'Carrie Soto Is Back' & Taylor Jenkins Reid

Explicit content warning

08/31/22 • 87 min

On today’s episode we discuss a “banger” of a book: Carrie Soto Is Back, by New York Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. The novel tells the story of a legendary athlete attempting a comeback when the world considers her past her prime. In the end we declare that, thanks to this book and our discussion, Carinn is back, Kate is back and Carinn & Kate are back!! Oh, and Carrie is too! Complicated Woman: Carrie Soto. We have a lot to say about Carrie, a character who unapologetically wears the “unlikeable” label. Scenes. We discuss all our favorite scenes that show Carrie’s arc - how she learned to love, to lose and to find her heart both on and off the court. We’ve picked all the best scenes with her father, Bowe, Nicki Chan and more! (09:30) What’s Your Damage, Carrie? We put Carrie on the couch and discuss the lessons she needs to learn about being ambitious, but not letting it lead her by the nose. Our diagnosis comes from Carrie's mom: don't let them call you a warrior when you are a queen. (43:25) What She Said: Taylor Jenkins Reid. Kate loves an interview where Taylor asks the question - “when is enough enough?” We debate whether and when women should lay down their “swords” and try to find balance. Carinn shares the much-needed lesson she learned from Taylor’s publishing journey: Don’t stop in the middle of the story. (49:53) Crystal Ball. We speculate about what’s next for Carrie because to us she’s basically a real person! (60:09) Who Won? Spanglish brings up unexpected grief for Carinn and Kate declares that losing is what won. Whaaaat? Yep, listen to hear the two get personal. (62:37) Takeaways. Kate realizes that she may just need to learn the same lessons and grow in the same areas as Carrie. Carinn is inspired by the origins of the tennis term 'love'. (76:42) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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SIDEBAR: Motherhood, Ambition, Evolution: Serena Williams' Reconciliation

On today’s “sidebar” episode we discuss Serena Williams' recent Vogue article, “Serena Williams Says Farewell to Tennis On Her Own Terms—And In Her Own Words.” Serena is the epitome of a complicated woman and we had so much to say about the conflict she felt. How can she reconcile her commitment to being the world’s greatest tennis player with her desire to be a mother and expand her family? And how can us mere mortals do it? (Hint: it involves letting go of high expectations). Her words tell a story we love...one of competition, motherhood, vulnerability, honesty, anger, and speaking truths that other people don’t want to admit. Serena ends her article by saying “I am going to miss that girl who played tennis” and we cried for her and for all women, including us, who have had to say goodbye to a version of ourselves. We can't wait to see where her evolution takes her! Check out the article here: https://www.vogue.com/article/serena-williams-retirement-in-her-own-words See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Surface finale: we need more!

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