Feminist Book Club: The Podcast
Feminist Book Club: The Podcast comes from Feminist Book Club, an online community for intersectional readers who want their reading to reflect a commitment to social justice. Episodes mix author interviews, book recommendations, and conversations about feminism, activism, and culture. The show encourages listeners to use reading as a form of resistance and to build more thoughtful, inclusive bookshelves. It complements the wider Feminist Book Club project, which also includes a blog, events, and a monthly subscription box.
Episodes
Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed
In this episode, Jordy discusses one of her favorite books of the year – Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S.B. West. Tune in to hear why this once villainous leader and his little hoard of goats has captured Jordy's heart, as well as for some humorous feminist fantasy recommendations. Books/Resources Mentioned: Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S.B. West Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Mae
[MINI POD] Fairytales in Their Queer Era
MINI POD! In this episode, Jordy and Shoshana dive into some of their favorite queer fairytale retellings, from reimagined princesses to stories that completely turn the original happily-ever-after on its head. Tune in for plenty of recommendations, a little fairytale chaos, and hopefully a few new books for your TBR! Books Mentioned: This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman A Spindle Splinter
What Makes a Story Gothic? With Cynthia Gomez
Nox is joined by Cynthia Gómez, author of Muñeca, to talk about all things Gothic literature. What makes a novel Gothic? Is it an itemized list of 14 requirements? Do women always have to be victimized in it? How do we get around these Eurocentric conventions? Nox and Cynthia discuss all of this and more in today's episode. Books Mentioned: Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte T
Women in Translation
August is Women in Translation Month and Casey is here with a big ol' stack of books from her personal library to share with you! All are translated by women, spanning languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Croatian. Additionally, Casey discovers she needs more adjectives to describe when she appreciates a book. Any suggestions? Books: Death Takes Me by Cristina Rivera Garza, Translated
Cards on the Table with Lana Harper & Jilly Gagnon
In this episode, Jordy talks to Lana Harper and Jilly Gagnon about their upcoming novel, Cards on the Table. This is a witchy, atmospheric mystery that explores family, self-trust, and the power we discover within ourselves. Today, we'll be diving into what it means to claim your power, trust your instincts, embrace who you are, and push back against the voices, both internal and external, that ma
[MINI POD] Top 10 Silvia Moreno-Garcia Novels
MINI POD! Prolific Mexican-Canadian author Silvia Moreno-Garcia is Renee's favorite, and she's counting down her top 10. Which is your favorite? Join the discussion on our Discord! Books Mentioned: Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Untamed Shore by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moren
Snail Mail Miracles
MINI POD! In this episode, Jordy dives into the hidden wonders of snail mail clubs: what they are, who's sending them, and why they bring so much joy. Tune in to discover new artists and creatives deserving of your support. Books/Resources Mentioned: The Mossheart Mail Club website // Instagram Naomi VanDoren, Tales from the Isles of Antarah website // Instagram Brambletown Mail Club website
Big announcement + Summerween Recs!
Renee spills the beans on where we've been and what we're working towards. Then Jordy and Mhairie recommend a few of their favorite summerween books. Books mentioned: The Reformatory- Tananarive Due Japanese Gothic- Kylie Lee Baker Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee Baker Something in the Walls- Daisy Pearce Eventide- Sarah Goodman The Year of the Witching- Alexi
Non-Fiction Nook: Don't Fear the Reaper
Death LITERALLY happens to everything, so why is it still so awkward? Casey (she/her/hers) hops on to discuss some of the books that have helped her prepare for her OWN grief around death. She mentions her Father's recent passing, the necessity of death rituals and challenging the taboo, google being trash, and reads an excerpt from "The Buried Soul: How Humans Invented Death" by Timothy Taylor.
Capitalism at the Audies
Shoshana, Nox, and Jordy, all avid audiobook listeners, chat about the Annual Audies, the National Audiobook Awards. In this spoiler-free conversation, they share some of their opinions about the winning titles, the capitalism of it all, and the financial challenges to winning big in the audiobook industry. Books and Resources Mentioned: Audiobooks: Libro.FM 2026 Audie Award Finalists Playlist
Five Feminist Beach Reads
What makes a beach read? Not a beach, in our opinion. Tune in because your summer reading list is here, and not a single book requires sand between your toes. Renee's on the podcast to share five feminist reads so engrossing you will forget you are on vacation. Books mentioned: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry The Best Little Motel in Texas by Lyla Lane Love Y
Coping through Literature: Our Recommendations
Last week, our team shared that we've all been *Going Through It* and are using books as a coping tool. This week, we wanted to spread the love! Join Renee, Nox, Jordy, Mariquita, and UyenThi for some recommendations of books that just make us feel a little less shitty. Books mentioned: Table for Five - Izzy Bromley Arsenic & Adobo - Mia P. Manansala The Kamagawa Food Detectives - Hisashi Kashiw
Coping through Literature: A Roundtable Discussion
Join Renee, Nox, Jordy, Mariquita, and UyenThi in a discussion about how they're using books to cope with the state of the world and their own personal crises. You'll hear some of our favorite genres for these times (and they are all wildly different!). Next week, stay tuned for some specific book recommendations! Support and follow our guest and host! Follow Renee: Instagram // The StoryGraph
[MINI POD] Non-Fiction Nook: Medieval Feminists
MINI POD! Casey is back with another Non-Fiction Nook segment. In order to dive deeper into her current hyperfixation of medieval life and the women who existed in it, Casey shares the non-fiction books that helped illuminate medieval feminism. She also discusses Medieval Times dinner and the personification of virtues! Books mentioned: Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Wome
Whose Monster: Feminism, Othering, and Queer and Trans Representation in Horror
Mariquita welcomes Sarah Knickerbocker, the host behind Eugene, Oregon's Horrible Bingo, as they discuss shifting the lens on horror to find the threads of feminism, examine how the genre uniquely showcases women's stories, and to untangle why horror fans are so frequently wonderfully queer. For an extra bonus and to exponentially grow your TBR, check the show notes for more books recommended by S
Maternal Hauntings and Surveillance in Mother is Watching
CW: Child death, Miscarriage, Infertility, Blood, Grief, Death of Parent, Dementia Marlena and Mariquita discuss Mother is Watching, the horror debut by Karma Brown. In this spoiler-free conversation, they explore how the novel uses horror to amplify everyday anxieties around motherhood, bodily autonomy, and identity. Together, they unpack the emotional stakes at the heart of the story, examini
All about EVE: A Feminist Retelling of Paradise Lost
Casey Ballard, long time lover of feminist retellings of classic stories, interviews B.K. O'Connor about her new novel, Eve, a retelling of John Milton's Paradise Lost, that expands on the notion that eternity spent in ignorance is no life to live. Casey and Becky discuss Eve as an intellectual feminist, the bridging of cultures, and why people should still read the classics. . Books and resour
Reality Check: ANTM's Lasting Impact
Nox and Shoshana talk about Reality Check, the recent documentary series that revisits America's Next Top Model. They share their experiences watching the show growing up, reflect on the broader reality TV culture of the time, and discuss how these portrayals of women's bodies shaped their perspectives. Along the way, they unpack the complicated mix of nostalgia, criticism, and cultural impact tie
Black History 365
Black History Month may be over, but our joy of reading Black literature has no expiration date! In this episode, Renee shares a new-to-her cozy mystery series featuring a Black single mom investigating mysteries around her daughter's school. Then Casey is back with her Non-Fiction Nook segment, this time highlighting books of Black resistance Books mentioned: It's Elementary by Elise Bryant T
A Divisive Book Club Pick
Looking for a book club pick that is certain to conjure up good conversation? In this episode, Renee and Mariquita discuss You'll Never Forget Me by Isha Raya. Described as a sapphic thriller akin to Killing Eve, our podcasters are completely divided on this one. Tune into an almost spoiler-free discussion (the spoiler is clearly identified ahead of time!) and let us know if you pick it up for you
More Than Hair: Kenesma D. John on Identity and Belonging
Marlena is joined by Dr. Kenesma D. John to talk about her novel Hair Diaries: My Hair Evolution, a reflective and visually rich exploration of hair, identity, and Black girlhood. In this spoiler-free conversation, they discuss what inspired John to use hair as the lens for the story, the blend of autobiography and fiction, and her choice to tell Charisma's journey through reflections and illustr
[MINI POD] Non-Fiction Nook: Books for your resistance
MINI POD! In this quick episode, Casey talks about three non-fiction books which have been helpful in her resistance, and maybe helpful to yours! Covering police abolition, disability justice, and eloquent ways to textually fight back when cornered by a hate-spewing Christian Nationalist. Books mentioned: We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice by Mariame Kab
Going Analogue
Have you seen the trend of "going analogue" taking over social media lately? From ditching smartphones to rediscovering film cameras, paper planners, and offline hobbies, it's popping up everywhere—and it's clearly striking a nerve. Mhairie and Nox wanted to dig into this shift a little more deeply to understand what "going analogue" really means, where it came from, and why so many people are dra
[MINI POD] The Monsters Were Never the Problem
MINI POD! In this quick episode, Jordy shares why she loves The Glass Scientists trilogy by S. H. Cotugno, a gothic graphic novel series where so-called monsters challenge the rigid systems built to control them. Through mad science, queer selfhood, and breathtaking art, this episode explores who gets labeled dangerous, who gets erased, and what happens when marginalized people refuse to stay hidd
2025 Favorites from Renee & Nox
Our contributors teamed up to tell one another about their favorite books of the year. Renee and Nox round out this podcast series with their cozy, feel-good favorites. If you need a book that's like a warm hug (and who doesn't right now?), tune in! Book and resources mentioned: Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton The Baby Dragon Cafe by AT Qureshi Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis What Happened to Be
[MINI POD] Junk Journaling as Creative Rebellion
MINI POD! Jordy and Renee discuss their creative obsession: junk journaling! They chat about the origins of the junk journal and how they adapt this creative activity to suit their needs. This is a two-part series. See more spreads and the video of this conversation in our Mighty Network community! Resources mentioned: Jessica Swift's online retreats Skillshare Buy Nothing PangoBooks Art Scraps
2025 Favorites from Casey & UyenThi
Our contributors have teamed up to tell one another about their favorite books of the year over the next couple of weeks! Casey and UyenThi come together to discuss their top 5 reads of 2025. From memoirs, to romance, to translated fiction, to dark academia, these are the stories we read in 2025 that we feel need to be on everyone's TBR. Book and resources mentioned: James by Percival Everett T
The Abortion Companion with Becca Rea-Tucker
As access to abortion is being increasingly restricted, trustworthy resources for abortion care and loving someone through an abortion can be difficult to find. Becca Rea-Tucker has written the go-to manual for just that. Whether you're considering an abortion for yourself or know someone who might need support, The Abortion Companion should be on every feminist's bookshelf. *Join us for a comm
2025 Favorites from Mariquita & Jordy
Our contributors have teamed up to tell one another about their favorite books of the year over the next couple of weeks! In this episode, Mariquita and Jordy reflect on their favorite books of 2025, celebrating stories that lingered long after the final page. From fierce heroines and sharp social commentary to swoony romance and dark intrigue, they unpack the reads that made them feel, think, and
2025 Favorites from Shoshana & Mhairie
Our contributors have teamed up to tell one another about their favorite books of the year over the next couple of weeks! First up, Shoshana and Mhairie share a spoiler free gush session of their favorite books of 2025. This conversation includes books from every genre and format, a sure bet to please these long winter nights. Take care of yourself, friends, be sure to check the content warnings b
Is Fanfiction Feminist?
New to fanfic? Not sure where to start or whether you even should? We got you! In this episode, Jordy, Mhairie, and Shoshana explore the world of fanfiction, its fandom roots, its role in uplifting marginalized voices, and why it remains a powerful feminist space. They also dig into the ethical complications of engaging with fanworks inspired by harmful or problematic creators. Together, they unpa
[MINI POD] Burning Down the Systems That Cage Us
MINI POD! Jordy dives into two books: A Beautiful and Terrible Murder and Dream by the Shadows. Both books follow women who refuse to be silenced by corrupt institutions. From Oxford's secretive halls to a dream-haunted kingdom, these stories are full of clever rebellion, dark intrigue, and empowered women. Books mentioned: A Beautiful and Terrible Murder by Claire M. Andrews Dream by the Shadow
Controversy on the Moors: What's up with Emerald Fennell and Wuthering Heights?
Mariquita, Jordy, and Nox get together to explain the controversies around Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights, weigh in on whether they think the uproar is valid (spoiler: they do!), and provide their opinions on just how romantic literature's first romance book really is. CW: intimate partner violence, child abuse, animal abuse, sexual assault, generational trauma, maternal mortali
[MINI POD] Home for the Holidays (even when you're not)
MINI POD! Jordy dives into the magic of holiday romances and the tradition of finding "home" in books. From friends-swapping vacations to chaotic family gatherings and second-chance love, this episode explores how these festive reads bring comfort, joy, and cheer to even the loneliest holiday season. Books mentioned: The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark A V
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Cleopatra?
Not every book we read will skyrocket to the top of our lists. Casey, Jordy, and Nox discuss this and more regarding Cleopatra's story in I Am Cleopatra by Natasha Solomon. Nox DNF'd it, and Jordy and Casey felt it left the reader wanting more, especially regarding Cleopatra's power and influence. All three agree that Solomon's prose is lush and worth reading, though! Light (yet hilarious) spoiler
[MINI POD] I Have a Voice
MINI POD! Nox discusses two instances of disrespect towards powerful Mexican women in recent news: The treatment of Fatima Bosch (Miss Mexico) by the Miss Universe executive director, and the public groping of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the current President of Mexico. Nox digs into these stories and the importance of women working together/ Books mentioned: Liliana's Invincible Summer by Cristi
All We Want is Everything with Soraya Chemaly
We're not joking when we say this one is required listening. Mariquita talks with author and activist Soraya Chemaly about her latest book, All We Want is Everything: How We Dismantle Male Supremacy. Soraya explains how male supremacy is the structure upon which all of our systems are built, whether they be close to home or on a global scale. Together, Soraya and Mariquita give suggestions for how
Girls Play Dead with Jen Percy
Mariquita talks with Jen Percy about her recent book, Girls Play Dead: Acts of Self-Preservation. Based on her article, What People Misunderstand About Rape, Girls Play Dead expands the conversation about the myriad responses to sexual assault and rape, weaving in personal stories and historical context. Their conversation covers the common reactions of tonic and collapsed immobility, evolutionary
[MINI POD] Cowgirls, Ghosts, and Grit: The Worlds of Lyla Sage
MINI POD! Jordy dives into the worlds of Lyla Sage, where small towns meet big emotions, and love is both fierce and tender. This episode explores how Sage's stories remind us that feminism can hold grace and grit in equal measure, and that choosing yourself can be the bravest kind of love story. Books by Lyla Sage mentioned: Done and Dusted Swift and Saddled Lost and Lassoed Wild and Wrang
Reality TV, Religion, and Reclamation: Discussing Sister Wife by Christine Brown Wooley
Join Jordy and Nox as they dive into Sister Wife, the new memoir from TLC's Sister Wives star Christine Brown Wooley. What begins as a story about reality TV and polygamy transforms into a conversation about faith, autonomy, and liberation. Together they unpack Christine's courageous decision to leave not only her marriage but an entire belief system, and what it means to reclaim your story. Su
[MINI POD] Sink the System
MINI POD! Luxury ships, love triangles, and late-state capitalism, oh my! In this mini episode, Jordy dives into An Ocean Apart by Jill Tew, a feminist dystopia that asks what happens when the world's elite sail away from the chaos they've created, and one girl decides to sink the system from within. Support and follow our host! Follow Jordy: Instagram // Bookworm Reads // Pagebound.co @jordyma
Unbearable: A Discussion with Irin Carmon on Pregnancy in America
Mariquita talks with author Irin Carmon about her newest book, Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America. Their discussion covers the racist roots of ob/gyn medicine in America, provides context for the current state of reproductive care, and ties in vital personal stories of families that have been affected by the legacy of racism and lack of safe, equitable treatment for wome
[MINI POD] Spotlight on Sarah Gailey
MINI POD! Who are some of your must-read authors? Renee shares one of hers, Sarah Gailey. You can always count on Gailey to write the most outlandish, unusual books. Today, Renee shares four for your shelves. Support and follow our host! Follow Renee: Instagram // The StoryGraph Check out our online community here! This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land
It's Murder Time!
Grab your magnifying glass, don your monocle and trench coat, because we're talking murder mysteries today! First, Shoshana and Mariquita define the mystery genre, subgenres, and key terms. They also share some of their favorite mystery books for your TBR. Then Renee dives into her favorite sub-sub-genre of mysteries: cozy food mysteries by and about women of color. Happy reading! Books and Reso
[MINI POD] Damsel? Never Heard of Her.
MINI POD! We love a hyper-niche genre, and today Jordy dives into three books she's categorizing as satirical feminist fairytales and mysteries. This episode explores how feminism isn't about rejecting the notion of fairytales, but rather rewriting them to our standard. Mentioned: This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales A Terribly Nasty Business by Juli
Book Recommendations with Mother Horror
Feeling ghoulish? We have an expertly curated reading list for you! Mhairie and Mother Horror herself, Sadie Hartmann, share some of their horror book recommendations, using the format and trope categories from Sadie's new book, Feral and Hysterical. Books and Resources Mentioned: Feral and Hysterical Mother Horror's Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women - Sadie Hart
[MINI POD] I Who Have Never Known Men
MINI POD! Rah can't stop thinking about the book I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman. Tune in to hear why this book has been stuck on their brain. Mentioned: Carmen Maria Machado's "'I Who Have Never Known Men' Is A Warning" in the New Yorker I Who Have Never Known Men by Jaqueline Harpmen, Translated by Ros Schwartz, with an introduction by Carmen Maria Machado Support and f
Man's Best Friend, Part II: Music, Marketing, and the Algorithms That Shape Us
It may be Swiftemonium out there, but we're still thinking about Sabrina Carpenter. Nox and Ashley wrap up their two-part conversation on Sabrina Carpenter's latest album, Man's Best Friend. They dive into how the music itself compares with the album's rollout, reflect on their favorite tracks, and unpack the growing trend of shorter songs in pop music. The conversation doesn't stop with the music
[MINI POD] Thrills & Chills
MINI POD! In this short episode, Jordy shares three fall reads that range from haunting suspense to dark romance and cozy mystery. Whether you're craving a thriller, a morally gray serial killer love story, or a nostalgic whodunnit, this line-up has your fall TBR covered. Books Mentioned: Jackal by Erin E. Adams Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver Murder by C
All Things Fantastical
This week we're sailing into magical realms and creeping through gothic shadows! First up, Shoshana and Jordy gush about all things fantasy — what makes the genre so enchanting, why we can't get enough, and a few favorite books to add to your TBR. Then Ashley chats with author Kathleen Kaufman about feminist gothic horror, the Scottish roots behind her novel The Entirely True Story of the Fantasti
[MINI POD] WNBA Memoirs
MINI POD! This short episode is a quick hit of memoirs by former and current women's basketball players in celebration of the current WNBA Play-Offs. Books mentioned: They Better Call Me Sugar by Sugar Rodgers (cw: family death and incarceration) Catch a Star by Tamika Catchings Dear Black Girls by A'ja Wilson Love & Justice by Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons (cw: incarceration) You
Intro to Romance Books for Non-Romance Readers
The romance genre is what keeps the book industry afloat, but where do you start if you're not typically a romance reader? Join Renee, Mhairie, and Shoshana for a quick introduction to some of the terms used in the romance genre, plus recommendations for folks who don't typically read romance. This episode is perfect for readers new to romance, confused by romance, or long-time romance readers loo
Feral and Hysterical: In conversation with Mother Horror
The 'ber months are here, so that means we're reading horror. You know we read horror all year round, but we brought in the expert - Mother Horror herself! Tune in to hear Mhairie chat about horror books, women in horror, becoming an accidental author, and good old fashioned vibes reading. Books mentioned: Feral and Hysterical Mother Horror's Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Ficti
Man's Best Friend? Thoughts on Sabrina Carpenter
In this episode, Mhairie, Ashley, and Nox dive into the bold and provocative album art for Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend. The conversation explores the layered imagery, the cultural reception, and how it intersects with themes of power, desire, and kink. From feminist critique to playful banter, the hosts unpack how art can spark dialogue around pleasure, performance, and pushing boundarie
Girl on Girl, Part II: Desire, Consent, & the Marketplace of Pleasure
Join hosts Ashley, Mhairie, and Mariquita as they return for the much-anticipated follow-up to their deep dive into Girl on Girl by Sophie Gilbert. In this episode, the conversation moves beyond pop culture's impact on women and digs into the murky intersection of porn, commodification, and the market's influence on sexual agency. Prepare for a thoughtful and candid exploration of what it means to
Affirming Masculinity with Jacob Tobia
Ashley sits down with Jacob Tobia to discuss their book Before They Were Men. Together, they explore why Jacob avoids the phrase "toxic masculinity," what healthier models of masculinity could look like, and how the different places Jacob has lived have shaped their views on gender and gender nonconformity. Books Mentioned: Before They Were Men: Essays on Manhood, Compassion, and What Went Wron
Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves
Mariquita, Mhairie, and Ashley dive into Girl on Girl by Sophie Gilbert, unpacking its most thought-provoking themes. In Part I, they explore how reality TV and social media have shaped generational beauty standards, question the pitfalls of so-called "empowerment" movements, and discuss how media literacy can equip the next generation to be both powerful and protected. Books Mentioned: Girl on
The Hollow Half by Sarah Aziza
Looking for your next beloved memoir? Rah and Ashley dive into The Hollow Half: A Memoir of Bodies and Borders by Sarah Aziza—a lyrical, layered exploration of queerness, family, conflict, and the passage of time. They unpack how Aziza weaves these themes into a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative, and why savoring the book slowly made all the difference. Content Warnings: disordere
Nostalgic Summers and Prophetic Dystopia
Our feminisms contain multitudes. First, Jordy shares some books and tv shows to ingest if you don't want to watch The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon but still want the sweet nostalgic summer vibes. Then, Kenesma chats with Idrys Creed about her forthcoming book 14 Flags, a dystopian novel inspired by current events in the spirit of Octavia Butler. The Summer I Turned Pretty, minus the Bezos
Libraries Get It Right While We Get It Wrong
In today's two-part episode, you'll hear some of our contributors take a deep dive into a smattering of library systems across the United States. It's fascinating to compare and contrast different regions, especially in light of funding threats. Libraries certainly do it right. Then hear from a woman who did it all wrong–Rax King–as she discusses her new book Sloppy. Libraries Across America (
Favorite Books of 2025 So Far (Mariquita and Kenesma's version)
Mariquita and Kenesma dive into their top 5 favorite books of 2025 (so far—with six months of reading still ahead!). In this spoiler-free conversation, they highlight memorable quotes, unpack recurring themes, and explore what makes each of these reads so unforgettable. From powerful storytelling to characters that linger long after the last page, this chat is a celebration of books that moved, ch
The Best and the Best of the Best
We're continuing our series of our team's top five books of the year… and we won't judge one of our contributors for misreading the prompt and sharing her top five books of all time. In fact, it made for an even richer conversation! Join FBC contributors Jordy and Casey as they share their all-time favorite reads and standout books of the year. From thrillers to non-fiction, it's a fun, heartfelt
Righteous Vengeance, Haunting Yet Hopeful
It's no surprise that the FBC Team is incredibly well-read across multiple genres, but this episode especially feels like a testament to that! Join Mariquita and Jordy as they discuss righteous vengeance in two young adult novels. Then stick around for Shoshana and Nox's top five books of 2025 so far to get a taste of haunting yet hopeful books for your TBR. Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (0:22)
Pride Picks and Ambitious Women
We have a double header for you today! First, you'll hear some of our team's favorite LGBTQIA+ books from the last few years with diverse recommendations from all different genres. Then, get inspired through an interview with Amber Oliver, author of When the Music Hits, as she shares personal insights on ambition and how she wrote ambition into her novel. Queerly Beloved (0:22) Join FBC contrib
Favorite Books of 2025 So Far (Ashley and Mhairie's version)
Our contributors have paired up to tell one another about their favorite books of the year so far. You'll hear these segments over the next few weeks! Today, Ashley and Mhairie share their top five of 2025. If you're a fan of memoirs or horror, this episode is for you. Books/Resources Mentioned: Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito The Rules of Fortune by Danielle Prescod Emily Wilde's Compendium
Favorite Books + Met Gala Looks
Our contributors have paired up to tell one another about their favorite books of the year so far. You'll hear these segments over the next few weeks! Today, Renee and Yasi share their top five of 2025. Then Ashley reflects on this year's Met Gala, the inspiration behind it, and why it matters. Renee and Yasi's Favorite Books of the Year (so far) (0:21) Renee and Yasi share their favorite books
International Booker Prize Shortlist 2025
The International Booker Prize celebrates translated literature from across the world that have been published in the UK or Ireland in the last year. In this episode, Mhairie and Nox split the six shortlisted titles, read them, and share their thoughts with one another. If reading more translated lit is on your bookish bucket list, get your TBRs ready! Books/Resources Mentioned: The Internatio
Back on Our Reality TV Soapbox
The Amazing Race. Cooking competitions. Bachelor Nation. We touch on a little bit of everything in this episode! Nox, Rah, and Shoshana discuss reality TV's impact on society, considering questions such as what draws viewers to reality TV? What are the ramifications (positive and negative) to the dominance of reality TV? What is the relationship between viewing reality TV and empathy? Join us on a
Happily Ever After for All
We're chatting about Black wealth, Black joy, and happy Black endings in today's episode. Tune in to hear Ashley discuss why she loves the soap opera Beyond the Gates, then stick around for Jordy and Mhairie's discussion of Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron, a Black, queer retelling of Cinderella. Beyond the Gates: Wealth and Escapism (0:22) Ashley talks about "Beyond the Gates", a soap opera
Hardboiled Lesbian Fiction + Lady Gaga's Mayhem
Sometimes we just wanna gush about the things we love. For Renee and Margot, it's hardboiled fiction. For Ashley and Nox, it's Lady Gaga's new album. Tune in for two conversations around why we love the things we love. What Is Hardboiled Fiction? with Margot Douihy (0:23) Renee has been reading a lot of books described as "hardboiled" but what does that actually mean? Thank goodness author Margo
Selkies, Sirens, and Mermaids, oh my!
Dive into the enchanting and eerie world of selkies, sirens, and mermaids with author and literary agent Rachel Ekstrom Courage and FBC contributor, Jordy! In this episode, we explore the origins of these mythical women, their ties to patriarchal narratives, and why their stories continue to captivate us today. Jordy also shares some mermaid and siren inspired novels that are on her TBR (to be rea
Reevaluating Unhinged Women: From Bad Moms to Playboy Bunnies
The unhinged woman trope is undoubtedly one of our favorites, but what kind of woman gets to be unhinged and who gets a redemption arc? In this episode, Mariquita and Mhairie tackle those questions in a discussion about All of the Other Mothers Hate Me, then Yasi and Nox discuss two memoirs from former Playboy bunnies. All the Other Mothers Hate Me (0:21) Mariquita and Mhairie discuss the debut
Into the Deep End with the Audie Awards
Get those TBRs ready because we're about to melt your library card. In this episode, romance lovers will hear Jordy's review of the new Ali Hazelwood novel, Deep End. Then stick around for Shoshana's podcast debut as she chats with Nox about this year's Audie Award winners. Stick around for some excellent insight into the audiobook industry as a whole. Diving into the Deep End (0:23) Jordy dives
E-Readers, Repairability, and Why We Don't Like Kindle
Mhairie and Nox, both avid e-reader users, talk about what devices they use and their storied problems with the Kindle Fire breaking down. If you're looking to get out of the Amazon ecosystem, Mhairie raves about her new Kobo e-reader, and Nox talks about using the Kindle app on devices that aren't a Kindle. They also talk about refurbished and second-hand options for sustainability and affordabil
Accessible Resistance: Use Your Library
Mhairie and Nox both LOVE the library, and in this segment, they're talking about how much they love libraries and audiobooks. Nox gushes about a program with her local library that delivers books to her because of her disabilities while Mhairie shares all of the things libraries can do besides sharing books. The two also talk about the accessibility that audiobooks provide, and how supporting you
Bread and Roses
The title of this episode is a nod to the Bread and Roses strike at textile mill in 1912, where women banded together to demand bread aka money as well as roses aka art and beauty. In a time where working conditions were abysmal, the strike and poem/song of the same name were a rallying cry for decent wages and better conditions. Your podcast producer Renee was reminded of this when she was puttin
Recommendations for Black History 24/7/365
With the current administration actively trying to whitewash Black History Month, Nox and Ashley sat down to share their Black history recommendations. They provide books, authors, and movies for various age ranges and topics in Black history, as well as a reminder to celebrate and uplift Black history all year round, not just in February. Content warnings: This episode and the recommendations in
"The magical dagger is basically Audrey II": A Discussion of Servant of Earth
In this episode, Jordy and Nox dive deep into Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley, a dark romantasy brimming with Fae politics, perilous trials, and a fierce rebellion against a sadistic faerie king. From the brutal magic of the underground Fae realm to Kenna Heron's journey of courage, resilience, and unexpected love, we're exploring what makes this tale both gripping and unforgettable. *some spoile
Big Family Drama
We love messy family dramas and today our podcasters are talking about two newer releases, The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha and Hate Follow by Erin Quinn-Kong. These two contemporary fiction novels tackle big families with big drama, from handing over the family business to momfluencers ignoring their kids' consent. Tune in for thoughtful and nuanced discussions of the books and these themes.
Empathy and Natural Disasters
The podcast is back with a quick review of The Jewel of the Isle from Jordy for all our adventure-loving romcom fans. But the bulk of this episode is dedicated to Nox and Mhairie's conversation regarding how online communities tend to respond to natural disasters. While this episode was recorded in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the conversation rings true as we watch the wildfires i
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