The Women Are Plotting

Jane Gari, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis

Do you know how to use a rotary phone? Worry about how much Aquanet you inhaled as a teen? Wonder about the creative worlds of writers? Believe belly laughs make the best ab workouts? Seek answers to the mysteries of menopause?    Then welcome to The Women Are Plotting -- a new podcast that allows a peek into the unfiltered minds of three Gen X writers. Give us a listen. And if you like what you hear, tell your friends.   If you have a story or an idea you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com 

  1. 6d ago

    Happily Ever After Is a Lie: How Fairy Tales Shaped Our Love Lives

    Did fairy tales teach us how to fall in love—or did they completely screw up our expectations? In this funny, personal, and surprisingly revealing episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari take a hard look at the “happily ever after” stories many of us grew up believing. From knights in shining armor and damsels in distress to Disney princesses and romantic comedies, the women explore how the stories we consume can shape what we expect from love, marriage, and ourselves. The conversation dives into the darker side of princess culture, including benevolent sexism, traditional gender roles, the pressure for women to make themselves smaller to attract men, and the dangerous idea that enough patience and love can transform a troubled partner into Prince Charming.  But what happens after the prince and princess finally get together? Drawing from marriages, divorces, parenting, therapy, loss, and their own relationship histories, the women contrast fairy-tale romance with the much messier reality of loving another human being. Real love, they argue, isn't about finding someone who saves you or completes you. It's about two whole people choosing to grow together, support each other, survive the hard stuff, and keep doing the work long after the credits would normally roll. Maybe we don't need “happily ever after” at all. Maybe what we should be looking for is happily ever more. Send us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

  2. Aug 6

    Why Older Women Are Dating Younger Men—and Loving It

    Is age really just a number when it comes to dating—or might a big age gap actually make for a better relationship? In this candid and decidedly NSFW episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari dive into the complicated, sometimes controversial, and often very entertaining world of older women dating younger men. The conversation begins with research suggesting that women partnered with younger men can experience surprisingly high levels of relationship satisfaction. From there, Etienne and Heidi draw on their own dating and relationship experiences to explore why younger men have become increasingly appealing—and why dating men their own age hasn't always delivered what they were looking for. The women get into the differences they've noticed across generations when it comes to sex, communication, consent, emotional intelligence, gender roles, open-mindedness, and expectations in relationships. They also discuss whether younger generations of men may have grown up with a more egalitarian view of women—and whether that translates into being better partners both inside and outside the bedroom. Of course, age-gap dating comes with its own challenges, from wildly different cultural references and life stages to the sometimes questionable planning abilities of a 24-year-old. With plenty of explicit stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and some surprisingly thoughtful observations about Gen X, relationships, female pleasure, and what women actually want at this stage of life, the women ask an important question: When you're finally confident enough to know exactly what you want, why should someone else's idea of an "appropriate" age stop you from finding it? Referenced in this episode:  Kennethplay.com Send us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

  3. Jul 30

    Why Most Writers Quit (And How You Don't)

    Can you build a meaningful writing life while juggling a full-time job, family responsibilities, and the reality that most authors don't make a living from their books? In this episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari have an honest conversation about what it really takes to sustain a creative life. From the surprising writing habits of authors like Franz Kafka and John Boyne to the financial realities facing today's writers, they explore the balance between earning a living and protecting the time and energy needed to create. The hosts share personal stories about career choices, burnout, editing massive manuscripts, finding accountability, attending writers' conferences, and why community can make all the difference. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs—from sleep-deprived writing marathons to legendary conference adventures—as they remind listeners that there is no single "right" path to becoming a writer. Whether you're working on your first novel, revising your tenth manuscript, or simply trying to carve out an hour to write each week, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and a refreshing reminder that building a writing life is a marathon—not a sprint. Topics include: The financial realities of being an authorFinding time to write with a busy lifeChoosing a career that supports your creativityBuilding sustainable writing habitsEditing, critique partners, and writing communitiesWriters' conferences and lifelong learningWhy persistence matters more than perfectionSend us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

  4. Jul 23

    Stop Armchair Diagnosing: When TikTok Therapy Goes Too Far

    Has social media made us more aware of mental health—or has it made us too quick to diagnose ourselves and everyone around us? In this thought-provoking episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari explore the growing trend of armchair diagnosing, self-diagnosis, and the explosion of mental health content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They discuss the fine line between recognizing legitimate symptoms and assigning labels without professional evaluation, along with the risks of misinformation, confirmation bias, and using diagnoses as excuses instead of tools for growth. The hosts share personal experiences with ADHD, OCD, therapy, autism spectrum traits, and the challenges of navigating relationships with neurodivergent friends, family members, and partners. They also examine how social media has helped some people seek life-changing treatment while simultaneously spreading misleading information that can trivialize serious mental health conditions. Filled with humor, compassion, and honest conversation, this episode encourages listeners to approach mental health with curiosity instead of certainty, seek professional guidance when needed, and remember that a diagnosis should be the beginning of healing—not the end of personal responsibility. Send us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

  5. Jul 16

    Leaving a Job You Hate: How to Find Work You Actually Love

    Have you ever dreaded going to work or wondered if it's time for a career change? In this honest and relatable episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari discuss the realities of career burnout, changing professions, and finding work that aligns with your passions and values. They share personal stories of leaving stressful jobs, reinventing themselves, navigating the fear of starting over, and discovering that fulfillment often requires taking a leap of faith. The conversation explores everything from nursing burnout and corporate "golden handcuffs" to teaching, writing, entrepreneurship, therapy, and midlife career pivots. The hosts also discuss the emotional challenges of staying in a job for financial security, how AI is changing the workplace, and why developing uniquely human skills like empathy, creativity, and authentic connection may be more valuable than ever. Whether you're considering a career change, feeling stuck in a job you no longer enjoy, or simply looking for encouragement to pursue work that brings meaning to your life, this episode offers practical insights, humor, and reassurance that it's never too late to create your next chapter. Send us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

  6. Jul 9

    Threesomes: Fantasy vs. Reality

    How common are threesomes—and do they live up to the fantasy? In this candid, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari explore one of the most talked-about sexual fantasies while sharing their own real-life experiences. From first-time threesomes and unexpected awkward moments to hilarious mishaps and successful encounters, the hosts discuss what actually happens when fantasy meets reality. The conversation covers communication, boundaries, consent, bisexuality, ethical non-monogamy, dating apps like Feeld, and the importance of making sure everyone involved feels respected and comfortable. The hosts also examine why threesomes remain one of the most common sexual fantasies, why fantasy doesn't always translate into real-life interest, and how trust and honest conversations are essential before anything happens. Whether you're simply curious, have wondered about the psychology behind threesomes, or enjoy honest conversations about modern sexuality, this episode offers humor, personal stories, and a refreshingly sex-positive perspective on one of society's most misunderstood topics. Send us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

  7. Jul 2

    Scams, Catfishing & MLMs: How to Spot the Lies Before They Cost You

    Could you spot a scam before it emptied your bank account—or would you fall for it without realizing? In this eye-opening and often hilarious episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari dive into the world of romance scams, AI-powered fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, and the psychological tactics scammers use to gain trust. The hosts discuss why scams are becoming more sophisticated, how artificial intelligence is making fraud harder to detect, and the warning signs everyone should know before handing over money or personal information. Etienne shares the unbelievable true story of nearly falling victim to an elaborate online investment and dating scam—and how she ultimately turned the tables and walked away with both her money and the scammer's profits. Heidi reflects on her experiences with MLMs and explains why so many people get pulled into them, while Jane recounts some unforgettable prank calls from her teenage years and a memorable confrontation with an IRS phone scammer. Filled with practical advice, personal stories, and plenty of laughs, this episode explores how scammers exploit trust, urgency, fear, and loneliness—and offers simple strategies to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your finances in an increasingly digital world. Send us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

  8. Jun 25

    How Cults Brainwash Good People: Warning Signs You Need to Know

    Could you recognize a cult before it was too late—or would you be just as vulnerable as everyone else? In this fascinating and surprisingly personal episode of The Women Are Plotting, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari explore the psychology of cults, why intelligent people get pulled into them, and the warning signs everyone should know. The conversation examines the traits shared by charismatic cult leaders, the tactics of love bombing, isolation, manipulation, gaslighting, and the gradual erosion of critical thinking that can leave even skeptical people vulnerable. The hosts discuss infamous groups including Jonestown, Heaven's Gate, NXIVM, FLDS, and other high-control organizations while exploring the fine line between religion, self-help movements, multi-level marketing, and cult-like behavior. Heidi also shares her own unsettling experience of nearly becoming involved in what appeared to be the early stages of a cult, offering a firsthand perspective on how easily manipulation can happen and what ultimately helped her recognize the danger. Blending psychology, true crime, history, and personal stories, this eye-opening conversation offers practical advice for recognizing unhealthy group dynamics, maintaining healthy skepticism, and protecting yourself from manipulation—whether it comes from a cult leader, a toxic relationship, or any group demanding unquestioning loyalty. Send us Fan Mail Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com, and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.

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About

Do you know how to use a rotary phone? Worry about how much Aquanet you inhaled as a teen? Wonder about the creative worlds of writers? Believe belly laughs make the best ab workouts? Seek answers to the mysteries of menopause?    Then welcome to The Women Are Plotting -- a new podcast that allows a peek into the unfiltered minds of three Gen X writers. Give us a listen. And if you like what you hear, tell your friends.   If you have a story or an idea you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@thewomenareplotting.com 

Information

  • Creator
    Jane Gari, Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Women Are Plotting
  • Show Website
    The Women Are Plotting