Dolls of Our Lives

Latest Episodes:

117: Wannabe and the Pop Culture that Shapes Us with Aisha Harris Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

We are SO excited to bring you a special episode with Aisha Harris, author and co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour. Drawing on her new book, Wannabe: Reckonings with the Pop Culture that Shapes Me, we talk American Girl and growing up with pop culture in the 90s. We love Aisha’s new book, and we think you will too! Check out Aisha’s new book here: https://www.aishaharris.com/wannabe-book Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl Resources: You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

116: A 1940s Story: Mailbag and 40s Nostalgia Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Join us on an exploration of 40s nostalgia. Inspired in part by the topics most likely to be suggested for Father's Day gift books, we discuss why *some* stories and subjects seem to persist in mainstream popularity, while others get less play. We answer your questions about 40s nostalgia and share some of our favorite things from the decade (see Molly's Radio Playlist and more below!) 40s Resources: What’s a Dad Book table? Bartram: On a recent trip to Barnes & Noble, I was not surprised to see the usual tables of “Father’s Day” suggestions piled high with books about famous white men, making war and doing politics, largely authored by people who look remarkably like their subjects. http://erinbartram.com/uncategorized/killing-the-dad-book-table/ On Gender & Sexuality in the 40s:

Molly’s World, Illinois: https://exhibits.gerberhart.org/exhibits/show/unboxingqueerhistory
Nanea’s World, Hawaii: https://guides.library.manoa.hawaii.edu/Pacificsexualidentity

Books we reference: Tanya Roth. Her Cold War: Women in the US Military, 1945-1980 (UNC Press, 2021) Elizabeth D. Samet. Looking for the Good War American Amnesia and the Violent Pursuit of Happiness. (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2021) Music: Molly's Radio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/30BVr4ZfuZnFUv7CTEiiDU?si=1829f8fa8b7640d0 Resources: Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

115: Nights at the Museum (Patreon Preview) May 29, 2023

Show notes

Filing cabinet fans, here we go! For this Patreon episode, we are diving right into the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This 1967 classic features the Kincaid kids, who just need a break from home — and the allure of solving an art mystery. Whether you really love hanging files, eccentric older people, or beds in museums, this book has a little bit of something for everyone (and a chauffeur). If you’ve never dreamed about sleeping in The Met, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler still has an enduring appeal. We talk about the value of stories that center smart and funny young people, without a moralizing "parents just don’t get it" ending. So, will you accept this rose, we mean, invitation to the Met? Joining our Patreon is a great way to support the show. You can join us here: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

114: Meet Josefina, Mourn for Selena (from our archives) May 15, 2023

Show notes

Join us as we turn to our archives to bring you one of our favorite episodes: In episode nine, we turn our gaze to the American Southwest & the youthful, plucky Josefina Montoya. Our analysis of Josefina’s books begins with two powerful questions—first, given the place and time, is this the story of a colonial girl? Second, just how many references to Tejana queen Selena will we make per episode? While representations of imperialism in early American history are hard to unpack, over the course of this show, we’ll reveal why Meet Josefina had us reeling for still other reasons. Maybe you didn’t see how this book set in an 1820s borderland community (what’s now New Mexico) was essentially ripped from the 1990s melodrama THE PIANO. But once you hear our take on Tia Dolores, you’ll see that’s why we’re here—note: we are also here to remind you of 90s crossover stars gone too soon. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

113: 1955: Maryellen's Red Era May 01, 2023

Show notes

Would you give up a ticket for a midnight (overnight) train to Georgia to make someone else’s dreams come true? In watching “Maryellen 1955, Extraordinary Christmas,” part of the “American Girl Story” series of short films, we learned that Maryellen certainly would do such a thing. She’d also do just about anything to make other children happy—especially if it meant a moment in the spotlight. If you’re wondering how two AG books could be made into a full-on feature, wonder no more. We discuss Maryellen’s dreams for a red door and a white Christmas as they play out in this motion picture. We also consider how this movie departs from the Tripp Maryellen canon. Tune in, and in the spirit of Maryellen, consider borrowing some pants and painting the town red. Explore some March of Dimes ads from the 1950s/1960s: 1954: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FuDD42T4nw&ab_channel=FTDepot 1965: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIVFIfqkUeY&ab_channel=KarlJacobsen You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

112: Two Celebrations, a Camper, and a Cold War Contest: Maryellen’s Taking Off Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

Time for yet another tenth birthday and a great American road Tripp! In her second book, Maryellen celebrates her big day in style, throwing a movie star party that turns into a public health fundraiser. After doing her part to cure polio, Maryellen is free to enjoy her summer and look forward to her sister’s wedding. But Mr. Larkin (Dad) has other plans. Defying logic and possibly even gravity, Maryellen’s family sets out in a crowded airstream, visiting American landmarks and wreaking havoc in national parks. Upon their return, Maryellen finally has her STEM moment, leading the way in a rocket contest. We discuss this packed three plots-in one book, real controversies over polio vaccines, and the challenge of avoiding spoilers today. If you like to follow along, please note that we read the 2015 Beforever unabridged version of this book without illustrations. Episode Notes: Time for yet another tenth birthday and a great American road Tripp! In her second book, Maryellen celebrates her big day in style, throwing a movie star party that turns into a public health fundraiser. After doing her part to cure polio, Maryellen is free to enjoy her summer and look forward to her sister’s wedding. But Mr. Larkin (Dad) has other plans. Defying logic and possibly even gravity, Maryellen’s family sets out in a crowded airstream, visiting American landmarks and wreaking havoc in national parks. Upon their return, Maryellen finally has her STEM moment, leading the way in a rocket contest. We discuss this packed three plots-in one book, real controversies over polio vaccines, and the challenge of avoiding spoilers today. If you like to follow along, please note that we read the 2015 Beforever unabridged version of this book without illustrations. Time Stamps: 0:00-7:00 Succession spoiler and Mary’s moving 7:30- 9:00 Love is Blind talk 9:00- 13:00 Taylor Swift breakup and Boy Genius record 12:57-15:36 - ad break 16:00- end - We discuss Mary Ellen, book 2. Resources: You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

111: Cold Comforts: Maryellen, The One and Only Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

Of all the questions put out into the world, some confound, others inspire, and a few just beg for follow up. But only Val Tripp would be bold enough to ask (through Maryellen Larkin): "how hard could it be to cut bangs?" Maryellen knows that nothing is fair in fourth grade, including the fallout from a quick and hasty morning haircut. We cover Maryellen's debut book, The One and Only, and her rapid-fire meet, lesson, and surprise plots. Though Maryellen proves to be a good student and critic of the Cold War, we question what has been learned about covering hard topics in the 30+ years of developing AG books. This episode goes deep into Maryellen's moment (the year 1954) and includes a discussion of current trends in reality television. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

110: Dancing Dogs for Defense: Hula for the Home Front Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

By the spring of 1942, so much has changed for Nanea Mitchell and her family. In the second book of her series, we find Nanea adapting to life under martial law, returning to school, and missing her dear friend Donna. When Nanea becomes aware that some dogs are getting involved directly in the war effort, she becomes concerned about her own beloved pet, the aptly named Mele. Never one to just panic, Nanea finds a way to add her dog to her hula performance. We talk about the current wave of nostalgia for the 1990s and nostalgic takes on World War II. We also consider Nanea’s sense of sacrifice and how these books speak to our most recent past (the late 2010s). Additional topics include pet therapy dogs, Justin Bieber, and the TV show Insecure. Resources: You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Pre-order our book: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can't Quit American Girl Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

109: The Spirit of Aloha: Meet Nanea Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

Though she is only nine, Nanea just can't wait to grow up. Living with her family in Honolulu, Nanea dreams of being a teacher and sharing "the spirit of aloha" with others. Then, disaster strikes on December 7, 1941. Nanea's world gets turned upside down with the attack on Pearl Harbor. We discuss how Nanea's story can be compared to Molly's, whose books are also set in the early 1940s, the final years of World War II. Going deeper, we also explore what these books teach us about living through war---and what they don't teach about United States imperialism. Resources: You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

108: Talented and Nearly Ten: Meet Claudie, An American Girl Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

Once upon a time, a reader turned writer named Brit put an idea out into the universe. She told American Girl that she should write a book in the same vein as the stories she’d loved as a child. Cut to 2022, and Brit Bennett is the author of Meet Claudie, a new historical AG book. In this episode, we discuss Claudie’s meet book, which is set in Harlem in 1922. We consider Bennett’s journey from fan to creator and the stunning world she’s made around Claudie. Resources: You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in your first month as a member. Valid in the US and Canada.Subscribe to Libro FM! Choose from over 150,000 audiobooks and even support your local bookstore with your purchases as a member. To sign up, use code DOLLS or this link: https://tidd.ly/3EwqiF5

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected