Pop Fiction Women

In this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome back Kirthana Ramisetti to discuss her third novel, The Other Lata, which explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and belonging through the story of Lata Murthy, an aspiring writer in New York City.  We chat with Kirthana about the complexities of Lata's character, her journey of taking on another person's identity, and the dyna...

White Lotus S3, Episode 7: the ending is revealed, or is it? Lots of answers, but more questions.

On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome New York Times bestselling author, Katy Hays, to discuss her latest novel, Saltwater, an electrifying thriller about an opulent family retreat to Italy that’s shattered by the resurfacing of a decades-old crime.  For fans of The White Lotus and the great Patricia Highsmith, Saltwater is a multigenerational story told from multiple points of v...

Episode 6 in White Lotus Season 3 is called “Denials” and there is surprising depth and breadth to the denials in this episode. On our recap we dive into “the ick” of incest and what it all means for the Ratliff brothers, as well as Mike White’s push-the-envelope storytelling; what lessons the Ratliff patriarch has taken away from his chat with the Buddhist monk; the so very high school dynamics o...

On this episode we ask how is TV getting even BETTER?

White Lotus S3, Ep5: Mirrors, Full Moon, and The Many Sides of Everyone (Full Moon Party)

On today’s episode we are thrilled to be joined by Traci Thomas, the creator and host of the critically acclaimed literary podcast, The Stacks, to discuss one of the most iconic movies of our time…A League Of Their Own. Directed by Penny Marshall, and starring a who’s who of an all-star cast of badass women, A League Of Their Own not only holds up today, it still shines! We chat with Traci, a self...

White Lotus S3, Episode 4: full-frontal (again!), a mother-daughter face-off, and the gun becomes a farce?

On this episode of Debut Discussions we welcome Clare Leslie Hall to discuss her novel Broken Country, a sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller mixed with a courtroom drama! We chat with Clare about her journey from a passionate reader to a successful novelist, sharing insights into her writing process, the personal inspiration behind Broken Country and the complexities of char...

White Lotus S3, Episode 3: Astrology, Religion, Politics, Darkness, and Waking Up

Sidebar about the glory of TV right now and big changes coming?

On this episode of Debut Discussions we welcome Holly Brickley to discuss her novel Deep Cuts, a love story about two people pulled apart by the same force that draws them together: music. Deep Cuts examines the nature of talent, obsession, belonging, and above all, our need to be heard. Holly shares her journey to becoming a published author; how she used the writing of this novel to explore ques...

It’s time to check-in for the third season of The White Lotus, this time our guests and employees are at a luxury spa and wellness sanctuary in Thailand where the scenery is still gorgeous, the wealthy guests still insufferable, and the mystery of who died and who killed them still has us guessing. This is a slow burn, but we trust show creator Mike White, and we’re loving the throw-back vibes to...

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Taylor Hutton, the pen name for writing duo Julie Buxbaum and Adele Griffin, to discuss their new novel Strike And Burn, a breathless romantic thriller that doesn't just toe the line between danger and desire—it burns it to the ground. When a book starts with a “meet cute” in a morgue, you know it’s going to be something unique! We chat...

Sidebar on pivots, reality TV, and the internet being a scary place

*with a spoiler section - listen if you want to hear Layne explain THOSE moments* On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Layne Fargo to discuss her new novel, The Favorites, an epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating about a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice.  The Favorites is a retelling of Wuthering Heights set in the w...

On this episode of Debut Discussions, we welcome Sandra Chwialkowska to discuss her novel, The Ends of Things, a story that is both a thought-provoking suspense and a meditation on female friendship and agency. Sandra shares her journey as a writer and producer, discussing her literary influences, the transition from literature to television writing, and the personal inspiration behind her debut n...

Continuing our discussions about Oscar-nominated movies, this time we’re chatting about Anora, a story about a young sex worker from Brooklyn who gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and marries the son of a Russian oligarch until it all goes terribly wrong. Mikey Madison brilliantly brings Ani to life in a role that was quite literally made for her. We chat about her character’s a...

On today’s Complicated Conversation we welcome Greg Wands and Elizabeth McCullough Keenan to discuss Trust Issues, which is a fresh take on the classic conman chase novel following two adult siblings forced to play nice in hopes of tracking down the man they believe killed their mother and ran off with their sizable inheritance. We chat with Liz and Greg about why they love a classic conman story;...

On this sidebar episode we discuss our mutual obsession with The Favorites by Layne Fargo; the Oscar nominations; what happens when you pay creators for their art, and TV shows coming back that we are so excited for (hello Yellowjackets and White Lotus), as well as our upcoming dive into reality TV. The PFW Sidebar is now in session!

In today’s episode we dive into The Substance, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat and starring Demi Moore in an Oscar-worthy performance (go watch her acceptance speech from the recent Golden Globes win stat!). In case you’ve somehow been out of the loop, the film centers on Elisabeth Sparkle, a Jane Fonda–esque actor and fitness icon who is abruptly laid off from her TV show by a misogynisti...

Welcome to a new segment called high-low therapy, where we let a deck of cards take us to places we never expected. On this episode, Carinn is the dealer and Kate in the hot seat. We touch on time travel, theme songs, belief in the afterlife, and how we feel about anger.

On this episode of Debut Discussions, we welcome Sash Bischoff, to discuss her novel Sweet Fury, a story about a beloved actress who is cast in a feminist adaptation of the Fitzgerald classic Tender Is The Night, but finds herself the victim in a deadly game of revenge in which everyone, on screen and off, is playing a part. Sash shares her journey from actor and theatre director to published auth...

We’re back with our first sidebar of 2025 and we’re discussing our renewed commitment to our podcast mission, how we spent our holiday break, and where we stand on our personal vision, goals and directions for the new year…a cocoon and a butterfly! Listen now to hear more! The PFW Sidebar is now in session!

On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction novels, to discuss her latest, The Stolen Queen, which she describes as Thelma and Louise meets Indiana Jones! Fiona discusses her journey from actress to journalist to novelist, the viral Met Gala picture (involving Kim Kardashian!) that inspired the novel, and the complexi...