Bad On Paper Podcast: August 2025 Three Things – Detailed Summary
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Introduction
In the August 2025 episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter dive into their weekly "Three Things" segment, sharing personal highs and lows, discussing pertinent topics, and engaging in light-hearted activities. This episode balances heartfelt discussions with playful banter, providing listeners with both depth and entertainment.
Personal Highs and Lows
Olivia's High: Book Release Celebration [00:46 – 03:55]
Olivia shares the excitement of revealing her second book, Little One, during a COVID-themed reveal event. She expresses gratitude for the overwhelming positive response, particularly highlighting a heartfelt blurb from Amity Gage, a respected figure she has frequently featured on their podcast.
"It felt like almost there was more of a chance that people were like, I’m out. I don’t care. I know, here’s that amazing blurb."
— Olivia Mentor [02:34]
Despite battling imposter syndrome, Olivia appreciates the support and anticipates the book's positive reception.
Becca's High: Lake House Retreat and Connection [03:56 – 05:05]
Becca recounts a delightful summer weekend at her friend Natalie's lake house, emphasizing the serene boat excursions and vibrant community. A highlight was hosting a wine and cheese happy hour where Olivia made a guest appearance, enriching the experience.
"It just feels so different from my day to day life."
— Becca Freeman [04:38]
This annual tradition offers Becca a refreshing escape and strengthens her bond with Olivia.
Becca's Low: Food Poisoning Incident [05:05 – 06:38]
Contrasting the high, Becca reveals she suffered from food poisoning during the trip, leading to discomfort and missing out on a social gathering. However, she found solace in staying in, watching Summer I Turned Pretty with Natalie's dog.
"I don’t want to blame Natalie. This is not her fault."
— Becca Freeman [05:19]
Olivia's Low: Struggling with Discipline [06:38 – 09:19]
Olivia discusses feeling off her usual productive routine due to being between projects. The revelation of her book led her to spend excessive time online, impacting her discipline and exercise habits. She grapples with self-criticism but acknowledges the need to be kinder to herself.
"My low. But overall it’s been a very high week."
— Olivia Mentor [08:55]
Becca reassures Olivia, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks, especially during summer vacations.
Deep Dive into AI: Educational Impact and Consumer Implications
Exploring AI in Education [22:23 – 35:55]
Becca introduces Megan O'Rourke's New York Times opinion piece, "I Teach Creative Writing. And This is What AI is Doing to Students". The article examines a Yale professor's journey in integrating AI into her teaching, initially viewing it as a valuable tool for administrative tasks but eventually recognizing its detrimental impact on genuine human interaction and creativity.
"The act of care or intention is what makes meaning possible."
— Megan O'Rourke (Paraphrased)
— Becca Freeman [25:48]
Olivia resonates with the article, sharing her discomfort with relying on AI for personal communications and expressing concerns about AI replacing meaningful human connections.
AI's Unintentional Integration into Products [35:55 – 41:58]
Becca brings up Ted Goya's Substack article, "The Force Feeding of AI on an Unwilling Public", highlighting how companies bundle AI into their products without offering consumers the choice to opt-out. This strategy obscures the true profitability of AI features and forces unwanted integration, likening it to a "restaurant selling granite rocks for dessert."
"It's like a slow motion car crash because while we're sitting here thinking about all the benefits, everyone's ignoring everything we're losing."
— Olivia Mentor [29:09]
The discussion underscores the ethical implications of AI's pervasive presence in everyday tools and the need for consumer protection through legislation.
Face Shapewear from Skims: Redefining Beauty Standards
Product Overview and Critique [42:42 – 50:49]
Olivia introduces Skims' latest innovation: face shapewear designed to tighten and support facial features, humorously branded with collagen-infused yarns—an element Olivia skeptically dismisses.
"It's so disturbed to me."
— Olivia Mentor [43:57]
Both hosts express unease over the product's implications on beauty standards, attributing its boldness to the Kardashians' influential presence in the beauty industry. They debate the broader impact on societal perceptions of beauty and the perpetuation of unrealistic standards.
"It's fucking unhinged."
— Becca Freeman [50:46]
Interactive Segment: The Word Game
Attempting "Same Word Challenge" [52:37 – 58:01]
Seeking to add a playful element, Becca introduces a word association game where both hosts attempt to say related words simultaneously. Despite multiple attempts, the exercise proves challenging, highlighting the spontaneity required in such interactive games.
"It's really wild."
— Becca Freeman [57:42]
Though unsuccessful, the segment adds a touch of levity to the episode.
Labubus: The Latest Fashion Fad [58:12 – 67:18]
Becca and Olivia delve into the emerging trend of "Labubus," collectibles gaining traction in New York City. They explore its cultural significance, economic implications, and personal opinions on its place in modern fashion.
"It's a way for people to participate in an economic trend."
— Becca Freeman [63:43]
Olivia remains skeptical, questioning the trend's sustainability and its reflection of broader consumer behavior influenced by capitalism.
"We’re missing out on the world... it's all feels bad."
— Olivia Mentor [40:16]
The conversation touches on how such trends mirror deeper economic frustrations and offer accessible forms of participation compared to more substantial investments like the stock market.
Summer I Turned Pretty: A Cultural Examination [67:02 – 74:53]
Discussing the popular TV series Summer I Turned Pretty, Becca and Olivia analyze its current season, character developments, and the intense fandom discourse surrounding romantic plotlines. Becca highlights the show's emotional depth, especially scenes reflecting personal loss, while Olivia notes the polarized audience support for different characters.
"I'm scared for what will happen on the Internet if they changed the ending."
— Becca Freeman [71:27]
They also touch on the off-screen controversies surrounding cast members, which add layers to the show's reception and fan engagement.
Book Club Spotlight: Evening Reads
Current Pick: "Night in the Moth" by Rachel Gillig [80:25 – 83:50]
Becca announces the book club's next discussion topic, Night in the Moth, a romantasy novel praised for its atmospheric storytelling and unique romantic dynamics. She encourages listeners to participate and share their thoughts, building anticipation for deep literary conversations.
Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with Olivia promoting her novel, Little One, and both hosts inviting listeners to engage through their social media platforms and upcoming guest announcements.
"You can join us in the Facebook group @batonpaper podcast or on Instagram @batonpaper podcast."
— Olivia Mentor [83:50]
Becca shares her excitement for future episodes and book discussions, fostering a sense of community among the podcast's audience.
Notable Quotes
- "I'm feeling good." — Olivia Mentor [03:37]
- "It's breasts-like but it's for the face." — Olivia Mentor [42:55]
- "It's my third and final season." — Becca Freeman [67:05]
- "I love a haunted trinket." — Olivia Mentor [64:12]
Conclusion
This episode of Bad On Paper offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, critical discussions on AI and societal trends, and engaging interactions between the hosts. Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter provide insightful perspectives while maintaining an approachable and relatable dialogue, making the episode both informative and enjoyable for listeners.