Binging With Benefits

Binging With Benefits

di Jess and Becca McKenzie

Seconda serata Critiche cinematografiche

Stagione 1

The Boob-in-the-Gravy Thanksgiving Massacre

This week, we kick things off with the wild ride that is dating—and honestly, we need answers. Men… why? Just why. From red flags to walking ick-factories, we break down the moments that made us laugh, cringe, and question everything. Then we take a hard left turn straight into Holiday Horror Stories, and oh boy… buckle up. There’s the nude Thanksgiving where someone’s boob took a tragic dip into the gravy (and yes, there were burns), and the uncle who got way too committed to charades—think shirt off, pants at the ankles, and a very enthusiastic shout of “STRIPPER!” And of course, we wrap it all up with a Benefit—a Pinterest quote that hits right in the soul: “Had I not created my whole world, I would certainly have died in other people’s.” It’s chaotic, it’s unhinged, it’s heartfelt… it’s everything.

Single All the Way: The Mug, The Movie, The Memories

This week we’re diving headfirst into pure nostalgia as we unpack the best holiday traditions from the ’90s—the ones that still give us all the warm fuzzies—as well as the traditions we’re totally fine leaving in the past (looking at you, tinsel explosions and questionable fruitcakes). Then we slide into a chat about Single All the Way, the delightfully cozy rom-com where best friends fake a relationship for the holidays… until feelings get a little too real. It’s charming, sweet, and basically the cinematic equivalent of a warm Christmas sweater. And to wrap things up, Jess brings a festive Benefit of the Week: Dutch Bros’ holiday Peppermint Mocha Cold Brew topped with their signature soft top and peppermint sprinkles. The drink is amazing on its own, but those sprinkles? They make it feel like a tiny holiday celebration in every sip.

My Spittle Could Reach The End Zone?!

Wear your waterproof mascera, cause this weeks episode will have you laughing so hard you are crying and then crying so hard you are laughing. You have been warned! :) We’re diving into all the things we should be grateful for…but absolutely aren’t—and yes, it’s just as unhinged and silly as it sounds. Then Jess introduces Becca to the heart-melting, tear-triggering masterpiece About Time, a movie that will have you crying the warmest, fuzziest tears known to humankind. Becca then shares a Pinterest gem: “Kids smile at you, animals approach you, strangers tell you their stories—your energy doesn’t lie.” And suddenly we’re spiraling into a whirlwind of sweet, hilarious, and strangely profound memories of strangers oversharing their life stories and leaving us feeling ridiculously cozy. It’s gratitude, chaos, comfort, and vibes—wrapped up in one episode. Want in? Tune in.

Tricking Our Brains Into Staying Boujee, One Starbucks Cup at a Time

From deflated lawn Santas to movie sequel names that missed the mark — we’re diving into the missed opportunities of the season. Then we spiral (in the best way) about Dan Levy in Happiest Season — he’s flawless — and how that movie had us all over the place emotionally from start to end. Jess closes things out with a “boujee on a budget” hack that’ll change your life (spoiler: it involves reusing your Starbucks cup and a little delusion). SUBMIT YOUR HOLIDAY HORROR STORIES HERE! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9ZmdOXXKIFzNrmDlIa_AywV6BhKw0Re5J9FvKZEV7YiUfSg/viewform

March Madness But Make It Cozy Movies

This week, we’re mixing things up — literally. We talk about our obsession with Sweetgreen and how magical it feels when you finally nail a copycat recipe at home. Then, Jess shares her experience seeing Sleep Token live (and why you should NOT look up what they look like before listening).We also launch our first-ever Cozy Movie Bracket, March Madness style! Four categories face off: Animated & Classic, Magical & Spooky, Quaint & Quirky, and Romantic & Nostalgic. We’ll post the bracket so you can play along — tag us with your picks so we can see which film wins for you!Plus, Jess shares a benefit spotlighting rising artist Annabelle Dinda, whose viral TikTok song “The Hand” is taking off, and another track, “Logging Field,” that’ll pull at your heartstrings.✨ Don’t forget: we’re accepting your crazy family holiday drama stories from Nov 5–15! The link’s in the description and on our Instagram bio — spill the festive tea, we’re ready. Submit your Holiday Horror stories here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9ZmdOXXKIFzNrmDlIa_AywV6BhKw0Re5J9FvKZEV7YiUfSg/viewform Annabell Dinda - The Hand: https://open.spotify.com/track/5W9YtUsoXA547TTPJUXvns?si=decc1d5b87854c53

Boo-ing With Benefits: Katya & Trixie Investigate YOUR Hauntings

This week, we are dressing up as the baddest and boldest Drag Queens in the world, Katya and Trixie Mattel! We’re diving into the real Halloween debate — what age is too old to go trick-or-treating? 🍬 Then, Jess shares a spooky high school story straight out of a show choir nightmare (ghosts apparently love good harmonies 👻). After that, we’re reading your chilling submissions — from hearing your name whispered in the dark, to TVs flipping to static after grandpa’s passing, to the haunted happenings deep inside Knott’s Berry Farm. You really outdid yourselves, Ghoul Gang 😱 And to close it out, Becca brings us a benefit with the “Nutella theory” — a sweet reminder that you can’t be everyone’s flavor, and that’s exactly what makes you a success. 💫

Boo-ing With Benefits: Some Visitors Don’t Knock

As we continue to celebrate Halloween, we are all dressed up as Bob’’s Burgers characters! We definitely had fun playing into the quirks of each of Bob and Linda’s cute but eccentric family! We kick things off by deep-diving into Taylor Swift’s newest album—ranking our favorite tracks, decoding lyrics, and arguing (lovingly) over which song is going to emotionally ruin us for the rest of the year. Swifties, this is your moment. Then, the chills begin. Our special guests, Leah McCormick and Allie Reed, join us with stories that might make you sage your entire house. Unfinished business is real, and some visitors don’t knock. Benefit of the Week: We’re spotlighting Jessica’s friend, Andrea Andersen—romantic fantasy novelist and creator of worlds where love is epic and otherworldly. If you like passion with a touch of magic, her books are your next obsession.

Boo-ing With Benefits: Movies That Raised Us (And Ruined Us)

It’s your last call for chills! We’re reminding all our ghoul gang members that October 15, 2025 is the final day to submit your spooky, paranormal, glitch-in-the-matrix, or downright cursed stories to our submission form. Don’t miss your chance to haunt the pod! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZOqR6W4sdX3D4MHmLosmLkK4BuoqQRNwzpuQ8W8CrxNXR0g/viewform?usp=header From there, we take a nostalgic trip down Halloween lane and rank the most iconic childhood costumes—the ones that made us feel untouchable, glamorous, or downright legendary. You know, that one costume that had you acting like you were signing autographs at recess. Then, we dive into the movies from our childhood that scarred us for life, even if they weren’t technically horror. Why did that one scene live rent-free in our nightmares for years? To wrap it up, Jess brings this week’s Benefit—a podcast recommendation you’ll love: Mad Woman in the Attic, a true crime show with witty banter, dark intrigue, and two hosts you’ll want to be best friends with. Spooks, nostalgia, trauma cinema, and new obsessions… this episode has it all.

Boo-ing With Benefits: We Said Talk To Me, Not Traumatize Me!

This week, Becca channels her inner Elton John while Jess rocks out as Freddie Mercury! The girls also talk about how they went to Disney’s Oogie Boogie Bash. The duo learns the hard way that with every treat trail and trying to run around the park in costume, comes with sore muscles—and maybe age. Jess dives into the horror hit Talk to Me, leaving Becca completely unhinged and questioning reality itself. Then Becca brings us back to art and awe with a story from her trip to France—spotlighting the breathtaking statue Nike of Samothrace, also known as the Winged Victory, a marble masterpiece symbolizing triumph and divine energy. It's got all the spooky vibes you want for Halloween and then a touching piece of art that continues to make everyone swoon.

Boo-ing with Benefits: The Ghost in the Mirror (and the Ceiling)

Get ready for a spook-tacular episode because we want your creepy, glitchy, paranormal stories! 👻 From ghost encounters to Matrix malfunctions, send in as many stories as you like before October 15, 2025 for our big Halloween episode. Jess (dressed as Lizzie McGuire herself) and Becca (rocking Isabella’s iconic look) dive into their own spine-tingling experiences—seriously, these stories will give you chills. This also is a continuation of Becca's haunted mirror story from when she lived in Utah. So buckle up for the end to that chapter! Its a doozy!! To balance out the goosebumps, we close with a double benefit: Jess shares the uplifting I Am app that delivers daily affirmations, while Becca introduces a website where you can send letters to your future self. A little fear, a little fun, and a whole lot of Lizzie & Isabella energy. 🎤✨ SUBMIT YOUR SPOOKY STORIES HERE!! Submit as many as you want! Last day to submit is October 15, 2025. Can't wait to read all your spooky scary stories! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZOqR6W4sdX3D4MHmLosmLkK4BuoqQRNwzpuQ8W8CrxNXR0g/viewform

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