Scandal Water

Jurassic Park 1993: Spielberg Finds a Way

With a plot centered around hungry dinosaurs on the loose due to a disabled security system, and the likable lead characters–including two young children– in mortal danger, the original Jurassic Park promised to be a hit.
But the 1993 film, directed by Steven Spielberg, had more than a strong plot going for it… as well as a few challenges. 
In this T-Rex-sized extended episode, Ashley and Candy take a deep dive into the movie that started the billion-dollar Jurassic Park franchise.
What was the real-life science that inspired the story? How did Spielberg juggle directing both Jurassic Park and another award-winning film at roughly the same time? How did the special effects team break ground with their use of both CGI and animatronics to create the film’s dinosaur visuals? Why exactly does Ian Malcolm have an open shirt when it’s clearly his leg that is injured? 
Listen in as we discuss these questions and so much more!

Jaws Part 2: Alcoholism, Script Rewrites, and the Lady in the Dunes

CW: Adult themes/descriptions of violenceLISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Three weeks before the filming of “Jaws” was scheduled to start, Steven Spielberg still had no working script. Desperate, he asked his friend, writer Carl Gottlieb, to “eviscerate it.” And that’s exactly what Carl did, desperately writing most nights to stay ahead of the next day’s filming.  
This Part 2 episode delves into the many screen rewrites, character changes, and plot shifts that occurred throughout the filming of “Jaws.” 
From Quint’s USS Indianapolis monologue that had to be reshot due to Robert Shaw’s drunkenness, to the situation that saved a main character’s life, Candy and Ashley discuss these and many other behind-the-scenes stories. The two also touch on the famous “Lady in the Dunes” cold case speculated by Joe Hill– writer and son of Stephen King– to have a “Jaws” connection. 

Jaws Part 1: “The Shark Isn’t Working!”

Widely known today as the first summer blockbuster and the movie that sparked shark-phobia in the hearts of many, back in the summer of 1974, 26-year-old “Jaws” director Steven Spielberg lived in constant fear of being fired, his dreams for the film crushed. 
Part 1 of this two-part episode focuses on the filming and casting challenges behind the movie “Jaws.” From the 3 malfunctioning mechanical sharks –collectively called Bruce, after Spielberg’s lawyer– to the tensions between Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss, to the sinking of the Orca boat, Candy and Ashley explore the challenges that caused a scheduled 55-day shoot to extend to 159 days and led some in the crew to start calling the production “Flaws.” 

Selena: The White Rose

CW: Adult themes/descriptions of violenceLISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISEDOn March 31, 1995, the woman who founded the Selena Fan Club and often referred to the singer as her best friend, murdered Selena in a Days Inn in Corpus Christi, Texas. 
This year marks the 27th anniversary of Selena’s death, the year she would have turned 50, and 25 years since the release of the biopic Selena that in 2021 was recognized by the Library of Congress as being historically and culturally important. 
Join us for this fascinating listener request episode focused on the life of Selena Quintanilla, and the terrible act that stole her future just when Selena was poised to achieve superstardom status. As an added bonus, you’ll also hear insights from a handful of special guest contributors. 

May I Help You Improve Your Home?

If you’re like most Americans, you’ve not only completed a home improvement project since the start of the pandemic, but you’ve also received some inspiration from shows like Fixer Upper or Flip or Flop. 
While HGTV is now a huge television network, with the stars of its most popular home improvement shows launched to celebrity status, HGTV didn’t even exist until December of 1994. 
So how did HGTV start? What show predated HGTV and is widely considered to be the very first home improvement show? More importantly, what’s the real story behind those home makeover shows? Candy and Ashley discuss these questions and more as they explore the topic "May I Help You Improve Your Home?”

May I Help You Solve a Crime?

CW: Adult themes/descriptions of violenceLISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Fascinated with true crime? You’re not alone. 
The number of true crime podcasts and novels has skyrocketed in the past decade… and with it has come the rise of the ‘armchair detective’ and ‘online sleuth.’ The popular podcast “The Murder Squad” is centered around this very premise. 
But how exactly can the average citizen help to solve a crime?
That’s the focus of this episode, where Candy and Ashley touch on everything from DNA submission to the break that led to finding Gabby Petito’s remains, to Chris Lambert’s podcast “Your Own Backyard.” 
Join us for this fascinating episode, and in the words of Billy Jensen and Paul Holes, “Keep digging!”

May I Help You Fall Asleep?

An estimated 20% of people experience autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), yet it’s a condition that did not even have a name until 2010. 
Since 2010, however, ASMR has surged in popularity, leading to the creation of millions of ASMR videos on youtube designed to help people calm their anxiety and/or fall asleep.
In this special episode, Ashley and Candy are excited to interview ASMR artist Hannah, host of the popular youtube channel Chili B ASMR. Listen in as the three discuss this intriguing topic, including Hannah’s insights and experiences as an ASMR artist and some behind-the-scenes stories about her work. 
You won’t be able to sleep through this fascinating interview … but you can always check out one of Hannah’s videos later for that! Chili B ASMR: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChilibASMR

May I Help You Help Yourself?

Mental health conditions and behavioral disorders are more prevalent now than ever, with the spending on mental health treatment and services estimated at over $225 billion annually (2019). And with this situation has come the rise of self-help reality shows. 
Today’s episode focuses on two such shows, A&E’s long-running series “Hoarders” and “My Cat from Hell” which ran on Animal Planet for 10 seasons. 
From the debate over the treatment methods used in shows like “Hoarders” and “The Biggest Loser” to the discussion of standout moments (the 911 cat, anyone?), this lively episode will not only entertain, but also leave you wondering about your own stance on self-help reality TV.   Support the companies that support Scandal Water! Mid roll Ad: Kenzie @ TheWriteStage.com 

Lucy and Desi: Unconditional Love - Part 2

How can a podcast be titled “Lucy and Desi: Unconditional Love” when the couple spent more time with their subsequent spouses than with each other? That’s one of the many questions Candy and Ashley address in the second part of this special 2-part episode. And as before, they are honored to include an audio clip from the husband and wife comedy team of Carrie and Jeff Ketterman, who have their own Lucy and Desi tribute show. 
This concluding episode will delve into the rise and fall of both Desilu and the couple’s marriage, the relationships that followed, Lucy’s career post I Love Lucy, and the couple’s final interactions, including Desi’s last message to Lucy: “P.S. I Love Lucy was never just the title.”

Would you like a Pod of Tea?

Happy National British Tea Day!!! To celebrate this April 21st holiday, Candy and Ashley sat down (via zoom) with Emma, host of the Pod of Tea podcast, along with her husband Jack, frequent podcast guest. 
What ensued was a lively conversation where two Americans compared notes with their new British friends on everything from tea flavors, word definition (what is exactly IS a biscuit??), and Jack's astonishing connection to the "Jurassic Park" franchise. Settle in with your very own steamy cup of "Scandal Water" and join us as we celebrate all things tea!