Normal Gossip

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. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Caroline O'Donoghue, a celebrated novelist and podcaster, shares her insights on the quirks of suburban friendships and the absurdity of local gossip. She discusses a hilarious rivalry over a fig tree amid the complexities of gentrification and personal connections. The conversation meanders through emotional tales of growth, connection, and change, enriched by her Irish storytelling roots. O'Donoghue also imagines a whimsical 'museum of gossip' where unusual objects embody relatable tales, making the exploration of human relationships both entertaining and profound.

Carson Olshansky, a Brooklyn-based stand-up comedian known for his vibrant performances, shares a hilarious tale of running into a high school crush during holiday shopping. The conversation dives into the emotional intricacies of returning home for the holidays, exploring themes of identity and familial expectations. Carson and the hosts laugh over quirky holiday traditions, including a funny 'ham bag' gift dilemma, while reflecting on the oddities of childhood friendships and modern adult crushes. It's a delightful mix of humor and nostalgia!

Tobin Low, an editor for This American Life and co-host of Nancy, shares a captivating story about a mysterious lobsterman that united his community during lockdown. The discussion weaves through the quirky world of pandemic cooking, showcasing the dynamics of love and food obsession. Tobin recounts a humorous investigation of fish authenticity, revealing truths about trust in the culinary scene. Listeners also hear about the impact of remote work on social interactions, emphasizing the need for connection during challenging times.