Episode 76: Clue

In this episode, Emma and Winston discuss the 1985 zany comedy, Clue! We also discuss the game, and which character we would always play as. Listen to hear us gush over Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, and the rest of the amazing cast, and Emma explains a bit about Cognac (whether or not it was poisoned). Plus: murder mysteries for children, theatricality, quarantine wine recommendations, recasting the film today, and the most iconic roles of Tim Curry.

Content Warning: Brief mention of sexual harassment and assault. 

Episode 75: Pan's Labyrinth (with Eli Barazza)

Emma is joined by Eli Barazza (The Whisperforge) to discuss one of their favorite films, Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno). Eli brings all sorts of insight and knowledge to the table, while Emma talks a little bit about Spanish history and Spanish wine. They discuss Guillermo del Toro's unique imaginative storytelling and how terrifying Captain Vidal is as a villain. Plus: liminal spaces, appreciation for Doug Jones, magical realism and anti-colonialism, color theory, the Spanish accent, reality and fantasy, and the haunting music.

Follow Eli on twitter @EliLizzieLizbet to see all that she's up to!

Episode 74: Mass Effect Part II (with Philippa Werner)

Emma and Philippa Werner continue their discussion of the original Mass Effect trilogy, this time delving deeper into some of the larger themes and bigger questions of the trilogy. We discuss the ending(s) and the relationship between organics and synthetics in the game, as well as in the wine world. Plus: our favorite moments, defending Andromeda, the scariest monsters, Emma's mistake in 2, reverence for the voice cast, and Elcor Hamlet.

SPOILER WARNING: THERE ARE MANY SPOILERS FOR MASS EFFECT 1, 2, & 3 IN THIS EPISODE. Do not listen if you haven't played and intend to, or haven't played the whole trilogy. 

Follow Philippa on Twitter @moirakatson, and make sure to check out her work as Moira Katson and Natalie Grey! She also works for the recently-launched ScribeCount, which is a great resource for authors to get all their sales reports in one place. 

Episode 73: Mass Effect Part I (with Philippa Werner)

We're back from hiatus, and Emma can't wait to talk about her newest obsession: Mass Effect! She is joined by author Philippa Werner (who writes under the names Moira Katson and Natalie Grey) to discuss this utter masterpiece of a videogame and storytelling. In this first part of our conversation, we discuss our favorite characters, squad members, romances, and more from the original Mass Effect trilogy. Plus: the logistics of Turian Romance, being Team Kaidan, the perfect pairing for Tali, BioWare According to Mom, and a Wine Called Garrus. 

SPOILER WARNING: THERE ARE MANY SPOILERS FOR MASS EFFECT 1, 2, & 3 IN THIS EPISODE. Do not listen if you haven't played and intend to, or haven't played the whole trilogy. 

Follow Philippa on Twitter @moirakatson, and make sure to check out her work as Moira Katson and Natalie Grey!

Episode 72: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Part Two

Emma and Winston continue their discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We focus on the last three seasons of the show, which cover some pretty dark themes, but we also talk about the fun. Emma gives her top 5 (ish) episodes, and Winston defends Dawn and rants about the Watcher's Council. Plus: Xander love, plot holes that bother us, wine nomenclature, Vampire Therapy, redemption arcs, toxic masculinity, and Winston's time in a hell dimension. Spoiler warning for all of Buffy.

Content warning: discussion of abuse, sexual violence, substance abuse, and suicide.

If you are struggling, we want you to seek help! You can contact the Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255, and the SAMHSA National Hotline 1-800-662-4357 if you are struggling with Substance Abuse.

Episode 71: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Part One

At long last, Emma and Winston sit down to discuss one of their favorite television shows of all time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In this first part of our discussion, we talk about our complicated feelings about Angel and Spike, as well as our favorite (and least favorite) villains, seasons, and Winston shares his "Top 5 Episodes." Plus: justice for Charisma Carpenter, Sauvignon Blanc v. Pinot Grigio, disappointing finishes, dream episodes, and our love for the Mayor. Content warning: mentions of abuse, physical and sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts.

Episode 70: Birthday Party!

It's Emma's birthday, so let's talk about birthdays! Emma and Winston have a birthday chat, and are joined periodically by some of our past guests, John-Paul Cirelli, Michelle Agresti, Emma Cohen, and Sarah Wolfe, to talk about their favorite birthday traditions and experiences. Featuring: "Babanukah," internet scavenger hunts, board games, kicking off Halloween in August, talent shows, tattoos, bowling alleys, the beach, and strategic birthday cake.

Episode 69: Star Wars Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker (with Danielle Shemaiah)

Emma is joined by the marvelous Danielle Shemaiah (The Whisperforge) to discuss the last film in the Skywalker Saga, The Rise of Skywalker. We critique it with love, as we lament what might have been if Carrie Fisher hadn't passed, and if J.J. Abrams were better at ending things. Featuring: our love for Daisey Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran, Karens against Aperol Spritzes, embracing your inner Chardonnay lover, Kylo Ben, representation, too many unnecessary white men, and Danielle's killer wine instincts. Warning: this episode not safe for Reylos.

Follow Danielle on Twitter @DtCamJansen and make sure to check out her shows from @TheWhisperforge, The Far Meridian (@TheFarMeridian), Caravan (@CARAVANradio), and Ars Paradoxica (@arsPARADOXICA).

Check out the kickstarter for the upcoming Urban Fantasy Audio Drama from our friends who created Wolf 359, Unseen! Follow them on Twitter @UnseenDotShow for updates!