Bad On Paper Podcast: The 8th Anniversary Episode

Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Date: April 1, 2026

Overview

In this special 8th anniversary episode, Becca and Olivia mark two major milestones: eight years of Bad On Paper and four years since Olivia’s first episode as co-host. The duo embarks on a heartfelt, banter-filled retrospective journey, reflecting on their first episode together, their personal and professional evolution, and the evolution of the show itself. The episode is rich in nostalgia, honest introspection, and moving expressions of gratitude, all delivered with the familiar humor and candor that define Bad On Paper.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrating Eight Years: Longevity and Listener Loyalty

• Becca and Olivia express gratitude for long-time listeners, especially the “OGs” who’ve followed since the Young Adulting days.
  • “[It’s] hard to believe. It’s almost a decade. …there’s so many listeners who have been here since day one.” – Becca (00:34)

2. Personal Highs & Lows: Then and Now (01:17–05:28)

• Both hosts share recent personal highs—Olivia with the launch of her “Little Pod” series finale and seeing Project Hail Mary, Becca with a meaningful breakfast with author Holly Brickley.
• Lows include Olivia’s challenging schedule and the pressure of book events, but both note they’re otherwise riding a high from the anniversary excitement.

3. The Podcast Retrospective: A Conversation Across Time (07:48–14:28)

• Inspiration: The format is inspired by NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour’s annual reflection.
• Becca and Olivia relisten to their 2022 first episode together and compare it to where they are now, remarking on how “so much can change in just four years.”
• Both recall their first in-person meeting and Olivia’s nerves, especially after a “Reddit deep-dive” that rocked her confidence.

Notable Quote:

• “It was honestly, like, looking back, a turning point of my life… I can hear how much I’m thinking: what are people going to think of me? They already don’t like me…” – Olivia (10:56)

4. Personal & Professional Evolution (13:02–16:18)

• 2022 vs 2026: Both hosts share life snapshots from 2022 (Becca: pre-book deal, consulting; Olivia: living in Philly, starting out in fiction writing, deep in her influencer era).
• Both stress how unpredictable and transformative a few years can be, especially with careers and personal fulfillment.

Notable Quote:

• “I was on the precipice of everything changing, and I just had no idea.” – Olivia (15:04)

5. Growth Reflected in the Podcast (17:16–21:19)

• Becca: Reflects on reluctance to relisten due to past unmet goals and changes in confidence and optimism as a result of public perception, writing challenges, and online criticism.
• Olivia: Notes how much more “guarded” she sounded then, related to vulnerability, anxiety, and external perceptions.

6. On Confidence and Perception (21:19–24:32)

• The hosts discuss how being public figures has changed their self-awareness and how they frame personal challenges and accomplishments.
• Both have shifted away from seeking validation and toward self-compassion and acceptance.

7. Revisiting “Highs and Lows” from 2022 (25:41–33:43)

• Highs: Celebrating “Skirt Day” (the first warm day of spring), meeting in person, the excitement of starting as co-hosts.
• Lows: Social media addiction and phone usage, which both have since improved. Olivia mentions she now spends much less time doomscrolling.

Notable Quote:

• “I have totally lost all control of any sort of social media habit…there is truly nothing in this world that makes me feel worse or less focused than that.” – Olivia (29:01)

8. Reflecting on First Impressions: The NYT “36 Questions” (33:43–50:14)

• The hosts replay their answers to classic icebreaker questions—dinner guest (2022: Shonda Rhimes and “no answer”; 2026: Jacob Tierney and Barbara Kingsolver), phone call habits, their “perfect day,” and predictions about their own deaths—discussing how those answers reveal their growth.
• Notable Evolutions:
  • Olivia “manifested” her now-real farmhouse life by describing it as part of her 2022 “perfect day.”
  • Both hosts observe how their reading tastes and social habits have matured.

Quote on change:

• “I think I am more dedicated to self-acceptance now, that’s an interesting switch…” – Olivia (62:46)

9. Compliments Exchange: Then and Now (61:36–71:29)

• The hosts originally offered first-impression compliments, but in 2026, repeat the exercise with more depth and specificity—expressing genuine admiration for each other’s growth, dedication, vulnerability, and friendship.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “This is, like, the best part of my day. This is, like, so nice to give you compliments and to receive compliments.” – Becca (69:28)

10. Obsession and Reading Updates: Past and Present (72:01–88:36)

• 2022 Obsessions:
  • Olivia: Netflix docu-series "Bad Vegan"
  • Becca: New beauty products (Dior Forever concealer, Westman Atelier blush)
• 2022 Reading:
  • Olivia: First time reading "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (Acotar) and becoming unexpectedly “hooked”
  • Becca: Reading "Meant to Be Mine" by Hannah Orenstein; pile system chaos reflects a voracious, multi-book habit

Notable Quote:

• “It feels kind of like it felt when I read Twilight…” – Olivia (81:29; on reading Acotar)

• 2026 Obsessions:

  • Olivia: “Project Hail Mary” movie adaptation—emotional, funny, “what we need in these trying times.” (99:33–103:45)
  • Becca: “Godlight” by Noah Kahan, a previously overlooked song; also excited about the upcoming Noah Kahan Netflix documentary.

• 2026 Reading Preferences:

  • Becca has moved away from reading only contemporary romance; seeks more nuanced “women’s fiction” with strong core stories.
  • Olivia’s taste has expanded and clarified. She enjoys literary fiction, character-driven thrillers, and knows what will and won’t resonate.

Milestone Reflections: How the Podcast Has Changed Their Lives (88:36–96:18)

• Career impact:
  • The podcast was the catalyst for both to pursue writing and to carve out new career paths.
  • Becca: Would not have attempted to write a book without the podcast and reflects on moving from a “business creative” to embracing varied creative outlets.
  • Olivia: Podcasting helped push her toward a reading/writing-centered life and provided invaluable community and professional opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

• “The podcast has fundamentally changed my life. I would not have attempted to write a book if not for the podcast and meeting authors and realizing that they were mortal human beings.” – Becca (90:16)
• “I so glad I said yes in so many ways. And of course…the ways that it has supported my career as an author are countless.” – Olivia (89:33)

Looking Forward: Questions, Goals, and Hopes for the Next Year (96:37–99:23)

• Both debate the balance between keeping the podcast “consistent” vs. making it “different or fancy.” They acknowledge that listeners seem to appreciate the simple, chatty format.
• Dream guests:
  • Olivia wants Barbara Kingsolver.
  • Becca aims for Colleen Hoover (especially for the anticipated Verity movie release).
  • Hopes for a possible in-person event (but not an arena tour yet!).

2026 Obsessions & What They're Reading (99:23–106:03)

• Project Hail Mary movie: Both give it glowing praise, sharing favorite moments and quoting lines that made them laugh and cry.
  • “When they’re doing the little dance thing and he’s saying goodbye… I wept, but I laughed so much.” – Olivia (100:36)
• Music: Becca is obsessed with "Godlight" by Noah Kahan and chats about his rise in fame and the coming Netflix documentary.
• Books: With only 48 hours since their last episode, not much new to share—saving big recs for next week.

Book Club Preview

• April Pick: Good People by Patmina Sabit – a mystery told through dozens of perspectives.
  • “It just moves. It is a page tuner of the highest degree and there’s a lot to discuss.” – Olivia (106:03)

Memorable Quotes / Moments with Timestamps

• On Listener Loyalty:
  • “Thank you to the people who have stuck through all the changes and everything.” – Olivia (00:41)
• On Growth:
  • “I just recall that because now little one just came out and the ending was slightly different at that time…” – Becca (12:32)
• On Social Media:
  • “It feels like shit. I can curse on here, right?” – Olivia (29:56)
• On Manifesting the Farmhouse:
  • “It’s kind of creepy. It like is your life.” – Becca (48:01)
• On Vulnerability:
  • “My first thing I admire about you is your sense of gratitude and awe about your daily life…” – Becca (66:30)
• Project Hail Mary Movie Praise:
  • “My face was literally hurting from smiling so much. It’s just. It’s what we need. It’s what we need in these trying times.” – Olivia (102:14)
• On Uncertainty & Possibility:
  • “Let this be a lesson to anyone. If you want to change things, you can. I’m telling you, if you think you can.” – Olivia (25:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Podcast Origins & Anniversary Reflection: 00:34–02:19
• Personal Highs/Lows: 01:17–05:28
• Retrospective Format & Rationale: 07:48–09:15
• First Episode Nostalgia & Meeting: 09:23–14:28
• Life in 2022 vs. 2026: 14:49–16:18
• Relistening and Self-Reflection: 17:16–21:19
• Perception & Anxiety Discussion: 21:19–24:32
• Reliving Initial Highs/Lows: 25:41–32:11
• NYT 36 Questions Redux & Growth: 33:43–50:14
• Manifestation & Changes: 47:55–49:59
• Compliments Past & Present: 61:36–71:29
• Obsession and Reading Updates (2022 and now): 72:01–88:36
• Podcast’s Impact & Future: 88:36–99:23
• 2026 Obsessions and Recap: 99:23–106:03
• April Book Club Pick: 106:03–106:40

Conclusion

The 8th Anniversary Episode is a heartfelt and candid plunge into the ways Bad On Paper has shaped both its hosts and its loyal listeners. Packed with nostalgia, humor, and vulnerability, Becca and Olivia take stock of who they were then and who they are now, offering encouragement, wisdom, and both laughter and tears. The themes of growth, change, and self-acceptance resonate throughout. If you ever doubted the power of books, friendship, and a podcast to change your life, this episode will convince you otherwise.

Find the hosts:

• Becca: @beccamfreeman | beccafreeman.substack.com
• Olivia: @oliviamuenter | oliviamuenter.com
• Podcast: @badonpaperpodcast | Facebook group: Bad On Paper Podcast

Next Book Club: Good People by Patmina Sabit

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