PODCAST · tv
Midday Movies
by Laura Fones and Stephen Frothingham
Welcome to the Midday Movies podcast, provider of fun, funny, and thoughtful media reviews 2-3x a week. Streaming on @radiotacoma101.9 every Tues/Thurs/Sat at 3pm.
Episodes
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Ep 336: “Farewell, My Concubine” (1993) Epic Masterpiece About Love & Opera in 20th-Century China
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen wrap up International Cinema Month with a profound exploration of the Chinese language epic, Farewell My Concubine. This Palme d'Or-winning film spans 53 years of Chinese history, offering a poignant narrative that intertwines the lives of...
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Ep 335: Movie Archer Special - Picking the Best Films of 2026 (So Far)
International Cinema Season is back next week! Today, we want to introduce you to some friends of ours. In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen join forces with fellow members of the Movie Archer Network for an exhilarating draft of the best films of 2026 so far. With excitement...
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Ep 334: “2046” (2004) Sci-Fi Sequel to Wong Kar-wai’s Masterpiece & Love Letter to 1960’s Hong Kong
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their celebration of International Cinema Month with a deep dive into Wong Kar Wai's visually stunning masterpiece, 2046. Serving as a loose sequel to the acclaimed In the Mood for Love, this film intertwines elements of science...
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Ep 333: “The Handmaiden” (2016) Park Chan-wook Adaptation of Fingersmith is a Puzzle-box of Passions
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their celebration of International Cinema Month with an in-depth exploration of the modern Korean classic, The Handmaiden. Directed by Park Chan-wook and adapted from Sarah Waters' novel Fingersmith, this film is set against the...
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Ep 332: “Seven Samurai” (1954) International Cinema Month Begins with Akira Kurosawa’s Masterpiece
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen kick off International Cinema Month with a thorough examination of Akira Kurosawa's monumental film, Seven Samurai. Widely regarded as one of Japan's greatest cinematic achievements, this epic tale follows a group of underdog villagers who...
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Ep 331: “Punch Drunk Love” (2002) Off-Beat LA Rom-Com Concerning Phone Sex, Pudding, and First Love
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen conclude their captivating Summer of Love series with a deep dive into Paul Thomas Anderson's anxiety-riddled romance, Punch Drunk Love. Starring Adam Sandler in his first dramatic role, the film tells the story of Barry Egan, a neurotic...
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Ep 330: “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011) Midlife Crisis Rom-Com about Divorce, Dating, and Coming of Age
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their Summer of Love series with a delightful exploration of the contemporary romantic comedy, Crazy Stupid Love. Starring Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling, this film follows the journey of Cal, a recently separated middle-aged man,...
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Ep 329: “Challengers” (2024) Teen Romance, American Tennis, and a Punishing 13-Year Love Triangle
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their Summer of Love series with a thrilling exploration of the contemporary romance film, Challengers. Directed by the talented Luca Guadagnino and featuring a standout performance by Zendaya (who also produced), this electric…
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Ep 328: “The Age of Innocence” (1993) A Gilded Age Love Triangle that Censures New York Society
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their enchanting Summer of Love series with a deep dive into Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence. Adapted from Edith Wharton's classic novel, the film transports us to the opulent yet suffocating world of 1870s New York…
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Ep 327: “Before Midnight” (2013) Love in the Forties, Life After Divorce, and Maybe a Greek Tragedy
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen wrap up their deep dive into Richard Linklater's Before Trilogy with the emotionally charged film, Before Midnight. Set nine years after the events of Before Sunset, we find Jesse and Celine navigating the complexities of parenthood with...
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Ep 326: “Before Sunset” (2004) 30-Something Angst, Divorce, and the Lovers’ Reunion on the Seine
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their exploration of the captivating Before Trilogy with the poignant film, Before Sunset. Set nine years after the enchanting Before Sunrise, we reconnect with Jesse, now a successful author, and Celine, whose brief yet impactful...
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Ep 325: Prestige Romance “Before Sunrise” (1995) A Whirlwind Night of Love and Philosophy in Vienna
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the enchanting world of Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise, a 1995 romantic classic that captures the fleeting beauty of connection. Starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, the film follows two young travelers who meet on a train…
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Ep 324: “The Apartment” (1960) Romance in the Time of Organizational and Sexual Politics
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their exploration of romance in cinema with the Billy Wilder classic, The Apartment. Released in 1960 and starring the incomparable Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, this film dives into the cutthroat world of corporate America,...
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Ep 323: “It Happened One Night” (1934) How This Classic Swept the Oscars and Invented the RomCom
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their intrepid trek through classic romance with the iconic screwball comedy, It Happened One Night. This 1934 film, featuring the unforgettable pairing of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, tells the story of a working-class...
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Ep 322: “Sabrina” (1954) A Love Triangle, a Parisian Makeover, and a Long Island Cinderella
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on a charming journey through the classic romance of the 1954 film, Sabrina. Starring the iconic Audrey Hepburn, alongside Humphrey Bogart and William Holden, this delightful tale follows Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of a...
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Ep 321: “Heated Rivalry” (2026) The Game-Changing Romance Series that Started a Booktok Revolution
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the sizzling world of romance and rivalry with the international hit series, Heated Rivalry. Based on Rachel Reed's Game Changers book series, this captivating show follows the lives of two Major League Hockey stars, Ilya Rozanov...
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Ep 320: “Off Campus” (Prime, 2026) Summer of Love Kicks Off With Hockey’s Hottest (Straight) Romance
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a delightful plunge into the world of romance and hockey with Prime Video's hit series, “Off Campus.” Based on Elle Kennedy's best-selling book series, this charming show introduces us to Hannah Wells, a dedicated music major, and...
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Ep 319: “Blade Runner” (1982) A Dystopian Exploration of Humanity and Identity in a Neon-Soaked Future
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen are joined by siblings Shay and Jason, co-hosts of the Rainy Day Rabbit Hole's History Unhinged podcast, as they dissect the iconic 1982 cyberpunk film, Blade Runner. This cult classic, directed by Ridley Scott, explores the haunting…
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Ep 318: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) A New Vision of Spider-Man [Hopeful Sci-Fi]
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen swing into action as they explore the groundbreaking animated film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Released in 2018 and directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, this Oscar-winning film introduces audiences to…
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Ep 317: “Arrival” (2016) When a Friendly Alien Invasion Reveals Underlying Human Chaos
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a deep dive into the thought-provoking 2016 sci-fi film, Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner. This Oscar-winning masterpiece explores the arrival of 12 alien ships on Earth and the urgent…
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Ep 316: “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022) A Multiversal Odyssey of Family & Philosophy
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on an exhilarating exploration of the Oscar-winning sci-fi masterpiece, Everything Everywhere All at Once. This groundbreaking film, featuring the incredible Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang, tells the story of a laundromat owner...
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Ep 315: “The Fifth Element” (1997) An Unhinged Sci-Fi Future Where Love & Fabulousness Conquer Evil
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on a vibrant journey through the cult classic sci-fi film, The Fifth Element. Released in 1997 and directed by Luc Besson, this visually stunning masterpiece stars Bruce Willis as the reluctant hero Corbin Dallas and Milla Jovovich…
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Ep 314: “Foundation” (AppleTV, 2021- ) Asimov’s Masterpiece of Empire, Revolt, and Humanity’s Future
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive deep into the expansive universe of the Apple TV series Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov's legendary book series. With a star-studded cast including Lee Pace, Jared Harris, and newcomer Lou LaBelle, this series is an exemplar of the...
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Ep 313: “Project Hail Mary” (2026) The Film, The Book, and the Little Rocky Who Could
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos with the blockbuster film Project Hail Mary, based on Andy Weir's acclaimed novel. They delve into the gripping narrative that follows a reluctant seventh-grade science teacher, played…
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Ep 312: [Guest Episode] Rainy Day Rabbit Holes Presents Unhinged History: The WA Tylenol Murders
Midday Movies is taking a break this week to work on some new and exciting projects that we are not yet legally allowed to share; but, in the meantime, we are sharing with you this thrilling episode from our friends at Rainy Day Rabbit Holes on the infamous Tylenol murders of the 1980s. In 1982,...
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Ep 311: [Guest Episode] Spirits and Monsters of Old Seattle | Interlude II — House Call
You're listening to Midday Movies. We're taking a short break — a week or two — to step back, recharge, and build some new things we think you're going to love. But we didn't want to leave you without something worth your time. So today, we're handing the feed over to a fellow member of the...
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Ep 310: Reviewing "Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere" (2026 Netflix) & Predatory Online Spaces
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a deep dive into the thought-provoking Netflix documentary "Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere." This captivating film explores the decentralized world of hyper-masculine online influencers, where figures like Sneako and Myron…
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Ep 309: Reviewing "F1: The Movie” (2025): A Tale of Mavericks, Underdogs, and Near-Reality Racing
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen rev up the excitement as they dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of "F1," the latest blockbuster starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kaczynski. Set against the backdrop of real Formula One races, the film follows the story of…
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Ep 308: Reviewing "Vladimir" (Netflix, 2026): Academia, Obsession, and the Depths of Midlife Crisis
This week we're diving into Vladimir, the Netflix limited series based on Julia May Jonas's acclaimed 2022 debut novel. It's eight episodes of obsession, delusion, and the uncomfortable truth that desire doesn't care about your principles, your marriage, or your tenure. What We Discuss: 0:00 —...
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Ep 307: Reviewing "Hamnet" (2025): Romance, Grief, and Magical Realism (Oscars 2026)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen wrap up their coverage of the 2026 Oscar nominees with an in-depth exploration of Chloe Zhao's poignant film "Hamnet," starring the incredible Jessie Buckley. Based on Maggie O'Farrell’s acclaimed novel, "Hamnet" offers a haunting look…
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Ep 306: Reviewing "Young Sherlock" (Prime, 2026) Guy Richie’s Punchy Teen Sherlock Takes on Oxford
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen delve into the thrilling world of Amazon's new series "Young Sherlock," a fresh take on the iconic detective's early years. Laura shares her excitement for the show, directed by Guy Ritchie, revealing her admiration for his punchy...
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Ep 305: Reviewing "The Secret Agent" (2025): Corruption, Carnivale, and the Shadows of Dictatorship
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their exploration of this year's Oscar-nominated films with a captivating discussion on Brazil's entry for Best Foreign Feature (and Oscar Best Picture nominee), "The Secret Agent," directed by Kleber Mondonca Filho. Set against…
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Ep 304: 2026 Oscar Predictions & Picks in Advance of the 98th Annual Academy Awards
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen gear up for the 98th Academy Awards with an exciting preview of their Oscar picks and predictions. As they navigate through the nominees, they discuss the significance of the newly introduced Best Casting category and highlight standout...
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Ep 303: Reviewing “Sentimental Value": Trauma, Artistic Alchemy, and Echoes of WWII (Oscars 2026)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the emotional depths of Joaquim Trier's "Sentimental Value," a poignant exploration of family, art, and the legacy of trauma. Following the Borg family, led by the estranged patriarch Gustav, portrayed by the remarkable Stellan...
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Ep 302: Reviewing “Train Dreams": Love, Grief and Alienation on the American Frontier (Oscars 2026)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen continue their Oscar best picture nominee coverage with a deep dive into Clint Bentley's "Train Dreams," featuring standout performances from Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and William H. Macy. Based on Denis Johnson's acclaimed novella,...
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Ep 301: Reviewing “Raging Bull" (1980) An American Tragedy and the Best Film Editing Of All Time
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen delve into the cinematic brilliance of Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull” (1980), a film often hailed as the best-edited movie of all time. Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Cathy Moriarty, this compelling American tragedy chronicles…
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Ep 300: Top 10 Films You Must See For the Editing (“Filmmaker’s Book of Ten” by Steven Bernstein)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen wrap up their film school series by diving into the essential topic of editing through the lens of the "Filmmaker's Book of Ten" by Steven Bernstein. They present an extraordinary list of the top 10 films that every aspiring filmmaker must...
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Ep 299: Reviewing “One Battle After Another” and the Ongoing American Revolution [2026 Oscar Movies]
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the decades-spanning revolutionary narrative of Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," a film that has garnered significant Oscar buzz. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn, this sprawling American...
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Ep 298: Reviewing “Bugonia”: Bees, Conspiracies, and the Battle of Ideologies [2026 Oscar Movies]
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on a critical discussion about the first Best Picture nomination for 2026, Yorgos Lanthimos' "Bugonia." Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, this film delves into pressing societal issues like climate collapse and inequality…
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Ep 297: Reviewing “Fallout: Season 2” (2026) Factions, Family Struggles, and the Fight for New Vegas
In this thrilling Midday Mini, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the post nuclear world of Fallout: Season 2, a series that continues to capture their hearts with gaming nostalgia. With its vibrant setting in New Vegas, the duo explores the rich character dynamics and morally complex narratives...
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Ep 296: Unpacking the 2026 Oscar Nominations: Documentaries, Animation, and Best Picture Contenders
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of this year's Oscar nominations! With excitement in the air, they explore the standout films vying for the coveted gold statue in the categories of Best Documentary Feature, Animated Feature, and...
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Ep 295: Reviewing “The Beauty” (Hulu, 2026) A Ryan Murphy Style Parable of the Fountain of Youth
In this exciting Midday Mini, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the wild world of Ryan Murphy's latest television creation, "The Beauty." This midday mini explores the show's unique blend of drama, sci-fi, and dark humor, set against an alien-sounding backdrop that keeps viewers guessing. With…
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Ep 294: Reviewing “Days of Heaven” (1978, Terrence Malick) Sin and Sunset Cinematography
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on the visually iconoclastic journey through Terrence Malick's 1978 masterpiece, "Days of Heaven." Starring a young Richard Gere and marking Malick’s 2nd feature film, the audience is taken into the lives of itinerant farm workers…
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Ep 293: Top 10 Films You Must See For Cinematography (“Filmmaker’s Book of Ten” by Steven Bernstein)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take you back into their January Film School Series, diving into the 10 must-see masterpieces celebrated for their stunning cinematography, as highlighted in the insightful "Filmmaker's Book of Ten" by award-winning cinematographer Steven...
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Ep 292: [Guest Episode] Mysterious PNW discusses the Seattle Death Museum
In this special episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen present a captivating feature from the Umbrella Podcast Collective's own Mysterious PNW. Join them as they explore the eerie yet fascinating Seattle Death Museum, a unique establishment housing an array of death artifacts and...
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Ep 291: Reviewing "The Sweet Smell of Success" (1957) and the Dark Art of Dialogue
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen delve into the 1957 film noir masterpiece, "The Sweet Smell of Success," a film that transformed from a box office flop into a revered classic. This episode explores the chaotic collaboration between novelist Ernest Lehman, playwright...
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Ep 290: Top 10 Films You Must See For Screenwriting (“Filmmaker’s Book of Ten” by Steven Bernstein)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen are taking you back to Film School, diving into the essential 10 films aspiring screenwriters must see, as outlined in the newly released "Filmmaker's Book of Ten" by Steven Bernstein. With a focus on compelling dialogue and innovative...
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Ep 289: Reviewing “Paris, Texas” (1984, dir. Wim Wenders) and the Sublime Ruins of America
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on a deep dive into the 1984 cinematic masterpiece "Paris, Texas," directed by Wim Wenders and penned by Sam Shepard. This visually stunning film, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival when it premiered, tells...
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Ep 288: Top 10 Directors Whose Work You Must See (“Filmmaker’s Book of Ten” by Steven Bernstein)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take listeners on an enlightening journey through the world of cinema by exploring the soon-to-be-released “Filmmaker's Book of Ten” — a practical handbook for filmmakers at all levels by Steven Bernstein (book coming out officially next...
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Ep 287: 25 Motivational Films to Kickstart Your 2026 New Year’s Resolutions (Part 2)
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen ring in the New Year with part two of Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 25 most inspirational films. They explore 13 modern classics that encourage listeners to cherish family moments, learn new skills, and embark on new adventures. From the...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Midday Movies have?
Midday Movies currently has 362 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Midday Movies about?
Welcome to the Midday Movies podcast, provider of fun, funny, and thoughtful media reviews 2-3x a week. Streaming on @radiotacoma101.9 every Tues/Thurs/Sat at 3pm.
How often does Midday Movies release new episodes?
Midday Movies publishes regularly with 362 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Midday Movies?
You can listen to Midday Movies 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 Midday Movies?
Midday Movies is created and hosted by Laura Fones and Stephen Frothingham.
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