Get ready for some holiday hilarity as the hosts delve into the absurd charm of The Spirit of Christmas, sharing their favorite quirky moments and characters. They explore the playful collision of ghostly romances and sensory experiences, while hilariously critiquing hairdos during pivotal scenes. The discussion flows into fascinating themes of Prohibition and modern love, all sprinkled with laughter and personal anecdotes. With a side of gossip and thoughtful gifts, this festive episode is a delightful mix of spooky and sweet!
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Movie Discovery
Rachelle discovered The Spirit of Christmas through a Buzzfeed article around 2017.
It became an annual tradition for her to watch the movie and force friends to join her.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Kate's Character
The protagonist, Kate, is a lawyer who prioritizes her career over relationships.
She breaks up with her boyfriend during dinner, demonstrating her ambition.
insights INSIGHT
Ghostly Beliefs
Both Rachelle and Kelsey believe in ghosts but would not stay in a haunted hotel.
However, Kate, the protagonist, stays, showing a "girl boss" mentality.
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The novel tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, who joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth after his parents' death leaves him penniless. Jacob becomes the circus veterinarian and develops a complex relationship with August Rosenthul, the equestrian director, and his wife Marlena. The story revolves around Jacob's love for Marlena, the brutal treatment of animals by August, and the struggles of the circus workers during the Great Depression. The novel combines elements of history, romance, and murder mystery, reflecting the harsh realities and emotional depth of the characters' lives.
Giovanni's Room
James Baldwin
Published in 1956, 'Giovanni's Room' is a groundbreaking novel by James Baldwin that delves into the life of David, a young American expatriate in Paris. David is caught between his desire for Giovanni, an Italian bartender, and his engagement to Hella, an American woman. The novel explores themes of love, shame, guilt, and the internal conflicts that arise from societal expectations and personal identity. As David navigates his relationships and grapples with his sexuality, the story unfolds into a tragic confrontation with the consequences of his choices and the unspoken complexities of the human heart[4][5][2].
In today's bonus episode, Rachelle and Kelsey discuss the cinematic experience that is 2015's The Spirit of Christmas. Warning: we could not stop talking about sex and drugs in this episode, maybe because the movie is so chaste.
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Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs), Se’era Spragley Ricks (@seera_sharae), Ozzy Llinas Goodman (@ozzy_llinas), and Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira). Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Show art by Tara Jacoby.
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