Unlikeable Female Characters
105 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 50 ratingsThe podcast about women who don't give a damn if you like them, brought to you by unlikeable female characters Kristen Lepionka, Layne Fargo, and Wendy Heard.
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Episodes
Episode 100: Bitches on the Internet
October 31, 2022 13:10 - 30 minutesOn this very special Unlikeable Female Characters, Kristen, Layne, and Wendy say goodbye (for now) with a look back at their favorite episodes and what they’ve learned in four years of being professional bitches on the internet. Favorite episodes in case you missed them: Episode 11: Mediocre White Men Episode 24: Anniversary Sexpisode Bonus Episode: Jonathan Mallory Davis Episode 56: I Hate Men Episode 65: Megan Abbott Episode 69: Rachel Harrison Episode 73: Sara Gran Episode 79: Youn...
Episode 99: Treacherous Times with Wanda M. Morris
October 26, 2022 07:00 - 40 minutesWendy welcomes Wanda M. Morris to discuss her new historical thriller Anywhere You Run, what it takes to make the past come alive on the page, and finding joy and hope in dark books (and darker times). Anywhere You Run is available now wherever books are sold! Also mentioned in the episode: Wanda’s debut novel All Her Little Secrets The official Spotify playlist for Anywhere You Run Find out more about Wanda on her website, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
Episode 98: No Body, No Crime with Kelly J. Ford
October 12, 2022 07:00 - 37 minutesKristen is joined by author Kelly J. Ford to discuss her new Southern noir novel Real Bad Things, the maddening minefield of apologizing as a woman, and why we’re in a golden age for writing weird queer shit. Real Bad Things is available now wherever books are sold! Also mentioned in the episode: Kelly’s debut novel Cottonmouths Crime fiction author Cheryl A. Head (who Kristen interviewed back in 2020) Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages by Dan Jones Siren Queen by Nghi V...
Episode 97: Reaching the Boiling Point with Courtney Summers
September 28, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutesLayne welcomes Courtney Summers to the show for a chat about her harrowing new novel I'm the Girl, the significance of writing about girls who are super gay for each other, and how to hype yourself (and your work) without apology. You can buy I’m the Girl now, as well as Courtney’s previous books The Project, Sadie, All the Rage, This is Not a Test, Fall for Anything, Some Girls Are, and Cracked Up to Be. Find out more about Courtney on her website, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn more about yo...
Episode 96: From Sex Cults to Rom Coms with Ashley Winstead
September 14, 2022 07:00 - 35 minutesLayne talks with Ashley Winstead about her absolutely badass new novel The Last Housewife, the problem of female pleasure under the patriarchy, and how she stays sane by toggling between thrillers and romantic comedies. The Last Housewife is available now! Also mentioned in the episode: Ashley’s other books In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and Fool Me Once The Cut’s exposé on the Sarah Lawrence sex cult Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood Justine by the Marquis de Sade and the movie Quills Find...
Episode 95: Rage & Rule Breaking with Gwendolyn Kiste
August 31, 2022 07:00 - 28 minutesLayne’s celebrating spooky season early with feminist horror author Gwendolyn Kiste! Tune in for their chat about Gwendolyn’s feminist as hell Dracula meets Jane Eyre mashup Reluctant Immortals, why women are so good at controlling our murderous urges, and what makes horror the ideal genre for rule-breaking, rage-fueled fiction. Reluctant Immortals is out now, as are Gwendolyn’s previous books Boneset & Feathers, The Rust Maidens, Pretty Marys All in a Row, and And Her Smile Will Untether the...
Episode 94: Red Flags & Future Selves with Sarah Zachrich Jeng
August 17, 2022 08:00 - 26 minutesLayne interviews Sarah Zachrich Jeng about her speculative feminist thriller The Other Me, why selfishness is necessary to make art, and the men we should all watch out for. Sarah’s debut The Other Me is available now in both paperback and hardcover. Also mentioned in this episode: Black Mirror Russian Doll “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Find out more about Sarah on her website, Instagram, or Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices....
Episode 93: Eat Slay Loathe with Amina Akhtar
August 03, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutesLayne welcomes Amina Akhtar (and her celebrity pup Bean!) back to the show to talk about her new novel Kismet, the Christopher Columbusing of wellness culture, and why we’re all getting weirder. Kismet is out now! Also mentioned in the episode: Amina’s first book #FashionVictim Our previous interview with Amina Beanie the Coyote Vest Pup’s official Insta Bean on The Late Late Show with James Corden (eff you James Corden, Beanie looks fabulous) Find out more about Amina on her website, In...
Episode 92: Hot Goth Summer with Isabel Cañas
July 27, 2022 08:00 - 39 minutesLayne celebrates Hot Goth Summer with Isabel Cañas, author of The Hacienda (remember that Hot Priest book from our summer reads episode? This is it, bitches!). Plus: how the hell Isabel completed this book while also getting her PhD, why we all love a forbidden romance, and which classic Gothic heroine drove her so batshit crazy she had to rage-write about it. Isabel’s debut The Hacienda is out now wherever books are sold! Also mentioned in the episode: Episode 86: Queen Shit with Hannah Whi...
Episode 91: Stubborn as Hell with Margarita Montimore
July 20, 2022 08:00 - 31 minutesLayne chats with author Margarita Montimore about her new novel Acts of Violet, writing stories based on your personal obsessions rather than what’s popular, and success comes to those who stay stubborn as hell. Pick up your copy of Acts of Violet from Bookshop.org or your favorite local indie bookstore. Also mentioned in this episode: Margarita’s first two books Oona Out of Order and Asleep From Day Macmillan Audio’s EPIC *Acts of Violet* audiobook The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg...
Episode 90: Surviving & Thriving with Tess Gerritsen
July 13, 2022 08:00 - 22 minutesLayne talks to legendary thriller author Tess Gerritsen about the unlikeable female character she just couldn’t kill off, the secret to keeping a long-running series feeling fresh, and why older women make the best spies (and serial killers). Listen to Me, the 13th book in her popular Rizzoli & Isles series is out now (and click here for a complete list of the books in order, if you want to start from the beginning). Also mentioned in this episode: Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough Tess’s...
Episode 89: A Thrill You’ll Never Forget with Sandra SG Wong
July 06, 2022 08:00 - 26 minutesKristen and Layne welcome multi-talented multi-genre author Sandra SG Wong for a chat about her new suspense novel IN THE DARK WE FORGET, the challenges of crafting a main character who has no idea who she is, and what it’s really like to road trip with a thriller writer. In the Dark We Forget is out now wherever books are sold! Also mentioned in the episode: The Lola Starke series and Crescent City short stories by SG Wong I've Pet That Dog Twitter account Find out more about Sandra on he...
Episode 88: Get in Losers, We’re Screaming About Abortion
June 29, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutesKristen and Layne recorded this feminist rant about abortion rights and the Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade back in May, but unfortunately it’s even more relevant now. You are cordially invited to scream with us (and then donate to your favorite abortion rights group, see below for a couple of ours). Mentioned in this episode: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood Midwest Access Coalition Women Have Options Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 87: Spice Girls and Sisterhood with Juno Dawson
June 22, 2022 10:00 - 30 minutesKristen and Layne chat with author Juno Dawson about her new novel HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL COVEN, how to create a truly inclusive magical world, and the enduring power of the Spice Girls. Mentioned in this episode: Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson Clean by Juno Dawson Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman The Circle on Netflix And of course, the Spice Girls Find out more about Juno on her website, Instagram, or Twi...
Episode 86: Queen Shit with Hannah Whitten
June 15, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutesLayne welcomes Hannah Whitten for a chat about her new sisterhood-centric fantasy novel FOR THE THRONE, the power of being your own biggest fan, and how Adam Driver brings people together. Shop Hannah’s books in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop (or here’s the B&N link if you want to get your hands on that sweet sweet special edition). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 85: Screw the Sun, Let’s Read All Summer
June 08, 2022 10:00 - 38 minutesCovens, creepy houses, weddings gone wrong, gay drama, disappearing acts, and plenty of men who deserve what’s coming to them—Kristen and Layne share their epic list of summer reads that’ll last you all the way until spooky season. Shop the full list in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 84: Unlikeable Until Proven Guilty
June 01, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutesKristen and Layne share a good scream about the disturbing public spectacle of the Depp v Heard case, how Amber Heard’s unlikeability has been used against her, and the bullshit myth of mutual abuse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 83: Power and Empowerment with Tori Eldridge
May 25, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutesBadass author (and actual ninja) Tori Eldridge returns to the show to discuss her new globe-trotting, century-spanning dark fantasy novel DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES, writing fiction that doesn’t give a damn about genre, and why power-hungry female characters can be so empowering. DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES is out now, so pick up your copy (or any of Tori’s previous books) in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 82: Wuthering Heights: The Musical! with Hannah Gregory
May 18, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutesThis very special episode is an Unlikeable Female Characters first: a sneak peak at soon-to-be-premiered musical! Layne welcomes playwright and composer Hannah Gregory for a chat about her original folk musical based on WUTHERING HEIGHTS, classic unlikeable female character Cathy Earnshaw, and the perils of white feminism past and present. If you’re in the Cincinnati area, you can buy tickets to WUTHERING: A MUSICAL ON THE MOORS here; the rest of us will have to content ourselves with the ama...
Episode 81: Be Gay, Do Crime with Wendy Heard
May 11, 2022 07:00 - 32 minutesOur own Wendy Heard returns to the show for a chat about her latest YA thriller DEAD END GIRLS, how to fake your own death for fun and profit, and what’s on her personal gay agenda. Grab your copy of DEAD END GIRLS (or any of Wendy’s other books) in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 80: Queen Bees and Judgmental Nerds with Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
May 04, 2022 07:00 - 35 minutesKristen and Layne are joined by authors Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson to chat about their new co-written YA mystery THE AGATHAS, why you should never underestimate a teenage girl, and the enduring cultural power of OG Plot Twist Queen Agatha Christie. Grab your copy of THE AGATHAs, or any of Kathleen and Liz’s solo books, in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 79: Shoulder Pads and Scandal with the Young Rich Widows
April 20, 2022 07:00 - 41 minutesLayne hosts a rad roundtable with her YOUNG RICH WIDOWS co-authors Kimberly Belle, Cate Holahan, and Vanessa Lillie. Find out how this literary supergroup teamed up to write a totally 80s thriller about an ex-model, a trophy wife, a stripper, and a brassy broad banding together after their spouses are killed in a suspicious plane crash. Plus: favorite unlikeable female characters of the Decade of Excess. Listen to YOUNG RICH WIDOWS, available now only on Audible! (And visit the Unlikeable Fem...
Episode 78: The Virtues of Unlikeability with Tara Isabella Burton
April 06, 2022 07:00 - 42 minutesKristen and Layne are joined by one of their all-time fave authors, Tara Isabella Burton, to discuss her new queer dark academia novel THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE, writing feverishly-intense female friendships, and what it means to claim the label “unlikeable” out loud. Buy THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE or any of the other books mentioned in the episode in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 77: Are Movies Bad Now?
March 23, 2022 07:00 - 43 minutesIt’s Oscar season, and Kristen and Layne are full of loathing. Join them for a bitch sesh about the nominated movies they hated, loved, or loved to hate this year, and all the female characters who deserved so much better. Plus: Kristen shares a dramatic recitation of a very special missive from a reader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 76: Keeping It Real with Kellye Garrett
March 09, 2022 08:00 - 49 minutesKristen and Layne welcome THE Kellye Garrett to discuss her new domestic suspense novel LIKE A SISTER, dish about reality shows they love to judge, and pour one out for the mentoring program that brought them all together. Pick up a copy of LIKE A SISTER or any of the other books mentioned in this episode at the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop, and don’t forget to check out Kellye’s amazing organization Crime Writers of Color too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...
Episode 75: Social Horror Secrets with Bethany C. Morrow
February 23, 2022 08:00 - 40 minutesKristen and Layne chat with Bethany C. Morrow about her chilling new novel CHERISH FARRAH, crafting scary stories that stick with you, and why we’re all unreliable narrators. Buy CHERISH FARRAH or any of Bethany’s other books in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 74: Kristen Bell, Casserole Assassin
February 09, 2022 08:00 - 36 minutesKristen and Layne provide their expert analysis of Netflix’s satirical domestic suspense series THE WOMAN IN THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW (and by “expert analysis,” we mean gleeful cackling). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 73: The Joy of Sex Magic with Sara Gran
January 26, 2022 08:00 - 42 minutesKristen and Layne interview absolute legend Sara Gran about her new novel The Book of the Most Precious Substance (a globetrotting adventure about rare books and sex magic; yes, you need it), why she decided to step away from traditional publishing to strike out on her own, and whatever happened to the good old-fashioned erotic thriller. Preorder The Book of the Most Precious Substance (out February 8th) or pick up any of Sara’s other books in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Booksho...
Episode 72: Deck the Halls with Shreds of Joy
December 01, 2021 08:00 - 47 minutesKristen and Layne close out 2021 by sharing some of the things that have kept them sane during this long (seriously, how is it still happening??), strange year. Shop for your loved ones or treat yourself with the official (and interactive!) Unlikeable Female Characters Holiday Gift Guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 71: Noir-igin Stories with John Copenhaver
November 17, 2021 08:00 - 52 minutesKristen welcomes Unlikeable Female Characters' first-ever* male guest, author John Copenhaver, to talk about his new novel THE SAVAGE KIND, his favorite femme fatales, and the future of queer crime fiction. Pick up copies of John's books in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. *Jonathan Mallory Davis notwithstanding, of course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 70: Good for Her
November 03, 2021 07:00 - 38 minutesKristen and Layne break down the "Good For Her" genre—is it a meme, a movement, or a moral outrage? Check out the books mentioned in the episode in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 69: Rachel Harrison
October 20, 2021 07:00 - 37 minutesLayne chats with Rachel Harrison about her brand-new witchy feminist horror novel CACKLE, smashing patriarchal fairy tale narratives, and embracing your inner power. Pick up Rachel's books, plus the other spooky reads mentioned in the episode, in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 68: The Final Girl
October 06, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutesHappy Spooky Season, one and all! Kristen and Layne ring in the most wonderful time of the year with a look at the many faces of the quintessential horror movie heroine, the Final Girl. Check out the books mentioned in this episode at the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 67: Amanda Jayatissa
September 22, 2021 07:00 - 41 minutesKristen and Layne interview Amanda Jayatissa about her twisty debut thriller MY SWEET GIRL, why rage-writing is the best kind of writing, and our collective debt of gratitude to the great Gillian Flynn. Pick up MY SWEET GIRL or any of the other books mentioned in the episode at the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 66: Fall Reads 2021
September 08, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutesKristen and Layne bring you 30 new fall books featuring vengeful vampires, sexy witches, apocalyptic strippers, and more to take your mind off the still-raging trashfire of 2021. Shop the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop (or visit an indie bookstore near you!): https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-66-fall-reads-2021/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 65: Megan Abbott
August 25, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutesKristen and Layne chat with Megan Abbott about her deliciously dark (and New York Times bestselling!) ballet thriller THE TURNOUT, the connection between perfectionism and womanhood, and how to write authentic conflict between female characters while avoiding catfight stereotypes. Grab a copy of THE TURNOUT, or any of Megan's 9(!) other incredible books in the official podcast Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-65-megan-abbott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...
Episode 64: Jess Montgomery
August 11, 2021 07:00 - 42 minutesKristen interviews historical fiction author Jess Montgomery about unruly women, then and now. Check out Jess's 1920s-set mystery series in the podcast Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-64-jess-montgomery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 63: All She Does Is Win
July 28, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutesKristen and Layne celebrate the Summer Olympics by screaming about sexism in sports (#EqualPay Now!) and fangirling over the baddest bitches of gymnastics, soccer, tennis, and more. Stop by the podcast Bookshop to check out some books we love about female athletes: https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-63-all-she-does-is-win/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 62: The Woman in the Window
July 14, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutesWendy's back, for one episode only! The ladies reunite to hate-watch the film adaptation of A.J. Finn's THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW (now streaming on Netflix, if you like to suffer). Oh, and if you'd like to get caught up on the stranger-than-fiction real life saga of the author, check out this New Yorker piece. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 61: Heather Levy
June 30, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutesLayne interviews debut novelist (and her former Pitch Wars mentee!) Heather Levy about sex, drugs, chronic pain, and her gorgeously dark psychological thriller WALKING THROUGH NEEDLES (out now from Polis Books). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 60: Cruella
June 16, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesKristen and Layne chat about the movie CRUELLA, female villains, and why we should let women be brilliant, bad, and (more than) a little bit mad. WARNING: Spoilers (and vicious attack Dalmations) ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 59: Women and Power with Sara Flannery Murphy
June 02, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutesKristen and Layne chat with Sara Flannery Murphy (author of the feminist sci-fi novel GIRL ONE, out now!) about women wielding power, super and otherwise. This episode is presented in partnership with Layne's favorite indie bookstore Women & Children First. Don't miss their virtual event with Sara and Amy Gentry on Tuesday June 8th: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/girlone/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 58: Summer Reads 2021
May 26, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutesFill up your beach bag with Kristen and Layne's summer reading recommendations, featuring shotgun-toting housewives, stabby backpackers, sexy ballerinas, and so much more. All books for sale at the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop (or an indie bookstore near you!): https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-58-summer-reads-2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 57: Heartland Bitches with Rachel Mans McKenny
May 12, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutesKristen and Layne are joined by fellow Midwestern lady Rachel Mans McKenny (author of THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT) for a deep dive into the phenomenon of "Midwest nice" from potlucks to passive-aggression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 56: I Hate Men
April 28, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutesKristen and Layne discuss Pauline Harmange's controversial book I HATE MEN and the life-changing magic of unapologetic misandry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 55: Free Britney, Bitch
April 14, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutesKristen and Layne discuss the documentary FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS, which made them so mad they're on the verge of shaving their heads and smashing some shit up too (#FreeBritney #FuckJamieSpears). Plus: behind-the-scenes secrets of the podcast's very special April Fool’s Day interview with the illustrious Jonathan Mallory Davis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus Episode: Jonathan Mallory Davis
April 01, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesIn this very special bonus episode, Kristen, Layne, and Wendy bring you an exclusive interview with Jonathan Mallory Davis, author of the highly-anticipated debut novel TWIST OF VELVET SMOKE. Check out Jonathan's reading recommendations in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/bonus-episode-jonathan-mallory-davis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 54: She's Too Pretty to Burn
March 24, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutesWendy’s YA debut SHE’S TOO PRETTY TO BURN drops on March 30th, and we're celebrating with a chat about teenage angst, art crimes, pet wolves, and the mortifying ordeal of being perceived. Get your copy of SHE'S TOO PRETTY TO BURN via the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop (https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-54-she-s-too-pretty-to-burn/) or an indie bookstore near you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 53: The Head Bitch in Charge
March 10, 2021 08:00 - 41 minutesKristen, Layne, and Wendy celebrate the inauguration of ultimate HBIC Kamala Harris with a chat about their favorite boss bitches, the patriarchal bullshit faced by women in positions of power, and why being left in charge of so damn much during the pandemic might be making women even bitchier. Check out the books discussed in this episode at the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-53-the-head-bitch-in-charge/. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Episode 52: Promising Young Woman
February 24, 2021 08:00 - 46 minutesKristen, Layne, and Wendy discuss Emerald Fennell’s devastating feminist revenge film PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN. (NOTE: this conversation does include some spoilers, but listeners will be warned first!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices