Pairing Podcast

12/08/2022

It's the end of the journey, and the beginning of another. Feels very Tolkien, right? In this 100th, and possibly last, episode of Pairing, Emma and Winston return to Pairing's origins to discuss another of Tolkien's works, The Silmarillion. We reflect on our experience making Pairing and Emma's wine philosophy. We're here for a good time, not a long time, so let's enjoy it. Plus: blending mythologies, committing to an emotional experience, Big Ahab Energy, musicality and wine, , and the orc violist fanfiction. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2022/8/12/episode-100-the-silmarillion

Thank you to everyone who made Pairing possible.

25/07/2022

Emma and Winston sit down to discuss their latest and greatest obsession: Critical Role. We wax poetic about the talents of Matt Mercer and the gang's storytelling and voice acting abilities, and Emma pairs wine with the characters of Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein. Featuring: wine-themed tongue twisters, Mollydooker for Mollymauk, collecting dice sets, wine by Tool, Dancing Leitz, great character design, and your país should you choose to accept it. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2022/7/25/episode-99-critical-role

July 25, 2022 Pairing Podcast Episode 99: Critical Role July 25, 2022 Pairing Podcast Emma and Winston sit down to discuss their latest and greatest obsession: Critical Role. We wax poetic about the talents of Matt Mercer and the gang's storytelling and voice acting abilities, and Emma pairs wine wi...

31/05/2022

Emma is joined by her dear friend Ariela Rotengold to discuss their favorite adaptation of the Arthurian Legends: the BBC's Merlin. We talk about our deep love for and deep frustration with the show, and our history and relationships to different Arthurian content. Plus: creature lore and mythic traditions, the greatest bromance on television, giving Uther some therapy, great British character actors, justice for Guinevere, Chrètien de Troyes (from Troyes), and John Hurt: the dragon making wine in his cave. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2022/5/31/episode-98-merlin-with-ariela-rotengold

May 31, 2022 Pairing Podcast Episode 98: Merlin (with Ariela Rotengold) May 31, 2022 Pairing Podcast Emma is joined by her dear friend Ariela Rotengold to discuss their favorite adaptation of the Arthurian Legends: the BBC's Merlin. We talk about our deep love for and deep frustration with the show,...

01/05/2022

At long last, Winston gets to nerd out about history! Winston and Emma chat about their favorite podcasts, historical epics, documentaries, books, and more. The takeaway? We need more diverse voices in the telling of history. Plus: the white guy history nerd starter kit, the myth of sulfites, oral tradition, Kingdom of Heaven, Galadriel's boo, gushing about Gettysburg, Ken Burns' Civil War, control of historical narrative, and Epic Rap Battles of History! https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2022/5/1/episode-97-winstons-history-corner

May 1, 2022 Pairing Podcast Episode 97: Winston's History Corner May 1, 2022 Pairing Podcast At long last, Winston gets to nerd out about history! Winston and Emma chat about their favorite podcasts, historical epics, documentaries, books, and more. The takeaway? We need more diverse voices in the t...

28/03/2022

Over the past year+, Emma read The Witcher Book Series with a book club, and they were kind enough to come on Pairing and share their experience of reading these books! Emma, Ester Ellis, Brenna Galvin, and Anthony Pinggera discuss the ups and downs of these books, and why we're all glad that we read them as a book club. We also talk about the Netflix series and the video games from CD ProjektRed, but we focus on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski. Featuring: the Wine of the Witcher, himbo Geralt, the true translation of "Jaskier," our favorite (non-Regis) characters, resisting genre tropes, coping with trauma, and, of course, the stuffed unicorn. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2022/3/28/episode-96-witcher-book-club-with-ester-ellis-brenna-galvin-and-anthony-pinggera

Special thanks to Ester Ellis for helping record this episode! Some spoilers in this episode. Content warning: discussion of upsetting topics, including violence, abuse, and sexual assault. If you're looking for a podcast to fill the void once Pairing goes on hiatus, check out Anthony's new podcas

25/02/2022

Emma and Winston sit down to bring you a long-anticipated sequel: now you get the red wines of Italy! Emma explains some of the major (and minor) red grapes of Italy, and we pair them with the games that we've been playing and nerdy things we've been consuming (namely, God of War, Legend of Vox Machina, and Warhammer). Featuring: paradoxical grapes, sexy chaos gods, Emma's first wine (probably), Winston-splaining, pizza wines, elves getting trashed, and Gork & Mork's Fork: A Goblin Mobster Restaurant. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2022/2/24/episode-95-the-land-of-two-thousand-grapes-part-two-the-red-wines-of-italy

February 25, 2022 Pairing Podcast Episode 95: The Land of Two Thousand Grapes Part Two- The Red Wines of Italy February 25, 2022 Pairing Podcast Emma and Winston sit down to bring you a long-anticipated sequel: now you get the red wines of Italy! Emma explains some of the major (and minor) red grape...

23/01/2022

Emma is joined by Philippa Werner (aka Moira Katson) to discuss her upcoming high fantasy novel, A Sundered Throne! Emma and Philippa give a spoiler-free rundown of the novel, by pairing wine with the characters and sharing their dream casts, including William Jackson Harper, Shohreh Agdashloo, and Tom Hardy. Plus: a fantasy Greek empire, Bin Bons, Papa Bear vibes, clairette v. claret, and slightly chaotic interpretation of "good." https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2022/1/23/episode-94-a-sundered-throne-with-philippa-werner-aka-moira-katson

Content warning: brief discussion of su***de. Want to help fund the audiobook of A Sundered Throne (which Emma will be a narrator for), and get early access to the novel? Back it here on Kickstarter!  You can hear a sneak preview of Emma narrating a chapter on her Patreon or the Pair

25/12/2021

Merry Christmas, and Happy 4-year Anniversary to the finale of Wolf 359! To celebrate, Pairing Commander Emma Sherr-Ziarko gathered (most) of the cast and crew of the show for a reunion. We reminisce about our favorite memories of making this show, what episodes we loved most, and we discuss what we think our characters would drink. Plus: Noah's slates, Zach Valenti breaking into song, recording at Spaceman, building and living in a character, Hilbert's commercial reads, forgetting episode titles, Horse Wines, predicting the future, Alan's track titles, Gabriel the master synthesizer, How Could Dare You, and, of course, Funzo. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/12/25/episode-93-wolf-359-with-the-cast-and-crew-of-wolf-359

This episode features: Julian Silver, Scotty Shoemaker, Zach Valenti, Ariela Rotengold, Noah Masur, Michelle Agresti, Sarah Shachat, Zach Libresco, Michaela Swee, Cecilia Lynn-Jacobs, Alan Rodi, and Gabriel Urbina. It also features music by Alan Rodi. Special thanks to Zach Valenti for helping edit

18/11/2021

Emma is joined by Brooke Jennett (Thirteen, Olive Hill) to discuss the beloved and problematic show from our youth, Gilmore Girls. Brooke has some seriously hot takes, and we have some delightful headcanons of these characters being friends with winemakers. Plus: TV writing trends, a Tempranillo Man, Budweiser & Bordeaux, our Beaujolais King, and, mostly, Justice for Lane! https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/11/18/episode-92-gilmore-girls-with-brooke-jennett

Content Warning: discussion of sexual assault, consent, bodily autonomy, homophobia, and fatphobia/body shaming. Make sure to follow Brooke on Twitter and Instagram , and make sure to follow and listen to Thirteen !

22/10/2021

John-Paul Cirelli returns to Pairing for a second edition of our Hallowine series! This time we talk more about the holiday of Halloween itself: the history of the holiday, and our own personal traditions. Plus: haunted wineries, illegal UFO landings in wine country, a pairing for candy corn, Hell-ebrating, "Demon Wine" with Tom Waits, near-death experiences, and wine from a sippy cup. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/10/22/episode-91-hallowine-part-ii-with-john-paul-cirelli

Make sure to buy John-Paul's new collection of short stories, The Feeling a Good Bar Can Give You and Other Stories , check out his blog at Mondo Vulgare , listen to his music on Spotify, The Video Tramps on Spotify, and listen to his curated playlist of 666 minutes of Halloween music . Also

08/10/2021

Emma and Winston talk about one of the coolest sci-fi space shows out there: The Expanse! We talk about the sophisticated politics and cool physics of the show, and also make fun of Tom Jane's hair. Plus: writing and winemaking duos, wine that tastes like bacon, a Leviathan tangent, Shohreh Agdashloo's amazing cursing, new wine regions, and Winston's belt story. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/10/8/episode-90-the-expanse

Emma is now available to book as an acting coach on SkillsHub ! Come check it out, and tell your friends! Follow Emma on Twitch to watch her play video games!

29/09/2021

Hey folks! So I got a new, very time-intensive gig that started this week, and I think I need to take the week off from Pairing to adjust to the workflow. But we’ve got some really exciting episodes coming up, and we’ll make up this week’s episode, so stay tuned! 🍷

17/09/2021

Get ready for a feel-good episode about a feel-good show and some feel-good wines: Emma and Winston are talking about Ted Lasso! We talk about what makes this show so uniquely wonderful, and we do some pretty bad English accents. Plus: carbonic maceration, fathers and sons, toxic sports fandoms, wines from around the world, and a new game: is it a Cru of Beaujolais or a Dwarf from The Hobbit? https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/9/17/episode-89-ted-lasso

Follow Emma on her new Twitch Channel!

03/09/2021

Emma and Winston discuss their favorite board game, Eldritch Horror. On top of talking about what makes this game so fun, we also talk about H.P. Lovecraft and the genre of Eldritch Horror itself. Plus: alcohol curing insanity, dusty wines, goat-related wine, Cthulhu's drink of choice, Lovecraft Country, and Winston's fanfic.

Check out Emma's new Patreon , where she will be posting non-Pairing related content, such as voice acting, sneak peeks, and video game rants!

20/08/2021

Hi friends! Unfortunately, I have dropped the ball on tomorrow’s episode, & though I’ll try to get it out the next week, I’m going to be on my first vacation in years, so it may not happen. I will do my best to make it up to you with 3 eps in Sep! 🍷🍂 Everyone be safe out there!

06/08/2021

Emma and Winston discuss their favorite iteration of the beloved sci-fi franchise, Star Trek: The Next Generation! We discuss how the show deals with representation in both a progressive and problematic way, and Emma gives some Hot Tips on Bordeaux. Plus: wine is a drink for sharing, exploring identity, representation and stereotypes, silly costumes, luxury gay space communism, and Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/8/6/episode-87-star-trek-the-next-generation

August 6, 2021 Pairing Podcast Episode 87: Star Trek: The Next Generation August 6, 2021 Pairing Podcast Emma and Winston discuss their favorite iteration of the beloved sci-fi franchise, Star Trek: The Next Generation! We discuss how the show deals with representation in both a progressive and prob...

23/07/2021

Emma and Winston sit down to discuss their hot takes on the three Marvel TV shows thus far: Wandavision, The Falcon and Winter Soldier, and Loki. We discuss using form as a method of storytelling and criticism, and appreciate some of the ambitiousness of these shows. Plus: love for Kathryn Hahn, Daniel Brühl, and Owen Wilson, attacks on Pinot Grigio, Loki's queerness, great acting, political rants, and handsome nerds. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/7/23/episode-86-marvel-tv

July 23, 2021 Pairing Podcast Episode 86: Marvel TV July 23, 2021 Pairing Podcast Emma and Winston sit down to discuss their hot takes on the three Marvel TV shows thus far: Wandavision, The Falcon and Winter Soldier, and Loki. We discuss using form as a method of storytelling and criticism, and app...

09/07/2021

Emma is joined by Meghan Fitzmartin to discuss the longest running American Sci-Fi and Fantasy show, Supernatural! Meghan, who was a writer on the show, shares her experience working on Supernatural, and discusses the value of genre television. Emma, meanwhile, shares what wine she thinks Crowley would serve in hell. Plus: meta narratives, deconstructing theology, subverting expectations, actors' effects on their characters, and families (on-screen and off) that don't end in blood. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/7/9/episode-85-supernatural-with-meghan-fitzmartin

Follow Meghan on Twitter to see what she's up to, including Batman Urban Legends , Justice Society: World War II, Passenger List , and Red Rhino .

25/06/2021

The Emmas are back at it, this time talking about the award-winning, hysterical comedy, Schitt's Creek. We can't keep from laughing ourselves as we discuss the genius of Catherine O'Hara and all the other cast and crew of this show. Plus: Cougar Juice, Zhampagne, a nice little half-half situation, story arcs, character arcs, growth, and Crows. https://www.thepairingpodcast.com/listen/2021/6/25/episode-84-schitts-creek-with-emma-cohen

June 25, 2021 Pairing Podcast Episode 84: Schitt's Creek (with Emma Cohen) June 25, 2021 Pairing Podcast The Emmas are back at it, this time talking about the award-winning, hysterical comedy, Schitt's Creek. We can't keep from laughing ourselves as we discuss the genius of Catherine O'Hara and all....

23/06/2021

And last but not least, ICYMI, here's our Beetlejuice episode with the magnificent Brooke Jennett!

Content warning: su***de and suicidal ideation. Make sure to check out Thirteen , a horror anthology podcast that Brooke helps write, create, and act in. Listen on A pple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever else you find your podcasts, follow them on Twitter and Instagram , and check out

23/06/2021

ICYMI, here's our second Comfort Wines episode, just with Emma!

May 28, 2021 Pairing Podcast Episode 82: Comfort Wines Part Two May 28, 2021 Pairing Podcast Emma has a solo episode to reminisce on this past year, how difficult it was, and the comfort content that got her through it. She gives some recommendations of wines that are as reliable as they are inexpen...

23/06/2021

ICYMI, here's our Black Sails episode, with Emma & Winston!

May 7, 2021 Pairing Podcast Episode 81: Black Sails May 7, 2021 Pairing Podcast Emma and Winston sit back and have a chat about their recent TV binge: Black Sails. They talk about how the show blends historical figures and events with the characters of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, and....

23/06/2021

ICYMI, here's our King Kong episode, with the inimitable John-Paul Cirelli!

April 23, 2021 Pairing Podcast Episode 80: King Kong (with John-Paul Cirelli) April 23, 2021 Pairing Podcast John-Paul Cirelli returns to Pairing to tell Emma all about everyone's favorite giant gorilla, King Kong! We talk about all the different adaptations and make some predictions for Kong's futu...

23/06/2021

ICYMI, here's our West Wing episode with the legendary Mike Schubert!

Check out Mike's newest project Modern Muckraker , and support the kickstarter at bit.ly/modernmuckraker from now until April 30th! Check out all of his projects at Schub.es

23/06/2021

ICYMI, here's our episode about Sherlock Holmes, with the incomparable Sara Ghaleb!

Content Warning: discussion of racism and drug use. Make sure to follow Sara on Twitter , and be sure to check out Arden and Historical Hookups .

23/06/2021

ICYMI, here's our episode about the Dragon Age games with the amazing Wil Williams!

Content warning: discussion of anti-black racism and transphobia. Make sure to check out Valence , Wil's Urban Fantasy Fiction Podcast, and Discover Pods , which they are the managing editor of!

23/06/2021

Hey friends! My apologies- it seems like somehow my auto-post for episodes from Squarespace hasn't been working here. I'm going to try to fix it, but in the meantime will post links to some of our recent episodes!