Babes in Bookland: Your Favorite Women's Bookclub Podcast

AUTHOR CHAT: Cassidy Gard's "Cosmic Goodness"

Tue, 12 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

One good choice can re-route an entire life, but only if you trust yourself enough to make it.

I sit down with memoirist Cassidy Gard to talk about the real story behind her healing memoir, "Cosmic Goodness: Surrendering the Shadows to Live in the Light." We also get delightfully specific about book cover decisions, permissions, and why the right quote can set the emotional tone for a chapter.

From there, we go deeper into the heart of her message: “cosmic goodness,” a grounded kind of spirituality she defines as "courage meeting clarity." Whether you love the woo or you hate it, the point is still practical and universal-- Your life changes when your daily decisions match the life you say you want. Cassidy shares the exercises that helped her shift her inner world, including conscious sobriety, writing-based practices for anger, and a commitment to alignment that keeps her open to the right conversations and opportunities.

We also talk about the hard truths that shaped her. Growing up poor with an alcoholic father, shame that settles into the nervous system, imposter syndrome, and the surprising moments that made her feel seen. Motherhood brings another layer, including postpartum anxiety, postpartum rage, and the long road to forgiving yourself after a terrifying accident. The conversation ends with a nuanced take on separating art from artist and how we can outgrow what once carried us.

If you care about memoir, intuition, healing, spiritual growth, postpartum mental health, and rebuilding a life with intention, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

Purchase "Cosmic Goodness"

Xx, Alex

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TEASER: The Lie? // Amy Griffin's "The Tell"

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A glossy, star-studded book launch. A memoir that rockets past 100,000 copies. Then a wave of silence from major reviewers, an investigative report, and a scientific debate that refuses to stay theoretical. We’re talking about Amy Griffin’s The Tell and the chaos that followed its triumphant debut, where celebrity endorsement meets the most contested questions in trauma psychology.

My friend, Colette, joins the show as a licensed marriage and family therapist to share her thoughts on it all!

Subscribe for the full conversation, share this with a friend who loves book-world drama with real stakes, and leave a review with your take: where do you draw the line between personal healing and public truth?

Purchase the episode individually here

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Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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AUTHOR CHAT: Alexandra Grabbe's "Seeing Joy"

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Is it possible to see joy in life's hardest moments?

I sit down with memoirist Alexandra to talk about her memoir, Seeing Joy: A Story of Life, Death, and What Comes Next. We dig into how Alexandra’s story began as a caregiving blog in 2006, written first for friends and family and then embraced by strangers who recognized their own fear and tenderness in her honesty. She shares what it took to transform that real-time writing into a publishable memoir, including years of rejection from traditional publishing and the creative breakthroughs that came from adding family letters and her mother’s own unpublished manuscript. If you’ve ever wondered how memoir gets made, this is the unglamorous, deeply human version.

Then we go to the heart of it: hospice care at home, the emotional calculus of choosing home over a nursing facility, and the unexpected moments of grace that arrive alongside the mess. Alexandra describes her mother’s vivid “visitors” near the end of life and what hospice workers call “visioning,” plus how that shifted her mother from fearing death as “the end” to finding a kind of peace. If you’re searching for a clearer way to talk about dying with dignity and still make room for joy, this one stays with you.

If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s caring for someone, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. What part of end-of-life caregiving do you wish people were more honest about?

Purchase Alexandra Grabbe's "Seeing Joy"

Purchase Alexandra's father's memoir "Émigré"

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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FRIDAY FICTION: Kate Quinn, NYT Bestselling Author!

Fri, 01 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Kate Quinn has a rare talent. She can drop you into another time period so completely that you forget you’re reading, then hit you with a detail that makes you realize how much of women’s history has been ignored, softened, or simply left out.

In our first Friday Fiction episode, I sit down with the New York Times bestselling author behind her newest release, The Astral Library, The Briar Club, The Alice Network, The Rose Code, and my personal favorite, The Diamond Eye to talk about where that power comes from and what it costs to do it well.

We start with the origin story that shaped everything, a librarian mom who became her first reader and a dad who quietly modeled what real partnership looks like. From there, we get honest about the vulnerability of sharing drafts, the weird confidence a writer has to carry, and why deadlines can be a gift. Kate also walks through the creative leap into magical realism with The Astral Library, plus the nerves of releasing something new when readers expect a certain kind of historical fiction.

We also dig into research ethics and critical thinking, from spotting propaganda in memoirs to reading for bias and noticing what a source refuses to say. If you love libraries, hate book bans, write fiction, or just want a smarter way to read history, this conversation is for you!!

Subscribe for more author interviews, share this with a reader who loves historical fiction, and leave a rating and review so more book people can find Babes in Bookland.

Thank you! Xx, Alex

Purchase Kate Quinn's novels

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AUTHOR CHAT: Andrea Leeb's "Such a Pretty Picture"

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Some stories don’t just break the silence, they explain how silence gets built in the first place.

This week, I’m joined by author Andrea Leeb to talk about her memoir Such a Pretty Picture, an account of surviving childhood sexual abuse, living with complex trauma and CPTSD, and finding a path back to yourself that isn’t linear or tidy but is real.

Andrea shares the early moments that shaped her life, the confusing mix of fear, love, and self-blame, and the way adults can miss obvious warning signs when a family looks “pretty” from the outside. We also get into the effects of trauma: freezing, shame, self-harm, complicated sexuality, relationships that can’t hold intimacy, and the exhausting pressure to perform normal.

Andrea details her turning point-- a breakdown that finally makes help non-negotiable, and what treatment, therapy, and community can unlock over time. We end with a conversation about forgiveness, closure, and agency, including Andrea’s work supporting survivors through organizations like RAINN and the UCLA Rape Treatment Center, plus concrete resource reminders for anyone who needs a first step.

If this conversation resonates, share it with someone you trust, subscribe for more author interviews, and leave a review so more survivors and supporters can find it. What would it mean to you to be fully believed?

Purchase Andrea Leeb's "Such a Pretty Picture"

Resources:
National - RAINN.org/ 1-800-656-4673
Helping Hands - Commission for Women (Los Angeles area)
UCLA Rape Treatment Center / 424-259-7208
HAWC.org - Houston area/ 713-528-7273
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline - 888-293-2080

Thank you for being here, Xx Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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AUTHOR CHAT: Kerry Docherty's "Selfish"

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Are you selfish?

“Selfish” is supposed to be the insult that ends the conversation, especially for women who were raised to be helpful, agreeable, and endlessly available. We sit down with author Kerry Docherty to pull that word apart and rebuild it into something sharper and more useful: self-awareness, honest boundaries, and the courage to admit what you want before you burn out trying to be “good.” Her memoir, Selfish, becomes the jumping-off point for a raw talk about what it costs to keep giving yourself away and why telling the truth can be both selfish and deeply generous.

We dig into the trap of likability and the ways girls learn early to smooth everything over, including their own anger and ambition. Kerry reflects on privilege and what she has learned from people who have had to live more openly because the world already judges them. We also get practical about modern “self-care,” from doomscrolling dopamine to the quieter work of choosing what actually makes you feel alive, plus what it looks like to model emotional language and bodily autonomy for your kids.

Then the conversation turns toward marriage, work, and longing. Kerry shares what it was like to build the Faherty clothing brand with her husband and his twin brother, how business can strain intimacy, and why writing a memoir is an “act of betrayal” even when it is also an act of love. She opens up about “Beau,” an emotional entanglement that exposes dormant creativity and desire, and we explore a reframe of partnership as something you choose every day rather than a life sentence you simply endure.

If this conversation makes you uncomfortable, we think that is the point. Subscribe for more author interviews, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the one boundary you are ready to set next.

Purchase Selfish by Kerry Docherty

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Thank you for listening! Xx, Alex

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The Low and the High Notes // Brandy's "Phases"

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Brandy Norwood’s memoir, Phases, is the kind of celebrity memoir that makes you grateful for the music and furious about the machine behind it. My friend Kate and I revisit Brandy’s cultural landmarks like Moesha, Cinderella, and “The Boy Is Mine,” then zoom out to the bigger question: what happens when an industry profits from a “good girl” image and leaves no room for a young Black woman to be human, messy, or still becoming.

A big thread is the tension between what Brandy says and what she seems to avoid saying. We talk about how Phases feels careful, as if certain bridges still cannot be burned, even decades later. But we also highlight the memoir’s strongest emotional material, especially around identity and image. When the memoir does go deep, it hits hard.

The takeaway is not that Phases answers everything, but that it opens the door to better questions about artistry, survival, and what reclaiming your narrative really costs.

Purchase Phases by Brandy

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Thank you for listening!

xx, Alex

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AUTHOR CHAT: Linda Rhodes' "Breaking The Barnyard Barrier"

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

She graduates near the top of her veterinary class and still couldn't get hired... because she’s a woman! That’s where our conversation with memoirist Linda Rhodes begins and it only gets more vivid, entertaining, and frustrating from there.

Linda and I talk about her book Breaking the Barnyard Barrier: A Woman Veterinarian Paves the Way and the reality of becoming a large animal veterinarian in rural Utah when sexism isn’t subtle, it’s stated out loud in job interviews. Linda takes us through the early spark that pulled her into farm work, to the gatekeeping she faced getting into vet school, to the pressure of being “the test case” for whether women can do the job. Along the way, we sit with the unglamorous truth of dairy cow medicine: freezing nights, no hospital nearby, no backup, and decisions that carry real consequences for animals and farmers.

We also go deep on the memoir writing process. Linda shares why her mother’s death pushed her to write, how she learned to stop writing like a scientist and start writing like a storyteller, and how she chose what grief to put on the page and what to keep private. From there, the story widens into career reinvention, women in leadership, animal health pharmaceuticals, entrepreneurship, and what it looks like to build a family-friendly workplace that actually works.

If you care about women in STEM, gender bias at work, memoir, veterinary medicine, or the kind of resilience that’s earned day after day, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the moment that hit you hardest.

Purchase Linda Rhode's "Breaking the Barnyard Barrier"

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AUTHOR CHAT: Katya Dunko's "I Drank From the Nile"

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Is life destiny or choice?

"Drink from the Nile" is a phrase in Egypt that promises if you drink from the Nile river, you’re destined to return. Katya Dunko's memoir, named for this phrase, is her refusal to let destiny be controlled by generational trauma. She broke the chain.

We talk about the real story behind her jaw-dropping book: growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine, being stowed away on a train as a child, surviving a decade of opioid addiction, and later fleeing an abusive marriage in Egypt with her daughter. Katya doesn’t frame herself as flawless or “inspiring” in a neat way. She names the shame, the people-pleasing, the desperate search for love, and the terrifying moments where her safety is on the line. If you care about women’s memoir, addiction recovery stories, trauma healing, and what it takes to rebuild after emotional abuse, this conversation goes there with honesty and heart.

We also get practical about the craft and the aftermath: what it’s like to spend seven years writing a trauma memoir, why she chose a pen name, how self-publishing forced her to learn everything from editing to marketing, and why narrative therapy helped her reframe her past into resilience instead of ruin. The biggest takeaway is simple and hard: pain spreads unless someone breaks the chain.

Listen, then share this with a friend who needs a reminder that a clean slate is possible. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what “real strength” means to you now.

Purchase Katya Dunko's "I Drank From the Nile"

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Thank you for listening!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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BSB: Liza Minnelli's "Kids, Wait Till You Hear This"

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

How do you break free of one legacy to cement your own?

We’re back with a bite-sized Babes in Bookland mini review of Liza Minnelli’s memoir “Kid, Wait Till You Hear This,” and it’s equal parts warm, jaw-dropping, and quietly devastating. I went in expecting old Hollywood stories and iconic name-drops. I got those... but I didn’t expect a brutally honest look at what fame can cost a family behind closed doors.

I talk about Liza Minnelli the performer and cultural force: an EGOT-winning star of stage and screen, a voice people instantly recognize, and a public figure who showed up as an advocate during the AIDS crisis when many stayed silent. But the heart of her memoir is the private Liza, the daughter trying to survive a mother’s addiction and mental health storms while other adults fail to step in. Her pages on caretaking as a child, living with dread, and trying to “protect” a parent will hit especially hard if you’re an adult child of an addict or you’ve carried responsibilities that were never yours.

Liza’s account of her own substance use disorder and recovery, including rehab at the Betty Ford Center and the long road to real sobriety, is the most powerful part of the story and one of the most human celebrity memoir moments I’ve read. If you’re looking for a memoir podcast that blends pop culture with real conversations about addiction recovery, denial, resilience, and choosing life, this one’s for you.

Subscribe for more women’s memoir reviews, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more readers can find the show. What’s one “yes” you need to tell yourself today?

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.

Purchase Liza Minnelli's "Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!"

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Xx, Alex

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AUTHOR CHAT: Ayana Lage's "Missing Me"

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Author Ayana Lage joins the show to talk about Missing Me, her memoir of postpartum psychosis and the long road back.

We talk about perfectionism as a coping strategy, anxiety as a lifelong undercurrent, and the exhausting need to be seen as “good” while feeling like you’re failing inside. Ayana shares how she turned hospital journals and medical records into a tightly crafted, nonlinear memoir, how she handled the fear of reviews, and what it means to tell the truth when your story includes your partner and your parents. We also get honest about how faith can comfort you and still leave you carrying guilt when mental health doesn’t improve, and why therapy and medication are not character flaws.

Then we widen the lens to the realities that raise the stakes: Black maternal health disparities, being dismissed in medical settings, and why support like a doula can matter. We clarify what postpartum psychosis can look like, why it’s different from postpartum depression or postpartum OCD, and how stigma harms mothers, babies, and families when people don’t know the signs. Ayana closes with the aftermath: releasing shame, planning a second pregnancy with care, making feeding choices without guilt, and finding joy in the mundane.

Subscribe, share this conversation with a friend, and leave a review if it helps you see postpartum mental health with more clarity and compassion.

Purchase Missing Me by Ayana Lage

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Thank you for listening!
Xx, Alex

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True Colors // Christina Applegate's "You with the Sad Eyes"

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMT

A memoir can feel like a mirror you didn’t ask for.

We opened Christina Applegate’s and found an unvarnished account of survival: a child actor who worked to live, a dancer who prayed with her body, an artist who hid behind “Christina Applegate” until truth demanded center stage.

We dig into the fault lines: body image and shame running alongside career highs; Sweet Charity on Broadway as a masterclass in grit after a brutal injury; pay inequity countered by quiet solidarity; and more. Her reflections on breast cancer and MS aren’t wrapped in “warrior” clichés. If you’ve ever performed strength because the world is allergic to pain, her confession will help you feel seen.

We also sit with research tying childhood trauma to MS risk, not as final verdict but as a challenge to take our histories seriously. By the end, she rejects the persona and claims the name her people use—Kiki—then asks a question that lingers: Who are you?

Hit play for a thoughtful, unsentimental conversation about truth, trauma, dance, illness, craft, and the fragile alchemy of happiness-with-sadness. If this moved you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review telling us the line you can’t stop thinking about.

Purchase Christina Applegate's "You with the Sad Eyes"

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Thank you for listening!
Xx, Alex

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Pain into Power // Demi Moore's "Inside Out"

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Think you know Demi Moore? Think again.

My friend, Mackenzie, and I peel back the tabloid myths to trace a far more gripping arc: a child who found safety in hospital routines because home was chaos, a teenager forced to protect herself when the adults failed, and an artist who spent years equating value with a number on the scale while breaking box‑office ceilings and cultural taboos. Guided by Demi’s memoir Inside Out, we connect the dots between early trauma, addiction, codependence, and the relentless body scrutiny of Hollywood—and how those patterns transform when you finally choose yourself.

If this moved you, tap follow, share with a friend who loves smart memoir deep dives, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show. Your support helps us bring you more conversations that go beyond the headlines.

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Link to this episode’s book: Demi Moore's "Inside Out"

BONUS: Elyse Myers' Memoir: Humor, Hype, and Lots of Holes

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Ever picked up a buzzy memoir and felt the heart was missing beneath the hype?

I sit down with Ryley from the Little Miss Podcast to unpack Elyse Myers’ debut: the charming illustrations, a few resonant lines on anxiety and connection, and the recurring moments where the story stops just shy of reckoning. We wanted the hinge points—the cause, the cost, the change—and too often found stylized vignettes that try to entertain when they should have revealed.

From there, we widen the lens to the ecosystem that made this book possible. How has influencer culture reshaped our expectations for honesty, and our tolerance for ambiguity? We talk body image in the age of filters, the resurgence of pro-anorexia aesthetics dressed up as wellness, and a more sustainable posture of body neutrality and body awe. We get practical about family language, food without moral labels, and how to model healthier self-talk at home.

We also dig into parasocial bonds and why they feel so real, the consumerism treadmill that turns every feed into a storefront, and the ethics of featuring children online without meaningful consent or protection. Then comes the big question: Do creators owe a public stance when harm is plain to see? We don’t need comedians to become journalists, but acknowledging suffering, pointing to credible resources, and choosing empathy over silence matters—especially when your platform can direct attention toward help.

If you’re curious about what makes memoirs feel true, how to read past the gloss of virality, and where to draw firmer boundaries with the content you consume, this conversation is your map.

Hit play, then tell us: what do you expect from a life story—and from the people you follow? Subscribe, share with a friend who loves book talk, and leave a review with your favorite memoir recommendations.

This Bonus episode is available for free this month! Thank you for supporting the show <3

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BSB: Gisele Pelicot's "A Hymn to Life"

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

What does it mean to move shame back where it belongs? We dive into Gisele Pelicot’s A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides—a memoir that confronts sexual violence, courtroom language, and public accountability while fiercely protecting the survivor’s right to joy. I trace Pellicot’s path from the shocking discovery of years of drugging and assault to the rare choice of an open hearing and the powerful moment when all fifty-one perpetrators were found guilty. Along the way, we sit with hard questions: how do institutions perpetuate harm through euphemisms, how can families process conflicting truths, and what does healing look like when love and betrayal share the same house?

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Link to this episode’s book:
A Hymn to Life by Gisele Pelicot

If you care about survivor justice and the cultural work of shifting blame off victims, this conversation is for you! Press play, reflect with us, and share your thoughts. If the episode moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on to someone who needs to hear it.

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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AUTHOR CHAT: Deborah J. Cohan's "Welcome to Wherever We Are"

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Can you hold two truths at once?

I sit down with author and sociologist Deborah J. Cohan to explore her memoir, Welcome to Wherever We Are, a clear-eyed look at psychological abuse, loyalty, and the quiet heroics of caregiving. From the first moments, Deborah names what so many experience but struggle to articulate—gaslighting, threats, verbal assaults, and financial control—and shows how a child’s devotion to her father can coexist with a fierce need for boundaries.

As we trace the book’s path through a pandemic launch, Deborah explains why a sociological lens makes memoir more than confession. She connects the dots between family dynamics, gendered expectations, healthcare systems, and the invisible labor that daughters and partners shoulder. Her years counseling violent men at Emerge, the nation’s oldest batterer intervention program, sharpen her insights: behavior can change, accountability matters, and empathy does not erase harm. That background also deepens her own reckoning with a brilliant, creative, and often wounding father.

Rather than preaching forgiveness, Deborah argues for something braver: ambivalence. Holding two truths—love and injury—without flattening either. We talk about staying present at the end of a complicated life, advocating from a distance, and confronting the limits of what one caregiver can do under debt, time pressure, and grief. Along the way we surface practical takeaways for anyone navigating eldercare, emotional abuse, or family estrangement: document patterns, set sustainable boundaries, recruit support, and learn the language that makes the unseen visible.

We close with the fuel that keeps Deborah moving—art, nature, movement, laughter—and a glimpse at her next project on her mother and creativity. If you’re searching for thoughtful conversation on caregiving, gaslighting, domestic violence education, and healing family patterns, this one offers tools and tenderness in equal measure. If the conversation resonates, tap follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little more language for their story.

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Link to this episode’s book:
Welcome to Wherever We Are by Deborah J. Cohan

Other links:
The Complete U by Deborah J. Cohan
DeborahJCohan.com

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.
Xx, Alex

@babesinbooklandpod

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AUTHOR CHAT: Amanda McCracken's "When Longing Becomes Your Lover"

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

What if the high you’re chasing isn’t love at all, but the thrill of uncertainty?

On pub day, we sit down with author Amanda McCracken to unpack limerence (the obsessive, anxious fixation that can masquerade as romance) and how naming the pattern helped her trade fantasy for reciprocity. We connect the dots between anxious-avoidant dynamics, social media ambiguity, and the dopamine hit of anticipation that keeps us hooked on “what if.” Amanda shares how purity culture shaped her choices, why “safe” once felt boring, and how a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis helped things click.

If you’ve ever been caught up in breadcrumbing, ghosting, or the mental movie of an idealized other, this episode offers a clear path forward. You’ll learn how to spot limerence, interrupt the rumination loop, and build self-compassion so you can trust your choices and choose people who choose you back. Plus, Amanda shares more about her podcast The Longing Lab. Listen, share with a friend who’s ready for healthier love, and if this resonated, subscribe and leave a review to help others find the show.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch
Subscribe to the Babes in Bookland Substack

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
When Longing Becomes Your Lover by Amanda McCracken

Other links:
The Longing Lab Podcast
The Peace Boat

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my new friend, Amanda.
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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Let's Talk About Death, Baby // Alua Arthur's "Briefly, Perfectly, Human"

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Are you living your most authentic life?

Mortality has a way of cutting through noise. My friend, Cara, and I open season three with Alua Arthur’s memoir Briefly Perfectly Human and ask how getting real about death can help us live with more honesty, tenderness, and courage today. Cara shares first-hand insights from death doula training, and together we map the terrain so many of us avoid: grief that won’t be rushed, hard choices families face, and the practical steps that turn love into action at the end of life.

If these questions (the same ones many contemplate on their death beds) stir something in you: Who did I love? How did I love? Was I loved?... you’re in the right place! Listen, reflect, and then tell someone you trust what matters to you. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
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Link to this episode’s book:
Briefly, Perfectly, Human by Alua Arthur

Other episodes to check out:
AUTHOR CHAT: Brittany Penner's "Children Like Us"
Cara's other episode: Anna Dorn's "Bad Lawyer"

Other resources:
Hospice nurse Barbara Karnes’ booklets

For people who want to learn how to become a death doula:
Going with Grace – Alua’s company!
NEDA (National End-of-Life Doula Alliance)

For people looking to get their end of life paperwork in order:
Compassion & Choices
GYST

A good article about different eco-friendly ways to dispose of body. https://curious.earth/blog/sustainable-green-burials/

Books for children about death/dying:
Everywhere, Still , Maybe Tomorrow, The Rabbit Listened , All About Grief

Special thanks to my dear friend, Cara.
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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Moon Math and Quiet Confidence // Katherine Johnson's "My Remarkable Journey"

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

How far could you go if you believed in yourself?

Katherine Johnson’s memoir My Remarkable Journey is more than a space-age origin story; it is a study in how confidence, education, and community can shape history.

Early on, the memoir reads like a love letter to learning. Katherine’s parents, one generation removed from slavery, push her toward college with sacrifices and a father’s mantra etched in memory: “You’re as good as anyone, but no better.” The book also shows how mentors matter. She highlights the teachers who saw a research mathematician before she did, a one-student class in analytic geometry of space, and a culture of high expectations that asked Black students to be twice as good. It’s inspiring and sobering. Proof that talent needs access, and access is a policy choice.

We talk about “painful progress,” how proximity humanizes, and why respectful, fact-based dialogue changes minds more reliably than outrage. Through grief—losing her first husband—Katherine keeps moving, anchoring herself in work and family. Her moon-shot math resembles a life philosophy: aim where the future will be, not where the present stands.

If this conversation moved you, follow and subscribe, share it with a friend who loves memoirs or space history, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your support helps us bring more voices, more stories, and more fuel for your TBR.

We’ll see you in February 2026 for more author chats, book club conversations, and a new episode type: bite sized babes—where I review memoirs and offer my favorite takeaways!

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
My Remarkable Journey

Other links:
A Brief History of Black Hospitals in America

Transcripts and chapter markers are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Kate!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS: "The Holiday" Deep Dive with Jackie and Danielle of the No More Late Fees Podcast!

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Ready for a holiday watch that actually holds up?

We close the year with Jackie and Danielle from No More Late Fees and dig into why Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday still hits. It's a rom-com where self-respect is the twist, friendship is the anchor, and charisma beats swagger every time. We trade Blockbuster memories for sharp analysis then get into what really matters: characters that feel real and show major growth.

Is Iris and Arthur’s bond the film’s best relationship? When he tells her to stop acting like the best friend and be the leading lady, it sets the standard for us all! We unpack the hard pivot from pining to gumption, the realism of saying no to Jasper, and the quiet win of choosing yourself. On the other side, we explore why Jack Black’s Miles works as a romantic lead: attention as attraction, care as chemistry, and a story that never turns his looks into a punchline. Jude Law’s Graham gets dimension through grief, daughters, and unexpected softness. He's proof that charm can coexist with responsibility.

We also tackle the messy, modern bits: the ethics of one-night stands versus real safety, smarter dating questions to avoid duplicity, and whether long-distance romance can survive airports and time zones. Along the way, we share fun trivia and reflections.

If The Holiday is your seasonal ritual--or you’re rom-com curious--you’ll leave with new trivia, fresh angles, and, hopefully, a little extra courage to be the lead in your own story. If you loved this, subscribe, share with a rom-com friend, and leave a review telling us your rating: buy it, five-day, two-day, or same-day return?

Want more movie fun? https://nomorelatefeespodcast.com/

Wishing you love, peace, and memorable moments this holiday season!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AUTHOR CHAT: Danilyn Rutherford on Her Memoir "Beautiful Mystery"

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Does love need words?

I sit down with anthropologist and author, Danilyn Rutherford, to explore Beautiful Mystery, her memoir about raising Millie, a luminous daughter who communicates beyond speech, and the radical shift that happens when language stops being the measure of a life.

We trace her craft journey and discuss how Danilyn brings an anthropologist’s eye to family life, reckoning with the field’s history around eugenics and capacity while arguing for a social definition of personhood: we are human because we hold one another up. We are human, simply, because we are. That lens reframes speech therapy from “fixing” to curiosity. The result is a powerful invitation to meet people where they are and to see communication as more than words.

The conversation also moves through sudden loss-- Danilyn’s husband Craig died when their children were six and three-- and the quiet, practical ways grief reshapes a home. From there we widen the lens to advocacy: why caregiver wages, Medicaid access, and immigrant labor are the backbone of a functioning care system; how austerity and border crackdowns make families more fragile; and why investing in communication access is a justice issue.

Press play for an intimate conversation about parenting, grief, ethics, and the politics of care. If the episode resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more women’s memoirs, and leave a review with the moment that shifted your view of communication.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Beautiful Mystery

Other links:
https://communicationfirst.org/
https://nod.org/
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
Beautiful Lives by Stephen Unwin
The Question of Unworthy Life by Dagmar Herzog

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AUTHOR CHAT: Ashley Russell's "What's Cooking Good Looking"

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

How do you honor the ones you love?

Our guest, author and maker Ashley Russell, brings her grandmother, Wanda’s, kitchen back to life with a cozy, retro-modern cookbook that feels like a hug and reads like a memoir. We dig into how a granddaughter turned a private archive into a public heirloom, complete with tattoo-style illustrations, candid photos, and DIY food shots that celebrate mess and memory over perfection.

Ashley walks us through gathering 300 recipes and shaping a tight, test-driven collection that honors regional roots and lived history. We get the stories behind “top secret” favorites, the delightfully divisive WTF chapter, and why dishes like liver and onions or milk toast still matter. You’ll hear how the book’s cardstock pages invite cocoa smudges and notes in the margins, how a decade-by-decade photo collage reveals a family in motion, and how a Spotify playlist ties together the songs Wanda loved—from mid-century standards to a modern country croon she played late in life.

This conversation is also a master class in creative resilience: funding through community, trusting pivots, and defining a clear North Star (your point of view!). Ashley shares how a tattoo flash became food Kewpies, why she shot the food herself, and how staying vulnerable and afraid might be the key to the best art. We explore cooking as care, a feminist choice, and a small act of rebellion against disposable culture. Our hands are busy, phones are down, hearts are open. If you’ve ever wanted to preserve your family’s flavors or make art that feels true, you’ll find practical tips and a lot of courage here.

Subscribe for more story-rich conversations about books, craft, and the rituals that keep us human. If this episode stirred a memory, share it with someone you love and leave a review so others can find the show. Your kitchen table might be the start of the next great family archive.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
What’s Cooking Good Looking

Choosing Hope // Michelle Obama's "Becoming"

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What does it take to keep becoming?

We dive into Michelle Obama’s memoir with a candid, hopeful conversation about where identity starts, how it stretches, and why purpose, not pageantry, changes lives. Becoming is more than a political memoir; it’s a field guide for growth when the ground shifts under your feet.

From a tight-knit South Side home to Princeton lecture halls and the relentless spotlight of the White House, we follow the real work behind “Becoming”: respecting kids as full people, naming systemic barriers without losing heart, and finding tools for reflection that actually fit your life.

We talk about confidence as a practice, not a trait, and the power of saying yes to yourself when the room says no. You’ll hear how Michelle reframed the First Lady role around substance and how those choices challenged corporate norms while building common ground. We also get real about the invisible labor of women, the racialized scrutiny that followed her every outfit and sentence, and the line that still echoes: grief and resilience live together.

If news fatigue has dimmed your hope, this episode offers practical ways to protect it: curate your inputs, seek help when you need it, and anchor to community. We share simple habits: quiet walks, gratitude notes, honest check-ins that keep optimism alive without ignoring pain. It’s a warm, grounded tour through the memoir’s biggest lessons on leadership, partnership, and civic action, designed for anyone asking how to stay human and useful when progress stalls.

Come for the stories; leave with a sturdier stance. If this conversation resonates, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Michelle Obama’s “Becoming”

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Jaime!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Back to Life // Bethany Joy Lenz's "Dinner for Vampires"

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

If belonging feels like love, purpose, and family… how do you tell when it’s actually something darker?

In this episode, we sit with the hard truths behind Bethany Joy Lenz’s memoir Dinner for Vampires. Through the quiet metaphor of a “meal” that slowly turns devouring, Joy reveals how a search for purpose and belonging can be manipulated by those who feed on vulnerability. We explore the slow erosion of identity, the psychological grip of coercive groups, and the courage it takes to push back from a table that was never nourishing you. This conversation looks beyond the headlines and asks what it really means to reclaim your voice after years spent in the shadows.

We talk cult dynamics 101: us-versus-them thinking, leaders without oversight, and the chilling rule Joy names so clearly: “in a cult, safety means agreement." Still, this isn’t a story about losing faith; it’s about reclaiming it.

If you want a gripping, clear-eyed look at coercive control, Hollywood pressure, and the courage it takes to walk away, press play. Then join the conversation: subscribe, share this with a friend who loves memoirs and media. If you like what you hear, please leave a review!

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 15 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Buy Dinner For Vampires

Other Links:
Watch A Biltmore Christmas
Which Disney Princess Are You?
Psalty’s Salvation Celebration
Variety- One Tree Hill Cast, Crew Detail Assault, Harassment Claims Against Mark Schwahn

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Technical editing done by Brianna Picone.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Priscilla!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Power and Pride // Geena Rocero's Memoir "Horse Barbie"

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

How can you reclaim your truth and your power?

We’re diving into Horse Barbie, Geena Rocero’s radiant and illuminating memoir that shows her journey from a one-room home in Manila, Philippians, to trans pageants, from the perfume counter at Macy’s to New York fashion sets, and from private, suffocating, fear to a TED Talk that reframed transness as power. Along the way, we discuss her father’s complicated love, her mother’s unwavering belief and reflect on what can spark when the people who matter most tell you there’s nothing wrong with you.

Geena’s story and memoir widens from personal to political: pre-colonial history without gendered pronouns, the costs of documentation that doesn’t match your face, and the power of her viral TED Talk to turn shame into strength. We sit with the big questions: Why is femininity seen as a threat? How do entertainment and policy diverge? What changes when a community moves from visibility to rights? By the end, Horse Barbie reads like a manual for courage. It shows how story becomes strategy and how one woman’s voice can help many step out of the shadows.

If you care about trans rights, immigration, pageant culture, modeling, or the way love can change a life, this conversation brings nuance, warmth, and a clear takeaway: policy matters, family matters, and stories move hearts faster than arguments ever will.

If the conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a hopeful, human lens on trans life and advocacy.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 24 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Buy Horse Barbie

Other Links:
Evan Hurst substack

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Jaime!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AUTHOR CHAT: Brittany Penner on Her Memoir "Children Like Us"

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

What if home isn’t a place you find, but a place you build step by step?

I sit down with author and family physician, Brittany Penner, to unpack Children Like Us: A Métis Woman's Memoir of Family, Identity and Walking Herself Home, her powerful Métis memoir about identity, adoption, and the radical work of healing. From being carried out of the hospital by a social worker to navigating a white Mennonite upbringing, Brittany traces how the Sixties Scoop shaped her beginnings and how lineage still insists on being seen-- in faces, gestures, and the stories that refuse to disappear.

Brittany shares the artistic leap that changed everything: throwing away a 100,000-word draft(!!!) and rebuilding the book through photographs and VHS tapes. We talk about using images to verify memory, honor body knowledge, and write with precision without losing lyric grace. She opens up about medicine too and reveals how tending to her own pain transformed how she advocates for Indigenous women in clinical settings, why believing someone can be the most clinical act of all, and how she protects joy in her creative life so it doesn’t calcify under the weight of systems.

At the heart of this conversation is a simple practice with a profound arc: walking herself home. After a separation that reawakened old losses, Brittany found steadiness in daily walks, watching seasons turn as grief softened. We explore found family, kinship that ignores the word “half,” and the way motherhood reframes generational trauma with tenderness and resolve.

If you’re wrestling with where you belong, how to write your truth, or how to hold hope when hope feels heavy, this episode offers a map that is honest and quietly brave.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review. Your words help others find these conversations :) And if you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Buy Brittany Penner's "Children Like Us"

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my new friend, Brittany!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS: What Lies Beneath

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

What a treat! This month's Bonus Episode: What Lies Beneath is available for all! No subscription required :)

PLEASE if you have not watched the movie, do that first and then listen to this episode!

My friend, Priscilla, stops in for a deep dive into why this psychological thriller still stings: Michelle Pfeiffer’s nerve and nuance, Harrison Ford’s brilliant portrayal, and Robert Zemeckis’s love letter to Hitchcock that uses mirrors, windows, and water to make the ordinary feel unsafe.

We unpack the film’s design from the ground up, including a Nantucket-style lake house built to glow in daylight and brood at dusk, multiple bathroom sets engineered for those impossible angles, and CGI used with restraint: steam that writes, reflections that betray, a ghost that returns for one exquisite moment of justice. The camera starts at eye level and sinks lower as dread rises, and Alan Silvestri’s score threads anxiety through every door creak and bathtub ripple. It’s meticulous craft serving a clean, propulsive plot: seance to possession, repressed memory to reveal, paralytic serum to bathtub suffocation, bridge crash to lakebed truth.

At the heart is a theme that still resonates-- how a woman’s intuition gets minimized when her evidence looks like superstition. Claire’s haunted house becomes a map of gaslighting—neighbors who might be violent, a husband who “cares,” a past smudged by trauma. Step by step, the film tests what we believe and why, until the lake gives up what the living tried to hide. Whether you think the marketing blunted the twist or simply reframed the suspense, the story’s spine holds: nothing stays buried forever.

If you loved the breakdown, check out our Bonus Episodes (available on Patreon or Apple Podcasts) for more smart deep dives!

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Motivation and Mindset // Emma Lovewell's "Live, Learn, Love Well"

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What if the phrases you hear in a workout could actually carry you through the hardest chapters of your life?

My friend Suz and I sat down with Emma Lovewell’s memoir, "Live Learn Love Well", and followed the thread from the bike to real-world resilience: family roots on Martha’s Vineyard, the ache of divorce, the shock of loss, and the steady return to self through movement, mindfulness, and self-respect.

We talk about why “progress, not perfection” is more than a punchy motto—it’s a practical way to live when goals get heavy and life gets loud. You’ll hear how Emma’s early exposure to meditation and her mother’s fearless body comfort set the tone for emotional tools that actually work. We also dig into gardening as a life practice: patience, compost as “valuable trash,” and the deep peace of tending something you can control when everything else feels uncertain.

Her care your identity shines through every page as Emma aims to help us all discover our Voice. She shares what it meant to feel caught between cultures as a half Chinese woman, and how a trip to Taiwan reframed belonging as a bridge rather than a gap. Suz and I reflect on forgiving without forgetting and learning to shout out your wins—big and small—so opportunities can find you. If you need a reset that blends therapy-backed tools with sweat-tested wisdom, this conversation meets you where you are and walks beside you, one honest rep at a time.

If this resonated, follow and subscribe, share with a friend who loves Peloton or a good memoir, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more curious listeners find the show and build their own best days.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 7 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Buy “Live Learn Love Well”

Suz and I’s favorite mantras:
Tunde’s “It’s a great day to have a great day!”
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option”

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Suz!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AUTHOR CHAT: Amy Gallo Ryan on Her Memoir "You May Feel a Bit of Pressure"

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT

A crowded waiting room where no one speaks.

That image frames my conversation with author Amy Gallo Ryan, whose memoir You May Feel a Bit of Pressure captures the invisible weight of infertility. Its medical routines, social silences, and the way hope can both carry and cut. We dig into why she wrote the book she couldn’t find, how ten years of drafting and revising turned chaos into story, and what it means to share the truth when the truth isn’t tidy.

Amy walks us through the physical and emotional toll of treatment (which includes Clomid, IUI, and IVF) and the quieter ruptures few people see: friendships painfully pushed away, a life controlled by injection routines and months of hope lost to blood work results, and a body that starts to feel separate from the self. We talk about identity, shame, and the primal pull to parent that defies tidy logic. We also pull back the curtain on publishing: querying too early, near‑misses, parting with an agent, and ultimately finding the right indie press.

If this conversation moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs to feel seen, and leave a review telling us what moment stayed with you. It helps others find the stories that help them feel less alone.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Buy Amy's memoir

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my new friend, Amy. Your book is beautiful and so are you!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Britney, B*tch // Britney Spears' "The Woman in Me"

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What does it feel like when your voice is taken from you?

In Britney Spears' groundbreaking memoir "The Woman in Me," we finally hear directly from the pop icon herself after years of silence enforced by a suffocating conservatorship.

Reading this memoir alongside my good friend Lizzie was a profound experience. Britney's story isn't just celebrity gossip; it's a stark warning about how easily a woman's autonomy can be stripped away under the guise of "protection." While she was creating chart-topping albums and performing sold-out Vegas residencies, her father controlled every aspect of her life, even pocketing more of her earnings than she received herself!!!

The book reframes moments we thought we understood through a completely different lens. That head-shaving incident? A desperate act of rebellion from a mother who'd been blocked from seeing her children. Those "erratic" public appearances? Often the result of being drugged without her consent. Throughout it all, Britney clung to performing as her sanctuary (she writes, "When I sing, I own who I am") even as that gift was weaponized against her.

What struck me most was Britney's resilience and grace. Despite everything she endured, from the cruel public scrutiny of her body as a teenager to having her children used as leverage against her, she never completely lost her sense of self or her capacity for joy. Her journey from "passive, people-pleasing girl to strong, confident woman" offers inspiration to anyone who has felt silenced.

This memoir serves as both personal catharsis and cultural reckoning. How do we treat women in the spotlight? Why do we place impossible expectations on them? And how did we allow a system to imprison someone in plain sight for thirteen years?

Britney's powerful declaration that "You have to speak the thing that you're feeling, even if it scares you" isn't just her healing manifesto, it's a call to all of us to examine how we participate in a culture that both elevates and destroys the women we claim to admire.

Join us for this deeply moving conversation about freedom, voice, and the courage to reclaim your narrative against all odds. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram @babesinbooklandpod—we'd love to hear which parts of Britney's story resonated most with you.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 10 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Buy “The Woman in Me” by Britney Spears

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Lizzie!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Silence Breaks, Hope Emerges // Chanel Miller's "Know My Name"

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

What happens when a woman refuses to remain nameless?

Chanel Miller's extraordinary memoir "Know My Name" transforms her painful journey from sexual assault victim to powerful advocate with unflinching honesty and surprising grace.

In this deeply moving discussion, my friend, Becca, and I explore how Chanel reclaimed her identity after being known only as "Emily Doe" in the highly publicized Stanford sexual assault case. Beyond the headlines that focused on her attacker's swimming career, we discover the full impact of trauma on her life. Chanel takes us from the immediate aftermath in a hospital room to the years-long battle through a legal system that so often fails survivors.

The conversation delves into the impossible standards placed on victims: the expectation to be the "perfect victim," the scrutiny of every life choice, and the burden of proving their own worth against a society eager to protect perpetrators. We examine how Chanel's victim impact statement, which reached millions when published anonymously, created a watershed moment in how we discuss sexual assault.

We reflect on Chanel's ultimate message of hope and resilience. Despite the trauma she endured, she reminds us that "from grief, confidence has grown" and "from anger, stemmed purpose." Her story isn't simply about survival-– it's about transformation, both personal and societal.

For parents wondering how to protect their children in an often-dangerous world, for anyone who has experienced trauma, or for those seeking to understand the true cost of sexual violence, this episode offers a profound meditation on justice, healing, and the revolutionary power of speaking truth.

This week's episode is available for free in its entirety.

Have you read “Know My Name"? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller

Other links:
"What Were You Wearing?" art installation
"What Was I Wearing?" Poem by Mary Simmerling
"The She Made Him Do It Theory of Everything" by Rebecca Solnit
RAINN Sexual Violence Statistics
RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline) 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Special thanks to my dear friend, Becca!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AUTHOR CHAT: Kaila Yu on Her Memoir "Fetishized"

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What happens when we confront the ways we've perpetuated stereotypes?

Kaila Yu joins me to discuss her raw, unflinching journey from pin up girl and import model to memoirist.

Kaila's memoir "Fetishized" emerged from the aftermath of the Atlanta spa shootings, forcing her to reckon with her own relationship with Asian fetishization. With remarkable candor, she reveals how she initially welcomed the attention that came with being an "exotic" Asian American woman after feeling invisible during her youth. "Getting older and discovering there are people who like us, it's like a compliment at first," she explains, before describing how this validation ultimately became a trap.

Her memoir weaves in fascinating historical context, exposing how military occupation and media stereotypes created the dual images of Asian women as both submissive geishas and dangerous dragon ladies. And Kaila doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, including her experiences with substance abuse, cosmetic surgery, and sexual assault. Her reflections on changing her name from Elaine to Kyla reveal a poignant attempt to escape feelings of inadequacy—creating a character she thought the world would find more valuable than her authentic self.

What makes this discussion particularly powerful is Kaila's willingness to examine her own complicity in these systems before finding a path toward healing. Through therapy and self-reflection, she's learned to embrace her authentic identity while using her experiences to educate others and articulating how fetishization disguises objectification as appreciation.

Have you considered how stereotypes might be shaping your own perceptions? Listen to this episode for an enlightening conversation that will challenge assumptions and expand your understanding of how race, gender, and media intersect in today's world.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Have you read “Fetishized"? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy "Fetishized" by Kaila Yu

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to Kaila and Lisa!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hair, Hope, and the Burden of Being Human // Allison Landa's "Bearded Lady"

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What defines beauty, and who decides if we're worthy of love?

In this deeply personal conversation about Alison Landa's memoir "Bearded Lady," my friend, Misty, and I explore the profound struggle of living with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), condition that causes excessive body hair growth, and the lifelong journey toward self-acceptance.

Allison's story begins in childhood when her mother, rather than filling a prescription that could help manage her condition, simply teaches her to shave. This moment sets the stage for years of struggle with both her physical appearance and her self-worth. Through bullying, failed treatments, and romantic disappointments, Allison questions whether she'll ever find acceptance... from others or herself.

As we unpack this powerful memoir, we weave in their own experiences with body image, parenting, and the search for self-acceptance. Misty, pregnant during recording, shares candid reflections about her changing body and her fears about motherhood while I talk about my own experience with bullying due to body hair. We hope our conversation creates a safe space to discuss the vulnerability we all face in our bodies.

The episode culminates with Allison's discovery that wanting to change something about yourself isn't always about conforming to society's standards—sometimes it's simply about honoring your own desires. Her eventual finding of love with someone who accepts her completely while supporting her choices provides a beautiful resolution to her journey.

This conversation will resonate with anyone who has ever felt defined by something they wish to change about themselves, or who has questioned where the line between self-acceptance and self-improvement truly lies. Join us for this thoughtful exploration of the burden—and beauty—of being human.

Subscribe now to hear more thought-provoking discussions about books that explore women's diverse experiences and the courage to live authentically.

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 43 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Have you read “Bearded Lady"? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy “Bearded Lady” by Allison Landa

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Technical editing by Brianna Picone
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Misty!
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purr-fect Love // Dr. Amy Attas' "Pets and the City"

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Do our pets make us better people?

My friend, Priscilla, and I think so! We chat about this idea and more as we discuss Dr. Amy Attas’ memoir "Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian."

When Dr. Amy Attas found herself unexpectedly fired from a prestigious Manhattan veterinary clinic, she did something revolutionary—she launched the city's first full-time veterinary house call practice. What began as a professional setback blossomed into a groundbreaking career that has touched the lives of over 14,000 pets and their devoted owners.

Through her memoir, Dr. Amy opens the door to the intimate world of in-home veterinary care, where examining rooms are luxury penthouses, celebrity apartments, and modest walk-ups alike. With compassion and wit, she recounts unforgettable encounters with clients ranging from Joan Rivers (who became both patient and cherished friend) to Billy Joel and even Cher, whose impromptu plane examination led to an unexpected naked consultation. Beyond the glitz, Dr. Amy masterfully captures the profound emotional landscape of caring for beloved animals in their own territories.

The heart of this memoir lies in the sacred human-animal bond that transcends social status and circumstance. Dr. Amy doesn't shy away from difficult topics, like the ethical dilemmas when owners refuse life-saving treatments, the heartbreaking decisions around end-of-life care, and the remarkable resilience of animals with disabilities. Her stories remind us that our pets see us at our most authentic selves, bearing witness to our vulnerabilities while offering unconditional love in return. Through her own journey of pet loss and renewal, she offers gentle wisdom about grief and the courage to love again.

Whether you're a devoted pet parent, considering adoption, or simply fascinated by the extraordinary connections between humans and animals, these true tales from Manhattan's pioneering house call veterinarian will transform how you understand the furry companions who make our worlds infinitely richer. Dr. Amy's remarkable journey proves that sometimes the most healing medicine comes with four paws, a wagging tail, and the ability to make any apartment feel like home.

Subscribe now to hear more thought-provoking discussions about books that explore women's diverse experiences and the courage to live authentically.

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 23 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Have you read “Pets and the City"? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy “Pets and the City” by Dr. Amy Attas

Other links:
volunteer.org
https://www.wcs.org/96-elephants
Heather’s Custom Pets

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Technical editing by Brianna Picone
Theme song by Devon Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear fr

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Childfree by Choice // Maria Coffey's "Instead"

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What happens when you choose a life without children in a world that expects motherhood?

Maria Coffey's memoir "Instead: Navigating Adventures of a Childfree Life" explores this question through her extraordinary journey from near-death experiences to global adventures. My friend, Jaime, and I discuss her inspiring conviction to live her life on her own terms.

Through vivid storytelling, we travel alongside Maria from her 1950s Catholic upbringing to her daring escape from traditional expectations. Her near-drowning experience at 21 became a pivotal moment, giving her clarity about life's fragility and the courage to chase her dreams despite her mother's disapproval. "I had to make my own life," Maria declares, words that become her north star as she builds an adventurous existence with her husband.

What makes this memoir extraordinary isn't just Maria's global kayaking expeditions or her successful travel business, but how she finds meaningful connections with children despite her choice not to have her own. Her relationships with Bok in Vietnam and Agnes in Kenya reveal that motherhood comes in many forms and our opportunities to have a positive effect on another are endless.

"Instead" challenges us to consider what makes a fulfilling life and reminds us that our choices don't require justification, even when they break tradition. Have you ever felt pressured to follow someone else's dream for your life? Maria's story might just give you the courage to follow your own.

Subscribe now to hear more thought-provoking discussions about books that explore women's diverse experiences and the courage to live authentically.

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 8 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Have you read “Instead"? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy “Instead” By Maria Coffey
Learn more about SOS Children’s Villages

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Technical editing by Brianna Picone
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Jaime. Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grief, Love, and Self-Discovery // Sarah Gormley's "The Order of Things"

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

What shapes who we become? Is it the milestones we achieve, the people we love, or the pain we endure?

Sarah Gormley's "The Order of Things: A Memoir of Chasing Joy" offers no simple answers, but instead invites us into the beautiful messiness of one woman's journey toward self-acceptance and self-love.

When Sarah returns to her family farm to care for her dying mother, she's at a crossroads. She’s burnt out from a corporate career that never fulfilled her and haunted by a relentless inner voice telling her she's worthless despite her external success. What unfolds is far from the typical grief memoir. Between caring for her mother as she dies, Sarah unexpectedly falls in love with her brother's childhood friend, Camillus, and begins dismantling the protective walls she's built around herself.

The book's non-linear format mirrors life's unpredictable nature. It jumps between Sarah's childhood memories, therapy sessions with the insightful (and amazing!!) David, raw moments at her mother's bedside, and all the ways Sarah's life is still expanding. We witness her unraveling the origins of her perfectionism and my friend, Colleen, and I discuss our own personal parallels to Sarah’s journey. We chat about our core beliefs, finding and accepting love, and more.

Through grief, love, and persistent self-examination, Sarah eventually learns to silence her inner critic and open herself to joy—not because she's earned it through achievement, but because she finally recognizes she deserves it simply by existing.

Ready to reconsider your own timeline and the voices you've allowed to define your worth? Dive into this transformative memoir that reminds us all that the most meaningful journeys rarely follow the order we expect.

Content advisory: we do discuss Sarah's eating disorder.

For the extended discussion of this episode (an additional 32 min), subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Patreon.

Support the show:
Buy us a book
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Have you read “The Order of Things"? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy “The Order of Things” by Sarah Gormley
https://sarahgormleygallery.com/

Support two wonderful organizations aimed to help women:
kherut.org
tostan.org

Learn more about Richard Rohr

Special thanks to my dear friend, Colleen. You are our happy monster. Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

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The Playboy Prison // Part Two of Crystal Hefner's "Only Say Good Things"

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What happens when the fairy tale turns out to be a gilded cage?

In part two this raw and revealing exploration, we continue our conversation about Crystal Hefner's memoir "Only Say Good Things" alongside Holly Madison's "Down the Rabbit Hole" to uncover the dark reality behind the Playboy Mansion's glamorous façade.

The conversation peels back layers of manipulation, control, and psychological erosion that defined life for Hugh Hefner's girlfriends. Despite the surface-level luxuries—weekly allowances, on-demand meals, and leisure time—both women describe a suffocating environment of strict curfews, surveillance, and emotional abuse. "It was an invisible trap framed by the language of choice," Crystal writes, capturing how even their apparent freedom was an illusion.

Brett and I thoughtfully explore the complexity of these women's experiences, wrestling with challenging questions: Why didn't they just leave? What kept them returning? How do we reconcile their agency with the manipulation they faced? Through this nuanced discussion, we try to understand how gradually these women lost their sense of identity and worth outside the mansion's walls—to the point where both became suicidal and required medication for depression.

Crystal's journey—escaping, returning, marrying Hefner, and finally finding herself after his death—ultimately offers hope. "I used to only say good things, but now I say whatever I want," she concludes, reclaiming her voice after years of silence. Her story reminds us that true freedom isn't about material luxury but about maintaining your identity, even in the most golden of cages.

Join us for this powerful conversation about power dynamics, self-worth, and the courage it takes to finally tell your truth.

Subscribe now to hear the full episode and support women's stories being told in their own words.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language and discussion about sexual abuse and trauma

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback! If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Link to this episodes books:
Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner
Down the Rabbit Hole by Holly Madison

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Technical editing by Brianna Picon
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Brett!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Than a Bunny // Part One of Crystal Hefner's "Only Say Good Things"

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Crystal Hefner's memoir "Only Say Good Things" takes us behind the glittering façade of the Playboy Mansion into a world of manipulation, trauma, and ultimately, self-discovery. Brett joins me to unpack this raw, unflinching account that exposes the dark reality of Hugh Hefner's empire and the psychological toll it took on the women within it.

Our conversation doesn't shy away from difficult truths. We explore how Crystal's early trauma—losing her father at age 12 and experiencing multiple sexual assaults—created patterns that made her vulnerable to manipulation. "I wanted a mother, but she wanted a new man," Crystal writes about her mother's response to grief, setting the stage for a lifetime of seeking validation from men. Her journey from a self-destructive 22-year-old to Hugh Hefner's girlfriend and eventually his wife reveals how easily vulnerable young women were pulled into this predatory environment.

What makes this discussion particularly compelling is how it compares Crystal's experiences with those of Holly Madison from "Down the Rabbit Hole." The similarities are striking: both women entered believing they had power in the relationship, only to discover they were being systematically broken down and controlled. We examine how Hefner created a competitive environment among his girlfriends, using their insecurities to maintain control while presenting a sanitized version of his life to the public through shows like "The Girls Next Door."

The memoir challenges us to question broader cultural issues around sexual exploitation, consent, and the way society often blames victims rather than confronting predatory behavior. In part one, as Brett and I discuss Crystal's early years up until that fateful night she attended the Halloween party at the mansion when her life changed forever.

Join us for this thought-provoking two-part conversation that goes beyond celebrity gossip to examine the psychological impact of exploitation and the long, complex path to reclaiming one's identity and worth. This is more than just a memoir review—it's a window into how trauma shapes our choices and how even the most broken paths can eventually lead to healing.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language and discussion about sexual abuse and trauma

Link to this episode’s books:
Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner
Down the Rabbit Hole by Holly Madison

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Technical editing by Brianna Picone

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Brett!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Invisible Weapon Against Women // Melissa Petro's "Shame on You"

Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT

What if the shame you've carried your entire life isn't yours to bear?

In this unflinchingly honest memoir, Melissa Petro invites us on her journey from girlhood to empowered womanhood, challenging us to examine the roots of our own shame along the way.

Growing up with a mother who overshared inappropriate details and a father who maintained separate lives, Melissa absorbed confusing messages about her worth from an early age. As she navigated adolescence and sexual awakening, she found herself internalizing the message that her pleasure and needs were secondary to men's. These early experiences laid the groundwork for a complicated relationship with shame that would follow her into adulthood.

When financial necessity led Melissa to work in strip clubs during college, she discovered an unexpected sense of power and autonomy, yet simultaneously battled societal judgment and her own conflicting feelings. This inner turmoil intensified years later when, after establishing herself as a dedicated elementary school teacher, she wrote an article about her past sex work experience. The resulting media firestorm and forced resignation became a crucible that ultimately strengthened her resolve to live authentically.

Through meticulous research and deeply personal storytelling, Melissa illuminates how shame functions as a control mechanism, particularly for women. She unpacks the impossible, often contradictory standards society imposes: be sexy but not too sexy, be assertive but not aggressive, be a perfect mother while maintaining your career and identity. By naming these paradoxical expectations, she helps us recognize the external forces that trigger our own feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness.

The true power of this memoir lies in Melissa's practical guidance for building shame resilience. Rather than fighting shame—which only creates internal war—she advocates for accepting and understanding our feelings while developing critical awareness of shame's external sources. Her emphasis on storytelling as healing reminds us that shame thrives in isolation and silence but dissolves in community and connection.

My friend, NA, and I discuss the reflections that we had during and after reading Melissa's powerful memoir, including our own shame triggers, our efforts to stop the "shame cycle" and how to build shame resilience. The best way? Sharing our stories and our shames.

Whether you're grappling with body image issues, sexual history, motherhood challenges, or any other source of shame, Melissa's compassionate wisdom offers a path toward self-forgiveness and authentic living. Ready to unburden yourself from shame that was never yours to carry?

Have you read “Shame on You"? Share your thoughts with us! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy “Shame on You” by Melissa Petro
Melissa's article: Thoughts From a Former Craigslist Sex Worker
https://www.melissa-petro.com/articles

Support the show:
On Patreon
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Transcripts

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The Immeasurable Worth of Every Life // Heather Lanier's "Raising a Rare Girl"

Wed, 07 May 2025 12:00:00 GMT

What makes a life valuable?

When Heather Lanier's daughter was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS)-- a rare condition affecting just 1 in 50,000 births-- she was forced to confront just how deeply our society ranks human worth based on "normalcy". My cousin, Kimmy, joins me to share her parallel journey raising a daughter with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and how it mirrors Heather’s powerful and moving memoir.

Join us as we dive into the raw reality of hearing doctors casually deliver life-altering diagnoses before switching to weekend plans, the crushing weight of being asked if you took drugs during pregnancy when your baby isn't "perfect," and the constant battle for resources that should be basic rights. Kimmy's experience moving from a small town to access better services for her daughter highlights the geographical lottery of disability support in America.

The conversation takes a powerful turn toward current politics when Kimmy articulates how budget cuts and attacks on diversity initiatives directly threaten children like hers. "80% of the visually impaired community is unemployed because we've been lacking in our support and inclusion," she reveals, challenging the notion that eliminating DEI somehow benefits society.

Both mothers reject the idea that their daughters exist to teach others gratitude or perspective. Instead, they celebrate their children's determination, joy, and inherent worth. In her memoir, Heather writes, "I had to die to some version of myself, the desperate, clinging, distraught version who wanted what her child was not."

Whether you're a parent navigating special needs, someone curious about disability perspectives, or simply seeking to expand your understanding of human diversity, this episode offers profound insights that will transform how you see value, ability, and the unexpected paths that sometimes lead to our greatest growth. This episode will make you question what you've been conditioned to value and why—and whether we're creating a world that truly welcomes everyone.

Have you read “Raising a Rare Girl"? Share your thoughts with us! We'd love to hear which parts of Heather and Kimmy's journeys resonated most with you! Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy “Raising a Rare Girl” by Heather Lanier

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.
Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Kimmy. I’ve always been in awe of your strength and determination. Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blonde Bombshell // Jessica Simpsons "Open Book"

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Can you shine light on the dark parts of your life?

Jessica Simpson's memoir, Open Book, is a raw, unfiltered truth from a woman who spent years living her life in the public eye while hiding her deepest struggles. In this heartfelt conversation, my friend, Lizzie, and I unpack Jessica's journey from a pastor's daughter with childhood trauma to pop princess to billion-dollar business mogul. Plus, we explore the profound impact these experiences (plus childhood trauma) had on her identity and relationships.

Jessica's memoir reveals devastating childhood experiences including sexual abuse that went unaddressed by her parents, creating patterns that would follow her throughout life. We examine how the entertainment industry shaped her from age 17, when Columbia Records executive, Tommy Mottola, demanded she lose fifteen pounds – beginning a twenty-year battle with diet pills and body image. The discussion turns to her relationships, particularly her marriage to Nick Lachey and the reality show "Newlyweds" that transformed them into "actors in their own lives," and her emotionally manipulative relationship with John Mayer.

What makes Jessica's story so compelling isn't just her celebrity status, but her remarkable self-awareness about her struggles with addiction, body image, and seeking validation. Her journey toward sobriety and self-acceptance resonates whether you've followed her career or not. We chat about the incredible fashion empire Jessica built that focused on her commitment to serving women of all body types... even as the media scrutinized her own physical appearance.

This episode celebrates Jessica's resilience and hard-won wisdom. Her powerful realization that "we need to own our weakness, our hurt, our pain and say it out loud" serves as inspiration for anyone working to overcome their past.

Have you read Open Book? Share your thoughts with us! We'd love to hear which parts of Jessica's journey resonated most with you. Connect with us @babesinbooklandpod or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com.

If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Buy Open Book by Jessica Simpson

Transcripts are available through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Lizzie. You always provide a safe space for me to bare all.
Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Weight of the Law // Anna Dorn's "Bad Lawyer"

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

What happens when the system you joined to fight injustice turns out to be part of the problem?

Anna Dorn's memoir "Bad Lawyer" takes readers on a journey through the disillusionment that awaits idealistic young lawyers who enter the profession wanting to make a difference. My friend, Cara (a retired lawyer!) and I discuss how to stay hopeful and find the positives in a "bad" criminal justice system.

Though she refers to law as a "hideous heirloom" passed down from her father and grandfather, Anna aims to be one of the "good lawyers" defending vulnerable populations rather than corporations. Because she was able to attend law school fully paid for, she writes she can avoid the "golden handcuffs" shackling so many other well-intentioned lawyers.

Anna's memoir shines brightest when exposing the stark realities of America's criminal justice system. Through her work with juvenile offenders and marginalized communities, Dorn reveals how the system serves to "enforce social stratification" rather than deliver justice. She unflinchingly describes a world where most of her clients share identical backgrounds—abuse, poverty, racial disadvantage, and mental illness—trapped in a cycle that offers no real path to rehabilitation.

Anna's powerful and honest self-assessment as a "bad lawyer" who couldn't embrace the system's rigid rules speaks to anyone who's questioned their career path. Her journey reminds us that true fulfillment often lies beyond the expectations others set for us, and that sometimes the most meaningful way to fight injustice is to tell its story.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Show Links:
Enneagram Test
Death Penalty Statistics
Countries with Death Penalty
The Danish Prison System
The States Project
Five Calls

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback! If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Link to this episode’s book:
Bad Lawyer by Anna Dorn

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app

This episode is produced, recorded, and its content edited by me.
Technical editing by Brianna P

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Cara. My article sharing angel!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Impossible and the Inevitable // Hope Jahren’s "Lab Girl"

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT

How can you grow toward the light?

When geobiologist Hope Jahren picks up a seed, she sees what most of us miss – not just a potential plant, but a living testament to survival against impossible odds. In Lab Girl, Jahren's extraordinary memoir, these botanical insights become profound metaphors for human resilience, determination, and growth. Join my friend, Page, and I as we dig into this moving memoir.

Opening the laboratory doors wide, Jahren invites us into the challenging world of scientific research, where curiosity fuels discovery but funding dictates survival. "Ask a science professor what she worries about," she writes with candid honesty, "She'll look you in the eye and say one word: money." Through her experiences, we witness the precarious balancing act of pursuing knowledge in a system that often undervalues curiosity-driven research.

What truly elevates this memoir is Hope's unique ability to weave together scientific exploration with deeply personal narrative. Her friendship with lab partner, Bill, transcends conventional relationships, forming an unbreakable bond forged through shared passion and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, her raw accounts of navigating academia as a woman, managing bipolar disorder, and embracing unexpected motherhood reveal a scientist whose humanity is as remarkable as her intellect.

Throughout the book, Hope's botanical chapters serve as poetic interludes, illuminating connections between plant biology and human experience. When she observes that "people are like plants, they grow toward the light," or that trees are "both impossible and inevitable," she offers wisdom that resonates far beyond laboratory walls. Each scientific observation becomes a meditation on persistence, adaptation, and finding one's place in the world.

Plant a tree after reading Lab Girl, as Hope suggests. Watch it grow and consider its perspective. In doing so, you might discover what she learned through years of scientific inquiry and personal growth – that understanding the natural world helps us better understand ourselves, and that even the most remarkable lives begin as seeds, waiting for their chance to flourish.

P.S. Make sure you listen for the secret question you can answer to be entered to win a money tree! Enter by DMing me @babesinbooklandpod !!!!

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

Support the show
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback! If you leave a kind review, I might read it at top of show!

Link to this episode’s book:
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Pa

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saying YES Changed Her Life - And It Could Change Yours Too // Shonda Rhimes' "Year of Yes"

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Surprise! We're releasing the EXTENDED episode for free this week!

Why don’t we all dance it out?

The Queen of storytelling, Shonda Rhimes' memoir "Year of Yes" chronicles her transformative journey of saying yes to everything that scared her for one year, resulting in profound personal growth and reclaiming her joy. In this episode, my friend, Gina, and I discuss her insights and advice, how she balances pushing herself and setting healthy boundaries, and how the word “no” can actually be the best “yes” for yourself. Discover Shonda's journey:

• The challenge began when Shonda's sister pointed out "You never say yes to anything" over Thanksgiving dinner
• Shonda's first yes was appearing on Jimmy Kimmel, despite crippling anxiety about public appearances
• Accepting the Dartmouth commencement speech invitation pushed her further out of her comfort zone
• Making a commitment to say yes whenever her daughters asked her to play became a priority
• Learning to accept compliments without deflection was particularly challenging for Shonda
• Saying no to marriage when it wasn't truly what she wanted became her biggest yes to herself
• Shonda openly discusses having nannies and help at home, breaking the silence around working mothers' support systems
• Her father's advice that "the only limit to your success is your own imagination" became a guiding principle

Find your happy place - your joy, where life feels more good than not good - and give yourself permission to prioritize what makes you feel good.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

Gina’s Event Planning Business:
Enchanted Events by Gina
Enchanted Events by Gina Instagram

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Link to this episode’s book:
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Gina. I’ll be your belay (billet, ballet?) anytime!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Weight of Two Worlds // Elizabeth Miki Brina's "Speak, Okinawa"

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT

How do our parents shape our identity?

In her beautiful and thought-provoking memoir, Elizabeth Miki Brina, exposes her painful personal history and complicated relationship with her mother. My friend, Nadia, and I discuss the ways Elizabeth seeks to build an understanding of why their relationship was so tense in her adolescence and how she has learned to love the part of herself she was once ashamed of. We also reflect on our own journeys through parenthood and Nadia shares familial anecdotes. Elizabeth also provides an education on Okinawa’s painful history.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language, discussion about war crimes and violence

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Link to this episode’s book:
Speak, Okinawa by Elizabeth Miki Brina

Show Links:
Maggie Estep performing “Happy”
Big Poppa E performing “There’s a Hole in My Heart”
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Derk Kolk
The Story of Sadako Sasaki

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Nadia. Your thoughtful, curious, and compassionate approach to life and motherhood is inspiring!

Xx, Alex

yhTps0j5fkDzBICAN2QG

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barefoot & Bold: Ina Garten's Journey from Belittled Daughter to Culinary Queen in "Be Ready When the Luck Happens"

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Does luck negate success?

Ina Garten's memoir "Be Ready When the Luck Happens" shatters the perfect image we've come to know from her television persona. Behind that warm smile and effortless entertaining style lies a woman who overcame crushing parental criticism, gender barriers of the 1970s, and career frustrations before finding her true calling.

My friend and Ina Super Fan, Lina and I unpack the surprising revelations about Ina's childhood, where her parents constantly belittled her and made her feel worthless. This stark contrast to her current success raises profound questions about resilience and self-determination. The conversation explores how meeting Jeffrey – who Ina describes as "the first feminist I knew" – transformed her life by encouraging her to pursue her ambitions during an era when women were primarily valued for their homemaking abilities.

Along the way, we examine Ina's philosophy on entertaining (it's about the people, not just the food), her meticulous recipe development process, and her courage to trust her instincts when industry experts told her "that's not how it's done."

Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion around Ina and Jeffrey's marriage, including the SURPRISE revelation about their temporary separation when Ina needed to discover herself independently. Their relationship journey offers valuable insights about partnership, equality, and supporting each other's dreams while maintaining individual identity. Our conversation culminates with a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between hard work and luck – was Ina's success simply good fortune, or did she create her own opportunities through diligence and authenticity? What do you think?

Lina and I also discuss the ways we aim to instill a strong sense of self-worth in our children, how we work through our own martial bumps in the road, and Lina shares her favorite Ina Garten recipe!

Whether you're an Ina superfan or just discovering her story, this episode will inspire you to challenge convention, trust your instincts, and remember that it's never too late to reinvent yourself. Subscribe for more conversations that celebrate women's stories and the books that shape our understanding of the world.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Link to this episode’s book:
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

Show Links:
Want To Raise More Successful and Happier Kids?

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Speci

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Life Lessons from the Basketball Nun // Sister Jean's "Wake up With Purpose!"

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

How do you find your purpose?

My friend, Suz, and I chat about how difficult it can be to feel like you're on the right path and how in awe of Sister Jean's ability to relax into and trust in God's plan for her. In her memoir, Sister Jean, the 105-year-old basketball-loving Sister who captured America's heart during March Madness, shares her century of wisdom in a heartwarming discussion about finding purpose, choosing happiness, and embracing differences.

• Born in 1919 and raised in a community of immigrants, Sister Jean developed early appreciation for diversity
• Sister Jean discovered her calling to become a sister in third grade, ultimately joining the Order of Blessed Virgin Mary
• Her adaptability and forward-thinking approach helped her navigate nearly eight decades as an educator
• Becoming Loyola Chicago's basketball chaplain in 1994 set the stage for her unexpected fame during March Madness
• Sister Jean values teamwork above all, believing "life is a team sport" that requires collaboration in all aspects
• Her daily routine includes waking at 5am for prayer and reflection, attributing her longevity to living with purpose
• At 98, she became an overnight basketball sensation when Loyola reached the Final Four in 2018
• Sister Jean advocates for happiness as a choice that becomes "contagious" to those around us
• Her progressive views on acceptance, climate change, and learning from history reflect her balanced worldview

Wake up with purpose each day, and remember that it's easy to do good if you want to do good.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

Support the victims and first responders of the Los Angeles Fires

Link to this episode’s book:
Wake up With Purpose!: What I Learned in my First Hundred Years by Sister Jean

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Show Links:
Forest Bathing
Stress Can Increase Your Biological Age
The Game of Change

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Suz. We’ll figure it out!

Xx, Alex

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FREE-lease - Subscriber Edition - "Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes" by Jessica Pan

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year and Welcome to Season 2!

We're returning to Jessica Pan's hilarious and thought-provoking memoir to reflect on how far we've been and look forward to where we can go! Thanks for being on this journey with me!

Xx,
Alex

Who could you be if you didn’t label yourself?

Jessica Pan, a self-described shintrovert (that’s shy + introvert) is ready to challenge herself to live like an extrovert for one year and see what positive changes and magical moments she can experience when she steps out of her comfort zone. In this episode, my friend, Misty, and I will discover the importance of mentors, physical ways to combat anxiety, and how getting out of your own way can be the most empowering move of all.

I’m beyond thrilled to start my own journey with you as this podcast grows. We recorded this episode almost six months ago and now it’s finally here. I couldn’t be happier!

Support the show!
On Patreon!
Buy us a book!
Buy cute merch!

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come by Jessica Pan

Other ways to support/connect with Jessica Pan:
Substack
Instagram

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Misty. You’ve known me all my life and you still love me and allow me to grow and change. Xx

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Journey Through Grief and Redemption on the Pacific Crest Trail // Cheryl Strayed's "Wild"

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 15:00:00 GMT

How can you find yourself?

Cheryl Strayed recounts her transformative 1,100-mile solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail following her mother's death and subsequent personal crisis. My friend, Lauren, and I discuss how through physical challenges and moments of profound clarity, Cheryl rediscovers her strength and finds healing in the wilderness.

• Cheryl's motivation to hike the PCT stemmed from profound grief over her mother's death
• Her unpreparedness—including too-small boots and an overpacked backpack—mirrors her emotional state
• Wilderness solitude forces confrontation with past traumas including her father's absence and failed marriage
• Encounters with fellow hikers and trail angels provide unexpected kindness and community
• Physical challenges like dehydration, lost toenails, and extreme weather become metaphors for emotional resilience
• Moments of natural beauty bring spiritual connection and healing
• The journey transforms from an escape into a path toward self-acceptance
• By journey's end, Cheryl realizes that moving forward doesn't require knowing her exact destination

"It was enough to trust that what I'd done was true. To understand its meaning without yet being able to say precisely what it was... It was my life, like all lives, mysterious and irrevocable and sacred. So very close, so very present, so very belonging to me. How wild it was to let it be."

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Other ways to support/connect with Cheryl Strayed:
Instagram
Personal Website

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Lauren. I’d go hiking/rock climbing/camping with you ANY day!

Xx, Alex

Chapter Markers:
0:00: Episode Introduction and Mother's Death
12:50: Relationships and Identity Before the Trail
22:10: Decision to Hike the PCT
37:23: First Steps and Early Trail Challenges
51:33: Meeting Fellow Hikers and Finding Community
1:02:39: Physical Transformation and Personal Growth
1:12:44: Dangers and Fears Along the Journey
1:19:36: The Bridge of Gods and Final Reflections

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The Messy Path to Inner Peace // LL Kirchner's "Blissful Thinking"

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:00:00 GMT

When life falls apart, how far would you go to put yourself back together?

In this thought-provoking episode, my friend, Jaime, and I dive deep into LL Kirchner's memoir "Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Revolution," exploring one woman's global quest for healing after her marriage suddenly ends.

From yoga teacher training in India to ten-day silent meditation retreats, energy healing sessions to Buddhist temples, Lisa's journey takes her across continents and through numerous spiritual practices as she fights to maintain her sobriety and rediscover her self-worth. But beneath these exotic wellness pursuits lies a universal struggle: how do we heal our deepest wounds and learn to truly love ourselves?

Alex and Jamie thoughtfully unpack the concept of "emotional sobriety," the trillion-dollar wellness industry, and the privilege inherent in spiritual seeking. They share their own experiences with meditation, yoga, and cold plunges while maintaining a balanced perspective on what truly helps us heal. The conversation weaves through Buddhist wisdom from Pema Chödrön, the science behind wellness practices, and honest reflections on family trauma and personal growth.

What emerges is a profound discussion about the revolution of self-acceptance. As Lisa writes, "For the duration of my spiritual search, I'd been fixated on detecting my faults. The idea that I didn't need to change myself was a revolution." This episode invites listeners to consider whether true healing might begin not with fixing ourselves, but with embracing who we already are.

Join us for this vulnerable, insightful conversation that will leave you questioning your own wellness journey and perhaps discovering that you've been enough all along. Subscribe now to hear more thought-provoking discussions about books that change how we see ourselves and the world.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:

Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Journey by LL Kirchner

Other ways to support/connect with LL Kirchner:
Instagram

Show Notes:
Carl Sagan - Pale Blue Dot - video
Tara Brach - Radical Compassion - book
Christy Harrison – The Wellness Trap - book
Adam Grant: How to stop languishing and start finding flow |

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating Trauma, Labor, and Cultural Identity // Anna Qu's "Made in China"

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:00:00 GMT

How do you live with unanswered questions?

How do we heal from wounds that were never acknowledged? In Anna Qu's powerful memoir "Made in China," my friend, Brett, and I witness the devastating impact of maternal rejection against the backdrop of immigrant struggles in America.

Pulled from her loving grandparents' home in China at age seven, Anna arrives in America to discover she's an unwelcome intruder in her mother's new family. What follows is a modern-day Cinderella story without the happy ending—Anna becomes the family servant, catering to half-siblings who are cherished while she is treated with contempt. Her mother refuses to let her call her "mom," insisting she pretend they're mere relatives to hide her shameful past.

When Anna is forced to work in her stepfather's sweatshop as a young teenager, we get glimpses of the exploitative labor practices affecting vulnerable immigrants in America. The factory scenes—with their stifling heat, circulating fabric dust, and repetitive motions causing physical injuries—illuminate workforce realities many consumers prefer not to see behind their clothing purchases.

The memoir's most profound moments come from Anna's struggle to find her voice and advocate for herself in a family system designed to silence her. Her eventual call to Child Protective Services represents a pivotal act of courage, though the legal system's limitations become painfully apparent when investigators rule "no abuse" despite clear emotional and physical mistreatment. "It's not illegal for your mother not to love you," becomes a devastating revelation that resonates throughout the narrative.

This story asks difficult questions about parental relationships, cultural expectations, and how we move forward when justice and closure remain elusive. Can we find peace without someone acknowledging the harm they've caused? Anna's journey doesn't offer easy answers, but her resilience and eventual reunion with her grandmother provide a measure of healing that will stay with you long after the final page.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language, discussion about abuse, a story involving sexual harassment

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Made in China: A Memoir of Love and Labor by Anna Qu

Other ways to support/connect with Anna Qu
Instagram

Anna Qu's website

Link to Olly Richard’s “How Many Languages Are There in China?”

Link to Vox Article: You buy a purse at Walmart. There’s a note inside from a “Chinese prisoner.” Now what? Tracing a mysterious message across the world to understand how what we buy is made.

Brett’s Favorite Romance Book
Credence

Alex’s Favorite

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FREE-lease - Subscriber Edition - "Finding Me" by Viola Davis

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Gave myself a birthday break and you guys access to the extended version of Finding Me by Viola Davis.

Also, included this poem that I am turning to right now for hope, comfort, and grit:

Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

’Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops,

Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

’Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin’ in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame

I rise

Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise.

******
How do we choose grace and compassion?

In her heartbreaking memoir, Viola Davis opens up about her abusive childhood and the adversity she faced as a Black actress. My friend, Ngoc Anh, and I discuss her unparalleled talent, strength in her convictions, empathy and how she encourages us to reflect on what holds us back in our own lives. Through her life story, we see that though the journey to self-discovery is often difficult, it’s worth it.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assault

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Finding Me by Viola Davis

Other ways to support/connect with Viola Davis:
Viola Davis IMDB
Instagram

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Ngoc Anh. You’re my honorary big sis and I’m so lucky to know you!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seduced by American Apparel // Kate Flannery's "Strip Tees"

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

When is it sexual empowerment versus sexual exploitation?

Kate Flannery's memoir "Strip Tees: A Memoir of Millennial Los Angeles" pulls back the curtain on her time at American Apparel, revealing the seductive allure and ultimate betrayal of what appeared to be an ethical fashion revolution. When fresh out of feminist-focused Bryn Mawr College, Kate found herself drawn to American Apparel's vision of progressive values, diverse representation, and "ethical capitalism." The billboards featuring real women with bodies that looked like hers offered a refreshing alternative to the airbrushed perfection that dominated fashion advertising.

What unfolds is a haunting journey into a cult-like corporate environment where professional boundaries disintegrated and exploitation thrived under the guise of sexual liberation. As Kate rises through the company ranks, she's constantly battling between the feminist principles she was taught and the reality of working for a man who systematically takes advantage of young women. The memoir offers a raw, unflinching look at how easily our deeply-held values can be compromised when mixed with ambition, the desire to belong, and financial dependence.

Throughout our discussion, my friend, Kate (not the author), and I explore the fine line between sexual empowerment and sexual exploitation – a central question that Kate grapples with throughout her experience. Who truly has the power when men are making money off women's bodies? How are feminist ideals co-opted and weaponized against the very people they were meant to empower? We dig into the manipulative tactics used by charismatic leaders, the isolation techniques that keep employees dependent, and the internal justifications we create to explain away increasingly problematic behavior.

For any woman who has felt the pressure to compromise her boundaries in professional settings or questioned whether she's truly being empowered or merely exploited, this conversation will resonate deeply. Listen as we unpack this cautionary tale about finding your voice and holding firm to your values, even when surrounded by voices telling you to do otherwise.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language, discussion about attempted sexual assault/rape

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Strip Tees by Kate Flannery

Other ways to support/connect with Kate Flannery
Instagram

Link to article about the value of SAHP (Forbes)

Link to article about hyperthymic temperament (Wiki)

Link to article about Marilyn Monroe’s “centerfold photo shoot” (biography.com)

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Dreams Turn into Nightmares // Carmen Maria Machado's "In the Dream House"

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Do you accept the love you deserve?

My friend, Priscilla, and I chat about the incredibly unique and moving memoir In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado. Carmen illuminates and writes about her own experience with domestic abuse within her same-sex relationship—bringing her story and those like it out of the shadows and into the conversation. Priscilla and I reflect on the ways we resonated with Carmen and the ways she helped open our minds and hearts.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language, discussion about abuse and domestic violence

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

Link to this episode’s book:
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

Other ways to support/connect with Carmen Maria Machado
Instagram

Link to Domestic Violence in the LGTBQ+ community statistics

Ways to support survivors of Domestic Violence
https://www.asafeplace.org/
https://www.1736fcc.org/
https://www.sfaws.org/

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE(7233)
Text BEGIN to 88788

https://www.womenslaw.org/

Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks (again!) to my dear friend, Priscilla. Best friends for over TWENTY YEARS!!! (We don’t talk about sophomore year).

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking Free from Family Fundamentalism // Tara Westover's "Educated"

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

How can we continue to learn and grow?

The extraordinary journey of Tara Westover from isolated survivalist compound to prestigious academic institutions forms the heart of our discussion about her bestselling memoir "Educated." This raw, powerful book chronicles how a young woman who never attended school until age 17 eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University, but the path demanded sacrifices few could imagine.

Growing up in rural Idaho under the shadow of a father with likely untreated bipolar disorder who preached religious extremism, Westover's childhood was defined by physical labor, preparation for the apocalypse, and dangerous isolation from mainstream society. Her mother's herbal remedies substituted for medical care, and formal education was dismissed as government brainwashing. Most devastating was the violent physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her older brother – trauma her family would later deny and reframe as her own manipulation.

My friend, Jaime, and I explore the complex dynamics that kept Westover tethered to her family despite the abuse, and how education became both her escape route and the wedge that would ultimately separate her from most of her family members. We examine the weaponization of religion, particularly how misogyny disguised as religious fundamentalism shaped Westover's understanding of womanhood and her own worth. The memoir's most heartbreaking revelation may be how Westover's attempt to confront her family about the abuse led to further gaslighting and rejection.

What makes Westover's story so compelling is not just her academic achievements against impossible odds, but her courage to question everything she'd been taught about herself and the world. Through education, she gained not just knowledge but the critical thinking skills to reexamine her past and forge her own identity – even when it meant losing family connections. Her journey reminds us that sometimes the most profound education happens not in classrooms but in the painful process of reclaiming our own narratives.

Subscribe to hear more thought-provoking conversations about memoirs that challenge, inspire, and transform our understanding of the human experience. What book has changed how you see yourself or the world around you?

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language, discussion about abuse

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Educated by Tara Westover

Other ways to support/connect with Tara Westover
Instagram

Link to Food Stamp Statistics

Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reclaim Your Shine // Michelle's Buteau's "Survival of the Thickest"

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMT

What makes you laugh?

Michelle Buteau's memoir "Survival of the Thickest" feels like having a heart-to-heart with your boldest, most authentic friend – the one who makes you laugh until it hurts while dropping profound truth bombs that stick with you for days.

From the moment my friend, Page, and I dive into her world, Buteau's voice leaps off the page with unfiltered honesty about growing up in a body that developed faster than her peers. "I wasn't fat, but since I was bigger than everyone else, I was made to feel fat," she writes, capturing the universal experience of body shame that so many women carry. But what makes her story exceptional isn't just the struggles – it's how she transforms them into stepping stones toward radical self-acceptance, encouraging readers to reframe "problem areas" as simply "human areas."

Her journey through relationships is equally compelling, from heartbreaking betrayals (her first boyfriend cheating with her best friend) to finding true partnership with her Dutch husband, Gijs. Buteau's candid account of her fertility struggles – multiple miscarriages, failed IVF treatments, and eventually surrogacy – provides both emotional depth and practical wisdom about supporting loved ones through similar challenges. The simple phrase she wished people had said – "I'm sorry you're going through this. I can't imagine what that's like" – serves as a masterclass in compassion.

Throughout the memoir, Buteau's experiences as a light-skinned Black woman highlight the complexities of racial identity in America. Her ability to deliver devastating clap backs when confronted with ignorance showcases both her quick wit and emotional intelligence. Whether she's navigating motherhood, career challenges, or family dynamics, Buteau reminds us that our prime isn't defined by society – it's when we're fully ourselves, embracing our authentic truth with courage and humor. We also get into our first kiss stories, how to show up for your friends and yourself, and THE BEST CLAP BACK EVER. Seriously. EVER

Have you read "Survival of the Thickest" yet? Share your favorite moments from Michelle's journey and join our conversation about embracing your shine without apology. We get into our first kiss stories, how to show up for your friends and yourself, and THE BEST CLAP BACK EVER. Seriously. EVER.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Survival of the Thickest by Michelle Buteau

Other ways to support/connect with Michelle Buteau
Instagram

Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear fr

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prison Within: How She Found Freedom After Auschwitz // Dr. Edith Eva Eger's "The Choice"

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Can you break through the fear to find the hope and the light?

Dr. Edith Eger's memoir "The Choice" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit that will leave you forever changed. My friend, Colette, and I dive deep into this transformative story of a teenage Hungarian ballerina who survived Auschwitz, lost her parents to the gas chambers, and eventually became a renowned psychologist helping others heal from trauma.

What sets this memoir apart is how Edith weaves her horrific experiences with profound wisdom about freedom, forgiveness, and the power of choice. From dancing for Dr. Mengele to save her life to the heart-wrenching guilt she carried for decades, Edith's journey shows us that while we cannot control what happens to us, we always control how we respond. Her mantra, "If I survive today, tomorrow I'll be free," carried her through unimaginable suffering.

The conversation explores how trauma affects us all, the dangers of denial, and why Edith believes "there is no hierarchy of suffering." Alex and Colette, a therapist herself, discuss how Edith's principles apply to everyday struggles and why her message resonates far beyond Holocaust literature. They reflect on her powerful insight: "The biggest prison is your own mind, and in your pocket you already have the key."

This episode contains detailed descriptions of Holocaust experiences that may be difficult for some listeners. However, like Edith's memoir, it ultimately leaves you with hope and a profound appreciation for life's possibilities when we embrace our power to choose. Listen with care, but know that this conversation might just change how you view your own capacity for healing and transformation. Colette also drops some beautiful nuggets of wisdom along the way!

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger

The Young Adult Version of this book:
The Ballerina of Auschwitz by Dr. Edith Eger

Finding Light in the Darkest Places // Part Two of Erika L. Sánchez's "Crying in the Bathroom"

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Where do your beliefs about yourself and your worth come from? (And how do we change them!?)

Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sánchez is more than just a memoir—it's a roadmap for anyone navigating the complex terrain of identity, self-worth, and finding joy amid life's challenges.

As we dive into part two of our discussion, my friend, Diliana, and I explore how Erika's romantic relationships mirror her journey toward self-acceptance. From her affair with Abdul (a married man) to finding true partnership with Will, her experiences reveal a profound truth: we attract partners who reflect how we treat ourselves. This revelation sparks a candid conversation about our own relationship patterns and how they evolve as we grow.

Beauty standards take center stage as we examine Erika's struggles with representation and acceptance. Her questioning of "who gets to decide" what beauty means resonates deeply, prompting stories about our own journeys through hair dye, tanning beds, and clothing choices made to fit in or stand out. We laugh about our younger selves while recognizing the serious impact these standards have on our self-perception.

The most powerful moments come when discussing Erika's discovery of "absolute happiness"—joy that exists independently of circumstances. Through Buddhist philosophy, she learns to embrace pain rather than escape it, transforming her relationship with herself. Her beautiful letter to her daughter Sojourner captures this wisdom: "The world was not built for you, but there is beauty everywhere. My greatest wish is that you fight for it."

What makes this memoir extraordinary is Erika's unflinching honesty about her flaws and contradictions. By sharing her story so openly, she gives us permission to acknowledge our own messy humanity. Have you read a book that changed how you see yourself? We'd love to hear your story.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sánchez

Other links:
Kerry’s Washington’s performance of Sojourner Truth’s speech: Ain't I A Woman?
ORLAN’S Instagram

Other ways to support/connect with Erika L. Sánchez:
Instagram
Lesson on Expulsion
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know.

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laughter as Survival // Part One of Erika L. Sánchez's "Crying in the Bathroom"

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT

How do you thrive instead of just survive?

In her thought-provoking and vulnerable memoir, Erika L. Sánchez bares all. My friend Diliana and I gain perspective and reflect on our own lives, including Diliana’s experience as a teenage immigrant, the pressure of being extraordinary, and reflect on Erika’s inspiring journey to the incredible woman she is today.

"A wounded deer leaps highest." These words from Emily Dickinson perfectly capture the essence of Erika L. Sánchez's raw, unflinching memoir "Crying in the Bathroom." What begins as a seemingly humorous exploration of life's awkward moments quickly reveals itself as something far more profound – a testament to resilience in the face of depression, cultural displacement, and the unique challenges of womanhood.

Erika's story resonates with brutal honesty as she navigates life as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, carrying the weight of two cultures on her shoulders. She details the responsibility thrust upon her young self: translating for parents, advocating against discrimination, and trying to fulfill impossible expectations while finding her own voice. Her humor becomes both shield and weapon, a quintessentially Mexican coping mechanism she describes as "our moral obligation" in the face of hardship.

The journey through Erika's mental health struggles forms the memoir's emotional core. Her descriptions of depression are hauntingly accurate – "a sadness that hovered over me like a sticky cloud" that eventually consumes everything: "my personality, my humor, my hope, my writing." When pregnancy complicates her already precarious mental state, she faces impossible choices that highlight the complex realities behind reproductive rights. Her eventual path to healing through electroconvulsive therapy offers a powerful testament to modern psychiatric treatment.

Perhaps most striking is Erika's evolution from survival to genuine joy. After weathering the darkest storms, she discovers a renewed capacity for wonder: "I became enchanted beyond belief... I whispered to birds, I thanked trees, I looked up at the sky and felt devastated by its beauty." Her story reminds us that our deepest wounds often become our greatest strengths, that laughter can be found even in our darkest moments, and that sensitivity – so often dismissed as weakness – might actually be our most powerful tool for experiencing life's fullness.

Have you found yourself laughing through tears in your own bathroom moments? Share your story and follow more literary conversations at babesinbookland.com.

Listener discretion advised: Erika's mental health journey includes suicidal thoughts, attempted sexual assault and rape

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sánchez

Article mentioned in the discussion:
Histories and Hysteria: How Women's Words and Bodies Are Mistreated

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humanity's Digital Heartbeat // Rana el Kaliouby's "Girl Decoded" (with Carol Coleman)

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Where will your ambition lead you?

Meet Rana el Kaliouby, the scientist who taught computers to feel in a world that taught her to hide her emotions. Her remarkable journey from Egypt to becoming a pioneering tech CEO reveals the profound connection between emotional intelligence and our increasingly digital lives.

Growing up as an Egyptian Muslim woman, Rana navigated cultural expectations while nurturing extraordinary ambitions. Her traditional upbringing, where "nice Egyptian girls" followed specific paths, collided with her revolutionary vision of technology that could understand human feelings. When she discovered that computers suffered from the same emotional blindness she experienced in her own life, her mission became clear: teach machines what she herself was learning about emotional expression and understanding.

My conversation with my friend Chanelle explores not just Rana's technological breakthroughs, but the universal challenges women face in male-dominated fields. As a black women in tech, Chanelle's experiences mirror many of Rana's struggles with impostor syndrome, work-life balance, and constantly feeling the need to prove oneself. We dive into how cultural backgrounds shape our relationship with emotions, the double standards women face when pursuing ambitious careers, and the liberation that comes from embracing vulnerability.

What makes this story truly compelling is Rana's ultimate quest: humanizing technology before it dehumanizes us. In an age where social media and digital communication are creating an empathy crisis, her work represents a crucial bridge between human connection and technological advancement. Are we losing our humanity to our devices, or can we create technology that enhances our emotional intelligence? Listen as we explore how one woman's journey might help answer this essential question for our digital future.

Listener discretion advised: this episode has description of war crimes

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Girl Decoded by Rana el Kaliouby

Other ways to support/connect with Rana el Kaliouby:
Instagram
Pioneers of AI Podcast

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Chanelle. I’m in awe of your talent!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Knowing: One Woman's Spiritual Battle Against History's Wounds // Joy Harjo's "Crazy Brave"

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 07:00:00 GMT

How do your ancestors guide you?

In her memoir, Crazy Brave, United States Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo, takes us on her journey of discovery with beautiful prose. My friend, Priscilla, and I discuss the interesting way she weaves poetry, her familial history, her spiritual intuition, and art into her unique and inspirational story. We reflect on the way our own relationships have shaped us, the expectations that come with life, and the way that art can guide and heal us.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assault

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo

Link to Joy’s Poet Laureate Project:
Living Nations

Other ways to support/connect with Joy Harjo:
Buy her books!
Instagram
joyharjo.com

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Priscilla-- my ride or die. You’re there for me through all the ups and downs, thanks for always being a hand to hold.

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soul Work // Viola Davis' "Finding Me"

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT

How do we choose grace and compassion?

Viola Davis begins her memoir with a startling opening—"c***sucker, motherf*****r"—immediately signaling to my friend, Ngoc Anh and me that this won't be a sanitized Hollywood autobiography!!! What follows is a soul-baring journey that traces her path from extreme poverty to becoming one of the most celebrated actresses of our time.

The raw honesty with which Viola describes her childhood is breathtaking. Growing up in Central Falls, Rhode Island, she and her family lived in a condemned building with holes in the walls, no consistent plumbing, and rat infestations. She details the shame of going to school in unwashed clothes, being bullied relentlessly, and experiencing the "one-two punch that is blackness and poverty." These early experiences shaped her profoundly, as did the domestic violence she witnessed between her parents and the sexual abuse she and her sisters endured. Yet somehow, Viola finds compassion for everyone in her story, including her alcoholic father who had only a fifth-grade education.

Viola's discovery of acting came like a thunderbolt when she watched Cicely Tyson in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." She describes it as a supernatural experience that finally showed her a way out of her circumstances. Her journey through Juilliard and into Hollywood brought its own challenges, as she confronted an industry that pigeonholed dark-skinned Black women. From her breakout role in "Doubt" to her Emmy-winning performance in "How to Get Away with Murder," Davis reveals the work and luck behind her success, including creating a 100-page biography for a character with just one scene.

Throughout, Viola weaves profound insights about healing, forgiveness, and authenticity. She articulates how forgiveness became "giving up all hope of a different past" and how her most painful experiences became her "warrior fuel." When asked how she clawed her way out of poverty, she responds powerfully: "There is no out. Every painful memory, every mentor, every friend and foe served as a chisel that has shaped me."

Ready to be transformed by a story of resilience that will change how you view your own past? Listen now and discover why Viola Davis's journey to "finding me" speaks so deeply to anyone who's ever struggled to own their full story.

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assault

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Finding Me by Viola Davis

Other ways to support/connect with Viola Davis:
Viola Davis IMDB
Instagram

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dancing Through Barriers // Misty Copeland's "Life in Motion"

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT

How high can you leap?

Misty Copeland’s memoir, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, is as full of as much grace as she has on the stage. My friend, Brett, and I discuss her surprising journey to becoming a principal dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Her story is packed with adversity, compassion, but most important of all, hope. She’s an inspiration for dancers (and non-dancers) of all ages!

Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Life in Motion by Misty Copeland

Other ways to support/connect with Misty Copeland:
The Misty Copeland Foundation
Instagram

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Brett. Thanks for showing me some of the social media ropes!

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turning Pain into Purpose // Jackie Speier's "Undaunted"

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 19:00:00 GMT

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

In Undaunted : Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage, and Fighting Back, this is the creed Jackie Speier lives her life by. After narrowly surviving a massacre while visiting the Jonestown commune in Guyana, Jackie is more determined than ever to be a change for good in the world. In this episode, my friend, Lizzie, and I will dive into this incredible woman and her journey. We'll discuss how her faith comforted her through many difficult times, how her drive and empathy would inspire her to pass landmark legislation, and how her compassion, determination and advocacy set her apart in politics.

Listener discretion advised: sexual assault, sexual abuse, gun violence, pregnancy loss, spousal death

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Undaunted by Jackie Speier

Other ways to support/connect with Jackie Speier:
Jackie Speier Foundation
Instagram

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Special thanks to my dear friend, Lizzie, the catalyst of the podcast! Your love and support give me wings.

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond Body Battles: Finding Power in Our Most Authentic Selves // Lindy West's "Shrill"

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMT

What happens when a woman decides her value isn't up for debate?

Lindy West's "Shrill: Notes From a Loud Woman" opens doorways to conversations we desperately need but often avoid. In this episode, we dive deep into West's unflinching memoir that challenges society's treatment of women's bodies and voices.

Lindy's journey from self-doubt to powerful self-acceptance resonates whether you inhabit a fat body or not. Her writing crackles with humor even while addressing painful realities – from confronting internet trolls (including one who impersonated her dead father) to challenging male comedians about rape jokes.

We explore how society conditions women to believe our bodies are problems to be fixed rather than vessels that carry us through life. The diet culture of the '90s left lasting imprints on our generation, teaching us that smallness equals goodness and taking up space is somehow wrong. West rejects these notions completely, showing remarkable compassion even toward those who've hurt her most.

The book provides a template for sharpening our own feminist worldviews while remaining deeply human. Lindy's observation that "the process of embodying confidence was less about convincing myself of my own worth and more about rejecting and unlearning what society had hammered into me" highlights how much work liberation requires. Her wisdom extends beyond body politics to examine how our words shape our world – challenging us to consider the impact of our speech rather than hiding behind "free speech" defenses.

Have you read "Shrill" or watched the Hulu series based on it? We'd love to hear how Lindy's ideas have influenced your thinking about bodies, feminism, or finding your voice. Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a review sharing your reaction to this episode!

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes sensitive discussion topics including rape.

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Shrill by Lindy West

Other ways to support/connect with Lindy West:
Text Me Back Podcast
Instagram

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Jaime. You continue to help me see and think about the world differently. It’s been an honor to grow up with you.

Xx, Alex

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fake It Till You Make Friends: One Shintrovert's Wild Year // Jessica Pan's "Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come"

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMT

Who could you be if you didn’t label yourself?

Self-described shintrovert (that’s shy + introvert), Jessica Pan's, memoir "Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come" follows her journey as a shy introvert who challenges herself to live like an extrovert for a year by saying yes to experiences that scare her. In this candid conversation with my first friend Misty, we discuss the importance of pushing beyond self-imposed limitations and how connecting deeply with others can transform your life.

• Exploring the spectrum between introversion and extroversion through our own experiences
• The impact positive strangers can have during difficult moments in our lives
• How fear controls us when we allow it to define our boundaries
• Breaking the cycle of letting past negative experiences color current relationships
• The value of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly digital world
• Why talking to strangers can lead to greater happiness according to research
• The challenge of making new friends as adults and the time investment true friendship requires
• Learning that vulnerability doesn't equal weakness but rather creates connection
• Finding the courage to do things outside your comfort zone builds genuine confidence

"Once we get out of our own way, beautiful things can happen." Thank you for joining me for the first episode of Babes in Bookland!

Chapter Markers
0:00: Welcome to Babes in Bookland
1:56: Quick Topics: Exploring Introversion vs Extroversion
9:30: Diving Deeper: The Impact of Positive Strangers
14:04: Breaking Free From Fear
24:05: The Art of Public Speaking
30:30: Connecting With Others
36:14: Finding True Friendship
42:32: Vulnerability and Final Thoughts

Support the show!
On Patreon!
Buy us a book!
Buy cute merch!

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come by Jessica Pan

Other ways to support/connect with Jessica Pan:
Substack
Instagram

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Misty. You’ve known me all my life and you still love me and allow me to grow and change. Xx

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Babes in Bookland!

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Hi! I’m Alex Frnka and this is my new podcast, Babes in Bookland. I’m diving deep into the world of women’s memoirs and taking a few friends along for the journey. Each episode, we’ll break down a book written by a woman about her own life in her own words and discover the guidance and insight she has to offer. I believe in the power of women’s voices and know that we can learn a lot from each other when we listen with open hearts. And through these author’s personal stories, we’ll find inspiration, understanding, and gain perspective on how women from all backgrounds and viewpoints not only survive, but thrive. These stories matter. They’re important. And I’m so excited to dig in and discuss. Read along with us and share your own takeaways!You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or support the show on Patreon to access extended episodes and fun bonus content. There are a lot of women’s memoirs out there. Let’s read them!

This is Babes in Bookland!

Connect with us and suggest a great memoir!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.