Featured Saratoga Living Insider: Samantha Reilly, co-host of 'Prosecco Problems'
The Saratogian teams up with lifelong friend Suzie D'Alba to host a podcast about navigating your thirties with your bestie.
This post is part of a series that highlights members of the Saratoga Living Insiders Club, a group that gives members exclusive perks, unique experiences, and insider access to all things Saratoga. Sound like something you can’t believe you’ve been missing out on? Sign up now.
Samantha Reilly is living it up—”it” being life in Saratoga Springs—and doesn’t care who knows it. She’s a certified girls’ girl who’s not afraid to speak her mind; it only makes sense that she’d cohost a podcast dedicated to the drinking of bubbly and the dissecting of the everyday problems that are plaguing women today. I caught up with Sam to learn more about “Prosecco Problems,” which is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Podcasts; her cohost Suzie; and the importance of setting aside time to properly yap with your bestie.
How do you and Suzie know each other?
We met in the 4th grade at George Washington Elementary School in Troy (cue the nostalgic feels). We’ve basically lived every iconic best friend moment you can imagine—sleepovers, inside jokes, awkward phases, glow-ups…you name it. We’ve been best friends since childhood and have always remained close.
How did the idea for a podcast come to be?
We’re two creative types who wanted a fun outlet outside of the 9-5, and we love to chat. What besties don’t? Suzie says we’re “A-1 yappers” and she’s not wrong. One day Suzie floated the idea: “What if we started a podcast about navigating our thirties?” Suzie was still living on Long Island, so we bought some podcast gear and gave virtual recording a shot. We quickly realized we’re way better in person, so we hit pause. A year later, Suzie moved Upstate—and from there, the rest was Prosecco-soaked history. We really hit our stride last summer and are working on sticking to a solid schedule. We’re serious about it—but not too serious. It’s all about fun, connection, and keeping it real.
What's the elevator pitch? What can people expect to hear on the podcast?
“Prosecco Problems” is your new favorite pod where every episode tackles a “Prosecco Problem”—aka life stuff we’re overthinking, navigating, or laughing through. The heart of it? How talking things out with your best girlfriend can seriously make everything feel a little lighter. We wanted to bring that safe space feeling to others who might be going through the same things. We’re just two women chatting about real life—and loving every second of it. Having female friendships is powerful in that way.
In what ways has it evolved since your original concept or early episodes?
The podcast started as a mix of themes and random girl chats. Now, we try to center each episode on something timely, whether it’s a pop culture moment, a personal dilemma, or a conversation we know others are probably having, too. We’ve interviewed each other, reviewed a Netflix documentary in real time, and deep-dived into Sex and the City episodes. Of course, we’ve also tackled our own weekly “Prosecco Problems.” Oh, and the sound quality has had a total glow-up.
Is there one especially memorable episode or segment?
The Martha Stewart live-watch episodes, “Homemaker P*rn PT 1” and “The Mother of Reinvention;” “Can Women Have Sex Like A Man?” (inspired by a classic Sex and the City episode); and “Prom?” (where we break down current prom trends and muse over our own throwback prom stories.
What's your take on podcasts as a medium in general?
Suzie’s answer: “I’m a big podcast girl—especially the chatty, off-the-cuff kind. There’s truly something for everyone: You can binge a murder mystery, watch a video podcast like it’s a talk show, or just have a vibe in the background. For me, it’s a fun switch-up from always having music on.”
I totally agree. Suzie and I have super different podcast tastes—she’s all about comedy and pop culture, and I’m a true crime and storytelling girl. It’s fun to have your niche. I love having something that tells a story in the background as I go about my day.
Is there anything you've learned in the process of launching a podcast?
Tip #1: Get yourself a Chris Kaddo. Suzie’s fiancé happens to be a lowkey audio wizard and former college DJ (shoutout to 88.3 The Saints at Siena!). Our podcast quality wouldn’t be the same without him.
Tip #2: Be you. People can tell when you’re being authentic, and it makes everything more fun—for you and for whoever’s listening. For us, it’s easy because we’re literally just talking to our person.
So many podcasts don’t make it past the first couple of episodes. What’s the main reason you’ve kept at it?
This has become more than just a creative outlet—it’s become a weekly ritual that keeps our friendship strong. We carve out time not just to record, but to hang out, laugh, vent, and connect. It’s the best kind of excuse to spend time together…and we get to invite everyone else into the chat, too.
—Natalie