Libsyn Directory

Unbearable: A Discussion with Irin Carmon on Pregnancy in America

Release Date: 10/28/2025

2025 Favorites from Mariquita & Jordy

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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 stay up way too late turning pages. Book and resources mentioned: by Holly Jackson by Dani Francis by Brynne Weaver by Ry Herman by Aiden Thomas ...

2025 Favorites from Shoshana & Mhairie

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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 before reading. Book and resources mentioned: Shoshana’s Books 5. by Erin Dunn 4. by P Djeli Clark 3. by Olivia Dade 2. by Kimberly Lemming 1. ...

Is Fanfiction Feminist?

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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 unpack how fanfiction becomes a site of creativity, community, and cultural resistance. Book and resources mentioned: by SenLinYu by Samantha Shannon Article on...

[MINI POD] Burning Down the Systems That Cage Us

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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: Support and follow our host! Follow Jordy: // // This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people. Original music by Learn more about Feminist Book Club on our , , shop our , and...

Controversy on the Moors: What’s up with Emerald Fennell and Wuthering Heights?

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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 mortality, child abandonment. Books mentioned: Support and follow our hosts! Follow Mariquita: // // // Follow Jordy: // Follow Nox: // // This episode was...

[MINI POD] Home for the Holidays (even when you’re not)

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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: Support and follow our host! Follow Jordy: // // This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people. Original music by Learn more about Feminist Book Club on our , , shop our , and...

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Cleopatra?

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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 . 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) spoilers when Jordy reveals gasp Caesar dies. Books mentioned: (book on CD linked, but check your library!) Support and follow our hosts! Follow Casey: Follow Jordy: // Follow Nox: // // This...

[MINI POD] I Have a Voice

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

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: Support and follow our host! Follow Nox: // // // // This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people. Original music by Learn...

All We Want is Everything with Soraya Chemaly

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

We’re not joking when we say this one is required listening. Mariquita talks with author and activist Soraya Chemaly about her latest book, . 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 to create a different environment and patterns of behavior both individually and collectively and emphasize that the work of educating men on the burdens and breadth of male supremacy is not the onus of women but is the responsibility of men. ...

Girls Play Dead with Jen Percy

Feminist Book Club: The Podcast

Mariquita talks with Jen Percy about her recent book, . 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 ways humans have evolved to survive trauma, and how colonialism and individualism can stymy recovery for some survivors who instead would benefit from collectivism and community care. CW: Sexual assault, sexual abuse, rape, child abuse,...

More Episodes

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 women of color, which treatment has disproportionately had fatal consequences. CW: Discussions of maternal mortality, Black maternal mortality, maternal death, abortion, miscarriage, medical violence, racism, grief/loss, infertility

Books and Resources Mentioned:

Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America by Irin Carmon

The Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik

Alabama Birth Center and Dr. Yashica Robinson

A Deadly Epidural, Delivered by a Doctor with a History of Mistakes - NYT on the death of Sha-Asia Semple

At 30, She Died in Childbirth. It Shredded Her Brooklyn Family - NYT on the death of Christine Fields

Anarcha Lucy Betsey: The Mothers of Gynecology Monument

National Network of Abortion Funds - Seeking funds

National Network of Abortion Funds - Donate Today

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Follow Irin Carmon: Instagram // Website

Follow Mariquita: Instagram // Threads