Spooky season continues as we cat-scratch the surface of the bad words that have historically killed or controlled women with noted witch scholar and fabulous feminist, Kristen J. Solleé. Her first novel, Nightcats,is now available for pre-order.
After a quick introduction, we dive into Leia’s interview with Kristen where they discuss the reclaiming of words like slut (and witch) in her work. Kristen’s non-fiction book, Witches, Sluts, Feminists, has been a large influence on Leia, helping her reframe the negative sides of these words and understand them for what they can be: Tools of control against women.
We also discussed sex-positivity, who the real monsters are, feminism, and Kristen’s other two non-fiction books: Cat Call and Witch Hunt: A Traveler’s Journey Through the Power and Persecution of the Witch.
Then, as this IS a book podcast, after the interview, we present you with… book recommendations!
Kristen’s Subway Reads: Magic Makerby Pam Grossman, Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice, The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice, and The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice
Leia’s Pick: The Subversive Stitch: Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine by Rozika Parker
Rachel’s Pick: Women Who Run With the Wolvesby Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Other Books Mentioned in this Episode
Woman, Church, and State(1893) by Matilda Joslyn Gage.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Hogg by Samuel R. Delany
Dive into the whole conversation:
You can find the full episode recap of this and previous episodes on our Substack, as well as listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
