Plot Twists and Freudian Slips Podcast

Chapter Ten | For The Emo Tumblr Crowd Of Years Past!

In this episode, Mary and Jules explore the complex characters of Violet and Finch from 'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven by delving into themes of grief, mental health, and the journey towards healing. Join us for an in-depth analysis of their psychological struggles and the book's impactful messages.

In this episode, we discuss:

Book Club picks

Grief & Death

Book recommendations

1 star Goodreads reviews

Trigger Warnings***

Suicide (graphic/detailed), suicidal ideation, depression, bipolar disorder, and death, bullying, grief, verbal/physical abuse, car accidents, and underage drinking/smoking, PTSD, and anxiety disorder.

Help is available. Speak with someone today. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Books & media mentioned

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Book recommendations from Mary

The Way I Use To Be by Amber Smith

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi.

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so.

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :)

Xoxo - Mary and Jules

Riddle Answer for next episode’s book: Wedding People by Allison Espach

Chapter Nine | Miscommunication Final Boss

In this episode, Mary and Jules dive into the heavy hitters of Sally Rooney’s Normal People. We’re moving beyond the "will-they-won’t-they" drama to look at the clinical "why" behind Marianne and Connell’s magnetic, yet often destructive, connection.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Colleen Hoover’s new movie Reminders of Him

• Attachment styles

• Book recommendations 

• 1 star Goodreads reviews

Trigger Warnings***

Abuse (physical, emotional), Alcohol use, Anxiety, Bullying, Death, Death of a parent (past), Depression, Disordered eating, Domestic violence, Drug use, Sexual scenes, Sexual assault, Suicide ideation, Suicide, Toxic relationships, and Violence

Books & media mentioned

• Normal People by Sally Rooney

Book recommendations from Mary

• A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules 

Riddle Answer for next episode’s book: All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Chapter Eight | A “Pucking” Waste Of Time!

In this episode, Mary  and Jules dissect the dark romance novel 'Pucking Wrong Number' by C.R. Jane, exploring themes of obsession, abuse, and unhealthy relationships through a clinical lens. They discuss the characters' backgrounds, toxic behaviors, and the importance of boundaries, providing insights into mental health and relationship dynamics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What we would take to a deserted island 

• Themes of abuse and unhealthy behaviors

• Book recommendations 

• 1 star Goodreads reviews

Trigger Warnings***

Various forms of abuse, unhealthy/toxic relationships, stalking, some scenes of dubious consent(somnophilia), manipulation, dark obsession, sexual content, prostitution,  drugging, child abuse, confinement, assault, violence, death of parent, alcohol/drug use and addiction, panic attacks, grief, suicidal thoughts, and blackmail.

Books & media mentioned

• 'Pucking Wrong Number' by C.R. Jane

Book recommendations from Mary

• Kandi Steiner's Kings of Ice series

• Liz Tomforde's Windy City Series <3

• Mary’s fav: The Right Move

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules 

Riddle Answer for next episode’s book: Normal People by Sally Rooney

Chapter Seven | Don't Be A Loser, Josh!

In this episode of Plot Twists and Freudian Slips, hosts Mary  and Jules delve into the emotional depths of grief through the lens of the book 'Pack Up the Moon' by Kristen Higgins. They explore the journey of Joshua, a widower navigating his loss, and the letters left behind by his late wife, Lauren, which guide him through his healing process. The conversation intertwines personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and the significance of community support in coping with grief, all while maintaining a balance of humor and heartfelt moments. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Grief, healing and personal growth

• Sourdough making

• Learning how to cross stitch

• Window of Tolerance

• Sleep Hygiene 

• 1 star Goodreads reviews

Trigger Warnings***

Terminal illness (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), death, Grief & loss depiction, homophobia, and suicidal thoughts.

Books & media mentioned

• Pack Up the Moon by Kristen Higgins

Book recommendations from Mary

• You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Tau

  
  

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, and YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules 

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Riddle Answer for next episode’s book: Pucking Wrong Number by C.R. Jane

Chapter Six | All Aboard The Hot Mess Express To Hollywood!

In this episode of the Plot Twist and Freudian Slips Podcast, hosts Mary and Jules dive into the complexities of fictional characters, focusing on Evelyn Hugo from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This episode delves into her childhood, rise to fame, and the emotional depths of her choices, blending fiction analysis with psychological insight.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Childhood trauma and resilience

• Reading goals & exploration of genres

• Dating experiences

• 1 star Goodreads reviews

Trigger Warnings***

• Child abuse, complex trauma, abusive relationships, manipulation, statutory rape, bi/homophobia, abortion, cheating, cancer, car accident, suicide, eating disorders, drug use, alcoholism, and sexism.

Books & media mentioned

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Book recommendations from Mary

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules 

Chapter Five | We Have Beef With Abby Jimenez’s Publisher!

In this episode of the Plot Twist and Freudian Slips Podcast, hosts Mary and Jules dive into the complexities of fictional characters, focusing on Alexis Montgomery from Abby Jimenez's 'Part of Your World.' They discuss their favorite and least favorite reads, the dynamics of Alexis's relationships, and the impact of family expectations and emotional abuse. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mental health representation in literature and encourages listeners to reflect on their own boundaries and personal values. The episode concludes with book recommendations and a reminder of the therapeutic insights gained from analyzing fictional narratives.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Boundary setting, adjustment disorder 

• Books we loved and despised from 2025 

• 1 star reviews on Goodreads

Trigger Warnings***

Cheating, emotional manipulation, gas lighting, emotional/mental abuse from parent and intimate partner, domestic violence, sexual content, childbirth, and death of family members.

Books & media mentioned

• Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

• The Favorite by Layne Fargo

• Last One At The Wedding by Jason Rekulak 

• Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

• Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center

• Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam Young

• The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Book recommendations from Mary

• Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center

• Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam Young

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules 

Chapter Four | In Five Years, Your Life Will Suck!

In this episode of Plot Twists & Freudian Slips, hosts Mary and Jules trade the "chilling corridors" for the high-stakes world of Manhattan law and the unpredictable hands of fate. The duo dives deep into In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, shifting their focus to the psychological fallout of Dannie Kohan’s meticulously planned life. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• OCPD, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Grief 
• Words to describe our 2025
• Taking time to do something fun!
• 1 star reviews on Goodreads

Trigger Warnings***

Terminal illness (cancer), death of a loved one, grief, emotional trauma, anxiety/OCPD, and false pregnancy.

Books & media mentioned

• In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Book recommendations from Mary

• Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, and YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules

Chapter Three: Frieda McFadden Cooked And Gave Us Food Poisoning!

In this episode of Plot Twists & Freudian Slips, hosts Mary and Jules dive deep into the chilling corridors of The Inmate by Frieda McFadden. Shifting their focus to the psychological wreckage of Brooke’s past, they analyze the complex intersection of PTSD and trauma. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Trauma, PTSD, EMDR

• Book club books 

• 1 star reviews on Goodreads

Trigger Warnings***

This episode discusses; Bullying, Confinement, Car accident related death, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder & Attempted Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting/Manipulation, Abandonment, and Injury detail/flashbacks.

Books & media mentioned

• The Inmate by Freida McFadden 

• DSM-5 by The American Psychiatric Association

• Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

• The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

• Book recommendations from Mary/Jules: Rock Paper Scissor by Alice Feeney, or anything by author Karin Slaughter

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, and YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules

Chapter Two: My Co-Host’s Taste In Books Is A Cry For Help!

In this episode of Plot Twists & Freudian Slips, hosts Mary and Jules delve into the world of fictional characters, exploring their psychological profiles and the impact of trauma. They discuss the Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby, analyzing the protagonist’s complex personality and the themes of revenge and justice. The conversation also touches on the importance of therapy and emotional regulation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Trauma, C-PTSD, and Personality Disorders

• Sunshines(highs) and Grumpies(lows)

• Mary’s questionable book taste lol

• 1 star reviews on Goodreads

Trigger Warnings***

This episode discusses sexual assault and grievous bodily harm by multiple assailants, implications of child sexual abuse, grooming, gaslighting, torture; both physical and mental, kidnapping, gore, homophobia, and murder.

Books & media mentioned

• The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby

• DSM-5 by The American Psychiatric Association

• Book recommendations from Mary: Haunting Adeline by H. D. Carlton and Hunting Adeline by H. D. Carlton (Cat & Mouse duet)

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, and YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules

Chapter One: They Need Therapy…Not Each Other!

In this episode of Plot Twists & Freudian Slips, we dive into Still Beating by Jennifer Hartman, unpack the psychology of the characters, side-eye the coping mechanisms, and ask the question we always ask: is this healing, or just trauma bonding?

In this episode, we discuss:

• Trauma and PTSD

• Reading goals and slumps

• 1 star reviews on Goodreads

Trigger Warnings***

This episode discusses sexual assault, kidnapping, murder, self-harm, attempted suicide, reference of non-viable pregnancy and loss of a pet. Your mental health is of the utmost importance to us; please take care while listening. 

Books & media mentioned

• Still Beating by Jennifer Hartman

• DSM-5 by The American Psychiatric Association

• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

• The Wedding People by Alison Espach

• The Favorites by Layne Fargo

• Book recommendations from Mary: Lotus by Jennifer Hartman and The Stars Are on Our Side by Jennifer Hartman

Therapy Disclaimer

The "Plot Twists and Freudian Slips" podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed therapist, my analysis of fictional characters does not constitute a therapist-patient relationship, nor is it a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The "diagnoses" discussed are speculative and based solely on the text of the book; they are intended to provide insight into psychological themes and narrative arcs, not to label real individuals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a local licensed provider or contact a crisis hotline immediately. Listening to this podcast does not establish a clinical relationship between the listener and Julia Baruffi. 

Follow & support the show:

Follow Plot Twists & Freudian Slips wherever you listen

️ Rate & review if you like therapy-brained book talk

Find us on TikTok @plotwistsandslipspod, Instagram @plotwistsandfreudianslipspod, YouTube @PlotTwistsandFreudianSlipsPod

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/synod/simple-life License code: TR6Q5EZNHYKFOQWP

Spoiler Alert***

There will be major spoilers for this book, so if you have not read it yet, please do so. 

Or, sit back and listen while we unpack the book together! :) 

Xoxo - Mary and Jules