Reel Beans

About Reel Beans

Two passions, one podcast. Join host Benjamin Schneider and a rotating cast of cinephile guests as we pair exceptional films with exceptional coffee—not just by taste, but by theme. Each episode is a masterclass in cinema and craft roasting, exploring the scenes, symbols, and ideas that spark real-world conversations long after the credits roll. From philosophical depth to cultural commentary, we journey through film history one cup at a time, examining stories that challenge, comfort, and inspire. Come for the cinema, stay for the brew. There's always something worth savoring. Sip. Watch. Repeat. RSSVERIFY

Publisher

Ben Schneider

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Apr 2025

Latest episode

10 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Mar 2026

   Friday the 13th (1980) + Starbucks Via Instant Coffee: Convenience Kills

   About This Episode Host Ben and guest Kathryn Horan pair the 1980 slasher classic Friday the 13th with Starbucks Via Instant Coffee, joined by Marc Pyskaty, co-host of the Cinescare podcast. They explore why both became massive successes by prioritizing accessibility over sophistication. Featured Guest Marc Pyskaty - Co-host of the Cinescare podcast Cinescare Podcast (https://cinescare.com) Resources & Links Watch the Film: Friday the 13th (1980) on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Friday-13th-Betsy-Palmer/dp/B000NQ4Q4Q) Find on JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/friday-the-13th-1980) Try the Coffee: Starbucks Via on Amazon (https://a.co/d/08DYwC8U) Learn More: Betsy Palmer (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0658133/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk) Henry Manfredini (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Manfredini) Tom Savini (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Savini) Kevin Bacon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Bacon) Instant Coffee History: USC Scribe (https://scribe.usc.edu/the-history-of-instant-coffee/) Nationwide Coffee (https://www.nationwidecoffee.co.uk/news/the-history-of-instant-coffee) Enjoy Better Coffee (https://enjoybettercoffee.com/blogs/enjoy-better/a-brief-history-of-instant-coffee-convenience-changes-everything?srsltid=AfmBOopS3k6W5vKZyBURgETJBo5LvJJ8MIc0j5qnxYRqv_aVbYFEO7M5) Connect with Reel Beans reelbeans.com (http://reelbeans.com) @reel_beans (https://www.instagram.com/reel_beans) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@reelbeans) Merch (https://reelbeans.com/merch) Support the Show (https://buymeacoffee.com/reelbeans)

2. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Now, Voyager (1942) — Bette Davis, Mental Health & Transformation | Brazil Coffee Pairing

   Reel Beans Episode 21: Now, Voyager (1942) & Brazil Coffee Featuring Danielle Aubuchon Episode Summary In this episode, Ben and Reel Beans staple Danielle Aubuchon dive into the 1942 classic Now, Voyager, starring the incomparable Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale. They explore how the film was remarkably ahead of its time in its frank discussion of mental health, the lasting damage of a domineering parent who never wanted her child, and the complex journey toward independence and self-discovery. From Charlotte's transformation under the care of Dr. Jackwith to her unconventional relationship with Jerry (Paul Henreid), the conversation unpacks the film's emotional depth, iconic scenes, and its bold commentary on what happiness and fulfillment can look like when you stop living by someone else's rules. Much like Charlotte, who needed the right conditions and patience to fully bloom, great coffee follows the same principle — which is why this episode is paired with a rich, smooth Brazil coffee. Key Themes Mental health and the courage to seek help The damage of a domineering, possessive parent Transformation, independence, and self-worth Unconventional forms of happiness and love The general care of your fellow human being Costume design as a reflection of character growth Coffee as a metaphor for patience and blooming under the right conditions Where to Watch Now, Voyager (1942) is available to stream (https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/now-voyager) Coffee Pairing: Brazil Coffee Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, and when given the right care, its beans produce something rich, smooth, and deeply rewarding. Here are some great options to brew along with this episode: Peet's Coffee — Brazil (https://www.peets.com/products/brazil) Groundwork Coffee — Black Gold (https://www.groundworkcoffee.com/products/black-gold) Driven Coffee — Brazilian Coffee Origins (https://www.drivencoffee.com/blogs/blog/brazilian-coffee-origins) Sources & Further Reading Criterion — "Now, Voyager: We Have the Stars" (https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/6703-now-voyager-we-have-the-stars) Connect with Reel Beans Website: reelbeans.com (http://reelbeans.com) Support the show: reelbeans.com/support (http://reelbeans.com/support) Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps us reach more fellow film and coffee lovers! ☕🎬 Sip. Watch. Repeat. Keywords Now Voyager, Bette Davis, mental health, independence, transformation, classic film, Brazil coffee, character analysis, 1940s cinema, emotional journey, film analysis, character development, iconic scenes, classic cinema, romantic films, psychological drama, women in film, Golden Age Hollywood

3. 

   13 Jan 2026

   Frankenstein (2025)

   Ben Schneider interviews Casey Haltom and Allen Stafford about Guillermo del Toro's upcoming Frankenstein adaptation, exploring its themes and potential impact.

Who has been a guest on Reel Beans

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Casey Haltom
• Allen Stafford
• Kathryn Horan
• Danielle Aubuchon
• [Guest Name]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,384

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

83

Social presence

90

YouTube

65

Engagement

0

Contact Reel Beans

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.