Ep. 121: Identity is Not a Plotline--On Cozy Mysteries & Representation

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EQ:  How has the commitment to authenticity and intersectionality by  authors of color changed the writing landscape?

We’re so excited to announce our new author series! Joining us today is  Mia Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries series).

  • Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MPMtheWriter  

  • Check out her website: www.miapmanansala.com 

In this episode we learn all about the cozy mystery, a subgenre of crime! As you might predict, it is often described as “hallmark movies with dead bodies in them.” Mia shares her writing journey shouting out key mentors such as Kellye Garrett and Lori Rader Day. We discuss how the publishing scene is a business rather than an art, thus is slow to change. However, the consistent effort by the “everyday” reader (and any allies who want to see more representation)  is helping put pressure on the industry to expand the stories and authors they support.  We really appreciate Mia’s openness with us about her triumphs and challenges as a newly published author transforming a genre! 

Other Writers to Check Out:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Check out Mia’s books–library or purchase!

  • Megan: Read the work and post about it!

  • Mia: Check out Crime Writers of Color

Ep. 97: Make Space for Intersectional Conversations This Women's History Month

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Essential Question: How can we intentionally highlight, honor and celebrate “forgotten” women in history (WOC, Trans women, Indigenous, etc.) during Women’s History Month

In this episode Megan and Hope reflect on the lessons they learned during Black History month and  discuss the origins of Women’s History Month in the US. It was thanks to Jimmy Carter that in 1980 the week of March 8 was officially proclaimed  Women’s History Week. Then, Congress passed a resolution that eventually expanded it into a Month. More importantly on a global scale people around the world celebrate March 8 as International Women’s Day.  This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Choose to Challenge” and the organizers have said, “A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.” Post historical context, the IWLs analyze what it means to “choose to challenge”, including who has paved the way for women’s rights and who are a few unsung heroes we all should know more about. Lastly, Megan and Hope commit to challenging the status quo and #beinglessbasic this month (and all year long!)

Related Links:

Where to Spend Your Money This Month:

Finish reading by March 13 for the #readlessbasic book club conversation!

Finish reading by March 13 for the #readlessbasic book club conversation!

Follow us on Twitter @IWL_Podcast or find us on Facebook

Ep. 59: On Representation in Film & Creating New Archetypes

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EQ: Why are women, specifically women of color, underrepresented in media and media production and what can be done to elevate their voices and experiences?

Guest: June Nho Ivers. June is a documentary filmmaker and previously joined us for Episode 55: Understanding Gentrification, Displacement, and Mass Incarceration with the incredible Tonya Wilson. 

Every aspect of this conversation felt like it should be longer. We’ve tried to include links to all the things mentioned in this episode in hopes that you will #belessbasic and learn more about the challenges of representation in media and the way it is changing. 

Movies Mentioned: 

Shows with a Female Lens:

Horror as a sociological genre:

LGBTQ lens:

  • Ryan Murphy

  • Glee

  • American Horror Story

  • Pose

 Asian Diaspora Representation:

Music Conversation

Seattle Talent

 Theater

Other Related Links:

Champagne & Real Pain:

  • Champagne: Elle Magazine just released their 2019 Women in Hollywood Power List and 6 of the 12 finalists are women of color. 

  • Real Pain: NBC - yes, the television network - for attempting to derail Ronan Farrow’s story exposing Harvey Weinstein. 

Do Your Fudging Homework: