charlierhodes

[charlierhodes]

Okay, first of all—Carlton?! That is the most majestic name for a pig I’ve ever heard. I need to meet this park-dwelling legend immediately. Like, I’m half tempted to bring Poppy and just hang out by the swings until he graces us with his presence.

And yes, I saw the TikToks!! I literally screamed when I saw Ember in her crown and robe. She is thriving in her queen era and I’m here for it. You all are just her humble subjects now, and honestly, I think she’s earned that status. I need to come back soon and present her with a proper tribute—maybe a tiny velvet pillow or some gourmet kitty treats. Phoenix can get a little bandana that says Official Good Boy or something equally ridiculous and perfect.

Also, don’t even joke—if Phoenix tries to follow me home, I will cry and also probably let him.

hahahahah! It was right there, Charlie, and I just had to go for it. See, that's the kind of thing I've got planned for my lottery winnings, too. Some people use it to buy gold toilets or jets. Us? We want to spread the wealth to the animal community and help them out. The thing with me is I wouldn't stop at shelter dogs and cats; I'd want to help any and all in need. Though I wouldn't go all Tiger King with it, certain animals should return to their homes, if possible, or with organizations that can adequately care for them.

Did you see the newest vids I added to the station's TikTok?? Ember now has her very own crown and robe! She commands us minions to do her bidding.

You bring those treats, and Phoenix will follow you and try to go home with you.

Its name is Carlton, and I swear I'm not imagining the whole thing in a Harvey/Donnie Darko kind of way. Check the park around sunset; that's when I usually see that glorious oinker.

[charlierhodes]

That's fair! Cats are cute too—super independent, which honestly sounds kinda nice sometimes. I could totally see you with a chill little cat just lounging around while you read or whatever. Any particular kind you’d go for?

I'm not much of a dog person. Sam's are nice, but I think if I ever got a pet I'd go for like a cat or something.

[charlierhodes]

Hmm… does that offer include dramatic readings with different voices? Because that might actually help. Or maybe just some light peer pressure to keep me accountable? I swear, I want to be the kind of person who reads more, but my brain sees words on a page and immediately starts thinking about, like, shopping or what I’m having for dinner.

No judgement whatsoever. I know reading isn't for everyone. Any way I could help with your attention span as far as the book goes? My schedule is pretty open once school is out for the day.

[charlierhodes]

I mean, I’m always down to support you, so I’ll give it a shot! Just don’t judge me too hard if I get distracted halfway through—my attention span is... let’s just say it’s a work in progress. But I’m definitely interested in seeing where it all goes!

Well, how am I supposed to know what I'm volunteering for when you've given zero details. Any clues on what it's about? Granted, I'm probably not the best person to ask either way. I can't remember the last book I actually read...

[charlierhodes]

Well, how am I supposed to know what I'm volunteering for when you've given zero details. Any clues on what it's about? Granted, I'm probably not the best person to ask either way. I can't remember the last book I actually read...

It's official. 153,730 words later and I have finished the first rough draft of my second novel. I didn't think that it would happen so soon, but here we are. I didn't even think that I would finish it so soon. Now, it's all the other steps that come with publishing a book. I probably need to even go ahead and find some arc readers, so if anyone is interested, please let me know.

[charlierhodes]

Recommendations - do you have any book/tv show/movie/music recs?

Book: I don't read that many books, to be honest. I probably should...

TV show: Love Island, obvi. But also Bridgerton is good too. Great eye candy for the girlies 😍

Movie: I think I'm gonna have to go with Gentleman Prefer Blondes. Really any Marilyn movie. Like you just have to.

Music: Like, just a song or an artist? Because I've been lowkey obsessed with the song Ordinary by Alex Warren, but if we're saying artist I'd have to say Charli xcx.

[charlierhodes]

Ocean - what’s your favorite sea creature?

Oh my gosh, I was actually just watching a video about the cutest sea creatures, how funny you ask! But have you ever seen a Dumbo octopus? Those things are so cute, I have to say those.

[charlierhodes]

Bubbles - do you like bubble tea?

YES and now I want some, thanks.

[charlierhodes]

Blossom - what’s your favorite flower?

Honestly I love lilies -- tiger lilies specifically. But also dahlia's are really pretty too. And lotus flowers! I know you didn't ask for top 3, but there you go!

[charlierhodes]

Oh my god, furrever homes—Matt, that is peak dad joke energy, and I am so here for it. But also, yes to cloning ourselves so we can adopt every single animal. Honestly, if I ever win the lottery, I’m buying a giant house and turning it into a luxury pet sanctuary. No shelter pet left behind! And okay, first of all, those videos? Absolutely iconic. I will not be recovering from the mental image of you narrating their lives anytime soon. Please, please post some on the station’s socials. The world needs to see Ember judging everyone from her ladder throne and Phoenix living his best spoiled lapdog life.

Phoenix was mopey after we left? My heart! That is so tragic. Guess that just means we have no choice but to come back ASAP. And I’ll bring extra treats next time to make it up to him. And, um, a potbelly pig?! What is happening in this town, and why do I love it? If I don’t see this pig waddling down the street soon, I will be filing a complaint.

That's what I said! No animal should ever be without a home. There was a cloning question sent to Kurt, and it just made me realize that cloning could do some good if we clone ourselves so we can adopt every single animal stuck in those shelters. Props to the no-kill ones, but those poor little fuzzballs are still stuck in them. I like to call forever homes furrever homes. ha! I sent a WHOLE bunch to you. I'm not apologizing for how long they are or that I created voices for these two. 😋 Tempted to upload a couple of these to the station's socials.

I pouted the biggest pout to ever pout when I found out I missed your and Poppy's visit. This only means you guys should swing by again. Those treats definitely put you in Phoenix's good favor. I heard he was a mopey boy once you two left. I'm setting out treat jars tomorrow, so whenever you or anyone's pets visit, we've got them ready. Rumor has it one of the locals in the neighborhood just adopted a potbelly big, but we haven't seen it yet.

[charlierhodes]

Oh, that is such a smart move. Ride the hype wave and give the people what they want—I love it. And honestly, any of those options would be amazing. SIX would be so fun and fresh, & Juliet is an absolute bop fest, and Into the Woods is just classic magic. You really can’t go wrong. Do you have a favorite you’re secretly hoping for, or are you just excited to see what happens?

After speaking with a bunch of others, I'm going to suggest that we do Wicked later in the year. Closer to when Part 2 is supposed to come, and people are slightly in withdraw. I think that'll be the perfect time. In the meantime, I've suggested a myriad of musicals for the next show, and I think they're currently debating between & Juliet, SIX, and Into the Woods. No matter what gets chosen, I know the house is going to knock it out of the park.

[charlierhodes]

I love that show. No shortage of drama, ever. I even watched the USA version, which isn't quite as fun as the UK one in my opinion. But it's still very enjoyable.

Oh my gosh, I didn't even realize that Netflix had dropped season eight of LiB and I had to binge it like immediately once I found out. I'm currently betting on Joey and Monica making it to the alter -- I literally love them, they're sweet.

Love Island is the one show I've been watching since it first aired. It's bloody brilliant in every way.

I have seen the newest season, what are your thoughts?

[charlierhodes]

Oh gosh, of which one? Because I just started season 8 of Love is Blind, which I was completely blindsided by, by the way. I totally lost track of airing schedules for that one and I have SO many thoughts on Daniel and Taylor.

Love Island, I'll be honest, I haven't watched the All-Stars seasons, but I'm totally going to the next chance I get. Have you seen those? I love that they finally brought back people from previous seasons. Like every other reality show does it, it's about time!

Love Island is the one show I've been watching since it first aired. It's bloody brilliant in every way.

I have seen the newest season, what are your thoughts?

[charlierhodes]

Oh for sure, which is why I totally waited until I knew for sure I could take on the responsibility.

That's good. Just seen entirely too many people not understand the weight of what they were getting themselves into.

[charlierhodes]

Ooh me! I've always wanted to go on one of those... I mean, personally for me top choice would be Love Island but Love is Blind is a close second! Have you watched the newest season yet???

I've spent the whole weekend ill and in bed watching Love is Blind, and now i want to go on the show.

Anyone else have a reality show they want to go on? Or has my fever made me completely lose the plot

[charlierhodes]

Aww, poor Phoenix, being stuck there for 10 months! I’m so glad he found his forever home though, and I’m sure the station's love and care will make all the difference. Also, I’m already dying to see the pictures and videos. Like, I am bracing myself for the cuteness overload.

Okay, I’m ready for those photos and videos. I’m absolutely not joking when I say I’ll probably watch them on repeat. As for when Poppy and I can come by, we’re so down! I’ll swing by Friday, hopefully. Otherwise I'll be there this weekend and sorry if you can't be there for it! And I’m gonna bring some treats too, so I better be allowed to spoil them both!

Yessssss! We went back and forth with different names, and those stuck. It was important for me and the station to get a dog at the shelter the longest, and poor Phoenix was there for close to 10 months. Thank God he was at a no-kill shelter. Oh, I got pictures. AND videos. Get ready for the bombardment. Pluuuuuus, they're wearing little costumes, though Ember is NOT a fan of hats.

Okay, okay, It was more like 1,999,999,999 days. Yes, yes you do. When will we get to spend some time with you and Pops? I'm at the station tomorrow and Friday if you guys wanna come on by. Ember girl is convinced the ladder truck is her home. She chills on the roof. Phoenix is still getting used to things, but he's pretty much a lapdog. When one of the crew takes a break in our media room, you'll find Phoenix snoozing on their lap. He's a happy pup, which we love to see, given his past.

[charlierhodes]

Oh, it totally would be cashing in on your past experience, but honestly, if anyone can convince them, it’s you. You’ve got that magic touch, no pun intended. Besides, Wicked is an iconic show—who wouldn't want to bring that to life right now? Maybe just stop thinking of it as cheating and more like a well-earned advantage. Go for it!

Would I be absolutely cashing in on my past experience and/or cheating if I tried to convince the producers at the theatre to make Wicked their next musical? I mean...I already know the answer is yes, but...I mean, you can lie to me...