'Working Girl' with Esther Zuckerman
Aug 10, 2026 · 48m
Summary
Hosts Keith Phipps and Mike Ryan welcome guest Esther Zuckerman to discuss the 1988 film *Working Girl*. They analyze Harrison Ford’s charming, dorky performance as Jack Trainer, contrasting it with Alec Baldwin’s comedic role and Sigourney Weaver’s villainy. The episode covers the film’s authentic depiction of Staten Island, its 80s corporate themes, and debates whether Ford deserved an Oscar nomination for his iconic shirt-changing scene.
Topics discussed
Introduction and opening song debate
Harrison Ford's charm and character analysis
The meet-cute and romantic tension
Staten Island setting and corporate plot
Authenticity of Staten Island depiction
Alec Baldwin's role and 1988 filmography
Casting history and the movie Perfect
Kevin Spacey's casting and corporate themes
Harrison Ford's scotch collaboration
Joan Cusack's transformation and Alec Baldwin's proposal
Alternative casting choices for Tess
The ending and Sigourney Weaver's performance
Oscar snub and Harrison Ford's acting range
The iconic shirt-changing scene
Final thoughts and bonus episode announcement
Listen ad-free on Castria