Femme & Furious: A Feminist Pop Culture Podcast Podcast By Julia Rose Portela | Feminist Pop Culture Podcast Host cover art

Femme & Furious: A Feminist Pop Culture Podcast

Femme & Furious: A Feminist Pop Culture Podcast

By: Julia Rose Portela | Feminist Pop Culture Podcast Host
Listen for free

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, Chapter 31-40
    Mar 27 2026

    Summary: The podcast episode delves into BookToks beloved series, Boys of Tommen's Binding 13, chapters 31-40, and the dynamics of friendship and relationships, exploring the impact of class differences and gender roles on character interactions. It also highlights the themes of loyalty, nurturing, and the complexities of trauma and trust within the context of the characters' experiences. The conversation delves into the themes of emotional intimacy, gender roles, abuse and trauma, self-worth and autonomy, and relationship dynamics. It explores the complexities of relationships, the impact of social disparities, the burden of responsibility, and the cycle of abuse and autonomy. The narrative also highlights the importance of emotional support, empowerment, and the navigation of feelings and relationships.

    Takeaways

    • Exploring the dynamics of friendship and relationships
    • The impact of class differences and gender roles on character interactions
    • Emotional Intimacy
    • Gender Roles
    • Abuse and Trauma
    • Self-Worth and Autonomy
    • Relationship Dynamics

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome to Femme & Furious

    02:15 Binding 13, Chapter 31: Bitch Girls and Burger Breath

    19:56 Binding 13, Chapter 32: Days Off and Demon Brothers

    29:51 Binding 13, Chapter 34: Mauled by Dogs and Feelings

    35:41 Binding 13, Chapter 35: Answers

    39:24 Binding 13, Chapter 36: Bad News

    49:45 Binding 13, Chapter 37: It's Your Birthday

    55:59 Binding 13, Chapter 38: She's So Lovely

    57:26 Binding 13, Chapter 39: Bad News and Worse News

    01:02:41 Binding 13, Chapter 40: Lines and Bulldozers

    01:07:20 Burn Book: Episode Superlatives

    Keywords: BookTok, Boys of Tommen, Binding 13, Bookstagram, Contemporary novel, romance novel, sports romance, rugby romance, shannon lynch, joey lynch, johnny kavanagh, coming of age

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Femme & Now: The O.C Season 1 with Kate
    Mar 20 2026

    Summary: The conversation delves into the nostalgia of the OC Season 1, exploring the show's soap opera elements, family dynamics, and character relationships. It also includes episode summaries, reflections on Seth Cohen, and a discussion on teenage relationships and character dynamics. The conversation delves into the influence of trauma and the dynamics of motherhood, exploring how relationships affect the characters, the Oliver situation, Seth and Anna's relationship, and the use of humor and character commentary. The timeline and character dynamics are also discussed, providing a comprehensive exploration of the themes and dynamics within the show. The conversation methodically explores the impact of the show on the speakers' lives, reflecting on self-acceptance and growth, and engaging in nostalgic reminiscence of past experiences. The chapters cover various themes, including the role of music in the show, character analysis, and the dynamics of adult relationships. The speakers also discuss the heartthrob of the show and share nostalgic reflections on their experiences.

    Takeaways

    • Teenage Relationships and coming of age stories
    • Character Dynamics
    • The influence of Trauma
    • The Dynamics of Motherhood
    • The impact of the show on the speakers' lives
    • Reflections on self-acceptance and growth
    • Nostalgic reminiscence of past experiences

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Seth Cohen Starter Pack and Teenage Relationships
    • 41:27 Influence of Trauma and Motherhood
    • 47:12 Impact of Relationships on Characters
    • 53:23 The Oliver Situation and Its Impact
    • 01:00:10 Seth and Anna's Relationship
    • 01:13:08 Humorous Lines and Character Commentary
    • 01:45:55 Nostalgic Reminiscence

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

    Keywords: The O.C, Pop Culture, Millennial, Ryan Atwood, Marissa Cooper, Seth Cohen, Sandy Cohen, Kirsten Cohen, Summer Roberts, California, Orange County, Teen Drama, Coming of age, 2000s drama

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 45 mins
  • BookTok's Boys of Tommen Binding 13 Chapters 21-30
    Mar 18 2026

    Summary: Welcome back to another deep dive into Binding 13, a beloved BookTok novel from the Boys of Tommen series. This episode delves into power dynamics and authority in relationships, highlighting Johnny's leadership and protective instincts. It also explores the impact of trauma on behavior, addressing Johnny's anger issues and Shannon's reliance on false promises. Additionally, the discussion touches on dreams as warnings, intuition, and Bella's behavior and motivations. Lastly, it examines vulnerability and support, focusing on Shannon's anxiety, Johnny's care for her, and the dynamics of their relationship.

    Takeaways

    • Power dynamics in relationships
    • The impact of trauma on behavior
    • Cycles of abuse and it's impact on one's psyche
    • Johnny's intuition and protective instincts
    • First love is addictive

    Chapters:

    • 00:00 Chapter 1: Power Dynamics and Authority
    • 21:45 Chapter 2: Relationship Dynamics and Trauma
    • 33:24 Chapter 3: Dreams and Intuition
    • 55:05 Chapter 4: Vulnerability and Support
    • 01:03:11 Trouble in Johnny's POV
    • 01:11:21 First Date Territory
    • 01:26:20 Impromptu First Date
    • 01:31:29 Johnny's Breaking Point

    Resources from this episode:

    All things Femme & Furious: https://bio.site/femmeandfurious

    Binding 13: https://bookshop.org/a/4583/9781464276682

    Elanor & Park: https://bookshop.org/a/4583/9781250356406

    Keywords: Booktok, Binding 13, Boys of Tommen, Johnny Kavanagh, Shannon Lynch, Joey Lynch, Rugby, sports Romance, Contemporary romance, Ireland, Feminism, Pop Culture

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 15 mins
No reviews yet