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“Lessons From Sweet Valley” is a podcast where we re-examine the Sweet Valley High series one book at a time and determine what lessons, if any, we can learn from them. Former SVH book nerd Kat Thomas will be joined by guests as they discuss the lives of twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield and all of Sweet Valley’s cast of characters through a modern lens. Episodes released every other Wednesday.
33 Episodes
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SCHOOLS OUT!! Yes, that's right, "Lessons From Sweet Valley" is going on semester break! Listen to Kat's honest thoughts about her decision and what the podcast has meant to her during these COVID times. Also, YES, the podcast will be back in session in the future to bring you lots more lessons and even more eye rolling moments. ---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans.&nb...
It’s the jock appreciation episode! Even though Kat and her guest, former film school classmate Luz Gipson, don't know much about football, they can heavily relate to SVH quarterback Ken Matthew’s writer’s block and procrastination techniques (so much anxiety!!!). They also discuss if opposites can truly attract and Luz tells a sweet story related to her favorite character (hint, it’s no one from the high school crew). ---We would love to hear from you!! You can ...
It’s time for a fun change of pace!! Something is up with Regina Morrow and the Sweet Valley Super Sleuth Team is ON IT! Kat’s guest, and mystery enthusiast from a young age, Bettina Treviranus, is impressed by how Jessica shines in this book and compares her craftiness to some surprising TV characters. Can a group of teenagers solve a kidnapping, and execute a simultaneous hostage rescue plan without the use of the Internet or cell phones? Listen to find out!! Previous episo...
It’s young adult author Spencer Hall’s first journey to Sweet Valley and he brings some great YA takes! He and Kat spend most of the episode with The Droids drummer Emily Mayer as she deals with an evil stepmother and a father who is perhaps the worst example of parenting so far (and that’s saying A LOT). The Wakefield grandparents are also in town, which thrills Elizabeth and Jessica, but causes some unrest in the family dynamics. Finally, the episode ends with a lovely sen...
Kat’s guest, SVH fan and Canadian, Maria Zlotorzynska proclaims her love for the TV show Degrassi and contrasts it with how high school is portrayed in American media. Meanwhile, in Sweet Valley, Steven and Elizabeth are haunted by the ghosts of relationships past and the adults are absent as usual. Plus, Steven is advised to attend less high school dances and more frat parties. Check out the other Steven Wakefield/Tricia Martin episodes:: Episode: Book 12 - When Love Dies (w/ Emma...
Kat and childhood (and adulthood) friend Adina Verson, reminisce about the six person club that they had in junior high and if it indeed had a purpose. Over in Sweet Valley, Jessica is disturbed by her siblings (very natural) feelings of grief and goes on a major matchmaking mission to “solve” their problems. Also, is Todd’s move actually the best thing for him??Find Adina on Instagram: @adinaversonwww.adinaverson.com---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on F...
This one is for all you sensitive artists out there! Kat and cartoonist Dana Maier speculate about DeeDee Gordon’s vague “design” class and empathize with her consuming fear of losing Bill. There is also the most involved high school talent show of all time (including the Todd Wilkins stand up routine that could have been), and all the cliche home alone tropes you could want. Check out Dana’s work on Instagram: @danajerimaier---We would love to hear from you!! You...
It’s the Jessica Wakefield appreciation episode!! Kat’s guest, blond haired, blue eyed, twin Kelly Keemer, makes the case for why she resonated with Jessica growing up. They also discuss Elizabeth’s questionable journalism ethics and what names you should NEVER call a twin (like EVER!). ---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and a...
Guests Jack and Marilyn Thomas met when they were the same age as the SVH crew. Now, after 67 years of marriage, they join Kat (their granddaughter) to discuss the glamorous, yet sometimes cruel, world of Sweet Valley. They also share their insights on parenting twins and we have our first mid-show vitals check!---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reac...
It’s a battle of the titans as Jessica and Lila fight over a construction worker with a mysterious backstory. Kat and, SVH fan, Kelsey Cox track their moves and wonder why these two are even friends in the first place? Also, the emergence of "feminist Jessica!" Follow Kelsey on Instagram and Tiktok! @kelseynicole24601---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please s...
Kat and her friend Kate Boisseau chat about Sweet Valley’s latest odd couple, Regina Morrow and Bruce Patman. Just how did these two get together in the first place?? They also break down two ridiculous fights and which SVH characters could really benefit from some therapy. ---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and any memo...
Ever wonder what a current middle schooler would think of the world of Sweet Valley High? Kat’s guest, Dorothy Mason, keeps it real and reveals what she believes to be the true emotional age of the Wakefield twins. They also discuss whether it would be more difficult to create a fake boyfriend in the 1980s or 2020s. ---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your fee...
Tragedy strikes Sweet Valley again this week and Jessica swoops in to cause chaos (as per usual). Kat’s cousin, endodontist CJ Thomas, shares his cryptic theories on Jessica and Elizabeth’s sibling relationship and predicts Roger’s future in the medical profession. They also experience a supernatural cousin connection when invoking the same quote to describe their “lesson.” **Follow CJ's daughter Scarlett on Instagram @dancemamasft---We would love to hear from you!! You...
We’ve got grieving and scheming in this week’s episode! Kat and SVH fan, Donna Wierzbicki, discuss Steven’s promise to Tricia and Jessica’s sociopathic lack of empathy. Also, the not so subliminal messaging that had both Kat and Donna ordering pizza while reading the book. ---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and any...
Elizabeth weaves a tangled web in this book! Kat and her guest, TV editor Mike Berg, discuss the many flavors of SVH deceptions and the absurdity that is Nicholas Morrow. Also, a wonderfully vague hacking subplot signals the dawn of the Computer Age in Sweet Valley---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and any memories you ...
Kat and horror scholar Ashley R. Smith delve into the first “thriller” of the series and discuss how kidnapper Carl stacks up against other infamous villains of our time. Plus, an unlikely clue sounds the alarm that Elizabeth is in trouble!! Follow Ashley on Instagram! @thefemalehorrorscholarThe movie we mention in our discussion about escaping is "Berlin Syndrome" (available on Netflix!). ---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instag...
Kat and Sweet Valley superfan Emma Cozzi explore Steven Wakefield’s first main storyline, and per the book’s title, it’s a bit of a tragic one. They also get honest about some dodgy SVH themes that may have influenced their young minds, and question why the twins are so absorbed in their brother's love life!? Follow Emma on Instagram! @thalassophilesque ---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nosta...
The Wakefield twin’s Spring Break takes a major dive in its second week. Kat and guest Holly De Ruyter are back to discuss the problematic events in the second half of this book where the East Coasters behave very badly! Is this the worst Spring Break ever? For information on Holly’s film about Wisconsin supper clubs visit: http://www.oldfashionedthemovie.com/---We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic commun...
It’s SPRING BREAK ya’ll!! Elizabeth and Jessica are separated for two whole weeks and shenanigans ensue. Kat and filmmaker Holly De Ruyter talk nostalgia, uncomfortable teenage seduction tactics and Mr. Collin’s questionable decision to leave his child alone with a stranger. But, hey, it was the 80's right? **NOTE - This is Part 1 of a two part Spring Break Edition podcast. Part 2 will be released next Wednesday. For information on Holly’s film about W...
Kat and Dave actually ended up a little confused about the final roster of the Sweet Valley High Cheering Squad. They dissect the last three pages of book 10, “Wrong Kind of Girl,” in this unedited analysis that didn’t make the final cut. If you are looking for a realtor on the north side of Chicago, you can contact Dave at Dave@CenterCoastRealty.com. ---Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoy the show you can rate or review us on itunes and also follow on Faceboo...
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