PODCAST · society
Pairing
by Emma Sherr-Ziarko
A podcast about pairing wine with art and culture! Every other week, Emma, your host, talks with various guests about how to pair wine with the things that they love- and they're not talking about food! Learn more about wine and which bottles to look out for through a discussion of art, books, movies, music, theater, and more.
Episodes
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Episode 100: The Silmarillion
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...
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Episode 99: Critical Role
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...
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Episode 98: Merlin (with Ariela Rotengold)
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...
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Episode 97: Winston's History Corner
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…
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Episode 96: Witcher Book Club (with Ester Ellis, Brenna Galvin, and Anthony Pinggera)
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...
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Episode 95: The Land of Two Thousand Grapes Part 2: The Red Wines of Italy
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...
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Episode 94: A Sundered Throne (with Philippa Werner aka Moira Katson)
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…
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Episode 93: Wolf 359 (with the Cast and Crew of Wolf 359)
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...
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Episode 92: Gilmore Girls (with Brooke Jennett)
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...
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Episode 91: Hallowine Part II (with John-Paul Cirelli)
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,...
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Episode 90: The Expanse
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...
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Episode 89: Ted Lasso
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,...
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Episode 88: Eldritch Horror
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...
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Episode 87: Star Trek: The Next Generation
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...
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Episode 86: Marvel TV
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,...
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Episode 85: Supernatural (with Meghan Fitzmartin)
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...
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Episode 84: Schitt's Creek (with Emma Cohen)
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…
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Episode 83: Beetlejuice (with Brooke Jennett)
Emma is joined by fellow podcaster, actor, and fan of wine Brooke Jennett to talk about Tim Burton's classic, Beetlejuice. We talk both about what makes this film amazing- from Michael Keaton's performance to Geena Davis's smock dress- and what wines the living would drink. Plus: a wine that is...
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Episode 82: Comfort Wines Part Two
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 inexpensive, and admits she has read some romance novels. Plus: more Mass Effect and Witcher, all...
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Episode 81: Black Sails
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 how it ages like a fine wine. Plus: the USS Meritage, Wookie actors, the...
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Episode 80: King Kong (with John-Paul Cirelli)
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 future, while Emma improvises some wine pairings. Plus: shipping Kong and Mothra, airport Sauvignon Blanc,...
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Episode 79: The West Wing (with Mike Schubert)
Mike Schubert, aka Schubes, returns to Pairing to talk about an oddly appropriate show for this moment: The West Wing. Emma and Schubes talk about their favorite characters, and Emma drags them for their choices in drinks. Plus: emails from Bradley Whitford, Mike's on-point cocktail game, making…
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Episode 78: Sherlock Holmes (with Sara Ghaleb)
Emma is joined by local genius Sara Ghaleb (Arden, Historical Hookups) to discuss one of the most iconic figures in modern literature, Sherlock Holmes. We cover everything from Sara's top 5 Holmes stories, to critical literary analysis, to salty takes on TV adaptations, to using wine knowledge to...
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Episode 77: Dragon Age (with Wil Williams)
Emma continues her journey through BioWare content with Wil Williams, as they discuss the Dragon Age games. We focus on the third game, Inquisition, but we do discuss all three games, our favorite characters, and our least favorite writing choices. We agree that mages are the most fun, and they...
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Episode 76: Clue
In this episode, Emma and Winston discuss the 1985 zany comedy, Clue! We also discuss the game, and which character we would always play as. Listen to hear us gush over Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, and the rest of the amazing cast, and Emma explains a bit about Cognac (whether or not it was…
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Episode 75: Pan's Labyrinth (with Eli Barazza)
Emma is joined by Eli Barazza (The Whisperforge) to discuss one of their favorite films, Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno). Eli brings all sorts of insight and knowledge to the table, while Emma talks a little bit about Spanish history and Spanish wine. They discuss Guillermo del Toro's...
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Episode 74: Mass Effect Part II (with Philippa Werner)
Emma and Philippa Werner continue their discussion of the original Mass Effect trilogy, this time delving deeper into some of the larger themes and bigger questions of the trilogy. We discuss the ending(s) and the relationship between organics and synthetics in the game, as well as in the wine...
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Episode 73: Mass Effect Part I (with Philippa Werner)
We're back from hiatus, and Emma can't wait to talk about her newest obsession: Mass Effect! She is joined by author Philippa Werner (who writes under the names Moira Katson and Natalie Grey) to discuss this utter masterpiece of a videogame and storytelling. In this first part of our…
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Episode 72: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Part Two
Emma and Winston continue their discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We focus on the last three seasons of the show, which cover some pretty dark themes, but we also talk about the fun. Emma gives her top 5 (ish) episodes, and Winston defends Dawn and rants about the Watcher's Council. Plus:...
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Episode 71: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Part One
At long last, Emma and Winston sit down to discuss one of their favorite television shows of all time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In this first part of our discussion, we talk about our complicated feelings about Angel and Spike, as well as our favorite (and least favorite) villains, seasons, and...
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Episode 70: Birthday Party!
It's Emma's birthday, so let's talk about birthdays! Emma and Winston have a birthday chat, and are joined periodically by some of our past guests, John-Paul Cirelli, Michelle Agresti, Emma Cohen, and Sarah Wolfe, to talk about their favorite birthday traditions and experiences. Featuring:...
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Episode 69: Star Wars Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker (with Danielle Shemaiah)
Emma is joined by the marvelous Danielle Shemaiah (The Whisperforge) to discuss the last film in the Skywalker Saga, The Rise of Skywalker. We critique it with love, as we lament what might have been if Carrie Fisher hadn't passed, and if J.J. Abrams were better at ending things. Featuring: our...
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Episode 68: Star Wars Episode VIII- The Last Jedi
Emma and Winston discuss one of their all-time favorite Star Wars films, The Last Jedi. They try to play Devil's Advocate and understand why people would not like this movie, but mostly focus on its strengths as the most spiritually challenging of these films. Plus: Rey: unfined & unfiltered,...
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Episode 67: Star Wars Episode VII- The Force Awakens (with Chad Ellis)
Emma is joined by podcasting extraordinaire Chad Ellis to discuss the first film in the most recent of Star Wars trilogies, The Force Awakens. We share our love for this movie, and our stories of first seeing it (Chad's is way cooler). Plus: characters and world-building, Kylo & wine bros…
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Episode 66: Avatar: The Last Airbender
"There can be no peace without justice." -Avatar Kyoshi knew what was up, and there's a lot we all can learn from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Winston and Emma discuss what they love from this show, why it's important, and also the problematic cultural appropriation involved in making it. Plus…
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Episode 65: Star Wars Episode VI- The Return of the Jedi (with Anthony Pinggera)
Anthony Pinggera returns to Pairing to discuss Episode VI of Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi. We agree that this movie somehow holds itself together despite having many moving parts, but we disagree on Jedi Rock. Plus: Harrison Ford's deathwish for Han, possible other directors, C-3PO…
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Episode 64: Star Wars Episode V- The Empire Strikes Back (with Christopher Dole)
Happy 40 Years of The Empire Strikes Back! Christopher Dole returns to Pairing to discuss the sequel that redefined sequels, Episode V of the Star Wars saga. We talk about why this is our favorite Star Wars movie, how it was received at the time, and the difficulties they faced in making it.…
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Episode 63: Star Wars Episode IV- A New Hope (with Sarah Shachat)
The great Sarah Shachat returns to Pairing to discuss the film that started it all: Episode IV- A New Hope (aka, the original Star Wars). Sarah, Emma, and Winston share their thoughts, love, and occasional criticism of this iconic film, and talk about how it came to be, and the alternative…
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Episode 62: The Witcher
It has happened: Emma has started playing video games! So, we decided to take this opportunity to talk about the Witcher Game and Television Series. Hear some stories about Emma's journey so far, learn a little bit about Czech wine, and hear a preview of Winston's version of "Toss a Coin to Your...
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Episode 61: Your Wine Questions II: Quarantine Edition
Emma and Winston talk about what they've been drinking while they practice social distancing in quarantine, and answer some of your wine questions! Listen to find out what it is that makes a wine not vegan, the difference in the fermentation processes between wine, beer, and spirits, and the…
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Episode 60: Podcasts (with Meghan Fitzmartin)
Emma is joined by Meghan Fitzmartin (Supernatural, Red Rhino, Wine & Comics) to discuss one of our favorite mediums: podcasts and Audio Drama! Meghan shares some wisdom on what it's like to work in the entertainment industry, and some of the differences between writing for audio and visual…
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Episode 59: Brazil (with Zach Valenti)
Emma is joined by Zach Valenti (Focused AF, No Bad Ideas) to discuss Terry Gilliam's dystopian fever dream of a film, Brazil. We talk about the importance of imagination in film and storytelling, and Zach comes up with a nightmare cocktail to pair with the movie. Plus: orange wines, living that...
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Episode 58: Star Wars: Rogue One
Emma and Winston discuss the War Movie of the Star Wars saga, Rogue One. Hear our thoughts on how this movie expands the religion, politics, and diversity of this world, and listen to Emma find pairings for the characters in real time. Featuring: war-torn wine regions, Donnie Yen's magic…
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Episode 57: Game Night
For Pairing's two-year anniversary and for Valentine's Day, we wanted to talk about one of our favorite pastimes, Board Games! Emma and Winston discuss some of their favorite games, from Settlers of Catan to Eldritch Horror to Clue, and Emma pairs wine with each of the games! Featuring: tabletop...
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Episode 56: Little Women and Nostalgic Wines (with Arie Levine)
Arie returns to Pairing to talk with Emma about a truly formative story in their lives that has a new retelling, Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. They recount their experiences watching the film version starring Winona Ryder as children, and compare it to Greta Gerwig's recent adaptation. Emma...
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Episode 55: Star Wars: Solo (with Brandon Grugle)
Emma is joined by Brandon Grugle (Join the Party, Multitude) to discuss the underrated Star Wars film, Solo. We talk about rejecting toxic fandom, how this is just a fun Space Cowboy genre piece, and how it solidifies our love for Han Solo. Plus, we play the best game we've played on Pairing yet:...
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Episode 54: Comfort Wines for Comfort TV
We're starting the year (and the decade) off with a feel-good episode about the TV shows that just make us feel good. We discuss some of our favorite comfort TV shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Frasier, Gilmore Girls, and Star Trek, and Emma and Winston recommend some of their favorite...
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Episode 53: Star Wars: The Prequels (Part II)
Emma and Winston finish their discussion of the Star Wars prequels, and Winston makes his controversial yet compelling case that Episode III is a superior film to Episode VI. Plus: Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine for 40 years, Ewan's McGregor's increasingly good hair choices, and Samuel L. Jackson…
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Episode 52: Star Wars: The Prequels (Part I)
Emma and Winston kick off their new series about Star Wars with a controversial discussion of the prequels- controversial because Winston actually likes them. We discuss much maligned wines, and the strengths of these films- mostly the fight choreography, sound design, and Ewan McGregor- and…
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Episode 51: Your Wine Questions
It's storytime with Emma as she answers some of your awesome queries into the wine world and the wine industry. Listen to hear what inexpensive sparkling wine Emma loves, the secret of "off-dry" wines, and what an LBV Port is. Also featuring: secrets of the trade, Kyle McLachlan, and some weird...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast about pairing wine with art and culture! Every other week, Emma, your host, talks with various guests about how to pair wine with the things that they love- and they're not talking about food! Learn more about wine and which bottles to look out for through a discussion of art, books, movies, music, theater, and more.
HOSTED BY
Emma Sherr-Ziarko
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pairing have?
Pairing currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pairing about?
A podcast about pairing wine with art and culture! Every other week, Emma, your host, talks with various guests about how to pair wine with the things that they love- and they're not talking about food! Learn more about wine and which bottles to look out for through a discussion of art, books,...
How often does Pairing release new episodes?
Pairing has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Pairing?
You can listen to Pairing on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Pairing?
Pairing is created and hosted by Emma Sherr-Ziarko.
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