Thanksgiving Unstuffed: The Truths We Were Never Taught

Pour a glass and step into the Life in Jest time machine! In this OG episode from the early days of the show, Selene and Pascale dive into the real history of Thanksgiving—the surprising, the tragic, and the “wait, how did school leave this out?” truths that reshape how we see the holiday.

From motives and misidentities to strange wardrobes, political maneuvering, and the messy realities behind the myths, the cousins unpack the origins of America’s most food-filled celebration using Selene’s deep-dive research from multiple historical sources (with proper credit when quoted, of course).

You’ll also hear Past-Selene and Past-Pascale declaring they would “figure out video someday”… and flash-forward to now, where Future-Selene and Future-Pascale actually DID it. (Big shoutout to the Riverside recording app for helping us level up!) It’s a delightful moment of hearing yourselves manifest what would become a huge part of Life in Jest.

Selene also references her book Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America, which echoes one of the episode’s larger themes: how American origin stories often overlook the real experiences and suffering of Native peoples and enslaved people. Seeking Freedom offers a powerful look at one of those erased truths.

So settle in, pour something delicious, and get ready for history, humor, and plenty of Thanksgiving-table conversation starters.

We’re thankful for you—thanks for listening, following, and helping Life in Jest grow! XOXOXO

About This Episode’s Cover Art

If you're wondering why this episode’s artwork features Pascale’s cats Baxter and Kit Kat, alongside Selene’s dog Bean, there’s a special story behind it.

We planned to use our usual Thanksgiving cover. We tried—many times. It simply would not load. Same with our regular Life in Jest cover. Nothing worked.

But when Selene tried this animal-themed throwback cover—just to see what would happen—it loaded instantly. Perfectly. As if it had been waiting.

And the more we thought about it, the more it made sense.

Selene’s son Casey, who adored animals (especially his beloved Bean), always wanted their love and kindness to be recognized. Selene created Casey’s Creature Kindness Day every January 13 in his honor—a celebration of compassion for all living beings.

So perhaps it’s no accident this was the cover that worked.

This image feels right for a Thanksgiving episode, because gratitude isn’t just for history and holidays—it’s for the creatures who comfort us, make us laugh, and stay by our side through everything. Baxter, Kit Kat, and Bean are more than pets; they’re part of the Life in Jest family.

So consider this cover a little nudge from Casey—a reminder to cherish the furry souls who make life softer, kinder, and a little more magical.

---------

If you'd like to see our video clips, follow us in Instagram: @lifeinjestpodcast

We have a YouTube Channel, @lifeinjestpodcast, where videos are slowly being uploaded. (We don't have a production team, yo.)

There is also a bundle of nearly 100 Life in Jest clips on Selene's TikTok: @selenecastrovillacreates

Because the algorithm doesn't understand or reward variety on a feed, Selene now posts about Life in Jest on the Instagram account, not her TikTok. But she does post some clips on her Facebook business page: @selenecastrovilla.

If you're interested in Selene's women's fiction, she now has a TikTok and an Instagram account under her pen name: @s.j.perraultauthor. You can even request a review copy of her forthcoming high-heat romance/women's fiction crossover, Love the Ones You're With!

Here's the website for Love the Ones You're With: https://www.lovetheoneswomensfiction.com/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy