Books With Your Besties
Plug in, ignore real life for a bit and chat with your unhinged yet lovable besties Emily and Ashley. In the words of Celisia Stanton “Dr. Reeder, a psychologist professor who teaches about the darkest corners of human behavior—like cults, serial killers, and the psychology of crime—delivers mind-blowing insights on every topic. Her best friend? She’s the lively, no-holds-barred storyteller who keeps things fun, real, and laugh-out-loud relatable.Whether they’re breaking down a gripping thriller, exploring true crime cases, or tackling thought-provoking topics like justice and human nature, every episode blends depth, humor, and the kind of chemistr...
Catch Up With Us
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Hiya besties! We are back. Today we chat what we are reading, what we have been up to, what we plan to read and then we yell for a bit about education and everything that is wrong with our priorities around education today.
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Rachel Hansen Press conference
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Hi Book Besties! We will have another episode for you available this week but felt like this was important to share here as well as on Reconsidered:Unsolved
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Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
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Author Interview - Emily Listfield Reasons to Lie interview
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FULL spoiler interview with Emily Listfield -
We usually keep our author interviews on Patreon only but this interview felt like a great one to share here with all of you! Emily and I get into caretaking, grief, power, privilege and parenting teens. Find her books and more information about the author here.
https://www.emilylistfield.com/
Follow her here - https://www.instagram.com/emilylistfield/
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Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early ac...
Miranda Smith Author Interview
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A preview of our interview with Miranda Smith - The entire interview can be found on Patreon.
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Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
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Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
Smile For The Cameras by Miranda Smith
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Today we chat Smile For The Cameras by Miranda Smith and chat our 1990s nostalgia, an idea for an epic movie night and what to do if someone tries to attack us with an axe.
Find her book here - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/782930/smile-for-the-cameras-by-miranda-smith/
Scream Murder documentary here - https://www.hulu.com/series/the-scream-murder-a-true-teen-horror-story-11ffe09a-2619-4124-8b83-b5b453f56434
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Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month a...
Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams
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Today we discuss Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams. We also discuss female friendship, how boring we are and how we would NEVER go caving.
https://tayloradamsauthor.com/
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Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
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This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
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Today we discuss This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum with FULL spoilers.
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250395238/thisstorymightsaveyourlife/
https://tmtk.com/learning-library/videos?cid=PPC-accountype:-campaign:-searchterm:-adgroup:-keywordid:&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkYLPBhC3ARIsAIyHi3Sf_283Rg-t0J-26gpnl9_d_xbUh_Ufl0nVCc3WxpvK4SWu48z2Rm8aAr6XEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22750400326&gbraid=0AAAAABfxptJaeiT4MSdMXLcRN8_T8lcO7
https://truecrimenews.com/
https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/one-minute-to-nine/umc.cmc.1aq9cocb6lbot0y8a4kkq2aa9
https://tv.apple.com/c...
The Push by Ashley Audrain
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FULL spoiler discussion of the book The Push by Ashley Audrain. What's nature? What's nurture? Can kids be born "bad?"
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/obsonline/harlows-classic-studies-revealed-the-importance-of-maternal-contact.html
The article was in the WSJ and can be found here -
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/i-always-knew-i-was-different-i-just-didnt-know-i-was-a-sociopath-68ebe08b?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfwpEx3OLdCcQvsfIqUTeXpxiapP24vcFE_gH1xcm78gmYVH9iq_zmcThLBN8Y%3D&gaa_ts=69cf3124&gaa_sig=ZD7pDPw4yr-Tz_GOYhngp2TIOKr-G9nkJUPrZg7Puj6Map5VX9dfoMfR4tmaTL6KVW3ivLKsCvzqElIxCHPxJA%3D%3D
Bu...
Ask For Andrea by Noelle Ihli
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In this episode, Emily and Ashley discuss the book "Ask For Andrea" by Noelle Ihli.
They both loved the book, which they think is the author's best work yet. The book follows a group of women who have been murdered by a serial killer, and how they find each other in the afterlife and seek justice for their murders.
They also talk about how the killer relies on charm and normalcy, and why it's dangerous to think we can easily spot dangerous people.
A psychopath is someone wh...
Updates and a teaser
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Today we remind you of what to read to be ready for next weeks chat. Head to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reconsidered-unsolved/id1841954874 to hear the rest of Rachel Hansen episode 2.
Mary interview: pateron.com/thecreepybookclub
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Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
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Repost from Reconsidered : Unsolved
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reconsidered-unsolved/id1841954874
Support the show
Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are...
Catch up with us and retreat recap
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Find our new True Crime Podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reconsidered-unsolved/id1841954874
We’ve been a little MIA… but for the best reason ever — we were busy planning and hosting our Thriller Retreat! From diving into the Rachel Hansen case (episode one will be released early to you TODAY) to fangirling over expo authors and soaking up wisdom from our incredible guest speakers, this weekend was everything we dreamed of and more.
We’re spilling all the behind-the-scenes tea from the retreat — our favorite moments, the unforgetta...
The Missing Half And The Case of Maura Murray
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Hi besties! This week we’re diving into The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers. If you haven’t read it yet—pause here, grab the book (with your eyes or your ears), and come back when you’re ready.
Spoiler Alert: This episode contains full spoilers for The Missing Half
Overall Ratings
Ashley: 3.5 out of 5Emily: Solid 4 out of 5We both found the book engaging and entertaining, especially as a standalone thriller. Like Flowers’ first novel, All Good People Here, this story draws inspiration from a real unsolved ca...
Turn of The Key by Ruth Ware
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"You're frozen"
"No, I was just done talking."
Welcome to another unhinged 30 minutes with us.
OKKKKKKAYYY, Ashley was wrong (per usual), Emily was right - A locked room mystery is a subgenre of crime fiction in which a crime, often a murder, is committed in a location that is seemingly impossible to access. The puzzle lies in figuring out how the crime was committed, despite the room being sealed from the inside with no apparent way in or out. Unlike typical whodunits, these stories heavily f...
Lets Chat Infidelity
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In this episode, Ashley and Emily discuss 'The Breakdown' by B.A. Paris, exploring its themes of gaslighting, emotional abuse, and the impact of infidelity on relationships. They delve into real-life cases of deception, including the Chris Watts case, and reflect on the cultural perspectives surrounding affairs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability and the emotional trauma caused by betrayal in relationships.
takeaways
The Breakdown is a domestic thriller about infidelity.Gaslighting is a prevalent theme in the book.Affairs can lead to extreme emotional turmoil.Cultural...Unpacking the Controversy behind Verity
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Whelp, we decided to go there and talk about one of the most polarizing books in the past 5 years.
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
01:13 Controversial Book Discussion: Verity by Colleen Hoover
07:31 Cultural Impact and Reception of Verity
14:20 Themes and Twists in Verity
21:12 Controversies Surrounding Colleen Hoover
26:06 Lighthearted Anecdotes and Conclusion
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59344312-verity
https://www.colleenhoover.com/products/verity-hardcover
https://w...
Party Of Liars - Kelsey Cox
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Party of Liars, Kelsey Cox, book review, true crime, postpartum depression, character analysis, podcast updates, relationships, manipulation, twists
In this episode, Emily and Ashley discuss the book 'Party of Liars' by Kelsey Cox, sharing their thoughts on the characters, plot twists, and themes such as manipulation and postpartum depression. They also announce the launch of their new true crime podcast, which will alternate weeks with their book discussions.
Takeaways and updates!
The podcast will now be bi-weekly, alternating between book discussions and true crime episodes.'Party...Dark Matter
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PHEW - That is all we can say about this discussion. We get personal, we chat regrets and we chat about what could have been.
In this conversation, Emily Reeder and Ashley DeSanno discuss the book 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch, exploring its themes of choices, regret, and the impact of environment on character. They share their initial impressions, ratings, and delve into the deeper meanings behind the narrative, including the nature of success, relationships, and the importance of forgiveness. The discussion also touches on parenting and the influences of friends, a...
Emily Lived in a Haunted House - We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
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In this conversation, Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder discuss the novel 'We Used to Live Here' by Marcus Cleaver, exploring its origins, themes of reality and perception, mental health representation, and the scary elements of the story. They share personal experiences related to fear and reality, and conclude with thoughts on future reads.
takeaways
The novel began on Reddit and gained popularity quickly.The audio book's sound effects enhanced the scary experience.Themes of mental health and reality are central to the story.The concept of alternate realities...Count My Lies by Sophie Stava
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In this conversation, Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder discuss the book 'Count My Lies' by Sophie Stava, exploring its themes of dishonesty, character dynamics, and the flaws within the legal system. They share their initial reactions to the book, analyze the characters Violet and Jay, and reflect on the implications of lying and the justice system. The discussion also touches on the anticipation of the book's adaptation into a series, highlighting the storytelling techniques used by the author.
TICKETS: https://www.thecreepybookclub.com/thecreepyretreat2026
Takeaways
<...
Everyone is Watching By Heather Gudenkauf
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In this conversation, Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder discuss Heather Gudenkauf's book 'Everyone Is Watching,' exploring its dark themes, the impact of reality TV on personal secrets, and the implications of parasocial relationships. They delve into the moral dilemmas faced by characters in the book, the corruption of power, and the consequences of manipulation and bullying. The discussion highlights the complexities of human behavior in the pursuit of wealth and fame, ultimately reflecting on the societal issues presented in the narrative.
00:00 Character Analysis and Themes
05:37...
The Religion Episode
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In this conversation, Emily and Ashley delve into personal reflections on their experiences with religion, the impact of shame within religious contexts, and the importance of fostering strong character over strict adherence to rules.
The discussion touches on the dangers of extremist ideologies and the need for preparedness.Emily shares her personal journey away from Christianity and the impact of shame in religious contexts.Ashley reflects on her upbringing in a liberal church and her current agnostic beliefs.The conversation critiques the judgmental nature of some religious communities.Emily recounts a personal...Ash and Em are BACK!
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Emily is back from Europe and Ashley's oldest is dating. Catch up with us in this fun, fast, furious and hilarious episode. We hope you will share your travel horror stories with us in the comments.
Get your tickets today
https://www.thecreepybookclub.com/thecreepyretreat2026
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Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
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Ashley Winstead on Grief and True Crime Obsession
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FULL spoiler episode with Ashley Winstead on her most recent book - This Book Will Bury Me. We also chat grief after losing our fathers, true crime obsession and Bryan Kohbergers choice to plea.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bryan-kohberger-university-of-idaho-student-murders-plea-hearing/
Support the show
Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and h...
Kaira Rouda - Jill is Not Happy
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Meet one of our 2026 Retreat authors. This episode has FULL spoilers for Jill is not Happy, her most recent novel.
Kaira Rouda is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author known for her gripping psychological thrillers that explore the dark complexities behind seemingly perfect lives. With a background in marketing and a passion for storytelling, Rouda has carved a niche for herself in domestic suspense, delivering twist-filled narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Her novels—including Best Day Ever, The Favorite Daughter, and Somebody’s Ho...
The Chilling Case of Daniel Marsh
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We encourage you to head to Patreon to hear our entire episode on Daniel Marsh
Support the show
Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
T...
Retreat Author Announcements 2026
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Get your tickets today!
Scottsdale, AZ 02/19-02/22
https://www.thecreepybookclub.com/thecreepyretreat2026
Support the show
Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thecreepybookclub and https://www.instagram.com/bookswithyourbesties/
Follow us on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@thecreepybookclub
Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
Tamla Horsford: A Case of Unanswered Questions
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In this episode of 'Books with Your Besties', hosts Ashley DeSanno and Emily Reeder delve into the tragic case of Tamla Horsford, a mother of five whose death at a slumber party in Georgia has raised numerous questions and sparked national outrage. The conversation explores the details surrounding the night of her death, the investigation that followed, and the various theories that have emerged.
With a focus on the racial context of the case and the integrity of the investigation, the hosts aim to uncover the truth behind Tamla's untimely demise...
The Quiet Librarian
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In this conversation, Emily and Ashley discuss Alan Eskens' novel, The Quiet Librarian, exploring its themes of historical fiction, character development, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of war. They delve into the complexities of the Bosnian War, the portrayal of women in conflict, and the contemporary parallels to current social issues. The discussion highlights the emotional impact of the narrative and the author's insights into the writing process.
00:00 Introduction to The Quiet Librarian
02:40 Exploring Historical Context: The Bosnian War
05:17 Character Development and...
Unraveling the Delphi Murders Part II
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A snippet of our newest episode on Patreon.
This episode delves into the complex investigation surrounding the Delphi Murders of Abby Williams and Libby German, focusing on key suspects including Ron Logan and Keegan Klein, as well as the trial of Richard Allen. The discussion highlights alleged confessions, the role of pre-trial publicity, and the implications of the legal proceedings on the pursuit of justice for the victims.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to The Delphi Murders
00:57The Investigation of Ron Logan
05:06Allegations a...
The Pendulum of Progress: Understanding Societal Shifts
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Updates on Kyron Horman, Idaho Town Hall, Idaho Murders and the Pendulum Effect
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction and Mother's Day Reflections
00:59 Case Updates and Political Extremes
03:08 The Idaho Town Hall Incident
06:00 Reactions to the Idaho Murders
08:55 The Importance of Patience in Legal Cases
11:57 New Developments in the Kyron Horman Case
14:57 The Pendulum Effect in Politics and Progress
21:37 Navigating Progress and Setbacks
22:22 Moral License and Political Reactions
24:27 The Influence of Language on Behavior<...
This Book Will Bury Me and The Idaho Murders
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The Idaho murders.
Listen in on our review and key takeaways from This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead.
FULL spoilers.
0:00-1:00 Initial Review
1:00-2:00 Was it a tad too much grief related content?
3:30 What did we anticipate happening that would have ruined this book for us.
5:00 The controversy surrounding this book
7:00 What is our beef with the Idaho murders
8:30 Our college experience
11:00 Emily explains Theory of Mind (https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...
Justice for Abby and Libby - The Delphi Murders Part I
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Justice for Abby and Libby: In 2017, the small town of Delphi, Indiana was shaken by the tragic murders of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German. Their memory lives on as the pursuit of truth and justice continues. Find the rest of this episode (and an upcoming part II) at patreon.com/thcreepybookclub
Support the show
Subscribe on our patreon for weekly content, early access to episodes, one true crime episode per month and behind the scenes content at https://www.patreon.com/thecreepybookclub
Follow us on...
Kyron Horman - Missing since 06/04/2010
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As we decided to begin offering one true crime case per month to our VIP Patreon members we knew we needed to start with the Kyron Horman case because it is local to us (Oregon) and still unsolved. After days of research and recording we quickly realized this particular episode cannot be kept only for our VIPs, it would be doing a disservice to Kyron. We are choosing to release it publicly in hopes it will continue to shed a light on finding Kyron. Please see the rest of the links and sources...
Strange Sally Diamond and Jaycee Lee Dugard
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Did anyone else think about the Jaycee Dugard case while reading Strange Sally Diamond? Tune in to our most recent episode to hear our thoughts on this outstanding book and Emily's take on the similarities with the Jaycee Dugard case. Stay tuned for our interview with the author which will be shared next week.
TW: Cremation, Corpse Abuse, Rape, Kidnapping, Domestic Violence, Basically all of them
0:00-1:00 intro
1:00-5:00 First 4 pages of the book - why did Sally try to cremate her own father
5:00 Is t...
Ask Us Anything
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The episode you asked for! Ask us anything from politics, to religion, to love languages, to books we DNF. No show notes because we want you to be surprised.
To prepare for the next few weeks make sure to read:
Strange Sally Diamond By Liz Nugent
The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens
This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead
Snag your copies here!
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thecreepybookclub
https://www.thecreepybookclub.com/
Support the show
<...The Women by Kristin Hannah
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Only weirdos like us see The Women by Kristin Hannah as a palette cleanser.
Show notes:
0:00-2:00 Intro
2:00-4:00 Intro to the characters and gender role chat
4:30 The way Frankie's dad discounted her service
5:00 Barb and Ethel and how women show up for one another
6:00-7:30 The setting, the smells
8:00 Interview with a nurse who had experience in Vietnam
9:00 Letters to the soldiers parents and how Vietnam wasn't that long ago
11:00 Types of death from...
A Killing Cold By Kate Alice Marshall and a discussion on the ultra wealthy
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A full spoiler discussion on A Killing Cold By Kate Marshall and a bigger discussion on religion, the ultra wealthy and the Murdaugh family.
TW: Abortion, suicide, murder, child abuse
0:00-2:00 Basic review and the setting
3:00 Theo's back story and meeting Connor
4:00 The non twist twist
4:30 The abortion story and religion
5:30-7:30 Are we christians? No love like Christian hate
8:00 Why doesn't Ashley know how to read books?
9:00 Theo as a smart and strong female character
12...
Part 2- The Idaho Follow Up Episode
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Today we drop part II of our "what happened at the Idaho town hall?" episode where we answer your questions and respond to your comments
0:00-2:00 Ashley's Idaho story
3:00-4:00 Introduction to today's episode and Emily's thoughts
4:00 What is one of Emily's biggest pet peeves
4:30 Idaho murder documentary
7:00 Fight/flight/freeze and that is "just Northern Idaho"
10:00 Hate comments
13:00 "If you just follow the rules"
14:00 A personal story from the event
17:00 The power of fear<...
Part 1 The - "Why Didn't Anyone Help Her?" Idaho episode.
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Emily and Ashley get into the "why didn't anyone help her" event in Idaho and the bystander effect. We encourage you to listen to this episode and share it with a friend. We are better together, especially as women.
Please head to the chat and ask your questions and drop comments for a follow up episode
TW: Violence, Domestic Violence
https://www.patreon.com/chats/184564adfbce4c188055f0d32897533a
Show notes:
0:00-1:00 Intro
1:00 Ashley’s favorite current tikto...