Idiot's Alphabet Soup

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine plan their upcoming cruise and discuss the book Some People Need Killing by Patricia Evangelista. What do Jenny and Kathrine have in their cruise-planning spreadsheet? How did the book change Kathrine's perception of her childhood? What did Jenny learn about the Philippines? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine recap the time they just spent together for Jenny’s birthday and their respective vehicular traumas. Then, they discuss a list of classics that they’ve both read and classify each one by whether or not it met their expectations. How did Kathrine almost die? Why was Jenny so embarrassed? What classic love story do Jenny and Kathrine think is severely underrated? How did Kathrine surprise Jenny? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Is this really the greatest love story of all time? Which of the characters is the worst? How does Kathrine feel about white people at Hmart? What happened to Jenny and Kathrine the first time they tried to record this episode? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss all things fanfiction, and along the way, they take some detours, of course. What did Kathrine find in her bag of cuties? When did people start writing fanfiction? What separates fanfiction from inspiration? Why does Kathrine always fall asleep during movies? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book French Windows by Antoine Laurain. As per usual, they also take some time to discuss the week that they just spent together. What did Jenny and Kathrine see at Hmart? What do we reveal through storytelling? What happened at open mic night? In French, is this book just called Windows? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine give recommendations for which books they feel would be good to read depending on the weather. Why are Jenny and Kathrine side-eyeing right now? How do you dance like you're in the show Chicago? What did Jenny and Kathrine get up to while spending the weekend together? What reading vibe does foggy weather give off? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book James by Percival Everett. Of course, as big fans of the Olympics, they also discuss the events that they’ve been watching so far, and which people have disappointed them. What did Kathrine have to do to get the road outside of her house plowed? How is James different from Huckleberry Finn? Why is Kathrine able to run so well? What is Jenny and Kathrine’s new fish-related cooking goal? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this third anniversary episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss some literary conspiracy theories, as well as how they feel about skiing and gender reveals. Did Shakespeare write his own works? How did Edgar Allan Poe die? What would Jenny and Kathrine be named if they were boys? Why was this episode posted late? Listen to find out!

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. They also catch listeners up on what they've been doing for the past three weeks. Why is this book so violent? What exciting event did Jenny and Kathrine witness? What game has Jenny been playing nonstop? How did the book desensitize Jenny and Kathrine? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine have faces again, as per tradition. That is to say, it's the annual holiday video episode! Jenny and Kathrine take on book quizzes of all types, figuring out how much they know about books, and what type of readers they are. What book should Jenny and Kathrine read next? What are they cooking for Christmas dinner? What did they get each other for Christmas? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine review the book The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. This thrilling mystery had Jenny and Kathrine in raptures about how invested they were in the story. What does it take for a gift to be a good gift? What makes a good mystery? What are the problems with the American medical care system? Why is the book even called "The God of the Woods"? Listen to find out.If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. First, they take you through a lengthy discussion of what they were up to during the week of Thanksgiving when they were together. What defines a salad? What have Jenny and Kathrine been cooking? What makes a good coming-of-age novel? What did Jenny get as a PR package from Eddie Bauer? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine get a little more serious and discuss the event that led to them missing a week in the podcast schedule. Additionally, they talk about the New York Times Bestsellers list. How do the New York Times bestsellers get chosen? How do authors cheat the system? What do Jenny and Kathrine think of the books currently on the list? Listen to find out.If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss The Twits by Roald Dahl. They also discussed the 2025 movie based on the book, because they used this to complete one of their 2025 reading challenges. What crafts have Jenny and Kathrine (but mostly Kathrine) been doing lately? How did Roald Dahl influence Kathrine's childhood antics? What all did Jenny and Kathrine get up to during the weekend they spent together? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine talk about all things manga. After what is potentially the shortest life update they've ever done, Jenny and Kathrine dig into what exactly manga is and see if Jenny can guess which manga premises are real and which ones Kathrine made up. Why does manga explore such weird themes? Where did manga even come from? Why are nazis playing mahjong on the moon? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami, a book that they read way back in January, and then speed re-read just for this episode. What happened to American Pastoral? Why should you kill spotted lanternflies? What's been happening in Kathrine's garden? How many different meanings can Jenny and Kathrine find in this book? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss all things adventure, both the adventures they've had recently and the ones they like to read about. Where have Jenny and Kathrine been for the last three weeks? What sketchy situations did Kathrine find herself in? What are the components of a good adventure book? What happened to Episode 69? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet .soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine go a little negative and talk about all of the people that they think give book lovers a bad name. Don't worry folks, in the end they reflect on the ways that they themselves are bad for the book community. Where have Jenny and Kathrine been traveling? How did Jenny meet one of her favorite authors? What is the best fish sandwich Kathrine has ever had? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine talk about the book The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. They switch things up and go without a discussion guide, and chaos ensues. What should Kathrine do with her wedding dress? How are they saving for vacation? What game have they been playing obsessively? What would they do if they lived in Oklahoma during the dust bowl? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini after a lengthy conversation about their vacation. What creepy landmark was near Jenny and Kathrine's Airbnb? Which chocolates are the best in the world? What system did Jenny and Kathrine use to help them budget? Is true repentance possible without confession? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss all the foods from books that they wish they could get a chance to eat. Why are steamed crabs seasoned? What makes something artisanal? What part of the lechon does Kathrine always go for? Why can't Jenny and Kathrine record the podcast in the car? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss books based on other books. What's the difference between a book based on a book and fanfiction? What happened to Jenny and Kathrine in a Jollibee? Why are Jenny and Kathrine suddenly obsessed with geography? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book Butter by Asako Yuzuki. It's a story of murder, food, and the role of women in society. What competition do Jenny and Kathrine have every morning? How are the fitness journeys going? How did this book make Jenny and Kathrine feel about their weight? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the impact that the website Wattpad had on their lives and society as a whole. Along the way, though, they manage to meander to just about every topic there is. What happened to Kathrine's fitbit? Why can't Jenny finish her sewing projects? How do moms manage to deal with twelve-year-olds? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson, a story of North Korea and how propaganda distorts the truth. What hobbies have Jenny and Kathrine picked up now? When did Kathrine become the vegetable expert? How does Jenny know that she's never known true struggle? What would Jenny and Kathrine do if they were all-powerful leaders? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine put on their true-crime podcaster hats and dive into the stories of murders surrounding books. Why did the CEO of a video game company die because of a Science Fiction book? What book caused 10,000 people to riot in the streets? What snack did Jenny eat as a kid that made her feel like a horse? Why was Kathrine's life in danger? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine get serious and talk about the book Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, a powerful story set in the Gold Coast of Ghana. Along the way, they take some detours and talk about their 3rd friendaversary, new hobbies, and most importantly the joys of COTTAGE CHEESE. Why are they freaking out about the tariffs? What does it mean to be in your thrifty era? Why is there no final bit? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine take a "deep dive in the kiddie pool" talking about Reese Witherspoon's Book Club. What's the deal with Reese's production company, Hello Sunshine? How did Jenny break a fridge? What are the bugs in the neighborhood getting up to? How much money would it take for Jenny and Kathrine to sell out? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine finally discuss the book David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. They rant about magicians, dig into themes, and play a classic little game of Kiss, Marry, Kill with the characters. Why was Jenny and Kathrine's train delayed? What person from David Copperfield do they want to be? What shows have they been attending? What did they give up for lent? If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the classics: what makes them classics and which ones they love (and hate) the most. How is Kathrine feeling about Moby Dick? What stories did Jenny and Kathrine's moms tell them growing up that traumatized them? What books do Jenny and Kathrine think will become classics? Listen to find out!If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff. It was a book that left them with more questions than answers, but it didn't stop Jenny and Kathrine from overanalyzing the book as usual. Why is Jenny's heater so loud? What sporting event did Jenny and Kathrine go to? How did Kathrine mis-title the book? What should all these characters do to fix their lives? Listen to find out!

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine comb through Goodreads to find the best one-star reviews of books they've both read, then guess which books the reviews are for. What hobby is Kathrine potentially going overboard in? How did Jenny expose herself? How much do Jenny and Kathrine really use spreadsheets? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book The Overstory by Richard Powers. They explore the themes (it's all trees) and elaborate on what they'd do to make the book better. What happened to Jenny's camel peacoat? What is Kathrine's recent obsession? How do Jenny and Kathrine feel about treehuggers? How many is too many professional volleyball leagues? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this 2 year anniversary video episode, Jenny and Kathrine make a tier list ranking every book that they've discussed on the podcast so far. Which books do Jenny and Kathrine disagree on? Why is Kathrine in the depths of despair? Is there a new reading challenge coming? Listen to find out. If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book Summer by Edith Wharton. They ponder the themes and ideas of this coming-of-age story while they are together in the same room, which leads to some giggles and laughs. What gift did Kathrine almost not give to Jenny? Why do Jenny and Kathrine love "car interactions" so much? How would Jenny and Kathrine turn Summer into a Christmas movie? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss how their reading grids are going, and give an update on what they've been reading this year. How did Jenny and Kathrine narrowly avoid being shot? When did Jenny look her best? What reading challenge did Kathrine mix up? What should happen to you if you don't know C.S. Lewis? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on Instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk and question whether or not they think it deserves the Nobel Prize in Literature. How do Jenny and Kathrine feel about Daylight Savings Time? What is the true purpose of art? What advice would Jenny and Kathrine give to Turkish miniaturists? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine finally talk about Paradise Lost by John Milton. Or, at least, the first four books in Paradise Lost. What are Jenny and Kathrine's political takes? Which season is Satan's favorite? Who would best portray the voice of God? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine cook up some plots for books that they think they would love, and also some books they’d hate. Honestly, a publisher should give them a call. What is Kathrine’s biggest irrational fear? What genre of books does Jenny hate the most? What Broadway show did Jenny and Kathrine see together? What country do Jenny and Kathrine want to set a book in? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine are joined by a special guest, Jenny's sister Amy! What animal is Kathrine obsessed with? How do Americans get Thai food wrong? Would Amy ever become a writer? Which conspiracy theories are the best? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and how much they have succumbed to adult logic. What happened to Kathrine on her Puerto Rico trip? How has Jenny injured herself? What crazy things did Jenny and Kathrine believe as kids? What happened to the little prince after the story ended? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine challenge each other to determine which plot summaries are real, and which they came up with themselves. Who did Jenny know that had a medieval-sounding name? What did Kathrine's dad wear out in public that he should not have? Who was the worst villain that Jenny ever read about? What did Kathrine do to her toe? Listen to find out!

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the books Boy and Going Solo by Roald Dahl. Roald Dahl lived an insane life, and Jenny and Kathrine dissect it, noting comparisons to his beloved children's books. How do Jenny and Kathrine come up with all their projects? What trend on Instagram does Jenny hate? What are Jenny and Kathrine's eight rules for friendship? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine are major couch coaches as they discuss whether authors should only write about ideas and cultures that they’ve experienced themselves, or how much creative liberty they should take. Who are Jenny and Kathrine’s favorite Olympians? What project is Jenny undertaking right now? What books has Kathrine read that were probably a little problematic? What did Jenny and Kathrine’s professors think that they should be experts in? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine finally do what they've been teasing for several episodes and talk about East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Why is the character of Kathy so fundamentally evil? What Olympic sport are Jenny and Kathrine obsessed with? What's with Steinbeck writing his own family into this Biblical allegory? What other stories would Jenny and Kathrine like to see written about in this way? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine yap about their boo-boos for the week and go down every possible bunny trail before talking about what is actually on their discussion guide. What famous literary societies would they love to be a part of? What words does Kathrine not know how to pronounce? Should they go into app development? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss the book Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn. Themes of government oppression with a fun premise made the book quite enjoyable. What game did Jenny and Kathrine play that led them to reading this book? Why are the girls so tired? Has Jenny ever been a narc? What was Kathrine's latest sewing victory? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine don't talk about books at all, instead, they yap about all the fun things they've been up to for the past few days. What creature is living in Kathrine's garden? Whose poop would be the least objectionable to scoop? What anime can Jenny and Kathrine not stop watching? Listen to find out. If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine get a little theological and talk about the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. But first, they talk about their most recent obsessions and what’s been going on in their lives. Who did Kathrine meet on the pickleball court? What’s the deal with Jenny and the community center? How would C.S. Lewis respond to Jojo Siwa? Is it prideful to have this podcast? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).

In this episode, Jenny and Kathrine discuss all things collaboration, inspired by an offhand comment in an episode from 6 months ago. What would it be like if John Green and J.K. Rowling wrote a book together? How would Willy Wonka behave in Middle Earth? Could two dragon riders learn to get along? How did Kathrine almost get human trafficked? Listen to find out! If you have comments or questions, reach out to us on instagram (@idiots.alphabet.soup) or through email ([email protected]).