This episode of Agents of SMOOCH is a spoiler-light mission to convince you to watch the most Canadian of mystery shows: Murdoch Mysteries. This series, set in the 1890s to 1910s, is 18 seasons long and still going. We discuss the series’ ability to be serious and light-hearted, tackle social issues and zombies while staying true to itself. And - of course - we delve into the many romantic entanglements. We give no mysteries away and hope that by the end, you will be drawn into the world of Dete...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 134
The Austenheads return. For today’s mission, we return to Austen with the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. This movie is packed with stars, beautiful scenery, and romance…and add in a flatulent horse. But we must also delve into inheritance laws and what is wrong with Mansfield Park. Sense and Sensibility (1995) Annette Wierstra with Amanda-Rae Prescott, Sandra Wong, Shelly Brisbin and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Sense and Sensibility Show Notes & Links Support this show and ot...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 133
We are not ready to part from Pride & Prejudice yet, so we have extended our mission to include the 2005 version. This beautifully shot film provides our agents with a sweeping romantic version of the story that we cannot resist. Pride & Prejudice 2005 Annette Wierstra with Katie Mack, Sandra Wong and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Pride and Prejudice Show Notes & Links Interview with Director Joe Wright in Variety Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable netwo...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 132
We are here in praise of Austen’s Pride & Prejudice but also for wet shirts, poorly executed proposals, and good face acting. Join our much overdue mission about BBC’s 1995 Pride & Prejudice. Since this mission was as fun as a ball at Netherfield, it may lead to more infatuated missions about other Austen adaptations. BBC Pride & Prejudice 1995 Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk, Erika Ensign and Katie Mack Referenced Works Pride and Prejudice Show Notes & Links Support this sho...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 131
Today’s mission is a slight jump back in time to 2003 to learn How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Does this movie have a ridiculous premise? Oh yeah. Do our Agents care? Not really. We just want to wear some diamonds and find someone to take care of our love fern. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk Sponsors Incomparable Memberships! : Sign up, support our show, and get access to exclusive podcasts! Referenced Works How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Show Notes & Links Supp...
Mar 28, 2025•52 min•Ep. 130
Get your snacks ready and PJs on. Our Agents of SMOOCH have a mission to draft our favourite sleep-over movies. The Agents side-track into important sub-missions such as Instagram pyjamas and the weather and what is needed in an official SMOOCH cocktail and pirates and… This was recorded as a membership episode so it does have some NSFW language. Sleepover Movie and Snack Draft Annette Wierstra with Shelly Brisbin, Amanda McTaggart, Moisés Chiullán, KatyBeth Schmid and Kathy Campbell Sponsors In...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 129
In our last episode, we couldn’t get enough Star Trek in the Draft. So today’s mission is all about romance in Star Trek. The Agents gave their director some homework and she came prepared. es, this franchise is all about seeking out strange new worlds, but also sexy aliens. Really, a spaceship is just a locked room romance and we are all looking for love in confined spaces. Let’s meet on the holodeck and boldly go where no one has gone before. Romance in Star Trek Annette Wierstra with Jean Mac...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 128
Happy Valentine’s Day Agents! Today is OUR day. It is also our 5th anniversary and we are celebrating with not-a-draft of One True Pairings (OTPs). This is such a wide and encompassing topic and yet some Agents think that it includes all together too much Star Trek. But at the Agency we like a lotta things so in this not-a-draft there is an OTP for everyone. One True Pairing (OTP) Draft Annette Wierstra with Jean MacDonald, Sarah Murphy, Kathy Campbell, Shelly Brisbin and Moisés Chiullán Show No...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 127
It’s the Christmas tradition we created ourselves! We don our Santa hats, gather our Bingo cards, and surround ourselves with lots of snacks. It’s time for this year’s in-person Christmas movie marathon. This year we watched: Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story (Hallmark) The Merry Gentlemen (Netflix) ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish (Hallmark) Get on your pjs, make yourself comfy, and join us! Annual Christmas Movie Marathon Annette Wierstra with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign and Kirsten Goruk ...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 126
We are still in the season of the witch here at the Agency. Join our coven as we search for the Wtiches’ Road in Agatha All Along. We start with a quick spoiler-free pitch to watch this glorious show before getting into the vibes and feelings and wardrobe-we are suckers for a good coat. Take off your shoes and stay on the path witches. We might all make it to the end. Agatha All Along Annette Wierstra with James Thomson and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Agatha All Along (2024) Show Notes &am...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 125
If anyone thinks that Jane Austen is about sedate manners and social niceties, they ought to dive straight into this mission about Northanger Abbey. This novel is Austen’s version of Mean Girls and there is a lot of naughty business happening below the surface of polite society. Join our Agents as they discuss the novel and the 2007 movie adaptation with Felicity Jones and JJ Feild. Kirsten swore once and I am giving her a special exemption to keep it in. Northanger Abbey Annette Wierstra with K...
Nov 15, 2024•54 min•Ep. 124
Is it a Gothic Romance series if we don’t wander the English moors? Of course not! Join our agents as they discuss Jane Eyre focusing on the 2011 movie and the book. While we like the moody story of Jane and her Mr. Rochester, we have a few suggestions for the next adaptation. Jane Eyre (2011) Annette Wierstra with Heather Berberet and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Jane Eyre Show Notes & Links Link to the Broadway Jane Eyre Musical Support this show and other shows like it on The Incompar...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 123
We are back for Season 6 in time for the dark moody vibes of fall with a series of episodes on Gothic Romances. We begin with an episode about Kat Dunn’s sapphic witchy romance set in the most gothic of castles: Bitterthorn. Our agents get lost on side topics a few times as they wander through the woods to discuss other books and video games. In the end, they make it through just in the nick of time. Our Agents start with a non-spoiler pitch to convince you to read Bitterthorn, and then they go ...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 122
For our last mission of Season 5, we are going back to the eighties with Desperately Seeking Susan. This is Madonna just being Madonna and adding her perfect fashion sense to this film. Add Rosanna Arquette and Aidan Quinn with a splash of amnesia and mistaken identities and it’s a delightful 80s romcom. Our agents were happy to revisit this movie and find that it reflects a more modern sensibility than we expected. Get out of the box and help us find the elusive Susan. Desperately Seeking Susan...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 121
It’s another Romance in Action mission with Argylle. Let’s be honest. Our Director mandated this mission purely for the cat content which she rates very highly. Follow cat-loving novelist Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) as she is pulled out of her fictional imaginings into the IRL world of spy craft with the mysterious stranger Aiden (Sam Rockwell). Warning: This mission will contain rainbow fog. Argylle Movie Annette Wierstra with Sandra Wong and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Argylle Show ...
Jun 07, 2024•54 min•Ep. 120
We’ve got more Romance in Action with The Fall Guy movie. Get ready for comedy, stunt action, and romance from Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Our Agents went on this mission to the theatre and later recorded this episode in person. The Agents thought the meta references to the movie industry, with the right dash of mystery and romance made for perfect escapism. Will we watch it again? Definitely. The Fall Guy (2024) Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk, Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky Reference...
May 24, 2024•52 min•Ep. 119
It’s our Director’s birthday! She is using her power to make the Agency do a mission about Aziraphale and Crowley in Good Omens. If you like seeing Angels and Demon romance each other in a gentle comedy about the end of the universe, this is the episode for you. Good Omens (TV Series) Annette Wierstra with Heather Berberet and Stacy Watnick Referenced Works Good Omens Show Notes & Links Niel Gaiman giving hints about Season 3 on Instagram Support this show and other shows like it on The Inco...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 118
Return to the Eighties’ version of the Sixties as we explore summer camp, first loves, progressive politics, and never putting Baby in a corner. After this week’s Dirty Dancing mission, we’re saying forget cop/not-a-cop pairings, let’s have more dancer/not-a-dancer matchups. Dirty Dancing Annette Wierstra with Stacy Watnick Referenced Works Dirty Dancing Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 117
Our agents are kicking off their Sunday shoes for this mission. It’s time to fight for your prom and get Footloose. This mission explores how teenagers gonna teenage and whether Footloose still holds up 40 years later. Join our discussion of sex, religion, politics, and shaking your bootie in a rainfall of glitter. Back to the Future makes several surprising cameos, but it all makes sense—trust us. So get up off of your knees and everybody cut footloose. Footloose (1984) Annette Wierstra with Sh...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 116
Our Agents were so excited about Mr. & Mrs. Smith, that they just jumped right back in with the 2024 series. This is not a chronological episode but entirely based on what the Agents are excited about. This is another intense relationship in an intense fantastical situation and literal booms exploding. We dig deep into love and communication while making wild speculations about what could come next for John and Jane if we get a season 2. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) Annette Wierstra with Heat...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 115
For today’s mission, our Agents take on The Buccaneers, an Apple TV series that is scandal-laden and somewhat historical. The modern sensibility and soundtrack laid over the historical invasion of rich American debutants into cash-strapped British upper-class society make for an energetic vibe. If you missed it, our Agents recommend catching up before joining us for a good gossip about the collection of characters. In lieu of research, these Agents have chosen to go for wild historical speculati...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 114
Our Agents are back with another Romance in Action mission with Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Part 1). We are starting with the 2005 movie that shows Great Truths Hidden Under the Fantastical. On the surface, this is a movie about two married spies flirting by trying to kill each other. Underneath the fantasy, this movie is about the safety of expressing your feelings and true self to your partner. Grab your hidden stash of weapons, it’s about to get dangerous-metaphorically. Don’t blow up your house, A...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 113
We are back with a classic Romance in Action from 1986: The Big Easy. We have Dennis Quaid practicing the art of seduction with Ellen Barkin amid a murder investigation. With a seedy 80s vibe, they follow a trail of clues that lead them deeper into a corrupt mess in New Orleans. The investigation keeps pulling them apart making us wonder: Will they or won’t they? The Big Easy Annette Wierstra with Deborah Stanish and Shelly Brisbin Referenced Works The Big Easy Show Notes & Links Support thi...
Feb 16, 2024•58 min•Ep. 112
Our Director Annette Wierstra interviews playwright and writer Reina Hardy in advance of the release of her Hallmark movie Paging Mr. Darcy. They discuss Jane Austen, conferences, Regency dancing, and casting Austen heroes. They also dive into how one gets into writing a Hallmark movie, the logistics of writing a screenplay, and the experience of having your script come to life. Paging Mr. Darcy: Writer Interview Annette Wierstra with Reina Hardy Referenced Works Paging Mr. Darcy Show Notes &...
Feb 02, 2024•57 min•Ep. 111
I’m freeing my squee about this new podcast on the Incomparable. Drs. Stacy Watnick and Heather Berberet asked me to join them on Free The Squee for their holiday episode about Round and Round, the time loop Hanukkah movie. We loved it. And we are sure you will too. To get more Free the Squee, subscribe on your favourite podcatcher, or find them on the Incomparable website: https://www.theincomparable.com/fts/ Free the Squee: Round and Round Heather Berberet and Stacy Watnick with Annette Wierst...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 110
It’s time for our annual holiday movie marathon. Don your Christmas PJs, gather your festive snacks, and get out the Holiday Bingo Cards. Our Agents watched three Christmas movies of varying quality and enjoyed every minute of it. We watched: A Biltmore Christmas Christmas in Notting Hill Where Are You, Christmas? We also discuss other movies we have watched this holiday season: Must Love Christmas Checkin’ it Twice Fit for Christmas Ex-mas Mystery at Mistletoe Lane Merry Mystery Christmas Join ...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 109
It’s time for the holidays! And what better way to celebrate than with the Christmas action movie Long Kiss Goodnight with Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson? You might think this movie is the antithesis of a Hallmark holiday movie, but it is the struggle between the two sides of amnesiac Samantha/Charlie. Will she stick with the idyllic small-town family life she created or return to the life of an international spy? Long Kiss Goodnight Annette Wierstra with Erika Ensign and Brian Warren Referen...
Dec 08, 2023•52 min•Ep. 108
For this mission, our Agents discuss Ocean’s 8 as part of our Romance in Action series. How much do we love this all-women heist movie cast? A lot. A lot a lot. Join us as we discuss a fantastic cast of characters, couture fashion, and safe spaces. And of course, we dive right into the romantic tension that underlays this entire film. Bring on the sequel, please. Ocean's 8 Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Ocean's 8 Show Notes & Links Ocean’s 8 Dress D...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 107
We are back with another Romance in Action with a mission in praise of fluff. Ghosted matches up Chris Evans and Ana de Armas again in a spy/not a spy action adventure. We don’t recommend it as a stalkering road map for finding love IRL, but it is full of chases, OTT villains, and a plot that takes us across the globe. If you want a fun escape with pretty people in nice clothes chasing MacGuffins, this movie is about as deep as you need it to be. Ghosted Annette Wierstra with Deborah Stanish Ref...
Nov 10, 2023•41 min•Ep. 106
Surprise! We are dropping an extra special episode because we wanted to spend Halloween with you. We’ve got a wonderfully gothic romance for you to read from Uncanny Magazine which will set the perfect seasonal scene. So light some candles, close the doors and windows tight, and join us as we explore Radcliffe Hall by Miyuki Jane Pinckard. Radcliffe Hall Annette Wierstra with James Thomson, Shelly Brisbin and Erika Ensign Referenced Works Radcliffe Hall Show Notes & Links Read Radcliffe Hall...
Oct 31, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 105
