Smooch Fest - the Kissing Podcast
Lena Olson | Pop Culture Aficionado | Kissing Expert | Romantic Comedy Heroine
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Welcome to Smooch Fest: The ONLY podcast about kissing! Your host Lena Olson, talks to guests about the most ICONIC kisses in pop culture: from TV to movies and more! Guests also share dating stories of their best, worst, and first kisses. But it doesn't stop there, Smooch Fest dares to ask the questions: Why do people kiss? Do animals kiss like humans? When was the first gay kiss on television? Along with pop culture analysis, we get into the science and history behind smooching. Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask. For romantic comedy fans, queer millennials & lover girls!
Afleveringen
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Insecure & Challengers (with Eteng Ettah) - Examining the Relationship Dynamics in Kissing Scenes of Insecure - Behind the Scenes of the Challengers Iconic Bisexual Kiss - New Theory on Why Humans Kiss
22 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 9 min
This week, Lena is joined by Eteng Ettah (host of Consider This For Comfort) to discuss the iconic smooches in the TV show, Insecure, and the movie, Challengers. The two start by talking about the three-way kiss between Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor in the 2024 film directed by Luca Guadagnino. Lees meer
Then Eteng tells a story about her first kiss, which occurred in a church basement (scandalous!). Next, Lena and Eteng do a deep dive into the much loved 2010s show created by Issa Rae, Insecure. Hard to believe it's been ten years since Insecure first premiered on HBO. They focus their smooch lens on Issa’s three loves: Daniel, Nathan, and Lawrence, and how their kisses inform these relationship dynamics. They reveal their misgivings about Lawrence as endgame and discuss the nuances in all of Issa's romantic connections.
At the end of the episode, Lena shares another theory on the origin of kissing - turns out smell has an important part to play!
Listen to Consider This For Comfort: https://pod.link/1823537949
Subscribe to the companion newsletter, Eteng's Edit: https://www.etengettah.com
Follow CTFC: https://www.instagram.com/considercomfortpod
Support CTFC: https://www.patreon.com/cw/EtengEttah/membership
Follow Lena:
https://www.instagram.com/trolololson/
Follow Smooch Fest:
https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Relevant Links:
Challengers Kissing Scene: https://youtu.be/8bQ_n5YrDpE?si=Vq4db0t9ohxWdVqK
Insecure Season 1 Episode 5 Issa and Daniel Kiss: https://youtu.be/FmjIq8hE2_4?si=yGUFxQq_Jw1g9zRI
Insecure Season 3 Episode 4 Issa and Nathan Kiss: https://youtu.be/by-IPBsLlrI?si=hgVkcTlTVWqRtieH
Insecure Season 4 Episode 8 Issa and Lawrence Kiss: https://youtu.be/cSN_3pjf4dI?si=ruZS6WNSCP5Jn_Tv
Why Do We Do That Podcast episode of why people kiss: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-why-do-we-kiss/id1651451028?i=1000584252773
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture.…
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Best Kisses in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (with Olivia Haidar) - Iconic Kissing Scenes Between Buffy, Angel, Spike, Willow and Tara - Romance and Pop Culture in the Millennial Classic TV Show
8 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 28 min
As we get closer to Halloween, Smooch Fest revisits the beloved teen show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Lena is joined by Olivia Haidar (Movie Projectionist and Cool Person) to discuss the seminal kissing scenes from the entire series. They focus on the kisses between Buffy and Angel and later, Buffy and Spike. They compare Buffy’s two vampire boyfriends and struggle to decide who is best for her. Lees meer
Next, the two talk about Willow and Tara - whose sapphic relationship was the first lesbian couple ever featured on a primetime TV show. They discuss Willow and Tara’s relationship timeline and the long road to their first onscreen kiss. Lena and Olivia have complex feelings about the representation of this queer relationship, but mostly of Tara’s character. Our main takeaway: Eeyore does not have sex appeal!
Stick around for all the fun behind the scenes lore from Buffy as well as a first kiss story from Olivia’s past!
Follow Olivia:
https://x.com/hitherehaidar
Follow Lena:
https://www.instagram.com/trolololson/
Follow Smooch Fest:
https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Links:
Buffy and Angel first kiss, S1E7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siLEjW8LGVk
Spike and Buffy - Something Blue kiss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5zI29e9FJs
Spike and Buffy - Intervention: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sV_GcXRhTw
Spike and Buffy - Once More with Feeling kiss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0WNpqhPWGI
Willow and Tara kiss, S5E16: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRRzHBxWFTc
You may notice a promo for a podcast called This Week in Fandom History, hosted by V Arrow and Emily Jaye. It’s a super fun deep dive into the world of fan fiction. Give it a listen here: https://www.thisweekinfandomhistory.com/
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s no…
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Practical Magic, The Craft, and Witchy Kisses (with Kiru Nwadiwe) - Analyzing the Most Iconic Kissing Scenes in Movies for Spooky Season - First Kiss and Worst Kiss Stories - Pop Culture Commentary
24 september 2026 · 54 min
We’re falling into spooky season so Kiru Nwadiwe (Teacher, Booktoker) joins Lena to talk about her favorite witchy kisses from The Craft and Practical Magic. They talk about the rich tapestry of 90s witchy media and the boho whimsigoth era that defined a generation. Lena discovers that Kiru is repulsed by choreography videos. Do NOT try to woo her with those! Lees meer
Then they dive into 1998’s Practical Magic. Lena gets on her soapbox about why it’s GOOD this movie is so genre bending. They revisit Sandra Bullock’s kissing scenes with her late husband, Michael, and Detective Hallet. They also discuss her intense chemistry with Nicole Kidman and make predictions for Practical Magic 2.
At the end of the episode, Lena teaches Kiru how to cast a love spell. Enjoy!
Follow Kiru:
https://www.tiktok.com/@kiru.osity4books
Follow Lena:
https://www.instagram.com/trolololson/
Follow Smooch Fest:
https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Links:
The Craft Kissing Scene - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUJtn_Bwm-w
Practical Magic First Kiss - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWgdwOtUIEY
Practical Magic Second Kiss - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NDa_R37DMg&t=10s
Sky Full of Elephants Book - https://bookshop.org/p/books/sky-full-of-elephants-a-novel-cebo-campbell/7575ac25a1b625c3
You may notice an ad for a podcast called Consider This For Comfort, hosted by Eteng Ettah. It’s a super fun, nostalgic show exploring why comfort shows are so comforting. Give it a listen here: https://pod.link/1823537949
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to miss!
Ar…
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Romance & Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (with Jillian Davis) - Examining Kissing in Movies and Literature - Talking Kissing Scenes in Romance Books - History About Kissing Culture
3 september 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
Book Agent and co-host of the Pemberley Podcast, Jillian Davis, joins Lena Olson this week to talk all things romance! They discuss the Indie French romcom, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, and compare the kissing scenes between Agathe and her two suitors. Lees meer
Later, Lena asks Jillian about her life as a book agent, her favorite romance books, and her suggestions for writing a good smooch. Lena then explains how courtship customs were different in the Regency era.
Follow Jillian:
https://www.instagram.com/jayyydayyy235
https://www.instagram.com/thepemberley
Follow The Pemberley Podcast:
https://pod.link/1156737811
Follow Lena:
https://www.instagram.com/trolololson/
Follow Smooch Fest:
https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
You may notice an ad for a podcast called Consider This For Comfort, hosted by Eteng Ettah. It’s a super fun, nostalgic show exploring why comfort shows are so comforting. Give it a listen here: https://pod.link/1823537949
Relevant Links:
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inLm4GvLQuk
Article about old dating customs: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/the-real-rules-of-courtship-dating-in-the-regency-era/
Book Recs:
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Canas
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Mate by Ali Hazelwood
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Anything by Emily Henry
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to miss!
Are you curious about the history of kissing, cultural kissing practi…
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SMOOCH SMACKDOWN: Best Kisses in Animation (with Ashley Gharaibeh) - Most Romantic Kissing Scenes in Disney - Romance in Anime - First and Worst Kiss Stories - History of First Gay Animated Kiss
20 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
We’ve got Ashley Gharaibeh joining the pod to talk about the best smooches in animation! First, they review the new anime series “Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You”. Ashley gives Lena the lowdown on the anime scene and why this particular series is so special. They discuss age gap relationships and the underrated concept of YEARNING. Lees meer
Next, Ashley tells the story about her first (and unfortunately worst) kiss —it’s a doozy! Stay for the Smooch Smackdown, where Lena and Ashley rank the best kissing scenes in animation, from Disney to Nickelodeon to CGI. They acknowledge how hard it is to draw people smooching and admit that out of all cartoon characters, animals may be the best kissers…
We close this episode with a smooch fact about the first same-sex kiss in a Disney movie. Enjoy!
You may notice an ad for a podcast called Consider This For Comfort, hosted by Eteng Ettah. It’s a super fun, nostalgic show exploring why comfort shows are so comforting. Give it a listen here: https://pod.link/1823537949
Follow Ashley:
https://www.instagram.com/itsspinachee/
https://www.twitch.tv/spinachee
https://www.tiktok.com/@spinachee
Follow Smooch Fest:
https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Links:
Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ0vtP-hPq0
Lightyear kiss: https://www.out.com/film/2022/3/21/pixar-restores-same-sex-lightyear-kiss-after-it-was-cut-disney
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to miss!
Are you curious about the history of kissing, cultural kissing practices, and why people k…
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The Madonna/Britney/Christina Kiss + A League Of Their Own (with But I’m A Lesbian Podcast) - Lesbian Representation on TV - Millennial Pop Culture Moments - Historic Kisses
6 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
This week, Lena Olson is joined by the hosts of But I'm A Lesbian Pod, Katlynn Beatty and Angelina Herrera! They gossip about the iconic threeway kiss between Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera at the 2003 MTV VMA Awards. Learn the crazy behind the scenes details and hear about society's reaction to it. Lees meer
Later, Katlynn shares a story about her first and worst kiss (Teaser: comedian Carrot Top plays a role). Last but not least, we discuss a heavy hitter, the sapphic tv show A League of Their Own (2022). We cover the hottest kisses of the season between Carson and Greta, as well as Max and Esther. Enjoy this smooch-filled episode!
Follow Smooch Fest:
https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Follow But I'm A Lesbian: https://linktr.ee/butimalesbianpod
Relevant Links:
Madonna Christina Britney Kiss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh4KUeKm8fc
Rehearsal Kiss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3gaF0lo4JU
Rolling Stone article: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/2003-vmas-britney-madonna-christina-kiss-1234809755/
Carson Greta Kiss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igWIdmEKJT4
Max and Esther Kiss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R2NHRRpL1I
Negro Baseball League article: https://time.com/6205531/a-league-of-their-own-true-story-amazon/
Maybelle Blair article: https://www.them.us/story/maybelle-blair-a-league-of-their-own-coming-out
Tello Films: https://www.tellofilms.com/
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to miss!
Are you curious about the history of kissing, cultural kissing practices, and why people k…
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Heated Rivalry & All The Things She Said (with Johan Clarke) - The Most Romantic Kisses in Heated Rivalry - Kissing in Sports - First Kiss Stories - Lesbian & Queer Representation
23 juli 2026 · 55 min
For this week’s episode, we are talking about the Canadian sensation, Heated Rivalry! Lena is joined by Johan Clarke to go on a deep dive about the sensual kisses between Shane and Ilya, and Scott and Kip. This hockey romance starring Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams took the world by storm, and we dissect what made the series so special. Lees meer
Johan shares a touching personal story about their best AND first kiss. The two wax nostalgic about the music video for “All the Things She Said” by T.A.T.U. despite the pop duo’s complicated legacy of queerbaiting. Stick around to hear about a real kiss in women’s soccer.
Follow Smooch Fest: https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Follow Johan’s Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/johanaclarke/
Relevant Links:
All the Things She Said Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mGBaXPlri8
Shane & Ilya First Kiss (Ep 1): https://youtu.be/ADi1iextoUM?t=55
Scott & Kip (Ep 5): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHUVCDqhE4Q
Kelly O’Hara Soccer Kiss: https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/uswnt/2025/01/03/uswnt-defender-ohara-world-cup-kiss-with-girlfriend/77432749007/
#heatedrivalry #hudsonwilliams #connorstorrie #francoisarnaud #robbiegrahamkuntz #popcultureanalysis #romanticcomedy #datingstories #gaytv #lgbtqpodcast #queerpodcast #bisexual #wlw #gay #lgbtqromance #kissingscenes #tvpodcast #kissing #kiss #romance
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to miss!
Are you curious about the history of kissing, cultural kissing practices, and why people kiss in the first place? Lena shares the fas…
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Love Island & Kissing Games (with Melissa Flores) - Discussing Reality TV Kisses - Favorite Couples on Love Island - History of Spin the Bottle
9 juli 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
Welcome back to the Smooch Fest podcast! We are so excited to bring you season TWO! Lees meer
Our host, Lena Olson, is joined by returning guest, Melissa Flores. They catch up on Season 8 of Love Island USA and discuss the hottest smooches between their favorite couple: Aniya & Carl. They compare how the Gen Z and Millennial boys approach the girls (Hint: the Gen Z boys are giving incel!) Then Melissa and Lena make their predictions ahead of the finale!
Lena also investigates the origin of kissing games like Spin the Bottle and Seven Minutes in Heaven, with some surprising results! Stick around for some history about dating shows in general, from The Dating Game to The Bachelor. Thanks for listening!
Follow Melissa:https://www.instagram.com/melissaflo/
Follow Smooch Fest:https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Email us your kissing stories at smoochfestpod@gmail.com
Links:Carl & Aniya’s Kisses in Say Less:
https://youtu.be/2okAVjw3hb4?si=urZuz5bsujqOOos-
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaQQwoeOG3Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Last Season’s episode about Love Island: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfVj1MBeVug&t=64s
Melissa’s episode on the smooches in Friends:
https://youtu.be/-XwY6FJysqc?si=5LArfXnmgMQMzJuq
Link to Mental Floss article: https://www.mentalfloss.com/fun/games/9-victorian-parlor-games-sparked-romance
Link to Bachelor Nation book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/bachelor-nation-inside-the-world-of-america-s-favorite-guilty-pleasure-amy-kaufman/742fa9a1d8e38fb2
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to mis…
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Season 2 Trailer - Smooch Fest
7 juli 2026 · 2 min
Here’s the thing about me... I have a sickness, an affliction, where I need two people to kiss in every movie, TV show, or book that I consume. Lees meer
And when they don’t kiss? I feel cheated. I feel betrayed. I lose the will to live. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and turn this condition into cultural commentary.
I'm Lena Olson, your host and smooch connoisseur. Every episode, a guest joins me to discuss the most iconic kissing scenes in pop culture history.
This season, we’re talking about the smooches in Titanic, Heated Rivalry, Love Island, Gilmore Girls, the three-way kiss between Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears at the 2003 MTV VMA awards, and MORE.
But it wouldn’t be a kissing podcast if we just kept it to pop culture. We delve into personal stories about our first, best, and worst kisses. We learn about the science and history behind smooching. Why did people start kissing in the first place? When was the first gay kiss on screen? How much bacteria gets transferred when people kiss? Any question you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask!
So get ready for Season 2, dropping July 9th later this week. Available on all podcast platforms, as well as Youtube, Instagram and Tiktok @smoochfestpod
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to miss!
Are you curious about the history of kissing, cultural kissing practices, and why people kiss in the first place? Lena shares the fascinating history behind the culture of kissing and courtship. Guests share pers…
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It’s A Wonderful Smooch (Vanessa Guerrero Returns) - Christmas Kisses - Most Romantic Kiss in Classic Film - Culture of Kissing Under Mistletoe
25 december 2025 · 37 min
Vanessa Guerrero (Producer, Writer, Unemployed Hot Person) RETURNS for a special holiday episode! Vanessa and Lena talk about the iconic smooch in the Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) between Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Later, they talk about their personal experiences shooting kissing scenes. Stick around to the end to learn about the origin of kissing under the mistletoe! Wishing everyone a Smoochy Holiday season and a Smacky New Year <3 Lees meer
NOTE: This is the final episode of Season 1 of Smooch Fest, thank you SO much for listening and watching. Season 2 will be back next Spring!
Relevant Links:
It’s A Wonderful Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wABeIIjxmJk
The Celluloid Closet documentary: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-celluloid-closet
Follow Vanessa:
https://www.instagram.com/snesguerrero/
https://x.com/nessguerrero
Follow Smooch Fest:
https://linktr.ee/smoochfestpod
Smooch Fest is a biweekly podcast featuring film and television discussions about the most romantic kisses in pop culture. Each episode, Lena Olson is joined by guests to revisit the most famous onscreen kisses in film & television. Are you a millennial with 90s and 2000s nostalgia for romantic comedies, comfort watches, and goofy banter? We’ve got analysis about the cutest TV couples, what kisses reveal about relationship dynamics, and behind the scenes info you don’t want to miss!
Are you curious about the history of kissing, cultural kissing practices, and why people kiss in the first place? Lena shares the fascinating history behind the culture of kissing and courtship. Guests share personal relationship stories about their first kiss, advice for kissing techniques, and funny observations about humorous dating mishaps. Smooch Fest explores how kissing and romance is depicted across the spectrum of sexuality, culture, and gender. Lena shares details about queer television history, first gay onscreen kisses, and WLW romance across media. If it wasn’t clear, th…
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