Shows
Next EpisodeMemory, Identity, and Deception: Breaking Down Apple TV's "Surface" (Season 1)What happens when you wake up with no memory, surrounded by people telling you who you are? In this riveting analysis of Surface Season 1, we unravel the complex web of deception surrounding Sophie – a woman who emerges from a near-fatal boating "suicide attempt" with complete amnesia, forced to trust the narratives others provide about her life.Behind the facade of concern, Sophie's husband Nick wields troubling control, monitoring her every move through surveillance cameras and a conservatorship that gives him complete legal authority over her finances and decisions. As Sophie attempts to recover fragments of her past th...2025-06-0359 minNext EpisodeUnapologetic Detection: When Murder Meets BirdingEver wondered what happens when a murder disrupts the hallowed halls of the White House? "The Residence" serves up a deliciously different take on the murder mystery genre, balancing clever comedy with genuine intrigue while showcasing the often-overlooked White House staff who keep the historic mansion running.What makes this Shonda Rhimes production truly special is its departure from her signature high-stakes emotional dramas. Instead, we're treated to a more lighthearted approach where the murder investigation becomes a vehicle for exploring the rich tapestry of White House history and the dedicated professionals who maintain its traditions across...2025-05-2736 minNext EpisodeMoney Can't Buy Happiness, But It Can Book The Wrong RoomThe honeymoon from hell takes center stage in our final episode covering White Lotus Season 1. What initially appears to be a simple story of an entitled rich guy and his trophy wife reveals layers of complexity that challenge our first impressions.When we first meet Shane at the airport with a mysterious body being loaded onto the plane, most viewers jump to the conclusion that he murdered his new bride. This assumption colors everything we see in their relationship. But a second viewing reveals a different story altogether. Shane, while undeniably privileged and sometimes shallow, has legitimate...2025-05-2053 minNext EpisodeParadise, Privilege, and Toxic Dynamics: When Vacation Becomes WarfareWelcome to our deep dive into the Mossbacher family dynamics from HBO's "The White Lotus." Behind the pristine facade of wealth and privilege lies a family at war with itself.Nicole Mossbacher, a tech CEO who's broken glass ceilings, can't seem to win respect from her own household. Her husband Mark experiences a classic case of male fragility – resentful of his wife's success while enjoying its benefits. Meanwhile, their daughter Olivia performs revolutionary politics while vacationing at a luxury resort her mother's capitalism paid for. The hypocrisy would be comical if it weren't so painful to watch.2025-05-1355 minNext EpisodeRich People Problems: The White Lotus Season 1The stunning shores of Hawaii serve as the backdrop for HBO's White Lotus, a darkly comedic examination of privilege that will leave you both laughing and squirming uncomfortably. At the luxurious White Lotus resort, three sets of wealthy guests arrive for what should be paradise but quickly reveals itself as anything but.Jennifer Coolidge delivers a tour-de-force performance as Tanya McQuoid, a wealthy, boundary-less woman who arrives alone to scatter her mother's ashes. Desperately lonely and emotionally wounded from childhood trauma, Tanya latches onto Belinda, the resort's spa manager, whose natural healing presence becomes both a comfort...2025-05-0645 minNext EpisodeFamily Ties & Corporate Lies: Running Point on NetflixMoney can buy a lot of things, but it can't fix a dysfunctional family. The Gordon siblings—Cam, Ness, Isla, and Sandy—are navigating their billionaire lifestyle and basketball empire when they discover something their late father kept hidden: they have another brother.Jackie, young and Latino, worked as a popcorn vendor at their stadium without knowing he was serving the half-siblings he never knew existed. Unlike the privileged Gordons, Jackie grew up with limited means, raised by a single mother who recently passed away from cancer. When he enters their world, he's not after money but some...2025-04-291h 05Next EpisodeInheriting the Court: How Running Point Revives Sport ComediesMissing the golden age of rom-coms? Running Point delivers that nostalgic feel while tackling something deeper - a woman's fight for respect in the male-dominated world of professional basketball.Kate Hudson sparkles as Isla Gordon, the daughter of a wealthy team owner suddenly thrust into the presidency of her family's NBA franchise. What was meant to be a temporary position while her brother attends rehab quickly becomes a battle to prove herself against every stereotype and obstacle thrown her way. The show brilliantly illustrates the "glass cliff" phenomenon - where women are often handed leadership roles during...2025-04-2255 minNext EpisodeThe Vicar's Dilemma: When Good People Make Terrible ChoicesWhat happens when good people make catastrophic decisions? "Inside Man" pulls us into a riveting moral nightmare where one small choice spirals into unthinkable consequences.David Tennant delivers a haunting performance as a well-respected vicar whose desire to protect his family leads him down a dark path. When he agrees to keep a parishioner's flash drive containing disturbing material, he unwittingly sets off a chain reaction that will destroy multiple lives. After Janice, his son's mathematics tutor played with chilling precision, accidentally discovers the contents, the vicar makes the fateful decision to imprison her rather than face...2025-04-151h 04Next EpisodeInside Man: A Moral MazeStanley Tucci delivers a mesmerizing performance as Jefferson Grieff, a former criminology professor now sitting on death row for the murder of his wife. From behind prison walls, he uses his brilliant analytical mind to solve cases that stump authorities—all while insisting he deserves his death sentence.When British journalist Beth Davenport arrives seeking an interview, she becomes entangled in Jefferson's world after her new acquaintance Janice mysteriously disappears. What begins as two separate stories—a prisoner solving crimes in America and a vicar's family in England—gradually converges into a profound examination of human morality and br...2025-04-081h 07Next EpisodeLost in Pasaje: Where Magical Realism Meets Marriage CounselingGrief takes many forms. In The Resort, Niq and Jess explore how each character grapples with profound loss while searching for meaning, identity, and connection in a narrative that blends mystery with magical realism.Emma and Noah's marriage struggles following a pregnancy loss reveal a common relationship pitfall—when good intentions become suffocating. Noah desperately tries to help Emma heal by becoming her caregiver, but this only pushes her further away as she feels her identity dissolving. "His greatest fear is losing his wife. Her greatest fear is losing herself," as Niq so perfectly articulates. This dynamic cr...2025-04-0259 minNext EpisodeThe Resort: Mystery in MexicoHave you ever wondered what would happen if your anniversary vacation turned into a hunt for two missing people? The Resort takes this premise and transforms it into something far more surprising than any standard mystery.When we meet Emma and Noah, they're celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary at a luxury resort in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Their marriage feels stale, their interactions awkward and distant—casualties of fifteen years together and unspoken traumas between them. But everything changes when Emma discovers an old Razr phone from 2007 during an ATV excursion, pulling her into the unsolved disappearance of tw...2025-03-2536 minNext EpisodeTears, Tantrums, and Tom Sandoval: The Traitors Reunion Special That Had Us HowlingThe grand finale of The Traitors Season 3 delivered a stunning conclusion as four faithfuls—Gabby, Dylan, Ivar, and Dolores—outlasted the traitors and split the prize money. What makes this outcome so fascinating is that none of these winners were particularly strategic standouts or even fan favorites, raising questions about how they managed to succeed where more dynamic players failed.At the heart of this season's drama was Danielle, whose performance as a traitor created one of the show's most interesting contradictions. While her fellow contestants praised her longevity and effectiveness, viewers at home cringed at her over...2025-03-181h 14Next EpisodeThe Accidental Traitors EpisodeWe explore the international phenomenon of the reality show "Traitors," discussing what makes this psychological competition so compelling and emotionally complex.• Significant differences between how regular people and reality TV stars handle the emotional manipulation of the game• Why casting all reality stars makes more sense, as professionals understand "what happens on TV is TV"• Alan Cumming's dramatic hosting style and outfits that create an additional entertainment layer for the US version• Critique of gameplay strategies from various contestants across seasons and international versions • The unexpected psychological revelation that most people are fundamentally good, as ev...2025-03-1124 minNext EpisodeHow to Die Alone! (Hulu series review)Our latest podcast episode delves into the complexities of Melissa's romantic troubles with Alex, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. As they navigate breakups and lingering feelings, the conversation covers the impact of unresolved emotions and the importance of accountability in relationships.• Discussion of Melissa's initial meeting with Alex and their intense relationship • Analysis of Melissa's reaction to Alex's confession of love • Exploration of the aftermath of their breakup and emotional turmoil • Reflections on the implications of Alex's upcoming wedding • Commentary on inappropriate flirtation and complicated dynamics • Melissa's character growth during her airport-hoppi...2025-03-041h 00Next EpisodeHow to Create Community!Exploring the deep influences of toxic relationships and family dynamics on self-esteem, we reflect on how these patterns shape our adult lives. The episode highlights the importance of recognizing unhealthy cycles and offers practical insights for breaking free.• Examining the impacts of toxic relationships on personal identity • Discussing how family dynamics can reinforce self-esteem issues • The role of parental influence in shaping adult relationships • Exploring the nature of brother-sister dynamics and loyalty • Highlighting the importance of friendship and community support • Acknowledging the challenges of establishing healthy boundaries • Understanding emotional dependency and its origins • S...2025-02-261h 00
Brewbound PodcastNon-Alc Beer Has a Record Dry January in Grocery Stores January 2025 was a record month for non-alcoholic (NA) beer in grocery stores. NA beer claimed a 4.2% share of beer grocery sales during the month, according to NIQ food store data shared by Bump Williams Consulting. The Brewbound team discusses how Dry January shook out, plus why industry leaders are bullish on regional cider; how the dots connect between the Consumer Price Index for beer at home outpacing overall inflation and beer’s 2024 summer slump; and who is keynoting the Brewers Association’s Craft Brewers Conference in Indianapolis. Plus, Justin, Jess and Zoe play Another Round or Tabbing Out on a surpris...2025-02-1936 minNext EpisodeHow to Tell a Story!What if a comedy show could offer comfort and chaos all at once? Join us as we unravel the captivating layers of "How to Die Alone," a series that defies traditional comedic expectations. Jess and I dive into our personal takes on comfort shows, with Jess finding solace in its familiarity, while I feel more anxious about the whirlwind that is Melissa's life. Our exploration takes us through the poignant storytelling and character complexity, focusing on Melissa, an airport worker navigating the tumultuous aftermath of personal loss and a surreal near-death experience.Our discussion takes a fascinating...2025-02-1850 minNext EpisodeCross My HeartThis episode explores the intricate dynamics of male friendships, specifically focusing on the relationship between Alex and 2John; also Alex and Elle. We discuss themes of vulnerability, accountability, and the emotional challenges that arise within their friendship, illustrating the importance of honesty and support in building lasting connections.• Examination of Alex and 2John's long-standing friendship• Discussion on the rarity of emotional vulnerability in male relationships• Conflict as a pathway to deeper understanding and growth• Insights on Alex's struggles with grief and rage• Evaluation of female characters and their roles in male narratives• Exploration...2025-02-111h 02Next EpisodeOur Cross to BearThis episode dives deep into how grief shapes the narratives of Alex Cross and those around him, examining the emotional turmoil that arises from loss. Exploring themes of accountability, relationships, and unresolved pain, we reflect on the importance of addressing grief rather than letting it fester unchecked, highlighting the struggles of Alex as a father and a professional in mental health.• Examining the role of grief as a central theme in the Alex Cross narrative • Discussing Alex’s avoidance of therapy and its implications • Understanding Alex’s guilt regarding his wife’s murder • Insights into parenthood a...2025-02-0459 minNext EpisodeCrossing the Thin Blue LineThe episode examines the intricacies of "Cross," shedding light on themes of grief, community dynamics, and police relationships while navigating the narrative complexities of Alex Cross. Through discussions about character development and societal issues, the conversation invites listeners to reflect on real-world implications as the series unfolds.• Exploration of Alex Cross's character and his duality • Discussion about the impact of his wife's murder on the narrative • Representation of DC and the authenticity of local characters • Analysis of police-community relations and trust issues • Insights on the serial killer storyline and its implications • Pondering the potential dir...2025-01-2857 minNext EpisodeSupaSeriousThis podcast episode navigates the complex interplay between Sickle Cell disease and the series "Supercell." It highlights issues of medical exploitation, race, identity, and community dynamics, discussing how the show provocatively intertwines these themes with the narratives around superpowers and systemic injustices.• Discussion of Sickle Cell Disease and its implications • Exploration of historical context: medical exploitation of Black bodies • Analysis of power dynamics and societal perceptions • Examination of the show's portrayal of community and unity • Speculation on future plot arcs and character developmentContact Niq & Jess 2025-01-2143 minNext EpisodeSupaSinnersRodney's struggles with abandonment, race, and resilience form the heart of our deep dive into Supercell's complex characters. The discussion uncovers the bonds of friendship and the quest for acceptance amid societal challenges, leading to reflective questions about survival and identity. • Exploration of Rodney's backstory and family dynamics • Examination of the importance of male friendships, particularly between Rodney and Spud • Analysis of Rodney's survival mode and decision-making under pressure • Discussion on the systemic issues exemplified by Andre's experiences as an ex-con • Insights into Taser's character and the nature of gang violence • Reflections on the overarching th...2025-01-1449 minNext EpisodeSupaSaintsSupercell plunges into the lives of five South Londoners who gain extraordinary powers tied to their identities and struggles, shedding light on familial bonds and tough choices. The episode examines Michael's race against time to save his fiancée Dion and Sabrina's complex dynamics with her irresponsible sister Char amidst newfound powers, raising profound questions about love, agency, and responsibility.• Discussion on Michael's character and his desire to save Dion • Exploration of Sabrina's telekinesis and her role as an older sister • Analysis of the relationships among the characters and their superpowers • Commentary on the integration...2025-01-0727 minNext EpisodeAverage PlotlinesWhat happens when storytelling leans on ethnic villain tropes that strip characters of depth? Join us as we unravel the layers of "Average Joe" and its portrayal of Russians as antagonists. We dissect the clichéd character of Nicolai, the one-dimensional villain with a backstory that’s ripe with missed opportunities. Even the "hit bitch," with her coerced assassin role and obscure robotic persona, spark discussions about the placement of complex characters in otherwise realistic settings. Frustration mounts as these narratives persist, illustrating a need for more nuanced storytelling.Family loyalty and revenge are at the heart of...2024-12-3138 minNext EpisodeAverage RelationshipsWhat would drive someone with a painful medical condition to choose a physically demanding job over a more stable, comfortable one? We unpack the perplexing choices made by Angela in "Average Joe" and explore how these decisions impact her family dynamics. Angela’s journey invites us to question her motivations and how her condition, polymyalgia, shapes her decisions around finances and health. We also scrutinize the tension between Angela and Joe, as they navigate financial stress and parental responsibilities, probing the reluctance to pursue avenues that could ease their burdens.The tangled web of relationships continues with an...2024-12-2443 minNext EpisodeAverage Black FuneralWhat happens when a Pittsburgh plumber stumbles into a $10 million mystery entangled with the Russian mob? Join us as we unravel the adventurous and chaotic world of "Average Joe." We explore how Dion Cole's remarkable transition from comedy to drama breathes life into Joe's character, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate crime dramas with a comedic twist. Expect to question the choices made by Joe and his family as they navigate a maze of self-defense killings, mob entanglements, and absurd antics in a small town.Could you stay in a dangerous town while tangled with...2024-12-1749 min