Lit for Life is back! Our host Jess invites producer of the podcast Ria and smut-lover Brigitte to chat about Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. We talk sex, dragon riders and how enjoyable the characters are in this romantic fantasy favourite. We save spoilers for the end, in case you're worried! If you love this, keep your eyes and ears peeled for mo…

n this episode, Tonya's guest Dr. Wendy Wimmer (author of the short story collection Entry Level) explains Plot Candy, reveals her discovery of Mr. Collins as a salty snack, and goes on a Ria-style Rant about her beef with Percy Bysshe Shelley. Wendy's book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60557291-entry-level Wendy's website: http://www.wendyw…

Ria's questions is back!!!!!! It's another burning question from Ria's brain! There is a clear divide in the collective between the normal people who like fridge cold chocolate (Ria and Tonya) or the weirdos who eat room temperature chocolate (Alyson, Ada and Jess). Tell us, would you rather eat fridge cold chocolate or room temperature chocolate. …

In this AMAZING episode of Femme on Film, fantastic and talented Jessica Petelle and Alyson Shelton take the lead to discuss their short film, To Hold The Night. Ria speaks with them about how they made the film and how they managed to make water so utterly terrifying! About the film: Set in the 1960's, Nadine (Anwen O'Driscoll), a young flight att…

In this episode of Femme on TV, it was Alyson's turn to recommend a TV show to Ria, and so they discuss Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel's Survival of the Thickest. Once again, Ria over uses the word 'joy' and Alyson brings fun and thoughtful commentary on this hilarious Netflix show.Par Femme On

Tonya speaks with Donna Dees Thomases about the Million Mom March, her role in helping to reunite families after Hurricane Katrina, and her award-winning short film “Snowdrops for the Bairns," which shares how the grassroots petitions that emerged after a 1996 school shooting in Dunblane, Scotland changed the gun laws in the UK. Trailer for Snowdro…

Today’s book: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo (2020) Banned Books Conversations: Where Radical Readers Discuss Prohibited Prose Banned books are works that have been removed from a library shelf or school curriculum. Over the course of Banned Books Week, this series covers seven different books, the reasons they were banned, and the value i…

Today’s book: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005) Banned Books Conversations: Where Radical Readers Discuss Prohibited Prose Banned books are works that have been removed from a library shelf or school curriculum. Over the course of Banned Books Week, this series covers seven different books, the reasons they were banned, and the value in read…

Today’s book: Losing the Girl: Book 1 in the Life on Earth series by MariNaomi (2018) Banned Books Conversations: Where Radical Readers Discuss Prohibited Prose Banned books are works that have been removed from a library shelf or school curriculum. Over the course of Banned Books Week, this series covers seven different books, the reasons they wer…

Today’s book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952) Banned Books Conversations: Where Radical Readers Discuss Prohibited Prose Banned books are works that have been removed from a library shelf or school curriculum. Over the course of Banned Books Week, this series covers seven different books, the reasons they were banned, and the value in reading…

Today’s book: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (2005) Banned Books Conversations: Where Radical Readers Discuss Prohibited Prose Banned books are works that have been removed from a library shelf or school curriculum. Over the course of Banned Books Week, this series covers seven different books, the reasons they were ba…

Today’s book: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (1993) Banned Books Conversations: Where Radical Readers Discuss Prohibited Prose Banned books are works that have been removed from a library shelf or school curriculum. Over the course of Banned Books Week, this series covers seven different books, the reasons they were banned, and the value in…

Today’s book: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume (1970) Banned Books Conversations: Where Radical Readers Discuss Prohibited Prose Banned books are works that have been removed from a library shelf or school curriculum. Over the course of Banned Books Week, this series covers seven different books, the reasons they were banned, and …

Alyson and Jackie Tempera (writer for Women’s Health and storytelling coach) talk about an iconic scene from The Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ): Teresa flips a table at the Last Supper. They get into the nitty gritty of what makes the whole Real Housewife world engaging and dip into Jackie’s set visit and how that informed her opinion of the…

Alyson sits down with Annie Sklaver Orenstein author of the forthcoming non-fiction book, Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner’s Guide to Grief (coming out May 28th) and talks about their shared experiences of sibling loss, the lack of sibling loss resources and the how her book will fill a much needed void. Annie also talks about her publishing…

Tonya speaks with And I Thought Ladies Jade & Wilnona about why they write literary life guides with pop poetry, the idea behind the Inspirational Woman in Literature Awards, and how kindness is a form of advocacy. Links for the And I Thought Ladies: Website: https://andithoughtladies.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andithoughtladies/ Fac…

What are you waiting FIVE? In this episode of Femme on TV, Ria and Alyson chat about Girls5Eva, a show Ria forced Alyson to watch so that she would have someone to talk about it with. Just like the Barbie episode they overuse the words 'fun' and 'joy' but in the best way. They chat about all three seasons of the show, the performances, and the catc…

Alyson and Natalie Serber (author of the novel, Shout Her Lovely Name and her memoir, Community Chest) discuss their love of TV moms and how women like Carol Brady and Alice on the Brady Bunch gave them comfort and hope when they were little and how now, Sam Fox on Better Things offers them support as mothers themselves. We don’t just discuss one s…

This episode Tonya speaks with Femme On creator Ria Carrogan about the importance of all acts of activism, food insecurity and poverty, parenting and podcasting! It is basically one long Ria rant! Organisations that Ria mentions: The Black Nursery Manager: https://www.theblacknurserymanager.com/ Bloody Good Period - https://www.bloodygoodperiod.com…

Join us for a fiercely feminism discussion about film, media, TV, memoirs, and everything feminist with author, humour writer, teacher and generally cool person Elissa Bassist. Inspired by Elissa's substack post 'Films Shouldn't Win Awards Unless They Pass the Bechdel Test', Ria, Alyson and Elissa discuss feminism in movies (and media in general), …

Fine Cut with Ria Carrogan and Kim Rowe Alyson, Ria and Kim discuss the “Are You There Moriarty?” Scene from One Day (episode 9) starring Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod. Dex (Leo Woodall) goes to visit his incredibly posh girlfriend’s family and ends up getting pulled into a family game of “Are You There Moriarty?” that ends poorly when Dex crosses the…

In this episode, host Jess speaks with poet and retiree Rosemary Drescher about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. We talk about relying on stories when we need to escape reality, creating a safe space with language and manners, and the importance of understanding and accepting ourselves to help us adapt to the world around us. If you would like to…

The wonderful Misako Rocks! is back to discuss her new books, Learn Manga with Misako, with Ria and Indie Comic Spotlight host Tony Farina. Yep, it is another crossover episode! Find out more about Misako's work and her new books: www.misakorocks.com And you can enter a competition to win an original Misako drawing, whoop whoop! Find out more: http…

It's time for Ria's questions again! In this episode, Ria asks the collective 'What seemingly normal thing freaks you out'. Are you well adjusted or are you more like Ria? How do you feel about dirty laundry baskets? Things touching your neck? Other people's hair? It's another great episode where we enjoy learning the weird things about each other!…

Alyson speaks with George Ella Lyon (Kentucky Poet Laureate and author of the poem, Where I’m From) about many things including: the creative life, writing, the Celtic tree calendar, revisiting old work, her poem, Where I’m From and how it’s changed Alyson’s life and more! George Ella is funny, honest and engaging when talking about anything and he…

Actress Megan Hutchings is back, this time speaking to Tonya about how she was put on this planet to save dogs. In their conversation, she explains why it’s essential that we meet each other with love and respect to make the world better, how social media helps animal advocacy, and an easy way people can get involved without significant change to t…

Welcome to Femme On Film! In this episode, Ria is joined by Ada, Suzan and Jen discuss Nida Manzoor's Polite Society. Polite Society is the story of two sisters, Ria and Lena Khan, as Lena gives up her dreams of becoming an artist and marry local heartthrob, Salim. Ria aspires to become a professional stunt performer and will do anything to save he…

Alyson and Michelle Yang (author of forthcoming memoir, Phoenix Girl: How a Fat Asian with Bipolar Found Love from 5th Avenue Press) talk about the restaurant scene in the first episode of Mr. and Mrs. Smith (starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine) and a few others that subtly discuss and unpack the racism the two main characters live with everyda…

In this episode, Jess speaks with Sindeka Mandoyi, founder of the Chosi Chosi Book Club in Cape Town, South Africa. The book club is helping children in the local area to access books outside of school and to learn to read for meaning. Sindeka talks about her plans to expand the club, her own love of books and why Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming m…

This episode was first publish on 7 April 2023. It's Easter! In this very special episode the collective discusses Easter egg chocolate. What is your favourite Easter chocolate? Do you think Jess should receive free Hotel Chocolat? Yeah, so do we. Have a wonderful Easter everyone! Answer more of Ria's questions are riasquestions.com Please do revie…

In this episode of Ria's questions, Ria asks "Do you think you could punch a bird?". Obviously, please don't punch birds, they are awesome and we should encourage more birds (apart from pigeons). Listen to the episode to discover why Ria asked this question and also learn why you shouldn't wear big sleeves. As always, we know there are so many podc…

Join Ria as she talks with artist and illustrator Katie Bass about her inspiration, attending cons, the female gaze in art, and why diversity is important in art and illustration. And they even discuss Jane Austen! Find out more about Katie: https://www.katiebass.co.uk/ Follow Katie on Instagram: @k_bass_illustration…

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Tonya speaks with cartoonist and graphic artist MariNaomi about the origin of the Cartoonists of Color, Queer Cartoonists, and Disabled Cartoonists databases; who they help; and how some people try to take advantage of them. MariNaomi’s links: Website: https://marinaomi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinaomiart/ Facebook: https://www.f…

This episode was first published on the Comics in Motion network on 13 April 2022 This episode, Ria and prattle master himself, Spider-Dan, discuss Kathryn Bigelow's first solo directorial film, Near Dark. Released in 1987, Near Dark is a vampire western that explores family, love and loyalty. Ria and Dan chat about how they discovered the film and…

Alyson and Jessica Waite (author of the forthcoming memoir, The Widow's Guide to Dead Bastards from Simon and Schuster) talk about the reunion scene in the 2015 film, Room (starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay). You can watch the scene HERE. Jessica and Alyson discuss crying and how they are both “criers.” This scene covers all different types o…

In this episode, our host Jess and author and friend of the podcast, Tony Farina continue their conversation about books they love, this time talking about Tony’s recommendation The Book Thief by Markus Zusack. It is hard to spoil this book, because the author tells you from the start what is going to happen, but we talk about some of the details a…

In this episode of Femme On Creatives, Ria and Alyson speak with author best-selling biographer, historian, and biographer Sarah Gristwood, a former film journalist committed to publicising women’s experiences. They discuss her newest book, Secret Voices: A Year of Women’s Diaries, a captivating collection of entries for every day of the year, look…

It's been a while but Ria's questions is back! This episode Ria asks: If you could go to any time/period in history and just observe, see all the best and worst bits but not interact/change the course of history what time would you go to?Par Femme On

Ria speaks with Emily Price of Be Our Guest Princesses on the importance of creating magic in children's (and adults!) lives, how femininity is powerful and the challenges of running your own business. Emily shares some of the stories and challenges of making children's princess dreams come true and how princesses are for EVERYONE. Find out more ab…

In this very special episode of Femme On Creatives, Ria speaks with Fine Cut host Alyson and healer, thinker, mother, and friend of the pod Kim Rowe. Ria wanted to speak with Alyson and Kim specifically about a framework they developed called 'Me, Shining' which focuses on female friendships and how they mirror parts of ourselves that we want to ha…

Alyson sits down with costume designer Nola Chaters (Titans, Culprits, To Hold The Night and so many more) to talk about how she became a successful costume designer and to dive into storytelling and collaboration on the short film, To Hold The Night, which Alyson wrote. They talk quite a bit about the joy and the magic when a successful collaborat…

Sneaky little Valentine's Disney Discussions episode for you all! Femme On producer and the Disney Discussions Crew: Megan, Mike and Spier-Dan are all back for another Disney filled episode. It's episode 11 and it is Ria's choice. She based her picks on submissions to the tenth episode of Disney Discussions and a big dollop of nostalgia - Basil the…

Tonya speaks with author, speaker, and Church Girl CEO Deborah Franklin about the success of her African missionary efforts, her book "adjectives," and her transformation from "fat cousin" to self-love advocate. Deborah’s links: Website: https://www.conversationsdeborahfranklin.com/ Email: info@churchgirlceomedia.com Instagram: https://www.instagra…

This episode was first published on the Comics in Motion Network on 19 December 2021. Thank you Comics in Motion, you rock! Welcome to Femme on Film where host Ria Carrogan and a guest chat about films made for women, about women, by women… just awesome lady folk (and those who identify as awesome lady folk) content that has often been unfairly mal…

Alyson and Megan Hutchings (actress and animal rescue advocate) sit down to talk about a scene from the 2006 Australian movie, Candy, about two people (played by Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish) deeply in love with each other and heroin. You can watch the scene HERE. They talk about the people who’ve struggled with addiction in their own lives and t…

Our host Jess and friend of the podcast, Tony Farina, sat down to talk about two books they recommended to each other. In part one, Jess and Tony talk about Jess’ recommendation, Still Life by Sarah Winman. There are one or two spoilers, but mostly we talk about found family, sexuality and love. You can follow Tony on Instagram: @arfarina You can a…

Yes! It is another Disney Discussions crossover episode where Femme On co-host Ria gets together with her Disney buddies and discuss all the films within the magic Mouse's domain! For episode ten, we asked out listeners to decide what we would watch, and wow, did they stitch us up with John Carter. Luckily, the second choice of Zootropolis was much…

Ada speaks with Tracey Smith about their poetry origin story.Par Femme On

Our host Jess speaks with cartoonist Hayley Gullen about her graphic memoir and the art she is creating to share her experiences of having breast cancer. We speak about the relationship between patients and their doctors, how Hayley uses comedy in her stories of having cancer and why she wants to share her experiences with others. Follow Hayley on …