Reel Beans: A Film and Coffee Podcast

What happens when a spoiled heiress finds a "forgotten man" at the city dump and hires him as the family butler? In 1936, it made for one of the sharpest, funniest, and most quietly radical comedies of the Depression era.

This week, classic film expert Josh Rozett joins Ben to dig into MY MAN GODFREY (1936), Gregory La Cava's screwball classic starring William Powell as the mysterious Godfrey and Carole Lombard, the reigning queen of screwball, as the madcap Irene who can't stop meddling in his life. We get into what makes the film tick, why it still stings...

What if the kindest man in town is the one everyone wants to fix? Kathryn joins me for Harvey (1950), where Jimmy Stewart plays Elwood P. Dowd, a man whose best friend is a six-foot invisible rabbit and whose only real crime is being too pleasant for polite society.

We dig into the question the film never answers. Does Harvey exist, or is he a figment of Elwood's imagination? You can't just blame the drink, because Veta sees him too. Then there's Formula 977, the serum that would make Elwood normal again, and the knot at the center of...

She Done Him Wrong (1933) — Come Up and Kick Ass Sometime

Mae West didn't wait for permission. She wrote the play, sold it to Hollywood, and walked onto the Paramount lot with her own material, her own rules, and a wardrobe that made censors reach for their pencils. She Done Him Wrong is the film that made her a star, nearly broke the Hays Code all on its own, and gave us one of the most misquoted lines in cinema history.

Ben and Danielle sit down with Diamond Lou -- the original bad girl of the Bo...

Shirley Temple brings pure joy and golden-age innocence to this week's double feature. Ben and returning guest Danielle Aubuchon dive into Bright Eyes (1934), the film that made Shirley a household name, plus the delightful Donald Duck short The Autograph Hound (1939) where Shirley steals the show. And what better pairing for Depression-era escapism and gumdrops-and-lollipops sweetness than Boyer's Butterscotch Toffee Coffee? A 50-year-old roasted favorite that's as unapologetically indulgent as Shirley Temple's infectious charm.

GUEST

Danielle Aubuchon | @danielleaubuchon | danielleaubuchon.com

Where to watch:

Bright Eyes: https://www.justwatch...

In 1961, Luis Buñuel's Viridiana was banned in Spain and declared blasphemous by the Vatican. Centuries earlier, the Catholic Church condemned coffee as "the Devil's drink" due to its Islamic origins - only to later "baptize" it when it proved too delicious to resist. Same institution. Same playbook.

This week Reel Beans teams up with Bill Holland of Morally Offensive Podcast to explore Buñuel's masterpiece - a biting satire on religious hypocrisy, the failure of idealism, and the gap between genuine faith and institutional corruption. Both hosts are sipping Dark Matter Coffee from Chicago: Ben with De...

Top Gun (1986) — Danger Zones & Smooth Operators | Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew

Today Ben is joined by Marc Pyskaty and Kathryn Horan from the Cinescare Horror Podcast for a high-flying dive into Top Gun (1986). Ben watches it for the first time. Marc and Kathryn are ready. This could go anywhere.

We're drinking Stumptown Nitro Cold Brew — nitrogen-infused, creamy, cascading. Smooth operators deserve a smooth cup. Pour it into a glass and watch the cascade. You'll understand immediately.

Where to watch Top Gun:

justwatch.com/us/movie/top-gun

In this episode, host Ben welcomes special guests Joe Janz and Matt Speak, the hosts of the Cinescare Podcast, for a deep dive into Steven Spielberg's 1981 action-adventure classic, Raiders of the Lost Ark, paired with a Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Peru Medium Roast.

Ben shares that this was his first time seeing the film, in a sold-out 35mm screening at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema in LA. The three discuss what makes the film a near-perfect adventure movie: the thrilling practical effects, groundbreaking in-camera action sequences, iconic cinematography by Douglas Slocombe, and John Williams' legendary score. They...

Ben, along with Casey and Allen discuss The Truman Show and sip Starbucks Veranda Blend.

Exploring the timeless themes of The Truman Show, its commentary on reality TV, societal control, and the impact of technology on privacy and authenticity. A deep dive into the film's relevance today and its cultural significance.

The Truman Show (Film) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/

Where to Watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-truman-show

Jim Carrey -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Carrey

Peter Weir - https://en.wikipedia...

SHOW NOTES

Episode Title: Dorothy McGuire Double Feature: Seeing Past the Surface | Gentleman's Agreement & The Enchanted Cottage

Description:

What do a journalist pretending to be Jewish and a disfigured war veteran falling in love in a magical cottage have in common? They're both about learning to see what's actually there instead of what we've been taught to see.

In this double-feature episode, Ben and returning guest Danielle Aubuchon explore two Dorothy McGuire classics asking the same question: What happens when we're forced to see past the surface? Gentleman's Agreement (1947) confronts antisemitism...

Season 2 kicks off with a descent into darkness.

Join Ben Schneider and Kathryn Horan as they explore Neil Marshall's THE DESCENT (2005) — now in Ben's top ten horror films. Six women. One unmapped cave. Creatures that shouldn't exist. And betrayals that cut deeper than any monster ever could.

We're pairing this claustrophobic nightmare with Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee, because Kathryn had a brilliant insight: mushrooms literally grow in caves. What starts as a clever connection becomes something deeper as we explore the Finnish WWII origins of mushroom coffee and why Lion's Mane is exactly what you ne...

In the season one finale of Reel Beans, host Ben is joined by returning guest Josh Rozett to celebrate one year of pairing films with coffee. For this milestone episode, Josh shares Ridley Scott's 1991 landmark Thelma & Louise, paired with Mt. Comfort Coffee's Guatemala Blend - a bright, balanced cup that mirrors the film's journey from constraint to freedom.

Ben and Josh explore how Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon create one of cinema's most authentic friendships, how Ridley Scott's visual style transforms the Southwest landscape into a character itself, and why the film's refusal to offer easy answers...

Reel Beans — Episode 24 Clifton Webb Tribute: Laura (1944) & Sitting Pretty (1948) | Intelligentsia House Blend

Welcome to Hummingbird Hill. This week we are celebrating one of Hollywood's most brilliant and wildly underrated actors — the one, the only, Clifton Webb. Frequent guest Danielle Aubuchon joins us for a tribute episode covering two sides of Webb's genius: the brooding, obsessive Waldo Lydecker in Otto Preminger's noir classic Laura (1944) and the pompous, hilarious, utterly magnificent Mr. Belvedere in Sitting Pretty (1948). Three Oscar nominations. Never won. Still underrated. Still brilliant.

Paired with Intelligentsia House Blend — the everyday coffee for a man who was an...

EPISODE 23 - SHOW NOTES

Easter Double Feature: The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town & It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown

FILMS DISCUSSED:

The Easter Bunny Is Comin' to Town (1977) Rankin/Bass stop-motion special narrated by Fred Astaire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Easter_Bunny_Is_Comin'_to_Town

It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974) Peanuts holiday special with music by Vince Guaraldi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_the_Easter_Beagle,_Charlie_Brown

COFFEE PAIRING:

Purchase: https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/products/ethiopia-mordecofe (Note: Stumptown offers multiple...

About This Episode

Host Ben and guest Kathryn Horan pair the 1980 slasher classic Friday the 13th with Starbucks Via Instant Coffee, joined by Marc Pyskaty, co-host of the Cinescare podcast. They explore why both became massive successes by prioritizing accessibility over sophistication.

Featured Guest

Marc Pyskaty - Co-host of the Cinescare podcast Cinescare Podcast

Resources & Links

Watch the Film:

Try the Coffee:

Learn More:

Instant Coffee History:<...

Reel Beans Episode 21: Now, Voyager (1942) & Brazil Coffee

Featuring Danielle Aubuchon

Episode Summary

In this episode, Ben and Reel Beans staple Danielle Aubuchon dive into the 1942 classic Now, Voyager, starring the incomparable Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale. They explore how the film was remarkably ahead of its time in its frank discussion of mental health, the lasting damage of a domineering parent who never wanted her child, and the complex journey toward independence and self-discovery. From Charlotte's transformation under the care of Dr. Jackwith to her unconventional relationship with Jerry (Paul Henreid), the conversation...

"I could not understand why men who knew all about good and evil could hate and kill each other."

Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford for a deep dive into Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, based on Mary Shelley's classic novel.

In this milestone Episode 20, we explore why Frankenstein transcends gothic horror—examining themes of obsession, love, ignorance, rage, and the human need for connection. We discuss Victor Frankenstein's dangerous ambition, the Monster's emotional intelligence, and why Shelley's story continues to resonate in modern cinema.

During the coffee break, Be...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and guest Kathryn Horan for an in-depth analysis of the underrated 1980 slasher Terror Train, starring Jamie Lee Curtis.

Set aboard a moving train during a New Year's Eve costume party, this atmospheric horror film offers more than typical slasher fare. We explore the film's unique claustrophobic setting, nuanced character development, and suspenseful storytelling that balances terror with moments of levity. From David Copperfield's surprising role to the cleverly executed killer reveal, we discuss why Terror Train deserves recognition as a hidden gem of the genre.

We also examine themes of revenge...

Join host Benjamin Schneider for a deep dive into three beloved adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: the charming animated Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962), the musical Scrooge (1970) starring Albert Finney, and the acclaimed 1951 version with Alastair Sim.

We explore how each film retells Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey from greed and isolation to compassion and redemption. From memorable musical numbers to iconic performances, we discuss what makes each adaptation unique and why Dickens' timeless message about kindness and human connection continues to resonate today.

Coffee Pairing: Trader Joe's Wintry Blend - a seasonal favorite for...

Settle in for a cozy holiday special as host Benjamin Schneider and guest Danielle Aubuchon explore two heartfelt Christmas classics: the gentle animated charm of Santa and the Three Bears and the found-family spirit of It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947).

In this warm conversation, we discuss themes of kindness, compassion, and the joy of holiday storytelling that makes these films enduring favorites. From nostalgic animation to classic Hollywood heart, we examine why these lesser-known gems deserve a place in your seasonal rotation.

Coffee Pairing: Irish Coffee - the perfect warm companion for holiday film viewing.<...

Join host Benjamin Schneider with returning supporters Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford for a heartfelt deep dive into John Hughes' 1987 holiday comedy classic Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

We explore this chaotic, tender journey through travel nightmares and unexpected friendship, unpacking the film's perfect blend of humor and heart. From Del Griffith's lovable chaos to Neal Page's stressed-out unraveling, we discuss what makes this more than just a Thanksgiving comedy—it's a story about human connection and chosen family.

Ben revisits the film for the first time while Casey and Allen offer insights on the performances, particularly Jo...

Join host Benjamin Schneider for an emotional deep dive into the 1994 film adaptation of Little Women, directed by Gillian Armstrong.

We explore what makes this version so deeply moving: standout performances from Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon, and Kirsten Dunst; Thomas Newman's unforgettable score; and the film's quiet realism that brings Louisa May Alcott's classic to life.

Through personal anecdotes and genuine emotional responses, we examine the story's enduring themes of sisterhood, independence, identity, and sacrifice—and why certain scenes still earn tears decades later.

Coffee Pairing: La Colombe's Corsica - a bo...

Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford as we dive into Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking thriller Psycho (1960).

We explore the film's tight narrative structure, why the iconic shower scene still resonates with modern audiences, and Hitchcock's masterful storytelling pivot from Marion Crane to Norman Bates. Casey shares first-time reactions while Allen provides deeper insights into what makes this film a cornerstone of cinema history.

Coffee Break: We discuss how Nespresso transformed in-room hotel coffee from afterthought to luxury amenity—a cozy parallel to Hitchcock's own attention to detail.

Coffee Pairing: Ne...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and guest Danielle Aubuchon for a nostalgic Halloween special exploring two cult animated classics: the psychedelic 1978 short Witch's Night Out and Rankin/Bass's stop-motion gem Mad Monster Party (1967).

We dive into voice cast highlights (including Boris Karloff), stop-motion craftsmanship, and why these quirky specials continue to resonate with Halloween lovers. Along the way, we discuss seasonal traditions, favorite Halloween candies, and the cultural phenomenon of the pumpkin spice latte—because no Halloween episode is complete without acknowledging fall's most iconic beverage.

Coffee Pairing: Pumpkin Spice Latte - the ultimate autumn companion fo...

"No Michael Myers. Just masks. And mayhem."

Join host Benjamin Schneider with special guests Kathryn Horan and Rob Kyle as we dive into one of horror's most infamous cult classics: Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982).

We explore the cursed masks of Silver Shamrock, the bizarre blend of witchcraft and sci-fi, and why this controversial Myers-less sequel was reviled upon release but has since earned a devoted cult following. From its earworm jingle to its dark corporate conspiracy, we discuss what makes this misunderstood VHS-era oddity worth revisiting.

Coffee Pairing: Door County Coffee's...

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TITLE: Horror of Dracula (1958) - Christopher Lee & Hammer Films' Gothic Masterpiece

DESCRIPTION: Join host Benjamin Schneider as we sink our teeth into Hammer Films' Horror of Dracula (1958), where Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing redefined Gothic horror for a new generation.

We explore how Hammer Films revolutionized the vampire genre by blending raw menace with Technicolor elegance, bringing visceral color and sexuality to classic monsters. From Lee's towering, seductive Count to Cushing's driven Van Helsing, we discuss the performances that created modern vampire cinema.

We also...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and guest Danielle Aubuchon for Part Two of Episode 10 as we continue exploring This Island Earth (1955).

We dig deeper into alien encounters, behind-the-scenes stories, and the film's lasting influence. We also explore the broader 1950s sci-fi landscape, discussing War of the Worlds (1953), Forbidden Planet (1956), Invaders from Mars (1953), The Mole People (1956), and Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957).

From Cold War paranoia to atomic age anxieties, we examine how these films shaped modern science fiction—all while sipping smooth nitro cold brew.

If you missed Part One, listen here: https://rss.com/po...

Join host Benjamin Schneider and special guest Danielle Aubuchon for this milestone 10th episode of Reel Beans as we explore the 1955 sci-fi cult classic This Island Earth.

We dive into the film's groundbreaking Technicolor visuals, the iconic mutant Metalunan design, and the mysterious interocitor that captured imaginations for generations. From its influence on future sci-fi to its memorable appearance in Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie, we discuss why this Universal Pictures production remains a beloved piece of 1950s cinema history.

Danielle brings her film expertise to a lively conversation about alien planets, B-movie charm, and...

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TITLE: Dinner at Eight (1933) - George Cukor's All-Star Screwball Comedy Classic

DESCRIPTION: Join host Benjamin Schneider as we step into the glittering world of 1930s high society with George Cukor's Dinner at Eight (1933), featuring Jean Harlow, Marie Dressler, Billie Burke, Lionel Barrymore, and John Barrymore.

We explore social facades, Depression-era anxiety masked by glamour, and the symbolism of an elaborate aspic dish that holds everything together—until it doesn't. From scene-stealing performances to dinner party politics, we discuss why glamour can be a coping mechanism.

...

Join host Benjamin Schneider as we delve into Ingmar Bergman's 1972 masterpiece Cries and Whispers, one of cinema's most profound explorations of mortality, pain, and human connection.

We explore the film's striking use of color symbolism—particularly the all-consuming red that dominates the film—and the themes of sickness, vanity, death, and the afterlife. From the powerful performances of Harriet Andersson, Liv Ullmann, and Ingrid Thulin to Sven Nykvist's breathtaking cinematography, we discuss why this intimate chamber piece remains one of Bergman's greatest achievements.

The film's unflinching examination of suffering, sisterhood, and the failure of human comp...

Join host Benjamin Schneider as we dive into High Noon (1952)—a Western that trades spectacle for substance, delivering a powerful story about moral courage, standing alone, and the quiet weight of doing what's right when no one else will.

We explore the film's powerful allegory to the McCarthy era and HUAC blacklist, screenwriter Carl Foreman's real-life persecution, Grace Kelly's understated yet pivotal performance, and how Gary Cooper's portrayal of Marshal Will Kane became a defining moment in his career—and a mirror of his own principles.

From the iconic real-time structure to Dimitri Tiomkin's unforgettable scor...

Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford as we explore the 1957 workplace comedy Desk Set, starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

We dive into how this classic film anticipated modern tech anxiety—depicting the introduction of an early computer (EMERAC) into a corporate research department and the fear of automation replacing human workers. From Hepburn's brilliant portrayal of efficiency expert Bunny Watson to the still-relevant workplace dynamics, we examine what makes this film resonate in 2025.

Coffee Pairing: Stumptown Coffee's Hair Bender - a rich, layered espresso blend from one of the pi...

Join host Benjamin Schneider as we cruise through one of the greatest comedy films ever made — Airplane! (1980).

We explore why the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team's rapid-fire humor still lands decades later, how parody is far more difficult than it looks, and why casting serious dramatic actors (Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges) made it even funnier. We also discuss how certain jokes have aged and why this film remains the gold standard for spoof comedy.

Plus, we trace Airplane!'s direct connection to Zero Hour! (1957) and the disaster movie craze of the 1970s that inspired it.

...

Join host Benjamin Schneider for a cozy, heartfelt episode celebrating tradition, food, and the overlooked power of older actresses in cinema.

We explore Nonnas (2025), directed by Stephen Chbosky and starring Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, and Talia Shire. Based on the real-life Staten Island restaurant Enoteca Maria—where grandmothers from around the world cook traditional dishes from their homelands—this film is a tribute to shared meals, cultural memory, and the healing energy of community.

Ben reflects on his own coffee memories with his grandmother, exploring how rituals like coffee and cooking connect generations. From...

Join host Benjamin Schneider with guests Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford for a thought-provoking deep dive into The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), featuring Maggie Smith's Oscar-winning performance as the charismatic and dangerous Edinburgh teacher.

We explore Jean Brodie's manipulation of young minds, the film's complex tension between beauty and control, and the surprising connections to Italian Renaissance artist Giotto di Bondone. Based on Muriel Spark's novel and directed by Ronald Neame, this film examines how idealism can shade into fascism—and the lasting impact one teacher can have on impressionable students.

We also discuss th...

Join host Benjamin Schneider for a surreal journey through Luis Buñuel's The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)—the Oscar-winning masterpiece that satirizes upper-class absurdity through dreamlike repetition and dark comedy.

We explore Buñuel's brilliant use of surrealism to critique bourgeois society, from dinner parties that never happen to bizarre dream sequences that blur reality. Highlights include the unforgettable scene where Fernando Rey's character eats lamb under the table during a violent dinner party, and the film's endless loop of interrupted meals that perfectly captures social pretension.

We also discuss Buñuel's complex legacy, inclu...

Welcome to the very first episode of Reel Beans! Join host Benjamin Schneider as we unwrap the eerie elegance of Black Christmas (1974)—the quietly revolutionary horror film that helped define the slasher genre before Halloween made it famous.

With a hot cup of coffee in hand, we explore what makes this Canadian proto-slasher so unnerving, why it still resonates nearly 50 years later, and how director Bob Clark created tension through what we don't see. From the chilling phone calls to the film's ambiguous ending, we discuss why Black Christmas remains a masterclass in atmospheric horror.

Co...

Welcome to Reel Beans — a podcast brewed for deeper conversation.

What do a French press and a film reel have in common? Both require patience, precision, and the promise of something rich. Join host Benjamin Schneider as we pair exceptional films with exceptional coffee, exploring the themes, artistry, and human truths that connect them.

For the film lovers, the caffeine junkies, and the curious souls who find meaning in movie moments and coffee aromas.

First episode drops May 20, 2025.

Sip. Watch. Repeat.

Music: Aleksey Chistilin