Torg Stories Podcast

Weapons is more than a horror film—it's a brutal, mind-bending puzzle box of trauma. In this episode, Anne and I dive into why Weapons is so much more than a horror film. We break down its ambitious, non-linear structure, where every chapter forces us to watch the same terrifying events from a different character's perspective. We discuss the supernatural elements, like how Aunt Gladys's sinister witch magic works.

This week, we dive deep into NFL Week 7, including one of the most unbelievable upsets of the season. We break down the Denver Broncos' historic 19-point comeback to stun the Giants, examine if Joe Flacco and the Bengals are truly "back," and look at why the Rams are solidifying their place as a strong NFC contender. Plus, Anne and I will go over our NFL power rankings where there was lots of movement among teams. We also shift gears to the hardwood as the NBA season tips off, sharing some early NBA futures bets on the Sixers, Pacers, and Nuggets. And finally, Anne shares her excitement about Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's big game—because you know she always has to brag about her team!

We dive into Rico Dowdle's historic "buckle up" performance against his old team, a 40-year-old quarterback's unlikely new chapter in Cincinnati, and the salty ending to a hard-fought game in Kansas City.

NFL Week 5 was the year of the Comeback! We break down four impossible upsets and award Game Balls to Baker Mayfield, Rico Dowdle, and Emeka Egbuka. Plus: Our full review of Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl, and a look at Zach Cregger's 'Weapons' film. Listen now to hear the analysis recorded after the host got staples in his head!

This week on TORG Stories: We break down the biggest NFL headlines, from the Chiefs getting back on track to the Ravens' recent struggles and the Bears' dominant defensive play. Plus, a deep dive into the WNBA playoffs with the Fever forcing a Game 5 and Boston's historic night.

This week on TORG Stories: We break down the biggest NFL headlines, from the Chiefs getting back on track to the Ravens' recent struggles and the Bears' dominant defensive play. Plus, a deep dive into the WNBA playoffs with the Fever forcing a Game 5 and Boston's historic night.

NFL Week 3 Chaos: Eagles' Wild Finish, Fever Upset Aces and Torg Game Ball Winners

NFL Week 3 Chaos: Eagles' Wild Finish, Fever Upset Aces and Torg Game Ball Winners

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this week’s episode Anne and I discuss the Colts thrilling win, the back and forth overtime game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants and the rest of the NFL Week 2 games. We also get a report on Anne’s LA Staycation and then wrap up … Continue reading "Cowboys and Colts Win Thrillers, NFL Week 2, WNBA Playoffs, and Anne’s LA Staycation"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this week’s episode Anne and I discuss the Colts thrilling win, the back and forth overtime game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants and the rest of the NFL Week 2 games. We also get a report on Anne’s LA Staycation and then wrap up … Continue reading "Cowboys and Colts Win Thrillers, NFL Week 2, WNBA Playoffs, and Anne’s LA Staycation"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. Today's episode is called Spitting and Sportsmanship: NFL Week 1 Look Back, Anne’s in Vegas, and a Los Angeles Staycation. We're recording on Mon Sept 8, 2025. Anne, you're fresh off the drive back from Vegas… What Happened in NFL Week 1? Bets for First Sunday of NFL Season:  … Continue reading "Spitting and Sportsmanship: NFL Week 1 Look Back and Anne in Vegas"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. Today's episode is called Spitting and Sportsmanship: NFL Week 1 Look Back, Anne’s in Vegas, and a Los Angeles Staycation. We're recording on Mon Sept 8, 2025. Anne, you're fresh off the drive back from Vegas… What Happened in NFL Week 1? Bets for First Sunday of NFL Season:  … Continue reading "Spitting and Sportsmanship: NFL Week 1 Look Back and Anne in Vegas"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this episode we discuss The NFL Kicks off the Season, the stakes are high as the WNBA Regular Season ends, and Anne's $100 Bet.   What I'm looking forward to watching to start this NFL season:  What seem to be 3-5 storylines as the season starts?  Anne, what's the … Continue reading "NFL Kicks Off The Season, WNBA Regular Season Winds Down, and Anne’s $100 NFL Bet"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this episode we discuss The NFL Kicks off the Season, the stakes are high as the WNBA Regular Season ends, and Anne's $100 Bet.   What I'm looking forward to watching to start this NFL season:  What seem to be 3-5 storylines as the season starts?  Anne, what's the … Continue reading "NFL Kicks Off The Season, WNBA Regular Season Winds Down, and Anne’s $100 NFL Bet"

It's David Foster Wallace's article “Ticket to the Fair” on this week's episode of the Torg Stories Podcast.  Wallace’s article tells the story of his August, 1993 visit to the Illinois State Fair, and Anne and I use the article to remember some of the fairs of our youth.  As for what I was doing … Continue reading "David Foster Wallace’s “Ticket to the Fair” and County Fair Memories on the Torg Stories Podcast"

It's David Foster Wallace's article “Ticket to the Fair” on this week's episode of the Torg Stories Podcast.  Wallace’s article tells the story of his August, 1993 visit to the Illinois State Fair, and Anne and I use the article to remember some of the fairs of our youth.  As for what I was doing … Continue reading "David Foster Wallace’s “Ticket to the Fair” and County Fair Memories on the Torg Stories Podcast"

It's TORG FAVORITE BOOKS, MOVIES, MUSICAL ARTISTS and TELEVISION SHOWS on this edition of the Torg Stories Podcast.  BOOKS OR ESSAYS: Bill's  Favorite Books or Essays of All Time… (Anne’s lists appear further down on the page.) MOVIES: Bill's 5 Favorite Movies of All Time… MUSICAL ARTISTS OR GROUPS: Bill's Favorite Musical Artists or Groups … Continue reading "Torg Favorite Books, Movies, Musical Artists and Shows"

It's TORG FAVORITE BOOKS, MOVIES, MUSICAL ARTISTS and TELEVISION SHOWS on this edition of the Torg Stories Podcast.  BOOKS OR ESSAYS: Bill's  Favorite Books or Essays of All Time… (Anne’s lists appear further down on the page.) MOVIES: Bill's 5 Favorite Movies of All Time… MUSICAL ARTISTS OR GROUPS: Bill's Favorite Musical Artists or Groups … Continue reading "Torg Favorite Books, Movies, Musical Artists and Shows"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. This week, Anne and I watched at least one quarter of all 13 of the WNBA teams. Anne, what was that process like?  We've also got a special guest today. Charlotte Torgerson will be a sophomore basketball player and sports management major at Lees McRae in Banner Elk, North … Continue reading "WNBA Podcast: This Week, We Watched All the Teams"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. This week, Anne and I watched at least one quarter of all 13 of the WNBA teams. Anne, what was that process like?  We've also got a special guest today. Charlotte Torgerson will be a sophomore basketball player and sports management major at Lees McRae in Banner Elk, North … Continue reading "WNBA Podcast: The Week, We Watched All the Teams"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. Last week, Anne and I talked about 100 movies because we talked about the New York Times list of the best films of the 21st Century. This week, we're just talking about one film: Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums. Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums. Anne, this was #21 on … Continue reading "Wes Anderson’s film The Royal Tenenbaums on the Torg Stories Podcast"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. Last week, Anne and I talked about 100 movies because we talked about the New York Times list of the best films of the 21st Century. This week, we're just talking about one film: Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums. Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums. Anne, this was #21 on … Continue reading "Wes Anderson’s film The Royal Tenenbaums on the Torg Stories Podcast"

First, a health update on our mom Sue. We've had some listeners email or text about that:  The New York Times Top 100 of the 21st Century List:  Are you okay with how this list was compiled?  Discussion Questions and Prompts for the Podcast Discussion  Anne Favorites from the NYT List:  What movies on the … Continue reading "Top 100 Movies of the 21st Century on the Torg Stories Podcast"

First, a health update on our mom Sue. We've had some listeners email or text about that:  The New York Times Top 100 of the 21st Century List:  Are you okay with how this list was compiled?  Discussion Questions and Prompts for the Podcast Discussion  Anne Favorites from the NYT List:  What movies on the … Continue reading "Top 100 Movies of the 21st Century on the Torg Stories Podcast"

On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I talk about traveling to Maui.  Acknowledgements related to traveling to Maui  What resources did I use to plan our trip?  Which island should we visit in Hawaii?  We're going to look at a map and talk about the geography, what's where on Maui:  Let’s … Continue reading "A Maui Travel Report Podcast"

On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I talk about traveling to Maui.  Acknowledgements related to traveling to Maui  What resources did I use to plan our trip?  Which island should we visit in Hawaii?  We're going to look at a map and talk about the geography, what's where on Maui:  Let’s … Continue reading "A Maui Travel Report Podcast"

Summer Music Playlists Discussion on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast! Last week we did our favorite things to do on a nice day in Los Angeles and Boone, NC and this week we’ll go over the music we’d listen to on these beautiful days. We talk about how we got to these lists … Continue reading "Summer Playlists on the Torg Stories Podcast"

Summer Music Playlists Discussion on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast! Last week we did our favorite things to do on a nice day in Los Angeles and Boone, NC and this week we’ll go over the music we’d listen to on these beautiful days. We talk about how we got to these lists … Continue reading "Summer Playlists on the Torg Stories Podcast"

Dear Readers and Listeners, We started off our planning for this podcast with a two-part question: If you want to get out of the house to take advantage of a beautiful summer day where you live, where do you go and what songs do you listen to on the way there and back? LOS ANGELES: … Continue reading "Los Angeles and Boone: What to do on a Beautiful Day"

Dear Readers and Listeners, We started off our planning for this podcast with a two-part question: If you want to get out of the house to take advantage of a beautiful summer day where you live, where do you go and what songs do you listen to on the way there and back? LOS ANGELES: … Continue reading "Los Angeles and Boone: What to do on a Beautiful Day"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! We’re recording Mon June 23rd, the day after the Pacers lost in game in 7 of the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anne, I’m fresh off of Day 1 of the Watauga Girls Basketball Camp. Did you used to go to camp as a kid? What’s most … Continue reading "Indiana Pacers Lose the NBA Finals, Haliburton Injury, and A Fan Reflection"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! We’re recording Mon June 23rd, the day after the Pacers lost in game in 7 of the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anne, I’m fresh off of Day 1 of the Watauga Girls Basketball Camp. Did you used to go to camp as a kid? What’s most … Continue reading "Indiana Pacers Lose the NBA Finals, Haliburton Injury, and A Fan Reflection"

On this week’s episode, Caitlin Clark Return to Indiana Fever, it’s two games each for the Pacers and the Thunder in the NBA Finals and Anne gives quick recommendations for Switzerland and I do Asheville on the Torg Stories Podcast. Happy Father’s Day! Caitlin Clark returns to Indiana Fever and they beat the previously undefeated … Continue reading "Caitlin Clark Returns, Pacers and Thunder in the NBA Finals and Asheville Recommendations"

On this week’s episode, Caitlin Clark Return to Indiana Fever, it’s two games each for the Pacers and the Thunder in the NBA Finals and Anne gives quick recommendations for Switzerland and I do Asheville on the Torg Stories Podcast. Happy Father’s Day! Caitlin Clark returns to Indiana Fever and they beat the previously undefeated … Continue reading "Caitlin Clark Returns, Pacers and Thunder in the NBA Finals and Asheville Recommendations"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this episode we’re talking about the Pacers in the NBA Finals, deciding if we should worry about the Indiana Fever, and explaining why we live where we live: Boone and Los Angeles. We are also a video podcast. See window below: Indiana Pacers Notes and Discussion Prompts: From … Continue reading "Pacers in NBA Finals, Worried about the Fever, and Reasons for Living in LA and Boone, NC"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast. On this episode we’re talking about the Pacers in the NBA Finals, deciding if we should worry about the Indiana Fever, and explaining why we live where we live: Boone and Los Angeles. We are also a video podcast. See window below: Indiana Pacers Notes and Discussion Prompts: From … Continue reading "Pacers in NBA Finals, Worried about the Fever, and Reasons for Living in LA and Boone, NC"

In this episode I talk with the North Carolina Basketball Coaches’ Association 2024-2025 Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, McDowell’s Zack McCartha. Coach McCartha and I discuss some of the keys to his team’s undefeated season, our coaching influences, how we use analytics to aid in our coaching decisions, and what it’s like to coach … Continue reading "Coaching Influences, Basketball Analytics, and Coaching Our Daughters with McDowell’s Zack McCartha"

In this episode I talk with the North Carolina Basketball Coaches’ Association 2024-2025 Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, McDowell’s Zack McCartha. Coach McCartha and I discuss some of the keys to his team’s undefeated season, our coaching influences, how we use analytics to aid in our coaching decisions, and what it’s like to coach … Continue reading "Coaching Influences, Basketball Analytics, and Coaching Our Daughters with McDowell’s Zack McCartha"

It’s the Ted Lasso Final Episode from Season 3 on the Torg Stories Podcast. Generally, what am I looking for in a final episode or the end of a story? Going into the last episode of Ted Lasso, which I thought would be the last episode ever, what was I thinking about? Let’s go through … Continue reading "Ted Lasso Final Episode, Season 3 Finale Podcast: So Long, Farewell"

It’s the Ted Lasso Final Episode from Season 3 on the Torg Stories Podcast. Generally, what am I looking for in a final episode or the end of a story? Going into the last episode of Ted Lasso, which I thought would be the last episode ever, what was I thinking about? Let’s go through … Continue reading "Ted Lasso Final Episode, Season 3 Finale Podcast: So Long, Farewell"

We talk Knicks-Pacers series, give report on the Indiana Fever, Mission Impossible Final Reckoning, and talk second chances from Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 11 on this edition of the Torg Stories Podcast. You can click on the audio player above to listen to the episode, or you can watch it on YouTube at the … Continue reading "Knicks Pacers, Indiana Fever, Mission Impossible, and Ted Lasso Season Three, Episode 11"

We talk Knicks-Pacers series, give report on the Indiana Fever, Mission Impossible Final Reckoning, and talk second chances from Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 11 on this edition of the Torg Stories Podcast. You can click on the audio player above to listen to the episode, or you can watch it on YouTube at the … Continue reading "Knicks Pacers, Indiana Fever, Mission Impossible, and Ted Lasso Season Three, Episode 11"

We talk the highs and lows of sports, the NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 10 on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. Some of my lows in sports: High Moments in Sports: Question for discussion: Rebecca asks the owners how much money they really need? Some of the impacts of money … Continue reading "The Highs and Lows of Sports, NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 10"

We talk the highs and lows of sports, the NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 10 on this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast. Some of my lows in sports: High Moments in Sports: Question for discussion: Rebecca asks the owners how much money they really need? Some of the impacts of money … Continue reading "The Highs and Lows of Sports, NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3 Episode 10"

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I tell mom memories, we talk NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 9. A celebration of my mom Carol Sue and my wife Megan: Thanks to all the new subscribers last week. That made me think … Continue reading "Mom Memories, Maybe the Knicks Don’t Suck and Ted Lasso Season 3, Ep 9"

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! On this episode of the Torg Stories Podcast, Anne and I tell mom memories, we talk NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 9. A celebration of my mom Carol Sue and my wife Megan: Thanks to all the new subscribers last week. That made me think … Continue reading "Mom Memories, Maybe the Knicks Don’t Suck and Ted Lasso Season 3, Ep 9"

Thanks to the listeners who have recently read my novel Love on the Big Screen and took the time to write me about it. I appreciate you! Anne, the Kindle version is only $2.99! News from my house: -I did an enormous amount of weeding. Found and cooked some morel mushrooms. Classes are over at … Continue reading "Trying to Enjoy the Victories, NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 8"

Thanks to the listeners who have recently read my novel Love on the Big Screen and took the time to write me about it. I appreciate you! Anne, the Kindle version is only $2.99! News from my house: -I did an enormous amount of weeding. Found and cooked some morel mushrooms. Classes are over at … Continue reading "Trying to Enjoy the Victories, NBA Playoffs, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 8"

Hi Everyone! Anne and I are recording this episode on the top floor of the Torg Family Vacation Rental in Duck North Carolina, a town in the Outer Banks. On this episode we’re going to use our powers of description to talk about the Outer Banks, a local favorite that made it big Duck Doughnuts, … Continue reading "The Outer Banks, Duck Doughnuts, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 9"

Hi Everyone! Anne and I are recording this episode on the top floor of the Torg Family Vacation Rental in Duck North Carolina, a town in the Outer Banks. On this episode we’re going to use our powers of description to talk about the Outer Banks, a local favorite that made it big Duck Doughnuts, … Continue reading "The Outer Banks, Duck Doughnuts, and Ted Lasso Season 3, Episode 9"

Welcome to the Torg Stories Podcast! In this episode, Anne is back from London. We’re getting ready to see her at the Outer Banks. We talk solo vacationing, and we get what amounts to a travel program on Amsterdam from the television series Ted Lasso. Anne, give us a story from London. On this episode, … Continue reading "Boone and LA Restaurant Recs, Report from London, and a Ted Lasso Tour of Amsterdam"