Welcome back to Stacked! This season we’re kicking off with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's long-awaited novel, Dream Count . We get into Adichie's exploration of the search for romantic fulfillment and marriage as achievement in the African context. We also touch on how Adichie has shaped perceptions of African feminism and storytelling, and the evolution of her characters and themes over time….as well as how we react to them now, all things considered. Featured Book: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi...
Jul 17, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Hi friends…👀 Stacked is back with a fresh format, and the same old fun. Join us for our fourth season where we'll be joined by various guests (friends, writers, readers, publishers!) for conversations on some of their favourite reads, old and new. New episodes out every other Thursday! Don't forget to follow the podcast so you never miss them. You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 16, 2025•46 sec
Join us for the last episode of season 3! We're discussing why we love our hometown fave Zadie Smith and her sprawling novels. We covered 'White Teeth', 'On Beauty' and her essay collection 'Intimations'. We also took a moment to reflect on the season and all that we've learned. Thank you for joining us along the way friends x Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Sign up for our newsletter: Stacked Weekly Produced by AiAi Studios: www.aiaistudios.com https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/ You ...
Apr 25, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Join us for the penultimate episode of the season as we explore identity, gender fluidity, and the power of creative expression through the works of the inimitable Akwaeke Emezi. We'll be discussing the semi-autobiographical "Freshwater," the passionate romance "You Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty", and the memoir "Dear Senthuran." Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Sign up for our newsletter: Stacked Weekly Produced by AiAi Studios: www.aiaistudios.com https://www.instagram.com/aiai.st...
Apr 18, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 9
This week we took a break from fiction and read the work of writer, activist and academic Angela Davis. The thing that concerned us the most was just how relevant her work is today. Join us as we discuss 'Freedom Is A Constant Struggle', 'Are Prisons Obsolete?' and 'Women, Race and Class' and how they've informed the ways we want to engage with politics and contribute to change. Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Sign up for our newsletter: Stacked Weekly Produced by AiAi Studios: www.aiaistu...
Apr 11, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 8
This week we're discussing Buchi Emecheta who was a social worker and writer (often considered the first successful black woman novelist living in Britain after 1948). We've actually discussed her on the pod before and talked a lot about motherhood, but this episode was a great opportunity to talk about the other themes and contexts that come up in Emecheta's work like the immigrant experience in Britain during the 60s. Join us as we discuss 'In The Ditch' and 'The Bride Price'! Follow us on ins...
Apr 04, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 7
This week we read the incredible Jamaica Kincaid, Antiguan-American novelist & essayist (& gardener!), and she got us thinking about parent-child relationships, the nature of British tourism, and as always we end up circling right back to colonialism. In this episode, we discuss her debut novel, 'Lucy', her collection of short stories 'At the Bottom of the River' and her anti-colonial essay 'A Small Place' Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Sign up for our newsletter: Stacked Weekly P...
Mar 28, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 6
For this week's episode (coincidently landing on World Poetry Day!) we dive into the world of Vietnamese American poet and novelist Ocean Vuong, and explore some of the key themes that resonate throughout his work - the immigrant experience, the complexities of mother-child relationships, and the lingering shadows of war. In this episode, discuss Ocean Vuong's poetry collections 'Night Sky with Exit Wounds' and 'Time is a Mother', as well as his critically-acclaimed debut novel, 'On Earth We're ...
Mar 21, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 5
This week, we're cracking open the pages of a truly under-appreciated legend: Zora Neale Hurston. We'll be diving into respectability politics and the complexities of her relationship with the Harlem Renaissance, her choice to write in vernacular, and the heartbreaking lack of recognition she received during her lifetime (and the work Alice Walker did to remedy this!) Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Sign up for our newsletter: Stacked Weekly Produced by AiAi Studios: www.aiaistudios.com ht...
Mar 14, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Join us for our first live episode ever in collaboration with the Africa Writes festival and the Royal African Society! We spoke to Peace Adzo Medie about her latest novel Nightbloom, the power of walks and life in Ho, Ghana. We wanted to celebrate International Women's Day with Nightbloom because it explores the strength in female friendship and we're doubly excited that it has been longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2024! Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Subscribe to our Substac...
Mar 08, 2024•49 min
Things got a little deep in the studio this week as we discussed the life and works of Joan Didion. Join us as we explore her most impactful works, including ‘Play It As It Lays’ & ’The Year of Magical Thinking’, and Ziporah comes to terms with maybe being a bit of a nihilist (and maybe that’s okay!) Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Sign up for our newsletter: Stacked Weekly Produced by AiAi Studios: www.aiaistudios.com https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/ You can find us on Instagra...
Mar 07, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 3
This week we're talking all things Sally Rooney and asking ourselves where IS the beautiful world we were promised as adolescents? What we enjoy most about Sally Rooney's books is how she's able to hone in on how class impacts the details of our lives and relationships, and how she prioritises women's issues. Join us for an exploration of Ms Rooney's favourite themes, and her past life as a champion debater! (Seriously, who knew?) Follow us on instagram: thestackedpod Sign up for our newsletter:...
Feb 29, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In the first episode of the season, join us as we dig into the life and novels of THE James Baldwin: author, activist, playwright, and icon (and apparently ex-pastor). As a champion and friend of so many of our faves (Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Miles Davis, etc.) we were SO excited to discuss him and he does not disappoint! Although Ziporah does have some questions about his female characters... Books: Giovanni's Room, Go Tell It On The Mountain and Tell Me How Long The Train's Been Gone Produ...
Feb 22, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Amanda and Ziporah are back! Join us for season three of Stacked, where we dive into the lives of literary giants like James Baldwin, Joan Didion, and Zadie Smith. This season isn't just about their writing, but the unique experiences that fuelled their words. Think insightful chats, thought-provoking discussions, and a deeper dive into how literature shapes who we are....as well as a bit of fun along the way! You can find Stacked wherever you listen to your podcasts, and don't forget to subscri...
Feb 21, 2024•42 sec
Hi friends! Did you miss us? Join hosts Amanda & Ziporah for a special end-of-year reading wrap up as we look back on 2023...and what a year it's been. We dive into our Top 3 books of the year, as well as the reading habits we've picked up (and might have to leave in 2023). Tune in for honest conversation on the current state of the world and how it's affected our reading, the authors we've added to our shelves for 2024, and a not-to-be-missed sermon from Amanda on the importance of delayed ...
Dec 21, 2023•41 min
It's the final episode of the season! This week we're talking about the books that have revolutionised us personally in some way and also revolutionary books as a genre. Join us as we discuss whether it's important to read the books that have revolutionised the world and constructed society as we know it today and look out for some recommendations like Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis and How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney! Thank you so much for joining us this season, we've ...
Jul 20, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 12
This week we're talking about poetry! Join us for a conversation on some of our favourite poems, and poets such as Warsan Shire, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, John Agard and much more. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Credits: AiAi Studios - https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/ You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@...
Jul 13, 2023•47 min•Season 2Ep. 11
This week, join hosts Amanda and Ziporah as we talk about the significant and impressive impact that Booktok has had on the publishing industry, and also discuss one of its darlings...Colleen Hoover! We read 'It Ends With Us', and hilarity ensues, but so does an enlightening conversation about 'bad' love, self-love, and the nature of forgiveness. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram....
Jul 06, 2023•53 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Join hosts Amanda and Ziporah this week as they discuss their literary blindspots (the perspectives we miss when we cling to the genres, contexts and archetypes we're used to) and how they plan on moving towards a more holistic library. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Ziporah - https://www.instagram.com/blackandbound/ Credits: AiAi Studios - https://www.instagra...
Jun 29, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 9
This week hosts Amanda & Ziporah discuss classics such as 'Lolita' by Vladamir Nabokov, 'The Catcher in the Rye' by JD Salinger and 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace as they question whether something really can be considered a 'red flag book', and if so, what (if anything) does it say about the reader? Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Ziporah - https:/...
Jun 22, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 8
This week we're throwing it all the way back to our childhood faves (Roald Dahl, CS Lewis, Jacqueline Wilson, 'Lemony Snicket', etc.) and talking about why we loved them! Join us as we also discuss the books we would recommend for ourselves in retrospect and children today in general. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Ziporah - https://www.instagram.com/blackandbo...
Jun 15, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 7
This week Stacked is taking a break from regularly scheduled programming to share Amanda's short story 'Our Father'. Hope you enjoy! Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Ziporah - https://www.instagram.com/blackandbound/ Credits: AiAi Studios - https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/ You can find us on Instagram @thestackedpod and drop us an email at thestackedpod@gm...
Jun 08, 2023•8 min
Join hosts Amanda and Ziporah as they address why they are not drawn to traditional self-help books, their concerns about the genre and share other (and probably better) ways to seek out self-development in books. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Ziporah - https://www.instagram.com/blackandbound/ Credits: AiAi Studios - https://www.instagram.com/aiai.studios/ You...
Jun 01, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Join hosts Amanda and Ziporah as they discuss and reminisce over some of their favourite short stories (covering stories from writers like Angela Carter, Alice Walker and Tobias Wolff) while they try to figure out exactly what it is about short fiction they find so compelling. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Ziporah - https://www.instagram.com/blackandbound/ Cre...
May 25, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 5
This week we’re going to bat for Sally Rooney and ‘The Husband’ in The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams - our second guest of the season! And also the first author to ever make Ziporah side with a man. Join Amanda and Ziporah (and Ore!) as they unpack what qualifies as Millennial Fiction, talk Ore’s new book The Three of Us and shout out some of their other favourite books in the so-called genre. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagr...
May 18, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 4
This week, we've got cancel culture and accountability on the brain and we're asking the big questions; can we separate the art from the artist? Should we even be trying to? Is cancel culture real?....and most importantly, does still loving Harry Potter make us bad people?? Join hosts Amanda and Ziporah as they discuss previously beloved authors and artists who have disappointed them, how they've been attempting to navigate this, and so much more. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow...
May 11, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 3
This week we invited Nancy Adimora, founding editor of AFREADA, to discuss why literary magazines are not to be slept on! Join Amanda and Ziporah as they talk some of their favourite magazines and why they’re important for them as readers and especially for new writers. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafuaa/ Ziporah - https://www.instagram.com/blackandbound/ Credits: A...
May 04, 2023•58 min•Season 2Ep. 2
When there’s so many books to read, and yet so little time, is there merit in knowing when to put down a book? And could curating our reading in this way lead to more thoughtful and beneficial reading? Join hosts Amanda and Ziporah as they start the season off with some vulnerability (and accountability) about some of the books that they just could not finish, and why. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda -...
Apr 27, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Hi friends, Amanda and Ziporah are back for season 2 of Stacked! Join us each Thursday for fun and thoughtful conversations on books, life and culture. On this season we'll be covering a wide range of topics such as the literary magazines we love and support, the books we didn't finish (and why!) and the concept of a 'red-flag book'. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.instagram.com/amandaafu...
Apr 26, 2023•1 min
For the final episode of the season, Amanda & Ziporah go right back to the beginning and re-read the book that started it all…Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. They discuss their journey so far, honouring both their cultures and themselves, and exactly what it was about this incredible book that set them on the path they now find themselves. Contact us at thestackedpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at: Stacked - https://www.instagram.com/thestackedpod/ Amanda - https://www.ins...
Dec 15, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 8
