The Fake Ass Book Club

Moni & Kat

The Book Club is Fake but the Talk is REAL! The F.A.B. Podcast serves cocktails while also serving up stories with a side dish of humor, a sprinkle of sarcasm, and an occasional expletive as garnish. Every hump day, tune in as Moni and Kat playfully and thoughtfully explore compelling books and topics as they relate to the human experience, filtered through the lens as black women in the midwest. Let each episode illustrate the power of storytelling and how it connects us all. This podcast is a reason for them to connect as friends, as individuals, and with their listeners. It’s like therapy you didn't know you needed...along with some laughs! You may come for the books but you'll stay for the vibes!!

  1. 2D AGO

    Moni & Kat review"Relationship Goals" on Prime Video

    Welcome back! With Valentine’s Day serving as the perfect backdrop for the conversation, the ladies review Relationship Goals, the Prime Video film inspired by the bestselling book by Pastor Michael Todd. They examine the movie’s portrayal of love, faith, and personal transformation, breaking down what resonated and what felt oversimplified.The discussion expands beyond the film into a broader exploration of purity culture, prosperity-based messaging, and how spiritual teachings can shape expectations around dating and marriage. From performative preaching styles to the idea of faith as a formula for relational success, the hosts thoughtfully unpack how influence, charisma, and theology intersect with real-life relationship work. The convo is full of strong feelings and opinions, so grab an even stronger drink and join the fun. Cheers! 🚨SPOILER ALART🚨  This episode contains spoilers!! Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only.  Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni: Indoor Plumbing and clean running water!!  Kat: To her daughter for maintaining a standard of excellence over time, and for participating in the school walk out as a leader. Notes: Produced by DeVon Franklin and executive produced by Kelly Rowland, Bart Lipton, and pastor Michael Todd Director: Linda Mendoza Writers: Pastor Michael Todd, Michael Elliot, Cory Tynan Stars: Kelly Rowland, Method Man, Robin Thede About Michael Todd/Transformation Church: https://transformchurch.us/aboutus-old/ Michael Todd Antics:Syrup on the Bible Michael Todd rubs spit in mans face during church service: https://youtu.be/MichaelToddspits **Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    1h 24m
  2. FEB 12

    Moni & Kat review “The Trees” by Percival Everett

    This week, in honor of Black History Month, the ladies review Percival Everett’s powerful and provocative novel The Trees. They begin with the book’s gripping premise: when detectives from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation arrive in Money, Mississippi to investigate a series of brutal murders, they discover something unsettling at each crime scene, a second body resembling Emmett Till. Met with resistance from local law enforcement and racist townsfolk, the detectives begin to suspect these killings are acts of retribution. As eerily similar murders begin unfolding across the country, it becomes clear that the past refuses to stay buried and that something larger is underway.In this bold and biting page turner, Everett confronts the legacy of lynching, white supremacy, and racial violence in America with sharp satire and unflinching honesty. The hosts unpack the novel’s layered storytelling, dark humor, historical weight, and cultural commentary, discussing how it challenges readers while refusing comfort. It is a thought provoking conversation about memory, justice, and what it means when history demands to be reckoned with. Cheeers! SPOILERS & Trigger Warning: This book discusses the use of racial slurs, racial violence, racial hatred, lynchings, and other forms of racist behavior. Depictions of violence in this novel are graphic. *Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni: To Carter G Woodson the father of Black History Month, to all the victims of racial violence in America and around the world past and present, to my mother in law, get well soon & I love you! Kat: To the man who found and returned my wallet in Kroger, thank you. To the series Wonder Man. About the book: https://www.npr.org/2021/09/22/1039434714/percival-everett-the-trees-reviewThe Trees was published by Graywolf Press in 2021. The Trees was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2022. Pages: Approximately 288–320/8 hours  Author:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/31723. Percival Everett is the author of 22 novels. He has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and is a Guggenheim Fellow (2015). NPR Book Review: https://www.npr.org/2021/09/22/1039434714/percival-everett-the-trees-review Moni learned a new word: Nescience: lack of knowledge or ignorance (nesh-ence) Other topics on the show: Monkey Obama Meme/Trump https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-shares-racist-video-depicting-obamas-monkeys-rcna257756 Surrage mix up: https://people.com/couple-sues-fertility-clinic-after-welcoming-baby-girl-not-biologically-related-to-them-11895783 Epstein Files: No blacks allowed  https://www.ms.now/news/epstein-emailed-with-silicon-valley-elites-about-racist-eugenicist-ideas **Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    1h 10m
  3. FEB 5

    Moni & Kat review "His and Hers" on Netflix

    This week, the hosts dive into His & Hers, the Netflix series adapted from the popular novel. They break down the twists, turns, and tangled relationships at the center of this messy murder mystery while raising a few questions about the plot along the way. From unreliable narrators to layered motives, the conversation balances critique with curiosity as the ladies unpack what worked, what confused them, and why the story was still fun to dissect. It is a lively, thoughtful discussion that leans into the chaos and keeps things entertaining from start to finish. Cheers! *🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only.  Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you. Moni: To all the workers making their way out in the winter storm Kat:Ujamaa Books store https://bookshop.org/shop/ujamaa  trauma informed arts session, & Impact Arts with a Purpose. About the series: His & Hers is an American mystery thriller limited series starring Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Pablo Schreiber, Rebecca Rittenhouse, and Sunita Mani. It is an adaptation of the 2020 Alice Feeney novel of the same name, and premiered on Netflix on January 8, 2026https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/His_%26_Hers_(2026_TV_series)His & Hers (2026) is written and executive produced by William Oldroyd (also director/showrunner), Dee Johnson (co-showrunner), and Bill Dubuque. Based on Alice Feeney's Produced by Fifth Season, with Tessa Thompson (also starring), Jessica Chastain, Kristen Campo, Kelly Carmichael, and Kishori Rajan as executive producers. Notes:https://mashable.com/article/his-and-hers-ending-explained https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33382217/? His and Hers IMBD Melinda Gates supports HBCUs:HBCUsGates Foundationhttps://www.gatesfoundation.org › ideas › articles › edu... Some current events discussed: Sha’Carri Richardson speeding 100mph https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/olympian-shacarri-richardson-arrested-charge-speeding-100-mph-florida-rcna256603 Waymo hits a child near a school in Santa Monica Grant Elementary (kid is ok)Waymo under scrutiny after hitting child near Santa Monica ...Los Angeles Timeshttps://www.latimes.com › business › story › waymo-un... Nikki Manaj is Trumps biggest fan: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp87l604nx8o Billy Porter on Nikki Minaj https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThybCHAs/ Joy Reid READS Nikki Manaj: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Joy Reads Nikki Don Lemon arrested while reporting from a church in Minneapolis https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c24gm3dz36pohttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/16/keith-porter-jr-ice-killing ICE Keith Porter murder:  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/16/keith-porter-jr-ice-killing The kids who lead the resistace against the nazis Article making a case for UBI https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/5713876-ai-displacement-and-ubi/ **Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    1h 12m
  4. JAN 28

    Moni and Kat review "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"

    In this episode, the hosts start with HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, sharing their early thoughts on the series before branching out into other shows currently on their radar, including Industry, Bridgerton Season 3, Beauty, and Landman.The conversation then circles back to last week’s read, Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn. Kat reflects on how deeply she connected with Davie, the neurodivergent ten-year-old whose intense fixations felt familiar, sparking a thoughtful discussion about why certain topics, especially slavery, can become fixation-worthy. Along the way, the hosts laugh at their differing lingering fixations from the previous episode, including a humorous contrast between Davie’s admiration for Steve Jobs and Moni's ongoing obsession with his notoriously unhygienic reputation.Tap in and hang with the hosts for a fun FAB listen. Cheers! *Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! About the shows: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Knight_of_the_Seven_Kingdoms_(TV_series) Bridgerton:https://www.shondaland.com/shondaland-series/bridgerton/bridgerton-recap-season Beautyhttps://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-beauty Industry:https://www.imdb.com/title/Industry Landman: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/landman/ *Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    1h 3m
  5. JAN 22

    Moni & Kat review "Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn" by Renee' Swindle

    In this episode, the hosts kick things off by unpacking the viral Druski mega-church skit, debating whether the satire crosses the line or simply holds up an uncomfortable mirror. Then, the hosts dive into this weeks book, Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn by Renéé Swindle. This is a novel about grief, longing, and the chaos that follows when good intentions collide with poor boundaries. The ladies walk through the story of Francine Stevenson, unpacking her relationships, her unraveling sense of self, and the complicated choices that turn connection into consequence.The discussion includes how grief can blur judgment, how desire can masquerade as healing, and how self-deception often feels like survival. Along the way, they talk about healing through connection, emotional avoidance, abuse, and what accountability looks like when harm isn’t intentional but still very real. Grounded in humor and honesty, this episode reflects Fake Ass Book Club at its core: thoughtful conversation, real reactions, and space to hold empathy and critique at the same time. Cheers*🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only.  Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you, and thank you! Moni: To doing the things you love and the things that make life good! aka the Druski skit!!! Kat:The the HBO show Industry and to quality TV. Also, to all my cousins,and Claudette Colvin R.I.P.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudette_Colvin Drunk History Claudette Colvin: https://youtu.be/Tov2tLSFq5k?si=4R2YBV6y179ExY8y About the Book:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216522693-francine-s-spectacular-crash-and-burn About theAuthor: Renee' Swindle https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/276659.Renee_Swindle Instagram: @reneewritesnovels Facebook: www.facebook.com/reneeswindlebooks Pre-order Francine's Spectacular Crash and Burn: https://bit.ly/FrancinesCrashandBurn 320 pages, Paperback PublishedApril 15, 2025 by Tiny Reparations Books Audio Book: 11 hours Notes: Trauma Bonding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_bonding Stinky Steve Jobs:https://finance.yahoo.com/news/steve-jobs-didnt-think-needed-171754585.html Druski Skit: https://youtube.com/shorts/DruskiMegaChurch Winans Church: https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1obo8s6/bishop_marvin_winans_goes_viral_after_criticizing/ Marvin Sapp viral moment "Ushers, close the doors": https://youtu.MarvinSappClosetheDoors Lady asked 40 churches to help with baby food "We Can't Help You" https://youtu.be/JwWu7-M1Uq0, **Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    1h 16m
  6. JAN 14

    The FAB Burnout Episode: AITA Work Edition

    This week, burnout is the starting point and everything else flows from there. The hosts unpack the exhaustion that comes from juggling work, life, and the constant pressure to stay functional in a world that rarely slows down. What begins as a conversation about overwork quickly expands into a broader discussion about labor, fairness, and preserving one’s peace. Inspired by a Reddit post about a Dutch employee pushing back against an American boss’s expectation to work nights and weekends, the ladies dive into a series of AITA: Work Edition scenarios. They weigh in on office culture, workplace boundaries, and the often-overlooked labor happening at home, questioning whose contributions are valued, whose are dismissed, and why. The conversation takes a detour into gender dynamics, emotional labor, and long-term relationships, including a reflection on whether people sometimes stay with abusive partners in the hope that time, aging, or change will soften them. Referencing Viola Davis’s Finding Me, the hosts explore the complicated idea of retribution, repair, and what accountability looks like when harm has already been done. Messy, honest, and reflective, this episode uses humor, judgment, and collective side-eye as tools for survival..because sometimes the best way to stay sane is to laugh, decompress, and judge strangers together. Cheers!!  *Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni:Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen recently murdered by ICE. .https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/renee-nicole-good-minneapolis-ice-shooting-victim-caring-neighbor-rcna252901 and Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras. shot in Portland: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/shootings-in-minLuis%20David%20Nino-Moncada%20and%20Yorlenys%20Betzabeth%20Zambrano-Contreras.%20%20neapolis-and-portland-spur-protests-over-federal-enforcement-operations-after and the Dutch Worker who read his American Boss for pushing grind culture. Kat:Stranger Comics: Black comic book maker https://www.strangercomics.com **Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    1h 12m
  7. JAN 8

    A Very Unofficial Episode

    This week’s episode takes a different shape. Due to scheduling conflicts and real-life responsibilities, the hosts dip into archived Patreon clips to create an unconventional, raw, and unfiltered listen. The result is a collage-style episode that feels less like a traditional show and more like a peek behind the curtain. Pulled from conversations before recording, the ladies share side commentary, candid reflections, and off-mic moments that listeners don’t usually hear. The episode may be all over the place, but in a way that mirrors real life, creative process, and the kind of conversations that happen when the pressure is off. Messy, honest, and deeply human, this episode offers the crew’s community a glimpse into how the show sounds when it’s just them...no agenda, no polish, just real talk. Cheers. *Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only. Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni: Happy Birthday to my big brother, Marcel! Kat: Who knows, probably Star Trek! (hehe) **Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    55 min
  8. JAN 1

    Moni & Kat say goodbye to 2025

    Happy New Year FAB FAM! On this New Year’s Eve episode, the hosts kick back and decompress with a conversation about 2025 coming to an end, media, and the escapism helping them unwind as the year comes to a close. The ladies share what they’re watching and indulging in as a form of rest, reflection, and survival. Along the way, they weigh in on Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special, unpacking its impact, intent, and reception, and discuss Nicki Minaj’s increasingly controversial public and political turn, what they jokingly refer to as her dark side era, and what it says about celebrity, politics, and accountability.  Designed as a moment to exhale before the reset, this episode blends laughter, side commentary, and honesty as the crew reflects on how they decompress, protect their peace, and prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for the year ahead. Cheers!!*Please be advised this episode is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and content. We are expressing opinions on the show for entertainment purposes only.  Dedication: To our patrons as always!! We love you! Moni: To evolution in all areas...and always striving to be a better version of yourself. Kat: To Lush Cosmetics **Stranger than Fiction: 💜*Email us at thefabpodcast@gmail.com with your book suggestions and "Stranger Than Fiction" stories; we would love to share them on the show!! Please reach out and let us know how we are doing!! You can find us online by clicking here 👉🏾 https://linktr.ee/Fabpod Please subscribe to www.patreon.com/thefabpodcast.com to enjoy bonus content and weigh in on upcoming topics. Don't forget to follow, rate, review, and SHARE our podcast! Thank you!

    55 min
5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

The Book Club is Fake but the Talk is REAL! The F.A.B. Podcast serves cocktails while also serving up stories with a side dish of humor, a sprinkle of sarcasm, and an occasional expletive as garnish. Every hump day, tune in as Moni and Kat playfully and thoughtfully explore compelling books and topics as they relate to the human experience, filtered through the lens as black women in the midwest. Let each episode illustrate the power of storytelling and how it connects us all. This podcast is a reason for them to connect as friends, as individuals, and with their listeners. It’s like therapy you didn't know you needed...along with some laughs! You may come for the books but you'll stay for the vibes!!