Kate Kennedy, author of "One in a Millennial," reflects on the millennial female experience, discussing the impact of friendship and the challenges posed by cultural stereotypes. Jenny Slate, comedian and author of "Life Form," shares her insights into the stages of love, pregnancy, and motherhood, blending humor with personal reflections. Together, they explore how societal pressures influence women's choices and the importance of embracing vulnerability in a rapidly changing world. Laugh, reflect, and relate as they navigate the complexities of girlhood and womanhood.
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The Pregame Ritual
Kate Kennedy describes the 2000s college pregame as an electric, safe space for women.
Pregames offered support and boosted confidence, creating lasting memories.
insights INSIGHT
Female Friendships
Juana Summers reflects on her sorority experience, finding it lifesaving despite not fitting in completely.
Kennedy acknowledges the complexities of Greek life but emphasizes the value of supportive friendships during college.
insights INSIGHT
Self-Editing
Women, especially young women, are often conditioned to self-edit their feelings and interests to gain acceptance.
Feminine interests are often dismissed as frivolous, leading women to downplay them in professional settings.
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Jenny Slate's "Life Form" is a collection of essays that explores the multifaceted nature of life's journey. Through humor and vulnerability, Slate shares her experiences with singledom, love, pregnancy, motherhood, and the complexities of self-discovery. The essays are experimental in style, reflecting Slate's unique voice and perspective. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster of life's transitions. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of embracing life's unexpected turns.
One in a Millennial
Kate Kennedy
Kate Kennedy's memoir, "One in a Millennial," offers a poignant exploration of the millennial female experience. It delves into the unique challenges and triumphs of growing up as a woman in a generation often subjected to harsh stereotypes. The book examines the impact of social media, pop culture, and evolving societal expectations on the lives of millennial women. Kennedy's personal narrative is interwoven with broader cultural observations, creating a compelling and relatable account. Ultimately, the book celebrates the resilience and strength of millennial women and their enduring friendships.
Two books of essays consider the female experience through different stages of life. First, Kate Kennedy's One in a Millennial documents coming of age as a member of a highly-scrutinized generation. Her book explores the origins of millennial stereotypes and pop culture, but also focuses on the way that shared experiences of girlhood are often dismissed as frivolous. In today's episode, Kennedy joins NPR's Juana Summers for a conversation that touches on AOL Instant Messenger, college pre-games, and self-editing our own desires. We then hear from Jenny Slate about her new book Lifeform, a compilation of experimental essays that follow her life through five phases: Single, True Love, Pregnancy, Baby, and Ongoing. Slate joined Here & Now's Emiko Tamagawa at a live event in Boston, where the two discussed the confidence it takes to write down our ideas, fear and bravery in love, and Slate's perspective on childbirth and motherhood.
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