
Normal Gossip
Normal Gossip delivers juicy, strange, funny, and utterly banal gossip about people you’ll never know and never meet. Host Rachelle Hampton discusses reader-submitted comedic gossip with guests, diving into the lives and decisions of complete strangers. The second-hand truth really is stranger than fiction. Produced by Se'era Spragley Ricks and Jae Towle Vieira. Created by Kelsey McKinney and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Show art by Tara Jacoby. https://normalgossip.komi.io/
Latest episodes

May 7, 2025 • 49min
LARP Camp with Rebecca Jennings
Rebecca Jennings, a features writer for New York Magazine and author of 'Be the Bombshell', takes us on a whimsical journey to LARP Camp. She recounts a story of dice, ghosts, and a forbidden romance among campers. The discussion touches on the role of gossip in shaping relationships, humorous graduation mishaps, and the nostalgic charm of summer camp adventures. With playful tales of young love and campfire confessions, Rebecca captures the magical essence of youthful experiences and the complexities of social interactions.

Apr 30, 2025 • 43min
The Most Ominous Bird with Alanna Bennett
Alanna Bennett joins us to explore what happens to you—physically and metaphysically—when you get into a fight with a magician. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets!You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/Episode transcript here. Order Kelsey's book, You Didn’t Hear This From Me, here!Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.Normal Gossip is hosted by Rachelle Hampton (@heyydnae) and produced by Se'era Spragley Ricks (@seera_sharae) and Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira). Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) is our Supervising Producer. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Show art by Tara Jacoby.Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.
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13 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 48min
Reverse Heist with Jonquilyn Hill
Jonquilyn Hill hates pranks, which made her the perfect guest for today's tale of a townhouse torn apart by a prank gone wrong. Follow Jonquilyn on Instagram here and check out Jonquilyn's podcast Explain It to Me here.Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets!You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/Episode transcript here.Order Kelsey's book, You Didn’t Hear This From Me, here!Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.Normal Gossip is hosted by Rachelle Hampton (@heyydnae) and produced by Se'era Spragley Ricks (@seera_sharae) and Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira). Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) is our Supervising Producer. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Show art by Tara Jacoby.Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.
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Apr 16, 2025 • 55min
Sluts for Paperwork with Yowei Shaw
Yowei Shaw joins us on [BLEEP] Island for a tale of volunteer firefighters, fancy snacks, and rampant nepotism. Follow Yowei on Instagram here and check out Yowei's podcast Proxy here. Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets!You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/Episode transcript here.Order Kelsey's book, You Didn’t Hear This From Me, here!Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.Normal Gossip is hosted by Rachelle Hampton (@heyydnae) and produced by Se'era Spragley Ricks (@seera_sharae) and Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira). Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) is our Supervising Producer. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Show art by Tara Jacoby.Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.
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Apr 9, 2025 • 50min
The Couch and the Fuckboy with Scaachi Koul
Welcome to season EIGHT of Normal Gossip! We're kicking off the season with Scaachi Koul and a story about the lengths you would go for a coveted couch. Order Scaachi’s book, Sucker Punch, here and follow her on Instagram here.Subscribe to our newsletter for writing from Rachelle, Se'era, Jae, Alex, and Kelsey, plus blog recommendations and secrets!You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/Episode transcript here.Order Kelsey's book, You Didn’t Hear This From Me, here!Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.Normal Gossip is hosted by Rachelle Hampton (@heyydnae) and produced by Se'era Spragley Ricks (@seera_sharae) and Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira). Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) is our Supervising Producer. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Show art by Tara Jacoby.Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.
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Feb 26, 2025 • 39min
Bonus Episode: Life as a New York Times Bestselling Author with Kelsey McKinney
Kelsey McKinney, author of "You Didn't Hear This From Me" and co-creator of Normal Gossip, dives deep into the world of gossip, revealing how it can serve as a tool for self-reflection. She shares insights from her busy book tour, discusses the cultural contrasts of gossip in the US and UK, and explores the dynamics of reality TV through trust and strategy. Kelsey also reflects on the challenges of debut authorship and the impact of cancel culture on public perception, making for a thought-provoking and engaging conversation.

12 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 41min
Champagne, Capers, and Cuddle Parties with Se’era Spragley Ricks
Se’era Spragley Ricks, lead producer of Normal Gossip, dives into light-hearted anecdotes about friendship and coat mix-ups. She discusses the intersection of personal peace and local politics, championing meditation amidst societal chaos. The chat takes a humorous turn with stories of a landlord hosting a cuddle party and reflects on New Year’s resolutions with a twist. Se’era also shares insights on the emotional complexities of names and identities, all while keeping the tone playful and relatable.

15 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 56min
Holiday Bonus: Caked Up Spirit of Christmas
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!

14 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 1h
The Suite Life of Rachelle and Kelsey
Join the hosts as they set sail on a wild adventure filled with gossip and life lessons on a cruise ship! Discover the ups and downs of theater dreams with a quirky character named Josie. Delight in hilarious anecdotes about sneaking hot plates onboard and unravel the chaos that ensues amid misunderstandings and an arctic windstorm. With tales of friendship, triumph, and unexpected changes, this episode captures the essence of life at sea and the laughter that comes with it.

13 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 50min
Family Lore Drop with Hrishikesh Hirway
Hrishikesh Hirway, a talented singer-songwriter and host known for his engaging podcasts, joins for a fascinating exploration of family secrets and dynamics. He reflects on how gossip shaped personal relationships and cultural experiences, illustrating with heartwarming anecdotes of arranged marriages. The conversation dives into eccentric family legends, particularly those around Grand Aunt Julia, including her intriguing psychic prophecies. Humor intertwines with serious discussions on legacy and hidden truths, making for a captivating and relatable narrative.
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