Normal Gossip

Holiday Bonus: That's Fourth Wing, Baby!

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've got a present for you from our secret feed vault! Rachelle, Kelsey, and Brandy gather over a bottle of wine to discuss Rebecca Yarros' FOURTH WI...

Monster-in-Law with Chelsea Devantez

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea Devantez joined us for a story about a family with enough money to buy anything they want—except another one-of-a-kind heirloom hutch. Follo...

Legally Binding Meddling with Jasper Wang

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Defector's own Jasper Wang joins us to explore what happens when the people selling you their house have a few extra conditions. Subscribe to our new...

All Dogs Go To Therapy with Carvell Wallace

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carvell Wallace joins us for a tale of neighborly revenge involving fences, motion sensor lights, and a certain infamous app. Subscribe to our newsle...

Forks Out with Tracy Clayton

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You know we had to find a special story to celebrate the return of Tracy Clayton! This week's tale involves a big family, a cabin in the woods, and th...

Anne Rice's Email With A Vampire with Mike Rugnetta

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Rugnetta graciously accepted our invitation to a vampire ball in New Orleans. Follow Mike on Instagram here. Listen to his podcast Never Post her...

Love Is Blind with Malala Yousafzai

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to season NINE of Normal Gossip! We're kicking off the season with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and a story about four college students on ...

Bonus Episode: Introducing Only If You Get Caught with Patrick Redford

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've got one more treat for you before we'll be back with more gossip next month! This is the first episode of Patrick Redford's new podcast Only If ...

Bonus Episode: Try Hard with Erika Casupanan

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re bringing you an episode of Try Hard,a new podcast hosted and produced by one of our very own dowager queens of gossip, Alex Sujong Laug...

Bonus Episode: Rat Kings and Emotional Support Eggs with Sabrina Imbler

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's treat: an episode from our secret feed vault. If you'd like to get in on these monthly extra episodes, subscribe as a Friend or a Friend-of-a-...

Bonus Episode: A Beautiful Gossip Ouroboros

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise! In today's bonus episode, Alex Sujong Laughlin and Patrick Redford join Rachelle for some delectable morsels of gossip and not one but TWO b...

Honeydew Farms with Shea Couleé

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It is the season 8 FINALE and we've got the iconic Shea Couleé here with us for a tale of love and ambition amongst polyamorous bee farmers. Watch Sh...

Heartbreak Glitch Loop with Brandy Jensen

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our editor Brandy Jensen joins us for a good old fashioned neighborly feud. Read Brandy's essay, which she wrote for the Yale Review, called the Poly...

Demented Little Tango with Vinson Cunningham

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vinson Cunningham accompanies us to a fancy private school where the parents tend to get a little too involved in the yearly fundraiser. Follow Vinson...

A United Nations of Red Flags with Sam Sanders

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Sanders returns for some gossip about a case of "accidental" love-bombing in a hostel. Follow Sam on Instagram here and check out The Sam Sanders ...

Devilish Horde of Pestilence with Nadira Goffe

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nadira Goffe comes with us to a shared rental house simmering with tension over roaches, cats, and a very special stew. Follow Nadira on Instagram her...

LARP Camp with Rebecca Jennings

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rebecca Jennings accompanies us to LARP Camp for a tale of dice, ghosts, and forbidden love. Pre-order Rebecca's book Be The Bombshell: What Love Isl...

The Most Ominous Bird with Alanna Bennett

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alanna Bennett joins us to explore what happens to you—physically and metaphysically—when you get into a fight with a magician. Subscribe to our ...

Reverse Heist with Jonquilyn Hill

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jonquilyn Hill hates pranks, which made her the perfect guest for today's tale of a townhouse torn apart by a prank gone wrong. Follow Jonquilyn on In...

Sluts for Paperwork with Yowei Shaw

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yowei Shaw joins us on [BLEEP] Island for a tale of volunteer firefighters, fancy snacks, and rampant nepotism. Follow Yowei on Instagram here and che...

The Couch and the Fuckboy with Scaachi Koul

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to season EIGHT of Normal Gossip! We're kicking off the season with Scaachi Koul and a story about the lengths you would go for a coveted couc...

Bonus Episode: Life as a New York Times Bestselling Author with Kelsey McKinney

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Popping into your feeds with a little treat! In today’s bonus episode, Kelsey joins Rachelle to answer all of our burning questions about her new bo...

Champagne, Capers, and Cuddle Parties with Se’era Spragley Ricks

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise! In today’s bonus episode, Se’era Spragley Ricks (Normal Gossip’s lead producer) joins Rachelle to dive into your questions, New Year’...

Holiday Bonus: Caked Up Spirit of Christmas

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's bonus episode, Rachelle and Kelsey discuss the cinematic experience that is 2015's The Spirit of Christmas. Warning: we could not stop talk...

The Suite Life of Rachelle and Kelsey

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you so much to some eagle-eyed listeners who alerted us to the fact that we mistakenly published an earlier version of this episode, which conta...

Family Lore Drop with Hrishikesh Hirway

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gossip skeptic Hrishikesh Hirway joins us for a deep dive into the history of a (close) family full of secrets, lies, and prophecies.Follow Hrishi on ...

It Was Never About the Figs with Caroline O'Donoghue

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Caroline O'Donoghue joins us from across the pond for a story about art collectors with too much time and money on their hands. Follow Caroline on In...

Hell in a Ham Bag with Carson Olshansky

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tis the damn season for hometown crushes! Carson Olshansky joins us for a story about running into your high school crush while holiday shopping. Fol...

New England Stolen Valor with Tobin Low

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tobin Low is back for a story about a mysterious lobsterman and his cousin and how he brought a community together during season one of lockdown. Fol...

The Bro Never Dies with Josh Gondelman

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Gondelman is BACK for a story about gross boys who love each other very much. Follow Josh on Instagram at @joshgondelman!Get tickets to Kelsey's...

Emotional Support Fruits with Samantha Irby

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our old friend Samantha Irby is back for a story about what could go wrong when you bring a wild animal into your home. Follow Sam on Instagram at @b...

Nepo Baby for Trash with Alex Sujong Laughlin

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our own Alex Sujong Laughlin joins us for a tale of petty thievery plaguing the Dept. of Sanitation during the most wonderful time of the year: Garbag...

Essential Oils and Illegal Casinos with Danielle Henderson

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When you cheat at bingo, the house always wins. Danielle Henderson joins us again for a story about how far parents will go to raise money for their k...

Forbidden Feline Fanfiction with Ashley Reese

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to season SEVEN of Normal Gossip! We're starting off the season strong with Ashley Reese and a story about a smutty fanfiction community. Chec...

Charcuterie Board of Gossip with Rachelle Hampton

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise! In today's bonus episode, Rachelle Hampton (Normal Gossip's best friend) joins Kelsey for a basketful of updates on gossips past. Spoiler w...

MFAs and Other Mistakes with Brittany Luse

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

The Wormhole of Sasha with Gabby Windey

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 overa...

Romancing the Stoned with Jenée Desmond-Harris

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Haunted and Constipated with Sonalee Rashatwar

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sonalee Rashatwar (they/he) joins us for an international story about families, inheritance, and haunting. Follow Sonalee on Instagram! PRE-ORDER KE...

Minder, the Finder, and the Grinder with Elise Hu

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 fr...

Sexy Mushrooms with Avery Trufelman

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Avery Trufelman of Articles of Interest joins us for a story about mushroom foraging, cultbrain, and greige athleisure. This is the mushroom video. C...

Ready to be Bunco-ified with Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays join us for a story where the protagonists find themselves, in the words of our submitter, "stuck in an inescapable...

The Joy of Being a Hater with Justin Ellis

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The editor becomes the edited this week because our editor Justin Ellis is joining us for a story about indoor children's playgrounds and the Facebook...

All the World is Rollerblades with Marlena Rodriguez

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode features daddy issues, rollerblades, and comedian Marlena Rodriguez! Some of you will remember her from our Los Angeles live show....

A Beautiful Blood Celebrity with Ronald Young Jr.

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are back and pettier than ever with season 6! We're joined by our Radiotopia colleague and host of Weight for It Ronald Young Jr. for a story about...

Normal Gossip Investigates: The Poop Story

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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? Gu...

A little announcement 🐥

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Splitting the Dog Vote with David Roth

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Getting Frisky at the Black Rose with Erika Casupanan

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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! ...

Dog Salon Divas with Hayes Brown

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Norma...

Rich Mom Razzle Dazzle with Maitreyi Anantharaman

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Weedsgiving with Zakiya Gibbons

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

"Emily in Paris" Meets "Parasite" with Amanda Montell

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Should've Said No to the Ceviche with Sarah-Violet Bliss

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

25 Bridesmaids and an Empath with Jasmine Ellis

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Teenage Cop Camp with Josie Duffy Rice

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 joi...

Vodka Sommelier Bullshit with Katie Barnes

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Bonus Episode: Sexy Hide-And-Seek at the Shakespeare Festival with Brydie Lee-Kennedy

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Surprise! The Plant Story 🪴

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Family Mealworms with Patrick Redford

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

'Til Deb Do Us Part with Caroline Moss and Sally Tamarkin

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Murder Binders and Unthinkable Burgers with Mariah Smith

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 to...

The CHAIR SAGA with Hannah Giorgis

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 fr...

Vigilante Renovation with Jasmine Guillory

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Processing Our Michael Phelps Trauma with B.A. Parker

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ho...

Is Mythology Just Gossip? With Liv Albert

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, B...

I Love All Corgis with Dr. Eve L. Ewing

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 te...

The Only Single Girl at Disney with Blythe Roberson

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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! ...

Every Peach is a Miracle with Samin Nosrat

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 forbidde...

S3 Ep9: Big Business Announcement Episode (new partner and new season!!!)

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S3 Ep8: Steampunk-Ass Murder Mystery with Tuck Woodstock

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

S3 Ep7: The Science Behind Gossip with Eshin Jolly

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 Affec...

S3 Ep6: In Defense of Children with Youngmi Mayer

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 flus...

S3 Ep5: You Can't Fight with Heiress Tongue with Matt Bellassai

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

S3 Ep4: Christmas is Cancelled with Laurel Bristow

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're thrilled to welcome everyone’s favorite guide to infectious diseases, Laurel Bristow. She's the program director for Emory’s TB Research Adv...

S3 Ep3: Loud Cats and Thin Walls with Sabrina Imbler

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 apar...

S3 Ep2: The Adventures of Flat Margaret with Jessica Goodman

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Jessica Goodman joins us for a tale of a One Direction concert weekend gone wrong.  Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessicagoodman and buy her...

S3 Ep1: Righteous Lesbian Energy with Samantha Irby

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 presi...

S2 Ep10: Poledancing, book clubs, and gay men's chorus: Your niche gossip

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S2 Ep9: Telephone Game with Alex and Justin

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 gos...

S2 Ep8: Conflict Archaeology with Julia Furlan

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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-Frien...

S2 Ep7: Dishing in the Confessional with Emma Eun-joo Choi

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 lon...

S2 Ep6: Podcast Famous with Brian Park

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian and host of Feeling Asian Brian Park makes the case for just sending that risky DM already.  You can support Normal Gossip directly bybuy...

S2 Ep5: Personality of a Tan Wall with Tobin Low

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

S2 Ep4: Short King of East Texas with Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 suppo...

S2 Ep3: Squirrel Enthusiast with Tracy Clayton

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 parent...

S2 Ep2: The Not-Quite-Magicians with Kalyn Kahler

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

S2 Ep1: Grandma's 'Best Friend' Dot with Danielle Henderson

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

S1 Ep10: Bonus #2: Your FAQ + Some BIG Announcements!

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

S1 Ep9: Season 1 BONUS: Your Family Gossip

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back with a special gossip treat for you! Kelsey is joined by Normal Gossip producer Alex Sujong Laughlin to react to YOUR family gossip stori...

S1 Ep8: Spot the Scammer with Claire Fallon and Emma Gray

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Claire Fallon and Emma Gray join us for our season 1 finale to hear about a girls trip gone horribly wrong. Follow Claire on Twitter @ClaireEFallo...

S1 Ep7: No One Tells Josh Gondelman the Good Gossip

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, comedian Josh Gondelman loves the gossip story we told him so much he compared it to O. Henry and Poe. Follow Josh on Twitter @joshgonde...

S1 Ep6: Nemesis by Proxy, with Delia Cai

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Senior Vanity Fair correspondent Delia Cai joins us to break down some real John Tucker Must Die shit. Follow Delia on Twitter @delia_cai. Epis...

S1 Ep5: Leave ‘em a Little Bit Broke, a Little Bit Mad with Laci Mosley

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

THE Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley, joins us in an adventure to the South where a group of sorority sisters teach us the first rule of Gossip Fight Club: n...

S1 Ep4: Always Google Your Neighbors with Megan Greenwell

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Megan Greenwell dishes some upstate woods gossip and we tell her about a mysterious, entrepreneurial neighbor. Follow Megan on Twitter at @megreenwel...

S1 Ep3: Can I Say Something Bitchy? With Rachelle Hampton

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rachelle Hampton, host of Slate’s ICYMI podcast, joins us to unravel the scandal brewing in a neighborhood knitting circle! Listen to ICYMI and f...

S1 Ep2: Dickmatized with Sam Sanders

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Sanders, Correspondent and host of NPR's "It's Been a Minute," joins us for our second episode! Join us as we hear a story good enough that it for...

S1 Ep1: Gossiptonin with Virgie Tovar

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Author, activist, and podcast host Virgie Tovar joins us for our first ever gossip story! Join us as we revel in a messy grad school cohort and go on ...

S1: You didn't hear this from me

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After two years where gossip has been hard to find, we decided it was finally time to create a space for the silly, strange, banal gossip we all know ...