Can a classic really stay consistently entertaining for 1200 pages? For our June Book Club deep dive episode hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen explore the hidden treasures at the heart of Alexandre Dumas’ behemoth of a book, The Count of Monte Cristo. We begin by providing historical context for the French classic, from Dumas’ own colorful past, to the serialized nature of The Count’s publication, and the real life history that inspires Dumas' characters. We sail steadfast between summary and analysis of major sections of the book, investigating the evolution of Edmond Dantes' character as we go. Insightful digressions include discussing the multigenerational framing of the story and the importance of breaking cycles of violence, as well as the role of karma as an active instrument in fate’s fight for good over evil. Whether you read along this month- or known anything about French history and politics- dawn your best disguise and listen along. This book might be long Roomies, but it twists and turns more than a prison escape route, making it enjoyable in any era.

What do almond milk matcha, passport nightmare fuel, and anime head pats all have in common? Welcome back Roomies to another Weekly READ, the mini episodes where hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen divulge all that they’ve read, endured, ate, and done recently. From classics like All Quiet on the Western Front and Sand County Almanac, to more modern fare such as Paper Girl, us girls stay up on our reading. From potstickers, to cabbage rolls, to a whole week of “bar” themed food we also don’t miss a meal. Highlights include a shoutout for Kacey Musgrave’s new album and an exciting update on Larsen’s previously mentioned make-up hunt. Think you could survive all that we endured? You’ll have to go listen to find out.

What is it about The Bard’s works that captures the inner world of 2000’s teenagers so well? In this deep dive episode hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen explore the big boom in teen-centered Shakespeare movie adaptations that started at the end of the 20th century and thrived throughout the Y2K era. While we acknowledge that borrowing from the Bard of Avon is no new phenomenon, we zero in on works from 10 Things I Hate About You to My Own Private Idaho, which anchor their tone and themes in the emotions of teens. We find there’s equal parts comedy, à la She’s the Man, and tragedy, as seen in O, to be found in this high school-set trend. We count the ways that William Shakespeare’s plays might appeal to those whose hormones make their feelings runneth over. Ultimately, we find that one of the most enduring features of his body of work is that it can be stripped back to basic shared human emotions or modernized with creative, clever flair, and still entertain just as well. Not convinced we should keep teenifying classic literary works? You’ll need to listen to this episode Roomies before you decide to watch or not to watch- that is the question.  

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Can we finally resurrect Blockbuster? In this chatty mini-sode hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen have a lot to say as they unpack the quickly growing trend that has evolved around embracing physical media. From the revival of record collectors to avid readers with their library cards, we discuss the (particularly youthful) consumers driving the switch from an almost entirely digital existence, to one that's tangible. As we sort through the shelves of physical media, we discuss a wide array of popular media types from movies and journaling to music and photo albums. We spin like a broken record as we, once again, caution about capitalism. Is this rise in physical media consumption just another trend fueled by our capitalist society or is it nostalgia for the days of yore? Make sure you listen to this one Roomies, right after you make sure to return your rentals! 

Are Romeo and Juliet the original OTP? Can a SHIP be strong enough to win a Pulitzer? In this deep dive, hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen investigate the vast, digital, and community-drive world of Fan Fiction. Our exploration unveils that the most powerful question a reader can ask is: what if?  What if Jay Gatsby fell in love with Nick Carraway? What if East of Eden was a space epic instead? The "what ifs" that empower Fan Fiction writers and readers are large enough to create new worlds, endless spirals of internet discussion, connections across continents and languages, and award-winning novels, a la Demon Copperhead. Our research includes a look at the important websites the host, house, and protect a wealth of fan-made work, including of course the infamous Archive of Our Own (AO3), as well as the crowd-sourced editing, feedback, and instruction that actually makes Fan Fiction forums a fairly safe place for blossoming young writers. Listen and then look around Roomies! You may just find you've been interacting with more Fan Fiction than you thought- after all, as author Naomi Novik says, "all art, if it’s any good, is in dialogue with other art".

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What does Donna Tartt have to do with chicken salad? Welcome back for another Weekly READ, where hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen divulge what they've read, endured, ate, and done recently. From cravings and food kicks, to Pulitzer Prize nominated fiction, we've been consuming a diverse array of tasty treats recently. We mention some fresh TV fixations, like Beef and The Pitt, and recall our grand Independent Book Store Day adventure, complete with a book crawl, of course. Dramatic digressions include Alexys getting herself in hot water in an influencer's comment section and Kaylin's cameo at her hometown's rodeo. Better saddle up Roomies, this one is quite the ride!

Why on earth are there so many hot Scots in historical romance novels? Is there no place and time more arousing than 18th century Scotland? In this deep dive, randomly selected from our fishbowl of eclectic research topics, hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen explore the equal parts erotic and enchanting world of Bodice Rippers. We define this oft trivialized genre and chart its storied past, from the Harlequin paperbacks of the 40's, to the Sexual Revolution aligned boom of bawdy books in the 70's. We look (longingly and with a steely gaze) at the modern powerhouses that have carried the Bodice Ripper into the 21st century, as well as at the evolution we can see across these works. Some things have changed, like the prevalance of dubious or sometimes altogether lacking consent as a genre staple, while some things have stayed the same, such as the classic "clinch" cover- after all who doesn't love a heroine being swept away. Through these steamy studies we find that historical romance novels, with their raw portrayals of sex, marriage, and class, are inherently feminist and shockingly recession proof. Take a listen and let us gently unlace your thoughts on this genre.

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Who wants to spend more time outside with us this summer? In this mini episode hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen each explain their ins and outs for summer 2026. Though we all created our own lists, there are some big patterns in our responses, like wanting to spend more time in the sunshine, whether that's by taking a hot girl walk around the city, putting our hands into some garden soil, or just going full-on forest-gremlin mode. We also all agree that multiple screens, disconnection from the outside world, and ignorance-is-blissing our way through facism is OUT. From embracing new and old hobbies (even if you suck at them at first), to going on dates and braving the apps, we know that this summer will be about embracing the process and being present. Digressions include cooking with more intention and our thoughts on where pilates princesses fall on the in and out spectrum. Listen along and decide your own ins and outs as we go. One thing is for sure Roomies, trends come and go, but putting yourself out there is timeless. 

Can we please stop making Ted Bundy documentaries (or Dahmer, or Manson, etc.)? In this deep dive episode hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen break down the roles we all have to play in the popularity and pervasiveness of true crime media, from overzealous detective-wannabes to well-meaning victim-empathizers. We explore the definition of the true crime genre, which seems to bleed into everything from mystery and detective novels, to crime procedurals, and even reality television (anyone else remember Cops?). We investigate the history of the genre, including the importance of podcasts in spreading the true crime gospel. We even examine the clues about why women in particular grativate towards these stories. Though true crime tales can help us process collective trauma, and maybe even protect ourselves from predators, we do find traces of ethical concerns all over the scene of the crime. We make sure to mention the genres ties to capatilism and the coginitve dissonance that comes from that relationship, the potential harm to victims and their families as a result of exploitation, the over representation of white women as victims of value, and the risk of copaganda in sensationalized storytelling. The case is far from cold Roomies, so listen to help us solve how the true crime trend achieved such a meteoric launch into the pop culture stratosphere, and what it says about society that we've all sat back and watched. 

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What's worse Roomies, breaking your nail while playing golf or breaking the glass dish that holds your uneaten lunch? Welcome back for another weekly READ, where hosts Alexys, Kaylin, and Larsen let you in on what they've recently read, endured, ate, and done. From Dungeon Crawler Carl to Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession, our reading material proves to be, once again, ecletic. Larsen recounts highlights from her trip to Boston to support her sister's marathon run, while Alexys recounts her attempt at throwing a disco-themed murder mystery party. Our conversation diverts into a meditation on show watching- are you like Larsen and need to "close the tab" on shows you start, like Alexys and abandon shows right before the final episode, or like Kaylin and are just in need of a full on digital decluttering? In order to get all the deets and decide for yourself, you'll need to take a listen!