This week on Syllabus, Ashby and Coco remember the late Diane Keaton and celebrate her authenticity, her film legacy, and her certified icon status. From her unconventional path to her singular sense of style, they tip their (very large, black bowler) hat to her. We miss you already, Diane.

They revisit The Godfather (it’s not just for dudes, though if a dude introduced you to it and that permanently left a bad taste in your mouth, we don’t blame you!), and Something’s Gotta Give, which gives Materialists a run for its money in terms of side eye love triangles. You’re great, Jack Nicholson, but no. Just no.

They also share first impressions of One Battle After Another, and give it two thumbs up! And they follow up on their “Will this fix it?” journey with a few new updates and (to be determined) “fixes.”

Highlights include:

• Diane Keaton’s aspirational string-of-lovers lifestyle  

• The First Wives’ Club never gets old 

• Something’s Gotta Give vs. Materialists

• Why isn’t Amanda Peet more famous? 

• Initial thoughts on One Battle After Another (but go see it for yourself and then come back to us!) 

• Ashby’s dry mouth journey 

Join the discussion at syllabuspod.substack.com, where you can also find the full list of references made in this episode! 

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Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at [email protected]

This week, Ashby and Coco ask: Will this fix it? In which they explore the the coping mechanisms, habits, and, yes, of course, purchases that we turn to in an attempt to fix “it.” 

Now, if you are listening to this podcast, you’re probably familiar with “it” – you know, the anxious, icky feeling nagging at you. They reflect on the full spectrum of habits, tactics, and purchases they’ve tried – from those that definitely didn’t fix it to those that sincerely work. 

They invite you to learn from their experimentation, including:

• Depression seeds! (You’ll have to listen to find out what this means.) 

• The pre-travel spending spree 

• Podcast episodes that can change your life 

• A beer in the sun after a hike 

• And many more! 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share what “fixes it” for you and for a recap of the recommendations they actually standby. Thank you for listening! 

Don’t forget to stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at [email protected]

(Heads up: There's an extremely brief discussion toward the end of this episode of a sexual assault plot point in the film. Nothing graphic or detailed, but take care of yourself :)

Show Notes: 

This week, Ashby and Coco dive into Celine Song’s sophomore film, Materialists (2025) — a movie so bizarre that it simply had to be discussed. This episode is part film club, part vent session, and part anti-capitalist rant (as always?)! 

They reflect on the comparisons between Past Lives and Materialists: two stories of love triangles in which the woman’s choice is about what kind of life she seeks. They break down why the former works so perfectly, and where the second misses the mark. 

In this episode, they ask: 

• EARLY MAN: cheesy narrative device or dangerous, gender essentialist trope?

• These casting choices – were we doomed from the start? 

• When you enter the romcom genre, what deal are you making with the viewer? 

• What messages was this film trying to send – and what was the message that came through? 

• What was left out of the film and why does it matter? 

• Who gets to be the Baxter! (Not Pedro Pascal! Sorry, buddy, you’re too charming.) 

Things get a little spicy, but they also express their love of Celine Song. Listen along whether you’ve watched Materialists or not – if you’ve ever dated, this one’s for you. 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share your reflections on the discussion and to find some of the podcasts, clips, and reviews we mentioned in the episode. 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at [email protected]

Show Notes: Part 2

A note about this episode: We had some recording issues that impacted the audio quality. Editor Ashby worked her magic, and the issue is barely noticeable; however, if there are little moments that sound strange, that’s why! 

This week, Ashby and Coco continue their discussion of the novel Butter by Asako Yuzuki, brilliantly translated by Polly Barton. In this episode, they cover the second half of the book (chapters 9-16). 

Once again, they highly recommend this nuanced page-turner, while also noting that this book – and discussion – may not be for everyone. Feel free to skip this one if discussions of body image and disordered eating aren’t for you. The second half of their discussion also involves some discussion of a child predator; please listen at your own discretion. 

During the second half of this captivating story, we see that the people in Rika’s life continue to be challenged and changed by her culinary and emotional journey. Rika and Reiko go on a twisted “girls trip,” involving secrets, cows, and a 15-year old dog named Melanie (and some truly deranged choices by Reiko). Kajii continues to confound with a mix of wisdom and truly twisted ideas about gender roles. Finally, we learn more about the power of community, and how caring for oneself – or not – can be an act of love or violence.  

This discussion is for everyone, whether you’ve read the novel or not! 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share your reflections on the discussion, the novel itself, and to find a few additional recommendations that didn’t make it into the episode. 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at [email protected]

Butter: A Novel x Part 1

A note about this episode: We had some recording issues that impacted the audio quality. Editor Ashby worked her magic, and the issue is barely noticeable; however, if there are little moments that sound strange, that’s why! 

This week, Ashby and Coco crack open the novel Butter by Asako Yuzuki, brilliantly translated by Polly Barton. They dive into themes of feminism, friendship, conformity, and so much more. 

They highly recommend this nuanced page-turner, while also noting that this book – and discussion – may not be for everyone. Feel free to skip this one if discussions of body image and disordered eating aren’t for you.

In this episode, they cover chapters 1-8, in which we get to know a trio of female characters – Rika Machida, Reiko Sayama, and Manako Kajji – whose different lifestyles, values, and relationships begin to challenge each other. Journalist Rika, in an attempt to get ahead at work, seeks to secure an exclusive interview with Kajii, a convicted serial killer held in the Tokyo Detention House. When Rika’s longtime best friend, Reiko, suggests that Rika attempt to connect with the accused killer through her passion for food, they set themselves on a path that will change them forever.  

This isn’t your average “true crime” inspired novel: there’s just *so much* to sink your teeth into, including:  

• How, when women who don’t align with culturally accepted beauty standards, everyone goes absolutely insane.

• Border collie husbands!

• Food, desire, and self-care. 

• Things get a little sapphic? Question mark? 

• From Kajii to Real Housewives to Elizabeth Holmes – it’s a type!

• A strong desire to make that rice, butter, soy sauce dish. 

Needless to say, Ashby and Coco had a lot to say, so we broke this into two parts. The second half will be out in a few days.  

This discussion is for everyone, whether you’ve read the novel or not! (Though we do recommend placing that hold at your local library!) 

As always, join us on syllabuspod.substack.com to share your reflections on the discussion, the novel itself, and to find a few additional recommendations that didn’t make it into the episode. 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at [email protected]

This week, Ashby and Coco crack open their podcast apps and their emotional archives to ask: Why do we listen to the shows we do? What podcasts have stuck with us? And what types of podcasts do we turn to for different moods?

They reflect on how their podcast diets have evolved over the years and how they’ve shaped their thinking. From funny women they’d like to have a beer with to clear-eyed truth-tellers who help them make sense of a world gone mad, this episode is part media diary, part search for sanity.

Rec Room always involves a lot of, well, recommendations! Including:

• Smart & silly friendship pods (ex. Las Culturistas, Bitch Sesh, Giggly Squad, Text Me Back)
• History-as-healing shows (Uncivil, Cocaine & Rhinestones, You’re Wrong About)
• Earnest storytelling that doesn't feel like homework (This American Life, Heavyweight)
• Deconstruction, disillusionment, and reckoning (Disillusioned, The Dream, Culture Study)

Join us on syllabuspod.substack.com for extended recs and reflections! Come cry, laugh, rage, and decompress with us, and then tell us what’s in your podcast queue.

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at [email protected]

This week, Ashby and Coco (cautiously) enter the glitter-filled group chat to ask: What is a pop girlie? And who gets to be one? And will we ever stop being so worked up about them? (Not likely!)

They dive into the politics, aesthetics, and the particularly millennial emotional baggage of the “pop girlie” archetype. We explore how today’s pop stars navigate image, empowerment, and exploitation with a different kind of agency—and how the rest of us are trying to make sense of it without repeating the same conversations (and failing!!).

In this episode:

• The modern pop girl renaissance—and its monoculture millennial ghosts

• How fan culture has shifted power (and sometimes weaponized it)

• Heterofatalism! Read all about it! 

• Pop as escapism – as well as how comfortable do we really feel with escapism right now?

• Plus: a sincere longing for the diversification of the pop girlie archetype(s)! 

In true Syllabus fashion, their conversation was supported by a few key pieces. Read along here:

There Were No Winners in the Sabrina Carpenter Debate - Harpers Bazaar, June 2025

As a mother to teen daughters, I'm not that concerned about Sabrina Carpenter's influence (...but I am about Gracie Abrams) - Celest M. Davis, Matriarchal Blessing, May 2025

Sabrina Carpenter is a heterofatalist princess - Tracy Clark-Flory, TCF Emails, June 2025

Please, please, please join us on syllabuspod.substack.com for even more readings and recommendations.* And you’re always invited to join the conversation by adding your own commentary and critiques.

Come on over! Come on over, baby! 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea or feedback our way? Email us at [email protected]

*We loved having this conversation, but we also dove into some really deep and important waters at the end. Please join us on the substack, where we highlight even more great perspectives, especially on race x pop music.

This week on Syllabus Pod: Ashby and CoCo get personal about their lifelong relationships with comedy (and Ashby reveals a superpower). Whether you’re a fan of classic stand-up, warmhearted improv, or just love to discuss comedy, this episode is for you.

They look back on their formative years—whether it was sneaking in Suzy Eddie Izzard specials while babysitting or sharing some laughs over a Jeff Foxworthy* tape rented from Blockbuster with the family—then fast-forward to the ever-expanding comedy landscape, spotlighting some of the comics they’re loving right now, including:

• Josh Johnson: Up Here Killing Myself (Full set on Peacock) 

• Hannah Einbinder: Everything Must Go (Max) 

• Chris Fleming: HELL (Peacock) (HIGHLY recommend Chris Fleming, the glorious weirdo!) 

For our full list of recommendations and to join the conversation, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea our way? Email us at [email protected]

*To be clear: this is not a plug for Jeff Foxworthy, but like, hey! It’s what was available at the time!

But we still do recommend Suzy Eddie Izzard’s specials**, and specifically her 1999 special Dress to Kill, which is a shocking 1hr 55 min on Peacock. That’s a lot of babysitting time! 

**We recorded this before checking on Suzy Eddie Izzard’s gender pronouns (lame of us!), seeing that she now prefers she/her! We are sorry for not getting this right. Rock on, Suzy Eddie! 

[Originally Published June 2nd, 2025]

Real Fan Deep Cut: This early "bonus" episode from April 2025 features the gals just gabbin' about their latest TV recommendations. If you are our moms, you're going to love it!In this episode, we throw ya in totally cold, with zero podcast etiquette and absolutely not one single billboard. Introductions? Who needs 'em! What do we look like, Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer?

This episode was primarily an early equipment test so do not worry about the weird jerky edits you hear! We did not have hiccups- we're just a beginner at pod-cursing and pod-casting. Remember, everybody has to start somewhere. Even Rogan wasn't built in a day. Be gentle.

Coco Recs: Dying for Sex, Babygirl, Southern Charm

Ashby Recs: Survival of the Thickest, Masaba Masaba, Farmer Wants a Wife (US)

For our full list of recommendations and to join the conversation, join us at syllabuspod.substack.com 

Stay in the loop on Instagram @syllabusthepod

Want to send an idea our way? Email us at [email protected]

This week: A deep dive into a May 2025 piece in the New Yorker titled My Brain Finally Broke- written by everybody's favorite cool girl author Jia Tolentino- on what it means to be terminally online in 2025.
Tangents include: Dune, Creepypasta, Dan Rather, Grok, cursed phrase "the NFT Community", and going to casinos with your grandparents. (It all makes sense, we promise.)

Like this episode? Hit “Follow” to… 

Join the conversation on Substack: syllabuspod.substack.com 

Follow on Instagram: @syllabusthepod

Email: [email protected]

Links and References

• Jia Tolentino, "My Brain Finally Broke" – The New Yorker, May 3, 2025

• Cursed Images: Finding Comfort in Discomfort – by Matt Moen, Paper Magazine, December 9, 2019

• How We Came to Live in “Cursed” Times – by Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, October 7, 2019

• The Atlantic : Autocracy in America podcast – Anne Applebaum and Peter Pomerantsev

• Maria Ressa on Democracy and Truth – PBS NewsHour

• Make Authoritarianism Great Again with Maria Ressa (Podcast Episode) – The Problem with Jon Stewart

• Cooler Zone: Robert’s Guide to the Next Six Months of Danger and Resistance – It Could Happen Here, iHeart

• Cory Doctorow; Enshittification: Wikipedia

• Vox: Russia’s war with Ukraine — and reality

Peter Pomerantsev on whether Putin’s ability to manufacture reality may have reached its limits in Ukraine -- Sean Illing