What makes you laugh?My friend, Page, and I are in awe of how Michelle Buteau seems to lead her life with laughter. That isn’t to say she hasn’t faced hard things— being a Black woman in America and Hollywood, a body that matured way faster than her peers, and a difficult journey to motherhood that many friends didn’t know how to support (just to name a few!) But her book exudes joy and is as inspiring and funny as it is relatable. We get into our first kiss stories, how to show up for your friends and yourself, and THE BEST CLAP BACK EVER. Seriously. EVER.Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult languageIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Survival of the Thickest by Michelle ButeauOther ways to support/connect with Michelle ButeauInstagram Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Page. Thanks for laughing with me since we were 10 years old. Even though that one time I almost choked and that other time you had the worst hang over ever. Xx, Alex

Can you break through the fear to find the hope and the light?I’m so happy to share this episode as our country prepares to make a very important decision this November. My friend Colette and I discuss Dr. Edith Eger’s hellish journey as a Holocaust survivor and are inspired by and marvel at her ability to choose goodness, hope, and love in the face of unspeakable evils and trauma. We reflect on the power we all have in our choices—to see ourselves as the victims or as the captains of our own lives. Colette also drops some beautiful nuggets of wisdom along the way!Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult language, descriptions of horrific abuse, and attempted rapeIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith EgerThe Young Adult Version of this book:The Ballerina of Auschwitz by Dr. Edith EgerOther links: NationalWW2Museum.orgOther ways to support/connect with Dr. Edith EgerInstagramhttps://dreger.yoursoulsearch.org/  Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Colette. You are a beautiful light in my own life!Xx, Alex

Where do your beliefs about yourself and your worth come from? (And how do we change them!?)We’re finishing up our discussion about Erika L Sánchez’s transformative memoir this week. My friend Diliana is back with more incredibly thoughtful moments and a few confessions about trying to adhere to early aughts beauty standards. We chat about what we allow ourselves to enjoy and what we feel guilty about indulging in and how Erika’s memoir allowed us to reflect on who we have been and who we want to be.Listener discretion advised: this episode contains adult languageIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sánchez Other links:  Kerry’s Washington’s performance of Sojourner Truth’s speech: Ain't I A Woman? ORLAN’S InstagramOther ways to support/connect with Erika L. Sánchez:Instagram Lesson on Expulsion I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican DaughterTranscripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Diliana. You give me the freedom and encouragement to explore all ideas—good and bad. I think this was a good idea!Xx, Alex

How do you thrive instead of just survive?In her thought-provoking and vulnerable memoir, Erika L. Sánchez bares all. My friend Diliana and I gain perspective and reflect on our own lives, including Diliana’s experience as a teenage immigrant, the pressure of being extraordinary, and reflect on Erika’s inspiring journey to the incredible woman she is today. Listener discretion advised: Erika's mental health journey includes suicidal thoughts, attempted sexual assault and rapeIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Crying in the Bathroom by Erika L. Sánchez Article mentioned in the discussion:Histories and Hysteria: How Women's Words and Bodies Are Mistreated by the Health System in AmericaOther ways to support/connect with Erika L. Sánchez:Instagram Lesson on ExpulsionI Am Not Your Perfect Mexican DaughterTranscripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Diliana. Thank you for being my creative partner in crime!Xx, Alex

Where will your ambition lead you?My friend, Chanelle, and I dive into Rana el Kaliouby’s fascinating memoir about pursuing your purpose against all odds. We chat about the issues women with careers in the technology field face, how isolating our personal journeys can feel, and the way we might be holding ourselves back from welcoming success in our lives. Listener discretion advised: this episode has description of war crimesIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book: Girl Decoded by Rana el KalioubyOther ways to support/connect with Rana el Kaliouby: Instagram Pioneers of AI PodcastTranscripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Chanelle. I’m in awe of your talent!Xx, Alex

How do your ancestors guide you?United States Poet Laureate, Joy Harjo, takes us on her journey of discovery with beautiful prose. My friend, Priscilla, and I discuss the interesting way she weaves poetry, her familial history, her spiritual intuition, and art into her unique and inspirational story. We reflect on the way our own relationships have shaped us, the expectations that come with life, and the way that art can guide and heal us.Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assaultIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Crazy Brave by Joy HarjoLink to Joy’s Poet Laureate Project:Living NationsOther ways to support/connect with Joy Harjo:Buy her books! Instagram joyharjo.comTranscripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Priscilla-- my ride or die. You’re there for me through all the ups and downs, thanks for always being a hand to hold.Xx, Alex

How do we choose grace and compassion? In her heartbreaking memoir, Viola Davis opens up about her abusive childhood and the adversity she faced as a Black actress. My friend, Ngoc Anh, and I discuss her unparalleled talent, strength in her convictions, empathy and how she encourages us to reflect on what holds us back in our own lives. Through her life story, we see that though the journey to self-discovery is often difficult, it’s worth it.  Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature language and sensitive discussion topics including sexual assaultIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Finding Me by Viola DavisOther ways to support/connect with Viola Davis:Viola Davis IMDB InstagramTranscripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Ngoc Anh. You’re my honorary big sis and I’m so lucky to know you!Xx, Alex

How high can you leap?  Misty Copeland’s memoir is as full of as much grace as she has on the stage.  My friend, Brett, and I discuss her surprising journey to becoming a principal dancer for the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Her story is packed with  adversity, compassion, but most important of all, hope. She’s an inspiration for dancers (and non-dancers) of all ages!  Listener discretion advised: this episode contains mature languageIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Life in Motion by Misty CopelandOther ways to support/connect with Misty Copeland:The Misty Copeland Foundation InstagramTranscripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Brett. Thanks for showing me some of the social media ropes!Xx, Alex

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?  This is the creed Jackie Speier lives her life by. After narrowly surviving a massacre while visiting the Jonestown commune in Guyana, Jackie is more determined than ever to be a change for good in the world. In this episode, my friend, Lizzie, and I will dive into this incredible woman and her journey. We'll discuss how her faith comforted her through many difficult times, how her drive and empathy would inspire her to pass landmark legislation, and how her compassion, determination and advocacy set her apart in politics.  Listener discretion advised: sexual assault, sexual abuse, gun violence, pregnancy loss, spousal deathIf you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Undaunted by Jackie SpeierOther ways to support/connect with Jackie Speier:Jackie Speier Foundation InstagramTranscripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Lizzie, the catalyst of the podcast! Your love and support give me wings.Xx, Alex

How do you discover your voice?  With my guest, Jaime, we discuss Lindy West's journey to self-acceptance and advocacy and discuss the ways we can be kinder and more compassionate to ourselves and others. Listener discretion advised: this episode includes sensitive discussion topics including rape.If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book:Shrill by Lindy WestOther ways to support/connect with Lindy West:Text Me Back Podcast InstagramTranscripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Jaime. You continue to help me see and think about the world differently. It’s been an honor to grow up with you.Xx, Alex

Who could you be if you didn’t label yourself?  Jessica Pan, a self-described shintrovert (that’s shy + introvert) is ready to challenge herself to live like an extrovert for one year and see what positive changes and magical moments she can experience when she steps out of her comfort zone. In this episode, my friend, Misty, and I will discover the importance of mentors, physical ways to combat anxiety, and how getting out of your own way can be the most empowering move of all. I’m beyond thrilled to start my own journey with you as this podcast grows. We recorded this episode almost six months ago and now it’s finally here. I couldn’t be happier!If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!Link to this episode’s book: Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come by Jessica PanOther ways to support/connect with Jessica Pan: Substack InstagramTranscripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.Special thanks to my dear friend, Misty. You’ve known me all my life and you still love me and allow me to grow and change. Xx

Hi! I’m Alex Frnka and this is my new podcast, Babes in Bookland. I’m diving deep into the world of women’s memoirs and taking a few friends along for the journey. Each episode, we’ll break down a book written by a woman about her own life in her own words and discover the guidance and insight she has to offer. I believe in the power of women’s voices and know that we can learn a lot from each other when we listen with open hearts. And through these author’s personal stories, we’ll find inspiration, understanding, and gain perspective on how women from all backgrounds and viewpoints not only survive, but thrive. These stories matter. They’re important. And I’m so excited to dig in and discuss. Read along with us and share your own takeaways!You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or support the show on Patreon to access extended episodes and fun bonus content. There are a lot of women’s memoirs out there. Let’s read them!This is Babes in Bookland!