Curated by Chance
Neal E. Fischer and Lauren Tagliaferro
Join filmmaker Neal E. Fischer and art curator Lauren Tagliaferro as they dive into the unpredictable world of ‘Curated by Chance,’ a podcast where creativity meets serendipity. Each episode, Neal and Lauren harness the power of a randomizing algorithm named Chance to generate unique prompts that drive their discussions. From exploring the unexpected intersections between film and visual art to dissecting the curious ways randomness shapes artistic expression, this dynamic duo invites listeners to ponder the influence of chance in the creative process. Whether dissecting a random film scene or analyzing an art piece through a whimsical lens, ‘Curated by Chance...
Excuse Me While I Kiss This Guy
Episode 29: Excuse Me While I Kiss This Guy PROMPTS: Siren, Leather, 818Neal embarks on an off-the-rails deep dive into Ice Ice Baby, Vanilla Ice’s meteoric rise, and the bizarre world surrounding his fame. From his disputed backstory to a failed Hollywood career (Cool as Ice, anyone?), Neal unpacks the highs, lows, and lingering pop-culture footprint of one of the 90s’ most notorious one-hit wonders. Plus, a wild fact about an important crew member that you won't want to miss. Lauren brings thi
(Bill) Bryson Royale
Episode 28: (Bill) Bryson RoyalePROMPTS: Maroon, Accent, 215This week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore language, survival, and everything in between, bringing two wildly different yet equally fascinating topics to the table.Lauren dives into Bill Bryson’s The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way, a witty and informative exploration of the quirks, history, and evolution of the English language. From the origin of everyday words to unexpected trivia like why an apron was onc
Meta Cheese
Episode 27: Meta CheesePROMPTS: Sky-Blue, 101, FlowersThis week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore two vastly different works.Neal revisits The Truman Show (1998), diving deep into its eerie parallels with modern-day surveillance culture, reality TV, and social media. From Jim Carrey’s career-defining performance to the film’s psychological impact (including the real-life Truman Show Delusion), Neal unpacks why this dystopian comedy-drama is more relevant than ever. He also explores t
Neal Found A Dead Body
EPISODE 26: Neal Found A Dead BodyPROMPTS: 1958, Ship, Mustard YellowThis week on Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive into two fascinating works that capture grandeur, tragedy, and larger-than-life imagery.Lauren takes listeners back to the 16th century with Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus, an artwork that redefines mythological storytelling. She explores how Bruegel subverts the dramatic morality tale of Icarus by making his downfall barely noticeable in the sce
It's The LT Guarantee!
EPISODE 25: It's The LT Guarantee!PROMPTS: 1434, Charcoal, LensIn this episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren explore two masterpieces inspired by this week’s prompts, taking listeners on a journey through art, cinema, and history.Neal delves into Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Rear Window (1954), unraveling its themes of voyeurism, morality, and isolation. From the groundbreaking set design to Hitchcock’s visual storytelling, Neal breaks down why this suspenseful masterpiece still resonates
We Read Books
Episode 24: We Read BooksPrompts: Tomato Red, Globe-trotting, 5In this week’s episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren find themselves in perfect sync as they both dive into Richard Osman’s latest book, We Solve Murders. What are the odds? (Apparently, 1-in-24 episodes.)Lauren kicks things off with her enthusiastic review of We Solve Murders, Richard Osman’s action-packed, character-rich follow-up to The Thursday Murder Club. She explores how Osman’s knack for quirky characters and
Philip K. Dickolas
Episode 23: Philip K. DickolasPrompts: Blue, Machine, and TwoIn this futuristic and literary episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive into two distinct works of art inspired by this week’s prompts.Neal explores the 2002 sci-fi noir masterpiece Minority Report. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, the film delves into the murky ethics of pre-crime technology, stunning practical effects, and a dark vision of the future. From incredible stunts to Spielberg’s sign
Sisterhood of the Traveling Goldfinch
EPISODE 22: Sisterhood of the Traveling GoldfinchPROMPTS: Fowl, 27, CoralIn this wild New Year and milestone birthday episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren ring in 2025 with a blend of art, absurdity, and a little fowl play.Lauren dives into the storied history of Carl Fabritius’ The Goldfinch, a Dutch Golden Age masterpiece that’s survived explosions, shrapnel, and centuries of mystery. From its delicate depiction of a chained goldfinch to its surprising symbolic significance,
Deep Fried Tenders at Bulges
Episode 21: Deep Fried Tenders at BulgesIn this festive episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren dive into an unexpectedly hilarious and insightful conversation inspired by the spirit of the season, nostalgic college rituals, and... unconventional business ideas.Lauren opens with reflections on Christmas traditions, from her family's cozy Christmas Eve rituals to her current waffle-filled mornings with her in-laws. Neal shares his childhood Christmas celebrations and recounts his r
Ceci N’est Pas Une Podcast
Episode 20: Ceci N’est Pas Une PodcastIn this episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren embrace the surreal as they explore two influential creative giants: the enigmatic René Magritte and the groundbreaking screenwriter William Goldman.Lauren kicks things off with a deep dive into the surreal world of René Magritte, the Belgian artist known for his clever, dreamlike paintings that challenge perception and representation. From the haunting story of his childhood to his evolution as
Saffron Crocs & Eyeball Burns
Episode 19: Saffron Crocs & Eyeball BurnsIn this episode of Curated by Chance, Neal and Lauren start with a spirited discussion about wardrobe mishaps, a whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C., and the energy of exploring monuments on scooters in freezing weather.Neal takes us back to 1975 with a cinematic masterpiece that’s part art history, part technical marvel: Barry Lyndon. Highlighting Stanley Kubrick’s obsession with natural light, NASA lenses, and meticulous historical detail, N
Locked in a Museum
EPISODE 18: Locked in a MuseumNeal and Lauren kick off this episode of Curated by Chance with a fun hypothetical: which museum would you be okay being locked in for a week? Neal leans into nostalgia for The Met’s labyrinthine halls and ancient relics, while Lauren takes us through her imaginative week at The Met, complete with time-traveling from an 18th-century room to a Frank Lloyd Wright interior.In their prompts section, Lauren dives into the life and art of Rosa Bonheur, the trailb
Mocks and Docs
EPISODE 17: Mocks and DocsNeal dives into the delightful chaos of Waiting for Guffman, the cult classic mockumentary by Christopher Guest. He unpacks the absurdly earnest world of small-town community theater, introducing the eccentric Corky St. Clair, Blaine, Missouri’s quirkiest director. With heartfelt anecdotes and laugh-out-loud observations, Neal celebrates the improvised genius of the cast, from Parker Posey’s Dairy Queen dreamer to Fred Willard and Catherine O’Hara’s hilariously
Podsplain It To Me
EPISODE 16: Podsplain It To MeLauren takes listeners deep into the complex world of museum ethics and cultural restitution, unraveling the fascinating saga of the Benin Bronzes. She recounts how these treasured artifacts were looted from Nigeria during a violent raid in 1897 and scattered across global museums, sparking heated debates about repatriation and cultural preservation. With wit and insight, Lauren sheds light on the ongoing tug-of-war between returning artifacts to their orig
Pretty in Shocking Pink
EPISODE 15: Pretty in Shocking PinkIn this episode, Neal and Lauren bring their signature blend of wit and insight to two fascinating cultural topics. Neal dives deep into Pretty in Pink (1986), sharing behind-the-scenes stories, casting surprises, and the lasting impact of John Hughes’ quintessential teen rom-com. From Molly Ringwald’s iconic wardrobe to the alternate ending that test audiences rejected, Neal unpacks why Pretty in Pink remains a touchstone for teen cinema. Whether you’
Running Up Solsbury Hill
EPISODE 14: Running Up Solsbury HillIn this episode, Neal and Lauren dive deep into two iconic works that shaped pop culture. Lauren takes listeners on a journey through So, Peter Gabriel's groundbreaking 1986 album. She explores its experimental sound, innovative collaborations, and social influence, highlighting Gabriel’s approach to music that incorporated diverse voices and global influences. From “Sledgehammer” to “In Your Eyes,” Lauren unpacks the inspiration, talent, and ambition
The Fragonard of Chicago
EPISODE 13: The Fragonard of ChicagoOn this week's episode, Neal continues his BSE (Big Standing Energy) and tackles Fast Times at Ridgemont High [1982]r, revealing how the film changed the teen comedy landscape. From Sean Penn's iconic stoner Spicoli to Amy Heckerling’s game-changing direction, Neal uncovers the humor and heart in this cult classic. Listen in as he dives into the film’s killer soundtrack, its legacy, and how it paved the way for movies like American Pie and Clueless an
Soupçon of Eroticism
In this episode, Neal and Lauren dive headfirst into both the frothy and the fascinating. Lauren kicks things off with a deep exploration of the Rococo art movement, focusing on The Swing by Fragonard. She unpacks its playful eroticism and hidden symbolism, revealing how this seemingly lighthearted artwork hides a web of societal commentary. We learn the difference between cherubs and putti and Lauren guides listeners through the lush visual language that made the Rococo period a lavish
Live From A Buick!
In this week's episode, Neal and Lauren bring a unique blend of personal stories and art history to the forefront. Neal kicks things off from recording live from the backseat of his Buick—hailstorms, train noise, and all—with a hilarious tale of winning Prom King in high school. Neal talks about Silver Bullet (1985), a lesser-known werewolf film based on Stephen King's novella Cycle of the Werewolf. From Gary Busey's improvised lines to the story's unique portrayal of disability, Neal e
You Can't Handle The Puns
EPISODE 10: You Can't Handle The PunsIn this episode, Neal and Lauren dive into the world of early George Lucas. Lauren gives a playful yet in-depth breakdown of THX 1138, Lucas’s first film, discussing its dystopian themes, the impressive DIY production, and how it laid the groundwork for the iconic Star Wars series. She shares fun production stories, like the bizarre involvement of cult members as extras and the origins of Wookiees!Neal joins the conversation by highlighting the impor
The Sands of Time Burn by FISCHER & TAG
EPISODE 9: The Sands of Time Burn by FISCHER & TAGIn this week's episode, Neal and Lauren explore the wild world of action movies and conceptual art. Lauren recounts an embarrassing Zoom meeting mishap involving a school interview, a microphone, and a sandwich and later breaks down how a banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $120,000 and sparked debates about the nature of art. Neal dives deep into the history of action movies, tracing their evolution from the gritty film noir of the
How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?
EPISODE 8: How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?In this week’s episode, Neal and Lauren talk about chaotic spills, ancient art, and dream-like cinema. Neal recounts a history of personal injuries tied to performance days, while Lauren confesses to teaching through the heat of a frenzied classroom. After light-hearted banter, they dive deep into the aesthetics of lost art and surreal filmmaking.Lauren talks about the history of Greek and Roman sculptures, uncovering the truth ab
Falling for Lee Pace and Cozy Mysteries
EPISODE 7: Falling for Lee Pace and Cozy MysteriesIn this week's episode, Neal talks about digital heartbreak and reveals two pieces of good news: his next book comes out October 1st (Christmas Ultimate Trivia Book) and he will be appearing on Season 2 of Fox's The Floor with Rob Lowe. Today Neal talks about an Agatha Christie classic, the origins and brilliance of Hercule Poirot, and why the book is perfect for the fall season. Lauren switches gears and breaks down a movie for the firs
It All Comes Back to Pastry
EPISODE 6: It All Comes Back to PastryIn today's episode, Neal and Lauren bring fascinating insights into art theory and indie filmmaking. Lauren dives deep into Walter Benjamin's theory of "The Diminishment of the Aura" and explores how it applies to the iconic Mona Lisa. She breaks down the painting's mysterious history, including lesser-known theories about its subject and Da Vinci's artistic mastery. Meanwhile, Neal takes on the world of indie filmmaking, sharing his thoughts on the
Art According to Ghostface Killah
Today's episode goes back to the eighties...well, sort of! Neal decides to move away from film (at least for a few minutes) while talking about the jukebox musical Rock of Ages (2009). He shares fascinating insights about this nostalgic musical and it's film adaptation that features the unlikely musical debut of the biggest movie star in the world. Lauren discusses Frederic Leighton's Flaming June and the beauty of aestheticism in the late 19th century. She delves into Leighton's life a
Polka Dots & Nuclear War
Get ready for a thrilling journey underwater and through Japan and New York City in Episode 4 of Curated by Chance! Hosts Neal and Lauren tackle an eclectic mix of topics that blend art history and cinematic suspense. This week, Lauren takes us through the fascinating life and works of Yayoi Kusama, the avant-garde queen of polka dots. From her early struggles in Japan to her rise as an influential artist in New York, Lauren sheds light on Kusama’s unique artistic vision, including her
I'm an Art Historian — I See a Lot of Dicks
Neal and Lauren Dive into Cinema and Art in Episode 3! This week, the dynamic duo takes on three intriguing prompts that lead to fascinating discussions. Neal explores the film Ocean's Eleven (2001), revealing the technical brilliance of Steven Soderbergh and the star-studded cast that makes this heist movie a fan favorite. Lauren, on the other hand, transports listeners to the world of Japanese Ukiyo-e art with an in-depth look at The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, offering insigh
Pierce Brosnan Is Too Handsome
Neal and Lauren are back with a vengeance for episode two! This week, Chance has assigned the dynamic duo four prompts that inspire some creative thinking. Lauren takes us on a trip to the museum to discuss abstract painter Mark Rothko and how his work even converted her to the abstract cause. Neal discusses a favorite film of his and even gives a lesson on "coverage" so that every time you watch a movie, you'll be thinking about it. For better for worse. Plus, the pair discuss their ex
Everyone Has Their Potato Eaters
In the show's first ever episode, hosts Neal and Lauren describe what each week looks like on Curated by Chance. Powered by an algorithm named Chance, built by a NASA scientist, Neal and Lauren will receive several prompts (words, numbers, colors, etc.) that will spark lively discussions in the world of art, film, literature, theater, and more! On the premiere episode, Neal takes us to the grimy streets of New York City to talk about The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) and its inf
Introducing Curated by Chance (Show Trailer)
Join filmmaker Neal Fischer and art curator Lauren Tagliaferro as they dive into the unpredictable world of ‘Curated by Chance,’ a podcast where creativity meets serendipity. Each episode, Neal and Lauren harness the power of a randomizing algorithm named Chance to generate unique prompts that drive their discussions. From exploring the unexpected intersections between film and visual art to dissecting the curious ways randomness shapes artistic expression, this dynamic duo invites list