Cliffhangers and Cocktails

Amy Cissell & Shéa MacLeod

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Books
Updated Biweekly

Fantasy book discussions, author interviews, cocktail recipes (and drinking!), and witchy content. Hosted by Shéa MacCleod and Amy Cissell, USA Today Bestselling Authors of urban fantasy, cozy mysteries, paranormal women's fiction, and all things magical and wonderful.

6d ago

Episode 56: An Interview with STEPHANIE MIRRO

Got thoughts? Let us know! In this episode of Cliffhangers & Cocktails, we interview STEPHANIE MIRRO about writing urban fantasy, Stephanie’s author journey, character development, and the inspiration behind WINGS OF FIRE. We also talk about magical margaritas, share this week’s affirmation, ask some silly supernatural questions, and draw an oracle card. The full show notes, including recipes for today’s cocktails, are on our website: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/episode-56-stephanie-mirro Find Stephanie! https://www.stephaniemirro.comfacebook.com/stephaniemirroinstagram.com/stephaniemirrotiktok.com/@stephaniemirroauthorGet the Priestess Oracle: https://earthmoonmagick.com/products/priestess-oracle-deck Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven
Sep 22

From the Archives: Blessed Mabon!

Got thoughts? Let us know! Today is the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere, so in honor that holiday, we’re bringing back our most popular Sabbat episode ever! On today's episode, which originally aired in September 2025, we talked a little about the history, celebrations, and themes around the holiday. Pour yourself a glass of wine or a Maple Old Fashioned and settle in for a look at the Equinox! (And don’t worry, Southern Hemisphere besties - II’ve got your link to our Ostara episode right here! YouTube: https://youtu.be/xLUtv6C5pVU Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cliffhangers-and-cocktails/id1790481380?i=1000756120471 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z5AqdqYo7NSwNyDprQ4hE?si=5ebe0a2a45684a46 Other: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episodes/episode/8022d1cd/minisode-13-happy-ostara Today's deck was the Seasons of the Witch Oracle by Lorriane Anderson & Juliet Diaz, illustrated by Tijana Lukovic. https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-au/products/seasons-of-the-witch-mabon-oracle For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-mabon Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven
Sep 21

Episode 55: ARCANE AWAKENINGS, Money Pigs, and Puppy Piddles

Got thoughts? Let us know! OMFG y'all! This episode was uploaded about 10 days ago and was supposed to go live on the 15th of September. HOWEVER - apparently, for the first time in ages, I had a tech glitch. And also for the first time in ages, I did not double check that everything worked, so I only noticed when I came back to upload this week's episode. So - you get new stuff two days in a row! The Kickstarter has been live for a week now and is fully funded and is working towards the awesomesauce stretch goals. Go to the KS site and pledge your support! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arcaneawakenings/arcane-awakenings *** In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa interviews five of the eighteen authors (including our very own Amy Cissell) who are part of the Arcane Awakenings anthology that went live on Kickstarter today! We also discuss a few magical ways to wake your own creativity, share our magical and mystical drinks, and as always, try to have a few shenanigans. The full show notes, including recipes for today’s cocktails, are on our website: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/episode-55-arcane-awakenings Find our Guests! https://www.instagram.com/author_danielcoolbaugh/ https://www.popskullproductions.com https://benschenkman.com https://cthomaslafollette.com https://amycissell.com https://thefantasyandscififanaticspod.com Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven
Sep 8

Episode 54: The Witch’s Liquor Cabinet: A Twist of Magic

Got thoughts? Let us know! In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy Just Say No — to Ghosts! We’re talking spirit-free fun with mocktails. Not everyone wants to drink all the time. Not everyone drinks. We wanted to make sure to cover sans alcohol drinks that are still totally witchy and 100% spellcraft. Yay, potions! Now, sit back, grab your fave N/A beverage (ideas in the website show notes), relax, and enjoy a Twist of Magic with Amy & Shéa! Resources Portland bars https://www.ravensmanorexperience.com https://havalinapdx.com Julia Halina Hadas: https://witchcraftcocktails.com/mystical-mocktails/ Depression (Wacky) Cake https://iambaker.net/depression-cake/ https://sweetlittlebluebird.com/tried-true-tuesday-crazy-for-crazywacky/ Mystic Sisters Oracle by Emily Balivet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572817887? https://emilybalivet.com Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven
Sep 1

Episode 53: Very Stable Geniuses Fart Out Perfect First Drafts!

Got thoughts? Let us know! Nobody’s perfect. (Or are they?) In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy sit down to discuss the myth of the perfect first draft in a one-hit wonder episode about writing craft. This week’s episode was recorded a million years (give or take almost a million years) ago in late 2025 but never saw the light of day. UNTIL NOW. Now, while I did consider NOT editing this episode to really share what the first draft of a podcast looks like, I decided against it. Please let us know about both your moral outrage AND any resources you use when creating your first drafts! Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the perfection of #hotmessauthors Amy & Shéa! Ritual and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episode-53-episode-53-hotmessauthors Resources Why ‘The Perfect First Draft’ is a Myth by Josh Spilker (behind the Medium paywall): https://medium.com/create-make-write/why-the-perfect-first-draft-is-a-myth-adaac2c654ca S****y First Drafts by Anne Lamott: https://wrd.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/1-Shitty%20First%20Drafts.pdf Write Novels Fast: Down and Dirty Draft: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748PSJJK Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven
Aug 25

From the Archives: Blood Worm Moons and an Interview with LINDA MERCURY!

Got thoughts? Let us know! Shéa and Amy are wrapping up their vacation, so please enjoy your last rerun of the summer! (We’re back September 1 with all new episodes.) On today's episode, which originally aired in May 2025, we interview author Linda Mercury about her paranormal romance and her oracle deck. Episode 5 was originally released late due to a broken foot (Amy’s). AND GUESS WHAT? Amy just had that same foot x-rayed, almost a full year and a half later, and it is still broken. Now, Linda’s episode was always the plan for this week, so now we’re pretty sure Linda is angry with Amy and cursed her left foot. Sigh. Anyway, please shake yourself up a Clover Club Cocktail, settle back, and enjoy our interview with LINDA MERCURY! Find all Linda's books AND the deck on her website: http://lindamercury.com And find her on instagram https://www.instagram.com/linda_mercury/ Today's deck was the Seasons of the Witch Oracle by Lorriane Anderson & Juliet Diaz, illustrated by Tijana Lukovic. https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-au/products/seasons-of-the-witch-ostara-oracle For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-linda-mercury Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven
Aug 18

From the Archives: Stuff grows in dirt and an interview with TARA WEST!

Got thoughts? Let us know! Shéa and Amy are (still) on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not re-edited at all) episodes. On today's episode, which originally aired in February 2025, we interview author Tara West about her books "Sugar, Spice, and a Magical Midlife" and "F**k Off, I'm Fifty." Find Tara! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarawestauthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tara_west_author/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/author-tara-west For complete show notes and recipe, visit us at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/post/rerun-tara-west Today's Tarot Deck was the Tarot of Aphrodite by Natacha Fromm. https://www.aphroditestudios333.com Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven
Aug 11

Episode 52: Total Eclipse (of the Heart): Shady Business and Sunny Shenanigans

Got thoughts? Let us know! Shéa and Amy are taking a brief vacation from their summer break to bring you a TOTALITY awesome, brand new, episode. In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy are talking the total eclipse (totality in Spain, Iceland, Greenland, and points between). This episode features Fun Facts with Amy(™), an eclipse ritual for writers, and of course, a kickass cocktail. And remember - Whether you’re in the path of the eclipse or not, tomorrow’s total eclipse is a great time to rest, reflect, let go of old habits, and set your sights on a new horizon. Resources Dark Winds television show: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15017118/ Joe Leaphorn/Jim Chee novels: https://www.tonyhillerman.com/books-by-tony-and-anne-hillerman Candle Colors and magical associations: https://www.centreofexcellence.com/coloured-spell-candle-meanings/ Moonology Oracle Deck by Yasmin Boland, Artwork by Nyx Rowan: https://www.patchworksoul.life/reviews/moonology Eclipse Info https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEdecade/SEdecade2021.html https://www.space.com/difference-between-total-solar-eclipse-and-annular-solar-eclipse https://www.sacredmysteries.org/post/spirituality-of-the-solar-eclipse https://www.seawitchbotanicals.com/blogs/swb/eclipse-season-explained https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipses_in_mythology_and_culture https://www.fromthenocturne.com/p/2024-solar-eclipse-ritual https://www.pujapurohit.co.uk/blog/surya-grahan:-a-vedic-perspective-on-the-solar-eclipse https://stylecaster.com/lists/solar-eclipse-rituals/use-tarot-cards-or-other-divination-forms/ Benefits of Fangirling! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters/202407/the-healing-power-of-pop-culture-communities https://nicenews.com/humanity/why-being-a-fan-is-good-for-you/ https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/22/the-big-idea-why-you-should-embrace-your-inner-fan Recipes and complete notes at: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episode-52-total-eclipse Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/. Follow the pod on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffhangers.cocktails Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ for complete show notes and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

Fantasy book discussions, author interviews, cocktail recipes (and drinking!), and witchy content. Hosted by Shéa MacCleod and Amy Cissell, USA Today Bestselling Authors of urban fantasy, cozy mysteries, paranormal women's fiction, and all things magical and wonderful.

Creator

Amy Cissell & Shéa MacLeod
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

63
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Cliffhangers and Cocktails
Show Website

Cliffhangers and Cocktails