Shows
Rational RomanticsEp 41 Christmas Presents with Aynsley BroomChristmas brought gifts that just kept on giving. From a fire hydrant of Bridgerton content to the Heated Rivalry finale, there is so much to discuss! And Cass and Aynsley get some exciting news about Connor and Hudson right before hopping on the pod! They chat about the amazing finale before breaking down the Bridgerton Season 4 Pt I trailer and diving into all the details. From Polin's second carriage romp to Eloise as Joan of Arc and of course Benedict and Sophie's love story. A must-listen for all you romance fans!
2025-12-281h 30Rational RomanticsEp 40 Loose Lips with Danielle @smutwalksLoose lips may sink ships, but they thrill the Bridgerton Fandom! Join Cass and her guest, bookstagrammer and Brigerton fan Danielle (@smutwalks on Instagram) as they deep dive all the spoilers from Season 4. So, Spoiler Alert...They discuss how likely they think each of the potential spoilers are and what they think of them, from Polin scenes to Franchaela clues to Benophie tidbits. There is so much to cover.And of course, it wouldn't be a December episode of Rational Romantics without talking Heated Rivalry! So stick around to the end for some new thoughts...
2025-12-141h 12Rational RomanticsEp 39 Serious & Silly with Aynsley BroomJoin Cass and Aynsley on another pop culture extravaganza where they dive into both the silly (Maxton Hall, Emily in Paris, serial killer romances) and the serious (Heated Rivalry, social media and activism) of our current cultural landscape. They address the "elephant in the room," aka the lack of recent promo for Bridgerton Season 4, and reflect on just what is going on with this Fridgerton when we should be basking in the warm glow of fresh content. They dive into their respective favorite romantic ideals, from the friends to lovers in People We Meet on Vacation to enemies to...
2025-12-071h 14Rational RomanticsEp 38 Hockey Romance with Sheryl from LitChicksJoin Cass and Sheryl from LitChicks (@litchicksread on Instagram) as they discuss that phenomenon that's taking the world by storm: Hockey Romance! They of course deep dive the phenomenal first two episodes of Heated Rivalry, a book by Rachel Reid (friend of the pod -- listen to ep 26 for our conversation with Rachel!) turned into a TV series. They gush over the immaculate adaptation from a favorite book, the incredible acting and details included, and of course, the next-level spice that is worthy of Shane and Ilya. They discuss how they got into hockey romance, including some great recs...
2025-11-301h 11Rational RomanticsEp 37 Wickedly Wonderful WeekCass talks WICKED For Good right after watching for the first time, and the reactions are raw and in awe! She also breaks down the news from several different fandoms this week, including a major update in the Bridgerverse about leading lady Sophie. She also highlights Heated Rivalry, the show premiering Nov 28 (and coming to HBO Max in the US!) with a little tease of next week that will have a lot more to say on that subject. Make sure to tune in for all the updates, speculation, and excitement for these fandoms and more!
2025-11-2334 minRational RomanticsEp 36 Pop Culture Catch-Up with Aynsley BroomJoin Cass and familiar face Aynsley Broom as they catch up on pop culture events in recent days, and of course get off on tangents and deep dives. They of course talk Bridgerton Season 4, the new version of Frankenstein, and with that, the idea of adaptations as a whole. From Wuthering Heights to Toy Story 5, nothing is off limits (even questioning if Jane Austen ever saw her own hoo-ha)! These two long-time content creators discuss the perils and triumphs of being on social media, the surprising parallels between Instagram posts and Shakespeare, and so much more! Dive back in...
2025-11-161h 06Rational RomanticsEp 35 Meeting the Bridgertons!Join Cass as she deep dives the Bridgerton news from this week, including the first character promo of Benedict Bridgerton and the "Sexiest Man Alive," Jonathan Bailey! She also shares some hints and clues about Season 5 from her super secret and fantastic sources. Hint: they confirmed a big theory for the next season. So make sure to listen to hear all about not only that, but also the personal interactions your hosts had with the Bridgerton cast! At Modern Oli (aka Footman John)'s show in London, they met several of the fantastic cast of their favorite show. This...
2025-11-1028 min
Rational RomanticsEp 34 Blood of My Blood Ep 7-10Join Cass and Deb as they break down the last four episodes of Outlander: Blood of My Blood! And of course discuss all the Bridgerton crumbs from this week. Make sure to stay tuned to the very end for an exciting announcement from your hosts that they cannot wait to share! But first, deep dive the Julia Quinn clues, tie-in merchandise hints, and casual photo op surprises from this week. Then join in the main event as Cass and Deb go through the ups and downs of the first season of Blood of My Blood, from romance heroics to...
2025-10-261h 11
Rational RomanticsEp 33 Bridgerton S4 NewsDearest Gentle Readers, the Ton is abuzz! Join and Cass and Deb as they deep dive every bit of news from the Bridgerverse this week -- and it was a big week! From the officially released dates for Season 4 to a swoon-worthy staircase promo, as well as BTS from promo shoots and crumbs dropped by Shondaland and Shonda herself, this episode is packed with all you need to know about the upcoming series. They of course talk about some big news in pop culture, including the Taylor Swift documentary and the Red, White & Royal Blue sequel, penned by a...
2025-10-1953 min
Rational RomanticsEp 32 Fan Questions with CassJoin Cass as she details some of the biggest news from this week, including a thrilling renewal for The Buccaneers and a bit of news in our Bridgerverse. Then, she answers some of your fabulous fan questions that are sure to warm us up during the last days of Fridgerton. From matching "Showgirl" tracks to Bridgerton characters to deep diving book to show differences, listen to this ep to get your questions answered!
2025-10-1332 minRational RomanticsEp 31 The Life of a ShowgirlWhen it rains it pours! In this episode, Cass and Deb discuss their two favorite things: Bridgerton and Taylor Swift. They address the huge leak in the Bridgerton fandom that confirms the release dates of Season 4! Exactly when they predicted, by the way ;) Cass and Deb dissect the imagery on the posters, theorize, and celebrate this amazing news before heading into all about The Life of a Showgirl. Join Cass and Deb as they deep dive every track, from upbeat masterpieces like Opalite to in-depth powerhouses like Eldest Daughter to scandalous bangers like Wood. This is an album, and...
2025-10-051h 25Rational RomanticsEpisode 30 All About Our LoreIn this episode, Cass and Deb deep dive something totally new and yet extremely familiar: Themselves! They weave through their history with media, from the foundational movies that made them who they are (with direct lines they can draw from their favorite romance as a child to their favorite Bridgerton couple), to the teen shows and franchises that made them, and into their adulthood obsessions that are still with them to this day. Join these two for the surprises, tangents, and delightful digressions of this fun episode all about your hosts and what they love. A quick...
2025-09-281h 09
Rational RomanticsEp 29 Blood of My Blood Eps 4-6Cass and Deb dive back into the world of Outlander with three more episodes of Blood of My Blood! Join them as they weave through the complex web of fan theories and prophecies in the Scottish Highlands, as well as reflect on character development and an ever-thickening plot. Get fabulous fun facts, like a casual mention of Dougal's eventual wife, to massive clues about the eventual identity of a certain newborn baby. They share what they loved, what they weren't big fans of, and of course, they don't skip the hard stuff: be aware of some tough content and...
2025-09-1448 min
Rational RomanticsEp 28 Interview with Vanessa CoffeyLet's get intimate! Join Cass and Deb as they chat with the incredible Vanessa Coffey, the intimacy coordinator for Outlander (since Season 6), Blood of My Blood, and The Buccaneers. She shares so much about the role and importance of intimacy coordination as well as how she got into the job, then dives deep into the practical and aesthetic concerns on set. From pandemic problems to pregnancy concerns, from who's on top or how to tug someone's hair, and even establishing trust between a fictional parent and child, Vanessa does it all! And she shares with the Rational Romantics all...
2025-09-071h 09
Rational RomanticsEp 27 Blood of My Blood Eps 1-3Welcome back to the world of Outlander! Cass and Deb dive into the first three episodes of Blood of My Blood, the prequel series featuring Jamie and Claire's parents. Join them as they weave through the fascinating, time-bending narrative at the beginning of this new, but deeply familiar, series. They explore the incredible casting choices, note fun facts from cameos to locations, and reflect on the story so far, as well as speculate on what's to come. If you're a longtime Sassenach, this is an episode, and a series, for you, full of appreciation for the original while being...
2025-08-2459 minRational RomanticsEp 26 Showgirl & Rachel ReidBuckle in, Rational Romantics, because there are two very exciting topics for this episode! First, Cass and Deb deep dive the incredibly exciting news from Taylor Swift that her new album, "The Life of a Showgirl," is releasing October 3rd. Oh, and she did a massive, two-hour long podcast interview with Jason and Travis Kelce where she discussed everything from her romance with Travis, to getting back her masters, to her new album. Cass and Deb can't contain their excitement for this new era! And following, they talk to another dynamo in her industry: author Rachel Reid...
2025-08-1754 min
Rational RomanticsEp 25 Buccaneers Season 2Cass and Deb dive into the rollercoaster that is the Buccaneers Season Two! Join them for all the details, theories, and strong feelings this newest series evoked. From the loss of beloved characters to massive bombshells about scandals, affairs, and paternity, this season was packed. Of course, Cass and Deb don't pull punches, from praises the incredible and difficult storyline Jinny had to face, to making their feelings known about that ending. If you want honest reactions and true feelings about this season, this is the place to go. They also look forward to a potential season three and...
2025-08-101h 10
Rational RomanticsEp 24 In Conversation with Jenny Rhodes-MacLeanCass and Deb chat with the incredible Jenny Rhodes-MacLean, the hair and makeup designer for The Buccaneers who has also worked on some of our other favorite shows, like Bridgerton. She gives incredible insight into some major evolutions for the characters that is shown in their look, from Theo's darker hair to Honoria's softer glow. If you're a Buccaneers fan, or just enjoy learning about all the details that go into crafting such a phenomenal show, this is an interview for you! And of course, Cass and Deb deep dive all the updates in Bridgerton, Outlander, and more. From...
2025-08-0356 min
Rational RomanticsEp 23 Breaking Down the Oli Higginson InterviewBuckle in listeners, because this one is a ride! In case you missed it, Cass and Deb interviewed the one and only Oli Higginson (aka Footman John, aka Modern Oli) on episode 22 of the pod. Go give that one a listen, then dive into episode 23 where the Rational Romantics discuss and dissect every aspect of the interview. From massive revelations regarding certain songs that may be showing up in Bridgerton Season 4 to wild theories about a certain servant's parentage, this is a packed and thrilling episode. Plus a bit of Cass and Deb's raw reactions to the interview: spoiler...
2025-07-2743 min
Rational RomanticsEp 22 In Conversation with Oli HigginsonJoin Cass and Deb with a very special guest, Oli Higginson! We met him first as Footman John in the Bridgerton house, a role he has played from Season 1 and into Season 4, the upcoming series. As Modern Oli (@modern_oli on Instagram), he's kicking off an already impressive career in music. Cass and Deb get the chance to ask him all the burning questions about his songwriting process, his upcoming record, and of course, both his history and future with Footman John. Dive into this fantastic interview where seeds are planted, teases are toyed with, and MASSIVE clues and...
2025-07-1347 min
Rational RomanticsEp 21 Galitzine EducationCass and Deb complete their "Galitzine Education" as they each bring a movie starring the heartthrob Nicholas Galitzine that the other hasn't seen and discuss their new watch! And make sure to stick around to the end for a VERY special announcement of the next guest on the pod. But first, Cass discovers the fairy tale wonder of "Cinderella" as Deb notes the Benophie-coded music and the girl-power centered retelling of a familiar story. Deb dives into the intercontinental romance of "Red, White & Royal Blue" as Cass highlights the enemies to lovers turn and the powerful, authentically queer love...
2025-07-0652 min
Rational RomanticsEp 20 In Conversation with Gemma BurgessJoin Cass and Deb as they chat with Gemma Burgess, the showrunner and executive producer of "My Lady Jane!" Your Rational Romantics hosts update you on the world of the Bridgerverse, including some whiplash around a rumored second season of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Then they dive into the interview with Gemma, who reveals the casting process for the iconic Jane and Guildford in Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel, as well as reveals behind-the-scenes details (a cut clandestine handy under the table that distracted from the attempted poisoning, anyone?), and has some fabulous laughs as the ladies chat...
2025-06-2946 min
Rational RomanticsBONUS: Bridgerton Season 4 WrappedYou know we couldn't leave you hanging! Cass and Deb dive into all their thoughts on the Bridgerton Season 4 Wrapped video! From a glimpse of Sophie in blue -- or perhaps more precisely, teal? -- to a grown up Gregory and our first look at Michaela in Season 4 with Francesca...there is so much to discuss! This is a bonus episode that is entirely packed with details and theories, even ones that Cass and Deb discover in the process of the podcast. You must make haste to listen along and share all your thoughts on the many threads this...
2025-06-2537 min
Rational RomanticsEp 19 Taylor Independence DayLet's talk Taylor! Get a window I to Cass and Deb's big reactions to Taylor Swift getting back her masters. They deep dive, note favorites, and chat casually about their history with and love of Taylor Swift. They also drop a few updates from the Bridgerverse, including a certain wedding that might have just been confirmed! And they throw in some Blood of My Blood with an exciting update. This potpourri of an ep is a blast, and too fun to miss, especially for the Swifties!
2025-06-221h 00
Rational RomanticsEp 19 Taylor Independence DayLet's talk Taylor! Get a window I to Cass and Deb's big reactions to Taylor Swift getting back her masters. They deep dive, note favorites, and chat casually about their history with and love of Taylor Swift. They also drop a few updates from the Bridgerverse, including a certain wedding that might have just been confirmed! And they throw in some Blood of My Blood with an exciting update. This potpourri of an ep is a blast, and too fun to miss, especially for the Swifties!
2025-06-221h 00
Rational RomanticsEp 18 The Buccaneers S1Get ready to Buccaneers! Cass and Deb dive into one of the best period dramas on TV right now with a recap of The Buccaneers Season One in preparation for Season Two releasing June 18th! Your Rational Romantics of course hit those Bridgerton updates (like some very exciting new cast!) And Cass talks about a very special opportunity she received about the Buccaneers! Then they dive into Season One, giving a full, spoiler recap of the season before kicking off the next. If you're a longtime fan, refresh your memory and get these fresh takes! If you're looking for...
2025-06-151h 50
Rational RomanticsEp 17 An Offer From a Gentleman Ch 21-EpilogueJoin Cass and Deb as they finish reading and discussing An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn! With such an exciting ending coming up, this episode is full of privilege, power, and punches! With lots of laughs and a few predictions too from your Rational Romantics. They of course drop a few updates on the Bridgerverse and the wider pop culture scope, including World Outlander Day with a fantastic baton-passing between the generations. And they reflect on the fabulous book that is the inspiration for Bridgerton Season 4 with all the impending swoony and delightful content to come. From...
2025-06-081h 18
Rational RomanticsEp 16 May Fan QuestionsJoin Cass and Deb as they answer the questions you most want to know! Everything from Bridgerton predictions to song picks and, of course, going off on random tangents. They run through all the updates in the Bridgerverse this week, and have a blast digging deep on all the theories and ideas about what's to come. Make sure to check out @rationalromantics.pod on Instagram to get your fan questions in for the next episode!
2025-06-0151 min
Rational RomanticsEp 15 An Offer From a Gentleman Ch 16-20Join Cass and Deb as they discuss some truly pivotal chapters in Benedict and Sophie's book journey toward their happily ever after. In the penultimate episode in their read-along for An Offer From a Gentleman, they break down everything from steamy scenes to appalling arrests -- this is a packed episode! And they of course talk about all the updates in the Bridgerverse, including the news that Season Four is coming in EARLY 2026. They also discuss the upcoming Outlander prequel, Blood of My Blood, and make sure to clown a little for some Taylor news at the AMAs. This...
2025-05-251h 27
Rational RomanticsEp 14 Prismatic & SpellboundJoin Cass and Deb as they break down all of the exciting Bridgerton news from this week. From a teaser scene for Season 4 -- and an iconic moment at that -- to a massive bit of news that lit up the fandom, the Rational Romantics are here to discuss it all. Come along for the full analysis of every frame we've seen of Benophie as well as all the predictions about the future of this fantastic series. And they reveal exclusive possible confirmation for a MASSIVE theory about Bridgerton Season 4 and a certain character the fandom has chatted a...
2025-05-181h 03
Rational RomanticsBONUS: Spinoff SpeculationThere is just too much going on in the Bridgerverse this week for Cass and Deb to cover in one episode...so they're bringing you a bonus! The Rational Romantics break down all the evidence that has come this week toward a potential Bridgerton spinoff. They also speculate on what it might be as well as when we might hear the possible news, which may be just right around the corner. This has been a wildly exciting week, so if you're feeling excited (and a little overwhelmed), join Cass and Deb as they catch up on all the details.
2025-05-1226 min
Rational RomanticsEp 13 In Conversation with Erika OkvistJoin Cass and Deb AND Erika Okvist, the hair and makeup designer of Bridgerton Seasons 2 and 3! The Rational Romantics hear right from the source about everything from Queen Charlotte's amazing wigs to Colin's emotional support curl. Erika offers incredible stories from her past, including cutting the hair of Sweden's heartthrob with her kitchen scissors and styling on Downton Abbey. She dives deep on Bridgerton, discussing the process of how styling for these unique and iconic characters works, and even fangirls along with everyone who saw Colin in his pirate coat. This is an unmissable episode with so many fantastic...
2025-05-111h 17
Rational RomanticsEp 12 An Offer From a Gentleman Ch 11-15Join Cass and Deb as they dive into Chapters 11-15 of An Offer From a Gentleman! Things with Benedict and Sophie get hot and heavy, and this episode is full of hot takes, heavy implications, and so much banter. Cass and Deb deep dive all the references, the character development, and the questions of how these scenes might play out in season 4! They also discuss the updates in the Bridgerverse, as well as the rest of pop culture including North of North and Outlander. And they drop a BIG reveal about next week's episode -- so make sure you...
2025-05-041h 21
Rational RomanticsEp 11 An Offer From a Gentleman Ch 6-10Join Cass and Deb as they continue their deep dive of An Offer From a Gentleman with Chapters 6-10. They explore the wild rescue, the beautiful caretaking, and some ill-timed arousal that leads to one of the most iconic scenes in the series. You don't want to miss all the banter, the careful exploration, and the loving critique of this fantastic story. As Benedict and Sophie meet again after a two year separation, many questions within the book, as well as for the show, are brought up. Cass and Deb certainly explore those queries, and have a blast doing...
2025-04-271h 16
Rational RomanticsEp 10 An Offer From A Gentleman Prologue-Ch 5Welcome to the Rational Romantics Read-Along of An Offer From a Gentleman, Benedict and Sophie's book. Cass and Deb discuss the Prologue through Chapter 5 in this massive episode! But they want to deep dive every detail with you, from Sophie's tragic and painful start in life to the magic of the Masquerade. From Benedict's family interactions to the Shakespeare references and allusions. This episode is full to the brim with all the dissection, banter, and Bridgerton love you want from this podcast. If you are a longtime book fan who has read the books a dozen times, come along...
2025-04-201h 59
Rational RomanticsEp 9 Fabulous Fan Questions (April)Cass and Deb dive into what you want to know most -- the answers to your fan questions! They of course dive into all the updates from Bridgerton filming this week, including Viscountess whiplash, and predict about those iconic swings. Then they explore all of your fantastic fan questions, from the future for Hyacinth to songs and fancasts, as well as the final days of Outlander and the books they want -- or don't want -- to read! It is a wonderful time as Cass and Deb discuss your questions and go on their signature rabbit trails. Join them...
2025-04-131h 06
Rational RomanticsEp 8 Polin & PredictionsIt is Polin Day in the Bridgerton fandom, so what other way can your Rational Romantics celebrate but by talking favorite Polin scenes. They also answer your Polin-themed fan questions looking ahead at their role in Season 4 as a happily married couple. You know Cass and Deb have to discuss all the updates in the Bridgerverse as well, diving into the filming, details, and theories that came out this week. This is a classic episode with banter, big ideas, and beautiful discussion of a fabulous couple.
2025-04-0650 min
Rational RomanticsEp 7 Frasers & Friends, with Aynsley BroomWelcome to another packed episode of Rational Romantics with Cass and Deb, and their very first guest, content creator and fellow period drama fan, Aynsley Broom. The three of them explore all the rabbit trails, rants, and random ideas that are bound to pop up whenever you get these three together! They dive in with Outlander, discussing Aynsley's recent journey picking up the show again and their loves (and loathes!) from the series. They play games, throw in theories and thoughts, and have a blast! And even before their guest joins them, Cass and Deb have so much to...
2025-03-301h 20
Rational RomanticsEp 6 Clues, Clowning, and CoversJoin Cass and Deb for another in-depth episode of Rational Romantics! They dissect all the newest tidbits from the Bridgerverse this week, including some possible spoilers that will leave the fandom utterly bereft with possible character loss in Season 4 (potential spoilers ahead). They celebrate some new career moves and some true talent of our very own Footman John, and fully clown for a surprise appearance of a divisive character. And that's all before the main event! Deb shares her interview with Strings from Paris when they performed at the Bridgerton Candlelight Concert in Toronto. She got the dish on...
2025-03-2352 min
Rational RomanticsEp 5 Regency Riffs & RevelationsSuper Sirens--Spoilery Ep Ahead!Cass and Deb discuss all the details from a packed week of Bridgerton crumbs! From possible babies on the way to the start of the final stretch of filming, and a potential character death at a shocking moment, this is a wild episode. And that's just the intro! The Rational Romantics then dive into their 80s Music picks for Bridgerton Season 4. What started as a spoiler and was eventually confirmed by the showrunner herself on Valentine's Day, it looks like we're getting some good ol' Classic Rock for Benedict and Sophie. So join...
2025-03-161h 02
Rational RomanticsEp 4 Picture Perfect PassportJoin Cass and Deb for a packed episode of Rational Romantics as they keep you up to date on everything Bridgerton as well as deep dive Simone Ashley's new movie, "Picture This" on Prime Video. They talk Footman John and Michaela Stirling theories, and Detective Deb is on the Kite Case with a HUGE update. As they chat about the new #1 movie worldwide on Prime Video, Cass and Deb discover that whether you're a portrait or a passport picture, it's all about living your purpose.
2025-03-0958 min
Rational RomanticsEp 3 Swoonworthy SAGsJoin Cass and Deb as they discuss all about the Bridgerton cast at the SAG Awards! Bridgerton was nominated as an ensemble cast, and their "fearless leader" Nicola Coughlan was nominated for Best Actress in a Television Drama. They showed up in full force and looking fierce, as well as with some fabulous tidbits to share about Season Four. Listen along as Cass and Deb deep dive every morsel, from the smallest hints to the biggest theories around the fandom right now.
2025-03-0246 min
Rational RomanticsEp 2 Season of Love, Pt II: Sense & SensualityJoin Cass and Deb as they deep dive the photos and video released at the Bridgerton Season of Love Event. They share some EXCLUSIVE Spoilers about the upcoming season, as well as explore every angle, shade, and theory related to the new Bridgerton content. Come along as they weave down servant staircases and explore new facets of the Bridgerton world. Whisper behind your fans with them as they dissect every costume and Easter Egg hidden in the Masquerade Ball. And get swept up in the romance and sensuality of Benedict and Sophie as they meet and fall in love...
2025-02-2344 min
Rational RomanticsEp 1 Season of Love: Secrets & Surprises, Pt IJoin Cass and Deb as they deep dive the Bridgerton Season of Love Event that aired on Valentine's Day! In part one of this analysis, they talk about the interview from our leads, Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha, as well as the showrunner, Jess Brownell. They dissect all the delicious details dropped by the crew, from returning characters to Benophie's arc to more Easter eggs and theories about what's to come. PLUS! Exclusive spoilers about just what is going on with Penelope and the Queen. If you don't even know where to start with everything we got from this...
2025-02-1656 minRational RomanticsInvigorating IntroductionCass and Deb kick off "Rational Romantics" with an introduction focused on predictions for the Bridgerton Valentine's Event. They dive into what they think might be shared, their excitement and anxiety around the unknown of the new season, and their perspective on spoilers (with warnings, of course). Join them as they start this podcasting journey, dissecting clues from previous Bridgerton promotion and having a great time talking about their favorite show!
2025-02-1228 min