The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
98 results across all types
- podcast· 1h 48m· S5E270
CASE 0506: Hey! Listen!
DEFENDANT: The Hero of Time EVIDENCE: Siren Song Merlot/Syrah blend SCENE OF THE CRIME: Hyrule -- Hey friend — pop a cork and get comfy. In this episode of True Crime Against Wine we pivoted (blame the internet and a mis-shipped bottle) and ended up sipping a lush Merlot-Syrah blend from Siren Song while getting delightfully nerdy about The Legend of Zelda. Expect giggles, throwback gaming stories, and super honest wine notes — think plush blackberries, juicy plum, and a grown-up juice-box vibe that’s dangerously drinkable. We dive into Zelda’s origins (shoutout to Miyamoto and Tezuka), reminisce about Ocarina of Time demos at the mall, and debate favorite entries like Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild. There’s talk about iconic villains (Ganon, of course), the weirdly existential Link’s Awakening plot, cult-fave enemies (stalfos!), and why Link’s silent-hero design is pure genius for player immersion. Also: a brief side-eye at 900-number culture, a few messy sibling stories, and absol
- podcast· 12:56· Ep 269
People's Court Ep. 03: Pregnant Sister vs. Back-Pain Boyfriend: Who Gets the Bed?
Hey friend — here’s the messy little episode: you’re living in a one-bedroom with a partner who does construction and gets terrible back pain, and your seven-month pregnant sister shows up after a big fight with her husband asking to crash and sleep in your bed. Your boyfriend said he couldn’t give it up, you apologized to avoid a fight, and later you found your sister crying in the bathroom. Cue Mom calling and being furious. Ugh. I totally see both sides: your sister is emotional, pregnant, and needed space, and that’s precious, but your partner’s need for real sleep because of his physical job is also a legit, health-related boundary. This isn’t just about feelings — it’s about a shared home and agreed-upon boundaries, plus the practical reality of one real bed and a couch that’s not ideal every night. If it were me, I’d start by asking how serious the fight was — if your sister left because she felt unsafe, give her the bed and your full support. If it was a heated argument and she
- podcast· 1h 43m· S5E268
CASE 0505: Pass the Peas, Please
DEFENDANT: Pazuzu EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition "The Exorcist" Cabernet Sauvignon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Hell, or a staircase near you... -- Hey friend — welcome to our spooky season send-off. We cracked a bottle of Manos Cabernet, sunk into the couch, and dove headfirst into The Exorcist: the movie, the poster, the Pazuzu lore and all the deliciously grim behind-the-scenes gossip. Expect laughter, wine-fueled tangents, and the kind of true-crime sidetracks that only two slightly lubricated hosts can provide. We unpack why that iconic image of Father Merrin under the lamplight still freaks us out (Magritte vibes included), how the film shaped the possession subgenre, and why Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn left their mark on horror history. We talk casting choices that almost were (Marlon Brando, Audrey Hepburn?), the haunting performance choices, and how Pazuzu went from ancient Mesopotamia to Hollywood’s demon of choice. Of course we get into the messy, human side: on-set injuries, prac
- podcast· 14:58· Ep 267
Sidebar Ep. 127: Spooky Season Essentials: From Hannibal to Hocus Pocus
Join us for a laid-back sidebar of True Crimes Against Wine where we dive into our favorite spooky season picks — from psychological dread to nostalgic childhood classics. We trade top-three lists, debate Hocus Pocus ownership (sorry, Topher), and discover surprising picks like Arsenic and Old Lace, Over the Garden Wall, and Trick 'r Treat. Expect cozy black-and-white vibes, campy anthology thrills, and sweet traditions like midnight margaritas and seasonal movie nights. If you love autumnal atmosphere, classic scares, or feel-good witchy rom-coms, this chat has something to add to your watchlist. Pop some popcorn, put on a sweater, and come hang with us for movie recs and cozy fall chat.
- podcast· 1h 43m· S5E266
CASE 0504: The IT Factor
DEFENDANT: Pennywise the Dancing Clown EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition "IT" Cabernet Sauvignon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Derry, Maine -- Hey friend — pull up a chair (but maybe keep an eye on the storm drain). In this episode we crack open some Manos vino and dive headfirst into Stephen King’s It: the book, the 1990 miniseries, and the 2017/2019 films. We chat about why the various adaptations land so differently, what makes Pennywise terrifying (Tim Curry vs. Bill Skarsgård), and how the story’s big ideas — childhood trauma, memory, and fear — get handled across formats. We also get candid about the parts that don’t sit right: problematic elements in the book, how King’s worldview shows up in his writing, and why some of his choices (yep, we mean that one scene) feel unnecessary and disturbing. It’s a frank, cozy, and sometimes messy convo — the kind you’d have with your snarkiest, warmest friends over a glass (or three). If you love horror history, behind-the-scenes casting tea, and judge-
- podcast· 13:20· Ep 265
People's Court Ep. 02: Trouble in Paradise?
Join the hosts of True Crimes Against Wine as they dive into a heated Am I the A**hole Reddit post: a dad is offered a free family trip to Hawaii but his wife, 7 months pregnant, doesn't want to go. Should he take their toddler and enjoy the rare opportunity, or stay to support his pregnant partner? This episode is equal parts judgment, curiosity, and empathy as the hosts debate medical risks, emotional nuances, and communication in relationships. Expect candid takes, laughs, and real-talk about pregnancy, travel safety, and how to handle tough couple decisions — all delivered with the podcast\'s signature snark and warmth.
- podcast· 1h 38m· S5E264
CASE 0503: Friday, Friday, Gotta Get Down on Friday
DEFENDANT: Inconclusive EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition Friday 13th Cab Sauv SCENE OF THE CRIME: Camp Crystal Lake, duh -- Join Judge Topher and Judge Rachel for a hilariously intimate, wine-soaked chat about the entire Friday the 13th saga. They riff on everything from the original film’s odd pacing and surprise twist to Jason’s evolution (hockey mask, cyborg era, and questionable resurrection logistics). Between sips of Manos Cab and offbeat personal stories (yes, poop tales and mall Freddy sightings included), they debate which sequels make sense, how horror tropes like “sex gets you killed” came to be, and whether Freddy or Jason would actually win. Casual, funny, and warm — it’s like eavesdropping on two friends dissecting slashers, spooky season plans, and the absurdities of genre continuity. Tune in for laughs, nostalgia, and the kind of off-script banter you wish your pals would record.
- podcast· 9:13· Ep 263
Sidebar Ep. 126: Paws & Pinot: Matching Dogs to Their Perfect Pour
Hey friend — welcome back to another cozy, slightly silly episode of True Crimes Against Wine. Today we did what any wine-and-dog-loving friends would do: we matched dog breeds to wines (and one cocktail), riffed on personalities, and learned a few fun facts along the way. We wandered through some real winners: a graceful Borzoi that felt like mulled wine by a hearth, a tiny-but-mighty Miniature Pinscher who’s totally Napa Valley Cabernet energy, and an every-neighborhood Pitbull that’s basically the reliable, crowd-pleasing Sauvignon Blanc. Then we got into doodles — smart, energetic, sometimes stubborn — which felt like a spicy, cheeky Malbec. We also paired lab mixes with a California red blend (the kind of bottle you have to investigate online to figure out the exact percentages) and admitted defeat by giving the host’s turbo-then-snoozy puppy an espresso martini because sometimes dogs are straight-up espresso and then instantly a nap. If you’ve got a breed we didn’t cover (and the
- podcast· 1h 38m· S5E262
CASE 0502: What's Up, Doll Face?
DEFENDANT: Annabelle EVIDENCE: Manos Special Edition Annabelle Cabernet Sauvignon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Hell -- Hey friend — pull up a chair and pour yourself a glass (or two) — we spent the episode diving into Annabelle, Manos' delightfully creepy collector bottles, and a whole lot of supernatural rambling. Expect laughs, movie takes, and some bourbon-powered philosophy about demons, dolls, and the weird stuff that gives you goosebumps. Whether you’re Team Scared or Team Skeptic, we’re keeping it cozy and a little spooky — like chatting with your most entertainingly weird friend over wine. Come for the horror breakdowns, stay for the ridiculous tangents about haunted lamps, porcelain dolls, and whether priests should just take the damn cursed thing to church.
- podcast· 27:27· Ep 261
People's Court Ep. 01: Mother-in-Law Moves In: Family or Fallout?
Hey friend — this episode dives into a tense family showdown: a wife refuses to have her judgmental, purity-culture–pushing mother-in-law move in, while her husband insists it’s his duty. We’re sipping wine, reading Reddit, and delivering a candid verdict about who’s in the wrong — spoiler: it gets heated. Come for the drama, stay for the spicy takes and listener stories. If you’ve got wild in-law tales, we want to hear them.
- podcast· 2h 11m· S5E260
CASE 0501: Roll For Reunion!
DEFENDANT: DragonCon EVIDENCE: Old Fourth Ward Limited Edition DragonCon Bourbon SCENE OF THE CRIME: Atlanta, Georgia! -- Hey friend — we’re back for Season 5 and we start things off with bourbon, Dragon Con vibes, and the kind of stories you only find when nerd culture meets true crime. Join us for cocktails, cosplay chat, a few messy scandals, and loads of heart. Grab a drink, get cozy, and let’s catch up like old pals — we’ve missed you.
- podcast· 20:45· Ep 259
Sidebar Ep. 125: Season 5 Kick-Off: Wine, Scandals, and Hot Dog Debates
Hey friend — we’re kicking off season five with a cozy, gossip-filled Q&A. Come hang while we spill our first celeb scandals, swap fave (and not-so-fave) wines, and debate whether a hot dog is a sandwich or a taco. It’s low-key, honest, and full of the kind of banter we’d have over a picnic bottle of Pinot. Got questions? Send them our way — we love answering on the show and sending out swag.
- podcast· 9:59· Ep 258
Sidebar Ep. 124: New Fur Babies & Healing Hearts: Meet Sylvan and Marina
Hey friend — quick life update: after some tough losses we brought home two new sweet chaos-makers, Sylvan the snuggly cat and Marina the curious puppy, and they’ve already made the house feel whole again. Expect loud kibble crunching, surprise ankle ambushes, backyard zoomies, and lots of goofy moments — and yes, we want to see your pet pics because they absolutely make our day.
- podcast· 14:25· Ep 254
Sidebar Ep. 123: Breaking Fashion News: The Wedding Style Reveal!
Hey there, lovely listeners! In this episode, we're diving into some serious fashion revelations about my fiancé's wedding outfit. Originally, this episode was all about the accessories for the big day, but guess what? There's been a major update — the suit has finally been chosen! My fiancé went on a thrilling sartorial adventure with his brothers, breaking the mold with a stunning plum-colored suit. Trust me, it's not your typical wedding look, ditching the predictable dark blue for something bold and fall-appropriate. But don't worry, no fedoras were harmed in the making of this episode! We chat through the high-stakes decision-making, have a laugh at past questionable fashion choices, and even take a poll on a certain tie — let's see if I get proven wrong! Plus, you'll hear all about the perfect accessories to match my floral veil. So, cozy up, grab a glass of wine, and let us take you on this fun, fashion-forward journey. We'd love to hear your wedding style stories and opinions,
- podcast· 19:03· Ep 253
Sidebar Ep. 122: Bachelorette Trip Woes and Wins
Hey there! In this episode, we're diving into the chaos and fun of a bachelorette trip that almost didn't happen. Imagine finding the perfect mountain cabin with your friends, only to have the booking fall through last minute – VRBO nightmare, right? But don't worry, we got lucky with a backup plan that was even better! Join us as we recount our themed nights, from Disco Rodeo to Romance Book Club, and the ridiculous fun that followed – think tattoos, dance-offs, and unexpected dragonfly romances. Plus, we have a hilarious white elephant romance novel exchange that brought out some wild picks. Who knew romance reads could get so...unusual? Let's toast to friendships, unexpected twists, and the joy of shared adventures. Can't wait to hear about your own bachelorette adventures and outrageous romance novel finds. Enjoy the laughs and cheers to more crazy memories!
- podcast· 14:41· Ep 252
Sidebar Ep. 121: Bachelorette Shenanigans: A Unique Blend of Fun and Horror
Hey there, friends! Ready for some laughs and a taste of our craziest conversations yet? This week's episode dives into upcoming wedding plans, including our unique bachelorette trip with a twist! Get the inside scoop on our no-partners-allowed getaway to a dreamy farmhouse with its own pool, where themed nights and unexpected surprises await. Plus, discover our unconventional approach to party planning, where pink, rosé, and hilarity fill the air! But that's not all! We're having an open discussion about funny yet relatable moments, like using body parts as props, causing chaos, and the unfiltered chats that make friendships so special. Trust us, you'll want to be a part of this wild ride.
- podcast· 26:17· Ep 251
Sidebar Ep. 120: Hollywood Age Gap Drama: Anna Camp and Her Controversial New Romance
Hey there! Ready to dive into the spicy world of Hollywood gossip? In this episode, we're buzzing about Anna Camp's latest romantic escapade that seems to be stirring quite the pot. You might remember her from 'Pitch Perfect' and 'True Blood,' but now she's hitting headlines for her new relationship with Jade, a stylist nearly 20 years her junior. Is love truly blind to age gaps, or is there more than meets the eye? Let's chat about those intriguing dynamics, Hollywood pressures, and power imbalances that have everyone talking. Cheers to navigating love's true crimes, one headline at a time!
- podcast· 17:54· Ep 250
Sidebar Ep. 119: The Unfiltered Orlando Bloom & Katy Perry Saga
Hey there! Welcome to another side-splitting episode of True Crimes Against Wine. Today, we're diving headfirst into the juicy details of the Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry saga. Ever wondered about their on-and-off romance? Or the story behind THAT paddleboard picture that Topher just can't get enough of? Well, look no further! Expect a rollercoaster of laughs as we veer off into hilarious tangents, from the mysterious mechanics of water sports to imagining the couple's daughter's accent. Topher spills the tea, or should we say, mineral water, all while keeping us on our toes. Plus, a cheeky look at celeb life, engagement ring drama, and Katy's quirky journey from California Girls to space explorer. Join us for a light-hearted and unfiltered chat that might just have you raising a glass to some "hard-hitting" news—Dan Rather style. Whether you're sipping mineral water or something stronger, this episode promises to entertain and maybe even make you blush a little. Cheers to that, and en
- podcast· 30:46· Ep 249
Sidebar Ep. 118: Tipping Etiquette: Decoding the American Culture
Hey friends! In this episode, we're diving deep into the complexities of tipping culture in the United States. It's more than just a simple thank you for good service; it's a hotly debated topic that brings up questions about fair pay, corporate responsibility, and good old American capitalism. Join us as we share laughs and stories from the service industry trenches. From the nuances of restaurant tipping to how much you should leave for your barista's killer coffee art, we're covering it all. We even tackle those awkward moments when the check arrives, and you're left wondering if you're tipping too little, too much, or just enough. Let's navigate these waters together and figure out where we stand on the tipping spectrum!
- podcast· 16:21· Ep 248
Sidebar Ep. 117: Squirrel Shenanigans and Stingray Surprises
Hey there, fellow true crime and wine enthusiasts! Dive into this adventurous episode with Topher and I as we unravel our wild animal encounters that range from hilariously chaotic to heart-pounding moments. While recounting our tales, prepare for a few laughs, some unexpected twists, and a touch of suspense. And yes, there's a stingray involved in a story you won't soon forget! Plus, find out what happens when animal lovers cross paths with nature in unexpected ways, including a mountain lion's curious encounter. If you’re an animal lover or just enjoy a good story over a glass of wine, you’re in the right place! We even tackle why squirrels might be avoiding golf courses and take you through a scenic cruise adventure with a few animal cameos. Pour yourself a glass, get comfy, and join us for some laughs, thrills, and maybe a little bit of nature-friendly advice. Cheers!
- podcast· 18:35· Ep 244
Sidebar Ep. 116: Sip by Sip: Unlocking the Secrets of Wine Tasting
Hey there, wine lovers! Ever stared at a glass of wine and wondered what to say about it? Join in as we dive into the basics of wine tasting, where flavor exploration becomes a fun, stress-free experience. Whether you're nosing a Pinot Noir or pondering the playfulness of a wine at a picnic, we've got the tips to guide you, complete with a handy cheat—oops! I mean, help sheet to make sense of it all. Discover how three simple flavors can unfold into a plethora of tasting notes that even make a waiter raise an eyebrow. This episode is about embracing the joy of wine—a journey from the nose to the glass with a splash of humor and a lot of discovery. Grab your glass, bring out the binder, and start your flavorful adventure with us. Cheers to learning, laughter, and, of course, wine!
- podcast· 10:22· Ep 243
Sidebar Ep.115: Imaginary Campaigns & Intriguing Adventures: A Creative Spin on D&D
Hey there! Dive into our latest episode as we chat about crafting fantastical and fun D&D campaigns you never knew you needed. From exploring the vibrant world under the sea with all its mythical creatures to discovering hidden realms within your mundane office space, we’ve got creative juices flowing. Join us as we brainstorm epic campaigns, including a thrilling podcast interruption leading to a mission of judge-like heroics, and navigating the treacherous court of King Henry VIII as one of his wives. Whether it’s hunting for sunken treasures or evading a historical king's wrath, our ideas are bound to spark your imagination. We also share how pop culture and classic elements can fuse to create unforgettable gaming experiences. So whether you’re a seasoned dungeon master or just dipping your toes in role-playing games, this chat will inspire your next adventure. Plus, we're excited to reveal some new swag we’ve got lined up for you! Don't miss out, and let's get those creative minds
- podcast· 11:56· Ep 242
Sidebar Ep. 114: The Grapes Are Struggling: Climate Change's Threat to the Wine Industry
Hey friends! Welcome to another wild ride with "True Crime Against Wine." Today, Judge Rachel and Judge Topher spill the tea (or should I say wine?) on how climate change is shaking things up in the wine world! Our buddy Noah's question takes us on a whirlwind tour of vineyard challenges, from awkward frosts to raging wildfires. It’s a bumpy ride for those grapes, and we’re here to share the highs and toasting lows these winemakers are facing. Ready to dive into what might just be the world's juiciest climate drama? Tune in, sip along, and maybe grab a bottle of your favorite vintage before it becomes as rare as a unicorn. Cheers to knowledge, resilience, and, of course, wine!
- podcast· 8:37· Ep 241
Sidebar Ep. 113: Witty Wines and Game of Thrones: Drunk Pairings
Hey there! Ever wondered what wine your favorite characters from Game of Thrones would sip on during their downtime? In this wild and witty episode, we're diving into just that with a fun sidebar conversation! Join us as we hilariously match the iconic personalities of Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, and more to wines that capture their essence. Whether it's a cozy Pinot Noir for everyone's favorite brooding hero or a sharp Gruner-Veltliner for the fierce Mother of Dragons, there's something for every Westerosi palate. And we don't stop there! We chat about Tyrion's potential switch from wine aficionado to scotch sipper and even ponder what ancient wine would befit Drogon's fiery nature. It's all in good fun, so grab a glass, sit back, and let's toast to the Seven Kingdoms together!