THE SAUCY JUICY PAIN GAME PART TWO
Anita Jane Kirk
Mentioned 6 months ago
Traitors, Palm Beach Secrets and Hollywood Scandals
When Heather isn't headlining theaters across the country as a top stand-up comedian or being the perfect wife and mother of three, she is diving into juicy pop culture. From all things Hollywood, celebrity romances, Bravo TV to her real-life drama, Heather tackles the juiciest and most controversia...
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One Woman's Painfully Funny Quest to Give It Up
Heather McDonald highlighted her own New York Times bestseller, describing the book as a humorous yet candid look at her experiences as a 27‑year‑old virgin navigating dating and the challenges of waiting for the right relationship. She noted that the memoir included name changes to protect privacy and mentioned that both the print and audio versions were still for sale. Guest Leanne Morgan also referenced the title in a comedic context. The overall tone was enthusiastic promotion of the book.
The book was referenced in the context of the need to change names and details of people mentioned in the book in order to protect privacy.
They say, like, like in my book, you'll never blue ball this town again.
I date a bunch of guys.
And besides changing the person's name, she's it's like don't go from Brian to Brad.
Go from Brian to Paul.
And if he's a he is if he's an eye doctor in Santa Monica, make him a foot doctor in the Hollywood Hills.
Like, don't or don't even make him a doctor.
The podcast host mentioned the book about Mackenzie Phillips, which she referred to as the sweetest book she ever wrote in her life, where she discussed her relationship with her father John Phillips.
I have actually written about this book in my book which I can't remember which book it was either My Appropriat Light or You'll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again because it was the sweetest book I ever wrote in my life.
Heather McDonald mentioned her own New York Times bestselling book, which detailed her experiences as a 27-year-old virgin navigating the dating scene and comedy.
And it is a New York Times bestseller and it is about how I found myself still 27 and a virgin.
And it wasn't a religious thing. It was a little bit in that, like my mom, you know, we were Catholic and it was like, you should be a good Catholic and you shouldn't have sex before you're married because God forbid you get pregnant and then you're stuck and da da da.
But after a certain point, it wasn't that. It was just like, I couldn't find a boyfriend. And when I would kind of like a guy, then I'd be like, well, I want to make sure this is my boyfriend because I've waited this long. So I don't want to just like have sex with this guy I never hear from again.
But then those people were so used to not waiting more than two or three dates that then by the third date of me not having sex with them, they just figured I didn't like him and then they dumped me. And I'd be like, what happened?
Leanne mentioned her book's title, which she humorously related to her past experiences of being a 'big dry humper' and leading men on before ultimately not sleeping with them.
My book is called You'll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again.
The Secret Language of the Universe
The book was brought up as a source of ideas about manifesting desires, with one guest describing how focusing on a goal—like visualizing a house—could help bring it into reality. Another guest credited the book's concepts with her own success in achieving dreams before she even knew about "The Secret." The host also referenced the book’s mantra by wearing a related sweatshirt, indicating a casual familiarity with its themes.
The book discusses the concept of manifesting your desires by focusing on them and taking actions towards them, using the example of looking at houses to manifest a beautiful house.
And the other thing I wanna say is, there's this way of where people say, hey, if you're manifesting a beautiful house, you know, the way to secret and manifest stuff is, go look at houses, go get in a car.
Leanne talked about how she used to manifest her dreams before she even knew what 'The Secret' was. She believes the concept of manifesting, mentioned in the book, is how she achieved success.
I always talk about the secret, you know, about the secret and manifesting things.
Heather mentioned wearing a 'Keep Dreaming, Work the Secret' sweatshirt, indicating that she had encountered the book's concepts at some point.
I'm wearing my keep dreaming work the secret sweatshirt
Heather McDonald highlighted the memoir as a candid account of a former child star’s fraught relationship with an abusive stage mother and her struggles in the entertainment industry. She noted the title’s relevance when discussing parallels with fictional characters and the broader issue of child actors, calling it a hit and great read. The discussion emphasized its honesty about jealousy, health issues, and the impact of her mother’s death, conveying a strong endorsement.
It was discussed how the character in 'The Idol' was similar to Jeanette McCurdy's book, where her mother was an abusive stage mom. The mother's death was mentioned, and that the character used her tears on TikTok for sympathy and engagement.
And then she reveals that her mom was an abusive stage mother, which reminds me very much of the Jeanette McCready book in which she said, I'm glad my mother died.
And she said, oh, my mom hit me with this hairbrush that's character Lily Rose did to get me to perform.
It was mentioned in relation to the Dan Schneider controversy and the experiences of child stars on Nickelodeon. It was described as a hit book.
Even with Jeanette McCurdy's book. Yes. She did a great book yeah.
They wanted to give her $300,000 to sign something when the show ended that she would never talk about Nickelodeon or Dan Schneider.
So in the book she calls him the creator but, and I'm sure that he did it because he had a food fetish.
And she even said, God, at one point I was like, what was I thinking?
And it's really interesting because it's like, it's that whole child star thing.
Jennette McCurdy's book detailed her experiences in the entertainment industry, including her jealousy towards Ariana Grande and her difficult relationship with her mother, who passed away.
And she gets her, she's supposed to have her own spinoff show. Instead, they put her with another star and it's called Cat and Sam and she's the lead.
And she starts to talk about this in her book. And then the book is called I'm Glad My Mom Died.
And she had some mental, some physical things like cancer and she did pass away.
She's very candid about how jealous she was of Ariana Grande, who at that time wasn't the musical superstar that she is today.
She's like, I'm jealous about this because I come from nothing. She comes from Boca Raton. Her mother buys her Gucci bags. She's had all these opportunities.
The title was brought up as a possible warning to the royal family and a teaser rather than a direct attack, with a tabloid guest noting its role in building public interest. Heather McDonald highlighted its record-breaking sales and unique status as a royal memoir, while also mocking some of its sensational details. The hosts speculated that its upcoming release would likely be very candid and could disrupt the monarchy’s narrative.
It was discussed that Prince Harry's book was possibly a warning to the royal family, a warm-up for a future, possibly more scandalous release, rather than an all-out attack.
I think it's pretty much, is what he was saying. The book is like a tease. It's not blackmail against the monarchy, but it's like, 'don't play with me'. This is the warm up.
It showed how well his books can do. It shows people do care what he says.
And it's kind of like they know what he knows and he's not going there.
It looks like, oh, he's breaking up. He's causing all this drama. But they know he's just doing the like, you know, oh, like I have my frozen penis stuff, you know, like stuff like that.
Oh, I think I always go back to like why Harry bounce so fast if he knows like what, you know, because once the blood stuff comes out, it's a wrap, you know, like the adrenochrome level.
It was discussed as the most successful non-fiction book ever sold, with many people discussing its content online. It was described as a story about Prince Harry's life and his relationship with his family.
It is the number one most successful nonfiction book that has ever been sold.
He is the only royal in the history of royals who has actually done his own memoir, you know, where someone else was writing it without their consent.
I think we're all sick of hearing about his frostbitten penis. I don't think anyone needed to know that he and his brother were not circumcised.
Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," was discussed as a source of potential royal disruption in January, with speculation on its honesty and impact on his relationship with his brother.
Harry's book comes out in January.
I think that's going to set the tone for the next chapter of this whole Megan and Harry thing, because I think it's going to really disrupt the Royals. I think he's going to get a little too, uh, what's the word? Uh, honest.
The book was brought up while the hosts discussed Truman Capote’s career, noting his fame in the 1960s and his controversial relationships with wealthy socialites that he later exposed. They mentioned his identity as a gay writer and how his personal betrayals became part of his legacy, using the title as a reference point rather than a direct recommendation.
Truman Capote wrote "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "In Cold Blood". He was a successful writer in the sixties and seventies.
He wrote breakfast at Tiffany's in cold blood.
The show covers the period between 1958 and 1984 and explores Truman Capote's life as a writer, focusing on his relationships with wealthy socialites, his betrayal of them, and the sharing of their secrets.
This takes place between like 1958 and 1984 about this writer's life. He was gay and at the time, I guess you couldn't be out but basically he was out as a gay man and he makes friends with the, he seeks out the wealthiest socialites that women just admire, great fashion, great. And befriends them and then horribly betrays them by making up lies about a couple of them but then also sharing their secrets in an article that he puts out without warning or anything.
Why It Pays to Break the Rules at Work and in Life
It was mentioned as a classic book from the 90s, written by two happily married women who interviewed their grandmothers about dating rules. The book was a guide to dating that included the advice to play hard to get by not giving in on the first night, not calling back right away, and pretending to be busy. The rules did work when the book came out because of a lack of technology and easier methods of playing hard to get.
It's a classic book. It's from the 90s. It's called The Rules.
— Episode: Exes Dating Exes and The Italian Curse w...
It was mentioned as a classic book from the 90s, written by two happily married women who interviewed their grandmothers about dating rules. The book was a guide to dating that included the advice to play hard to get by not giving in on the first night, not calling back right away, and pretending to be busy. The rules did work when the book came out because of a lack of technology and easier methods of playing hard to get.
It's a classic book. It's from the 90s. It's called The Rules.
It was a book. I think it was an article.
I guess they did the rules to get married.
They created the rules.
It was mentioned that Meghan Markle may have read and studied books on how to attract and capture a man, potentially including 'The Rules'.
But when we were talking about... I'm pro Meghan. Yeah, that she... Which totally makes sense because now there's been stories where she gave some young girl a book on how to catch a guy and would study books like that, whether it was the Rules or men like bitches or whatever,
Heather McDonald noted that the author was an amazing writer who produced the title as well as In Cold Blood, and she referenced his life and relationships with wealthy socialites during the mid‑20th century. The comments were factual rather than evaluative, simply highlighting his literary output and personal history.
Truman Capote was an amazing writer who wrote "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "In Cold Blood".
He wrote Breakfast at Tiffany's in cold blood.
The show is about Truman Capote's life as a writer and focuses on the period between 1958 and 1984, detailing his relationships with wealthy socialites.
He wrote Breakfast of Tiffany's.
He wrote In Cold Blood.
Notes on Modern Irrationality
The book was brought up when Amanda Montel introduced her Magical Overthinkers podcast, noting she is the author of the New York Times bestselling title. The mention served to highlight her credentials and connect the podcast’s theme to the book’s focus on overthinking.
Amanda Montel, the host of the 'Sounds Like a Cult' podcast, also wrote this book and it was mentioned in relation to her podcast, 'Magical Overthinkers'.
Introducing the Magical Overthinkers Podcast, a show for thought spirallers, exploring the subjects we can't stop overthinking about. I'm your host, Amanda Montel, author of the New York Times bestselling book, 'The Age of Magical Overthinking', and host of the 'Sounds Like a Cult' podcast.
The Private Diary of a Life Interrupted
The book was highlighted as a valuable insider account of the OJ Simpson case, with Kim Goldman noting she read it as soon as it was released and believing it truthful. Host Heather McDonald repeatedly praised its accuracy, saying many of its claims were later verified and urging listeners to obtain it. The discussion conveyed strong endorsement of the title.
Faye Resnick, a friend of Nicole Brown Simpson, was mentioned for her book about the OJ Simpson case, which was praised for its insights. She also appeared in "The Real Housewives" and her documentary is now available on HBO Max.
I always found her fascinating. Her book was so good.
So many of the things that she said in that book were later proved to be true.
If you ever get a chance to get your hold on your hands on her book, you should read it.
It's really good.
Faye Resnick's book detailed her tumultuous relationship with OJ Simpson and was dismissed by many as a sensationalized account, but Kim Goldman believed it to be truthful and was vindicated by later documentaries.
And her book was one of the books I read the minute it came out.
I love Connie Britain. I go, but you were, you were 35 and you look 25, so I was like, are you at all annoyed that like, and she and I, I had reached out to Faye like, would you ever, would you like to come on?
And I go, I said, don't, then forget it, like I'm not here to give anyone a stomach ache or stress them out, you know, I'm like, I just, I just wanted the world to know that you were truthful.
Well Faye was like, no, she was really trying to like, really be gone from him and really try to do her own thing, and it was um, yeah yeah, I mean, they were, they were a meshed, you know, I mean, I have a divorce in my life, like you know, that's what happens when, yeah, mine is separate, but you know, they were a meshed and they, they were trying to co-parent and they, you know, there was just a lot going on, and I can't even imagine how you function in that on top of being in a relationship with someone who's so physically and verbally and emotionally abusive to you, you know, and how you, and while you had so, when you when all this went down with your brother, you did have a boyfriend like how did that happen? I mean, I mean, how did that play out, I would imagine that would have been very hard to keep that relationship going.
A Novel
The hosts referenced the title in two contexts: they briefly noted the film adaptation as a nostalgic fantasy for older gay men, and they also confused it with a memoir that generated minimal sales. No strong endorsement was offered, and the discussion was largely offhand.
Ann Heche's memoir, "Call Me", was released before she died, but it did not bring in much income. It's unclear whether there was any marketing push behind the book.
Humus is that tiger pronouncing memoir call call me and we're not strong and claim that its total income is estimated to be less than 25,000.
And that has only brought in 25,000 dollars because I guess people really were not that interested in her book.
It was discussed how this movie was the fantasy of many 50-year-old gay men, due to its setting in the 80s, and featuring a preppy-looking man taking advantage of a 17-year-old boy.
What was that? Say my name. Call Me by Your Name.
That movie had, was every 50 year old gay man's fantasy because it took place in the 80s.
A Memoir
Heather McDonald brought up the title in two episodes, noting its eye‑catching cover and sharing a wild anecdote from the memoir about a Hollywood party filled with naked mermaid costumes, drugs, and a royal guest that Rebel Wilson allegedly avoided. She also mentioned that the book was either just released or about to be released, expressing curiosity about its contents. The discussion was light‑hearted and informational rather than a strong endorsement.
Rebel Wilson's book "Rebel Rising" was mentioned, and a story about her attending a Hollywood party with a tech billionaire and a royal was shared. It was said the party involved naked women, mermaids, and drugs, but Rebel Wilson did not participate in any of these activities.
So Rebel Rising, Rebel Wilson's book. By the way, she looks really good on the cover.
So the latest story coming out of this book. I don't know when is this book coming out? Maybe it came out already. But this story is she got invited to a Hollywood party by a tech billionaire and a royal was there.
A male royal was there. And at this party, there were, you know, women, naked women or and like girls dressed up like mermaids.
And they were like men, I don't know, jousting, but they were like naked. And then the there was drugs being passed around in which she didn't participate.
And she was a virgin at the time, a virgin. So at the time, and they were like, OK, you know, now that part of the night is coming where we're going to whatever, have the orgies. That's why they're passing around the drugs, because it helps with the orgies, I guess. And and then I guess she left because she didn't participate.
Rebel Wilson's book, not explicitly named, is mentioned to be coming out soon. The podcast host is curious about its details and how it might be connected to Sasha Baron Cohen's divorce.
Rebel Wilson who has her book out I think it's maybe out tomorrow or maybe it's out this week.
Confessions of the Killer
The book was brought up in two episodes where it was described as a speculative, fictionalized account of how OJ Simpson might have carried out the murders. Kim Goldman, whose family was directly affected, condemned it as a “manual for murder,” and the hosts noted the legal fight that allowed it to stay on shelves to satisfy Simpson’s debts. The discussion highlighted the controversial nature of the title rather than recommending it.
The book was written by OJ Simpson with a writer who had been a witness for the prosecution in his trial, and it detailed a fictionalized account of how OJ would have committed the murders if he had done it. The Goldman family sued to have the book removed from shelves, but the judge ruled it should be promoted to help cover OJ's debts, including money owed to the Goldman family.
So the dog's crazy barking is what set the timeline and would he have enough time to do that crime based on the dog barking? Get to his house on Rocky hand, get changes closed, jump over the fence, get into the room, changes clothes and get to the limo, which the limo said he was late.
And basically the books was him saying, if I did it, this is how I would do it.
And it was like this create this like fantasy weird story where he had this friend, OJ had this friend that was with him and people were like, who's the friend? Is it his older child? What is this?
And most people said, I think it's his alter ego.
And also one thing Kim said in the interview with me so many years ago is they went on Oprah, uh, she and her dad and talked about all of this. And it was like that night or the next day that OJ went and broke into the hotel room and held the guy hostage to get his memorabilia back.
The book was written from the perspective of OJ Simpson, hypothetically outlining how the murders might have happened if he had committed them. Kim Goldman was highly critical of the book, calling it a "manual for murder" and ultimately gained ownership of it through bankruptcy proceedings.
And what was interesting about Faye Resnick's book, and I've said this after 20 years later, when you read it, there was another documentary that ESPN did, 30 for 30, that was truly, if you go back to Faye Resnick's book, everything she fucking said was true.
I remember being at like Barnes and Noble and picking it up and like didn't buy it, so don't worry, I didn't buy it, but I did look through it, and I was going, this is so weird, who writes this book?
The premise of the book was it was from OJ saying I didn't do it, but if I did it, this is this fantasy of a story that may have happened.
He was the most bizarre thing with a knife in his hand covered in blood, so I'm confused.
And then he realized what he was dealing with, and so but we ended up, was he just, was that like, so was that just terrifying for him to be like in a hotel room with him or wherever they met so that he could like get the story down like yeah.
The title was introduced as a memoir written by Meghan Markle's half‑sister that detailed their strained relationship and included several snarky, potentially defamatory remarks about Meghan. Heather McDonald summarized the book’s contentious content, noting its focus on family disputes and its poor sales performance. The discussion highlighted the book’s negative tone toward Meghan and its controversial claims rather than endorsing it.
This book was written by Meghan Markle's half-sister, Samantha Markle, and it focused on their relationship and Meghan's life. Meghan has said that she did not really grow up with Samantha.
This was about her sister, Megan.
Megan's like, I didn't really grow up with these people. They were like 18 and 20 when I was born, whatever.
Heather summarized Samantha Markle's book, which details her life and includes several snarky remarks about Meghan Markle, suggesting a strained relationship.
Samantha Markle, the older sister, is saying that because Meghan said in the Santa Barbara Oprah interview that her sister wasn't always Samantha Markle, that she took back the Markle last name once she became famous.
so she's kind of like to Oprah like so be think you know put the dots together of like why this sister's after me and so is the sister's claiming defamation or what yes so and she and she said because of that nobody bought my book.
but Samantha Markle Diary of a Princess Pushy's Sister she would have to prove basically
Meg throughout okay and Megan calls Samantha babe throughout that's her nickname that the whole family called her babe called Samantha babe okay and so basically she says real nasty things now they grew up in Woodland Hills which is where I'm from and she called it like one of the chapters was you really did your research the shady bunch of Woodland Hills.
she goes on to make such a big deal and and my private all-girl high school which Meghan went to one to a mackerel heart okay and she's saying little starchy things Samantha she's like wow I would have thought going to an all-girl Catholic high school that she would have some compassion and be nice but she just wasn't like throughout the whole thing she's saying Meghan Markle was just very particular.
Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day
The book was brought up when discussing Jay Shetty's transition from monk to motivational figure, with John McDermott criticizing it as unoriginal pop‑psychology that failed to draw on his monastic experience. Heather McDonald noted that she had read it and mentioned that Shetty did not credit Tony Robbins for the ideas. Overall, the podcast highlighted the book’s lack of originality and questioned its authority.
The book is Jay Shetty's memoir and it is the first book he wrote. It was described as being unoriginal and relying on material that was already well-covered in psychology books.
He writes his book it's pretty unoriginal
His book was bad.
It's just like his second book, how many books is that?
He writes about how to improve your relationships, no one ever bothered to ask why a monk who took a vow of celibacy would be an authority on relationships.
So little of what was in the book pertained to his experience as a monk. I was like, well if that's his origin story, if that's his basis for his authority, where is it? Why isn't it in the book? It's all just pop-psychology and that's just taken from all these other sources and put in the book.
Jay Shetty is a successful spiritual motivator who wrote the book "Think Like A Monk" after being a monk. He's been on shows like Ellen and Red Table Talk.
He was a monk and he wrote a book, Think Like a Monk.
And he's a really good looking Indian man with piercing light blue eyes.
He's written numerous books.
I've read the book.
He wasn't giving Tony Robbins credit for it.
Some Material Not Suitable for Small Children, Nuns, or Mature Adults
Heather discussed the title during two episodes, noting that it chronicled her experiences as a TV mom living in the valley and was released in 2013. She also mentioned that the book, along with another of her works, remained available for purchase and that audio versions had been produced. The conversation was informational rather than a strong endorsement.
Heather McDonald's book "The Inappropriate Life" was about her being a mom on TV.
Well, it's the cover of my book, which also came out in 2013, My Inappropriate Life.
It was about me being a mom on TV, living in the valley.
Heather mentioned that it and her other book, 'You'll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again,' are still available for purchase, and she also did audio versions of both of them.
Also did audio versions of both of them.
A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting What You Want in Your Relationships
The book was brought up by Dr. Leslie Dobson in the first episode to illustrate gender communication gaps and the need for empathy, with Heather echoing the point. In a later episode Heather noted it as an example of a resource that could teach partners better communication skills. The hosts treated it as a useful, but not essential, reference for relationship advice.
Dr. Dobson referred to the book "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" to illustrate her point about communication differences between men and women, and the need for understanding and empathy in relationships.
They, what's that book? Women are from Mars. Mars, yeah, it's so true.
Or better from Mars, or better from Venus.
Yeah. It's so true. People do not have the capacity to understand other people's thinking or communication.
It was mentioned that books can help people learn to better understand relationships and communication with their partners, like John Gray's book on the differences between male and female communication.
Just like men could read stuff on how to get a girl like you. It totally... There is stuff you can learn if it doesn't come naturally to you.
The hosts brought up the title while speculating about a possible film adaptation and who could play the lead role, noting its cinematic appeal. They also mentioned it in passing when discussing a celebrity memoir that was delayed due to legal pressure from ex‑partners. The book was treated as an interesting side note rather than a focus of the conversation.
Heather McDonald referenced the title while discussing Armie Hammer's alleged behavior, noting that the women involved believed they were in a "50 Shades of Grey"-style relationship that turned abusive. She used it as a cultural shorthand to illustrate how BDSM themes were being misused to justify harmful actions, rather than endorsing the book itself. The mention served as a cautionary example rather than a recommendation.
It was said that the women involved with Armie Hammer thought they were in a '50 Shades of Grey' type of relationship, but it ended up being abusive.
And then he would push the, he would use that to actually hurt them.
And then they would do it. And then all, and then a lot of them would find out that he was seeing somebody else.
Hey, I liked 50 Shades of Grey. This shouldn't be so hard.
It was referenced in the context of Armie Hammer's alleged behavior, suggesting that his interests leaned toward BDSM practices, which were discussed in relation to the documentary about him.
and his crazy dms to these girls saying I want to um take one of your ribs and barbecue and eat it she's like wow well I wonder if anything happened to him because who knows is weird stuff so then they do the documentary and I it's my prediction now that he will work again okay I just think you're watching this and it's like these girls dated him and you know and yeah he wrote nasty stuff and he was into like the 50 shades of gray stuff right he's like a centric kind of more like that I mean I think they were traumatized I truly believe they were traumatized put into the show but I'm saying as someone watching it yeah you're kind of like okay you know you're the one that like you know agreed to step into this relationship and it was really hard because as they're trying to do the documentary they're like but we also want to respect people that are into S&M and kinks and fetish and that's not this this is someone using that to actually abuse women is what they were trying to say meanwhile he had this beautiful wife was he married when he was doing all this yes okay but I think you know when he was with these girls I think they were separated
How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go
The book focuses on relationships and how to improve them. It was criticized for being generic and not having any substantive answers to the question asked during the Q&A.
Jay's new book was coming out in either late 2022 or very early 2023. So either, you know, December 2022 or January 2023.
— Episode: Jay Shetty Whistle Blower, John McDermot...
The book focuses on relationships and how to improve them. It was criticized for being generic and not having any substantive answers to the question asked during the Q&A.
Jay's new book was coming out in either late 2022 or very early 2023. So either, you know, December 2022 or January 2023.
He has his book, Eight Rules of Love, it's all about relationships and how to improve your relationships.
He didn't really have an answer for her, he just kind of spoke in circles.
Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.
Podcast Name