Ep. 108 Check In

Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on You Can See Everything and sitting down with author Rachel Hochhauser for a conversation about her debut novel, Lady Tremaine. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Rachel attended New York University before earning her Master’s in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California. She now lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two daughters. Join me as we talk about motherhood, relationships, storytelling, and the inspiration behind her work.

Today I sit down with Julie Harrison-Harney who is an experienced comedy writer and digital/social strategist. Previously, she was a writer for WWE's Monday Night RAW and Director of Digital for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She wrote and developed comedy series for Above Average and was a writer for Upright Citizens Brigade. She currently oversees social and original series development for Learfield Studios working with Big Ten Athletics Departments and Student Athletes. Julie is the creator of @UESwithKids where she spotlights small businesses and free events on the Upper East Side for families in the hopes of building a stronger community for UES moms and dads. link to the book referenced: https://www.amazon.com/Boys-Men-Modern-Struggling-Matters/dp/0815739877

Today, I’m sitting down with Amy Chozick to talk about her new book, With Friends Like You. Amy Chozick is a bestselling author, screenwriter, and award-winning journalist who has spent years covering some of the biggest stories in politics, business, and media for The New York Times. She is also the author of the New York Times bestseller Chasing Hillary, which she later adapted into the HBO Max series The Girls on the Bus. Her writing has appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, and numerous other publications, and she has built a career telling stories about powerful women, ambition, friendship, and the complicated worlds we navigate. Her latest book, With Friends Like You, explores friendship, motherhood, ambition, and the pressures of modern life in a way that I think so many women will recognize. Amy is currently adapting With Friends Like You into a major motion picture with Fifth Season and Academy Award-winning producer Brad Weston. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Amy, thank you so much for being here. I’m so excited to talk with you.

Today, we’re diving into everything Academy Awards—from the biggest wins to the most surprising losses, and of course, the unforgettable fashion moments that stole the spotlight on the red carpet. We’ll break down who took home the gold, who got snubbed, and which looks had everyone talking long after the night ended. From bold statements to classic elegance, the Oscars Red Carpet never disappoints—and this year was no exception.

We begin with Wuthering Heights, diving into the dark intensity of Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship. We explore themes of obsession, revenge, social class, and emotional turbulence, and discuss why this gothic masterpiece still resonates today. Is it the ultimate love story — or a cautionary tale about destructive passion? Next, we shift gears to the Olympics, unpacking the drama, discipline, and nationalism that make the Games so compelling. From inspiring underdog victories to the immense pressure placed on elite athletes, we examine how the Olympics reflect both the best and most complex parts of humanity — ambition, unity, rivalry, and resilience. Finally, we turn to Love Story, analyzing why this emotional romance became such a cultural touchstone. We reflect on its portrayal of young love, sacrifice, and heartbreak, and debate whether its famous message about love still holds up today. What makes certain love stories endure across generations? It’s an episode about passion in all its forms — romantic, competitive, and obsessive — and how powerful emotions shape both personal relationships and global moments.

Ep. 108 Check In by Barbie Kong

This episode is dedicated to all things Golden Globes as we dive deep into the biggest wins of the night, and the performances that sparked

Today, we’re kicking off the new year with a look at fresh beginnings, a breakdown of the latest award season developments, and an in-depth look at a heated rivalry fueling excitment on and off the ice

Happy Thanksgiving!

Anna Hardwick is a critically-acclaimed actor, writer and producer working in film/tv and theatre in Toronto and internationally. She co-wrote and co-starred in the comedy Nesting, the first short form series commissioned by Crave/Bell Media. Anna has performed in theatres across Canada; acted opposite Tracey Ullman in FX’s Mrs. America, guest starred on Murdoch Mysteries and performed in the Oscar-winning film Birdman. Anna played opposite Lacey Chabert in Pride, Prejudice and Mistletoe, and Michelle Mylett in the thriller Was I Really Kidnapped? She wrote and produced two short films, the latest being Orchid, which won the Toronto ACTRA Women’s Committee award, and recently directed Fungus, which won Best Lead Actress at Los Feliz Film Festival. Anna secured the rights to the world premiere of John Patrick Shanley’s A Woman Is a Secret and produced and performed in the critically-acclaimed production at The Theatre Centre, Toronto. Anna is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and the Banff Centre/Citadel Professional Theatre Program.