Join us on "Life in Jest" as we explore the fascinating intersection of comedy and history with Keb Pound, the creative mind behind "The Stupid History Minute" podcast and the author of The Stupid History Book. In this episode, Keb, a stand-up comedian, shares how he came up with such a "stupid" concept, and he reveals how humor can illuminate the often twisted narratives of history. We discuss the challenges comedians face in today's world and how a lack of education can distort historical truths. We dig into why comedy still matters in a world that occasionally forgets how to laugh—and how distorted history education can make even “facts” sound like fiction. Keb's unique approach to history—infusing it with humor and accessibility—offers a refreshing perspective on learning from the past. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that blends laughter with lessons from history. Sometimes the best way to survive history is to laugh at it.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Life in Jest without side quests: Selene warns Keb about the perils of soda (apparently it’s deadlier than any battlefield), Pascale defends her toxic teabags, and we try to make sense of the Cracker Barrel logo meltdown that somehow had America losing its grits.

Tune in for a history lesson that’s equal parts brains, belly laughs, and baffling brand outrage.

Show Notes:

Listen to "Stupid History" wherever you enjoy podcasts, including Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/4hIKuxKAzclcNHilqAEkrp?si=ce7c78b1e8554f80

Purchase The Stupid History Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Stupid-History-Book-One/dp/B0CJBFP8ZG

Follow The Stupid History Podcast on X:

@StupidMinute

Follow The Stupid History Podcast on Instagram:

@stupidhistoryminute

Follow The Stupid History Podcast on TikTok:

@stupidminute

Follow Life In Jest on Instagram:

@lifeinjestpodcast

Write to us!

[email protected]

Thank you for your support! We love you oh so much!! XOXOXO

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In this poignant Life in Jest episode, authors Selene Castrovilla and Gae Polisner share an intimate conversation about friendship, grief, and the healing power of writing in the aftermath of September 11th. Together, they reflect on the impact of 9/11, the importance of hope in storytelling, and how literature can help us process trauma.

Gae discusses her acclaimed YA novel The Memory of Things, which follows a teenager navigating the chaos of the 9/11 attacks, offering a unique lens into how young people experience trauma, resilience, and healing. Selene and Gae also dive into the emotional journey of writing through grief, the challenges of publishing, and the ways authentic conversations and community shape creativity.

This heartfelt discussion moves from the personal to the universal—exploring teen perspectives on trauma, the role of historical narratives, and even the intersection of science and metaphysics. At its core, this episode is about the transformative power of literature to bring comfort, connection, and meaning in difficult times.

If you’re drawn to powerful stories of loss, resilience, and friendship—and the ways writing can turn pain into hope—this episode is not to be missed.

Thank you Gae Polisner for joining Selene in this powerful & emotional episode! 9/11 is upon us once again, opening wounds than can never heal and bringing up memories of things that haunt us.

Here's a link to The Memory of Things on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Things-Novel-Gae-Polisner/dp/1250095522

Here's Gae's Amazon Page:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gae-Polisner/author/B004GBJ8RU?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=dc139acb-f32a-4bdc-9a80-5d447543898a

Here’s Gae’s website:

https://www.gaepolisner.com/

 

Here’s a link to Selene’s website, where you can learn about her newest book, Freedom’s Cost:

https://selenecastrovilla.com/

 

Here’s a link to preorder Selene’s new book Twice Enslaved: Liberty and Justice for Henrietta Wood:

https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Enslaved-Liberty-Justice-Henrietta/dp/1662680740

 

Here’s a link to the website for Selene’s new women’s fiction Love the Ones You’re With, written under the pseudonym S.J. Perrault:

https://www.lovetheoneswomensfiction.com/

We love your thoughts and questions! Please write to us at:

[email protected]

 

Thank you for listening! If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow us, rate us and write a review.

We love you oh so much! XOXOXO

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Buckle up (or at least hold onto your city transit ticket) as Selene and Pascale take you along on their whirlwind trip to Boston! From misadventures on public transportation to run-ins with Chinese restaurants and Apple maps, the duo finds comedy in every wrong turn. Along the way, they spill the tea—literally—at the Boston Tea Party, hate on the now infamous duck tour, and even get spooked/turned on by their demon guide on a ghost trolley tour. With plenty of laughter, history, and heartfelt toasts to independence (and personal milestones), this episode is part travel diary, part comedy sketch, and all Life in Jest.

Thank you for listening, dear friends! We love you oh so much! XOXOXO

Keywords

Boston, friendship, historical, Culper Spy Ring, Benjamin Tallmadge, Chinese food, Boston Tea Party, public transportation, historical sites, trip reflections, train tickets, speeding, driving laws, travel experiences, ghost tours, history, independence, personal stories, endurance, travel tips

Chapters00:00

Technical Difficulties and Introductions

05:35

Historical Insights on Benjamin Talmadge

11:07

The Chinese Food Fiasco

19:42

Heat Wave in Boston

24:56

The Freedom Trail: A Long Walk Through History

30:53

The Boston Tea Party: An Interactive Experience

47:29

Public Transportation Woes: A Comedic Journey

53:35

The Boat Ride Experience: Expectations vs. Reality

01:00:59

Weather Woes and Tour Disappointments

01:07:35

Songs We Love and Hate

01:15:30

Graveyard Tales and Catacombs

01:22:05

Celebrating Birthdays and Friendships

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🪓 Lizzie Borden didn’t actually give her stepmother forty whacks—but folklore doesn’t let facts get in the way of a good jump rope rhyme. Pascale shrugs, “it worked for the rhythm,” but Selene bristles—she can’t stand when history gets twisted. In this Life in Jest episode, the two unravel how myth, media, and mania turned a bloody crime into a national obsession. From their eerie visit to Lizzie’s home to the sensational trial that gripped America, they dig into the frenzy, the psychology, and the cultural aftershocks still echoing today.

Plus, they debate the dress code for rock concerts and wonder why Los Angeles' "the Valley" is so besmirched, and why it doesn't seem any lower than anywhere else in LA. All this and so much more awaits you, lucky listeners!

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

Keywords

Lizzie Borden, true crime, historical analysis, media, cultural impact, psychology, family dynamics, murder mystery, public fascination, historical accuracy

Takeaways

The Lizzie Borden case remains a captivating topic in true crime history.

Public fascination with crime often stems from sensationalized media coverage.

Historical accuracy is often compromised for entertainment value in true crime narratives.

Family dynamics and psychological motives play a crucial role in understanding the case.

The nursery rhyme about Lizzie Borden reflects societal attitudes towards violence and crime.

Cultural artifacts, like nursery rhymes, can perpetuate myths about historical figures.

The trial of Lizzie Borden was a significant event in the history of American legal proceedings.

Lizzie's acquittal raises questions about gender and societal expectations in the 19th century.

The Lizzie Borden house serves as a tourist attraction, blending history with commercialism.

Personal reflections on true crime reveal deeper societal issues and human psychology.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

04:55 Exploring the Lizzie Borden House

23:29 The Lizzie Borden Case: A Deep Dive

24:47 Crime Scene Investigation Flaws

27:18 Circumstantial Evidence and Alibis

30:34 The Maid's Role and Social Prejudices

34:42 Media Sensation and Public Fascination

38:50 Trial, Acquittal, and Aftermath

44:38 Cultural Impact and Legacy

54:20 Band T-Shirts and Cultural Disconnect

55:42 The Importance of Historical Context

57:09 Psychological Insights into Literature

58:57 The Complexity of Human Relationships

01:00:23 The Lizzie Borden Case: A Historical Overview

01:07:37 Speculations and Theories Surrounding the Murders

01:15:45 Public Perception and Media Influence

01:21:44 Reflections on Crime and Humanity

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Follow the yellow brick road with Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest as they skip straight into The Wizard of Oz! From ruby slippers to flying monkeys, they share how this timeless classic shaped their own life stories and writing. Of course, in true Life in Jest fashion, the trip to Oz hits a few detours—think conversational twisters and surprise pit stops—making the journey even more fun. Expect personal confessions, behind-the-scenes Hollywood mishaps, and a fresh look at why Dorothy’s quest for home still tugs at our hearts. It’s a whirlwind of nostalgia, laughter, and a friendship that can handle even the occasional flying monkey.

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

Keywords

Life in Jest, Wizard of Oz, home, belonging, storytelling, Selene Castrovilla, creativity, personal narratives, writing, literature

00:00

Introduction and Cold Open

02:26

Alcohol Preferences and Experiences

04:46

Pandemic Reflections and Book Launch

12:11

Iconic Themes: The Wizard of Oz

18:16

Behind the Scenes of The Wizard of Oz

32:27

The Financials of The Wizard of Oz

33:36

The Economics of Oz: Pay Disparities in Film

36:41

Behind the Scenes: Munchkin Misadventures

37:34

The Costumes and Materials of Oz

38:04

L. Frank Baum: The Man Behind the Wizard

40:38

The Wizard of Oz: A Personal Connection

43:33

Longing for Home: Themes in Oz

44:47

The Struggles of a Writer: Evolution and Revisions

48:26

Melt: A New Perspective on Oz

53:50

The Legacy of Oz: Cultural Impact and Adaptations

58:45

The Deconstruction of Dorothy: A Character Analysis

01:02:17

The Power of Quotes: Inspiration from Oz

01:08:51

quirky-jumpy-bouncy-fun-223011.mp3

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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!

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: [email protected]

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

Keywords

Election Truth Alliance, election integrity, data anomalies, Russian Tail, election audits, social media censorship, election manipulation, political science, voter turnout, election analysis, democracy, historical context, election audits, public awareness, political concerns, expert analysis, Pennsylvania elections, election officials, public empowerment

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What do a shiny new coffee maker, a decades-old Hollywood mystery, and a tragic betrayal have in common? Everything—when Life in Jest’s Pascale and Selene get talking.

In this episode, emotions percolate as the hosts unpack the surprising grief of retiring a faithful coffee machine, then brew up a deeper conversation about the heartbreaking case of Fabio Sementelli. They explore betrayal, the long shadow of murder, and how fame can distort the scales of justice.

It’s part true crime, part therapy session, part caffeine-fueled chaos—as always. So pour yourself a cup and join us as we stir in the humor with the heartbreak and sip through the bitter and the bold.

Thanks for listening, dear friends! We love you oh so much! XOXOXO

Keywords

podcast, true crime, relationships, loss, appliances, emotional weight, murder, justice, celebrity, betrayal, Dateline, Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner, Christopher Walken, Fabio Sementilli, Monica Sementilli, coffee maker, air fryer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Cold Open

05:17 Reflections on Loss and Sentimental Items

10:45 True Crime Discussion: The Case of Monica Sementili

17:36 The Complexity of Relationships and Betrayal

23:19 The Role of Evidence in Criminal Cases

27:50 The Impact of Fame and Money on Morality

35:02 The Complex Life of Natalie Wood

43:24 Family Dynamics and Betrayal

48:32 The Quest for Justice

52:57 Reflections on Love and Loss

57:53 quirky-jumpy-bouncy-fun-223011.mp3

Takeaways

The podcast is about casual conversations and humor.

New appliances can evoke emotional responses tied to memories.

Loss can be intertwined with everyday objects and experiences.

Household innovations can bring unexpected joy.

True crime stories often reflect deeper personal connections.

The case of Fabio Sementilli highlights the tragedy of betrayal.

Murder investigations can reveal shocking truths about relationships.

Celebrity status can complicate the pursuit of justice.

Moral choices often lead to tragic outcomes in relationships.

The legacy of individuals can be overshadowed by their tragic ends.

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In this lively and far-reaching episode of Life In Jest, Selene and Pascale take you on a rollercoaster ride through emotional animal partings, poetic inspiration, and the absurdity of politics and pop culture. But things really heat up when their wildly different tastes clash—whether it’s over beloved TV shows, problematic characters, or the ultimate pop battle: Backstreet Boys vs. NSYNC. (Spoiler: someone’s ready to die on the Justin Timberlake hill.)

As they spar, laugh, and lovingly roast each other’s opinions, Selene and Pascale’s friendship takes center stage—full of sass, soul, and sharp opinions. From sitcom meltdowns (HIMYM, what are you even about?) to psychoanalyses of Shrinking and the brain-bending Severance, it’s a chaotic, hilarious conversation grounded in a bond that survives because they take the good and they take the bad, but they never have to fight over who takes control of the remote.

Thanks for listening and supporting us! We love you oh so much!! XOXOXO

Please follow, rate, and review us. This helps us a lot.

Please share us with your friends, family, and anyone who needs to take life in jest!

We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Keywords

podcast, conversation, emotional reactions, TV shows, Andrea Gibson, politics, humor, celebrity news, entertainment, controversial figures, Severance, Shrinking, Cougar Town, TV shows, How I Met Your Mother, The Sopranos, sitcoms, popular culture, grief, mysteries

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This week on Life In Jest, Selene and Pascale serve up a smorgasbord of juicy topics—starting with real-life chaos (technical difficulties, anyone?) and rolling right into some serious truths about our elections. From eyebrow-raising stats in Rockland County to the bigger picture of democracy on shaky ground, they break it all down with their signature sass and smarts.

💥 Expect laughter, fire, and a rallying cry to stand up, speak out, and demand election transparency. Because democracy only works if we do!

Chapters

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Personal Struggles

05:38 High School Memories and Life Lessons

11:28 Election Integrity and Statistical Anomalies

21:22 The Role of Rockland County in Election Investigations

30:26 The Influence of Statisticians in Election Analysis

37:39 The Need for Transparency in Elections

44:10 Trump, Musk, and Election Technology

50:25 Calls for Election Audits and Public Awareness

56:24 The Future of Democracy and Voting Rights

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Less tea, more wine—Selene and Pascale are spilling the polypropylene-laced tea in this delightfully unpredictable episode! First, they open the lid on a grim reality: every twist of a bottle cap or peel of plastic wrap is adding more microplastics to our food and drinks. Even our seemingly innocuous tea bags are seeping the plastic they’re heat-sealed with into our systems. It’s not just pollution—it’s accumulation. These tiny invaders are building up in our bodies in the most alarming places, and the girls get real about the ginormous health risks and the global efforts to turn the plastic tide.

Then things get artfully weird with a virtual visit to the Museum of Bad Judgment, where personal stories and true crime collide on canvas, transforming regrettable choices into provocative paintings.

And because they can't resist a little solstice drama, your favorite duo discusses Pascale’s miserable misadventure at a nature-meets-new-age gathering, complete with awkward meditation, spiritual side-eye, and a group activity that made Pascale seriously reconsider karma.

Add a sprinkle of religion talk, a dash of existential dread, and a soothing dollop of cozy mystery TV, and you've got a full-bodied episode that’s as deep as it is hilarious. Join them for laughs, truth bombs, and a gentle reminder that sometimes the worst decisions make the best stories.

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

Please tell your friends and anyone you know who might need a laugh about us!

Please subscribe to Life In Jest wherever you get your podcasts, and rate and review us.

Got a topic for us to unpack? Email us at [email protected].

Want the inside scoop about our friendship? Selene's women's fiction, Luna Rising, is a fictionalized version of us, with many entangled truths! If you've enjoyed our dating stories, you'll get to delve even deeper here:

https://www.amazon.com/Luna-Rising-Selene-Castrovilla/dp/093896108X

(There's even an audiobook- kind of an extended podcast about our misadventures!)

Episode Keywords

microplastics, health risks, plastic pollution, global treaty, art, crime, summer solstice, environmental issues, food safety, health awareness, nature, meditation, unlearning, group dynamics, art therapy, summer solstice, spirituality, karma, religion, cozy mysteries

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Laughing

00:59 The Disturbing Truth About Microplastics

05:31 Understanding Microplastics and Their Impact

10:39 The Global Plastics Treaty and Individual Responsibility

16:06 Personal Experiences with Plastic and Health Concerns

18:29 Aluminum and Health Concerns

19:59 The Museum of Bad Judgment

25:03 Art Inspired by True Crime

28:16 Exploring the Concept of a Museum

36:02 Summer Solstice Reflections

40:02 Nature and Personal Comfort Zones

42:16 Unlearning and Self-Discovery

48:01 Art Therapy and Personal Expression

53:53 Skepticism Towards Spirituality and Religion

57:16 The Impact of Cults and Religion

59:40 Indoctrination and Personal Beliefs

01:02:13 Religion as a Weapon

01:03:27 Historical Examples of Religious Fraud

01:04:45 The Comfort of Music and Group Activities

01:06:51 Guilty Pleasures in Television

01:10:36 The Allure of Cozy Mysteries

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