On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we are thrilled to welcome back Lisa Taddeo, the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Three Women, which she is adapting as a dramatic series at Showtime, and the novel Animal. Her short stories have not only been nominated for, but won the Pushcart Prize -- twice. Both of those stories are included in her new collection, GHOST LOVER, which is out now!

** We discuss the complicated relationships that complicated women have with one another, and why Lisa continues to explore and expose the darker side of how women treat other women. Listen to hear why Lisa feels a kinship with Taylor Swift! (01:24)

** But if there’s a ray of hope in the darkness that sometimes shrouds relationships between women, this collection shows that women can be both the greatest source of our pain but also be our deepest source of healing. (05:38)

** Continuing with the dynamics among women, we praise Lisa for nailing the scathing internal self-criticism and loathing that often consume women. Lisa gives us advice on how to embrace the things that make us feel good and to change the narrative around youth, thinness and the ideal of physical perfection. (13:18)

** We get the scoop on the upcoming Showtime adaptation of Three Women. (25:00)

** Lisa explains how focusing on the female gaze was a priority for her in the adaptation, showcasing how the sex feels for the woman. (27:26)

** We find out what’s next for Lisa…there are lots of projects in the works! (29:42)

** In our final minutes, we turn back to Ghost Lover to discuss the armor women build around grief and pain (for which we are harshly judged), and the vulnerability infused in Lisa’s writing. She says we SEE her and GET her, but the feeling is completely mutual. (31:21)

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