Life In Jest

About Life In Jest

"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

Publisher

Selene Castrovilla + Pascale Laforest

Category

comedy · health & fitness · news · science · society & culture · true crime · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

10 Sept 2024

Latest episode

17 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

101 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Jun 2026

   America 250: The Untold Human Stories of the American Revolution

   What was the American Revolution really like for the people who lived it? As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Life in Jest takes a fresh look at the Revolution through the books that bring its human stories to life. Selene Castrovilla welcomes fellow historical author Beth Anderson for a fascinating conversation about George Washington, smallpox, spies, loyalty, courage, betrayal, and the ordinary people who helped shape an extraordinary moment in history. Together they explore the real stories behind books such as The Patriots and the Pox, Revolutionary Friends, Revolutionary Prudence Wright, Cloaked in Courage, Revolutionary Rogues, and more. Along the way, they discuss: • George Washington's daring decision to inoculate the Continental Army against smallpox • The friendship between Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette • Women who risked everything for independence • Deborah Sampson's secret life as a Revolutionary War soldier • Benedict Arnold's betrayal and John André's tragic fate • Why history is about people—not just dates and battles • What today's world can still learn from the Revolution From ragtag soldiers and divided families to spies, patriots, and unsung heroes, this episode reveals the human drama behind America's founding. Whether you're a history lover, teacher, parent, reader, or simply curious about the Revolution, you'll discover stories that rarely make it into textbooks—and may never forget them. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

2. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Juneteenth: What is it and Why Does It Matter?

   Why does Juneteenth matter—and why should every American understand its story? Pascale is away this week, but Life in Jest welcomes award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan for a powerful, heartfelt conversation about the meaning of Juneteenth, the long struggle for freedom, and the people who refused to give up hope in the face of injustice. Together, Selene and Alice Faye explore the true history behind Juneteenth, why freedom was delayed for enslaved people in Texas for more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and why Juneteenth has become a celebration not just of emancipation, but of perseverance, resilience, democracy, and human dignity. The conversation goes far beyond dates and facts. Alice Faye shares the inspiring story behind her acclaimed book Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, introducing listeners to the woman known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, whose determination helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She.also discusses her book Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968. The workers' struggle eventually drew the attention of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who traveled to Memphis to support the peaceful protests. He delivered his famous "I've Been to the Mountaintop" sermon at Mason Temple. Tragically, he was assassinated the following day. Despite this devastating loss, the book showcases the community's resilience as they continued to march and fight for their rights until they achieved victory. Selene also discusses her own award-winning books, Twice Enslaved: Liberty & Justice for Henrietta Wood and Seeking Freedom, which uncover extraordinary true stories of freedom seekers whose courage helped end enslavement in America and paved the way for Juneteenth. Along the way, they discuss: • the true meaning and history of Juneteenth • Opal Lee's remarkable campaign to make Juneteenth a national holiday • Henrietta Wood's fight for freedom and reparations • why children's books can build empathy and understanding • the importance of teaching difficult history honestly • hope, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice in America Thought-provoking, moving, and ultimately uplifting, this episode reminds us that history is not just about events—it's about people. And as Alice Faye beautifully argues, Juneteenth is a celebration for everyone because the promise of freedom belongs to everyone. Whether you're looking to understand Juneteenth, discover remarkable stories from American history, or explore how books can change hearts and minds, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands (https://redcircle.com/brands) Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy (https://redcircle.com/privacy)

3. 

   26 May 2026

   What Happens After Death? A Medium Explains Spirit Guides, Angels & the Afterlife

   What happens after we die? Do spirit guides, angels, and signs from loved ones really exist? In this deeply fascinating episode of Life in Jest, cousin besties Selene Castrovilla and Pascale Laforest sit down with medium and EMT Samantha DeFranco to explore the mysteries of the afterlife, reincarnation, spirit communication, grief, soul tribes, and the unseen forces that may guide our lives. Samantha explains what it’s like to communicate with spirits, how spirit guides and angels may influence our paths, and why certain souls seem destined to find each other across lifetimes. The conversation becomes especially powerful as Selene speaks candidly about communicating with her son Casey after his death and wrestles with questions about surrender, fate, love, and loss. Along the way, they discuss: • spirit guides and guardian angels • reincarnation and soul connections • signs from loved ones after death • grief, healing, and spiritual awakening • psychic abilities and mediumship • whether souls travel together across lifetimes Funny, emotional, philosophical, and unexpectedly comforting, this episode of Life in Jest dives fearlessly into the questions almost everyone asks—but few people discuss honestly. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Who has been a guest on Life In Jest

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Barbara
• Pascale Laforest
• Casey

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

6,357

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

182 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 72 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

78

Social presence

90

YouTube

68

Engagement

51

Contact Life In Jest

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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