Show Notes
After catching up on Salt Lake City divorce drama and the mediocre manosphere that I believe contributed to it, we jump into a review of the psychological "horror" film, Obsession. An instant classic, Obsession tells the story of a cowardly man's choice to put his crush under a spell to love him, rather than muster the courage to express his feelings and accept whatever hers may be. His choice to force his will upon her has devastating consequences for her, for him, and their entire community, but his resolve to have her love him remains. The movie is layered and filled with clues about motivations and messages regarding both the characters and the script. It's a powerful cautionary tale about how quiet, polite, unassuming men can still be dangerous and how narcissism, patriarchy, and fear can warp understanding what love is and isn't.
Then, a review of the book Yesteryear, by Caro Claire Burke, another psychological ride. This one takes you into the mind of a "modern day trad wife" as her commitment to being a perfect, content generating, wife and mother plays out. With a fixation on a life mirroring that of the early frontier and wild west, Natalie, strives to project a specific image and aesthetic. Yet, she hides the unsavory truth of her hard forged reality, perhaps to herself most of all. While the main hook is Natalie suddenly waking up in the early 1800's, the book's observations on centering men, the roles women play to enable that illusion, and the high stakes of religious extremism, are also primary topics.
We close with my plug for a series of books that I've recently discovered, the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. The series begins by introducing a girl named Juliette as she's trapped in an asylum due to her dangerous supernatural powers. From there, it evolves into a dystopian, la resistance, self acceptance, enemies to lovers arc - with a love triangle. I'll do a more thorough review when I finish all the books! Both Yesteryear and Shatter Me are currently being adapted into theatrical releases.
TIMESTAMPS *approximate due to varying ad placement*: OBSESSON review begins at 13:23 YESTERYEAR begins at 48:43 SHATTER ME begins at 1:14:00
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Catching up on Season 7 of what is arguably the most entertaining Real Housewives franchise on Bravo for a nice break between deep dives. In the premier, the ladies set their petty differences aside to support Mary in her time of loss and through her decision to remain a cast member alongside women she refers to as family. We also meet Heather's new-old cheater boyfriend and get up to speed on three women currently leaving their sub-par husbands, and one who almost did. Across the episodes, heartfelt moments and hilarity ensue as the group delves into their personal struggles while also bickering about ridiculous perceived offenses. By episode three, we have props, wigs (both costume and incognito), accusations, and tears. It's pure joy. Season 7 is starting off strong.
Trigger Warning: Detailed discussion of multiple SA incidents.
Spoiler alerts are provided but listen at your own risk.