Explore every episode of the podcast Pop Fiction Women

Yosha Gunasekera & 'The Midnight Taxi': Debut Discussions

Marisa Walz & 'Good Intentions': Debut Discussions

Wendy Walker & 'Blade': Complicated Conversations

Rachel Taff & 'Paper Cut': Debut Discussions

Virginia Kantra Complicated Conversations

Yulin Kuang co-writer of 'The People We Meet on Vacation' on Netflix

Jessica Cozzi & 'We've Hit Turbulence': Debut Discussions

(500) Days of Summer: a near perfect movie, just not the one you want it to be

In today’s Complicated Conversations, Kate chats with internationally bestselling author Amy Meyerson about her first work of psychological suspense, The Water Lies, a gripping journey where two mothers―one of a woman who drowned and the other of a toddler who might know what happened to her―are the only ones searching for the truth.

The conversation delves into the dual perspectives of the two mothers, Tessa and Barb, exploring themes of motherhood, anxiety, intuition, and the psychological suspense genre. Amy shares insights into her character development, the significance of setting in Venice Beach, and her personal experiences that shaped the narrative. The discussion also touches on the importance of trusting one's instincts, both in writing and in motherhood, and ends, as always, with a touch of astrology and Amy’s current favorites in books and media.

The Water Lies is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat.

In this episode of Debut Discussions, Alissa Lee shares her journey from a successful legal career to becoming a published author with her debut thriller, With Friends Like These. The conversation explores her early reading influences, the inspiration behind her book, character development, the significance of friendships, and the challenges of the querying process. Alissa reflects on the impact of college friendships, the stakes involved in her story, and the role of New York City as a backdrop. 

In today’s Complicated Conversations we chat with Vanessa Lillie about her new novel, The Bone Thief, which is book two in her Syd Walker series. We discuss her journey as an author, the significance of Indigenous narratives, and the development of Syd and where we find her in this novel. Our conversation, like the book, explores themes of spirituality, community, and the impact of past traumas on the present. Vanessa also shares insights on her writing process and the importance of support within the literary community. 

The Bone Thief is out now - buy it, read it, and share it!

Nobody Wants This Season 2 Recap: This is How You Choose Love Over Life

In this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome back Rebecca Baum to discuss her latest novel, The Brood, a feminist body horror story that explores themes of agency, internalized misogyny, and the complexities of womanhood. We chat with Rebecca about the protagonist, a cutthroat attorney, and her journey of control and surrender; the symbolism of cicadas; the role of bodies in the narrative; and Rebecca’s personal reflections on writing and her future projects.

The Brood is out now! Buy it, read it and share it!

Do you believe that the right book finds you at the right time? On this side bar we discuss how we each found the perfect book to deal with our emotional hangovers from the movie All of You on AppleTV. That led us to a discussion of the emotional connections that books create, the significance of reckoning with one's past, and the impact of first love on personal growth. We also chat about how hard it is to sustain a career as a writer, Taylor Swift’s Life Of A Showgirl, and the late great Diane Keaton.

“Made for you might not be meant for you.” With a tagline like that, and a nuanced, realistic script about the brutal nature of love, connection and personal growth, it’s no wonder that we both loved the new film All of You on AppleTV. Here’s the summary: “Laura and Simon have been best friends since college. Over the years they've realized their bond is more than platonic. Can they - and should they – risk everything to explore a love that has existed all along?”

We chat about the sci-fi element of the soulmate test, analyze pivotal scenes, and the characters' struggles, their choices, and the consequences that follow. We also wrestle with bigger questions about the way love and relationships force you to confront yourself and your own damage and how True Love requires consistently choosing that person. Brett Goldstein (aka Roy Kent) and Imogen Poots bring the love and pain of these friends/lovers to life with so much empathy.

In this episode we finally deep dive into Materialists, Celine Song’s follow-up to her Oscar-nominated movie, Past Lives (which we also covered - go check that out too!). There is so much to discuss in this film: choosing love or choosing the life you want; exploring how Lucy’s wound mirrors our own but how her response to it differs; turning a realistic lens on modern dating; and why, like Celine Song, we will never tire of obsessing over the complexity of love.

Takeaways:

Lucy’s character embodies the struggle between financial security and emotional connection.

Money plays a significant role in shaping Lucy's choices and relationships.

The love triangle serves as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery.

Sophie's assault highlights the darker realities of dating in today's world.

The film challenges traditional romcom tropes by introducing serious themes.

Lucy's journey reflects the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.

The twist in the story serves to deepen the narrative and character development.

The film critiques the transactional nature of modern dating.

Ultimately, Lucy's choice reflects her growth and understanding of love. The narrative structure can significantly impact the perception of relationships.

Infidelity remains a contentious topic in storytelling and personal relationships.

Character development is crucial for authentic relationship portrayals.

Money and materialism often complicate romantic relationships.

Love can be perceived as both easy and complicated depending on circumstances.

Compatibility in love and life is essential for lasting relationships.

Cultural critiques often highlight the tension between love and materialism.

New York City serves as a backdrop for exploring the duality of romantic and practical life.

Emotional growth is a key theme in character arcs.

The conversation underscores the universal quest for love and connection.

In today’s Complicated Conversation, we chat with Laura Goode about her book, Pitch Craft: The Writer’s Guide to Getting Agented, Published, and Paid. This book is  a must-read for both aspiring writers and seasoned authors. Listen now and discover practical advice on navigating the publishing world, understanding the psychology of overachievement, and redefining our understanding of success and competition. The vibe of this conversation was so fun – we found a kindred spirit in Laura, who loves playing armchair psychologist and using astrology as a tool for self-awareness as much as we do!

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Finale

Sidebar on L.O.V.E second chances and reversing the prophesy from Taylor Swift and TSITP

In today’s Complicated Conversations, we welcome bestselling author Samantha Downing to discuss her latest novel, Too Old For This, a story about a wickedly funny female serial killer who has to come out of retirement to protect her past. 

We chat with Sam about her unforgettable heroine, Lottie Jones, who came into her mind and demanded her story be told. We discuss the themes of anger, the societal expectations placed on women (particularly aging ones!), the nature of truth and lies, and the evolution of modern thrillers. 

Too Old For This is out now! Buy it, read it, and share it!

On this episode, we sidebar on the identity crisis of the rom-com, how mutual admiration is the foundation for love, sexing up Taylor Swift and covering up Pam Anderson - why we're here for both. And since we're talking about bodies, we discuss anxiety disorders vs eating disorders by way of reality TV lessons.

On today’s episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Cleyvis Natera to discuss her new thriller, The Grand Paloma Resort, which explores the complexities of sisterhood, the impact of tourism on local communities, and the themes of race and class in the Dominican Republic. Through the characters of Laura, Elena, and Vida, Cleyvis delves into the responsibilities and burdens of familial relationships, the healing power of community, and the dynamics of sex and power. She also shares insights into her writing process and the influences that shaped her work. 

The Grand Paloma Resort is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen now to our chat!

In this episode, we deep dive into the soapy sapphic thriller, The Hunting Wives. Based on a book by May Cobb and led by showrunner Rebecca Cutter, this Netflix summer binge series has everyone talking - and for good reason!

At the heart of the story are two very complicated women, Sophie and Margo, played brilliantly by Brittany Snow and Malin Ackerman. Sophie, portrayed as an outsider grappling with her identity, finds herself drawn to Margo's seemingly carefree and untethered lifestyle. As we explore their dynamic, we uncover Sophie's internal struggle with control and desire, and Margo's influence on Sophie and so many others around her. We even see some similarities to our own dynamic - listen to hear how a 'Sophie' (Kate) and a 'Margo' (Carinn) try to unpack the psychology of this show.

We also delve into the show's steamy scenes, examining how they contribute to the narrative, and discuss the mystery and thriller elements that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, we ponder the show's mass appeal, trying to understand why it captivates us so thoroughly. Join us as we unravel the layers of this show and its characters.

On today’s Complicated Conversation we welcome back Karin Slaughter, the author of twenty-five instant New York Times bestselling novels, to delve into the gripping world of "We Are All Guilty Here," the first book in a thrilling new series. The story kicks off with the kidnapping of two young girls, drawing us into the life of Emmy Clifton, a determined sheriff's deputy. As Emmy navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, we explore her deep connections to the case and her community. Alongside Emmy, we meet Jude, a retired FBI agent whose past intertwines with the present mystery. Together, they unravel a web of secrets in the fictional town of North Falls, Georgia. 

Listen as we reflect on Karin’s remarkable career, her writing process and the themes in her novel of family, community, accountability, the silent struggles of women, and society’s obsession with true crime. This episode promises a deep dive into character development and the intricate storytelling that makes Karin’s work so compelling.

We Are All Guilty Here is out now!

On this sidebar episode we dive into the fiery energy of Leo season, reflecting on the transition from the emotional depths of Cancer; share personal experiences, from Kate's upcoming birthday trip to Las Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys at The Sphere, to Carinn's creative breakthroughs during Cancer season. We also explore the complexities of relationships, both fictional and real, discussing the latest season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" and the dynamics of chemistry in Netflix's "Building the Band." The two are both obsessing over true stories of TV - The Jinx for Carinn and the Billy Joel docuseries for Kate.

In this episode of Debut Discussions, we dive into the captivating world of Our Secrets Were Safe with author Virginia Trench. Discover the inspiration behind this thrilling novel, where two friends grapple with the aftermath of a crime they thought was long ago buried. Virginia shares her journey from a lifelong dream to be a published author, exploring themes of past secrets, privilege, the role of female rage in contemporary literature, and the complex relationships that shape her characters. Join us as we unravel the layers of this gripping story and the intentionality behind giving a voice to the victim, Sophia, in a narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.

Listen now to Virginia’s story! Our Secrets Were Safe is out now - buy it, read it, share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

On this episode of Seven Questions we welcome Emily Harding to take her chance with a deck of cards that will lead us on a hi-low therapy session, putting her and the characters of her new romance novel, How Freaking Romantic, on the “couch”! Emily chats with us about her journey as a writer, the complexities of love and anger, and the importance of vulnerability in relationships. She shares insights on creating “unlikable” characters, the struggle of asking for help, and the collaborative nature of writing (Emily is one-half of the writing duo behind the For the Love of Austen series, including Emma of 83rd Street and Elizabeth of East Hampton).

Emily was such a good sport - you’ll love this chat! How Freaking Romantic is out now!

"What if the perfect life you see online is just a well-crafted lie? In today’s episode of Complicated Conversations, we chat with bestselling author Jo Piazza about her new thriller, Everyone Here Is Lying. We explore the world of Tradwife influencers, the curated illusions they create, and the societal implications of these online personas. Jo shares her insights on the patriarchy, the reality behind influencer culture, and how these themes inspired her gripping novel. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersection of fiction and reality!

On today’s Complicated Conversations, we welcome Clemence Michallon, author of international bestseller The Quiet Tenant, to discuss her new thriller, Our Last Resort. Fifteen years ago, Frida and her brother escaped a cult. Now her brother is the prime suspect in a murder investigation—and it isn’t the first time.

We chat with Clemence about sibling dynamics, whether you can ever really know someone, her obsession with cults and their impact on identity, writing dual timelines “on steroids,” and the significance of music in her work.

Our Last Resort is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts!

In this episode of Debut Discussions we chat with Turner Gable Kahn to discuss The Dirty Version, a romance involving an author and an intimacy coordinator who are thrown together to write new, steamy sex scenes for a TV series based on her hit novel!

We chat with Turner about her journey as a writer, the inspiration behind her debut novel, female rage and feminism, the tropes that shape her narrative, escalating heat in a romance, and this title (so good!).

Listen now to Turner’s story! The Dirty Version is out now - buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

Sidebar on the movies that got into our bloodstreams (Kate = The Materialists, Carinn = Sinners), the Karen Read trial, losing and letting dreams come true, and Cancer season life vests for all!

On today’s episode we are joined by Lynn Harris, an award-winning journalist/novelist and founder of GOLD Comedy, to discuss My Old Ass, written and directed by Megan Park and starring Aubrey Plaza. In this coming-of-age comedy drama film, an 18th-birthday mushroom trip brings Elliott (played by Maisy Stella) face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self.

All our old asses loved this film! We chat about our favorite emotional and funny moments; the lessons both women learn about family, love and identity; the gorgeous Canadian setting (cranberries and boats for the win!); the brilliant touch of magical realism; and the creative vision behind the film, Megan Park. 

A 90% Rotten Tomato rating doesn’t lie - check out My Old Ass then come back when you're done and join our chat!

We’re back with another episode of what we like to call high-low therapy, where we let a deck of cards take us to places we never expected. On this episode, Kate is the dealer and Carinn is in the hot seat. We discuss what we're chasing, what keeps us up at night, being hangry, and how being a sheep is the Aries ram's worst fear.

Get on the couch with us today!

In today’s Complicated Conversation we welcome New York Times and #1 international bestselling author, Julie Clark, to discuss her new novel, The Ghostwriter, a story that skillfully blends family drama, a dark mystery, and a shocking tragedy that will keep you turning the pages twist after twist. In it, main character Olivia Dumont, is ghostwriting the book of her famous horror writer father, who was accused of murdering his own siblings. He’s finally telling the truth and now she’s forced to confront her own ghosts. The plotting and pacing of this novel are perfection, as is the exploration of truth, memory and the effects of trauma. 

The Ghostwriter is out now. Buy it, read it, and share it!

Your Friends and Neighbors recap episodes 7-9: it's not yours if you can't keep it

In this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Allison Buccola to discuss her new novel, The Ascent, a nerve-rattling thriller about motherhood, identity, and the truths we think we know about our families. We chat with Allison about her fascination with cults, the complexities of new motherhood, character development, her path from lawyer to novelist, and the challenges of writing a second book. 

The Ascent is out now. Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free discussion!

In today’s Complicated Conversations we welcome #1 international bestselling author Samantha Bailey to discuss her latest novel, Hello Juliet, a twisty thriller about a TV reunion that brings teen costars back for the drama and betrayals their viewers once craved—and this time, the stakes are deadly.

We chat with Sam about how her early love of television, specifically soap operas and teen dramas, planted the seed for this novel; the complexity of mother-daughter relationships; the control and power dynamics in Hollywood; and the challenges of writing dual timelines, her pacing and twists! Sam's passion for being a writer oozes out of her and we had so much fun chatting with her!

Hello, Juliet is out now. Buy it, read it, share it!

Your Friends and Neighbors Recap Ep5-6: Perfect Television

In this episode of Debut Discussions we chat with Sue Hincenbergs about her journey from a TV producer to her second act as a novelist with her debut book, The Retirement Plan, a story about three middle-aged best friends who turn to murder in order to collect on their husbands’ life insurance policies…but are unaware that their husbands have a devious plan of their own.

Sue’s life-affirming story of how anything is possible if you never give up a dream (and a promise you made to yourself at a Bruce Springsteen concert!) is an inspiration for us all! We talk about her long journey to published author, the challenges of getting published, and the lessons learned from rejection, as well as the personal inspiration for her characters and balancing humor with heart in storytelling. 

Listen now to Sue’s story! The Retirement Plan is out now - buy it, read it, share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

Sidebar on High School Summer, Benny Blanco's relationship advice and creative process, and our non-podcast reading

In this episode of Debut Discussions, we chat with Noel Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to writing her debut novel, Love, Camera, Action, a story about a scrappy TV director who lands her big break only to go head-to-head with the surly yet sexy director of photography.

Kate talks with Noel about her early love for romance novels, the psychological comfort they provided, and how they influenced her writing. We also chat about sexism in the film industry, our favorite romance tropes, spice levels in romance novels, and our shared interest in astrology!

Love, Camera, Action is out now - buy it, read it, share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

In today’s Complicated Conversations we welcome back Jessie Rosen to discuss her new novel, All The Signs, which follows Leah Lockhart, a skeptical doctor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery through astrology. 

When Jessie first told us the idea for her second novel while chatting with us about her debut last year, The Heirloom, we just knew we would love it! All The Signs does not disappoint, nor did our discussion with Jessie. We chat with her about the personal inspiration for her sophomore novel, the complexities of family dynamics, confronting your past as a way to move forward, and astrology as a tool for self-understanding. Jessie also shares insights around the challenges of writing her second book, specifically how she learned to let go and trust the transformative power of the writing process. 

All The Stars is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts!

Your Friends and Neighbors Recap Episodes 1-4: The White Lotus guests in their natural habitat

On this episode of Debut Discussions we welcome Sarah Damoff to discuss The Bright Years, a tender, true-to-life novel that explores the impact of each generation in a family torn apart by tragedy but, over time, restored by the power of grace and love.

We chat with Sarah about her inspirations, the complexities of family dynamics, addiction, and the themes of love and motherhood woven throughout the narrative. Sarah also shares her writing journey, the challenges of querying as a debut author, and the importance of finding the right literary agent and editor. We also get insights into her second book process and hear how astrology and personality types influence her writing. 

Listen now to Sarah’s story. This Bright Years is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

Sidebar on casting The Astrology House, "too much spice" in our books, and Chappell Roan on being in "the middle"

On this episode we chat with Kelly Mullen about her debut grandmother-granddaughter whodunit, which delightfully features complex characters and humor. Kelly is a skeptical Scorpio, but she has so much confident wisdom to share about her journey to published author and about her break-out novel.

What if women could get rid of their guilt? On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Saumya Dave to discuss her new novel, The Guilt Pill, a taut psychological drama about a CEO on maternity leave who goes missing after she becomes addicted to an experimental, guilt-erasing pill.

Saumya shares her insights as a psychiatrist and a mother, providing a nuanced perspective on the challenges of modern parenting and the impact of societal norms on mental health. We chat with Saumya about what “mom guilt” really is, the differences in experiences and social expectations between mothers and fathers, as well as the demands on female CEOs vs their male counterparts. Saumya also shares the evolution of her writing from family stories to this more speculative, psychological mystery.

The Guilt Pill is out now!

Recapping The White Lotus Experience S3: what people loved, hated, and are still talking about (including creator Mike White)

In today’s Complicated Conversations we welcome New York Times bestselling author, Sarah Jio, to discuss her latest novel, Insignificant Others, an escapist story following a young woman stuck in a “time loop” of one-day relationships with romantic partners from her past.

We chat with Sarah about the very relatable journey of self-discovery for her protagonist, Lena; why she wanted to explore the theme of what if’s and roads not taken; the importance of female friendship; how her titles always come to her before the story; and what advice she has for aspiring authors!

Insignificant Others is out now!

Alternate title: If you go down, I'm going down too.