As our first Gen Z guest, Phoebe explains the concept of "Warrior Cats" to Marissa. Also, how is Sweet Valley High like the Duggar Family? What's Jessica really up to? And more questions Marissa's guests can't stop asking her/answering for her.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

As our first Gen Z guest, Phoebe explains the concept of "Warrior Cats" to Marissa. Also, how is Sweet Valley High like the Duggar Family? What's Jessica really up to? And more questions Marissa's guests can't stop asking her/answering for her.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #73: I Don't Know If This Was Handled Well

It's a camera. Regina's legacy is a Nikon film camera. And when you take a photo with the camera, and squint at the negatives just so, maybe you'll see Regina's ghost giving you a thumbs up for thwarting a drug cartel. Phoebe Danaher is here to help Marissa explain all this, and to spotlight our scary, older, date-of-the-month, Chad! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

It's a camera. Regina's legacy is a Nikon film camera. And when you take a photo with the camera, and squint at the negatives just so, maybe you'll see Regina's ghost giving you a thumbs up for thwarting a drug cartel. Phoebe Danaher is here to help Marissa explain all this, and to spotlight our scary, older, date-of-the-month, Chad! Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #73: REGINA'S LEGACY

All of the name-dropping, none of the star-fuckingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

All of the name-dropping, none of the star-fuckingAdvertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #72: Two Cool Cats, Not Interested in Drama

Sometimes when a rock star has a teen girl living in his house it's actually not an issue. How is this possible? Well, the teens of Sweet Valley might have it twisted, but Gabe Mara and Marissa will explain it all.Some music in this episode comes from Purple Planet."Toumani Diabate Plays the Kora"Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sometimes when a rock star has a teen girl living in his house it's actually not an issue. How is this possible? Well, the teens of Sweet Valley might have it twisted, but Gabe Mara and Marissa will explain it all.Some music in this episode comes from <a href="http://www.purple-planet.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purple Planet</a>."<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8luhdxS2KuM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toumani Diabate Plays the Kora</a>"Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #72: ROCK STAR'S GIRL

Jessica Wakefield

Is being famous really so great? What IS Eric Parker's talk show? Can one night on television launch a whole career in entertainment? These are the kinds of questions Jessica Wakefield should have been asking, but instead Marissa and actual professional actor Alex Jennings are asking  on her behalf.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Is being famous really so great? What IS Eric Parker's talk show? Can one night on television launch a whole career in entertainment? These are the kinds of questions Jessica Wakefield should have been asking, but instead Marissa and actual professional actor Alex Jennings are asking on her behalf.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #71: How to Make Jessica Wakefield Famous

Don't let the apparent middle-agedness of the cover model fool you -- that's 16-year-old Jessica Wakefield all dolled up for her star turn on the Eric Parker's national evening talk show. Or, at least it's one of those Wakefield girls. Actor Alex Jennings (THE GOLDBERGS) returns (#7: DEAR SISTER was her last appearance) to talk all this out. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Don't let the apparent middle-agedness of the cover model fool you -- that's 16-year-old Jessica Wakefield all dolled up for her star turn on the Eric Parker's national evening talk show. Or, at least it's one of those Wakefield girls. Actor Alex Jennings (THE GOLDBERGS) returns (#7: DEAR SISTER was her last appearance) to talk all this out. Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #71: STARRING JESSICA!

Jordan Crucchiola is back, and she gets a dose of the Feeling Seen treatment as Marissa asks what Sweet Valley High student she felt most seen by.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jordan Crucchiola is back, and she gets a dose of the <a href="https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/feeling-seen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Feeling Seen </a>treatment as Marissa asks what Sweet Valley High student she felt most seen by.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #70: Emotional Hostage Situation

Today's esteemed guest, is Jordan Crucchiola is the host or co-host of several podcasts -- AUGHTSTERION, DISASTER GIRLS, and of course, the one that Marissa produces, FEELING SEEN! And she's the perfect person to discuss this tale of Claire Middleton, the girl who would be quarterback. Will Ken Matthews's head be turned (now that he can see again)? Is a supposedly nice girl who does shitty things more dangerous than an out-and-out Jessica? These questions and more are addressed in this long-awaited final book of "Season 7."Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today's esteemed guest, is <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jorcru" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jordan Crucchiola</a> is the host or co-host of several podcasts -- <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aughtsterion/id1540688394" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AUGHTSTERION</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disaster-girls-a-podcast-about-disaster-movies/id1476503497" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DISASTER GIRLS</a>, and of course, the one that Marissa produces, <a href="https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/feeling-seen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FEELING SEEN</a>! And she's the perfect person to discuss this tale of Claire Middleton, the girl who would be quarterback. Will Ken Matthews's head be turned (now that he can see again)? Is a supposedly nice girl who does shitty things more dangerous than an out-and-out Jessica? These questions and more are addressed in this long-awaited final book of "Season 7."Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #70: MS. QUARTERBACK

Hey! It's a little more from Book 69, FRIEND AGAINST FRIEND! Instead of snappy conversation, today's episode is a little update on the show and an extended passage from the book. After Andy Jenkins was attacked, sociology teacher Ms. Jacobi takes it upon herself to teach her students that prejudice can be easy, arbitrary...and enticing! But also bad. The point is that it's bad. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Hey! It's a little more from Book 69, FRIEND AGAINST FRIEND! Instead of snappy conversation, today's episode is a little update on the show and an extended passage from the book. After Andy Jenkins was attacked, sociology teacher Ms. Jacobi takes it upon herself to teach her students that prejudice can be easy, arbitrary...and enticing! But also bad. The point is that it's bad. Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #69: Ms. Jacobi's Experiment in Prejudice

What could be better than a kind of hamfisted '90s attempt at tackling racism? Almost anything? Well, good (if shocking) news: that's not what this is. Neil Freemount and Andy Jenkins star in a very special episode of Sweet Valley Diaries: FRIEND AGAINST FRIEND.Huge thanks to Kali Baker Johnson.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What could be better than a kind of hamfisted '90s attempt at tackling racism? Almost anything? Well, good (if shocking) news: that's not what this is. Neil Freemount and Andy Jenkins star in a very special episode of Sweet Valley Diaries: FRIEND AGAINST FRIEND.Huge thanks to Kali Baker Johnson.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #69: FRIEND AGAINST FRIEND

After years of wide-eyed blogging about the surreal 1980s perfection of Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley High book series (and the surprising  psychodrama that lurks below the town's perfectly-tanned surface), host Marissa Flaxbart is now forcing people to read the series with her. But beyond its obsession with the ubiquitous-yet-obscure book series, SWEET VALLEY DIARIES is a podcast about nostalgia — '80s nostalgia in particular — and the ways this nostalgia can (spectacularly, hilariously) fail us. It's a riotous cultural conversation about which parts of the past we long for and which ones we want to leave behind for good. It's about friendship, honesty, and learning to speak your truth in the face of a boyfriend-stealing cheerleader or an evil triplet. It's all the life lessons you could ever hope to learn from two size-6, blonde-haired, aqua-eyed, identical 16-year-old twins. Strap in.

Witty Podcast!

Takes on Sweet Valley with the right mixture of nostalgia &amp; snark. Highly recommend!

Fun podcast

After years of wide-eyed blogging about the surreal 1980s perfection of Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley High book series (and the surprising psychodrama that lurks below the town's perfectly-tanned surface), host Marissa Flaxbart is now forcing people to read the series with her. But beyond its obsession with the ubiquitous-yet-obscure book series, SWEET VALLEY DIARIES is a podcast about nostalgia — '80s nostalgia in particular — and the ways this nostalgia can (spectacularly, hilariously) fail us. It's a riotous cultural conversation about which parts of the past we long for and which ones we want to leave behind for good. It's about friendship, honesty, and learning to speak your truth in the face of a boyfriend-stealing cheerleader or an evil triplet. It's all the life lessons you could ever hope to learn from two size-6, blonde-haired, aqua-eyed, identical 16-year-old twins. Strap in.

Sweet Valley Diaries

Strap on your hot pink crash helmet! Just after Valentine’s Day comes a tale to warm the heart and then chill it so fast that it bursts and ruins your freezer. Pop culture lover and all-around funny gal Denise Boylan joins Marissa to unpack this tale of private jealousy, romantic gestures, and innuendo. Hot Clam Special, anyone?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Strap on your hot pink crash helmet! Just after Valentine’s Day comes a tale to warm the heart and then chill it so fast that it bursts and ruins your freezer. Pop culture lover and all-around funny gal Denise Boylan joins Marissa to unpack this tale of private jealousy, romantic gestures, and innuendo. Hot Clam Special, anyone?Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Sweet Valley Diaries #6: DANGEROUS LOVE

Susan Stewart is somebody, but is she *a* somebody, or is she a nobody? Nobody knows. Until somebody shows up and shows everybody who’s anybody what it really means to be somebody. Meridith Halsey is our guest.  Murphy Brown and Dan Quayle This episode features music from Purple Planet.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Susan Stewart is somebody, but is she *a* somebody, or is she a nobody? Nobody knows. Until somebody shows up and shows everybody who’s anybody what it really means to be somebody. Meridith Halsey is our guest. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/26/arts/television/murphy-brown-dan-quayle.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Murphy Brown and Dan Quayle</a> This episode features music from <a href="http://www.purple-planet.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purple Planet</a>.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #37: RUMORS

Regina Morrow and Bruce Patman, in love? But…that would only work if Bruce had a total pod-person level personality shift! Marissa and her guest, CJ Hoke, discuss Bruce Patman’s pod-person level personality shift and (because this is a 33-year-old work of soap opera fiction) squirm their way into, and then out of, some uncomfortable “believe women” territory. Also: The need for a good therapist in sweet valley, the surprising number of things Lila finds “vulgar“, &amp; some good, old-fashioned goopy romance.   *** Additional Reading:  James Mathewuse   Sparkle Beach Ken  Glitter Beach Ken (I got two of these for one of my birthdays)  Totally Hair Barbie (mine was the brunette version)   What Time of Day Does High School Start in America? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Regina Morrow and Bruce Patman, in love? But…that would only work if Bruce had a total pod-person level personality shift! Marissa and her guest, CJ Hoke, discuss Bruce Patman’s pod-person level personality shift and (because this is a 33-year-old work of soap opera fiction) squirm their way into, and then out of, some uncomfortable “believe women” territory. Also: The need for a good therapist in sweet valley, the surprising number of things Lila finds “vulgar“, &amp; some good, old-fashioned goopy romance.   *** Additional Reading: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.jimmyart.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Mathewuse</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sparkle-Beach-Barbie-Doll-Bracelet/dp/B001K1VZ1G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Sparkle Beach Ken</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Glitter-Beach-Barbie-Ken-1992/dp/B001JENOKY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Glitter Beach Ken</a> (I got two of these for one of my birthdays) </li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=657Vfcc12xo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Totally Hair Barbie</a> (mine was the brunette version) </li> <li><a href="https://www.quora.com/What-time-of-day-do-most-high-schools-in-the-United-States-start-and-end" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> What Time of Day Does High School Start in America?</a></li> </ul>Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Sweet Valley Diaries #18: HEAD OVER HEELS

In this tearful conclusion to the Sweet Valley High series, Elizabeth stays in a coma forever…PSYCH! But seriously, has Elizabeth awoken only to find that the events of DEAR SISTER are a fate worse than death? Actress Alex Jennings and Marissa give a wide-eyed play-by-play to a book that reads like the unholy lovechild of Freaky Friday and General Hospital.  Heads up: Due to forces beyond our control, this episode has a higher f-bomb count. Plan accordingly.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this tearful conclusion to the Sweet Valley High series, Elizabeth stays in a coma forever…PSYCH! But seriously, has Elizabeth awoken only to find that the events of DEAR SISTER are a fate worse than death? Actress Alex Jennings and Marissa give a wide-eyed play-by-play to a book that reads like the unholy lovechild of Freaky Friday and General Hospital. Heads up: Due to forces beyond our control, this episode has a higher f-bomb count. Plan accordingly.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Sweet Valley Diaries #7: DEAR SISTER

Is it possible to hang a black veil over a podcast episode description? No? Damn.  Mary Kate Wiles comforts Marissa in her time of crisis. Because...TODD!!! TOOODDDDD!!!!   Music in this episode: ELEGIAC SYMPHONY by Dee Yan-Key Fonte Abandonada by Real Vocal String Quartet   Links! Paper &amp; Slate Lizzie Bennett Diaries Shipwrecked Comedy on YouTube Proof that this whole glasses thing is not newAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Is it possible to hang a black veil over a podcast episode description? No? Damn.  Mary Kate Wiles comforts Marissa in her time of crisis. Because...TODD!!! TOOODDDDD!!!! Music in this episode: ELEGIAC SYMPHONY by Dee Yan-Key Fonte Abandonada by Real Vocal String Quartet Links! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/paperandslate/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paper &amp; Slate</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/LizzieBennet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lizzie Bennett Diaries</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ShipwreckedComedy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shipwrecked Comedy</a> on YouTube <a href="https://www.marissaflaxbart.com/2010/03/1-get-these-glasses-2-look-like-nite-owl-3-be-sexy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proof</a> that this whole glasses thing is not newAdvertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #23: SAY GOODBYE

Frenemies Lila and Jessica think they're duking it out over a secret scion, romantically masquerading as a construction worker. Marissa and her guest, actor Mark Sullivan, walk you through it all, from the poolside objectification to the final knife fight. Yep, you read that right. Knife fight. Some music in this episode courtesy of Purple Planet. Links, references, explanations:  LA Theatre Works: Spill  Everything you probably never wanted to know about  Top-Siders Let’s add one more Jack Donaghy to the list “Gary Hart on the Monkey Business” (talk about simpler times btw) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Frenemies Lila and Jessica think they're duking it out over a secret scion, romantically masquerading as a construction worker. Marissa and her guest, actor Mark Sullivan, walk you through it all, from the poolside objectification to the final knife fight. Yep, you read that right. Knife fight. Some music in this episode courtesy of <a href="http://www.purpleplanet.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purple Planet.</a> Links, references, explanations: <ul> <li>LA Theatre Works: <a href="https://latw.org/title/spill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spill</a> </li> <li>Everything you probably never wanted to know about <a href="https://www.sneakerfreaker.com/articles/sperry-top-sider-never-caught-slipping/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Top-Siders</a></li> <li>Let’s add one more <a href="https://youtu.be/WrLb3M_fK6w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jack Donaghy</a> to the list</li> <li>“<a href="https://www.americanheritage.com/node/132685" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gary Hart on the Monkey Business</a>” (talk about simpler times btw)</li> </ul>Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Sweet Valley Diaries #19: SHOWDOWN

Steven is in a love triangle with Cara and a ghost. Elizabeth is hoping to replace Todd with a doppelgänger. Jessica is trying to get Winston to take her to The Caravan. In short, all three of the Wakefield siblings are back on their bullshit, and Katie LaDue returns to discuss it all.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Steven is in a love triangle with Cara and a ghost. Elizabeth is hoping to replace Todd with a doppelgänger. Jessica is trying to get Winston to take her to The Caravan. In short, all three of the Wakefield siblings are back on their bullshit, and Katie LaDue returns to discuss it all.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #24: MEMORIES

Jessica and Elizabeth are live-in babysitters, living a 90-minute drive from home. But don’t worry, they still manage to make it a thrilling soap-operatic adventure, replete with double-identities, murders, and deadly rainstorms. Frank Bednarz, Esq. joins Marissa to marvel at this book and congratulate it on its simultaneous climaxes.  Music in this episode is by Marissa Flaxbart (theme song), Jocelyn Scofield (Beautiful Boys) and courtesy of Purple Planet. Further reading: CIPHER IN THE SNOW (trigger warning: teen death, bullying, may induce lifelong feelings of misplaced guilt) In 2019, Bloomberg listed Malibu as the  43rd richest city in America  Can identical twins have different allergies?  Is it dangerous to be in a house by the ocean during a thunderstorm?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jessica and Elizabeth are live-in babysitters, living a 90-minute drive from home. But don’t worry, they still manage to make it a thrilling soap-operatic adventure, replete with double-identities, murders, and deadly rainstorms. Frank Bednarz, Esq. joins Marissa to marvel at this book and congratulate it on its simultaneous climaxes.  Music in this episode is by Marissa Flaxbart (theme song), <a href="http://www.jocelynscofield.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jocelyn </a><a href="http://www.jocelynscofield.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scofield</a> (Beautiful Boys) and courtesy of <a href="http://www.purple-planet.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purple Planet</a>. Further reading: <a href="https://youtu.be/vp8vI-fMcNE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CIPHER IN THE SNOW</a> (trigger warning: teen death, bullying, may induce lifelong feelings of misplaced guilt) In 2019, Bloomberg listed Malibu as the <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-13/silicon-valley-suburb-snags-richest-spot-in-u-s-for-third-year" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 43rd richest city in America</a> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/25/science/q-a-twins-and-allergies.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Can identical twins have different allergies?</a> <a href="http://google.com/search?q=is+it+dangerous+to+be+in+a+house+by+the+ocean+during+a+thunderstorm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Is it dangerous to be in a house by the ocean during a thunderstorm?</a>Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Super Edition #4: MALIBU SUMMER

If he can’t tell which twin you are, he’s probably not The One. Tim Redmond (the new voice of Jeffrey French) is back to talk twins, reminisce about juvenile fiction, and reveal relevant secrets about his past. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

If he can’t tell which twin you are, he’s probably not The One. Tim Redmond (the new voice of Jeffrey French) is back to talk twins, reminisce about juvenile fiction, and reveal relevant secrets about his past. Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #31: Tell Us Apart

Season 3 Premiere! Marissa and songstress Jocelyn Scofield investigate Jessica Wakefield’s first emo phase, poor parenting in Sweet Valley, and that one time Elizabeth served Ricky Capaldo some deeply scalding tea.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Season 3 Premiere! Marissa and songstress Jocelyn Scofield investigate Jessica Wakefield’s first emo phase, poor parenting in Sweet Valley, and that one time Elizabeth served Ricky Capaldo some deeply scalding tea.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Sweet Valley Diaries #21: RUNAWAY

Marissa brings back newly-minted Bill Chase/Dee Dee Gordon expert Russ Nickel, and the results may surprise you: realistic and relatable depiction of romantic problems? Healthy lessons for young readers? This isn't the Sweet Valley High I fell in love with... Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Marissa brings back newly-minted Bill Chase/Dee Dee Gordon expert Russ Nickel, and the results may surprise you: realistic and relatable depiction of romantic problems? Healthy lessons for young readers? This isn't the Sweet Valley High I fell in love with... Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #22: TOO MUCH IN LOVE

Now that all that coma/personality swap/assault unpleasantness is behind us, let’s get back to what really matters in Sweet Valley: the beach, boys, and miscommunications involving suntan lotion. Marissa is joined by Russ Nickel, funny guy, writer, and former beach boy (not the singing kind…though he does sing in this episode). This is the book about Bill Chase giving Dee Dee Gordon surfing lessons, some sexy Todd-interloper named Patsy, and the school play, Splendor in the Grass.   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Now that all that coma/personality swap/assault unpleasantness is behind us, let’s get back to what really matters in Sweet Valley: the beach, boys, and miscommunications involving suntan lotion. Marissa is joined by Russ Nickel, funny guy, writer, and former beach boy (not the singing kind…though he does sing in this episode). This is the book about Bill Chase giving Dee Dee Gordon surfing lessons, some sexy Todd-interloper named Patsy, and the school play, Splendor in the Grass.  Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Sweet Valley Diaries #8: HEART BREAKER

What do you get when you put the Baby-Sitters Club girls in a Sweet Valley world? Well if this bonus episode's best guess is correct, you get Janine Kishi and Shannon Kilbourne executing a computer plant heist alongside Kristy and Stacey. And that's in ADDITION to the big parade! Obviously, Jack and Tanner from the BSCC Podcast are back.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What do you get when you put the Baby-Sitters Club girls in a Sweet Valley world? Well if this bonus episode's best guess is correct, you get Janine Kishi and Shannon Kilbourne executing a computer plant heist alongside Kristy and Stacey. And that's in ADDITION to the big parade! Obviously, Jack and Tanner from the BSCC Podcast are back.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #26: JESSI AND THE STONEYBROOK PARADE

In the spirit of the NEW JESSICA, Marissa and local fashion icon Caitlin McCann reminisce about pushing wardrobe boundaries in high school and feeling at home in Los Angeles.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In the spirit of the NEW JESSICA, Marissa and local fashion icon Caitlin McCann reminisce about pushing wardrobe boundaries in high school and feeling at home in Los Angeles.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #32: Express Yourself

While Marissa takes a Christmas break from editing, enjoy this replay of the special SPECIAL CHRISTMAS Christmas episode with Marissa and Don Flaxbart.  Happy Holidays! See you in 2020, Gladiators!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

While Marissa takes a Christmas break from editing, enjoy this replay of the special SPECIAL CHRISTMAS Christmas episode with Marissa and Don Flaxbart.  Happy Holidays! See you in 2020, Gladiators!Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Replay: SPECIAL CHRISTMAS w/Marissa's Dad

What’s worse: your boyfriend cheating on you; your boyfriend crashing the plane he’s flying you in; everyone agreeing that your cheating boyfriend should stay with you because you’ll never walk again without his love; you convincing yourself you can’t walk without his love; or your best friend tricking you into walking by hanging the life of your hot teacher’s child in the balance? Marissa debates this pressing question with Lauren Shippen, creator of The Bright Sessions podcast. The quest for an answer takes the podcast into untrod territory. Also, Jessica learns to cook. Further Reading:  Maybe closed mussels are okay after all?  Tip on  Preventing Psychosomatic Illness Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

What’s worse: your boyfriend cheating on you; your boyfriend crashing the plane he’s flying you in; everyone agreeing that your cheating boyfriend should stay with you because you’ll never walk again without his love; you convincing yourself you can’t walk without his love; or your best friend tricking you into walking by hanging the life of your hot teacher’s child in the balance? Marissa debates this pressing question with Lauren Shippen, creator of <a href="http://www.thebrightsessions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Bright Sessions</a> podcast. The quest for an answer takes the podcast into untrod territory. Also, Jessica learns to cook. Further Reading: <ul> <li>Maybe <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/food/Mussels-Myths-Debunked-2439055" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">closed mussels are okay</a> after all? </li> <li>Tip on <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-handle-psychosomatic-illness-3145090" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Preventing Psychosomatic Illness</a></li> </ul>Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Sweet Valley Diaries #20: CRASH LANDING!

It's a full-on first-cousin extravaganza! Marissa is joined by her real-life cousins Meghan Shattuck and Corrie Borgman to chat about fictional cousins Dana Larson (lead singer of The Droids!) and new-in-town Sally Larson, recently rescued from foster care a brief 13 years after entering the system. It's all just nuts and everyone is awful, we don't know what color anyone's eyes are, and Jerry is apparently a nickname for Jeremy.  Apologies in advance for the sub-par audio quality on this one – we were trying out a new mic setting. Takeaway: not all settings are created equal!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

It's a full-on first-cousin extravaganza! Marissa is joined by her real-life cousins Meghan Shattuck and Corrie Borgman to chat about fictional cousins Dana Larson (lead singer of The Droids!) and new-in-town Sally Larson, recently rescued from foster care a brief 13 years after entering the system. It's all just nuts and everyone is awful, we don't know what color anyone's eyes are, and Jerry is apparently a nickname for Jeremy.  Apologies in advance for the sub-par audio quality on this one – we were trying out a new mic setting. Takeaway: not all settings are created equal!Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #33: STARTING OVER

Guest reader Caitlin McCann is back, and a lot has happened since she watched Jessica snag (and be snagged by) Bruce in Book 3: PLAYING WITH FIRE. This time, Jessica dyes her hair black and pretends to be a Francophile. Meanwhile Elizabeth imagines she’s in her own personal version of the Distracted Boyfriend Meme. The more things change, the more they stay the same in Sweet Valley, California.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Guest reader Caitlin McCann is back, and a lot has happened since she watched Jessica snag (and be snagged by) Bruce in Book 3: PLAYING WITH FIRE. This time, Jessica dyes her hair black and pretends to be a Francophile. Meanwhile Elizabeth imagines she’s in her own personal version of the Distracted Boyfriend Meme. The more things change, the more they stay the same in Sweet Valley, California.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #32: THE NEW JESSICA

Ah, complicated teen friendships. Ah, high school sororities. Some experiences are universal. Avid girlhood Sweet Valley reader (and current therapist) Cherelle Solomon joins Marissa to examine this timeless text.   Reference Shelf:  Joanne the Scammer  The DUFF BTW, the last PBA pledge season was 26 books ago, not 16. Time flies!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Ah, complicated teen friendships. Ah, high school sororities. Some experiences are universal. Avid girlhood Sweet Valley reader (and current therapist) Cherelle Solomon joins Marissa to examine this timeless text. Reference Shelf: <a href="https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/29/joanne-the-scammer-scamming-messy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Joanne the Scammer</a> <a href="https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/29/joanne-the-scammer-scamming-messy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The DUFF</a> BTW, the last PBA pledge season was 26 books ago, not 16. Time flies!Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Book #30: JEALOUS LIES

Marissa and songstress Jocelyn Scofield discuss the story of Jocelyn's ode to all the former Rick Andovers out there, her song "Bad Boy in High School." Spoiler alert: they're probably NOT the best years of your life.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Marissa and songstress Jocelyn Scofield discuss the story of Jocelyn's ode to all the former Rick Andovers out there, her song "Bad Boy in High School." Spoiler alert: they're probably NOT the best years of your life.Advertising Inquiries: <a href="https://redcircle.com/brands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://redcircle.com/brands</a>

Extra Drama #21: Bad Boy (Stuck) in High School

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Relationships & Love

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!