Best Alyssa Esteban Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 111 — Chapter 6 from "Tower of Swallows" 1:03:36

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9d ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Bolo from Poland and Kitty from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: the chapter's epigraph, unhinged D&D tactics, Angoulême's backstory, Geralt and Cahir's evolving relationship, Cahir's motivations, and the burden of hope. [0:00] Cold Open [1:03] Introduction [2:03…

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Ep. 110 — Chapter 5 from "Tower of Swallows" 1:10:21

26d ago1:10:21

1:10:21

Brett from the US and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 5. Very important bits include: lawful cruelty and corruption, Angoulême's arrival, the making of the hanza, courage and bravery, blind revenge, and prophetic dreams. [0:00] Cold Open [1:33] Introduction [3:32] Guest Introductio…

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Ep. 109 — Chapter 4 from "Tower of Swallows" 1:04:11

1M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Charli from Austria and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 4. Very important bits include: Season premiere rituals, unreliable narrators, nesting dolls of perspectives, progressive ideas in The Witcher, the literal sword of destiny, how Ciri's weaponization complicates her victimizati…

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The Secret Identity of Keith Punch w/ Demi Adejuyigbe & Rivkah Reyes 1:07:35

1M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

Demi Adejuyigbe & Rivkah Reyes, both playing for Trans Lifeline, square (dance) off in a battle between creative country line dancers! They put the pedal to the meddle in an effort to solve mysteries from "What's New Scooby Doo?" with the winner earning the bragging rights for whom the donation is dedicated! Cases: Space Ape at the Cape; Lights, Ca…

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Ep. 108 — Chapter 3 from "Tower of Swallows" 1:12:55

2M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

Content warning: This episode discusses miscarriage and loss of pregnancy. Listener discretion is advised. Kitty from the US and Kyle R. from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Sirens of the Deep/raunchy Little Mermaid retellings, the framing narrative and Half a C…

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Ep. 107 — Chapter 2 (Part 2) from "Tower of Swallows" 39:34

2M ago39:34

39:34

Abbe from Sweden and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 2 (Part 2). Very important bits include: Nilfgaardian amnesty, the yuckiest single serving character, Bonhart's brutal slaughter, Ciri's journey, and Vysogota's role in it. [0:00] Cold Open [1:10] Introduction [2:57] Chapter Reca…

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Ep. 106 — Chapter 2 (Part 1) from "Tower of Swallows" 40:22

3M ago40:22

40:22

Abbe from Sweden and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 2 (Part 1). Very important bits include: ominous foreshadowing, groupthink and survival, transactions versus ideals, stolen identity, dreams of grandeur, and "that one little turd I have no feelings for, I'm afraid." [0:00] Cold …

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Ep. 105 — Chapter 1 from "Tower of Swallows" 1:03:21

3M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Ryan from the US and Sophie from Morocco join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Tower of Swallows, Chapter 1. Very important bits include: 'The Moment You Knew The Witcher Was For You'; how legends are born; first chapters throughout the saga; Vysogota, the raven, and fictional mentors; and where morality ends and survival begins. [0…

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Ep. 104 — Chapter 7 from "Baptism of Fire" 1:23:23

7M ago1:23:23

1:23:23

Abbe from Sweden, Daniel from the Netherlands, and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: the epic conclusion to the book at the Battle of the Bridge, Witch-dudes and Witch-lads, CD Projekt Red's 'Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales', druidic time scales, framin…

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Ep. 103 — Chapter 6 from "Baptism of Fire" 1:17:02

8M ago1:17:02

1:17:02

Kitty from the US and Tracie aka Miss Magitek join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: international 'Baptism of Fire' editions, Peter Kenny's triumph, excitement for The Witcher 4, how Ciri fights for herself, the legend of Lara Dorren, our best Yzma impressions, perfect 10-year…

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Ep. 102 — Chapter 5 (Part 2) from "Baptism of Fire" 1:11:48

8M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Bo from the US and Gaby from Guatemala join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 5, Part 2. Very important bits include: the classic fish soup scene, being bratty about who you share destinies with, Geralt's motivations, togetherness and camaraderie, and Therapy with a Vampire. [0:00] Cold Open [1:30] Introducti…

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Ep. 101 — Chapter 5 (Part 1) from "Baptism of Fire" 1:14:10

9M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Nicola from Italy and Pauline from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: the German and Italian translations, analyzing Sapkowski's swordfighting through an experienced lens, his use of cutaways, the trustworthiness of Nilfgaardians, the ethics of violence and torture,…

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Ep. 100 — Chapter 4 (Part 2) from "Baptism of Fire" 1:17:33

10M ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the trial by ordeal, the stupidest D&D group, the threshold that one needs to achieve to drop a hot horseshoe down a priest's pants, the Nilfgaardian Cavalry workpl…

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Ep. 99 — Chapter 4 (Part 1) from "Baptism of Fire" 59:26

10M ago59:26

59:26

Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 1). Very important bits include: how character beliefs contribute to world building, the objectively worst 24 hours, Sapkowski's favorite foreshadowing tactics, human susceptibility to superstition…

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Ep. 98 — Chapter 3 from "Baptism of Fire" 1:13:27

11M ago1:13:27

1:13:27

Charli from Austria, Gintare from the UK, and Gosia from Ronin of Rivia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Ronin of Rivia, the combined analysis of Japanese studies and the Witcher; the appearance of a fan-favorite character whose increasingly absurd qualities create tensio…

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Ep. 97 — Chapter 2 from "Baptism of Fire" 54:01

11M ago54:01

54:01

Bolo from Poland and Sophie from Morocco join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 2. Very important bits include: examining different aspects of war, judging Geralt's actions as admirable or reckless, inverting circumstances for the next phase of life, Sapkowski's masterful dialogue, doing specific good, an enj…

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Ep. 96 — Chapter 1 (Part 2) from "Baptism of Fire" 1:14:08

12M ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Elisabeth from Norway and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the rhythm of Sapkowski's writing, translations and the application of foreign languages, wartime propaganda, the inclusion of Nilfgaard and the exclusion of men in the Lodg…

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Ep. 95 — Chapter 1 (Part 1) from "Baptism of Fire" 1:22:11

1y ago1:22:11

1:22:11

Tim and Val from Whiskey with Witcher join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 1). Very important bits include: the origins of Whiskey with Witcher, Sapkowski's beloved framing narratives, odd things that become our whole personalities, book-inspired tattoos, baptisms of fire, catching up with Ciri and …

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Ep. 94 — 5 Years of Breakfast in Beauclair 18:31

1+ y ago18:31

18:31

Alyssa's in the hot seat to reflect upon the last five years of Breakfast in Beauclair with Witcher Kitchen's Anita Sarna and Karolina Krupecka. Very important bits include: the origins of the podcast, highlights from the last five years, and plans for the future of the show. [0:00] Cold Open [0:42] Discussion [17:49] End Theme This episode is avai…

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Ep. 93 — 308 "The Cost of Chaos" from Netflix's The Witcher 1:27:22

1+ y ago1:27:22

1:27:22

Mitch Fey and Rob Pigott from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 308 "The Cost of Chaos". Very important bits include: leadership in the face of uncertainty, pivotal moments in Ciri's character development, Geralt's change of heart, the right amount of shaky cam, a show-only perspective, and our takeaways from Ne…

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Ep. 92 — 307 "Out of the Fire, Into the Frying Pan" from Netflix's The Witcher 1:08:29

1+ y ago1:08:29

1:08:29

Danny and Kerri from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 307 "Out of the Fire, Into the Frying Pan". Very important bits include: how to successfully adapt a solo storyline, breaking down the visual effects in the Korath desert, Ciri's readiness and internal conflicts, her visions, Falka's influence, and prepositi…

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Ep. 91 — 306 "Everybody Has A Plan 'Til They Get Punched In The Face" from Netflix's The Witcher 1:03:59

1+ y ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Lucie from London and Pauline from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 306 "Everybody Has A Plan 'Til They Get Punched In The Face". Very important bits include: loyalty and betrayal, notes on character motivations and direction, inevitable confrontations, and comparisons to Andrzej Sapkowski's Thanedd Coup in 'T…

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Ep. 90 — 305 "The Art of Illusion" from Netflix's The Witcher 1:15:33

1+ y ago1:15:33

1:15:33

This discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes. Michelle from the US and Oleg from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 305 "The Art of Illusion". Very important bits include: the efficacy of non-linear storytelling, the morality of ne…

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Ep. 89 — 304 "The Invitation" from Netflix's The Witcher 1:14:03

1+ y ago1:14:03

1:14:03

This discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes. Bo from the US and Elora from the Netherlands join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 304 "The Invitation". Very important bits include: Emperor Emhyr's beliefs, Yennefer's place within the Brother…

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Ep. 88 — 303 "Reunion" from Netflix's The Witcher 1:03:13

1+ y ago1:03:13

1:03:13

This discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes. Emma from the US and Tracie from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 303 "Reunion". Very important bits include: new aspects of Jaskier's character, Yennefer's journey to motherhood, the…

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Ep. 87 — 302 "Unbound" from Netflix's The Witcher 1:13:09

1+ y ago1:13:09

1:13:09

This discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in June 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes. Kyle from the US and Sam from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 302 "Unbound". Very important bits include: Yennefer's evolving relationship with Ciri, a debate on which Nilfgaardian h…

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Ep. 86 — 301 "Shaerrawedd" from Netflix's The Witcher 56:41

1+ y ago56:41

56:41

This discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in July 2023 prior to the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes. Gintare from the UK and Vang from Denmark join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Episode 301 "Shaerrawedd". Very important bits include: Yennefer and Geralt's evolving relationship, the newly abstract nat…

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Ep. 85 — Second Helpings: Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 57:40

1+ y ago57:40

57:40

This discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 was recorded in June 2023 and originally released in July prior to the Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes. Elsa from the UK and James from the US join Alyssa for our pre-premiere discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3. Very important bits include: our standout moments from Season 1 and 2, …

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The Case of the Wheelbarrows of Meat w/ Dara Ó Briain & Johnny Frohlichstein 1:00:59

2y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Dara Ó Briain, playing for Simon Communities of Ireland, and Johnny Frohlichstein, playing for The American Cancer Society, kick off this special early-release episode of Meddling Adults Season 5 with some Encyclopedia Brown mysteries! Can the Taskmaster become the mystery master? Find out on this week's Meddling Adults! Cases: The Case of the Expl…

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Ep. 84 — 'The Witcher Official Cookbook' with Anita Sarna & Karolina Krupecka 1:24:46

2y ago1:24:46

1:24:46

Anita Sarna and Karolina Krupecka from Witcher Kitchen join Alyssa to discuss their debut book, 'The Witcher Official Cookbook: Provisions, Fare, and Culinary Tales from Travels Across the Continent'. Very important bits include: the origin of their new work, collaborating with CD Projeckt Red and their publisher, Ten Speed Press, the highs and low…

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Ep. 83 — Chapter 7 from "Time of Contempt" 1:08:09

2y ago1:08:09

1:08:09

This chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt and this episode of the podcast contain discussions of violence and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. Kade from the US and Matthew from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt, Chapter 7. Very important bits include: the ominous close of the nov…

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Ep. 82 — Chapter 6 from "Time of Contempt" 1:20:19

2y ago1:20:19

1:20:19

Gabriela from Poland and Kája from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt, Chapter 6. Very important bits include: how Ciri's trial in the desert transforms her, the importance of her loved ones, Little Horse, dialects in translations, and her Time of Contempt. [0:00] Cold Open [0:21] Introduction …

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The Origins of Roger That w/ Meghan Fitzmartin & Felix Trench 1:03:40

2y ago1:03:40

1:03:40

The Meddling Adults Season 4 finale is here! Meghan Fitzmartin, playing for the Organization for Autism Research, and Felix Trench, playing for Dementia UK, tackle some wacky problems from the American Girl Mini Mysteries series! Will Felix be at a disadvantage because he is British? Listen to find out! Cases: The Cat’s Away, Cousin Sam, Lost in th…

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The Mystery of The Blob in Motion w/ The Super Carlin Bros. 1:33:37

2y ago1:33:37

1:33:37

Ben & J Carlin, both playing for Feeding Southwest Virginia in a bragging rights battle, tackle some Scooby Doo Mysteries with loads of plausible culprits! Will their sleuthing skills match their trivia skills? Will their deep diving history allow them to dive deep into the truth of the crime? Find out in this episode of Meddling Adults! Cases: The…

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Ep. 81 — Chapter 5 from "Time of Contempt" 1:18:13

2y ago1:18:13

1:18:13

Cyprian from Berlin and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt, Chapter 5. Very important bits include: new insight into the Czech translation of the Witcher, parallels between the second Nilfgaardian war and our modern military history, Geralt's evolving perspective on neutrality, vign…

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The Case of the Adopted Egg w/ Gabe Baker & Bettina Campomanes 1:02:21

2y ago1:02:21

1:02:21

It's a musical battle! Gabe Baker, playing for The Center for Refugee Services, and Bettina Campomanes AKA Valiant Vermin, playing for For Our Farmers, take on some complex conundrums from the world of Encyclopedia Brown! Will their sleuthing skills match their melodic mastery? Listen and find out! Cases: The Case of Nemo’s Tuba, The Case of the To…

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The Search for Any Famous British Detectives w/ David K. Barnes & Beth Eyre 1:08:07

2y ago1:08:07

1:08:07

It’s a Wooden Overcoats battle! David K. Barnes, playing for Action Aid, and Beth Eyre, playing for Rainbow Migration, use their British, Sherlock-style sleuthing to some American Scooby Doo mysteries! Cases: Gold Paw, E-Scream, A Terrifying Round with a Menacing Clown Clues & Evidence: Columbo, Fort Knox, Johnny Bravo, inverted commas, Gremlins, t…

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Ep. 80 — Chapter 4 from "Time of Contempt" 1:08:42

2y ago1:08:42

1:08:42

Nicola from Italy and Ruark from the US join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt, Chapter 4. Very important bits include: using action to tell a story, the reasons behind an act of mercy, the role of prophecy in the Witcher, and Geralt's Himbo Origin Story. [0:00] Cold Open [1:00] Introduction [2:11] Guest Introduction…

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The Case of the Word Dork w/ Ross Bryant & Amir Blumenfeld 49:02

2y ago49:02

49:02

Ross Bryant, playing for The Union Solidarity Coalition, and Amir Blumenfeld, playing for The National MS Society, kick off the second half of Meddling Adults Season 4 by solving crimes from Florida’s most infamous fictional city, Idaville aka the home of Encyclopedia Brown! Will they meet his expansive knowledge, or will they look like buffoons? F…

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Meddling Adults Returns on October 18! 1:15

2y ago1:15

1:15

This Season 4B Trailer is here to inform you that SEASON 4B KICKS OFF IN ONE WEEK ON OCTOBER 17, 2023! Head on over to www.patreon.com/meddlingadults support our charitable efforts this season and get access to early, ad-free episodes! SEE YOU NEXT WEDNESDAY FOR THE FIRST OF FIVE BRAND NEW EPISODES! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch…

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Ep. 79 — Chapter 3 from "Time of Contempt" 1:26:53

2y ago1:26:53

1:26:53

Alycia from France and Sarah A. from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Geralt and Yennefer's atypical relationship, the role of sorcerers on the Continent, Sapkowski's framing narratives, and Watership Down. [00:00] Cold Open [00:51] Introduction [1:59] Guest Intro…

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Ep. 78 — Chapter 2 from "Time of Contempt" 1:20:41

2y ago1:20:41

1:20:41

Allison from the US and Liv from Brazil join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt, Chapter 2. Very important bits include: Ciri's coming of age, some of the most memorable excerpts from the series, shades of femininity in The Witcher, and "Dolish Ponuts". [00:00] Cold Open [1:46] Introduction [3:38] Guest Introduction […

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Ep. 77 — Chapter 1 from "Time of Contempt" 1:19:48

2+ y ago1:19:48

1:19:48

John aka Softie from the UK joins Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Time of Contempt, Chapter 1. Very important bits include: the life and times of a royal messenger, sly historical references, and the correct way to wear a squirrel's tail. [00:00] Cold Open [01:23] Introduction [03:20] Guest Introduction [08:47] Chapter 1 Recap [11:…

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A note on the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes 1:55

2+ y ago1:55

1:55

Due to the emerging guidelines for creators and influencers about the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, I am making the decision to pause on any active promotion of the Netflix show on the podcast feed and social media channels until the strike is over. Breakfast in Beauclair will release episodes on Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 after the strike. In the…

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Ep. 76 — Netflix's The Witcher Season 3 1:03:11

2+ y ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Elsa from the UK and James from the US join Alyssa for our pre-premiere discussion of Netflix's The Witcher Season 3. Very important bits include: our standout moments from Season 1 and 2, our characters to watch, and our wildest Season 3 predictions. [00:00] Cold Open [01:24] Introduction [04:37] Guest Introductions [10:40] Standout Moments from S…

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Ep. 75 — Doug Cockle & Peter Kenny on The Witcher Games & Audiobooks 1:32:34

2+ y ago1:32:34

1:32:34

This episode of 'Breakfast in Beauclair' is sponsored by Lengthy Tangent and our debut audio fiction series, 'Peculiar Radio.' Support the 'Peculiar Radio' crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo now through May 2023 and listen to the podcast when it premieres this year. Doug Cockle from CD Projekt Red's 'The Witcher' video games and Peter Kenny from 'T…

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The Case of Enrollment at Frog College w/ Alex Bazeley & Bobby Wagner 57:11

3y ago57:11

57:11

In a duel of the Tipping Pitches co-hosts, Bobby Wagner (playing for Pocket Change Pools) and Alex Bazeley (playing for Vocal New York) battle it out in a contest of solving Encyclopedia Brown Mysteries! Cases: The Case of the Runaway Judge, The Case of the Umpire’s Error, The Case of the Jumping Frogs, The Case of the Lawnmower Races Clues & Evide…

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The Mystery of Newark’s Best Effort w/ Kyle Bandujo & Alex McDaniel 1:15:17

3y ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Alex McDaniel, playing for the American Cancer Society, and Kyle Bandujo, playing for Blessing in a Backpack Boerne, tackle some intense Scooby Doo mysteries! The theme is origins, as we cover S1E1 of What's New Scooby Doo, as well as a mystery that covers the origin story of the Mystery Machine! Cases: There’s No Creature like Snow Creature; Riva …

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Ep. 74 — 104 "Of Mages, Malice, and Monstrous Mayhem" from Netflix's Blood Origin 1:22:00

3y ago1:22:00

1:22:00

Danny from the US and Lucie from London join Alyssa for our discussion of Netflix's The Witcher: Blood Origin Episode 104 "Of Mages, Malice, and Monstrous Mayhem". Very important bits include: the thesis of 'Blood Origin', the public reception to the show, how Ithlinne's prophecy has come to pass, how 'Blood Origin' expands the Witcher Universe, an…

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The Questioning of the Existence of Clocks w/ Becca & Molly from Pod & Prejudice 49:14

3y ago49:14

49:14

This episode is Pod and Prejudice co-host duel, with Molly playing for NY Bully Crew and Becca playing for the Against Malaria Foundation, as they set out to solve American Girl Mini Mysteries! It’s the first time we’ve ever covered this series on the podcast and it’s absolutely delightful. Cases - The Original Boston Brooke, Play With Your Feud, W…