Lisa Taddeo, author of 'Three Women', discusses the book's exploration of women's unique relationships with sex. The podcast covers topics such as the complexity of desire, women's judgment towards each other, the rollercoaster of emotions, encouraging open conversation about sex and desire, and the influence of cultural norms on women's roles.
Desire can lead individuals to make choices based on intense longing, even in the face of potential harm or societal judgment.
Women's desires and sexual experiences are often subjected to harsher scrutiny and condemnation compared to men's.
Deep dives
The Stories of Three Women - Alina, Maggie, and Sloan
The podcast episode explores the stories of three women: Alina, a housewife in Indiana who reconnects with an old lover to escape her passionless marriage; Maggie, a young woman in North Dakota who faces disbelief when she reports her relationship with her high school teacher; and Sloan, a married woman who engages in sexual activities with other men in front of her husband. The episode delves into the complexity of desire and the emotional and societal judgments surrounding women's sexuality.
Desire as a Combination of Physical and Emotional Pull
The podcast examines the concept of desire as a combination of physical and emotional pull. It highlights how desire can be all-consuming, leading individuals to make choices based on their intense longing, even in the face of potential harm or societal judgment. The stories of the three women showcase the different ways desire manifests and the impact it has on their lives.
The Complexity of Sustaining Passion
The episode explores the difficulty of sustaining the initial intensity of desire in a long-term relationship. It delves into the natural progression from the honeymoon phase to a more settled stage, where passion may wane. This exploration serves as a reminder that sustaining passion is challenging and often requires accepting the evolving dynamics of a relationship.
Judgment and Stigma Surrounding Women's Sexuality
The podcast highlights the social judgment and stigma that still exist around women's sexuality. It examines how women's desires and sexual experiences are often subjected to harsher scrutiny and condemnation compared to men's. The episode raises questions about the need for more open dialogue and acceptance of women's desires without judgment or shame.
Over several years, and after interviewing dozens of women, Lisa Taddeo settled on three stories of women and their unique relationships with sex.
In this interview with Fearne about the resulting book, Three Women, she talks about how their experiences will sound familiar to many others - even though their cases can be quite extreme.
Thanks to our sponsors for series six, Mindful Chef. For 25% off your first four recipe boxes, plus a free recipe book from its founders Myles & Giles, go to mindfulchef.com/HAPPYPLACE or use the code HAPPYPLACE at checkout.