Bad On Paper Podcast Episode Summary: May 2025 Three Things

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter

In the May 2025 Three Things episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter delve into their weekly highlights and challenges, explore emerging trends in literature, discuss captivating book covers, examine a recent controversy in the literary community, and share personal routines and favorite reads. This comprehensive episode offers listeners a blend of personal insights, cultural commentary, and engaging book discussions.

1. Highs and Lows

Becca Freeman’s High:
Becca shares her enriching week spent in Maine, highlighting a productive period where she focused on her book. "I was working on my book and it was really nice to be away from your environment and kind of all of the procrastination I can invent in my own house," she explains ([04:30]). This change of scenery allowed her to overcome writer’s block, particularly in rewriting a challenging chapter, fostering a renewed passion for her project.

Becca Freeman’s Low:
Contrasting her high, Becca recounts a frustrating ordeal with package pickups. She narrates, "I just, like, made myself a low this morning," referring to the stress of retrieving misdelivered packages ([08:28]). The experience was exacerbated by impending deadlines and poor customer service, leading her to reflect on the inefficiencies of delivery services.

Olivia Muenter’s High:
Olivia describes a joyful weekend hosting a party to celebrate the return of warm weather. "We had about 20 or 25 people. It's the most people we've had in our house. And it was just so, so much fun," she shares ([01:19]). The event included delightful moments like a midnight dance party and engaging conversations that extended into the early hours, leaving her feeling grateful and energized.

Olivia Muenter’s Low:
Following the party, Olivia experiences exhaustion. "I just felt. I don't like feeling this way on a Monday," she admits ([10:55]). The aftermath of hosting, including extensive clean-up and organizing, left her drained despite the enjoyable event.

2. Spin-Off Books: A Growing Trend

Becca introduces a notable trend in May’s book releases: spin-off novels centered around secondary characters from existing stories. She notes, "There's kind of these books that are coming out that weren't necessarily planned series, you know, like surprise spinoffs" ([14:27]). Examples include:

• "One Golden Summer" by Carly Fortune: Focuses on Charlie, the brother from Every Summer After.
• "Audrey and Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams: Centers on Audrey, the daughter from Seven Days in June.
• "Totally and Completely Fine" by Alyssa Sussman: Features the sister from Funny You Should Ask.

The hosts discuss their own desired spin-offs, expressing enthusiasm for expanding beloved literary universes. Becca wishes for a continuation of Wild Dark Shore, focusing on Fen’s return to a regular high school life ([16:41]), while Olivia adds interest in exploring the backstories of key characters like the mother in the same series ([19:42]).

3. Spotlight on Book Covers

The duo transitions to discussing standout book covers of the year, emphasizing their impact on readers’ choices.

Favorites:

• "The Colony" by Annika Norlin: Olivia appreciates the simplicity and striking imagery, "It is so simple. But like for some reason I find it so striking" ([22:28]).
• "Road to Tender Hearts" by Annie Hartnett: Known for its unique illustration style that captivates Olivia's attention ([23:17]).
• "Immortal" by Sue Lynn Tan: Celebrated for its vibrant colors and magical design, making it visually stunning ([23:17]).

Least Favored:

• Olivia expresses disdain for "arts and craftsy" covers, which she describes as "color splotches" lacking clear imagery ([24:57]). Becca agrees, citing the Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson as an example of an overdone abstract cover that doesn’t appeal to her taste ([25:19]).

The conversation highlights the balance between aesthetic appeal and the conveyance of a book’s essence through its cover design.

4. Glennon Doyle’s Substack Controversy

A significant portion of the episode examines the backlash surrounding Glennon Doyle’s recent move to Substack.

Background:
Glennon Doyle launched her Substack, rapidly gaining a substantial number of free and paid subscribers. However, this success sparked outrage both from within her existing fanbase and the broader Substack community. Critics argue that her presence oversaturates the platform, potentially overshadowing smaller creators.

Hosts’ Perspectives:

• Becca Freeman: Describes the situation as "kind of messed up," likening it to Liz Gilbert’s canceled book due to perceived propaganda ([34:08]). She criticizes the mob mentality targeting prominent figures who transition to platforms like Substack without carving their space organically.

• Olivia Muenter: Reflects on the misdirected anger online, understanding the frustration of smaller creators feeling overshadowed ([37:25]). She empathizes with the challenges faced by emerging writers while questioning the fairness of the backlash against established authors like Doyle.

Overall, Becca and Olivia advocate for a more supportive environment within the literary community, emphasizing the importance of allowing creators to utilize platforms like Substack to reach their audiences without undue criticism.

5. Cultural Commentary: The Today Show as a Boomer Family Fixture

Olivia introduces a theory that the Today Show’s main cast serves as an extended family for many in the boomer generation.

Key Points:

• Parasocial Relationships: Olivia observes, "It's almost like some of the first parasocial relationships before social media existed" ([49:28]). The consistent presence of host figures like Al Roker fosters a sense of familial connection among viewers.

• Family Conversations: The hosts share anecdotes of family members discussing Today Show personalities as if they were real relatives, highlighting the show's deep cultural integration ([47:46]).

• Influence and Longevity: Olivia expresses concern over the Today Show’s ability to adapt and maintain its influence, especially with potential changes in hosts. "The frequency with which they come up, I just... It's something that weighs heavily on my mind" ([50:10]).

Becca adds that the show's ability to pick books for Jenna’s book club has a significant impact on authors' successes, further cementing its role in viewers' lives.

6. Sleep Routines and Personal Wellness

The conversation shifts to discussing sleep habits and routines, highlighting how personal schedules impact overall well-being.

Becca Freeman:
Shares her experience of maintaining an earlier sleep schedule while in Maine, waking up naturally around 6:30 AM ([58:35]). She contemplates adopting a similar routine to enhance her productivity but recognizes the challenges of her current social commitments.

Olivia Muenter:
Describes her ideal sleep routine of being in bed by 9:00 PM and waking up naturally between 6:30 and 7:00 AM ([58:40]). She emphasizes the benefits of reading before sleep and minimizing screen time, though admits to inconsistencies due to social activities and hosting responsibilities.

The hosts exchange tips on establishing consistent sleep patterns, discussing obstacles like social gatherings that disrupt their routines and the importance of prioritizing rest for mental and physical health.

7. Party Planning and Snack Ideas

Olivia and Becca enthusiastically share their approaches to hosting parties, focusing on creating enjoyable environments and selecting the perfect snacks.

Olivia Muenter:
Recounts her successful party setup, including the delight in arranging "little bowls of nerd clusters" to please guests ([64:00]). She expresses a desire for variety in snacks, suggesting options like lollipops to add fun elements to gatherings.

Becca Freeman:
Explores her favorite party snacks, advocating for pitted olives, Cape Cod potato chips (specifically salt and vinegar varieties), and nostalgic treats like Muddy Buddies/Puppy Chow ([64:32]). She emphasizes the importance of balancing sweet and salty options to cater to diverse tastes.

Joint Ideas:
The hosts consider the concept of a "chip and dip" party where each guest brings a unique dip or chip, ensuring a varied and engaging spread. Becca humorously mentions the challenge of avoiding repetitive items like onion dip, while Olivia shares her love for pretzel sticks and gourmet roasted nuts.

8. Obsessions and Entertainment

The hosts discuss their current obsessions and favorite entertainment choices, offering recommendations to their listeners.

Olivia Muenter:
Expresses admiration for the show "Four Seasons," particularly appreciating its humor despite mixed reviews. "Like, is it a perfect show? No, not at all. But there are some funny moments" ([69:19]). She also mentions her nostalgia for early morning classes that required waking up at 4:45 AM, reflecting on how routines influence her perception of entertainment.

Becca Freeman:
Recommends the SNL sketch "Forever 31," praising its humorous take on fashion trends and generational differences. "It's so funny making fun of the way that people in their 30s dress and current fashion trends" ([71:07]).

Both hosts enjoy comedies that resonate with their personal experiences, highlighting the importance of relatable humor in their media consumption.

9. Book Recommendations and Discussions

Becca and Olivia share their latest book reads, providing thoughtful insights and recommendations.

Becca Freeman:
Recommends "The Art of Vanishing" by Morgan Pager ([72:04]), describing it as a beautifully original narrative about a janitor at an art museum who discovers the ability to step inside paintings. She praises its storytelling and the emotional depth it brings, making her eager to visit museums.

She also introduces "Audition" by Katie Kitamura as the next book for their book club, highlighting its exploration of performance both on and off the stage. "It was very easy to read. Like it was gulpable" ([75:38]).

Olivia Muenter:
Shares her appreciation for "Ravishing" by Ashani Surya" ([73:44]), a dark thriller that serves as a commentary on societal beauty standards. Additionally, she recommends "Return of Ellie Black" by Emiko Jean" as a fast-paced, engaging read that kept her captivated throughout.

Both hosts emphasize books that offer a mix of emotional resonance and gripping narratives, catering to varied literary tastes within their audience.

Conclusion

The May 2025 Three Things episode of Bad On Paper offers a multifaceted exploration of the hosts' personal lives, literary interests, and cultural observations. Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter provide listeners with relatable experiences, insightful discussions on book trends and controversies, and practical advice on routines and entertaining. Their dynamic conversation underscores the podcast’s commitment to blending books with meaningful banter, making it a valuable resource for book enthusiasts seeking both information and connection.

Notable Quotes:

• Olivia Muenter on hosting: "I feel like the community" ([02:44])
• Becca Freeman on spin-offs: "I can remember things about it and still think about the characters or the world" ([21:47])
• Olivia Muenter on misdirected anger: "How do you feel about this?" ([36:14])
• Becca Freeman on routines: "I don't have groceries, I haven't unpacked like" ([11:21])
• Olivia Muenter on the Today Show: "The frequency with which they come up, I just... It's something that weighs heavily on my mind" ([50:10])

Connect with Bad On Paper:

• Facebook Group: Under Bound Paper
• Geneva Group: Under Bound on Paper Podcast
• Instagram: @boundpaperpodcast
• Substack: Becca Freeman at becca freeman.substack.com | Olivia Mentor at olivia mentor Substack

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