All Episodes - For The Plot
A podcast looking at fandom, movies, TV, and books through the female gaze. Ya know, For Science. Listen in every Sunday with JoAnn and Abbey!
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Episode 58 - Bringing the Light with Shadow & Bone
We're back! Just in time for Shadow and Bone Season Two, how about a retrospective dive into Season One? Here's our take on the books, the show, our beloved Crows, and the sun summoner herself. Hit play and let's find our true north! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 57 - Keeping up with the Bridgertons
Dear reader, the season has finally arrived and we shall do what women do: we shall talk! This week, JoAnn and Abbey dust off their mics to talk about the Netflix show Bridgerton, both the good and the bad. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Quarantine Minisode 02 - Staying Healthy & Staying Sane: A How-To (Kinda)
This week, JoAnn and Abbey chat about the books and shows and other things that have been keeping them afloat during quarantine. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 56 - Everyone Has A Motive
“I seriously don’t get what goes on in this f*cking school.” That pretty much sums up Netflix’s ‘Elite’. This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss the impeccably written murder mystery show with its delightfully disastrous kids and all the shenanigans they get into — sometimes bloody. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Quarantine Minisode 01 - Boys & Political Intrigue
We’re staying inside and we’re staying sharp! This week JoAnn and Abbey talk about some of the things keeping them interested and engaged: “The Miseducation of the American Boy” by Peggy Orenstein and the Netflix drama “Kingdom”. Stay safe and stay healthy, and watch/read/listen For the Plot! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 55 - Break my heart, Covey
"Now is not the time to be fantasizing about living in an '80s movie", but we’ll take living in the world of P.S. I Still Love you anyday! This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk all things To All The Boys 2: favorite moments, coming of age, and which K-pop groups Lara Jean would stan. Ya know, For Science! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 54 - My, She Was Yare
Waiter, serve the nuts. I mean, serve the *guests* the nuts. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk all things classic comedy films. Some of their favorites include: one with mistaken leopard identity, one with an “unholy mess of a girl”, one with a crime-solving dog named Asta, and more! Join in, ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 53 - Nuclear Family
We all know that ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten! This week, JoAnn and Abbey dive into their favorite fictional nuclear families, how portrayals of families have changed over time, and what makes great fictional families great. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 52 - YCSBM, Ben Barnes
Prince Caspian never really left our hearts, and now Ben Barnes is back on the acting scene with a vengeance. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk all things Ben Barnes: his filmography, his singing voice, and the internet’s history of fancasting I’m literally everything...including a part he is set to play. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 51 - The Mom Friend & The Dad Friend
Every group has a Mom and/or Dad Friend™ and this week JoAnn and Abbey are here to talk their favorites. Do you see me as a father figure, Peralta? Let’s discuss! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Minisode 07 - Meet-Cutes
Well, this is some meet cute! This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk fictional meet cutes and Abbey only slightly misunderstands the assignment. What’s your favorite meet cute? Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Minisode 06 - Outlining
We’re writers, Jess. We create LIFE. But how? For some people, JoAnn and Abbey included, writing starts with an outline, so this week they dive into their outlining process in a minisode over the holidays. Join in! Ya know, for writerly Science. (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 50 - Big Spoon or Little Spoon?
Happy 50th episode! This week, JoAnn and Abbey have an absolute BLAST discussing which of their favorite characters is a Big Spoon, a Little Spoon, or...No Spoon? A Knife? Join them! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 49 - All I Want for Christmas is a RomCom
Tis the season for romance! This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk all things holiday romcom...some cringey, some excellent, and even one involving a ghost? Come join! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 48 - Disney Remake-a-palooza
I want to be where the remakes….aren’t. This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss Disney remakes, which they prefer, and what they think of the trend in general. Can you guess which remake they’d love to see?? Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 47 - Singing Stories Still Untold
Got a crime to solve? We know just the women for the job. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk women who solve things: the detectives, the investigators, the bringers of justice. Join them! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 46 - How Do You Solve a Problem Like Fandom?
When you’ve been in fandom as long as we have, you’ve seen some things, and you’ve accumulated some beef. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about fandom: the good, the bad, and the occasionally ugly. Everyone chill out and be kind. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 45 - Lost and Found
*Winston Bishop voice* They’re my BLOOD. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk all things Found Family! Family isn’t always about DNA, sometimes family is a random selection of characters that cross your path at the right time. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 44 - You Can Sit By Me, Taika Waititi
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Korg, also known as Taika Waititi, filmmaker and weirdo extraordinaire. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk all things Taika, including but not limited to: his films, his pineapple outfits, his hair, and so much more. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 43 - NFWMBB (Nothing F*cks With My Book Boyfriend)
Warning: The following episode may cause the listener to swoon, sigh, and fall head over heels. This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss their book boyfriends (AKA fictional male characters they wish they could date) because they *definitely* read for the plot. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 42 - Fight Like a Girl
I am a goddess, a glorious female warrior! This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss what makes a hero, and gush over their favorite female warrior characters. Enemies of fairness and equality, hear my womanly roar! YAH! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 41 - Is This A Kissing Book?
What makes a kiss the most passionate, the most pure? This week, JoAnn and Abbey dig into an extremely important topic: which kisses in movies, television, and books are our favorites? Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Minisode 05 - Writer's Block
Hit a wall? Maybe run into it, face first? We’ve got you covered. This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss some strategies for getting writing again. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Minisode 04 - Summer Reads
Summer reading, having a bla-ast! (Sorry, it had to be done.) JoAnn and Abbey are back from hiatus with a summer minisode! Join them as they talk about what they’re reading this summer, and what they’re excited to read soon. Join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 40 - King and Lionheart
Terry loves love! This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss their favorite ship tropes in fiction: what makes you fall in love with a ship? Why? We need to get to the bottom of this. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 39 - Truths Universally Acknowledged
It is a truth universally acknowledged that JoAnn and Abbey love Austen adaptations. If they loved it less, they might be able to talk about it more! ...Just kidding, they’re able to talk about it at great length. Ya know, For Science! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 38 - You Can Sit By Me, John Cho
When you look up “life ruiner” in the dictionary, the picture next to it is John Cho. This week, JoAnn and Abbey lose their minds over this long-time crush and extremely talented smoke show. Come join! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 37 - Love in the Eyes
How can I tell if he loves me so? No, really, it’s in his eyes. (Or hers!) This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about romantic gazes, longing gazes, pining gazes...A.K.A. the bread and butter of all romcoms. What is it about a good gaze that makes them lose their sh*t?? Come find out! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 36 - Strong Enough to Survive the Fall
Do you need to scream over King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo?? Because JoAnn and Abbey sure f*cking do! Join them as they discuss their favorite disaster son (AKA the king of Ravka) and worship at the alter of Zoya Nazyalensky. (Warning: high-pitched noises ahead.) Come scream with them! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 35 - Island of Misfit Tropes
Look, not all romance novel tropes are diamonds in the rough, and sometimes you just end up in a dumpster full of trash. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about tropes they love but wouldn’t necessarily recommend to a friend...and tropes they’d love to see more of. Come join! We read For the Plot. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 34 - Simply the Best
What’s better than a declaration of love?? Nothing, that’s what. This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss some of their favorite fictional declarations of love—especially the ones where the characters don’t even have to say “I love you”. Come join! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 33 - Lady Writers
What’s mightier than a sword-wielding dude? A pen-wielding lady, obviously. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk lady writers who inspire with their kindness, their drive, their skill, and their honesty about the industry in which they work. Come join! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 32 - Try A Little Tenderness
This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about what is honestly their favorite topic: male characters who give the middle finger to toxic masculinity. Join them as they talk about the ultimate fake boyfriend, a king striving to be a good man, characters in Westerns overturning their own tropes, and more. Come join! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 31 - I Burn, I Pine, I Perish
When does "will they" become "they BETTER"? How much time have you lost waiting for a ship to sail? Are you still waiting? Join Abbey and JoAnn as they talk about their favorite slow burn ships in fiction! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Minisode 03 - Save It For A Rainy Day
What book, movie, or TV show do you curl up with on a rainy day? This week, JoAnn and Abbey are sharing their comfort reads and comfort watches, so burrito yourself in a blanket and join in! Ya know, For Science. (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Minisode 02 - Boys in Books Do It Better
Come on. You know you have a book boyfriend. (If only because fictional boys are vastly superior to real ones.) Of course Abbey and JoAnn have multiple, but join them this week as they pick one each for this special holiday minisode! (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Minisode 01 - Love in the Time of Mistletoe
All we want for Christmas is a damn good romance novel — because love during the holidays has a magic of its own. Join Abbey and JoAnn this week for a special minisode about holiday-themed romance reads! (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 30 - Hurts So Good
Do you love me? If I could stop, I would. This week...you may feel that way about the podcast? JoAnn and Abbey talk romantic angst and why we love it so much. Come join them in their misery! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 29 - You Can Sit By Me, Riz Ahmed
This week JoAnn and Abbey are talking about dapper gent and general life-ruiner, Riz Ahmed. Join in as they talk about this actor, rapper, activist...and thief of our hearts. Ya know, for Science! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 28 - Writing: Worldbuilding
Why do you write like you’re running out of time? Because it’s NaNoWriMo, of course, and we ARE running out of time. This week JoAnn and Abbey talk writing craft. Specifically, worldbuilding. They talk about their own writing process, some examples of worldbuilding done well, and recommend resources for other writers & NaNo-ers. This week is...literally For the Plot. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 27 - Dad Potential™
Okay, look. This week, JoAnn and Abbey are talking about...Dad Potential™. That certain quality a man has when...okay, you’re going to have to listen to find out, and to find out which fictional characters we think Has It. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 26 - YES, Another Teen Movie
It’s just a party, and hell is just a sauna! This week, JoAnn and Abbey are talking all things teen movie. The best, the worst, the...no, just the best. Ya know, For Science! (And none for Gretchen Wieners.) (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 25 - YES, THIS IS A KISSING BOOK
This is no surprise to you guys, but JoAnn and Abbey LOVE ROMANCE NOVELS. This week, they talk about how they got into the genre, some of the best...and maybe the worst (spoiler alert: it’s the patriarchy), and discuss some of their faves! This week, they Read For the Plot. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 24 - A Great Deal on Craigslist
It’s time for a Classic Cece-Winston Mess Around! This week, JoAnn and Abbey dive into a retrospective of the show New Girl. So, bust out your copy of the Pepperwood Chronicles, grab Ferguson, and let’s play True American. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 23 - The Best White Chris
Look. Everyone is welcome to their opinions, but as far as JoAnn and Abbey are concerned, the Best White Chris... is Chris Pine. Join them as they discuss this charming, handsome weirdo and all his wonderful oddities...and why he’s so godd**n handsome, because they watch For the Plot. (It had to be done.) (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 22 - Just As You Are
The RomCom is rising again, and JoAnn and Abbey could not be more excited!! Join them this week as they discuss the stigma against romantic comedies, their introduction to the genre, and their all-time faves. A “RomCom 101”, if you will. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 21 - I loathed you first!
This week, JoAnn and Abbey dive into hate to love relationships! They discuss why this trope is so freaking great, and which ships within this trope are so freaking satisfying. Let’s get into it. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 20 - You gonna break my heart, Covey?
This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about what everybody else is talking about this weekend: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. We watched it, WE ADORED IT, and we can’t stop talking about it!! Come join us as we lose our damn minds over this incredible movie! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 19 - Make Carrie Fisher Proud
Hollywood may ignore 99% of women over the age of 27, but not in this house! In this house, we love and respect women — especially older, accomplished ones who lift up the next generation. This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about women they’ve learned from & respect so much. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 18 - You Can Sit By Me, Diego Luna
This week, JoAnn and Abbey lose their collective mind over Diego Luna. You can talk sh*t about Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, but you know you loved it! Come join as they discuss his career and some of their favorite roles, as well as his STELLAR scruff and eye crinkles. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 17 - Love, Like Art, Must Always Be Free
This week, JoAnn and Abbey rave about their favorite LGBT+ ships! They may or may not include a prince and a pirate, a dramatic Mexican actor and his academic partner, a vampire and an intrepid journalist, and more. Oh...and Cheddar the Dog. Come join! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 16 - Sestra
This week, JoAnn and Abbey dive in to all things sisterhood in fiction! Join them as they talk good portrayals of sisterhood, how there is kind of a dearth of it in fiction, and more. Join in! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 15 - Every Atom of Me and Every Atom of You
This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about which book ships started them on the road to...this podcast, honestly. Which ships started it all? Let’s dive in. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 14 - Who Are We Making Jealous? Everyone.
What is it about the fake relationship trope that is so damn addicting?? This week, JoAnn and Abbey try to figure it out. (Hashtag Science.) They talk fake dating, fake engagements, and fake marriage, faking it with the best. Come join! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 13 - You Can Sit By Me, Lucy Liu
This week, JoAnn and Abbey pay homage (rightfully so) to the goddess, Lucy Liu. They talk about her career, how her determination has inspired them personally...and also how she can wear a goddamn suit. Ya know, For Science. Come join! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 12 - Drama For Everyone!
Tragic pasts? Check. Girls with gumption? Check. Rich jerks who turn out to have hearts of gold? Check. Car crashes and/or surprise amnesia? Double check. This week, JoAnn and Abbey rave about some of their favorite Asian Dramas, including Bromance and Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. Join them as they talk favorite tropes, favorite ships, favorite...everything. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 11 - I Am Also a We
Aaaand we’re back! This week, JoAnn and Abbey do a retrospective on Sense8 and cover the recently aired finale. Through their tears, they talk about what the show has meant to them, and why you should love it, too. Come cry with us! Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 10 - NINE NINE!
We love everyone in this precinct!!! This week, JoAnn and Abbey needed to vent their love for Brooklyn Nine Nine after the HORRIFIC news that Fox cancelled the show...but within 24 hours the show had been picked up! Is this The Good Place after all?! If any show deserves a second life, it’s B99, which is consistently hilarious while also tackling issues of police brutality, intersectionality, and toxic masculinity. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 09 - Ride or Die Protocol
Dream team, baby! This week, JoAnn and Abbey chat their fave Marrieds. If you like Leslie Knope & Ben Wyatt, Zoe & Wash, and a bunch of others, then this episode is for you. Engage a Ride or Die Protocol and join in! (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 08 - Your Girlfriend's On The Radio
It’s happening. This week, JoAnn and Abbey lose it over Netflix’s The Punisher. They start with a spoiler-free section (in case you haven’t seen it but are intrigued) and then dive into the Good Sh*t™: all things related to subverting toxic Alpha Male tropes, the strength in emotional vulnerability, and the witchcraft that is Jon Bernthal’s STARE. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 07 - You're My Person
Enemies of fairness and equality, hear our womanly roar! This week, JoAnn and Abbey rave about their favorite thing: friendships between female characters. Friendships between women are SO important...so why aren’t there more of them shown in fiction?? Oh, yeah. The Patriarchy. The Patriarchy can suck it, because who run the world? GIRLS. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 06 - At the Beginning With You
This week, JoAnn and Abbey journey to the past and revisit their formative crushes. We ALL know about Fox!Robin Hood, but this week the ladies go even deeper. Join in as they discuss Disney princes, Anastasia, a certain Star Wars rogue, and more. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 05 - Dressed to Kill
This week, JoAnn and Abbey discuss one of the most attractive things a man can do: wear confidence as well as they wear a suit. Featuring: Arthur from Inception, and Kaz ‘Dirtyhands’ Brekker. Oh, and rolling the shirtsleeves of said shirt up. Ya know, For Science. (Music is “Energetic Rock” by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 04 - You Can Sit By Me, Oscar Isaac
This week, JoAnn and Abbey talk about one of their favorite actors/humans, Oscar Isaac. (Have we mentioned that we’ve seen Oscar Isaac? Like, in real life? Like, without pants? Because we have.) In the immortal words of Mushu, “Nice, very nice! You can sit by me.” (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 03 - A Good Man Is Hard to Find
This week JoAnn and Abbey tackle Good White Dudes Who Subvert Their Own Tropes. While we don’t want to give too much time & credit to white dudes having...just basic human decency, we do want to highlight some good characters when we see them (because hopefully they’ll become less rare). Do you like Raleigh Becket or Jake Peralta? This ep is for you! (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 02 - Try A Little Tenderness
This week JoAnn and Abbey talk about one of their favorite tropes: Friends to Lovers. Also, the (sadly uncommon) trait of Positive Masculinity (aka the polar opposite of Toxic Masculinity, which can suck it). We also dig in to Jane the Virgin...ya know, For Science. (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)
Episode 01 - Of Monsters and Meta
Welcome to For the Plot! JoAnn and Abbey start the conversation by talking about how fandom sparked their friendship (shout out to Pacific Rim), their experiences with fandom throughout the years, and one particular fave: Guillermo del Toro. Come join us! Ya know, For Science. (Music is "Energetic Rock" by Rodrigo Vicente from HookSounds)