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Femme & Furious: A Feminist Pop Culture Podcast

Femme & Furious: A Feminist Pop Culture Podcast

By: Julia Rose Portela | Feminist Pop Culture Podcast Host
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About this listen

Femme & Furious is a feminist pop culture podcast for women and LGBTQIA+ folks who want a feminist spin on beloved TV, books, and blockbuster franchises.

If you devour BookTok romances, spiral over Emily Henry releases, and still show up for Marvel while side-eyeing the gender politics...welcome. You’re in the right space, babe!

We ask the big questions:

  • Is this empowering?
  • Why are we still rewarding emotionally unavailable men?
  • Just how many women have to get fridged before we change the trope?
  • Why do stories that mean so much to women and queer folks get dismissed?
  • Why do female characters have to earn complexity while male characters are handed it?
  • And why are we absolutely feral for certain fictional men anyway? (somewhat rhetorical)

If you want smarter pop culture conversations, feminist book discussions, and a space where your obsession makes sense…

Press play.

2025 Julia Rose Portela | Feminist Pop Culture Podcast Host
Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Binding 13: Chapters 51-68
    Apr 8 2026

    In this episode, we explore the themes of protection vs. control, autonomy, and vulnerability in the context of Johnny and Shannon's relationship. We also delve into the shifting dynamics of their relationship and the impact of their interactions on each other. The conversation delves into the complex dynamics of relationships, emotional vulnerability, and the impact of external influences on personal growth and self-discovery. It also explores the themes of love, protection, and the struggle for independence and identity.

    Takeaways

    • Protection vs. control
    • Autonomy and consent
    • Vulnerability and power dynamics
    • Emotional vulnerability and the impact of external influences on personal growth
    • The complex dynamics of relationships and the struggle for independence and identity

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Fight Scene in the Cafeteria
    • 22:25 The Bus Ride to Dublin
    • 41:15 Navigating Emotional Vulnerability
    • 48:46 Johnny's Injury and the Aftermath
    • 01:07:23 The Clash of Realities

    More Femme & Furious: https://bio.site/femmeandfurious

    Songs For Shannon: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0gA5CQMjrYxi1z3KYuOKy7?si=_0JNmDZPS465PD0yKmJTsQ

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    55 mins
  • 'XO Kitty' Season 3 Quickie
    Apr 3 2026

    We're back with XO Kitty for season 3! This episode delves into the themes of coming-of-age stories from a feminist and queer lens, the illusion of control, insecurity as an age-appropriate exploration for teenagers, and the underexplored identity shift and grief in the characters of XO Kitty's season three. The conversation methodically explores the themes of grieving and transitioning, the power of honesty, exploring autonomy and change, girlhood and friendship, queerness as a process, and character absence and emotional continuity. The takeaways include the portrayal of honesty as a process, the exploration of queerness, the significance of girlhood and friendship, and the theme of embracing change and autonomy.

    Takeaways

    • Exploring coming of age stories from a feminist and queer lens
    • The theme of control and the illusion of control
    • Insecurity as an age-appropriate exploration for teenagers
    • The underexplored identity shift and grief in the characters Honesty as a Process
    • Exploration of Queerness
    • Girlhood and Friendship
    • Embracing Change and Autonomy

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    53 mins
  • Binding 13, Chapters 41-50
    Mar 31 2026

    Summary: The podcast dives into Booktok's beloved series, Boys of Tommen, Binding 13. The chapters cover themes of teenage relationships, body image, consent, and emotional turmoil. Shannon Lynch and Johnny Kavanagh navigate complex emotions and confrontations, highlighting the challenges of adolescence and trauma. The narrative delves into the characters' vulnerabilities and the impact of their actions on each other.

    Takeaways

    • Exploration of Shannon's experiences and relationships
    • Adolescent relationships being fraught with emotional complexity
    • Body image and insecurity are significant challenges for teenagers.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Upcoming Episodes
    • 06:24 Chapter 41: Block It Out, Shannon's POV
    • 41:22 Chapter 43: I'm a Virgin, Johnny
    • 01:00:08 The Consequence of Kissing Boys in Bedrooms, Shannon's POV
    • 01:08:16 Crying Girls and Burning Hearts, Johnny's POV
    • 01:20:14 You're Okay, Shannon, Johnny Takes Shannon Home
    • 01:27:42 Crying Girls and Burning Hearts, Shannon's POV
    • 01:33:34 Period Leaks and Hero Boys, Shannon

    Resources:

    • More Femme & Furious: https://bio.site/femmeandfurious
    • The Odyssey: https://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-Homer/dp/0393089053
    • What is Binding: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=d115e34c1a0f1aef&udm=7&fbs=ADc_l-aN0CWEZBOHjofHoaMMDiKpaEWjvZ2Py1XXV8d8KvlI3p-ML-906rRL_m6h4jR-tdCH-vUIlZq9RzugLEcfjf51tr9alKJEUrIxLwKVr7l76Au_q3EffIYRCnmXOfCpNqrYZeaSIZHJjR2Q-yFTLl70SDlZkeCmUGCT31CgBeSX_rSyzrDksbw95kmMFTtNYQYJl6x3e4n2p62A2__KcqnpFriA3A&q=what+is+binding+rugby&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjfho-RgcuTAxVij4kEHa4qJYMQtKgLegQIFxAB&biw=1440&bih=812&dpr=2#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:79feadaf,vid:CadKYl_b9GE,st:0

    Keywords: Booktok, boys of tommen, binding 13, johnny kavanagh, shannon lynch, rugby romance, sports romance, contemporary romance, pop culture, feminism

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    1 hr and 21 mins
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