Lessons From Sweet Valley
42 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago -“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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Episodes
End of the First Semester (but we'll be back!)
February 17, 2021 07:00 - 2 minutes - 2.09 MBSCHOOLS 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 to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feed...
Book 27 - Lovestruck (w/ Luz Gipson)
February 03, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBIt’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 to her favorite character (hint, it’s no one from the high school crew). --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook...
Book 26 - Hostage! (w/ Bettina Treviranus)
January 20, 2021 06:00 - 58 minutes - 40.2 MBIt’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, and execute a simultaneous hostage rescue plan without the use of the Internet or cell phones? Listen to find out!! Previous episodes relating...
Book 25 - Nowhere To Run (w/ Spencer Hall)
January 06, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBIt’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, which thrills Elizabeth and Jessica, but causes some unrest in the family dynamics. Finally, the episode ends with a lovely sentiment on what...
Book 24 - Memories (w/ Maria Zlotorzynska)
December 23, 2020 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBKat’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 school dances and more frat parties. Check out the other Steven Wakefield/Tricia Martin episodes:: Episode: Book 12 - When Love Dies (w/ Emma Cozzi...
Book 23 - Say Goodbye (w/ Adina Verson)
December 09, 2020 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBKat 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 thing for him?? Find Adina on Instagram: @adinaverson www.adinaverson.com --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook ...
Book 22 - Too Much In Love (w/ Dana Maier)
November 25, 2020 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBThis 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 alone tropes you could want. Check out Dana’s work on Instagram: @danajerimaier --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on F...
Book 21 - Runaway (w/ Kelly Keemer)
November 11, 2020 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBIt’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 Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and any memories...
Book 20 - Crash Landing (w/ Kat's Grandparents)
October 28, 2020 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBGuests 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!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to th...
Book 19 - Showdown (w/ Kelsey Cox)
October 14, 2020 06:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBIt’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 you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reac...
Book 18 - Head Over Heels (w/ Kate Boisseau)
September 30, 2020 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBKat 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 Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and any memories you have of...
Book 17 - Love Letters (w/ Dorothy Mason)
September 16, 2020 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBEver 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 you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions...
Book 16 - Rags To Riches (w/ CJ Thomas)
September 02, 2020 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBTragedy 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 to describe their “lesson.” **Follow CJ's daughter Scarlett on Instagram @dancemamasft --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us...
Book 15 - Promises (w/ Donna Wierzbicki)
August 19, 2020 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBWe’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 Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and any memories you have of...
Book 14 - Deceptions (w/ Mike Berg)
August 05, 2020 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBElizabeth 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 join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. Please share your feedback, reactions to the shows, and any memories you have of the seri...
Book 13 - Kidnapped (w/ Ashley R. Smith)
July 22, 2020 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBKat 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 "Berlin Syndrome" (available on Netflix!). --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this ...
Book 12 - When Love Dies (w/ Emma Cozzi)
July 08, 2020 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBKat 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! @thalassophilesque --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fa...
Book 11 - Too Good To Be True - Part 2 (w/ Holly De Ruyter)
July 01, 2020 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThe 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.oldfashionedthemovie.com/ --- We would love to hear from you!! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and nostalgic community of SV...
Book 11 - Too Good To Be True - Part 1 (w/ Holly De Ruyter)
June 24, 2020 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBIt’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 Spring Break Edition podcast. Part 2 will be released next Wednesday. For information on Holly’s film about Wisconsin supper clubs visit: h...
Book 10 1/2 - Epilogue - The Last Three Pages
June 17, 2020 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.83 MBKat 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 [email protected]. --- Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoy the show you can rate or review us on itunes and also follow on Facebook and Instagra...
Book 10 - Wrong Kind Of Girl (w/ Dave Walsh)
June 10, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBKat 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 Chicago, you can contact Dave at [email protected]. --- Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoy the show you can rate or review...
Book 9 - Racing Hearts
May 27, 2020 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBFormer 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, and any memories you have of the series! You can rate or review us on itunes and also follow on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and ...
Book 9 - Racing Hearts (w/ Joanna Veth)
May 27, 2020 06:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBFormer 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, and any memories you have of the series! You can rate or review us on itunes and also follow on Facebook and Instagram to join this fun and ...
Book 8 - Heart Breaker (w/ Amanda Moss)
May 13, 2020 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBThere 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! Please following us @lessonsfromsweetvalley to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. We would love to hear your feedback, react...
Book 8 - Heart Breaker
May 13, 2020 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBThere 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! Please following us @lessonsfromsweetvalley to join this fun and nostalgic community of SVH fans. We would love to hear your feedback, react...
Book 7 1/2 - Supplement - Jessica's Favorite Number
May 06, 2020 06:00 - 7 minutes - 5.38 MBIt’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 friend. Thanks so much for listening!! Facebook :: https://www.facebook.com/LessonsFromSweetValley/
Book 7 - Dear Sister (w/ Andrew Johnson)
April 29, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBKat’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 episode updates. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a fellow SVH fan or friend. Thank you so much for listening!! Facebook :: https://www....
Book 7 - Dear Sister
April 29, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBKat’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 episode updates. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a fellow SVH fan or friend. Thank you so much for listening!! Facebook :: https://www....
Book 6 1/2 - Supplement - The Sweet Valley High Board Game
April 22, 2020 06:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBIn 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 review on itunes and like our Facebook page for episode updates. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a fellow SVH fan or friend. Thanks so ...
Book 6 - Dangerous Love
April 15, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBTwo 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 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...
Book 6 - Dangerous Love (w/ Celia McCormick)
April 15, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBTwo 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 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...
Book 5 - All Night Long
April 01, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBKat 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 share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from Sweet Valley? We would love to hear your fe...
Book 5 - All Night Long (w/ Mandy Siu)
April 01, 2020 06:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBKat 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 share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from Sweet Valley? We would love to hear your fe...
Book 4 - Power Play (w/ Toby Francis-Bruce)
March 18, 2020 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBA 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 modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from Sweet Valley? We would love to hear your feedback! Please give us a rati...
Book 4 - Power Play
March 18, 2020 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBA 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 modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from Sweet Valley? We would love to hear your feedback! Please give us a rati...
Book 3 - Playing With Fire (w/ Michelle Grover)
March 04, 2020 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBKat 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 Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from Sweet Valley? ...
Book 3 - Playing With Fire
March 04, 2020 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBKat 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 Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from Sweet Valley? ...
Book 2 - Secrets
February 19, 2020 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBKat 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 book from the Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned fro...
Book 2 - Secrets (w/ Marie Johnson)
February 19, 2020 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBKat 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 book from the Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned fro...
Book 1 - Double Love
February 19, 2020 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBKat 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 from the Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from S...
Book 1 - Double Love (w/ Erin Brown)
February 19, 2020 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBKat 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 from the Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if any, that can be learned from S...
Book 0 - Introducing Lessons From Sweet Valley
February 07, 2020 14:00 - 2 minutes - 1.74 MBWelcome 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 Thomas and a guest read a book from the Sweet Valley High series and share their perspectives through a modern lens. What are the lessons, if...