Best Esther Club Podcasts (2026)

1
Episode 69: A Holiday Miracle! 1:04:45

Play Pause

4d ago1:04:45

1:04:45

OMG, it's almost the end of the year and we still haven't recorded the second half of Jessi's Gold Medal! The poor girl will be freezing by the time we eventually manage to get her out of that pool. In unrelated news, we haven't yet shaken off the curse that may or may not have been placed upon us by an angry fictional eighteenth-century New Englan…

1
Update: we're still here, but... 1:11

21d ago1:11

1:11

We'll be back once Esther regains the ability to gab for several hours at a time.

1
Michigan Creates Guest: Esther Triggs, Interlochen Center for the Arts 29:37

20d ago29:37

29:37

In this special episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian sits down with Esther Triggs, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Interlochen Center for the Arts—a world-renowned creative institution in northern Michigan dedicated to inspiring and educating young artists. Esther shares how she uses theatre, dialogue, play, and data to c…

1
Michigan Creates Guest: Lyla Catellier, Cranbrook Art Museum 26:36

2M ago26:36

26:36

In this episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian sits down with Lyla Catellier, Curator of Public Programs at the Cranbrook Art Museum. Lyla shares insights into how the museum engages audiences through innovative exhibitions and creative programming. From connecting art to community to fostering collaboration across disciplines, this conver…

1
Michigan Creates Guest: Rodney Lontine, Flint Institute of Music 22:00

3M ago22:00

22:00

Ara chats with Rodney Lontine, President & CEO of the Flint Institute of Music (FIM). With a career dedicated to the arts, Rodney shares how FIM serves as a cultural cornerstone in Michigan through its world-class programming, community engagement, and educational opportunities. From inspiring young musicians to connecting audiences with transforma…

1
Episode 68: Kristy And the Missing Child 1:56:59

3M ago1:56:59

1:56:59

OMG, there's a missing child! And for once, a bunch of middle-school girls actually *are* the best people to solve this, because the adults are busy making casseroles and phoning Kristy to trauma-dump. Meanwhile, Mary Anne makes Jell-O. On today's agenda: cutting-edge computer technology; a mysterious lack of Jessi; a catalogue of OSHA violations; …

1
Update: We're Still Here! 0:41

4M ago0:41

0:41

We haven't gone away, things just got busy over the summer. If only we could send our kids to an illegal daycare to free up some time...

1
Michigan Creates Guest: Kathryn Dimond, Scarab Club 14:32

5M ago14:32

14:32

For over a century, Detroit’s Scarab Club has stood as a gathering place for artists, writers, and cultural leaders. In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian sits down with leaders of the Scarab Club to explore its storied history, its iconic gallery space, and the role it continues to play in nurturing creativity in Michigan. From its fa…

1
Michigan Creates Guest: ArtPrize 17:01

6M ago17:01

17:01

This marks Michigan Creates 20th episode! Ara chats with the Exhibition team (JoLee Kirkikis and Kailey Smith-Barth) about one of the most exciting arts events that happens in the United States - ArtPrize! ArtPrize features everything from immersive installations to unexpected pop-ups in public spaces. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just cu…

1
Fish and chips and wine beside the seaside 26:55

6M ago26:55

26:55

Will Lyons - wine critic - and Charlotte Ivers - restaurant critic - and both with The Sunday Times head off to the seaside for a fish and chip finale to the current Wines Times season. They are joined in Brighton by local chef Sophie Taverner, where they discover the perfect paring for battered cod, chips and mushy peas - is it English sparkling, …

1
A rainy day picnic with white wine and rosé 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

Will Lyons - wine critic - and Charlotte Ivers - restaurant critic with The Sunday Times planned an alfresco picnic on Hampstead Heath, but the changeable English weather means a last minute change of venue. Join them in Charlotte's kitchen where they try Rosé, Rioja and French white wine with Charlotte's summertime spread. While the country now ba…

1
Michigan Celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month 8:58

7M ago8:58

8:58

In this special solo episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian reflects on Immigrant Heritage Month and the vital role immigrant artists have played in shaping Michigan’s cultural landscape. From personal stories to artistic contributions across generations, Ara explores how the arts preserve identity, foster community, and celebrate the rich…

1
Will, Charlotte, Giles, & Esther, with wine & fish roe pasta 19:30

7M ago19:30

19:30

Will Lyons - wine critic - and Charlotte Ivers - restaurant critic with The Sunday Times drop in to the home of fellow columnists and podcasters, Esther Walker and Giles Coren - restaurant critic of The Times. Giles prepares lunch with one of his signature dishes “Linguine alla Bottarga” - a Sardinian fish roe favourite of his. But will the four ag…

1
Lisa Howard, Plymouth Community Arts Council 18:01

7M ago18:01

18:01

In this episode, host Ara Topouzian sits down with Lisa Howard, Executive Director of the Plymouth Community Arts Council (PCAC), to explore the transformative role of arts in western Wayne County. Lisa shares insights into PCAC’s mission—making the arts accessible to all through education, public exhibits, youth and adult programs, and their belov…

1
Weddings, wines and canapés 29:57

7M ago29:57

29:57

Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons and restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers choose wines for a successful summer wedding. Along with their guests, Canadian winemaking husband and wife team Thomas and Mary Delaney-Bachelder - they sample Crémant, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to find the perfect paring for canapes and confetti! Wine 1 2018 Roche Lacour…

1
Which wine with moussaka, and from which country? 23:57

7M ago23:57

23:57

Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons and the paper's restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers are joined by Times Radio presenter - and Celebrity MasterChef winner - Alexis Conran. Their mission this week is to match three different wines from Greece, Lebanon and South Africa, to Alexis's delicious homemade moussaka. Wine 1 - 2023 Kir-Yianni Assyrtiko, …

1
Three wines to enjoy with chicken! 33:45

7M ago33:45

33:45

How to lift simple chicken into culinary heaven! The Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons and restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers try three very different and fascinating wines with a chicken pie - a Burgundy, and a Beaujolais, plus a Pinot Noir from New Zealand. And on the way discuss the nation's new obsession with chickens wings and other matter…

1
Episode 67: Mallory and the Dream Horse 2:05:52

7M ago2:05:52

2:05:52

OMG, Mallory's finally found her dream horse! Unfortunately she's also found her nightmare horse, so, win some lose some. Meanwhile, we debate which legendary Irish figure would look best on stilts, and there's some stuff about a blanket. Our theme song is 'The Incredible Shrinking Larry' by Matt Oakley and 'Big Band Jingle A' is by Lobo Loco, both…

1
Australian wines and steak 25:58

8M ago25:58

25:58

The Sunday Times wine columnist Will Lyons and restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers are joined by Leonard Swan, the executive chef at Milk Beach in London. Together they try steak with contrasting Australian wines. Wine 1 - 2020 Art Series Chardonnay, Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River Wine 2 - 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vasse Felix, Margaret River Wine 3 -…

1
Holiday wines and a summer risotto. 44:00

8M ago44:00

44:00

A bonus edition of Wine Times, presented by The Sunday Times restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers with special guest chef Dean Edwards. Together they share Dean's delicious summer risotto plus three wines - Champagne, red and rose. Wine 1 - Champagne: Chateau de Bligny Grand Reserve Wine 2 - Red: Maison Dominique Piron Chénas 2021 Wine 3 - Rose: Domai…

1
Dessert wines and apple crumble 26:45

8M ago26:45

26:45

Will and Charlotte try apple crumble with Sauternes, Tokaji and Port and discover a whole world of debate about sweetness itself! Food, wine and conversation with wine columnist and vice president of The Sunday Times Wine Club, Will Lyons and restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers. Wine 1: 2019 L’Épiphanie de Sauternes, Bordeaux, France Wine 2: 2018 Roy…

1
Three wonderful wines and a lamb chop 25:58

8M ago25:58

25:58

Food, wine and conversation with wine columnist and vice president of The Sunday Times Wine Club, Will Lyons and restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers. Will and Charlotte experience the differing taste of a Barnsley lamb loin chop with Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a Bordeaux from France, and a Spanish Rioja. Wine 1: 2011 López de Heredia, Viña Tondonia, Tinto …

1
Julie Dawson, Illustrator, Author, Artist 22:30

8M ago22:30

22:30

Ara talks with Julie Dawson a Michigan-based artist whose creative journey spans more than five decades. A gifted storyteller, author, and illustrator, Julie has built an extraordinary career bringing imagination to life through her art. A passionate advocate for the Girl Scouts and other nonprofits, Julie has used her talents to support meaningful…

1
Enjoy three wines with cheese 34:18

8M ago34:18

34:18

Food, wine and conversation with Sunday Times wine columnist and vice president of The Sunday Times Wine Club Will Lyons and Sunday Times restaurant critic Charlotte Ivers. From taste and heritage to grapes and growers, everything that makes a good wine special. Together they introduce new combinations of food and wine, suggesting surprising pairin…

1
New ways to enjoy wine and food! 1:37

8M ago1:37

1:37

Wine Times is back! With fresh ideas about how to choose the best wines to go with the simplest of foods, to make any meal an occasion! Three wines and one dish - which will be best for the taste of both the wine and food? Here's a taster from Will and Charlotte. Follow us now. The new series starts very soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

1
Preserving Culture Amid Genocide & Holocaust (SPECIAL EDITION) 9:38

9M ago9:38

9:38

In this special episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian takes a deeply personal journey into the resilience of culture in the face of genocide. Reflecting on the Armenian Genocide, the Jewish Holocaust, and other tragic events, he explores how art, music, and storytelling have played a vital role in survival and remembrance. Through history…

1
Episode 66: Kristy For President 1:26:30

9M ago1:26:30

1:26:30

OMG, Kristy's running for eighth-grade president! Which sounds extremely low-stakes until you compare it to Mallory's unopposed run for seventh-grade secretary. Plus, a delightful glimpse of what might have been, if only Scholastic weren't COWARDS. On today's agenda: Alan Gray's writhing corpse; pizza legalities; Esther questions the nature of her …

1
Audra Pieknik, The Art Experience 13:02

10M ago13:02

13:02

Ara talks with Audra Pieknik, Executive Director of The Art Experience. The Art Experience in Michigan is a vibrant celebration of creativity, showcasing the diverse talents of local artists and fostering a deeper connection to the arts within the community. From gallery exhibitions to interactive workshops, this initiative offers a rich array of a…

1
Episode 65: Mary Anne + 2 Many Babies 2:07:56

10M ago2:07:56

2:07:56

OMG, there are 2 many babies! Well, it's more like two actual babies and a ton of eggs that the girls and their pretend husbands have imprinted on, because it's the mandatory egg baby episode! Plus, we all learn a valuable lesson about not relying on were-hedgehog erotica for accurate information on natural history topics. On today's agenda: real m…

1
Sarah Calderini, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 25:07

11M ago25:07

25:07

Ara talks with Sarah Calderini, Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO) is a professional ensemble based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, known for its dynamic performances and commitment to both classical and contemporary music. Founded in 1928, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire, from …

1
Elaine Sims & Laura Mettam, Gifts of Art Program 15:28

12M ago15:28

15:28

Ara chats with Elaine Sims and Laura Mettam about the Gifts of Art Program at University of Michigan Medicine. This program brings the arts into the environment of care to help restore hope, encourage personal agency, and honor human dignity. From live performances and walk-through exhibits to resources and concerts you can enjoy in your home, the …

1
Episode 64: Mallory and the Ghost Cat 1:35:53

1y ago1:35:53

1:35:53

OMG, Mallory's found a ghost cat! Or a reincarnation cat? Or possibly just a regular cat? This book definitely comes down on the side of "ghosts are real", but is EXTREMELY vague on what ghosts actually are and whether they can use a litterbox. Also, the Pikes learn about Alzheimer's! Merry Christmas, folks! On today's agenda: a litany of crimes ag…

1
Episode 63: Stacey's Ex-Best Friend 2:10:18

1y ago2:10:18

2:10:18

OMG, Laine's coming to Stoneybrook! Unfortunately, she's become a huge pain in the ass! And she's way beyond pigs. Thank goodness Kristy's here to be loudly unimpressed. Meanwhile, we plan for extremely specific hypothetical fights among our various children. On today's agenda: Chekhov's bathtub; respecting your friends by blowing up their graves; …

1
Clare Balding CBE 31:21

1y ago31:21

31:21

In this episode Will Lyons shares one of his all time favourite episodes from the Wine Times archive... Discussing and decanting with Anneka and Will is broadcaster and writer, Clare Balding CBE. As well as three great wines to taste from Argentina, Clare gasps over a £100 bottle of wine, Will shares one of his greatest blind wine tasting moments a…

1
Angela Hartnett 34:21

1y ago34:21

34:21

In this episode Will Lyons shares one of his all time favourite episodes from the Wine Times archive... Discussing and decanting with Suzi Ruffell and Will Lyons is Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett. As well as three great wines to taste, Angela supports Will for his love of pairing champagne with parmesan, Will questions whether tasting menus are…

1
Episode 62: Dawn's Big Date 2:44:53

1y ago2:44:53

2:44:53

OMG, Dawn's got a big date, some homemade sweat skirts, a repertoire of PUA techniques, and a new personality! Also there's some terrible stuff about fat-shaming. Meanwhile, we sample authentic Californian cuisine, learn about amino acids, and make some travel plans we may come to regret. Simpering wistfully into the void; a black hole of dysfuncti…

1
Gregory Porter 34:45

1y ago34:45

34:45

In this episode Will Lyons shares one of his all time favourite episodes from the Wine Times archive... Raising a glass with Will Lyons and Miquita Oliver is the multi award-winning musician Gregory Porter; who is an avid wine collector. As well as two great wines to taste; Gregory talks about his new album "Still Rising" and reveals his vinous rid…

1
Monica Swartout-Bebow, Kerrytown Concert House 29:52

1y ago29:52

29:52

Ara chats with Monica Swartout-Bebow, Artistic and Executive Director of Kerrytown Concert House located in Ann Arbor, MI. Monica brings the breadth of nearly three decades of experience as a performing artist, teacher and businesswoman to the job, believing passionately that Kerrytown Concert House brings live performance to artists and music love…