Normal Gossip

In this lively discussion, Alex Sujong Laughlin, co-creator of Normal Gossip and supervising producer at Defector, recounts a humorous tale from her podcasting past. Listeners are treated to stories of petty thievery during Garbage Man Appreciation Week, featuring the charming antics of an attractive garbage man. Alex shares the chaotic dynamics of office life, blending humor with the absurdity of missing items and costume capers. Expect witty banter about the challenges of early podcasting, intertwined with relatable workplace shenanigans!

Danielle Henderson, a television writer and author known for her memoir 'The Ugly Cry' and the creation of Feminist Ryan Gosling, joins the conversation. They dive into the bizarre world of parents cheating at bingo to fundraise for their kids' soccer teams. The discussion covers the hilarious chaos of illegal casino nights and the lengths parents will go to in competitive youth sports. With witty anecdotes and sharp critiques, they explore themes of community dynamics, fundraising absurdities, and the intersection of fun and moral quandaries.

Ashley Reese, a talented writer and creator of the newsletter 'Bad Brain,' dives into a smutty fanfiction community that showcases the quirky side of fandom. She explores the transformative power of fan fiction, emphasizing its role in building friendships and personal growth. The episode highlights the emotional complexities within fandom, from romantic tensions to jealousy, offering a humorous spin on the challenges of navigating relationships amidst creative endeavors. Get ready for a delightful blend of community dynamics and feline-inspired storytelling!

In a delightful reunion, Rachelle Hampton, a regular guest and colleague at Defector.com, joins for a chat filled with laughter. They explore the chaotic joys of parenting, sharing humorous parenting tales and neighborhood drama over feral cats. Rachelle and Kelsey humorously navigate the rollercoaster of adult friendships, discussing the intrigue of secrets and quirky scams in the orchid community. The podcast wraps up with entertaining anecdotes, including a family’s long-standing hot dog mystery, making for a truly engaging listen.

Brittany Luse shares hilarious gossip, memory struggles, and MFA rivalry stories. Mia's chaotic adventures with ferrets, risky glass-making, and surprising revelations add comedic twists. An entertaining blend of humor, friendship, and unexpected mishaps make for a lively season finale.

Gabby Windey, our gayest Bachelorette, shares stories about queer love and polyamory. Topics include exploring dynamics of gossiping in the lesbian community, navigating romantic relationships in a songwriter program, and balancing romantic and platonic intimacy in lesbian relationships. They also discuss open relationships, dealing with jealousy, and a performative art piece in the park.

Jenée Desmond-Harris shares hilarious stories about accidentally getting too stoned, dealing with fire alarms, and patriotism in a fun and entertaining chat.

Therapist Sonalee explores family haunting, activism through gossip, and navigating professional boundaries. Mina's journey to grandmother's farewell uncovers spooky revelations. Sisterly bond strengthens amidst supernatural encounters. Family heirloom deception reveals mistaken identity and dynamics.

Elise Hu discusses startup chaos, friendships, and the importance of personal connections in a tale that involves hermit crabs, cryptocurrency, and navigating business and personal relationships. The podcast delves into workplace dynamics, problem-solving, and the surprising downfall of a company due to personal conflicts, leading to reconciliation and new beginnings.

Avery Trufelman talks about mushroom foraging, cultbrain, and greige athleisure in an engaging conversation about unique topics. From mushroom hunting to the joy of cooking them, the discussion highlights the beauty of mushrooms.