*VULNERABILITY ALERT* I went down a tattoo removal rabbit hole and questioned whether I actually hate my tattoos or if they’re just the most visible place my insecurity decided to land.

I talk about the stories behind my tattoos, what the tattoo removal process really involves, and why I ultimately decided not to. I was afraid that researching it would force a decision, so I bottled it up, but later realized that talking about it and researching it made me realize I don't *actually* want them gone.

I also get into insecurity more broadly — age, careers, money, control, vibes. Ugh! Age is a concept!!!! Vibes are forever!!!!!

(00:00 - 09:53) - When, how and why I got my tattoos

(09:53 - 16:11) - Tattoo regret and panic

(16:11 - 33:03) - How tattoo removal works

(33:03 - 42:11) - Being iNSECURE AF! :(

This week on Literally Heinous, I speak with author Laura Buchwald to talk about her newest book, The Book of Reservations—the second installment in the Ghost Table Trilogy.

We get into all of it: West Village restaurant lore, communicating with the dead, and how Laura’s real-life sensitivity to spiritual energy inspired the series. Laura also opens up about her own experiences with mediums, thoughts on the afterlife, and why New Orleans has such a chokehold on her life.

Naturally, we wrap with Chic or Freak, where we judge spirituality, writing rituals, and general ghost-adjacent behavior—because I am a journalist first and foremost!

I am an engaged woman!!! In this solo ep, I am explaining the whole surprise proposal, how I decided on my ring, the process of ring shopping in NYC, and all the progress we've made on wedding planning.

I give my opinions on lab vs. natural diamond, bridesmaids and whether ring shopping ruins the surprise of the engagement.

(00:00) - (25:42) - Surprise proposal and events leading up

(25:42) - (45:15) - Picking my ring and going ring shopping

(45:15) - Venue touring and wedding planning

Photographer for party: Tacia Media

Author ⁠Heather Colley ⁠joins Literally Heinous to talk about her debut literary fiction novel, ⁠The Gilded Butterfly Effect⁠ — a haunting exploration of college Greek life, drug addiction, and hazing culture. We talk about what it’s like to publish a novel at 27 (!!), her PhD experience at Oxford (double !!!!), and how she sees the state of literary fiction today.

Heather shares her honest take on BookTok, smut books, and whether the rise of “spicy” books (sorry I hate typing that) is actually good for readers. We also unpack the difference between literary books and genre books (not all novels are the same, people!).

A Lit Hein classic, we play a round of Chic or Freak, debating hot literary topics like performative reading in public or attending book club and not finishing the book.

In this episode, Michigan man and creative mind Carmine Finelli shares the story behind his game “How to Catch a Johnny Drip Drip.” What started as a wild idea on a cabin weekend has grown into a full-blown annual sport tournament that for a singular game that combines baseball, wrestling, and swimming in a lake. Now in its 6th year, the game attracts 30+ men, has multiple cameras and live announcing and even draws spectators on boats who gather to watch the chaos unfold.

Carmine breaks down how he plans the weekend, manages the large-scale production, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership and strengthening friendship. For Carmine, Johnny Drip Drip has become a reminder of the importance of connection, tradition, and good clean fun—especially for men seeking genuine bonds.

Follow ⁠Johnny Drip Drip on Instagram⁠ for highlight reels of the game.

Zoe is back on Lit Hein to recap the first two weeks of Love Island USA season 7! We talk about our favorite Islanders, least favorite Islanders, funny moments and drama as we get ready for Casa Amore to start soon!

Mackenzie Oster, NYC-based writer and fabulous single girl about town, joins Lit Hein to talk about dating in NYC and how to make your dating profile better.

We break down what makes a great Hinge opener, the best (and worst) messages she’s ever gotten, and share dating app tips—including how to take better profile pictures and avoid coming off... well, like a total freak.

We play Chic or Freak and do rapid fire dating questions. We cover topics like:

• Does a guy having too many girl friends freak you out?

• Should everyone get plus ones at weddings?

• Can age gaps actually work?
• Should women offer to pay for dates?

• And do toupees deserve the hate?

Please remember in the Literally Heinous universe, hot takes and controversial opinions are always welcome! So don't be clutching your pearls ;)

This episode is a jetlagged love letter to travel, comedy, nightlife, and grief. I break down my recent trip to Spain and Lisbon, where I realized—maybe I’m not built for travel? I was tired the whole time and weirdly self-conscious about it. I also talk about my last stand-up show, which was at my childhood synagogue in Atlanta. It was lowkey the best night of my life, and I haven’t performed since—I flew too close to the sun.

I've been sooo mysterious about recent work I did with The Box (yes, that nightclub), and I'm sharing it now. I got to do PR work for one of their events, and it was wild, glamorous, chaotic—in the best way—and I learned a ton.

To close, I talk about how to support friends who are grieving the loss of a parent, which is something that's been popping up for me. I share what I’ve learned about showing up, saying the right things and just being there.

Imagine someone who grew up homeschooled in a conservative, religious family in Nebraska—sounds like a memoir Reese Witherspoon is optioning for a film, right? Well, that’s not Logan Graves.

Logan is a musical theatre performer, stand-up comedian, tatted-up, and mulleted leftist icon who is BORN to live in Bushwick, but instead is single-handedly saving the deep Midwest. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like growing up in a world that didn’t see him—and how he now uses his bold external presentation to stay in control of how he’s perceived.

We also unpack our shared experience on We Are Family (where he was a fan favorite and lowkey heartthrob ?!), and naturally compare our experience filming a cable TV game show to filming White Lotus. We talk about how people love to project stories onto Logan just because he dresses like he’s in a band you’ve never heard of.

This ep is about self-expression, reinvention, and the surprising power of a great haircut. Enjoy !!

NYC singer-songwriter and jazz performer ⁠Nick Cesares⁠ joins Literally Heinous to talk about how mentorship from Phil Collins (yes, Tarzan Phil Collins) and reality TV have shaped his journey as a musician.

We talk about the songwriting and production process, reminisce about the show where we first met, and swap stories about life in NYC. I make my case for why I have every right to judge new transplants—even though I’m one myself—and we debate whether complaining to public offices makes you a Karen.

His latest single “⁠Lavish⁠” is out now and you can catch him live on 3/27 performing with ⁠City Love⁠ in Brooklyn