Best Geeks To Glory Podcasts (2025)

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Victorian Crusaders: Britons Who Fought for the Pope’s Army 1:07:55

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14d ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Today, we’re really diving into an obscure niche. . . Rome in the 1860s — a decade of revolution, nationalism, and, oddly enough, British and Irish Catholics signing up to fight for the Pope. Our guest is historian Nicholas Schofield, author of Victorian Crusaders: British and Irish Volunteers in the Papal Army, 1860–70. It’s a story of faith, poli…

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Guerrillas, Redcoats, and Empire: Understanding Asymmetric Warfare 46:57

29d ago46:57

46:57

How do you beat an enemy who refuses to fight by the rules? From ambushes in the forests of North America to the frontier wars in Africa, the British Army faced enemies who fought small, fast, and ruthless. We now call it asymmetric warfare — the clash between the strong and the weak, the lion and the fly. In this episode of Redcoat History, I sit …

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Season 03: Episode 17 - Fortune and Glory, Kid – Indiana Jones Part 2 1:33:09

1M ago1:33:09

1:33:09

Send us a text Grab your fedora and whip, because in this first half of our two-part episode, we’re venturing into the thrilling world of Indiana Jones. From Raiders of the Lost Ark’s iconic boulder chase to the pulpy, darker tones of Temple of Doom, and the father-son banter in The Last Crusade, we explore how these first three films defined a gen…

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The British Empire’s Regulars 1880-1914 50:45

1M ago50:45

50:45

This week I’m joined by historian Wendell Schollander to discuss his new book The British Empire’s Regulars 1880–1914. We dive into the lives of the men who fought and marched across the globe in Britain’s name – English, Sikhs, Scots, Gurkhas, Ibos, Zulus and many more – showing how these diverse soldiers were anything but anonymous pawns. Wendell…

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Season 03: Episode 16 - Fortune and Glory, Kid – Indiana Jones Part 1 1:46:16

2M ago1:46:16

1:46:16

Send us a text Grab your fedora and whip, because in this first half of our two-part episode, we’re venturing into the thrilling world of Indiana Jones. From Raiders of the Lost Ark’s iconic boulder chase to the pulpy, darker tones of Temple of Doom, and the father-son banter in The Last Crusade, we explore how these first three films defined a gen…

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Season 03: Episode 15 - Spielberg Spotlight 2:23:17

2M ago2:23:17

2:23:17

Send us a text In this episode, we honor the legendary career of Steven Spielberg, the visionary director who reshaped movies as we know them. From Jaws's heart-pounding suspense to E.T.'s emotional wonder, we explore how Spielberg mastered the art of storytelling, elevated the blockbuster genre, and built a legacy that continues to influence filmm…

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Tom Cruise Control in the Neighborhood 58:15

2M ago58:15

58:15

In this lively episode of Stay Cool Geek, Coop, Weasel, and Jad tackle a wide array of topics, from the impact of streaming services on our media habits to the latest buzz in the Marvel universe. Dive into discussions about the challenges of modern streaming, the nostalgia of physical media, and the ever-evolving landscape of superhero films. Plus,…

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Brevet Ranks, Forgotten Regiments & Bureaucratic Chaos (Britain's Napoleonic Army) 1:03:24

3M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Did you know a British cavalry captain once held the army rank of lieutenant general… and still just led a squadron? In this episode, we dive deep into the gloriously confusing world of the Napoleonic-era British Army with historian Steve Brown. From "Brevet" ranks, to gentleman volunteers who wielded muskets while hoping someone died so they could…

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Season 03: Episode 14 - The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills 1:41:12

3M ago1:41:12

1:41:12

Send us a text In this episode, we give our takes on Amazon's The Wheel of Time TV series and how it stacks up against Robert Jordan’s iconic fantasy book series. From casting choices and character arcs to major plot shifts and visual world-building, we break down what the show does well and where it veers off the path. We also take a step back to …

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Onwards to Omdurman - Empire Strikes Back: The battle for Sudan (1898) 1:42:45

3M ago1:42:45

1:42:45

Today we’re heading to the Sudan—dusty, dangerous, and politically explosive. We’re talking about Onwards to Omdurman, a gripping book by military historian Keith Surridge, which examines the often-overlooked campaigns leading up to Kitchener’s famous victory in 1898. But I’m not in the interviewer’s chair for this one. Instead, friend of the show …

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Courage in Chaos - the Relief of Lucknow (w/ Eva Chatterji) 56:32

3M ago56:32

56:32

In this episode of the Redcoat History podcast, I’m joined by historian and author Eva Chatterji to uncover the brutal truth behind the Relief of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. We go beyond the siege itself to tell the story of the fighting retreat, political backstabbing, and desperate urban combat that nearly doomed the entire British …

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Season 03: Episode 13 - The Thunderbolts* 1:39:52

3M ago1:39:52

1:39:52

Send us a text In this episode, we look into the ever-shifting landscapes of the DC Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With James Gunn now steering the DCU ship, we unpack what his vision means for iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League. Is this finally the fresh start DC fans have been waiting for? On …

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Outnumbered and Outflanked: Wellington's Toughest Battle (Fuentes de Oñoro) 23:40

3M ago23:40

23:40

Outnumbered, outflanked, and nearly broken — Wellington’s army during the Peninsular War came dangerously close to collapse at Fuentes de Onoro. In this on-the-ground film, we walk the battlefield to uncover how terrain, timing, and sheer stubbornness turned the tide. If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to…

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The Rise and Fall of Sir Garnet Wolseley (w/ Stephen Manning) 1:10:45

4M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Once the most famous soldier in Britain, Sir Garnet Wolseley rose through sheer grit and genius — only to fall hard thanks to arrogance, politics, and a changing empire. Historian Stephen Manning joins me to explore the man behind the moustache in all his brilliant, baffling glory. Stephen's book is available here - https://amzn.to/3ZsBFHT Sign up …

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Season 03: Episode 12 - The Great Geek Debate 1:40:59

4M ago1:40:59

1:40:59

Send us a text In this spirited episode, we have invited our good friend Jon back to go headfirst into the ultimate battleground of fandom: geek debates. From the galaxy-shaking classic of "Who shot first: Han or Greedo?" to lesser-known but equally passionate arguments like whether Batman or Iron Man is the better billionaire vigilante. We’re not …

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The 12 Greatest Cavalry Charges in British History – And Why They Mattered 30:09

4M ago30:09

30:09

There was a reason cavalry dominated battlefields for centuries. And today, we’re covering 12 of the greatest British cavalry charges in history—from the glorious to the reckless. Stick around to the end to hear which one is my personal favourite. What do you think? What did I miss? Salamanca could have been there, but as I am covering that battle …

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The War of Jenkins’ Ear: Britain’s Forgotten Military Disaster (1739 –1748) 1:23:29

4M ago1:23:29

1:23:29

A war started over a severed ear? You’d think it was a joke - until thousands of British soldiers died in the Caribbean heat, not all from battle, but from blundering leadership, tropical disease, and incompetence. In this episode of Redcoat History, naval historian Tom Golding-Lee joins us to unpack one of Britain’s most catastrophic—and largely f…

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Season 03: Episode 11 - State of the Universe(s) 1:15:45

4M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

Send us a text In this episode, we look into the ever-shifting landscapes of the DC Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With James Gunn now steering the DCU ship, we unpack what his vision means for iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League. Is this finally the fresh start DC fans have been waiting for? On …

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Why British Soldiers Wore Red – And Why It Had to Change 10:51

4M ago10:51

10:51

Why Did the British Army Wear Red? The red coat—bold, iconic, and unmistakably British. For nearly two centuries it was more than just for parade. . . it was the battlefield uniform of the British soldier. Feared by enemies, and loved by commanders. In this episode, I dig into the origins of the red coat, why it was chosen, and what made it stick. …

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Season 03: Episode 10 - DMing for Dummies Part 2 1:12:35

5M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

Send us a text In this special two-part series, we step behind the screen and into the mind of a Dungeon Master. We’re joined by veteran DM Nathan Glunt, who brings years of tabletop experience, storytelling finesse, and creative insight to the mic. We dig into what it truly means to run a Dungeons & Dragons game from the DM’s chair — from world-bu…

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Slim’s Secret Weapon: The Forgotten SOE Campaign in Burma 41:36

5M ago41:36

41:36

The SOE’s secret war in Burma is one of the most overlooked chapters of WWII. In this episode, historian Richard Duckett uncovers the remarkable story of Lt. Col. Edgar Peacock—a jungle-hardened guerrilla leader who fought the Japanese with a force of locals deep behind enemy lines. Denied medals and buried by bureaucracy, their story is only now b…

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Season 03: Episode 09 - DMing for Dummies Part 1 1:33:14

5M ago1:33:14

1:33:14

Send us a text In this special two-part series, we step behind the screen and into the mind of a Dungeon Master. We’re joined by veteran DM Nathan Glunt, who brings years of tabletop experience, storytelling finesse, and creative insight to the mic. We dig into what it truly means to run a Dungeons & Dragons game from the DM’s chair — from world-bu…

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Greenjackets vs Napoleon’s Hordes | The Battles of Barba del Puerco & the Coa 27:43

5M ago27:43

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Thanks to today's sponsor Osprey Publishing. They have tonnes of relevant books include a number of brilliant new releases. Please follow this link to check out their catalogue and also support my show https://bit.ly/Ospreypublishing In this episode, we walk the battlefields of Barba del Puerco and the Combat on the Coa, two early engagements in th…

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Season 03: Episode 08 - Conan the Barbarian! 2:35:58

6M ago2:35:58

2:35:58

Send us a text Gather ye 'round, oh listeners bold, Of iron sinew and legends old. For in this tale of might and flame, We sing the songs of Conan’s name. In this most thunderous episode, we lift the veil of time and step into the age of high adventure — where steel is strong, but courage stronger still. We recount the cinematic sagas of Conan the …

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The Forgotten War on the Edge of Empire: Waziristan 1937 (w/Jon Pick) 1:05:52

6M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most under-appreciated but fascinating corners of British military history: the Waziristan campaign of 1936–1937. It’s a tale of Gurkhas, armoured cars, tribal lashkars, and the infamous Faqir of Ipi—all set against the harsh, unforgiving terrain between British India and Afghanistan. Jon Pick and I …

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A Very Fine Regiment: The 47th Foot in the American Revolution 43:02

6M ago43:02

43:02

The American War of Independence . . . A war that is viewed through the prism of American myth making and Hollywood movies. This month is the 250th anniversary of the first clashes of that war. It's a fascinating and misunderstood conflict and I'm sure the next few years will see us bombarded with the old cliches and myths thrown out time after tim…

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Season 03: Episode 07 - Urban Fantasy 1:52:10

6M ago1:52:10

1:52:10

Send us a text What happens when elves get jobs, vampires pay rent, and wizards have to deal with parking tickets? You get urban fantasy, the genre where magic meets metro passes and ancient evil hides behind artisanal coffee shops. In this episode, we leave the enchanted forests of classic fantasy behind and head straight into the city, where the …

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Montgomery: Genius or Glory Hunter? The Truth About Normandy 52:39

6M ago52:39

52:39

Montgomery—was he the genius who won the Normandy campaign or a glory-hunting general who held the Allies back? The debate rages on. In this episode, we dig into one of the most controversial figures of World War II with military historian Andrew Harrison, author of Caen, Cobra and Confusion: Monty's Normandy Legacy Revisited. Published by Barnthor…

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Pop Culture Potpourri 1:01:34

6M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

It’s been a while, so let’s do this… Millennial Burger Joints Gambling in Sports Superman CinemaCon Footage That Avengers Doomsday Cast And the Terror of Turning 50By CooperstownKurt

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Britain vs Persia: A Forgotten Victorian Beatdown (1856-57) 14:38

6M ago14:38

14:38

Did you know that between the Crimean war and the Indian Mutiny, Britain was busy invading Iran (then Persia) and giving it a proper Victorian thrashing? 🔹 Cavalry charges smashing enemy squares 🔹 Brutal naval bombardments 🔹 Heroic last stands and a few Victoria Crosses thrown in for good measure This is the Anglo-Persian War of 1856-57, a forgotte…

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Season 03: Episode 06 - Middle-Earth rides again! 1:10:36

7M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

Send us a text Middle-earth calls once more! In this episode of The Tree of Geek, we saddle up and ride deep into the heart of Rohan as we discuss the brand-new animated film The War of the Rohirrim. Set nearly two centuries before the events of The Lord of the Rings, this epic tale brings to life the legendary Helm Hammerhand and the origins of He…

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The Most Decorated British Tank Crew of WW1: Fray Bentos 14:20

7M ago14:20

14:20

Have you seen that monstrosity of a film Fury? The one with Brad Pitt. Well, imagine that, but in WW1 with a British tank in the mud of Passchendaele. And yes, unlike the American film, our story today is 100 percent true. Special thanks to Neil Thornton for researching and co-writing this script, his publishing company is excellent with lots of mi…

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This Week in MLB The Show: 2025 Preview Edition 1:00:43

7M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

The boys are back for one night… it’s preview night and MLB The Show 25 is here. The new modes, the new features, and everyone’s favorite segment…. new legends. Hot takes and reflections abound as Coop & The Weaz throw it back to the past on This Week In MLB The Show.

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Season 03: Episode 05 - There Can Be Only One 2:01:04

7M ago2:01:04

2:01:04

Send us a text Grab your swords and prepare for immortality! In this episode of The Tree of Geek, we look at the cult classic, Highlander (1986). From its amazing Queen soundtrack to the epic battles of Connor MacLeod, we explore what makes this film a timeless (and sometimes delightfully over-the-top) gem in geek culture. Join us as we break down …

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5 Cards. 5 Comics. 5 Figs. March Edition. 1:09:57

7M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Who will run Lucasfilm in 2026? After that, the usual collectible shenanigans as we highlight 5 Cards, 5 Comics, 5 Figs… Amidst the chaos, we’ll also touch on Captain America Brave New World, Rob Liefeld, and what exactly DC Universe Logo Variants are.By Stay Cool, Geek

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SNL50 Part 2 29:31

7M ago29:31

29:31

The great SNL draft is here… Team Coop vs Team Jad. Plus, the Saturday Night movie and more on this highly anticipated part 2 of SNL 50.By CooperstownKurt

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Season 03: Episode 04 - The Witching Hour 2:46:03

7M ago2:46:03

2:46:03

Send us a text Welcome back to The Tree of Geek Podcast! This week, we're digging into the arcane arts to settle an age-old debate: Who is the best magic user in all of fantasy? Not the most powerful, not the most overpowered, but simply the best. From the cunning sorcery of Gandalf to the meticulous spellwork of Harry Dresden, the raw arcane maste…

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SNL50 Part 1 39:40

8M ago39:40

39:40

The Significance of SNL in Our Lives Reflections on the SNL 50th Anniversary Special Memorable Moments and Performances Celebrity Appearances and Their Impact The Evolution of SNL Casts Musical Performances and Their Reception The Legacy of Weekend Update Norm Macdonald's Legacy in Comedy Character Breaking and Its Impact Celebrity Cameos and Their…

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Fighting Mac: The Mysterious Life (and Death) of Britain’s Toughest Victorian Soldier 20:09

8M ago20:09

20:09

Hector Macdonald—"Fighting Mac"—was a true legend of the British Army. Rising from humble beginnings to the rank of Major General, he fought in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Boer War, earning a reputation as one of the toughest soldiers of his time. But his meteoric rise ended in scandal, conspiracy, and a tragic downfall. Some even believe he faked…

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Season 03: Episode 03 - Enter... the Beastmaster 1:50:04

8M ago1:50:04

1:50:04

Send us a text In this episode, we take a look into the 1982 cult classic The Beastmaster! From its sword-and-sorcery action to its unexpected emotional depth (and, of course, those unforgettable ferrets), we break down what makes this fantasy adventure stand the test of time. We discuss its impact on pop culture, its place among the great '80s fan…

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Fantastic Four Trailer 28:42

8M ago28:42

28:42

In this conversation, the hosts discuss the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, its trailer, and the implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). They explore the reactions to the trailer, the current state of Marvel films, and the significance of character dynamics. The discussion also touches on the controversy surrounding the Silver Surfer's…

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Super Bowl Parties & College Reunions 37:41

8M ago37:41

37:41

In this episode of Stay Cool Geek, Coop and Jad discuss their experiences and opinions on Super Bowl parties, including etiquette, personal histories, and the impact of team loyalty on social gatherings. They also delve into the food typically served at these events and the significance of commercials during the game. In this conversation, the host…

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Season 03: Episode 02 - What is Fantasy? 1:55:42

8M ago1:55:42

1:55:42

Send us a text In this episode of The Tree of Geek, Michael and Josh explore the magical world of fantasy and what sets it apart from other genres like science fiction, horror, and more. What defines a story as fantasy? Is it dragons and wizards? The presence of magic? Or something deeper? We’ll unpack the core elements of fantasy storytelling, fro…

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Season 03: Episode 01 - The Days of Future Geek 2 3:02:03

9M ago3:02:03

3:02:03

Send us a text A New Year means a New Season! In this episode, we look ahead into the cinematic and TV landscape for the upcoming year, spotlighting the most anticipated releases across genres. From blockbuster films and binge-worthy series to indie gems and unexpected surprises, this episode is your ultimate guide to entertainment in the months ah…

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WWE Wrestling Talk 101 49:57

9M ago49:57

49:57

In this engaging conversation, Coop and Sam dive deep into the world of professional wrestling, sharing their top five current wrestlers and discussing what makes each one special. They explore the evolution of characters, the importance of storytelling in wrestling, and the impact of emerging stars. The discussion highlights the significance of fa…

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Behind the Red Beret: The Making of Britain’s 6th Airborne Division (WW2) 1:09:23

9M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

In this in-depth episode, historian and author Andy Wheale guides us through the remarkable story of Britain’s 6th Airborne Division in WW2. Discover how Major-General Richard Gale built and led this elite force—overcoming logistical hurdles with the RAF, hand-picking the men behind the iconic red beret, and forging a division that nearly got “re-r…

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Starting a Food Spice Company 21:46

9M ago21:46

21:46

In this episode of Stay Cool Geek, Coop and Sam of Hines Brines discuss the dynamics of neighborly relationships, the journey of starting a spice business, the importance of family recipes, and practical cooking tips. Sam shares his experiences as a social butterfly and entrepreneur, emphasizing the significance of cooking in family traditions and …

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Season 02: Episode 27 - The Treefort Awards 2:33:37

9M ago2:33:37

2:33:37

Send us a text As the year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the best of 2024! In this special episode, we host the 2nd Annual Treefort Awards, recognizing excellence across a variety of categories. From the most captivating sci-fi books and groundbreaking fantasy movies to thought-provoking documentaries, we highlight the stories that defin…

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Holiday Traditions: Elves, Lights, Presents, & Movies 29:12

9M ago29:12

29:12

Polarizing opinions abound... Elf on the Shelf Colored lights vs white lights Presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning The kid with the Christmas birthday Going on the roof MoviesBy CooperstownKurt

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The Awkwardness of the Holiday Party 22:33

10M ago22:33

22:33

The hosts delve into social etiquette, recounting experiences from a recent holiday gathering. In this lively conversation, the hosts delve into various social norms and etiquette surrounding parties, from the contentious issue of whether to wear shoes indoors to the proper way to open a bottle of champagne. They share humorous anecdotes about thei…