

The Fake Ass Book Club
Moni & Kat
The Book Club is Fake but the Talk is REAL! The F.A.B. Podcast serves cocktails while also serving up stories with a side dish of humor, a sprinkle of sarcasm, and an occasional expletive as garnish. Every hump day, tune in as Moni and Kat playfully and thoughtfully explore compelling books and topics as they relate to the human experience, filtered through the lens as black women in the midwest. Let each episode illustrate the power of storytelling and how it connects us all. This podcast is a reason for them to connect as friends, as individuals, and with their listeners. It’s like therapy you didn't know you needed...along with some laughs! You may come for the books but you'll stay for the vibes!!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2026 • 1h 3min
Moni and Kat review "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"
In this episode, the hosts start with HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, sharing their early thoughts on the series before branching out into other shows currently on their radar, including Industry, Bridgerton Season 3, Beauty, and Landman.The conversation then circles back to last week’s read, Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn. Kat reflects on how deeply she connected with Davie, the neurodivergent ten-year-old whose intense fixations felt familiar, sparking a thoughtful discussion about why certain topics, especially slavery, can become fixation-worthy. Along the way, the hosts laugh at their differing lingering fixations from the previous episode, including a humorous contrast between Davie’s admiration for Steve Jobs and Moni's ongoing obsession with his notoriously unhygienic reputation.Tap in and hang with the hosts for a fun FAB listen. Cheers!*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!About the shows:A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Knight_of_the_Seven_Kingdoms_(TV_series)Bridgerton:https://www.shondaland.com/shondaland-series/bridgerton/bridgerton-recap-seasonBeautyhttps://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-beautyIndustry:https://www.imdb.com/title/IndustryLandman: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/landman/*Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 16min
Moni & Kat review "Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn" by Renee' Swindle
In this episode, the hosts kick things off by unpacking the viral Druski mega-church skit, debating whether the satire crosses the line or simply holds up an uncomfortable mirror. Then, the hosts dive into this weeks book, Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn by Renéé Swindle. This is a novel about grief, longing, and the chaos that follows when good intentions collide with poor boundaries. The ladies walk through the story of Francine Stevenson, unpacking her relationships, her unraveling sense of self, and the complicated choices that turn connection into consequence.The discussion includes how grief can blur judgment, how desire can masquerade as healing, and how self-deception often feels like survival. Along the way, they talk about healing through connection, emotional avoidance, abuse, and what accountability looks like when harm isn’t intentional but still very real. Grounded in humor and honesty, this episode reflects Fake Ass Book Club at its core: thoughtful conversation, real reactions, and space to hold empathy and critique at the same time. Cheers*🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you, and thank you!Moni: To doing the things you love and the things that make life good! aka the Druski skit!!!Kat:The the HBO show Industry and to quality TV. Also, to all my cousins,and Claudette Colvin R.I.P.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudette_ColvinDrunk History Claudette Colvin: https://youtu.be/Tov2tLSFq5k?si=4R2YBV6y179ExY8yAbout the Book:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216522693-francine-s-spectacular-crash-and-burnAbout theAuthor: Renee' Swindle https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/276659.Renee_SwindleInstagram: @reneewritesnovelsFacebook: www.facebook.com/reneeswindlebooksPre-order Francine's Spectacular Crash and Burn: https://bit.ly/FrancinesCrashandBurn320 pages, Paperback PublishedApril 15, 2025 by Tiny Reparations Books Audio Book: 11 hoursNotes:Trauma Bonding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_bondingStinky Steve Jobs:https://finance.yahoo.com/news/steve-jobs-didnt-think-needed-171754585.htmlDruski Skit: https://youtube.com/shorts/DruskiMegaChurchWinans Church: https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1obo8s6/bishop_marvin_winans_goes_viral_after_criticizing/Marvin Sapp viral moment "Ushers, close the doors": https://youtu.MarvinSappClosetheDoorsLady asked 40 churches to help with baby food "We Can't Help You" https://youtu.be/JwWu7-M1Uq0,**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 12min
The FAB Burnout Episode: AITA Work Edition
This week, burnout is the starting point and everything else flows from there. The hosts unpack the exhaustion that comes from juggling work, life, and the constant pressure to stay functional in a world that rarely slows down. What begins as a conversation about overwork quickly expands into a broader discussion about labor, fairness, and preserving one’s peace. Inspired by a Reddit post about a Dutch employee pushing back against an American boss’s expectation to work nights and weekends, the ladies dive into a series of AITA: Work Edition scenarios. They weigh in on office culture, workplace boundaries, and the often-overlooked labor happening at home, questioning whose contributions are valued, whose are dismissed, and why. The conversation takes a detour into gender dynamics, emotional labor, and long-term relationships, including a reflection on whether people sometimes stay with abusive partners in the hope that time, aging, or change will soften them. Referencing Viola Davis’s Finding Me, the hosts explore the complicated idea of retribution, repair, and what accountability looks like when harm has already been done. Messy, honest, and reflective, this episode uses humor, judgment, and collective side-eye as tools for survival..because sometimes the best way to stay sane is to laugh, decompress, and judge strangers together. Cheers!! *Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni:Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen recently murdered by ICE. .https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/renee-nicole-good-minneapolis-ice-shooting-victim-caring-neighbor-rcna252901 and Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras. shot in Portland: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/shootings-in-minLuis%20David%20Nino-Moncada%20and%20Yorlenys%20Betzabeth%20Zambrano-Contreras.%20%20neapolis-and-portland-spur-protests-over-federal-enforcement-operations-after and the Dutch Worker who read his American Boss for pushing grind culture.Kat:Stranger Comics: Black comic book maker https://www.strangercomics.com**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Jan 8, 2026 • 55min
A Very Unofficial Episode
This week’s episode takes a different shape. Due to scheduling conflicts and real-life responsibilities, the hosts dip into archived Patreon clips to create an unconventional, raw, and unfiltered listen. The result is a collage-style episode that feels less like a traditional show and more like a peek behind the curtain. Pulled from conversations before recording, the ladies share side commentary, candid reflections, and off-mic moments that listeners don’t usually hear. The episode may be all over the place, but in a way that mirrors real life, creative process, and the kind of conversations that happen when the pressure is off. Messy, honest, and deeply human, this episode offers the crew’s community a glimpse into how the show sounds when it’s just them...no agenda, no polish, just real talk. Cheers.*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: Happy Birthday to my big brother, Marcel!Kat: Who knows, probably Star Trek! (hehe)**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Jan 1, 2026 • 55min
Moni & Kat say goodbye to 2025
Happy New Year FAB FAM! On this New Year’s Eve episode, the hosts kick back and decompress with a conversation about 2025 coming to an end, media, and the escapism helping them unwind as the year comes to a close. The ladies share what they’re watching and indulging in as a form of rest, reflection, and survival. Along the way, they weigh in on Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special, unpacking its impact, intent, and reception, and discuss Nicki Minaj’s increasingly controversial public and political turn, what they jokingly refer to as her dark side era, and what it says about celebrity, politics, and accountability. Designed as a moment to exhale before the reset, this episode blends laughter, side commentary, and honesty as the crew reflects on how they decompress, protect their peace, and prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for the year ahead. Cheers!!*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: To evolution in all areas...and always striving to be a better version of yourself.Kat: To Lush Cosmetics**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 14min
Moni & Kat review "Lady Sings the Blues": A Holiday Episode
On this Christmas Eve episode, the hosts dive into Lady Sings the Blues (1972), the biographical drama inspired by the life of jazz icon Billie Holiday and starring Diana Ross in her film debut. The ladies discuss the film’s portrayal of artistry, trauma, addiction, love, and the ways both the music industry and the justice system shaped her life. The movie reminded the ladies that music makes us feel something, and our hosts gave a glimpse into their holiday feels with their own Top 10 facorite Christmas song "soundtrack". The contrast between their lists adds humor, personality, and a lot of holiday fun to the conversation. Cheers! *Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only.Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: To the hustlers.Kat: Lady Sings the Blues (1972) was directed by Sidney J. Furie.The screenplay was written by Terence McCloy and Chris Clark, and the film is loosely based on Billie Holiday’s autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues, written with William Dufty.Berry Gordy was a producer through Motown Productions Diana Ross,, portrays Holiday, alongside a cast that includes Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, James T. Callahan and Scatman Crothers.[5] The film was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1973, including Best Actress for Diana RossOfficial Billie Holiday Website biohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Sings_the_Blues_(film)https://billieholiday.com/bio/**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 3min
Moni & Kat review "Yellowface" by R.F. Huang
In this episode, our hosts dive into R.F. Kuang’s explosive novel Yellowface, a messy, chaotic, and painfully accurate takedown of the publishing world. The ladies unpack June Hayward’s wild decision to steal a dead woman’s manuscript, the delusion that carries her into literary fame, and the way the industry protects, rewards, and excuses certain voices over others.They break down the book’s themes of cultural appropriation, white feminism, internet backlash, and how far people will go to be seen as “the good one” while doing the absolute most. It’s sharp, it’s unhinged, and it had the ladies yelling at the pages. So pull up, grab your beverage, and get into this conversation. Cheers!*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: To Jewel Ham, a multidisciplinary visual artist, curator, educator and former Spotify design intern, widely credited with creating the interactive, shareable story format for Spotify Wrapped in 2019, turning a simple link into a viral cultural moment. (Even though Spotify does not give her credit!) Jewel Ham - Artist Biography - Anthony Gallerythe spotify intern who created wrappedKat: To the Somalian community for hilariously defending themselves againsts Trump and his vile attacks against thier community. https://www.google.com/TrumpAttacksSomalishttps://www.instagram.com/SomalisClapBackatTrumpAbout the Book: 319 pages, Paperback, First published May 16, 2023, Audiobook, about 9 hours About the Author: R.F. Kuang https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/About R_F_Kuang**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 38min
Moni & Kat review "Sean Combs: The Reckoning"
Welcome back! In this episode, our hosts dive deep into Netflix’s explosive new docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning, executive-produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and award winning director Alexandria Stapleton. The ladies break down the four-part series, unpack the allegations, explore the fallout, and ask the big question: is this accountability… or a high-budget revenge project? They’ll walk you through the doc’s most shocking moments, the legal issues, the cultural commentary, and the origin of the beef between Diddy and 50. They also examine how power, celebrity worship, and industry complicity created the perfect storm around Sean Combs, and why this show has everyone talking.*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you and thank you!Moni: To my homegirl Dee, owner of 55 Rose Street https://www.55rosestreet.com and to putting pettiness to good use!Kat: To the 3 Austrian nuns, Sister Rita, Burnadette, and Regina. Click the article below to read about their story! https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/3NunsEscapeNursingHomeAbout the creators:Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1265067/bio/, and grammy award winning director Alexandria Stapleton (http://www.alexstapleton.com/about-1Info about the series:https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/sean-combs-the-reckoning-diddy-documentary-release-date-news**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Dec 4, 2025 • 50min
Moni & Kat review "Being Eddie"
This week the ladies review the Documentary “Being Eddie” which explores the extraordinary life and career of Eddie Murphy, one of the most influential comedians and entertainers of all time. From his explosive rise on Saturday Night Live to his era-defining stand-up, blockbuster films, and iconic characters, the film paints a vivid picture of an artist whose talent reshaped American comedy.Through archival footage, behind-the-scenes stories, and cultural analysis, the documentary highlights Murphy’s innovation, his impact on Black representation in Hollywood, and the legacy he continues to build. It’s a look at the highs, the challenges, and the genius that made Eddie Murphy a true legend.Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: The the tradition keepers, matriarchs and people who make the holiday magic and full of good memories! Kat: To the Catholic Church. The Pope returned 62 artifacts to indigenous peoples Cananda! https://www.vindy.com/news/international-news/2025/11/pope-returns-62-artifacts-to-indigenous-peoples-of-canada/About the film: Released by Netflix November 12, 2025 Netflix+2Yahoo+2Directed by Angus Wall. Producers include John Davis, John Fox, Charisse M. Hewitt‑Webster, Terry Leonard, and Kent Kubena. Netflix+2Rotten Tomatoes+2It’s streaming on Netflix. Netflix+2JustWatch+2 The runtime is ~103 minutes (1 hour, 43 minutes). JustWatch+1About Eddie Murphy:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_MurphySNL Hot Tub Skit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?EddieSNLHotTubSkit*Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
F.A.B. Podcast AITA Holiday Edition
The ladies are back with another hilarious round of holiday-themed AITA posts! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, our hosts jump into Reddit’s messiest stories about seasonal stress, family tension, in-law drama, boundary-setting, and all the chaos that kicks off the holiday season. And yes, Moni showed up working through a hangover like a true podcasting professional. The ladies soldier on anyway, delivering their signature Fake Ass Book Club energy reading, reacting, and deciding who’s really the asshole when holiday expectations collide with real-life personalities. Tune in for a fun return to one of their favorite episode styles as they unpack holiday drama. Cheers!🥂*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: Wampanoag To The Wampanoag Native American tribe from the New England who made contact with the "Pilgrims"/Puritans in the 1600's. You deserve it all.History of the 1st Thanksgiving (Wampanoag): https://youtu.be/TheFirstThanksgivinghttps://wampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/wampanoag-historyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WampanoagKat: To Cook County Illinois for being the first US county to provide permanant universal basic income funding (UBI). https://www.businessinsider.com/basic-income-cook-county-illinois-chicago-ubi-2025-11 and to Ghana for getting some of their looted artifacts back from Europe and South Africa.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/GhanaArtifactsReturnedThe brand of chairs mentioned in the last AITA question ($1800 Aeron Milller Chair that their co-worker took without asking and would not return, so they called the police) https://www.hermanmiller.com/Expensive OfficeChairs**Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!


