A Special Place in Hell
Our Editor's Take
A Special Place in Hell is a podcast that seeks to offer an alternative to the current discourse. The hosts believe that many discussions are more performative than informative. Meghan Daum and Sarah Haider think that many media outlets are too political. They offer information that doesn't always have a basis in reality. So the hosts decided to combine their wisdom to try to solve the culture wars.
Some topics on the podcast include the influence of porn on sex as well as policing women's voices. The hosts talk about mothers' invisible labor and dating for Gen Z people. Daum and Haider often invite authors and journalists to the show. They also discuss articles they wrote themselves for notable publications. The conversations are casual and educational at the same time. Most of all they seek to entertain the listeners.
The hosts of A Special Place in Hell are both accomplished writers. Daum has published articles in The New Yorker, Vogue, The Atlantic, LA Times, and The New York Times Magazine. The host has written several books including the 2019 The Problem With Everything. She's also taught writing in several establishments including Columbia University.
Her cohost has spent much of her career in the charity space. She started two non-profit organizations for women's rights and religious acceptance. The host also has a successful newsletter where she writes about social justice.
Much of the appeal of this podcast relates to the hosts' different backgrounds. Daum is a Gen X white woman, a mother, and the one who has her life together. Haider is a millennial from a Pakistani heritage who says she fumbles through life. They use their lived experience to debate the topics on the podcast. The two offer different perspectives whether they talk about gender dysphoria, racism, or the birth control pill. Their discussions are lively, engaging, and witty.
New episodes of A Special Place in Hell come out weekly.
Episodes
