The Nightly — “Little Women Takeover w/ Nicole Daniels”
Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Kristen (Hatch Podcasts)
Guest: Nicole Daniels (Actor, Writer, Pop Culture Parodist)

Episode Overview

This cozy, pop culture-infused bedtime episode of The Nightly brings listeners into a whimsical and affectionate discussion focused on period pieces—especially the enduring appeal of Little Women. Host Kristen welcomes Nicole Daniels, well-known for her period drama parodies, to talk about her new role as narrator for Hatch’s audiobook version of Little Women and to play games, dish on the March sisters, and share a few hot takes on pop culture’s gentler side—all designed to help you unwind for sleep.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Nicole Daniels’ Pop Culture & Period Piece Passion

• Nicole introduces herself as an actor, writer, and social media content creator known for playful parodies of period films (A24, historical dramas, foreign films) and comedy sketches about work and nonprofits.
• Both Kristen and Nicole bond over their love for history and dressing up in period costumes as kids, finding kinship in what Nicole calls a “quiet, gentle community” (02:40).

Quote:
“We are a quiet, gentle community. All of us in our prairie dresses together. We're out there.” — Kristen (02:40)

Becoming Jo March: Narrating Little Women

• Nicole shares her excitement and personal approach to narrating Little Women for Hatch’s Classics series, including dressing in a Victorian dress to truly get into character while recording (03:03-03:44).
• She especially enjoyed bringing Jo’s perspective to life and subtly voicing the other sisters.

Quote:
“I did bring in my, like, Victorian dress, and for one of the chapters, I did put that on... I felt very much in character for that piece.” — Nicole (03:23)

Why Does Little Women Still Resonate?

• Kristen and Nicole dig into the four March sisters—Meg (the traditionalist), Jo (the independent writer), Beth (the kind, sickly one), and Amy (the brat who evolves)—and discuss who they identified with and why each sister still sparks debate and devotion (04:28-08:32).
• They compare “Which Little Woman are you?” to conversations around Sex and the City or Golden Girls.

Quote:
“It's almost like Sex and the City—like, which gal are you? Or the Golden Girls, Which Golden Girl are you? And you can kind of do that with Little Women, right?” — Kristen (04:43)

The Amy Controversy: Manuscript in the Fire

• Kristen confesses her lasting anger at Amy for burning Jo’s manuscript, sparking a lively exchange on sibling dynamics and forgiveness (06:33-07:09).

Quote:
“She takes Jo's manuscript that she has been working on for years... and throws it in the fire. And at that point I'm like, Amy, you're over to me.” — Kristen (06:33)

Laurie: Romantic Choices and Literary Debate

• They dissect Laurie’s journey from Jo’s spurned admirer to Amy’s ultimate partner, speculating if Laurie’s love was genuine or motivated by wanting to be part of Jo’s family (09:28-10:09).
• The hosts reflect on how adaptations (and casting choices) influence perceptions of the characters.

“Spoon, Snore, Shove on the Floor”: A Pop Culture Game (Kiss, Marry, Kill)

Segments and Choices:

• Which Laurie?—Timothée Chalamet (Gerwig’s adaptation), Christian Bale (90s film), or Professor Baer (Jo’s eventual partner) (10:52-12:43)
  • Both would “shove” Professor Baer, “spoon” Timothée, and “snore” (marry) Christian Bale’s Laurie.
  • Quote:
    “Timothée Chalamet seemed more like a boy. Christian Bale, he seems more like a man.” — Kristen (12:28)
• Perfect Setting: Orchard House at Christmas, New York City in Fall, or Walden Pond in Spring (13:05-15:47)
  • Disagreement: Nicole favors New York (“snore/marry”), Kristen chooses Orchard House (“spoon”) and rejects Walden Pond for its noise.
  • Quote:
    “Orchard House at Christmas... I want to make out with that all night, actually.” — Kristen (14:21)
• American Girl Dolls: Samantha, Felicity, or Addie (16:20-19:28)
  • Both adore Addie (“snore/marry”). Nicole shoves Samantha, Kristen shoves Felicity (“not a horse girl”) and wants to spoon Samantha for her riches.
  • Quote:
    “Loving horses is not a personality, Felicity. Sorry.” — Kristen (19:17)

Historical Interpretation and Childhood Dreams

• Nicole reveals she once worked as a costumed historical interpreter, thrilling Kristen who jokes about her dream of “churning butter” and dressing in a bustle (15:22-15:47).

Quote:
“The butter is waiting for you. The time is here.” — Nicole (15:42)

Nicole Daniels: Where to Find More

Nicole invites listeners to follow her:

• Instagram: @nicoleolive
• TikTok: @nicoleolive.d

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If I'm given the choice between wearing a bonnet or wearing a motorcycle jacket, I'm probably going to choose the bonnet.” — Kristen (01:55)
• “[Amy] does something that I don't know if I'd ever be able to forgive. She takes Jo's manuscript... and throws it in the fire.” — Kristen (06:33)
• “Loving horses is not a personality, Felicity. Sorry.” — Kristen (19:17)
• “We are a quiet, gentle community. All of us in our prairie dresses together. We're out there.” — Kristen (02:40)
• “The butter is waiting for you. The time is here.” — Nicole (15:42)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Guest Intro & Period Piece Fandom — 00:53–02:40
• Nicole on Narrating Little Women — 03:03–03:44
• Sister Deep Dives: Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy — 04:28–08:32
• Amy’s Manuscript Scene — 06:33–07:09
• Little Women Adaptations, Laurie & Relationship Talk — 09:28–10:09
• “Spoon, Snore, Shove on the Floor” Game
  • Laurie's Portrayals—10:52–12:43
  • Dream Literary Settings—13:05–15:47
  • American Girl Dolls—16:20–19:28
• Historical Interpretation Dreams & Wrap-Up — 15:22–15:47
• Where to Find Nicole Daniels — 19:41–19:50

The Nightly wraps up on a warm, nostalgic note, sending listeners to bed with visions of literature’s most beloved sisters. Kristen and Nicole sign off hoping you “dream of Little Women”—prairie dresses, period romance, horses and all.