Between the Turkey and the Tinsel

It’s time to deck the halls, untangle the lights, and get ready for the hap-hap-happiest Christmas podcast ever! For this festive episode reprise of Reel Sisters Rewind, hosts Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam, along with their lively panel of guests—Missy’s sons Michael and Morgan, and their cousins Gavin, Parker, and Thomas—rewind to 1989 and revisit National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. For over a decade, this crew has kicked off the holiday season with their Thanksgiving night tradition of watching this beloved movie. They’ve seen it so many times, they can practically quote every line—and their banter is the perfect addition to this laugh-out-loud episode. From Cousin Eddie’s antics to Clark’s over-the-top light display, no festive stone is left unturned. So grab a plate of Aunt Bethany’s Jell-O mold (cat food optional) and tune in as the Reel Sisters crew dives into one of the most cherished holiday comedies of all time. And remember, when it comes to holiday movies, this one’s the gift that keeps on giving! Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Reel Sisters Rewind is hosted by sisters Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham). Edited by Brandon Manzano. Special guests: Michael Washam, Morgan Washam, Gavin Vance, Parker Vance, and Thomas Washam.

This holiday rewind revisits a Dickens classic… with a sharp edge and an 80s attitude. This week, sisters Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam rewind Scrooged, the 1988 holiday film that reimagined A Christmas Carol for a modern audience. Led by Bill Murray as the cynical Frank Cross, the movie blends biting humor with moments of reflection, creating a Christmas story that feels both familiar and unexpected. Amanda and Missy walk through the film scene by scene, from the cutthroat world of television executives to the unforgettable visits from three spirits who force Frank to confront his past, present, and future. Along the way, they share fascinating facts about the cast, the late-80s setting, and how Scrooged earned its place as a holiday staple with staying power. Whether this is part of your yearly holiday lineup or a rewind you haven’t made in a while, this episode captures the humor, heart, and redemption that make Scrooged a Christmas classic with an edge. Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Hosted by Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Edited by Brandon Manzano

Some holiday stories start with mistletoe and magic, but this one starts with a bet that changes everything. This week, sisters Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam rewind Trading Places, the sharp, witty 1983 comedy where Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd prove that nothing brings out the holiday spirit quite like chaos, revenge, and an accidental social experiment. From the Duke brothers’ outrageous bet to the unforgettable train scene, Amanda and Missy walk through the moments that made this film a holiday staple wrapped in satire. They also dig into fascinating facts about the cast, the Wall Street backdrop of the early 80s, and how the movie blended comedy with commentary in a way that still hits today. So grab a hot cocoa, settle in, and get ready to revisit a holiday classic that delivers laughs, lessons, and a little Christmas mischief. Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Hosted by Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Edited by Brandon Manzano

We’re just dropping in to say hi and chat for a minute about our wonderful Thanksgiving. We’re taking this week to enjoy a little extra family time, but we’ll be back next week with a Christmas classic from the best decade of movies ever. Until then, go watch one of your favorite 80s movies and/or listen to one of our holiday episodes from last season.  Let's keep the festive holiday fun going! Love and blessings, Amanda and Missy - your Reel Sisters

What happens when a group of old friends reunites after years apart, only to find that time has changed everything... and nothing at all? The Big Chill is one of those movies that hits differently every decade, and this week, Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam are diving all the way in with a very special guest. Actor, director, and producer Miles Doleac—a true Reel Fans favorite—is back for his third appearance on the show. Together, they revisit the 1983 ensemble classic that begins with a funeral and unfolds into a weekend packed with memories, laughter, tension, honesty, and the kind of conversations you only have with the people who knew you when. Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, William Hurt, JoBeth Williams, Jeff Goldblum, Tom Berenger—the cast alone made history. But it was the Motown soundtrack, the razor-sharp writing, and the raw look at friendship in the messy middle years that turned The Big Chill into a generational touchstone. Join the Reel Sisters and Miles as they break down what made this film so beloved... why its themes still hit home today... and how a story about loss somehow became one of the most beautiful celebrations of life, connection, and the people who shape us. Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Hosted by Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Special Guest: Miles Doleac Edited by: Brandon Manzano

Cue the uniform, the motorcycle, and one of the most romantic finales in movie history. This week, the Reel Sisters rewind An Officer and a Gentleman - the 1982 drama that made audiences swoon, sob, and stand up cheering. Sisters Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam revisit Richard Gere's unforgettable turn as Zack Mayo, a Navy aviation candidate trying to rise above his rough past, and Debra Winger as Paula, the small-town factory worker who captures his heart. From the grueling training sequences to that iconic lift-her-off-her-feet ending, they break down the film's mix of grit, growth, and gut-wrenching emotion that made it an instant 80s classic. So grab your tissue box, crank up 'Up Where We Belong', and join the Reel Sisters for a rewind that proves love, discipline, and determination never go out of style. Sources imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Reel Sisters Rewind is hosted by sisters Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Edited by: Brandon Manzano

This episode of Reel Sisters Rewind is lovingly dedicated to one of the show’s biggest fans, Jill Gary Eure, Amanda’s college friend and a fellow Kappa Delta sister to both Amanda and Missy. Jill brought laughter, kindness, and light everywhere she went, and Amanda and Missy were deeply touched to learn how much joy these episodes brought her during her courageous battle with cancer. Though she has gone home to be with her Heavenly Father, her spirit, humor, and love for great stories live on. This one’s for you, Jill. A toon, a frame-up, and a detective who's had just about enough of cartoon chaos, welcome to Who Framed Roger Rabbit. This week, the Reel Sisters step into 1940s Hollywood (with a splash of animation) to revisit the 1988 blockbuster that blurred the lines between live action and Looney Tunes. Sisters Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam break down the groundbreaking mix of comedy, mystery, and movie magic that brought humans and toons together on screen for the first time. From Roger's frantic charm to Jessica Rabbit's unforgettable entrance, they unpack the film's iconic moments, behind-the-scenes innovations, and why it still feels unlike anything before or since. So dust off your detective hat and step into ToonTown with the Reel Sisters as they unravel the mystery, magic, and mayhem of this unforgettable 80s classic. Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Reel Sisters Rewind is hosted by sisters Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Edited by: Brandon Manzano

Before dating apps and text messages, there was About Last Night - the 1986 film that captured the chaos of modern love the old-fashioned way: face to face, heart to heart, and sometimes, heartbreak to heartbreak. Sisters Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam revisit Rob Lowe and Demi Moore's rollercoaster romance, exploring the spark, the struggle, and the soundtrack that defined 80s relationships. With standout performances from Jim Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins, this movie didn't just talk about love - it showed how messy, magnetic, and maddening it can be. So grab your popcorn and maybe a pint of ice cream, because this Reel Sisters rewind reminds us that when it comes to love, 'happily ever after' is rarely that simple. Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Reel Sisters Rewind is hosted by sisters Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Edited by: Brandon Manzano

Spooky season is ending with a bite! This week on Reel Sisters Rewind, sisters Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam are tackling Stephen King’s terrifying tale brought to the screen in 1983—Cujo. What starts as a story about a lovable St. Bernard quickly turns into one of the most nerve-wracking thrillers of the decade. From the tense standoff at the broken-down car to the unforgettable performances that captured raw fear and survival, Amanda and Missy break down the film’s most chilling moments. They’ll share fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia, talk about its place among 80s horror classics, and explore why Cujo still makes audiences squirm today. So lock your doors, keep your windows rolled up, and join the Reel Sisters for their Halloween-season finale—because sometimes the scariest monsters don’t come from ghosts or ghouls, but from man’s best friend. Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Reel Sisters Rewind is hosted by sisters Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Edited by: Brandon Manzano

“They’re here…” and so are the Reel Sisters! This week, Amanda Stephens and Missy Washam are rewinding one of the scariest supernatural films of the 80s—Poltergeist. Released in 1982 and produced by Steven Spielberg, this haunted-house classic brought us terrifying TVs, eerie closets, and some of the most unforgettable frights of the decade. From the Freeling family’s dream home turning into a nightmare to that iconic scene with the static-filled television, Amanda and Missy break down all the chilling moments that made Poltergeist a horror favorite. Along the way, they share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, fun trivia, and plenty of spooky nostalgia. So dim the lights, keep an eye on your screen, and join the Reel Sisters for a spooky-season rewind of the film that proved some houses come with more than just good real estate. Sources: imdb.com wikipedia.org Follow/Connect with Reel Sisters: Instagram: @reel_sisters_rewind YouTube Channel: @reelsistersrewind Email: [email protected] Credits: Reel Sisters Rewind is hosted by sisters Amanda Stephens (@astephens1976) and Missy Washam (@missywasham) Edited by: Brandon Manzano