Author Archives: kayliametcalfe

16. A Song To Drown Rivers (Book Review)

This week, I discuss Ann Liang’s 2024 historical novel A Song To Drown Rivers. This book avoids the pitfalls of the YA genre, tells a compelling story, and even has some interesting things to say about power and the patriarchy. I have two main plot quibbles that I will warn you about in this Spoiler-Free review,… and then I will totally rant about the ending in a video coming to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in the next day or two, so look out for that. 

S006. Field Trip To Fresno State

In this episode, Matt takes a field trip to California State University, Fresno to talk about the spooky stories associated with the campus, including haunted music rehearsal spaces, a demon stalking the dormitories, and the spirit of a respected journalism professor. Along the way, he is nearly run down by scooters and encounters horses walking through campus. He also tries to persuade a ghost to open a door for him, which goes about as well as you would expect. 

Luis Chavez and A Queer Kerfuffle (May 2nd, 2025)

We interview newly elected Board of Supervisors member Luis Chavez, talk good/bad news for our Transgender Community, make fun of RFK (and his worm), give props to George M johnson, and highlight some upcoming queer shows and movies.

Plus hockey vs rugby, foster care facts, and Kaylia learns about Pee Wee Herman.

15. Jane And Dan At The End Of The World (Book Review)

Kaylia gives a Spoiler-Free review of the 2025 “cozy thriller” Jane and Dan At The End of the World by Colleen Oakley. This book is a fast, fun read about a married couple having an adventure in a fancy restaurant… an adventure that could make or break their marriage. Maybe. This light read is perfect for the beach, the pool, or the airplane. 

95. Sleep Paralysis

In this episode, Matt discusses sleep paralysis, one of the most common and controversial topics in discussions of ghost folklore. Matt will talk about the folklore surrounding sleep paralysis, the origins of the modern study of the phenomenon, and how a folklorist appears to have spurred the medical community to take the matter seriously.

Kickoff To Pride (April 18th, 2025)

Let’s kickoff PRIDE 2025! We interview Jazmin Guzman with the Madera Coalition for Community Justice to talk about their upcoming Pride event and the LGBTQ+ community in Madera.

Then Chris and Kaylia discuss the River Park food vendor controversy, women in space, the Sundance Film Festival, fun in the Castro, safe LGBTQ+ cities, the Supreme court, the FDA, CDC and RFK. PLUS strange taxes, life on other planets, and Jane Fonda!

14. The Sun Was Electric Light (Book Review)

Kaylia gives a Spoiler-Free review of The Sun Was Electric Light, a literary debut novel by Rachel Morton. This book is short, powerful, cerebral, highbrow, and Hemingwayesque. It might be just what you are looking for. 

This episode is longer than normal because Kaylia went a bit off-script in the “spoiler” section at the end. 

As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value to give you a SPOILER-FREE review. Plus a delightful popcorn fact at the end of the episode and a bonus at the very very end for those of you who NEED to KNOW. Enjoy!

13. Tilt (Book Review)

Kaylia reviews Emma Pattee’s 2025 novel Tilt. This page-turner thriller about a pregnant woman in the aftermath of a disaster is emotional, poignant, and masterfully written. One of the best books of the year so far, Tilt will make you laugh, cry, and feel hope while showcasing the writing chops of this amazing debut novelist.

As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value to give you a SPOILER-FREE review. Plus a delightful popcorn fact at the end of the episode, and a bonus at the very very end for those of you who NEED to KNOW. Enjoy!

94. Pinedale, California

The Pinedale neighborhood of Fresno, California was once the location of a facility used to stage Japanese-Americans on their way to the WWII-era internment camps. In this episode, Matt talks about how history can be stored but also warped in ghost stories and how some aspects of our past hold lessons for the present. Also, there’s an old Spanish lady who throws sand in people’s eyes.