Beyond the OC (Welcome to the OC)

Rachel and Melinda are joined, once again, by Stephanie Savage, The Executive Producer and Writer on The OC, to discuss, "The New Kids On the Block" (S2 Ep 3).Stephanie reveals the reason behind the creation of The Bait Shop and why the Cohen's house was under construction. They also dive into the purpose behind bringing Zach, Alex, Lindsay, and DJ onto The OC, and how they develop the storyline. Listen in to hear all three ladies gush about the male cast this season, and the "scruff" that makes them irresistible.Seth says everything we wish we could say as teenagers, and teaches us the most important lesson of all- that life is about learning from our mistakes. Stephanie sets the record straight, describing The OC as a celebration, but also a critique, of affluence. Our favorite show was designed to make a place for everyone, and to feel like home, for everyone who watches.The New Kids On the Block Synopsis: Seth is on a quest for selflessness to win Summer’s friendship. He gets a job working for Alex at the music venue The Bait Shop so that he could get tickets for The Walkmen, to give to Summer and Zach. New student Lindsay and Ryan start off on the wrong foot, and when they’re assigned as lab partners, they’re both convinced they can’t work together. Caleb assigns Julie as the new CEO of the Newport Group, shocking Kirsten and Sandy.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melinda and Rachel talk to Patrick Rush about all things casting related with The OC, including the prominent Michael Cassidy and Olivia Wilde.As they navigate through "The Way We Were" (S 2 Ep 2) they discuss DJ "the hot yard guy," and Seth's declaration of selflessness. Fast forward to the end of the episode, listen in to hear Rachel's thoughts on Seth climbing on a hot dog stand to declare his love for Summer, who responds, "You had me and left."The two hosts and guest, Patrick, dive into the love triangle that is Marissa juggling both DJ and Ryan. Marissa and Ryan's steamy kiss, is not taken well by DJ, who "creepily" watches from the balcony.Is shirtless yard guy Patrick's favorite character in this episode? Who is his least favorite character? Listen through the end of the episode to find out and hear all our Rapid Fire Questions.The Way We Were Synopsis: Ryan and Seth long to go back to the way they were -- but Marissa lies to Ryan about seeing DJ, the yard guy, and Summer refuses to get back together with Seth. All roads lead to the kick-off carnival, but the end results are not what either boy wanted. Meanwhile, Hailey has a job offer she can’t refuse and ends things with Jimmy. Caleb knows he’s in trouble and is not surprised when the cops show up to arrest him.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to dive into Season 2. This means new love interests, the Bait Shop, Atomic Country, and so much more! Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Distance” (S2 Ep1) the episode Melinda thinks is the real end to season 1 and the episode Rachel declares “the hot men scruff episode.” The hosts dive into the characters in this episode -- hear their thoughts on Seth’s actions and attitude and on Theresa’s decision to tell Ryan a gigantic lie. And of course, they have to discuss the famous Marissa scream! The Distance Synopsis: The Cohen’s house is in a state of disarray - both with the renovations and with Seth gone. Having traveled to Portland to stay with Luke, Kirsten is fed up and wants Sandy to bring him home. Ryan tries to adjust to his life back in Chino but is struggling. Summer and Marissa try to forget their ex-boyfriends and Caleb becomes increasingly paranoid about what the DA has on him and his business.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode the hosts dive into the cultural impact of The OC. They are joined by TV critic and author of the book, “Stop Being a Hater and Learn to Love the O.C.,” Alan Sepinwall. Find out what Alan loved about the show and what he thought didn’t work. The OC didn’t make it into Alan’s top 100 TV shows of all time -- the hosts want to know why! Also, hear all about what being a TV critic entails and how it’s changed since the days of The OC.Later, Rachel and Melinda are joined by author of the book, “The 2000s Made Me Gay,” Grace Perry. She shares her experience as a young girl growing up in the early aughts, discovering her sexuality and how it was all impacted by pop culture and characters in television, especially, “banter boy,” Seth Cohen. Find out what a banter boy is, hear Grace’s opinion on the Alex and Marissa storyline in season 2, and learn what she thinks Seth’s super power is.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would The OC be without the music? And you can talk music, without Alexandra Patsavas, the Emmy-nominated music supervisor from The OC! In this special episode, Rachel and Melinda learn all about what music supervision entails from the super fun to not-so-sexy but needed tasks. Find out which band passed on The OC, the song Alex was afraid might not pass, and one cover song Alex would chose to go back and put on the show today. The hosts highlight some of their favorite musical moments from the series, and ask Alex the stories behind them. Then, they are all joined by Seth Cohen’s favorite, Ben Gibbard, lead singer of Death Cab for Cutie. Hear what the singer has to say about the forever connection between his band and The OC.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know his name from The OC credits, but how well do you know McG? Executive Producer and OC native, McG (Joseph McGinty Nichol), talks all things The OC.Hear about the cast music video that McG called “an epic fail,” the birth of The OC, and how the truth came out in the casting office. There are lots of laughs and great memories shared, as well as serious discussions about struggles with mental health and how to cope with fame.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel and Melinda discuss “The Ties That Bind,” (S1 Ep27) with none other than the man who wrote it himself, Josh Schwartz! Hear from Josh his thinking behind the creation of this episode and the theme he based it on. Curious if he planned for this finale at the start of the series? Listen to find out!Josh answers questions the hosts have about this episode like, “was the word abortion not allowed on the show?” and “Is that Shailene Woodley as Kaitlin in the wedding?”Find out how Josh does in season one trivia. Do you know how much the kisses cost in the kissing boothing during “The Telenovela?” Does Josh? And, the strip club story mentioned in Episode 26 with Adam Brody is revisited and Josh clears the air on just what went down!At the end of the show, the hosts are joined by musician Jem, who performed “Maybe I’m Amazed,” in the season one finale. She shares what it was like being approached to do a cover of that famous Beatles song, her experience on the show, and where she was when the episode aired.  The Ties That Bind Synopsis: Difficult decisions are made. Theresa plans to get an abortion, but after speaking with Kirsten, who once dealt with this choice herself, she changes her mind. Ryan feels he must do the right thing and go back to Chino. Seth and Marissa grapple with losing Ryan. Julie and Caleb get married but unbeknownst to Julie, Caleb is heading towards bankruptcy.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel and Melinda are back with Adam Brody, for part two of their interview with him. They dive further into the episode “The Strip,” (S1 Ep26), and share some behind the scene stories, like how Rachel made her way into the episode and why she had to go to "The" Vegas.Keep listening to hear Adam’s take on Mischa Barton’s recent comments and hear how things went south with his relationship with Tate Donovan. Looking back, Adam shares his regrets and observes his behavior at the time through an evolved lens.Then, both Adam and listeners are treated to some surprise callers -- including one that questions a photo involving Josh Schwartz, Adam Brody and playmate, Pamela Anderson.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel and Melinda are joined by Adam Brody, who played fan-favorite Seth Cohen on The OC, to discuss “The Strip,” (S1 Ep26). However, in part 1 of this 2 part episode, the conversation takes a turn away from the episode and dives more into Adam’s overall OC experience.How similar is Adam to Seth? How did he feel about his performance playing the character? What does he still struggle with in regards to Seth? Listen to hear his answers. They’ll also reminisce about the project Adam collaborated with Rachel’s dad on, and the first gift he ever gave to her. And, hear the one thing Rachel has been wanting to tell Adam! Then, tune in next week as they share memories from The Strip as well as more never-before-discussed moments from their time on The OC.The Strip Synopsis: When word gets out that Caleb is having a bachelor party in Vegas, Sandy, Jimmy, Seth, and Ryan all invite themselves along. With the hopes to win some money to help Theresa out, Ryan and Seth instead end up owing money… to a pimp, after unknowingly inviting prostitutes over to their penthouse. Back home, Kirsten agrees to Julie’s wishes and hosts her a bachelorette party that includes strippers!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda Righetti, renowned for her role as Hailey Nichol on The OC, shares her journey in acting and memorable moments from the show. She reveals the surprising twist that brought her on and off the series. Amanda recalls her infamous catfight scene and her role as a stripper, reflecting on character depth and dynamics. The discussion shifts to serious topics like domestic abuse portrayed in the show, intertwined with humor about awkward family interactions and friendships, highlighting the show's lasting impact and relevance.