Stacked

Amy Spalding, star of the BBC’s I Kissed A Girl, joins us this week for a discussion on Melissa Broder’s provocative novel Milk Fed.We explore how Broder weaves together food, faith and desire through the story of Rachel, a young Jewish woman caught in a cycle of restriction and indulgence.We also discuss;✨Mother-daughter dynamics✨The resurgence of diet culture, and its stronghold on women’s bodies✨Queer desire✨Why this book is both literary AND deeply sensualBook: MilkFedGuest: Amy SpaldingYou can follow Amy on Instagram @amyspalding and on TikTok @amyspalding6, and check out her jewellery @sltstudios_You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mireille C Harper, author and Editorial Director at Tonic, Bloomsbury, joins us for a conversation about bell hooks’ black feminist text Sisters of the Yam, a book that’s as relevant today as when it was published 30 years ago.Mireille shares how discovering this text in her twenties reshaped her understanding of Black womanhood, healing, and the radical act of self-care, and together, we explore why hooks' blend of theory and practical wisdom continues to resonate with us today. She also shares some insights from her decade long career in the publishing industry.We also discuss:✨How self-care got hijacked by capitalism and Big Dopamine✨That time bell hooks came for Beyoncé ✨Community as survival and praxis, not just a nice idea✨FKA Twigs' timely question; ‘where are the thinkers??'Book: Sisters of the Yam by bell hooksGuest: Mireille C HarperYou can follow Mireille on instagram @mireillecharper and on Substack at https://mireilleharper.substack.com/ for more of her writing and publishing insights.DISCLAIMER; I do call the book ‘Sisterhood of the Yam’ a few times through the episode, forgive me, I had travelling pants on the brain.You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tamara Lawrence & Amanda join us this week for a book chat about Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s beautiful debut Blessings.We explore how Ibeh captures the complexities of growing up queer in contexts that don’t always make space for you; from the tender moments of becoming, to the weight of family expectations, as well as what makes this coming-of-age story so particularly moving to us.Book: Blessings by Chukwuebuka IbehGuests: Tamara Lawrence & Amanda KingsleyYou can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bolu Babalola joins us this week to discuss love, literature, and the enduring power of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.Bolu & Ziporah explore why Austen’s masterpiece remains the blueprint for modern romance (hello, enemies-to-lovers!), faithful screen adaptations, and how our personal circumstances and social conditions can shape our expectations for ourselves. We also discuss Bolu’s highly anticipated new release, Sweet Heat and get exclusive insights into this steamy sequel to Honey & Spice as Bolu shares what’s in store for fan-favourites Kiki and Malakai, as well as her thoughts on writing authentic Black love stories that celebrate joy, passion and community.Featured Book: Pride & Prejudice by Jane AustenGuest: Bolu BabalolaFollow us on instagram @thestackedpod to join in on the conversation, and you can also drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.comYou can also follow Bolu on Instagram @boluberryYou can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This season we’re kicking off with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's long-awaited novel, Dream Count.We get into Adichie's exploration of the search for romantic fulfillment and marriage as achievement in the African context. We also touch on how Adichie has shaped perceptions of African feminism and storytelling, and the evolution of her characters and themes over time….as well as how we react to them now, all things considered.Featured Book: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGuest: Amanda KingsleyYou can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi friends…👀Stacked is back with a fresh format, and the same old fun.Join us for our fourth season where we'll be joined by various guests (friends, writers, readers, publishers!) for conversations on some of their favourite reads, old and new.  New episodes out every other Thursday! Don't forget to follow the podcast so you never miss them.You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for the last episode of season 3! We're discussing why we love our hometown fave Zadie Smith and her sprawling novels. We covered 'White Teeth', 'On Beauty' and her essay collection 'Intimations'. We also took a moment to reflect on the season and all that we've learned.Thank you for joining us along the way friends xFollow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for the penultimate episode of the season as we explore identity, gender fluidity, and the power of creative expression through the works of the inimitable Akwaeke Emezi. We'll be discussing the semi-autobiographical "Freshwater," the passionate romance "You Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty", and the memoir "Dear Senthuran."Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we took a break from fiction and read the work of writer, activist and academic Angela Davis. The thing that concerned us the most was just how relevant her work is today. Join us as we discuss 'Freedom Is A Constant Struggle', 'Are Prisons Obsolete?' and 'Women, Race and Class' and how they've informed the ways we want to engage with politics and contribute to change.Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're discussing Buchi Emecheta who was a social worker and writer (often considered the first successful black woman novelist living in Britain after 1948). We've actually discussed her on the pod before and talked a lot about motherhood, but this episode was a great opportunity to talk about the other themes and contexts that come up in Emecheta's work like the immigrant experience in Britain during the 60s. Join us as we discuss 'In The Ditch' and 'The Bride Price'!Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we read the incredible Jamaica Kincaid, Antiguan-American novelist & essayist (& gardener!), and she got us thinking about parent-child relationships, the nature of British tourism, and as always we end up circling right back to colonialism.In this episode, we discuss her debut novel, 'Lucy', her collection of short stories 'At the Bottom of the River' and her anti-colonial essay 'A Small Place'Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week's episode (coincidently landing on World Poetry Day!) we dive into the world of Vietnamese American poet and novelist Ocean Vuong, and explore some of the key themes that resonate throughout his work - the immigrant experience, the complexities of mother-child relationships, and the lingering shadows of war.In this episode, discuss Ocean Vuong's poetry collections 'Night Sky with Exit Wounds' and 'Time is a Mother', as well as his critically-acclaimed debut novel, 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous.'Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we're cracking open the pages of a truly under-appreciated legend: Zora Neale Hurston. We'll be diving into respectability politics and the complexities of her relationship with the Harlem Renaissance, her choice to write in vernacular, and the heartbreaking lack of recognition she received during her lifetime (and the work Alice Walker did to remedy this!)Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for our first live episode ever in collaboration with the Africa Writes festival and the Royal African Society! We spoke to Peace Adzo Medie about her latest novel Nightbloom, the power of walks and life in Ho, Ghana. We wanted to celebrate International Women's Day with Nightbloom because it explores the strength in female friendship and we're doubly excited that it has been longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2024!Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSubscribe to our Substack: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things got a little deep in the studio this week as we discussed the life and works of Joan Didion. Join us as we explore her most impactful works, including ‘Play It As It Lays’ & ’The Year of Magical Thinking’, and Ziporah comes to terms with maybe being a bit of a nihilist (and maybe that’s okay!)Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking all things Sally Rooney and asking ourselves where IS the beautiful world we were promised as adolescents? What we enjoy most about Sally Rooney's books is how she's able to hone in on how class impacts the details of our lives and relationships, and how she prioritises women's issues. Join us for an exploration of Ms Rooney's favourite themes, and her past life as a champion debater! (Seriously, who knew?)Follow us on instagram: thestackedpodSign up for our newsletter: Stacked WeeklyBooks: Conversations With Friends, Normal People & Beautiful World Where Are YouProduced by AiAi Studios:www.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of the season, join us as we dig into the life and novels of THE James Baldwin: author, activist, playwright, and icon (and apparently ex-pastor). As a champion and friend of so many of our faves (Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Miles Davis, etc.) we were SO excited to discuss him and he does not disappoint! Although Ziporah does have some questions about his female characters...Books: Giovanni's Room, Go Tell It On The Mountain and Tell Me How Long The Train's Been GoneProduced by AiAi Studioswww.aiaistudios.comhttps://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda and Ziporah are back! Join us for season three of Stacked, where we dive into the lives of literary giants like James Baldwin, Joan Didion, and Zadie Smith. This season isn't just about their writing, but the unique experiences that fuelled their words. Think insightful chats, thought-provoking discussions, and a deeper dive into how literature shapes who we are....as well as a bit of fun along the way! You can find Stacked wherever you listen to your podcasts, and don't forget to subscribe so you're notified when the new season drops!Contact at us thestackedpod@gmail.comStacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/Credits:AiAi Studios - https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the final episode of the season! This week we're talking about the books that have revolutionised us personally in some way and also revolutionary books as a genre. Join us as we discuss whether it's important to read the books that have revolutionised the world and constructed society as we know it today and look out for some recommendations like Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis and How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney!Thank you so much for joining us this season, we've loved sharing these discussions with you <3 Watch out for Season 3!Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/  Credits: AiAi Studios - https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're talking about poetry! Join us for a conversation on some of our favourite poems, and poets such as Warsan Shire, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, John Agard and much more.Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/  Credits: AiAi Studios - https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.