Shows
Curated by ChanceQue Seurat, SeuratEpisode 55: Que Seurat, Seurat (AD-FREE)This week’s prompts: Chair, Pews, 1886
Lauren debates pest control theology. Neal is mid-migraine and back pain. Business as usual. From pointillist pixels to loincloths and jungle epics, this episode stretches across art history and ‘80s Hollywood with wildly different (but equally nerdy) results.
First, Lauren goes deep into Georges Seurat’s Models (1886), a painting-within-a-painting that doubles as a defiant response to critics. You’ll learn why Seurat’s figures were accused of looking like mannequins, how his dots anticipated both Cubism and CMYK printing, and why Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ac...
2025-08-201h 08
Curated by ChanceJennifer Lopez and The Existential CrisisEpisode 54: Jennifer Lopez and The Existential Crisis
This week’s prompts: 1519, Lavender, Washer
Neal forgets his mic. Lauren triggers an existential crisis. So, basically, everything’s normal. From rom-coms to laudanum-soaked painters, this episode spans centuries and sensibilities as our hosts dig into their latest trio of prompts with very different (but equally fascinating) results.
First, Neal breaks down the 2002 J.Lo classic Maid in Manhattan, including the OG Cinderella plot, the Ralph Fiennes miscast magic, and a wardrobe change worthy of Bob Mackie and Harry Winston. You'll learn why John Hughes took his...
2025-08-131h 12
Curated by ChanceNinja Leslie NielsenEPISODE 53: Ninja Leslie Nielsen
Summer’s in full swing, the bats are (mostly) gone, and Neal’s first attempt at mowing the lawn was almost a Disney nature documentary—minus the narrator and with a lot more screaming. Lauren’s on bat patrol until “The Batman” (the wildlife kind) cometh, and Patreon member Guy Carter weighs in with a skeleton-running-away-worthy comment. From spiders to baby rabbits to birdhouse injuries, it’s a wild week in the great outdoors… which just confirms that Neal and Colleen are officially indoor kids.
But then we get to the good stuff—this...
2025-08-061h 04
Curated by ChanceBat Babies in My EarEpisode 52: Bat Babies in My Ear (AD-FREE)
This week’s prompts: World War II, Forest Green, 77
If last week was chaos, this week... still chaos. Lauren is podcasting under a blanket like it’s her last line of defense. Welcome to another wildly unpredictable episode of Curated by Chance—complete with dramatic retellings, wartime art dives, and a little Spielberg in between.
First up, Neal takes us on a tour of underseen World War II films—including the gritty suspense of The Train (1964), the postwar pain of The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and the...
2025-07-301h 11
Curated by ChanceMonet, Manet, and a Gentleman ThiefEpisode 51: Monet, Manet, and a Gentleman Thief
This week’s prompts: Parisian, Crown, 540, Fuschia
What do you get when a birthday party is interrupted by a hostage situation with a grenade landing in your neighborhood? You get Lauren’s summer.
In this episode, Lauren and Neal return with updates from the chaos of everyday life—and a seriously rich deep dive into art history, revolutionary brushstrokes, and one very cranky artist. Lauren breaks down The Judgment of Paris by Ross King, a nonfiction ride through the 1860s that p...
2025-07-251h 01
Curated by ChanceInvites Close ListeningEPISODE 48: Invites Close Listening
This week’s prompts: Opal, Calendar, 1796
In this episode, Lauren and Neal dive into illuminated manuscripts, chaotic filmmaking, and the sounds that make your palms sweat.
First up: Lauren unpacks The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, one of the most important medieval manuscripts ever created. We explore why it's a masterpiece of Christian devotion, seasonal symbolism, and early art history—featuring astrological charts, noble feasts, a pregnant grape-picker (!), and even some cheeky peasant butts.
2025-07-221h 18
Curated by ChanceHow to Solve Your Own PodcastEPISODE 50: How to Solve Your Own Podcast
We did it! 50 episodes in, Curated by Chance hits its midlife crisis—no Porsche, no Bali retreat, but Neal and Lauren are still here, still talking, and (shockingly) still not out of things to say. To celebrate the big 5-0, we’re cracking open our first ever CBC Book Club pick: How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin.
What begins as a light mystery read turns into a wide-ranging discussion on genre expectations, literary pet peeves, cozy vibes, and what makes a character actually worth root...
2025-07-171h 08
Curated by ChanceKing of BugsEPISODE 49: King of Bugs
This week’s prompts: Ivory, Pen, Radio, 1988
Morning energy hits different—especially when you’re caffeinated, half-unpacked, and dodging…critters? In this early-bird episode, Lauren and Neal dive into a grab bag of topics, from cinematic corporate climbs to tragic artistic genius.
First up, Neal shares a behind-the-scenes deep dive into Working Girl (1988). Hear the untold stories of Melanie Griffith’s sobriety struggles, Harrison Ford’s tzatziki-covered charm, and how Carly Simon’s Oscar-winning song almost got replaced by “Witchy Woman.” It’s a time capsule of shoulder pads, Staten Island, and s...
2025-07-091h 25
Curated by ChanceDouble Jackpot All The WayEPISODE 47: Double Jackpot All The Way
PROMPTS: Bridge, Tangerine, 1077
This week, Neal and Lauren balance on the edge—of collapsing bridges, spiritual awakenings, and the line between realism and mysticism. It’s an episode about burden and beauty, as we trace the paths of two vastly different artists connected by one thing: the courage to push beyond what’s expected and into something sublime.
Neal dives into William Friedkin’s Sorcerer (1977), the sweaty, pulse-pounding remake of The Wages of Fear. It’s a tale of four desperate men driving trucks full of nitroglycerin across a r...
2025-06-251h 08
Curated by ChanceI'm Gonna Go Take A BathEPISODE 46: I'm Gonna Go Take A Bath
4PROMPTS: Sweet, Disguise, Violet, 1166
This week, Neal and Lauren unwrap stories that look sweet on the surface—but dig a little deeper and you’ll find layers of longing, legacy, and lawsuits. It’s an episode about beauty, disguise, and the unexpected depth behind desserts and string sections.
Neal revisits Bitter Sweet Symphony by The Verve, a song so instantly iconic that it dominated 1997—and nearly destroyed the band that made it. He traces how a borrowed Rolling Stones sample led to o...
2025-06-191h 05
Curated by ChanceThe DMV of the AfterlifeEPISODE 45: The DMV of the Afterlife
PROMPTS: Bath, Copper, 949
This week, Neal and Lauren step into two seemingly very different worlds—one of foster kids, foul balls, and 90s baseball magic, the other of copper plates, religious politics, and some seriously metal Renaissance art. It’s an episode about faith, fandom, and just how much you can say with a single image (or a single angel).
Neal revisits Angels in the Outfield (1994), a feel-good Disney sports fantasy that came out just as Major League Baseball faced one of its darkest real-life chapters. From Chri...
2025-06-111h 14
Curated by ChancePollen the Size of Cotton BallsEpisode 44: Pollen the Size of Cotton Balls
PROMPTS: Teal, Pizza, 236
This week, Lauren and Neal wander down wildly different (but equally satisfying) paths—one lined with sumptuous portraits and queer-coded brushstrokes, the other dripping with melted cheese, pizza lore, and ’80s teen movie mayhem. It’s an episode about beauty, indulgence, and the long, strange history of how we present people and pizza.
Lauren goes long on John Singer Sargent, the prolific portraitist whose mastery of fabric, personality, and sensuality made him the toast of the Gilded Age—and also got him chased out of P...
2025-06-041h 18
Curated by ChanceIf Squibs Are Your KinkThis week, Neal and Lauren dig deep—into Detroit’s dystopian futures and the defiant symbolism of a pink dress on the border between two worlds. From cyborg vengeance and squib-splattered satire to political identity and anti-colonial resistance, this episode is about the body: armored, wounded, and framed for revolution.
Neal takes the first swing (and squib) with a dive into RoboCop (1987), Paul Verhoeven’s ultraviolent, ultra-satirical sci-fi cult classic set in a future Detroit teetering on collapse. Come for the gunslinger-cyborg revenge story, stay for the commentary on Reaganomics, privatized policing, Nazi propaganda, and a Walkman loaded...
2025-05-281h 11
Curated by ChanceWash Your Damn Hands!Episode 42: Wash Your Damn Hands!
Prompts: Kitchen, Bronze, 80
Fresh off a trip to Boston, Lauren recounts her culinary and curatorial adventures (chocolate chip cookies in bed, lobster dumplings, and one surreal encounter with a butter-yellow sculpture of a woman peeing). Her topic? The extraordinary and unsettling work of contemporary artist Kiki Smith. Known for her sculptures, prints, and bronze bodies that explore everything from menstruation to myth, Smith is a feminist powerhouse whose work challenges viewers to confront death, discomfort, and the sacred messiness of being alive. Highlights include her crawling, glass-eyed Lilith, apothecary bottles...
2025-05-281h 25
Curated by ChanceHow is that better, Catholically?Episode 41: How is that better, Catholically?
PROMPTS: 30, Expose, Shadow
From the tight grip of Hollywood’s moral code to the brooding, empty piazzas of metaphysical painting, it’s all about what happens when shadows speak louder than light.
Neal exposes the strange, fascinating, and deeply moralistic world of the Hays Code, Hollywood’s self-imposed censorship system that ruled American cinema from the 1930s to the 1960s. From Fatty Arbuckle to Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, and the birth of film noir, Neal tracks the cultur...
2025-05-141h 12
Curated by ChanceDisquieting Genitals and Inscrutable PlotlinesEpisode 40: Disquieting Genitals and Inscrutable Plotlines
Prompts: Dystopia, Stone, 6
This week, Lauren and Neal go big—Biblical-apocalypse-meets-Renaissance-sculpture big. From marble perfection to multi-chapter madness, the duo tackles two cultural landmarks that both obsess over the body, prophecy, and, somehow, time travel.
Lauren kicks things off with Michelangelo’s David, that iconic slab of Renaissance idealism carved in quiet defiance of the world around it. She explores how David’s oversized hands, tense posture, and famous nudity turned him into more than just a pretty statue—he was a political message, a symbol of divine s...
2025-05-071h 30
Curated by ChanceCurve Is The Thinking Man's Axe™Episode 39: Curve Is The Thinking Man's Axe™
Prompts: Mauve, Fabergé Egg, Sale
From a glittering egg-based heist to the rebranding of manhood via cologne, this episode has everything: tilt-shift cinematography, Romanov decadence, and a scent trail that leads straight to 2001.
Neal kicks things off with a love letter to Game Night (2018), the mid-budget comedy-thriller that delivers both gut-busting laughs and cinematic style. With Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams leading a cast of surprisingly intense suburbanites, this one’s shot like a Fincher film but plays like Clue on st...
2025-04-301h 13
Curated by ChanceFunky Cold MessinaEPISODE 38: Funky Cold MessinaPROMPTS: Black, 1350, FireIn this episode of Curated by Chance, things get dark—literally and historically—as Lauren takes us on a deep dive into the Black Death, while Neal brings the dad-movie heat with a Clint Eastwood thriller that simmers with guilt, glory, and Secret Service showdowns.Lauren unpacks the devastating second wave of the bubonic plague that ravaged Europe in the mid-1300s, touching on its impact on global populations, religious structures, art, medicine, and even nursery rhymes (ring...
2025-04-231h 15
Curated by ChanceJingle in the Brain BoxEPISODE 37: A Jingle in the Brain BoxPROMPTS: 1024, Royal Blue, GhostThis week Neal and Lauren dig into some cult classics—on screen and on the page—with sports corruption, spectral romances, and enough Gothic tropes to haunt your bookshelves for weeks.Neal kicks things off with the 1994 basketball drama Blue Chips, directed by William Friedkin and written by sports-movie maestro Ron Shelton. From real-life coaching scandals to on-court drama starring Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, Neal unpacks the movie’s behind-the-scenes chaos and its...
2025-04-161h 07
Curated by ChanceDesensitized UrologistEPISODE 36: Desensitized Urologist PROMPTS: Hand, Monochrome, 291This week, Lauren and Neal find themselves surrounded by haunting photographs, avant-garde rebels, seduction by switchblade, and the power of a well-composed shadow. It’s all about hands—on camera, in print, and tattooed across the knuckles of cinema’s creepiest preacher.Lauren dives into the story of Alfred Stieglitz and the legendary Gallery 291, where modern art and photography staked a claim in the American imagination. From pictorialism to straight photography, and from Paul Strand to Picabia’s mechanical p...
2025-04-091h 15
Curated by ChanceCrow DripEpisode 35: Crow DripPROMPTS: Khaki, 624, InstrumentThis week, Neal and Lauren dive into two genre-defining masterpieces—one epic adventure from late-90s Hollywood, and one triptych of religious fever dreams from the 15th century. You know, just your average Tuesday.Neal kicks things off with a full-on love letter to The Mummy (1999), the film that gave us peak Brendan Fraser, tomb-raiding librarians, and one of the worst CGI effects ever committed to screen (we're looking at you, Scorpion King). From the film’s sweaty, snake...
2025-04-021h 15
Curated by ChanceIn Your Face, Deion Sanders!Episode 34: In Your Face Deion SandersPrompts: Face, Bull, SepiaIn this art-and-cinema-packed episode of Curated by Chance, Lauren and Neal tackle two iconic mediums of visual storytelling: Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece and the century-long evolution of sepia in film. Lauren kicks things off with Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, diving deep into the tragic bombing that inspired it, the painting’s powerful symbolism, and the key role of Dora Maar—Picasso’s partner, muse, and fellow artist. She explores the visual chaos, hidden skulls, dismembere...
2025-03-261h 13
Curated by ChanceLauren Hates MelonEPISODE 33: Lauren Hates MelonPROMPTS: Italy, 88, ChartreuseNeal and Lauren explore two vastly different works—one about the magic of cinema, the other about fruit, vegetables, and a very ominous cucumber.Neal kicks things off with Cinema Paradiso (1988), Giuseppe Tornatore’s love letter to film. He breaks down how the film blends nostalgia, mentorship, and the bittersweet passage of time through the relationship between young Toto and his surrogate father, Alfredo. From the iconic “film reel of kisses” to Ennio Morricone’s hauntingly beautiful score, Neal...
2025-03-191h 08
Curated by ChanceRRRebelEPISODE 32: RRRebelPROMPTS: Rebel, Rose, 314This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore two films centered on rebellion—one a Technicolor classic, the other a bombastic action epic.Lauren kicks things off with RRR (2022), the Indian blockbuster that became a global phenomenon. She dives into how this Tollywood spectacle reimagines history, blending revolutionary fervor with jaw-dropping action, heartfelt bromance, and unforgettable musical sequences (including the Oscar-winning Naatu Naatu). From its dazzling dance numbers to its over-the-top heroics, Lauren explains why RRR is on...
2025-03-121h 08
Curated by ChanceYou Won’t be Able to Take a Bath in JapanEPISODE 31: You Won’t be Able to Take a Bath in JapanPROMPTS: Phone, Silver, 17This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive deep into the world of absurdity, dark humor, and controversial art, exploring two distinct works—one from cinema and one from fine art.Neal kicks things off by discussing Serial Mom (1994), the black comedy directed by John Waters. He delves into the film's satire of suburban life and American culture, following Beverly Sutfin, a seemingly perfect PTA mom with a murd...
2025-03-051h 09
Curated by ChanceWitches, Send Good Things to NealEPISODE 30: Witches, Send Good Things to NealPROMPTS: Lunar, Electricity, 30This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren celebrate their 30th episode with two cinematic classics—one romantic, one groundbreaking.Lauren takes a deep dive into Moonstruck (1987), the beloved romantic comedy starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. From its theatrical dialogue to its fairy tale-like storytelling, she explores what makes this film such a timeless classic. She also discusses the film’s Italian-American identity, Cher’s Oscar-winning performance, and why this movie is secretly one of...
2025-02-261h 04
Curated by ChanceExcuse Me While I Kiss This GuyEpisode 29: Excuse Me While I Kiss This Guy PROMPTS: Siren, Leather, 818Neal embarks on an off-the-rails deep dive into Ice Ice Baby, Vanilla Ice’s meteoric rise, and the bizarre world surrounding his fame. From his disputed backstory to a failed Hollywood career (Cool as Ice, anyone?), Neal unpacks the highs, lows, and lingering pop-culture footprint of one of the 90s’ most notorious one-hit wonders. Plus, a wild fact about an important crew member that you won't want to miss. Lauren brings things back to h...
2025-02-1955 min
Curated by Chance(Bill) Bryson RoyaleEpisode 28: (Bill) Bryson RoyalePROMPTS: Maroon, Accent, 215This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore language, survival, and everything in between, bringing two wildly different yet equally fascinating topics to the table.Lauren dives into Bill Bryson’s The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way, a witty and informative exploration of the quirks, history, and evolution of the English language. From the origin of everyday words to unexpected trivia like why an apron was once “a napron,” Lauren explains why Br...
2025-02-121h 06
Curated by ChanceMeta CheeseEpisode 27: Meta CheesePROMPTS: Sky-Blue, 101, FlowersThis week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore two vastly different works.Neal revisits The Truman Show (1998), diving deep into its eerie parallels with modern-day surveillance culture, reality TV, and social media. From Jim Carrey’s career-defining performance to the film’s psychological impact (including the real-life Truman Show Delusion), Neal unpacks why this dystopian comedy-drama is more relevant than ever. He also explores the iconic "sky blue" moment—the moment Truman discovers the literal limits of his...
2025-02-051h 22
Curated by ChanceNeal Found A Dead BodyEPISODE 26: Neal Found A Dead BodyPROMPTS: 1958, Ship, Mustard YellowThis week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive into two fascinating works that capture grandeur, tragedy, and larger-than-life imagery.Lauren takes listeners back to the 16th century with Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus, an artwork that redefines mythological storytelling. She explores how Bruegel subverts the dramatic morality tale of Icarus by making his downfall barely noticeable in the scene, instead focusing on the ordinary world continuing as...
2025-01-291h 08
Curated by ChanceIt's The LT Guarantee!EPISODE 25: It's The LT Guarantee!PROMPTS: 1434, Charcoal, LensIn this episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore two masterpieces inspired by this week’s prompts, taking listeners on a journey through art, cinema, and history.Neal delves into Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Rear Window (1954), unraveling its themes of voyeurism, morality, and isolation. From the groundbreaking set design to Hitchcock’s visual storytelling, Neal breaks down why this suspenseful masterpiece still resonates in the digital age. He also shares fascinating trivia, including its connection to real-life crimes...
2025-01-221h 19
Curated by ChanceWe Read BooksEpisode 24: We Read BooksPrompts: Tomato Red, Globe-trotting, 5In this week’s episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren find themselves in perfect sync as they both dive into Richard Osman’s latest book, We Solve Murders. What are the odds? (Apparently, 1-in-24 episodes.)Lauren kicks things off with her enthusiastic review of We Solve Murders, Richard Osman’s action-packed, character-rich follow-up to The Thursday Murder Club. She explores how Osman’s knack for quirky characters and heartfelt moments makes this new book a winner...
2025-01-2045 min
Curated by ChancePhilip K. DickolasEpisode 23: Philip K. DickolasPrompts: Blue, Machine, and TwoIn this futuristic and literary episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive into two distinct works of art inspired by this week’s prompts.Neal explores the 2002 sci-fi noir masterpiece Minority Report. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, the film delves into the murky ethics of pre-crime technology, stunning practical effects, and a dark vision of the future. From incredible stunts to Spielberg’s signature long takes, Neal breaks down why this...
2025-01-091h 02
Curated by ChanceSisterhood of the Traveling GoldfinchEPISODE 22: Sisterhood of the Traveling GoldfinchPROMPTS: Fowl, 27, CoralIn this wild New Year and milestone birthday episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren ring in 2025 with a blend of art, absurdity, and a little fowl play.Lauren dives into the storied history of Carl Fabritius’ The Goldfinch, a Dutch Golden Age masterpiece that’s survived explosions, shrapnel, and centuries of mystery. From its delicate depiction of a chained goldfinch to its surprising symbolic significance, Lauren takes listeners through its fascinating journey from obscurity to the center of Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer-winning novel...
2025-01-011h 03
Curated by ChanceDeep Fried Tenders at BulgesEpisode 21: Deep Fried Tenders at BulgesIn this festive episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive into an unexpectedly hilarious and insightful conversation inspired by the spirit of the season, nostalgic college rituals, and... unconventional business ideas.Lauren opens with reflections on Christmas traditions, from her family's cozy Christmas Eve rituals to her current waffle-filled mornings with her in-laws. Neal shares his childhood Christmas celebrations and recounts his role as the family "jungle gym" for his nieces, complete with a Tecmo Super Bowl tournament twist.Then, things take...
2024-12-251h 09
Curated by ChanceCeci N’est Pas Une PodcastEpisode 20: Ceci N’est Pas Une PodcastIn this episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren embrace the surreal as they explore two influential creative giants: the enigmatic René Magritte and the groundbreaking screenwriter William Goldman.Lauren kicks things off with a deep dive into the surreal world of René Magritte, the Belgian artist known for his clever, dreamlike paintings that challenge perception and representation. From the haunting story of his childhood to his evolution as a key figure in surrealism, Lauren unpacks the layers of Magritte’s work, including iconic pieces like The Treach...
2024-12-181h 06
Curated by ChanceSaffron Crocs & Eyeball BurnsEpisode 19: Saffron Crocs & Eyeball BurnsIn this episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren start with a spirited discussion about wardrobe mishaps, a whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C., and the energy of exploring monuments on scooters in freezing weather.Neal takes us back to 1975 with a cinematic masterpiece that’s part art history, part technical marvel: Barry Lyndon. Highlighting Stanley Kubrick’s obsession with natural light, NASA lenses, and meticulous historical detail, Neal reveals why this film is like walking into an 18th-century painting. Along the way, we hear about the film’s produc...
2024-12-111h 09
Curated by ChanceLocked in a MuseumEPISODE 18: Locked in a MuseumNeal and Lauren kick off this episode of Curated by Chance with a fun hypothetical: which museum would you be okay being locked in for a week? Neal leans into nostalgia for The Met’s labyrinthine halls and ancient relics, while Lauren takes us through her imaginative week at The Met, complete with time-traveling from an 18th-century room to a Frank Lloyd Wright interior.In their prompts section, Lauren dives into the life and art of Rosa Bonheur, the trailblazing 19th-century painter known for her massive and hyper-realistic animal portraits. La...
2024-12-041h 04
Curated by ChanceMocks and DocsEPISODE 17: Mocks and DocsNeal dives into the delightful chaos of Waiting for Guffman, the cult classic mockumentary by Christopher Guest. He unpacks the absurdly earnest world of small-town community theater, introducing the eccentric Corky St. Clair, Blaine, Missouri’s quirkiest director. With heartfelt anecdotes and laugh-out-loud observations, Neal celebrates the improvised genius of the cast, from Parker Posey’s Dairy Queen dreamer to Fred Willard and Catherine O’Hara’s hilariously misguided stage couple. Neal shares personal memories tied to the film, why it resonates with theater lovers and skeptics alike, and how it brill...
2024-11-271h 16
Curated by ChancePodsplain It To MeEPISODE 16: Podsplain It To MeLauren takes listeners deep into the complex world of museum ethics and cultural restitution, unraveling the fascinating saga of the Benin Bronzes. She recounts how these treasured artifacts were looted from Nigeria during a violent raid in 1897 and scattered across global museums, sparking heated debates about repatriation and cultural preservation. With wit and insight, Lauren sheds light on the ongoing tug-of-war between returning artifacts to their origins and preserving them for a global audience, challenging listeners to consider: who truly owns history?Neal shifts gears with a celebration of Zatoichi...
2024-11-201h 18
Curated by ChancePretty in Shocking PinkEPISODE 15: Pretty in Shocking PinkIn this episode, Neal and Lauren bring their signature blend of wit and insight to two fascinating cultural topics. Neal dives deep into Pretty in Pink (1986), sharing behind-the-scenes stories, casting surprises, and the lasting impact of John Hughes’ quintessential teen rom-com. From Molly Ringwald’s iconic wardrobe to the alternate ending that test audiences rejected, Neal unpacks why Pretty in Pink remains a touchstone for teen cinema. Whether you’re Team Ducky or Team Blane, Neal’s exploration of the film’s music, themes, and legacy will have you dusting off your prom playl...
2024-11-131h 19
Curated by ChanceRunning Up Solsbury HillEPISODE 14: Running Up Solsbury HillIn this episode, Neal and Lauren dive deep into two iconic works that shaped pop culture. Lauren takes listeners on a journey through So, Peter Gabriel's groundbreaking 1986 album. She explores its experimental sound, innovative collaborations, and social influence, highlighting Gabriel’s approach to music that incorporated diverse voices and global influences. From “Sledgehammer” to “In Your Eyes,” Lauren unpacks the inspiration, talent, and ambition behind each track, revealing why So continues to resonate with fans worldwide.Neal short-circuits at one point and then shares his passion for You've Got Mail [1998] and discus...
2024-11-061h 07
Curated by ChanceThe Fragonard of ChicagoEPISODE 13: The Fragonard of ChicagoOn this week's episode, Neal continues his BSE (Big Standing Energy) and tackles Fast Times at Ridgemont High [1982]r, revealing how the film changed the teen comedy landscape. From Sean Penn's iconic stoner Spicoli to Amy Heckerling’s game-changing direction, Neal uncovers the humor and heart in this cult classic. Listen in as he dives into the film’s killer soundtrack, its legacy, and how it paved the way for movies like American Pie and Clueless and has one iconic moment that literally ruined a small segment of the VHS industry.Th...
2024-10-301h 04
Curated by ChanceSoupçon of EroticismIn this episode, Neal and Lauren dive headfirst into both the frothy and the fascinating. Lauren kicks things off with a deep exploration of the Rococo art movement, focusing on The Swing by Fragonard. She unpacks its playful eroticism and hidden symbolism, revealing how this seemingly lighthearted artwork hides a web of societal commentary. We learn the difference between cherubs and putti and Lauren guides listeners through the lush visual language that made the Rococo period a lavish statement on beauty and pleasure. Don't miss her sidebar on how Frozen references this classic piece and click the link below...
2024-10-231h 13
Curated by ChanceLive From A Buick!In this week's episode, Neal and Lauren bring a unique blend of personal stories and art history to the forefront. Neal kicks things off from recording live from the backseat of his Buick—hailstorms, train noise, and all—with a hilarious tale of winning Prom King in high school. Neal talks about Silver Bullet (1985), a lesser-known werewolf film based on Stephen King's novella Cycle of the Werewolf. From Gary Busey's improvised lines to the story's unique portrayal of disability, Neal examines what makes this cult classic stand out among horror fans. And don't miss the sidebar on Stephen King's Doll...
2024-10-161h 09
Curated by ChanceYou Can't Handle The PunsEPISODE 10: You Can't Handle The PunsIn this episode, Neal and Lauren dive into the world of early George Lucas. Lauren gives a playful yet in-depth breakdown of THX 1138, Lucas’s first film, discussing its dystopian themes, the impressive DIY production, and how it laid the groundwork for the iconic Star Wars series. She shares fun production stories, like the bizarre involvement of cult members as extras and the origins of Wookiees!Neal joins the conversation by highlighting the importance of Walter Murch’s editing philosophy and provides a fascinating look at how Lucas's friendships with...
2024-10-091h 05
Curated by ChanceThe Sands of Time Burn by FISCHER & TAGEPISODE 9: The Sands of Time Burn by FISCHER & TAGIn this week's episode, Neal and Lauren explore the wild world of action movies and conceptual art. Lauren recounts an embarrassing Zoom meeting mishap involving a school interview, a microphone, and a sandwich and later breaks down how a banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $120,000 and sparked debates about the nature of art. Neal dives deep into the history of action movies, tracing their evolution from the gritty film noir of the 1940s to the stylized "gun-fu" of the John Wick series. He explains how Taken (2008) revitalized...
2024-10-021h 23
Curated by ChanceHow Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?EPISODE 8: How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?In this week’s episode, Neal and Lauren talk about chaotic spills, ancient art, and dream-like cinema. Neal recounts a history of personal injuries tied to performance days, while Lauren confesses to teaching through the heat of a frenzied classroom. After light-hearted banter, they dive deep into the aesthetics of lost art and surreal filmmaking.Lauren talks about the history of Greek and Roman sculptures, uncovering the truth about their original painted surfaces and debunking the myth of "white marble perfection." Were these sculptures intentionally wh...
2024-09-251h 16
Curated by ChanceFalling for Lee Pace and Cozy MysteriesEPISODE 7: Falling for Lee Pace and Cozy MysteriesIn this week's episode, Neal talks about digital heartbreak and reveals two pieces of good news: his next book comes out October 1st (Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book) and he will be appearing on Season 2 of Fox's The Floor with Rob Lowe. Today Neal talks about an Agatha Christie classic, the origins and brilliance of Hercule Poirot, and why the book is perfect for the fall season. Lauren switches gears and breaks down a movie for the first time, The Fall (2006) highlighting its unique production process, practical sets, breathtaking locations...
2024-09-181h 20
Curated by ChanceIt All Comes Back to PastryEPISODE 6: It All Comes Back to PastryIn today's episode, Neal and Lauren bring fascinating insights into art theory and indie filmmaking. Lauren dives deep into Walter Benjamin's theory of "The Diminishment of the Aura" and explores how it applies to the iconic Mona Lisa. She breaks down the painting's mysterious history, including lesser-known theories about its subject and Da Vinci's artistic mastery. Meanwhile, Neal takes on the world of indie filmmaking, sharing his thoughts on the improvisational sci-fi thriller Coherence (2013). He discusses the innovative ways filmmakers can work with limited budgets and no script and does...
2024-09-111h 21
Curated by ChanceArt According to Ghostface KillahToday's episode goes back to the eighties...well, sort of! Neal decides to move away from film (at least for a few minutes) while talking about the jukebox musical Rock of Ages (2009). He shares fascinating insights about this nostalgic musical and it's film adaptation that features the unlikely musical debut of the biggest movie star in the world. Lauren discusses Frederic Leighton's Flaming June and the beauty of aestheticism in the late 19th century. She delves into Leighton's life and connection to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the deeper meaning of women in paintings. Lauren and Neal also come up...
2024-09-041h 20
Curated by ChancePolka Dots & Nuclear WarGet ready for a thrilling journey underwater and through Japan and New York City in Episode 4 of Curated by Chance! Hosts Neal and Lauren tackle an eclectic mix of topics that blend art history and cinematic suspense. This week, Lauren takes us through the fascinating life and works of Yayoi Kusama, the avant-garde queen of polka dots. From her early struggles in Japan to her rise as an influential artist in New York, Lauren sheds light on Kusama’s unique artistic vision, including her iconic Infinity Nets and her collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Neal dives into the tension-filled wo...
2024-08-281h 16
Curated by ChanceI'm an Art Historian — I See a Lot of DicksNeal and Lauren Dive into Cinema and Art in Episode 3! This week, the dynamic duo takes on three intriguing prompts that lead to fascinating discussions. Neal explores the film Ocean's Eleven (2001), revealing the technical brilliance of Steven Soderbergh and the star-studded cast that makes this heist movie a fan favorite. Lauren, on the other hand, transports listeners to the world of Japanese Ukiyo-e art with an in-depth look at The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, offering insights into the artist's life and the lasting influence of this masterpiece. Plus, they share laughs over Brad Pitt’s endless snacking on...
2024-08-211h 18
Curated by ChancePierce Brosnan Is Too HandsomeNeal and Lauren are back with a vengeance for episode two! This week, Chance has assigned the dynamic duo four prompts that inspire some creative thinking. Lauren takes us on a trip to the museum to discuss abstract painter Mark Rothko and how his work even converted her to the abstract cause. Neal discusses a favorite film of his and even gives a lesson on "coverage" so that every time you watch a movie, you'll be thinking about it. For better for worse. Plus, the pair discuss their excitement for The Thursday Murder Club film adaptation and its cast...
2024-08-141h 12
Curated by ChanceEveryone Has Their Potato EatersIn the show's first ever episode, hosts Neal and Lauren describe what each week looks like on Curated by Chance. Powered by an algorithm named Chance, built by a NASA scientist, Neal and Lauren will receive several prompts (words, numbers, colors, etc.) that will spark lively discussions in the world of art, film, literature, theater, and more! On the premiere episode, Neal takes us to the grimy streets of New York City to talk about The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) and its influence on the modern heist movie. Lauren details the behind-the-scenes stories of one of the...
2024-08-071h 04
Curated by ChanceIntroducing Curated by Chance (Show Trailer)Join filmmaker Neal Fischer and art curator Lauren Tagliaferro as they dive into the unpredictable world of ‘Curated by Chance,’ a podcast where creativity meets serendipity. Each episode, Neal and Lauren harness the power of a randomizing algorithm named Chance to generate unique prompts that drive their discussions. From exploring the unexpected intersections between film and visual art to dissecting the curious ways randomness shapes artistic expression, this dynamic duo invites listeners to ponder the influence of chance in the creative process. Whether dissecting a random film scene or analyzing an art piece through a whimsical lens, ‘Curated by Chance...
2024-07-3001 min