A Court of Cortisol and Chaos

SJM-Fueled, Chaos-Driven. Unfiltered hot takes, cortisol-spiking spirals and all things bookish.
  • 5.0 (6)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to A Court of Cortisol and Chaos! The podcast where we spiral over fictional characters, ignore real life responsibilities, and discuss things that finally made it out of the group chat! We’re four fantasy-obsessed besties exploring SJM worlds and beyond through plot breakdowns, character deep dives, and fan theories. Spoilers and adult language ahead. Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 8: Eo — Sacrifice, Symbolism, and Storytelling | ACOCAC Podcast

    Before we begin, we want to name that this episode discusses character death, gendered violence in storytelling, and the concept of fridging. We’re approaching this as a literary discussion, not a definitive statement, and we’re interested in exploring multiple interpretations. This episode is us thinking out loud, challenging each other, and engaging thoughtfully with complex ideas. In this episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re joined by special guest Antoinette (@antoinettecealopesreads). We start with a lighthearted Kiss, Marry, Kill before moving into a deeper conversation about Eo from Red Rising. We discuss Eo’s role in the narrative, her function as a symbolic catalyst, comparisons to a Lucretia figure, the concept of fridging, and how her death shapes Darrow and the broader story. Our goal isn’t to arrive at one definitive interpretation, but to examine how these storytelling choices function and what questions they raise about narrative structure and character motivation. Check out Antoinette’s Podcast: The Literary Guillotine @AntoinetteCeaLopes ✨ Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC February Book Club: Legendborn by Tracy Deonnhttps://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts 🔗 Follow us & find everything in one place:https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos 📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR.

    1h 8m

  2. FEB 12

    Episode 7: Galentines Day & Bookish Superlatives | ACOCAC Podcast

    It’s Galentines Day, and we’re doing what we do best: talking books and gently roasting each other.In this episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we play bookish superlatives and share our all-time favorite couples, found families, underrated ships, and the characters we’ll defend forever—mostly from the Sarah J. Maas universe, with a few side quests along the way.It’s a laid-back, friendship-forward episode full of fandom opinions, laughs, and very strong feelings about fictional people.Our Galentines Bookish Superlatives Lindsay All-Time Favorite Couple Aelin and Rowan – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas Favorite Found Family Dramione Slytherins – Harry Potter fanfiction Throne of Glass crew – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas Most Underrated Couples Ruhn and Lidia – Crescent City, Sarah J. Maas Chaol and Yrene – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas Favorite Ship Dain and Sloane – The Empyrean Series, Rebecca Yarros ⸻ Amy All-Time Favorite Couple Bryce and Hunt – Crescent City, Sarah J. Maas Favorite Found Family Nesta and the Valkyries – A Court of Silver Flames, Sarah J. Maas Most Underrated Couples Lilith and Zahariev – Terror at the Gates, Scarlett St. Clair Sybil and Rory – The Knight and the Moth, Rachel Gillig Favorite Ship Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas ⸻ Dominique All-Time Favorite Couple Darien and Loren – City of Gods and Monsters, Kayla Edwards Favorite Found Family For Whom the Belle Tolls – Jaysea Lynn Most Underrated Couples Lilith and Zahariev – Terror at the Gates, Scarlett St. Clair Sybil and Rory – The Knight and the Moth, Rachel Gillig Favorite Ships Celaena and Dorian – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas Rowan and Lorcan – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas ⸻ Addy All-Time Favorite Couple Dorian and Manon – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas Favorite Found Family Playing for Keeps – Becka Mack Most Underrated Couples Nesryn and Sartaq – Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas Rook and Regan – Rook & Rebel, Kate Crew Iris and Roman – Divine Rivals, Rebecca Ross Jory, Ky, and Asher – Warrior Princess Assassin, Brigid Kemmerer Favorite Ship Darrow and Mustang – Red Rising, Pierce BrownIf you love romantasy, messy fandom opinions, and Galentines energy, this one’s for you.✨ February Fable Book Club Pick: Legendborn by Tracy DeonnRead along with us in Read & Yap with ACOCAC:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow us & find everything in one place🔗 https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaosTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.comThanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

    36 min

  3. FEB 5

    Episode 6: Galentines, Valentines, & Overrated Book Boyfriends | ACOCAC Podcast

    February kicks off with a Galentines/Valentines-inspired episode—and yes, we start with a little controversy. In this week’s episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we talk about overrated book boyfriends (respectfully… mostly), then move into romance-forward recommendations for every kind of February reader: One Valentine’s Day read One Galentines Day pick One BIPOC / LGBTQ+ recommendation We also get personal—sharing stories about our own relationships, how we met our significant others, and why romantasy as a genre matters so deeply to us. Books Mentioned: Lindsay Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love - isthisselfcare Yes Please - Amy Poehler Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid Amy Deep End by Ali Hazelwood Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver An Ancient Witches Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward  Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Addy Tourist Season - Brynne Weaver Untamed - Glennon Doyle  Give me more - Sara Cate  Daydream - Hannah Grace  Dominique The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid House of Rayne - Harley LaRoux Big Gay Wedding - Byron Lane ✨ February Fable Book Club Pick: Legendborn by Tracy DeonnJoin Read & Yap with ACOCAC on Fable:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979 📌 Follow us + find everything in one place🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaosTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your podcasts 📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

    38 min

  4. JAN 29

    S2 Ep. 5: Red Rising — Our Final Thoughts | ACOCAC Podcast

    ⚠️ This episode contains spoilers for Red Rising ⚠️ In Season 2, Episode 5, we’re sharing our full spoiler reactions to Red Rising by Pierce Brown. We break down our thoughts on the characters, major plot points, and the moments that completely shifted our opinions—plus whether we’re ready to keep going with the series. We also talk about what we loved, what didn’t fully land for us, and what we’re hoping to see in the next books. If you’ve finished Red Rising and need to process it with someone, this episode is for you. Hoodies provided by MadebyMoorelight:madebymoorelight.etsy.com 📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCAC January: Red Rising by Pierce Brown February: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn 🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979 📌 Follow us TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos 📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com 📚 Book Discussed: • Red Rising — Pierce Brown 💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

    46 min

  5. JAN 22

    S2 Ep. 4: Alchemised, Manacled & the Fandom Conversation | ft. Emily.Reads.ALot | ACOCAC Podcast

    Emily (@emily.reads.alot) is back for Part 3 of our Alchemised miniseries, and this episode dives headfirst into one of the most complicated conversations in modern fandom. We talk about Alchemised and Manacled, the legacy of Harry Potter, and whether works inspired by that universe still have a place at the table. This is a nuanced discussion about fanfiction, fandom culture, transformative works, and how readers navigate loving stories while grappling with the harm tied to their origins. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and rooted in conversation—not conclusions. 📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCAC We’re currently reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown February's book will be Legendborn by Tracy Deonn 🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979 📌 Follow us TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos 📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com 💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

    48 min

  6. JAN 15

    S2 Ep. 3: Red Rising — Non-Spoiler Expectations & First Impressions | ACOCAC Podcast

    We’re officially kicking off our Red Rising era. In this episode, we share our non-spoiler expectations and first impressions as we start reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown for our January Fable Book Club. We talk about what drew us to the book, what surprised us early on, and how it’s hitting so far—without giving anything away. If you’re reading along with us or still deciding whether to pick it up, this episode is the perfect place to start. 📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCAC We’re currently reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown 🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979 📌 Follow us TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos 📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com 💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

    32 min

  7. JAN 8

    S2 Ep. 2: Villain Deep Dive — The Viper Queen of Crescent City | ACOCAC Podcast

    This week, we’re diving into one of the most fascinating figures in the Maasverse: the Viper Queen of Crescent City. In this villain deep dive, we break down her background, power, and presence within Crescent City—pulling apart what we know, what’s implied, and what’s still hidden. From her history and influence to the quotes that make her so memorable, we explore why the Viper Queen looms so large despite often staying in the shadows. 📚 Join our Fable Book Club — Read and Yap with ACOCAC We’re currently reading Red Rising by Pierce Brown 🔗 https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979 📌 Follow us TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos 📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com 💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

    40 min

  8. JAN 1

    S2 Ep 1: Our Bookish Year in Review | 2025 Book Wrapped | ACOCAC Podcast

    Season 2 starts here—& we’re kicking things off with our very own Book Wrapped. In this New Year’s Day premiere, each of us shares our worst read of 2025, our best book from each month, and the reads that surprised, disappointed, or completely consumed us along the way. We also talk about what kind of readers we’re hoping to be in 2026 and what’s already sitting at the top of our TBRs. 📚 January Fable Book Club Pick: Red Rising by Pierce Brown Join Read and Yap with ACOCAC here: https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979 📌 Follow us TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos 📩 Contact us: ACourtofCortisolandChaos@gmail.com 💫 Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR! Lindsay: Worst Book of the year: God of Malice by Rina Kent Best books of each month: Jan- Onyx Storm: Rebecca Yarros Feb- Throne of Glass: Sarah J Maas Mar- Heir of Fire: Sarah J Maas Apr- Kingdom of Ash: Sarah J Maas May- Iron Flame: Rebecca Yarros June- Silver Elite: Dani Francis July- Crescent City House of Earth & Blood: Sarah J Maas  Aug- Crescent City House of Flame & Shadow: Sarah J Maas Sept- Terror at the Gates: Scarlett St Clair Oct- Alchemised: SenLinYu Nov- Green Light: serene musafir Dec- Draco Malfoy & the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love: isthisselfcare Most anticipated reads of 2026: Red Rising: Pierce Brown Rose in Chains: Julie Soto Secrets & Masks: Emerald Slytherin All the Young Dudes: MsKingBean89 A Tongue So Sweet & Deadly: Sophia St Germain Plated Prisoner: Raven Kennedy Heavenly Bodies: Imani Erriu Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil: VE Schwab  Bride/Mate: Ali Hazelwood Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy: Brigitte Knightley Three Pianos: Andrew McMahon Nora McInerny Amy: Worst book of the year:  •The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen Most anticipated new releases of 2026:  •The Knave and The Moon by Rachel Gillig •Harvest Season by Brynne Weaver  •Daemonic by Kaylie Smith  •Coiled at the Roots by Scarlett St. Clair Most anticipated: •Legendborn by Tracy Deonn •Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig •The Poppy War by R.F Kuang •The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole January:  Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros February  Deep End by Ali Hazelwood Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas March:  Crescent City House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas April: A Promise so Bold and Broken by Sophia St. Germain May: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith The Golden Rose of Valenul by Enna Hawthorn June:  The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig  July:  Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston August: Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn September:  Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair  October:  Alchemised by SenLinYu November: Mate by Ali Hazelwood  December:  One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Dominique January- The Mindf*ck Series: S.T. Abby February- Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm: Rebecca Yarros March- Phantasma: Kaylie Smith April- Spark of the Everflame: Penn Cole May- Throne of Glass: Sarah J. Maas, Feathers So Vicious: Liiv Zander June- The Bond that Burns: Briar Boleyn July- Problematic Summer Romance: Ali Hazelwood, Crown of Midnight: Sarah J. Maas August- Knight and the Moth: Rachel Gillig, Terror at the Gates: Scarlett St. Clair, Shield of Sparrows: Deveny Perry September- City of Gods and Monsters: Kayla Edwards October- Mate: Ali Hazelwood November- For Whom the Belle Tolls: Jaysea Lynn December- Silvercloak: L.K. Steven Worst Book of 2025- Skyshade: Alex Aster Most anticipated sequels of 2026: April- Rites of Starling June- Harvest Season September- The Knave and the Moon October- Coiled at the Roots November- Captive Traitor King Most anticipated reads 2026: Red Rising: Pierce Brown The Bloodsworn Saga: John Gwynne Project Hail Mary: Andy Weir The Farseer Trilogy: Robin Hobb Mistborn: Brian Sanderson The Will of the Many: James Islington

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to A Court of Cortisol and Chaos! The podcast where we spiral over fictional characters, ignore real life responsibilities, and discuss things that finally made it out of the group chat! We’re four fantasy-obsessed besties exploring SJM worlds and beyond through plot breakdowns, character deep dives, and fan theories. Spoilers and adult language ahead. Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Information

  • Creator
    SJM-Fueled, Chaos-Driven. Unfiltered hot takes, cortisol-spiking spirals and all things bookish.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © SJM-Fueled, Chaos-Driven. Unfiltered hot takes, cortisol-spiking spirals and all things bookish.
  • Show Website
    A Court of Cortisol and Chaos