NextStep’s Podcast Program
Welcome to Relationship Rewind, where we hit pause on the screen and dive deep into the tangled web of relationships portrayed in movies, TV shows, and other media. 📽️
In a world where on-screen romances often blur the lines between passion and toxicity, we're here to rewind, review, and reset the narrative. Join us as we dissect the dynamics between characters, shining a spotlight on behaviors that may seem romantic but are, in truth, far from healthy. But we're not just dissecting scenes—we're sparking conversations. Every month, a young voice from Maine joins us to share their insights, experiences, and reflections. Together, we explore the impact of media portrayals on real-life relationships, emphasizing the importance of perception and empowerment.
Relationships aren't scripted, and neither are the lessons we learn from them. Tune in to Relationship Rewind, where we unravel the reel and rewrite the narrative, one conversation at a time. 🎬💬
Relationship Rewind airs on the 3rd Tuesday of every month on WERU Community Radio 89.9FM from 4:30-5:00 pm and is streaming at WERU.org, WERU’s mobile app, and on Spotify and Apple Music.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining in as a guests speaker, please fill out the form below and a host of the show will reach out to you as soon as possible. We offer $50 stipends and volunteer hours as a thank you for joining in!
Want to be a guest speaker on the show? Fill out the form below!
Listen to the show!
“After We Fell”
In this episode, we take a look at the film After We Fell, examining the behaviors portrayed in the central relationship. We discuss how media can normalize toxic dynamics—such as jealousy, manipulation, and control—and the ways these portrayals can shape young people's understanding of love and relationships.
Guest/s: Bri, local high school student
“after we collided”
In this episode, we’re calling out the toxic behaviors masquerading as passion—jealousy, control, emotional chaos—and talking about how movies can make toxic relationships look normal. We break down what’s really going on, how these messages can mess with how we see love in real life, and why it’s so important to know the difference between drama on screen and real relationships off screen.
Guest/s: Ashlee, local Pre-K teacher and mom
“Beauty and the beast”
In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the classic Disney film '“Beauty and the Beast”—but not just the magic and music. We’re breaking down the relationship between Belle and the Beast and asking some big questions: Is this really a love story, or are there some unhealthy behaviors hiding under that enchanted surface?
Guest/s:
Rayne – Local High School Student
Re-Release of “the gilmore girls”
Just in time for the holidays, we're heading back to Stars Hollow! In this episode, we’re revisiting “Gilmore Girls” to chat about the cozy vibes and the complicated relationships. From love triangles to communication fails, we break down some of the behaviors woven into this fan-favorite series—and talk about how media like this can shape what we expect from real-life relationships.
Guest/s:
Ashley - 24 year old living in Maine and the Youth Development Coordinator at the Maine Seacoast Mission.
“The Kindness of strangers”
In this episode, we take a closer look at the film “The Kindness of Strangers” and use it as a lens to explore how domestic violence is portrayed in the media. We unpack common myths—like who abuse happens to and who abuse can come from, what it looks like, and why people stay—and discuss how these misconceptions can shape the way we view survivors in real life.
Guest/s":
Jasmine Bradley - newest youth educator at Next Step and co-host of Relationship Rewind
“Priscilla”
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the 2023 film “Priscilla” and explore the relationship between Priscilla Beaulieu and Elvis Presley. Beyond the glitz and glamour, we examine the controlling and manipulative behaviors depicted in their relationship—and the emotional impact those dynamics can have. It’s important to think about how age gaps, power imbalances, and media portrayals of celebrity relationships can blur the lines between love and control, and why it’s so important to talk about the real-life consequences behind the spotlight.
Guest/s:
Emma - Youth Development Professional on MDI
“The cruel prince”
In this episode, we're diving into the darkly magical world of “The Folk of the Air” series by Holly Black to talk about the relationships woven through the story. From manipulation and control to emotional games and blurred boundaries, we explore how these behaviors show up in the books and what messages they might send about love, power, and self-worth.
Guest/s:
Cheyenne - Bookstagrammer and Reviewer
“How I Met your mother”
In this episode, we’re checking out the relationships in the hit TV series “How I Met Your Mother.” While the show is known for its humor and heart, behaviors like dishonesty, manipulation, and boundary-crossing are woven throughout the story lines.We break down how the characters treat each other, how those patterns are portrayed as normal or even romantic, and what impact that might have on viewers, especially young people learning what love should be.
Guest/s:
Maeve - local high school student
“Bojack Horseman”
In this episode. we'll discuss the unhealthy behaviors in relationships shown in the TV show "Bojack Horseman," how media normalizes these behaviors, and the impacts of these messages on young people.
Guest/s:
Sophia - Local Psychology College Student
“ The School of rock”
In this episode, we talk about the various relationships and ways the characters treat each other in the 2003 movie “The School of Rock.”
Guest/s:
Kaysie - young person living in Maine
“Superstore”
In this episode, we talk about the movie “Superstore” which is about a Big Box store called Cloud 9 and the retail workers employed there - specifically their interactions and relationships with each other. The most notable of these include the will-they-won’t-they relationship of Floor Manager Amy and newer employee Jonah, as well as the unconventional relationship between Assistant Manager Dina and Associate Garrett.
Guest/s":
Molly - a local middle school student.
“After”
In this episode, we will be discussing the relationship between Tessa and Harden in the movie “After”. In this movie there are boundaries not being respected, violence and aggression, and gaslighting and mistrust all framed as a passionate and romantic relationship.
Guest/s:
Allison Fortin - Youth Educator and Advocate at New Hope Midcoast. Allison regularly discusses media, like books, and the confusing messaging that can be presented with the young people in her role as an educator.
‘‘new girl”
In this episode, we will be discussing the relationships from the TV show New Girl and how media often frames unhealthy ways of communicating as passionate or ideal.
Guest/s:
Alli Williamson - Director of Prevention and Youth Services at NextStep and one of the hosts of Relationship Rewind.
“Alex & Izzy” Grey’s anatomy
In this episode, we will be discussing unhealthy behaviors in the relationship between Alex and Izzy in the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy”.
Guest/s:
Trinity - a 12 year old student in Maine.
“All too well“
In this episode, we will be discussing unhealthy behaviors in relationships shown in the short film “All Too Well”.
Guest/s:
Emily Young - local musician
Partners for peace and nextstep
In this episode, the executive directors of Partners for Peace and NextStep come on the show to talk about the relationship between the two organizations and the milestone 50th and 30th years.
Guest/s:
Amanda Cost - Executive Director Partners for Peace
Kelly Brown - Executive Director NextStep
In this episode, we are discussing unhealthy behaviors in relationships shown in the songs “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love you”, written by Dolly Parton.
Guest/s:
Cory Budden - young person living in Maine
“10 Things I hate about you”
In this episode, we talk about the 1999 movie 10 Things I Hate About You. This movie is set in a high school and begins when new student Cameron is immediately interested in going out with another student, Bianca. The issue is that Bianca isn’t allowed to date until her older sister, Kat, who has no interest in dating at all, begins seeing someone. Because of this Cameron plots an intricate plan to have another student, Patrick, be paid to win over Kat’s heart and get her to date him.
Guest/s:
Madison - a young person in Maine who has a passion for finding truth and creating beautiful lives with it.
“twilight”
In this episode, we discuss the movie series Twilight, which is based on a book series following a teenage girl who moves into a new town and falls in love with a vampire.
Guest/s:
Jo - WERU show host.
“GreasE'“
In this episode, we discuss the 1978 film, Grease, which depicts the lives and relationships between “greaser” Danny and Australian transfer student Sandy.
Guest/s:
Pepin - WERU Digital Media Coordinator
“BREAKING BAD”
In this episode, we discuss the TV show Breaking Bad which focuses on a high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime after struggling to find a way to support his family following a diagnosis of stage-three lung cancer. This conversation does involve topics including consent and sexual assault.
Guest/s:
Olivia - a local college student and host of a podcast called sisters and the stars which focuses on film analysis.
“GILMORE GIRLS”
In this episode, we discuss the TV show Gilmore Girls which follow a mother, Lorelia, and daughter, Rory, as they navigate the difficulties around their romantic relationships, family, and education and career paths.
Guest/s:
Ashley - 24 year old living in Maine and the Youth Development Coordinator at the Maine Seacoast Mission.
“NATURAL BORN KILLERS”
In this episode, we discuss the relationship between Mickey Knox and Mallory Wilson Knox in the movie Natural Born Killers.
Guest/s:
Coyote - 29 year old young person who, while watching the movie “Natural Born Killers,’’ noticed how the massive amount of violence surrounding the couple’s relationships seemed to be glorified and sensationalized.
“Euphoria”
In this episode, we discuss the TV show “Euphoria,” which centers around a group of high school students while they navigate a number of challenges like dating violence, relationships, addiction and more.
Guest/s:
Em - local young person who has seen and experienced the examples of relationships in tv shows and movies and how they impact those watching.
“You”
In this episode, we discuss the TV show “You,” which centers around a bookstore manager and his obsession with a writer who visits his store.
Guest/s:
Carrie Clark - Youth educator and advocate for NextStep Domestic Violence Project
“Grey’s anatomy”
In this episode, we discuss the relationship between Meredith Grey and Derek Shepard in the tv show, “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Guest/s:
Lydia - Local College Student
“13 REASONS WHY”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “13 Reasons Why.”
Guest/s:
Grace - Local Middle School Student
“THE OFFICE”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “The Office.”
Guest/s:
Emily - Local Middle School Student
“Atlanta”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “Atlanta.”
Guest/s:
Chris - Local Student
“100 DAYS OF SUMMER”
In this episode, we discuss the 2009 movie “500 Days of Summer.”
Guest/s:
Celia - Local College Student
“Fleabag”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “Fleabag.”
Guest/s:
Nati - Local College Student
“the simpsons”
In this episode, we talk about the long running show “The Simpsons.”
Guest/s:
Rowan - Local Middle School Student
“scott pilgrim vs. the world”
In this episode, we talk about the 2010 film “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.”
Guest/s:
Kim - Local High School Student
“The Kissing booth'“
In this episode, we talk about the 2018 film “The Kissing Booth.”
Guest/s:
Dorathy Martel - Executive Director of NextStep Domestic Violence Project
Emma Weiss - Former Producer of Community Wellness Watch on WERU-FM
MUSIC CREDIT: (Currently) Megan Light and Nathan Spears, local musicians, donated theme music for the show.
(Previously) Brandon Nelson local musician.