The Waves

What is a Feminist, Really?

For The Wave’s final episode, we consider throwing out the word “feminism” altogether.

Episode Notes

On this week’s episode of The Waves, we say goodbye by contemplating a key word of the podcast - feminism. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth and original Waves host June Thomas discuss what feminism means, the historical problems with the word, who should get to call themselves feminist, and so much more.

Endorsements and Discussed in Episode:

A Place of Our Own by June Thomas

Between Two Wars by Cheyna Roth

In Defense of Lean In Feminism on The Waves

We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian

What the Hart Family Murders Reveal About Foster Care on The Waves

The Lady Vanishes

In Slate Plus: What is the most feminist holiday?

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Vic Whitley Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.

About the Show

The Waves is a biweekly conversation about news and culture examined through the lens of gender and feminism. Every other Thursday, join the hosts—including Slate’s June Thomas, Slate staff writer Christina Cauterucci, Marcia Chatelain of Georgetown University, and Thirst Aid Kit's Nichole Perkins—for frank discussions about the ways gender shapes everything. Our new name reflects generations of women from the various waves of feminism, the sound waves that carry us to your ears, and the waves we intend to make.

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Hosts

  • Cheyna Roth is a senior producer at Slate working on shows like Political Gabfest, The Waves, and more. She is also the author of two true crime books.

  • June Thomas is the co-host of Slate's Working podcast. She is writing a book about archetypical lesbian spaces.