Episodes

19 hours ago
19 hours ago
In part 2 of "Love Unscripted | Be My Baby“ Tim and LeeAnna are back with more power dynamics, manipulation, and control – plus a dramatic reading from the fictional James and Alice that seems to be kinda weirdly controlling. Or is it? Why does Alice need to dress up as a cheerleader for James’ Superbowl party?
Alchemy is ad free, as usual, But… you do need to know that the Alchemy Human Puppets we advertised last week are running short due to popular demand. It’s the hot new product for just $99.99! Turn your partner into your very own obedient puppet.
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Power dynamics, manipulation, and control - oh my! This week (and next), Tim and LeeAnna plow through the ugly, messy reality of how control plays out in relationships. The subtle, often unnoticed ways people - mostly men - bend their partners to their will without even realizing it. In "Love Unscripted | Be My Baby", they explore the fine line between caring and controlling, uncovering uncomfortable truths behind emotional manipulation. From unspoken expectations to gaslighting and the classic pity play, they break down the tactics that shape toxic relationship dynamics. And yes, they even debate whether buying matching nightdresses for your daughters is just sweet tradition... or something more insidious. Writers, take note: This episode is a gold mine for creating emotionally complex characters and relationships. Want to write tension that makes your readers squirm? This is your playbook. Tune in and prepare to think very differently about love, power, and control.
Alchemy is ad free, as usual, But… if we were selling something, it’d probably be Alchemy Human Puppets - the new product for just $99.99! Turn your partner into your very own obedient puppet (because who needs a healthy relationship, right?) No more fighting over who controls the remote or making life decisions - just a few gentle pulls on the strings and bam, total compliance. Get yours now, before we get canceled.
The Kurt Vonnegut video on the ‘Shapes of Stories’ on YouTube here.
The Snark’s review of this podcast will be published after part 2 is recorded and published; same with writers’ prompts for the podcast.
Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Ever wondered if AI could replace podcasters? Well, Tim and LeeAnna sure did... and the results are hilariously weird. In this podcast-within-a-podcast an AI-cloned Tim & an AI-cloned LeeAnna discuss a humorous post written by The Snark on AI-podcasting, and the real Tim takes us through the process of building this AI-podcast and his impressions of the peculiar results.
We’re Ad-Free, But Here’s One You Won’t Want to Miss - Introducing the newest culinary masterpiece: Frozen Mac 'n' Cheese with a Peanut Butter Layer. Because who wouldn’t want to add a dollop of unexpected joy to their dinner? Forget all those bland, predictable meals - this one’s a game-changer. It’s bold. It’s brave. It’s... definitely questionable. Why settle for ordinary when you can have gourmet?
Read The Snark’s blog that is the basis for the AI portion of the podcast here.Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Welcome to part 2 of The Tragedy of the Incels, where Tim and LeeAnna continue to dive into the fascinating world of Incels - because why not tackle one of the internet’s favorite rage-fueled, basement-dwelling subcultures? They share their personal run-ins with incels, and hey, sounds like one of them might actually be the same guy - small world, huh? After that, we’ll take you on a little journey through the awkward and uncomfortable encounter of the fictional James and Alice in a Buckhead bar. In one version, James awkwardly pulls off some charm despite his deep-seated resentments, and in the other, well… his incel grievances do the talking, ruining the moment (shocker). As for Alice, she’s just trying to be nice to a stranger. Tune in for a dose of modern madness, because, let’s face it, the world of human interaction is often more tragic than we’d like to admit.
As usual, this episode of Alchemy is ad-free, because we know you don’t need another commercial about miracle face creams or the latest “miraculous” weight loss pills. But since we’re all about offering solutions, let’s talk about the real game-changer: Incel Repellant - the scent every woman needs in her life. What does it smell like, you ask? Confidence. That’s right, it’s the unmistakable aroma of “I’m not here for your nonsense,” blended with a dash of “maybe you should check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Just one spritz, and those incels won’t know what hit 'em. Alchemy, bringing you the finest in personal empowerment.
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Ever wondered how deep resentment and unrequited love can spiral into a self-destructive cult of bitterness? Join Tim and LeeAnna as they dive into the fascinating, cringeworthy world of incels – the involuntary celibates who somehow think blaming women for their lack of romantic success is a viable strategy. In this first part of a two-parter, our podcasters explore the tangled mess of low self-esteem, entitlement, and, yes, a shocking lack of empathy. Plus, we get real about why “Chads” are the villains in their minds (spoiler: it’s not actually about the abs). Tune in to hear our deep dive into the psychology of resentment, the dangers of online echo chambers, and how this tragic worldview might just fuel a few writers' nightmares.
Next week, we’ll be back with Part 2 – because this saga of digital doom is far from over. You might want to stock up on popcorn... or some emotional armor.
A reminder: this podcast is ad-free, brought to you by Pure Emotional Armor—now available in convenient spray form! No more buffering between thoughts, no annoying sponsorships, just Tim and LeeAnna sharing the raw, uncomfortable truths. So, grab your bottle of this powerful spray (maybe just metaphorically for now) and get ready for another dose of real talk. Because when you listen to Alchemy we don’t just break down barriers, we build emotional fortresses. You’re welcome.
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
Tithonus | Love and the Curse of Immortality
What happens when love doesn’t just survive the test of time - but is cursed by it? In our latest episode of Alchemy, Tim and LeeAnna dive into the tragic myth of Tithonus, where immortality isn’t the gift it seems to be. Immortal, but “forever aging”? Sounds like a nightmare, right? Tithonus got his wish to never die, but what he didn’t get was “eternal youth” - leaving him to watch his immortal lover, Eos, grow younger while he crumbles into a wrinkled mess of despair. Talk about a bad deal.
Tim and LeeAnna – and Alfred, Lord Tennyson – talk about what it means when love’s beauty fades, when immortality isn’t just a dream, but a “living hell”. We’ll also hit on how some relationships can evolve into a painfully unfixable mess. So grab a tissue (you’ll need it) and tune in to the podcast that proves eternal love can really suck.
Alchemy is ad-free, but this episode is brought to you by... Eos, the goddess of the dawn, with her brand-new line of “fashion forward alarm clocks”! Tired of waking up to the same old annoying beep? “Eos’s clocks” are designed to wake you up gently, with the “whispered promise” that you too will “never grow old”. Just know that we can’t be held responsible for the existential dread you might feel when you realize you’re stuck in a Tithonus-type situation.
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Is your relationship more "Fix It" or "Forget It?" Well, Tim and LeeAnna are back to help you navigate the emotional minefield of love, with a heavy dose of snark and some seriously practical advice. Whether you’re a writer looking to add some depth to your fictional couples or just a human who’s had one too many “whataboutism” blow-ups, this episode is for you! We’re talking “bids for connection” – the little gestures (like saying “Did you see that cute dog?”) that could make or break your relationship - and “repair attempts” – the sometimes clumsy, awkward ways we try to save a fight before it escalates into the full-on "I’m sleeping on the couch" territory. Don’t miss Tim’s dark warning (he does love a little chaos) or LeeAnna’s more realistic take on the emotional rollercoaster. From cheesy jokes to strategic silences, we’ve got everything you need to write real, messy, and totally human relationships. Tune in to hear how bids and repairing can actually work... or fail miserably. Either way, it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s definitely not perfect. And don’t forget – fixing it is way more interesting than pretending it’s all fine.
This episode is technically sponsored by the fine folks who crafted LeeAnna’s cheeseburger - the one she brought into the studio like it was the most important thing in the world, breaking podcast tradition and definitely making some people hungry. (It’s also sponsored by her profound disregard for a protein focused diet - she's eating the meat, but can’t miss out on half the bun because, hey, that's where the mustard is!)
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
Ever wonder what happens when love goes off the rails? Join Tim and LeeAnna as they break down the Four Horsemen of relationships: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling. Spoiler: It’s not pretty. From jabs of criticism to emotional retreat, we’ve got your guide to the worst relationship habits - and how to write them without setting your characters on fire (well, not immediately). Get ready for some brutal truth and a one very angry (fictional) couple. Don’t miss it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, you’ll never look at a “Facebook couple” the same way again.
As usual, Alchemy is ad-free... but this episode has been sponsored by Good Relationships Riding Stables! Want to trot through your relationship issues? Get in the saddle and take a lesson in communication, courtesy of the fine folks at Stable Relationships - where we teach you how to avoid riding straight into criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Come for the riding lessons, stay for the relationship survival tips. Because if you can handle a horse, you can probably handle your partner’s worst behaviors... right? Well, maybe!
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
This week on Alchemy, Tim and LeeAnna crack open the hood of modern romance to show us what love looks like when it’s firing on all cylinders… or stalling dramatically on the freeway of emotional dysfunction. There’s uncooperative metaphors, romantic pedicures, and more dramatic readings than a middle school production of 'Twilight’ – plus quite a lot of awkward giggling. Buckle up, folks. The emotional carburetor’s getting clogged and the relationship GPS might just reroute you to Heartbreak City.
As always, Alchemy is proudly ad-free. However, coming soon from Acme Emotional Motors™: The Self-Correcting Marriage App. Just $19.99/month. Warning: Does not work on exes.
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A

Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
Welcome to the Alchemy’s podcast, where Tim and LeeAnna take on The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock - the ultimate guide to how not to face your feelings (or do much of anything, really). Along the way: dead Popes, risqué Bible passages, a prophecy about the death of podcasting, and one balding, peach-fearing romantic in freefall. Come for the poetry, stay for the existential dread - and maybe bring a drink. You’ll need it.
As always, Alchemy is proudly ad-free - unless you count today’s generous sponsor, the Acme Self-Licking Ice Cream Cone Company: 'The product nobody asked for, sustaining itself one sad, sticky revolution at a time.' Thanks for nothing, Acme."
Read The Snark’s review of this podcast here.Writers’ prompts for this podcast are here.Submission page for Effigy Press here.Effigy Press here.
Intro music: brighter days by Oliver Massa - License code: S4QNBRVN0S5MTNW4https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/brighter-daysOutro music: nightdrive by mood-maze - License code: OGGKCMVJLUMOBW5Phttps://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/nightdrive. Or, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZsJWoGZ9A