Agents of SMOOCH

Hosted by Annette Wierstra

A podcast that’s looking for love in all the right places. Join the Agents of SMOOCH as we delve into the romance of sweeping epics and classic romcoms. Our mission is to investigate the important questions: Should they or shouldn’t they? Is there such a thing as One True Love? Did that smooch have any chemistry? We might not have all the answers, but we know you had us at “Hello.”

Latest Episode: September 15, 2023 — Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

101 She Needs a Gardener

Welcome to season 4 of Agents of SMOOCH! We are starting with Queen Charlotte with a very deep dive into the Great Experiment, love and mental health, and tending your garden at any age. The series gave our Agents more feelings than they expected, in the best way.

Read the show notes.

Previous Episodes

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    May 10, 2023
    100 The Hugh Grant Clause

    It’s our 100th episode! It’s also our Director’s 50th birthday! That means this episode’s mission is a romantic trope draft. How else would the Agency celebrate? Our agents start by sharing their favourite memories from the past 100 episodes before diving into draft. Join the party and get ready to sniped.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    April 28, 2023 10 Things I Hate About You (TV Show)
    99 10 Things I Hate about 10 Things I Hate About You

    Our Agents return to 10 Things I Hate About You but this mission investigates the 2009 television show. Director Annette and Agent Erika watch the first episode together for “a mere soupçon of crap.” This leaves the Director with a lot of questions which Erika tries to answer on this solo mission. Join us for 10 Things Erika Hates About 10 Things I Hate About You (the TV Show). For balance, she also lists 10 things she likes (hint: it’s Ethan Peck).

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    April 14, 2023 10 Things I Hate About You Movie
    98 He Didn’t Eat A Duck

    Our agents gather to discuss Shakespeare turned teen romcom 10 Things I Hate About You from 1999. This is movie beloved by many agents for many reasons such as the soundtrack, Julia Stiles, and improvements on Shakespeare’s original story. Come back to high school and find out why we don’t hate this movie. Not even a little bit.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    March 31, 2023 The Last of Us
    97 Devasting Romance Only

    Most of our Agents aren’t fans of Zombies or horror but somehow The Last of Us television series kept them tuning in each episode. If you’ve been with us for a while, you already know why: it was love. Join us as we explore the romantic love, platonic love, parental love, and twisted love that is motivating the action and the characters within this series.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    March 17, 2023 Our Flag Means Death
    96 Their Gender is Assassin

    It is time for our Agents to get into the inspiration for our Pirates series: Season 1 of Our Flag Means Death. This romantic comic pirate series has inspired a lot of feelings from our Agents - not just for our lead characters: Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) and Black Beard (Taika Watiki) but for the entire crew of misfit pirates. We are excited to bring you on board for this mission while we wait for Season 2 of this adventure on the sea.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    March 3, 2023 Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise
    95 The Fast & Furious on Boats

    Our Agents continue their pirate mission with a review of all five Pirates of the Caribbean movies. They tackle important questions like: Can a fight scene be too long? What is an acceptable age gap between suitors? When should your Kraken be light and when should it be intense? Join us as we try to focus on the first movie but end up discussing the full series at length.

    Trigger warning: We talk about the allegations about Johnny Depp from 50 to 62 minutes so you can skip that part or you can skip this whole episode if you prefer.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    February 17, 2023 The Princess Bride
    94 Is This a Kissing Podcast?

    It’s time for more pirates and the beloved Princess Bride (1987) movie. This is a movie our agents know by heart but they are coming back to after a long period of absence. Does this change our perspective of the classic romantic adventure? We dive right in with a focus on the romance between Princess Buttercup and her Wesley. Is it a great epic romance? They also consider how this story might shift if anyone dared to give it a modern reboot (inconceivable!) or a sequel (looking at you Willow). Drop. Your. Sword. And get ready to skip straight to the kissing parts.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    February 3, 2023 Stardust
    93 Did the Unicorn Get Toasted?

    Git out yer swords and oversized hats, mateys! It is time for our Falling for Pirates series. Our first swashbuckling mission begins with the romantic, fairytale adventure Stardust, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. Our agents were happy to run through The Wall to follow this all-star cast in an epic chase with royal intrigue and magic with a side of sky pirates.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    January 20, 2023 Warmer in Winter RPG: Story #2
    92 A Pirate Emergency

    Our intrepid romancers are back with the continuation of our Valentine-themed romance RPG. While they literally try to herd cats, it becomes a romantic chase story. Who will find whom? What is happening with Magnus’ kids? Will this Valentine’s Day Dance ever happen? Tune in to join Betty (Kathy), Cameron (Will), Magnus (James), Mayor Miranda (Kirsten), Stella (Shelly), and Ms. Harper (Jean) in this rollicking romance.

  • Agents of SMOOCH cover art
    January 6, 2023 Warmer in Winter RPG: Story #2
    91 With a Cat on My Head

    A long time ago, for our second anniversary, we recorded a Valentine-themed romance RPG. As we head back into the new year, with our third anniversary fast approaching, we are releasing part one of this delightful, cat-centric romance story. Join Betty (Kathy), Cameron (Will), Magnus (James), Mayor Miranda (Kirsten), Stella (Shelly), and Ms. Harper (Jean) as they try to plan the Valentine Dance of their dreams. This is our second romantic role-playing game using the Warmer in Winter game from Will Lentz.

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