E For Effort

We bet you started 2019 and thought to yourself, "Hmm. Something's missing." Something a little (extra) basic, mildly humorous, and a touch ridiculous. By process of elimination you deduced it's us. Kristen and Alex. An itch only the ramblings of E for Effort can scratch. We understand. Lucky for you, we're here to ramble on about the good ol' fashioned combination of teenage drama and Greek mythology. You know, the classics. Let Alex lead you through her latest Netflix Binge YOU before Kristen enlightens you on Aphrodite, Paris and the war started over total vanity. We promise to be more consistent this year, scout's honor. Episode 2.. 26! is now streaming!    

Hi friends, here’s a joke for you: What mythical creature never cleans its room? The Loch MESS Monster! Eh? Ehhh? There’s a lot more about ol’ Nessie in this episode. We’ll chat about the inspo for Disney’s The Princess & the Frog & New Orlean’s legend, Mrs. Leah Chase.

Gals & ghouls, it’s the Super Spooky Halloween Episode. If this description is too cheesy for you get pumped because there’s a whole lot more where that came from. We’re halfway through the Haunting of Hill House & spoiler alert: we have a lot of thoughts. Kristen gives you an inside look at just why her Houston-house is haunted (think sleep paralysis on steroids) & Alex tells you about Illinois prisons... Like where Richard Speck was held. Open that Twix bar & settle in. Episode 24 is now streaming!

Let’s preface this with its October & this was recorded in.. October! Improvement guys. In this episode we explain our mild hiatus before we’re get into the wildly supernatural nod to Windigos. What do V for Vendetta, the World Cup & Rome have in common? Find out as Alex presents her, “What I Did on My Summer Vacation” book report. Spoiler alert, this has also become a “how-to have a long distance friendship” guide & you’re welcome. Let’s cheers to having women’s rights while we’ve got ‘em! Episode 23 is now streaming!

Well guys. It’s official. Kristen is deep in the heart of Texas again & what better way to honor that than to tell you a crazy, and true, story about a woman who straight up snapped in Houston? Alex enlightens you on a vacation staple for her fam as she recalls haunted tales from Colonial Williamsburg. Get pumped, we’re a lot. Episode now streaming!

Listen, we get it. We forgot to mention we were going on Summer Break. That’s pretty on brand for us, guys. But hey, we’re back from vacay & ready to infiltrate your podcast libraries with Season 2! We’re talking French ghost horror legends & Parks & Rec. Literally. 

Brace yourself because this episode is a little much -- even for us. We got a little slap happy recording and cover everything from the Royal Wedding, us being absolute nut cases, a horrific murderer from the late 70's in Minnesota and Kristen tells you about astrology. What a Leo, right? Oh, also, we promise we're not stalkers, Brendon Urie. Just really into Panic at the Disco.  We're sorry, but we are who we are. ENJOY Episode 20, now streaming! 

What a week, what a week, what a mighty good week... Because we got FAN MAIL! We’re offish! In this episode Kristen tells you about the circus, well kind of. And Alex gives you all the deets about the soon-to-be married, Meghan Markle. Snaps for Miss Rachel Zane, #Suitors!Adjust those fascinators & pop the bubbly, Episode 19 is now streaming! 

So about our hiatus? We could have practically caught the GSK in the time it took us to release something new, sheesh. Sadly we were busy mostly just working and watching trashy T.V. This week we’re back & we’re educating you on Kristen’s favorite thing... Texas. First we throwback to the days of Total Request Live (the original one) & then we throw it back further to the Alamo. We appreciate you listening, that ain’t no lie. Bye bye bye.

This week (brace yourself for a Coldplay throwback) we’re going back to the stars! Kristen talks about her favorite star cluster, the Pleiades, and relays some pretty juicy gossip about their Greek mythology origins. Settle in for Alex’s ghost story about Chicago’s very own OG party girl, Resurrection Mary, who just wanted to dance. The girls also obsess over the new Queer Eye (and the original) and RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars.   Shout out Neil deGrasse Tyson, you’re the real MVP. Episode 18: Don’t Be Weird, Orion NOW STREAMING!

Hey! It’s been awhile, how ya been? We’re back and better than.. well, last week. In this episode Kristen teaches you geography and The Mothman simultaneously. Then, Alex explains the real life benefits of meditation ie nature’s Zoloft. West Virginia, we’re sorry in advance. Episode 17 now streaming!  This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Sally Hanson Bracewell. Holding you close in thought and prayer. ❤️

For their sweet sixteen the ladies are changing it up! Listen to Kristen explain where they fall on the Myers Briggs test (they're not psychopaths & no one is more shocked than them). Then this episode gets hot. No, literally its about the Great Chicago Fire. Bonus! New theme music courtesy of VAV!!Your commute to work just got better, episode No Rules, Just Right now streaming!    Ps. We hit 1,000 downloads!!!!!!!!! THANK YOUUUUUUUUUU!

This week the ladies emerge from their snow-filled hibernation & bring you special guest Michael Nowicki: director/producer extraordinaire, rock climbing enthusiast, salsa dance champ & most importantly, good friend to Alex & Kristen.

And here we are... Talking about Disney again. But this time, it's the princesses turn. Hey LAAAADIEEEEES. Learn about the Disney Renaissance from a surprisingly knowledgeable Kristen, which princesses are their fave (spoiler: it's not Snow White) and, of course, how Disney shaped our childhood.    We also introduce our brand new segment, Roses and Rose, where Alex tells Kristen about The Bachelor and Kristen tries not to sigh too heavily.    Tiara's on? Now, let's get down to business and we'll make a man out of you. Like Donny Osmond... in Mulan. You get it. 

This week the ladies welcome the amazing & talented James Murphy to discuss life in Chicago, photography, why Kristen once got demoted to glitter duty, & of course CLLAW. Sit back, grab your cocktail & get to know their friend James!

New year, same old Kristen & Alex. Get to know the ladies a little better in this episode that’s all about, well... them! From Blue Whales & Tigers to Ru Paul’s Drag Race to puking on the chunnel, you’ll discover why they are the way they are. Also, what is Bit Coin? Anyone?Happy New Year E for Effort fam!

The holidays were busy, so we made our first minisode! Meet Austin, Kristen’s little brother. They chat about the holidays, family and the most embarrassing thing Kristen’s ever done to him! Big sisters rule. Jk. Kind of. Happy New Year, enjoy Episode 10 now streaming.

This Christmas the muggles bring you the exciting conclusion to their first 2-part episode about the magical, mystical world of Harry Potter. They rate the movies (sorry Chamber of Secrets), get a lot of facts wrong & wonder why Tom Felton still hasn’t @replied Kristen. Patronus ready? Let’s do it.

Gather round Potterheads! It’s the best part of the Yuletide season… Harry Potter marathons on ABC Family. The ladies pay homage to the best book series of all time by ranking their favorite Harry Potter books and movies in this magical 2 parter. So Accio your wands, and hop on your brooms as we transport you to Hogwarts. Let’s be real… we’re all just trying not to get sorted into Slytherin. Also, props on us for not making a Sirius joke!

The ladies talk about the amazing new Netflix series Mindhunter. Join us on a spoiler filled true crime love fest where we discuss serial killers, when Alex met Kristen, and how amazing Jonathan Groff is.

This week’s episode has more Christmas spirit than the Macy’s Day Parade! Yule shoot your eggnog out when you learn what Christmas movie these two basics haven’t seen. So don your ugly Christmas sweaters and pour some mulled wine while we remind you it’s never too early to start talking about Christmas!

In this episode we talk all things running routes, play fakes & drives. Jk, but if you want to know who Alex & Kristen’s picks are for the 2018 Super Bowl, touchdown! We did fumble the ball a bit.. Sound engineer Greg was literally in the NIU football marching band & we didn’t ask him a thing We tried. We also talk about our favorite things this week and who we want to be when we grow up.

The ladies finally reveal their deepest darkest secret… THEY HAVE PETS. Actually, it’s amazing they made it this far without dedicating an entire episode to their adorable fur babies. Make sure you rate review and subscribe and follow us on all the social medias. Also check out the AMAZING work these awesome agencies are doing and consider supporting them however you can (so Kristen doesn’t have to adopt all the cats…). https://www.facebook.com/CARFanimalrelief/ http://www.andersonanimalshelter.org/ Instagram: @eforeffortpodcast Twitter: @eforeffortpod

So, wait. You’re still here? Well, hopefully this doesn’t scare you off. It’s the Halloween Special! Real life ghost stories, creeptastic legends and a serious discussion about why Kristen hasn’t seen Hocus Pocus, the best movie of all time (Halloween or otherwise). To view the spooktacular video Alex and Kristen talk about (with an actual ghost) check out our instagram @eforeffortpodcast  

In this episode the ladies discuss the Keto and Whole 30 diets, walking tacos & losing 5 pounds.

Hi, we’re E for Effort and you’re watching the Disney Channel.