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This week, we sit down with the brilliant Heather Colley, author of The Gilded Butterfly Effect, a darkly compelling and unflinchingly honest campus novel that digs into the pressures, performances, and hidden struggles of modern college life.

We talk about what inspired this story, why today’s young women are navigating more pressure than ever, and how the constant push to “belong” can blur the line between who we are and who we think we should be.

Heather opens up about:

🦋 The emotional landscape behind The Gilded Butterfly Effect

🏛️ Greek life, TikTok culture & curated perfection

⚡ How institutions shape both joy and insecurity

🌑 Loneliness in the middle of social chaos

✨ Why contemporary campus novels needed a refresh

Even though Stacy couldn’t make this recording, we had such a thoughtful, layered, and fascinating conversation — the kind that stays with you long after the mics are off.

You’re going to love hearing Heather unpack her world.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***