The Sick Girl Missives: Recent Episodes
The Jillians
Welcome to The Sick Girl Missives - a podcast by two friends with the same name who know something about being sick. Twice a month, join our two Jillians as they discuss the sometimes-funny, sometimes-scary, sometimes-sad, sometimes-glorious ways a sick person can go about building a Good Life in a world that sees illness as a problem which can always be solved.
The Sick Girl Missives is a letter-based project of love which airs the first and third Sunday of every month.
You guys, we did it! Join us for episode 12 as we wrap up season one of The Sick Girl Missives. Key discussion points include: the correct combination of nature and nudity; the world's tiniest pumpkin named Peter; the great and terrible fear of being duped; and our personal regrets. Music is a shortened version of Fragile Tom's song, "Puzzles" (accessed via the Free Music Archive).
And we’re back! Welcome to The Sick Girl Missives. Episode 11 Key discussion points include: why one might choose to eat the moon; boys with bats for teeth; option g; and knowing that you're wrong before you're wrong. Music is a shortened version of Fragile Tom's song, "Puzzles" (accessed via the Free Music Archive).
Additional resources on Canada's Residential Schools: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports (including a summary of the Calls to Action): https://nctr.ca/records/reports/; and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/
Welcome to The Sick Girl Missives! It’s episode 10, and we would like to thank everyone for their patience, and sincerely hope no one has looked up any eels today. Key Discussion Points: the similarities and differences between Jillians and giant lizards; the many different ways one can say, "bad person;" the embarrassments of dying; and well-placed wizard murals. Music is a shortened version of the song "Ashes" by Jahzzar (accessed via the Free Music Archive). P.S. when we say that we'll be back with a new episode on June 27th, we mean July 4th.
What do ya know!? The Jillians are back, on schedule, with episode 9! This week’s key discussion points: Llamas who know what they want (it's salt); the discomforts of the body; need-les; chewing gum cures; blood pull pep talks; and tuxedo shirts. Music is a shortened version of the song "Ashes" by Jahzzar (accessed via the Free Music Archive).
Welcome to The Sick Girl Missives! It’s still technically Monday, and as promised, the Jillians are back with episode 8. Key discussion points: being swallowed by a large whale; the joys of having your slack picked up by those with generous hearts; the important elements of a good day; memory switcheroos & committees of dead women; and (perhaps, most importantly) the best way to eat a chicken nugget. Music by Hope for Agoldensummer (accessed via the Free Music Archive).
Hey, look! It's Episode 7! In this episode (which is absolutely NOT sponsored by Prose Hair Care), the Jillians explore the idea of hoping in the absolute wrong direction. Key discussion points include: the importance of showering and washing dishes, even if one is a ghost; bonking one's hope over the head and leaving it in a dark forest; staying in the same spot forever and for good; and the very real and ever-present possibility of Getting Upset. Music by Hope for Agoldensummer (a slightly modified version of their song, "Strange Skies," which we accessed via the Free Music Archive).
The Sick Girl Missives are back with episode six and no leftover potato salad! Key discussion points: losing sight of one's hope; the great, big, pit-filled distance between who you are and who you want to be; knowing AND(???) liking oneself (especially your hardworking feet); uncontrollable whistles and other betrayals of the body; and A Walk to Remember-ing someone. Music by Power und Beauty (accessed via the Free Music Archive).
Welcome to The Sick Girl Missives! The Jillians are back from their short break with episode number 5. Key discussion points: the coming of a very complicated spring; washing one's underpants in the sink; the real reason why we can't pass you the salt; business wigs; and Steven, the Trunk Killer. Music by Power und Beauty.
Welcome to episode four of The Sick Girl Missives! This week, the Jillians contemplate the nature of fog, what it means to want things, and maybe even what it means to have them. Key discussion points: spoon burglars, the duality of bad news, and a birthday song. Music is a shortened version of the song "Ocean" by Mesmerists (accessed via the Free Music Archive). Below are some links expanding on "Spoon Theory" and living with chronic conditions.
“The Spoon Theory” by Christine Miserandino
Spoon Theory via MEpedia
“The Scoop on Spoon Theory” via Diplomat
“I’m a ‘Spoonie.’ Here’s What I Wish More People Knew About Chronic Illness” by Kirsten Schultz via Healthline
The Jillians consider fear and the business of digging holes in this, the third episode of the Sick Girl Missives. Key discussion points: spaghetti snakes, dirt beans, favourite F's, and skinny windows. Music is a shortened version of the song "Ocean" by Mesmerists (accessed via the Free Music Archive).
Welcome back to The Sick Girl Missives! In this week's episode join us as the Jillians conclude their two part exploration on “Dependence” and what it can mean to be dependent as a sick person. Key discussion points: popcorn-loving ghosts, face journeys, darn damp nights, being naked, and the art of being giant, little things. Music by Fragile Tom (accessed via the Free Music Archive).
Welcome to The Sick Girl Missives! Join us for our very first episode in which the Jillians explore what "Dependence" can mean as a sick person. Key discussion points: cantankerous oven goblins, special goggles that let you see a person's actual size, the Balrog, dogs that are not ours, and accidental electrocution. Featuring the song "Puzzles" by Fragile Tom (accessed via the Free Music Archive).