The Fake Ass Book Club

This week on the show, the hosts tackle Desiree Akhavan’s sharp and darkly funny essay collection You’re Embarrassing Yourself. From her “platonic soulmate” friendship with Chacillia to the nose job her Iranian-immigrant parents encouraged, Akhavan’s deadpan humor and raw honesty shine through every page.The discussion covers her awkward search for love (including the bleached-hair reinvention phase), the creative compromise of making a film she might not even like just to pay off student loans, and her reflections on shame, identity, body image, and belonging.The hosts also connect Akhavan’s themes to today’s cultural and political climate, share a few “Stranger Than Fiction” stories of personal embarrassment, and remind listeners why embracing imperfection is both hilarious and deeply human. 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. SPOILERSDedication:To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: To every elusive act of unfiltered and actual self love and acceptance..it's the most beautiful and important love story we can create in this world.Kat: To the high school students protesting gun violencehttps://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/indy-students-join-nationwide-rally-for-gun-safety-reformAbout the book: Published on Aug 6, 2024 by HarperOne, Pages: 256, Audiobook: Approx 5 hourshttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/539659/youre-embarrassing-yourself-by-desiree-akhavanAbout the author: https://www.desireeakhavan.comStranger 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 to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

In this episode of The Fake Ass Book Club, the hosts dive into the world of Reddit relationship questions...because sometimes strangers on the internet have the juiciest stories. Before the advice-giving begins, they unpack Snoop Dogg’s out-of-touch reaction to seeing a seemingly loving lesbian couple raising children in Pixar’s Lightyear. From there, things get delightfully messy as they offer their own takes on complicated love dilemmas, messy breakups, and “what would you do?” moments. It’s unfiltered, hilarious, and always a good time at the F.A.B. podcast. 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 Kat and I for showing up every week for each other, and the listeners doing the same.Kat: Apple TV's show "Foundation" and the black female protagonist and to all the artists!Snoop's Lightyear Comments:https://www.newsweek.com/snoop-dogg-reacts-lightyear-lgbtq-comments-2122420Watch w/ Me, EllaBee:YouTube: https://youtu.be/HuntingWives*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!

In this week’s episode of The Fake Ass Book Club, the hosts welcome author, journalist, singer, and cultural critic, Kaila Yu, to discuss her brand-new memoir-in-essays, Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty. The conversation is equal parts funny, insightful, and timely, as Kaila unpacks her personal journey through the lens of identity, beauty standards, and the harmful stereotypes that shaped — and often constrained — her sense of self. With unflinching honesty and reflection, she shares what it means to reclaim your story in a world that insists on defining you. From laughter to hard truths, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of culture, resilience, and healing that listeners won’t want to miss.📚 Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty is available now wherever books are sold!*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 international cooperation and appreciation and to @kailayu for joining us on our platform.Kat: Our new "patreon" M. Conner, and all of our Patrons. To Boxx the Artist & the "Start with Art Luncheon" via Indy Arts Counsil. To the Butter Fine Arts Fair in Indianapolis!About the Author: Kaila Yu is a freelance writer for the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, the New York Times, Business Insider, Conde Nast Traveler and more. Formerly, she was a model and the lead singer for the all–Asian American female rock band Nylon Pink. Fetishized is her first book. You can find Kaila online @kailayu. https://kailayu.comAbout the Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738645/fetishized-by-kaila-yu/256 pages, Hardcover Published August 19, 2025 by Crown : Audio Book: Read by author:7 hours 57mins.Kaila's book recommendation:   Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It*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!

In this episode of The Fake Ass Book Club, the ladies take on Netflix’s steamy thriller The Hunting Wives — with a twist. Moni only made it through to episode three, while cohost Kat powered through the entire series and the original book (which she had already finished before even suggesting this week’s review… not fair!). Before diving into the drama, the hosts celebrate a major milestone: reading eleven books this summer! Cue an old-school BOOK IT–style pizza party, complete with plenty of wine. 🍕🍷Fueled by good vibes and even better pours, the conversation meanders through their usual FAB tangents — from nearly forgetting to dedicate the episode, to clowning the series’ questionable wigs, to Kat’s breakdown of how the book stacks up against the Netflix adaptation. Expect a mix of off-topic laughs, pop culture sidebars, and just enough plot talk to keep things spicy. A boozy, freewheeling episode that perfectly embodies the essence of the Fake Ass Book Club. 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!! Thank you for your support. Also cheers to us reading 11 books this summer. 🥂🙌🏽We finally had our Book IT pizza Party!Moni: To my kids' teachers, to all teachers, especially the good ones!Kat: To the Indy Convergence artists residency…and puppets!First episode: July 21, 2025 (USA) Network: Netflix, No. of episodes: 8 No. of seasons: 1 Based on: The Hunting Wives; by May Cobb Created by: Rebecca CutterAbout May Cobb: May Cobb earned her MA in literature from San Francisco State University, and her essays and interviews have appeared in The Washington Post, the Rumpus, Edible Austin, and Austin Monthly. Her previous novels are The Hunting Wives and My Summer Darlings. A Texas native, she lives in Austin with her family. ... Google Books**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!

In this episode, the hosts take a hilarious and heartfelt dive into What in the World?, the debut memoir by stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan. Known for her sweet Southern drawl and wisecracking take on motherhood, marriage, aging, and everything in between, Morgan delivers more than just laughs—she offers wisdom, vulnerability, and a reminder that women in midlife still have plenty of living (and loving) to do.Whether you're a longtime fan of Leanne Morgan or new to her charm, this episode offers a refreshing look at how comedy and authenticity can go hand in hand—and why it’s never too late to start over or chase your dreams. 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. 🚨SPOILER ALERT!🚨Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni: The KPop Demon Hunters sound track and everyone involved in making it!! LOVED IT!Kat: To Indy Convergence and to The Eyes of Wakanda sereis on Disney PlusAbout the book: Published on Sep 24, 2024 by Convergent BooksPages: 240 Audio Book: Approx 6 hourshttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/725880/what-in-the-world-by-leanne-morgan/About the author:https://www.leannemorgan.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!

In this episode, our hosts dive headfirst into the glitter, gore, and girl power of K-Pop Demon Hunters, the animated Netflix movie. They break down the plot, animation style, action sequences, and of course—the music! Expect hot takes, laughs, and cultural commentary as the ladies explore how this genre-bending spectacle mixes fantasy, fandom, and fierce fashion into one wild ride. Is it a campy cult classic in the making or just flashy filler? Tune in to find out! 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 my mom for all her help getting my house back together! Kat: To Korean Heritage Day **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! 

In this episode, the hosts review Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs, one of the first personal narratives to detail the specific experiences of enslaved Black women in America. Written under the pseudonym Linda Brent, Jacobs recounts her harrowing journey through abuse, resistance, motherhood, and the pursuit of freedom.The conversation explores key themes such as the sexual exploitation of enslaved women, the psychological toll of slavery, and the powerful role of family—particularly the strength and protection offered by Jacobs’ grandmother. The hosts reflect on the emotional weight of the text, its historical significance, and why this 19th-century narrative still speaks volumes in today’s world.*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! Join our patreon if you have not already. https://www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.comMoni: To the untimely death of Malcom Jamal Warner. Sending love to him and his family. Also, to my dad visiting my brother in Japan. To my brother and his sick dog P!!Kat: To abolistionists, South Park for dragging the orange man, to my kids, I'm glad the US government cannot sell them...anymore. To the women engineers who created a new speculum for gynecological exams. About the book: Harriet A. Jacobs (Harriet Ann), 1813-1897 and Lydia Maria Francis Child, 1802-1880 Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Written by Herself, Boston: Published for the Author, 1861, c1860. 306 pages.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incidents_in_the_Life_of_a_Slave_GirlAudio book Abridged version 7 hours , narrator Elizabeth Klett About the author: https://docsouth.unc.edu/fpn/jacobs/summary.htmlCytonia Brown (16 year old who killed her r**ist : https://www.lex18.com/cyntoia-brown-jailed-at-16-in-high-profile-murder-case-walks-freeBrock Turner case: https://www.newsweek.com/brock-turner-stanford-rape-case*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! 

In this episode, the hosts review The Girls Who Grew Big, the powerful new novel by Leila Mottley.Set in a small Florida town, the story follows a group of teenage mothers who form a fierce and unconventional sisterhood while navigating the challenges of young motherhood, fractured families, and societal judgment. With Mottley’s signature lyricism and emotional depth, the novel examines themes of identity, survival, and the resilience of girls growing into women in a world that often fails them. Through rich characters and poignant storytelling, The Girls Who Grew Big invites readers to consider what it means to come of age while raising a baby and yourself. *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 teenage moms and their families Kat: Takashi Murakami and the exhibit in Cleveland Museum of Art and the staff About the author: https://www.leilamottley.com/ Leila Mottley (born 2002) is an American novelist and poet.[1] She is The New York Times bestselling author of Nightcrawling, which was nominated for numerous awards, including the Booker Prize, making her the youngest author to have been nominated for the award. In 2018, at age 16, she was named the Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland, California.About the book: 352 pages, HardcoverFirst published June 24, 202: Audio book 11 hours 50 mins Narrated by: AhDream Smith, Erin Spencer and Khaya Fraiteshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219520677-the-girls-who-grew-bigMentioned on the show: FAB podcast Episode 101, Night Crawling by Leila Mottley:https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-101-a-review-nightcrawling-by-leila-mottley-we-had-no-idea--54114107FAB podcast Episode, , https://www.spreaker.com/episode/review-of-ketera-of-punishment-island-on-netflix--56231879**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! 

In No Holes Barred, podcast powerhouses Mandii B and Weezy WTF — the unapologetic voices behind the hit show Whorible Decisions, now Decisions decisions  — deliver a raw, hilarious, and unfiltered memoir-meets-manifesto that redefines how we talk about sex, relationships, and womanhood.Told in alternating voices, Mandii and Weezy pull back the curtain on their personal journeys, from their upbringings and early sexual awakenings to navigating toxic relationships, career reinvention, and growing a sex-positive media empire. With raunchy storytelling, vulnerable confessions, and a hefty dose of humor, they challenge societal taboos and offer permission for readers — especially Black women — to own their pleasure, embrace their messiness, and stand fully in their truth. Tap in to hear what our hosts had to say about this candid memior, Cheers!*Trigger warning: 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. Spoilers for the book are included in this review. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: To all the ladies out there, it ain't easy. Keep your heads up!Kat: To the IBE & Arthentic Arts @boxxtheartist for having me as a live paint artist**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! 

The Fake Ass Book Club hit the PopCon Indy stage for a special live recording, diving into Storm Issue #2 – “Chapter 2: Death by Voodoo.” Moni and Kat break down the action-packed storyline, from Storm’s fierce confrontation with deadly enemies to the layered magic and mayhem at the heart of the comic. They explore Black representation in comics, the evolution of fandom culture, and why Storm remains one of the most iconic—and underappreciated—characters in the Marvel universe. Your favorite hosts also pitched their dream MCU storyline: a grown, goddess-level Storm crossing paths with none other than T’Challa’s son. The sparks?! The possibilities?! Somebody call Ryan Coogler. The cherry on top? A surprise visit from The Normies podcast crew (https://www.youtube.com/Normies) mid-show, turning the episode into a full-on comic culture party. Whether you’re a comic book head, casual fan, or just here for the laughs, this episode delivers insightful commentary, geeky joy, and a reminder that representation in the arts still, and always, matters. Cheers!*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only.Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you!Moni: To Brandon Peters and PopCon Indy for inviting us to be a part of this wonderfrul event!PopCon Indy: https://popcon.us/popcon-indy/  Brandon Peters: https://www.instagram.com/brandon4kuhd/Kat: To professor Matthew Powers, my "History of Comic Books" teacher (and his monocle!)About the comic:https://www.housetoastonish.com/?p=10551https://thegeekiary.com/storm-issue-2-chapter-2-death-by-voodoo-review/129094Writer: Murewa AyodeleArtist: Lucas WerneckColour artist: Alex GuimarãesLetterer: Travis LanhamEditor: Tom Brevoort💜*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!