Kiara Gets Drunk and Talks About Music

“See that girl, watch that scene, digging the dancing queen!” In Episode 62 Kiara is reunited with Farrah to discuss the ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits compilation album (1992). In this episode we discover why this is the album that made Farrah fall in love with music, from her experience growing up listening to the band during road tips to Kelowna to Friday nights on exchange in Scotland; uncovering how the record ignited her love for disco and sad bops. We also dive in to the Mamma Mia! film and it's impact on both Kiara and Farrah, musical red flags on first dates, and how to score tickets to John Mayer. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

“Run boy run! This world is not made for you.” In Episode 61 Kiara is joined by Ethan to discuss Woodkid's The Golden Age (2013). In this episode we discover why this is the album that made Ethan fall in love with music, touching on the textured nature of chamber pop and how it makes him feel, his personal connection to the artist that began with a certain video game, and how the album influenced his musical “Mount Rushmore”. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

That's a wrap on 2022! To celebrate our 60th episode we're recapping the year in music, from the catchiest tunes to the most memorable live performances, recruiting members of the pod squad to talk about their personal favourite releases. Thank you to all our amazing guests and listeners for such an incredible year – looking forward to seeing what 2023 brings! 0:00 2022 Wrap-Up with Kiara 14:54 Harry's House with Meg 30:42 Naïve with Ethan 43:12 Dawn FM with Farrah 59:58 Midnights with Nick 1:11 Garageband Superstar with Matt 1:26 Four Songs with Endrita 1:37 Being Funny in a Foreign Language with Lauryn 1:53 Kiara's Top 5 Records of 2022

In the ninth episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara excitedly celebrates the reunion of the original lineup of blink-182 (welcome back Tom!), touching on her early memories of the band, her gratitude for Matt Skiba, and her hope to snag tickets to their upcoming tour. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In the eighth episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara revisits the iconic hits that have been previously crowned a “song of the summer”, discusses what she feels even deems a song worthy of a summer jam, and pits today's Billboard-topping tracks against each other for the 2022 title. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In the seventh episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara analyzes the recent spike in popularity of Kate Bush's 1985 single, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)”, and revisits some of her personal favourite musical resurgences over the years from the likes of Queen, David Bowie, and Bonnie Tyler. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In the sixth episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara discusses how Harry Styles has made his way to the top of the music world; recapping the release of his latest record as well as his Coachella headline show, praising his musical evolution from his One Direction days, and how he's established himself as a true style icon among the industry's heavy hitters. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In the fifth episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara is joined by Farrah to celebrate the life, spirit, and music of the late Taylor Hawkins. As longtime Foo Fighters fans we express our grief over this tragic loss to the world of music and our thoughts on the future of the band, but also take time to share the joy that Taylor brought into so many people's lives by recounting some of our favourite memories from watching the Foos' live shows and interactions with his best friend, Dave Grohl. We miss you, Taylor. Rest in peace. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In the fourth episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara is joined by Natalie to discuss the cultural phenomenon that is “We Don't Talk About Bruno” from Disney's Encanto; touching on what we think makes the tune such an ear-worm, why we gravitate towards the film and its characters, and the importance of changing up the subject matter and themes of today's animated films. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In the third episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara discusses the ever-evolving intersection of music and mental health, touching on how music can positively impact one's overall wellbeing, artists who have normalized and promoted mental health conversations, and shares some of the records that help her get through those really tough days. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In the second episode of our Take a Shot series, Kiara recaps Kanye West's most recent statements, feuds, and behaviours, shares her thoughts on the social exceptions we make for celebrities, and defends her choice to continue to stan Ye through all the ups and downs as she recalls some of his most impactful moments in music. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

In our first episode of our short-form Take a Shot! series, Kiara flies solo on the mic to discuss the current resurgence of emo music, revisits some of her favourite pop punk memories, and breaks down what she feels made this genre so popular in its heyday. Fan of the pod? Hit Subscribe! Follow us on Instagram @kiaragetsdrunk

“Not gonna lie – it's been a long year.” 50 episodes, can you believe it?! To celebrate our milestone birthday Kiara is joined by Natalie to wrap up the year in music and reminisce about the early days of the podcast, but over the course of this very special episode, we also get to hear from members of the Pod Squad as they share their favourite artists, albums, and songs of 2021. Thank you to all our amazing guests, listeners, and sponsors for such an incredible year – looking forward to seeing what 2022 brings! 0:00 2021 Wrap Up 12:15 Shore by Fleet Foxes – Ethan 21:12 SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo – Meg 32:24 Call Me If You Get Lost by Tyler, The Creator – Tiff 43:36 MONTERO by Lil Nas X – Farrah 1:02 The Yearbook by Baby Queen – Matt 1:13 Bryce Vine, Pop Smoke, Glass Animals – Nick 1:23 Not Your Muse by Celeste – Kerri 1:34 Blink Once by Arkells – Natalie

“You've got the love I need to see me through.” In Episode 49 Kiara is joined by Erica, co-founder of the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies and host of The Eternal Hoptimist, for a review of Florence and the Machine's debut record, Lungs (2009). In this episode, we get a little Hurricane Drunk sipping on the Society's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Porter as we discuss the enigmatic nature and songwriting excellence of Florence Welch, how the album's spookiness is perfectly counterbalanced with killer drumbeats, crazy harp action, and Jack White-influences, and the importance of empowering and carving out space in the world for women everywhere. The dog days are over! Check out and follow the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies and be sure to listen to The Eternal Hoptimist, available wherever you get your podcast fix! @ladiesdrinkbeer www.ladiesdrinkbeer.com

“Who am I to blow against the wind?” In Episode 48, Kiara is joined by her newest drinking buddy, Sarabeth from Red Tape Brewery, to discuss Paul Simon's seventh studio album, Graceland (1986). In this episode, we dive deep into the controversial past of this iconic record, and emphasize the importance of discussion, research, and education on the eve of Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Kiara and Sarabeth toast the master storyteller that is Paul Simon with a few That Was Easy Pale Ales provided by Red Tape, sharing our own tales of kitchen dance parties, the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, emotional live music performances, and why it's so important to have good people in your corner. We will all be received in Graceland! Get out there and support local businesses! Red Tape Brewery is located at 159 Main Street, Toronto, Canada. @redtapebrewery www.redtapebrewery.com

“Grease is the word.” In Episode 47, Kiara flies solo once again while sharing her thoughts on the classic soundtrack for the movie-musical, Grease (1978). In this episode, Kiara recounts her early experiences watching the film with her neighbours and quickly moves into how her view on the plot and most of the iconic songs has changed, highlighting the double standards that exist between the male and female characters. And while she mourns the end of summer over a few Tequila Sunrises, Kiara still manages to find moments of joy in the flawlessly choreographed dance numbers, the 50's-inspired earworms, and the subtle victory of Rizzo. Oh, those summer nights!

“Baby, you're the end of June.” In Episode 46, Kiara is joined once again by the amazing host of the Gin and Beer It Podcast, Meg, to talk about the sophomore album from Harry Styles, Fine Line (2019). In this episode, we separate the psychedelic bops from the heart wrenching ballads, revisiting Harry's flawless evolution from boy band baby to bona fide babe (while of course disclosing our favourite 1D members along the way). From the radio hits to the deep cuts to the cinematic music videos, this episode's got it all, and over the course of a few watermelon margaritas we make time to address the potential of a Jen Aniston/David Schwimmer romance, Meg's roller-rink-filled past, the sexual awakening that was Harry's GRAMMY performance, and how being yourself will always be in Style(s). Shine – step into the light! Make sure to check out Meg on her podcast and follow Gin and Beer It on social media! @ginandbeeritshow www.ginandbeeritshow.com

“Well, well – look who's inside again.” In Episode 45, Kiara returns to the podcast after a brief hiatus with the help of our resident “zoomer” Ethan, to discuss the album accompanying Bo Burnham's lockdown special, Inside (The Songs) released in 2021. In this episode Kiara and Ethan nurse a couple aptly-named Quarantinis while trading their takes on the music from this massively successful performance piece, revisiting how they first discovered Bo on Vine and applauding his growth from a 16-year old YouTuber to one of the most thought-provoking and endearing comedians of his time, while staying true to his signature satirical jokes and musical acumen. And while most of the episode is spent fawning over Bo's brilliance as a performer and how the album's songs continue to hit home, we also make time to try our hand at Boston accents, cuss out Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead, and rhapsodize about the one and only Jeffrey Bezos.

“You'll be my bloody valentine tonight.” In Ep. 44 Kiara invites Bonnie back to the podcast to discuss the latest release from Machine Gun Kelly, Tickets To My Downfall (2020). In this episode we rejoice at the return of an early 2000s pop punk sound that got a modern day makeover from a rap star who took a risk that seriously paid off; churning out not just hit singles that combine honest lyrics with punchy power chords like “my ex's best friend”, but also surprisingly gentle melodies such as “play this when i'm gone” and “lonely”. And with a couple Bloody Valentine cocktails in hand, Kiara and Bonnie share their own personal stories about how this album fed their soul amidst a global quarantine, why it's one of their favourites to dance to, and the power of being town down to nothing to build yourself back up. But we also make time to share our thoughts on Disney's greatest villain, why Christina Aguilera makes Bonnie tear up, Kiara's new obsession with Lil Huddy, and confirm that Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox are truly the hottest couple in the world. There's a lot that I want to say – but that's for another day.

“He was a boy, she was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?” In Episode 43 Kiara is joined by Natalie to discuss Canadian music sensation (and the subject of Nat’s first diary entry) Avril Lavigne, and her debut studio album, Let Go (2002). With their black eyeliner perfectly smudged, these newly vaccinated pals pay tribute to the pop punk queen who preached the power of being anything but ordinary with a batch of Jungle Juice, as they recall their early experiences listening to Avril’s music, its influence on young girls and the early 2000s pop music scene, and how the tracks hold up 19 years later. In this episode we explore the album’s many hit singles such as “Complicated” and “I’m With You”, but also make the case for the iconic deep cuts that illustrate Avril’s Napanee roots and tongue-in-cheek teenage musings like “My World” and “Things I’ll Never Say”. And of course, we end up losing grip on the conversation as we spiral into our 9 year old angst and questionable pre-teen fashion choices, Natalie’s solo school bus karaoke performances, and the great Chad vs. Derek debate. Why’d you have to go and make things so complicated?

“This whiskey got me feeling pretty, so pardon if I’m impolite.” In Episode 42, we got to do things our own way, darling! Kiara welcomes back Endrita to the podcast for a review of Rihanna’s empowering album, ANTI (2016). In this episode we worship at the church of RiRi, toasting her with our Whiskey Sours while gushing over the record’s raw, drunken ballads combined with sickening samples and powerful collaborations, in addition to applauding her many successful business ventures and overall confidence, courage, and grace. We make sure to revisit the early years of her career; from “Pon De Replay” to her Live @ MUCH appearance, and laying down track after track that always made us (and Tom Holland!) want to dance, leading us to marvel at the evolution of a young girl from Barbados who turned herself into a multi-million-dollar mogul. And over the course of our discussion, Kiara and Endrita acknowledge and praise the long-overdue liberation of outspoken female entertainers and the shift of the pop culture landscape, in addition to reminiscing about their SNL obsession, Endrita’s late-night rendition of “Work”, and how they’re still holding out hope for Rihanna and Drake. Must be love on the brain!

“And then suddenly it hit me it’s a year ago, since I drank miniature whiskey and we shared your coke.” In Episode 41, all we wanna hear you say is R U mine? Kiara is joined by Meg – host of the Gin and Beer It Podcast – to discuss Arctic Monkeys game-changing album, AM (2013), over a few classic Jack & Coke’s! Before getting into the specifics of this record, Kiara and Meg confirm they are indeed the same person as they recount their similar experiences listening to the band during their university years and their shared love for charismatic front man, Alex Turner. Pour us one for the road because we have a lot to discuss; from the British club classic that put these Sheffield boys on the map, to their massive radio hits and killer B-sides that solidified their spot as indie rock n’ roll icons, all the while reveling in the self-indulgent yet relatable energy of this moody album that drunkenly walks the line between cerebral and direct lyricism and balances pleading ballads with confident jams. And among the many mad sounds we also learn of Meg’s alleged hiatus curse, reminisce on Turner’s infamous BRIT Awards acceptance speech, touch on the dangers of a good ol’ drunk text, and admit we are definitely still NOT over Harry Styles’ GRAMMY performance. Make sure to check out Meg on her podcast and follow Gin and Beer It on social media! @ginandbeeritshow www.ginandbeeritshow.com

“Come hold my hand, hold it tight. We’re in a weird time of life.” Episode 40 begs the question – is there any life on mars? Kiara is reunited with her brother (and self-proclaimed “Steve Martin of the podcast”) Ethan to review YUNGBLUD’s sophomore effort, weird! (2020) - with beer sponsored by Midtown Brewing Co.! In this episode we celebrate the creativity, confidence, and tenacity of Dom Harrison and his efforts to build a highly inclusive and diverse collective through music, drawing influence from the likes of My Chemical Romance, The Beastie Boys, Oasis and David Bowie. As always, these siblings take a few detours in the conversation, trying their hand at different British accents and hearing their true feelings on Glee and Pentatonix, but not even a bad Michael Caine impression can disrupt the impact of this Gen-Z trailblazer. Over the course of a few Strawberry Sours, we dissect YUNGBLUD’s music with a message; from the experimental alternative jams to the sickeningly sweet pop bops and the smorgasbord of genres in between, commenting on his ability to captivate an audience with performance and encourage others to always celebrate their differences.

“But square cut or pear shape, these rocks don’t lose their shape.” In Episode 39 Kiara is joined by her former roommate and first time pod guest Bonnie to dive into the always-spectacular Moulin Rouge! Music from Baz Luhrmann’s Film (2001). Before getting into the details of this star-studded soundtrack, Kiara and Bonnie reminisce on how their love for the film first brought them together at university and how its diverse collection of songs resulted in a lot of late night drunken sing-a-longs, particularly to the tune of “Elephant Love Medley”. We make the case for how Luhrmann was able to flawlessly incorporate diverse work from the likes of The Police, David Bowie, and Elton John to create a compendium of “banging songs”, and praise his whole-assed approach to making the film an iconic spectacle of colour and sound. And with a couple Pink Diamond Fizz cocktails in hand, we also discuss the illustrious career of John Leguizamo, learn of Bonnie’s true feelings on the Spider-Man franchise and the Mario Brothers motion picture, and yearn for a spot in the “Lady Marmalade” music video. Seasons may change, winter to spring – but I love you until the end of time.

“And I turn the six upside down, it’s a nine now.” In Episode 38, there is truly no place like home as Kiara welcomes back resident R&B expert Farrah via Zoom to discuss Drake’s fourth full-length studio album Views (2016). In this episode we devote ourselves to the teachings of the 6ix God himself, from his humble beginnings on Degrassi to his sizable impact on Toronto tourism. And over the course of a few Back Nine Cocktails, we make the case for Drake’s sensitive yet incredibly relatable rap style, his eventual evolution to Jamaican dancehall music, the absolute earworm that is “Hotline Bling”, and his stellar collabs with the likes of Rihanna and Nicki Minaj. But we also make time to discuss Farrah’s current TikTok algorithm, Kiara’s idea for a Baby Shark remix, the contemporary R&B classic that is “Bedrock” by Young Money featuring Lloyd, and Toronto’s greatest landmark. Why you gotta fight with me at Cheesecake? You know I love to go there…

“Gonna rise up, find my direction magnetically.” In Episode 37, we will leave it all far behind! Kiara welcomes back our most recent guest Kerri for a discussion on Into the Wild: Music for the Motion Picture (2007) from the legendary Eddie Vedder, sponsored by Lake of Bays Brewing Co.! In this episode we take a cue from our Off The Grid Hazy Pale Ales and dive into the true story of Harvard-bound-student-turned-vagabond Christopher McCandless, his journey to Alaska, and the mix tape-worthy tracks from Pearl Jam’s front man that compliment this memorable film so perfectly. We go deep exploring the themes of both the movie and the soundtrack, touching on the importance of reflection and self-discovery, Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes, and society’s materialistic obsessions; but we also keep the conversation light and learn of Kerri’s Quebecois wilderness adventure and how she’d react in a hypothetical Hunger Games situation, and we also get a sneak peek at Kiara’s Sean Penn impression. Vedder? I hardly even know her!

“I feel it in my bones, I feel it in my bones.” In Episode 36, baby we are right on time! Kiara is reunited with her favourite English major and cardigan enthusiast, Kerri, to review Vampire Weekend’s critically acclaimed record, Modern Vampires of the City (2013) – with beer sponsored by Amsterdam Brewing Co.! In this episode we get a little more preppy discussing the evolution of these NYC boys and their stunning narrative regarding a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it foray into adulthood while feeling the impact of the always delicious, Boneshaker Unfiltered IPA. We praise front man Ezra Koenig’s purposeful and insightful lyricism disguised in catchy indie-pop bops, and Kerri brilliantly ties his references to the likes of Arthur Miller while questioning his views on the Oxford Comma. And while this is an album caked in religious skepticism, cautionary tales to reckless youth, and the preciousness of time, we counteract every existential crisis with comparisons to Britney Spears, our thoughts on Greased Lightning, and why we’re attracted to Timothée Chalamet’s anarchist/baller lifestyle.

“Look for the girl with the broken smile, ask her if she wants to stay a while.” In Episode 35, come and rest your bones with us as Kiara welcomes back Tiff via Zoom to trade takes on the 2002 debut from Maroon 5, Songs About Jane, with beer sponsored by the good folks at Town Brewery. Before getting into the details of this record, Kiara and Tiff reminisce about what was – in their opinion – the golden age of pop-rock music and their personal relationships with the band, as well as pay tribute to underground rap legend MF DOOM and Hollywood darling Kelly Preston. We make the case for the massive hits off this album that accompany some steamy, pool-make-out-session-filled music videos, and that also combine Levine’s catchy hooks with surprisingly deep yet vengeful lyricism; leading to speculation on his Zodiac sign. And with a few Laugh Basket Lagers in hand, we review Levine’s tattoo chronology, our thoughts on Tarantino’s latest film, Kiara’s lack of Star Wars knowledge, and what exactly constitutes a Swedish goodbye. Will this album get the Seth Cohen seal of approval? Listen to find out!

“City of stars, are you shining just for me?” In Episode 34, Kiara is joined once again by movie buff Ethan to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to another day of sun, as they share their takes on Damien Chazelle’s 2016 movie musical, La La Land. In this episode these siblings express their love not only for the film itself thanks to its stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances from Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, but also for its expertly curated score and memorable original songs. And with their Jazz Cocktails in hand, Kiara and Ethan discuss their discontent for Los Angeles traffic jams and what REALLY happens when they attend parties, but more importantly, the struggle of maintaining the delicate balance of your passion and your relationships, and never stopping in the pursuit of your dreams. Hey, ya like jazz?

“From now on our troubles will be out of sight.” In Episode 33, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Kiara welcomes Natalie back to the pod for the first ever holiday episode to discuss the iconic Michael Bublé record, Christmas (2011), with drinks sponsored by our friends at Great Lakes Brewery. In this episode we applaud Bublé – henceforth referred to as “The Bubz” – for his contemporary interpretations of Christmas classics, from the tunes that keep us rockin’ around the Christmas tree to the more polarizing tracks that aren’t worth a lump of coal (we see you, “Silent Night); all the while touching on the emo interpretations of some of our favourite Christmas hits, the arguments for and against eggnog, and the longevity of Shania Twain and Eartha Kitt. It may be a cold December night, but we’re keeping warm with our Canuck Pale Ales, revealing Kiara’s Yule Ball fantasy, Nat’s true feelings regarding “Santa Baby”, and two Moira Rose impersonations you didn’t know you needed. Not even a partridge in a pear tree.

“Don’t you wanna come with me? Don’t you wanna feel my bones?” In Episode 32, Kiara is joined by Matt – host of the Pick a Disc podcast – to trade takes on The Killers’ career-defining sophomore effort, Sam’s Town (2006)…(or is he just here to sabotage the whole operation from across the pond?) In this episode we explore the end of the band’s synth era and the beginning of their Americana takeover, citing the clever mystery of Brandon Flowers’ lyricism for allowing the album to span from show-stopping anthems to genuine ballads, and producing music videos that take us from spooky narratives to straight up Telenovelas. And for reasons unknown, we learn of Kiara’s skull obsession, Matt’s one-man carpool karaoke, and manage to work in comparisons to 500 Days of Summer and Bryan Adams. But at the end of the day, it is the personal connections to this collection of tracks and our experiences seeing the band perform live that make it a record we keep coming back to. So grab yourself a Bone Cocktail, after all it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

“We live in a beautiful world.” In Episode 31, Kiara welcomes her high school pal and musical soul mate Endrita to the pod to review the timeless debut record from Coldplay, Parachutes (2000). On the 20th anniversary of this alt-rock masterpiece, we discuss how this simple, unassuming album resonated with us while living through a global pandemic: forthcoming in its messages on coping with anxiety, the importance of a strong support system, and the power of positive thinking. And due to Chris Martin’s dreamy falsetto, his spellbinding lyricism, and the incomparable evolution of the band in their twenty-year career, we have to conclude that everything’s not lost. So we toast to movies that are perfect for a good ol’ ugly cry, fan-made YouTube videos with stellar soundtracks, and Machine Gun Kelly – with our Parachute cocktails held on high (and it was all yellow).

“All that glitters is gold, only shooting stars break the mold.” In Episode 30, Kiara welcomes back infamous Gen Z-er Ethan to help her peel back the many layers of the soundtrack of the smash hit movie, Shrek (2001), over a couple aptly-named Shrek cocktails. With their social bubble tightly secured, Kiara and Ethan take advantage of a rare in-person session to discuss their feelings on this award-winning animated film and the perfectly curated mix of songs that pump serotonin straight into their brains. And while we get majorly sidetracked by Guy Fieri, “that one time at improv camp”, and our horrible Shrek impressions, we still make time to praise the poeticism of Leonard Cohen, the fearlessness of Joan Jett, and the meme-worthiness of Smash Mouth, all the while commenting on how these artists and songs supplemented the film’s underlying message and introduced a host of iconic musicians to an entirely new generation. It’s not easy being green.

“Roller coaster, favourite ride. Let me kiss you one last time.” In Episode 29, Kiara and Kerri will not shut up about the joyous romp that is blink-182’s fourth album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001). In this episode, we discuss both the wild and woeful tracks that combine to make the perfect roller coaster ride of a record, to which we pay tribute by tossing back a few Roller Coaster cocktails. Kiara and Kerri rave over the band’s infectiously fun style – from their unforgettable music videos accompanying catchy riffs to their firm commitment to a good pun – but we also commend the band on their genuine ability to speak to heavy topics like divorce, political discontent, and heartbreak. And over the course of this virtual Zoom session, we learn of Kerri’s beef with Romeo & Juliet, get a taste of Kiara’s Earth Kitt impression, carefully tread around the more *explicit* hidden tracks, and somehow manage to tie in the sociological theories of Karl Mannheim (seriously).

“Time passes and the constants stay.” In Episode 28, Kiara welcomes back resident underground electronic expert Tiff to learn more about the post-dubstep prince James Blake, and his sophomore effort, Overgrown (2013). With Tiff as her guide, Kiara gets a real music education on the first electronic artist and album reviewed on the pod – touching on Blake’s humble school beginnings, his “non-wubby” production style, and of course his angelic vocals – before diving into the details of the record. Over a few Vodka Voyeurs, our love keeps coming back to the songs that offer us words of encouragement, critique modern hook-up culture, and make the case for not selling out. And the fun facts keep rolling as we reminisce on our drunken purchases, actors who have aged incredibly well (Jared Leto), actors who have not (sorry, Haley Joel Osment), and how James Blake may in fact be kind of a huge dork.

“Gravity wants to bring me down.” In Episode 27, Kiara and Farrah are truly waiting on the world to change as they reconvene virtually via Zoom to share their thoughts on the GRAMMY-winning album, Continuum (2006) by John Mayer. With fittingly-named John Collins cocktails in hand, the pair experiences their own gamut of emotion while trying to keep up with the sad hopefulness of the “bad boy of Connecticut” himself; lamenting over the state of the world in 2020, the fear of getting older, and good ol’ fashioned heartbreak. There really is no stopping this train once we take a deep dive into this record, as the two also discuss the plights of living dangerously, how much they admire Gen-Z, Mayer’s spearheading of the male sensitivity movement in music, and most importantly - how the album really struck a chord with them in this landmark year of change and uncertainty.

“I sing along but Acadia is gone.” In Episode 26, Kiara and Natalie (AKA “Nat” or “Natalia”) take a break from their usual routine of crying in quarantine to talk about the pop-punk sophomore effort, Masterpiece Theatre (2009), from Canada’s own Marianas Trench. The nostalgia factor is real as these two socially distanced pals recall their angsty teen years fuelled by music from these west coast boys and other Canadian groups over a few Acadian Maple Sours; and it’s a real battle of the bops, sad jam duets, and everything in between as we break down the “interactive” tunes, lyrics born to live in your MSN screen name, millennial woops, and the front men whom we wanted all to ourselves. This album begs its listeners not to take themselves so seriously, and we cross our hearts and hope to die promising to follow suit (just wait until you hear our Gordon Ramsey impressions).

“Caught daylight. Goddamn right.” In Episode 25, Kiara welcomes back Lauryn (an amazing guest with an even better laugh!) via Zoom to decipher the highly stylized, math-centric album 22, A Million (2016) by Bon Iver – not to be confused with “Bonnie Bear”. In this episode we desperately seek the aid of a few Red Devil Cocktails to help us understand the complicated mind of front man Justin Vernon, offering up our takes on his lyrics, unique vernacular, meticulous mathematics, and use of symbols to create a flawlessly executed record. And in between gushing over Vernon’s signature harmonies and crediting him with the Return of the Synth, Kiara and Lauryn reflect on the album’s themes of abandonment, risk-taking, religion, and transience, as well as a very poignant sample in light of the current Black Lives Matter movement. And as always, the tangents are by the Million, including a nod to the soundtrack from Grey’s Anatomy, #ShowerThoughts, and Vernon’s immaculate bullet journal.

“Boy, you was battle born.” In Episode 24, Kiara is joined via Zoom by repeat guest (Ethan) to discuss the fourth studio album from the pod’s first repeat band (The Killers): Battle Born (2012). The record becomes especially poignant for this pair of siblings as we reminisce on The Way it Was before COVID-19 and how this album is one of the most fitting soundtracks for life’s turning points. With aptly named Plain Killer cocktails in hand, Kiara and Ethan trade takes on the record’s themes of nostalgia, regret, and hope, all the while praising the band’s lyricism, their maturity since their debut in 2004, as well as their memorable music videos; from the sad bops to the cottage tunes to the grandiose Americana anthems. And along the way, we learn of Ethan’s second favourite animal, Kiara’s Brandon Flowers impersonation, and the importance of not letting the bastards get you down.

“Today I don’t feel like doing anything.” In Episode 23, Kiara and Farrah are just a couple Juliet’s looking for their Romeo’s as they re-live the 24K Magic of Bruno Mars’ genre-spanning debut, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010). In another socially-distanced session, five-timer Farrah fills Kiara in on the Tik Tok tracks that have kept her sane in quarantine, and the two reminisce about their days in high school over a few Lazy Tom’s. In this episode, we dissect Mars’ incomparable glow-up, from his humble beginnings in the Hawaiian version of the Von Trapp family, to some very questionable similes, to the Superbowl, all the while noting his cute, funky, and sad personas that all make an appearance on the record. And in between the teen bops, self-care anthems, and sad jam “lites”, we ask ourselves the big questions: do these songs still slap ten years later? Will Enrique Iglesias ever come back to town? And fedoras: for or against?

“You remind me that it’s such a wonderful thing to love.” In Episode 22 Kiara welcomes back Kerri via Zoom (after a seventeen-episode hiatus!) to discuss Florence + The Machine’s incredibly intimate fourth record, High as Hope (2018). Before getting into the specifics of the record, the two discuss the magic of the ethereal human-angel-person known as Florence Welch, their experience seeing her perform live, and the dramatics of a good ol’ flip phone. We also pay homage to FATM’s legendary front woman with a couple Florence cocktails, praising her deeply poetic yet relatable lyrics and the album’s recurring themes of self-reflection and discovery, the band’s crazy harp action, and their storm-summoning appearances. But much like Florence’s songwriting, there are also multiple detours in the conversation; ideas for an Eat Pray Love sequel, Tiger King, Elon Musk’s alleged Pokémon obsession, and male suitors with iPads. One thing is for sure; these ladies are NOT okay with getting ghosted, unless it’s by one of the Skarsgård brothers or guys who drive rickshaws.

“My heart’s always yours.” It’s Episode 21 and we are too blessed to be stressed! With quarantine still underway, Kiara is making due by recruiting fourth-time guest Natalie via Zoom to discuss Arkells’ fourth studio album, Morning Report (2016). Fittingly, the two compliment this compilation of personal anecdotes by telling some of their own stories, including embarrassing first encounters with "Kellz" band members, a night out for the books, and how they’ve been keeping busy in social isolation (spoiler alert: it involves a lot of Jane Fonda workouts, Animal Crossing, and Netflix). We explore everything we love about this record - and then some: from the band’s electric live shows and “dram-astic” bangers, to their strong political commentaries and proud Canadian roots. And after a few Wild Heart cocktails, we begin to ramble round and round, somehow landing on “Degrassi” Drake, John Mulaney and The Office.

“They’ll hang us in The Louvre. Down the back, but who cares? Still The Louvre.” Episode 20 is a real Supercut of how Kiara is handling social isolation, luckily she has the perfect album to keep her company: the mature sophomore effort from Lorde, Melodrama (2017). Before diving into the specifics of this record, Kiara touches on the impact COVID-19 has had on the music industry and the experimental “work from home” jams that have come out of quarantine (we see you, Machine Gun Kelly!). With a very fancy French 75 in hand, Kiara discusses how Lorde, the New Zealand alt-pop princess, paved the way for Billie Eilish, her lasting impact on the late David Bowie, and her collaborations with Joel Little and Jack Antonoff. And between shout-outs to her former pod guests, the mispronunciation of “synesthesia”, and her critique on the album’s hidden track, we dissect the intense dichotomy of life in your early 20s and the true power in learning to love being alone.

“Blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.” In Episode 19 Kiara comes to you live from quarantine to rave about one of her favourite albums, Hozier (2014) the self-titled debut from – you guessed it! - Hozier. In this episode Kiara shares her thoughts on this cross-genre collection of tracks, recounting how the album resonated with her at a key time in her life and why she continues to return to it; as well as exploring the darker subjects embedded in several songs, including the critique on Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the terror of domestic abuse. And after tossing back a few Cherry Fizz cocktails, we also learn of Kiara’s crush on the Irish singer-songwriter, her decision to fly solo at his concert, her favourite song EVER, and her LCBO meet-cute’s (not really).

“I’ll never wear your broken crown.” Drinking alone is the new drinking with people…right? In Episode 18, join Kiara in social isolation to hear her take on Mumford & Sons’ second studio album, Babel (2012) while independently sipping on Crown Rose cocktails. We – the “collective” we – discuss how the band piqued Kiara’s interest in the folk genre, her experience seeing them perform live on their first North American tour, as well as her more recent departure from their albums. In this episode, there are no whispers in the dark, just Kiara’s solo musings regarding the information on her Hinge profile, the balance between the gentle ballads and the “face melters", her obsession with sophomore records, and why comedians and musicians should always collaborate. “I will wait, I will wait” for this quarantine to be over.

“You go back to her and I go back to black.” Tease your hair and wing your eyeliner: in Episode 17, Kiara (or “Kiki”) invites Pod Squad member Farrah back for a fourth time to discuss the incredibly raw jazz album, Back to Black (2006) from Amy Winehouse. As heart wrenching as this album is, we still manage to break it down into the songs that really slap and the songs that don’t, while touching on the poeticism, depth, and tragedy of this late singer-songwriter and her lasting impact on the pop music scene. With a couple Black Russians in hand, Kiara and Farrah also share how the album resonated with them, especially amidst tough times, but they let their tears dry on their own once they begin to debate the cultural oxymoron that is The Great Gatsby film adaptation, their beef with Andre 3000 and Beyoncé, and the “blokes” who quite frankly, are not worthy of love songs anyway. It's not you - it's us, and we hope we can still be friends…

“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” It’s a royal affair in Episode 16 as Kiara is reunited with third-time guest Natalie to discuss the 1981 Greatest Hits compilation from the one and only, Queen. This record is jam-packed with “Queen”-tessential anthems and sad jams, and over the course of a few Bohemian Cocktails, we break it down from top to (fat) bottom. In this episode, we revisit what made us fall in love with Queen in the first place (thank you, Ella Enchanted and Knight’s Tale!) and how the tracks quickly became some of our karaoke go-to’s. But don’t stop us now, because Kiara and Nat also have their own rhapsody of tangents to explore, including Natalie’s beef with Rami Malek, the art of doing chores in full drag, and the debate over “space noises”. In a world of transience, few people can be immortalized, and we determine those people are in fact Freddie Mercury, the Rainbow Sponge lady, and Paul Rudd.

“I don’t want to be your monkey wrench!” Episode 15 sees the return of R&B-aficionado-turned-rock-chick Farrah, who joins Kiara to review Foo Fighters’ sophomore album, The Color and the Shape (1997). In this episode we revisit the “Everlong” career of the band, from their post-Nirvana inception to the Broken Leg Tour to KISS guy, discussing the songs that really scream, slap, and sway. And over the course of a few Monkey Gland cocktails, Kiara and Farrah get “Up in Arms” over the power of this record; revisiting awkward eighth grade dances, their personal experiences seeing the Foos live in concert, and their self-proclaimed “Foo-fecta” of perfect tracks; as well as their undying love for the nice guy of rock n’ roll himself, Dave Grohl. Through rough break-ups, line-up shake-ups, and encounters with Bob Dylan, he will always be our hero (he’s ordinary!)

“It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss!” Brace yourself; episode 14 is a “hot” one! Official recurring guest Tiff joins Kiara to discuss the debut album by The Killers, Hot Fuss (2004) – not to be confused with Hot Fuzz – over a couple of Hot Toddies. It’s a real trip down memory lane as we look back on the evolution of these Vegas boys and the hard-core nostalgia that accompanies the synth-y tracks and music videos from this era: seeing the band’s early appearance on The O.C, lusting over Brandon Flowers’ guyliner-filled shower scene, and the insane longevity of “Mr. Brightside”. And while we try to stick to the “Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll”, we obviously end up getting sidetracked, chatting about The Great Gatsby, making the case for Marilyn Manson, and debating whether or not Christopher Walken is attractive. But don’t worry listeners, everything will be alright.

“Share a cup, share a cup, now you're screw-driving.” Episode 13 is an “emergency” recording that invites former guest and future Oscar-winner Ethan to join Kiara as they review Panic! At The Disco’s most recent album, Pray For The Wicked (2018). From their early days playing Rockband (we all know “Nine In The Afternoon” is a banger) to seeing the band perform live on tour, these siblings have “High Hopes” for this record. With a couple Screwdrivers in hand, Kiara and Ethan make the case for this adventurous pop album, citing how P!ATD has evolved since their early emo days; comparing the sad songs to the “salad” songs, the Tarantino-inspired videos, and the true drinking habits of ostentatious 17-year-olds. Along the way, we also discuss the drawbacks of working in Hollywood, the risks of selling out, the shock value of exploding ice cubes, and Kiara’s face-to-face encounter with Brendon Urie. Hey look Ma, we made it!

“I was served lemons, but I made lemonade.” In Episode 12 Kiara is joined by her former-pod guest and current work-wife Tiff to discuss Beyoncé’s cross-genre concept album Lemonade (2016) over a few Sweet Whisky Lemonades. Much like our cocktails, we make a case for why this album is sweet: the empowering nature of “bad bitch jams”, the celebration of and appreciation for Black culture, the chaotic coolness of Jack White, and the angelic voice of James Blake; but we also touch on the sour: outlier songs that just don’t fit, a strange feature from The Weeknd, and the debate over Beyoncé’s first country song, “Daddy Lessons”. And in the final episode of 2019, Kiara and Tiff express their admiration for Queen B, and how important a record like this is for women everywhere. Jay-Z, we’ve got our eyes on you.