This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com How is a cruise like BDSM? How is BDSM like this podcast? The girlx/womenx begin by clearing their throats about the last episode (TLDR: we are sorry you are mad), and Sarah recounts her tragic, abusive childhood (and in so doing provides living proof that hurt people hurt people ) . They then move on to the chaos at Columbia, sidestepping the political discussion entirely to wave their canes at the damned k...
Apr 24, 2024•6 min
In the wake of the solar eclipse, the girls/women contemplate the state of American leisure, particularly, the Supposedly Fun™ pastime of cruise vacations. After taking an intermission to defend the TERF Queen from the usual suspects, they (aka Sarah) chastise second generation immigrants for being ingrates. Finally, another argument about psychotherapy (sorry!). Feeling guilty about freeloading? Subscribe and find relief (and bonus episodes)! Links: * CRYING MYSELF TO SLEEP ON THE BIGGEST CRUIS...
Apr 19, 2024•2 hr 30 min
Our fearless heroines return once again to defend the indefensible. First, they throw their hat in with the chaotic billionaire of Twitter/X, no not Elon Musk (although him too), but terf-queen J.K. Rowling. Why is Scotland so fascist? Should America invade that country, if for no other reason than to water down those unintelligible accents? Then they ruminate over class, wondering why everyone is afraid of rural whites. Finally (and probably inevitably) Meghan defends the honor of Woody Allen, ...
Apr 14, 2024•1 hr 24 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com On this live-streamed (and members-only) episode, the girls/women ponder the merits of yet another titillating essay by Pulitzer Prize winner and aspiring female Andrea Long Chu, who argues that transition should be understood and accepted as a matter of choice, of a “freedom of sex”. Has Chu finally gone too far? Or is this a preview of our glorious genderf*ck future?Then, Sarah finally reveals her misogyno...
Apr 06, 2024•10 min
On this very long episode, the girls/women discuss the recent New York Magazine piece on Andrew Huberman’s allegedly womanizing ways. Meghan defends the magazine fact-checking process, but Sarah finds the whole thing disgusting. They both agree that attempting to optimize your poops is psychotic, unless of course it is done in the name of Science. They then move on to age gaps in dating, and whether Sarah is trash for dressing for the Male Gaze. Our little Special Place is supported entirely by ...
Apr 01, 2024•2 hr 42 min
This week, the girls/women are joined by writer Larissa Phillips, and the three discuss her recent essay in which she recounts her violent rape in the early 90s. Larissa shares her thoughts on the helpfulness of “trauma” discourse on recovery, the #metoo era, and the tension between personal responsibility and public trust. They also touch on Larissa’s work in adult literacy, a subject Sarah finds especially interesting, as she’s still learning how to read. Relevant Links Larissa’s Essay in Quil...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr 26 min
On this episode, the girls/women bicker about the value of human life. Maybe fewer humans is better for humanity? Or maybe population collapse will send us spiraling into extinction, which would be terrible for our subscription growth. Is there anything we can do to stop the ongoing panda-fication of our youth? Or will the kids just happily lay around eating bamboo, never reproducing, but always looking cute. Paying subscribers get most episodes early, plus bonus episodes just for them. Links Ez...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Inexplicably, the girls/women are graced by the Edward R. Murrow of YouTube punditry, the lovely Ana Kasparian, executive producer and co-host of the long-running political commentary show The Young Turks. Ana guides us through the old and new media landscapes and shares the alarming experience at the root of her heterodox awakening. The girls/women share their frustrations with the Left (a first!) and wonder whether friendships discourage intellectual honesty (except the one with their new best...
Mar 15, 2024•58 min
Become a member if you want full access to all episodes. On this episode, the girls/women are joined by Mia Hughes, author of the groundbreaking report based on files released from the internal messaging forum of the leading authority of transgender healthcare (“WPATH”). The report confirms some of the worst fears of critics of the gender movement—the files reveal widespread disregard for medical ethics and patient outcomes or overall well-being. Mia guides us through the evolution of WPATH, its...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 22 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com The girlx/womxn discuss an essay on Women’s Bodies. Is there no end to the misery of being female? Or are men more oppressed, first and foremost by their boners? They then move on to moralizing about Kids These Days™. Have smart phones made an entire generation basically learning disabled? Or is it the hormones in the water? (And here we thought zoomer TikToks were incomprehensible because we are old — or, i...
Mar 02, 2024•8 min
Today in hell, the girls/women find themselves divided by a much-discussed personal essay in The Cut about divorce or near-divorce (or the dream of divorce?) Meghan stands up for creative license (even when suspended), while Sarah sips on some haterade. In moments, the girlxs’ differencex seem irreconcialable, but they eventually decide to stay together for the sake of the kids (aka paying subscribers). Plus: Meghan attends the premiere of film version The Coddling of The American Mind in a pack...
Feb 25, 2024•1 hr 29 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com Our episode with Sam Harris is for premium subscribers only. Free subscribers only get the first 50 minutes. Become a member if you want early access to all episodes and get access to the bonus-only episodes. Respected public intellectual and ultra-meditator Sam Harris makes another questionable career choice by joining us in our Special Place. Though he rarely broaches the subject of GEND*R, he willingly ri...
Feb 19, 2024•56 min
In this first-of-its-kind livestream, the girls/women begin by discussing whether Taylor Swift is “mid,” as the males of Twitter proclaim. They decide that she’s still highly desirable (because if she isn’t, then what does that say about podcasters!?) Then, then ponder why young women appear to radicalizing into extreme leftist politics. Is it just about the vibes? Or are Women Going Their Own Way (WGTOW), now that the men have failed to launch? RELEVANT LINKS “ A new global gender divide is eme...
Feb 15, 2024•2 hr 36 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com This episode is for paid subscribers only. Become a member if you want early access to all episodes and get access to the bonus-only episodes. The girls/women discuss Kate Manne’s new book on fatphobia, Unshrinking, and its recent excerpt in The Cut.Also, who has done more for body positivity: feminists or the Kardashians? Are anorexic models the result of gay men controlling the fashion industry? And why di...
Feb 05, 2024•22 min
In this episode, a brief discussion on audience demographics. Then, a characteristically philosophical discussion on polyamory and how to find happiness despite being trapped in a crappy life. Lastly, a look at the groundbreaking NYT expose of problematic emails at the Claremont Institute. Finally, journalists do something useful. RELEVANT LINKS “‘ America Is Under Attack’: Inside the Anti-D.E.I. Crusade ” from the New York Times. “ Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals ” by Oliver Bu...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 11 min
This week, the girlx compare notes about how they spent Martin Luther King Day, and Meghan recalls one of her first public speaking events. They then analyze the rise of Twitter trad bros advocating for stupid but hot stay-at-home wives, wonder if high IQ women have a “tall girl problem,” and marvel at how polyamorous people manage to “have it all.” RELEVANT LINKS “ How a Polyamorous Mom Had ‘a Big Sexual Adventure’ and Found Herself ,” from the New York Times. “ Interested in Polyamory? Check O...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Legendary radio host, comedian and Scarily Acute Observer of Human Behavior Adam Carolla visits the pod to discuss the girlx favorite question: has the entire world become feminized? It’s been 13 years since the publication of Adam’s stunningly prescient book In Fifty Years We’ll All Be Chicks. How did Adam get it so right, so early? Plus: Why did Adam and his Loveline co-host Dr. Drew Pinsky have a falling out with David Alan Grier? Why Adam is leaving California as soon as his kids finish high...
Jan 18, 2024•49 min
Embattled Harvard president Claudine Gay is out. Who has the goods to replace her? And what are those goods, anyway? Then, why are business influencer bros telling lonely men to “wife up?” Does a traditional wife get you the best possible ROI? Or is the trad trend simply a new genre of porn? Plus, Meghan spots her 18-year-old self on YouTube! RELEVANT LINKS Claudine Gay’s Op-Ed for the New York Times. Kat Rosenfeld’s piece about Trad Wives on TikTok for Reason Magazine. Meghan’s piece about Mary...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 15 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com Is the White House holiday video a Blank Panther psyop? Are “former progressive friends” who inch slightly to the center victims of the right-wing cult? And what does The Nutcracker have to do with Christmas anyway? Plus: Meghan comes clean about her tap dancing history. RELEVANT LINKS Dorrance Dance’s Nutcracker at the White House. What’s Driving Former Progressives to the Right ? Get early access and bonus...
Jan 05, 2024•18 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com Legendary advice coach, blogger, and Special Place VIP is back to answer more listener questions. For instance, how do you get your neighbor to stop chewing your ear off? What qualifies as a midlife crisis? How can you move past regret? She also answers some questions about herself. For instance, why did she once hire a matchmaker and what were her requirements for a mate? Why is she sleeping on the living r...
Jan 03, 2024•21 min
This week, the girlx hash it out about transhumanism and reproductive technology. Does this new technology trans away our humanity? Or is it doing the lord’s work without bothering any lords? Should surrogacy be banned? Or should is one of those “don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it” kind of things? Finally, the co-hostessx talk about memory and how different people experience it. Or something like that. They can’t remember most of that conversation. Get early access and bonus episodes? Upgrade y...
Dec 23, 2023•1 hr 26 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com The womxn discuss their recent conversation with New York Magazine writer Rebecca Traister about marriage, mating, and feminism. RELEVANT LINKS Check out our recent podcast with Rebecca Traister here . “The Return of the Marriage Plot: Why everyone is suddenly so eager for men and women to get hitched” for New York Magazine . Get early access and bonus episodes? Upgrade your subscription . HOUSEKEEPING 💭 Fo...
Dec 11, 2023•19 min
New York Magazine writer, acclaimed author and old(ish) school GenX feminist Rebecca Traister joins the pod to talk about her September article, “The Return Of The Marriage Plot: Why everyone is suddenly so eager for men and women to get hitched.” Do trads have a point when they say the sexual revolution has led us down the primrose path and people need to start procreation early and often? Or is this simply the moral panic du jour and everyone should be left to their own devices — technological...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 17 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com Billie Eilish gets ratioed for saying no one criticizes men’s bodies. She is SO WRONG! (Yet kind of right.) In other news, famed atheist Ayaan Hirsi Ali is now a Christian. What gives? Sarah has a few theories, Meghan is suspicious of the timing (Christmas is right around the corner…). Finally, the girls/women discuss what religion they’d like to convert to and have a hard time deciding. Plus, why the offici...
Nov 30, 2023•28 min
TikTokers discover Osama bin Laden’s Letter to America and have “existential crises”. Is it because it’s the first thing they’ve ever read that’s longer than a tweet? Or is OBL this generation’s Che Guevara? Plus, infighting breaks out in TERF world when an AGP confuses business casual with ballroom formal. Relevant Links Osama bin Laden's TikTok popularity is based on childish notions of evil . Meghan’s famous “piece” gets demoted to a “ post .” Get early access and bonus episodes? Upgrade your...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 17 min
High school debaters stand up to whiteness (finally). A-romantic, asexual novelist throws Twitter tantrum. Plus, are all-female colleges dangerous places for women? Do women tear down more posters than men? Would Sarah have been better off at an all-boy’s school? Should Meghan a cult leader? Or is she more assistant-to-the-cult leader material? Get early access and bonus episodes? Upgrade your subscription . HOUSEKEEPING 💭 Follow Sarah’s Substack, “ Hold That Thought .” ☕Follow Meghan’s other p...
Nov 20, 2023•2 hr 32 min
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aspecialplace.substack.com The womenx answer listenerx question. You’re welcomex! Want to hear the whole episode and join the community? Upgrade your subscription . HOUSEKEEPING 💭 Follow Sarah’s Substack, “ Hold That Thought .” ☕Follow Meghan’s other podcast, “ The Unspeakable ” 🥂 Join The Unspeakeasy , Meghan’s community for freethinking women. 🎥 Follow us on YouTube ! ❌ And on the platform formerly known as Twitter. 📸 And Instag...
Nov 08, 2023•15 min
Premium subscribers get this episode 48 hours early. Become a member if you want early access to all episodes as well as access to the bonus-only episodes. Sarah and Meghan kick off their conversation by wondering whether you should be able to order a breastmilk latte at Starbucks and or if the Donner Party consulted YouTube for human meat recipes. They then move on to the myth of the “decolonization” narrative, the disinformation surrounding the Israel-Hamas War and ask whether TikTok is a “hea...
Nov 05, 2023•1 hr 22 min
In this episode Sarah and Meghan consider the ethics of adoption, surrogacy and the future of reproductive technology. They discuss the “Baby Scoop” era, which lasted from just after World War II into the early 1970s, in which millions of unwed mother surrendered their babies to adoption agencies, many of which were profiting from the transaction. They discover that Meghan, who was born the year of the highest number of adoptions, has always knows tons of adoptees and never thought much of it. S...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Eliza Mondegreen visits the girls/women to talk about the relationship between online communities and gender identities. From Reddit to Tumblr, tens of thousands of strangers are poised to welcome confused kids into a sprawling and hyper-accepting “family.” But, as Eliza puts it, “finding these communities is like stepping in quicksand.” Eliza Mondegreen is a graduate student researching online trans communities. She is a columnist for UnHerd, Fairer Disputations, and Genspect, and writes on Sub...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 15 min
