Shows
Who The Hell Are We?The Umbrellas of CherbourgMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964), Written and directed by Jacques Demy, with music by Michel Legrand. Starring Catherine Deneuve and Nino Castelnuovo. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-09-0154 minWho The Hell Are We?Cowabunga, Big KahunaMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: GIDGET (1959), starring Sandra Dee, Cliff Robertson, James Darren, Arthur O'Connell, and the Four Preps. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-07-251h 12Who The Hell Are We?MauriceMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: MAURICE (1987), starring The James Wilby, Hugh Grant, and Rupert Graves. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-07-081h 12Who The Hell Are We?NUTS!Melanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: BATTLEGROUND (1949), starring Van Johnson, John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalbán, George Murphy, and James Whitmore. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-06-181h 09Who The Hell Are We?Melanie's Potty-Mouth T-Shirt RevealMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: CAT PEOPLE (1942), starring Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Tom Conway, and Jane Randolph. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-06-081h 15Who The Hell Are We?Lost Moral CompassMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: THE DAMNED DON'T CRY (1950), starring Joan Crawford, David Brian, and Steve Cochran. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-05-181h 12Who The Hell Are We?Cooley HighMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: COOLEY HIGH (1973), starring Glynn Turman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Garrett Morris. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-05-101h 33Who The Hell Are We?Tuggle and TVMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: WHERE THE BOYS ARE (1960), starring Connie Francis, Dolores Hart, Paula Prentiss, George Hamilton, Yvette Mimieux, Jim Hutton, and Frank Gorshin. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-04-151h 05Who The Hell Are We?Madame XMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: MADAME X (1966), starring Lana Turner, John Forsythe, and Ricardo Montalbán. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2023-03-261h 03Who The Hell Are We?Mendacity!Melanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958), starring Paul Newman, Elizebeth Taylor, and Berl Ives. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2023-02-261h 05Who The Hell Are We?Authors in London StoriesMelanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: THE LONG, HOT SUMMER (1958), starring Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Orson Wells, Lee Remick, Anthony Franciosa, and Angela Lansbury. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2023-02-061h 26Who The Hell Are We?Parade of...(NSFW)Melanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: ONCE IS NOT ENOUGH (1964-ish), starring Kirk Douglas, Alexis Smith, David Janssen, George Hamilton, Brenda Vaccaro, Melina Mercouri, and Deborah Raffin. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-11-271h 15Who The Hell Are We?Ed Goes Hollywood!Melanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (1962), starring Olivia de Havilland, Rossano Brazzi, Yvette Mimieux, George Hamilton, and Barry Sullivan. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-11-101h 15Who The Hell Are We?Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow.Melanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (1945), starring George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Donna Reed, Angela Lansbury, and Peter Lawford. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-10-241h 14Who The Hell Are We?100th Episode!! (again)Melanie and Ed love watching old movies and dishing on them. This week's movie: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE (1941), starring Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, and Lana Turner. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-10-091h 09Who The Hell Are We?Big News Part Duex!Melanie shares her exciting news! This week's movie: IMMORTAL BELOVED (1994), starring Gary Oldman, Jeroen Krabbé, Isabella Rossellini, and Johanna ter Steege. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-09-011h 21Who The Hell Are We?Big News + Big NewsCold open, Ed and Melanie each share their BIG NEWS! This week's movie: MARNIE (1964), starring Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2022-08-201h 16Who The Hell Are We?Run, Josh, Run! Melanie and Ed love watching film noir and dishing on them. This week's movie: IN A LONELY PLACE (1950), starring Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2022-07-241h 24Who The Hell Are We?I'll Never Let You GoWith audio issues in the rear-view mirror, but an inability to do their intro correctly, Melanie and Ed are again watching old movies and dishing on them IN PERSON! This week's movie: LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN (1945) starring Gene Tierney, Cornel Wilde, Jeanne Crain, and Vincent Price. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-07-111h 15Who The Hell Are We?Sexy Rexy!Still getting over two years of remote podcasting, Melanie and Ed are watching old movies and dishing on them IN PERSON! This week's movie: THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR (1947) starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-07-041h 01Who The Hell Are We?BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!!After two years of Covid, and two cross-country moves, the band is back together! Melanie and Ed are watching old movies and dishing on them IN PERSON! This week's movie: ROBIN AND THE 7 HOODS (1964) starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bing Crosby. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-06-0857 minWho The Hell Are We?LAST (remote) EPISODE!Melanie and Ed are reuniting in Chicago in just a few days...the next podcast will not be remote!! This week's movie: Who Cares??? It's a good one, but overshadowed by the news that future podcasts will be done with Mel and Ed in the same room! Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-05-111h 03Who The Hell Are We?Going Home!Big news from Melanie! This week's movie: The Ladykillers (1955) starring Alec Guinness, Herbert Lom, Peter Sellers, Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-04-2654 minWho The Hell Are We?Sweet Smell of SuccessEd in Chicago, Melanie in Williamsburg, watching old movies and dishing on them! This week's movie: SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS (1957) starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis. James Wong Howe cinematography! Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-03-211h 04Who The Hell Are We?Best Damn Movie in the History of the WorldMelanie's first live event in two years, Ed is writing short stories. This week's movie: ICE CASTLES (1978) starring Lynn-Holly Johnson and Robby Benson. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2022-02-261h 18Who The Hell Are We?Stone Cold Sober...A MistakeEd in Chicago, Melanie in Williamsburg, watching old movies and dishing on them! This week's movie: SOLOMON AND SHEBA (1959) starring Yul Brynner, Gina Lollobrigida, and George Sanders. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-02-041h 02Who The Hell Are We?Check. Check. Checkmate.Melanie podcasting from Williamsburg VA, Ed podcasting from Chicago IL, and Yul Brynner on the internet. This week's movie: BEAT THE DEVIL (1953) starring Humphrey Bogart, Jennifer Jones, Gina Lollobrigida, Robert Morley, and Peter Lorre. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. (programming note: watch the B&W version) Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2022-01-211h 02Who The Hell Are We?Holiday Special On Location!A replay of one of Melanie and Ed's most popular episodes of all time....recorded on location in December of 2019, just prior to CovidTimes™ at the iconic Miller's Pub in downtown Chicago. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-11-301h 26Who The Hell Are We?Baby John WayneEd in Chicago, Melanie in Williamsburg, watching old movies and dishing on them! This week's movie: BABY FACE (1933) starring Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent, Theresa Harris, and baby John Wayne. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-11-1959 minWho The Hell Are We?Behind The Book - THE GIRLS IN THE PICTUREPodcast co-host Melanie Benjamin talks about her novel THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE. A fascinating novel of the friendship and creative partnership between two of Hollywood's earliest female legends—screenwriter Frances Marion and superstar Mary Pickford. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-11-1314 minWho The Hell Are We?The Best of Mel and Ed: HumoresqueNew York Times Bestselling Authors Melanie Benjamin and Edward Kelsey Moore love to watch (and dish!) on old movies, then make book recommendations with similar themes. Popular episode from March 2021, HUMORESQUE (1946) starring Joan Crawford, John Garfield, and Oscar Levant. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-10-291h 25Who The Hell Are We?Queue The Honeymoon!Melanie is now a Mother-in-Law! This week's movie: CARMEN JONES (1954) starring Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte, produced and directed by Otto Preminger. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-10-231h 06Who The Hell Are We?Behind The Book - MISTRESS OF THE RITZIn this bonus "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Melanie Benjamin talks in 2019 about her latest novel. Based on true events, MISTRESS OF THE RITZ is a taut tale of suspense wrapped up in a love story for the ages, the inspiring story of a woman and a man who discover the best in each other amid the turbulence of war. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-10-1307 minWho The Hell Are We?Wedding Bells!Melanie and Ed talk about Halloween and an upcoming Covid-delayed wedding! This week's movie: ZIEGFELD GIRL (1941) starring James Stewart, Judy Garland, Hedy Lamarr, Lana Turner. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-10-091h 04Who The Hell Are We?F Sharp - A Short Story by Edward Kelsey MooreSend comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-10-0509 minWho The Hell Are We?Goodbye, Mr. ChipsHealth talk and in-person events: Melanie has a book event, Ed plays a concert! This week's movie: GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS (1939) starring Robert Donat, Greer Garson and directed by Sam Wood. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-09-271h 05Who The Hell Are We?Behind The Book - THE SUPREMES SING THE HAPPY HEARTACHE BLUESHow does a blues man with a terrible secret, a crossdressing lounge singer, three lifelong friends, and several ghosts come together to tell a story about forgiveness? In this “behind the book” bonus episode, podcast co-host Edward Kelsey Moore discusses his second novel, The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-09-1906 minWho The Hell Are We?The LetterEd plays a concert at Ravinia, Melanie podcasts on minimal sleep. This week's movie: THE LETTER (1940) directed by William Wyler, and starring Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall, and James Stephenson. Mel and Ed make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-09-141h 15Who The Hell Are We?Quirks. So Many Quirks!Melanie and Ed talk about the current challenges of air travel and discuss *some* of their personal quirks. This week's movie dishing: KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (1949) starring Alec Guinness (who plays eight parts!)....making book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-08-301h 09Who The Hell Are We?Behind The Book - THE AVIATOR'S WIFETHE AVIATOR'S WIFE is a vividly imagined novel of a complicated marriage—revealing both its dizzying highs and its devastating lows. In this "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Melanie Benjamin talks about the origin of this highly-acclaimed NYT Bestselling novel. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-08-2514 minWho The Hell Are We?Behind The Book - THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EATBrave women, friendship, and eavesdropping on family members. In this bonus "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Edward Kelsey Moore discusses the origins of his New York Times bestselling debut novel, THE SUPREMES AT EARL'S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-08-1708 minWho The Hell Are We?Five Men Dressed As CatsMelanie and Ed discuss THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL (1952) starring Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Barry Sullivan, Gloria Grahame, and Gilbert Roland....then make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-08-161h 16Who The Hell Are We?The Best of Mel and Ed: Double IndemnityNew York Times Bestselling Authors Melanie Benjamin and Edward Kelsey Moore love to watch (and dish!) on old movies, then make book recommendations with similar themes. Popular episode from April 2020, DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944) Directed by Billy Wilder, starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Porter Hall. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-08-0647 minWho The Hell Are We?Good Lighting And A Bad DirectorMelanie and Ed discuss THE CARPETBAGGERS (1964) starring George Peppard, Alan Ladd, Carroll Baker, Robert Cummings, and Elizabeth Ashley...then make book recommendations with similar themes. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-08-011h 20Who The Hell Are We?The Best of Mel and Ed: Written On The WindNew York Times Bestselling Authors Melanie Benjamin and Edward Kelsey Moore love to watch (and dish!) on old movies, then make book recommendations with similar themes. Popular episode from June 2020, WRITTEN ON THE WIND (1956) starring Rock Hudson, Dorothy Malone, Lauren Bacall, and Robert Stack. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! .2021-07-211h 04Who The Hell Are We?Suddenly, Last SummerMelanie and Ed discuss SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER (1959) starring Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Montgomery Clift and suggest novels that relate to the film. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-07-151h 20Who The Hell Are We?Best of Mel and Ed...Troy Donahue and Sandra DeePopular episode from June 2020...Melanie and Ed watch and dish on A SUMMER PLACE (1959), give Pride Month book selections and revisit Gone With The Wind. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-07-081h 11Who The Hell Are We?1776 - The MusicalMelanie (for the 900th time) and Ed (for the first time) watch and discuss the 1972 film adaptation of the award-winning Broadway Musical. Our hosts give recommendations for novels about the American Story. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-07-021h 10Who The Hell Are We?Call You TomorrowIn honor of Pride Month, Melanie and Ed watch and discuss THE BOYS IN THE BAND (1970), the groundbreaking LGBT drama film directed by William Friedkin, screenplay by Mart Crowley. Both hosts recommend novels with memorable gay characters. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-06-241h 12Who The Hell Are We?1946, 2021Melanie and Ed discuss Pride Month and THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) Starring Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, and Harold Russell. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-06-111h 27Who The Hell Are We?HUGS!Melanie and Ed meet for hugs...REAL HUGS! This week's movie is Stage Door (1937) starring literally *everyone*. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-05-261h 05Who The Hell Are We?Special Guest Renée Rosen!Melanie and Ed host author Renée Rosen to discuss her latest novel, THE SOCIAL GRACES, which throws back the curtain on one of the most remarkable feuds in history: Alva Vanderbilt and the Mrs. Astor’s notorious battle for control of New York society during the Gilded Age. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-05-0351 minWho The Hell Are We?Trippy! (and *another* cold open)Ed contemplates adding a new family member; Melanie talks about entering the post-covid restaurant scene; Both forget next week's special guest. This week's movie discussion topic is The Boy Friend (1971), starring Twiggy and Tommy Tune. Mel and Ed recommend books about "backstage." Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-04-251h 02Who The Hell Are We?Subtitles, People!Ed is gardening, Melanie's brain is not functioning, both reminisce about drive-ins. This week's movie is TO SIR, WITH LOVE (1967) starring Sidney Poitier. Mel and Ed recommend books with a similar theme. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-04-171h 07Who The Hell Are We?Podcast Al FrescoMelanie broadcasts with a live audience as Ed begins planning for the gardening season. Mel and Ed discuss FOR ME AND MY GAL (1942) starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, George Murphy and recommend books about WW I and Vaudville. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-04-131h 16Who The Hell Are We?Hollenius? Thelonious? WTHellonis?Ed shares some good news, Melanie recommends novels by Asian American authors. This week's movie discussion: DECEPTION (1946) starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid, and Claude Rains. As always, Ed and Melanie suggest novels on a related theme. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-04-071h 10Who The Hell Are We?Cold OpenMelanie's sons meet in the middle of the country; Ed is grumpy at Chicago's vaccine rollout; our movie-addicted hosts discuss HELLO, DOLLY! (1969) starring Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau, and recommend books with complementary themes. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-03-281h 19Who The Hell Are We?Esther Goes To HollywoodMelanie and Ed will read fan mail next week...write them today! This week's movie is A STAR IS BORN (1937) Starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-03-221h 23Who The Hell Are We?Movie Made For Ed!Melanie and Ed's patented witty banter and 1946's HUMORESQUE with Joan Crawford and John Garfield. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-03-071h 25Who The Hell Are We?It's a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad Blonde MovieSlush vs. 70 degrees; Ed talks about his music in the time of Covid; Melanie puts Ed in a movie-picking-timeout. This week's movie is BAD BLONDE, aka THE FLANAGAN BOY (1953). Our advice: DON'T watch the movie, DO listen to the podcast! Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-02-2757 minWho The Hell Are We?Motors Revving!Sixty-seven seconds of neither host able to breathe as they crack each other up; Ed and Melanie watched VIVA LAS VEGAS (1964) starring Elvis and Ann Margaret for the first time *ever*. Spoiler: THEY LOVED IT! Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-02-211h 08Who The Hell Are We?Two Hoosiers Walk Into A Podcast...Melanie and Ed talk about the weather, Girl Scout Cookies and Indy 500 legend Jim Nabors; Melanie runs away; AUNTIE MAME (1958) starring Rosalind Russell is...uh...discussed. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2021-02-131h 10Who The Hell Are We?Ball of FireIn their 60th episode, Ed and Melanie talk about vaccines, snow, meal delivery, and Melanie announces a big career change! Our movie-addicts discuss BALL OF FIRE (1941) starring Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, and the Gene Krupa Band. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-02-051h 00Who The Hell Are We?What The Hell Did We Just Watch????Our NYT Bestselling authors are back after a short break...Melanie was on back-to-back-to-back virtual events for her latest novel, THE CHILDREN"S BLIZZARD. Fruit hats, trippy Busby Berkeley productions, and Benny Goodman...Ed and Melanie discuss 1943's THE GANG'S ALL HERE. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-01-291h 05Who The Hell Are We?The Children's Blizzard + Dr ZhivagoBack from a holiday break, Ed and Melanie discuss Melanie's latest novel, THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD, which goes on sale January 12th, 2021. This week's movie is, appropriately, Dr. Zhivago from 1965, starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2021-01-081h 25Who The Hell Are We?Top Episode Replay!While Melanie and Ed take a short holiday break, here is a replay of one of their most popular episodes of all time....recorded on location in December of 2019 at the iconic Miller's Pub in downtown Chicago. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-12-261h 26Who The Hell Are We?Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasIn their last episode of 2020, Ed and Melanie discuss the iconic MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS from 1944 starring Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, and Mary Astor. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-12-201h 10Who The Hell Are We?Dressers and Dryers and DisposalsMelanie and Ed describe recent household maintenance adventures and their first automobiles. This week's movie is THE BISHOP'S WIFE from 1947, starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-12-131h 18Who The Hell Are We?Tryptophan ComasMelanie and Ed talk about their Thanksgiving feasts and upcoming holiday gift-giving (including regifting!); This week's movie is REMEMBER THE NIGHT from 1940, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, and Beulah Bondi. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-12-041h 10Who The Hell Are We?Happy Thanksgiving!After their usually smooth intro goes off the rails, Ed and Melanie discuss GILDA starring Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford from 1946. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-11-271h 10
Who The Hell Are We?Moulin Rouge!Ed and Melanie discuss MOULIN ROUGE! starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor from 2001 and suggest book pairings.2020-11-231h 06Who The Hell Are We?Turn the Page...PLEASE!Melanie and Ed wonder if they will have forgotten how to act in public post-Covid; SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS (1961) with Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty is discussed. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-11-171h 22Who The Hell Are We?Hours Away From THE CALLIn the middle of "the count", Melanie and Ed discuss HIGH SOCIETY from 1956. Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong! Both authors recommend books with a high society theme. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2020-11-101h 13Who The Hell Are We?CinemaScope!Election nerves; pandemic holiday plans; Ed and Melanie discuss HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE from 1953. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-10-311h 08Who The Hell Are We?The Woolly MonkeyMelanie considers divorce over this week's movie suggestion. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-10-251h 06Who The Hell Are We?Valley of the DollsVALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1967) was a box office hit but received largely negative reviews from critics upon release. In this episode, Ed and Melanie reenact a pivotal scene. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-10-171h 23Who The Hell Are We?Start of a New EraFirst Chicago-Williamsburg podcast and the team can't remember their lines; Ed visits his mom, Melanie lands in Virginia; Hitchcock's 1948 film ROPE is discussed. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-10-021h 04Who The Hell Are We?Packing Up Half The Podcast TeamMelanie's final podcast from Chicago; Ed and Melanie discuss THE BEST of EVERYTHING from 1959 and provide related book recommendations. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-09-161h 15Who The Hell Are We?It's Dead, Jim!Melanie phones in on a circa nineteen-ought-six laptop; Ed and Melanie discuss 1936's MY MAN GODFREY. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-09-031h 06Who The Hell Are We?"I never met a woman who was more man."Updates on Melanie's upcoming move; Ed and Melanie discuss 1954's bold and stylized film, JOHNNY GUITAR. Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-08-231h 10Who The Hell Are We?You did WHAT???Ed talks about his celebrity stalking days, Melanie shares some NEWS. Ed and Melanie discuss TOP HAT (1935) with Fred and Ginger! Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2020-08-061h 11Who The Hell Are We?Did You Miss Us?Melanie and Ed are back after taking last week off. Melanie drove to see her Covidboy in Colorado, Ed wrote and practiced his cello! Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-07-261h 01Who The Hell Are We?Magnificent ObsessionMelanie and Ed discuss Douglas Sirk's 1954 movie starring Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson, and recommend books with a spirituality theme. Melanie also takes a road trip! Send podcast comments and suggestions to MelandEd@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-07-031h 11Who The Hell Are We?Vivid Dreams and Super DawgsMelanie and Ed fight through sheltering-at-home internet bandwidth issues to talk about dreams, Melanie's date night, and DOUBLE INDEMNITY. Send podcast comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-04-2348 minWho The Hell Are We?F Sharp - A Short Story by Edward Kelsey MooreSend comments and suggestions to Melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-04-0109 minWho The Hell Are We?Shelter in Place IILatest social-distancing podcast from Melanie and Ed. Realization sets in that this will be a long healing process for the country and the world. Books and movies to lift your spirits; Melanie's NYT word puzzle addiction and Ed's crafts come out of the basement. Send comments and suggestions to help each other out to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-03-1938 minWho The Hell Are We?Shelter in Place ISpecial coronavirus edition podcast...Melanie and Ed maintain CDC-recommended social distance via Skype. Melanie self-identifies as a Hausfrau, Ed tours his workspace and of course, toilet paper. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2020-03-1739 min
Who The Hell Are We?The Swans of Fifth Avenue"The most fun I've ever had writing a book," says podcast co-host Melanie Benjamin describing THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE. In this bonus "Behind the Book" episode, Melanie talks about her delicious novel about New York's "Swans" of the 1950s—and the scandalous, headline-making, and enthralling friendship between literary legend Truman Capote and peerless socialite Babe Paley.2020-02-1015 min
Who The Hell Are We?The Girls in the PictureIn this bonus "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Melanie Benjamin talks about her novel THE GIRLS IN THE PICTURE. A fascinating novel of the friendship and creative partnership between two of Hollywood's earliest female legends—screenwriter Frances Marion and superstar Mary Pickford.2020-01-1413 minWho The Hell Are We?2019 Extended Holiday Special - Our 10 Favorite Things!NYT Bestselling authors Edward Kelsey Moore and Melanie Benjamin talk about Christmas in Chicago and their favorite things. This is their first remote podcast...recorded at the iconic Miller's Pub in downtown Chicago. Topics covered: Beethoven, Martha Stewart, Tom & Jerry Holiday Drink and much more! Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2019-12-131h 26Who The Hell Are We?StorytellingMelanie and Ed discuss storytelling, from hunter-gatherer campfires to today's online streaming. Melanie reveals the literary origin of her name and Ed battles a toy airplane. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2019-09-2742 min
Who The Hell Are We?The Aviator's WifeTHE AVIATOR'S WIFE is a vividly imagined novel of a complicated marriage—revealing both its dizzying highs and its devastating lows. In this "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Melanie Benjamin talks about the origin of this highly-acclaimed NYT Bestselling novel. 2019-09-2113 min
Who The Hell Are We?Alice I have BeenA love story and a literary mystery, ALICE I HAVE BEEN brilliantly blends fact and fiction to capture the passionate spirit of a woman who was truly worthy of her fictional alter ego, in a world as captivating as the Wonderland only she could inspire. In this bonus "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Melanie Benjamin talks about the origin of her first historical novel. 2019-09-0719 minWho The Hell Are We?I Facebook, Therefore I AmNYT Bestselling authors Edward Kelsey Moore and Melanie Benjamin share book tour war stories and discuss books about authors. An existential question answered: Is a writer who they are on social media or are they who they are when they sit down in front of the computer to write? Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2019-08-3045 min
Who The Hell Are We?The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache BluesHow do a blues man with a terrible secret, a crossdressing lounge singer, three lifelong friends, and several ghosts come together to tell a story about forgiveness? In this “behind the book” bonus episode, podcast co-host Edward Kelsey Moore discusses his second novel, The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2019-07-2706 min
Who The Hell Are We?Mistress of the RitzIn this bonus "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Melanie Benjamin talks about her latest novel. Based on true events, MISTRESS OF THE RITZ is a taut tale of suspense wrapped up in a love story for the ages, the inspiring story of a woman and a man who discover the best in each other amid the turbulence of war.2019-07-0907 min
Who The Hell Are We?The Supremes At Earl's All-You-Can-EatBrave women, friendship, and eavesdropping on family members. In this bonus "behind the book" episode, podcast co-host Edward Kelsey Moore discusses the origins of his New York Times bestselling debut novel, THE SUPREMES AT EARL'S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT. 2019-06-2708 minWho The Hell Are We?Books, Movies and a Rough CrossingEd and Melanie talk about books and movies and Melanie's $200 taxi ride. Not to be missed is Ed and Melanie telling the story of a Queen Mary crossing. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2019-06-2346 minWho The Hell Are We?Write What You Know?NYT Bestselling authors Edward Kelsey Moore and Melanie Benjamin discuss the most often-repeated words of advice for authors. PLUS Ed's dramatic bus ride to the Great Wall of China! Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show!2019-06-1051 minWho The Hell Are We?Welcome to the Podcast!New York Times Bestselling authors Edward Kelsey Moore and Melanie Benjamin introduce listeners to their new podcast about identity, books, and cocktails. Send comments and show topic suggestions to melanded@whothehellarewe.com Don't forget to subscribe to the show! 2019-05-0840 min