Life In Jest

Selene Castrovilla + Pascale Laforest
  • 5.0 (4)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

"Life In Jest" is your weekly escape from the absurdity of everyday life. Hosted by cousins and best friends Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest, two battle-worn souls who have been driven to the brink but refuse to check into Bellevue (because let’s be honest, the wine selection is probably awful). Instead, we choose to laugh. Each week, we dive into the wild and wacky ways humans think, process, and explain the world—through true crime, bizarre history, the supernatural, pop culture, TV & movies, current events, and our own misadventures. Tune in every Tuesday for sharp wit, unfiltered takes, and a much-needed break from the madness. Got a topic? Send it our way—because if we don’t laugh, we might just lose it. Cheers! Reach out to us: lifeinjestpodcast@gmail.com Visit our website: https://selenecastrovilla.com/podcast%3A-life-in-jest-1

  1. Fun Trivia & Pop Culture Podcast | Your Escape from the News

    1D AGO

    Fun Trivia & Pop Culture Podcast | Your Escape from the News

    When the world feels overwhelming, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is laugh. In this “purely in jest” episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale take a deliberate break from heavy headlines and dive headfirst into absurd, fascinating, and delightfully random trivia. What follows is a rapid-fire exchange of surprising facts, strange history, pop culture deep cuts, and genuinely mind-bending discoveries. You’ll learn: – What a group of flamingos is really called (and why it’s perfect) – The shocking truth about polar bears’ skin color – Which soft drink originally contained cocaine – The only food that never spoils – What animal produces pink milk – The first music video ever played on MTV – Which band played all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica) – The original name of the Grammy Awards – The real name of Snoop Dogg – Which author is the most translated in the world Along the way, they wander into nostalgic 70s food memories, commercial jingles that won’t leave your brain, music history, literary trivia, Mickey Mouse’s almost-name, Sex and the City revelations, and a few unexpected pop culture confessions. If you love trivia games, random facts, music history, bookish discoveries, strange science, and smart, unscripted conversations between two lifelong best-friend cousins, this episode is your mental palate cleanser. No doomscrolling. No drama. Just curiosity, laughter, and the joy of learning something new. Perfect for fans of: – Pop culture trivia podcasts – Fun facts and useless knowledge – Music history and MTV nostalgia – Literary trivia and author deep dives – Lighthearted comedy podcasts – Brain-boosting distraction Comedy tonight. Sanity preserved. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1 hr
  2. Will our Votes Count in the Midterm Elections? How We Can Safeguard Democracy!

    FEB 11

    Will our Votes Count in the Midterm Elections? How We Can Safeguard Democracy!

    Here's an OG episode that concerns every American citizen! Things have only grown more dire since we first aired this episode. Our one chance to be heard is at the polls. But what happens if someone tampers with the results? The Election Truth Alliance are curators of accountability, working to ensure that the final election "reveal" is one every voter can trust. They have been working nonstop so that we can find out the truth about the 2024 election results by suing for paper ballot recounts in the swing states. Hey, we keep those ballots. Is it so crazy to actually check them for accuracy? Listen to the evidence presented by guest Lilli McGregor, co-founder and Executive Director of Communications & Operations at the Election Truth Alliance, and decide for yourself! Here's the original show description: Strap on your life vest and prepare to plunge! On this week’s Life in Jest, hosts Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest welcome special guest Lilli McGregor, co-founder and Executive Director of Communications & Operations at the Election Truth Alliance, for a deep dive into the murky waters of American election integrity. Together, they explore the swirling data anomalies that have surfaced across the country in the wake of the 2024 election, the troubling undercurrent of political correctness that drowns out questions, and the overwhelming need for transparent election audits. Lilli brings insider insight into the investigative challenges—particularly in Pennsylvania—and shares how patterns in the down-vote and lengthy “Russian Tails” suggest that a flawless victory may be a little too perfect. As the conversation plunges deeper, the trio surfaces vital truths about the personal toll of activism, the obstacles that threaten reform, and the crucial role everyday citizens must play in demanding accountability. The waters may be rough, but understanding what lies beneath the surface is the first stroke toward ensuring our democracy stays afloat—and that every vote in future elections is counted, secured, and guided by a truly tight ship. Thank you so much Lilli McGregor, for joining our rousing discussion! From their website: "What is the Election Truth Alliance?The Election Truth Alliance is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in December of 2024 when multiple individuals came together to share independent data, analysis, and research into the results of the 2024 US Presidential Election. As concerning trends emerged from our shared data we moved quickly, at the speed of trust, to make our findings more accessible and understandable to the broader public. We are a non-profit corporation." Visit the Election Truth Alliance website for all the tea! https://electiontruthalliance.org/ Check out the Election Truth Alliance's YouTube Channel for all those charts and Russian tails! https://www.youtube.com/@ElectionTruthAlliance What do you think about all this? Let us know! Write us at: lifeinjestpodcast@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Election Truth Alliance 02:07 Understanding Election Integrity Concerns 06:26 Data Analysis and Communication Challenges 10:29 The Russian Tail: A Statistical Trend 21:57 Political Implications and Future Elections 26:45 The Importance of Accurate Messaging in Election Security 28:59 Challenges of Election Analysis in the U.S. 30:58 The Complexity of U.S. Election Systems 32:34 Unusual Election Outcomes and Their Implications 35:41 The Role of Misinformation in Public Perception 37:31 Strategies to Overwhelm and Demoralize the Public 40:32 Historical Context and Lessons from the Past 43:08 Investigating Vote Counting Computers in Pennsylvania 49:36 Expert Analysis and Election Forensics 51:03 Data Analysis and Validation in Elections 53:52 The Importance of Expertise and Collaboration 56:53 Challenges in Election Integrity and Public Perception 58:37 The Role of Morale and Legitimacy in Democracy 01:01:48 Advocacy for Election Integrity and Future Actions 01:06:24 The Call to Action for Citizens 01:16:06 Inspiring Quotes and Closing Thoughts Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 20m
  3. Love Through the Ages: Valentine’s Day, Romance, and Reality

    FEB 3

    Love Through the Ages: Valentine’s Day, Romance, and Reality

    Is love a sacred bond, a cultural construct, or a diagnosable condition? In this Valentine’s-adjacent episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale take on love in all its messy, romantic, absurd, and occasionally unhinged forms. From the pagan roots of Valentine’s Day to its modern evolution into texts, chocolates, and emotional expectations, the conversation ricochets between history, pop culture, and deeply personal reflections. Along the way, they uncover fun (and strange) facts about the holiday, dig into the tragic legend of St. Valentine, and ask the big questions: Are we hopeless romantics, hardened skeptics, or both at once? Is love timeless—or wildly irrational? Equal parts thoughtful and laugh-out-loud funny, this episode celebrates love in all its contradictions, including the most underrated kind of all: self-love. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    48 min
  4. The Wizard of Oz: Potholes on the Yellow Brick Road

    JAN 28

    The Wizard of Oz: Potholes on the Yellow Brick Road

    Hello, hello! Here's an OG favorite episode! This is a description from Google's AI: In the Life in Jest podcast episode "The Wizard of Oz Facts That Will Make You Wince," hosts Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest explore the behind-the-scenes, often chaotic history of the classic 1939 film. The episode covers the intense production challenges, including hazardous conditions, costume mishaps, and intense pressure on the cast, contrasting with the movie's magical legacy.  Key details from the podcast episode and surrounding context include: Production Hazards: The episode covers the dangerous set conditions, such as the Scarecrow costume being a fire hazard and the Wicked Witch (Margaret Hamilton) actually being burned during a scene.Production Woes: It explores the high-pressure environment, including the "heavily medicated" state of Judy Garland and the use of dangerous materials like asbestos.Cultural Legacy: The discussion touches on the film's enduring impact and its special resonance within the LGBTQ community.Host Perspective: The hosts share how this story and its production shaped their own lives and writing. The episode is part of the Life in Jest podcast on iHeartRadio, which focuses on humorous and surprising takes on pop culture and life stories. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 10m
  5. This New Year's Episode Almost Got Scrapped

    JAN 20

    This New Year's Episode Almost Got Scrapped

    This episode was recorded on New Year’s Eve… after some wine…in that strange liminal space when reflection, chaos, and questionable judgment all collide.Selene was convinced it sucked. So convinced, in fact, that she nearly didn’t release it at all. But then she listened back. And (after hours of editing,lol) it didn’t suck. So here it is. This episode covers a lot of territory—a dazzling array of topics, really. There’s something for everyone. Think of it as a conversational Golden Corral: you may not know what you’re coming for, but you’ll definitely leave full. Selene and Pascale bounce effortlessly between laugh-out-loud moments and more contemplative turns, touching on their very different opinions about Pennywise the sewer clown, psychics who sucked (and one whose prediction Selene based her life on), New Jersey boobage, and the singular betrayal of discovering—after eating—that a restaurant is cash only. Along the way, Selene finds Jesus in Five Below and flashes back (once again) to the childhood trauma inflicted by an old McCloud episode. The besties discuss cultural artifacts that somehow lodge themselves permanently in the brain, and wonder if texting may be quietly destroying civilization. There are riffs on social-media comment sections, human behavior, corrupted symbols, belief, grief, and why meaning is so slippery—especially at the end of a year. Somehow, this episode also includes a callback to Ryan Seacrest and Selene's continued bewilderment and outrage of his over-the-top endorsements of Chumba. Funny, reflective, provocative, and unmistakably Life in Jest, this episode is a sampler platter of thoughts, stories, and tangents—served with humor, honesty, and just enough wine. Press play. It doesn't suck. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 14m
  6. Laughter as Remembrance: Weaving Humor and Grief

    JAN 13

    Laughter as Remembrance: Weaving Humor and Grief

    “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” In this deeply moving and unexpectedly funny episode of Life in Jest, Selene and Pascale honor Selene's son Casey on the 3rd anniversary of his passing—not with solemnity, but with laughter, love, and the unforgettable stories that keep him vividly alive. This episode weaves together humor and grief in the way only real life does. Selene shares hilarious, tender, and profoundly human memories of Casey: his hammock-that-wasn’t, the paddleboat adventure that went a little too far, wild dancing to Blue’s Clues, singing High School Musical at full volume, a runaway dog on Sunset Boulevard, and a cross-country RV trip that could only be survived with laughter. These stories reveal who Casey truly was—funny, musical, quirky, fearless, and deeply connected to animals and people alike. The episode also introduces Casey’s Creature Kindness Day, inviting listeners to honor his spirit through compassion for animals. Selene highlights the work of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, discusses animal protection laws across the U.S., and reminds us why advocacy matters for those who cannot speak for themselves. What emerges is a rare kind of conversation—one that doesn’t shy away from grief, but refuses to let it erase joy. This is an episode about remembrance without bitterness, mourning without silence, and love that continues to move, laugh, sing, and show up in the world. If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost someone too soon, or found that laughter was the only way through—this episode is for you. Topics include: – Grief, remembrance, and humor – Honoring a loved one through storytelling – Animals, advocacy, and compassion – Family memories that still sparkle – Why laughter can be more powerful than screams Listen, laugh, remember—and maybe do one small kind thing today in Casey’s name. Here's a video Casey shot of us traveling in the RV from New York to California: https://youtu.be/Jxw-rZIT5xQ?si=4-LScUBuCufEXQpq Here's a video of Casey driving around LA, musing: https://youtu.be/4YqYfrmYCEQ?si=_dbV0dcz6ZtxCroC Here's a link to the Animal Legal Defense Fund: https://aldf.org/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 10m
  7. Grease & Rizzo: What We Missed When We Were Kids

    JAN 7 · BONUS

    Grease & Rizzo: What We Missed When We Were Kids

    A classic Life in Jest Podcast fan favorite! This is one of those episodes—the kind longtime listeners still quote, share, and come back to when they need a laugh that slowly turns into something deeper. We kick things off with hilarious OCD confessions—the kind of honest vulnerability that's a Life in Jest trademark—before the conversation takes a sharp (and wildly entertaining) turn into the cultural touchstone that somehow shaped all of us as kids: Grease. Because let’s be honest—Grease is completely inappropriate for children. And yet… we all saw it. Repeatedly. Sang along. Memorized it. Internalized it before we had any idea what half of it meant. Selene and Pascale dig into what Grease looks like through adult eyes—and how, with maturity and lived experience, one character rises above the rest: Rizzo. Once dismissed as “the bad girl,” Rizzo reveals herself as the most complex, tragic, honest, and emotionally real character in the film. That realization crescendos in a deep appreciation of her solo, There Are Worse Things I Could Do—arguably the most riveting scene in the entire movie. A raw, vulnerable moment that cuts through the camp and comedy with startling emotional truth… and nearly didn’t make it into the film at all. It’s funny. It’s reflective. It’s nostalgic in the best way. And it’s full of those Life in Jest moments where you start out laughing and end up thinking, wow—how did I miss that when I was younger? This fan-favorite classic episode is a reminder of why Life in Jest resonates so deeply: it revisits the stories we thought we knew, honors how we’ve grown, and finds meaning in the messiness of being human—without ever losing its sense of humor. Press play if you love: Reexamining pop culture through adult eyesLaughing at what shaped us (for better or worse)Smart conversations with heart and humorFeeling seen without being lecturedSome episodes age well. This one just gets better. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1h 10m
  8. Is Death Really the End? Grief, Meaning & What Comes After

    12/31/2025

    Is Death Really the End? Grief, Meaning & What Comes After

    Is death really “the end”? We say that phrase so casually—the end—as if it’s settled, obvious, beyond question. But what if it isn’t? In this deeply intimate and searching episode of Life in Jest, Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest step into one of life’s hardest and most universal questions: What happens after we die—and what happens to those left behind? What begins as a philosophical exploration of metaphysics becomes something far more personal, as Selene shares how the loss of her son, Casey, propelled her into a profound inquiry about grief, consciousness, and whether connection truly ends at death. This episode weaves together philosophy, lived experience, humor, and vulnerability as Selene unpacks metaphysics in plain language, explores why humans across cultures report ongoing connections with loved ones after death, and introduces the ancient concept of alchemy—not as magic, but as transformation under pressure. Grief, she argues, is a kind of alchemical process: not something that disappears, but something that changes form. Selene also discusses her personal experiences of continued connection with Casey, framing them not as belief or doctrine, but as lived reality—offered honestly, without asking anyone else to agree. The conversation touches on grief that doesn’t calcify, love that doesn’t end, and meaning that is still being forged, even after devastating loss. Important note for listeners: A short segment in which Selene visually demonstrates communication using divining rods has been removed from the audio version, as it doesn’t translate without visuals. The complete, uncut episode—including that visual segment—is available on YouTube, where you can experience it in full context. Here's the link to the video: https://youtu.be/0NF1HXw_VnY As always, Life in Jest balances depth with warmth, seriousness with humanity, and inquiry with laughter—because sometimes the truest things are spoken, quite literally, in jest. 🎧 Topics include: Is death the end—or a transformation?Metaphysics explained simplyGrief, loss, and the human need for meaningAlchemy as emotional and psychological transformationWhy shared human experiences matter more than belief systemsThis episode isn’t here to tell you what to think. It’s here to invite you to think—and to feel. Thank you for listening and for your support. As we head into 2026, we're feeling the love, and we're so grateful! XOXOXO Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

"Life In Jest" is your weekly escape from the absurdity of everyday life. Hosted by cousins and best friends Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest, two battle-worn souls who have been driven to the brink but refuse to check into Bellevue (because let’s be honest, the wine selection is probably awful). Instead, we choose to laugh. Each week, we dive into the wild and wacky ways humans think, process, and explain the world—through true crime, bizarre history, the supernatural, pop culture, TV & movies, current events, and our own misadventures. Tune in every Tuesday for sharp wit, unfiltered takes, and a much-needed break from the madness. Got a topic? Send it our way—because if we don’t laugh, we might just lose it. Cheers! Reach out to us: lifeinjestpodcast@gmail.com Visit our website: https://selenecastrovilla.com/podcast%3A-life-in-jest-1

Information

  • Creator
    Selene Castrovilla + Pascale Laforest
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Selene Castrovilla + Pascale Laforest
  • Show Website
    Life In Jest