Wendy and Amy take on a sciencey romance with Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. We let AI guide our discussion and it took us down a science path that was anything but boring. Pop a cork to love in the lab! Book: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood Bubbly: Biagio Prosecco Have you ever read a STEMinist romance? Did you know that Marie Curie was th…

Wendy and Amy discuss speculative fiction novel The Measure by Nikki Erlick. We talked characters we related to and loved, and some we didn't. We had thoughts about AI and which of us would absolutely have to open the box. Pop a cork to living your life to the fullest! Book: The Measure by Nikki Erlick Bubbly: Giusti Asolo Prosecco Can AI Predict L…

Wendy and Amy discuss a little romance with Book Lovers by Emily Henry. We loved the sisterly bond between Nora and Libby, and the snarky banter between Nora and Charlie. Pop a cork to finding love where you least expect it! Book: Book Lovers by Emily Henry Bubbly: Caposaldo Prosecco This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY. Character Sketches Wendy: Nor…

Wendy and Amy discuss the sweeping family drama Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. They talk characters, ghastly and golden, secrets, love, and of course, about a black cake. Pop a cork to traditions that hold together, and sometimes even heal, a family! Book: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Bubbly: Gancia Prosecco This episode has a SPOILER SUMM…

Wendy and Amy discuss The Maid by Nita Prose, a locked-room mystery with an intriguing cast of characters. We loved Molly, were repulsed by Rodney (one of us, anyway!), and enamored with the fabulous setting. Which characters got a kiss, a ring, or a knife through the heart this time? Pop a cork to one underestimated, but brilliant Maid! Book: The …

Wendy and Amy put on their lab coats and dive into Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. They talk characters, resiliency, and just what that #2 pencil (might've) meant for Elizabeth Zott. Pop a cork to women who stand up for other women and themselves! Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Bubbly: Bolla Prosecco Toxic Pesticide article by S…

Wendy and Amy are back! It's a whole new year and a whole new season. We've got a few tweaks and changes this season, a stack of great books and plenty of bubbly. Our prologue will get you ready for it all. Pop a cork to Season 6! Books and Bubbly by Month * January: Prologue with Hi Prosecco * February:Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus with Bo…

Wendy and Amy recap this season with one final jello shot, a Fruited Prosecco Jelly Shot. Some short stories and jello shots were clear winners and others were not, in their opinion. Find out which ones ranked and which ones tanked! Pop a cork to shorts and shots! Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Fruited Prosecco Jelly Shot from Jelly Shot Test Kitchen…

Wendy and Amy wrap up the season with tow short stories by Ernest Hemingway, "in our time" and "The Killers," paired with a classic brunch drink as a jello shot, a Mimosa Jello Shot. They talk Hemingway's terse style, recurring themes in his work, and fun facts that shaped his writing. They also find out if a mimosa jello shot is just like the real…

Wendy and Amy discuss two gothic-esque short stories by Canadian author Alice Munro, "A Basket of Strawberries" and "Meneseteung." This week's jello is more dessert than shot, the Strawberry Prosecco Jelly Dessert. They've got an illicit affair, an aborted affair, moral conflicts, memory versus reality, and epiphanies. Pop a cork to some loaded lit…

Wendy and Amy discuss two creepy short stories by the very prolific Joyce Carol Oates, "In the Old World" and "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?," which they pair with the not-at-all creepy Prosecco Jelly Shot with Pomegranate Bursting Boba. They find elements of psychological realism and a bit of number and hair symbology in these gothic-t…

Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by the two-time Pulitzer Prize winner John Updike, "Friends from Philadelphia" and "Gesturing," and pair it with some fancy looking Prosecco Jelly Flutes. They've got some fun facts about the literary critic, sympathize with a teen unknowingly caught in a class war, and attempt to decipher a befuddling gestur…

Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by Dorothy Parker, "Such a Pretty Little Picture" and "Here We Are," and finally get a taste of prosecco in a Pretty Pink Prosecco Jello Shot. They find the funny and the tragic in an old and new marriage, ponder unhappy endings and roles women - and men! - were/are expected to play. Pop a cork to the Queen o…

Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by Raymond Carver, "Furious Seasons" and "Where I'm Calling From," and try a 78 Jelly Shot. These stories have mystery and murder, drinking and detoxing. They talk about Carver's use of imagery, writing from experience, and stories that leave you disoriented and disturbed. Pop a cork to gritty, but great stor…

Wendy and Amy are going all classic with two short stories by William Faulkner, "Landing in Luck" and "That Evening Sun Go Down," paired with a classic-inspired jello shot, The French 75. They've got Fun Faulkner Facts, talk evolution of an author's style, two different takes on class conflict, and comedic, but tragic endings. Pop a cork to landing…

Wendy and Amy take a look at two short stories by Flannery O'Connor, "The Geranium" and "Greenleaf." They also taste test a very interesting looking Naturally Green Prosecco Jello Shot. First line predictions go sideways, endings are Gothic, and themes of hubris and aging round out this fun discussion. Pop a cork to aging with grace! Today's Prosec…

Wendy and Amy discuss two short stories by one of the great American playwrights, Tennessee Williams - "The Vengeance of Nitocris" and "The Resemblance Between a Violin Case and a Coffin," and try a Peach Bellini Jello Shot. With one story loose historical fiction and the other possibly based on personal history/experience, they look at elements of…

Wendy and Amy take on two short stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Babes in the Woods" and "Crazy Sunday." They also try a classic prosecco happy hour drink in jello shot form, the Aperol Spritzer Jello Shot. They discuss first lines, the power they have, or don't have, to pull the reader in, and endings that leave a reader satisfied; elements that a…

Wendy and Amy are back with another season of books, banter and bubbles! This go around it's all about short stories and jello shots, made with prosecco, of course! Find out what's in store for the season and who really doesn't like jello shots. Pop a cork to Season 5! Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Raspberry Prosecco Tulip using Chambord This Season…

Our season of romance has come to a close, / With lots of prosecco and loads of prose. / Some sips and stories we really loved a lot, / Pop a cork to the ones that took our top spot! Show Notes: Today’s Bubbly: Ca’Belli Spumante Prosecco Rose – We finally agreed on a rating. Favorite Dark Chocolate Flavors found at Aldi: Sea Salt, Chile, Strawberry…

Wendy and Amy take a vacay to the beach, / And look at a love that's both here and out of reach. / For 28 perfect summers Mal and Jake rendezvous, / Pop a cork to stolen moments that made a love so true. Show Notes: Author Elin Hilderbrand's Webpage Conca d'Oro Prosecco Rose Writer's Write Blog: "The Four Pillars of Romance" Article by Oliver Fox. …

Wendy and Amy mull over a young romance. / Will a fake meet cute lead to real love, by chance? / Maybe, if Noah just follows his list. / Pop a cork for the love he almost missed! Show Notes: Author: Emery Lee Prosecco: Borrasca Prosecco Rosé Oliver Fox’s Writer’s Write Article “Four Pillars of Romance” Big Gay Fiction Podcast Next Episode: 28 Summe…

Wendy and Amy look at a love at war / Both on the Home Front and a far away shore. / While Jolene's in a battle, Michael fights, too. / Pop a cork to winning at love, part deux. Show Notes: Author Kristin Hannah’s Webpage Oliver Fox’s article “The Four Pillars of Romance” from Writers Write Blog. The Morning Formation Podcast with KP Next Episode: …

Wendy and Amy read an O. Henry tale / Then muse on the idea of love by betrayal. / But Miss Maggie just looks so smashing in black / Pop a cork to her beau who knows which secret to crack! Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCAST Show Notes: Oliver Fox's "Four Pillars of Romance" article Stuff You Missed in History Class Podca…

Wendy and Amy shed at least a thousand tears / For Tillie Cole's young loves heartbreaking fears. / Will Poppy collect her thousand boy kisses? / Pop a cork to Rune fulfilling her wishes! Show Notes: Author Tillie Cole's Webpage Jules Prosecco Rose link Writer's Write Blog: "The Four Pillars of Romance" Article by Oliver Fox. Boozy Book Talk Podcas…

Wendy and Amy look at a one-sided love affair. / Haruki Murakami's written of a perfect pair. / Does the boy take a chance to make a love connection? / Pop a cork to seeing your 100% perfection. Show Notes: Author Website: Haruki Murakami Link to short story: “On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning” Lyrics Page Mentioned: Geniu…

It’s game on when Wendy and Amy tackle The Hating Game. / Sally Thorne’s MC Lucy has Josh’s heart all aflame. / As these workplace enemies compete for a COO promotion, / Pop a cork to love and hate, Josh and Lucy are full of emotion. Show Notes: Author Sally Thorne's Webpage Oliver Fox's article "The Four Pillars of Romance" from The Writers Write …

Wendy & Amy ponder Reid's One True Loves Dilemma / Sweet Sam's love helped heal heartbroken Emma. / But then her husband returns, Jesse's alive, / Pop A Cork to the ways love can change & survive! Show Notes: Oliver Fox's article "The Four Pillars of Romance" Glamour article mentioned Book Broads Podcast - "We Read Every Book by Taylor Jenkins Reid…

Wendy and Amy find the love in James Joyce's Eveline, / But is this forbidden, secret love a happiness lifeline? / Or does a stronger love triangle have Eveline's devotion? / Pop a cork to the ties that bind and also leave us broken. Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS. Show Notes: Oliver Fox's "Four Pillars of Romance" …

Wendy and Amy discuss The Great Gatsby affair, / Can Gatsby win Daisy, make a love triangle a pair? / Or are they two star-crossed lovers, doomed from the start? / Pop a cork to this classic and Gatsby’s quest for his sweetheart. Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS. SHOW NOTES: Oliver Fox's "Four Pillars of Romance" arti…

We've got bubbles and books galore, So much to love and adore! Are you ready to see what's in store? Pop a cork to Season 4! Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS. Next Episode: F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby | Kirkland Signature Prosecco Rose Sites Mentioned: The Vinepair Podcast | Celebrity Booze Snoop Episode Ai…

Wendy and Amy power down the season with a bit of superlative fun. Find out what was the bubbliest, prettiest, and best of the season. Pop a cork to Season 3! Season 4 drops in February. Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS.Av Wendy & Amy

Wendy and Amy bring the power trip to an end with Abigail Dean's slow burn thriller Girl A. They discuss the power of money and remembering, differences between a house and a home, and how books are an escape, but can also be a trap. Pop a cork to the power of survival! Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS. Next Episode: …

Wendy and Amy discuss Alejandro Puyana's incredibly moving short story "The Hands of Dirty Children." The power of the author's pen, hands and elephants, and some numerology round out the discussion. Pop a cork to the power of phenomenal writing! Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS. Next Episode: Abigail Dean's Girl A pa…

Wendy and Amy weave through quite a discussion of Marcia Preston's novel The Spiderling. The power of grief causes a mother to regress and a daughter to grow up, and dog tags, spiders, and Gold Star Families are all part of the discussion web. Pop a cork to the power of healing. Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCAST Links m…

Join Wendy and Amy for a deep dive discussion of Karen Russell's short story "Haunting Olivia." They look at how the power of grief and guilt can affect family bonds and how a pair of magic goggles might provide closure for a family dealing with the unthinkable. Do you believe in ghosts? Pop a cork to the power of hope! Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REV…

Wendy and Amy step back into historical fiction with Kristin Hannah's novel The Four Winds. They look at how the power of family and familial love, or a lack of it, can shape generations, and learn just how fitting a symbol like the little copper wheat penny is in the story. Do you believe in the power of family or luck? Pop a cork to the power of …

Join Wendy and Amy as they continue the power trip with Celeste Ng's short story "Girls, At Play." They discuss playground games that border on abuse and how easily girls can lose their voice under peer pressure. When does the power of choice become a trap? Pop a cork to the power of play! Links Mentioned in the Show: Link to "Girls, At Play" by Ce…

Wendy and Amy venture into wonderful, new-for-them, literary territory and discuss Torrey Peters' debut novel Detransition, Baby. They explore the power of motherhood in its many forms and look at the body as a symbol that often feels like a betrayal. Does the power of motherhood grant the ultimate power of womanhood? Pop a cork to living in your t…

Join Wendy and Amy for a discussion of Karen Shepard's short story "Popular Girls." Power and fashion go hand-in-hand, but what if it's all just an illusion? What happens if the façade fractures? Pop a cork to the power of popularity! Links mentioned in the show: 1) Karen Shepard's Website and link to short story "Popular Girls" 2) Our Personal Web…

Wendy and Amy continue to explore the power dynamic between parents and children in Ashley Audrain's thriller The Push. They discuss how bracelets and blades might shift those power roles. And are you destined to pass on past hurts? Pop a cork to the power of the past. Links mentioned in the show: 1) Our Personal Website 2) Our Buzzsprout Website N…

Wendy and Amy kick off Season 3 with Ray Bradbury's short story "The Veldt." In this first piece of prose in the power theme, they look at the dynamic of power between parents and children. And how does a nursery go from soothing to sinister? Pop a cork to the power of the veldt. Links mentioned in the show: 1) Ray Bradbury's Website and link to th…

Wendy and Amy are back for Season 3. Find out what prose is up for discussion and what prosecco is up for tasting. Plus, this season's prose has an overarching, continuous theme. What could it be? Pop a cork to season 3! Season 3's Prosecco N Prose Line-up E21: Ray Bradbury - "The Veldt" Prosecco: SyltBar E22: Ashely Audrain - The Push Prosecco: De…

Wendy and Amy bookend Season 2 with a brief recap of everything that's gone down. Find out what Prosecco and prose were their top picks, and they finally provide a tasting of their box-store favorite. Pop a cork to Season 2! Subscribe or Follow wherever you listen to our podcast, so you will be alerted when Season 3 drops in June or when we drop a …

Join Wendy and Amy as they wrap up Season 2 with V. E. Schwab's historical fantasy novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Belonging and loneliness, a ring and a watch, freckles and The Age of Adeline, and one VERY big announcement round out the season. Pop a cork to being remembered! Please FOLLOW, RATE, and REVIEW us on APPLE Or SPOTIFY PODCASTS…

Wendy and Amy get to the truth of John Chu's thought-provoking short "The Water That Falls on You From Nowhere." Themes on lying, the symbology of water and rain, a fun game on American and Chinese holiday traditions, and a Pinocchio connection are all part of the discussion. Pop a cork to not getting caught in a lie! “The Water That Falls on You f…

Join Wendy and Amy in a lively discussion of Brit Bennett's bestseller The Vanishing Half. Identity, rebellion, Mallard as a symbol, and a palm reading are all part of the conversation. Pop a cork to finding peace after pain! Next Episode: John Chu's short story "The Water That Falls on You from Nowhere" Listen to John Chu read. Please subscribe, r…

Wendy and Amy ponder Mary Gordon's superb short story "Ugly." Themes of judgment, pink roses, an antique chair, and poetry are served up with a pretty pink prosecco. Pop a cork to seeing beauty everywhere! Next Episode: Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to our episodes. Introduction…

Join Wendy and Amy for a royally good time as they discuss Casey McQuiston's novel Red, White & Royal Blue. Love is the theme and untangling the meaning of some British and Texas phrases is the game. Keys, rings, and flags round out the bubbly banter. Pop a cork to love! Next Episode's short story: "Ugly" by Mary Gordon Don't forget to Rate and Rev…

Wendy and Amy step out of their comfort zone when they tackle Flann O'Brien's postmodernist work, The Third Policeman. Fortified with their ever faithful prosecco, they explore his take on the afterlife, illuminate the meaning of yellow, and try to stump each other with some truly dumb criminals. Pop a cork to staying on the right side of the law! …