The Sleeper Hit

A weekly podcast where guests talk about what's underrated, over drinks. Hosted by Meryl Williams, writer and roller derby skater.

Kerri Sullivan & New Jersey 07/25/2022

Kerri Sullivan & New Jersey Kerri Sullivan is the founder of , one of New Jersey's most popular Instagram accounts. The project has over 31,000 followers and has been featured by the . Her has appeared in McSweeney's, Catapult, Podcast Review, The Billfold, and elsewhere. She is from Monmouth County but now lives in Essex County. You can find her on Instagram . Games:Over/Under Best Buy Either/Or -- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/23840687

Sarah Morton Taggart & Weeds 07/04/2022

Sarah Morton Taggart & Weeds Sarah Morton Taggart is a writer who lives in Utah with her two kids and one husband. She performs in a band with said husband and also has several side gigs, which include drawing comics and embroidering maps. Games: Over/Under Best Buy Unexpected Fav -- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/23502011

Stefanie Seskin and E-books 06/27/2022

Stefanie Seskin and E-books Stefanie Seskin and Meryl met in Chicago, and Stefanie now lives in Boston with her cat, Isobel. She works for the City of Boston and eats a lot of ice cream. Games: Over/Under Secret Snack Best Buy -- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/23501888

Kat Klockow & Kevin Necessary & the Cincinnati Cabinet of Curiosities 10/15/2021

Kat Klockow & Kevin Necessary & the Cincinnati Cabinet of Curiosities Kevin Necessary is a freelance illustrator and the editorial cartoonist for The Cincinnati Enquirer. His cartoons are syndicated by GoComics, and they have been published in publications like The Week and Politico. Kat Klockow is an independent writer, illustrator, and editor working out of Cincinnati. Her current graphic novel projects are Witches and Sorcerers and Miss Grey: Back From the Dead. She is also the editor of the Cincinnati Cabinet of Curiosities comics anthology project which features a new set of Cincinnati and tri-state area ghost stories, urban legends, and creepy cryptids every year. Together they are releasing A 44-page B&W comic anthology about regional urban legends, weird history, and paranormal stories, Games: Over/Under (Halloween edition!) Two Truths and a Lie Secret Snack -- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/20824133

Sara Bir and Pawpaws 09/20/2021

Sara Bir and Pawpaws Sara Bir is a chef and writer. She's the author of three cookbooks, including the IACP award-winning The Fruit Forager's Companion, and is an editor with the website Simply Recipes. She lives in Marietta, Ohio and spends her spare time scrounging in the woods for wild edibles. Games:Over/Under Either/or 2 truths and a lie --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/20524139

Bizzy Coy & Freelancing 09/13/2021

Bizzy Coy & Freelancing Bizzy Coy is a freelance copywriter for arts and entertainment brands. She has published short humorous fiction in The New Yorker, McSweeney’s and Vulture. Recent honors include a Fulbright scholarship, MacDowell fellowship and Puffin Foundation grant. She lives in upstate New York. You can get her monthly email newsletter at . Games:Over & Under First Date Secret Snack --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/20440541

Meryl Williams Clark & Enthusiasm (100th show!) 07/19/2021

Meryl Williams Clark & Enthusiasm (100th show!) Meryl Williams is a writer for the internet. And today it's her turn in the guest seat as her husband, interviews her in the Sleeper Hit's 100th episode. --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19832903

Lucy Huber & Sabrina the Teenage Witch 07/05/2021

Lucy Huber & Sabrina the Teenage Witch Lucy Huber is a writer and editor at McSweeney's. She calls into the show to discuss a great show from her past: Sabrina the Teenage Witch Games: Over/Under Either/Or Best Buy Find her online at --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19703009

Jennifer Peepas & Paladins 06/14/2021

Jennifer Peepas & Paladins Jennifer Peepas has been writing an internet advice column at for the last ten years. She is the author of an upcoming collection of advice and essays from St. Martin's Essentials. Games: Over/Under Best Buy First Date Books and movies mentioned (Links are to Amazon, but please Shop local!) 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Movie: --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19460162

Ryan Davison & Time Travel Stories 06/07/2021

Ryan Davison & Time Travel Stories Ryan Davidson was born and raised in Caldwell, Ohio. He went to Ohio Northern where he studied political science, broadcast journalism and social studies education. Ryan left for study abroad in Scotland in 2006 where he met Lydie, his now wife. They have two kids, Maxime and Abigail. He teaches high school history and economics at an American school in the Netherlands. Games: Over/Under Secret Snack Famous Bae --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19377566

Hanif Abdurraqib and Grind (2003) 05/31/2021

Hanif Abdurraqib and Grind (2003) Hanif Abdurraqib is a writer from the east side of Columbus, Ohio. His latest book is A Little Devil In America. Games: Over/Under Secret Snack Best Buy Connect with Hanif: His His and where to buy them. His Reach out for booking or brand partnerships Hanif's Pop-culture plug: (The link will take you to Amazon, but please support your local bookstores!) --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19290716

Britt Julious & MTV's The Challenge 05/24/2021

Britt Julious & MTV's The Challenge Britt Julious is a music critic for the Chicago Tribune, covering Chicago’s music scene. She has had bylines in Elle Magazine, Glamour and more. She is a human disco ball. Games: Over/Under Either/Or #FamousBae Find Britt on or --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19205876

Elizabeth Gentner & Ranked Choice Voting 05/17/2021

Elizabeth Gentner & Ranked Choice Voting Elizabeth Gentner is a passionate performer and activist who has performed all over the world. She's worked extensively advancing voter rights and is the current Co-Executive Director of Rank the Vote Ohio, an organization dedicated to educating Ohioans about Ranked Choice Voting. After getting an undergrad degree from the University of Miami in Opera & Psychology and a Masters in Opera at Boston University, she spent 5 years in San Francisco performing and running her own small business. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19125578

Del. Danielle Walker & The Right to Food 05/10/2021

Del. Danielle Walker & The Right to Food Delegate Danielle Walker proudly represents Monongalia County in the West Virginia House of Delegates. She has dedicated her life to service, family, community, and public advocacy. Delegate Walker is determined to help not only her constituents, but all West Virginia residents, have access to the best quality of life possible. She is passionate about creating an effective solution to the addiction crisis afflicting West Virginians and working to provide affordable housing initiatives so even our most vulnerable communities can live with dignity and secure a better future for our children. Games: Over/Under #FamousBae Dinner Party Del. Walker's pop culture plug: --- Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Subscribe to the Sleeper Hit for more from Meryl! --- Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca () Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/19029419

Jessica Ellis & Rainforest Cafe 05/03/2021

Jessica Ellis & Rainforest Cafe Jessica Ellis is an award-winning screenwriter with degrees from UCLA and AFI. Her debut feature, WHAT LIES WEST, a coming-of-age adventure, is available on DVD on 5/11/21. She lives in LA And can be found giving away free pie on Twitter at @baddestmamajama. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/18944666

Kevin Necessary & Dune 04/26/2021

Kevin Necessary & Dune Kevin Necessary is a freelance illustrator and editorial cartoonist. He is currently the editorial cartoonist for The Cincinnati Enquirer. His cartoons are syndicated by GoComics, and his cartoons have been published in a variety of publications such as The Week and Politico. A Cincinnati native, Kevin will fight to the death defending Cincinnati chili. He lives with his wife, Julie, and three cats, Huckleberry, Grayson, and Bonnie. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/18841715

Steven Allen Adams & Ska 04/05/2021

Steven Allen Adams & Ska Steven Allen Adams is the state government reporter and political columnist for the Ogden Newspapers chain in West Virginia. He is also a producer and radio D.J. for community radio station WTSQ 88.1 FM in Charleston, where he hosts ska and pop punk show Noise Brigade every Monday at 5 p.m. Steven has more than 15 years of experience working in journalism and broadcast media as a reporter, editor, radio news anchor, TV news producer, sound engineer, and podcast producer. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/18598091

Alex Steed & Mindfulness 03/22/2021

Alex Steed & Mindfulness Alex Steed is the co-host of Why Are Dads, and he is the owner of a creative and commercial content production company called Knack Factory. He lives in Nashville, TN and Cornish, Maine. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/18377936

Mini Hit with Meryl 03/15/2021

Mini Hit with Meryl Just Meryl this week as she shares her thoughts about the 1st anniversary of pandemic living, the Apple+ TV Show Ted Lasso, hair shears, and going ham on your birthday. After the year we all have had, you deserve it! /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/18288122

Emma Criswell & the Child-Free by Choice Movement 03/08/2021

Emma Criswell & the Child-Free by Choice Movement Emma Criswell is an avid book reader, cat mom, meditator, yoga lover, and tea aficionado currently living in Columbus, Ohio. After receiving her Master's in Marketing from Ohio University, she spent the rest of her 20's in NYC living the wine marketing life. Currently, she's VP of Client Relations at Balzac Communications, a beverage marketing firm based in Napa Valley. She is very happily childfree by choice and single, all the while contemplating her next move with her black cat, Henry. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/18194681

Ella Dawson & Romance Novels 03/01/2021

Ella Dawson & Romance Novels Ella Dawson is a sex & culture critic who drinks too much diet coke. In her writing, she digs into topics we usually avoid in polite company: from our dehumanizing culture of casual sex, to how shame keeps us silent about our mental and sexual health. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/18128765

Mandy Shunnarah and Waffle House 02/22/2021

Mandy Shunnarah and Waffle House Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Her essays, poetry, and short stories have been published in Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Entropy Magazine, and more, as well as an essay forthcoming in the New York Times. She's currently working on a book about her half-Southern redneck, half-Palestinian family. She runs the book blog Off the Beaten Shelf and the vintage shop Posh&Page Vintage. You can learn more about all this stuff at mandyshunnarah.com. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/17958113

Talking Real with Allie Ryan 12/21/2020

Talking Real with Allie Ryan Allie Ryan works in healthcare marketing. She loves animals, wine, and coffee. She wholeheartedly believes in human rights and that she is a good plant mom and decent cat guardian to her feline friend, Shandy. Allie and Meryl Discuss "Real Talk", self care, and finding the right Primary Care Physician. They play a round of Over/Under, Weird Habit, and Either/ Or. Allie is on and Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca (@saintseneca) Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/17227976

Liz Juranek & Band of Brothers 11/23/2020

Liz Juranek & Band of Brothers Liz Juranek is a former writer and editor who now works for a medical association doing neither of those things. She has two Instagrams: one for makeup and one for following hamster and other small rodent accounts. She is also Meryl's co-host on Texas Forever, their podcast about the acclaimed show Friday Night Lights. Liz also is an advocate for the Liz and Meryl play a round of Over/Under, Secret Snack, and Either/Or. Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca (@saintseneca) Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/16894952

Liza Lovegood & Burlesque 11/16/2020

Liza Lovegood & Burlesque Liza Lovegood stops by the show to discuss burlesque as well as some of the podcasts she's been listening to while shut-in due to the pandemic. She also plays a round of Over/Under, Unexpected Fav, and Weird Habit. Liza Lovegood dances burlesque in Athens, OH and loves to make you feel special with her deep throaty… vocal stylings. She also loves musicals and Harry Potter which influences her dances and even her name! Liza on Liza on Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca (@saintseneca) Editing by **Editor's note: apologies for the occasional echo in this episode. The Sleeper Hit Crew is working out new and better ways to interview guests! /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/16820540

Will Fogle & Medical Marijuana 11/09/2020

Will Fogle & Medical Marijuana Will Fogle stops by the show to discuss Medical Marijuana, CBD, and his absolute hate for Black licorice. He also plays a round of Over/Under, Unexpected Fav, and Either/Or. Will is an Emergency Medicine Physician and former Helicopter Physician with nine-years’ experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. He is the owner of Fogle’s Emergency Specialist LLC, providing telemedicine/telehealth urgent care to patients around the country. He is also the owner of , offering medical marijuana recommendations in Ohio and New York, expanding soon to Illinois. Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca (@saintseneca) Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/16652840

Mini Episode: More Games with Daniel Clark 10/26/2020

Mini Episode: More Games with Daniel Clark It's time once again for a mini ep! Daniel Clark, Meryl's husband, stops by the show to play some games, including Over/Under, Secret Snack and Either / Or. Daniel Clark is a mainframe systems programmer for the bureau of the fiscal service. He has a six-year-old son and loves home brewing, biking and running on his treadmill. Follow Meryl on Twitter and Instagram . Theme song: "Sleeper Hold," by Saintseneca (@saintseneca) Editing by /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/16540502

Mini Episode: Games with Gina Watters 09/28/2020

Mini Episode: Games with Gina Watters Returning guest Gina Watters is back on the show for a games mini episode! Gina is sometimes-writer with a day job in nonprofit development. She lives in Chicago where she staves off existential dread by trying to fight the good fight from her couch, in between episodes of Schitt’s Creek. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/16176479

Sarah Morton Taggart & PBS Kids 09/14/2020

Sarah Morton Taggart & PBS Kids Returning guest Sarah Morton Taggart stops by to share some kids' TV shows that won't make you tear your hair out, thanks to the magic of PBS Kids. Sarah also plays Be Boss and Best Buy after a round of Over/Under! /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/15994343

Andrew McIntire & Avatar - The Last Airbender 09/09/2020

Andrew McIntire & Avatar - The Last Airbender Andrew McIntire stops by the pod to make a case for Avatar: The Last Airbender (the TV show) as well as its sequel, Legend of Korra. He also plays Over/Under, Either/Or, and Secret Snack! Andrew is a father of 3 and husband who worked in professional politics for 5 years. He has been a political junkie ever since. /episode/index/show/sleeperhitpod/id/15939047

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