While her parents prepare for their big wedding anniversary, Whit entertains the idea of a fling with an old friend. In fact, for reasons, we don’t really understand, Whit invites her old friend to the anniversary party to “reconnect“ with Babs and Glenn. But will trouble brew when Buddy appears? It all depends on whether you focus on who he brough…

This week, Whit and her BFF Ashley "do" the beach! But don't worry, this isn't a "Debbie Does Dallas" situation. Whit claims that she hasn't been to the beach for between 19-20 years and since she was between 100-114 lbs (can never get a straight figure from her). Will Whit crumble under the pressure of having a bikini body? Or will she "rock her c…

In this week’s episode we’re exploring the tenuous grip that Whitney has on reality. And of course, the best example of that loose grip is her “relationship“ with her “best friend,” Buddy. Though Whitney may want us to believe that she has crossed the “flesh hold“ with Buddy, and that all kinds of sexual tension remains, we are dubious. Tune in and…

In this episode, Whit embraces the "say yes" philosophy! And if you didn't know what that was, don't worry, she'll beat you over the head with it for the entirety of the episode! To Whit, "saying yes" means starring in a big girl fashion show called "I Rock My Curves the Best." Though the staging of the show isn't great (it's at a long since shut d…

If we had to title this episode, it would likely be called “mail from the producers,” because we’re sure no one could possibly feel the vitriol towards Hwhit necessary to write some of these comments. Regardless of their source, this episode centers around Whit’s haters - whether they’re yelling at her from a passing car “call Sea World! Shamu got …

Season 1, Episode 1 of My Big Fat Fabulous Life, titled "A Fat Girl Dancing" introduces viewers to Whitney Way Thore, a charismatic and body-positive woman who gained viral fame through her "Fat Girl Dancing" videos. This pilot episode helps us learn more about Whitney, a 30-year-old living in Greensboro, North Carolina, who we lovingly refer to as…

The Plot Thickens is a brand new, one of a kind podcast recapping episodes of the hit TLC show, My Big Fat Fabulous Life starring Whitney Way Thore!Von The Plot Thickens

After being removed from a film and ruining his friendship with Henry Fonda, John Ford begins to openly challenge his previous work. He deconstructs the Western and, for the first time, makes films specifically about Indians and women. But his power in Hollywood dwindles, and he soon finds himself out of work, a living legend living off his savings…

At the height of his powers, John Ford directs his masterpiece, an anti-racist Western called The Searchers. It’s a movie of contradictions: John Wayne plays the hero, but he's driven by hate and revenge. He’s searching for his niece, with the intent to kill her. Behind the scenes, Ford continues to use Monument Valley as a generic backdrop for the…

After D-Day, Ford goes on a historic bender then heads home... not to Hollywood but to Monument Valley, a secluded land with incredible scenery. There, he creates his own kingdom, a place he can work and create art without being under the thumb of studio executives. His stock company follows him from film to film, and Ford rewards his loyal subject…

This week, Ben traces the mystery of John Ford's missing D-Day documentary. The one time Ford talked about it, he claimed it was buried in a government film vault, too disturbing for public view. This sends Ben on a globe-trotting journey, following clues in the US, England and Russia. He encounters fellow seekers, as well as skeptics who question …

Ford is finally in the military and his first assignment is… to make a sex ed film for soldiers! Soon he sees real combat and is injured while filming the battle of Midway. He’s nursed back to health with the help of John Wayne, while his Midway movie wins an Oscar and becomes a favorite of President Roosevelt. Ford then recuts December 7th, a movi…

John Ford buys a yacht, where he cavorts, drinks and vacations. But he also keeps an eye on the looming threat in Europe, and uses his new vessel to enlist in the Naval Reserve. He rises through Hollywood and turns his friends into stars, including John Wayne – though he's increasingly abusive towards them on the set. As the ‘30s dissolve into the …

John Ford was born in Maine as Sean Aloysius O’Feeney… or so he says. His birth records say differently, and it would not be the last time he changes his name. As a child, he visits Ireland and falls in love with his heritage, and later fights at the University of Maine when confronted with an Irish slur. He rediscovers his long-lost brother Franci…

Meet John Ford, the curmudgeon with an eyepatch who just happened to be the greatest filmmaker of the 20th Century. Ford was a bully and a drunk who ruled Hollywood for five decades, making dozens of seminal movies – though he was incredibly hard to pin down. His behavior swung wildly from loyalty to cruelty, without notice. He won more Oscars than…

The Plot Thickens is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crime writing, for anyone who loves good murder mystery. In this week’s episode, Elly talks to her longstanding narrator of the Ruth Galloway series Jane McDowell about her time in the studio, how she brings the characters to life and what's next for Dr Galloway. Follow Elly Griffit…

The Plot Thickens is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crime writing, for anyone who loves good murder mystery. In this week’s episode, Elly talks to Graham Bartlett, a former cop turned crime writer (author of the Jo Howe series) who advises Elly on police procedures about real-life policing, how Graham can menace and terrify even in a…

While we're hard at work on the next season of The Plot Thickens, we're excited to share Ben Mankiewicz's new podcast, Talking Pictures. The first guest on Talking Pictures is writer director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated, The Holiday). Recorded at her home, Meyers talks about casting Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, gettin…

It's the start of a new season of The Plot Thickens, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crime writing, for anyone who loves good murder mystery. In this week’s episode, Elly talks to her good friend and fellow crime writer, Vaseem Khan (author of The Malabar House series) about the genre of crime, what it's like writing outside of one'…

The Plot Thickens is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crime writing, for anyone who loves good murder mysteries. In the final episode of season 1, Elly is joined by Val McDermid, the award-winning and multi-million copy bestselling author of the Wire in the Blood series, featuring Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan, which was adapted fo…

We’re sharing a bonus episode from our friends at American Masters: Creative Spark, the PBS podcast that goes in-depth with an iconic artist about the creation of a single work. This episode is about John Waters, a filmmaker who loves to break the rules and make you laugh along the way. The iconoclast has been doing just that over the past six deca…

The Plot Thickens is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crime writing, for anyone who loves good murder mysteries. In this week's episode, Elly sits down with her good friends William Shaw, the acclaimed author of the DS Alexandra Cupidi series and Dead Rich (written as G W Shaw) and Lesley Thomson, author of the Detective’s Daughter ser…

Film scholars Racquel Gates and Donald Bogle detail the rise and fall of Blaxploitation, and how Pam Grier transcended the genre and stayed iconic for decades afterwards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesVon TCM & Novel

Legendary stunt performers Jadie David and Bob Minor go in-depth about their most dangerous stunts, working with Pam Grier, and breaking through as Black stuntpeople in the early 70s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesVon TCM & Novel

The Plot Thickens is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crime writing, for anyone who loves good murder mysteries. In this week's episode, Elly talks to bestselling author of the Slough House series Mick Herron all about the art of writing a great crime novel – from titles to plotting, prizes to adaptations. This is the ultimate look at …

Ben Mankiewicz speaks to TCM host and Director and President of The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Jacqueline Stewart about Pam Grier's star image, the legacy of Blaxploitation, and meeting Pam at the TCM Classic Film Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesVon TCM & Novel

The Plot Thickens is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of crime writing, for anyone who loves good murder mysteries. In this week's episode, Elly talks to Linzi Harvey, the archaeologist and human bones expert who advises her on the Dr Ruth Galloway mysteries. Follow Elly Griffiths on Facebook and Twitter @ellygriffiths Follow Ann Cleeves …

More from Ben Mankiewicz’s interview with Quentin Tarantino, who speaks about making Jackie Brown, enjoying Blaxploitation, and first seeing Pam when he was an impressionable 10 year-old boy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesVon TCM & Novel

After receiving a devastating diagnosis, Pam leaves Hollywood and heads home to Colorado. But she’s lured back into the spotlight when the hottest director in Hollywood gives her the role of a lifetime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesVon TCM & Novel

Pam finds love on a movie set when she’s cast opposite superstar comedian Richard Pryor. She sets out to change Richard’s self-destructive ways, and succeeds – for a little while. She then immerses herself in a difficult new role, a role that gives her nightmares but could spark a comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com…

As the Blaxploitation craze comes to an end, Pam fights for better roles and hobnobs with the biggest names in showbiz. She meets the love of her life, a hot young comedian named Freddie Prinze -- whose personal demons lead to heartbreak and tragedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Pam is almost killed when a horse goes wild on the set of a gladiator movie. But instead of losing her life, she meets a new friend, who just happens to be one of the most famous filmmakers in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesVon TCM & Novel