Podcast Summary: Bad On Paper – Episode: Obscure Erotica Vol. 04

Release Date: February 5, 2025
Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Podcast Description: Join Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter every Wednesday for a dose of books and banter, along with interviews with women who inspire us.

1. Welcome and Personal Updates

Timestamp: 00:18 – 04:48

Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter kick off the episode by embracing their Valentine's Day tradition of delving into obscure erotica, a segment they've grown passionate about despite initial reservations.

• Becca: "Once I locked in, there was no going back... I need you all to know this." [00:54]

Olivia shares her joy over reading her chosen erotica, humorously describing it as a mix of happiness and terror, which resonated during a dinner outing.

• Olivia: "I feel like we all could use some laughter right now. The world is dark. We should laugh about silly things." [01:25]

The conversation transitions to their recent personal highs and lows, providing listeners with a glimpse into their lives outside of the podcast.

• Olivia on her high: "I got my first haircut and hair color since May 2024... It feels excellent." [01:30]

• Becca on her high: "I got feedback on the latest round of edits that I did on my book... it's a new draft. I feel good mentally coming into this. I'm excited." [02:54]

Olivia discusses a minor low regarding her nails, leading to a lighthearted exchange about potential creative hobbies.

2. Deep Dive into Obscure Erotica

Timestamp: 12:16 – 32:06

A. "Garden Gnome Sex Party" by Danny Tucker

Becca and Olivia explore "Garden Gnome Sex Party," an erotica piece that combines whimsy with explicit content, earning it a place as one of the most unsettling yet intriguing reads they've encountered.

• Olivia: "It's extremely explicit... in many ways the darkest literature I've ever read." [15:57]

The hosts dissect the book's unconventional premise: Jenny, the protagonist, experiences a surreal and erotic encounter with animated garden gnomes named Thudwick, Lupwin, and Bimpo. They critically analyze the narrative, highlighting its graphic descriptions and questionable logistics.

• Becca: "He uses his tail as anal beads and ends up putting a full dozen in her at one point." [57:13]

Olivia expresses discomfort with certain passages, particularly the portrayal of gnome anatomy and consent ambiguities, while Becca grapples with the book's dark humor and explicitness.

• Olivia: "This is the worst thing I have ever heard in my life." [50:40]

The discussion culminates in both hosts rating the book highly on their "Chili Pepper Scale" for its boundary-pushing content, despite—or perhaps because of—its controversial themes.

• Becca: "It's five. It taught me things about sex that I didn't know were possible." [62:14]

B. "Hello, Sharks. Deviled Egg Made Me Do It" by Holly Wild

Transitioning to another eccentric title, Becca reviews "Deviled Egg Made Me Do It," which features a sentient deviled egg named Damien. The narrative blends absurdity with explicit erotica, challenging conventional storytelling.

• Becca: "Shelby has been scrambling to get her life together... but when a giant, horned and horny egg crashes the party..." [43:06]

The hosts humorously critique the book's premise and execution, focusing on the bizarre character development and graphic sexual encounters.

• Olivia: "Do you have any lawn ornaments at your home? No, and I will not have any." [32:16]

Becca shares excerpts that highlight the book's unsettling imagery and over-the-top descriptions, eliciting strong reactions from both hosts.

• Olivia: "I need my memory. Right." [58:29]

Despite the discomfort, both hosts acknowledge the creativity and uniqueness of the work, pondering potential sequels or multimedia adaptations that could amplify its surreal qualities.

3. Book Club and Recommendations

Timestamp: 65:10 – 72:38

Beyond erotica, Becca and Olivia engage in a passionate discussion about their current reading obsessions, offering listeners a spectrum of literary recommendations.

• Olivia on "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaughey:

  "It is unbelievably good... twistier than any thriller I have ever read. I cried." [65:10]

  She praises the book's intricate plot, character development, and emotional depth, positioning it as a must-read for fans of climate fiction and suspenseful narratives.

• Olivia on "The Force of Such Beauty" by Barbara Borlan:

  "It's a fairy tale story with a spin... it's a poignant commentary on the princess narrative." [71:06]

  Becca responds by expressing interest in the book, intrigued by its unique take on traditional fairy tale elements.

The hosts announce their February Book Club pick, "Isola" by Allegra Goodman, a historical fiction saga that blends survival instincts with rich character arcs set against a backdrop of early North American exploration.

• Olivia: "It's tight with great twists and character development... perfect for getting swept up in." [72:25]

4. Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Timestamp: 72:38 – 74:24

As the episode wraps up, Becca and Olivia reflect on the intense discussions surrounding the obscure erotica segments. They acknowledge the shared discomfort and humor in navigating such unorthodox content, fostering a sense of camaraderie and resilience.

• Becca: "If you stick with us... we are professional podcast ladies now." [73:49]

They encourage listeners to join their social media communities for further discussions and tease future episodes, promising more engaging content and literary explorations.

• Becca: "You can join us in the Facebook group or in the Geneva group." [73:56]

The hosts sign off with a light-hearted farewell, maintaining the podcast's warm and inclusive atmosphere despite the episode's challenging topics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Becca Freeman:
  "Once I locked in, there was no going back... I need you all to know this." [00:54]
  "It's five. It taught me things about sex that I didn't know were possible." [62:14]
  "I will never not know this, and that is upsetting." [60:36]

• Olivia Muenter:
  "I feel like we all could use some laughter right now. The world is dark. We should laugh about silly things." [01:25]
  "This is the worst thing I have ever heard in my life." [50:40]
  "I need to be. I need my memory. Right." [58:29]

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of "Bad On Paper," Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter navigate the labyrinth of obscure erotica with a balance of humor, critical analysis, and personal anecdotes. From battling the surreal allure of garden gnomes to confronting deviled eggs with devilish intent, the hosts challenge both themselves and their listeners to explore the unconventional realms of erotica. Their candid conversations about personal highs, lows, and literary passions create a relatable and dynamic listening experience, inviting audiences to join them in their ongoing journey through the eclectic world of literature.