Julia Rose Portela | Feminist Pop Culture Podcast Host

Femme & Furious: A Feminist Pop Culture Podcast

Society EN ↓ 102 episodes

Femme & Furious is a feminist pop culture podcast for women and LGBTQIA+ folks who want a feminist spin on beloved TV, books, and blockbuster franchises. If you devour BookTok romances, spiral over Emily Henry releases, and still show up for Marvel while side-eyeing the gender politics...welcome. You’re in the right space, babe! We ask the big questions: Is this empowering? Why are we still rewarding emotionally unavailable men? Just how many women have to get fridged before we change the trope? Why do stories that mean so much to women and queer folks get dismissed? Why do female characters h...

Author

Julia Rose Portela | Feminist Pop Culture Podcast Host

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.juliaroseportela.com

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

Where to listen?

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Episodes

'Stranger Things' The Rightside Up Slay-by-Slay 21.01.2026

its the finale!

The Creative Influence of Pets with Holly B. Gutwillinger 17.01.2026

In this engaging conversation, Holly B. shares her experiences and insights on the profound connections between pets and creativity. The discussion explores how pets influence our mental health, the importance of acceptance in pet ownership, and the journey of writing inspired by animal companions. Holly also delves into her upcoming book, 'North of Broken and Furever Home,' and the significance o...

'Stranger Things' The Bridge Slay-by-Slay 14.01.2026

Summary In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the complexities of Stranger Things Episode 7, focusing on the character development of Holly Wheeler and Will Byers. The discussion highlights Holly's transformative journey as a heroine, her struggles with fear and empowerment, and the significance of Will's coming out as a pivotal moment in the series. The episo...

'People We Meet On Vacation' Movie Quickie 10.01.2026

Synopsis:  In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the film adaptation of 'People We Meet on Vacation,' exploring its aesthetic appeal, character dynamics, and the emotional depth that may have been lost in translation from the book.

'Stranger Things' Escape From Camazotz Slay-by-Slay 08.01.2026

Synopsis:  In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the latest Stranger Things episode, 'Escape from Camazotz'. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Femme & Furious Podcast 02:49 Chic Peek 06:31 Femme Frame: Leaving the Trauma, Not the Love 16:35 Slay by Slay: Episode Breakdown and Key Moments 01:06:51 Burn Book: Episode Superlatives  Sources, Recs & Mentions Catch...

The Power of Comedy with Lynn Harris 03.01.2026

Synopsis:  In this engaging conversation, Lynn Harris shares her multifaceted journey as a journalist, comedian, and advocate for inclusivity in comedy. She discusses the power of pop culture and humor in driving social change, the importance of creating space for women and non-binary creators in the comedy world, and the challenges and breakthroughs in the industry. Lynn emphasizes the need for a...

'Stranger Things' Shock Jock Slay-by-Slay 31.12.2025

In this podcast episode, we explore the themes of Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 5, 'Shock Jock' and delve into the representation of vampires as a metaphor for feminine horror. The episode raises urgent questions and introduces new plot points, while the discussion on vampires highlights their symbolic significance in relation to seduction, loss of autonomy, and the reproduction of cycles. The...

'Heated Rivalry' The Cottage Quickie 27.12.2025

Summary In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the themes of emotional intimacy, toxic masculinity, and representation in the context of the show Heated Rivalry. The conversation explores the significance of visibility in sports, the impact of societal norms on queer relationships, and the journey of characters navigating their identities and relationships. Thr...

'Stranger Things' Sorcerer Slay-by-Slay 23.12.2025

In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela dives deep into the themes of Stranger Things Episode 4, titled 'Sorcerer.' The discussion explores the intersection of queer storytelling and feminist themes, particularly focusing on the character of Will Byers as a representation of a queer sorcerer. Julia emphasizes the importance of acceptance, vulnerability, and the impact of tr...

Heated Rivalry with Ren Browne 19.12.2025

Synopsis: Summary In this engaging conversation, Julia Portela and Ren Browne explore the themes of fandom, romance, and masculinity as they discuss the popular show Heated Rivalry.  Sources, Recs & Mentions • Books mentioned Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid The Long Game by Rachel Reid Adversity by Ren Browne Lipstick & Lore: Monthly Newsletter  Where I send the vibes, the recs, and the unhi...

'Stranger Things' The Turnbow Trap Slay-by-Slay 18.12.2025

Synopsis:  In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela dives deep into Season 5, Episode 3 of Stranger Things, titled 'The Turnbow Trap.' Chapters:  Sources, Recs & Mentions • Books mentioned An Encyclopedia of Fairies by Katharine Briggs The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis Woman and the Demon by Nina Auerbach • Shows referenced Alice in Wonderland Spirited A...

'Stranger Things' The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler Slay-by-Slay 09.12.2025

Synopsis:  In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Portela delves into the themes of trauma, gender dynamics, and the historical context of caregiving as explored in Stranger Things, particularly in episode five, 'The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler.' The conversation highlights the significance of the Candy Striper phenomenon, parental oblivion, and the evolving role of the Demogorgon, whil...

Interview with 'The Sweetest Getaway' Author Sasha Preston 06.12.2025

Synopsis:  In this engaging conversation, Julia Portela and Sasha Preston delve into the themes of Sasha's book, The Sweetest Getaway. They explore the inspiration behind the story, the development of its characters, and the importance of female friendships. Sasha shares insights into her writing process and hints at future projects, including a sequel that continues the adventures of the beloved...

'Stranger Things' The Crawl Slay-by-Slay 04.12.2025

Synopsis:  In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela dives into the premiere of Stranger Things Season 5, exploring its feminist themes, character dynamics, and the historical context of sound as resistance. Femme Frame: Women & Sound as Resistance! Sources, Recs & Mentions Books mentioned All The Light We Cannot See A Wrinkle in Time  Media referenced Back to the Fut...

'Stranger Things" Lore Recap 27.11.2025

In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela discusses the upcoming release of Stranger Things Season 5 and the four key episodes recommended by the Duffer Brothers for viewers to watch beforehand.

'Stranger Things' S3 E1-4 Quickie 15.10.2025

In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela explores the intersection of feminism and pop culture through the lens of Wonder Woman and the 1980s setting of Stranger Things. The discussion delves into the evolution of female empowerment, the significance of friendship among young girls, and the critique of capitalism as represented by the Starcourt Mall. Portela highlights the s...

'Stranger Things' S2 E7-9 Quickie 11.10.2025

In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the feminist themes present in Stranger Things, particularly focusing on the character development of Eleven and the significance of community and connection. The discussion spans episodes 7 through 9 of season 2, highlighting the cultural context of the 80s, the portrayal of female rage, and the psychological horror embod...

'The Life of a Showgirl' Quickie 04.10.2025

Welcome to the Showgirl Era, Babes

'Stranger Things' S2 E 4 - 6 Quickie 01.10.2025

In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the feminist themes present in the popular series Stranger Things, particularly focusing on the implications of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and its historical context. The conversation explores how ECT has disproportionately affected women, the gendered lens through which mental health is viewed, and the narratives sur...

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Series Finale Slay-by-Slay 30.09.2025

In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela dives into the latest developments in pop culture, particularly focusing on the series 'The Summer I Turned Pretty.' She discusses the upcoming movie adaptation, character analyses of Conrad, Belly, and Jeremiah, and emphasizes the importance of post-sex care from a feminist perspective. The episode is filled with humor, personal anec...

'Stranger Things' S2 E1-3 Quickie 20.09.2025

In this episode of Femme &' Furious, host Julia Rose Portela dives into the world of Stranger Things, focusing on the themes of survivor's guilt, particularly through the character of Nancy Wheeler. The conversation follows the first three episodes of Season 2, highlighting key moments, character developments, and feminist themes throughout the narrative.

'Stranger Things' S1 E5-8 Quickie 12.09.2025

Call Me, Beep Me: https://linktr.ee/femmeandfurious In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the feminist themes present in the latter half of Stranger Things season one, specifically episodes five through eight. The discussion highlights the historical context of slut shaming and its relevance to the character of Nancy Wheeler, exploring how societal judgments o...

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' S3E9 Slay-by-Slay 10.09.2025

Call me, Beep me if ya wanna reach me: https://linktr.ee/femmeandfurious Threads post by Lifewithlucero: https://www.threads.com/@lifewithlucero/post/DOUrHXXgJBD?xmt=AQF0gyBYSW-JYUQwaXs8sjys7pGPOuyRxx1wnRqCPeObBg&slof=1 In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the emotional complexities of relationships portrayed in The Summer I Turn Pretty. She reflects on t...

'Stranger Things' S1 E1-4 Quickie 05.09.2025

Join the newsletter, follow on socials, and all that jazz In this episode of Femme &' Furious, host Julia Rose Portela explores the first four episodes of Stranger Things, focusing on friendship dynamics and the portrayal of women in the 1980s. The discussion includes the infamous character Barb and the internet's campaign for 'Justice for Barb', as well as the struggles of Joyce and Nancy aga...

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' S3E8 Slay-by-Slay 03.09.2025

In this episode of Femme & Furious, host Julia Rose Portela delves into the themes of the latest episode of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty.' She explores the concept of 'cold feet' in relation to marriage, the emotional struggles of the main character, Belly, and the dynamics of her relationships with Conrad and Jeremiah. The discussion highlights feminist themes, the impact of grief on relations...

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