Join us as we unpack the themes, characters, and societal issues depicted in the 2026 film "The Drama." From love stories to mental health, gun violence, and toxic friendships, this episode explores the profound messages woven into this romance drama and what they reveal about our culture.

In this episode:

• A detailed overview of the film's plot, characters, and major themes
• How the movie tackles societal issues like gun violence, bullying, and mental health
• The significance of forgiveness, do-overs, and repairing relationships
• The portrayal of toxic versus healthy friendships
• Insights into character development, especially Emma's journey
• The depiction of cultural commentary on violence and media sensationalization
• The importance of emotional safety and communication in relationships
• Reflections on ending with hope and a fresh start despite conflicts

Resources:

• Book on Healthy Relationships
• Understanding Gun Violence and Media Impact
• Negotiation & Communication in Relationships

Connect with the Cast & Creators:

• Zendaya - Instagram
• Robert Pattinson - Twitter
• The Drama Official Trailer

Connect with Us:

Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview!

Head over to My Perfect Romance to connect.

But while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Upcoming Books & Movies:

• Woman Down by Colleen Hoover
• Interview with Lionel Moses author of The Marriage Seed
• You, Me, & Tuscany starring Halle Bailey & Regé-Jean Page

• (00:00:00) - THE PERFECTION OF ROMANCE
• (00:00:31) - Zendaya and Tom Holland in 'Candy'
• (00:01:56) - 2026 Ending Explained
• (00:04:18) - The Blind Couple's Meet
• (00:09:32) - The Best Friend's Wedding
• (00:13:27) - Oh, The Worst
• (00:14:06) - Emma on Why She Was Considering Doing A Mass Shooting
• (00:19:16) - The Best Friend in '
• (00:23:38) - Charlie Makes Out With His Assistant In The Wedding
• (00:27:22) - The Wedding Speech
• (00:29:20) - Hating The Best Friend
• (00:33:38) - The Year of the Bullying
• (00:37:29) - Adam Levine on 'The Good Guy'
• (00:41:55) - "Let's Love Each Other"
• (00:43:20) - The Fault in Our Love
• (00:46:59) - Emma in 'The Help'
• (00:50:15) - The Perfect Romance

Join us as we explore themes of personal growth, midlife reinvention, and the empowerment found in embracing life's changes through our conversation with author Lindsay Goldstein. She shares insights from her debut novel, The Gap Year, and her own life experiences that inspired her storytelling.

Key Topics:

• How midlife women are redefining love and adventure
• The importance of self-love, forgiveness, and embracing change
• Balancing motherhood, relationships, and personal goals in midlife
• Practical advice for women considering a "gap year" or life-changing adventure

Resources & Links:

• Lindsay Goldstein Official Website
• Lindsay Goldstein on Instagram
• Lindsay Goldstein Substack
• The Gap Year on Amazon

If you'd like to share your love story, suggest a movie or book to review, ask us what would you do, or if you've written a published book and would like to do an interview, please reach out to us! You can go to our website at: www.myperfectromance.com. Please follow us wherever you get your podcasts and if you enjoy our content, rate and review. We would appreciate it so much!

• (00:00:00) - How to Write a Novel
• (00:01:40) - Jane Austen's 'The Visits'
• (00:08:31) - Jane Eyre on Her Husband's Treatment
• (00:09:26) - Jane and Laura's Cross generational Friendship
• (00:16:36) - The Reinvention of Jane Seymour
• (00:21:10) - The Book of Me: A Woman in Her 40s
• (00:28:12) - Jane Goes to the Galapagos
• (00:34:56) - Take a Leap of Imagination
• (00:39:20) - Where Can Fans Find You?
• (00:41:45) - Book Review

Today's episode Val, Courtney, and Lisa dive into the evocative novel Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman, exploring its themes of summer romance, self-identity, and profound emotional and physical connection. They analyze the symbolism woven into the story, discuss the characters' journeys, and share personal insights on love and acceptance.

In this episode:

• Key insights into Elio and Oliver's relationship, exploring themes of obsession, self-discovery, and mutual acceptance

• The symbolism of peaches and bodily intimacy in expressing connection and identity

• Discussions on age differences, societal acceptance, and the significance of authentic love

• Personal anecdotes highlighting the universality of fleeting yet impactful summer relationships

• The importance of honesty, vulnerability, and embracing one's true feelings

• The cultural context of sexuality and relationships in the 1980s versus today

Resources & Links:

• Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman - Amazon link for the book

• André Aciman - Official website

• Call Me By Your Name (Movie)

Connect with us:

Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview!

Head over to My Perfect Romance to connect.

But while you're here… don’t forget to follow the show and leave a rating or review. It means the world to us!

Upcoming reviews & topics:

• Colleen Hoover - Woman Down

• The Drama starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya

• Interview with Lindsay Goldstein, author of The Gap Year

• (00:00:00) - THE PERFECTION OF ROMANCE
• (00:00:31) - Oh My Perfect Romance
• (00:00:53) - To Find Me: The Book and Movie
• (00:03:11) - The Summer of Elio
• (00:04:22) - The Color of Love
• (00:06:55) - The Love Story of Elio and Oliver
• (00:12:29) - The Couple's Wedding in Italy
• (00:13:59) - The Summer of Love
• (00:16:42) - The Secret To Sharing A Bathroom
• (00:20:06) - Peeing In Front Of My Love Interest
• (00:23:55) - The Poop in Love
• (00:24:50) - In the Elevator With Emily
• (00:25:41) - "Man to Man Love Story"
• (00:28:40) - The Story of Ilio And Oliver
• (00:31:49) - Could These Guys Ever Get Together?
• (00:36:45) - How To Scratch An Itchy Face
• (00:39:00) - In The Elevator With Courtney
• (00:41:46) - Andre on Talking About How He Feels
• (00:44:20) - The Importance Of Love
• (00:49:09) - MY PERPETUAL ROMANCE