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

In this episode, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from TikTok trends to the emotional impact of movies. They discuss the season finale of Fallout, character arcs, and the portrayal of love in romantic comedies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of real estate communication and the disturbing elements found in certain films. The episode culminates in a light-hearted discussion about love and relationships in cinema, highlighting both the humorous and serious aspects of these themes. In this engaging conversation, the hosts celebrate the life of Dick Van Dyke, discuss the aspirational nature of aging icons like Frankie Avalon, and share their love for mowing the lawn as a meditative activity. They delve into the emotional depth of romantic movies, recommending titles like 'About Time' and 'Deadpool' as unconventional love stories. The discussion shifts to the formulaic nature of Hallmark movies and the struggles of real relationships, contrasting them with the idealized portrayals in films. The hosts reflect on the timelessness of 'The Princess Bride' and the legacy of Superman, emphasizing the importance of compassion and connection in love.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and TikTok Fun

04:03 Valentine's Day and Romcoms Discussion

05:00 Fallout Season Two Finale Review

12:07 Character Arcs and Future Predictions

15:00 Movies That Disturb Us

19:58 Streaming Services and Watching Habits

21:10 Navigating Phone Boundaries

25:51 The Impact of Technology on Communication

26:01 Discussion on 'Traders' Show

36:11 Exploring Love in Movies

41:11 Critique of 'Grease' and Its Themes

43:55 Celebrating Legends: Dick Van Dyke Turns 100

44:25 Aspirational Lives: The Charm of Aging Stars

45:42 Mowing the Lawn: A Zen Experience

46:59 The Joy of Gardening: Tools and Techniques

48:47 Movies About Love: A Deep Dive

52:43 Romantic Movies: Exploring Love in Cinema

56:45 The Wedding Singer: A Classic Rom-Com

01:00:56 Popcorn and Movie Nights: A Fun Discussion

01:01:02 Popcorn Preferences and Movie Theaters

01:01:55 Creepy Movie Experiences

01:02:59 Romantic Comedies and Their Tropes

01:06:00 The Reality of Love and Relationships

01:09:02 The Complexity of Breakups

01:12:08 The Nature of True Love

01:14:57 Superhero Movies and Their Messages

01:17:59 Superman vs. Batman: A Comic Book Debate

This week we are joined by Alex Peters. We discuss all the movies that aged... not well. Everything from Revenge of the Nerds to animal house. Also, we discuss that last couple episodes of Fallout and Traitors, giving our take on what's to come next and what we found most enjoyable.

In this episode of the Spit Take podcast, hosts Adam and Stef welcome Jennifer Billock, a unique guest who is the world's only professional cheese fortune teller. The conversation explores Jennifer's diverse career as a travel and food writer, her experiences with the paranormal, and her journey into tiromancy. They discuss the impact of COVID on personal lives, the challenges of writing for various publications, and the importance of setting boundaries in divination practices. The episode also touches on food memories and family traditions, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and insights. In this engaging conversation, the participants explore various themes including food safety, particularly regarding mold on food, and their personal cheese preferences. They share experiences about local cheese shops and the challenges of traveling with children. The discussion shifts to their favorite reality TV shows, highlighting the absurdity and entertainment value of such programs. They also touch on unique travel experiences and the importance of community engagement, concluding with insights into upcoming projects and events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Billock

02:49 Exploring Travel and Food Writing

05:39 Ghost Hunting Experiences

08:23 The Paranormal and Personal Experiences

11:05 The Intersection of Skepticism and Belief

13:49 Diverse Writing Career

16:43 The Influence of COVID on Creativity

19:39 Tiromancy: Fortune Telling with Cheese

21:09 Unexpected Beginnings: Parenthood and COVID

22:22 The Art of Cheese Reading: A Unique Skill

24:15 Boundaries in the Cheese World: Navigating Requests

26:09 Skepticism Meets Cheese: Convincing the Doubters

27:51 Cheese Preferences: A Culinary Divide

29:51 Nostalgic Meals: Childhood Food Memories

31:43 Leftover Dilemmas: Food Safety and Preferences

33:41 Cheese Varieties: Favorites and Recommendations

35:33 Local Cheese Shops: Discovering Hidden Gems

37:20 Community Connections: Small World Encounters

42:36 Life Choices and Adventures

47:36 Travel Tales and Family Dynamics

52:08 Reality TV Obsessions

56:56 Creative Ventures and Future Plans

In this episode of the Spit Take podcast, hosts Rick, Stef, and Adam dive into a variety of topics, starting with Rick's humorous introduction mishap. The conversation quickly shifts to wrestling, particularly focusing on Bret Hart's controversial opinions about fellow wrestlers and the infamous Montreal Screwjob. The hosts share their thoughts on the current state of wrestling, including Vince McMahon's controversies and the evolving perceptions of wrestlers like John Cena and The Rock. As the discussion progresses, they transition into a review of the latest episodes of the Fallout series, analyzing character developments and plot twists while also touching on the dynamics of the game show 'The Traitors.' The episode wraps up with a light-hearted banter about various shows and movies, including a throwback to '30 Minutes or Less.'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Wrestling Banter

09:33 Fallout Episode Discussion

19:52 Character Development in Fallout

21:39 Stef's Take on Fallout

24:06 Understanding the Fallout Universe

26:12 Ghouls and Their Lore

28:45 Transitioning to Other Shows

35:24 Debating One Piece: Female Pirates and Adaptation

38:58 The Traitors: Strategies and Player Dynamics

50:05 Movie Review: 30 Minutes or Less

Summary

In this episode of Spit Take, hosts Rick, Adam, and Stef dive into a lively discussion about pop culture, focusing primarily on sports and television. The conversation kicks off with Rick's passionate support for the Chicago Bears, reflecting on years of ups and downs as a fan. He shares anecdotes about memorable games and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a long-time supporter. Stef adds her own experiences, recounting a playoff game where she made a bold bet on the Bears, showcasing the unpredictable nature of sports fandom. The trio also touches on the upcoming match against the Rams, analyzing player performances and the impact of weather conditions on the game. In this lively episode, the hosts dive into a nostalgic discussion about classic game shows and movies, reminiscing about their childhood favorites. They explore the iconic 'Legends of the Hidden Temple,' sharing memories of its challenges and the memorable characters that made it a staple of their youth. The conversation shifts to other beloved shows like 'Double Dare' and 'Figure It Out,' highlighting the fun and chaos that defined children's television in the 90s. The hosts also touch on the evolution of kids' programming, pondering what today's children watch compared to their own experiences. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted banter about various pop culture references, including a nod to the enduring legacy of 'Carmen Sandiego.'

00:00 Introduction and Bears Talk

08:11 Fallout Series Discussion

19:32 Traders Season 4 Overview

32:37 Reviewing Splinter Cell: Death Watch

35:42 Anticipating Monarch Season 2

41:05 Exploring the Godzilla Universe

53:17 Excitement for One Piece Season 2

54:09 Nostalgia for 90s Kids Game Shows

56:52 Nostalgic Cartoons and Kids' Shows

59:53 Game Shows of Our Childhood

01:04:06 Iconic Nickelodeon Shows

01:05:43 Educational Entertainment: Carmen Sandiego

01:09:08 Memorable Game Shows and Their Impact