What if the most fascinating stories of the American Revolution aren't the ones you learned in school?

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Life in Jest explores the people behind the history with her special guest, award-winning historical author Beth Anderson.

Most of us know the names George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Marquis de Lafayette. But how many of us know the stories behind them? What did Washington do when smallpox threatened to destroy the Continental Army before America could even become a nation? Why did a wealthy nineteen-year-old French aristocrat risk everything to fight for American independence? How did ordinary women step forward when the men went off to war? And what can the Revolution still teach us about courage, loyalty, trust, sacrifice, and freedom?

Selene and Beth discuss the remarkable true stories behind their historical books, including:

• George Washington's battle against smallpox in The Patriots and the Pox

• The extraordinary friendship between Washington and Lafayette in Revolutionary Friends

• Prudence Wright and the women who defended their community during the Revolution

• Deborah Sampson's daring decision to disguise herself as a man and serve as a soldier

• Benedict Arnold's betrayal, John André's tragic fate, and the complicated humanity behind both heroes and traitors

. The pair of spectacles that George Washington donned and saved democracy

Along the way, they explore why history is so often taught as names and dates instead of human experiences, why children's books can reveal truths that textbooks miss, and how understanding the people of the past helps us better understand ourselves.

Funny, thoughtful, and packed with fascinating historical discoveries, this conversation reveals that the American Revolution was never just about battles. It was about ordinary people making extraordinary choices—and the cost of freedom itself.

Whether you're a history buff, educator, parent, librarian, writer, or simply curious about America's founding, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the real people who shaped a nation.

Find out more about Beth Anderson's books:

The Patriots and the Pox

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/the-patriots-and-the-pox-9781662681240/

Cloaked in Courage

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/cloaked-in-courage-9781635926101/

Revolutionary Prudence Wright

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/revolutionary-prudence-wright-9781644720578/

Find out more about Selene Castrovilla's books:

Revolutionary Friends

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/revolutionary-friends-9781590788806/

Revolutionary Rogues

https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/revolutionary-rogues-9781629793412/

George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763620/george-washingtons-spectacular-spectacles-by-selene-castrovilla-illustrated-by-jenn-harney/

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Why does Juneteenth matter—and why should every American understand its story?

Pascale is away this week, but Life in Jest welcomes award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan for a powerful, heartfelt conversation about the meaning of Juneteenth, the long struggle for freedom, and the people who refused to give up hope in the face of injustice.

Together, Selene and Alice Faye explore the true history behind Juneteenth, why freedom was delayed for enslaved people in Texas for more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and why Juneteenth has become a celebration not just of emancipation, but of perseverance, resilience, democracy, and human dignity.

The conversation goes far beyond dates and facts. Alice Faye shares the inspiring story behind her acclaimed book Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, introducing listeners to the woman known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, whose determination helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She.also discusses her book Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968. The workers' struggle eventually drew the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who traveled to Memphis to support the peaceful protests. He delivered his famous "I've Been to the Mountaintop" sermon at Mason Temple. Tragically, he was assassinated the following day. Despite this devastating loss, the book showcases the community's resilience as they continued to march and fight for their rights until they achieved victory.

Selene also discusses her own award-winning books, Twice Enslaved: Liberty & Justice for Henrietta Wood and Seeking Freedom, which uncover extraordinary true stories of freedom seekers whose courage helped end enslavement in America and paved the way for Juneteenth.

Along the way, they discuss:

• the true meaning and history of Juneteenth

• Opal Lee's remarkable campaign to make Juneteenth a national holiday

• Henrietta Wood's fight for freedom and reparations

• why children's books can build empathy and understanding

• the importance of teaching difficult history honestly

• hope, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice in America

Thought-provoking, moving, and ultimately uplifting, this episode reminds us that history is not just about events—it's about people. And as Alice Faye beautifully argues, Juneteenth is a celebration for everyone because the promise of freedom belongs to everyone.

Whether you're looking to understand Juneteenth, discover remarkable stories from American history, or explore how books can change hearts and minds, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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What happens after we die—and is someone guiding us while we’re here?

In this fascinating and deeply personal episode of Life in Jest, cousin besties Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest welcome EMT, mother, and lifelong medium Samantha Difronzo for a conversation about mediumship, spirit guides, angels, soul tribes, reincarnation, grief, surrender, and the mysteries of the afterlife.

Samantha shares how she has communicated with spirits since childhood, what it feels like when spirits come through, and why she sees her work as a responsibility—not to “prove” her abilities, but to help both the living and the dead feel heard. Selene and Pascale ask the questions so many people wonder about: Are spirit guides assigned to us? Can loved ones become guides after death? Do angels walk among us? What are signs from the other side? And if we have guides, why do terrible things still happen?

The conversation moves from funny and curious to raw and profound, as Selene speaks openly about communicating with her son Casey after his death and wrestles with anger, faith, surrender, and the painful search for meaning after unimaginable loss. Samantha offers a compassionate perspective on grief, energy, love, and the idea that death may not be an ending, but a transition we still don’t fully understand.

Part spiritual deep dive, part grief conversation, part classic Life in Jest banter, this episode explores the biggest questions of all: Where do we go? Who stays with us? And is love the thing that carries us through every world?

You can find Samantha Difronzo on Instagram:

@itsjustme2389

Join her Facebook Community:

A Wish is Granted

You can email her at Awishisgranted4@gmail.com

You can reach her by phone: (516) 776-3324

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In this episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest are joined by librarian and Drinks in the Library host Gigi Howard for a funny, sharp, and surprisingly deep conversation about books, storytelling, and the strange state of modern reading culture.

The discussion spirals everywhere—in the best possible way:

• Why readers are becoming obsessed with dark romance
• Whether genres help readers… or trap writers
• Why romance novels are expected to guarantee happy endings
• The psychological appeal of horror, gothic fiction, and emotionally dark stories
• BookTok’s massive influence on publishing and reading trends
• Why some books become cultural phenomena while others disappear
• Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King, Carrie, Wuthering Heights, Fifty Shades of Grey, and the chaos of trying to categorize literature at all

Along the way, the episode dives into censorship and book banning, literary snobbery, trauma and storytelling, women’s fiction vs. romance, and why modern audiences seem increasingly drawn to darker, more emotionally extreme fiction. 

Funny, unfiltered, literary, chaotic, and unexpectedly poignant—this episode is what happens when three book lovers’ passions catch fire.

After you listen to this episode, head over to Gigi's podcast, where Selene is her guest, and they discuss Erica Jong's novel How To Save Your Own Life (the sequel to Fear of Flying).

Listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1TNhFpkAz79oV7bv55gNAz?si=2e78d98cbd6c4bc2

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-save-your-own-life-by-erica-jong-with-selene/id1731887273?i=1000768524513

About Gigi Howard & Drinks in the Library:

Gigi Howard is a librarian and the creator/host of the podcast Drinks in the Library, a conversational literary podcast where guests discuss favorite books while sharing themed drinks in a relaxed, intimate setting. The show blends literary analysis, personal storytelling, and book culture with the warmth of a real-life conversation among readers. The podcast has featured discussions on everything from romantasy and horror to literary fiction and classic novels.

You can find Drinks in the Library on major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow Gigi online through the podcast’s social channels and podcast directories.

Instagram, Threads, TikTok & Facebook: @drinksinthelibrary

Website: drinksinthelibrary.com

email: drinkspod@gmail.com

Messenger: Drinks in the Library

Thank you, Gigi! We had so much fun!!

Extra information:

Here's a follow-up on things mentioned in this episode:

The sequel to the book Primal Fear is Show of Evil.

The Philip Margolin book title that Selene couldn't remember is Heartstone.

This is the blog post about dark romance that Selene mentions:

https://briarblack.com/everything-about-dark-romance-books/

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You'll never look at Sleeping Beauty the same Way after listening to this episode!

In this week's solo Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla dives into the deeply disturbing origins of classic fairy tales—and the original stories are far more horrifying than most people realize.

Long before Disney softened them into palatable stories with happy endings, fairy tales were filled with:

• cannibalism
• murder
• mutilation
• sexual violence
• revenge
• death
• and genuinely terrifying punishments

Selene explores the original versions of:

• Sleeping Beauty
• Little Red Riding Hood
• Cinderella
• Snow White
• Hansel and Gretel
• Rapunzel
• Rumpelstiltskin
• and more

Including the shocking details that modern retellings removed:

Sleeping Beauty waking up after assault, Cinderella’s stepsisters mutilating their own feet, Snow White’s horrifying revenge ending, and Little Red Riding Hood stories that become pure nightmare fuel.

The episode also explores:

• why these stories existed in the first place
• what they reveal about fear, survival, and human nature
• how folklore evolved across cultures and centuries
• and why disturbing stories continue to fascinate us today

In true Life in Jest fashion, the episode moves between dark history, cultural commentary, humor, and personal storytelling as Selene explores the unsettling truths behind stories that have nothing to do with gentle fairies.

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Cyndi Lauper said it best — time after time — and this week, Selene and Pascale are tumbling after the truth about time travel. But before they do, they've got a sneak peek at what's coming up next episode: a visit to a serial killer exhibition in Manhattan. The only problem? They can't even agree on what makes a murder interesting before they've walked through the door — crimes of passion versus the cold randomness of serial killers. It's the kind of debate that reveals exactly where these two besties are psychologically, and neither one is budging an inch.

And then the time travel rabbit hole opens up.

Story #1: The Dodleston Messages. In 1984, a schoolteacher in a creaky Welsh border cottage borrowed a computer from his school — back when computers were basically fancy typewriters — and started receiving mysterious messages from someone claiming to live in the 16th century under Henry VIII. Oh, and also from someone in the year 2109 warning them they were messing with history. The messages went on for two years. There were footprints. There was a ghost with six toes. There was a pub trip. Pascale calls it "a show that went on two seasons too long," and she's not wrong.

Story #2: The Chronovisor. A Benedictine priest, a secret Vatican conspiracy, a cast of post-WWII physicists (some of them Nazi-adjacent, which — yikes), and a device supposedly built to watch events from the past like a View-Master. Including, allegedly, the crucifixion. The Pope said "great, let's show everyone!" and then immediately said "actually, let's lock it in the vault forever." Selene has thoughts. Many thoughts. So does the Vatican, apparently — they've never denied it.

Also in this episode: Stephen Hawking and Michio Kaku weigh in on whether time travel is actually possible (spoiler: don't rule it out), a detour into crimes of passion vs. serial killers, the theological chaos of Abraham nearly sacrificing his kid, Roddy Piper's paranormal cult film They Live, candle theft at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and a quick true crime update on Polly from the Nirvana song— yes, she got away, and yes, the kidnapper literally ran out of gas.

It's part rogue physics conjecture, part Vatican conspiracy theory, part true crime detour — plus the kind of warm and wild bestie banter that makes the world feel a little less douchy for an hour.

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What do your favorite songs actually mean?

In this episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest dive into the real stories behind iconic songs—and what they uncover is darker, stranger, and more revealing than expected.

From grunge to metal to pop, they break down the hidden meanings behind songs you thought you knew:

• The disturbing true story behind Polly by Nirvana
• The surprising origin of Smells Like Teen Spirit—and what it really means
• Why Every Breath You Take by The Police isn’t a love song at all
• The deeper themes behind Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
• How Metallica turns war, addiction, and history into powerful music

Along the way, the conversation does what Life in Jest does best—spiraling into personal stories, concert memories, unexpected opinions, and the strange way music connects to different moments in our lives.

Because sometimes the songs we sing along to the loudest…

are the ones we understand the least.

Unscripted, funny, and unexpectedly deep—this is a music episode with a real edge.

Bonus moment: You won't believe the inspiration behind Midnight Train to Georgia!

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A rally for democracy should feel reassuring.

So why didn’t it fully?

In this episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest reflect on attending a rally where crowds showed up in strong support of democracy—an energizing, even hopeful experience.

But that’s where the real question begins.

Because if everyone there already agrees…

is that enough to protect it?

What starts as a firsthand account of the rally opens into a sharper, unscripted conversation about:

• Whether democracy is stronger than it feels—or more fragile than we want to admit
• The limits of “preaching to the choir”
• How big the “choir” actually is—and whether it’s growing
• The tension between hope and uncertainty in real time
• And how all of this coexists with everyday life—IHOP, malls, routines, and the strange normalcy of it all

And in true Life in Jest fashion, the conversation pivots into other discussions:

• A brunch at a boozy IHOP
• A brutally honest (and very funny) takedown of malls
• The absurdity of moving between big, urgent questions about democracy… and the strangely disappointing state of everyday life 

Nothing is scripted. The conversation unfolds honestly, with humor, doubt, and the kind of questions people are asking but not always saying out loud. 

Thank you for listening! We love you oh so much! XOXOXO

Please reach out to us: lifeinjestpodcast@gmail.com.

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Some movies entertain us. Others haunt us forever. In this wildly honest episode of Life in Jest, bestie cousins Selene and Pascale open the film vault of their nightmares — from the Willy Wonka Oompa Loompas that terrorized Selene’s childhood to Pascale’s unforgettable Tron experience (featuring a cousin who made out through the whole movie). They relive the horror of Cabaret’s dead dog, roast the emotional void of The Grand Budapest Hotel, and agree that you’re never too old to be traumatized — just ask The Dark Knight.

It’s part movie rant, part memory lane, and full-on therapy session for anyone who’s ever left a theater emotionally damaged yet weirdly entertained.

But the laughing ladies don't stop there! They let loose on the movies that should never have been made, in their signature snarky style. And of course, there's so much more hilarious & insightful discussion in their delightful diversions.

🎥 Laughter, nostalgia, and a touch of pop culture PTSD await in this episode of Life in Jest.

Thank you for listening & supporting us! We love you oh so much!! XOXOXO

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What happens when cousin-besties Selene and Pascale sit down to record…after calling the police?

The girls have had a rough night---and they're all fired up with conflicting opinions, and spontaneous singing!

This episode of Life in Jest spirals (in the best way) from true-crime obsession to off-the-rails pop culture, blending humor, sharp instincts, and brutally honest takes on everything from true-crime cases to weed, wellness, and the randomness of modern life.

Selene dives into the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping that’s been haunting her—questioning the evidence, the investigation, and what really happens when a case doesn’t add up. Expect unfiltered theories, emotional reactions, and true crime analysis that unfolds in real time—raw, conversational, and completely unscripted. Why hasn't the FBI been checking local residents' eyes for a match to the kidnapper's?

From there, things take a turn:

• Why true crime might be losing its appeal
• The surprising (and alarming) truth about cannabis and health risks
• The difference between relaxing… and spiraling
• Pop culture deep dives—from Rocky Horror to 80s music to random trivia that somehow becomes addictive, unexpected, and quite informative

Underneath the humor, there’s something sharper: a conversation about anxiety, control, nostalgia, and how we make sense of a world that doesn’t always add up.

This episode is messy, funny, a little chaotic—and exactly what Life in Jest does best.

If you like:

true crime discussions, unscripted podcasts, women-led conversations, Gen X nostalgia, pop culture debates, and real talk about life’s weird edges… this one’s for you.

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What could you absolutely not live without?

In this funny, free-wheeling episode of Life in Jest podcast, cousins Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest compare their wildly different lists of the everyday things they swear they can’t live without—from books, words, and storytelling to TV, cat litter, cheese doodles, and remote-start cars. Along the way, the conversation spirals (as it always does) into deeper territory: grief, independence, aging, dating later in life, and the strange ways our priorities change over time.

Selene reflects on the idea of being born in the rare Year of the Fire Horse, a Chinese zodiac combination said to produce bold, rebellious personalities—and wonders if that explains her fierce independence and refusal to play by the rules. Meanwhile Pascale confesses her unapologetic love for books and television, proving that great stories—whether on the page or screen—might actually be essential for survival.

Expect hilarious detours into:

• why food delivery drivers sometimes become accidental therapists
• the comfort of reading and storytelling
• the genius (and chaos) of Howard Stern and comedy
• the surprisingly passionate debate over the “world’s best cat litter”
• and why traveling the world—and laughing about the disasters—might be one of life’s true necessities

Part philosophical, part ridiculous, and entirely honest, this episode asks a deceptively simple question:

What do we truly need in order to live well?

Spoiler: the answers might involve books, humor, snacks, and a very good litter box.

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In this OG Life in Jest Podcast eipisode, Selene and Pascale take a series of online psychology quizzes—purely for research, of course—until an “Are You a Hoarder?” test takes an unexpected turn. Selene’s late mother, a hoarder in life, seems less than pleased from the great beyond, effectively shutting down the investigation before Pascale can determine whether her growing Funko Pop collection is charming or clinically concerning.

That detour sparks a larger question: Are people in heaven actually more evolved and forgiving—or do they remain exactly who they were, just disembodied?

The conversation spirals (productively) into spiritualism, the afterlife, and whether joining a spiritualist church is a step toward enlightenment or just an exercise in selective belief. Selene wrestles with the contradictions of communicating with the dead. Pascale, meanwhile, has serious reservations about the leader’s hairstyle.

They also examine the psychological damage of soap operas, debate the cultural merit of Woody Woodpecker and Scooby-Doo, and uncover an Estonian museum with a name you won’t believe.

Part comedy, part existential inquiry, this episode of Life in Jest blends pop culture, grief, hoarding tendencies, spiritual curiosity, and cartoon chaos into one surprisingly cohesive conversation.

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When the world feels overwhelming, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is laugh.

In this “purely in jest” episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale take a deliberate break from heavy headlines and dive headfirst into absurd, fascinating, and delightfully random trivia. What follows is a rapid-fire exchange of surprising facts, strange history, pop culture deep cuts, and genuinely mind-bending discoveries.

You’ll learn:

– What a group of flamingos is really called (and why it’s perfect)

– The shocking truth about polar bears’ skin color

– Which soft drink originally contained cocaine

– The only food that never spoils

– What animal produces pink milk

– The first music video ever played on MTV

– Which band played all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica)

– The original name of the Grammy Awards

– The real name of Snoop Dogg

– Which author is the most translated in the world

Along the way, they wander into nostalgic 70s food memories, commercial jingles that won’t leave your brain, music history, literary trivia, Mickey Mouse’s almost-name, Sex and the City revelations, and a few unexpected pop culture confessions.

If you love trivia games, random facts, music history, bookish discoveries, strange science, and smart, unscripted conversations between two lifelong best-friend cousins, this episode is your mental palate cleanser.

No doomscrolling. No drama. Just curiosity, laughter, and the joy of learning something new.

Perfect for fans of:

– Pop culture trivia podcasts

– Fun facts and useless knowledge

– Music history and MTV nostalgia

– Literary trivia and author deep dives

– Lighthearted comedy podcasts

– Brain-boosting distraction

Comedy tonight. Sanity preserved.

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Here's an OG episode that concerns every American citizen! Things have only grown more dire since we first aired this episode. Our one chance to be heard is at the polls. But what happens if someone tampers with the results?

The Election Truth Alliance are curators of accountability, working to ensure that the final election "reveal" is one every voter can trust.

They have been working nonstop so that we can find out the truth about the 2024 election results by suing for paper ballot recounts in the swing states. Hey, we keep those ballots. Is it so crazy to actually check them for accuracy?

Listen to the evidence presented by guest Lilli McGregor, co-founder and Executive Director of Communications & Operations at the Election Truth Alliance, and decide for yourself!

Here's the original show description:

Strap on your life vest and prepare to plunge! On this week’s Life in Jest, hosts Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest welcome special guest Lilli McGregor, co-founder and Executive Director of Communications & Operations at the Election Truth Alliance, for a deep dive into the murky waters of American election integrity.

Together, they explore the swirling data anomalies that have surfaced across the country in the wake of the 2024 election, the troubling undercurrent of political correctness that drowns out questions, and the overwhelming need for transparent election audits. Lilli brings insider insight into the investigative challenges—particularly in Pennsylvania—and shares how patterns in the down-vote and lengthy “Russian Tails” suggest that a flawless victory may be a little too perfect.

As the conversation plunges deeper, the trio surfaces vital truths about the personal toll of activism, the obstacles that threaten reform, and the crucial role everyday citizens must play in demanding accountability.

The waters may be rough, but understanding what lies beneath the surface is the first stroke toward ensuring our democracy stays afloat—and that every vote in future elections is counted, secured, and guided by a truly tight ship.

Thank you so much Lilli McGregor, for joining our rousing discussion!

From their website:

"What is the Election Truth Alliance?

The Election Truth Alliance is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in December of 2024 when multiple individuals came together to share independent data, analysis, and research into the results of the 2024 US Presidential Election. As concerning trends emerged from our shared data we moved quickly, at the speed of trust, to make our findings more accessible and understandable to the broader public.

We are a non-profit corporation."

Visit the Election Truth Alliance website for all the tea!

https://electiontruthalliance.org/

Check out the Election Truth Alliance's YouTube Channel for all those charts and Russian tails!

https://www.youtube.com/@ElectionTruthAlliance

What do you think about all this? Let us know!

Write us at: lifeinjestpodcast@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Election Truth Alliance

02:07

Understanding Election Integrity Concerns

06:26

Data Analysis and Communication Challenges

10:29

The Russian Tail: A Statistical Trend

21:57

Political Implications and Future Elections

26:45

The Importance of Accurate Messaging in Election Security

28:59

Challenges of Election Analysis in the U.S.

30:58

The Complexity of U.S. Election Systems

32:34

Unusual Election Outcomes and Their Implications

35:41

The Role of Misinformation in Public Perception

37:31

Strategies to Overwhelm and Demoralize the Public

40:32

Historical Context and Lessons from the Past

43:08

Investigating Vote Counting Computers in Pennsylvania

49:36

Expert Analysis and Election Forensics

51:03

Data Analysis and Validation in Elections

53:52

The Importance of Expertise and Collaboration

56:53

Challenges in Election Integrity and Public Perception

58:37

The Role of Morale and Legitimacy in Democracy

01:01:48

Advocacy for Election Integrity and Future Actions

01:06:24

The Call to Action for Citizens

01:16:06

Inspiring Quotes and Closing Thoughts

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Is love a sacred bond, a cultural construct, or a diagnosable condition? In this Valentine’s-adjacent episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale take on love in all its messy, romantic, absurd, and occasionally unhinged forms. From the pagan roots of Valentine’s Day to its modern evolution into texts, chocolates, and emotional expectations, the conversation ricochets between history, pop culture, and deeply personal reflections. Along the way, they uncover fun (and strange) facts about the holiday, dig into the tragic legend of St. Valentine, and ask the big questions: Are we hopeless romantics, hardened skeptics, or both at once? Is love timeless—or wildly irrational? Equal parts thoughtful and laugh-out-loud funny, this episode celebrates love in all its contradictions, including the most underrated kind of all: self-love.

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Hello, hello! Here's an OG favorite episode!

This is a description from Google's AI:

In the Life in Jest podcast episode "The Wizard of Oz Facts That Will Make You Wince," hosts Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest explore the behind-the-scenes, often chaotic history of the classic 1939 film. The episode covers the intense production challenges, including hazardous conditions, costume mishaps, and intense pressure on the cast, contrasting with the movie's magical legacy. 

Key details from the podcast episode and surrounding context include:

• Production Hazards: The episode covers the dangerous set conditions, such as the Scarecrow costume being a fire hazard and the Wicked Witch (Margaret Hamilton) actually being burned during a scene.
• Production Woes: It explores the high-pressure environment, including the "heavily medicated" state of Judy Garland and the use of dangerous materials like asbestos.
• Cultural Legacy: The discussion touches on the film's enduring impact and its special resonance within the LGBTQ community.
• Host Perspective: The hosts share how this story and its production shaped their own lives and writing. 

The episode is part of the Life in Jest podcast on iHeartRadio, which focuses on humorous and surprising takes on pop culture and life stories.

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This episode was recorded on New Year’s Eve… after some wine…in that strange liminal space when reflection, chaos, and questionable judgment all collide.Selene was convinced it sucked. So convinced, in fact, that she nearly didn’t release it at all.

But then she listened back.

And (after hours of editing,lol) it didn’t suck.

So here it is.

This episode covers a lot of territory—a dazzling array of topics, really. There’s something for everyone. Think of it as a conversational Golden Corral: you may not know what you’re coming for, but you’ll definitely leave full.

Selene and Pascale bounce effortlessly between laugh-out-loud moments and more contemplative turns, touching on their very different opinions about Pennywise the sewer clown, psychics who sucked (and one whose prediction Selene based her life on), New Jersey boobage, and the singular betrayal of discovering—after eating—that a restaurant is cash only.

Along the way, Selene finds Jesus in Five Below and flashes back (once again) to the childhood trauma inflicted by an old McCloud episode. The besties discuss cultural artifacts that somehow lodge themselves permanently in the brain, and wonder if texting may be quietly destroying civilization. There are riffs on social-media comment sections, human behavior, corrupted symbols, belief, grief, and why meaning is so slippery—especially at the end of a year.

Somehow, this episode also includes a callback to Ryan Seacrest and Selene's continued bewilderment and outrage of his over-the-top endorsements of Chumba. Funny, reflective, provocative, and unmistakably Life in Jest, this episode is a sampler platter of thoughts, stories, and tangents—served with humor, honesty, and just enough wine.

Press play. It doesn't suck.

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“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”

In this deeply moving and unexpectedly funny episode of Life in Jest, Selene and Pascale honor Selene's son Casey on the 3rd anniversary of his passing—not with solemnity, but with laughter, love, and the unforgettable stories that keep him vividly alive.

This episode weaves together humor and grief in the way only real life does. Selene shares hilarious, tender, and profoundly human memories of Casey: his hammock-that-wasn’t, the paddleboat adventure that went a little too far, wild dancing to Blue’s Clues, singing High School Musical at full volume, a runaway dog on Sunset Boulevard, and a cross-country RV trip that could only be survived with laughter. These stories reveal who Casey truly was—funny, musical, quirky, fearless, and deeply connected to animals and people alike.

The episode also introduces Casey’s Creature Kindness Day, inviting listeners to honor his spirit through compassion for animals. Selene highlights the work of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, discusses animal protection laws across the U.S., and reminds us why advocacy matters for those who cannot speak for themselves.

What emerges is a rare kind of conversation—one that doesn’t shy away from grief, but refuses to let it erase joy. This is an episode about remembrance without bitterness, mourning without silence, and love that continues to move, laugh, sing, and show up in the world.

If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost someone too soon, or found that laughter was the only way through—this episode is for you.

Topics include:

– Grief, remembrance, and humor

– Honoring a loved one through storytelling

– Animals, advocacy, and compassion

– Family memories that still sparkle

– Why laughter can be more powerful than screams

Listen, laugh, remember—and maybe do one small kind thing today in Casey’s name.

Here's a video Casey shot of us traveling in the RV from New York to California:

https://youtu.be/Jxw-rZIT5xQ?si=4-LScUBuCufEXQpq

Here's a video of Casey driving around LA, musing:

https://youtu.be/4YqYfrmYCEQ?si=_dbV0dcz6ZtxCroC

Here's a link to the Animal Legal Defense Fund:

https://aldf.org/

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A classic Life in Jest Podcast fan favorite!

This is one of those episodes—the kind longtime listeners still quote, share, and come back to when they need a laugh that slowly turns into something deeper.

We kick things off with hilarious OCD confessions—the kind of honest vulnerability that's a Life in Jest trademark—before the conversation takes a sharp (and wildly entertaining) turn into the cultural touchstone that somehow shaped all of us as kids: Grease.

Because let’s be honest—Grease is completely inappropriate for children. And yet… we all saw it. Repeatedly. Sang along. Memorized it. Internalized it before we had any idea what half of it meant.

Selene and Pascale dig into what Grease looks like through adult eyes—and how, with maturity and lived experience, one character rises above the rest: Rizzo. Once dismissed as “the bad girl,” Rizzo reveals herself as the most complex, tragic, honest, and emotionally real character in the film.

That realization crescendos in a deep appreciation of her solo, There Are Worse Things I Could Do—arguably the most riveting scene in the entire movie. A raw, vulnerable moment that cuts through the camp and comedy with startling emotional truth… and nearly didn’t make it into the film at all.

It’s funny. It’s reflective. It’s nostalgic in the best way. And it’s full of those Life in Jest moments where you start out laughing and end up thinking, wow—how did I miss that when I was younger?

This fan-favorite classic episode is a reminder of why Life in Jest resonates so deeply: it revisits the stories we thought we knew, honors how we’ve grown, and finds meaning in the messiness of being human—without ever losing its sense of humor.

Press play if you love:

• Reexamining pop culture through adult eyes
• Laughing at what shaped us (for better or worse)
• Smart conversations with heart and humor
• Feeling seen without being lectured

Some episodes age well.

This one just gets better.

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Is death really “the end”?

We say that phrase so casually—the end—as if it’s settled, obvious, beyond question. But what if it isn’t?

In this deeply intimate and searching episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest step into one of life’s hardest and most universal questions: What happens after we die—and what happens to those left behind? What begins as a philosophical exploration of metaphysics becomes something far more personal, as Selene shares how the loss of her son, Casey, propelled her into a profound inquiry about grief, consciousness, and whether connection truly ends at death.

This episode weaves together philosophy, lived experience, humor, and vulnerability as Selene unpacks metaphysics in plain language, explores why humans across cultures report ongoing connections with loved ones after death, and introduces the ancient concept of alchemy—not as magic, but as transformation under pressure. Grief, she argues, is a kind of alchemical process: not something that disappears, but something that changes form.

Selene also discusses her personal experiences of continued connection with Casey, framing them not as belief or doctrine, but as lived reality—offered honestly, without asking anyone else to agree. The conversation touches on grief that doesn’t calcify, love that doesn’t end, and meaning that is still being forged, even after devastating loss.

Important note for listeners:

A short segment in which Selene visually demonstrates communication using divining rods has been removed from the audio version, as it doesn’t translate without visuals. The complete, uncut episode—including that visual segment—is available on YouTube, where you can experience it in full context.

Here's the link to the video: https://youtu.be/0NF1HXw_VnY

As always, Life in Jest balances depth with warmth, seriousness with humanity, and inquiry with laughter—because sometimes the truest things are spoken, quite literally, in jest.

🎧 Topics include:

• Is death the end—or a transformation?
• Metaphysics explained simply
• Grief, loss, and the human need for meaning
• Alchemy as emotional and psychological transformation
• Why shared human experiences matter more than belief systems

This episode isn’t here to tell you what to think. It’s here to invite you to think—and to feel.

Thank you for listening and for your support. As we head into 2026, we're feeling the love, and we're so grateful! XOXOXO

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