logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
35m 22s

The Waves: I Don’t Care If You Like Me

Slate Podcasts
About this episode

On this week’s episode of The Waves, are female characters becoming less likable? Slate senior supervising producer, Daisy Rosario is joined by author and comedian Jena Friedman. Jena’s new book Not Funny explores likeability and what that means for women in comedy and the world. They talk about unlikeable female characters and anti-heroines in shows like Rosanne, Killing Eve, and more. How unlikeable female characters have evolved - and how streamers actually helped bring down some gatekeepers making more room for complex women on TV. 


In Slate Plus: When Jena asked famous male comics the questions so many female comics get asked every day.


If you liked this episode, check out: How to Survive in Hollywood.

 

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.


If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on How To!. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Yesterday
ICYMI | Encore: Is ChatGPT Your Therapist?
Candice Lim is joined by Dazed senior writer Laura Pitcher to discuss her piece, “Meet the people using ChatGPT as their therapist.” Since ChatGPT’s public release in late 2022, there has been a growing reliance on the artificially intelligent chatbot in people’s everyday lives. ... Show More
43m 21s
Yesterday
Outward | Archiving the Spirit of Ballroom with Michael Roberson
This week, Bryan is joined by theologian, activist, and ballroom historian Michael Roberson to discuss his new book, Ballroom: A History, A Movement, A Celebration. Roberson traces the rich legacy of the ballroom scene—from its origins in resistance and survival, to its role in s ... Show More
44m 32s
Yesterday
Culture Gabfest: Sorry, Straight White Male Novelist Edition
On this week’s show, Julia and Dana are joined by June Thomas for a decidedly feminist discussion. They start with Sorry, Baby, the debut feature from writer, director, and actor Eva Victor, about a young academic’s life after a terrible trauma. The panel debates whether the film ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2023
How Drake Betrayed Megan Thee Stallion
On this week’s episode of The Waves, Tory Lanez has been sentenced for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, and we have THOUGHTS. Scamfluencers co-host and former BuzzFeed reporter Scaachi Koul is joined by Refinery29 reporter Kathleen Newman-Bremang to unpack why so many people turned ... Show More
47m 26s
Mar 2023
Daisy Jones and the Fictional Fleetwood Mac
This week, Dana, Julia, and Stephen begin by talking about Daisy Jones & the Six. Then they discuss the new film Palm Trees and Power Lines. Finally, writer Dan Charnas joins to chat about why it is time to finally legalize sampling in music.  In Slate Plus, the panel answers a l ... Show More
58m 47s
Nov 2021
The Waves: Daddy Love Me! Breaking Down the Men and Women of Succession
On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate Money Succession podcast host Emily Peck and Slate staff writer Lili Loofbourow talk about the men versus the women of HBO’s Succession. They start out by talking about the power struggles and anxieties facing the female characters, and ... Show More
44m 6s
Mar 2023
John Wick Whacks the Box Office
This week, Slate’s own Nadira Goffe joins Dana and Stephen as they begin by talking about John Wick 4. Then they discuss a new streaming series about fandom gone too far called Swarm. Finally, they chat about why classical music is getting more popular among young people.  In Sla ... Show More
58m 35s
Jun 2023
The Hustle of Being Beautiful
On this week’s episode of The Waves, it’s all about the beauty industry. Senior writer and editor at New America, Julia Craven is joined by author and NPR host-at-large Elise Hu. They discuss Elise’s new book, Flawless - a remarkable investigation into the Korean beauty world. Th ... Show More
39m 14s
Oct 2023
Roald Dahl, Wes Anderson Style
This week, the panel begins by reviewing The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar, Wes Anderson’s faithful adaptation of a 1977 Roald Dahl short story, that doubles as a sumptuous meta-commentary on the director’s exacting approach to his craft. Then, the three discuss The Super Models ... Show More
57m 55s
Nov 2022
Explain Crypto to Me Like I'm a Golden Retriever
This week, the panel begins by reviewing the Weird Al biopic, Weird. Then, a discussion about the entire run of Derry Girls. Finally, Matt Levine joins to explain crypto.  In Slate Plus, the panel takes on a listener question and talks about comfort food.  Email us at culturefest ... Show More
1h 4m
May 2023
Sanctuary Is No Fifty Shades of Grey
This week, Slate’s senior editor Rebecca Onion fills in for Julia. The panel begins by examining Sanctuary, a claustrophobic BDSM thriller starring Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott. Then, they debate Freevee’s hard-to-define “reality” series Jury Duty. Finally, Dana and St ... Show More
56m 26s
Jun 2023
Black Mirror Shows Netflix Its Ugly Reflection
This week, Dana Stevens is joined first by Slate senior editor Sam Adams and ICYMI co-host Candice Lim to examine Wes Anderson’s latest film, Asteroid City. Then, the trio discusses why the sixth season of Black Mirror feels so disjointed. Finally, Dana and Candice explore the et ... Show More
1 h