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 reach out to Alli at awilliamson@nextstepdvproject.org. 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!
Meet the hosts!
Alli is the Director of Prevention and Youth Services at NextStep🌟 With boundless energy and unwavering dedication, she's on a mission to empower young hearts and minds.
From kindergartners to college students, Alli sparks conversations about the intricacies of power, control, and equality in friendships and relationships. Through her guidance, young individuals learn not only to recognize the signs of abuse but also to stand tall as advocates for change in their communities.
But Alli's impact doesn't stop there. With each lesson, she's weaving a tapestry of empathy, understanding, and resilience, laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future. Join Alli on this empowering journey, where every voice has the power to shape tomorrow!🎙️✨
Carrie, the vibrant force behind the mic, wears the title of Youth Educator at NextStep like a superhero cape! With boundless enthusiasm, she takes her passion for creating a brighter future straight into schools. Carrie's on a mission to engage young minds in conversations that matter— including recognizing bullying, dating violence, and domestic violence and how to get help and support when these things are happening.
But that's not all. Carrie sparks discussions about empowerment, showing our youth the way to a world where equality and respect reign supreme. Her talks aren't just about problems; they're about solutions, inspiration, and the unstoppable force of positive change. Tune in for a dose of Carrie's infectious energy as she empowers the next generation to stand up, speak out, and build a world where everyone shines! 🎙️✨
Listen to the show!
Episode 28: “How I Met your mother”
In this episode, we talk about the relationships shown in the TV series “How I Met Your Mother” and how the behaviors between the characters and how they interact with each other might impact those watching.
Guest/s:
Maeve (she/her), local high school student
Episode 27: Happy pride!
In this episode, we discuss how media normalizes unhealthy behaviors in Q+ relationships and reinforces negative stereotypes around the Q+ Community.
Guest/s:
Cheyenne (They/Them) Lead Facilitator at Downeast Rainbow Alliance
Episode 26: “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 (she/her) Local Psychology College Student
Episode 25: “ 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 (she. her)
Episode 24: “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 (she, her) a local middle school student.
Episode 23: “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 (she, her) 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.
Episode 22: ‘‘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 (she, her) Director of Prevention and Youth Services at NextStep and one of the hosts of Relationship Rewind.
Episode 21: “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 (she, her) a 12 year old student in Maine.
Episode 20: “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
Episode 19: 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 (she, her) Executive Director Partners for Peace
Kelly Brown (she, her) Executive Director NextStep
Episode 18: Dolly Parton’s Biggest Hits
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
episode 17: 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 (she, her pronouns) a young person in Maine who has a passion for finding truth and creating beautiful lives with it.
Episode 16: 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 (She/Her pronouns) WERU show host.
Episode 15: “GreasE'“
In this episode, we discuss the 1978 film, Grease, which depicts the lives of “greaser” Danny and Australian transfer student Sandy, who end up at the same high school following a brief summer romance and follows the challenges they face during the school year. This conversation includes themes of misogyny, vulnerability, and communication and the ways our society and culture have changed and the ways it has not changed since the films release.
Guest/s:
Pepin (He, They pronouns) WERU Digital Media Coordinator
Episode 14: “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 (she, her pronouns) a local college student and host of a podcast called sisters and the stars which focuses on film analysis.
EPISODE 13: “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 (she, her) 24 year old living in Maine and the Youth Development Coordinator at the Maine Seacoast Mission.
EPISODE 12: “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 (he, him) 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.
EPISODE 11: “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 (she, hers) local young person who has seen and experienced the examples of relationships in tv shows and movies and how they impact those watching.
EPISODE 10: “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 (she, her), Youth educator and advocate for NextStep Domestic Violence Project
EPISODE 09: “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 (she, her), Local College Student
EPISODE 08: “13 REASONS WHY”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “13 Reasons Why.”
Guest/s:
Grace (she/hers), Local Middle School Student
EPISODE 07: “THE OFFICE”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “The Office.”
Guest/s:
Emily, Local Middle School Student
EPISODE 06: “Atlanta”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “Atlanta.”
Guest/s:
Chris, Local Student
EPISODE 05: “100 DAYS OF SUMMER”
In this episode, we discuss the 2009 movie “500 Days of Summer.”
Guest/s:
Celia (she, hers), Local College Student
EPISODE 04: “Fleabag”
In this episode, we discuss the tv show, “Fleabag.”
Guest/s:
Nati, Local College Student
EPISODE 03: “the simpsons”
In this episode, we talk about the long running show “The Simpsons.”
Guest/s:
Rowan, Local Middle School Student
EPISODE 02: “scott pilgrim vs. the world”
In this episode, we talk about the 2010 film “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.”
Guest/s:
Kim (she, hers), Local High School Student
Episode 01: “The Kissing booth'“
In this episode, we talk about the 2018 film “The Kissing Booth.”
Guest/s:
Dorathy Martel (she, hers), Executive Director of NextStep Domestic Violence Project
Emma Weiss (they, them) 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 (he/him) local musician.