Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast

This show explores the Seinfeld character, Elaine Benes, as portrayed by the brilliant Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Episode by episode, Elaine's storyline is explored in both plot and performance. If only she knew... she was the sponge-worthiest of them all.

The Finale - Season 9 Episode 21 03/14/2025

The Finale - Season 9 Episode 21 LAST EPISODE! In the midst of trying to perfect a call to her friend Jill, Elaine gets sentenced to a year in jail for mocking instead of helping a carjacking victim. The series finale of Seinfeld was divisive at best and I have dissected all the reasons why I feel it fell short of the massive expectations back in 1998. On a personal note, this has been the best creative endeavor of my life - 3 years, 10 months and 3 weeks making 7,800 minutes of content - thank you for listening!! /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/35682075

Why Don't You Postpone It? 03/07/2025

Why Don't You Postpone It? Hey lovely listeners! Turns out, I need a bit more time to prep for the finale episode! Thanks for your patience and not pulling a Susan and bawling your eyes out. /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/35580225

The Puerto Rican Day - Season 9 Episode 20 02/21/2025

The Puerto Rican Day - Season 9 Episode 20 Elaine ditches the boys in a traffic jam so she can get home and commence her Sunday Weekend Wind Down! Her attempts do not work out, but she does get to make-out for a second under the bleachers. This episode is grand in scale as far as production, but it falls short overall. Only ONE MORE EPISODE TO GO!! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/35383415

The Maid - Season 9 Episode 19 02/15/2025

The Maid - Season 9 Episode 19 Thanks to Kramer thinking she has a personal fax machine, Elaine is forced to get a new phone number with the dreaded 646 area code. She thinks she solves the problem by getting a dead grandmother's 212 number, but her grandson keeps calling his "Gammy" which leads to a visit from the fire department bashing down Elaine's door. Some of the best JLD moments are in this episode, which always sneaks under the radar for me. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/35291755

The Frogger - Season 9 Episode 18 02/07/2025

The Frogger - Season 9 Episode 18 Elaine's sugar craving caused by all the office cake parties leads her to inhale her boss' antique investment. This plot is very silly, but whenever we get to see Elaine's office relationships blow up due to her impatience, it's always a good time! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/35186335

The Bookstore - Season 9 Episode 17 01/31/2025

The Bookstore - Season 9 Episode 17 Elaine drowns her sorrows at a work party by drunkenly making out with a colleague, which could really hurt her associate status! This plot starts out with great promise, but then takes an unfortunate and unfunny turn. JLD gets some fun moments, but the title of "Episode Scene-Stealer" belongs to the brilliant Sonya Eddy for her return as Rebecca DeMornay. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - The Trevor Project - Human Rights Project - LGBTQ Freedom Fund - Transgender Law Fund - /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/35093805

The Burning - Season 9 Episode 16 01/24/2025

The Burning - Season 9 Episode 16 Puddy is religious and thinks Elaine is going to hell. The idea of going to hell doesn't bother her, but Puddy not caring isn't going to fly! This is one of the best storylines for Elaine and JLD gets to flex her comedic muscles in this classic episode! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/34999230

The Wizard - Season 9 Episode 15 01/18/2025

The Wizard - Season 9 Episode 15 Elaine dates a man whose race is under scrutiny - is he black, white... Irish? This episode tackles a racial issue in a hilarious way and JLD gets a wide range of comedic moments. This plot is another example of Seinfeld being way ahead of its time. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/34901800

The Strongbox - Season 9 Episode 14 01/10/2025

The Strongbox - Season 9 Episode 14 The mysterious nature of Elaine's new dude leads her to think he's a married man, but when it turns out he's poor (and married, subsequently) and treats her to garbage donuts, she's conflicted about ending the relationship over money. This is one of those mid episodes for me, but JLD does get some juicy comedic moments. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/34798110

The Cartoon - Season 9 Episode 13 12/21/2024

The Cartoon - Season 9 Episode 13 Elaine is on a mission to find out how an unfunny cartoon got published in The New Yorker. While confronting the cartoon editor, she's offered the opportunity to contribute her own cartoons to the magazine. This silly plot is totally delightful. JLD gets to play with a lot of emotions as she explores this new venture for Elaine. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/34560235

The Reverse Peephole - Season 9 Episode 12 12/13/2024

The Reverse Peephole - Season 9 Episode 12 Puddy's winter coat turns out to be a "man fur" and well, Elaine cannot handle that. Her attempt to get rid of his offensive jacket spirals into a mess with party host, Joe Mayo. This is a pretty average episode with too much time spent on peephole drama. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/34425665

The Dealership - Season 9 Episode 11 12/06/2024

The Dealership - Season 9 Episode 11 Elaine is temporarily proud of her boyfriend, Puddy, becoming a car salesman - after all, it does afford her the luxury of a copy machine! However, it doesn't take long for his tendencies to annoy her and cause them to break up. This is not the best overall episode, but I always enjoy watching JLD and Patrick Warburton's comedic chemistry. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/34312140

The Strike - Season 9 Episode 10 11/24/2024

The Strike - Season 9 Episode 10 Elaine's obsession with getting a free sub sandwich leads her down a path of creepy guys and a frightening look. JLD gets to flex those comedy muscles and I'm here for all of it. I know I would be really mad if I lost a punch card! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/34122626

The Apology - Season 9 Episode 9 11/17/2024

The Apology - Season 9 Episode 9 Elaine's co-worker Peggy suspects she sleeps with a lot of dudes, so she protects herself from Elaine's sexual cooties around the office. Offended, Elaine resorts to immersing Peggy in her germs and enlists the help of her boyfriend, Puddy, who is a recovering germaphobe. This is one of my favorite plots for Elaine and JLD performs the physical comedy with perfection. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33961612

The Betrayal - Season 9 Episode 8 11/08/2024

The Betrayal - Season 9 Episode 8 Elaine's spite takes over as she travels to India for the wedding of her rival, Sue Ellen Mischke. This groundbreaking episode is known as the "Backwards Episode" since it takes on the structure of Harold Pinter's play of the same name. JLD has one of her best performances of the entire series in this one and I cannot get enough of Drunk Elaine. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33845087

The Slicer - Season 9 Episode 7 11/02/2024

The Slicer - Season 9 Episode 7 The alarm of Elaine's neighbor causes some grief in a couple of ways. Once again, Kramer swoops in to help Elaine and suffers for it from electrocution to a damaged slicer for which he has very strong feelings. This is a fun episode, although I think Elaine's plot is probably the weakest. Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33753802

The Merv Griffin Show - Season 9 Episode 6 10/26/2024

The Merv Griffin Show - Season 9 Episode 6 Elaine's latest co-worker drama is a dude who comes out of nowhere - a REAL SIDLER! This is easily one of my favorite episodes of Seinfeld, mostly because of the Merv Griffin Set storyline, but Elaine gets a really solid plot that is perfectly structured. JLD's physicality is on full display, from the twitch of an eye to chasing around the rattling Tic Tacs! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33626307

The Junk Mail - Season 9 Episode 5 10/19/2024

The Junk Mail - Season 9 Episode 5 Elaine dumps Puddy when she instantly falls for another man thanks to a magical, fairytale moment! Unfortunately, what she thinks is attraction is just the memory of him in a cheesy commercial. This episode is full of plots that start out strong and then fall apart. JLD is cheated with the weakest plot, but still brings some great comedy! /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33521562

The Blood - Season 9 Episode 4 10/11/2024

The Blood - Season 9 Episode 4 Elaine puts a lot of effort into proving she is responsible enough to raise a kid. None of this makes sense for the charactrer, but JLD does her best with this forced storyline. At least I found some juicy drama on TikTok involving one of the guest stars! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33415262

The Serenity Now - Season 9 Episode 3 10/04/2024

The Serenity Now - Season 9 Episode 3 Elaine's shiksappeal causes a couple assaults, a proposal from Jerry and a Myrtle Beach invite from a Rabbi. JLD gets a lot of fun moments in this episode and the return of Frank & Estelle Costanza is a huge bonus! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33324307

The Voice - Season 9 Episode 2 09/27/2024

The Voice - Season 9 Episode 2 Elaine can't quit Puddy and it is costing her a lot of money! JLD gets some very fun moments in this one. Any Elaine and Puddy episode will keep me laughing! Enjoy! Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33235297

The Butter Shave - Season 9 Episode 1 09/20/2024

The Butter Shave - Season 9 Episode 1 Last first episode! Elaine and Puddy have spent a month together traveling through Europe and we get to see the explosion of rage that has caused on the flight home. Such a brilliant move bringing Puddy back this season and JLD as travel-weary Elaine is the perfect way to kick off the last season of Seinfeld. Follow the pod on social media: Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/33133282

The Summer of George - Season 8 Episode 22 08/30/2024

The Summer of George - Season 8 Episode 22 What better way to celebrate Hot & Heavy's 150th episode than with a season finale jam-packed with powerhouse female talent?? Elaine's attempt to help a coworker backfires into a violent situation, not only with the coworker but with the legendary Raquel Welch. /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/32809437

The Muffin Tops - Season 8 Episode 21 08/23/2024

The Muffin Tops - Season 8 Episode 21 Elaine's business idea to only sell the tops of muffins is stolen by her old boss, Mr. Lippman. After cutting a deal for the profits, she helps him succeed but also incurs the issue of disposing the muffin stumps. A very fun plot for JLD, we get a lot of hilarious moments, the best of which is opposite the brilliant Sonya Eddy, who plays Rebecca De Mornay. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/32712727

The Millennium - Season 8 Episode 20 08/09/2024

The Millennium - Season 8 Episode 20 Elaine goes to great lengths to get petty revenge on a Mayan shop owner. The story for JLD is pretty funny, but it needed better execution, which is the theme for all the storylines. At least we have Lorelai Gilmore herself, Lauren Graham, guest starring as Jerry's girlfriend! /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/32509422

The Yada Yada - Season 8 Episode 19 08/02/2024

The Yada Yada - Season 8 Episode 19 Elaine turns out to be a terrible reference for friends who are looking to adopt a baby. Bottom line, yelling at Elaine is a mistake. JLD has many wonderful comedic moments in this very funny episode. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/32395647

The Nap - Season 8 Episode 18 07/26/2024

The Nap - Season 8 Episode 18 Elaine has a dud boyfriend who is obsessed with his back issues which causes a bunch of funky issues for her. This episode is pretty blah overall with very few comedic moments for JLD. At least her hair looks really shiny! /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/32299677

The English Patient - Season 8 Episode 17 07/18/2024

The English Patient - Season 8 Episode 17 Elaine's hatred of a film triggers some harsh consequences from getting dumped to losing her job. This is easily one of my favorite Elaine episodes of the series with JLD showing a wide range of why she's such a comedic genius. Who else can say the word "sucked" in such a way that you feel it in your soul? Enjoy! /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/32206202

The Pothole - Season 8 Episode 16 07/12/2024

The Pothole - Season 8 Episode 16 Elaine pisses off yet another Chinese restaurant when she tries to dupe their delivery boundary. JLD gets some fun moments in this episode, which is pretty average overall. Insta - @hotheavyelaine TikTok - @elainebenespodcast Email - [email protected] /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/32116162

The Susie - Season 8 Episode 15 06/21/2024

The Susie - Season 8 Episode 15 Elaine is called the wrong name by her coworker, which is just awkward at first but then ultimately leads to a fake funeral. JLD gets so much fantastic comedy in this episode! We also meet Peggy, portrayed by the fabulous Megan Cole and the comedy combo with JLD is pure pleasure. /episode/index/show/hotandheavytheelainebenespodcast/id/31841277

Hot & Heavy: The Elaine Benes Podcast

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