Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/195iXMwEVpUJYPaJL5K5xoALyuLzAIFiee3TihXbpGkA/edit?usp=sharing First, Gaby and Allison respond to a listener who is concerned that they always fall for "broken people." They then interview Dolly Josette about sexological bodywork, how touch can be healing and the importance of connecting with your body. And finally, Melisa joins to talk about all the emotions and stress tied to everyone's least favorite activity: moving! This has been a Forever Do...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 165
Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sZMhHjHARh0V_Uof2ILq0sj_z8nMUXrOgNM4Fn2Ex1E/edit?usp=sharing Gossip! Good, bad or feathers? Wait, what? Who is someone you really like? First, the duo answer a listener's question about their close relationship with their father being impacted by how often he comments on women's beauty and pushes beauty standards on her. It opens up a huge conversation about our looks-based society. Then, they interview future-anthropologist Roanne Van Voost abo...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 164
Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d4bgG0TOOIYK4EZD7sCxBP8TI5VMvvC2sNjxnB7cTU8/edit?usp=sharing Gaby starts off by sharing some hot tips from their couples therapist. The duo then tackle a listener's question on how to accept that their anxiety will be a constant in their life. Screenwriter Kiwi Smith then joins in to talk about her work on early 00s female-led rom coms including 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde, and She's The Man. What is it like to have written such c...
Jan 26, 2022•57 min•Ep. 163
TW: Brief mentions of suicide during the interview Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X4iamS349L2kjNL8LBCQz56Ffv0gy0OvpaFFF12fKp4/edit?usp=sharing First up, doggie DNA tests! Are they reliable? And is Sugar even a dog at all? Gaby and Allison then shift gears to give a listener advice on how to approach her romantic feelings for her roommate who has a new boyfriend. They then interview YA superstar Becky Albertalli about book fandom, her own queerness, and the reconciliation of a...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 162
Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16bQpQ4VDE3uvNeFGDon4qfcJfMolLdtX6dO1s2WDFF8/edit?usp=sharing First, Gaby calls a motel and finds that the front desk people are not very good liars. Then, the duo respond to a listener who is trying to date again after being left in a horrible manner by her ex-fiance--something Allison has a lot of experience and advice about. Next, they talk to comedian and romance novel aficionado Jackie Kashian all about romance novels as a genre, how women f...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 161
Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aJ41fV_-w14sFysVMAEC1DXBDBWnREdDOReuRKMchDA/edit?usp=sharing First, Allison will be in grad school forever. Then, the duo answer a listener's question about suddenly wanting children when their partner thought they did not. Will this blow up their life or make their life better? Only they can decide! Next, we have Daniella Flores, founder of ILikeToDabble.Com, on to discuss side hustle productivity culture, ideas for making money outside of a 9 ...
Dec 22, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 160
Gaby and Allison start off by answering a listener's question about whether or not to get a pet to help with their mental health despite a fear of animals. (Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!) They're then joined by registered dietician Vanessa Rissetto to talk about how she is disrupting her field and how we can reimagine our thoughts around nutrition and food. And finally, professionalism. Does it still exist? And if so, do we need it? Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zXuLXpjASn...
Dec 15, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 159
Allison quits the show. But then sticks around to answer a listener's question about whether or not she should be concerned that her boyfriend is still a support system for his ex. The duo are then joined by tattoo artist Brittny Abad to talk about tattoo school, how tattooing actually works and why people love them so much! And finally: democracy. Is America doing it right? (Not really.) Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aEszh0Q83_YM3gSh9gtXBehZmwuQsSYIQzXBOEWMSTk/edit?usp=shar...
Dec 08, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 158
Gaby's gone full Trekkie in the last year, but Allison has her own ideas about what aliens actually look like. After much debate about this, the duo answer a listener's question about getting involved in their siblings' volatile relationship with their parents. Next, Avery Trufelman joins the pod to talk all about lifestyle utopia, the world of home, and the various inventions that have changed our day to day. Finally, love songs! Why do we all get emotional about them? How does Gaby feel when t...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 157
Tw: Lolita, pedophilia, childhood sexual assault (CSA) Taylor Swift owns our lives. That's right. It's "Gaby and Allison's Lives (Taylor's Version)." Then, the duo answer a listener's question about what to do when your friends want you to be at the exact same life stage they are. Next, they talk to podcaster extraordinaire Jamie Loftus, creator of the Lolita Podcast, all about what we've all gotten wrong about Nabakov's controversial book and the ways it affected generations of young women. And...
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 156
TW: pedophilia, homophobia, transphobia, child abuse, gun violence Are you looking for a great joke to tell at a dinner party? Don't worry, Allison has you covered. The duo then address a brave listener's question about how to change her own mind after being radicalized online. They're then joined by elementary school teacher turned stand up comic, Joe Dombrowski, to talk about the flaws in our education system and why our hilarious children deserve better. And finally, manifesting. One of us be...
Nov 17, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 155
First, Gaby tells the story of an amazing/super spooky Halloween party they went to in their new rural county. It has LAYERS. The duo then address a listener's question about what qualifies as romance as they, asexual, get ready to marry their aromantic friend. Next, they interview host of, “How To Do The Pot,” Ellen Lee Scanlon, about the various and glorious uses of cannabis. And finally, what would we change if we were president? Hint: more monorails? Transcription: https://docs.google.com/do...
Nov 10, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 154
First, Allison regales us with the ups and downs of her days-long human sexuality workshop. Then, an International Question about what to do when your partner has a different style of arguing than you. Next, they talk to the co-hosts of the Mommying While Muslim podcast Zaiba Hasan and Uzma Jafri about the American Muslim experience and how to raise brown children in a post 9/11 world. And finally, what would we change about ourselves with a magic wand? Veggies, friendliness, OCD therapy, and te...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 153
Coming in hot with two reality show pitches about dogs: "Romance or Rescue" and "The Right Pooch." Allison's is a wholesome affair, while Gaby's...not so much. The duo then answer a listener's question about how to forgive themself for their drunk behavior now that they are sober and have made amends. They're then joined by an extremely exciting guest, Matthew W. Johnson, a researcher on the forefront of the use of psychedelics for medical and mental health treatment. Are psychedelics the future...
Oct 27, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 152
Allison might go blonde? Gaby is shaving off their hair. HUGE TRIGGER WARNING for sexual assault and "revenge porn:" First, they answer a listener's very delicate question about an ex-partner who betrayed her trust by posting sexual videos of her without her consent. How can she feel safe dating again? (For more on this experience, we recommend videos by YouTuber Chrissy Chambers about her fight against "revenge porn.") Then, they interview internet royalty Connor Franta all about his new book, ...
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 151
The introduction to this episode contains discussions of transphobia. This entire show is JUST about Gaby's gender and Allison's ex-fiance! Despite this holy truth, the duo attempt to answer a listener's email about a friend's obnoxious boyfriend. (To intervene or not to intervene! That is the question!) They're then joined by interview expert extraordinaire Jeffery Masters to dissect the art of interviewing and how to get guests comfortable enough to open up. Meta! And finally: our comedic voic...
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 150
This conversation contains mentions of rape, rape threats, incest, and death threats. Topix mentions transphobia. Please take care while listening. First: bad dreams, sleep paralysis and lizards because...who knows! What is this show about exactly? Then, the duo answer a listener's question about supporting their boyfriend when he complains about not liking his body. And next, they talk to comedian and abortion activist Lizz Winstead about how comedy can help deliver political messages. And fina...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 149
TW: This interview contains a brief reference to sexual assault in regard to the kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst. Gaby's gonna get contacts before dysphoria trumps the fear of touching their eyeball. Then, the duo answer a listener's question about knowing someone is the one even if you feel too independent. (Hint: the person IS overthinking!) Then, they talk to the most famous cult expert and former "Moonie" Dr. Steven Hassan all about the cult of Trump, the misconceptions about the people i...
Sep 29, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 148
We start off with some Abercrombie and Limited Too nostalgia. Gaby then addresses a listener's question about exploring polyamory by sharing their own history naivating non-monogamy over the last decade. The duo are then joined by Edgar Allan Poe expert and author of Poe for Your Problems Catherine Baab-Muguira to discuss Poe's life, legacy and unusual approach to self-help. And finally, travel. Should we prioritize it? Or is it overrated? Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1USZdb...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 147
Gaby and Allison start off with a BRIEF discussion of sportz. They then address a listener's question about whether or not a new mom should be upset that her father isn't talking to her. World famous gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter then joins the conversation to discuss misinformation about vaginas, the feminine hygiene industry, public hair and how to effectively talk with your doctor. And finally, fostering pets! The cutest type of volunteer work available! It's so hard but so rewarding. Trigger w...
Sep 15, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 146
Tw: The Topix conversation involves discussions of ageism and fatphobia. Please take care while listening. First, Allison explains pickleball because she is very hip and ready to join a retirement community. The duo then answer a listener's question about whether it's limiting or cliche to start seriously dating the first woman she's ever slept with. Next, they have a fascinating conversation with Ahmed Ali Akbar about the messy world behind the food delivery apps we all use. How much do we real...
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 145
Big news! Gaby and their partner bought a house together! This brings up obvious questions about commitment and a possible engagement! Allison then shares some juicy tea about her own failed engagement. (Very juicy! Would recommend!) The duo then answer a listener's question about feeling purposeless now that they're healing from self-harm and other mental health struggles. Next up, guest Kevin O'Connor, host of PBS's “This Old House,” joins the chat to talk about the stress and joy of home impr...
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 144
First, Gaby and Allison get into baby names and weird name stories. Then, the duo disagree on a listener's email about how to express to her boyfriend that she worries he's a bad person. Next, they're joined by The National Harm Reduction Coalition's Executive Director Monique Tula for a fascinating conversation about what harm reduction is, society's warped framing of drugs and sobriety, and how we can change our perception of what drug users need. And lastly, nudity! Melisa and Allison love it...
Aug 25, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 143
This week is filled with scheduling snafus and strong emotions! Then, the International Question makes Gaby so mad they could -- and do -- start screaming. Cognitive scientist, Maya Shankar, then joins the show to discuss the power of change, group identity and how a better understanding of behavioral science can positively influence public policy! And finally, burnout. We'd say more but we're too tired. Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JHI2k-58_zvzuIA8p-LJjTMXL4uTg98GuNeW9kx7d...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 142
In this HIGH TENSION episode, Gaby and Allison disagree about the creative process and the role social media play in their careers. They're then joined by public defender Olayemi Olurin to discuss the rigged criminal justice system and our skewed interpretation of crime. And finally: Bennifer and our overwhelming interest in celebrity couples! Why do we care so much?? Transcription: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cage8U--5F0wAu8Kh_v29sBS3uW5cPNROArfqIwx_wk/edit?usp=sharing This has been a F...
Aug 11, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 141
Gaby starts by bragging about their surfing skills and encouraging people to go outside! The duo then answer a listener's question about a friend who seems to be avoiding them. (Who isn't avoiding someone?!?) They're then joined by former B*zzf**d co-worker and absolute badass, Michelle Khare, to talk about her YouTube series Challenge Accepted, pushing yourself and her mortal enemy: chess. And finally, things we've been wrong about! (Not to brag but it's a pretty hefty list.) The topix segment ...
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 140
Gaby grills Allison on a relationship update! (It's going well! Don't worry!) Then, the duo answer a listener's question about wanting a therapist who pushes her more. With the added bonus of a father's movie blog and film critic "Robert" Ebert. Next, drag queen icon BenDeLaCreme and their partner producer Gus Lanza join the pod to talk all about working together as a couple, healthy communication, and any roadblocks they've had in their 6 year relationship. Finally, politicized language and why...
Jul 28, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 139
First, Gaby is now using they/them pronouns! Get into it! The duo then answer a complicated listener's question that boils down to "what is love?" and how do you know what type of love you need in a romantic relationship. They're then joined by migraine and headache specialist Dr. Teshamae Monteith to discuss triggers, treatments and why we need to better understand migraines in general. Science! And finally, billionaires in space! Is it a waste of money? Or an exciting opportunity for private c...
Jul 21, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 138
Allison and Gaby start off by answering a listener's question on how to bring up cultural differences when it comes to marriage timelines. They then interview Free Britney activists Tess Barker and Babs Gray about Britney Spears' conservatorship legal battle, conservatorship abuse, and their journey of bringing attention to this human rights issue. (They were in the courtroom and saw it all!) Plus, hypotheticals! Beware of twins and Marc Anthony. And finally, active listening. Why does Gaby hate...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 137
We're back to once a week, y'all, so this episode is jam packed!! Allison and Gaby start off by answering a listener's question about the return of the co-worker who her boyfriend cheated on her with. Uh-oh! Next, the duo interview author Gabrielle Korn about the hypocrisy of the beauty and fashion industry and the impact of social media. And finally, Allison explains her decision to go off her meds and her more recent decision to go right back on! TW: This interview contains conversations about...
Jul 07, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 136
