181 episodes
Sweet Valley Diaries Marissa Flaxbart
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- Arts
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4.8 • 83 Ratings
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After years of wide-eyed blogging about the surreal 1980s perfection of Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley High book series (and the surprising psychodrama that lurks below the town's perfectly-tanned surface), host Marissa Flaxbart is now forcing people to read the series with her.
But beyond its obsession with the ubiquitous-yet-obscure book series, SWEET VALLEY DIARIES is a podcast about nostalgia — '80s nostalgia in particular — and the ways this nostalgia can (spectacularly, hilariously) fail us. It's a riotous cultural conversation about which parts of the past we long for and which ones we want to leave behind for good. It's about friendship, honesty, and learning to speak your truth in the face of a boyfriend-stealing cheerleader or an evil triplet. It's all the life lessons you could ever hope to learn from two size-6, blonde-haired, aqua-eyed, identical 16-year-old twins. Strap in.
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Mini Extra-Drama #80: Double the Sweetness
Don't forget about the Reader of the Month letter from book 80!
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Episode #80: THE GIRL THEY BOTH LOVED
It's another mis-titled misadventure of random characters, and this time All Time Favorite guest Don Flaxbart is here to simultaneously despise the book and read deep into the twisted heart of its male lead. A thrilling, dirt-bike filled mega finale to Season 8 of Sweet Valley Diaries!
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Extra #79: Maybe Elizabeth Isn't the Best Character Judge
Bryanna McGeough joins Marissa again and shares her criteria for choosing with Sweet Valley books to read and her personal tales of being an Elizabethan high school journalist. Plus, Reader of the Month for October 1991!
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Book #79: THE LONG-LOST BROTHER
What could be worse than having a twin brother who stole a car? For Sarah Eastborne, the answer is: that twin brother getting clean, being released from his rehab facility, and coming to live with you. Social worker and BSC/SVH reader Briana McGeough joins us to discuss this book, which also shoehorns in some info about 12-step programs.
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Extra Drama #78: Jackson's Funtime Fashions
Claire and Marissa explore the dreamworld of Jessica Wakefield. Plus, a particularly lyrical Reader of the Month essay. Come along, if you choose!
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Book #78: THE DATING GAME
At long last, we will find out if Scott Trost is as sexist as he seems. Or, we'll at least find out if his TRUE self is sexist. Like, maybe society made him sexist? Or something? Todd will explain it to you, ladies. With special guest Claire Sharood!
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Customer Reviews
Six stars
This podcast is SUCH a fun listen. Marissa’s tone captures the youthful enthusiasm with which I originally experienced the series. Hurrah for schmaltzy soap-operatic YA, hurrah for 80s/90s nostalgia, hurrah for having a hobby and sharing it hilariously with the world. Thanks and keep going!
Fantastic podcast and host
Marissa is the friend we all needed in the 80s/90s to guide us through the Sweet Valley universe. She’s smart, funny, and has become increasingly vulnerable over time in terms of how the gorgeous “perfect size six” twins affected her - and many of us. She does a great job with the recaps and analysis. My only slight critique (?) would be she doesn’t need a guest/co-host every time. Marissa, you got this. I like the banter, especially recently, but am also super happy to just listen to you ruminate on the latest book. Thank you for making this podcast!
So fun!
Love the hot takes on SVH! Total nostalgia for the books and the 80s, the fashion, the stories. I loved these books as a kid and an adult so really enjoy the recaps and the analysis.