla, by the way, is not just my friend (though she is that, which you'll notice as we get sidetracked so many times during this episode). She's a writer and podcaster, most recently sharing prayers and liturgies for parents in a beautiful book and practical podcast. She's a pastor's wife and mom of four kiddos living in Iowa, and she's one of my favorite people to talk television with.   As I mentioned, we do get off topic a time or twelve, but that's okay. As you know, side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome on The Couch, so be prepared for us to talk about pumpkin-flavored foods, our current beefs with Amazon and a cable company that will remain nameless (but will probably also remain total garbage), potato salad preferences, and my enduring hatred for all things bonnet-related.   It's almost time to get started, but real quick I do want to let you know that I've got some big news coming soon. It might just be officially fall this week but holiday movies are coming. And that means Hooked on Holiday Movies will launch in just a few weeks—this time with exclusive episodes and community on Patreon and an updated bundle to make your holiday movie season the best ever. So stay tuned for that!   All right, let's dive into the first part of this series called Shows Worth Subscribing For!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Big Shot The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers Bluey Marvel Big City Greens The Mandalorian Starstruck Hacks Somebody Somewhere Julia Theodosia The Gilded Age White Lotus Station Eleven The Way Down Ghosts (the BBC version) Secret Headquarters   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Abbott Elementary Pumpkin Spice Oreos Pumpkin Spice Cheerios Pumpkin Spice Goldfish   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Kayla on Instagram at @kayla_craig and @liturgiesforparents, or on the Liturgies for Parents podcast. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

  What do you call mysteries that are also romance novels but are also really funny? Is there a name for that genre? I don't know what it's called, but these are the kind of books I'm loving right now, and my friend (and friend of the show) Jessica Howard is here to talk about this mishmashed genre and some of our favorite reads in it. Whatever it's called.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also talk about our favorite blankets, watching The Bachelorette, and listening to audiobooks on road trips.   If you love this podcast, would you do me a favor and tell a friend? Share your favorite episode on Instagram or Facebook (and tag me so I see your post)! As I say, there's always room for more friends on The Couch.   All right, let's talk books!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Our list of funny, romantic mysteries on Amazon   ALSO MENTIONED: Kindle Unlimited (two months for $4.99) Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Cozy Mysteries for Fans of Stephanie Plum Blue Moon series by Lucy Score   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Blankets from Sam's Club The Bachelorette (and recaps from The Popcast) I Take My Coffee Black (audiobook) by Tyler Merritt   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Jessica on Instagram at @howjessicareads, join her Cozy Book Club (on Instagram), and sign up for her weekly book-ish newsletter too. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon? In a little town, a quiet village? Am I a man or a muppet? And what are the bare necessities of life? And finally, is this episode going to get a whole bunch of songs stuck in your head? Yes, both, and absolutely. You're welcome.   My brother and good friend of the show, James Walters, is back on the couch this week to help me create an exhaustive list of the very best Disney songs ever. We've got historical context, musical backgrounds, spreadsheets, and list-making parameters galore, so buckle up! We're about to get real nerdy about Disney music.   Of course, though we try to focus on this very important topic of the day, this is still The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are welcome. So do we touch on horror movies, Zac Efron, and school supplies? Yes, yes, we do.   Before we get started, will you take two minutes to give this podcast a five-star review? Just click here on your phone or go to The Couch in iTunes, scroll all the way to the bottom, and click, “Write a Review.” I know you hear all your favorite podcast hosts say it all the time, but it really does help other people find our show. So help your fellow pop culture fans out and leave a review!   Okay, let's not get lost in the woods (spoiler alert: that's another reference to a Disney song). Time to start this episode!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Spotify playlist with all the Disney songs we love Human Again (new song in Beauty & the Beast) You're Welcome video with LMM & Jordan Fisher Weezer singing Lost in the Woods Pentatonix and Voctave version of At Last I See the Light The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia from Designing Women   ALSO MENTIONED: Carrie Leprechaun Schitt's Creek More HBO Max – Hacks, Starstruck, The Flight Attendant More Apple TV+ - CODA, Come From Away Zac Efron singing Bet On It in HSM 2 The Couch Podcast episode #124 (beach movies with Tori Rask) Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar Lemonade Mouth Balderdash board game   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: HBO Max – Julia, The Gilded Age, Dune Apple TV+ – Schmigadoon!, The Morning Show, Ted Lasso Netflix – Stranger Things Grown-up school supplies (including this pencil sharpener)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find James on Instagram and buy his candles from his Etsy shop. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Kids are going back to school and pumpkin spice everything is back in the store. So you know what that means, right? Time to talk about fall movies!   My good friend (and good friend of the show) Dawn Camp is back on the couch to talk about the movies we're planning to watch this fall. As always, we have recommendations for date nights, girls nights, family nights, and even take yourself to the movies night. Or afternoon. Or whenever you like to see a movie on your own. And, don't worry, we also give you the premiere dates of the movies we have no interest in watching but will still be big ol' hits. Basically, if it's a movie you need to know about, we're gonna talk about it!   A couple notes: As we mention in the episode, we are well aware that premiere dates and other info is all subject to change. And wouldn't you know it, info changed as soon as we finished recording. Don't get too excited about the Shazam! sequel coming out at Christmas, because it's been bumped back to March 2023. However, we DO have a premiere date for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery! That'll be out on Netflix on December 23. So, mark your calendars for all these movies but also maybe write in pencil.   As always, side notes and rabbit trails are welcome here at The Couch, so it's no surprise that Dawn and I got into legal thrillers, book subscriptions, climate change, and what happens when the power goes out at the movie theater. It's a lot and it's a good time. Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   The Summer Movie Preview (The Couch Podcast episode #117) Harris Goes to Paris Minions: The Rise of Gru Where the Crawdads Sing Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Top Gun: Maverick The Sea Beast Luck Persuasion Secret Headquarters Thor: Love & Thunder Mystery 101: Playing Dead Clifford the Big Red Dog Join our weekly (virtual) movie watch parties with The Couch Facebook group! And all the new fall movies coming out (check out the trailers here)   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: The Lincoln Lawyer book – it's actually free with Kindle Unlimited! The Lincoln Lawyer movie and series Only Murders in the Building, season two Book of the Month Club (get your first month for just $5 with my link) The Bodyguard by Katherine Center   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Dawn on Instagram at @dawncamp or on her website, And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

It's back to school season! And while that may mean difficult goodbyes or mornings that come way too early after a summer of sleeping in, it also brings routine and structure and, for this podcast host, the ability to get a cheesy bagel and eat the whole thing by myself, in blessed quiet. And so, whether you are ready to celebrate or lament a new school year (or perhaps you don't have kids at home so you aren't concerned with a school calendar at all), I've got a fun episode for you this week!   My good friend (and good friend of the show) Jenny Rapson is back on the couch to talk about our favorite TV shows that are school-adjacent. We didn't just list off all the series we could think of about school-aged kids, though. No, we made sure to have clear criteria for what shows receive an A+ from us.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we do stray into a few other topics as well. For the second week in a row, we're talking about game shows here, and I confess to a basic task I've never mastered.   Before we get started, I do want to let you know about a sale on graphic tees made for fans of pop culture and this podcast. If you head over to marycarver.com/shop, you're going to find hand-selected shirts I know you're going to love. This week in particular, I moved my favorite Saved by the Bell, Boy Meets World, and Derry Girls shirts up to the top of the page—even above my own Hooked on Holiday Movie shirts! But no matter what show, character, or genre of pop culture you want to proclaim your love for, it's probably on sale (up to 35% off) this week. So, go crazy! Get yourself a new shirt for a new season! As for me and my house, I think I'm going to snag one with a quote from Mr. Feeny. That's marycarver.com/shop.   All right, that's enough chitchat. Time for class to start!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   Head of the Class Boy (and Girl) Meets World Glee Never Have I Ever The Goldbergs (and Schooled) Freaks & Geeks My So-Called Life Derry Girls Abbott Elementary Saved by the Bell High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Friday Night Lights Community Hangin' with Mr. Cooper On My Block   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Password, hosted by Keke Palmer Making lazy iced coffee at home   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Jenny on Twitter, Instagram, and her website. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

You don't have to look far or listen long to know why we need to teach our kids empathy. Basic kindness seems to be harder and harder to find, and if you're like me, you are deeply motivated to encourage your kids to be better. To be more inclusive, to be kinder, to be different than what we're surrounded by.   And that is why my friend, Matthew Paul Turner, is here today to talk with me about specific children's books that help us do just that. Matthew is a children's author himself; he's written some of my family's favorites like When God Made You, When I Pray for You, and What Is God Like. So what I'm saying here is that he's an expert. And, as you'll hear, he's genuinely dedicated to teaching his kids about the wonder and beauty of all people and the importance of showing each of them kindness and love.   Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also discuss game shows and Netflix shows about teen ghosts that may include a whole lot of cursing.   It's almost time to get started, but one more quick note: Thank you to everyone who has already purchased my new book, Prayers from the Parking Lot! I am so grateful and I'm also hopeful it's an encouragement to you and the moms you know. And to those of you who not only bought the book but then shared it on social media? Well, you are obviously my favorite. Thank you, friends.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:   All the books on this list!   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Press Your Luck, hosted by Elizabeth Banks Boo, Bitch on Netflix   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Matthew on Instagram at @matthewpaulturner, on Twitter at @heympt, or on his website. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Do you know what day it is? It's launch day for my new book, Prayers from the Parking Lot! And since this is a book written especially for busy moms who need a break, that's exactly what I'm talking about in this week's episode. Jen Babakhan, author and curator of the best parenting memes on the internet, joins me to talk about our favorite TV moms—the messy, lovable moms we'd love to give a big iced latte or Diet Coke and send them off to the nearest park bench, parking lot, or pantry to hide in. All moms need a break sometime and these real, relatable moms are no exception (even though yes, we do understand they are fictional). Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also chat about learning new things like the piano, watching old TV shows we missed when they first aired, and the fine art of pre-watching a show to determine if we should convince our husbands to watch it with us. Also, this episode more than any other IS sponsored by my upcoming book, Prayers from the Parking Lot: 50 Short Reflections for Moms on the Go. If you've ever found yourself hiding in the car, taking the long way home, or sitting in the parking lot for just a minute, okay?—this book is for you. God loves us so much that He meets us wherever we are, whenever we need Him, and sometimes that means we are praying in the parking lot. Find out more and order your copy at marycarver.com/parkinglot. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Claire Huxtable (The Cosby Show) Maddie Townsend and Dana Sue Sullivan (Sweet Magnolias) Lorelei Gilmore/Alex Morrow (Gilmore Girls/The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers) Penelope Alvarez (One Day at a Time) Beverly Goldberg (The Goldbergs) Jane, Xiomara, and Alba Villanueva (Jane the Virgin) Debra Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond) Maya DiMeo (Speechless) Claire Dunphy (Modern Family) Maria (Maggie) Maria Portokalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) Nalini Vishwakumar (Never Have I Ever) Midge Maisel (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) Moirs Rose (Schitt's Creek) ALSO MENTIONED: Duolingo 1883 Ted Lasso WandaVision Ms. Marvel Somebody, Somewhere NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Learning to play the piano Leverage (on Freevee) DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Jen on Instagram at @jenbabakhan, on Facebook, or on her website. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch!

Remember last week, when I talked about a superhero series? And a few months before when I talked about a superhero movie? And several weeks before that, when I talked about superheroes yet again? Why am I so obsessed with superheroes? To be fair, it seems like the whole world of entertainment and pop culture is obsessed with superheroes, so I'm not exactly alone. My friend, Tara Cole, is with me too. Tara is a teacher, author, and podcaster—as well as a mom of three boys. Her family is maybe even more into superheroes than I am! So today we're talking about what it is about these stories that keeps us coming back for more, and then we share some superhero movies and series for younger kids who might not be ready for the more intense action of Marvel and DC movies. Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also chat about new podcasts, YA books, and the best book Tara has read all year. And if you're keeping track, you already know my book, Prayers from the Parking Lot: 50 Short Reflections for Moms on the Go, is coming out next week. So of course this episode is sponsored by that book. If you've ever found yourself hiding in the car, taking the long way home, or sitting in the parking lot for just a minute, okay?—this book is for you. God loves us so much that He meets us wherever we are, whenever we need Him, and sometimes that means we are praying in the parking lot. Find out more and order your copy at marycarver.com/parkinglot. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Caught Up in a Story by Sarah Clarkson Everyday Prayers for the School Year by Tara Cole Prayers from the Parking Lot by Mary Carver Super-Why PJ Masks Paw Patrol Rescue Bots The Rocketeer  DC Super Hero Girls Lego Batman Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse Megamind Big Hero 6 Zoom Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion Spy Kids We Can Be Heroes The Incredibles NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Rangers Apprentice series by John Flanagan The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton Pod Meets World podcast DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Tara on her podcast, Over a Cup, on Instagram at @taralcole, or at TaraLCole.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch!

Have you watched Ms. Marvel yet? My good friend (and friend of the show) Tasha Jun and I got together on The Couch this week to RAVE about our favorite new show. If you're a Marvel fan or a Ms. Marvel fan (or, obviously, both), you're going to love our conversation about everything we enjoyed about this new Disney+ series, our favorite characters, what we think might happen next, and even what we wish might have been a little different. Of course, because this is The Couch, where side notes and rabbit trails are always welcome, we also chat about protein bars and Hulu series we're loving, so there's that too. Also, this episode more than any other IS sponsored by my upcoming book, Prayers from the Parking Lot: 50 Short Reflections for Moms on the Go. If you've ever found yourself hiding in the car, taking the long way home, or sitting in the parking lot for just a minute, okay?—this book is for you. God loves us so much that He meets us wherever we are, whenever we need Him, and sometimes that means we are praying in the parking lot. Find out more and order your copy at marycarver.com/parkinglot. And now, time for the show! Let's get started. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: We Are Lady Parts (Peacock) Luca (Disney+) Encanto (Disney+) Mitchells vs. the Machines (Netflix) NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Perfect Bars Only Murders in the Building, season 2 (Hulu) DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Tasha on Instagram at @tashajunb or sign up for her newsletter on her website. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. Welcome to The Couch!

If you've ever spent an hour scrolling through apps and skimming reviews in an effort to find a movie your entire family will like, this episode is for you! Yes, we're talking about family movie nights again, this time with a long list of movie recommendations you might not have heard of or perhaps you've forgotten. I'm digging deep into the archives and giving you real-life reviews from my family about some of our favorite recent watches. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Princess Protection Program Lemonade Mouth Cloud 9 Let it Shine Hop Twitches 8-Bit Christmas Vivo Abominable Rock Dog Mitchells vs. the Machines Wish Dragon Over the Moon The Parent Trap A Night at the Museum The Home Team Yes Day Zoom Gulliver's Travels Dora & the Lost City of Gold Playing with Fire Mixtape Bandslam NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Sugar-free JELL-O and pudding cups DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com. And pre-order your copy (and a copy for a friend) of Prayers from the Parking Lot today! Welcome to The Couch! This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Who else needs a beach vacay right about now? I don't know about you, but the first half of my summer has not been what you'd call ideal. And this week's guest said it's been about the same for her. So we decided to lighten the mood and raise our spirits (or at least escape the things bringing us down) by talking about beach movies.   My friend (and friend of the show) Tori Rask is here to chat about our favorite movies that are beach-themed or at least beach-adjacent, and it is a good time! Of course, this is The Couch, where rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome, so we also get into video games and summer pants. But I know you're going to love it all.   Also, a real quick note to let you know this episode is sponsored by my upcoming book, Prayers from the Parking Lot: 50 Short Reflections for Moms on the Go. If you've ever found yourself hiding in the car, taking the long way home, or sitting in the parking lot for just a minute, okay?—this book is for you. God loves us so much that He meets us wherever we are, whenever we need Him, and sometimes that means we are praying in the parking lot. Find out more and pre-order your copy at marycarver.com/parkinglot.   And now, time for the show! Let's get started.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: How Stella Got Her Groove Back (STARZ on Prime) Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar (Hulu) Death in Paradise (Britbox on Prime) Teen Beach Movie (Disney+) Gidget (Plex) Mamma Mia! (Peacock) Moana (Disney+) 50 First Dates (Prime) Surf's Up (Prime) Point Break (HBO Max) Blue Crush (Peacock) Fool's Gold (HBO Max)   ALSO MENTIONED: Tabitha Brown line at Target Beach Boys High School Musical 2 (this scene in particular) Royal Pains Burn Notice Father Brown Sister Boniface Mysteries Lilo & Stitch Into the Blue Outer Banks The Summer I Turned Pretty   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Pokemon Legends: Arceus Old Navy linen pants   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Tori at torirask.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Ughhhhh, this summer has been so stinking hot! Good thing Christmas in July—where we can at least watch snowball fights and ice skating and outright blizzards on the TV—is right around the corner!   Today my friend, friend of the show, and Hooked on Holiday Movies partner Anna Rendell is here to talk about our all-time favorite, watch them every year holiday movies plus all the ways you can celebrate Christmas in July with the Hallmark Channel. As always, it's a lot of festive fun!   Of course, you know rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome on The Couch, so we touch on the merits of soft rock and radio DJs, as well as superhero movies and shows (and, obviously, how much we love them).   Also, a real quick note to let you know this episode is sponsored by my upcoming book, Prayers from the Parking Lot: 50 Short Reflections for Moms on the Go. If you've ever found yourself hiding in the car, taking the long way home, or sitting in the parking lot for just a minute, okay?—this book is for you. God loves us so much that He meets us wherever we are, whenever we need Him, and sometimes that means we are praying in the parking lot. Find out more and pre-order your copy at marycarver.com/parkinglot.   And now, time for the show! Let's get started.   UPDATE: In this episode I talk about how the Hallmark Channel is only playing one holiday movie a day during the month of July. I was wrong! They're playing SEVEN holiday movies each day during the month of July! Stay tuned on social media for my daily recommendations (or just keep it on all day, every day; you do you).   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Love at the Christmas Table (rent on Prime) Two Turtle Doves (watch on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, June 29 at 2pm CST) The Christmas Contract (rent on Prime) Angels & Ornaments (watch on Hallmark Movies Now) Window Wonderland (watch on Hallmark Movies Now) A Bride for Christmas (watch on Prime) Snowed-Inn Christmas (buy from Prime) Snowglobe (watch on Disney Plus) My Christmas Love (watch on Hallmark Channel, July 21, 4pm CST) Dashing Through the Snow (watch on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, June 29, 10am CST) Holiday in Handcuffs (buy the DVD or wait to possibly stream it closer to Christmas) Snow (watch on Tubi)   ALSO MENTIONED: Letterboxd List of All-Time Favorite Holiday Movies Merry Movie Week on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Christmas in July Movie Schedule for Hallmark Channel New Hallmark holiday movies: My Grown-Up Christmas List, Campfire Christmas, and Christmas in Toyland   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Alexa and the soft rock radio station Marvel (Disney+)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Anna at @annaerendell on Instagram or at annarendell.com. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

What do you love reading in the summer? Is Netflix still the #1 streaming service? What shows are your daughters watching right now? Is it okay to quit reading a book if you just don't like it?   I'm answering these questions and more today in volume 6 of Ask the Couch! My friend and podcast coach (and friend of the show), Alana Dawson, is here to grill me—I mean, ask me the questions. And as always, it's a fun time!   Of course, you know rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome on The Couch, especially in an episode with a variety of questions on a variety of topics. So buckle up, we've got answers and ideas and opinions and more! Let's get started.   QUESTIONS ASKED IN THIS EPISODE: What are the top 5 streaming services? And which ones do you watch the most? I'm curious about streaming burnout. How much binging can one do? How hard is it to get out of the stream and back on real earth? What show did your kids watch when they were younger that brings back fuzzy good feelings for you? Is there anything that is an immediate no for you in movies (for me it's aliens or snakes)? Do you have a schedule of what kinds of things you watch/read during different seasons? Or is it dictated by whims or library holds? Do you finish every book you start reading? Or will you quit a book you don't like? Any new family shows out for this summer? What are your thoughts about the Hallmark folks leaving for GAC? What are the topics you're most excited to write about? Conversely, what are you afraid to write about? I've actually been wondering if you have more details for the fall getaway… Can you tell us more about your next book?   ALSO MENTIONED: Big Gay Candle Co. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Prayers from the Parking Lot pre-order sale   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Stranger Things (Netflix) KC Pride Fest   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Alana on Instagram at @alanapdawson or on The Podcasting Party. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver on Instagram, in The Couch Facebook group, or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Buckle up, friends. Today's episode is about historical romance novels. My friend (and friend of the show) Rebekah Hoffer is back on The Couch to discuss why I love them and she doesn't. And in the course of this conversation, we do dive into some spicier topics than usual, so head's up that this episode might not be for little ears (and could, in theory, cause one to swoon).   As you might recall, Rebekah is a blogger at SimplyRebekah.com and a co-host of the Sorta Awesome podcast. She's also one of my very favorite people to talk books with because she not only loves to discuss what books she enjoys but is also willing to dive into why.   Can I convince her to give historical romance another try? You'll have to listen to find out!   And of course, because this is The Couch (where rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome), we do also touch on board games and Netflix shows. Time to get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Julie Garwood Catherine Coulter Jude Deveraux Christina Laurens Sally Thorne Lisa Kleypas Tessa Dare Julia Quinn (author of the Bridgerton series) Courtney Milan Sarah MacLean (and the Fated Mates podcast) Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Ticket to Ride board game The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Rebekah on Instagram at @simplyrebekah, on her website, or on the Sorta Awesome podcast. And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

What's better than reading a good book? Reading a book about books! Or bookstores or publishing or libraries!   Back for this very book-ish episode is my friend (and friend of the show) Amy Clark. Amy is a blogger and the founder of MomAdvice.com, which happens to be a place I write articles for on occasion. She's also the host of the Mom Advice Book Club and my go-to person for book recommendations. Today we're talking about some of our favorite books about books or book-adjacent themes, and we've compiled an excellent list of reads for you.   Of course, because this is The Couch (where rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome), we also talk about word games, real housewives, and family movie nights. Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: All the books (about books) on this list The Midnight Library Thank You for Listening Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow The Mom Advice Book Club   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: New York Times games Real Housewives of Dubai Evan Almighty Zoom   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Amy on her website, in the Mom Advice Book Club, and on her podcast, The Book Gang. And, of course, you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!   This post may include affiliate links. This means that if you click and purchase, I might receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

When I say the words, “the soundtrack of your childhood,” what music pops into your head? If you're anything like several members of The Couch community, I'm going to bet your list includes the Beach Boys, 80s or 90s country, and the forbidden Madonna. But maybe yours is different than ours! I can't wait to compare notes.   But first, my brother, candle maker extraordinaire, and friend of the show, James Walters, joins me to compare notes on the childhood we allegedly shared and wonder at how a) we have some very different childhood musical memories despite being only three years apart and b) we have now basically turned into our parents with our love for soft rock and actual oldies (and by “oldies,” I mean 50s, 60s, and 70s; don't you dare suggest Bon Jovi falls in that category). We also share lots of soundtracks from listeners, which is super fun.   Before we jump in, I will acknowledge a couple things up front. First, we recorded this on one microphone sitting across my dining room table, so the sound is a little wonky. And second, we recorded this episode the morning after the tragic shooting in a Texas elementary school and we are not quite ourselves. We did our best to rally, because we believe there's great value in the light and lovely things of this world, even on our hardest, darkest days. But if you think we seem a little bit on edge, that's why.   And of course, because this is The Couch (where rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome), we also get into word games, our favorite sitcoms to rewatch, more childhood memories than you asked for, and also, call your senators. Believe it or not, it was still a good time, and I think we can have fun with this one. Let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: All the songs and bands on this playlist The Couch Podcast, episode #72 (TV theme songs) Alvin & the Chipmunks Christmas album   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Call your senators (find their contact info here, find scripts to use here and here). Word puzzles: Wordle, Waffle, Heardle, Weaver, Phoodle, and Quordle Rewatching favorite shows (Schitt's Creek, Agents of SHIELD, Friends)   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! James owns a company called Big Gay Candle Co., and he sells candles that smell amazing and have funny names too. Find him and the candles at @biggaycandle on Instagram or over on Facebook. And buy all the candles from his shop on Etsy! And you can find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!

Traditionally, most TV series have aired their final episodes in May. Now with streaming and shorter seasons even on networks and cable, a series finale can come any time of the year. But we're still gonna talk about them now, during this time of the year. Because if I know one thing about The Couch community, it's that most of you love you some This Is Us and, like it or not, your beloved show is coming to an end this week.   My good friend and long-time listener, Amanda Hood, has joined me for this episode, as we discuss why people (and by “people,” I mean us) get so worked up about finales, which ones are for the birds, and which ones we love.   Originally from Louisiana, Amanda has lived all over the U.S. and currently calls Orange County, California, home. She spends her days working with homeless neighbors who have disabilities and her free time reading, going to concerts, riding her bike, and—here's what we're looking for—watching movies and television.   In this episode, I completely ruin Amanda's life by reminding her of horrible endings to her favorite shows, but that's not all. We cover a whole lot of TV shows in this episode, but because this is The Couch (where rabbit trails and side notes are always welcome), we also get into game shows, good fats and health food, and NCIS. It's a good time, so let's get started!   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Lost How I Met Your Mother Castle Friday Night Lights Scandal JAG NCIS Chuck White Collar Golden Girls Timeless Friends Brooklyn Nine-Nine Superstore Parks & Recreation The Office Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist   NOT-SO-GUILTY PLEASURES: Domino Masters (Hulu) Salmon from the farmer's market   DON'T FORGET: Join The Couch on Facebook! It's so much fun! Find Amanda on Instagram at @mildredstephens, and find me on Instagram at @marycarver or at marycarver.com.   Welcome to The Couch!