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with Berlant & Novak

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Old Parents Support Group

Hi Hags! I'm coming to the end of a full Poog relisten, and I've reached the episode where Kate talks about her dad's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Kate, you've talked about having older parents throughout the pod. I grew up with an old dad - he passed away when I was 26 and he was 81. I've always wished I had an Old Parents Support group to swap stories with - like the heat of shame that would come over me as a kid when friends would say their parents' ages at a sleepover and I knew it was almost my turn, or hearing my name called for early dismissal and wondering if it was for a dentist visit or for bad news (both equally dreaded as a second grader, smite me down now). Then, there's the odd sense of humanity and understanding I feel having prematurely gone through a parent's aging and decline - realizing that it's an experience that everyone relates to at some point; looking at my friends and knowing that one day they will feel it too. This topic feels like something you two would have some insight into- there aren't many people I can talk to who "get it" besides my siblings (can only imagine with you as an ~only~). Wish you all the best (Berlants and Novaks). Thanks for everything!

When Kate rebuked fiction in the name of Heschel

After AMA 001, I took Kate's recommendation and read The Sabbath and instantly understood why Kate took to it so much. Now I am interested to know more: What are both of your ideal Sabbaths and how would you create your perfect day of rest?

Shampoo Giveaway Fiasco

Kate -- I was in the audience for your show when you were giving away shampoo and the brand rep happened to be in attendance. You - of course - handled it like the comedy professional that you are However I am dying to know what happened. And what happened in your head as it started to unfold. I was (and still am) super eager to hear Jacqueline's thoughts on the whole thing. I thought maybe it would have been brought up on POOG after the fact -- but I understand why it was not. I hope we are safe in AMA to hear the full story. Was that rep actually as pissed as she made it seem? Did you ever hear from the brand again? And again -- what are Jacqueline's thoughts on the whole thing!? <3 Listener since Episode 01 <3

There is Community in the AMA. Cali-Hags?

Are any Hags navigating the fire disaster in Cali? Would you consider posting your mutual aid links, GoFundMe's, etc. here? Would love to take care within these walls how we can. -HagJess

Egg Freeze

About to freeze my eggs. Kate, what did you do in the lead up for freezing yours? How crazy are we getting in regards to egg quality? I'm doing coq10 and just added the Perelel Egg Freeze supplements in. And am staying sober, but not really changing my diet much. I'm 35 so thinking about how to OPTIMIZE.

Vbeam laser

This question is for Kate: I recall you mentioned the Vbeam laser on a past episode, and my dermatologist has suggested it recently as it's good for toning down redness in the face, I'm just doing my homework on it and wanted to check in and see how it worked for you and if you think you'll do it again. Thanks!

Vbeam laser

This question is for Kate: I recall you mentioned the Vbeam laser on a past episode, and my dermatologist has suggested it recently as it's good for toning down redness in the face, I'm just doing my homework on it and wanted to check in and see how it worked for you and if you think you'll do it again. Thanks!

Body & Blood, Witches Brew

Hi Jacqueline & Kate! First of all, I have been thinking of you both and all the people of LA over the past week. Thank you for sharing that link of GoFundMe campaigns that are most in need! Hoping you and your loved ones are safe. I'm posing two light-hearted prompts here that my cousin put in the questions bucket at your Philly Road to Christmas show last year that I thought were quite fun: 1. In the Christian faith, the body and blood of Jesus are represented by bread and wine. What food and beverage item would you choose to represent your respective bodies/blood? For some reason I feel the need to state no spiritual ritual will be performed (by me, cannot speak for other hags) using this information. 2. What items would be essential to toss in the cauldron if a witch wanted to conjure you from their brew? Your podcast is truly one of the great joys and comforts of my life. Thank you for sharing your brilliant minds with us! Monica

Creative process

Can you both talk about your creative process for writing stand up or other? I’ve seen Jacqueline live a few times (shout out to the Den in Chicago!) and saw Kate’s last special (Kate please come to the Den!) and am in awe of the chaotic creativity of both of you!

Jar

I went to Jar for my birthday a few weeks back and had probably the best meal of my life (along with an ice cold lychee martini). 1. Wanted to know what your current order at Jar is these days and 2. if you have a restaurant recommendation for my 30th next year. love you both 💕

Byron Katie

What do you gals make of the work of Byron Katie and her four essential questions? I am always interested in your discussion of the gurus and the thinkers and the guides and the mystics and so on…if BK is uninteresting, would love to hear which writers/thinkers are resonating with your seeker selves lately. Xo!

ADD

Hi I am a hag who was recently (two weeks ago) diagnosed with ADD at the ripe old age of 35. Partially thanks to the two of you, honestly. The way you both talk about your ADD resonated with me in a big way and made me question a lot of things about myself and my life. The question is: do you have any advice for someone who just discovered that they have ADD? Book recs? Anything at all would be huge! Thanks!

Merch Idea

In honor of your devoted truck driver listener, a trucker hat that says "I could listen to those girls talk about anything" Maybe even, on the back? "Berlant & Novak Helpline Radio" (Wasn't there a joke that you're going to have a call-in feature but only that truck driver has the number?)

Question

Will you eventually have into/outro music like you did on POOG? I’m enjoying the new episodes, but there is something about the structure of having the opening and closing credits and episode topics that provides comfort and makes it feel like a real “podcast”.

Question

Will you eventually have into/outro music like you did on POOG? I’m enjoying the new episodes, but there is something about the structure of having the opening and closing credits and episode topics that provides comfort and makes it feel like a real “podcast”.

Co Bigelow gift item?

Question for Jacqueline: you mentioned that you got a smell thing for your friends/family for the holidays from Co Bigelow that you put on your desk and I can't find it! What specifically is it called? Looking for a well priced gift for my sister who could use some help breathing at work... thanks!

using VIP privileges for a humble request

please please can we get UK/international shipping on your store? (that doesn't cost an arm or leg!)

does anyone know if jacqueline, kate, and kates fam are ok in LA?

thinking of them right now ❤️

Semi new hag

Only started listening a few months before you became independent… love you both but realize I don’t know much about your backgrounds. I know you’re from LA & the east coast, respectively, but not much else. Curious if you went to college and if so where, and how you met each other and became friends. Maybe nosy but I enjoy context. :)

Speaking Not of Others; Penance

I've been really trying not to gossip or speak about others, per your advice in a recent episode. When I find myself slipping up, I'm torn between doing penance (raised Catholic) and letting myself off with a warning. How do you discourage your own bad habits in a healthy, productive way?

Supplements and snail mucin

I've never taken supplements but I'd really like to start, since I don't always get my fruits and veggies every day. What do you recommend, for immune system boosting etc? Also: does snail mucin always have to be applied on damp skin? Sometimes I can't be bothered!

You have 2 weeks to prep...

Ok I've had a long distance "situationship" with someone with whom I am smitten. I hesitate to provide too much context because this question is not a relationship one but we haven't been together in a physical space with each other since September (when my skin was supple with the sweet humidity and sweat of summer - I skew dry/seasonally eczema). Finally I'm going to visit them in two weeks and I now find myself in this odd liminal space. If you have two weeks to feel/look your best, what creams/essences/habits/treatments/potions are you using to "get quick" (ugh) results? Of course I know "I'm perfect as I am" and "you don't need to change for them" and "they should love you for who you are!" but I'm just a hag trying to navigate the hellish waters of dating (and the first proper sleepover date at their house? HUGE!). Anyhow, love y'all. And my heart is breaking for LA, I hope y'all haven't been too affected but nonetheless, devastating - the time for community is now!

Thoughts

on one Jenny Slate?

Art

Hello, UK eavesdropper here, I am an artist myself and was wondering if you have any favourite visual artists or specific artworks that you are drawn to :) love -grime

Would you ever actually consider a Poog cruise?

Consider snorkeling with the hags

+ 116 more questions for subscribers