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“Lessons From Sweet Valley” is a podcast where we re-examine the Sweet Valley High series one book at a time and determine what lessons, if any, we can learn from them. Former SVH book nerd Kat Thomas will be joined by guests as they discuss the lives of twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield and all of Sweet Valley’s cast of characters through a modern lens. Episodes released every other Wednesday.
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End of the First Semester (but we'll be back!)
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SCHOOLS OUT!! Yes, that's right, "Lessons From Sweet Valley" is going on semester break! Listen to Kat's honest thoughts about her decision and what the podcast has meant to her during these COVID times. Also, YES, the podcast will be back in session in the future to bring you lots more lessons and even more eye rolling moments. --- We would love t…
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It’s the jock appreciation episode! Even though Kat and her guest, former film school classmate Luz Gipson, don't know much about football, they can heavily relate to SVH quarterback Ken Matthew’s writer’s block and procrastination techniques (so much anxiety!!!). They also discuss if opposites can truly attract and Luz tells a sweet story related …
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Book 26 - Hostage! (w/ Bettina Treviranus)
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58:31
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It’s time for a fun change of pace!! Something is up with Regina Morrow and the Sweet Valley Super Sleuth Team is ON IT! Kat’s guest, and mystery enthusiast from a young age, Bettina Treviranus, is impressed by how Jessica shines in this book and compares her craftiness to some surprising TV characters. Can a group of teenagers solve a kidnapping, …
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Book 25 - Nowhere To Run (w/ Spencer Hall)
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It’s young adult author Spencer Hall’s first journey to Sweet Valley and he brings some great YA takes! He and Kat spend most of the episode with The Droids drummer Emily Mayer as she deals with an evil stepmother and a father who is perhaps the worst example of parenting so far (and that’s saying A LOT). The Wakefield grandparents are also in town…
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Book 24 - Memories (w/ Maria Zlotorzynska)
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Kat’s guest, SVH fan and Canadian, Maria Zlotorzynska proclaims her love for the TV show Degrassi and contrasts it with how high school is portrayed in American media. Meanwhile, in Sweet Valley, Steven and Elizabeth are haunted by the ghosts of relationships past and the adults are absent as usual. Plus, Steven is advised to attend less high schoo…
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Kat and childhood (and adulthood) friend Adina Verson, reminisce about the six person club that they had in junior high and if it indeed had a purpose. Over in Sweet Valley, Jessica is disturbed by her siblings (very natural) feelings of grief and goes on a major matchmaking mission to “solve” their problems. Also, is Todd’s move actually the best …
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Book 22 - Too Much In Love (w/ Dana Maier)
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This one is for all you sensitive artists out there! Kat and cartoonist Dana Maier speculate about DeeDee Gordon’s vague “design” class and empathize with her consuming fear of losing Bill. There is also the most involved high school talent show of all time (including the Todd Wilkins stand up routine that could have been), and all the cliche home …
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It’s the Jessica Wakefield appreciation episode!! Kat’s guest, blond haired, blue eyed, twin Kelly Keemer, makes the case for why she resonated with Jessica growing up. They also discuss Elizabeth’s questionable journalism ethics and what names you should NEVER call a twin (like EVER!). --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Face…
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Book 20 - Crash Landing (w/ Kat's Grandparents)
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Guests Jack and Marilyn Thomas met when they were the same age as the SVH crew. Now, after 67 years of marriage, they join Kat (their granddaughter) to discuss the glamorous, yet sometimes cruel, world of Sweet Valley. They also share their insights on parenting twins and we have our first mid-show vitals check! --- We would love to hear from you!!…
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It’s a battle of the titans as Jessica and Lila fight over a construction worker with a mysterious backstory. Kat and, SVH fan, Kelsey Cox track their moves and wonder why these two are even friends in the first place? Also, the emergence of "feminist Jessica!" Follow Kelsey on Instagram and Tiktok! @kelseynicole24601 --- We would love to hear from…
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Book 18 - Head Over Heels (w/ Kate Boisseau)
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Kat and her friend Kate Boisseau chat about Sweet Valley’s latest odd couple, Regina Morrow and Bruce Patman. Just how did these two get together in the first place?? They also break down two ridiculous fights and which SVH characters could really benefit from some therapy. --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Inst…
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Book 17 - Love Letters (w/ Dorothy Mason)
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Ever wonder what a current middle schooler would think of the world of Sweet Valley High? Kat’s guest, Dorothy Mason, keeps it real and reveals what she believes to be the true emotional age of the Wakefield twins. They also discuss whether it would be more difficult to create a fake boyfriend in the 1980s or 2020s. --- We would love to hear from y…
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Tragedy strikes Sweet Valley again this week and Jessica swoops in to cause chaos (as per usual). Kat’s cousin, endodontist CJ Thomas, shares his cryptic theories on Jessica and Elizabeth’s sibling relationship and predicts Roger’s future in the medical profession. They also experience a supernatural cousin connection when invoking the same quote t…
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We’ve got grieving and scheming in this week’s episode! Kat and SVH fan, Donna Wierzbicki, discuss Steven’s promise to Tricia and Jessica’s sociopathic lack of empathy. Also, the not so subliminal messaging that had both Kat and Donna ordering pizza while reading the book. --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Insta…
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Elizabeth weaves a tangled web in this book! Kat and her guest, TV editor Mike Berg, discuss the many flavors of SVH deceptions and the absurdity that is Nicholas Morrow. Also, a wonderfully vague hacking subplot signals the dawn of the Computer Age in Sweet Valley --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to …
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Kat and horror scholar Ashley R. Smith delve into the first “thriller” of the series and discuss how kidnapper Carl stacks up against other infamous villains of our time. Plus, an unlikely clue sounds the alarm that Elizabeth is in trouble!! Follow Ashley on Instagram! @thefemalehorrorscholar The movie we mention in our discussion about escaping is…
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Kat and Sweet Valley superfan Emma Cozzi explore Steven Wakefield’s first main storyline, and per the book’s title, it’s a bit of a tragic one. They also get honest about some dodgy SVH themes that may have influenced their young minds, and question why the twins are so absorbed in their brother's love life!? Follow Emma on Instagram! @thalassophil…
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Book 11 - Too Good To Be True - Part 2 (w/ Holly De Ruyter)
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The Wakefield twin’s Spring Break takes a major dive in its second week. Kat and guest Holly De Ruyter are back to discuss the problematic events in the second half of this book where the East Coasters behave very badly! Is this the worst Spring Break ever? For information on Holly’s film about Wisconsin supper clubs visit: http://www.oldfashionedt…
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Book 11 - Too Good To Be True - Part 1 (w/ Holly De Ruyter)
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It’s SPRING BREAK ya’ll!! Elizabeth and Jessica are separated for two whole weeks and shenanigans ensue. Kat and filmmaker Holly De Ruyter talk nostalgia, uncomfortable teenage seduction tactics and Mr. Collin’s questionable decision to leave his child alone with a stranger. But, hey, it was the 80's right? **NOTE - This is Part 1 of a two part Spr…
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Book 10 1/2 - Epilogue - The Last Three Pages
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Kat and Dave actually ended up a little confused about the final roster of the Sweet Valley High Cheering Squad. They dissect the last three pages of book 10, “Wrong Kind of Girl,” in this unedited analysis that didn’t make the final cut. If you are looking for a realtor on the north side of Chicago, you can contact Dave at Dave@CenterCoastRealty.c…
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Book 10 - Wrong Kind Of Girl (w/ Dave Walsh)
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Kat and her good friend, Dave Walsh, discuss the romanticization of the high school cheerleading world and its extraordinary lure on Annie Whitman. Plus, how it really is GAME OVER when Jessica has you in her cross hairs, to sometimes tragic ends. But can cheerleading save the day after all?? If you are looking for a realtor on the north side of Ch…
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Former high school runners Kat and guest Joanna Veth are big fans of Roger Barrett. Not only is he the most talented miler OF ALL TIME, but he also brings some welcome character depth to SVH. Plus, Jessica’s office rendezvous at Ned Wakefield’s law office come to a shocking conclusion! --- We would love to hear your feedback, reactions to the shows…
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There is no shortage of surfing puns in this week’s episode. Kat and her horticulturist friend, Amanda Moss, discuss the waves of tears, jealousy and heartbreak. Plus, a high school production of "Splendor in the Grass!!" Visit Amanda's Instagram @ajmloveskale to see what she's up to in the natural world! -- Speaking of Instagram, we are now on it!…
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Book 7 1/2 - Supplement - Jessica's Favorite Number
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It’s an SVH mystery! Kat has noticed a certain number popping up all over these early books. She explains her theory in this mini bonus episode. --- We would love to hear your feedback! Please leave us a rating and review on itunes and like our Facebook page for episode updates. If you enjoy the show, go ahead and share it with a fellow SVH fan or …
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Kat’s guest, fifth grade teacher and brother in law, Andrew Johnson, is bewildered by the clueless adults in Sweet Valley. They also discuss deceptive summaries, Elizabeth’s medical diagnosis, and a surprising dedication page. --- We would love to hear your feedback! Please give us a rating and review on itunes and like our Facebook page for episod…
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Book 6 1/2 - Supplement - The Sweet Valley High Board Game
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In this BONUS episode, Kat and her parents, Celia and Steve Thomas, play the Sweet Valley High Board Game and determine what lessons they can learn from it. However, there is some speculation that the game is rigged for a particular character. Unleash the conspiracy theories! --- We would love to hear your feedback! Please give us a rating and revi…
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Book 6 - Dangerous Love (w/ Celia McCormick)
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Two risk averse cousins talk motorcycles! Dr. Celia McCormick joins Kat as they discuss Elizabeth’s jealousy, soap operas, and what’s up with that Dairi Burger remodel? --- To learn more about Celia’s practice, Family Audiology, please visit their website and Facebook Page: www.familyaud.com https://www.facebook.com/FamilyAudiology --- In each epis…
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Kat and her foodie friend, Mandy Siu, talk about the lack of diversity in Sweet Valley (unless you count those who wear glasses), and the benefits of having a sister who can cover for you when you are out ALL NIGHT LONG! --- In each episode of “Lessons From Sweet Valley”, Kat Thomas and a guest read a book from the Sweet Valley High series and shar…
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Book 4 - Power Play (w/ Toby Francis-Bruce)
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A little Aussie flavor comes to Sweet Valley! Kat is joined by her former coworker, Toby Francis-Bruce, who discusses Jessica’s role as an antagonist and a certain overused punctuation mark. --- In each episode of “Lessons From Sweet Valley”, Kat Thomas and a guest read a book from the Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a…
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Book 3 - Playing With Fire (w/ Michelle Grover)
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Kat and her Iowa State University dorm neighbor, Michelle Grover, discuss the irrational crushes of Jessica and the rest of the SVH crew. Plus, they discover halfway through the podcast that they have read two slightly different versions of the book. --- In each episode of “Lessons From Sweet Valley”, Kat Thomas and a guest read a book from the Swe…
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Kat and her sister, Marie Johnson, discuss the conniving ways of Jessica and how they were never that mean to each other growing up. Also, what "sliding into your DMs" means in the SVH world and why does Jessica have an all brown bedroom nicknamed “The Hershey Bar?” --- In each episode of “Lessons From Sweet Valley”, Kat Thomas and a guest read a b…
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Kat is joined by Erin Brown, her friend since the age of two and another former Sweet Valley High series enthusiast. They introduce all of SVH's major players and the idyllic California town so different from growing up in the Midwest (in ground pools and all). --- In each episode of “Lessons From Sweet Valley”, Kat Thomas and a guest read a book f…
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Book 0 - Introducing Lessons From Sweet Valley
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Welcome to Sweet Valley, California and the lives of twins, Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield. 181 Sweet Valley High books were published between the years of 1983 and 2003 and this podcast is going to dive into every one of them. Premiering on February 19th with new episodes every other Wednesday. In each episode of “Lessons From Sweet Valley”, Kat …
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