PODCAST · society
Hopeless Romantics
by Ash London
The podcast for everyone who loves love. Join Ash London as she navigates the worlds of real-life relationships, relishes in her favourite romantic stories, and ultimately attempts to better understand the human heart in all its glory.
Episodes
-
Quickie: Best-selling Author Lucy Score On Smut, Success And Self Belief
This mini episode is a special moment from our chat with bestselling romance author Lucy Score (who we all fell in love with after our episode) We get into the weird shame writers sometimes feel about their early work, and how standing in a stadium at the Eras Tour helped Lucy flip the script and...
-
Quickie: Does 'About Time' give us the greatest life lesson of any rom-com?
As we ease out of Christmas and into that strange, reflective space before the New Year, we’re revisiting one of our favourite conversations from last year. Ash and Harriet chat Richard Curtis’ About Time, a film that somehow sneaks life’s biggest lessons into what looks like a simple rom-com.…
more -
Andrew Papas talks Boy Bands and Big Love
This week on Hopeless Romantics, we’re joined by Andrew Papas, singer, musical theatre powerhouse and star of & Juliet, which is heading to Aotearoa in early 2026. Andrew talks us through his journey from a church kid landing his first school musical lead, to boy band life with Titanium, to…
more -
Revisiting Rob Reiner's 'The Princess Bride' with Meg Mansell
A re-release of one of my favorite episodes, in memory of Rob Reiner, whose direction gave us one of the most enduring love stories of all time. Some movies don’t just entertain you. They quietly shape who you become. This week on Hopeless Romantics, we’re revisiting The Princess Bride with Meg...
-
Revisiting the Cosy Christmas Romance of 'You've Got Mail'
This week we’re diving deep into the warm, nostalgic chaos of You’ve Got Mail with Tash Stamos, a certified pop-culture obsessive and fellow rom-com tragic. We rewind to that golden era of cinema when Meg Ryan ruled our hearts, Tom Hanks somehow became everyone’s dream man, and dial-up internet...
-
'Champagne Problems' ... The Review Nobody/Everybody Asked For
We’re back with another round of our Netflix Christmas film deep dives, and this week Alice James jumps in with us to unpack Champagne Problems. Honestly, this one had us in our feelings. It’s way better than your average festive cheese, which somehow makes judging it on our chaotic little matrix...
-
Nickson Clark Finds His Happily Ever After
This week on Hopeless Romantics, we get a chance to see the softer side of NZ broadcast legend Nickson Clark, and honestly, we’re still recovering. Nickson lets us into the love story at the centre of his life with Sarah. Before the nappies and the gentle chaos of new parenthood, it was just the...
-
What Love Actually has ACTUALLY Taught Us About Love
Christmas has fully landed at Hopeless Romantics and honestly, we’re thriving. This week Damaris Treasure jumps back in with us as we revisit one of the greatest festive films of all time, Love Actually, and unpack what it has actually taught us about love. We break down the big storylines that...
-
Kaylee Bell and The Magic Of A Good Christmas Love Song
We’re going FULL FESTIVE ROMANCE this week with the brilliant country superstar Kaylee Bell, who drops in to talk Christmas music, big feelings and the joy of giving back. Kaylee tells us the story behind her brand new Christmas single, written years ago in a Nashville flat full of fairy lights…
more -
'A Merry Little Ex-mas' Kicks Off Our Christmas Reviews
We’re officially in Christmas mode, team. Alice James is back and we’re diving straight into Netflix’s newest holiday movie, A Merry Little Ex-mas. This week we break down the Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson flick using our very scientific Hopeless Romantics scoring matrix. We talk daddy...
-
Nobody Wants This Season 2: Love, Ick and Lost Riz
Alice James is back (now with added newborn!) to debrief season two, and honestly… we have a lot of feelings. We still loved the show, but the spark wasn’t quite sparking, and both of us found ourselves grieving the loss of Noah’s Seth Cohen energy. WHERE DID THE RIZ GO? We get into it all: the...
-
Christmas Movies...Love, Loneliness, and Holiday Magic!
We’re officially in Christmas movie season and honestly, we could not be happier. Emma’s back with us this week and we fall headfirst into the festive films that shape our Decembers. From unrequited love and forbidden crushes to the heartbreakers that remind us death comes for us all, we realised...
-
Quickie: Do we all hate this male character in Emily in Paris?
With the return of Emily in Paris slated for December 10, we're looking back at this moment from our season 4 episode with the ever hilarious Alice James. How is it possible that such a promising lead male could turn into such a flop? Do you agree? #TeamAlfie for life, yo! LINKS: Follow Ash on...
-
Matt Hansen, the troubadour with 4 million followers and a whole lotta love.
If you know Matt's music, you'll know that he is undoubtedly a hopeless romantic, so of COURSE I jumped at the chance to interview him during his recent Aus/NZ tour. We reflect on heartbreak, loving someone long distance and turning pain into art. Love you, more than a friend x LINKS: Follow Matt...
-
What The Beckhams have taught us about LOVE.
She was a popstar. He played football. The most famous couple on earth got married, had babies, weathered a couple (many) storms, and emerged after 26 years stronger than ever. So what is there to learn about love from Posh and Becks? Well, according to Damaris Treasure and I...we can learn a…
more -
WINE! How to order it. How to enjoy it! (with Angus O'Loughlin)
Wine is something a lot of us enjoy, but not many of us feel super confident ordering. And given that wine can often play a big part in setting the mood when it comes to dating, love and romance I thought I'd invite my friend and co-host of Got Somme podcast Angus O'Loughlin on to help take the...
-
We Love You Diane Keaton (with Steph Vizard)
This week, Australian writer Steph Vizard joins me to bask in our collective grief and gratitude as we mourn the loss of Diane Keaton, whose talent brought some of our favourite films to life. In particular, we discuss one of my all-time favourite films, 'Something's Gotta Give' - featuring the...
-
What Frozen has taught as about LOVE.
You'd be forgiven for only associating the Disney film 'Frozen' with earworms, Elsa costumes and the 1hr 42 minutes of peace you can enjoy while the kids watch it This week however, the clever and insightful Damaris Treasure returns to discuss the fact that FROZEN MIGHT BE THE ULTIMATE SELF HELP...
-
Quickie: Did Adam Brody give us the best TV kiss of 2024?
If our full episodes are a deep dive, consider this more of a dip of the toe. Maybe a waist-deep wade? We are less than TWO WEEKS away from the return of 'Nobody Wants This', the show that was easily my watch of 2024. In this quickie, we deep dive what could possibly be the best kiss in recent TV...
-
Clint Randell reflects on 17 years of marriage and the power of doing 'the work'.
Clint Randell is a very recognisable face and name here in NZ where he's fronted TV and radio shows for well over a decade. But when I think of Clint, the first word that comes to mind is 'family'. Clint is a man who takes any opportunity to talk about his beautiful wife and two kids, and it is a...
-
Quickie: Is this the best scene in Notting Hill?
If our full episodes are a deep dive, consider this more of a dip of the toe. Maybe a waist-deep wade? In this quickie, Harriet Power and I take a look back at one of the best scenes in one of the best rom-coms of all time. Julia Roberts. Hugh Grant. And one hell of a dinner party. The full…
more -
Lucy Score...Bestselling Author! Sexual Revolutionary! Taylor Swift Fan!
I Love Lucy! Hello small town rom-com queen Lucy-freaking-Score! You may know her as the author of the tik-tok sensation Things We Never Got Over (and 34 others) but now I know her as 'one of my favourite guests ever' We dive into everything from her latest novel Story of My Life (hello, a hot,...
-
Keli Holiday is dancing (and loving) through life x
Adam Hyde (a.k.a. Keli Holiday) joins me this week for an open hearted chat about the profound power of love, the profound impact of personal loss and how the two are inexplicably linked. It's been a joy to watch Adam fall in love, and I savoured every second of this chat as we explore how he got...
-
What Downton Abbey has taught us about LOVE.
This week, we head to the cinema (art house, obviously) to see the new Downton Abbey film and return with tales of squeaky chairs, loud sobs (Ash's, duh) and more importantly...four key love lessons that Downton Abbey has taught us over the years. From Sybil and Tom’s cross-class romance to Lady...
-
Harrison Keefe (just can't help falling in love)
You may know him as the 'vibes guy' on the internet or the host of Edge arvos on your radio station (if you live in NZ). But after this chat, you'll know him as the guy who sends his Dad 30 minutes voice memos, sometimes cries in the car and has never heard his girlfriend pass wind. It was an...
-
Hopeless Hotline ... "I Just Assumed We Had Shared Values..."
Welcome to the first Hopeless Hotline, where I answer listener-submitted dilemmas - ranging from love and friendship to identity crises and existential meltdowns. This week, our 'hopeless romantic' has a question about a big clash in values between herself and her partner. It's taken her by...
-
Dan Webby on navigating loneliness and ultimately finding 'the One'
What an honour to have Kiwi radio host (and one of the funniest men I know) Dan Webby join me on the first ever episode of ‘Hopeless BROmantics’. In this episode, we discuss the beautiful innocence of childhood love, navigating a tough break up, and the winding path that ultimately led him to…
more -
Friday Threesome ... Margot Robbie's finger. Jacob Elordi's mouth (and more!) with Damaris Treasure
Happy Friday, lovers! Another week, another threesome of romance-adjacent recommendations for your weekend. This week we’ve got: Two new trailers that have us gagging (for different reasons). The newest ‘Wuthering Heights’ adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, and Brett Goldstein’s...
-
We owe Taylor Swift our gratitude (and our joy!)
Everyone seems to have an opinion on Taylor's engagement news. We don't have an opinion, as much as we have feelings (and plot twist...they're good ones) In this quickie, Damaris Treasure joins me to ask the question..."why can't people just be happy for Taylor Swift?" LINKS: Follow me on tikok…
more -
Friday Threesome … ‘Windy City’ / ‘Too Much’ / ‘Wimbledon’
Damaris Treasure joins me for a romantic threesome to get you through the weekend! On today’s episode: A sports romance series that’s more ‘porno’ than ‘Pulitzer’ The Netflix series for anyone who’s ever been told they’re too much (ie me) A classic (and highly underrated) tennis rom-com in honour...
-
What is Hopeless Romantics?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
-
Friday Quickie...Persuasion / Summer in the City / The Guilded Age
As always...three great reccos for your weekend romance fix! I've decided to start including some romance CLASSICS in the mix, which means this week you're getting: The best (according to me) Jane Austen novel, Persuasion NYT Beststeller Alex Aster's latest rom-com 'Downton Abbey' but make it New...
-
AUTHOR CHAT with Rachael Johns
With a lazy 22 published novels under her belt, Rachael Johns knows a thing or two about writing fiction for women. It was SUCH a pleasure to have her on this week to talk about the trials and tribulations of establishing herself as a working author, and what that struggle looked like before she...
-
Friday Quickie...Overcompensating / The Wedding Forecast / Problematic Summer Romance
As always...three great reccos for your weekend romance fix! This week: A college 'coming of age' series that had me LOLling and crying. One of the best rom-coms I've read in ages (and the author is Aussie!) The latest drop from Ali Hazelwood Love you, more than a friend x LINKS: Follow me on…
more -
'Materialists' with Damaris Treasure
This week we welcome Hopeless Romantic newbie Damaris Treasure as we unpack Celine Song's 'Materialists' which is currently in cinemas. We explore themes of love, security, and the complex decisions we make in relationships. This is less of a review, and more of a rumination on some of the...
-
Friday Quickie ... Ever Blessed / Cover Story / Materialists
An early Friday quickie because I feel like a lot of you need to just see Materialists ASAP! This week: Australian author Olivia O'Flynn blows it outta the water with her debut romantasy novel 'Ever Blessed' My girl Mhairi Mcfarlane is back with 'Cover Story' Materialists. My honest and very…
more -
AUTHOR CHAT with Amy Matthews
I am delighted to welcome Amy Matthews to the podcast, who is not only an award-winning author but also an Associate Professor in Creative Writing at Flinders University. Long story short? This woman knows (and loves) talking romance. Under her many pen names she's written titles such as 'Someone...
-
'The Devil Wears Prada' with Steph Monks
Come for the Miranda Priestly chat...stay for the deep heart to heart about how it feels to be a woman in the workplace who is JUST TRYING HER BEST! Broadcaster Steph Monks joins me this week! This episode was kinda like therapy for both of us (which is always a good thing!) In it we discuss: Our...
-
BONUS EP : The juggle/struggle of career and motherhood with Steph Monks
Before we actually got to our 'Devil Wears Prada' deep dive, Steph and I found ourselves deep in a 15 minute discussion about Steph's return to work when her son Rocco was just three months old. What followed was, what I believe is an important discussion around this impossible juggle. The…
more -
Friday Quickie ... People We Meet on Vacation / A Kingdom of Dreams / The Life List
Two killer books and a Netflix movie this week, my loves!! They include: The old Emily Henry book that I finally read (and enjoyed more than Great Big Beautiful Life) Smut set in the 1400's Another Netflix romcom you can enjoy while scrolling Love you, more than a friend x LINKS: Follow me on…
more -
Counting down the top 5 TV couples with Sharyn Casey
TV and radio powerhouse Sharyn Casey joins me this week to countdown the HR community's top voted TV couples. But mainly this episode is just two horny mums in their late 30's drooling over men we will never even be in the same room as. I laughed a lot during this episode, I laughed a lot editing...
-
One on One with Eden Victoria (@edenvictorria)
Eden Victoria is an English #BookTok creator (with a lazy 750 thousand followers) turned published author, whose debut novel Close Protection hit shelves in March. This week we sit down to compare our experiences as romance fans and now first time authors! This episode is one for all the #BookTok...
-
Friday Quickie ... An Astrological Guide / The Wedding People / Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
A smorgasboard of delicious romantical treats await you in today's quickie, Hopeless Romantics! This week: An Italian Rom Com series that I'm ANNOYED nobody told me about until now A wickedly funny novel set during a million dollar wedding on Rhode Island Possibly one of the best books I've ever...
-
'It Ends With Us' (2025) with Guy Mansell
NOTE: This film deals with a very prominent DV storyline, and as such this is discussed within the episode. It's the episode I never saw coming, and the film I never thought I'd watch! This week, my mate Guy Mansell joins us to discuss 'It Ends With Us' in a STRICTLY PERIPHERAL DRAMA FREE…
more -
Friday Quickie ... Ransom Canyon / Swept Away / First Time Caller
Stuck in a funk? Need a recommendation from a trusted friend? I got you boo! (and all in under 10 minutes because WE BUSY!) Also this episode is spoiler free :) This week we're doing: Hot daddy cowboys in the new Netflix drama 'Ransom Canyon' A one night stand that turns into an adventure at sea…
more -
'Love Actually' (2003) with Emma Clifton
The book is out, I have recovered (just!) and so now...the podcast returns. And WHAT A TITLE to return with! 'Love Actually' is not only the most requested film, but also the one that comes up the most during other episodes. I am delighted to welcome publishing superstar Emma Clifton to the…
more -
'Crazy Stupid Love' (2011) with Amelia Stamos
Infidelity, fate, Fboys and Ryan Gosling's abdominals. It's all here, people! This movie rules, and this was such a fun episode to do with first time Hopeless Romantic Amelia Stamos. We go deep (can a relationship survive infidelity?) and we go shallow (would you have sex with Ryan Gosling after...
-
Matthias and Maxime (and ten other movies) with Chris Parker
Chris Parker is a kiwi comedian, writer, actor and perhaps most notably the guest who initially suggested the most absurd 'romance' film (it was Deep Impact. And to be fair he argues a great point at the start of this episode). We settled on French Canadian director Xavier Dolan's stunning film...
-
Part of Your World / Yours Truly (Abby Jimenez) with Jess Farchione
DOUBLE TROUBLE BABY! We liked 'Part of Your World' but we LOVED 'Yours Truly' and as such we present to you, the double header episode of your Abby Jimenez dreams!!! Jess Farchione returns which means: lotsa food chat and lots of horny sex chat. What else could you possibly want in life, people?...
-
Moulin Rouge (2001) with Eli Matthewson
All you need is love! And...well a couple of other things really. Welcome to the podcast OUR VERY FIRST MAN! And what a man we have for you this week! Kiwi comedian Eli Matthewson joins us to discuss a movie he saw twelve times...in the cinema (OK so to be fair he has a plausible explanation that...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The podcast for everyone who loves love. Join Ash London as she navigates the worlds of real-life relationships, relishes in her favourite romantic stories, and ultimately attempts to better understand the human heart in all its glory.
HOSTED BY
Ash London
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Hopeless Romantics have?
Hopeless Romantics currently has 85 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Hopeless Romantics about?
The podcast for everyone who loves love. Join Ash London as she navigates the worlds of real-life relationships, relishes in her favourite romantic stories, and ultimately attempts to better understand the human heart in all its glory.
How often does Hopeless Romantics release new episodes?
Hopeless Romantics has 85 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Hopeless Romantics?
You can listen to Hopeless Romantics on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Hopeless Romantics?
Hopeless Romantics is created and hosted by Ash London.
URL copied to clipboard!