We may not be women in STEM but that doesn’t mean we don’t know chemistry. This week, we briefly put down our hot chocolate to discuss what makes sparks fly off the page and workshop passages from our books. Also on the agenda: Luke and Lorelai, the Beast Games, and a review of Brooke Averick’s debut novel. Plus, we determine that Rob from Traitors has chemistry with…us? Claire wants everyone to know that she’s been corrected on her usage of “viscous” and that she has contact dermatitis on her eye.

It’s the Heated Rivalry episode, you pervs! We’re talking about everyone’s favorite on-page, on-screen, on-ice romance. Our culture catch-up also touches on Tell Me Lies, His and Hers, Katherine Center’s Rom-Commers, and Audible’s full cast Harry Potter productions. And if you notice that Claire is blonder and more starry eyed than usual, it’s because she recently paid a visit to one of the great loves of her life— Charles the hairdresser, whom Molly had to break up with because he kept giving her The Rachel.

Season 2 is here and we’re kicking off with an in-depth exploration of the movie adaptation of Molly’s least favorite Emily Henry novel, People We Meet on Vacation. One thing’s for sure: that’s not Linfield, Ohio. We also talk about our holidays, which included talking to inanimate objects and consuming large helpings of media in a fugue state. Maybe next week Molly will crack The Da Vinci Code or Claire’s Warmie will talk back.

We’re finishing our first season strong, meaning we didn’t finish our books but Molly met Xaden and Claire met a new pen pal. In this episode, Molly slips back into Fourth Wing psychosis and Claire is drinking the Heated Rivalry Kool-Aid. We also look back on our first season of Bookstupid and the many trips we took to Best Buy this year. Finally, we put the team behind the pod, producer Joops and editor Ben, in the hot seats. And don’t worry, season 2 is coming soon.

The lawyer becomes the defendant as Molly commits multiple offenses at puppy play class. Claire is also in the doghouse with the witch who put a curse on her. Will true love’s kiss make her keys come back? Also this week, we discuss Netflix’s The Beast in Me and argue about whether Redemption Babies™️should be allowed to be boys. We also argue over whether boys should be allowed to have secrets as we continue our conversation on Heart the Lover. And get ready for a holiday-inspired writing exercise that has us clutching our Warmie.

The Climate Clock is on, and we’re racing to write our novels. You may not be getting them by end of year (EOY for my stupidheads with jobs,) but we are pinning down a key element this episode: what is the main character’s deal? You’ll also get a full NYC weather report and Die My Love / Sexy Scaries recaps sure to ruin your week.

We recap a Halloweekend with high highs and low lows, including a crosswalk miracle, a generational witch’s brew, and an iPhone in a trash chute. Claire gets into the spooky spirit with the newest Ryan Murphy production about Ed Gein, while Molly seeks sunnier weather in Miami with a rewatch of Do Revenge. Turns out she loves pastels. We also indulge in a TED Talk about life and writing from author and white woman with dreads (yikes), Anne Lamott.

This week, we grappled with writing inner monologue— a challenge for two women who voice essentially every thought we have. We also cover Claire’s recent bout with scarlet fever (a harbinger of Christmas) and Molly’s time on the birthday circuit. Looking for closure on Claire’s watch of Task? You’re in luck. Hope to understand it? Sorry!