It is the season 6 FINALE and we've got the amazing Brittany Luse here for a story about A-list authors, ill-advised MFAs, and pets in places where they shouldn't be. 

Listen to Brittany's podcast, It's Been a Minute, here! 

PRE-ORDER KELSEY'S BOOK, YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME, HERE!!!

Subscribe to our new newsletter for writing from Kelsey and Alex, blog recommendations, and bonus secrets! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) and Ozzy Llinas Goodman (@ozzy_llinas). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

We are joined this week by our gayest Bachelorette, Gabby Windey, for a story about queer love, polyamory, and a pair of *very* special tie-dyed overalls. 

Listen to Gabby's podcast, Long Winded with Gabby Windey. 

PRE-ORDER KELSEY'S BOOK, YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME, HERE!!!

Subscribe to our new newsletter for writing from Kelsey and Alex, blog recommendations, and bonus secrets! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) and Ozzy Llinas Goodman (@ozzy_llinas). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Alex and Jae spent the last month trying to find the source of a tale we first heard back in season two. Is the poop story gossip? An urban legend? Guerilla marketing perpetrated on us all by Big Toilet? All of the above?

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Popping into your feeds for a cute lil announcement — we are going on a mini tour this spring! Come see us in Dallas, Atlanta, Durham, and D.C.

Get your tickets: https://www.normalgossiplive.com/

If you want us to come to your city, fill out our zip code survey!

And we'll see you for our new season in April!

Sign up to hear Normal Gossip's next secret here.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Defector editor David Roth joins us for our SEASON FINALE! We're about to dive into the stupidest election drama you've ever heard.

If you love Roth, check out his podcast, The Distraction!

Sign up to hear Normal Gossip's next secret here.

Support Radiotopia's fall fundraiser!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade.

You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Emma Deshpande.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Survivor 41 winner Erika Casupanan joins us this week for a story about the perils of gossiping at work.

Listen to Erika's podcast, Happy to See Me!

Sign up to hear Normal Gossip's next secret here.

Support Radiotopia's fall fundraiser!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Libby Crowe.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Hayes Brown joins us to learn just how deranged the world of upscale dog grooming can be.

Follow Hayes on Twitter @HayesBrown.

Sign up to hear Normal Gossip's next secret here.

Support Radiotopia's fall fundraiser!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Emma Deshpande.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Our Defector colleague Maitreyi Anantharaman joins us for a story about private school moms taking a theater performance — and "urban dance" classes — too seriously.

Follow Maitreyi on Twitter @maitreyiaa.

Support Radiotopia's fall fundraiser!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Elizabeth Schmidt.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

This week, our pal Zakiya Gibbons joins us for a story about a Thanksgiving home rental gone horribly, horribly wrong.

Zakiya is the host and editor of Hang Up, a new reality dating podcast from Radiotopia! We are obsessed. Check it out!

Speaking of Radiotopia....support Radiotopia's fall fundraiser!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Vicki Bolf.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

We're going abroad for a long-awaited au pair adventure with writer and podcast host Amanda Montell!

Follow Amanda on Instagram @amanda_montell and make sure to pre-order her book, The Age of Magical Overthinking.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Madison Kambour.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia. Support Radiotopia's fall fundraiser!

TV writer and showrunner Sarah-Violet Bliss joins us for an evening of moral quandaries and infinite amounts of ceviche.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Recorder orchestra by Jenna Bull, Ellen and her husband Spence, Laura Cannon, Ian DeHaven, Natassia Perrine, Robert Beard, Bene Cordaro, Sasha Stone.

Credits read by Thang Pham.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia. Support Radiotopia's fall fundraiser!

Comedian Jasmine Ellis joins us for a tale about an absurdly large bachelorette party involving sardines, adult jocks, and an empathetic queen.

Follow Jasmine on Instagram at @jasmineelliscomedy.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Alli Guiney.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Jeneé Desmond-Harris joins us for a tale of patriotism, fire drills, and accidentally getting too stoned at the wrong time. 

Listen to Dear Prudence and follow Jenée on Twitter here. 

PRE-ORDER KELSEY'S BOOK, YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME, HERE!!!

Subscribe to our new newsletter for writing from Kelsey and Alex, blog recommendations, and bonus secrets! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) and Ozzy Llinas Goodman (@ozzy_llinas). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

What happens when you send a manic pixie dream girl to CSI summer camp? Journalist, writer, law school graduate, and podcast host Josie Duffy Rice joins us to find out 👀

Check out Josie's podcast: Unreformed: the Story of the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Zairé Hilliard.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

We are BACK for our fifth season! Get ready for 10 episodes of drama, scandal, and pettiness. This week, sports journalist Katie Barnes joins us for a story that brings us back to our high school days.

Buy Katie's book, Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates, and follow them on Twitter @katie_barnes3.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Credits read by Jennie Vildzius.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

We're releasing an episode from our secret feed vault to give you a taste of what you can get each month as a Friend or Friend-of-a-Friend subscriber. Our guest, Brydie Lee-Kennedy, is a Friend-level subscriber who joined Kelsey on the secret feed last November to tell a harrowing story about a game of sexy hide-and-seek gone wrong.

If you loved Brydie's story, make sure to check out her novel, Go Lightly!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade.

You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our associate producer. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Happy summer! We’re popping in with a little summer surprise: the recording from our December 2022 live show in Washington, D.C., with Brittany Luse!

This is a different story than the one we’re telling on our tour this summer. If you want to get tickets to the tour, there are still seats available!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our associate producer. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Friend of the show and fellow Defector comrade Patrick Redford is on the public feed for the first time! This week, we're talking about ~intentional living communities and their alternative sources of protein.

Follow Patrick on IG @patrickredford

PSA: This is the season four FINALE! We're going to take a quick break to tour around the country (see you there?!) and then we'll be back for season 5.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Mack Mashburn.

Sally Tamarkin and Caroline Moss get extremely triggered in this episode about a chill bride and her blissfully oblivious wedding weekend.

PSA: This is the ninth of ten episodes this season! Get ready babes!!!!

Follow Sally on Twitter @sallyt and follow Caroline on IG @geethanksjustboughtitpod

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Crystal Mendoza.

Mariah Smith joins us for a true crime adventure.

PSA: This is the EIGHTH of ten episodes this season!

Get your tickets to the Normal Gossip live tour here.

Follow Mariah on IG @mariahmariahmariah

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Sarah King.

The esteemed Hannah Giorgis returns for a tale about what happens when your cousin is too rich for your own good.

Many of you will remember Hannah from our D.C. live shows last winter! Follow Hannah on IG @hannahgiorgis

PSA: This is the SEVENTH of ten episodes this season!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Lex Rountree.

Jasmine Guillory joins us for a tough lesson in bro friendships.

PSA: This is the sixth of ten episodes this season!

Get your tickets to the Normal Gossip live tour here.

Follow Jasmine on IG @jasminepics

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Rebecca Vitkus.

B.A. Parker takes a trip back in time to a community pool in the South that has some major logistical issues.

Parker is a freelance writer and the host of NPR's Code Switch podcast! Follow Parker on Twitter @aparkusfarce.

PSA: This is the FIFTH of ten episodes this season! We're halfway, baby!

Get your tickets to the Normal Gossip live tour here.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Olivia Beres.

Sonalee Rashatwar (they/he) joins us for an international story about families, inheritance, and haunting. 

Follow Sonalee on Instagram! 

PRE-ORDER KELSEY'S BOOK, YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME, HERE!!!

Subscribe to our new newsletter for writing from Kelsey and Alex, blog recommendations, and bonus secrets! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) and Ozzy Llinas Goodman. Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Liv Albert joins us to ponder the age-old question: follow your dreams, or follow the money?

Liv is the host of the podcast Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! and the author of the books Greek Mythology and Nectar of the Gods.

PSA: This is the fourth of ten episodes this season!

Get your tickets to the Normal Gossip live tour here.

Follow Liv on IG @livalbert.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Czarina de la Torre

One of you monsters made Dr. Eve L. Ewing cry by sending us a curséd PowerPoint presentation from a dog Facebook group.

PSA: This is the third of ten episodes this season!

Get your tickets to the Normal Gossip live tour here.

Follow Eve on IG @eve.ewing. This is the New Yorker article we talked about by Rachel Aviv.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Steven Sandberg.

Blythe Roberson joins us for a story about how wrong a group text can go at Disney World.

Blythe's new book America the Beautiful? is out next week!

This is the second of ten episodes this season, which will release every Wednesday for the next nine weeks!

Follow Blythe on IG @blythelikehappy.

Get your tickets to the Normal Gossip live tour here.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Taylor Soucy.

We are back for season 4! Samin Nosrat (author of Salt Fat Acid Heat and host of Home Cooking) joins us for a tale about fruit, #vanlife, and forbidden love.

This is the first of ten episodes this season, which will release every Wednesday for the next nine weeks!

Follow Samin on IG @ciaosamin.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Diana Moskovitz is our story editor. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Jae Towle Vieira is our production assistant. Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Credits recorded by Marielle Cabe.

We're back with some big announcements and answers to your questions, like: 

• Where have you been?
• Who is your new partner?
• What does it mean that you have a new partner? 
• What will change about the podcast?
• Will you please have a live show in my city pleasseee?
• WHEN ARE YOU COMING BACK

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.
 
Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Gender Reveal host and producer Tuck Woodstock joins us for an epic love story from another time .... the early aughts. 

Follow Tuck on Twitter @tuckwoodstock.

Get your tickets to our live show in D.C. at Sixth & I here! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here. 

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Credits recorded by Theodore Sidell. 

Dr. Eshin Jolly joins us this week to teach us about the science of gossiping!!! Eshin is a post-doctoral researcher in the Computational Social Affective Neuroscience Laboratory at Dartmouth College. 

Follow Eshin on Twitter @Eshjolly. 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Credits recorded by Ben Sattinger. 

Comedian and host of Feeling Asian and Hairy Butthole Youngmi Mayer joins us to get to the bottom of a decades-old crime haunting one family: WHO flushed the hot dog down the toilet? 

Follow Youngmi on Instagram @ymmayer.

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Law & Order sound effect created by Mike Post.

Credits read by Jessie Xiao. 

Comedian, writer, and host of Unhappy Hour Matt Bellassai joins us for sojourn into the messy world of queer kickball leagues! 

Follow Matt on Instagram @mattbellassai. 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.



Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Thanks to Georgie Du for reading the credits.

We're thrilled to welcome everyone’s favorite guide to infectious diseases, Laurel Bristow. She's the program director for Emory’s TB Research Advancement Center and she's the first Laurel to be on the show! 

Follow Laurel on Instagram @laurel__bristow.

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.



Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Credits recorded by Jenn Pritchard.

Elise Hu joins us for a tale of startup bros and the hermit crabs that come between them. 

Buy Elise's book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital. 

PRE-ORDER KELSEY'S BOOK, YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME, HERE!!!

Subscribe to our new newsletter for writing from Kelsey and Alex, blog recommendations, and bonus secrets! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) and Ozzy Llinas Goodman. Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Defector staff writer and creature correspondent Sabrina Imbler joins us for a story about the lives we lead on the other sides of extremely thin apartment walls. 

Follow Sabrina on Twitter @aznfusion and pre-order their book, How Far the Light Reaches! 



You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Credits recorded by Emma Waldner.

Writer Jessica Goodman joins us for a tale of a One Direction concert weekend gone wrong. 

Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessicagoodman and buy her books! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Credits by Shira Belén Buchsbaum.

Welcome to season 3! We're kicking it off with writer and comedian Samantha Irby for a story about a misguided move to the South and a rogue HOA president. 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

We've been waiting for your niche gossip all season, and you delivered! Five stories of clubs, communities, and small towns, just for you.

Content warning: We always say that no animals are harmed in our stories, but Alex was tired when she picked these and didn't realize that there are actually two harmed animals in these stories -- one dog who dies (off-screen) and one cat who dies. Please forgive, we will learn from our mistakes. We love animals!

Episode transcript here.

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). 

Alex and Justin spent season 2 playing a little game of telephone with the guests....and kept Kelsey out of the loop. Join us to hear how much one gossip story can change from person to person.

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). 

Julia Furlan joins us for a pandemic wedding saga.

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). 

Comedian, writer, and host of NPR's Everyone & Their Mom, Emma Eun-joo Choi, joins us for a story about teenage love that went on way, way too long. 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). 

Comedian and host of Feeling Asian Brian Park makes the case for just sending that risky DM already. 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Tobin Low (Nancy, This American Life, Radiolab) joins us for a romantic (?) tale about hourly work and spilled milk. 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Who Weekly's Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger join us for a story about a dad's mid-life crisis and the friends he meets along the way. 

You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com. 

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Avery Trufelman of Articles of Interest joins us for a story about mushroom foraging, cultbrain, and greige athleisure. 

This is the mushroom video. Click at your own risk. 

PRE-ORDER KELSEY'S BOOK, YOU DIDN'T HEAR THIS FROM ME, HERE!!!

Subscribe to our new newsletter for writing from Kelsey and Alex, blog recommendations, and bonus secrets! 

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs) and Ozzy Llinas Goodman. Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.

Show art by Tara Jacoby.

Normal Gossip is a proud member of Radiotopia.

Tracy Clayton joins us this week to affirm her hatred of squirrels, and also to judge who is truly the villain in a group of busybody preschool parents.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Defector’s Kalyn Kahler decides whether this week’s story is about a benevolent business owner with boundary issues — or a cult.

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Welcome to season 2! This week, Danielle Henderson joins us for a prime piece of vintage gossip that will knock your wayfarers off.

Get tickets to the Normal Gossip live show at Caveat in NYC on June 1 here!

You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).

Kelsey and Alex answer your most burning questions: How do we make the show? Why did we take a break? WHEN IS SEASON 2 STARTING?

Plus, some big announcements!

Become a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com .

Episode transcript here.

Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.

Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs).