Nicole Alyse Nelson joins the SpitTake Podcast to talk about the 2025 Oscar-nominated short Jane Austen’s Period Drama, where she stars as the unforgettable Vagianna Talbot. We chat about the film (available on YouTube — link below), what it’s like being part of an Oscar-nominated project, and the other projects she’s currently working on.

Nicole also tells us how she first got started in the industry, and of course we take a few classic SpitTake detours — reminiscing about favorite movies, TV shows, and the pop-culture moments that shaped us along the way.

It’s a fun, laid-back conversation with the incredibly talented — and genuinely awesome — Nicole Alyse Nelson. Expect laughs, nostalgia, and maybe a few unexpected tangents… because it wouldn’t be SpitTake without them.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicole Nelson

01:03 Exploring 'Jane Austen's Period Drama'

03:48 Nicole's Early Experiences in Comedy

05:51 Oscar Predictions and Insights

10:06 The Conversation on Periods and Education

14:26 Nicole's Journey into Acting and Filmmaking

18:14 The Evolution of Editing in Film

23:19 Creative Aspirations and Inspirations

25:58 The Future of Technology and Sci-Fi

27:30 Female-Led Comedies and Their Impact

30:14 The Evolution of Comedic Actors

32:19 The Art of Character Inspiration

39:28 Nature's Fury: Storms and Their Fascination

43:06 Nostalgia for Classic Comedy Shows

46:11 The Audition Experience: Stories and Struggles

49:14 Memorable Audition Stories and Their Impact

51:44 The Evolution of Comedy and Iconic Performers

54:44 The Future of Hollywood: New Icons and Trends

58:19 Nicole's Upcoming Projects and Aspirations

resources

Jane Austen's Period Drama (YouTube) -

https://youtu.be/dxpjzOLVRR0?si=hFcRb7CnRJ5ixOvZ

Oscar Nominated Short Films 2024 -

https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024

Nicole Alyse Nelson IMDB

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7513905/?ref_=fn_t_1

SpitTake Podcast Instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/spit_takers/

Feat. Jason Ruffin, this conversation explores the cultural impact of the 90s, focusing on television, film, and reality TV. The hosts discuss iconic shows and movies, the evolution of storytelling, and the strategies involved in reality TV games. They reflect on the nostalgia for the 90s and how it continues to influence modern media, highlighting the legacy of actors and the significance of character development in storytelling. This conversation delves into the cultural and cinematic landscape of the 1990s, exploring the impact of the internet, the evolution of CGI technology, and the iconic films that defined the decade. The hosts reflect on their favorite movies from 1993 and 1994, discussing the significance of soundtracks, the rise of action films, and the nostalgia associated with these classics. In this lively conversation, the hosts delve into the iconic films of the 90s, exploring their impact on cinema and culture. They discuss various genres, including action, sports, and comedy, while highlighting memorable performances and the evolution of filmmaking techniques. The discussion culminates in a debate over the significance of 1999 in film history, with a focus on its lasting legacy and influence on future cinema.Special thanks to Jason Ruffin for joining the SpitTake Crew!

Summary

In this very special episode of the SpitTake podcast, hosts Adam, Stef, and Alex dive into the theme of drugs in pop culture, sharing personal anecdotes and discussing the portrayal of drugs in movies and television. They pay tribute to iconic actors who have recently passed away, reflect on the impact of 90s PSAs about drugs, and explore the duality of public figures. The conversation also touches on the complexities of characters in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, highlighting how drug use is often metaphorically represented in media. In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on their favorite classic shows, crushes from their youth, and the impact of drug culture in movies. They explore the nostalgia of iconic films and music, discussing how these elements shaped their experiences and perceptions. The discussion also touches on the darker themes present in childhood movies and the portrayal of party culture in films, culminating in a humorous take on the legacy of drug-related cinema.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Theme of Drugs

03:21 Discussion on Recent Shows and Movies

08:44 Tributes to Recently Deceased Celebrities

11:10 Reflections on Cultural Icons and Their Impact

15:01 Contemplating the Legacy of Public Figures

20:34 Lighthearted Banter and Nostalgia

21:16 Nostalgia and Drug Culture in the 90s

28:20 The Impact of PSAs on Drug Perception

35:20 Buffy and the Misrepresentation of Substance Use

40:59 Character Dynamics: Angel vs. Spike

41:29 Nostalgic Reflections on Childhood Crushes

42:59 The Impact of TV Characters on Real-Life Choices

44:58 Humor and Drugs: A Comedic Exploration

50:02 Diving into Drug Movies: A Cinematic Journey

59:00 Iconic Drug Movies and Their Cultural Significance

01:03:31 The Charismatic Anti-Heroes in Film

01:06:27 Exploring Iconic Stoner Movies

01:09:22 The Darker Side of Childhood Classics

01:12:22 The Impact of Party Culture in Movies

01:14:15 Teen Party Movies and Their Influence

01:20:39 The Legacy of Drug-Themed Films