Sick Sad Lit is a podcast for readers and writers who love digging into the dark, messy, and provocative corners of contemporary fiction, as well as exploring the emergence of "Good for Her" as a literary genre.Through candid conversations with authors who push boundaries, we explore themes of alienation, identity, mental health, and the creative process behind bold, unforgettable storytelling.It’s part literary deep dive, part late-night chat—intelligent, unfiltered, and a little unhinged.
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Agustina Bazterrica on Culture, Craft, and Confronting Violence Through Fiction
In the Season 2 finale of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with Agustina Bazterrica, the internationally bestselling author of Tender Is the Flesh. This conversation didn’t just stay with me...it fundamentally changed how I read books.
Together, we explore the cultural landscape of Argentina and how violence, patriarchy, and political history shape Agustina’s work. She walks me through her writing process and the structural precision behind her novels: the scaffolding, the silences, and the emotional engineering that make her fiction so unforgettable.
We talk about the importance of research, the responsibility of writing violence ethically, and the role literature can play in understanding societal cruelty. Agustina also shares her thoughts on reader engagement, the challenges of being a writer in a volatile world, and why books still hold transformative power.
This episode slowed me down. It taught me to look at craft with more intention. It made me a better reader.
If you’re interested in literary horror, cultural critique, or the deeper mechanics of storytelling, this finale is for you.
Join the Conversation
If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the show. 🖤
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe) for monthly book club meetups, community chats and more.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
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12 Nov 2025
Torrey Peters on Writing While the World Burns
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with Torrey Peters, acclaimed author of Detransition, Baby and Stag Dance, for a deeply honest conversation about the realities of the modern writing life.
Torrey opens up about the emotional labour of touring, the pressures of book marketing, and how societal change shapes creative expression. Together, we discuss desire, identity, and transformation—recurring themes in Torrey’s work—and explore what it means to create art that resists categorisation while inviting empathy and confrontation in equal measure.
From the burnout of promotion to the beauty of connection, Torrey reflects on the messy, necessary work of making meaning in a world that often wants neat narratives. It’s a conversation about honesty, risk, and the courage to keep writing, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
Join the Conversation
If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the show. 🖤
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe) for monthly book club meetups, community chats and more.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
Photo Credit: Hunter Abrams
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5 Nov 2025
Lauren McQuistin on Sobriety, Self-Reinvention, and No Lost Causes Club
In this deeply honest and hopeful episode, I sit down with writer, musician, and creator Lauren McQuistin—author of No Lost Causes Club and the voice behind @brutalrecovery (https://www.instagram.com/brutalrecovery/)—to talk about getting sober young, building emotional muscles from scratch, and what it really means to reclaim your life when alcohol stops serving you.
We explore sobriety as self-respect, the discomfort and beauty of feeling your feelings fully, and the weird, tender limbo of recovering before anyone expects you to need to. Lauren shares the realities of early recovery, from navigating parties and friendships without numbing through them, to rewriting the story of who you think you are and who you’re allowed to become.
This is a conversation about agency, grace, and second chances; about learning that you don’t need to destroy yourself to be interesting, and that healing isn’t boring, it’s radical, difficult, and sometimes hilarious.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s another way to live (one grounded in self-trust, community, and staying soft in a world that rewards collapse) this episode is for you.
Join the Conversation
If this episode resonated, share it with someone who might need it, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the show. 🖤
Follow Lauren on Instagram @brutalrecovery (https://www.instagram.com/brutalrecovery/).
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe) for monthly book club meetups, community chats and more.
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
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29 Oct 2025
Eliza Clark on True Crime, Female Rage, and Writing the Uncomfortable Truth
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with one of the most provocative and fearless voices in contemporary fiction: Eliza Clark. Author of Boy Parts, Penance, and She’s Always Hungry, Clark writes with scalpel-like precision about modern alienation. Nobody captures the digital grotesque quite like her.
We talk about the ethics of obsession, the cultural hunger for true crime, and how fiction can humanise—or implicate—those we call monstrous. Eliza shares her thoughts on revenge narratives, power fantasies, and the moral tension at the heart of storytelling. We also discuss how fan fiction and digital spaces shaped her creative evolution, the blurred line between empathy and horror, and what it means to write characters who do unspeakable things.
If you love unhinged narrators, moral ambiguity, literary horror, or stories that leave you slightly unnerved, then this episode is for you. 🖤
LET'S CONNECT:
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord. (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe)
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
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22 Oct 2025
R. O. Kwon on Writing What Terrifies You
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with R. O. Kwon, author of The Incendiaries, Exhibit, and co-editor of Kink, to talk about the emotional labor of writing, the role of fear in creativity, and what it means to tell stories that demand vulnerability.
We explore how desire, identity, and ancestral trauma shape Kwon’s work, and how embracing discomfort can lead to deeper truth on the page. Kwon reflects on her journey through the publishing world, the slow and deliberate process of crafting fiction, and the liberation that comes from writing toward one’s own longing.
It’s a conversation about art as survival, about the fears that fuel us, and about finding freedom in the act of creation.
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord. (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe)
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
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8 Oct 2025
Bora Chung on horror, revenge, and writing ghost stories for a broken world
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with acclaimed South Korean author Bora Chung: the brilliant mind behind Cursed Bunny and her haunting new collection, Midnight Timetable. Known for blending horror, humour, and political satire, Bora’s stories blur the line between the grotesque and the profound, using the supernatural to explore the most human of emotions.
We talk about her journey from university lecturer to internationally celebrated writer, how Cursed Bunny changed her life after being shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, and why she believes horror can be an act of empathy - a way of writing ghost stories for a broken world.
Bora shares the inspirations behind Midnight Timetable, from Polish and Russian literature to Korean folklore, and reflects on the intersections of revenge, grief, and survival in her fiction. We discuss the challenges of translation, the politics of horror, and the strange comfort of stories that look directly at fear, and still find hope inside it.
If you love literary horror, speculative fiction, or beautifully strange stories that linger long after you’ve finished reading, this episode is the perfect listen for spooky season. 👻
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord. (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe)
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
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1 Oct 2025
Inside the Mind of Ottessa Moshfegh: Alienation, Obsession, and Writing the Unlikeable
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with acclaimed author Ottessa Moshfegh to dive deep into her writing process, the evolution of her style, and the themes that haunt her fiction. From McGlue and Eileen to My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Death in Her Hands, and Lapvona, Moshfegh’s novels consistently interrogate the limits of identity, the grotesque and sublime aspects of embodiment, and the ways confinement—physical, psychological, and societal—shapes human existence.
We talk about the impact of the pandemic on the writing of Lapvona, her fascination with characters trapped by obsession and circumstance, and her insistence on writing what scares her most. She reflects on aging, self-discovery, and what it means to measure a life in books, all while navigating the tension between private creation and public literary identity.
Whether you’re drawn to her unflinching portraits of isolation, her ability to make the grotesque beautiful, or her sharp insights into the contradictions of being human, this candid conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of today’s most compelling writers.
Visit and subscribe to Ottessa's Substack. (https://ottessathisottessathat.substack.com/) (It's well worth it, trust me!)
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord. (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe)
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
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24 Sept 2025
Mona Awad Returns to the Bunny-Verse: On Fairy Tales, Transformation, and the Power of Storytelling
In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with bestselling author Mona Awad to talk about her highly anticipated new novel, We Love You, Bunny (out today!). A dazzling return to the world of her cult classic Bunny, it blends fairy-tale horror, satire, and dark academia into a story about creation, obsession, and the power of storytelling.
Mona and I explore the evolution of her writing - from sharp realism to feverish surrealism - and the recurring themes that define her work: transformation, body image, identity, and the complexities of the female experience. We also dig into the psychological depth of her characters, the role of humour and satire in her prose, and how fairy tales continue to shape her literary imagination.
Mona reflects on her creative process, the influence of her academic background, and the way music fuels her writing routine. Mona also shares insights into the power of love, friendship, and marginalised voices in literature, offering a rare glimpse into her evolving journey as a writer.
If you’re drawn to fiction that’s grotesque and beautiful, hilarious and haunting, this conversation is for you.
Visit Mona's website (https://monaawadauthor.com/) for links to order your copy of We Love You Bunny wherever you are in the world.
Follow Mona on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/misss_read/)
Join the conversation on our Sick Sad Friends Discord. (https://discord.gg/Ya8GyWQaNe)
Visit the Sick Sad Lit website (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) for essays, author outtakes and more.
Follow Sick Sad Lit on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/)
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9 Jul 2025
Mariana Enriquez on The Ghosts of Buenos Aires, Horror, History & Rebellion
Internationally acclaimed writer Mariana Enriquez, author of Our Share of Night, Things We Lost in the Fire, and The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, joins Sick Sad Lit to talk about horror that doesn’t chill - it burns. In this visceral and wide-ranging conversation, she and I explore how the oppressive heat of Buenos Aires fuels her fiction, how music shapes her creative process, and how journalism gave her the tools to interrogate the darkest corners of society. We dive into folklore, rebellion, class, and the ghosts—both real and metaphorical—that linger in her stories. With sharp reflections on urban horror, cultural memory, and the power of place, this episode is a must-listen for fans of literary horror, gothic fiction, and boundary-pushing storytelling.
Follow Mariana on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/marianaenriquez1973/)
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/).
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2 Jul 2025
Ling Ling Huang on Speculative Fiction, Identity, and the Dark Side of Beauty
Ling Ling Huang discusses speculative fiction's role in navigating identity, ambition, and betrayal, revealing how music shapes her literary voice and confronts perfection pressures in an interview with Sick Sad Lit.
25 Jun 2025
Emma Van Straaten on Writing Mixed Race Identity, Female Rage, and Obsession in ‘This Immaculate Body’
Author Emma Van Straaten discusses her debut novel, This Immaculate Body, and how her personal history shapes her writing about identity, trauma, and female rage in this interview.
18 Jun 2025
Anna Dorn on Scent, Storytelling, and Writing Women Who Refuse to Behave
Author Anna Dorn discusses her novel, *Perfume and Pain*, exploring themes of identity and desire, and shares insights on her writing process and the evolving landscape of the writing profession in this interview.
11 Jun 2025
Lucy Rose on Folklore, Feminism, and Feeding the Hunger in The Lamb
Author Lucy Rose discusses the folklore and feminist themes that inspire her horror fiction, including cannibalism as a metaphor and the complexities of motherhood, in an interview on Sick Sad Lit.
4 Jun 2025
Sarah Rose Etter on Magical Realism, Capitalism, and Writing Through Collapse
Author Sarah Rose Etter discusses magical realism and dark fiction as tools for survival under late-stage capitalism with host Jen Eastwood in this interview, revealing insights on writing authentically amidst societal decay.
28 May 2025
Gretchen Felker-Martin on Horror, Publishing, and Finding Power in the Grotesque
Horror author Gretchen Felker-Martin explores queer representation and taboo themes in horror literature, offering insights into her writing process and the evolution of dark fiction in this interview.
21 May 2025
Chuck Tingle on Queer Horror, Absurdity, and Why Love Is Real
Chuck Tingle joins Sick Sad Lit to explore queer horror, satirical romance, and the role of absurdity in the horror genre. We talk about identity, publishing, and how positivity and love become acts of protest in art — and in life.
Preorder Lucky Day. (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250398659/luckyday/)
Follow Chuck on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/chucktingle/)
Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack (https://www.sicksadlit.com/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sicksadlit/).
In this engaging conversation, Chuck Tingle, a renowned author in queer horror and satirical romance, discusses his unique approach to storytelling, the cathartic power of horror, and the importance of positivity in challenging times. He shares insights into his artistic process, the transition from writing Tinglers to horror novels, and the role of identity in his work. Tingle emphasizes the significance of absurdity in horror, the political themes present in contemporary literature, and the impact of pre-ordering books on authors' success. The discussion culminates in an exciting preview of his upcoming novel, 'Lucky Day,' which explores themes of bisexuality and existence.
Takeaways
Chuck Tingle is a unique voice in queer horror and satirical romance.
Positivity is a natural state for Chuck, helping him navigate challenges.
Horror can serve as a cathartic experience, reflecting life's complexities.
Chuck's transition from Tinglers to horror novels showcases his artistic evolution.
Absurdity in horror can amplify the fear factor, making it more relatable.
Art can be a powerful form of protest and expression.
The importance of identity and representation in storytelling is crucial.
Chuck's anonymity allows for deeper connections with his audience.
The horror genre is thriving with diverse voices and perspectives.
Pre-ordering books is vital for supporting authors and their work.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Positivity in Turbulent Times
03:59 Exploring the Intersection of Love and Horror
09:18 The Artistic Journey: From Tinglers to Horror Novels
14:26 The Freedom of Anonymity: Chuck Tingle's Artistic Expression
24:21 The Genesis of Chuck Tingle: Art, Identity, and Healing
31:21 Exploring Horror: Grueling vs. Cathartic
38:21 The Art of Creating Unique Monsters
43:11 The Evolution of Horror in Contemporary Society
49:52 The Importance of Message in Art
58:47 Navigating Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
01:04:51 Anticipating 'Lucky Day': A New Queer Horror Novel
01:11:42 Ge Filter Fish - Neon Rapture.mp3
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11 May 2025
Sick Sad Lit Podcast Trailer
Welcome to Sick Sad Lit — a podcast about the books that get under your skin. Host Jen Eastwood talks with the writers behind today’s most unsettling, unforgettable fiction: horror, gothic, surreal, and literary works that explore obsession, identity, rage, the body, and the bizarre.
This is a space for complicated characters, experimental form, and authors who aren’t afraid to get weird — or honest.
If you’ve ever called a book “unhinged” as a compliment, this show is for you.
Season One premieres 22 May NZST. Subscribe now and get ready to spiral.
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Who has been a guest on Sick Sad Lit
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Ling Ling Huang
Emma Van Straaten
Anna Dorn
Lucy Rose
Sarah Rose Etter
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
64
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Sick Sad Lit
Guest appearances
Books guests
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