Brooke Averick's back

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Brooke Averick's Back" on Long Winded with Gabby Windey

Release Date: June 12, 2025

In this engaging episode of Long Winded with Gabby Windey, host Gabby Windey welcomes back Brooke Averick for an in-depth conversation that navigates the tumultuous waters of modern dating, mental health struggles, and the creative process of writing a novel. Drawing from their personal experiences and candid discussions, Gabby and Brooke provide listeners with heartfelt insights and relatable anecdotes.

---

Reconnecting with Brooke Averick

The episode opens with Gabby expressing her enthusiasm for having Brooke back on the show. Brooke reciprocates the warm welcome, highlighting her familiarity with Gabby's podcast and her own ventures into therapy.

Notable Quote:

Gabby [00:35]: "I feel like everyone knows you."

Navigating the Online Dating World

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the challenges of online dating, particularly through platforms like Hinge. Brooke shares her frustrations with the lack of meaningful connections and the emotional toll of unreciprocated interests.

Key Points:

• Brooke's recent re-engagement with Hinge leads to heightened anxiety and a sense of defeat.
• The struggle of initiating conversations and dealing with rejection.
• Discussion on the current state of men on dating apps and societal expectations.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [01:37]: "I just feel like I’ve been feeling a little bit better about myself than in the past recently, which is really exciting. And that just completely has been shot to shit by Hinge."

Gabby [02:27]: "What are dudes doing these days?"

Overcoming Dating Frustrations

Both Gabby and Brooke reflect on the difficulties of finding genuine connections in Los Angeles' competitive dating scene. They explore themes of self-worth, persistence, and the hope for serendipitous encounters.

Key Points:

• The impact of LA's high standards on dating prospects.
• Strategies to maintain confidence despite setbacks.
• The role of self-care and mental health in the dating journey.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [04:40]: "I'm not worried. And then yesterday, right before I emailed my therapist, I was looking at the screenshot again of him. And it said active now."

Gabby [05:07]: "It’s terrible. But it sucks. But I do think you have to say something."

Mental Health and Medication Journeys

The conversation takes a profound turn as Gabby and Brooke discuss their personal mental health journeys, including their experiences with therapy and various medications. They candidly share the challenges and triumphs associated with managing depression and anxiety.

Key Points:

• Brooke's return to therapy and her feelings of circular progress.
• Gabby's experience with Lamictal and the side effects impacting her health.
• The complexities of combining medications like Wellbutrin and Cymbalta.
• The importance of finding the right medication regimen and the stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses.

Notable Quotes:

Gabby [01:14]: "Bitch, I'm back."

Brooke [08:52]: "I feel like I've been on the same combo for a while, which is my Wellbutrin and Cymbalta."

Gabby [09:30]: "And it made me so tired."

The Writing Process and Book Development

Brooke shares her journey of writing her upcoming book, highlighting the emotional and creative challenges she faces. She offers listeners a glimpse into her writing habits, the evolution of her storytelling, and the therapeutic aspects of writing.

Key Points:

• The transition from spontaneous writing to a structured outline after selling the book.
• Coping with self-imposed pressure and perfectionism.
• The healing power of writing and its impact on personal growth.
• Strategies to overcome writer's block and maintain consistency.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [55:12]: "I have to push, push, push."

Gabby [57:03]: "I can't trust a 3 monther."

Literary Tastes and Reading Habits

The duo explores their favorite authors and the challenges of engaging with classic literature. They discuss the struggle of comprehending complex texts and the satisfaction of connecting with writing that resonates on a personal level.

Key Points:

• Brooke's appreciation for contemporary and relatable authors.
• Gabby's attempts to delve into classics like Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf.
• The emotional connection formed through reading and writing.
• The role of literature in understanding and expressing complex emotions.

Notable Quotes:

Brooke [65:07]: "It's so hard to explain to people when you're not, like, in distress."

Gabby [66:55]: "But sometimes there's something like that I'm like, oh, totally. This must be what they meant."

Support and Personal Insights

Throughout the episode, Gabby and Brooke emphasize the importance of support systems in navigating both dating challenges and mental health issues. Their mutual encouragement underscores the value of community and shared experiences.

Key Points:

• Encouragement to embrace vulnerability and seek meaningful connections.
• The role of friendships in providing emotional stability.
• Personal anecdotes that highlight resilience and hope.

Notable Quotes:

Gabby [44:35]: "You have so much to offer. So sweet."

Brooke [51:58]: "I really love hearing people talk about what they're passionate about."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Gabby and Brooke reflect on their ongoing journeys, both in dating and personal growth. They reaffirm their commitment to supporting each other and their listeners through shared experiences and honest dialogue.

Notable Quote:

Brooke [79:49]: "You're the greatest. Love you."

---

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful conversations between Gabby and Brooke.

Transcript

[Gabby]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production. Thanks.

[Brooke Everett]

How have you been?

[Gabby]

Good. How have you been?

[Brooke Everett]

Good.

[Gabby]

I feel like I got you at an opportune time right now. Yeah, I hope, because I was listening to your most recent podcast, what's Going on with Dating? Can I ask?

[Brooke Everett]

I mean, are we recording?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, wait.

[Gabby]

This is Brooke Everett.

[Brooke Everett]

Thanks for having me.

[Gabby]

No, thank you. You guys. I feel like everyone knows you.

[Brooke Everett]

No, yeah, everyone knows you. No, it's your podcast and just in the world in general, it's not good.

[Gabby]

No.

[Brooke Everett]

I had to reach out to an old therapist today because I haven't been in active therapy in like a minute.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Because I was like feeling like I. Well, let's just get right into this.

[Gabby]

Yeah, I know. Same always at the top of the episode. Here's what's going on. Carol, my therapist. Here's my medications. Yeah, I'm self changing all the time, a la carte. But no, you have to take a break from therapy sometimes because at some point you're like, are you just taking my money?

[Brooke Everett]

I just felt like we were just like going in circles. So I was like, let's take a step back. So I had did have to reach out yesterday.

[Gabby]

Bitch, I'm back.

[Brooke Everett]

Bitch, I'm back. I said much to discuss in the subject line. I just feel like I downloaded Hinge again. I had been off the apps for a really long time and like I just feel like they're giving me and it's giving me a nervous breakdown like more than anything really ever has before.

[Gabby]

What about it? It's just like I may excite your nervous system again.

[Brooke Everett]

I feel like I like have been feeling a little bit like better about myself than in the past recently, which is really exciting. And that just completely has been shot to shit by Hinge because it's like everyone on there the the least guys, it's like it really is like not ideal. And I feel like every like I send is kind of like, well, maybe I'll give this a chance even though it's like very not ideal and they won't match me back and that's like where the crash outs kind of. I feel like I'm starting to spiral from that.

[Gabby]

Yeah, well, it's so like it's so hard dating in that environment because obviously we know you don't meet him in person, but it's like also like, what are dudes? I didn't know if it was going to be like this stuff. State of these men is sending you.

[Brooke Everett]

To therapy because the men in addition to the men in those state, not liking me back is really like giving me such pause which.

[Gabby]

Okay. What is sending a like though I feel. Or like, do you hard a picture?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. That's a great question. Because I know you're supposed to like, be interactive.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Say something. But I can't okay myself to do that with someone that I'm just like.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Because it's. It's probably. It's them. Men are insecure and they don't want to make the first move. I feel because, well, I'm making it. But just by sending a light. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And they can. They don't even have to say anything. Just like me back.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Just.

[Brooke Everett]

I think what is. And this is what I'll tell my therapist. Like, what I'm struggling with is someone looking at my profile and pressing X. I think, like, I just keep kind of seeing that.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, yeah.

[Gabby]

No, that's hard. But I'm sure that's just not what's happening because how do you like you back?

[Brooke Everett]

So I would go into a separate like, these people like you section. Oh. And then they see that I like them and then they have the chance to either match with me, which means they would like me back, or get rid of me. And it does seem like most of them are choosing the latter.

[Gabby]

Can you tell? I mean, this is crazy to me. And people just probably say this all the time. That's like, what the fuck? Like, I cannot believe it. You're the total package. But I really feel it's obviously them. Like, this is the state of men these days.

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know. I just am feeling like really, like defeated. And it's fine though.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But. And then there was someone who I was like, oh, I think this is my soulmate. And I just really decided that based off of a few pictures.

[Gabby]

Totally.

[Brooke Everett]

But I really felt that way. And so I'd obviously, like, screenshotted their profile just to be like, screenshotting. So when we get married, like, I'll have the first time I saw you time stamped. Etc.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And they have this. He's not matched me back. And I've just been telling myself, like, he's not on. He's not on the app.

[Gabby]

No.

[Brooke Everett]

Because he's so the kind of person that I would gravitate towards is so chill. Just like checks once every right month to a year. I'll give him 365 days. Like, I'm not worried.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And then yesterday, right before I emailed my therapist, I was like looking at the screenshot Again of him. And it said, active now.

[Gabby]

No.

[Brooke Everett]

Which is actually what inspired the email.

[Gabby]

Much to discuss.

[Brooke Everett]

But anyway, it's fine. It's just, like, I really have been wanting to put myself out there more. I turn 29 next month, and I'm like, this isn't funny anymore.

[Gabby]

No. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, I want to start dating.

[Gabby]

It's terrible.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Like, with the like. But. And I. I do, and it sucks. But I do think you have to say something.

[Brooke Everett]

I agree.

[Gabby]

I've never done the, like, thing on hinge.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

It's always like. Because you know how Bumble is, like, which. And you don't have to do anything.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know, because if it's just like.

[Brooke Everett]

The olden days, I feel like women were pursued and it's just like. Does that just not happen at all anymore? I don't know.

[Gabby]

Not unless you're a lesbian.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Which hopefully, one day, Fingers crossed, Gabby, one day you'll convert.

[Brooke Everett]

Fingers crossed, really. But anyway, how are you? Sorry, I just, like, completely went into it.

[Gabby]

No. What kind of, like, what are you looking for? Have I already asked you this? Do you want, like, a Jewish boy?

[Brooke Everett]

I actually, right now, I mean, I'm not, like, opposed.

[Gabby]

Like, you're, like.

[Brooke Everett]

If it's, like, Jewish.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I'm, like, definitely interested in maybe more diversity there, because I just think that, like, culturally, I feel so Jewish, just in terms of. I don't know, like, maybe just like, what you would just, like, stereotypically associate. Just like, I'm just, like, you know, kind of whiny and tired and hungry and just like, all that stuff. And I'm looking for someone maybe just very different from that. Like, someone kind of more.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Relaxed, but. And that's fine if they are Jewish and happen to be that way, but I just haven't experienced that yet.

[Gabby]

Yeah, no, I feel that.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I feel like you. I feel like, have such a calming presence.

[Brooke Everett]

I've never heard that before.

[Gabby]

And listening to you on podcasts and stuff, I'm like, oh, my God. Even I feel like it's just like, you. It's your voice. It's the way you deliver things. I could not ever imagine you being nervous, but people, really. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

People about you, you're just so.

[Gabby]

No, maybe it's, like, refreshing to hear.

[Brooke Everett]

Someone else that's, like, anxious underneath everything and just kind of. I don't know.

[Gabby]

No, same. It brings me peace.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I'm like, I'm not the only one.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, No, I feel that way, too.

[Gabby]

Shaking like a leaf on the inside. But can kind of hold it together on the outside.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. No, you just like talking about your meds and everything is just like such like a little. A warm blanket.

[Gabby]

I have to. I'll have nothing else to talk about. Of mine.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. How is your recent. The last we spoke, you were. You started Lamictal. Yes, I've been. I've been thinking about that.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God. Yeah. Yeah. Since you mentioned it, it's like it's the only drug that's worked for me.

[Brooke Everett]

Really?

[Gabby]

Yeah. I kind of wanted to get off it at one point because it does. It like, depresses your immune system. Oh, wow. I got. Which I would not shut the fuck up about. I got the flu and then I got bronchitis, and the bronchitis lasted so long it was taking up my day in and day out, which I kind of loved because it was like all self care, Vicks, lots of water.

[Brooke Everett]

Being sick is like a break that you needed.

[Gabby]

Yeah. It's so nice. Until.

[Brooke Everett]

Until it's not.

[Gabby]

Until you're like, is this chronic?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Is this actually going to turn into something? But I brought it to my psychiatrist because I had read, like, Lamictal does this to your immune system. And I was like, oh, I think you. I have to entertain something different. She was like, are you kidding? This is the only medication that's worked for you. Just was not take, like, taking it off.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Which I appreciate.

[Brooke Everett]

I was going to say that's kind of nice because every time I've gone to my psychiatrist with, like, the smallest, like, my foot itches like, she's like, let's switch it up. Maybe we should.

[Gabby]

Yeah, no, you need someone that's stern with you.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

She can, like, see through my bullshit at one point. Well, this isn't really like, seeing through, but at one point she was like. She's like, you don't seem depressed to our point. And what do you want me to be when I show up to these virtual meetings?

[Brooke Everett]

Right in. In bed, like, right.

[Gabby]

Sobbing like, I can't turn it on for you. Yeah. But I swear to God, on the inside, I'm not taking these meds for fun.

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

Who would right these? But what about you? How's your journey?

[Brooke Everett]

My med journey? I feel like I've been on the same combo for a while, which is my Wellbutrin and Cymbalta.

[Gabby]

It's working.

[Brooke Everett]

Well, every time I say that, people are like, you shouldn't be on those two at the same time.

[Gabby]

What do they know?

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know. But I am kind of scared.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I don't. Because they're both like, I guess, kind of uppers is.

[Gabby]

Which I do.

[Brooke Everett]

I think so.

[Gabby]

I've tried it once.

[Brooke Everett]

That's my understanding.

[Gabby]

And it made me so tired.

[Brooke Everett]

Is that there's a little bit more like that in it. Because it's not an ssri.

[Gabby]

What is it?

[Brooke Everett]

It's an snri. And I think the and is like, put some pep in your step.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

And so that and Wellbutrin, which is another, like, upper. People are like, you really shouldn't be on both. And it's like, I still sleep for 14 hours. I'm not too worried, Right? No.

[Gabby]

But you're the ideal patient for the combo. That's the same. I need an upper.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I think because I'm so tired and I've. I've had. I love that this is our topic of, like, let's get like. Do people not want to hear this?

[Brooke Everett]

I think it. It must be nice. Maybe a little.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I mean, I. Both of us have tried literally every medication, so it's nice to hear people talk about it. I think it's a special interest.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, definitely a special interest. But I love hearing people talk about what they're passionate about. And for us, that happens to be right. Psychiatric medications, and that's fine.

[Gabby]

It comes from the gut, like, straight from the heart. This is all I want to talk about project. But I've tried. I've done Snris. Have you tried Pristique? No.

[Brooke Everett]

What's that?

[Gabby]

A lot of people like it. People say it's, like, life changing for me. It made me so irritable.

[Brooke Everett]

Really?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I'm just, like, so irritable in general that I don't know what's from meds and what's not.

[Gabby]

What's not. Literally, I'm, like, tracking my period. I brought it to my psychiatrist because, like, some weeks I'll be really happy, and then the other weeks, it feels like a mood swing.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I think she's too afraid to diagnose me because of the stigma, but I'm like, I'm swinging.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. I'm swinging hard.

[Gabby]

Yes. So finally I started keeping track for, like, the month of May. And I brought her the dates and stuff, and she's like, okay, well, what about the other months? I'm like, I didn't do it then. Yeah, I know. This is the information I have. Can't you help me out?

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

And then she just prescribes me calcium carbonate.

[Brooke Everett]

Is that just, like, a supplement?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

What else? Like, if she was like, oh, like, I'm diagnosing you with bipolar disorder, like, what would be different?

[Gabby]

I think, like, I don't know, because this lamictal is for. It can be used for bipolar. So I don't know if we would up it or add an ssi sri, but she's like, I know you've tried every ssri. It hasn't worked for you. Have you heard of that one test that it's like, I don't know what kind of DNA you have to give. Probably a lot.

[Brooke Everett]

I'll give it all the same.

[Gabby]

I've done 23andMe.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, it's already out there.

[Gabby]

I know AI has everything about us, but. But it. It tells you what kind of medications you would metabolize.

[Brooke Everett]

I would love to do something like that. And the thing where they, like, look at your brain and they're like, this is. Like, this is lighting up here. And so because of that, you need this.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I've never heard of that.

[Brooke Everett]

Standard practice, I think, just, like, figuring out what you need.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Based off of your biology.

[Gabby]

Right, Exactly. I think it's, like, expensive and. But maybe insurance will cover. Yeah, but who's gonna prescribe this for me?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. You know, someone's got it.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I really do want to do that.

[Gabby]

You should.

[Brooke Everett]

Have you ever seen that guy on Tick Tock that he's like an old. Not older, but probably like, 50s, like, bald guy. Psychiatrist.

[Gabby]

Like, right up my alley.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, he works with the Kardashians a lot.

[Gabby]

Okay. Even more at my alley.

[Brooke Everett]

And he just, like, analyzes the brain, I guess, like, through imaging and. But he's also very into, like, more natural stuff.

[Gabby]

I can't with the natural.

[Brooke Everett]

I need, like, hard drugs for this same. But he does do some hard drugs, but he just, like, very, like, brain analysis. I don't know. It's like, I'm interested in. I'm just, like, curious, like, what exactly is wrong?

[Gabby]

Exactly? I want to know, like, how I'm up.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Like concrete.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

It's like the brain is so malleable. It's different for everybody, but there has to be something more specific.

[Brooke Everett]

I know. I'm really curious about that. And I want to do some sort of, like, I'll give my blood.

[Gabby]

Like, yeah, whatever. No, you can crack open my skull. Maybe. Like, I'd be like, you could lobotomize. Please. If it has, like, evolved into a better procedure.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Then just leaving me like a toddler. I'd be down.

[Brooke Everett]

I would, too. And I'm shock it hasn't, honestly. Maybe that's what meds are, right.

[Gabby]

Yeah. No, they definitely, like, scramble things up.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

In a good way. There's like, electroshock therapy.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Have you heard of that?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. Are they doing that?

[Gabby]

They still do presently. Yeah. For, like, massively depressed patients. Sometimes it's the only thing that helps. Which would be terrifying. Maybe I would do it in, like, my 70s.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. I'm like, whatever now. I feel that would really scare me because you also, like, lose a lot of memory, right? Or, like, who you are, probably.

[Gabby]

Yeah. But I already don't have a lot of memory.

[Brooke Everett]

Really.

[Gabby]

I should do it sooner.

[Brooke Everett]

Do you think, like, you have memory loss, like, as a result of Just, like, it's like you're repressing?

[Gabby]

Yeah. Yeah. I think it's, like, not wanting to feel and maybe even being, like, disconnected from your experience.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Like, that's how I feel. Like, depression is for me. Sometimes I. It's not even, like, out of body, but sometimes I just can't feel what's actually going on. Yes, you're gay and so am I. And we're out and we're proud. So you've probably heard of Field. It's a modern dating app for the curious and those seeking to express and explore their sexuality outside of established blueprints. It sounds pretty gay, and we love that. Or. Or it could be straight, whatever you want. But Field has cultivated a community that recognizes, respects, and celebrates sexual diversity and individuality. They have a research initiative called the State of Dating, which is an ongoing project that examines how human connection is evolving. Volume three dives deep into relationship anarchy. It sounds. It sounds maybe, maybe like something unruly. And that's because it is. Maybe not unruly, but just not what we're totally used to, which is the whole idea of being gay. And it's great and it's liberating, but relationship anarchy is a relationship style rooted in equality, freedom, and intentionality and how people are reimagining intimacy and radically equal, radically human ways. Relationship anarchy is about building your connections based on mutual values, not societal expectations. That's why we're all here. No, and it sounds like it's rooted in communication, which is just what we need. It's like, oh, why don't we talk to our partners for once and build the relationship with empathy, honesty, and respect, not obligation, ownership, or rank? This is what relationship anarchy believes in. This approach dismantles hierarchies in love, because love and intimacy shouldn't have to follow a hierarchy in other Words. You make the rules. No tradition. Not the algorithm. And definitely not the patriarchy, obviously. Why else are we here? The writing is on the wall. The world is dying. The new world is joyfully being born. And it looks like relationship anarchy. It is more common than you think. A lot of people are are already practicing it. They just don't have a name for it. So. So there. And it's especially known in queer and gender diverse spaces. Trans, non, binary and gender diverse people are up to 3.6 times more likely to know about RA relationship anarchy than cis men and women. Demisexual people are even more aware 4.5 times more than heterosexual people. Aren't we just more aware? Isn't that just what we've been saying? But is. Especially when it comes to relationship anarchy. And practitioners of RA are 50% more likely to say having a range of connection helps with loneliness. Oh, the male loneliness epidemic could never. So download field now on the app store or Google Play and discover if you're into relationship anarchy.

[Brooke Everett]

I used to feel always like I was at like a rave. This makes no sense. But like, I want your guys. Like you know, you know when there's like, I've never been to a race.

[Gabby]

Like I just took Molly. Like this is what. Me either.

[Brooke Everett]

A haunted house. Like if you're going through a haunted house and there's like strobe lights and you're kind of like. Yeah, like disassociating kind of. I used to feel like that a lot in college. Like I just went through the day but like, was all very like I felt like I just went through a haunted house. Like I can't tell you like linearly what happened or anything. Yes.

[Gabby]

No, that's a great way to put it. Kind of same.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I don't know. I'm always like looking forward to bedtime. I just get through the day just to get to bed.

[Brooke Everett]

When I was like most depressed. This is like depressing.

[Gabby]

This is so sorry.

[Brooke Everett]

We can move on after this.

[Gabby]

No, no, it's. I think it's. I'm like, I think it's great. If I could only talk about my depression all the time.

[Brooke Everett]

It really is so comforting because I feel like I never really do, but when I was like at my most depressed, every morning I would wake up, I'd be like, okay, 12 more hours until you're like back in this exact spot.

[Gabby]

Yeah. It's such a brief. I know, it is sad. It's like my psychiatrist described it as like, kind of like an angsty, like lethargy Like, I'm so, like, oh, I just got to get through this. Like. Yeah. But always tired, moving through it. The only break you get is at night.

[Brooke Everett]

Completely.

[Gabby]

I know, but do you feel like Cymbalta helps now?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I feel like, I would say, like, right now, just about my life in, like, the past five years or so. Like, I have depression. Like, I can slip back into it very easily.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I feel like, overall, like, pretty content and, like, I can. I know how to manage it. And I mean, I just am, like, anxious and depressed always. But it's not, like, necessarily, like, defining or debilitating.

[Gabby]

No, same. Because it's always, like, in the background.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know, it's hard to explain to people. I'm like, I'm not like, in this moment.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know, I can get through it and worse days than others, but it's like a black cloud.

[Brooke Everett]

No. Yeah. And I feel like that's really hard to explain to people when you're not, like, an distress.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

You're like, no, I'm, like, technically fine, but, like, you know, it's there.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I'm, like, scared. Like, I know it has the potential to, like, be bad again. Should, like, X, Y, Z happen. Perfect Storm. Yeah.

[Gabby]

I saw your Instagram story of the Goo Goo Dolls.

[Brooke Everett]

That was when I saw Active Now. That was actually that moment.

[Gabby]

That's the appropriate response.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, that was that moment. I can't stress enough. Like, I don't know who this person is. I had. Do you know what limerence is like?

[Gabby]

No. I've heard it before, though.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. It's like, I guess, like, a psychological phenomenon where you are so obsessed with the person and it's easily, like, mistaken with, like, love. But it's very much just like an obsession that's a projection of, like, what you would want. Like, just like a projection of you onto someone else, nothing to do with them, and, like, you don't actually care about this person. It's.

[Gabby]

I feel like we all go through.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. But I'm having lim pretty bad limerence right now.

[Gabby]

Still thinking of this guy. What's his name?

[Brooke Everett]

I can't say. There's no way. I literally don't know him. Like, I don't.

[Gabby]

I don't know him, but it's like, he does need to make the first move because, like, look at what.

[Brooke Everett]

Make his own move.

[Gabby]

No, he didn't ex. You can't tell, can you?

[Brooke Everett]

I mean, it's been three weeks.

[Gabby]

Yeah. No, he was.

[Brooke Everett]

And he was active now.

[Gabby]

He was active now.

[Brooke Everett]

Then I Will say, here's like the delusion.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. I need to like, really.

[Gabby]

I think delusion is good. How would we get here unless we had some delusion? Yeah. And I do think. I think these men are such pussies.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

That you have to send something in writing.

[Brooke Everett]

I think I will. But.

[Gabby]

But no pressure.

[Brooke Everett]

I've been. I've noticed like when I've sent a few likes to people and they haven't liked me back, I've gotten them again.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And it's like, okay, I know you have asked me because I'm. You're now back here. Like I'm back in your.

[Gabby]

Oh. Do you know that for sure?

[Brooke Everett]

I don't think that I could still be like sitting in someone's liked and also get them again because I wouldn't be able to send them two legs. But here's where the delusion comes in is that I have not seen him again. So that makes me think maybe I am just sitting in his.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Likes. Because I'm not. Like, he didn't. He wasn't thrown back out to me.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

This is. And this is the only thing I can tell myself.

[Gabby]

No. And it is. It sounds like a reliable story.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I mean, but I don't know. Sometimes you just cannot with these like apps. Like, they know they don't have the highest of neck working on their algos.

[Brooke Everett]

That's.

[Gabby]

I know they need Mark Zuckerberg in there maybe. So it doesn't seem like it's working.

[Brooke Everett]

Something really bad that I will say that I did that. I don't even feel comfortable.

[Gabby]

Roses.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, I actually did send a rose once because this guy was in rose jail.

[Gabby]

It's rose jail.

[Brooke Everett]

Rose jail. Is this like standout section where guys who like get like the most likes probably they're like locked up behind wall.

[Gabby]

In a prison of hair.

[Brooke Everett]

And you can send one a rose if you choose. But you can't send them a normal. Like. Like you would have to send them a rose.

[Gabby]

Or is that. But also is that because they like are paying for certain tier.

[Brooke Everett]

I think they just know they're. They're real. They really are usually the standout.

[Gabby]

But that's red flags. Like, if I was into dating dudes, I would not go for the hot ones. They're gay.

[Brooke Everett]

No, I know the hot one. I've never been interested unless they're like a celebrity in like hot people. Like in the real world. But. And again, like the guy that I've been limerencing over is not hot. Like it's it's, like, upsetting. But I sent someone a rose who was a standout because I was like, they are so man of my dreams.

[Gabby]

What was man of your dreams about it?

[Brooke Everett]

That was about it.

[Gabby]

He has four eyes.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. And I really like that. And he matched me back and I was like.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

Shocked.

[Gabby]

Yeah. And do you wear glasses?

[Brooke Everett]

I wear contacts.

[Gabby]

Okay. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I do if I don't have contacts.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Relatability. Yeah. Yeah. And he. His first message to me was that he wanted to come on Brooke and Connor make a podcast.

[Gabby]

No. What the.

[Brooke Everett]

I was literally like, I'm going to kill myself right now.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Because the audacity. It's like, these men. Did you respond?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You're like, we got an opening on Tuesday.

[Brooke Everett]

But that looking back, like, that would have been. I should have been like, yeah, come on.

[Gabby]

You should have had. Yes. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I think that would have been really funny.

[Gabby]

Yeah. And this embarrass the Up. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But he's gone. I've like, deleted my hinge 18 times since.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

That. So I haven't seen him again. But something that I was gonna say is it's also hard, like, knowing that you have an online presence, because always in the back of my head. And, like, granted, like, I feel like a lot of straight guys probably, like, don't have not seen me, which is great.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But, like, some definitely have, like, seen clips, and I'm like, okay, you know who I am. You've heard me talk. You've, like, seen me in action, and you see. And you. You don't like that. And. And that's hard.

[Gabby]

I feel like you're allowing yourself to spiral. I mean. Yeah. Because what else would you. You have to, like, fill in the gaps. But I also think there's really technical things that you're not giving enough credit for. I think the app is poorly made, and I don't. The dudes on the Internet are in the manosphere.

[Brooke Everett]

They really are.

[Gabby]

Which is part of the problem.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

It's not the woman's fear.

[Brooke Everett]

And, like, I also feel like men don't have to be on the apps. Really could go out and kind of just like, get someone. Like, that's just the way the world operates right now. Is that, like, especially in la, like, men are in higher demand right now. Like, there are so many gorgeous single women and, like, not many, like, available, like, attractive men, you know?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

So I'm like, you don't have to be on the app. So, like, if you are on the apps, like, that's a Red flag in itself.

[Gabby]

Right. Or act like it.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Use it to its full potential. But I don't know. I feel like men are becoming in less and less demand. Like, at least all the Reddits I'm on, which I've probably, like, curated it.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

It's like they're all like, why don't women want me? It's like the male loneliness. Yeah. Welcome. We've been lonely our whole lives.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. I mean, truly. And I don't even know.

[Gabby]

I feel like it's like la. They. Like Peter Pan. They don't. I don't even know if the guys on these apps have jobs.

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

Like, did it say what this guy did who wanted to come on the podcast?

[Brooke Everett]

What? The guy that wanted to come on the podcast. I'll look back at a screenshot because I do have one, but I don't know. And then it was also like, he's unemployed. I remember feels it was like there's like a drinking weed and drugs.

[Gabby]

Oh, yeah section.

[Brooke Everett]

And like, for me, like, if you put to drugs, like, you must do drugs.

[Gabby]

Right. Because there's already a check for weed.

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

And then drugs are different.

[Brooke Everett]

Drugs, like, if you do drugs, like, occasionally, like, I wouldn't put that on my profile. Like, you don't have an option to show that. But his was like, drugs. Yes. And like, I don't do drugs.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And. And I'm not interested in being with someone that is, like, drugs. Yes.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I was like, that's fine. Like, I'm willing to overlook so much.

[Gabby]

Yes. But yeah, you can go on, like, a Coke field rage on the weekends. I'll look the other way.

[Brooke Everett]

I will look the other way. And then you can come on my podcast after Coke.

[Gabby]

Surprisingly, I do like a new experience every now and then. I cannot be inundated with them. And these experiences need to happen inside of the house. One of the things that I do to try and switch things up is try different forms of nicotine. You guys know that I've tried a pouch or two, so let me tell you, my favorite are Lucy Breakers. We cannot have those cheap and ugly nicotine cans cluttering up our vintage purses. It's time for an upgrade. Lucy is the if you know, you know, nicotine brand. They're not standard gas station pouches. Lucy is 100% pure nicotine and always tobacco free. They're just better. They're better, they're smoother, they're more pure. And add to a premium experience, they have a tiny capsule inside in which It'll pop for an instant burst of flavor. So it's like a buzz and a mint all in one. It's really for the girls and the gays and the guys, if you're even listening. I don't know how I feel about that. Who appreciate quality. Ready to upgrade your nicotine routine? You can go to Lucy Co Gabby and use promo code Gabby to get 20% off your first order. Lucy has a 30 day refund policy if you change your mind again, that's Lucy Co and use code gabby to get 20% off. And here comes the fine print. Lucy products are only for adults of legal age and every order is age verified. Warning. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. We have enough going on. So sometimes you just gotta get lost. Sometimes you have to take the long way around just so that you can forget about everything else that's going on. But have you ever gotten lost in a romance novel in your real world? Fades away. Sometimes you just need to fully be immersed in a world where fairies do the freaky, the slow burn, the stolen glances. The moment everything changes, you never want it to end. But that's exactly what Dipsia gives you. Whether it's a fiery fling, a forbidden love, or a slow tantalizing build. With Dipsea, there's a spicy audio story to match your every desire. I know what you guys like out there and it's something exciting and sexy and you want to be turned on already. So Dipsea is the female founded app for spicy audiobooks. They're created by women for the female gays. We've been begging for 1000 spicy audiobooks which Dipsea has over. So it's like, need I say more? With their easy to explore app, you can search for your favorite romance genres like contemporary, historical, dark, ooh, sports, western, romantasy, sapphic and more. Right now you can get a 30 day free trial plus 25% off your annual subscription when you go to dipseastories.com Gabbywindy that's D I P S E A stories.com Gabbywindy for 30 free days and 25 off your subscription. Dipseastories.com GabbyWindy and I've been trying to go out. Yes. How's that?

[Brooke Everett]

Horrible. No.

[Gabby]

I saw your tick tock the other day. You look so cute.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh my God. Thank you. But yeah, I just kind of like.

[Gabby]

Because yeah, I couldn't go. I do think it's the population like dating LA is terrible. All my single friends dating here. I mean, absolutely. I know, like you just can't believe it. Because I feel like they're all. It's like literally the total package.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Like, and then just no men.

[Brooke Everett]

I also think, like, in LA, you are here usually for a reason, like 90 of the time, like you're chasing something.

[Gabby]

Right, Right.

[Brooke Everett]

And a lot of the times it's like, in la, it's like entertainment. Yeah. And men in that are a little bit scarier than.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

Men that are not enough.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Unless you're like, behind the scenes.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Like an animator.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. That's great. Like, I would love something, but even just like agents or like somebody in the music industry, like, like a little bit scary.

[Gabby]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, I wouldn't know. Like, what. I mean, we're here, you know, for that. But like, as far as, like, the agent scare me, basically. I didn't even know what they were like.

[Brooke Everett]

No, just like. So, like.

[Gabby]

And also agree. Yes. And they want to be like, close to celebrity.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know, so like, this guy being like, I want to come on your podcast. It's like, like off.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. It really is tough. So anyway, going out in person hasn't.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know what to do there either, because.

[Gabby]

Is there anyone like, you would like, what are the vibes like. Like going out? What are the dudes like? Where do you go out?

[Brooke Everett]

Well, I've been trying to go out in Silver Lake.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Because I feel like that's like, if you're not from la, like, that's more of like the artsy.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Side.

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know. I've just been trying to have, like, open body language, which is what people on Tick Tock tell me to do.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Sitting there with, like, my shoulders, arms open and it's not doing anything.

[Gabby]

No.

[Brooke Everett]

So I also don't think it helps that, like, I'm usually like, with all. I have a lot of guy friends. They're all gay.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I don't know if that is not ideal, you know?

[Gabby]

Yeah. I mean, I feel like who else are we supposed to hang out with?

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

You know?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

And like. And you could probably tell they're gay, so at least, like, you have a good friend group.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know that. But I just. I think men have. Have lost all, like, motivation or just in me. I can go on and on, but it's like, don't. Like, they hate women. Yeah. Right now it's like, don't you. Why don't you want a relationship? Right Here I am. My body language.

[Brooke Everett]

Right. Look at my body language. It's Also, like, especially on the dating apps, there's just so many options, and I've heard this so many times that men just, like, are constantly just like, there's gonna be something better, like, swiping left. Because, like, sure, like, you might be cute, but, like, I can find something better.

[Gabby]

Yeah. But it's like, you can't.

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

Because nobody even wants them.

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

And it's like, pictures. You can't. I mean, we know. You know, you can't tell, like, everything by photo. And plus, I get in la, it's like they're probably going for, like, you know. Yeah. The basic girl type. Yeah. But, like, there's just so. It's so hard online dating and just dating in la. Would you ever, like. Because I know you're a musical theater fanatic. Yeah. Would you like. I have never gotten into musical theater. I want you to, like, show me the ropes.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, my God, Gabby, say less. I'd love to.

[Gabby]

Yes. Would you ever move to New York, though, to be close to Broadway?

[Brooke Everett]

I've thought about it recently. I just don't love New York for more than, like, three days.

[Gabby]

Yeah. So I think it's not good for our depression.

[Brooke Everett]

No, it's really not. It's so overwhelming and, like, you just can't get away. I think if I did move to the East Coast, I'd move home. Back home to Philly.

[Gabby]

Oh, yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And then it really is so easy getting to New York.

[Gabby]

Yeah. So, no, because. Do you miss Broadway in la?

[Brooke Everett]

I really do. I'm going to New York in a few weeks. I have two shows I have tickets for, which I'm really going to. I'm going to Sunset Boulevard, which I don't really know anything about it.

[Gabby]

Is that the one with the Pussycat doll?

[Brooke Everett]

That's Nicole Scherzinger. Yes. I'm really excited.

[Gabby]

I've heard it's amazing. Is it kind of a no H, O, R, R?

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, no. I don't know, but I've seen the blood.

[Gabby]

Okay. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

That's like, the last scene. I know, like, when they take their bowels, they're covered in blood, and I have no idea why. I know nothing about it, so I'm excited for that.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And then the other one I'm seeing is called Just in Time.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

Do you know who Jonathan Groff is?

[Gabby]

No, but I know you do. I know who he is through you. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

He's just like, my biggest, like, celebrity crush idol, and he's on my life exclusively. He is. Well, I feel like most people would know him from being on Glee.

[Gabby]

Okay. I knew that's where you're Glee. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Have you seen Frozen?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

He's the voice of Kristoff in Frozen.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

He was on this show, Mindhunter, if you've heard that, like, a lot of stuff.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But, yeah, very big on Broadway, and he's in this new show about Bobby Darin. Who was this. This musician who sang. You would know his songs, like Splish Splash. I was taking him back that one. He has, like, all these old songs.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

So he is playing him in this, like, cabaret style.

[Gabby]

Oh, cool. What's the story? Who's.

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know. I don't really know. I'm excited to learn about Bobby Darren. I know he died.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

Pretty young.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But he was apparently, like, quite a performer.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

So this show is really supposed to be just like, like, a performance.

[Gabby]

That's the thing. I've only seen one. Okay. But also, why do you think, like, actors go to Broadway instead of, like, being on the screen? Is it more of, like, the art?

[Brooke Everett]

I. Gabby. Yes. Like, I would kind of be maybe, like, turned off by, like, a man who wants to act in, like, film maybe if I found him on Hinge.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

But a man who wants to act in the theater. I'm like, that is. There is heart there. There is passion, like, soul connection. A genu of the craft and, like, the character. That is just very powerful to me.

[Gabby]

Wow. Yeah. Because I'm like, if. If you're on, you know, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, I'm like, well, obviously, Matthew is like the D Squad. Yeah, I know. He's not.

[Brooke Everett]

What's D Squad? Is that, like, DL?

[Gabby]

He's, like, gay on the DL. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Is that what it is?

[Gabby]

No, but just, like, not, like, not, you know, like the bench warmers. They're not the ones to go in. This is where you go when you're maybe acting career on screen falls to the wayside. But know that's not true because obviously SJP has taste.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. Also, I feel like so many of the, like, big, biggest actors now are on Broadway.

[Gabby]

They just love it.

[Brooke Everett]

Karen Culkin, like, Steve Carell, like, oh, he was just in a show. I don't know if he still is. But, like.

[Gabby]

And he's a performer. He's an artist.

[Brooke Everett]

Any artist truly is, like, has been on the stage, I think.

[Gabby]

Wow.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

That's incredible. And it is inspiring.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, it really is.

[Gabby]

I've only seen one Broadway play, O Mary.

[Brooke Everett]

How was it? I want to see it so Badly.

[Gabby]

I don't know if I can see another one. I do want to see Sunset Boulevard.

[Brooke Everett]

Okay.

[Gabby]

Because I've heard it's incredible. And I love her. I'm. What is the Pussycat Doll song?

[Brooke Everett]

When I grow up.

[Gabby]

Buttons. Yes, Buttons.

[Brooke Everett]

Don't you.

[Gabby]

I just recently. So many good ones. And she's like, such a performer. Her dance moves.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I feel bad for the other cats.

[Brooke Everett]

No, I didn't know that. Like, she really is the only one that sang. I thought it was more like an ensemble, but it was really just her.

[Gabby]

I know. Yeah. I thought all of them were gonn dance. Like, hit the mic. But they're just like background dancers.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, exactly.

[Gabby]

It should have been called, like, Nicole.

[Brooke Everett]

Nicole and the Sexy Cat Dolls.

[Gabby]

Yeah, but they're amazing dancers. But no. Oh. Mary was like, I don't know if I could see other Broadway now because it's it. And I'm sure this is just what it's like, but it's really just its own thing. I've never seen anything like it. It's so funny. And just the idea was so genius.

[Brooke Everett]

It's like if Mary Todd Lincoln, like, was. Was happy about Lincoln's assassination. Right. Like, if it worked well for her kind.

[Gabby]

Yeah, kind of. I mean, I'm like, was that it? I might have missed that part.

[Brooke Everett]

It might not be it.

[Gabby]

But, like, the idea even of, like, embodying Mary Todd Lincoln is so crazy to me. Like, where would you even come up with this idea? And she's like, I don't want to. Spoiler. Spoiler. If you want to go. Don't want to know anything. But she's like a drunk.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, that's so good.

[Gabby]

And it's so funny and like, cola School of playing.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I feel like. Is just so perfect. Like, they are the same person to me.

[Brooke Everett]

That's so. Yeah, I would love to see it. I've never seen a play that's not a musical.

[Gabby]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Because it's not a musical. Yeah. Which kind of make you, like, need the music. I feel like. To get you.

[Brooke Everett]

I think I do.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I would still really like to see it. I think I would really like it.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I don't. I think it's still going on, but it has the other lead.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. I would definitely want to see Cole.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Yeah. No, they were great. Yeah, but. But yeah, because you like Legally Blonde, the musical. Should I watch? Do you like it better than the movie? Because I was gonna watch Wicked for you. I still haven't even seen Wicked.

[Brooke Everett]

Start with Wicked.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

The movie, I think you. Yeah.

[Gabby]

You think it did it justice.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I do.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I really do.

[Gabby]

Say no at this point.

[Brooke Everett]

The most talented. Like, I think they really got the most talented performers they possibly could, and they did. I think they did do it justice.

[Gabby]

This.

[Brooke Everett]

It's so good. And then Legally Blonde, the musical, there's a Pro shoot on YouTube that's like, pretty much kind of like. I mean, you're not, like, getting the, like, oh, I'm in the theater like, ambiance, but, like, it is a really good, like, shot. And I like it more than the movie because the love story is. Is deeper.

[Gabby]

How does it, like, is it easier to buy the love story when it's on Broadway? Because I can't see myself being like. Okay. Because I feel like you're so aware that they're acting on Broadway.

[Brooke Everett]

No, I really think, like, they're, like, singing about, like, how they feel. And, like, you hear, like, you get Emmett's pov, which you don't really get in the movie, and you're, like, listening to him sing about falling in love with her.

[Gabby]

Oh, I love that.

[Brooke Everett]

And just, like, there's so many added scenes with the two of them. And just, like. Because I'm so obsessed with, like, love stories, like, I just, like, I was like, this is the best thing I've ever seen in my life.

[Gabby]

No, And I like the pov. I've heard you talk about Emmett before and how maybe. Who plays him? Is it Jonathan Gro?

[Brooke Everett]

No, no, no. It's Christian Borrell, who's, like, another great Broadway legend. Who I am. I do happen to be in love with him as well, especially in this.

[Gabby]

Yeah. This is your type. Yeah, I know. You got to get out there.

[Brooke Everett]

No, I know. I really, like, ideally I would be end up with, like, the Token Theater.

[Gabby]

Straight or bi, like, whatever, who, like, lives in la.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Because I get that, like, I could not. I would not be able to, like, move a city for a romantic venture just because it's just like, come on. If it's gonna happen, you know, I believe in serendipity, so it will. A Broadway guy.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Will come out here and I also would like.

[Brooke Everett]

Let's say I'm going to be 29.

[Gabby]

Next month, which, like, I. I don't. I don't say my age. I'm going to have to bleep.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

But I met Robbie at.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, that's good. That's. That's good to know. But I will say if I'm, like, 30, like, no, I can already see, like, 33, and nothing has happened. I would maybe move.

[Gabby]

Robbie was really. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Okay. That's really good to know, too.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I know. Because I hear maybe the dating scene is better out there. But, like, who's really to say?

[Brooke Everett]

Who's to say? And, like, yeah, say, like, not everyone would be taken by then. I don't know.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

It's really 20, 30, but I don't know. And then there are moments like, I'm like, it really would be fine if I never found anyone. Cause I have my cats and, you know.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I want to talk about your cats.

[Brooke Everett]

I love them. And it's easy to see how someone becomes, like, a cat lady.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Because you can just convince yourself, like, maybe they're all I need.

[Gabby]

Totally. That's how Robbie was. She, like, has a little writer's cabin in Lake Arrowhead. She's like, I'd be fine with me, the cabin and Nam is what the cat's called. You would love her.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, my God, I want to meet.

[Gabby]

I know. She's upstairs and she hides from the dog, but sometimes we lock him outside. You would love her. She's so sweet and beautiful.

[Brooke Everett]

What kind of cat?

[Gabby]

I think just like a Calico. But she's the run, so she's maybe, like, five or six pounds. She. Yeah, she looks like a kitten. And she's really sweet. But no, that's what. Same. Like, I've lost so much hope. And I'm sure you've heard this. And also, you have to allow yourself to be, like, you know, like, with the dating thing, like, I was. I went on the worst dates. I was like, when is this ever going to change? You have to allow yourself to go through all that. But, like, I genuinely believe that it's meant for everybody. And look at you. You have so much to offer. So sweet.

[Brooke Everett]

Gabby.

[Gabby]

And once it happens, you'll never look back.

[Brooke Everett]

Right.

[Gabby]

You will not remember.

[Brooke Everett]

I just. I do feel like I need, like. Just, like, something to happen once so I can be, like, okay. At least it's, like, a possibility for me. Totally. You know.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I just want to give it a shot.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. But anyway, it's been a little bleak.

[Gabby]

There's so much good TV out this summer. And thank God, because I am already sick of the UVA and the uvb. I have to protect my silk satin skin at all times. So I'll be watching TV from the inside and looking at the sun, also from the inside. So good news for me that FX has a new original comedy coming out called Adults. You've probably seen clips on TikTok. After checking it out, it all feels so familiar. Adult is a comedy and that will feel relatable if you ever find humor in the struggles of being an adult in 2025. Who doesn't say it with me now Tariffs. Say it with me now. All of these new types of driver's license and passports. Good luck if you remember your Social Security number or if you have to call your mommy. I remember mine, but I'm sure you don't. You probably can't even remember to drink water again. I can, but I know I'm really highly functioning. Or you could be having your third existential crisis of the month. Now that I can relate to. But the best part is that all the episodes will be ready for your next weekend binge. Watch FX's Adults Wednesdays on FX. All episodes are now streaming on Hulu. I do. I love to crack a cold one. A cold soda and do I have news for you. Simply has launched a new prebiotic soda, Simply Simply Simply Pop, the new Juicy soda. There are five flavors. Pineapple, Mango, Lime, Strawberry, Citrus Punch and Fruit Punch. Say less. All my favorite flavors, they're made with real fruit juice because please, I hate it when they're not. Simply Pop supports gut health with 6 grams of prebiotic fiber, no added sugar and is sweetened with juices Monk Fruit Root Extract. Now we're talking. Supports immune health with zinc and vitamin C. Simply Pop is a flavor that just pops. I'm always looking for something that's carbonated and that is Simply Pop. It's a fruit forward bevy of prebiotic sodas made with 6 grams of prebiotic fiber to support gut health and vitamin C and zinc to support immune function. I personally like the strawberry flavor because obviously it's the most decadent. So for flavor that Pops long winded chooses Simply pop. Go to cokeurl.com simply pop to find out where you can try it.

[Brooke Everett]

This is Amanda Hirsch from the Not.

[Gabby]

Skinny But Not Fat podcast. You might know me from Not Skinny.

[Brooke Everett]

But Not Fat on Instagram, where I.

[Gabby]

Spend my time talking about reality TV.

[Brooke Everett]

Celebrities, everything happening, and pop culture every Tuesday.

[Gabby]

Okay. I also talk to some of our favorite celebs and reality TV stars. We talk about what's going on. Tune in every Tuesday and just feel like you're talking your best friends in your living room. How's your book?

[Brooke Everett]

Good? Yeah, it's really good. I'm almost done.

[Gabby]

Oh my God, you're almost done. When did it do it?

[Brooke Everett]

Is well, technically, it's due in June.

[Gabby]

I would say it's not totally. You got to push, push, push.

[Brooke Everett]

I think it maybe will be closer to August, just, like, edits and everything. But it's going really well. I'm so excited.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God.

[Brooke Everett]

Hopefully the COVID and.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Release date. Well, I'll be able to announce soon. Sorry, can you hear my stomach?

[Gabby]

No.

[Brooke Everett]

Okay, good.

[Gabby]

I know you are specific about covers.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

What, like, what are you thinking? Can you say? Well, not really. Can't give it away.

[Brooke Everett]

I did want it to stand out as, like, a book that you would maybe not find just, like, at the romance table. Not that there's anything wrong. Wrong with that. I do love the, like, cartoonish covers.

[Gabby]

I've heard you don't.

[Brooke Everett]

Well, I didn't. And then I started reading them and then I was like, how dare I? Like, I. I really love them.

[Gabby]

What is, like, the. I guess, like, alternative to a cartoon cover?

[Brooke Everett]

That's what I've been trying to figure out.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

Not because, like, I don't appreciate those, but because I don't think it's just a romance. Like, there's, like, a lot happening in the book. Like, there's a lot of, like, mental health and, like, family friendship that's, like, I think maybe even, like, more prominent than the romance. So I wanted to do something different. So that is what I'm trying to do with it.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

It's not like, necessarily.

[Gabby]

But no shade.

[Brooke Everett]

But no shade to the car.

[Gabby]

Come back around.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. But we're still trying to get it. Get it right. Yeah. It's not done yet.

[Gabby]

That's got to be so hard.

[Brooke Everett]

It is hard because I don't have that kind of brain.

[Gabby]

Same.

[Brooke Everett]

So I can't tell you what I want. I can just see something. Be like, that's not it.

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

But I don't know what's.

[Gabby]

Well, how to change, how to change.

[Brooke Everett]

It and, like, what to say necessarily. So I've not been, like, very helpful.

[Gabby]

Like, try again.

[Brooke Everett]

And it's been, like, fun to see everything.

[Gabby]

Yeah, no, I bet. And like to watch it come to life. And, like, sometimes you just want it to be at least me. I'll be like, oh, whatever. I just can't think about this, you know? But then you'll see something. You're like, actually, I do care. Yeah, but you'll get there, I think. How has the process been? Has it been, like, cathartic?

[Brooke Everett]

It really actually has been, like, so healing. And I think a big part of why I'm like, okay, I really do want to start dating. Because the main girl, Phoebe, has this, like, dating anxiety that I also experienced. But when I'm, like, writing her and, like, thinking about her, I'm like, just like, you're so great. Just do it.

[Gabby]

Like, yeah, stop.

[Brooke Everett]

You're getting in your head for no reason. And so I found myself recently when I've, like, been in a situation where I, like, started to panic. I'm like, you're great. Like, right.

[Gabby]

Think about Phoebe.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I just. I kind of think about Phoebe. There was something that happened recently where there was a guy that I was, like, talking to at a bar and I was like, I can't keep doing this. I can't. I've got to get an Uber.

[Gabby]

No.

[Brooke Everett]

And then I was like, you know what? Like, what would you tell Phoebe?

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

And so I stayed.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Because you get, like, the fight or flight.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I really get such horrible fight or flight.

[Gabby]

That's like, I can't.

[Brooke Everett]

I can't sit here for another second, like, trapped in a conversation, like, in such close proximity with a man. Like, it's sick. But I was like, you know, what would you tell Phoebe? And so I stuck it out. And.

[Gabby]

And was it worth it?

[Brooke Everett]

No. But, like, I really, like, I was so really happy about.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

How I, like, stuck it out.

[Gabby]

Because it brings you, like, a level of confidence.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know, to know that you can do it. Do you do anything to take the edge off?

[Brooke Everett]

I mean, definitely, like, having a drink.

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

Helps.

[Gabby]

But I also, like, you can, like, get sober.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, don't want to. I kind of have a. Like, I'm either, like, not drunk at all or it's. I've. I've let myself go. Oh, yeah, there's no, like, oh, I'm, like, happy, like, tipsy. It's either like, I'm like, really, like, quiet.

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

And shy or immediately, like, overshare. Talking about my parents, divorce. Like, it's no. There's no in between. So that's a little tough. But I would, in theory, like, love to just be able to, like, have a drink.

[Gabby]

Right? Yeah. And just know.

[Brooke Everett]

Same.

[Gabby]

Yeah, I've been, like, late. I've been. Cuz it's bad for my depression. Drinking. I feel. Not even. Yeah. Not even just the hangover, but, like, I don't know, I feel like. Yeah, it's just the depressant part of it that I can't handle. So I've been being, like, more sober, going to events and stuff. And I feel once you, like, break through, if you can, it does Give you more confidence. Cuz you're like, oh, I can do this. But in dating, obviously I'd have to be like drunk guys completely.

[Brooke Everett]

I wish I could like just like have a little hit of my lead pen.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I go. I'm like more of a non verbal high or like, like paranoid. Like.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

So I just have to be high watching a movie rather than like.

[Gabby]

I like to smoke by myself for sure. But in the beginning when I was dating girls, I would get high because I'm like, at least it's an experience.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I almost want to make it. I feel like I have fuzz in my mouth. I want to make it something.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

So I'm adding another layer. At least I'll have a story to tell if I'm high. Like kind of get me out of the present situation, but maybe in a worse place.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

At least I don't have to.

[Brooke Everett]

But at least you're not in the present situation.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Were you on anything? Not that sounds like really intense. Like were you drinking or on weed?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

On your first date with Robbie.

[Gabby]

Yeah, both. I had like. I think I had like some kind of a tequila and I was high. So high, in fact she came like seven minutes early and she. I didn't know at the time, obviously it was our first date, but she drove a Porsche, stopped in the middle of the road, taking up all the traffic. The muff needed like some kind of maintenance. It was so loud and I was like, what the Am I getting myself into him? Why did I have to smoke? But was she picking you up? Yeah, she picked me up. She had just watched the car. Wow. Which mind you, you cannot tell because like she did her like post factory paint.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh my God.

[Gabby]

She's. I know. Yes. No, yeah, she's great.

[Brooke Everett]

But I love that.

[Gabby]

That. Yeah. But I'm glad. So like with the book, you have an editor, right? But they like, are. They help how much? What's your writing process like? I guess. How do you like come up with stories or.

[Brooke Everett]

I have. So for the first half of the book, I was kind of just like making up as I went, but I was having so like I could not tear myself away from writing because it was like a passion project at that point. Like it wasn't. Wasn't.

[Gabby]

Yeah, no.

[Brooke Everett]

If it was going anywhere or anything.

[Gabby]

Do you smoke before you write? No, I can't. Oh really? Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

I'm like so foggy when I smoke.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. No, I wish I was like a creative.

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

But I'm not. I'm like, dumb.

[Gabby]

No. And at least like, sometimes I'm like, in order. I have to smoke in order to like, whatever, get my thoughts down or do this or that. And it's like, no, you don't.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You're actually better when you're sober.

[Brooke Everett]

No, I kind of wish that I at least like, like, had a little bit of that, but I'm just so brain dead when I smoke.

[Gabby]

No, same.

[Brooke Everett]

Maybe I'm smoking the wrong thing. Yeah, Smoking actually, like, a lot of gummies, which I think.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

Is probably contributing to, like, the fogginess.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I feel like they have like, a more mellow high.

[Brooke Everett]

And I also get a different thing every time. I'm so inconsistent. Like, I don't have, like, one like, tried and true, so who knows? But when I was writing, like, the first half, I was just kind of like free balling it just like going in any direction. And then when I sold it, I had to do an outline of the wrap best. And so this half that I've been writing since I sold it has been based off of an outline, which. Okay, theoretically, should be so much easier.

[Gabby]

Right? But what if you want to change something?

[Brooke Everett]

I. I have, like, changed a few things along the way, but I just think, like, psychologically, like, now it's my job and it's not just like, for fun. It's become just like, harder because, like, I always. My mind always has to, like, make something harder, even though it should be easier.

[Gabby]

Oh, yeah. Well, it's just like, the pressure. You, like, have put so much pressure on yourself. What if I don't deliver?

[Brooke Everett]

Right?

[Gabby]

You know, everyone's gonna read it, which is, like, so exciting. I mean, I'm. I cannot wait.

[Brooke Everett]

No, I can't wait. I. I'll get you in early.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God.

[Brooke Everett]

Hopefully in like, September or something.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

No. Yeah. And you must feel, like, so accomplished after you're done. Like, writing is not easy. What it. Do you, like, wake up early? I've heard some writers do, like, a 6 to 10 schedule.

[Brooke Everett]

I am pretty inconsistent. Like, unfortunately, like, if I'm not in the mood, like, it's not gonna happen.

[Gabby]

No. And good for you.

[Brooke Everett]

I wish I had more of a schedule, but usually, like, first thing I wake do when I wake up is like, make my coffee and sit at the computer and put my phone in my lockbox for an hour.

[Gabby]

Oh. Oh, my God. I've seen your lock.

[Brooke Everett]

My lockbox has been really helpful.

[Gabby]

Really?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. Even though I still have access to my imessage.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I'm still using it just, like, the not picking up my phone is actually.

[Gabby]

Really helpful because it's tempting. It's like, you know, you have to work, so you just don't want to. But I also love texting on my computer. You can do it so much. F. Exactly.

[Brooke Everett]

But that's been. The morning has been probably where I get the most amount of work done. And then some days, I literally will, like, write one word. And then some days it'll be five pages, and it's just, like, depending on my mood.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And I just, like, have to surrender to that.

[Gabby]

You do? Yeah. No, you're real creative.

[Brooke Everett]

Totally.

[Gabby]

Totally.

[Brooke Everett]

Would you ever want to write?

[Gabby]

Like. Yeah, I think so.

[Brooke Everett]

I feel like I'd read anything that you wrote.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God, stop. Really? I do like to write because I like to read, but I also. I feel like. Yeah. You get so in your head. I'm like, what if I'm not as imaginative? Or what if it doesn't come out the way I want? You set the standards so high, and it is so intimidating to, like.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Sit down and just, like. Right.

[Brooke Everett]

I will say I didn't know how to write until I got to, like, the 50th page of my book. Like, it was literally like, I. If someone was like, like, literally, like, kill your family or let everyone read the first, like, original 50 pages of.

[Gabby]

Your say goodbye, mom and dad, I'd.

[Brooke Everett]

Be like, I don't know what to do because it's literally like, a third grader. Graders, like, writing projects. And then once I hit page 50, I was like, okay, I get it now. And then I just, like, went back and just, like, overhauled. Yeah, the first 50.

[Gabby]

Right. You can, like, go back and edit. Yeah, but sometimes it's like, I heard you say on a different podcast, like, yeah, just do it, no matter, like, how bad it is. And I feel like that's such a sage advice.

[Brooke Everett]

I mean, it was literally like a third grader's diary. Like, the first, like, original 50 pages. So I really just keep going. And I know that's so dumb, but.

[Gabby]

No, you have to.

[Brooke Everett]

You just have to. Even, like, if they're like, do as many run on sentences and, like. Yeah, it doesn't even have to, like, be in English because you can literally go back.

[Gabby]

Can you speak another language?

[Brooke Everett]

No, but, like, literally, some of what I wrote, I was like, this is not like, no one besides me would be able to understand this because it's not like, write written in the conventions of the standard, like, American English. Like, it's literally How I feel, you know, it's gibberish. But you can always go back and just, like, translate it to.

[Gabby]

Right. Something well written and, like, clean it up in the second time around. You're like, this is what I was trying to say.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

But, yeah, I feel like I speak in such, like, I don't know, even. Not even just run ons, but in and out. So the grammar of it all. And then I could probably have like three lines, four lines of one sentence.

[Brooke Everett]

But I think, like. Like, if you're writing in first person, which is what I'm doing, like, that's so fun because it makes your voice so unique and, like, you don't have to, like.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Right. With, like, typical, like, grammar and formatting, like, you can do whatever now.

[Gabby]

Right. You can just, like, make it your own.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. There's no such thing as, like, a normal way to write in first person.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I feel. Yeah. I honestly don't even know like, that much about it.

[Brooke Everett]

Me neither.

[Gabby]

That's surprising.

[Brooke Everett]

Me neither. This is the first thing I've ever written.

[Gabby]

Really? Yeah. And you're, like, such a big reader.

[Brooke Everett]

I think once I started paying attention to, like, how the writings I like, written.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

That's when I kind of, like, figured out how to do it.

[Gabby]

What is it?

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know.

[Gabby]

Say no.

[Brooke Everett]

It's just like.

[Gabby]

But it's just like, that's what you're.

[Brooke Everett]

Usually like when you're reading. You're just reading.

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

You know, but once you start writing, you're reading and you're also paying attention to, like, the structure.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

And everything like that. And then you kind of just like.

[Gabby]

Beginning, middle, and end. I could never.

[Brooke Everett]

No. That's really hard.

[Gabby]

Yes. You have to, like, go back. Do you ever have, like, a writer. Writer's block?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Yeah, all the time.

[Brooke Everett]

And then I'm just like, I'm done for the day. Because I really, like, applaud people who can kind of, like, push through. But I really, like, if I'm not in the state, I. I'm. I can't do it. And, like, luckily, like, I make up for it on the days that I am in the mood.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But truly, like, if I'm not in the mood, it's.

[Gabby]

You just can't. You can't force yourself.

[Brooke Everett]

I can't.

[Gabby]

How long have you been writing it?

[Brooke Everett]

Since last August.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

That's so fast.

[Brooke Everett]

Really?

[Gabby]

I feel like it's so fast past.

[Brooke Everett]

It's. Yeah. I feel like some books are, like, written in 10 years and summer in like three months. Like, you just have no idea.

[Gabby]

That's wild. Yeah, I feel like a good year. It's like, then you know it's gonna be good. I wouldn't trust a 3 monther.

[Brooke Everett]

I also think what's hard is like, how do you ever, like, how are you ever okay with being done? Like, there's always something you can change.

[Gabby]

Yeah. You want to go back and change and change and change. That's how I feel about, like, TV show too. Like in post production. Because Robbie, she's on Hacks this season and she's like, yeah, they didn't use some of my scenes. I'm like, oh, I'm sure they do that with so many things, but imagine being the one who's making the shots that would. You always question yourself, like, should I have left in this scene?

[Brooke Everett]

It's so tricky.

[Gabby]

But once it's done, it's done. And I feel like there's also like a release in that. You can't go back.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. And that's why a lot of artists, like writers and actors don't watch their stuff. Because it's like, yeah, I can't. I can't change it. I don't want to watch it. Don't make any changes.

[Gabby]

Exactly. I wouldn't. I mean, I didn't watch the Bachelor. Well, I did watch the Bachelorette. I'm lying. I didn't watch Dancing with the Stars back because it was live. I did watch Traders.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

But like, if I was, I. I would be one of those. I don't think I'd want to see it.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, no, like, once this book is done, like, I don't think I'll pick it up again.

[Gabby]

Yeah. When you know what's in there.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I. Yeah, I do.

[Gabby]

Would you want to do another one?

[Brooke Everett]

I have to.

[Gabby]

Oh, did you sign a two book deal? Okay, so is it going to be like a part 2 or something totally different? Different.

[Brooke Everett]

I have no idea.

[Gabby]

That's good.

[Brooke Everett]

Which is scary.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I wish I could wait and see. Like, did you guys like this one?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

So I could know, like, if I should do a sequel or what, but I think I'd have to start writing it, like, before. Yeah, the reception comes in, so. Well, we'll see.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Is it another year that you have?

[Brooke Everett]

I honestly, like, you shouldn't know. Out of my hands. I don't think it says like, when. It probably does say when. I have to. I don't know.

[Gabby]

No, that's great.

[Brooke Everett]

I'm pretty, like, I should know, like, My parents are always asking me, like, what. Like, what certain things look like.

[Gabby]

And I'm like, no, it's better not to know. It's like, I'll know when I need to. I know.

[Brooke Everett]

And I'm also, like, scared to ask too many questions because I don't want to be annoying.

[Gabby]

I don't want to bother you. I'm sorry. Yeah. This is directly related to me, but I don't want to be a burden in.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

What else? Here, I have a list of things. Oh, this is. What do you speed read?

[Brooke Everett]

Only if I am not liking something.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

I'll just speed. I'll just speed read until the end.

[Gabby]

How do you speed read? I'm such a slow reader, and I feel like my comprehension. I have to reread and reread.

[Brooke Everett]

I think if just, like, if I'm not liking something, I don't care if I'm. How much I'm comprehending. Like, I'm just reading to, like, get basic, like, hot thought down.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Just get through it.

[Brooke Everett]

Whereas if I like something, I'll read, like, every sentence twice. Oh, yeah. Because I really like. If I don't understand every little thing, I get, like, really hard on myself.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I heard something once that's like. Or. Because I'm. I feel like I'm bad at, like, regurgitating things. Like, I can't explain it. So while I'm reading or watching, I'll try and read as if I can explain it to somebody else.

[Brooke Everett]

I do that, too. I. I was thinking recently, like, maybe I should read, like, one of the classics, like Pride and Prejudice.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Do you read classics?

[Brooke Everett]

So, I never have, and I don't think I would like them, but I was like, I really should do that.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I went to Barnes and Noble yesterday.

[Gabby]

Pride and. Pride and Prejudice feels like a heavy lift.

[Brooke Everett]

It does. But it's like, so many people talk about it in, like, the. One of the best romances. So I'm like, I would like that.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And I picked it up and tried to read the first page. Age I. The second sentence. I. I read. I mean, 10 times.

[Gabby]

I could not.

[Brooke Everett]

Never. I couldn't. I couldn't.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know.

[Gabby]

Was it like, the language?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Yes. Because I don't like to read classics that are like that. Now I'm on classics because I feel like I've never read in the past, so I want to start somewhere, but there I feel like. Yeah. I'm always drawn to just, like, authors who speak normal.

[Brooke Everett]

I know.

[Gabby]

I just talk normal.

[Brooke Everett]

Just do that. And I really, like, I was like, there's no way. Because I'm. I'm not, like, so smart, but I read a lot and I'm.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

If there's. If I'm, like, truly not understanding this, like, are you guys pretending?

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, there's really. Like, this is not.

[Gabby]

That's what it feels like. It feels like it's all a farce that everyone's in on it, but they don't actually know what's going on. It's bandwagon.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Like, there's no way you're.

[Brooke Everett]

Or are you just okay with not understanding a few sentences here and there?

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, I'm not. Not.

[Gabby]

No.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, I want to understand every single thing. Or I'll be mad at myself.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

You know, Or I'll be like, there must be something big I missed. And, like, I'm missing out on, like, a huge part of the story.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Well, exactly. Then you, like, can't get lost. I feel like, in it.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

So you have to be able to understand.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, I don't want to have to stop and be like, wait, what?

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

Every five seconds.

[Gabby]

And I don't want to, like, oversimplify it. Sometimes there's something like that I'm like, oh, totally. This is. This must be what they meant. And then you're missing half the plot.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I just. I can't. But there's some. I feel like older. I'm trying to think of. Of what I've read recently that's like, okay, this isn't. Well, I love Sylvia Plath about. But you can't read it.

[Brooke Everett]

I can't.

[Gabby]

Well, because I think we talked about this last time.

[Brooke Everett]

It will make me feel sick.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Yeah. It's like. It's like heavy on the depression. But she speaks in such an easy to understand way, which I love. And then I. I also. This. People aren't gonna like this. Maybe. But Charles Bukowski.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, I don't.

[Gabby]

He's like a woman hater. But he's. He's. Of the time.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know, but in his writing. Just easy to understand. Like, I can't. If there's too many vocab words, I'm out of it.

[Brooke Everett]

I know.

[Gabby]

Participle. I don't know what the.

[Brooke Everett]

I know I've been writing down words that I don't know a lot.

[Gabby]

I do that.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. But then I just never revisit.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But in theory, that would be, like, a good thing to have is like a collection of words.

[Gabby]

It. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

To look up.

[Gabby]

No. Same. I'll write it down. Even, like, phrases that is, like, things that definitely people have heard before, like moth to a flame, can't get enough of it.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. No, there are so many phrases that I'm like, yeah, I use this, but I don't know what it means.

[Gabby]

Right. Yeah, yeah, yeah. C' est la vie.

[Brooke Everett]

C' est la vie. I read this book recently called the Wedding People.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

Have you heard of that?

[Gabby]

I think I have.

[Brooke Everett]

It was like a read with Jenna Pick. So it's, like, kind of went all over.

[Gabby]

Who's Jenna?

[Brooke Everett]

Like, Jenna Bush Hager. You know, her book club and Good morning. I always forget if it's Good Morning America or the Today Show. I do not. I can't tell the difference.

[Gabby]

Okay. Same.

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know, but it's one of those.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And she has a good book club. She has. I really think it's like.

[Gabby]

Like, she has good taste.

[Brooke Everett]

She has great taste. And it's, like, on the same page as, like, Reese's Book Club. It's, like, very popular.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But I. I'm finding myself to trust her picks.

[Gabby]

Oh. I like, pretty. Yes. You need someone like that.

[Brooke Everett]

I really love her.

[Gabby]

Yes. And, like, recommendations for all things you can' A wreck willy nilly.

[Brooke Everett]

No, I really trust Jenna with my life at this point.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And one of her books, it was called the Wedding People. And, like, her books really like the book she picks. Like, she's a lot of sway. Like, there will be a table for them in Barnes Noble. So I wouldn't be surprised if you've seen it. Yeah. But it was about this woman who, like, went to a really fancy hotel to kill herself.

[Gabby]

Oh.

[Brooke Everett]

And so that was kind of like. I was, like, feeling sick.

[Gabby]

No, you couldn't do it.

[Brooke Everett]

Because the first 50 pages, she was, like, kind of just, like, preparing, caring for suicide. And I. Yeah, but what I was gonna say is, like, towards the end, I was like, okay. I feel okay about it now. Yeah. Maybe I could read the Bell Jar.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I mean. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And you would like this book.

[Gabby]

Okay. I gotta read it.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I think so.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

It was good.

[Gabby]

I need some, like, newer. It goes now. Robbie's just, like, recommending all these books to me that her mom has recommended to her. Okay. And her mom is a real American classic, like, enthusiast. But I'm like, I gotta get out on the new.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

You know, totally. But. Yes. Yeah. I'm trying to think. I mean, I know people say that about the bell. The Bell Jar. There is one storyline that's like, yeah, Pretty bad with her, like, whatever, attempting suicide and stuff. But I think most of it, I don't know. I think I just, like, connect to, like, her writing and the way she explains the. The, like, woman experience and how she was like all the men, you know, she hated and same. And they treated her like. That's what I go. But then it's like, I probably have to read it again. And then there's the fig tree.

[Brooke Everett]

Is that. No. Is that like you masturbate under the fig tree? Is that what it is?

[Gabby]

No, it's like, some analogy that. This is me and my comprehension level. It's basically like. I think it means, like, you can do whatever you want.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, I don't know where I got.

[Gabby]

Yeah, Wait, let me see. What? Let me see. I want to do it justice. It's something we know. She just put it in, like, you know, a very beautiful way, and then people just know. The fig tree. Tree. The fig tree. Sylvia Plath.

[Brooke Everett]

It's in. There's a reference to the fig tree in Hamilton. Maybe you'd like Hamilton.

[Gabby]

Yeah, I know. Well, I didn't know about the fig tree, but I know you love Hamilton. A metaphor for the daunting task of choosing a path, which I feel like we all have.

[Brooke Everett]

George Washington had to do that.

[Gabby]

Oh, really? Is that with the fig tree?

[Brooke Everett]

Yes.

[Gabby]

What was his path?

[Brooke Everett]

He was basically saying that everyone needs to sit under their own vine and fig tree because. Because he was stepping down from the presidency and no one had done that before because he was the first president, and it was just kind of expected that he would do it till he died.

[Gabby]

Oh, wow.

[Brooke Everett]

But he was like, no. Like, I want to step down while I'm kind of on top.

[Gabby]

Damn. Yeah, he.

[Brooke Everett]

He's forging his own path.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Yeah. He really took advantage of the fig tree.

[Brooke Everett]

Really? I don't know where I got the masturbation thing from. And now I'm feeling weird. I love it.

[Gabby]

It's choosing your own path.

[Brooke Everett]

I feel like I read a book about that in. In, like, high school or something. But then I'm like, no, there's no way. Anyway.

[Gabby]

But maybe did George Washington do that in real life?

[Brooke Everett]

The fig tree or.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Did he step down?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Wow.

[Brooke Everett]

He did.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

While he was still alive.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I feel like Sylvia Plath influences a lot of culture.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Uses a lot of her stuff. Like, she had a. Sylvia Plath had a blonde summer.

[Brooke Everett]

Really?

[Gabby]

It was the best summer of her life.

[Brooke Everett]

Okay.

[Gabby]

That's what they say. Taylor Swift. They say she Had a blonde summer I forget when and when I'm ready for a blonde summer.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Maybe next year.

[Brooke Everett]

Maybe. Do you. Does she, like. What else has she written besides the Bell Jar? Just like collections of stuff.

[Gabby]

Yeah. She has like her. Her diaries that she. Well, because there's drama behind it. Her husband. I think this is what happened. I feel like with all the women of that time, if you are a talented writer, you know, you had to do it under a pseudonym. They just don't want you to be able to write as a woman. So her husband didn't want her to publish. A lot of her work works probably because she was like talking on him and he was like a terrible, I think, abuser. Like people say that he killed her. Wow.

[Brooke Everett]

Obviously.

[Gabby]

Well, you know, she did it herself.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

But I think he drove her to that. And he. Like, I don't know what he did with them, but he destroyed a lot of her work post after her death. So we don't actually know, but she has the unabridged journals of Sylvia Plath, which are like. Somebody got a hold of them. Even her daughter, I think, isn't like. Is on the dad's side. But they published a lot of unpreviously published work that's like unfiltered somehow. Wow. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And you've read that?

[Gabby]

No. It's so long. I read some of it, though. I can't so much do like diary entries.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

I want like a story.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

And she has a lot of poems, but I can't read poems.

[Brooke Everett]

I can't do poems.

[Gabby]

I can't.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, they literally don't make sense to me.

[Gabby]

No. Give it to me straight.

[Brooke Everett]

Give it to me straight. I can't be beating around the bush like this.

[Gabby]

Right. It's like too much of a metaph.

[Brooke Everett]

People that say can get it.

[Gabby]

Yes. It feels like of another dimension.

[Brooke Everett]

It really does.

[Gabby]

Ethereal.

[Brooke Everett]

Not one of that I can access.

[Gabby]

No. We're so rude in this earth.

[Brooke Everett]

Damn. Have you read any Virginia Woolf?

[Gabby]

I've tried, but I feel like she. Her sentences are a little. I can't get it. Have you.

[Brooke Everett]

No. But I saw something on Tick Tock that made me really sad about her.

[Gabby]

What was it?

[Brooke Everett]

It was just like her goodbye letter to her husband.

[Gabby]

Oh.

[Brooke Everett]

Because she killed herself was basically like.

[Gabby]

I.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, if anyone, like, could have saved me, it would have been you.

[Gabby]

Whoa.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But like, there was nothing that could.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. I started crying.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God. I took it as like he could have saved her, but didn't.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, no. As in, like, if I was capable of being saved, it would have been you.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God. That I'm not. Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Wow. No, I've tried. Let me see. Because I really. I just like depressive stuff because I feel like it's so cathartic. The Yellow wallpaper, Have you heard of that?

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. Where she goes insane.

[Gabby]

Yes. Have you read it?

[Brooke Everett]

I think it's like a short story, right?

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I think we read that in school.

[Gabby]

Yeah, probably that's what I'm on now. But I thought it was by Virginia Woolf. But it's not. But it was really good. Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

[Brooke Everett]

Charlotte Perkins. No, but I do remember that one.

[Gabby]

But I heard about Virginia Woolf. And this is maybe controversial, but I was like, I can't get into her as much because she's supposed to be feminist, too, you know? But I. I just. I couldn't quite get into it. And somebody was like, well, that's because she's, like, kind of a pick me.

[Brooke Everett]

Really.

[Gabby]

She's dead. She can't even defend herself.

[Brooke Everett]

What is pick me about her?

[Gabby]

I don't know. I guess she was really writing maybe for the men versus for a woman to understand. I don't know her feminist takes, but something about it was, like, more for the boys. That's what I heard.

[Brooke Everett]

For the boys voice.

[Gabby]

So I'm like, okay, imagine.

[Brooke Everett]

No, that would suck. And also for her, like, not to be able to be like.

[Gabby]

No, right, exactly. No, this is what I meant. So. But yeah, I want to be able to understand her more. Who are your favorite authors?

[Brooke Everett]

That's a really good question. I actually read this book that maybe you would, like, called Everyone in this Room Will Someday be Dead.

[Gabby]

Oh, okay. Yeah, no, that sounds up.

[Brooke Everett]

And it's about this girl who is just, like, so afraid of dying in a way. Like, so, like, ocd, like, the most. And, like, the whole book is just her intrusive thoughts of, like, she'll be fine one second, and then all of a sudden be like, I am in, like, a decaying, like, body, and I'll be dead. And, like. And it's just like, the whole book. And a lot of people hate it because they're like, I. There's no reason for me to be.

[Gabby]

Like, yeah, this is Entertainment for 200 pages. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Pretty short, but I love that. And the author's name is Emily Austin. And I want to read her others because apparently they're, like, similar.

[Gabby]

Oh, wow.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. So that could be.

[Gabby]

I'll have to write it down. I have a list. Yeah. I like anything that makes me feel something.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. It made me feel, like, sick. But I was like. I was also so. Like, I've had so many of these. You know how you sometimes have, like. This is, like, tough. Because it's like, I, like, tough to put into words. But, like, you have these, like, brief, like, feelings of, like, I'll be dead one day.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

And you just, like, don't eat. Like, it's like, such a pit in your stomach that, like.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

You can't necessarily put it into words, but just, like, the worst feeling.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

This book is all, like, putting those types of feelings into words. And you're like, yeah, I felt that way. I felt that way.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

But you've never, like, had the words to explain it.

[Gabby]

Totally. That's. What. Which. Same. Like, I think because I was a nurse for so long, I'm not so sensitive about talking about death. So it's like, when you read something like this, that actually makes you feel about it.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Like, I was just so desensitized to it. But I have more recently, I've been afraid of dying. I think it's a good thing. Thing.

[Brooke Everett]

Yes.

[Gabby]

Because before, you were, like, apathetic towards it. Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

That's such a good thing.

[Gabby]

Yeah. So I think it's actually a good thing. So it'd be nice, like, feel something again. Kind of like that. Oh, I forgot what I was gonna say.

[Brooke Everett]

That's fine. But I'm trying to think. Any other I. You was really on a, like, romantasy.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

Kick. That is kind of. Now I'm just kind of doing, like, those kind of cartoon romance.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Now you're back.

[Brooke Everett]

I'm really loving those.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Ali Hazelwood. Do you know her? No, I don't think you would, like, like them.

[Gabby]

Okay.

[Brooke Everett]

They're very. They're cheesy.

[Gabby]

I do, like. I like. Have you read the Outlander?

[Brooke Everett]

Like, the older, like, English ones.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

No. But I've heard so many things about them.

[Gabby]

Surprisingly, I read the first one.

[Brooke Everett]

They're long, right?

[Gabby]

They're so long. But they're so good. Yes. And it's kind of giving, like, Acotar.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah. With. Those are just. They're so long.

[Gabby]

Yeah. I don't think I would have done it now. I did it when I was a nurse and, like, the whole unit was doing it and I was on night shift, so I, like, had to do something thing. But now I, like, a 300 pager completely.

[Brooke Everett]

I don't think that anything needs to be longer with, like, a few exceptions.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Especially These, like, romance books. I'm like, what are you doing in the 400 realm? There's no need for that.

[Gabby]

Like, let's just get to the point.

[Brooke Everett]

Let's get to the point.

[Gabby]

It's like a docu series that's, like, six episodes. It bought too many episodes, but it could be four.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

And the first two is just, like, dragging on. I'm like, I just want to get to it already.

[Brooke Everett]

And then you, like, have, like, a third act breakup, and it's like, no one wants that.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, all of us are reading because it's, like, happy ever. We want, like, them to fall in love.

[Gabby]

Right.

[Brooke Everett]

But they just needed to add, like, 100 pages of, like, conflict for no reason.

[Gabby]

Totally.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

It's like, who is this for? It's not for me.

[Brooke Everett]

It's not for me. Hitting your word count, but, yeah, not for me.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God. Thank you.

[Brooke Everett]

Oh, my God.

[Gabby]

I know.

[Brooke Everett]

Like, it really flies by when I'm here.

[Gabby]

Thank you. Oh, my God.

[Brooke Everett]

Was that an hour?

[Gabby]

It was over an hour.

[Brooke Everett]

Insane.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Like, like an hour and 50 minutes. I know. I feel like we could talk.

[Brooke Everett]

I feel like I really talk too much.

[Gabby]

No, stop. That's literally impossible.

[Brooke Everett]

Sorry.

[Gabby]

No, don't be sorry. You're such a good talker.

[Brooke Everett]

You too. I mean, you are really my favorite podcast to go on.

[Gabby]

Oh, my God. No, thank you for being here. I. I hate being desperate for guests, you know? So it's so nice that, like, you like to come on. I love having you.

[Brooke Everett]

I really do. I love it. I'll come back anytime. Not to invite myself, but, please, all the time.

[Gabby]

Okay. I didn't ask. How's Brooke and Connor? Like, you guys are bicoastal.

[Brooke Everett]

We're bicoastal. It's been. It's good. We're figuring it out. We haven't really been able to have many guests at all because I don't want to be in a room. Actually, I would be fine being in a room with you, but, like, with most people, I'm like, I don't want, like, to be in a room with someone and then you're on the computer, and it's just, like.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

Kind of weird dynamics. But other than that, it's been okay. Yeah, he's been back a lot, which has been nice.

[Gabby]

Oh, good.

[Brooke Everett]

But, yeah, we're figuring it out.

[Gabby]

Yeah.

[Brooke Everett]

Okay.

[Gabby]

No, the people love you.

[Brooke Everett]

Thanks. People.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Love.

[Brooke Everett]

Love the people.

[Gabby]

Yeah. Where can we find you?

[Brooke Everett]

You can find me. That podcast Brook and Connor make a podcast is anywhere you can get Podcasts and I guess on Instagram, Brooke, Africa, and.

[Gabby]

Yes.

[Brooke Everett]

And we don't need to even do TikTok. Lady Efron on TikTok.

[Gabby]

And.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, I've been getting really embarrassed about that recently.

[Gabby]

But anyway, no, I. What about it?

[Brooke Everett]

I don't know. I'm just like, I want to change it.

[Gabby]

Lady Efron. Yeah, I saw it today and I was like, why is it lady. And then I was like, duh.

[Brooke Everett]

I was really embarrassed. I had to tell Dylan. And so now I'm feeling. Ever since then, I'm just like, I don't. I don't. I want to change it. I think it's even that he's the sweetest guy in the world. He's so. I. But I was literally like, I can't like having him on the podcast. Like, the whole night before. I was, like, talking in the mirror, like, so you might have noticed that.

[Gabby]

Addressing. Yes. Yeah, I'm gonna lead the conversation. No, I like it because it connects us to our past.

[Brooke Everett]

I really. Yeah, I just hope I don't have to ever explain it to Zach.

[Gabby]

Yeah, like, I know. If you do, I think you would love it.

[Brooke Everett]

I'm gonna change it. Before we get.

[Gabby]

We get there, it'll be lady something else.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah, that's so true. Lady. That guy on Hinge that won't let me back, so.

[Gabby]

No, not him. Fuck him. If you're listening to. Yes. If you're listening to this, you're embarrassed saying to the XY race.

[Brooke Everett]

Thank you.

[Gabby]

Whatever that is.

[Brooke Everett]

Yeah.

[Gabby]

Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you, Gabby.

[Brooke Everett]

You're the greatest. Love you. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a.

[Gabby]

Direct or indirect financial interest in products.

[Brooke Everett]

Or services referred to in this episode.