Pop Fiction Women (2025)

10/12/2024

On this episode of Debut Discussions, we welcome Katie Holt to discuss her novel, Not In My Book, an enemies-to-lovers story that’s described as The Hating Game meets Beach Read!

Katie shares her journey from avid reader to writer. She passionately defends the romance genre against common misconceptions and explores the complexities of the enemies to lovers trope, while also revealing the unique structure of her novel that includes a book within a book. We delve into the influence of iconic figures like Nora Ephron and Taylor Swift on the romance genre and on Katie’s writing specifically, discuss the challenges and triumphs of the publishing journey, and chat about Katie’s bookstagrammer account !

Listen now to Katie’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Not In My Book is out now — buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

04/12/2024

On today’s Complicated Conversations, we welcome Catherine Steadman, an author, screenwriter, and actress often recognized for playing Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey. Catherine’s new novel, Look In The Mirror, is a psychological thriller with a propulsive plot that will have you turning pages through every heart-pounding twist.

We chat with Catherine about her exploration of themes of secrets, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships. She delves into the character development of Nina and Maria, the narrative structure of her book, and the inspirations drawn from escape room/game theory stories and literary influences like T.S. Eliot’s poem, The Wasteland. Catherine writes like an actor, thinking first of character and theme and it clearly shows! Finally, she shares details about writing the screenplay for the forthcoming adaptation of Lisa Jewel’s bestselling novel, Then She Was Gone.

Look In The Mirror is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat with wherever you get your podcasts.

27/11/2024

On today’s episode we’re recapping the pilot episode of High Potential, a crime dramedy on ABC starring Kaitlin Olson, about a single mother with three kids who is a cleaning lady for the Los Angeles Police Department and who also happens to be a high potential intellectual the cops realize they need to solve crimes. We chat about the ways this feels elevated for network TV, the genre and tone mash-up of the show, the complexities and layers of Olson’s character, and why this show really stands out to us. Have you watched it?

17/11/2024

Bad Sisters is back! Season Two of this dark comedy hit from the genius brain of Sharon Horgan returns, and while we are so thrilled to have this incredible cast of actresses back on our screens in the beautiful Irish setting, we definitely have some questions about that devastating twist and where the season is going. Listen now to our recap of Episodes 1 & 2 wherever you get your podcasts (but only if you’ve watched because major spoilers!!).

14/11/2024

On our new episode we’re discussing the Apple TV+ limited series, Disclaimer, and specifically, the gut punch twist heard round the world. Based on a book by Renee Knight and created for TV by famed director Alfonso Cuaron, Disclaimer’s multiple perspective storytelling technique is meant to ultimately make audiences confront their own judgements about what is real and what we’ve just assumed to be the truth. One thing is clear: we as a society are willing to believe the worst of a woman, particularly one who is ambitious, successful and strong. It’s damning and depressing and frankly, we’re just sort of sitting with it. If you’ve watched the show, would love to hear how it made you FEEL in the comments (without spoilers!).

Listen to our full discussion wherever you get your podcasts!

12/11/2024

In our latest episode we are chatting about another cultural flashback pilot inspired by Nobody Wants This…Gossip Girl. Adam Brody and Kristen Bell have reminded us all that they’re national treasures and their beginnings in 2000s teen dramas were worth coming back to. We’ve covered the pilot episode of The O.C., Veronica Mars, and now Gossip Girl, a show in which wealthy, privileged Upper East Siders take on high school as the anonymous “Gossip Girl” (voiced by Kristen Bell) reveals their secrets at every turn.

Launching the careers of Blake Lively, Leighton Meester (who also happens to be married to Adam Brody), Chance Crawford, Penn Badgley and Taylor Momsen, Gossip Girl is as enduring and addictive as Blair Waldorf’s headbands!

Come back in time with us and listen to our recap wherever you get your podcasts!

07/11/2024

On this episode of Debut Discussions, romance author Alyssa Jarrett shares her journey from a passionate reader to a published writer of a four-part series. She discusses her second installment, Love on the Rocks, an opposites-attract rom-com that proves love is the most exciting adventure of all. Blending Silicon Valley satire with romantic comedy, Love On The Rocks explores themes of anxiety, trust, and personal growth.

Alyssa chats with us about the importance of relatable characters and the influence of pop culture in her writing, while also reflecting on her own experiences in the tech industry and how they shape her storytelling. We also talk about the complexities of celebrity relationships, the impact of reality TV on self-identity, the struggles of professional identity, rock climbing as a romantic metaphor, and astrology as a way into characters.

Listen now to ’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Love On The Rocks is out now — buy it, read it, and share it (and also check out Love Apptually!).

04/11/2024

In today’s episode we’re discussing the Netflix documentary on Martha Stewart, a model turned stockbroker turned domestic goddess and CEO, the “original influencer,” the first self-made female billionaire, and an expert at reinventing her brand and doing it on her own terms. The Martha documentary explores the price of her quest for perfection, but it’s her imperfections — including her inability to accept them — that make her most interesting to us. Perhaps the OG “unlikable woman,” Martha provides us with a whole lot to discuss beyond her incredible business success, including her own criticisms of the doc – listen now wherever you get your podcasts (link in bio)!

28/10/2024

We’re continuing our theme of cultural flashback TV pilots inspired by … delving into Veronica Mars, Kristen Bell’s cult classic series in which she plays a seventeen-year-old anti-establishment high school student and private detective. We were surprised by the complexities of the show, its dark themes, character motivations, and intricate storytelling. The show is a unique blend of teen drama and neo-noir elements, with a healthy dose of mommy issues, class warfare, sexual assault, and mysteries to unravel. This is one loaded pilot episode that really surprised us!

Our recap of the pilot episode js available wherever you get your podcasts!

25/10/2024

On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome New York Times bestselling author, Alison Espach, to discuss her Read With Jenna Book Club pick, The Wedding People, a propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help us start anew.

We chat with Alison about her development of the two complex women at the heart of this novel, Phoebe and Lila; the importance of honesty for human connection; her exploration of themes of grief, loss, transformation, and rebirth; her use of literary references; and the new way she has us thinking about using tarot cards!

The Wedding People is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat with .espach wherever you get your podcasts.

22/10/2024

On today’s episode we’re discussing Woman of the Hour, a new Netflix movie based on the true story of a serial killer who appeared on the popular 70s TV show, The Dating Game. Directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, the movie is a true crime drama that - thankfully - isn’t focused on the killer. This subtly subversive film is a story about women’s violence that has so much space for women’s emotions. It is the kind of movie that, as we approach our five year anniversary, reminds us why we started this podcast in the first place! Have you watched it yet?

Our recap is available now wherever you get your podcasts (and link in bio).

16/10/2024

Another incredible season of comes to end and we are yet again going out with Mr. Brightside by The Killers (this one an incredible cover by Cat Missal, the actress who plays Bree!). We recap episodes 6-8, marveling at how these writers can create consistently complicated, three-dimensional characters, ramp up the tension and toxicity, surprise and shock us, and leave us wanting more (immediately!). Nothing but the highest respect for creator , the writers room, and the entire cast! Bravo on another stellar season - the gift that keeps on giving to our conversations here at PFW!

14/10/2024

We just can’t ignore the resurgence of early 2000s heartthrobs like Joshua Jackson and Adam Brody. The inspiration from Nobody Wants This has us taking it back to 2003 and doing a recap of the pilot episode of The O.C.! We chat about the nostalgia surrounding the show, its influence and impact on subsequent teen dramas, the significance of its soundtrack, and the young stars whose careers were launched by the show. This pilot is as entertaining now as it was back then! Come reminisce with us - episode available wherever you get your podcasts!

09/10/2024

On this episode of Debut Discussions Asha Elias discusses her debut novel, Pink Glass Houses, a seductive social satire about the wealthy PTA moms of an elite elementary school in Miami Beach.

Asha chats with Carinn about the unexpected joys of launching a book; her journey to becoming a writer; the themes explored in her novel; character development; the writing process; and how her column for the Miami New Times influences her fiction. Asha also touches on her second book (out in summer 2025!) and highlights the power of art to change cultural narratives and the importance of connection in storytelling.

Listen now to .sue.elias story wherever you get your podcasts. Pink Glass Houses is out now — buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

07/10/2024

In today’s episode we’re discussing Nobody Wants This on Netflix, which based on our feelings and the general reception, should actually be called EVERYBODY Wants This! This utterly bingeable romcom starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody has all the hallmarks of a great romcom…undeniable chemistry between the two leads (who knew how badly we needed Veronica Mars and Seth Cohen to get together!), a stellar ensemble cast, high stakes tension, characters working through their damage, and laugh out loud humor. We discuss creator Erin Foster and her real life inspo for the show, Joanne and Noah’s meet cute, THAT first kiss scene (“hand me your ice cream!”), the ICK and whether it truly can be overcome, the sibling dynamics, and what it means to be called “too much” as a woman. The show is not perfect, and we discuss that as well, but hopefully the reason you tune in to us is to hear our nuanced discussion of things we love.

We’ve got ALOT to say about this show - listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

30/09/2024

On this episode of Debut Discussions, Jamie Harrow shares her journey from a sports-loving child to a lawyer and finally to a novelist with her book One on One, a workplace, enemies-to-lovers debut for anyone yearning for a courtside romance. 🏀 ❤️

We chat with Jamie about her reading and writing evolution, the development of her characters, and the themes of trust and connection in her work. Jamie discusses the impact of sports on personal relationships, her experiences with reality TV (and how she worked it into her novel!), and the publishing process - from finding her dream agent to getting the book deal. She also touches on her interest in astrology and gives us a sneak peak into her next novel.

Listen now to ’ story wherever you get your podcasts. One On One is out now — buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

25/09/2024

On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Stephanie Wrobel to discuss her suspenseful new novel, The Hitchcock Hotel, a story about a Hitchcock fanatic with an agenda who invites old friends for a weekend stay at his secluded themed hotel. As the past is revealed, tensions rise, loyalties break down, and chaos ensues.

Stephanie chats with Carinn about her inspiration for the book and how she incorporated Hitchcockian elements into the story, her *very cool* approach to writing multiple points of view, the importance of setting in her storytelling, which in this novel includes the creepy hotel and Stephanie’s own campus nostalgia.

The Hitchcock Hotel is out now - buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat with wherever you get your podcasts.

Pop Fiction Women