Best Recovering Snobs Podcasts (2025)

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Old Money, Open Doors: The Glamour and Guilt of Hosting & Houseguests 35:35

3d ago35:35

35:35

This week on Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we’re diving into the enduring—and often awkward—tradition of the summer houseguest. From the Gilded Age to the Hamptons, summer hosting has long been a cornerstone of old money etiquette and upper-class rituals. But why did houseguests used to stay for weeks (or even months)? And how can you survive …

1
How to Disaster-Proof "I Do": Kiki Astor's Best Wedding Etiquette Tips 37:39

10d ago37:39

37:39

Planning a wedding? Attending one? Praying your drunk uncle doesn’t grab the mic during the toasts? You’ve come to the right place. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we unpack the unspoken rules and social slip-ups that can turn a dream wedding into a diamond-studded disaster. Whether you’re the blushing bride, the groom with op…

1
magnolia parks by jessa hastings 53:27

10d ago53:27

53:27

this episode, we wade into the emotionally unstable, couture-drenched world of Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings… and, well, we have some thoughts. if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to witness a slow-motion relationship implosion between two wildly codependent people—while surrounded by designer fashion, public spats that feel like a highschool…

1
No Trust Fund, No Problem: How to summer like an Astor on any budget 35:43

17d ago35:43

35:43

In this sun-soaked episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we unpack the storied tradition of “summering” in old money circles—from Newport to Nantucket, the Hamptons to the Highlands. Kiki dives into the social history behind the season: why certain destinations became icons of understated wealth, how WASPs made “going to the country” a ritu…

1
Forks, Fermented Fish, and Faux Pas: Etiquette and Table Manners for the Old Money Set 51:47

24d ago51:47

51:47

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bonus chapter: sunrise on the reaping by suzanne collins 32:07

24d ago32:07

32:07

if you can understand what we're saying through the tears, then in this episode you will find a heartfelt and nostaliga-tinged chat about Suzanne Collins's latest release, Sunrise on the Reaping. we talk all about Panem's 50th Hunger Games (the second Quarter Quell!), things that made us cry, Haymitch's role in the games, our favourite quotes, fan …

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Monogram Etiquette, Style, Tradition, and Rules: old money preppy, or tacky? 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we tackle the timeless, tasteful, and occasionally tacky world of monograms. From heirloom linens to luggage tags, monogramming is the original quiet luxury flex—if you know how to do it right. Kiki explores the history of monograms, their role in old money culture, and the subtle etiquette rule…

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The old money photography secrets Slim Aarons knew (and you may not) 51:56

1M ago51:56

51:56

Today, we’re turning our lens—quite literally—toward the fascinating intersection of photography and old money. From the earliest daguerreotypes in stiff collars to the poolside glamour captured by Slim Aarons, photography has always been a mirror, revealing not just what we look like—but who we *think* we are. We’ll begin with a little history: ho…

1
yellowface by r. f. kuang 1:01:01

1M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Athena Liu had everything Juniper Hayward wanted... and then she died. and so begins the story for Juniper 'June' Hayward, our completely despicable and unhinged (white) protagonist who can't. stop. lying. in this month's episode, we dig into Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. we talk about books written about influencers in the age of influencers, the mur…

1
Table for one, please: the lost art of intentional, elegant solitude 34:17

2M ago34:17

34:17

In this elegantly introspective episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, etiquette expert and romance author Kiki explores the timeless allure and quiet power of solitude. From the romance novel heroine brooding on a windswept terrace to the old money doyenne dining solo in a tucked-away bistro, being alone is not a condition to be pitied—it’s…

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Heritage or hype? The true value of luxury handbags in 2025: an old money perspective 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into the true value of luxury goods—especially designer handbags—amid a shifting global economy, social media overexposure, and growing transparency about where and how these so-called “heritage pieces” are actually made. In the age of the Wirkin, or Walmart Birkin, and in the wake of th…

1
bonus chapter: bridget jones's diary (movie) 34:13

2M ago34:13

34:13

If you were alive in the 2000s you knew three things: Renee Zellweger is a horrifically misguided casting choice for our British icon Bridget Jones The character Bridget Jones is roughly the size of a house Colin Firth and Hugh Grant are hot After reading and discussing Bridget Jones’s Diary for a previous podcast episode, we decided it’s only fair…

1
Social skills hacks that actually work: Etiquette vs social anxiety 33:42

2M ago33:42

33:42

If you suffer from social anxiety, you might think that the old money, high society types you see effortlessly navigayting cocktail parties were simply born with a socializing superpower, or that they learned it in boarding school, and that it's too late for you, but that's not true. In this calming yet cheeky episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki…

1
bridget jones's diary by helen fielding 1:12:13

2M ago1:12:13

1:12:13

this episode we are taking a dive into the diary that defined a generation! for our April book and the theme "haha that's so funny", we're talking about Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding. we spend some time cringing at our own adolescent diary entries and talk feminism, fad diets and try to decide if this novel is a depressing glimpse into th…

1
The rise of the Nouveau Pauvre: Status in the age of economic instability and inequity 39:27

3M ago39:27

39:27

When your host, Auntie Kiki, says she’s an “ex rich person” and espouses the label of “nouveau pauvre,” you may be left wondering whether that means she’s fabulously wealthy or delightfully destitute, or somewhere in between. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore our society’s love-hate relationship with wealth, performat…

1
The ultimate guide to old money style garden parties and outdoor entertaining 50:45

3M ago50:45

50:45

Is there anything more elegant and romantic than a garden party? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dishes on the secrets of hosting the perfect old money garden party, because it takes a bit of behind the scenes preparation to exude effortless charm. From phrasing the invitations, to selecting the right garden party dress code to mas…

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bonus chapter: anti-intellectualism - the decline of deep reads 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

welcome to our latest talk lit, get hit bonus chapter! in this episode we attempt to disentangle our thoughts and feelings on the supposed rise of anti-intellectualism in the literary world. we discuss the modern manifestations of this ancient concept - trope titles, simplistic narratives, audiobooks vs physical books, social media echo chamber dri…

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Unbothered & Elegant: Let's discuss Mel Robbins' “Let Them” theory 29:45

3M ago29:45

29:45

Whether it’s at a cocktail party, on the tennis court, or around the dinner table, Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory is the pop culture, pop psychology self-help phenomenon on everybody’s lips. But what does it really mean, and how does one apply it to living an authentic, elegant life on one’s own terms? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki A…

1
Welcome to the nouveau pauvre club: a glam life, on a budget 30:56

3M ago30:56

30:56

If you have always felt you have more taste than money...that you aspire to elegance and refinement, but are on a restricted budget...that you would be absolutely darling at spending oodles of cash, but for now you're making do with less...Welcome to the club! You're not poor, you're nouveau pauvre, my darling. Nouveau pauvre is an offshoot of old …

1
the housemaid by freida mcfadden 55:40

3M ago55:40

55:40

join us for our first shift at the winchester's mansion. this episode we put up a big, fat, "help wanted" sign and sent out a plea for books centred around the perspectives of maids, butlers, groundskeepers, governesses, and any all of the domestic service staff who keep the wheels turning and whose eyes see all... in this episode we discuss nina w…

1
Behind closed doors: the secret world of private clubs 41:44

4M ago41:44

41:44

You're either in, or you're out...and who wants to be on the outside looking in? For many people, the words "welcome to the club" are music to their ears and the fear of being blackballed looms large, because, as the advertaisement famously states, membership has its priviledges. It's a basic human evolutionary need to feel that one belongs, and be…

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Nautical but nice: mastering the fisherman aesthetic 32:12

4M ago32:12

32:12

The fisherman aesthetic is having a moment, to put it mildly, but those with old money sensibilities have been living with it for generations, sporting weathered knits, salt-washed trousers, and perfectly battered Barbours at their seaside second homes long before even coastal grandmother was just a twinkle in the internet's eye. In this episode of…

1
Ski and Après Ski: Etiquette on and off the slopes 31:55

4M ago31:55

31:55

Strap on your ski boots and grab a hot toddy—Kiki Astor is taking you to the slopes! In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, we’re diving into the refined (and sometimes ridiculous) world of ski and après-ski etiquette. Whether you're navigating the chairlift like a seasoned Aspen regular, mastering the art of looking effortlessly chic in Gstaad, or …

1
the spanish love deception by elena armas 1:09:55

4M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

over the last few years, our tastes have changed and our minds have been opened to the likes of bride by ali hazlewood and the hating game by sally thorne. this month we are reading the spanish love deception by elena armas. we talk tropes like workplace romance, one bed, enemies to lovers and big man x tiny woman. we also discuss disney adults, ma…

1
How to be charming 28:57

4M ago28:57

28:57

If you regret not having gone to charm school, here is your opportunity to learn the crucial social skills you might have worried you were lacking. First off: curtseying is less important than you might have thought, but there are some crucial ingredients in charm, and they are easier to combine than you might have feared. Social anxiety is no matc…

1
Live a big, beautiful, elegant rich life...on a budget! 40:59

5M ago40:59

40:59

Here’s the thing about wealth: it can go up and down. Even old money families tend to lose their fortunes after three generations. The stock market, the economy, your relationships, and your health can all change on a dime...which is why knowing how to still have a rich, happy, fabulous life without two nickels to rub together is the most valuable …

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talk lit with us 2 - responding to bookish hot takes from our listeners 29:06

5M ago29:06

29:06

in this episode, we once again weigh in on your hot takes and unpopular opinions and dish out some unexpected life advice. we dig into the Goodreads vs Storygraph debate and also discuss the latest Booktok-island bombshell (Fabel) and its recent AI roasting controversy. the internet's faves like Colleen Hoover, Sally Rooney and SJM'S A Court of Tho…

1
Real romance tips... from a romance writer? 35:00

5M ago35:00

35:00

Most of us were raised on Disney-fied takes of princes and princesses, and even if we scoff at that stuff as adults, we still dream of a happily ever after. The romance readers among us may be ashamed to admit that we fantacize about a love like the one we read about in our novels, but let's be real: everyone wants a happy ending. That prince, that…

1
FOMO, JOMO, and the etiquette of invitations 54:48

5M ago54:48

54:48

Did you ever receive an invitation and promptly contact the host or hostess and inquire about further details, including what you should wear? You may worry that Auntie Kiki will label this behavior as rude, but in reality, if the invitation was not clear enough, that is the hosts' fault, not yours. In this fascinating episode of the Awkward Etique…

1
atomic habits by james clear 1:11:15

5M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

in this podcast episode we are starting the year fresh and making brazen attempts to overhaul our lives and identities. our podcast book selection for January 2025 is Atomic Habits by James Clear. this is a book that promises to 'reveal practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones and master the tiny beha…

1
The art of art collecting...on a budget 47:20

5M ago47:20

47:20

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, and to celebrate the launch of her latest book, Art, Love, and Other Miracles, set in the international art world including galleries in Roma Norte, CDMX, and Art Basel Miami, romance author, ex rich person, and art enthusiast Kiki Astor delves into the fascinating world of art collecting, offering practical ti…

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Timeless or Tired? The Old Money Aesthetic in 2025 43:34

5M ago43:34

43:34

New Year, New You... So is the Old Money Aesthetic Out? How does one reconcile reinvention and tradition? In this first of the New Year episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore the tension between tradition and reinvention in the ever-evolving world of the old money aesthetic. Kiki talks about her New Year's resolutions and goals, a…

1
bonus chapter: life and death by stephenie meyer 1:40:23

6M ago1:40:23

1:40:23

this episode we are bringing the cringe and chaos of a work christmas party to talk lit, get hit podcast for our annual “talk lit, get lit” drinking and podcasting extravaganza. for our last bonus chapter of the year, we are discussing none other than life and death by Stephenie Meyer. the booktok twilight renaissance continues as we pull apart the…

1
bride by ali hazlewood 1:20:37

6M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

here comes the Bride - fair, fat and vying for a chance at redeeming Ali Hazelwood in the eyes of Bridget and Laura. coming off the back of our somewhat negative reading experience of The Love Hypothesis, we are back for another slice with Bride by Ali Hazelwood. in this episode we contend with vampire and were customs, Ali Hazelwood's writing proc…

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Bitter bloodlines: How to resolve family feuds elegantly 31:05

7M ago31:05

31:05

Old Money isn’t always old harmony. In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your host Kiki Astor, aka Auntie Kiki, begins by delving into a famous Astor family feud that led to the creation of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Using this dramatic historical anectote full of rivalry, egos, and its unlikely legacy as a jumping-off point, Kiki expl…

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bonus chapter: sally rooney 40:04

7M ago40:04

40:04

welcome to rooney-verse... where all your dreams come true... niverse. in this bonus episode we discuss all things sally rooney. from 'normal people' and 'conversations with friends' to 'beautiful world, where are you' and her latest grown-up work, 'intermezzo' - no thin grey cardigan or email chain is left unturned! heralded as "salinger for the s…

1
What is true wealth? It may be more attainable than you think 36:10

7M ago36:10

36:10

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore what it truly means to live a rich life, far beyond the balance in your bank account. Kiki delves into the essence of true wealth through the lens of the old money lifestyle, uncovering how timeless values, understated luxury, and intentional living can elevate your daily experience. …

1
These books will make you look richer, smarter, and more popular 48:39

7M ago48:39

48:39

Sometimes it's not the clothes that make the man. It's not which model of Barbour jacket you have chosen, or where you get your tweed suit. What is between your ears is much more important than the Rolex watch on your wrist or the Stubbs and Wooton slippers on your feet. As AUntie Kiki says, education is often free. Obviously, much of this come thr…

1
divergent by veronica roth 1:36:00

7M ago1:36:00

1:36:00

hold on tight to your zip lines because we're taking a trip back to the world of divergent for this special throwback/nostalgia episode! in honor of nostalgic november (coined just now, by us), we’re diving into Veronica Roth's iconic dystopian debut, a novel that once had us all choosing between factions and fantasising about fear landscapes. in t…

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Modern manners? Which etiquette rules are outdated, and why 45:52

8M ago45:52

45:52

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, hostess Kiki Astor dives into the fascinating world of etiquette and manners, exploring which traditional etiquette rules may now feel outdated and why. From rigid social scripts to the nuances of dining decorum, Kiki examines how changing societal values, cultural shifts, and modern social skills are transform…

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What's in a name? Trending vs "old money" baby names, name history and etiquette 54:52

8M ago54:52

54:52

What's in a Name? Our moniker might be our most important attribute, influencing how we succeed and how we are perceived. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dives into the delightful—and sometimes awkward—world of names. Starting with the hottest naming trends for 2025, sourced from Nameberry, Kiki explores how some baby names go in a…

1
Awkward but necessary: addressing microaggressions 34:28

8M ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, your hostess, etiquette maven and romance author Kiki Astor, dives deep into the world of microaggressions—those subtle, often unintentional comments and actions that can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Although they may seem small, microaggressions accumulate, leading to emotional distre…

1
bonus chapter: manacled by senlinyu 28:18

8M ago28:18

28:18

this episode we dip into the dark, mysterious and deeply online realms of fan fiction to tackle one of the most popular and controversial fan fictions of all time - Manacled by SenLinYu. we discuss the enduring appeal of Dramione, the good girl x bad boy trope, and navigating a post-J.K. Rowling Harry Potter World. special mentions to the internet'…

1
Chic Gatherings: The secrets to affordable "old money" style entertaining 35:21

8M ago35:21

35:21

Have you been wanting to entertain at home, but you are intimidated? Have you been thinking of repaying your friends in kind for dinner invitations or jaunts aboard their yachts, but you can't afford an evening in a restaurant? In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, romance author and amateur etiquette expert Kiki Astor will inspire you …

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Old Money Aesthetic and fashion etiquette for Fall/Winter 44:01

9M ago44:01

44:01

Winter is coming! Some of you dread this turning of the seasons, and some of you celebrate it. Those of you who love winter, admit it- it's all about the fashion, isn't it? But with more layers come more problems and questions: how does one layer? Which socks are we suposed to be wearing? Can I wear trendy chocolate brown with black? Which shoes ar…

1
a good girl's guide to murder by holly jackson 58:20

9M ago58:20

58:20

this episode has us feeling spooked to the core as we dip our toes into the bone-chilling waters of the mystery/thriller genre. for the month of October we are reading A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson and asking ourselves the age old question: how spooky is too spooky? we explore a variety of accents, apologise for past and present (a…

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What is good taste, and how do you cultivate it? 43:02

9M ago43:02

43:02

In this enlightening episode, your Auntie Kiki steps out of her romance novelist slippers and leans into her identity as an etiquette coach and amateur social anthropologist. With a rich background in old money society, interior decorating, fashion, and history, Kiki Astor explores the essence of good taste and how to cultivate it in today’s world.…

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bonus chapter: slump city, b*tch - book slumps and beyond 48:32

9M ago48:32

48:32

one slump to rule them all, one slump to find them. one slump to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. if you, like us, have found yourself caught in the shackles of a mid-year reading slump then find comfort in this episode. we discuss our respective months-long slumps, the perfect formula to finding a book that will lift us out of the mur…

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Old Money vs New Money: Navigating Class & Etiquette in Modern Society 45:34

9M ago45:34

45:34

In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your host Kiki Astor ,etiquette maven and romance author, dives deep into the enduring tension between old money and new money, exploring the historical roots and modern-day dynamics of wealth, class, and social status. From feudal societies where aristocratic lineage dictated power, to the Industri…

1
Oops! The most awkward, cringe-worthy social slip-ups, and how to recover from them 33:39

9M ago33:39

33:39

It's hard not to dwell on embarrassing public slip-ups, but according to psychologists, etiquette experts, and social anthropologists, moving on elegantly is more important than you might think. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we’re diving into the issue of the most awkward and cringy of all: those embarrassing public faux pas…

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