Rachelle is who motivated me to begin listening to Normal Gossip from start to finish! Working my way thru all the seasons now.

No offense to the new host but I really miss Kelsey. The story telling isn’t the same and podcast has lost its charm for me. I keep listening hoping it will improve but it’s not going in the right direction. Hard loss as this used to be my favorite podcast

Sometimes I would prefer a little less laughing from the host (which usually feels performative) and less interruptions to the story. I understand the chit chat is interesting for some, but it’s so frequent it’s distracting

I’ve been a longtime fan of this podcast, and I was really curious to see how things would evolve with the new host. I want to start by saying—I like her! She’s clearly smart, capable, and bringing her best. But I’m finding it hard to connect lately because it feels like she’s trying too hard to mimic Kelsey’s style, rather than carving out her own voice. Kelsey had a very specific energy, and instead of trying to recreate that magic, I’d love to see the new host bring her own flavor to the mix. The show doesn’t need to stay exactly the same to stay great. In fact, I think it has so much potential to evolve in a fresh, exciting direction—if she fully steps into the role as herself.

The stories have become so boring. The amount of banter between host and co-host is super distracting and detracts from the (already boring) story. Is that laugh forced?

It’s often tricky taking over from the original host, but no worries, Rachelle is knocking it out of the park!

Love, you are all wonderful

The first episode of the new season is about a couch??? Who is screening these stories? I wanted to believe the new host would keep the integrity of the show but that was a horrible start, not to mention the most annoying “pick me” guest she had on. Disappointed.

I really did love listening to the show. I do, however, agree with the other reviewers that sometimes it does feel as though the host is reading a scrip. That’s not what’s causing me to stop listening to the show. The hardest thing the constant up speak. It’s almost every single sentence and I can’t take it. 🤦🏽‍♀️

My love of this podcast is rapidly dwindling. Rachelle’s laugh is grating and so frequent. The stories this season have been told in a way that leaves me feeling “that’s it?” Need better suspense built. The best episodes have been thanks to the guest (perpetual stew).

Love how light, silly & joyful this podcast is and love that Rachelle unabashedly loves Normal Gossip.

obsessed with Rachelle and having Vinson Cunningham on—I can always use more Vinson

So many podcasts these days all evolve around high-stakes topics like true crime, news, politics, celebrity scandals, etc. It’s great to have a podcast that feels like you’re listening to your friends chat back and forth. I was devastated that Kelsey left because I love her voice and the way she tells stories but Rachelle has done a great job of keeping up with a similar pacing and cadence. I do wish they’d switch up the intro questions - there’s only so many ways a guest can say “I love harmless gossip” before I’m banging my head against the wall. I also wish the titles were more relevant. Most of them are just one-off lines from the show and very vague. It can make it difficult when trying to find an episode I want to re-listen to or when the host names a previous season’s episode to tie in (no way am I going to remember “The Most Ominous Bird” is about a cop magician water bottle fiasco). I prefer the titles like Forbidden Feline Fanfiction and LARP Camp because I can remember the gist of it. All in all, it’s a minor complaint for a fantastic show. I have never recommended a podcast to more people before and gotten such positive feedback.

Sadly unsubscribing. They should have just sunset it.

Hilariously demented in the best way possible 🩷🩷🩷 Rachelle you are perfect never change

Why does it take upwards of a half an hour to get to the actual content? I think unfortunately I’m done with this podcast. It’s been 30 minutes and the story still hasn’t started. Just some random and go about a non-gossip story regarding a coat, and a couple random statements from people online? I’m not gonna keep fast forwarding to get to the actual content. No one needs to hear 20 minutes of the history of gossip every single episode. No one is interested in listening to small talk with people who they have never met. I’m sorry, but this is my last listen. Very disappointing, used to love this show.

This is my favorite podcast. I loved Kelsey and was a little worried about the peaceful transfer of power, but Rachelle is just as delightful. Normal Gossip brings me just as much joy as before! You’re doing great, Rachelle! Don’t listen to the haters!

I loved the show with Kelsey and love the show with Rachelle! It’s great to see a show grow and evolve, and I think they found an excellent host to step into Kelsey’s shoes.

This used to be one of my favorite podcasts and I looked forward to it each week! I don’t know if it’s the storytelling/writing, the stories, or the host, but the episodes are hard to listen to now. It’s just a lot of chatting and laughing, and mostly back and forth with the host and guest reacting to every detail of the story. It really takes me out of the story. Or maybe the stories are just less interesting? I wish Rachelle or whoever was prepping the stories would tell them in a more straightforward and engaging way with less interruptions. It’s hard to stay focused when they’re giggling the way through the story. When we get to the end, I find myself thinking, that’s it? What even happened? Maybe this is just something to get used to but its been weeks now…

“Do you want to date a man right now?” Taking a break.

the new host’s giggle makes me lighter. i often am listening to episodes and find myself awe at them. yes the switch of hosts is different but they are stories ! of course some stories land a little flat but that’s bc they are REAL LIFE. and it’s entertaining nonetheless. i love this light of a podcast in this world <3

I really like the new host Rachelle! Although Kelsey was great (of course), I think the new host has injected a fresh energy into the show. I always enjoyed the episodes featuring Rachelle as a guest, so I’m excited to see her hosting. Love her smart, witty commentary.

If you ever enjoyed the embarrassing moments section in a teen magazine, this one’s for you. With a little gossip philosophy, as a treat.

Great show but Miss old host! Rachel’s very funny but Kelsey had this just way of lighting up the room. Keep up the good work.

My favorite thing is hearing gossip that doesn’t concern me in any way and giving my opinions on it. This is the perfect podcast for me. I love everything about it.

I loved Kelsey, and I love Rachelle. Rachelle definitely is a little reserved for her first few episodes (who wouldn't be?) but she gets into her own groove pretty quickly! The stories this season have been so really fun so far. Thanks for such a great, silly and relaxing podcast!

This season is popping 👏 off 👏 Rachelle is a great host and the LARPing episode is what dreams are made of!

I have listened to every episode of Normal Gossip and have been a big fan of the show, recommending it to many people. “Righteous Lesbian Energy” might be the single best episode of a podcast ever produced. The sugar glider episode was also top tier, as was the vagina chair. I know that a host transition can always be hard for a podcast and I’m trying to give it grace. Kelsey was the OG of course, but I like Rachelle a lot. It does feel at times likes she’s reading scripts from the same write that Kelsey was reading from, so the tone doesn’t always feel authentic. I’m sure with time Rachelle will grow into hosting this show and find her authentic voice as the host of Normal Gossip. My biggest criticism of this new season, and the reason for only 2 stars, is that the stories just are not as good. They’re not juicy or interesting. I keep waiting each week for them to get better, but I keep feeling like “who cares” or “where’s the twist”. I know lots of people submit stories so hopefully some better ones can be picked for next season.

While I don’t mind the new host- I hate to be this person- her Giggle is so high pitched and she non stop giggles every time a guest speaks and it’s very disconcerting and off putting. I often can’t hear what the guest is saying over the high pitched giggle. It’s very grating after a while and distracts me from an otherwise good story and podcast. I just can’t get past it, I’ve tried episode after episode and it’s just too much. Please just stop giggling so much- it’s not necessary!

We miss Kelsey. With the change of host and storytelling, we may not continue to listen. Best of luck.

I used to absolutely love this show, but I can’t stand the new host. Something about the way she tells the stories makes it feel like she’s reading someone else’s writing instead of in her own voice. The audio level is all over the place and it’s hard to listen. Also, the stories are way shorter and less juicy than they used to be!

That’s all!

Just about every episode of this podcast has had me riveted. It’s a brilliant examination of why gossip is sometimes a survival skill.. and it’s also freaking hilarious. The new host Rachelle is fabulous & brings out the best in the many excellent guests

Rachelle, love your candor with guests and how you discuss stories. Please stop giggling every other sentence. With the sound of your giggle in the mic, it’s so hard to listen to the story. It happens so frequently that it’s all I can hear. Not sure if it’s a sound quality issue and that’s why it sounds so piercing, but it’s distracting from the story.

Rachelle is an amazing new host! The show still feels like Normal Gossip- but with a new twist in the best way!!!

No qualms with the new host at all. But the stories this season are notably shorter and not as good. Also she doesn’t ask what side the guest is on and that bothers me lol.

Unfortunately not liking the new host. Won’t continue to listen

Love the show, loved Kelsey and think Rachelle is amazing! I look forward to following the newest season. The only gripe I have (and it comes from a place of love): Please for the love of all things good and holy, get an audio engineer. The sound quality when listening in the car is unbearable, and makes it (almost) completely unlistenable. I’ll turn the volume WAY up to hear the host and more often than not, the guest is borderline obnoxious and insanely loud, and will chime in before I have time to turn it down, in turn brutally assaulting my ear drums. I’ve listened to all seasons of the show and you guys are wonderful story tellers. Please consider getting an audio engineer!

I am absolutely loving Rachelle the new host!

This review has nothing to do with either of the hosts - I think they both did/ and do well in their own ways, more dropping this review to ask like…..what HAPPENED TO ALL THE JUICY STORIES FROM SEASON ONE? banger after banger, between the one about all the bridesmaid drama to the family of men who all collectively cheated on their spouses except for the one brother who walked away from the family, like CRAZY stories of drama. Where did those ones go? Did they pivot away from those stories cause there was heartbreak and infidelity involved? Don’t get me wrong some of these episodes in later seasons have been fabulous, I especially enjoyed the corgi caper one. But Im just putting out a feeler to confirm if I’m the only one that thinks the gossip just….hasn’t been as wild or dramatic as it has been in like the first maybe second season as well. The stories feel a little tame sometimes. Anyone else? I still love the show and enjoy the format in which the material is presented and I know they are going off of listener submissions so they can’t all be that crazy. This question has just been eating away at me to write for 2 years now and I finally worked up the courage to write it! Please don’t rip me a new one! I love the show a lot!

The amount of jaw drops, cackles, and weird smiles I do listening to this show over the years is wild. I love it. Thank you for a peaceful transition of power and a beautiful new era of NG.

I preferred Kelsey’s style of storytelling. I wish you well.😊

The new host is hitting her stride, the last couple of episodes have been great looking forward to more!

I don’t normally write reviews, but Rachel is killing it as our new host. I’ve listened to the show from the beginning and, when I heard Kelsey was leaving, I was like, “should I just unsubscribe now?” because I just knew they would try to make a new Kelsey and it wouldn’t work and nothing would ever be the same again (deep breaths). Thankfully I decided to give the new season a listen and I am blown away by Rachel (because I need my gossip). I think someone said it in another review, but she reminds me of all the best parts of Kelsey (she is a great story teller) but has her own unique personality and style that is engaging, brilliant, and hilarious. I was literally laughing out loud while listening on headphones while grocery shopping. Made me want to turn to the questioning stares of my fellow shoppers and be like, “oh girl you would not believe what I just heard.” So, yeah, you go girl.

Interesting to see people make up their minds about this season so quickly. Truth be told, minds were made up since the season 7 finale, so it’s not really a surprise. Not me though! I’m enjoying the storytelling, the FUN, the laughs, the gasps. It’s been a fun ride and I can’t wait to see where this season goes. Great job, everyone! Onward and upward.

I’m enjoying Rachelle as host so much! Her personality is super fun and she brings her own special magic and it’s great.

This show always makes me laugh and puts me in a better mood when I’m feeling bummed.

Loved it before, love it now! The new host is doing a great job!

Rachel has this.I had some minor worries only b/c I didn't like all the "in-between chatter episodes" a little much telling me how great it will be vs showing me. No matter - now that the stories are here, the "goods are delivered" and the structure is there, it's back to Normal Gossip Normal, which BTW is Standard Podcast Excellent.

The new host is awesome! Could not disagree more with the low rates. I liked the previous host, but she made annoying sounds and talked in an exaggerated, fake happy voice that would sometimes be irritating to me. I liked the content enough to listen then but always found the previous host too scripted sounding. New host is way more genuine and calming to listen to. Huge improvement to the listening experience to a fun pod!