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Nothing kicks off summer quite like a deep dive into ice cream preferences and a candid taste test of Lady Gaga's questionable beverage choice. We start with updates on the helicopter "wiener drop" event we'd been anticipating - complete with the unexpected appearance of Bill Murray helping distribute 2,600 hot dogs raining down on a stadium field.

We couldn't help but address some genuinely concerning beauty trends currently making rounds on social media. From people using Sharpie markers as lip liner (despite the chemical smell and dermatologists' warnings) to the horrifying practice of "cryo branding" - essentially burning decorative patterns into skin using extreme cold. Our professional advice? Don't put Sharpie on your face, don't brand yourself with ice, and maybe reconsider those discount butt implants that might literally fall out during a workout (as one unfortunate woman discovered and then needed a $85,000 corrective surgery).

The heart of our conversation centers around ice cream - its fascinating journey from ancient China to Thomas Jefferson's America, the technical definition requiring at least 10% milk fat (sorry, Dairy Queen!), and our personal preferences from soft serve to sprinkle techniques. Did you know vanilla remains America's favorite flavor, except in Illinois where Moose Tracks reigns supreme? Or that 90% of Americans keep ice cream in their freezers at all times? Between comparing cone versus cup preferences and debating the merits of toppings, we conducted a brave taste test of Lady Gaga's favorite drink: red wine mixed with Diet Coke. The verdict? "They're fighting in this glass" - two flavors that absolutely refuse to blend harmoniously. 

Try Lady Gaga's peculiar concoction yourself if you're feeling adventurous, but maybe avoid the Sharpie lip liner. Share your thoughts on our taste test or your own ice cream preferences, and join us again next week for more candid conversations and unexpected experiments!

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Two friends named Nora take listeners on a delightful journey through the quirky side of summer, beginning with a hydration challenge that's led to frequent bathroom breaks and the surprising sacrifice of a beloved afternoon Diet Coke. Their conversation flows naturally from horrifying food innovations (a deep-fried hot dog rolled in Hot Cheetos and Fruity Pebbles, anyone?) to taste-testing blueberry pie Oreos with hilariously mixed reviews.

The podcast takes a fascinating turn when they explore recent psychological research on what makes someone "cool." According to a University of Arizona study spanning 12 countries, the six defining traits of coolness are being extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open, and autonomous. This prompts a thoughtful discussion about the distinction between being "cool" and being "good," with research suggesting that while cool kids might rule high school, those with quality friendships tend to fare better in adult life.

The hosts share bizarre food trends from around the world, including Germany's booming sausage vending machine industry (with 570,000 machines nationwide) and an upcoming attempt to set a world record by dropping 2,600 packaged hot dogs from a helicopter at a minor league baseball game. Their enthusiasm for attending this "Wiener Drop" perfectly captures their adventurous spirit and friendship dynamic.

The main segment delves into barbecue traditions, distinguishing between "grilling" (quick cooking over high heat) and "barbecuing" (slow, indirect heat). They explore regional styles, share statistics about America's grilling habits (86% barbecue on July 4th!), and debate favorite side dishes. The episode wraps with personal "high and low" moments, creating a warm, relatable finale to this summer-themed conversation.

Subscribe for weekly episodes where the Noras bring their unique perspective to everyday topics with humor, curiosity, and friendship that feels like you're sitting right at their kitchen table.

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Ever wondered how champagne gets those magical bubbles? Or why bubble wrap is so satisfyingly poppable? Join the Noras for a fizzy, fun exploration of everything bubbly while we catch up after the holiday weekend!

They start with Fourth of July stories - from neighborhood fireworks traditions to the simple joy of writing your name with sparklers. Then prepare yourself for the horror story that might forever change your online shopping habits as we reveal what one mother found inside a baby rattle ordered from Shein (hint: it involves fingernails and bugs!).

Their discussion bubbles over with fascinating facts about everyday things you never knew you needed to know. Did you realize scientists recommend women drink 11.5 cups (92 ounces) of water daily? Or that bubble wrap was created entirely by accident when two inventors were trying to make textured wallpaper in 1957? They dive deep into the meticulous process behind champagne production, revealing why some bottles cost $6.99 and others command premium prices (it's all about that second fermentation!).

With plenty of laughs along the way, Nora and Nora tackle everything from the proper technique for buttering toast (the internet is deeply divided) to their mutual horror at the concept of family nudist ranches. They even explore why we rarely venture outside our comfortable "bubbles" of familiar places.

Whether you're sipping champagne or blowing soap bubbles this summer, this episode will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the effervescent wonders that bring joy to everyday life. Listen now and let the Noras add some sparkle to your day!

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What happens when your entire identity has been scripted? In this captivating conversation with bestselling author Annabelle Monaghan, we dive deep into her fourth novel, "It's a Love Story"!

Annabelle reveals how Jennette McCurdy's raw memoir "I'm Glad My Mom Died" sparked her curiosity about teen stars who grow up on camera – young people who spend their formative years being told exactly who to be, what to say, and how to act. This inspiration evolved into Jane, a complex protagonist who emerges from childhood fame with no genuine sense of who she actually is, constantly morphing herself to fit others' expectations.

The conversation takes us behind the curtain of Annabelle's writing process as she shares how she crafts characters readers gradually warm to, balances humor with vulnerability, and weaves meaningful philosophy into seemingly light fiction. Her insight that "real love happens over breakfast" – in quiet, everyday moments rather than grand gestures – perfectly captures the novel's authentic approach to relationships.

We're also treated to an exclusive preview of Annabelle's upcoming work – a fake dating romance set against the backdrop of Newport mansions that promises all the heart, humor and depth her readers have come to expect. For writers, readers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of identity, fame, and authenticity, this episode offers both entertainment and insight into how we become who we truly are.

Follow Annabelle Monaghan on Instagram to stay connected and be the first to know about her upcoming releases and events.

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Grab your favorite cocktail and join The Noras for a delightful conversation with Western Springs' newest entrepreneur, Amanda Sutter, founder of Jolie dress boutique. Amanda shares her journey from dress enthusiast to shop owner while we sip on custom blackberry lemonade cocktails crafted by The Opry's talented Dan Schovain.

The magic of Jolie lies in Amanda's thoughtful approach to fashion retail. With only six pieces of each style available, shoppers enjoy a significantly lower risk of the dreaded "same outfit" encounter. This exclusivity creates such demand that Amanda regularly declines requests for additional inventory, instead focusing on bringing in fresh selections weekly. Her careful curation considers diverse body types, age ranges, and price points while maintaining a distinctive aesthetic that fills a crucial gap in the local shopping landscape.

Beyond business strategy, we dive into Amanda's personal life as a mother of two girls and wife to Josh Sutter (of Summer City Adventures fame). Their global family travels surprisingly take a backseat to favorite memories at Hilton Head according to their daughters – a relatable parenting moment that had us laughing. Amanda reveals how opening Jolie has given her children a new perspective on her professional identity after years of remote corporate work, allowing them to witness her entrepreneurial journey from empty storefront to thriving boutique.

With homecoming season approaching, Jolie is set to become "homecoming headquarters" by late July, offering local high schoolers a convenient, stylish shopping destination with less risk of duplicate dresses at the big dance. Whether you're shopping for a special occasion or seeking everyday elegance, Amanda's passion for helping women feel confident through fashion shines through in every aspect of her new venture.

Follow Jolie on Instagram @joliedressboutique and visit the store at 824 Hillgrove Avenue in downtown Western Springs Tuesday through Friday (10am-6pm) or Saturday (10am-3pm) to experience this fashion gem for yourself!

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When was the last time you thought deeply about your snacking habits? In our Season 4 premiere, we're unwrapping the surprisingly complex world of between-meal munching, from nostalgic childhood favorites to our current cravings.

The Noras kick things off with a fascinating productivity hack called the "one-minute rule" that's transforming how we tackle those small daily tasks. Then, prepare your taste buds as we conduct a live taste test of Selena Gomez's Oreo collaboration (spoiler: they taste like chocolate-filled churros and might be the best celebrity snack collab we've ever tried).

The heart of their conversation explores a cultural shift we've noticed: kids today seem to snack constantly, while many of us grew up with strictly defined snack times. This observation leads them down memory lane, examining how those childhood patterns still influence their adult cravings. Why do so many of us still get that fierce afternoon "snack attack" around 3:30pm? And why do certain snacks absolutely demand specific beverage pairings? (Pretzels without Diet Coke? Unthinkable!)

They then dive into controversial snack opinions (corn nuts receive particular disdain), debate the merits of beef sticks, and share our favorite local spots for satisfying those cravings. From regional specialties across America to the perfect soft cookie with iced tea, this episode celebrates how these small food moments connect to our identities, memories, and daily rhythms.

Whether you're a dedicated healthy snacker or someone who occasionally indulges in those chemical-laden treats from childhood, you'll find yourself nodding along—and probably getting hungry. Join the Noras for this fun, food-focused conversation that might just change how you think about your pantry staples.

Don't forget to follow our Instagram for teasers about our upcoming Night Cap with the Noras Episode!

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That's a wrap on Season 3! We are so grateful for our listeners far and wide.

Season 4 will begin June 23rd and we can't wait! 

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The Noras dive into the nostalgic world of board games, from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to quirky favorites with names like "Sneaky Snacky Squirrels." Did you know Monopoly was initially rejected by Parker Brothers for being "too complicated"? Or that games can be categorized into four fundamental types: race games, space games, chase games, and displacement games? These frameworks help explain why we gravitate toward certain games and avoid others.

Along the way, we explore summer's hottest trends (sardine-themed decor, anyone?), discuss bizarre banned baby names from around the world (no, you can't name your child Santa Claus), and introduce the surprisingly effective "poop rule" for decluttering your home. Plus, we follow the strange case of an escaped pet zebra in Tennessee, which leads to an important question: why would anyone want an unpredictable exotic animal that tends to attack people?

Whether you're a dedicated game night enthusiast or someone who runs at the sight of a Monopoly board, join us for this playful exploration of how games shape our relationships and reflect our personalities. Share your favorite childhood game with us—was it an outdoor neighborhood classic or a beloved board game that still brings your family together?

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What happens when two friends with the same name tackle bizarre food combinations and debate the perfect pizza? Pure podcast magic.

This episode begins with a taste-testing adventure sampling the questionable limited-edition Beer Can Chicken flavored Pringles that leave one Nora gagging while the other surprisingly doesn't mind the bouillon-cube-like flavor. They follow this culinary experiment with Sprite mixed with iced tea—a strange beverage that separates in your mouth, hitting you with fizzy lemon-lime before transforming into tea. This leads them down a rabbit hole of unusual food trends, including the emergence of cereal milk cocktails where bartenders are infusing spirits with everything from Captain Crunch to Fruity Pebbles.

The conversation shifts to our mutual love of pizza, where we discover that 21% of Americans consider it their favorite food. We dive deep into regional styles—from the crispy, square-cut Chicago thin crust to foldable New York slices and artisanal wood-fired options. Personal preferences emerge: one of us orders "easy cheese" while the other draws a firm line at Hawaiian pizza ("Keep your fruit away from my pizza!"). We explore pizza's humble beginnings among Naples' working poor in the 17th century, trace its journey to America's first pizzeria in 1905, and share the surprising fact that pizza has even made it to space.

Whether you're a foodie, a parent, or just someone who appreciates authentic conversation, join us as we find humor, comfort, and friendship in life's small moments—and debate whether cold pizza for breakfast is genius or sacrilege.

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In this colorful episode, we kick things off with Noras play-by-play of an unforgettable night at Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour. The Queen Bey delivered a masterclass in performance art despite Mother Nature's obstacles. The concert stories lead us into an unexpected treasure hunt when we discuss Czech hikers who stumbled upon $360,000 worth of buried gold artifacts from the early 1900s—talk about being in the right place at the right time!

The conversation shifts to the curious world of color psychology as we explore what different colored heart emojis actually mean (careful with that red heart in professional settings!), what colors you should wear on first dates (green for women, lavender for men), and how color coding can revolutionize family organization. When Nora reveals her intricate color-coded calendar system where each family member has their dedicated color, it becomes clear how deeply colors influence our daily lives and relationships.

We couldn't talk about color without taste-testing some vibrant new treats, including Chocolate Covered Pretzel Oreos and Trader Joe's Root Beer Float pieces with popping candy. The episode takes a nostalgic turn when we discover Nora's preserved childhood collection of 72 Crayola crayons—still intact after all these years, saved lovingly by her grandmother who wouldn't let anyone else touch them.

From discovering that blue is the world's most popular color across ten different countries to debating whether "underwear as outerwear" should be a fashion trend, this episode celebrates how color shapes our world, our choices, and our memories. Join us for this spectrum-spanning conversation that might just change how you see the colors around you.

What colored heart emoji do you use most often, and did you know what it actually means? Share your thoughts with us on social media!