Chasing Amy Adams
Dane McDonald and Louis Peitzman
A movie-by-movie breakdown of the career of Amy Adams, from her humble beginnings in the late '90s to her work today. Co-hosts Dane McDonald and Louis Peitzman are charting the ups, downs, obstacles, and triumphs in this chronological deep dive into her filmography.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 8, 2026 • 1h 16min
BONUS: Game Day 2026
In today's special bonus episode, we're offering some Big Game counterprogramming by challenging each other with brand new trivia games. Louis tests Dane's knowledge of the 2025 Oscar-nominated films and other actresses named Amy, while Dane forces Louis to remember the deep-cut co-stars of movies we've covered on the podcast. Plus: the bomb episode of "Grey's Anatomy," honoring Babu Frik, and anti-Patriots bias. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman
Feb 4, 2026 • 2h 15min
Trouble with the Curve (with Jeremy Marder)
Amy Adams learned how to play baseball for her role in the 2012 sports drama Trouble with the Curve, where she stars as Mickey, the semi-estranged daughter of Clint Eastwood's Gus Lobel. We're joined by Four Stars co-host Jeremy Marder to talk about Amy's love for Paint Your Wagon, and why Trouble with the Curve feels like a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Plus: the appeal of an internet diet, the Anne Hathawaying of Jennifer Lawrence, and holding space for Amy's Glinda. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman Follow Jeremy on social: @mardergolem Follow Four Stars on social: @chicagopodfilm
Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 54min
The Master (with Bryan Cogman)
Amy Adams earned an impressive fourth Oscar nomination for her role as Peggy Dodd, wife of probable cult leader Lancaster Dodd, in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2012 drama The Master. We're joined by writer and producer Bryan Cogman to talk about Amy taking on a part that lets her play into and against type, and the thrill of a film that refuses to hold its audience's hand. Plus: the Blue Moon extended universe, being a third-party voter for Sally Field, and the worst Game of Thrones episode to watch on a first date. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman Follow Bryan on social: @bryancogman
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 27min
BONUS: 2025 Oscar Nomination Reactions
In today's special bonus episode, we're sharing our reactions to the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards—what we loved, what we hated, what we wish could have miraculously broken through. Plus: the power of active listening, the Predator: Badlands bump, and dad texts about Joel Edgerton. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 52min
On the Road (with Katey Rich)
Amy Adams stepped back into cameo-plus territory with Walter Salles' 2012 adaptation of On the Road, in which she plays Jane Lee, a stand-in for real-life Beat Generation figure Joan Vollmer. We're joined by The Ankler awards editor and Prestige Junkie host Katey Rich to talk about Amy slipping into another star-studded ensemble, and how this movie benefits from turning the homoerotic subtext into text. Plus: mourning the Hollywood Film Awards, Viggo Mortensen's insistence on taking his pants off, and announcing our forthcoming podcast on Georgia Rule. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman Follow Katey on social: @kateyrich Follow The Ankler on social: @theankler
Jan 14, 2026 • 2h
The Muppets (with Darren Franich)
Following her edgier turn in The Fighter, Amy Adams returned to Disney and to musical comedy in 2011's The Muppets, where she plays kind-hearted elementary school teacher and amateur mechanic Mary. We're joined by writer and critic Darren Franich to talk about Amy's special relationship with Rowlf, and why this movie is the Force Awakens of the Muppet franchise. Plus: pandering to Gen X, beefing with remote-controlled Christoph Waltz, and the alternate universe where Amy bought a zoo. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman
Jan 7, 2026 • 2h 11min
The Fighter (with Katie Walsh)
Amy Adams officially ended her princess era in 2010's sports drama The Fighter, where she earned her third Academy Award nomination for playing Charlene, Micky Ward's fiercely loyal and foul-mouthed girlfriend. We're joined by Tribune News Service film critic Katie Walsh to talk about Amy working hard to break type, and why this movie is less conventional than it's given credit for. Plus: when bad people are good actors, Christian Bale's unconventional diet tips, and considering Melissa Leo's impact on the Marty Supreme Oscar campaign. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman Follow Katie on social: @katiewalshstx
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 23min
BONUS: 2026 New Year's Resolutions (and Game!)
In today's special bonus episode, we're sharing our 2026 New Year's resolutions for Amy Adams—and for the podcast. Then Louis ambushes Dane with a surprisingly tricky game. Plus: breaking the Bond villain glass ceiling, the difference between actors and stars, and chasing Gal Gadot. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 46min
The Office (with Tori Dunlap)
We're closing out TV Month with Amy Adams' arc on The Office as Jim's love interest Katy, a role she played over the course of three episodes from 2005 to 2006. We're joined by Financial Feminist host and author Tori Dunlap to talk about Amy as the perfect foil to Pam, and the hidden meaning of the show's talking heads. Plus: the death of monoculture, comparing credit scores, and defending the honor of Legally Blonde. Follow Chasing Amy Adams on social: @chasingamyadams Follow Dane on social: @thedanemcdonald Follow Louis on social: @louispeitzman Follow Tori on social: @torikdunlap Follow Her First $100K on social: @herfirst100k
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 41min
The West Wing (with Clay Keller and Adam B. Vary)
Clay Keller, co-host of the Screen Drafts podcast, and Adam B. Vary, a senior entertainment writer at Variety, dive into the significance of Amy Adams's appearance in The West Wing. They discuss how her character represents Middle America and explore the show's optimistic portrayal of politics. The duo debates Aaron Sorkin's creative style, highlighting the emotional impact of key scenes, including Charlie's backstory. They also ponder the long-term effects of Amy’s role on her career, ultimately viewing it as a beneficial milestone.


