Smut Girl Summer

Smut Girl Summer

We made it - it’s officially a Smut Girl Summer!  This week, Jamie is stripping down the stigma and taking a deep dive into the fascinating history of romantic fiction. Far from just "cheap thrills," modern smut is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, emotional intimacy, and intentional world-building. We’re breaking down exactly why and how the genre offers a level of depth, agency, and nuance that mainstream pornography often leaves behind. It’s also pride months, so we explore why the queer community has championed romantic fiction as a vital playground for representation, exploration, and self-discoveryWhether you're a seasoned romance reader or just book-tok curious, this episode is your ultimate guide to the genre. References * Smutes. (2023, November 7). What is smut: Complete guide. https://smutes.com/blog/what-is-smut-complete-guide [https://smutes.com/blog/what-is-smut-complete-guide] * Feel Good Shop. (n.d.). What’s going on with smut books? https://fgs-shop.com/blogs/our-book-blog/whats-going-on-with-smut-books [https://fgs-shop.com/blogs/our-book-blog/whats-going-on-with-smut-books] * De Blecourt, J. (2023, November 28). I was wrong about smut. The Post-Calvin. https://thepostcalvin.com/i-was-wrong-about-smut/ [https://thepostcalvin.com/i-was-wrong-about-smut/] * Damiata, N. (2024, May 15). How romance, romantasy, and smut took over the book world. Statistical Significant. https://www.statsignificant.com/p/how-romance-romantasy-and-smut-took [https://www.statsignificant.com/p/how-romance-romantasy-and-smut-took] * Dopp, O. (2024, November 25). Smutory: A history of smut. SMUNTH. https://www.smunth.com/the-blog/smutory-a-history-of-smut [https://www.smunth.com/the-blog/smutory-a-history-of-smut] * ccg84. (2013, April 22). Wedding night terror: The uneducated virgin and Victorian England (Exhibits Archive). NINES. https://nines.org/print_exhibit-861/ [https://nines.org/print_exhibit-861/] * Harrison, C. (2024, May 1). On smut over self-help for personal growth. Kindman & Co. https://www.kindman.co/blog/reading-smut-over-self-help-for-personal-growth [https://www.kindman.co/blog/reading-smut-over-self-help-for-personal-growth] * Banks, E. (2022, June 9). A history of queer printed erotica. Maude. https://getmaude.com/blogs/themaudern/a-brief-history-of-queer-printed-erotica [https://getmaude.com/blogs/themaudern/a-brief-history-of-queer-printed-erotica] * Nithila. (2022, November 7). Erotica, but like…Queer: An insider perspective. Unicorn Zine, (9). https://unicornzine.com/issue-009/erotica-but-like-queer-an-insider-perspective/ [https://unicornzine.com/issue-009/erotica-but-like-queer-an-insider-perspective/] * Satviki. (2020, September 14). How fanfiction helped me come to terms with my queer identity. Vice. https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-fanfiction-helped-me-come-to-terms-with-my-queer-identity [https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-fanfiction-helped-me-come-to-terms-with-my-queer-identity] * Strapagiel, L. (2019, October 15). Smutty fanfiction taught me more about queer sex than school ever could. BuzzFeed News. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/fan-faction-queer-sex-education [https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/fan-faction-queer-sex-education]

Who is the Tooth Fairy?

This week, we sink our teeth into the mystery of the Tooth Fairy’s American origins. We’re tracing her from 19th-century folklore to her rise as a pop culture icon, exploring how this tiny sprite became a household staple. Plus, we talk cold, hard cash: what is the current going rate per milk tooth in today's economy? Whether you're a parent tracking the average tooth fairy payout or just curious about the history of dental traditions, this episode covers the evolution of the world's most famous nocturnal dental hygienist. * Castle Street Dental. (2022, February 23). The weird and wonderful history of the Tooth Fairy. https://www.castlestreetdental.co.uk/the-weird-and-wonderful-history-of-the-tooth-fairy/ * French As You Like It. (2022, July 20). A French lesson on the Little Mouse | French Tooth Fairy. https://www.frenchasyoulikeit.com/a-french-lesson-on-the-little-mouse/ * Heroes Wiki. (n.d.). Tooth Fairy (folklore). Fandom. Retrieved May 4, 2026, from https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Tooth_Fairy_(folklore * Silva, M. (2019, July 16). Curious Kids: Why do we lose our baby teeth? Murdoch Children's Research Institute. https://www.mcri.edu.au/news/insights-and-opinions/curious-kids-why-do-we-lose-our-baby-teeth * Wagner, J. (2023, August 21). Good Question: How did the story of the Tooth Fairy begin? And what's the going rate nowadays? CBS News Minnesota. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/tooth-fairy-origin/ * Wikipedia. (2024, April 24). Darkness Falls (2003 film). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darkness_Falls_(2003_film * Wikipedia. (2024, May 1). Tooth fairy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooth_fairy * Clark, R. L. (1995). Flights of fancy, leaps of faith: Children's myths in contemporary America. University of Chicago Press. (Original work published 1995). Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/flightsoffancyle00clar/mode/2up * FreeMedEducation. (2019, September 13). What are the different types of teeth? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE-TtFhZlDw

Dungeons, Dragons, and the Devil!

It’s Satanic Panic at the Disco! In this episode, we dive into the 1980s Satanic Panic and its infamous crusade against Dungeons & Dragons, exploring how a game of imagination became the target of nationwide moral hysteria. We trace the origins of the Satanic Panic to show how D&D was unfairly labeled a "Satanist recruitment tool" and take a look at the rise of B.A.D.D. (Bothered About Dungeons and Dragons), the organization that led the charge to ban the game. Finally, we provide a much-needed rebuttal by discussing why the fantasy realm is a positive force for storytelling and morality. If you play this episode backwards - you’ll hear a secret message… References * Blog Post Young, J. (2021, October 29). The origins and lessons of Satanic Panic of the 1980s. Competitive Enterprise Institute. https://cei.org/blog/the-origins-and-lessons-of-satanic-panic-of-the-1980s/ [https://cei.org/blog/the-origins-and-lessons-of-satanic-panic-of-the-1980s/] * Online Article History.com Editors. (2023, August 11). What was the "Satanic Panic"? History. https://www.history.com/articles/what-was-satanic-panic-1980s [https://www.history.com/articles/what-was-satanic-panic-1980s] * Wikipedia Entry Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Satanic panic. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanic_panic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satanic_panic] * Magazine/Web Article Gajewski, R. (2023, October 24). How Satanic Panic almost banned Dungeons and Dragons. Knights Digest. https://knightsdigest.com/how-satanic-panic-almost-banned-dungeons-and-dragons/ [https://knightsdigest.com/how-satanic-panic-almost-banned-dungeons-and-dragons/] * Blog Post Mockaitis, P. (2021, July 14). Catholicism and fantasy novels. Homeschool Connections. https://homeschoolconnections.com/catholicism-fantasy-novels/ [https://homeschoolconnections.com/catholicism-fantasy-novels/] * Web Article Larkin, L. (2014, September 10). Why Christians should read fantasy. Geeks Under Grace. https://www.geeksundergrace.com/books/why-christians-should-read-fantasy/ [https://www.geeksundergrace.com/books/why-christians-should-read-fantasy/] * Educational/Organization Article Schoonover, K. (2022, November 1). Is the magic in fairy tales and fantasy books a problem for Christians? Memoria Press: Exordium. https://classicallatin.org/exordium/is-the-magic-in-fairy-tales-and-fantasy-books-a-problem-for-christians/ [https://classicallatin.org/exordium/is-the-magic-in-fairy-tales-and-fantasy-books-a-problem-for-christians/]

Ben Franklin: America's 'Absent' Father

We were all taught he’s the kite-flying genius, the face of the $100 bill, and the daddy of Philadelphia. But beneath the powdered wig and the statesman’s veneer was a man who lived a life so messy it would get his ass canceled today. Today, we’re stripping away the "American Hero" and airing out the Founding Father’s filthiest laundry. We’re talking about everything from his early days pretending to be a sassy old woman to troll his own brother, to his obnoxious ego and the literal skeletons discovered in his basement. Come for the realization that Franklin may not have even wanted the Revolution, and stay for his astonishing advice on why you should have affairs with older women. Crocker, S. (2023, January 23). The troubled history of Benjamin Franklin. Grunge. https://www.grunge.com/234353/the-troubled-history-of-benjamin-franklin/ [https://www.grunge.com/234353/the-troubled-history-of-benjamin-franklin/] Franklin Institute. (n.d.). Did Ben Franklin invent daylight saving time? https://fi.edu/en/science-and-education/benjamin-franklin/daylight-savings-time [https://fi.edu/en/science-and-education/benjamin-franklin/daylight-savings-time] Isaacson, W. (2003, July 31). Benjamin Franklin joins the revolution. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/benjamin-franklin-joins-the-revolution-87199988/ [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/benjamin-franklin-joins-the-revolution-87199988/] Massachusetts Historical Society. (n.d.). Silence Dogood: Benjamin Franklin in The New-England Courant. https://www.masshist.org/online/silence_dogood/essay.php?entry_id=203 [https://www.masshist.org/online/silence_dogood/essay.php?entry_id=203] McBroom, P. (1996, May 1). Benjamin Franklin's dark side is exposed in new book by UC Berkeley historian. UC Berkeley News. https://newsarchive.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/96legacy/releases.96/14364.html [https://newsarchive.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/96legacy/releases.96/14364.html] Muse, T. (2023, January 28). Did Benjamin Franklin have syphilis? History Oasis. https://www.historyoasis.com/post/benjamin-franklin-syphilis [https://www.historyoasis.com/post/benjamin-franklin-syphilis] Schultz, C., & Wexler, E. (2024, August 2). Why were there so many skeletons hidden in Benjamin Franklin's basement? Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-were-there-so-many-skeletons-hidden-in-benjamin-franklin-basement-524521/ [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-were-there-so-many-skeletons-hidden-in-benjamin-franklin-basement-524521/] Franklin, B. (1722, May 21–28). Silence Dogood essay 5. The New-England Courant (No. 43). Massachusetts Historical Society. https://www.masshist.org/database/viewer.php?ft=Silence%20Dogood&item_id=640&pid=6 [https://www.masshist.org/database/viewer.php?ft=Silence%20Dogood&item_id=640&pid=6] Franklin, B. (1722, July 2–9). Silence Dogood essay 8. The New-England Courant (No. 49). Massachusetts Historical Society. https://www.masshist.org/database/viewer.php?ft=Silence%20Dogood&item_id=646&pid=6 [https://www.masshist.org/database/viewer.php?ft=Silence%20Dogood&item_id=646&pid=6] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Advice to a Friend on Choosing a Mistress. Retrieved March 8, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advice_to_a_Friend_on_Choosing_a_Mistress [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advice_to_a_Friend_on_Choosing_a_Mistress] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Benjamin Franklin. Retrieved March 8, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Deborah Read. Retrieved March 8, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_Read [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah_Read] Wikipedia. (n.d.). A Letter to a Royal Academy. Retrieved March 8, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Letter_to_a_Royal_Academy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Letter_to_a_Royal_Academy] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Titan Leeds. Retrieved March 8, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_Leeds [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_Leeds] Grunge. (2024, May 11). The truth about Benjamin Franklin's relationship with his wife [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONv1_BQTd6c [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONv1_BQTd6c]

Mascots (Mascotte)

Get ready to jump into the felt-covered suit of mascots in sports and branding as we trace their evolution from "lucky" human children (yikes!) to the Muppet-inspired chaos agents we love today. In this episode, we break down the high-stakes world of brand marketing, analyzing why icons like Frosted Flakes’ Tony the Tiger remain legendary (and hot) while other commercial flops fail to connect with fans. With the Super Bowl season in full swing, we explore the cultural impact of the Philadelphia Flyers’ chaotic king, Gritty, debate our most controversial "hot mascot" takes, and wrap things up by designing original mascots based on our middle school AIM names. From the sidelines to the cereal aisle, we’re uncovering why these larger-than-life characters are the true MVPs of your life!. References:  * * Wikipedia: Wikipedia. (2025, February 6). Mascot. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mascot [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mascot] (Note: For Wikipedia, it is best practice to cite the specific archived version you viewed by clicking "View history" and selecting the date.) * * Songfacts: Songfacts. (n.d.). December 29: The first mascot? https://calendar.songfacts.com/december/29/18279 [https://calendar.songfacts.com/december/29/18279] * * The Culture Crush: Marzick, J. (n.d.). Mascots. The Culture Crush. https://www.theculturecrush.com/feature/mascots [https://www.theculturecrush.com/feature/mascots] * * MLB: Chesterton, E. (2020, April 23). The story behind every team's mascot. MLB.com. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-mascots-origin-stories [https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-mascots-origin-stories] * * Yale News: Yale University. (2019, July 3). Handsome Dan: A 130-year-old legacy. YaleNews. https://news.yale.edu/2019/07/03/handsome-dan-130-year-old-legacy [https://news.yale.edu/2019/07/03/handsome-dan-130-year-old-legacy] * * The Branding Journal: Wang, Y. (2024, January 29). The power of mascots in elevating brand narratives. The Branding Journal. https://www.thebrandingjournal.com/2024/01/the-power-of-mascots-brand-narratives/ [https://www.thebrandingjournal.com/2024/01/the-power-of-mascots-brand-narratives/] * * Crestline: Crestline. (n.d.). Brand mascots and logo designs that work. https://crestline.com/c/brand-mascots-and-logo-designs-that-work [https://crestline.com/c/brand-mascots-and-logo-designs-that-work] * * GraphicMama: Pavlova, I. (n.d.). 21 most famous brand mascot designs of all time. GraphicMama. https://graphicmama.com/blog/21-famous-brand-mascot-designs-time [https://graphicmama.com/blog/21-famous-brand-mascot-designs-time] * * Jobs in Sports: Jobs in Sports. (2023, January 30). How to become a sports mascot. https://blog.jobsinsports.com/2023/01/30/how-to-become-a-sports-mascot/ [https://blog.jobsinsports.com/2023/01/30/how-to-become-a-sports-mascot/] * * Olympus Mascots (Performer): Olympus Mascots. (n.d.). How to be a mascot performer. https://olympusmascots.com/blog/how-be-a-mascot-performer/ [https://olympusmascots.com/blog/how-be-a-mascot-performer/] * * Olympus Mascots (Ideas): Olympus Mascots. (n.d.). Mascot ideas. https://olympusmascots.com/blog/mascot-ideas/ [https://olympusmascots.com/blog/mascot-ideas/]