A New Podcast Network Built on Community, Collaboration, and Creators Supporting Creators
LOS ANGELES, CA — [June 5, 2025] — QCODE, a leading premium content studio and podcast network, has partnered with the hit podcast And That’s Why We Drink to launch Para Pods Network—a new podcast network dedicated to celebrating and elevating creators across genres.
Born from a shared belief in the power of collaboration over competition, Para Pods Network is a home for creators who inspire each other, lift each other up, and bring authentic, bold voices to the forefront. The network isn’t defined by a single theme or format—it’s about supporting people who are creating with heart, humor, and honesty.
“We’re beyond excited to launch Para Pods with QCODE,” said Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer, co-founders of And That’s Why We Drink. “This network is about more than podcasting—it’s about building a supportive, creative community where everyone’s voice matters. We can’t wait to see what grows from this.”
The network’s flagship launch show, Ladies & Tangents, is hosted by the beloved duo Jeri and Ciara. Known for their unfiltered humor, deep connection with their audience, and willingness to talk about everything from mental health to motherhood to the absurdities of life, the show perfectly embodies the Para Pods spirit: honest, human, and a little bit chaotic in the best way.
“When we started Ladies & Tangents, we wanted to create a space where people could show up weekly as they are and feel included.To be able to join forces with QCODE and And That’s Why We Drink on the Para Pods Network to further that mission of community and connection is a dream come true!”
“We’re thrilled to be launching Para Pods with Em and Christine, two visionary creators whose passion for storytelling and community shines in everything they do,” said Steve Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer at QCODE. “We believe this partnership will spark new opportunities for creators and listeners alike.”
Para Pods Network will continue to roll out new shows throughout the year, spotlighting a wide range of genres and creators—united by a shared commitment to authenticity, storytelling, and mutual support.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information about Para Pods Network, please contact: TBA
About And That’s Why We Drink:
Hosted by New York Times best-selling authors Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer, And That’s Why We Drink is an award-winning comedy podcast, where the paranormal and true-crime meet. Launched in February 2017, each new episode is a deep dive into whatever paranormal and true crime stories the hosts are obsessing over that week. The podcast has over 200 million lifetime downloads, and is consistently ranked at the top of the comedy podcast charts. The podcast is the winner of the 2019, 2021 and 2022People’s Voice “Webby” award for Best Comedy Podcast, the 2022 and 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award in the Comedy Category, the 2023 winner in the Best True Crime Podcast for the People’s Choice Awards, the 2023 Signal Awards Gold winner in Best Commute Podcast and True Crime Categories, the 2023 Silver Davey Award winners in the Best Co-Hosts and Best Crime & Mystery Categories, the 2023 W3 Awards Gold winner in the General Series Crime and Mystery Category and the Silver winner in the Best Co-Hosts Category. Em and Christine have been touring the show since 2018–with their latest live tour, “On the Rocks,” selling out across North America. In May 2022, Em and Christine released their first book together called “A Haunted Road Atlas”–which debuted on the New York Times bestsellers list. They recently released a follow up to that book “A Haunted Road Atlas-Next Stop” which debuted on the USA Today bestseller list.
QCODE, a premium content studio and podcast network, was launched in 2019 by former Creative Artists Agency agent Rob Herting. QCODE has released over 30 scripted podcasts, with two TV adaptations across different genres, all of which have reached No.1 in the fiction category and top 10 overall on the Apple Podcast Charts. With these chart-topping, fan-favorite, critically acclaimed series, QCODE has quickly become the leading destination for scripted fiction and immersive storytelling in the podcast space.
Over the last year, QCODE has quietly expanded its reach and become a leading podcast network with over 100 million monthly downloads and plays across video and audio platforms.
About Ladies & Tangents
Family by chance, co-dependent co-hosts by choice. Jeri and Ciara are cousins and best friends who have spent 30 years in comedic conversation. In 2019 they started the highly addictive and relatable podcast Ladies & Tangents. In 2021, the duo started to gain popularity quickly thanks to viral excerpts of episodes shared on the social media app TikTok, growing their account to nearly 1 million followers in just 10 months. They soon found themselves listed #13 on the Spotify top charts and #3 in their category, Society and Culture.
With a hunger for understanding the world and breaking down stigmas around mental health and human rights, Jeri & Ciara have cultivated a community for people who hate leaving the house but also want to feel seen. Creating companionship by discussing anything and everything while almost certainly getting completely sidetracked along the way with, well, tangents.
