Sentimental Garbage

This week we’re discussing Second* Novel Syndrome. When you’ve had a literary hit how do you follow it? After the recent announcement of her new book, ‘Small Pond’ Monica Heisey (whose debut, ‘Really Good, Actually’ was an international smash hit) tells us about her experiences of tackling the infamously tricky second novel. And we talk about the stories where novelists have digested the success of their previous work on the page.*or third, or even fourthBooks discussed:Sophie, Standing There by Meg MasonBeautiful World, Where Are You by Sally RooneyThe Unconsoled by Kazuo IshiguroLunar Park by Bret Easton EllisJonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna ClarkeThe Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan

We hop in our time machine to continue our series on sequels, comebacks and second chances with the musician, Jensen McRae. She tells us why 1989's BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II has earned itself a place in her Letterboxd Top 4. How many characters is it ok to re-cast for a sequel? How many versions of a time-travel film do you have to make before you're allowed to make a western? And just how accurate were Robert Zemeckis' predictions for 2015?

Welcome to Sen2mental Garbage: a series of sequels, comebacks and second chances! We're exploring the stories that have been retold over and over again, the millennial nostalgia we're still obsessed with, tricky second albums, and the second comings of celebs who blew up their lives and were granted forgiveness (and a new publicist). In this episode, in honour of Halloween, we are joined by the writer and poet Sarah Maria Griffin to discuss the perfect spooky sequel: ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES.

Caroline briefly comes off hiatus to chat with country music aficionado Jof Owen about Dolly Parton. Together we try to get to the bottom of what made Dolly such a universal force of hope, how she created an image that could be drawn by a child yet be based on 'the town trash', and where the 'real' Dolly can be found.Jof's Sentimental Dolly playlist: Dolly Parton's America: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E1dSFR01VoQU5IvuHag6a?si=7818d57b86ad4043

The one where we celebrate the best festive moments of Friends, and reflect on why this timeless TV show feels most at home at Christmas. Join us for the final episode of the year, and the season finale of this mini-series - Merry Christmas all xSong credit: Oystercatcher - Merry Christmas! I Love You! I'm Falling Apart!!! - https://oystercatchr.bandcamp.com/album/gifts-winter-25

One moment, you're unemployed and playing table football against your financially stable flatmate to win enough money to pay the rent. The next, you're buying a giant dog sculpture and matching gold friendship bracelets... this week Jessie Brown Findlay joins us as we take a look back at Joey’s best moments, mad acting career, and what it takes to be a successful creative in the working world - the nominees are… *cue award ceremony montage*… 

This week, Ryan helps us dig a little deeper into the most complex and beloved Friend of them all - Princess Consuela Banana Hammock (aka Phoebe Buffay).

This week, queen hostess and friend of the pod Alexandra Haddow joins us to dissect the house parties of Friends - bring your red solo cups and lukewarm mixer (Fun Bobby plus ones encouraged).