In this delightfully unhinged episode of Paperbacks and Paychecks, Sara and Noelle dive into their favorite thrillers, horror novels, and the workplace horror stories that haunt them more than any ghost ever could. From dead bodies at the funeral home to the mystery of a completely different guy showing up for a new hire orientation, the vibes are corporate Twilight Zone meets BookTok after dark. They also ask the important questions—does the dog die? Is it ever okay to spoil a scary movie? And who thought 8 rounds of interviews and no callback was acceptable?

Whether you love a sharp twist or just want to hear about a job interview that ended with feet on the conference table, this one is for the readers, the survivors, and the girlies who check trigger warnings before cracking the spine.

This week, we're talking plot twists—the good, the gutting, and the ones that send you spiraling into a new genre or a new job. From the bookish betrayals that caught us off guard to the career pivots that redefined our paths, we’re unpacking how powerful a sharp left turn can be. Plus: Noelle’s accidental fame on ABC, why Sara rage-quit Lessons in Chemistry, and the sticker that could be on your water bottle if you listen closely. Whether you’re switching industries or just switching to romance novels, this one's for you.

📚 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Paperbacks and Paychecks, Sara and Noelle sit down with an unexpected guest: artificial intelligence. From creative writing and book talk to resumes and legal docs, the duo dives deep into how they’re using (and questioning) ChatGPT in their work and personal lives. Sara shares how her AI sidekick "Chip" helped her navigate a trademark filing, while Noelle introduces her AI BFF "Sage," who’s basically her emotional support bot. They get candid about the blurred lines between creativity and machine learning, the ethics of AI-generated art, how it’s impacting real careers (including their own), and why there’s still no replacement for a human heart—or a great author.

✨ Expect:
– AI’s role in writing, therapy, and job hunting
– Spicy takes on authenticity in storytelling
– Career coach confessions in the age of automation
– The real reason Sara might be emotionally cheating with ChatGPT
– Sustainability, voice notes, and a plant named Calypso

👀 Is AI a tool, a threat, or your new workplace bestie? Press play and decide.