Curated by Chance

Episode 34: In Your Face Deion Sanders Prompts: Face, Bull, Sepia In 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, dismembered limbs, and why the painting is considered one of the most haunting and effective anti-war artworks in history. But can we celebrate Guernica without celebrating the man behind it? That’s where it gets complicated. Then Neal unpacks sepia—from its origins as a cuttlefish-derived archival tool to its place in cinematic magic. He explores how The Wizard of Oz pulled off its iconic sepia-to-Technicolor transition, how filmmakers like the Coen Brothers embraced sepia in emotional storytelling, and how color grading today still carries cultural weight, for better or worse (we’re looking at you, “Mexico Filter”). Lauren’s Topic: Guernica by Pablo Picasso (1937) Neal’s Topic: Sepia in film Join The Curated By Chance Music League: bit.ly/4ieuxpS Support Our Show: Love Curated by Chance? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month! 👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance Follow the show and its creators on Instagram: The Show - @curatedbychance Lauren - @paisleylo Neal - @nealefischer E-mail us: curatedbychance@gmail.com Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now! Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now! Buy Neal’s next two books out now and pre-order his newest books below! Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Pre-Order "The Totally Awesome World Of..." Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE 33: Lauren Hates Melon PROMPTS: Italy, 88, Chartreuse Neal 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 explains why Cinema Paradiso continues to resonate decades later—and why it’s one of the most romantic films about movies ever made. Lauren takes a left turn into the world of Spanish Baroque painting with Juan Sánchez Cotán’s Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber (1602). She unpacks the eerie beauty of Cotán’s bodegón style, the stark black void that frames his produce, and why some of her students find this painting “deeply unsettling.” Plus, she shares how a seemingly innocent discussion on melons once caused a classroom mutiny. Neal’s Topic: Cinema Paradiso (1988) Directed by: Giuseppe Tornatore Lauren’s Topic: Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber (1602) Artist: Juan Sánchez Cotán Join The Curated By Chance Music League: bit.ly/4ieuxpS Support Our Show: Love Curated by Chance? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month! 👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance Follow the show and its creators on Instagram: The Show - @curatedbychance Lauren - @paisleylo Neal - @nealefischer E-mail us: curatedbychance@gmail.com Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now! Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now! Buy Neal’s next two books out now and pre-order his newest books below! Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Pre-Order "The Totally Awesome World Of..." Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE 32: RRRebel PROMPTS: Rebel, Rose, 314 This 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 one of the most exhilarating films of the decade—and why everyone needs to watch it immediately. Neal takes a trip back to 1955 with Rebel Without a Cause, the James Dean classic that defined teenage angst. He breaks down how Nicholas Ray’s iconic film captured generational conflict, masculinity, and alienation, while also discussing the tragic fates of its stars. Plus, he dives into the film’s cultural impact, its connection to Back to the Future, and how Rebel Without a Cause cemented James Dean’s legacy as a Hollywood legend. Lauren’s Topic: RRR (2022) Directed by: S. S. Rajamouli Neal’s Topic: Rebel Without a Cause (1955) Directed by: Nicholas Ray Support Our Show: Love Curated by Chance? Help us keep going by becoming a Patron for just $5/month! 👉 www.patreon.com/curatedbychance Follow the show and its creators on Instagram: The Show - @curatedbychance Lauren - @paisleylo Neal - @nealefischer E-mail us: curatedbychance@gmail.com Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now! Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now! Buy Neal’s next two books out now and pre-order his newest books below! Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Pre-Order "The Totally Awesome World Of..." Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE 31: You Won’t be Able to Take a Bath in Japan PROMPTS: Phone, Silver, 17 This 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 murderous streak. From the absurd humor to Kathleen Turner's stellar performance, Neal explores why this dark comedy preemptively tapped into America's true crime obsession, long before the podcast boom. He also shares some behind-the-scenes facts about the production, including a connection to the song "Tomorrow" from Annie and a cameo from Patty Hearst. Lauren then takes us into the world of Austrian expressionist painter Egon Schiele, whose works from 1917 and beyond remain both controversial and influential. She uncovers Schiele’s dark personal history, including his tragic family background and complex relationships, while diving into his provocative artwork. Known for his unsettling depictions of sexuality and death, Schiele's works often challenge notions of beauty, consent, and the human body. Lauren discusses his often grotesque yet captivating art and how it continues to spark debates about the artist's intentions and legacy. Support the show on Patreon by clicking HERE! Neal’s Topic: Serial Mom (1994) Lauren’s Topic: Egon Schiele’s 1917 works Follow the show and its creators on Instagram: The Show - @curatedbychance Lauren - @paisleylo Neal - @nealefischer E-mail us: curatedbychance@gmail.com Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now! Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now! Buy Neal’s next two books out now and pre-order his newest books below! Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Pre-Order "The Totally Awesome World Of..." Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE 30: Witches, Send Good Things to Neal PROMPTS: Lunar, Electricity, 30 This 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 the best-written rom-coms of all time. Plus, Lauren shares why Moonstruck is a personal favorite (and her dad’s favorite, too). Neal takes us back to the early days of cinema with A Trip to the Moon (1902), the legendary silent film by Georges Méliès. He explains how Méliès, a magician turned filmmaker, pioneered special effects, cinematic storytelling, and even matte painting. From the iconic moon face with a rocket in its eye to the film’s hand-painted frames, Neal breaks down why this film remains a foundational piece of movie history. Lauren’s Topic: Moonstruck (1987) Stream the film here Neal’s Topic: Georges Méliès & A Trip to the Moon (1902) Stream the movie here Or check YouTube! Leave Neal a review on his Rom-Com book HERE! Support the show on Patreon HERE Follow the show and its creators on Instagram: The Show - @curatedbychance Lauren - @paisleylo Neal - @nealefischer E-mail us: curatedbychance@gmail.com Hear Neal each week on Triviality Podcast. Subscribe now! Listen to Lauren on Miss Information Podcast! Subscribe now! Buy Neal’s next two books out now and pre-order his newest books below! Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book (out now!) Pre-Order "The Totally Awesome World Of..." Series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices