
After years of wide-eyed blogging about the surreal 1980s perfection of Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley High book series (and the surprising psychodrama that lurks below the town's perfectly-tanned surface), host Marissa Flaxbart is now forcing people to read the series with her. But beyond its obsession with the ubiquitous-yet-obscure book series, SWEET VALLEY DIARIES is a podcast about nostalgia ... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 187 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | ArtsComedyBooks | ||||

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A correction email about ROSA'S LIE and truly the most epically hyperbolic Reader of the Month winner to date!
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When there's an exclamation point in the name of the book, you know it's going to be a good one. But will KIDNAPPED BY THE CULT! ever deliver on the promise of its title? Find out with filmmaker Sam Wineman as he falls in love with every character in... more
Christian Dueñas is back for more on Rose Jameson/Rosa Jimenez. We also imagine an all-boys Jesuit version of Sweet Valley High and read a particularly purple Reader of the Month letter.
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Welp, Season 9 is starting with a bang. We've got another racism book on our hands. Thankfully, no one gets hurt this time (though a certain Nana Jimenez would probably be pretty darn hurt if she found out what her granddaughter did with her cake!). ... more
Oh-h My-y God, we've got an EXTREMELY special episode at long last! As only the Super Star books can, BRUCE'S STORY brings you a ridiculous Sweet Valley Saga from the POV of one of its richest and least likable characters. Bruce Patman (or, if you pr... more
Don't forget about the Reader of the Month letter from book 80!
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It's another mis-titled misadventure of random characters, and this time All Time Favorite guest Don Flaxbart is here to simultaneously despise the book and read deep into the twisted heart of its male lead. A thrilling, dirt-bike filled mega finale ... more
This is such a fun listen! I was obsessed with Sweet Valley High as a preteen, and now as an adult I love revisiting and snarking on these wonderfully awful stories. The host Marissa never fails to pick out the same ridiculous bits I love to make fun of and give them the mockery they deserve. And I love that she has different co hosts (I especially like her dad lol) - it keeps it fresh.
I love this podcast - it’s so great however I am really disappointed in episode 4/book 4 which was one of my faves. I feel like having someone review and discuss the books who has such contempt for them is not a great way to celebrate them. I appreciate that there are some themes in the book that are not great but I loved Robin as a tween. I thought she was a boss, she took a crappy situation and showed strength and resilience. There is a book further on in the series where they reexamine the pr... more
This podcast is SUCH a fun listen. Marissa’s tone captures the youthful enthusiasm with which I originally experienced the series. Hurrah for schmaltzy soap-operatic YA, hurrah for 80s/90s nostalgia, hurrah for having a hobby and sharing it hilariously with the world. Thanks and keep going!
Marissa is the friend we all needed in the 80s/90s to guide us through the Sweet Valley universe. She’s smart, funny, and has become increasingly vulnerable over time in terms of how the gorgeous “perfect size six” twins affected her - and many of us. She does a great job with the recaps and analysis. My only slight critique (?) would be she doesn’t need a guest/co-host every time. Marissa, you got this. I like the banter, especially recently, but am also super happy to just listen to you rumina... more
Love the hot takes on SVH! Total nostalgia for the books and the 80s, the fashion, the stories. I loved these books as a kid and an adult so really enjoy the recaps and the analysis.
This podcast is delightful. I’m really enjoying my return to SVH. I can’t wait until the next episode!
This podcast is delightful. I’m really enjoying my return to SVH. I can’t wait until the next episode!
I am foaming at the mouth waiting for the Jungle Prom.
Love the podcast, love Marissa and her guests, and love the trip down memory lane! I read most of these books in the 90s but I cannot believe how much I remember listening to these podcasts! Marissa and her guests are witty and entertaining and I’ve enjoyed listening to their commentary and comparing how these books would be so much different in todays times. Thank you Marissa for all of your hard work and dedication to bringing these books back to life!
Love this podcast and love revisiting the stories that I was obsessed with so many years ago! The trip down memory lane with Marissa and her guests has been a wonderful experience that everyone should take! Thank you Marissa for giving my inner teenage girl the chance to relive the stories I read over and over again!
Love this podcast and love revisiting the stories that I was obsessed with so many years ago! The trip down memory lane with Marissa and her guests has been a wonderful experience that everyone should take! Thank you Marissa for giving my inner teenage girl the chance to relive the stories I read over and over again!
Discovering this show has been a highlight of an otherwise crappy year so far. I love it so much and am DYING for Marissa to get to the Evil Twin and then the evil twin’s evil twin. You have no idea!!!
I love your story and keep it up
I read these books as a young california boy in the early 80s because those covers just screamed DRAMA! Now I have reread them in recent years realizing just how bonkers fun they actually are! Now having discovered Marissa Flaxbart’s indepth (yet light hearted) show- i’m loving the laughter and tears all over again. Marissa knows how to carry a show! It’s a Fun Listen and I’m hooked!
I read these books as a young california boy in the early 80s because those covers just screamed DRAMA! Now I have reread them in recent years realizing just how bonkers fun they actually are! Now having discovered Marissa Flaxbart’s indepth (yet light hearted) show- i’m loving the laughter and tears all over again. Marissa knows how to carry a show! It’s a Fun Listen and I’m hooked!
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Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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Focusing on the iconic Sweet Valley High book series, the discussions capture a blend of nostalgia and humor while critically analyzing the themes and character dynamics within the novels. Episodes frequently cover topics such as the absurdities of teenage drama, friendship challenges, and the cultural implications of the past, enriching the listener's understanding of both the series and its broader societal context. The show further explores the contrast between the era of the series and contemporary perspectives, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with nostalgia and identity.
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Sweet Valley Diaries launched 8 years ago and published 187 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Sweet Valley Diaries include:
1. Sam Wineman
2. Christian Dueñas
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