Life In Jest

Think your favorite scary movies are fiction? Think again.

In this spine-tingling Life in Jest episode, Long Island cousins and besties Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest uncover the real events that inspired horror classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Carrie, and The Mothman Prophecies. From refugee nightmares and psychic teens to mysterious sightings in West Virginia, the truth is far stranger—and scarier—than Hollywood ever imagined.

Expect laughter, goosebumps, and deep thoughts as they uncover the real tragedies and human psychology behind these so-called “fictional” horrors — plus plenty of spontaneous tangents about swans, red vs white wine, and the darker side of human nature.

Perfect for fans of horror, pop culture, comedy, and smart-fun conversations from two New York women who find the truth hiding between laughs.

Mixing research with humor, heart, and a splash of chardonnay, Selene and Pascale prove that the most chilling stories start in real life.

🎙️ Listen, laugh, and maybe sleep with the lights on.

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

Join Life in Jest Podcast hosts Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest for a fascinating, funny, and heartfelt deep dive into the holidays that surround Halloween: Samhain, Día de los Muertos, All Saints Day, All Souls Day & All Hallows Eve.

This episode explores how different cultures celebrate life and honor the dead, blending history, humor, and humanity. The bestie cousins share personal stories, travel tales, and even a few food delivery fails, finding laughter and light in unexpected places. From comparing cultures to reflections on how we carry love across time, this episode blends humor, heart, and a reminder that even in darkness, joy endures.

We learn the true story behind Bewitched actor Dick York's sudden departure from his role as Darrin, and we share reflections on kindness, connection, and cultural rituals. This episode invites you to contemplate how we remember, celebrate, and live fully—in the spaces between life and afterlife.

Tune in for a mix of spiritual curiosity, cultural exploration, and witty conversation—only on Life in Jest. Pull up a chair, light a candle, and laugh along with the ladies.

Get ready for a spirited ride! In this Halloween-themed episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla is joined by special guest co-host and longtime friend, author Lynne Marie. Together, they blend chills with chuckles as they talk about ghostly encounters, haunted travels, and the real-life inspirations behind Lynne’s spooky books. From the eerie halls of the Lizzie Borden house to the chilling legends of Vlad Tepes (the real Dracula!), the old friends share history’s darker corners—sprinkled with humor, heart, and a touch of horror. They also reveal the creative grit behind writing children’s books, the lessons hidden in haunted places, and why critical thinking is the best defense against repeating the past. Grab your pumpkin spice latte and join the séance—because on Life in Jest, every scare comes with a laugh.

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Thank you, Lynne Marie, for co-hosting & sharing your spooky experiences!

Check out Lynne's website: https://www.literallylynnemarie.com/

Check out Lynne's Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lynne-Marie/author/B0065SF8EO?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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

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

Watch this episode on YouTube (with captions):

https://youtu.be/62o760JqzOQ

In this week’s Life in Jest Podcast, bestie cousins Selene Castrovilla and Pascale LaForest prove that life is equal parts comedy and chaos. From jaw-dropping food prices (yes, $72 Thai For One is a thing!) to bargain-hunting at Lidl and TikTok side hustles gone rogue, this comedy podcast dives into the absurd realities we’re all living.

But it’s not all laughs—Selene and Pascale also break down the latest updates in the Karen Read true crime case, including the consequences of lying, the fallacy of “false memories,” police resignations, and courtroom drama that feels straight out of a movie. If you love true crime podcasts that mix sharp analysis with humor, you won’t want to miss this. The besties have a lot to say about what justice for John O'Keefe truly looks like, and if it's even possible.

Between pet drama (spoiled dogs and cats stealing the spotlight), lost-and-found library books, and Selene’s publishing triumph with her latest American Revolution historical fiction, Freedom’s Cost, this episode captures everything you expect from funny stories, friendship goals, and real talk.

Tune in for a wild ride where laughter, justice, and everyday absurdities collide. Because in the end, many a true word hath been spoke in jest.

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

Please subscribe, rate & review. It really helps!

We want your feedback! Please write to us at: [email protected]

You can find podcast clips on Tiktok (Selene Castrovilla Creates), Facebook (Selene Castrovilla) and Instagram (Life in Jest Podcast).

Life in Jest just turned ONE—and somehow, we missed it until now! It’s never too late to celebrate, and we couldn’t let this milestone pass without thanking all of our amazing listeners. Whether you’ve been with us since our very first drop or just stumbled on this comedy podcast last week, you’ve helped us grow more than we ever imagined. 💜

To celebrate, we’re throwing it back to where it all began: our debut episode. If you’re new here, consider this your invitation to start at the beginning. If you’ve been riding with us since day one, hit replay and see what’s changed—and what’s stayed the same. (Spoiler: the laughs, the rants, the bestie cousin banter, and the unfiltered real talk are eternal.)

What happens when two women podcasters—best friends and cousins—grab mics and decide to spill their quirks, passions, and scars to the world? You get the very first Life in Jest episode: a cocktail of funny stories, confessions, and chaos that set the tone for everything that followed.

Selene and Pascale geek out about Shakespeare, horror flicks, Stephen King, and travel misadventures. They confess their pescetarian ways, nerd out over Bette Davis, and prove that friendship and laughter are the glue that hold this relatable comedy together.

But Life in Jest is more than laughs—it’s also real talk. They dive deep into grief, trauma bonding, and the unsettling question of why people cling to faith when tragedy strikes, even exploring the psychology of Stockholm syndrome.

And because every episode needs a WTF twist, they close by debating a bizarre Nassau County law that bans masks (no, not just the Halloween kind—literally any kind).

It’s funny. It’s raw. It’s provocative. It’s two women saying what most people won’t—and laughing anyway.

*One important note (at least, important to Selene): When she named the podcast, the quote "MANY A TRUE WORD IS SPOKEN IN JEST" was attributed to King Lear in her internet search, but ironically this isn't true. William Shakespeare actually wrote, 'Jesters do oft prove prophets,' This is often misquoted. In recent episodes, we've been correctly attributing a version of the line that appears in the Canterbury Tales. In Middle English, it's 'A man may seye full sooth (truth) in game and pley,' In modern English, it's "Many a true word hath been spoke in jest."

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

Please subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts, and rate and review us. This helps tremendously!

We love your feedback and topic requests! Email us: [email protected]#BestieCousins

What do Shakespeare, black squirrels, and tomato therapy have in common? Only Selene & Pascale could connect those dots in this laugh-out-loud episode of Life in Jest!

The bestie cousins kick things off with a quick & hilariously muddled Middle English Canterbury Tales recitation (yes, really), then detour into pet antics, squirrel showdowns, and the questionable psychology of why we notice the weirdest details in life.

But beneath the comedy is the heart of the show: real talk. From random obsessions to raw confessions, Selene and Pascale prove once again that life’s absurdities are best tackled with sarcasm, honesty, and a whole lot of laughter.

If you love comedy podcasts with a side of WTF moments, friendship rants, and conversations that veer from the ridiculous to the oddly profound—this is your therapy session (tomato optional). 🍅😂

Thank you, dear friends! We love you oh so much!! Please spread the word about this podcast-even if Pascale doesn't! ;)

Please subscribe wherever you listen!

You can find clips of Life in Jest on Selene's TikTok, Selene Castrovilla Creates!

Life in Jest is on Instagram: @lifeinjestpodcast. (Full disclosure, Selene does not post enough here. She's trying to improve, but...gahhhhhhh!

Selene also posts clips on her Facebook author account: Selene Castrovilla

Check out Selene's books on Amazon and on her new TikTok shop! (Selene Castrovilla Creates)

Email us at [email protected]

From a cheesy museum to chilling trials, Selene and Pascale find meaning (and mischief) in every stop. This episode opens with Selene’s recent author trip to Lafayette, Indiana, where she presented a library talk on the remarkable Marquis de Lafayette--the city's namesake, America's hero, and the subject of her award-winning book Revolutionary Friends. Selene shares about life as an author and why connecting with people who love her work matters. From there, the besties backtrack to wrap up their Massachusetts adventures—reliving a rain-soaked walking tour in Salem, spilling the tea on the ridiculously dated Salem Witch Museum, and reflecting on the devastating truths of the witch trials. Their journey also took them to Canton—Karen Read country, where they visited sites like The Waterfall and considered how rumor, media, and public perception can twist justice. Alongside an unsettling THC misadventure and raw road-trip reflections, this episode blends history, travel, and today’s headlines with trademark Life in Jest candor.

Thank you for listening and for your support, dear friends! XOXOXO

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

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]

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We love you oh so much! XOXOXO