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Megan Moser
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Contending at the Water Cooler
‘M3GAN 2.0’ Review: Oops, She Didn’t Do It Again
On this week’s podcast, we look at the making of a TikTok phenomenon and its surprising downfall in our M3GAN 2.0 review. In late 2022, TikTok birthed a bona-fide movie star in M3GAN. The artificially intelligent doll harnessed the power of TIkTok dances and genius marketing to become an unexpected smash hit in early 2023. Now comes the inevitable sequel: M3GAN 2.0. However, the film died at the box office this weekend, completely lacking any of the buzz and online excitement that propelled the original to nearly $200 million against a $12 million budget. So, what happened? We look at t...
2025-07-01
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Best of 2025: Ranking Our Fav TV / Films Halfway Thru 2025
Joey, Megan, and Clarence offer their favorite films and television series of the year in our annual Best of 2025 at the Halfway Point segment. We’re halfway there. Yes, for many reasons, 2025 already feels like a really long decade, but we’ve only just now reached the halfway point. So, as an annual tradition, it’s time for us to take stock of our favorite films and television series so far this year. Listen to see what we all consider worthy of mention in our Best of 2025 at the Halfway Point segment. What are some of your favori...
2025-06-24
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Sirens’ Production Designer On ‘The Shining’ Inspirations
Sirens production designer John Paino talks about designing the series’s fantastic and fantastical New England island mansion. Sirens production designer John Paino is no stranger to creating worlds for the ludicrously wealthy. You perhaps best know his work from both seasons of HBO’s Big Little Lies. His recreation of the exclusive world of Monterey, California, netted Paino an Emmy nomination for season two. He again dabbles in extravagance with Sirens, but this time, he leaves behind the West Coast aesthetic for a more traditional, but no less extravagant, New England vibe. “They have...
2025-06-18
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Emmys 2025: Television Academy, Hear Our Plea!
Joey, Megan, and Clarence give their most passionate pleas as the Television Academy casts votes for the Emmys 2025 season. Each Emmy cycle, we here at the Water Cooler give the Television Academy some recommendations before checking off their Emmys 2025 ballots. We give recommendations in drama, comedy, and limited series both above and below the line (crafts). Do you have performances or series that you’d like to ensure the Television Academy considers? Leave your recommendations in the comments below! We close our podcast with the Flash Forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the...
2025-06-17
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Emmys 2025: Television Academy, Hear Our Plea!
Joey, Megan, and Clarence give their most passionate pleas as the Television Academy casts votes for the Emmys 2025 season. Each Emmy cycle, we here at the Water Cooler give the Television Academy some recommendations before checking off their Emmys 2025 ballots. We give recommendations in drama, comedy, and limited series both above and below the line (crafts). Do you have performances or series that you’d like to ensure the Television Academy considers? Leave your recommendations in the comments below! We close our podcast with the Flash Forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the...
2025-06-17
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Live Alone and Like It:” But We All Know He Truly Loves Chocolate
Desperate Housewives episode nineteen, “Live Alone and Like It,” offers valuable lessons about kindness and ice cream as sexual metaphor. We’re back after a few weeks off to see about some 2025 Emmy content. “Live Alone and Like It,” Desperate Housewives’ nineteenth episode, shows the darker side of Lynette Scavo, eventually leading to a revelation about humanity that should resonate today. Mrs. McCluskey collapses in front of her house, witnessed by Lynette. Against her darkest desires, Lynette calls the ambulance and joins Mrs. McCluskey on her road to recovery. That leads the two frenemies down a strange path, eventua...
2025-06-14
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Live Alone and Like It:” But We All Know He Truly Loves Chocolate
Desperate Housewives episode nineteen, “Live Alone and Like It,” offers valuable lessons about kindness and ice cream as sexual metaphor. We’re back after a few weeks off to see about some 2025 Emmy content. “Live Alone and Like It,” Desperate Housewives’ nineteenth episode, shows the darker side of Lynette Scavo, eventually leading to a revelation about humanity that should resonate today. Mrs. McCluskey collapses in front of her house, witnessed by Lynette. Against her darkest desires, Lynette calls the ambulance and joins Mrs. McCluskey on her road to recovery. That leads the two frenemies down a strange path, eventua...
2025-06-14
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Sirens’ Creator Molly Smith Metzler On True Villain Of Netflix Series
Molly Smith Metzler talks about the inspirations for her Netflix limited series Sirens, including the identity of the series’ true villain. Starring Oscar winner Julianne Moore, Sirens took flight in the American theater. Series creator Molly Smith Metzler first conceived of the characters and essential plot while a student at Juilliard. The resulting play, Elemeno Pea, was produced several times before eventually inspiring Metzler to expand its world. She introduced new locales and characters in addition to expanding its central themes in what would become Sirens, a 5-episode Netflix limited series. Written by Metzler and dir...
2025-06-13
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Sirens’ Creator Molly Smith Metzler On True Villain Of Netflix Series
Molly Smith Metzler talks about the inspirations for her Netflix limited series Sirens, including the identity of the series’ true villain. Starring Oscar winner Julianne Moore, Sirens took flight in the American theater. Series creator Molly Smith Metzler first conceived of the characters and essential plot while a student at Juilliard. The resulting play, Elemeno Pea, was produced several times before eventually inspiring Metzler to expand its world. She introduced new locales and characters in addition to expanding its central themes in what would become Sirens, a 5-episode Netflix limited series. Written by Metzler and dir...
2025-06-13
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Tonys 2025: Recapping This Year’s Tony Awards Ceremony [PODCAST]
Joey and Clarence are joined by Frank J. Avella to recap the 2025 Tony Awards presentation, the winners, the surprises, and more. The 2025 Tony Awards aired last night on CBS to a dramatically increased audience. Did the show put its best foot forward? With Megan away for the night, Joey and Clarence are joined by Frank J. Avella who has provided excellent Broadway coverage for The Contending all season. We break down the show’s best moments and weigh in on Cynthia Erivo as host, the musical performances, and a few of the more surprising wins. Th...
2025-06-10
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Tonys 2025: Recapping This Year’s Tony Awards Ceremony [PODCAST]
Joey and Clarence are joined by Frank J. Avella to recap the 2025 Tony Awards presentation, the winners, the surprises, and more. The 2025 Tony Awards aired last night on CBS to a dramatically increased audience. Did the show put its best foot forward? With Megan away for the night, Joey and Clarence are joined by Frank J. Avella who has provided excellent Broadway coverage for The Contending all season. We break down the show’s best moments and weigh in on Cynthia Erivo as host, the musical performances, and a few of the more surprising wins. Th...
2025-06-10
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Sirens’ DP Gregory Middleton Creates Mythical Island Vibe
We’re never truly told exactly where Netflix’s Sirens takes place. Yet, the lack of a defined location provided director of photography Gregory Middleton several opportunities to capture both the island’s mythic beauty and accentuate its inherent creepiness. Particularly within the cavernous hallways of Peter and Michaela “Kiki” Kell’s (Kevin Bacon, Julianne Moore) mansion. With the DeWitt sisters Devon and Simone (Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock) thrown into this tempest, Middleton visually underscores the mysterious nature of Kiki’s world. “Cavernous is a good feeling. There’s nowhere to hide in these sets. There are very few...
2025-06-09
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Sirens’ DP Gregory Middleton Creates Mythical Island Vibe
We’re never truly told exactly where Netflix’s Sirens takes place. Yet, the lack of a defined location provided director of photography Gregory Middleton several opportunities to capture both the island’s mythic beauty and accentuate its inherent creepiness. Particularly within the cavernous hallways of Peter and Michaela “Kiki” Kell’s (Kevin Bacon, Julianne Moore) mansion. With the DeWitt sisters Devon and Simone (Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock) thrown into this tempest, Middleton visually underscores the mysterious nature of Kiki’s world. “Cavernous is a good feeling. There’s nowhere to hide in these sets. There are very few...
2025-06-09
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
We Could Go See BOOP! And Predict the Tony Awards! [PODCAST]
Well, that was great…that was really fucking great! This Sunday, the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League will name the best of Broadway at the 78th Annual Tony Awards. With Maybe Happy Ending, Death Becomes Her, and Buena Vista Social Club all tied with 10 nominees each, there are some real races to be decided over the weekend. Frank has been killing it in terms of coverage and reviews of this robust season, and he and Joey are joined by Daniel Bayer from Next Best Picture and Awards Watch to talk about who might ta...
2025-06-05
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
We Could Go See BOOP! And Predict the Tony Awards! [PODCAST]
Well, that was great…that was really fucking great! This Sunday, the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League will name the best of Broadway at the 78th Annual Tony Awards. With Maybe Happy Ending, Death Becomes Her, and Buena Vista Social Club all tied with 10 nominees each, there are some real races to be decided over the weekend. Frank has been killing it in terms of coverage and reviews of this robust season, and he and Joey are joined by Daniel Bayer from Next Best Picture and Awards Watch to talk about who might ta...
2025-06-05
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Mountainhead Review: Will Emmy Embrace HBO’s Late Entry? [PODCAST]
Succession’s Jesse Armstrong returns with a late-breaking Emmy entry about narcissistic tech bros. We weigh in with our Mountainhead review. Jesse Armstrong returns to HBO, the site of his beloved and Emmy-winning Succession, with Mountainhead. The satire stars Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef as four billionaire tech bros meeting for a weekend […] The post Mountainhead Review: Will Emmy Embrace HBO’s Late Entry? [PODCAST] appeared first on The Contending.
2025-06-03
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Mountainhead Review: Will Emmy Embrace HBO’s Late Entry? [PODCAST]
Succession’s Jesse Armstrong returns with a late-breaking Emmy entry about narcissistic tech bros. We weigh in with our Mountainhead review. Jesse Armstrong returns to HBO, the site of his beloved and Emmy-winning Succession, with Mountainhead. The satire stars Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef as four billionaire tech bros meeting for a weekend retreat at an isolated Utah mountain home. Only, the AI technology Smith’s “Ven” recently released caused worldwide economic and political upheaval. Will the friends agree upon a common solution? Can they overcome their petty differences to work through the pendin...
2025-06-03
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Children Will Listen:” Especially If Bree Spanks Them
Desperate Housewives episode eighteen, “Children Will Listen,” shows the darkest side of Carlos Solis we’ve seen yet in the series. “Children Will Listen,” Desperate Housewives’ eighteenth episode, brings some of the darkest scenes / themes in the first season. Yes, darker than Mary Alice Young’s suicide. We’re talking about the Solis’s deeply troubled marriage and Carlos’s […] The post “Children Will Listen:” Especially If Bree Spanks Them appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-30
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Children Will Listen:” Especially If Bree Spanks Them
Desperate Housewives episode eighteen, “Children Will Listen,” shows the darkest side of Carlos Solis we’ve seen yet in the series. “Children Will Listen,” Desperate Housewives’ eighteenth episode, brings some of the darkest scenes / themes in the first season. Yes, darker than Mary Alice Young’s suicide. We’re talking about the Solis’s deeply troubled marriage and Carlos’s seemingly insurmountable rage. This episode contains a scene that sits very high on our list of “This would never be made today.” At least not in the same way it’s presented in this episode. And we’re not even talking about his...
2025-05-30
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Hacks’ Production Design Blends Vegas, LA For Late Show Set
The Contending sits down with Emmy nominee Rob Tokarz to chat about HBO MAX’s Hacks production design, including Deborah Vance’s late show set. Rob Tokarz received an Emmy nomination last year for his HBO MAX’s Hacks production design on season three. He returns with season four to carry Deborah Vance (Emmy winner Jean Smart) into her long-coveted […] The post ‘Hacks’ Production Design Blends Vegas, LA For Late Show Set appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-29
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Hacks’ Production Design Blends Vegas, LA For Late Show Set
The Contending sits down with Emmy nominee Rob Tokarz to chat about HBO MAX’s Hacks production design, including Deborah Vance’s late show set. Rob Tokarz received an Emmy nomination last year for his HBO MAX’s Hacks production design on season three. He returns with season four to carry Deborah Vance (Emmy winner Jean Smart) into her long-coveted late show debut. To create the set, Tokarz looked to Deborah’s two main sources of artistic inspiration. Las Vegas and Los Angeles locales allowed Tokarz to fashion a late show set that blended elements of both worlds.
2025-05-29
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“There Won’t Be Trumpets:” But There Will Be Pricey Funerals!
This week’s Desperate Housewives episode, “There Won’t Be Trumpets,” offers an exploration of heroes, saviors, and really expensive funerals. Desperate Housewives episode seventeen, “There Won’t Be Trumpets,” puts aside the first season central Mary Alice mystery in favor of slices of suburban drama for our housewives. It isn’t the best episode of season one, and […] The post “There Won’t Be Trumpets:” But There Will Be Pricey Funerals! appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-23
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“There Won’t Be Trumpets:” But There Will Be Pricey Funerals!
This week’s Desperate Housewives episode, “There Won’t Be Trumpets,” offers an exploration of heroes, saviors, and really expensive funerals. Desperate Housewives episode seventeen, “There Won’t Be Trumpets,” puts aside the first season central Mary Alice mystery in favor of slices of suburban drama for our housewives. It isn’t the best episode of season one, and it drags the cast through a handful of very regrettable plot lines. Take Susan, for example, who is still on the “sad Susan” train despite Mike making several attempts at reconciliation. She embarks on a potentially expanded love life and risks Edie’...
2025-05-23
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
2025 Summer Movie Preview: Marking Our Favs With Mark!
Joey, Megan, and Clarence are joined by The Contending contributor Mark Johnson for their 2025 Summer Movie Preview. The Contending correspondent Mark Johnson joins the Water Cooler for our 2025 Summer Movie Preview. With Mark’s personal Top Ten list posted, we break down the 2025 Summer Movie Season week by week. Some weekends are an […] The post 2025 Summer Movie Preview: Marking Our Favs With Mark! appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-20
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
2025 Summer Movie Preview: Marking Our Favs With Mark!
Joey, Megan, and Clarence are joined by The Contending contributor Mark Johnson for their 2025 Summer Movie Preview. The Contending correspondent Mark Johnson joins the Water Cooler for our 2025 Summer Movie Preview. With Mark’s personal Top Ten list posted, we break down the 2025 Summer Movie Season week by week. Some weekends are an […] The post 2025 Summer Movie Preview: Marking Our Favs With Mark! appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-20
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“The Ladies Who Lunch:” Lounge In Caftans, Gossip At Brunch
There actually are no caftans on Wisteria Lane, but this week’s Desperate Housewives episode looks at what happens when Maisy Gibbons blows it all up. The sweet peace (ha!) of Wisteria Lane becomes disrupted with the screams and protestations of Maisy Gibbons (Sharon Lawrence) as Desperate Housewives episode sixteen, “The Ladies Who Lunch,” opens. Maisy’s arrest […] The post “The Ladies Who Lunch:” Lounge In Caftans, Gossip At Brunch appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-15
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“The Ladies Who Lunch:” Lounge In Caftans, Gossip At Brunch
There actually are no caftans on Wisteria Lane, but this week’s Desperate Housewives episode looks at what happens when Maisy Gibbons blows it all up. The sweet peace (ha!) of Wisteria Lane becomes disrupted with the screams and protestations of Maisy Gibbons (Sharon Lawrence) as Desperate Housewives episode sixteen, “The Ladies Who Lunch,” opens. Maisy’s arrest […] The post “The Ladies Who Lunch:” Lounge In Caftans, Gossip At Brunch appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-15
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
2025 Emmy Podcast: Looking at 4 True Crime Emmy Contenders in the Documentary and Nonfiction Series Race
Megan McLachlan welcomes Grits & Gab to a very special Contending podcast to talk about four high-profile true crime Emmy contenders in the Documentary and Nonfiction Series category. Looking at the 2025 Emmy Documentary Series contenders, there are a handful of true crime docuseries that are in contention for a nomination. Grits & Grab joined […] The post 2025 Emmy Podcast: Looking at 4 True Crime Emmy Contenders in the Documentary and Nonfiction Series Race appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-12
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
2025 Emmy Podcast: Looking at 4 True Crime Emmy Contenders in the Documentary and Nonfiction Series Race
Megan McLachlan welcomes Grits & Gab to a very special Contending podcast to talk about four high-profile true crime Emmy contenders in the Documentary and Nonfiction Series category. Looking at the 2025 Emmy Documentary Series contenders, there are a handful of true crime docuseries that are in contention for a nomination. Grits & Grab joined […] The post 2025 Emmy Podcast: Looking at 4 True Crime Emmy Contenders in the Documentary and Nonfiction Series Race appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-12
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Impossible:” Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby
This week’s Desperate Housewives episode may be titled “Impossible,” but sex is very possibly on the forefront of everyone’s mind. “Impossible” isn’t perhaps the best title of Desperate Housewives‘ fifteenth episode (we take that on during the podcast). Instead, the theme of this week’s outing is very definitely sex in varied incarnations. Take Bree who […] The post “Impossible:” Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-08
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Impossible:” Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby
This week’s Desperate Housewives episode may be titled “Impossible,” but sex is very possibly on the forefront of everyone’s mind. “Impossible” isn’t perhaps the best title of Desperate Housewives‘ fifteenth episode (we take that on during the podcast). Instead, the theme of this week’s outing is very definitely sex in varied incarnations. Take Bree who […] The post “Impossible:” Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-08
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Can Netflix’s ‘The Four Seasons’ Enter Emmy’s Comedy Fray?
After diving into Netflix’s The Four Seasons, Joey and Megan face off in Clarence’s Name That John Williams Tune pop quiz. Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield revisit writer/director/star Alan Alda’s 1981 The Four Seasons. This time, the four seasons are split across an 8-episode comedy series starring Fey, Colman Domingo, Will Forte, Steve Carell, […] The post Can Netflix’s ‘The Four Seasons’ Enter Emmy’s Comedy Fray? appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-06
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Can Netflix’s ‘The Four Seasons’ Enter Emmy’s Comedy Fray?
After diving into Netflix’s The Four Seasons, Joey and Megan face off in Clarence’s Name That John Williams Tune pop quiz. Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield revisit writer/director/star Alan Alda’s 1981 The Four Seasons. This time, the four seasons are split across an 8-episode comedy series starring Fey, Colman Domingo, Will Forte, Steve Carell, […] The post Can Netflix’s ‘The Four Seasons’ Enter Emmy’s Comedy Fray? appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-06
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Music By John Williams:’ Director Laurent Bouzereau Explores the Life, Influence Of the Iconic Composer
The Contending’s Clarence Moye sits down with Laurent Bouzereau, the director of Music By John Williams, to talk about the life and influence of the iconic and beloved composer. Raiders of the Lost Ark. Star Wars. Jaws. These films — among many, many others — helped define the language of cinema for an entire generation. These […] The post ‘Music By John Williams:’ Director Laurent Bouzereau Explores the Life, Influence Of the Iconic Composer appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-05
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Music By John Williams:’ Director Laurent Bouzereau Explores the Life, Influence Of the Iconic Composer
The Contending’s Clarence Moye sits down with Laurent Bouzereau, the director of Music By John Williams, to talk about the life and influence of the iconic and beloved composer. Raiders of the Lost Ark. Star Wars. Jaws. These films — among many, many others — helped define the language of cinema for an entire generation. These […] The post ‘Music By John Williams:’ Director Laurent Bouzereau Explores the Life, Influence Of the Iconic Composer appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-05
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Love Is In the Air:” Is It Everywhere I Look Around Wisteria Lane?
A romantic Valentine’s date at between Mike and Susan ends as only their dates can in “Love Is In the Air.” “Love Is In the Air,” Desperate Housewives‘ fourteen / Valentine’s Day episode, considers that love may indeed be in the air, but it’s definitely not everywhere you look around Wisteria Lane. Take Mike and […] The post “Love Is In the Air:” Is It Everywhere I Look Around Wisteria Lane? appeared first on The Contending.
2025-05-01
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Podcast: Basking in Box Office Fire of ‘Sinners,’ Catching up with ‘The Studio’
In case you have been living under a rock, you have heard of the sensation known as Sinners. People love it! People are seeing it over and over! People are predicting Sinners for Oscars already! On this week’s pod, Megan and Joey talk about what they love about Ryan Coogler’s box office smash before talking its […] The post Podcast: Basking in Box Office Fire of ‘Sinners,’ Catching up with ‘The Studio’ appeared first on The Contending.
2025-04-30
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘The Vortex’ Movie Team Reveals Secrets Behind 9-Day Shoot & How They Pulled Off the Gambling Drama’s One-Take Format
Unwelcome gangsters. A studio dispute. Rehearsing a one-er in the backyard. Director Richard Zelniker, executive producer Brodrick Haygood, and producer Callie Nguyen Zelniker discuss the making of The Vortex movie starring Billy Gardell. “I’ve been threatening to write a book about the making of this film,” says Richard Zelniker, co-writer and director of The Vortex, […] The post ‘The Vortex’ Movie Team Reveals Secrets Behind 9-Day Shoot & How They Pulled Off the Gambling Drama’s One-Take Format appeared first on The Contending.
2025-04-24
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Emmys 2025: It’s This Year’s First Emmy Lead Actress Podcast!
This week’s podcast is an Emmy Lead Actress breakdown for contenders across Comedy, Drama, and Limited Series races. We’re approaching the end of the 2025 Emmy eligibility window. We’ve previously discussed Drama Series, Comedy Series, and Limited Series contenders, so it’s time to focus on performances. This week, we’re looking at the 2025 Emmy Lead […] The post Emmys 2025: It’s This Year’s First Emmy Lead Actress Podcast! appeared first on The Contending.
2025-04-22
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Your Fault:” Yes, But What About Dana In the Third Place?
Paul Young spins several stories about “Dana,” Mary Alice, and Zach as he tries to throw Susan off his trail in “Your Fault.” “Your Fault,” Desperate Housewives‘ thirteenth episode, kicks things off with a great Stephen Sondheim song title reference (cribbed from Into the Woods). There’s a lot of “fault” going around Wisteria Lane, but the title reference probably most closely aligns with Paul and Zach Young. Who exactly is to blame for what happened to the mysterious Dana? With Zach growing a relationship with Julie, Susan becomes (naturally) concerned and learns some details about the Dana mythology that Pa...
2025-04-17
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Comedy Series: Hacking Our Way Through Emmy’s Comedy Race
We look at the contentious Comedy Series Emmy race where any number of series could fill the final few nominee slots. We’ve broken down the Drama Series 2025 Emmy race. We looked at the weaker Limited Series Emmy field. Now, it’s time for Comedy Series. Much like Drama, Comedy boasts five near-guaranteed contenders: Hacks, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, Only Murders In the Building, and The Studio. After that, it’s a wide-open field. The Residence, Shrinking, Nobody Wants This, and other series all offer narratives that could lead to a comedy series nomination. Using Megan’s recent analysi...
2025-04-15
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘The White Lotus:’ If You Like Piña Coladas
We break down the season finale of HBO’s The White Lotus: what worked, who were our MVPs, and how Emmy will embrace it. You had your theories. We had our theories. Now, with The White Lotus wrapped for season three, it’s time to break down the episode and the season itself. Joey, Megan, and Clarence offer […] The post ‘The White Lotus:’ If You Like Piña Coladas appeared first on The Contending.
2025-04-08
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Every Day A Little Death:” Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Susan
Susan makes a confession to Edie in “Every Day A Little Death” and ends up with a whole lot of Martha Huber all over her. Episode twelve begins with the gruesome discovery of Martha Huber’s corpse, which may or may not be smiling. Check out the episode’s intro for an explanation of that one. That […] The post “Every Day A Little Death:” Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Susan appeared first on The Contending.
2025-04-03
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
2025 Emmys: What To Make Of This Year’s Limited Limited Series?
Aside from a handful of locks, this year’s limited series race feels rather limited. We break down potential contenders for the final slots. When we broke down Emmy’s 2025 drama series race, we ran into something of an embarrassment of riches when trying to fill the final category slots. Not so with the 2025 Emmy […] The post 2025 Emmys: What To Make Of This Year’s Limited Limited Series? appeared first on The Contending.
2025-04-01
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
“Move On:” Susan Unleashes Her Little Town Blues Through Song!
“Move On” shows Desperate Housewives’ Teri Hatcher in peak form as Susan expresses suppressed rage against ex-husband Karl. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Teri Hatcher’s finest Desperate Housewives moments! In episode eleven, “Move On,” Hatcher’s Susan confronts both her ex-husband Karl AND years of pent-up female rage. And she does it via a fairly impressive […] The post “Move On:” Susan Unleashes Her Little Town Blues Through Song! appeared first on The Contending.
2025-03-27
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
And We Have Talked 500 Miles… Err, Episodes!!!
We come a long way, baby. Joey, Megan, and Clarence celebrate their 500th episode of their 10+ year podcast partnership. On December 8, 2014, Joey, Megan, and Clarence joined Awards Daily TV’s Craig Kennedy to kick start the Water Cooler Podcast. We’ve had a few iterations along the way (and a shift to a new […] The post And We Have Talked 500 Miles… Err, Episodes!!! appeared first on The Contending.
2025-03-25
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Come Back To Me:’ These Stilettos Were Made For Walking
“Come Back To Me” boasts more series-best work from Marcia Cross thanks to a delicious rivalry with sex worker housewife Maisy Gibbons. The tenth episode of Desperate Housewives, “Come Back To Me,” again finds us in awe of Marcia Cross’ ability to wring moments of brutal honesty from campy melodrama. Here, Bree discovers Rex has […] The post ‘Come Back To Me:’ These Stilettos Were Made For Walking appeared first on The Contending.
2025-03-20
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Suspicious Minds:’ Fashion Show, Footjob, and Felonious Follies
“Suspicious Minds” focuses on Gabby (Eva Longoria) as she attempts redemption only to have the world pulled out from under her. Desperate Housewives’ ninth episode, “Suspicious Minds,” Eva Longoria’s Gabrielle Solis takes center stage. That, again, causes Joey and Clarence to marvel at how critics and audiences took Longoria for granted in the original run […] The post ‘Suspicious Minds:’ Fashion Show, Footjob, and Felonious Follies appeared first on The Contending.
2025-03-14
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
2025 Emmys: Our First Look At This Year’s Drama Series Race
With the Oscars behind us, it’s time to turn our focus to the 2025 Emmy Awards. We kick things off with a look at Drama Series. The Contending’s own Jalal Haddad joins Joey, Megan, and Clarence to kick-start our look at the 2025 Emmy race. We start with the Drama Series category where only Apple’s Slow […] The post 2025 Emmys: Our First Look At This Year’s Drama Series Race appeared first on The Contending.
2025-03-11
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
‘Guilty:’ Welcome Martha Huber, Gone Too Soon
The Contending welcomes Christine Estabrook, Desperate Housewives’ very own Martha Huber, as we look at her final episode, “Guilty.” Desperate Housewives Episode Eight, “Guilty,” is another thematically heavy episode. It also marks the final live appearance of one of Season One’s most beloved characters, Martha Huber. In “Guilty,” Bree and Rex deal with the fallout […] The post ‘Guilty:’ Welcome Martha Huber, Gone Too Soon appeared first on The Contending.
2025-03-06
00 min
Contending at the Water Cooler
Oscars 2025: Our Annual Oscars Show Post Mortem
Members of The Contending gather to say goodbye to Oscars 2025 and react to the Oscars show: the winners, the speeches, and Conan. Oscars 2025 is over and done with, so The Contending team members gather to put it to bed in our annual Oscars Show Post Mortem podcast. We review the overall show and […] The post Oscars 2025: Our Annual Oscars Show Post Mortem appeared first on The Contending.
2025-03-04
00 min
Within Reason with Mike Matson
Megan Moser, Manhattan Mercury, and Brandon Keazer, Manhattan Regional Airport
On today's episode of Within Reason with Mike Matson, Mike splits his time with Megan Moser, executive editor of The Manhattan Mercury, and Brandon Keazer, director of Manhattan Regional Airport. Mike and Megan dive into drastic employee cuts at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, a result of reduced federal funding for the government workforce. Brandon Keazer joins in the second segment to discuss another record-setting year at the Manhattan Regional Airport. American Airlines flights to Chicago and Dallas out of MRA attracted more passengers than ever in 2024, an accolade that bodes well fo...
2025-02-18
45 min
Awards Daily TV
Emmys 2024: Taking Stock of the Top Categories As the Television Academy Cast Their Ballots
Joey, Megan, and Clarence break down the top races in the 2024 Emmy race just as voting members of the Television Academy cast their ballots. But first, we catch up on a few housekeeping items and revisit a few things we’ve been watching in our downtime. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (ht...
2024-08-20
00 min
Uncategorized Archives - Awards Daily TV
Emmys 2024: Taking Stock of the Top Categories As the Television Academy Cast Their Ballots
Joey, Megan, and Clarence break down the top races in the 2024 Emmy race just as voting members of the Television Academy cast their ballots. But first, we catch up on a few housekeeping items and revisit a few things we’ve been watching in our downtime. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (ht...
2024-08-20
00 min
Awards Daily TV
Emmy-Winning Composer Jeff Russo Returns To Noah Hawley’s ‘Fargo’ World, Emmy Contention
Clarence Moye sits down with Emmy-winning composer Jeff Russo who returns to the Emmy conversation this year with Fargo Year 5. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post Emmy-Winning Composer Jeff Russo Returns To Noah Hawley’s ‘Fargo’ World, Emmy Contention appeared first on Awards Daily TV.
2024-08-19
00 min
Uncategorized Archives - Awards Daily TV
Emmy-Winning Composer Jeff Russo Returns To Noah Hawley’s ‘Fargo’ World, Emmy Contention
Clarence Moye sits down with Emmy-winning composer Jeff Russo who returns to the Emmy conversation this year with Fargo Year 5. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post Emmy-Winning Composer Jeff Russo Returns To Noah Hawley’s ‘Fargo’ World, Emmy Contention appeared first on Awards Daily TV.
2024-08-19
00 min
Kickass Modern Mom Podcast with Brenda Noon Schmidt
Energetic Mentorship for Moms with Megan Moser
Send us a textMegan, owner of Visionary Experiences, is a multibusiness owner, wife to a functional medicine doctor, and mom of a 3 and 5 year old. Her passions are traveling and connecting with locals, reading juicy novels, and being of service. After years of trying to feel seen and heard even by those closest to her she had her grand “aha” wake up while pregnant with her second child. That is where her journey to building Visionary Experiences began. After exploring a variety of natural healing modalities she felt most aligned and empowered through Kambo, sound healing, soma...
2024-08-15
1h 19
Awards Daily TV
D23, ‘Mothers’ Instinct,’ and a Few Words On Our New Venture
Clarence brings the Cooler up to speed on Disney’s upcoming film slate fresh from his attendance at D23’s Disney Entertainment Expo. On the way, he caught Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain’s Mothers’ Instinct on the place as did Megan on another flight. They talk about that film and wonder why it didn’t receive a broader cinematic release. But first, they chat briefly about their upcoming venture: The Contenders. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening an...
2024-08-13
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
D23, ‘Mothers’ Instinct,’ and a Few Words On Our New Venture
Clarence brings the Cooler up to speed on Disney’s upcoming film slate fresh from his attendance at D23’s Disney Entertainment Expo. On the way, he caught Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain’s Mothers’ Instinct on the place as did Megan on another flight. They talk about that film and wonder why it didn’t receive a broader cinematic release. But first, they chat briefly about their upcoming venture: The Contenders. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening an...
2024-08-13
00 min
Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: Making Sweet Music With the Emmy Nominated Main Title Themes, Music and Lyrics
On another podcast favorite, Megan, Joey, and Clarence break down two additional music Emmy categories — Main Title Theme and Music and Lyrics — with small snippets of each nominated entry so you too can follow along at home! As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses...
2024-08-06
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: Making Sweet Music With the Emmy Nominated Main Title Themes, Music and Lyrics
On another podcast favorite, Megan, Joey, and Clarence break down two additional music Emmy categories — Main Title Theme and Music and Lyrics — with small snippets of each nominated entry so you too can follow along at home! As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses...
2024-08-06
00 min
Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: We’ve Got Designs On These Emmy-Nominated Main Title Designs!
We return after a brief hiatus to review the 2024 Emmy nominees for one of our favorite categories: Main Title Design. This year’s nominated crop includes 3 Body Problem, Fallout, Lessons in Chemistry, Palm Royale, Shōgun, and Silo. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecomm...
2024-07-30
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: We’ve Got Designs On These Emmy-Nominated Main Title Designs!
We return after a brief hiatus to review the 2024 Emmy nominees for one of our favorite categories: Main Title Design. This year’s nominated crop includes 3 Body Problem, Fallout, Lessons in Chemistry, Palm Royale, Shōgun, and Silo. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecomm...
2024-07-30
00 min
Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: Team ADTV Gathers Around the Water Cooler To Weigh In on 76th Emmy Noms
It’s our annual podcast where Team ADTV gathers to hash out the 76th Emmy Awards! As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post 2024 Emmys: Team ADTV Gathers Around the Water Cooler To Weigh In on 76th Emmy Noms appeared fi...
2024-07-19
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: Team ADTV Gathers Around the Water Cooler To Weigh In on 76th Emmy Noms
It’s our annual podcast where Team ADTV gathers to hash out the 76th Emmy Awards! As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post 2024 Emmys: Team ADTV Gathers Around the Water Cooler To Weigh In on 76th Emmy Noms appeared fi...
2024-07-19
00 min
Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmy Predictions: Our Final Predictions Headed Into Next Week’s Nominations
It’s our final podcast before the 2024 Emmy nominations! We gather around the Water Cooler to hash out our foolproof predictions in the major Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series categories. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post 2024 Emmy Predictions...
2024-07-19
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmy Predictions: Our Final Predictions Headed Into Next Week’s Nominations
It’s our final podcast before the 2024 Emmy nominations! We gather around the Water Cooler to hash out our foolproof predictions in the major Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series categories. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post 2024 Emmy Predictions...
2024-07-19
00 min
Awards Daily TV
Episode 464: Best TV Of 2024… At the Halfway Mark
We’re trying something new this week. You now have two ways to enjoy our podcast! You can continue to listen via our podcast feed or you can journey over to our YouTube channel at Awards Daily and actually see our faces… if you so dare! Up this week is our breakdown of our favorite television series so far in 2024. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! ...
2024-06-26
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
Episode 464: Best TV Of 2024… At the Halfway Mark
We’re trying something new this week. You now have two ways to enjoy our podcast! You can continue to listen via our podcast feed or you can journey over to our YouTube channel at Awards Daily and actually see our faces… if you so dare! Up this week is our breakdown of our favorite television series so far in 2024. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! ...
2024-06-26
00 min
Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmy Predictions: Looking Closely at the Wildly Unpredictable Supporting Performance Categories
This week, as the voting members of the Television Academy have the ballots in their hands, we look at the Supporting performance races across Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post 2024 Emmy Predictions: Looking C...
2024-06-18
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmy Predictions: Looking Closely at the Wildly Unpredictable Supporting Performance Categories
This week, as the voting members of the Television Academy have the ballots in their hands, we look at the Supporting performance races across Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series. As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) The post 2024 Emmy Predictions: Looking C...
2024-06-18
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
‘3 Body Problem’ Star Jovan Adepo Takes a Quiet, Laid-Back Approach To His Emotionally Tortured Character
Awards Daily’s Clarence Moye sits down with 3 Body Problem star Jovan Adepo (Watchmen, Babylon) to discuss his character’s, Dr. Saul Durand, emotionally complex journey through season one. Check out AwardsDaily.com for more on 3 Body Problem! The post ‘3 Body Problem’ Star Jovan Adepo Takes a Quiet, Laid-Back Approach To His Emotionally Tortured Character appeared first on Awards Daily TV.
2024-06-18
00 min
Awards Daily TV
‘3 Body Problem’ Star Jovan Adepo Takes a Quiet, Laid-Back Approach To His Emotionally Tortured Character
Awards Daily’s Clarence Moye sits down with 3 Body Problem star Jovan Adepo (Watchmen, Babylon) to discuss his character’s, Dr. Saul Durand, emotionally complex journey through season one. Check out AwardsDaily.com for more on 3 Body Problem! The post ‘3 Body Problem’ Star Jovan Adepo Takes a Quiet, Laid-Back Approach To His Emotionally Tortured Character appeared first on Awards Daily TV.
2024-06-18
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: Television Academy! Hear Our Pleas!
It’s one of our favorite podcasts: Television Academy! Hear Our Pleas! Joey, Megan, and Clarence each give recommendations for performances, series, etc. for the voting members of the Television Academy to consider as the 2024 Emmy voting window kicks off today! As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http...
2024-06-14
00 min
Awards Daily TV
2024 Emmys: Television Academy! Hear Our Pleas!
It’s one of our favorite podcasts: Television Academy! Hear Our Pleas! Joey, Megan, and Clarence each give recommendations for performances, series, etc. for the voting members of the Television Academy to consider as the 2024 Emmy voting window kicks off today! As always we close with the flash forward to the media we’re most anticipating in the upcoming week. Thanks for listening and thank you, in advance, for subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcasts! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Cheery Monday” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http...
2024-06-14
00 min
Podcast Archives - Awards Daily TV
Emmys 2024: Can the ‘Great’ Jessica Lange Sneak Into the Competitive Limited Series / TV Movie Actress Race?
Likely seeing what they had late into the Emmy cycle, HBO snuck in the Jessica Lange-starring The Great Lillian Hall at the very end of the 2024 Emmy cycle. Lange plays legendary Broadway actress Lillian Hall who unusually struggles to remember her lines during rehearsals for her hotly anticipated revival of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. This week on the Water Cooler Podcast, we review the film and Lange’s late-career performance. We also look at the very competitive 2024 Emmy Limited Series / TV Movie lead actress race and figure out whether or not Lange has a shot at a nomination.
2024-06-03
00 min
The Doc Jacque Show
Psychedelic Integration with Your Psychedelic Sister, Taylor
In This Episode, You Will Learn: Benefits of psychedelics for everything from postpartum depression to PTSD. Who you need to be able to integrate lessons in your daily life while using plant medicine. Resources + Links: Follow Taylor: @yourpsychedelicsister Shoot us an email at info@docjacque.com Or call the office 412-828-6000 Follow Doc Jacque on Instagram | @doc_jacque Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Doc Jacque Schedule a Full Immersion New Patien...
2023-10-30
52 min
ASCII Anything
S6E8: Don't Make a Mess of Your LMS with Megan Saylor and Doug Beers
This week's episode features two of our own, Megan Saylor and Doug Beers from Moser's Learning Services department. They're talking to us about Learning Management Systems. Megan is a Senior Consultant and Engagement Manager at Moser Consulting and has been with the company for 10 years. Her main focus has been in Middleware, as an LMS Systems Owner. She has been an EM for over 3 years and she is also currently an administrator of Moser’s own LMS, called HRLearn, for both internal use and future client engagements! She is certified in BBST Foundations of Sof...
2023-09-27
36 min