Creating a dream dinner party isn't so different from filmmaking. There's lighting, production design, set dressing, storyline, pacing, interpersonal chemistry, music supervision and even costuming to consider. Plus food, of course!

This week, Trish walks us through her perfect fantasy dinner party, leaving no detail unexplored. Her playlists for every stage of the evening are linked below.

You can find the game Wavelength here.

Also, this week, Liz's favorite thing is English chocolate. She introduces Trish to her top four varieties and we rank them!

We love hearing from you! Got a question or topic for discussion in a future episode? Please email us or send a voice memo to hello@oncuepodcast.com.

This episode is produced and edited by Kathleen Gallacher.

This week's cocktail or mocktail-- THE STEAL AWAY:

2 oz dry gin (for mocktail, use limeade or lime soda)
1 oz fig liqueur (we used Zachlawi Fig Arak. For mocktail, use apple juice with a few drops of anise extract)
1 oz date syrup
½ oz fermented lemon juice (Chef Nina's simple recipe for fermented lemons is here)
½ oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 drops of cardamom extract

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake, strain into a cute glass, and garnish with fresh fruit or dried flowers.

MUSIC FROM THIS EPISODE:
Trish's Cocktail Hour Playlist
Trish's Dinner Table Playlist
Trish's Parlor Games Playlist
Episode 35 - Trish's Dinner Party
Record Of The Week
Theme Song - Ends Of The Earth

This week, Liz and Trish decided to shelve the scheduled episode to talk instead about something pressing and personal—the devastating fires in Los Angeles. In light of the ongoing crisis, they reflect on the overwhelming emotions of helplessness, anger, and hope that so many are grappling with.

To help process, Liz has curated a playlist of songs for the planet. This playlist ranges from uplifting and inspirational tracks to more raw and angry anthems, capturing the wide spectrum of emotions we experience in the face of disaster. Whether you need a moment of catharsis or a spark of hope, this collection offers something for everyone.

This week Trish's favorite thing is the power of bravery—the bravery of first responders, of course, but also the everyday heroes: people showing up for their neighbors, the animals surviving the chaos, and everyone coming together to face the unthinkable. Bravery is showing up, even when the odds feel insurmountable, and Trish celebrates the courage on display in these unimaginable times.

No cocktail this week—just a gentle nudge to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially in times of stress. Take care of yourselves!

We’d love to hear from you! Have thoughts, feelings, or reflections on the fires, bravery, or the playlist? Or just want to connect? Send us an email or voice memo at hello@oncuepodcast.com or DM us on Instagram. We’re here for you.

This episode is produced and edited by Kathleen Gallacher.

Liz's Songs for the Planet

Record of the Week

Theme Song - Ends of the Earth - Simon Steadman and T.T. Magruber

This week, we examine and discuss the movie Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), diving into the iconic soundtrack and the way it underscores the film's characters, storylines, comedy, and themes.

Also, Trish's favorite thing this week is the book THE RED TAROT, by diviner and educator Christopher Marmolejo.

We love hearing from you! Got a question or topic for discussion in a future episode? Please email us or send a voice memo to hello@oncuepodcast.com.

This episode is produced and edited by Kathleen Gallacher.

This week's cocktail or mocktail-- THE STRUMMER ("Strummah"):

1½ oz of vodka (for mocktail, use sparkling water or lemon soda)
½ oz Chambord (for mocktail, use raspberry syrup or cran-raspberry juice)
¼ oz dry Vermouth (for mocktail, use white grape juice or sparkling water)
¼ oz Alkermes Liqueur, which you'll never be able to find. So substitute with Campari... or if you wanna lean into the cough syrup experience, try Maraschino liqueur. (For mocktail, use vanilla syrup or a few drops of vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon, anise, nutmeg or your favorite spice or extract)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake, strain into a cute glass, and garnish with fresh or freese-dried raspberries or dried flowers.

MUSIC FROM THIS EPISODE:

Music From Episode 33 - Grosse Pointe Blank

Record Of The Week

Theme Song - Ends Of The Earth - Simon Steadman and T.T. Magruber