Join us for this winding, unfiltered conversation. We can’t wait for Part 2! 

As always, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode! 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

They discuss:

• Lindsay Hubbard’s Evil Queen role (and how well she plays it)
• The difference between romcom fantasies and real life 
• Jesse is crying!!!! 
• Codependency
• Kyle Cooke as Real Housewife  
• Why friendship really matters 

And, of course, the immaculate Ciara Miller  

While we don’t have any definitive answers, we explore the best-yet hypothesis for the global phenomenon of declining birthrates. And, you guessed it, we take aim at the billionaires and elites who are making it increasingly difficult to envision a stable future. But don’t despair!! We also discuss how, together, we can fight for a better future for all of us. 

Oh, and Coco brings up Children of Men, because of course! 

*Of course, not only women can get pregnant. On that note, this episode primarily focuses on heterosexual experiences and the cultural expectations placed on cis women in (seemingly) heterosexual relationships. We recognize that people of all identities experience the pressures, fears, hopes, confusion, and joy involved in deciding whether to become parents. If you have great resources that explore this from a queer perspective, we’d love for you to share them with us. 

As always, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode. Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Burke’s novel dives into the world of one “tradwife” influencer’s journey – and boy is it a journey!! – tracing how her early perceptions of other women, her experiences of marriage and motherhood, and her family origin story shape her psychology and choices. Ashby and Coco dig into the intersection of gender and right-wing politics, along with questions of mental health, internet personas, agency, and more. 

There are spoilers in this episode, but we flag any major reveals ahead of time! To fully enjoy the conversation, pick up Yesteryear at your local bookstore or at bookshop.org! 

As always, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode. Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Ashby and Coco read Adult Braces: Driving Myself Sane by Lindy West. Like, actually read the book! And only after that do they dive into the surrounding discourse, arriving at a central question: how can women share their experiences of marriage without falling into a trap? (The trap being: either have the perfect feminist marriage or blow up your life.)

They step back and walk through three key critiques that have emerged around Lindy and her relationships: (1) she’s lying to herself, (2) she’s lying to us, and/or (3) she’s a pathetic liberal martyr, none of which holds up.

Ashby takes us on a journey into the past to better understand the present, interrogating marriage as an institution and the historical forces that have separated women from one another. In the end, they arrive at a place of openness and optimism—not just for Lindy, but for all of us. They hope you enjoy!

As always, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode! 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

This week, Coco takes Ashby on a two-part journey through Summer House, introducing her to her friends (and frenemies) who love to party in the Hamptons. Though Ashby hasn’t seen the show, she’s a quick study when it comes to cultural discourse and brings a fresh perspective to the house and its many players.

In full transparency, we recorded the first episode – focused on Kyle’s toxic behavior toward Amanda – just hours before the West-Amanda scandal broke. So, naturally, we had to crack open a Loverboy* and fire up the mics again to unpack how this new information adds even more layers to the drama (and why, honestly, we’re kind of sad about it!). We want to live in a world of loyal female friendship and meaningful allyship…and maybe one with fewer DJs? 

*lol, we definitely didn’t

In this episode:

• Ciara Miller, West Wilson, and Amanda Batula: it’s much deeper than a love triangle 
• Female friendship, race, and betrayal 
• Anti-Black behavior in reality TV (and reality!)
• Scandal and discourse 

As always, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode! 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

This week, Coco takes Ashby on a two-part journey through Summer House, introducing her to her friends (and frenemies) who love to party in the Hamptons. Though Ashby hasn’t seen the show, she’s a quick study when it comes to cultural discourse and brings a fresh perspective to the house and its many players.

In full transparency, we recorded the first episode – focused on Kyle’s toxic behavior toward Amanda – just hours before the West-Amanda scandal broke. So, naturally, we had to crack open a Loverboy* and fire up the mics again to unpack how this new information adds even more layers to the drama (and why, honestly, we’re kind of sad about it!). We want to live in a world of loyal female friendship and meaningful allyship…and maybe one with fewer DJs? 

*lol, we definitely didn’t

In this episode:

• Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula’s relationship arc 
• Patterns of misogyny in reality TV 
• Evolving fan relationships to reality TV
• Who gets to get away with bad behavior in reality TV 

As always, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode! 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Highlights include:

• The highs and lows of Coco’s church adventure 

• Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: are you into sensitive little freaks? 

• Somehow, they manage to bring up Sinners yet again 

• The joys of revisiting essay collections from years past, and what they offer us today 

• Ryan Gosling in space! 

Join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com, where you can also find the full list of references made in this episode! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

They revisit The Godfather (it’s not just for dudes, though if a dude introduced you to it and that permanently left a bad taste in your mouth, we don’t blame you!), and Something’s Gotta Give, which gives Materialists a run for its money in terms of side eye love triangles. You’re great, Jack Nicholson, but no. Just no.

They also share first impressions of One Battle After Another, and give it two thumbs up! And they follow up on their “Will this fix it?” journey with a few new updates and (to be determined) “fixes.”

Highlights include:

• Diane Keaton’s aspirational string-of-lovers lifestyle  

• The First Wives’ Club never gets old 

• Something’s Gotta Give vs. Materialists

• Why isn’t Amanda Peet more famous? 

• Initial thoughts on One Battle After Another (but go see it for yourself and then come back to us!) 

• Ashby’s dry mouth journey 

Join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com, where you can also find the full list of references made in this episode! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Now, if you are listening to this podcast, you’re probably familiar with “it” – you know, the anxious, icky feeling nagging at you. They reflect on the full spectrum of habits, tactics, and purchases they’ve tried – from those that definitely didn’t fix it to those that sincerely work. 

They invite you to learn from their experimentation, including:

• Depression seeds! (You’ll have to listen to find out what this means.) 

• The pre-travel spending spree 

• Podcast episodes that can change your life 

• A beer in the sun after a hike 

• And many more! 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share what “fixes it” for you and for a recap of the recommendations they actually standby. Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

This week, Ashby and Coco shift into grad school discussion mode as they dive into two excellent essays: “Within the Pretense of No Pretense” by Greg Jackson, originally published in The Point, and “An Age of Hyperabundance” by Laura Preston from n+1. If you love a good “brain buzz,” go ahead and check out these incredible pieces, and pick up a copy of The Best American Essays 2025, curated by pod favorite, Jia Tolentino. 

Not up for a little extracurricular reading? No worries: they break down the themes of the essays you’re sure to relate to: AI! Power! Scams! Punditry! Tradeshow trauma!

Finally, Coco makes a pledge to not be triggered by The Atlantic anymore. We’ll see if it lasts. 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod and join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode. 

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Cheers to a new year, we are so glad you’re here. 

As always, for a full list of references made in this episode, join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

They dive into the fraught waters of untangling their relationships to work: the role it plays in their lives, it’s impact on their egos and identities, and the compromises and questions it’s raised along the way. 

In Part 1, they focus on their "villain origin stories,” exploring how their very millennial educational experiences shaped their expectations for what work would be…only to find reality didn’t quite live up to the promise. 

Most importantly, they explore some of the downsides of their “teacher’s pet” wiring and seek to ground themselves in their values, bottom line be damned! 

For anyone who feels triggered by the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” This one’s for you. 

Highlights include:

• The outsized influence of The West Wing 

• Once again: Judas and the Black Messiah 

• Ezra Klein, cautionary tale 

• The joys of Hamilton Nolan’s substack

• The limits of the progressive nonprofit job (not always! but sometimes!) 

Join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com, where you can also find the full list of references made in this episode! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

This week, Ashby and Coco talk about their big picture Oscar feelings, go through the nominees for Best Picture, and shoutout a few films that didn’t get quite enough awards season love. They spend a little time discussing what makes Hamnet special, and Ashby makes a bold pitch for how to fix the Oscars. 

As always, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode! 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

What do these two very different movies have in common?

A lot, it turns out! Get excited for themes like codependence! grief! sisterhood! and, of course, interior design (Ashby simply needs to talk about the houses, okay).

We adored these movies, and we hope you give them a watch. Sentimental Value is a Norwegian family drama written and directed by Joachim Trier. D(e)ad is a crowdfunded film written by and starring Isabella Roland, along with a bunch of her family members (her mom, Claudia Lonow, directs!).

We recorded this episode a few weeks ago, before we knew about the accessibility of D(e)ad, and we’re delighted that it is now available to rent/purchase on Apple, Amazon, and YouTube! 

As always, all references we make in the episode can be found at syllabuspod.substack.com. Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. 

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

They unpack their complicated feelings about Feminism™ and look to the ideas of women so often branded “radical” to find something genuinely powerful.

Using quotes from three books: Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Davis, Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur, and The Climate Book created by Greta Thunberg, they explore concepts and themes that have helped them stay sane, find hope, and take action.

We hope you enjoy!

As always, all references we make in the episode can be found at syllabuspod.substack.com. Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. 

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Show Notes: 

This week, Ashby and Coco dive into Celine Song’s sophomore film, Materialists (2025) — a movie so bizarre that it simply had to be discussed. This episode is part film club, part vent session, and part anti-capitalist rant (as always?)! 

They reflect on the comparisons between Past Lives and Materialists: two stories of love triangles in which the woman’s choice is about what kind of life she seeks. They break down why the former works so perfectly, and where the second misses the mark. 

In this episode, they ask: 

• EARLY MAN: cheesy narrative device or dangerous, gender essentialist trope?

• These casting choices – were we doomed from the start? 

• When you enter the romcom genre, what deal are you making with the viewer? 

• What messages was this film trying to send – and what was the message that came through? 

• What was left out of the film and why does it matter? 

• Who gets to be the Baxter! (Not Pedro Pascal! Sorry, buddy, you’re too charming.) 

Things get a little spicy, but they also express their love of Celine Song. Listen along whether you’ve watched Materialists or not – if you’ve ever dated, this one’s for you. 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share your reflections on the discussion and to find some of the podcasts, clips, and reviews we mentioned in the episode. 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Real Fan Deep Cut: This early "bonus" episode from April 2025 features the gals just gabbin' about their latest TV recommendations. If you are our moms, you're going to love it!In this episode, we throw ya in totally cold, with zero podcast etiquette and absolutely not one single billboard. Introductions? Who needs 'em! What do we look like, Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer?

This episode was primarily an early equipment test so do not worry about the weird jerky edits you hear! We did not have hiccups- we're just a beginner at pod-cursing and pod-casting. Remember, everybody has to start somewhere. Even Rogan wasn't built in a day. Be gentle.

Coco Recs: Dying for Sex, Babygirl, Southern Charm

Ashby Recs: Survival of the Thickest, Masaba Masaba, Farmer Wants a Wife (US)

For our full list of recommendations and to join the conversation, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

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They dive into the politics, aesthetics, and the particularly millennial emotional baggage of the “pop girlie” archetype. We explore how today’s pop stars navigate image, empowerment, and exploitation with a different kind of agency—and how the rest of us are trying to make sense of it without repeating the same conversations (and failing!!).

In this episode:

• The modern pop girl renaissance—and its monoculture millennial ghosts

• How fan culture has shifted power (and sometimes weaponized it)

• Heterofatalism! Read all about it! 

• Pop as escapism – as well as how comfortable do we really feel with escapism right now?

• Plus: a sincere longing for the diversification of the pop girlie archetype(s)! 

In true Syllabus fashion, their conversation was supported by a few key pieces. Read along here:

There Were No Winners in the Sabrina Carpenter Debate - Harpers Bazaar, June 2025

As a mother to teen daughters, I'm not that concerned about Sabrina Carpenter's influence (...but I am about Gracie Abrams) - Celest M. Davis, Matriarchal Blessing, May 2025

Sabrina Carpenter is a heterofatalist princess - Tracy Clark-Flory, TCF Emails, June 2025

Please, please, please join us on syllabuspod.substack.com for even more readings and recommendations.* And you’re always invited to join the conversation by adding your own commentary and critiques.

Come on over! Come on over, baby! 

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*We loved having this conversation, but we also dove into some really deep and important waters at the end. Please join us on the substack, where we highlight even more great perspectives, especially on race x pop music.

They look back on their formative years—whether it was sneaking in Suzy Eddie Izzard specials while babysitting or sharing some laughs over a Jeff Foxworthy* tape rented from Blockbuster with the family—then fast-forward to the ever-expanding comedy landscape, spotlighting some of the comics they’re loving right now, including:

• Josh Johnson: Up Here Killing Myself (Full set on Peacock) 

• Hannah Einbinder: Everything Must Go (Max) 

• Chris Fleming: HELL (Peacock) (HIGHLY recommend Chris Fleming, the glorious weirdo!) 

For our full list of recommendations and to join the conversation, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

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*To be clear: this is not a plug for Jeff Foxworthy, but like, hey! It’s what was available at the time!

But we still do recommend Suzy Eddie Izzard’s specials**, and specifically her 1999 special Dress to Kill, which is a shocking 1hr 55 min on Peacock. That’s a lot of babysitting time! 

**We recorded this before checking on Suzy Eddie Izzard’s gender pronouns (lame of us!), seeing that she now prefers she/her! We are sorry for not getting this right. Rock on, Suzy Eddie! 

For a full list of references made in this episode, join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com! 

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We get into our favorite rom com moments from the show, explore our feelings about seeing sex portrayed on screen, and Ashby reveals her truly surprising #1 takeaway.

While we might not have learned anything about hockey from watching, we may have learned little more about love, intimacy, and friendship. We adored this sexy, sweet, and funny television show, and we hope you enjoy listening to our discussion. 

Way to go, Canada! 

As always, for a full list of references made in this episode, join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Heads up: this episode has discussion of mania, depression, substance abuse, and other heavy themes associated with mental health diagnoses. If this isn't right for you today, that's okay. Take care of yourself.

Other content warning: Extremely infrequent curse word or two, for emphasis. Spiciness level: mild.

Like this episode? Hit “Follow” to… 

Join the conversation on Substack: syllabuspod.substack.com 

Follow on Instagram: @syllabusthepod

Email: syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Like this episode? Hit “Follow” to… 

Join the conversation on Substack: syllabuspod.substack.com 

Follow on Instagram: @syllabusthepod

Email: syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

Links and References

• Jia Tolentino, "My Brain Finally Broke" – The New Yorker, May 3, 2025

• Cursed Images: Finding Comfort in Discomfort – by Matt Moen, Paper Magazine, December 9, 2019

• How We Came to Live in “Cursed” Times – by Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, October 7, 2019

• The Atlantic : Autocracy in America podcast – Anne Applebaum and Peter Pomerantsev

• Maria Ressa on Democracy and Truth – PBS NewsHour

• Make Authoritarianism Great Again with Maria Ressa (Podcast Episode) – The Problem with Jon Stewart

• Cooler Zone: Robert’s Guide to the Next Six Months of Danger and Resistance – It Could Happen Here, iHeart

• Cory Doctorow; Enshittification: Wikipedia

• Vox: Russia’s war with Ukraine — and reality

Peter Pomerantsev on whether Putin’s ability to manufacture reality may have reached its limits in Ukraine -- Sean Illing

Butter: A Novel x Part 1

A note about this episode: We had some recording issues that impacted the audio quality. Editor Ashby worked her magic, and the issue is barely noticeable; however, if there are little moments that sound strange, that’s why! 

This week, Ashby and Coco crack open the novel Butter by Asako Yuzuki, brilliantly translated by Polly Barton. They dive into themes of feminism, friendship, conformity, and so much more. 

They highly recommend this nuanced page-turner, while also noting that this book – and discussion – may not be for everyone. Feel free to skip this one if discussions of body image and disordered eating aren’t for you.

In this episode, they cover chapters 1-8, in which we get to know a trio of female characters – Rika Machida, Reiko Sayama, and Manako Kajji – whose different lifestyles, values, and relationships begin to challenge each other. Journalist Rika, in an attempt to get ahead at work, seeks to secure an exclusive interview with Kajii, a convicted serial killer held in the Tokyo Detention House. When Rika’s longtime best friend, Reiko, suggests that Rika attempt to connect with the accused killer through her passion for food, they set themselves on a path that will change them forever.  

This isn’t your average “true crime” inspired novel: there’s just *so much* to sink your teeth into, including:  

• How, when women who don’t align with culturally accepted beauty standards, everyone goes absolutely insane.

• Border collie husbands!

• Food, desire, and self-care. 

• Things get a little sapphic? Question mark? 

• From Kajii to Real Housewives to Elizabeth Holmes – it’s a type!

• A strong desire to make that rice, butter, soy sauce dish. 

Needless to say, Ashby and Coco had a lot to say, so we broke this into two parts. The second half will be out in a few days.  

This discussion is for everyone, whether you’ve read the novel or not! (Though we do recommend placing that hold at your local library!) 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share your reflections on the discussion, the novel itself, and to find a few additional recommendations that didn’t make it into the episode. 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

They reflect on how their podcast diets have evolved over the years and how they’ve shaped their thinking. From funny women they’d like to have a beer with to clear-eyed truth-tellers who help them make sense of a world gone mad, this episode is part media diary, part search for sanity.

Rec Room always involves a lot of, well, recommendations! Including:

• Smart & silly friendship pods (ex. Las Culturistas, Bitch Sesh, Giggly Squad, Text Me Back)
• History-as-healing shows (Uncivil, Cocaine & Rhinestones, You’re Wrong About)
• Earnest storytelling that doesn't feel like homework (This American Life, Heavyweight)
• Deconstruction, disillusionment, and reckoning (Disillusioned, The Dream, Culture Study)

Join us on syllabuspod.substack.com for extended recs and reflections! Come cry, laugh, rage, and decompress with us, and then tell us what’s in your podcast queue.

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

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This week on Syllabus, Ashby and Coco continue their conversation about work and all its complications. You can listen to Part 1 here. 

In Part 2, they dive into the helpful concepts – many stemming from the great Anne Helen Petersen of Culture Study – that have been crucial to their evolution. They look toward the future and try to envision who they want to be and the type of world they hope to see. 

If you’re oh so sick of hearing the phrase “no one wants to work anymore,” then this episode is for you. 

Highlights include:

• The big lie of networking and the cringe of LinkedIn 

• We just want to knit in a rec center, okay? 

• Universal Basic Income NOW! 

• What kind of hobbit do you want to be? And what do you do with a coconut? 

• Ashby pushes her KPop Demon Hunters agenda once again! 

Join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com, where you can also find the full list of references made in this episode! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

This week, Ashby and Coco watch Phantom Thread, a movie Coco has been thinking about it since she saw it back in 2017. They dig into feminist criticisms of PTA, ADHD crashouts, and the power of some truly delulu determination.

Coco finds a way to yet again bring up Sally Rooney and Southern Charm, and Ashby continues to hold Coco accountable for making her watch Poor Things that one time.

This episode is for everyone with a rich, mean seamstress husband. Or just anyone who finds themselves in a Long Term Relationship!  

And please, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com for all of the references made in this episode, and to settle a bet: does DDL sound English or nah? 

Remember: don’t poison your lovers unless they consent to it!!! 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod. Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com

A note about this episode: We had some recording issues that impacted the audio quality. Editor Ashby worked her magic, and the issue is barely noticeable; however, if there are little moments that sound strange, that’s why! 

This week, Ashby and Coco continue their discussion of the novel Butter by Asako Yuzuki, brilliantly translated by Polly Barton. In this episode, they cover the second half of the book (chapters 9-16). 

Once again, they highly recommend this nuanced page-turner, while also noting that this book – and discussion – may not be for everyone. Feel free to skip this one if discussions of body image and disordered eating aren’t for you. The second half of their discussion also involves some discussion of a child predator; please listen at your own discretion. 

During the second half of this captivating story, we see that the people in Rika’s life continue to be challenged and changed by her culinary and emotional journey. Rika and Reiko go on a twisted “girls trip,” involving secrets, cows, and a 15-year old dog named Melanie (and some truly deranged choices by Reiko). Kajii continues to confound with a mix of wisdom and truly twisted ideas about gender roles. Finally, we learn more about the power of community, and how caring for oneself – or not – can be an act of love or violence.  

This discussion is for everyone, whether you’ve read the novel or not! 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share your reflections on the discussion, the novel itself, and to find a few additional recommendations that didn’t make it into the episode. 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at syllabuspodemail@gmail.com