Lessons From Sweet Valley

17/02/2021

📖 ✏️ SCHOOLS OUT FOR SEMESTER BREAK!! 🖇📓

Yes, that's right, "Lessons From Sweet Valley" is going on “semester break!!” Get all the info about what this means and why the decision was made on a special episode of the podcast (available now!!). Also, YES, the podcast will be back in session in the future to bring you lots more lessons and even more eye rolling moments.

Thank you all for being the best listeners a gal could ask for and I can't wait until we are reunited back in the halls of Sweet Valley High! 🌴☀️

xoxo, Kat

04/02/2021

🌴☀ NEW EPISODE 🌴☀

Ken Matthew’s procrastination gave me and my film school classmate Luz Gipson some major anxiety flashbacks on episode, “Book 27 - Lovestruck.” We’ve ALL been there right?! 😫

Also a very relatable situation ensues when Ken goes to an art house movie and is shocked by the reactions of his fellow moviegoers, including Sweet Valley College film student Mark Andrews (an all too familiar film school personality). Listen at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧

PS.. Has anyone seen “The Seventh Seal?” If so, reviews requested in the comments!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-27-lovestruck-w-luz-gipson/id1498256004?i=1000507560064

27/01/2021

Is Jessica Wakefield part Alexis Rose and part Elizabeth Jennings?? My guest Bettina Treviranus ( ) thinks so! Listen to episode “Book 26 - Hostage!” to hear why. 🎧

Available wherever you get your podcasts!

21/01/2021

On episode “Book 26 - Hostage!,” my guest Bettina Treviranus shares the mystery books she loved as a kid (any Trixie Belden fans out there?), and then we break down Sweet Valley’s own mystery: the overly complicated kidnapping of the Morrow family. Also discussed are the info dumps that are Sweet Valley High Chapter 1's and how they relate to the television recaps that Bettina and I edit as part of our jobs.

Listen at the link below, or wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧

https://www.buzzsprout.com/855232/7377349

07/01/2021

It’s the young adult series appreciation episode! First time YA author, Spencer Hall, shares what he looks for in young adult books and talks the perils of DNF Goodreads reviews. In the world of Sweet Valley, we discuss Emily Mayer’s very aptly named stepmother, Karen, and I get a bit ragey at Mr. Mayer’s parenting skills, or lack thereof. 😠

There are also many questions about “The Droids” (just what goes down at these band practices anyway?), and Ned Wakefield’s parents visit from Michigan (shout out to the Midwest listeners out there!). 🌽

Enjoy at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-25-nowhere-to-run-w-spencer-hall/id1498256004?i=1000504574625

30/12/2020

I’ve read 24 Sweet Valley High books for the podcast this year and have ranked my official Top 3 of 2020!! 🎊 Click right to see which ones made the list and why. Here’s to more SVH in 2021! 👩‍🦳👱🏻‍♀️🥂

28/12/2020

My guest Maria Zlotorzynska brings some Canadian realness to the podcast this week. We talk high school portrayals in Canadian vs. American media (any Degrassi fans out there??), and how that shaped her perception of what high school was like in the US (unfortunately, we are not all going to beach discos). ☀️⛱💃

We also talk, “Book 24 - Memories,” which appears to be the conclusion of the tragic Tricia Martin Saga. There is the continued presence of many meddling siblings which annoys us both (we’re looking at you Jessica, Elizabeth and Betsy), but the appearance of Todd 2.0 and a very well written volleyball sequence lighten things up a bit. 👍👍

Check it out at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-24-memories-w-maria-zlotorzynska/id1498256004?i=1000503393215

17/12/2020

Just a couple sisters on vacation with their respective reading material (and me wearing socks with Birkenstocks 😎). After a fair amount of google image searching, I discovered this one is “Sweet Valley Book #114 - ‘V’ is for Victory.”

10/12/2020

My guest this week, Adina Verson, and I were a part of a self created, six person, junior high club called PALS (photo evidence attached). However, much like Elizabeth and Todd in episode, “Book 23 - Say Goodbye,” we were all shook when Adina moved away in high school!! 😢😩

Listen to the episode as we break down why it’s not necessary to rush through the stages of grief (we’re talking to you Jessica!), and cringe at the all too real female apology culture.

Also, on a less serious note, Jessica is working at a Matchmaking service and she’s got some great picks for Steven!! Love is in the air!.... Or is it?? ❤️🧡💜

Available wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧

02/12/2020

An elaborate high school talent show takes center stage in episode “Book 22 - Too Much In Love.” What are your memories of high school talent shows?? Bonus points if you've performed in one! 🎤🩰🎸

27/11/2020

This cartoon, by guest Dana Maier, is such a sweet representation of “Book 22 - Too Much In Love.” DeeDee Gordon is consumed by her fear of losing her boyfriend Bill Chase and let me tell you, I have BEEN THERE! There are some solid lessons in this episode, including the importance of extracurricular activities, even when you’re a grown up! 🎾⛳️🎹🧩📖

Available wherever you get your podcasts!!

26/11/2020

For those who are celebrating Thanksgiving and those who are not, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for YOU, dear listeners and guests of the podcast. This has been such a fun journey, especially during this crazy year, and it’s made even more enjoyable with all of you!! Thanks for for all the laughs, eye rolls, and nostalgic reflections as we revisit Sweet Valley together!! 💛💛💛

17/11/2020

I love this e-book edition forward from Francine Pascal. It puts into words why so many of us loved, and continue to love, the Sweet Valley High series. ❤️

FYI, the entire series is amazingly included in a Kindle Unlimited subscription! Otherwise, they are usually around $2.99. A small price to pay for those “who want to lose themselves in the world of Sweet Valley, the fantasy of the eighties, and the best high school no one every went to.” 😎

12/11/2020

⭐️⭐️ NEW EPISODE ⭐️⭐️

Are those little Jessica and Elizabeths in those photos?? Nope, it’s Kelly Keemer, my guest on episode, “Book 21 - Runaway,” and her sister, Courtney. I mean, how cute are they!?? ❤️❤️

Listen to get the true twin perspective on Jessica’s angst and if it is indeed justified. We also both break form and come for Elizabeth (I mean someone has to!). 😝

Available wherever you get your podcasts!!

06/11/2020

In episode, “Book 20 - Crash Landing (w/ Kat’s Grandparents),” my Grandpa reminisces about the drink TaB, along with its subsequent controversy. Does anyone remember this soda, a frequent Dairi Burger order of the SVH crew??

Some fun facts about TaB…🤓

- TaB was created in 1963 by the Coca Cola company as its first diet drink, and was marketed to customers who wanted to keep “tabs” on their weight. 🙄
- In the early 1970s, studies on laboratory rats linked high volumes of saccharin with the development of bladder cancer. This led to a warning label having to be put on any product containing saccharin, including TaB. HOWEVER, TaB was still the #1 selling diet soda of 1982.
- BUT, also in 1982, Diet Coke also introduced which slowly started to reduce the soda’s popularity.
- In 2000, in the absence of further evidence that saccharin caused cancer in humans, the warning label requirements were repealed.
- As part of their efforts to scale back on under-performing brands, Coca-Cola announced that it will stop producing tab in December 2020. So get it while you can!!! 🥤😋

28/10/2020

✈️✈️ NEW EPISODE ✈️✈️

Who would have thought that my grandparents, Jack and Marilyn Thomas, would have so much to relate to in “Book 20 - Crash Landing?” From falling in love in high school, to being the parents of twins, to Enid’s wheelchair woes, they bring their witty banter that comes with being married for 67 years. ❤️

Also, the case for why boring guys might make the best husbands and much more! Listen wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧

28/10/2020

Feedback is already in on this weeks episode!! 😆

20/10/2020

A recurring theme with podcast guests is that Sweet Valley High shaped their visions of what high school could be like, and they were often, if not disappointed, surprised at the actual reality. 😲

What about you all? How did SVH shape your expectations of high school? What element of SVH was missing from your High School experience? 📒🏫

I mean, there at least had to be at least one cute, Mr. Collins type teacher in most schools right? 🧑‍🏫

15/10/2020

💥💥 NEW EPISODE 💥💥

In episode “Book 19 - Showdown,” me and, SVH fan, Kelsey Cox break down the multiple bad decisions made, and the red flags ignored as Jessica and Lila fight over the alluringly mysterious Jack (no last name 🚩).

Kelsey also praises Lila’s sick burn towards Jessica (hint...it has to do with a certain traitorous historical figure), and I am fascinated by the buffet spread at Lila’s party (so many dips!!).

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!! 🎧

06/10/2020

⭐️⭐️ LFSV - EXTRA CREDIT!! ⭐️⭐️

Regina was faced with a tough decision this week on episode, “Book 18 - Head Over Heels.” It had my guest Kate and I thinking about what is necessary in order to confidently make a decision that is right for you, AND how challenging that can be when you are receiving conflicting outside messages.

Help Regina out y’all!! What are some of the steps that you take before making a challenging decision?

01/10/2020

❤️❤️ NEW EPISODE 💔💔

When me and my guest Kate Boisseau lived together in our 20s, we both had our share of romantic highs and lows (where would we be without the support of our friends ❤️❤️), so we empathize with the big emotions of Regina and Bruce in episode, “Book 18 - Head Over Heels.” Give it a listen to hear our opinions about Bruce’s magical ability to “change” and if we think it will last.

Also, Kate diagnoses Jessica as a “drama addict” which I think might be the most accurate statement ever said on the podcast. 🎭

Available wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧

23/09/2020

Reading was such a refuge for me growing up so I loved hearing my guest on episode, "Book 17 - Love Letters", middle schooler Dorothy Mason, share some books that she has enjoyed. Check out the guide below!! 📖🌎

1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. Dorothy LOVED this book and has read it twice!

2. The “Harry Potter” series. Recent comments by J.K. Rowling have tainted Dottie's feelings towards this initially loved series. Something that I’m sure many young and adult fans are grappling with right now.

3. “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult . Another book Dorothy enjoyed and even compared its main character to Caroline Pearce in “Love Letters.”
“The only problem is that the main character in…[Nineteen Minutes]...turned out to be a school shooter.”
Wow, a reality that kids of today face that was never in the lexicon of Sweet Valley.

4. “Warriors” books by Erin Hunter. When I asked Dottie if she read any sort of equivalent to the SVH series, she mentioned the “Warriors” books which detail the adventures of several clans of wild cats. There are even spin-off series’ and super editions!

5. “Pinklicious” - The Wakefield twins are compared to this precocious five year old who always gets what she wants.

What books influenced you in your young years??

17/09/2020

⭐️⭐️ NEW EPISODE ⭐️⭐️

Did I have more important things to do this morning then create a fake page for Caroline’s fake boyfriend Adam? Perhaps? 🤔 But nothing comes to mind. 😜

Check out this week’s episode, “Book 17- Love Letters,” where my guest, actual middle schooler(!) Dorothy Mason and I discuss what decade would be more challenging to create a fake boyfriend, 1980 or 2020?? What do you think?

Episode available on itunes or wherever you get your podcasts! ☀️🌴

10/09/2020

This has been one of my favorite moments on the podcast so far! When sharing our final lessons on episode, “Book 16 - Rags to Riches,” my cousin CJ Thomas and I invoke the same quote from a reality TV legend (and I subsequently loose my mind 😂😂).

See the full episode on itunes below or wherever you get your podcasts!!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lessons-from-sweet-valley/id1498256004

03/09/2020

💸💵 NEW EPISODE 💵💸

My guest CJ Thomas and I may have been co-conspirators among the Thomas cousins, but unlike a certain twin in episode, “Book 16 - Rags to Riches,” we only used our influence for good 😇😇.

We also discuss Roger’s complicated legal situation, Bruce’s choice of swimwear and yet another confrontation in the Sweet Valley Country Club coatroom!!

Available wherever you get your podcasts!!

25/08/2020

20/08/2020

☀️☀️ NEW EPISODE ☀️☀️

In episode, “Book 15 - Promises,” my guest Donna Wierzbicki and I get into how SVH shaped our dreams of what High School could be. From beach discos to gossiping sorority girls to sensitive artists/brown belts who will fight for our honor, us midwestern gals were set up for disappointment.

Also, Jessica is terrible as usual 😫….. Just another day in Sweet Valley. 😎

Available wherever you get your podcasts!!

11/08/2020

OK, let’s talk ya’ll! How are we feeling about Todd so far?

His portrayal in the books can vary greatly so my podcasts guests often have varied opinions. Where do you stand? Yay or Nay?? 👍👎

06/08/2020

☀️🌴 NEW EPISODE 🌴☀️

Little did I know that my guest, TV editor Mike Berg, was the owner of a “hacker” hat in his youth (recreated below). So he was the perfect guest to delve into the hacking subplot and all the computer talk in episode, “Book 14 - Deceptions.”

Meanwhile, in the main storyline, Elizabeth is filled with worry and dread anticipating her secret date with Nicholas Morrow. Hmmmm, probably a red flag... 🚩🚩🚩

Episode available wherever you get your podcasts!! 🎧

28/07/2020

You never know what you are going to find when you open a used Sweet Valley High book. I mean, we all had an “I ❤️ blank” at that age, am I right?

23/07/2020

This is the episode for all you crime fans out there! In episode “Book 13 - Kidnapped,” my true crime minded friend, Ashley R. Smith, and I break down the timeline of Elizabeth’s kidnapping, Todd’s violent rages and why it’s good to always have a friend like Max.

We also end the episode with a special look at why used books are so wonderful ❤️

16/07/2020

What bad promise does Elizabeth make? Will she listen to Mr. Collins' advice? Check out episode "Book 12 - When Love Dies" to find out!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-12-when-love-dies-w-emma-cozzi/id1498256004?i=1000483463207

08/07/2020

I truly enjoyed my conversation with Emma Cozzi discussing Steven Wakefield’s main storyline debut in episode “Book 11 - When Love Dies.” Tragedy can strike even in Sweet Valley and we both agree that the series is better with some real life problems every once in a while.

And just in case you were worried about Mr. Collins' teaching status after the last episode, he is back and better than ever with some stellar advice!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-12-when-love-dies-w-emma-cozzi/id1498256004?i=1000483463207

06/07/2020

📖 Book Recommendation!! 📖

OK SVH lovelies! I just finished a book that I think you all would love! About a quarter into it, I was blown away by the parallel themes to the Sweet Valley books. This book is like if the Wakefield twins were transported to the modern era, amped up a bit and given some nuance (yes!).

“My Sister The Serial Killer,” by Oyinkan Braithwaite is the story of two sisters in Lagos, Nigeria. Korede is the older, responsible sister, and Ayoola is the wild free spirit who just happens to have the troublesome habit of killing her boyfriends 😱. While Jessica has not stooped to that level yet, Korede is often in the same position as Elizabeth in having to cover up for her sister’s bad behavior. In a plot right out of SVH Book 1, Ayoola starts to pursue a man that Korede has been harboring a secret crush on. Will Korede step in and try to save the man from her sister, potentially putting her jeopardy? The stakes have been raised!

This satire explores themes of sisterhood and the often complimenting contrasts between siblings. It's a humorous and heartbreaking world of social media images, Facebook stalking and blind irrational love. It is also a moving portrayal of the power of family and the length we will go to protect each other.

Overall, I think it makes a compelling read for any SVH fan out there!! Would love to hear if any of you read it and what you thought!!

- Kat

03/07/2020

💥💥SVH vs. BSC💥💥

From the guests that I’ve had on the podcast so far, it seems like growing up you were either a Sweet Valley person or a Baby-Sitters Club person. For me, I read both but would lean more towards Sweet Valley. With The Baby-Sitters Club I would often skip the chapters that had to do with the actual babysitting jobs. 😝 Guess I was just there for the drama!...I did have a few of the Baby-Sitters Club dolls however. 😂

With premiering today, I am wondering, which one were you? BSC? SVH? Or Both?

02/07/2020

You are invited to Lila’s Sweet 16!!!

Some major confrontations (including one in a coat room) go down at Lila’s birthday party in episode “Book 11 - Too Good To Be True - Part 2.” Let’s end this Spring Break with a bang! (or a whimper, either one) Episode available now!

25/06/2020

Jessica and Elizabeth are split up (gasp!) across both coasts for Spring Break and some very cringe worthy exploits occur. My guest, filmmaker Holly De Ruyter, and I get into it all with lots of awkward laughter.

Also in honor of Sweet Valley High’s two week Spring Break (another way SVH was cooler than my high school), we are releasing episode “Book 11 - Too Good To Be True” in two parts over the next two weeks. Spring Break Baby!!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-11-too-good-to-be-true-part-1-w-holly-de-ruyter/id1498256004?i=1000479465868

17/06/2020

**BOOK 10 1/2 - EPILOGUE EPISODE**

Dave Walsh and I give a level of analysis typically reserved for more scholarly texts to figure out the final roster of the SVH cheerleading squad at the end of “Book 10 - Wrong Kind of Girl.”

Are we looking too much into this? Oh most definitely! But give this week's BONUS episode a listen and let us know what you think!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-10-1-2-epilogue-the-last-three-pages/id1498256004?i=1000478326326

11/06/2020

Episode “Book 10 - Wrong King of Girl,” has both a “reality show style” cheerleading audition (which I love) and a Beach Party Disco dance contest (which my friend and guest, Dave Walsh, loves). What more could you want?

Also up for discussion is Jessica’s relentless whipping of the votes to keep Annie Whitman off the cheerleading squad, and how gossip and rumors still rule the school at SVH. Yes, even you Elizabeth!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-10-wrong-kind-of-girl-w-dave-walsh/id1498256004?i=1000477484575

08/06/2020

May I present to you the poetic works of Miss Lila Fowler (truth be told, I don’t think I could have done much better in High School)! For Roger’s reaction to her masterpiece, listen to episode “Book 9 - Racing Hearts.”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-9-racing-hearts-w-joanna-veth/id1498256004?i=1000476000597