Beyond the Books
When I say pop culture obsessed, I mean it! I have a lot to say about Bravo reunions, 80s and 90s TV shows, movies, and celebrities that basically ruined my life, and I’m always willing to report on beauty trends beloved by stars. (Yes, I have a red light mask!) (No, I don’t use it!) Here’s where you’ll find all my other projects–from columns to performances to podcasts–that make up my pop culture infused brain.
Watch: The Experimentalist
We Trained with The Bachelorette Star Peter Kraus | Experimentalist
Date Coaching with Bela Gandhi | Experimentalist
I Played Gretchen Wieners in the Mean Girls Musical Theater Boot Camp | Experimentalist
Chicago Mag Shops for Weed
Read: Pop Culture Writing
THE $46,000 INFLUENCER FACE
Chicago Magazine - If I don’t get $46,000 in upgrades, I’ll never be an Instagram star!!!
I WENT ON A ZOOM DATE WITH A ‘BACHELORETTE’ CONTESTANT
Chicago Magazine - Who knew my pandemic love life would include a Zoom date with a tattooed Bachelorette contestant with googleable nudes? When life hands you lemons!!!
I DID THE MEAN GIRLS MUSICAL THEATER BOOT CAMP
Chicago Magazine - I went to a Mean Girls musical boot camp and you know I made “fetch” happen.
A $15,000 DATING COACH TOLD ME TO SMILE MORE
Chicago Magazine - But a resting bitch face is priceless???
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO GET A $299 MASSAGE
Chicago Magazine - Self-care isn’t cheap, darling. 
INSIDE CHICAGO’S $3,600 A YEAR WELLNESS CLUB
Chicago Magazine - Why worry about the world outside when you can spend your days being rubbed and oiled and having entire conversations about ancient grains?
THIS VITAMIN IV DRIP MADE ME A SEX GOD
Chicago Magazine - Still single, but the vibes are immaculate.
I WAS EMOTIONALLY CLEANSED
BY A LOOPING MACHINE
Chicago Magazine - Emotional meltdown + sonic immersion = one perfectly messy catharsis on my living-room floor.
I TRIED THE POWER PLATE WORKOUT AND DIDN’T FALL OFF
Chicago Magazine - This thing vibrates so hard, my teeth are rattling.
I GOT WEIGHT LOSS HYPNOTIZED
Chicago Magazine - Hypnosis said kale. My stomach said pizza. The battle continues.
WILL LYING ON A CRYSTAL MAT DO,
WELL, ANYTHING?
Chicago Magazine - Paid $50 to lie on a heating pad filled with amethyst crystals. AM I GLOWING YET???
I WORKED OUT WITH BACHELOR NATION’S PETER KRAUS
Chicago Magazine - Is this really a workout? Or is it a GROUP DATE???
ON RAISING AN ANXIOUS CHILD IN THE CACOPHONY OF CHICAGO
Chicago Magazine - A divorced writer moved to the city to immerse her son in its urban wonders. Things didn’t go as planned.
I INTERVIEWED A PROFESSIONAL CUDDLER
Chicago Magazine - Madelon Guinazzo, cofounder of the cuddle therapy service Cuddlist, on the benefits of being touched by a stranger
MAGGIE DALY PARK, AKA HELL
Chicago Magazine - Notes on a supposedly fun thing I’ll never subject my kid to again
WHAT SINGLE PARENTS GETS WRONG ABOUT SINGLE PARENTS
Role Reboot - How can a show survive when at its core it doesn’t understand who its characters are?
Listen: Don’t Ruin This For Me
DON’T RUIN THIS FOR ME revisits the 80s and 90s pop culture that you loved as a kid, but that probably ruined your life as an adult. With a stacked lineup of diverse guests and iconic films (think Fast Times at Ridgemont High, 9 to 5, Mommie Dearest, Legends of the Fall, and more), Adrienne and her co-host (and BFF) Elizabeth Gomez examine how their young minds were warped by a constant stream of gorgeous women, perfect families, and true love. DON’T RUIN THIS FOR ME is for any GenX-er or Elder Millennial whose life didn’t turn out as planned. And who wants to blame Madonna for it.
Listen to DON’T RUIN THIS FOR ME wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to check out DRTM’s humble beginnings as WOKEFIELD, a podcast dedicated to revisiting the truly insane world of Sweet Valley High.
Meet: Performances & Events
Adrienne brings her signature pop-culture-infused storytelling to live audiences through readings, conversations, and book signings at events across Chicago and beyond. From lively stages like You’re Being Ridiculous to intimate bookstore gatherings, she blends humor, heart, and sharp cultural observations into evenings that feel equal parts rom-com monologue and group text with friends. Expect candid stories, audience laughs, and the occasional signing line full of readers who feel like they already know her.
Stay up to date via Adrienne’s INSTAGRAM and here:
Stay In Touch
Whether it’s about books, events, or collaborations, I’d love to hear from you.