The Unspeakable Podcast

Lionel Shriver, a provocative columnist for The Spectator and author of the bestseller 'We Need to Talk About Kevin,' dives into the current political landscape. She discusses the shifting priorities of female voters, such as the rise of trans issues over abortion rights. Shriver provocatively questions whether Kamala Harris might be relieved to avoid the presidency, reflecting on societal expectations of motherhood and the pressures within literary circles regarding political conformity. Her insights challenge conventional narratives and spark thoughtful debate.

Leigh Stein, a versatile writer and author of five books, dives into the evolving world of book publishing. She shares the transformative impact of social media platforms like TikTok on book promotion and marketing. Leigh believes that despite the challenges, there's abundant opportunity for authors willing to embrace these changes. She also highlights her successful strategies for helping others secure book deals and discusses the rising popularity of audiobooks. Plus, don’t miss her upcoming webinar on navigating the publishing landscape!

This week, journalist and legendary feminist activist Julie Bindel talks about her new podcast series, Julie in Genderland, which explores the complexities surrounding gender identity, particularly from the perspective of parents of children who’ve become caught up in gender ideology. Julie discusses the role of social services and educators in shaping children's understanding of gender, the intersection of class and gender issues, and the parallels with social justice movements around the sex trade and surrogacy. She also reflects on her reporting of grooming gangs in the UK, linking it to broader issues of misogyny and systemic failures in protecting vulnerable girls. GUEST BIO Julie Bindel is a British journalist, broadcaster, author and a feminist campaigner against male violence towards women and girls. Her latest book, Lesbians: Where Are We Now? will be published by Swift Press in Spring 2025 and her new podcast, Julie In Genderland, premiered in September 2024. Follow Julie on Substack. Listen to Julie in Genderland. Want to hear the whole conversation? Upgrade your subscription here. HOUSEKEEPING 📺 Visit The Unspeakable on YouTube! ✈️ The Unspeakeasy has new retreats for 2025. See where we'll be! Learn about our upcoming Unspeakeasy School of Thought coed courses in fiction, memoir, and “How To Get A Book Deal The Easy Way.” 🥂 Join The Unspeakeasy, my community for freethinking women.

Stephanie Lepp, a video artist and founder of Synthesis Media, joins to discuss her innovative project, Faces of X. This series creatively presents multiple viewpoints on complex topics through a single performer embodying various roles. Lepp elaborates on the challenges of confirmation bias and distinguishes between synthesis and both sidesism. With thought-provoking discussions encompassing gender rights, capitalism, and inclusive dialogue on contentious issues like abortion, she advocates for a future rich in nuanced public discourse.

Neal Pollack, a multi-talented author and three-time Jeopardy! champion, shares his insights on humor's evolution in a world that often feels grim. He discusses his amusing battle with sofa dermatitis and the triviality of life's quirks. Neal also critiques the cultural commentary found in provocative media, reflecting on today's comedic expression and societal challenges. Look out for his innovative course on 'Writing Humor in Humorless Times,' where he promises to teach students how to find and share laughter in everyday life!

If you have a pet, you’ve probably wondered lately what in the world has happened to veterinary medicine. Why is it so expensive? Why is it so hard to get an appointment? And why, despite all of that, do domestic animals seem to have more health problems than ever? In this conversation, financial reporter Helaine Olen, a longtime dog owner and author of the April 2024 Atlantic article Why Your Vet Bill Is So High, explains how a combination of advancing technologies, private equity, and let's face it, people being really, really attached to their pets have made it costlier and more complicated than ever to own a pet. GUEST BIO Helaine Olen is Managing Editor at the American Economic Liberties Project and a contributing columnist for MSNBC.com. She is the author of Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Side of the Personal Finance Industry and a co-author of The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated. A former columnist for The Washington Post opinion page and Slate, her work has also appeared in numerous other publications, including The Atlantic, where Why is Your Vet Bill So High appeared. Want to hear the whole conversation? Upgrade your subscription here. HOUSEKEEPING 📺 Visit The Unspeakeasy on YouTube! ✈️ We have new retreats for 2025. See where we'll be! ✏️ Learn about our upcoming Unspeakeasy School of Thought coed courses in fiction, memoir, and humor writing. 🥂 Join The Unspeakeasy, my community for freethinking women.

This interview with Kat Timpf is free to all subscribers. To hear bonus conversations and get early access to other episodes, become a paying subscriber here. Meghan interviews Kat Timpf, Fox News analyst and co-host of Gutfeld, about her new book "I Used to Like You Until... (How Binary Thinking Divides Us)." They discuss Kat’s education and early political evolution, her frustrations with ideological tribalism, and her thoughts about red-pilled manosphere discourse regarding dating, mating, and female fertility. GUEST BIO Kat Timpf is a writer, comedian, and television personality. She’s currently the co-host of “Gutfeld!” on Fox News weeknights at 10 p.m. and a Fox News analyst. She’s also the author of the New York Times bestsellers "You Can’t Joke About That: Why Everything is Funny, Nothing is Sacred, and We’re All in This Together," and "I Used To Like You Until... (How Binary Thinking Divides Us).” Follow Kat Timpf on Twitter and Instagram. HOUSEKEEPING ✈️ We have new retreats for 2025. See where we'll be! ✏️ Learn about our upcoming Unspeakeasy School of Thought coed courses in fiction, memoir, and humor writing. 🥂 Join The Unspeakeasy, my community for freethinking women.

Journalist Jennifer Block dives into Planned Parenthood's unexpected role as a major provider of gender transition hormones for young adults. She shares a gripping story about a teenager who, driven by societal pressures, regrets her hastily undertaken medical transition. Block discusses the ethical challenges surrounding young people's autonomy and highlights the public's slow recognition of these issues. She also elucidates the need for coherence in supporting abortion rights while questioning medicalized gender transitions for minors.

Melody Wright, a housing market analyst and rising YouTube star who navigated the Great Financial Crisis, discusses the current housing affordability crisis. She reveals that while low inventory is a concern, many homes sit empty due to oversaturation in new construction. Melody highlights similarities between today's market and the 2008 crash, and critiques the media's failure to adequately cover these issues. She also shares practical advice for young buyers and uncovers surprising truths about housing market dynamics.

Moon Unit Zappa, a writer and performer from the iconic Zappa family, shares insights from her memoir 'Earth To Moon.' She reflects on the chaotic upbringing in the rock-and-roll scene and the cultural impact of her hit 'Valley Girl.' The conversation touches on family dynamics, navigating toxic relationships, and the emotional complexities of fame. Moon discusses her unique bond with her father and how unconventional parenting shaped her identity amidst artistic brilliance. She also explores the evolution of artistry in today's creative landscape.