Poog with Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak

A hungry woman roams the West Village. Jacqueline has had two magical nights in the garden and wonders what a third might cost. Kate gets the protein in and stacks appointments. An heirloom tomato for a special girl. The rules are the rules, but surely there’s a way. Secret knowledge withheld from the common American, now available in an eight-minute musical. A hot smoothie divides the room. The poetry of The Crown and sharp cheddar on the chili. Call your friend’s mother. She’s up for grabs.

In this week’s remix the hags are examining the Social Cloak and what it means to be a person among people. Kate receives a compliment that must be examined immediately, while Jacqueline considers the pressure to adore the child of the event. A handwritten note vanishes and seeking credit only puts you further into debt. The squeeze must end. Sweeping cancellations and the terror of getting dinner on the books. A coffee shop offers the ecstasy of community. Hold the facial expression for four paces, then let it go. Maybe life is the trip to the bathroom.

This week the hags are away and bringing you a favorite from the archive: Halloween Peabody.

The podcast is 4 episodes into independence. Straight hair and a red-light morning sends Kate soaring. A Halloween costume takes shape in Jacqueline's mind. Floating heads, a ghost cluster, and tears that break through the paywall. Balance is an ideal, not to be achieved in real life; a bag of popcorn and one tiny strawberry may suffice. Jacqueline demonstrates nerve flossing’s gentler cousin, nerve slackening. Kate recalls her very first beg. The New Yorker Fest is inevitable.

Sometimes it’s important not to get your eight. Kate arrives after a night of caviar and champagne while Jacqueline considers the terror of washing the brain. Eye crust, ants at the headboard, and the risks of Googling before consulting The Tribunal. Lamb-free oats and the inbox pummeling continues. The fly swatter slices through the air, and nary a wind is felt. Kate reports from first class, where basic human dignity is a nod. Jacqueline examines the feminine and the injury. Trying not to reaggravate a shoulder thing that doesn’t exist. Smiling below the mask. Give me a carrot.

Dreaming is the work. This week, the hags continue to consult the great texts and channel the true thinkers. Confronting the arrogant belief that you have knowledge of your own subconscious. Bookmarks and highlights. Kate needs a Jungian therapist and Jacqueline is willing to suspend her disbelief. Where’s my Objection Book? Googling ‘self-reliance’ and hunger for the quotes. And we shall be forced to take with shame our own opinion from another! You make a decision and then you make it the right one.