Life In Jest

What do Titanic, Chinatown, Jerry Maguire, Deliverance, Field of Dreams, Rambo, and Brokeback Mountain have in common?

Selene and Pascale have quoted them for years… without ever seeing them.

In this laugh-out-loud episode of Life in Jest, the hosts dive into famous movie quotes from movies they actively avoid—unpacking why certain films feel unbearable, overrated, emotionally manipulative, or just plain not worth the trauma. From “I’m king of the world” to “You had me at hello,” they dissect iconic lines, misquoted classics, and cultural catchphrases that somehow became part of everyday language anyway.

Along the way, the conversation veers (as it always does) into:

• Why some “beloved” movies are emotional deal-breakers
• Misheard and misremembered film quotes everyone gets wrong
• The absurdity of pop-culture reverence
• Unusual names, name mispronunciations, and identity
• Why romance movies lie to us
• Peanut shells, squirrels, crystals, sports bars, and Attica (yes, that Attica)

It’s a Seinfeld-esque episode “about nothing”—except culture, memory, language, irritation, and the strange ways movies seep into our lives whether we want them to or not.

Funny, honest, irreverent, and deeply relatable—this one’s for anyone who’s ever said a movie quote and thought, Wait… I’ve never actually seen that.

🎧 Life in Jest is a conversational podcast about pop culture, memory, frustration, humor, and the human condition—served with wit, warmth, and zero pretension.

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

What do a boozy raccoon, a soup-can rescue, a scene-stealing Godfather cat, and a baby seal who wandered into a bar all have in common?

In this episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest do what they do best: laugh, ramble, reflect, and accidentally land somewhere profound.

We start with a viral true story out of Virginia, where a raccoon broke into a liquor store, sampled the scotch, passed out by the toilet, and was treated with surprising compassion by animal control. From there, things only get better—and stranger. We talk about heroic paramedics freeing a raccoon trapped in a soup can, the possibility that raccoons may be self-domesticating, and why humans keep finding themselves mirrored in animals behaving badly… or beautifully.

Along the way, Selene and Pascale weave in personal stories, pop-culture detours (yes, The Godfather cat makes an appearance), and a heartfelt conversation about animal kindness, loss, and Casey’s Creature Kindness Day—a reminder that caring for animals is one small way to make the world gentler.

As always, this episode blends:

• laugh-out-loud absurdity
• real news you somehow missed
• candid friendship talk
• unexpected tenderness
• and the belief that humanity is often revealed through how we treat creatures who can’t speak for themselves

If you love funny animal stories, viral news with heart, conversational podcasts, or just need a comforting, humorous listen that feels like a phone call with two smart, sarcastic friends—you’re in the right place.

🎧 Life in Jest is a comedy-adjacent, humanity-forward podcast about culture, kindness, absurdity, and finding meaning where you least expect it.

Thank you for your support, dear friends! We love you oh so much!!! XOXOXOXO

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Think you know what happens behind the scenes at your local library? Spoiler: you absolutely do not. In this laugh-out-loud Life in Jest episode, Selene finally gets the inside scoop on Pascale’s actual job — and it turns out to be way more intense, surprising, and downright fascinating than she ever imagined.

From measuring books with real rulers to deciding how readers will actually find the titles they're searching for, Pascale pulls back the curtain on the secret world of cataloging, keywords, and Dewey Decimal magic. Selene’s mind is blown approximately every 30 seconds.

But that’s not all — this episode takes the long, scenic route (as only Selene and Pascale can) through:

📚 The surprising things libraries lend out now — PlayStations, blood-pressure monitors, pans, giant outdoor games, museum passes, and more.

🔥 The chaos of indie publishing, authors making pennies, and why Curios might change the game.

🤣 Selene’s misguided ex, a highly questionable T-shirt, and tie-dye adventures gone wrong.

🐶 Swan drama at the lagoon

Whether you're a book lover, a library nerd, an author, or just someone who loves unhinged bestie banter, this episode will make you appreciate libraries — and librarians — in a whole new way.

Come for the secrets. Stay for the chaos.

And prepare to say: “Wait… my library does WHAT?”

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

Follow us on Instagram: @lifeinjestpodcast

XOXOXO

It’s beginning to look a lot like… chaos. In this episode, Pascale and Selene spill all their holiday hot takes: the decorations that go too far, the shopping madness that tests humanity, the Santa myth minefield, and the eternal “Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays” showdown. They roast holiday excesses, share ridiculous family traditions, and still manage to pull out a message about compassion—because someone has to keep the spirit alive while everyone else is fighting over the last parking spot. Expect personal stories, good-natured ranting, and a surprising reminder of why kindness matters most when the world is jingle-belling itself into overdrive.

This is an OG Life in Jest gem — the kind of classic chaos only Selene and Pascale can deliver. Yes, we have two brand-new episodes “in the can,” as they say… but Selene has been run ragged, trampled by life like George Washington’s army after a long march, and hasn’t had a second to edit them. Don’t worry — they’re coming! (Probably dragging their tired bodies up the hill as we speak.)

In the meantime, enjoy this laugh-and-vent classic.

In this throwback episode, Selene and Pascale bounce between outrageous humor and fiery real talk. You’ll hear everything from nostalgic prank-call stories (including the little boy who dialed 911 because his mom ate his ice cream) to deep dives into America’s political dysfunction, including the influence of Elon Musk, the rewriting of January 6th, attacks on education, and how vulnerable groups get left behind.

Between the rants, you’ll also get plenty of ridiculousness:

– wondering whether ready-made meal kits actually taste good

– puzzling over the cinematic catastrophe that is Square Dance

– Selene professing her inexplicable love for Bam Margera

– and the two of them spiraling into giggles about the absurdity of it all

But beneath the laughter, Selene and Pascale tackle real issues: the erosion of empathy, the power of propaganda, the destruction of government records, and the terrifying lack of accountability in modern politics. It’s funny, furious, and fiercely honest — the full Life in Jest experience.

If you’re looking to laugh, vent, or feel less alone in the madness of today’s world, this episode has you covered.

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

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WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!

https://youtu.be/qUTNn6p_HD8

Pour a glass and step into the Life in Jest time machine! In this OG episode from the early days of the show, Selene and Pascale dive into the real history of Thanksgiving—the surprising, the tragic, and the “wait, how did school leave this out?” truths that reshape how we see the holiday.

From motives and misidentities to strange wardrobes, political maneuvering, and the messy realities behind the myths, the cousins unpack the origins of America’s most food-filled celebration using Selene’s deep-dive research from multiple historical sources (with proper credit when quoted, of course).

You’ll also hear Past-Selene and Past-Pascale declaring they would “figure out video someday”… and flash-forward to now, where Future-Selene and Future-Pascale actually DID it. (Big shoutout to the Riverside recording app for helping us level up!) It’s a delightful moment of hearing yourselves manifest what would become a huge part of Life in Jest.

Selene also references her book Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America, which echoes one of the episode’s larger themes: how American origin stories often overlook the real experiences and suffering of Native peoples and enslaved people. Seeking Freedom offers a powerful look at one of those erased truths.

So settle in, pour something delicious, and get ready for history, humor, and plenty of Thanksgiving-table conversation starters.

We’re thankful for you—thanks for listening, following, and helping Life in Jest grow! XOXOXO

If you're wondering why this episode’s artwork features Pascale’s cats Baxter and Kit Kat, alongside Selene’s dog Bean, there’s a special story behind it.

We planned to use our usual Thanksgiving cover. We tried—many times. It simply would not load. Same with our regular Life in Jest cover. Nothing worked.

But when Selene tried this animal-themed throwback cover—just to see what would happen—it loaded instantly. Perfectly. As if it had been waiting.

And the more we thought about it, the more it made sense.

Selene’s son Casey, who adored animals (especially his beloved Bean), always wanted their love and kindness to be recognized. Selene created Casey’s Creature Kindness Day every January 13 in his honor—a celebration of compassion for all living beings.

So perhaps it’s no accident this was the cover that worked.

This image feels right for a Thanksgiving episode, because gratitude isn’t just for history and holidays—it’s for the creatures who comfort us, make us laugh, and stay by our side through everything. Baxter, Kit Kat, and Bean are more than pets; they’re part of the Life in Jest family.

So consider this cover a little nudge from Casey—a reminder to cherish the furry souls who make life softer, kinder, and a little more magical.

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If you'd like to see our video clips, follow us in Instagram: @lifeinjestpodcast

We have a YouTube Channel, @lifeinjestpodcast, where videos are slowly being uploaded. (We don't have a production team, yo.)

There is also a bundle of nearly 100 Life in Jest clips on Selene's TikTok: @selenecastrovillacreates

Because the algorithm doesn't understand or reward variety on a feed, Selene now posts about Life in Jest on the Instagram account, not her TikTok. But she does post some clips on her Facebook business page: @selenecastrovilla.

If you're interested in Selene's women's fiction, she now has a TikTok and an Instagram account under her pen name: @s.j.perraultauthor. You can even request a review copy of her forthcoming high-heat romance/women's fiction crossover, Love the Ones You're With!

Here's the website for Love the Ones You're With: https://www.lovetheoneswomensfiction.com/

In this laugh-out-loud Life in Jest episode, bestie cousins Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest dive headfirst into the fascinating world of unexpected celebrity friendships—the strange, delightful, “wait, THEY know each other?” duos that make Hollywood feel like the world’s weirdest summer camp.

From unlikely comedy pairings to wholesome musician friendships to “how did these two even meet?” stories, Selene and Pascale unravel the connections you never saw coming. Expect hilarious detours into pop culture deep cuts, emotional reflections on the power of chosen family, and more than a few “we are absolutely Googling this later” moments.

Along the way, they explore big questions with their signature wit:

• Why do some celebrities bond in the most unexpected ways?
• What makes certain friendships transcend fame, genre, or reputation?
• And why are we all obsessed with famous BFFs who make zero sense on paper?

Whether you love celebrity gossip, pop culture commentary, or just the magic of people connecting in surprising ways, this episode is warm, wild, and wonderfully human—just like your favorite friendships.

Perfect for fans of comedy podcasts, culture lovers, and anyone who believes that friendship is the real plot twist in life.

From the ABCs of cursing to the F-bombs of freedom, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest prove that laughter, love, and a little profanity can tackle anything.

In this wildly funny Life in Jest episode, the bestie cousins dive deep into how language—and life—can go from sweet to salty in seconds. Pascale confesses to teaching curse words on the elementary-school playground, while Selene reveals that even George Washington tried (and failed) to ban swearing during the Revolution. From there, the two spiral into glorious tangents: Def Leppard sing-alongs, IHOP vs. Waffle House brawls, Howard Stern’s oversized influence, Jimmy Kimmel’s long-winded bits, and why aliens should definitely think twice before landing here.

But the laughter runs alongside reflection. The cousins wrestle with indoctrination and free thought—how people cling to belief systems, and whether real change is possible. Selene finds hope in the story of President Harry Truman, who was raised in ignorance but transformed into a champion of civil rights, proving hearts can evolve. Pascale questions where that openness has gone in today’s polarized world, as the two navigate everything from social-media echo chambers to the comfort of belonging.

Music and meaning collide when they talk Foo Fighters and Dave Grohl’s relentless optimism, contrasting it with the noise of modern outrage culture. And in a pair of unforgettable true stories, Selene recounts accidentally inviting Mormon missionaries into her life after a “harmless” museum visit and Pascale confesses that Jehovah’s Witnesses kept finding her every time she moved—until her son thought they were family.

Through it all, their chemistry never wavers—fast, funny, and filled with heart. Selene weaves in the latest Election Truth Alliance lawsuit calling for a paper-ballot recount, grounding their humor in a shared belief that truth and accountability still matter.

This is Life in Jest at its best: sharp, soulful, and uncensored. Two lifelong friends laughing their way through history, humanity, and hope—proving that even chaos deserves a punchline.

In this special bonus episode of Life in Jest, Selene welcomes JoEllen McCarthy, literacy expert, speaker, and author of Layers of Learning. Together they explore how picture books inspire inquiry, build empathy, and connect content with compassion—helping students make sense of an increasingly abstract world.

JoEllen shares practical ways to use mentor texts and author’s notes as springboards for curiosity and conversation, and she and Selene discuss how reading becomes truly transformative when it connects the head and the heart.

Whether you’re an educator, librarian, parent, or Philomath, this episode will remind you that picture books aren’t just for kids—they’re blueprints for lifelong learning and meaningful human connection.

• ✨ How picture books spark inquiry and ignite meaningful classroom conversations
• 📚 The art of making content connections across ELA, social studies, and history
• 🧠 Strategies for using mentor texts to link academic and emotional learning
• 💖 Why inclusive, empathy-driven stories are vital in today’s classrooms
• 🗣️ The hidden value of author’s notes—those “secret windows” into a writer’s process
• 🔍 How teachers can collaborate across subjects to create richer, unified learning experiences
• 🏫 Practical ways to extend reading beyond the curriculum and inspire lifelong curiosity
• 💡 How to encourage students to research, question, and build understanding like historians
• 💬 Why inquiry-based learning helps students care more deeply about what they learn
• 🖋️ The importance of revision, reflection, and perseverance—for writers and learners
• 💫 How stories build empathy, courage, and connection in a fragmented world

In a time when technology can isolate and overwhelm, picture books reconnect us to curiosity, care, and content.

Through the lens of literacy, Selene and JoEllen invite listeners to rediscover how stories shape empathy and inquiry—how reading can truly make us more human.

We live in an increasingly abstract, disconnected world — but stories still have the power to bring us together.

JoEllen McCarthy is a nationally recognized literacy consultant, speaker, and book ambassador who helps educators curate mentor texts that inspire both critical thinking and compassion.

She is the author of Layers of Learning: Using Read-Alouds to Connect Literacy and Caring Conversations and co-author of Seasons of Literacy, a monthly guide that nurtures reading and writing through social-emotional connection.

Visit https://www.joellenmccarthy.com/.

In this gripping episode of Life in Jest, Selene and Pascale dive into the Karen Read case and the police misconduct allegations that shook Massachusetts. From vulgar investigative texts and questionable evidence handling to the dramatic fallout around former State Trooper Michael Proctor, we unpack why the public demanded accountability — and why questions still remain about how Boston officer John O’Keefe really died.

Then, the hosts turn to another shocking Canton-area tragedy: the heartbreaking death of 23-year-old Sandra Birchmore, a vulnerable young woman groomed for years by police officer Matthew Farwell before her death during a nor’easter. With disturbing parallels — abuse of power, failed oversight, and devastating loss — this case raises chilling questions about corruption and culture within law enforcement.

After examining two real-world nightmares, Selene and Pascale pivot to Part 2 of the true origins behind iconic horror films — the real cases, crimes, and terrifying human behavior that inspired some of cinema’s most disturbing stories. Because sometimes the scariest monsters aren’t on screen.

Balancing true-crime analysis with raw emotion and razor-sharp gallows humor, the hosts confront the darkness — and still find a way to laugh, heal, and stay human. From Dateline-level investigative energy to cackling over a doormat that says, “Don’t let the cats out or the cops in,” this episode blends outrage, empathy, and irreverence in classic Life in Jest style.

Follow Life in Jest Podcast on Instagram: @lifeinjestpodcast

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