Sum of Our Parts
Sum of Our Parts is a conversation between friends Lindsay and Jim about the movies and cultural touchstones that shaped them. Lindsay is a 90s baby from Maryland, while Jim is a West Virginian child of the 60s, and their different generations still lead them to shared favorites like chick flicks, stupid comedies, war movies, and superhero epics. They revisit films from their first viewings to the broader cultural context, unpacking how those movies helped make them who they are. Expect occasional rambling, rants, and tangents along the way.
Episodes
The Exorcist
Welcome to spooky season! This week Jim is taking us back to his teen years. We're talking about initial audience and critical reception Catholicism and why we like scary movies (or don't). You can vote for Lindsay in the Top Host competition here: https://tophost.org/2026/lindsay-wilsonFollow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Bring It On
Lindsay is taking us to the 2000s with this week's pick, Bring It On. We're talking about cheerleading, cultural appropriation, and the good and bad of the early aughts. Plus we chat about our teenage years and high school memories.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
October Sky
This week we're taking on a true story out of Jim's home state of West Virginia. Listen as we discuss how the movie differs from the real story, the parent/child dynamics, and Lindsay's experience at NASA.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
School of Rock
We're still in back to school mode with Lindsay's pick, but this time it's the School of Rock! We're talking about the talented Jack Black, the timelessness of classic rock, and how a great song is made. And of course, Lindsay sings.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Zero Dark Thirty
This week Jim picked a film to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11. We discuss our memories of that day and what came after, the deliberate slowness of the movie, and some of the controversy that surrounded it.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod.
Lean On Me
To celebrate back to school time, we're heading to Eastside High with Lindsay's pick. We're talking about our own high school experiences, Morgan Freeman, appropriate discipline, and graduation gowns. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Way We Were
This week Jim was feeling romantic and nostalgic with this pick. Listen as we discuss the beauty of Barbra and Robert, the iconic song, and how we were not rooting for the couple in this romance.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Little Miss Sunshine
This week Lindsay picked one of her favorites, which was also a critical and commercial success. Listen as we discuss child actors, kiddie pageants, and how a darkly comic tone makes family drama feel real. (As a warning, there is some talk about suicide). Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod.
The Verdict
This week Jim is taking us to the courtroom with his pick. Listen as we discuss Paul Newman's performance, finding redemption, and James Mason's accent. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Opa! This week Lindsay picked a favorite of hers. We're talking romantic comedy, memorable quotes, and the amazing support cast. Plus Jim shares his proposal story and Lindsay talks about a bunch of tv shows!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Jurassic Park
Hold on to your butts! This week we're taking on another summer blockbuster that Jim picked. We're talking about the special effects, music, themes, performance, and how it all still holds up.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Bend It Like Beckham
If you're sad the World Cup is over (YAY SPAIN!), this is the episode for you! It's packed full of World Cup commentary, soccer terms, Indian wedding memories, and discussion of generational and cultural differences. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Airplane!
This week, Jim picked one of the best comedies of all time and we're talking about the word play and sight gags and cameos! Plus the legacy of this movie, movies on planes, and the importance of a dumb comedy. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Independence Day
Happy belated 4th of July! We're celebrating by talking about the 1996 blockbuster Independence Day. Listen as we discuss the stakes that matter, if we believe in aliens, and how this might play out in real life.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Odd Couple
We're back with Jim's pick, The Odd Couple. Listen as we chat about the many adaptations of this classic comedy, New York apartments, and mixing friendship with roommates. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Birdcage
For Pride Month, we're talking about a movie we both love. Listen as we discuss the great cast (especially Robin Williams!), how relevant it still feels today, and the real meaning of family values. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Grosse Pointe Blank
This week we're going to a high school reunion with Jim's pick. We're talking about our own high schools and reunions, dark comedy, and fun 80s music. Plus weird looking assassins and the office setup of a contract killer.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
10 Things I Hate About You
We're still in high school this week with Lindsay's pick. Listen as we discuss high school memories, Shakespeare, and the late, great Heath Ledger. Adapt classic literature and bring back good rom coms!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
American Graffiti
This week Jim picked a movie from his high school days, American Graffiti. Listen as we discuss the cars, music (Lindsay sings, of course) and what kids did for fun. We also touch on the timelessness of coming of age stories and also of Harrison Ford.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod.
She's All That
Lindsay is commemorating prom season with She's All That, a teen classic of the late 90s. We're talking at length about our own prom experiences, the cast and performances in the movie, and how maybe it isn't too bad.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Bullitt
This week Jim picked Bullitt, a classic Steve McQueen movie from 1968. We're talking about car chases, San Francisco, the Organization, and more.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Josie and The Pussycats
This week Lindsay picked a movie that is somehow 25 years old, Josie and The Pussycats. Listen as we discuss the cast, themes, and soundtrack. Plus cat headphones, girl fights, and high high heels.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Three Musketeers
This week we're going on a classic adventure with Jim's pick, the 1973 version of The Three Musketeers. Listen as we discuss the stacked cast, historically accurate sword fighting, and French royal history.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Hardball
Baseball season on the pod continues with Hardball, one of Lindsay's middle school favorites from 2001. Listen as we discuss the very sad twist, the charming child actors, and Keanu being a stressful gambler. Plus we talk about spoilers, 9/11, and 90s hip-hop/R&B classics.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Natural
It's baseball season, so this week we're talking about Jim's pick, The Natural. Listen as we discuss our baseball memories (go O's!), how the movie differs from the book, and the interesting plot. We also commemorate two actors from this movie reaching the top of our leaderboard!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Bodyguard
This week Lindsay picked a 90s classic, The Bodyguard. We're talking about how this movie has a little bit of everything, how "I Will Always Love You" is actually a sad song, and (mostly) about how great Whitney Houston was. We also touch on the original planned cast and Lindsay sings bits of the songs.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
A Shot in the Dark
This week Jim picked an entry from an iconic comedy series, A Shot in the Dark. We talk about sight gags, Peter Sellers, and the high body count. Plus, how a nudist resort can be PG and silly French accents!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Godfather
It's our 100th episode! To mark the occasion, Lindsay picked an appropriately epic film: The Godfather. In addition to reminiscing about our podcast journey, we're talking about masculinity, familial love, and casual violence as depicted by this iconic director and iconic actors in this iconic movie. Buckle up, it's a long one!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Slap Shot
Since hockey is still in the air, Jim picked the 70s cult classic, Slap Shot. We talk about hockey movies, 70s fashion, and how the locker room humor featured in this movie feels like a departure for the director and star. Plus we're touching on the handsomeness of hockey players and French Canadian accents.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Hairspray
Good morning, Baltimore! This week Lindsay picked the 2007 musical version of Hairspray. We're talking about how it compares to the original, the legendary John Waters, and Baltimore! Plus Lindsay is singing all the songs (and even some that aren't in the movie).Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Shaft
Can you dig it? We're wrapping up Black History Month with Jim's pick, a Blaxploitation classic, Shaft. Listen as we discuss the amazing soundtrack, super cool main character, and seeing a Black man as a hero. Plus, we make the case for men to start dressing like it's the 1970s again.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Kingdom Come
This week, continuing with Black History Month, Lindsay picked the 2001 movie Kingdom Come. Listen as we discuss our funeral experiences, the star-studded cast, and fart jokes. Plus we muse on the comedy and drama inherent in family funerals.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Lady Sings the Blues
We're continuing to commemorate Black History Month with Jim's pick, Lady Sings the Blues. Listen as we discuss the life and music of Billie Holiday, how this movie isn't totally accurate, and Diana Ross's amazing performance. Plus we touch on the movie Dreamgirls and other singers who died too young.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Cool Runnings
In honor of Black History Month and the Winter Olympics, Lindsay picked another 90s fave, Cool Runnings. Listen as we discuss the true story it's based on, John Candy, and our love of sports (and sports movies!). Plus we're touching on superstitions, Heated Rivalry, and Jamaican accents.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Blazing Saddles
Hop on your horses, folks, because this week we're talking about a comedy classic, Blazing Saddles! Listen as we discuss hilarious sight gags, colorful language, and how parody pushes the envelope. Plus we're talking about icons like Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder, and Richard Pryor!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
A Night at the Roxbury
Emilioooooo! This week Lindsay picked the 1998 SNL spinoff A Night at the Roxbury. Listen as we discuss Haddaway clubs, and our favorite SNL casts. Plus Lindsay sings 90s club hits and talks about her personal connection to the music in this movie.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
You Only Live Twice
This week we're taking on a franchise that's near and dear to Jim's heart with his pick of You Only Live Twice (1967). We're talking about the James Bond franchise including theme songs, the next Bond, and who the movies are for (guys!). Plus we touch on Japanese makeovers, ninjas, and assassin techniques.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Cinderella
We're kicking off the new year with Lindsay's pick, the 1997 tv version of Cinderella. Listen to enjoy a comparison of the different versions of Cinderella, a discussion of the huge talent in front of and behind the camera, and Lindsay singing all of the songs. Tangents include Law and Order and Criminal Minds cameos, and Whitney Houston's amazing rendition of the national anthem.Follo
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Christmas may be over but we're still in the spirit so Jim picked The Muppet Christmas Carol. Listen as we discuss Michael Caine acting with muppets, the timelessness of the story, and the enduring appeal of the muppets. Plus we demand more movie adaptations of classic literature!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Home Alone
On this week of Christmas, Lindsay picked a 90s comedy classic, Home Alone. Listen as we discuss the great cast, iconic scenes, and endless sight gags. We also touch on the amazing John Hughes, child actors, and this movie's global appeal. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
White Christmas
This week Jim picked a classic Christmas musical, White Christmas. Listen as we discuss the amazing costumes, choreography and comedy. Plus we talk about the studio system and the history of Jewish people making the best Christmas songs (and movies). Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod.
The Family Stone
This week Lindsay picked a modern Christmas favorite, The Family Stone. Listen as we discuss the emotional tone of the movie, family dynamics at the holidays, and the late, great Diane Keaton. We also get into the stacked cast and our thoughts on who the real villain is.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Lemon Drop Kid
We're kicking off December with one of Jim's favorite Christmas movies, The Lemon Drop Kid. Listen as we discuss the life and career of Bob Hope, our favorite Christmas songs, and the joy of schemes and scrapes. We also touch briefly on I Love Lucy and women liking funny guys.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
This week Lindsay picked a classic, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Listen as we discuss Jimmy Stewart, the filibuster, government corruption, and how this movie applies to the current political moment.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Remember the Night
Jim is kicking off the holiday season with the 1940 romantic comedy Remember the Night. Listen as we discuss the features of a good romantic comedy, the gorgeous visuals of old movies, and seeing family around the holidays. Plus you get to hear us navigating various sinus issues and doling out relationship advice.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Forrest Gump
For our second Veterans Day movie, Lindsay picked one of the biggest films of 1994, Forrest Gump. Listen as we discuss Tom Hanks' performance, the soundtrack, and the depiction of decades of history and culture. Plus we discuss the character of Forrest and how a silly movie can be moving.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Saving Private Ryan
In honor of Veterans Day, Jim picked the 1998 epic Saving Private Ryan. Listen as we discuss its depiction of the horrors of war, other great war movies, and the numerous cameos. Plus Lindsay talks about her experience visiting Normandy. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Double Double Toil and Trouble
We're wrapping up spooky season with a Lindsay pick, Double Double Toil and Trouble. Listen as we discuss the ubiquity of the Olsen twins in the 90s, what's scary to us, and Cloris Leachman. Plus brief mentions of Shakespeare, Wizard of Oz, and squeegee boys.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Frankenstein
Spooky season continues with Jim's pick, a classic monster movie, Frankenstein. Listen as we discuss how the movie compares to the book, the moral question at its center, and the great performances (especially by Boris Karloff). We also touch on the new movie coming out and putting respect on Mary Shelley's name. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Practical Magic
It's spooky season so Lindsay picked a late 90s favorite, Practical Magic. Listen as we discuss witches, the greatness of Nicole Kidman, and the power of love and sisterhood. Plus mentions of ER, Pet Sematary, and Bewitched. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
This week we're taking on an iconic western buddy movie with Jim's pick, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Listen as we discuss the handsomeness of the stars, the gorgeous landscapes and costumes, and the hijinks of the Hole in the Wall gang. As a bonus (maybe?) Lindsay sings Burt Bacharach and rambles about the greatness of William Goldman.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Matilda
Lindsay's taking it back to childhood with this week's pick, Matilda. Listen as we discuss childhood, the darkness of Roald Dahl stories, and magic powers. Plus we touch on SNL, Law and Order, and hitting over 1000 streams! Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Gay Purr-ee
We're talking about another animated movie this week with Jim's pick, Gay Purr-ee (1962). Listen as we discuss our feelings on classic animation versus hyperrealism and live action, the references to fine art in this film, and our own cats. We also touch on Stan Lee, World War II training films, and the late, great Robert Redford. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Grease 2
We're back at Rydell High with Lindsay's latest pick, Grease 2! Listen as we talk about how the sequel compares to the original, the truly silly songs, and our own high school memories. Lindsay's audio had some issues (sorry!), but don't worry, she still sang a bit of every song.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Seven Days in May
This week Jim picked another political thriller, Seven Days in May (1964). We're discussing the cast of Hollywood legends, our favorite scenes, and how it feels scarily relevant. Tangents include Star Wars, Chicago, and Dulles airport.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
9 to 5
In honor of this episode coming out on Labor Day, Lindsay picked a seminal workplace comedy- 9 to 5! Come for our discussion of work, harassment, and bosses, and stay for our love of Dolly Parton.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Great Race
This week we're taking it back to Jim's childhood with 1965's The Great Race. We discuss Jack Lemmon's versatility as a comic actor, the sight gags and slapstick, and if the movie is too long. Additional references include Dudley Do-Right, Looney Tunes, The Righteous Gemstones, and I Love Lucy.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Parent Trap
Lindsay picked not one, but two summer camp movies this week--we're talking about The Parent Trap, the original 1961 version and the 1998 remake. We discuss the similarities and differences, plus all the little references in the 1998 version to the original. We also talk about ninja children, the great adult cast, and the inherent comedy of twins.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
My Favorite Year
We're back with Jim's pick, the 1982 comedy My Favorite Year. We discuss the slapstick comedy, the movie's real-life inspiration, and what it's like to meet your hero. Plus we ramble on about Lainie Kazan, the loss of mid-budget movies, and Phil Spector's crimes.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
But I'm a Cheerleader
We're back and heading to camp once again with Lindsay's pick, But I'm a Cheerleader. Listen as we discuss conversion therapy, acceptance, and the joys of making fun of the bad guys. Plus some talk of John Waters, RuPaul, and the Bravo television universe.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Goodbye Girl
This week Jim picked a great Neil Simon-penned romcom from 1977, The Goodbye Girl. Listen as we discuss the excellent performances, how this movie is like a play, and our favorite romcom tropes. Plus Lindsay gives an update on the Actor Leaderboard!Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Heavyweights
Lindsay is taking us to summer camp with this week's pick: Heavyweights! Listen as we discuss fitness fads and gurus, our (lack of) camp experience, and the evolution of Ben Stiller characters. Plus we wrap up by talking about how great Kenan Thompson is. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Rocky
This week Jim picked one of the best sports movies of all time, Rocky! We talk about Rocky as a loveable loser, the real meaning of competition, and the importance of the ending. Plus you get to hear our best Sly Stallone impressions and more of our thoughts about sports.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Juno
Grab your hamburger phone because we're going back to 2007 with Lindsay's pick, Juno! We talk about the memorable dialogue, parental and romantic relationships, and being a teenager. Plus Lindsay sings like half of the soundtrack.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Some Like It Hot
This week we're taking on a Jim pick and comedy classic from 1959, Some Like It Hot! Listen as we discuss Marilyn Monroe's talent, Jack Lemmon's comedy, and Tony Curtis' accent. Lindsay obviously does her best version of the voices, plus we touch on the cross-dressing, costumes, and dramatic irony.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Saved!
Lindsay is taking us back to high school once again, this time with 2004's Saved! Listen as we discuss our experience with Christianity, being nice versus kind, and some of the funniest and most resonant lines from the movie. Plus our feelings on Christian rock and how 2000s fashion was just a repeat of the 70s. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Young Frankenstein
This week Jim picked a comedy classic from 1974: Young Frankenstein! We discuss the lines and sight gags that crack us up, what jokes may not have aged as well, and the legend Mel Brooks. We also repeat all of our favorite bits and get into the "men yelling" genre of comedy.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Grab your cravats and empire waist dresses because we're going back to the 19th century with Lindsay's pick this week--2005's Pride and Prejudice. Listen as we discuss the gorgeous visuals, iconic moments (the hand flex!), and parallels to modern dating. Plus we talk about the enduring influence of classic lit and how we miss movie adaptations of classic literature.Follow us on instagr
Local Hero
In honor of Jim's recent return from Scotland, he picked 1983's Local Hero as our movie this week. We discuss Scotland, small town life, and what this movie is really about. As a bonus, Lindsay does a Scottish accent a lot. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Drop Dead Gorgeous
This week we're headed to Mount Rose, Minnesota as we talk about Lindsay's pick, cult classic mockumentary Drop Dead Gorgeous. Listen as we discuss how this movie wasn't really kid friendly, the truly laugh-out-loud comedy, and the pageant world. We also touch on this cast of heavy hitters, the mockumentary/dark comedy genre, and Lindsay's Minnesota accent.Follow us on instagram at
The Magnificent Seven
This week we're taking on another classic Western, as Jim picked the 1960 version of The Magnificent Seven. Listen as we discuss the Seven, the score, the accents, and the brown face. Digressions include Wild Wild West, the name Chris, and A Bug's Life. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
The Prince of Egypt
In honor of the recent Passover holiday and the recent passing of Val Kilmer, Lindsay picked an animated childhood favorite, The Prince of Egypt. Listen as we discuss the star-studded cast and soundtrack, gorgeous animation, and how it compares to The Ten Commandments. Tangents include Bravo, The Rugrats, sibling dynamics, and Anchorman. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Cat Ballou
This week we're heading out to the wild west with Jim's pick, Cat Ballou from 1965. Listen as we discuss the laugh out loud humor, the appeal of a gunslinger, and the parts that haven't aged as well. Plus sidebars on Zorro, Nat King Cole, and the long career of top-tier nepo baby Jane Fonda. Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
A League of Their Own
Since it's baseball season, Lindsay picked the movie that taught us there's no crying in baseball, 1992's A League of Their Own. Listen as we discuss women's sports, the amazing cast and performances, and our favorite funny (and profound) lines. Plus we touch on the looks and the spectacular baseball and the song (Lindsay sings, of course). *We had some tech issues so apologies for
The Hunt for Red October
This week we took on a Cold War submarine thriller as Jim selected 1990's The Hunt for Red October. Listen as we discuss the absolutely stacked cast, Russian accents, Tom Clancy, and the Jack Ryan universe. Also please enjoy Lindsay's Sean Connery impression and our discussion of how the stars have aged.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Dirty Dancing
This week Lindsay picked a movie that's taking us back to 1963, a time that feels kinda familiar nowadays. It's Dirty Dancing (1987)! Listen as we discuss the amazing soundtrack, the well-drawn characters, and how maybe it represents a coming-of-age for the country as well as Baby. Plus the iconic lift, our quibbles about cabins and dancing shoes, and the progressive Houseman family.Follow
Hoosiers
March Madness is beginning so Jim picked a classic basketball movie: 1986's Hoosiers, starring the late, great Gene Hackman. Listen as we discuss our opinions on the movie's plot and storylines, Dennis Hopper's Oscar-nominated performance., and the joys of high school sports. Plus the wild character names and a hairstyle Lindsay hates.Follow us on instagram at sumofourpartspod!
Beauty and the Beast
For our 50th (!!!) episode, Lindsay picked a classic of her childhood and the world of animation: Beauty and the Beast (1991). Listen as we discuss the incredibly catchy songs (including which one should've won the Oscar), the Disney Renaissance, and how a movie about a beast and talking household objects can be relatable. Plus libraries and rolling ladders and Jerry Orbach!Follow us on instag
All the President's Men
This week Jim picked a critically acclaimed movie that depicted what at the time was one of the ugliest episodes in the nation's political history: All the President's Men from 1976. Listen as we discuss the difficulties in making a movie about recent history with the real people involved, how dumb all the Watergate criminals were, and how sadly relevant it all feels now. Plus we muse on what a mo
Moonlight
It's the last episode of Black History Month so we are wrapping it up with a film that made history at the Oscars and depicts a side of the Black experience we maybe don't see as much: Lindsay picked the 2016 film Moonlight. We're discussing the amazing performances, gorgeous direction (Barry Jenkins Best Director when???), and how emotionally devastating this movie is. For fun, count
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