The Chicken Fried Women Podcast

Melissa Radke
  • 4.9 (103)
  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Chicken Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and the Stories that Made Us this Way. The South is full of two things: stories and storytellers. The Chicken Fried Women podcast brings you both. These are the stories told around kitchen tables, church pews and front porch swings. They are the tales we laughed at growing up and that have been repeated down through time. Welcome to the friendships, the kinships and the stories that made us this way.

  1. Ep 28 From Online to Real Life. A Friendship Story: Honey & Mikki

    05/29/2025

    Ep 28 From Online to Real Life. A Friendship Story: Honey & Mikki

    Summary In this episode of the Chicken Fried Women podcast, host Melissa Radke introduces her guests Honey and Mikki, who share their unique friendship story that blossomed from The Radke Family membership. The conversation explores themes of connection, the challenges of female friendships, personal growth, and the importance of faith in their lives. Mikki opens up about her past struggles with abuse and how her friendship with Honey has been a source of strength and joy. The episode highlights the beauty of unexpected friendships and the deep bonds that can form between women. Takeaways Friendships can blossom from unexpected places, like online communities. Instant connections can feel like soul connections. Navigating female friendships can be challenging but rewarding. Having a deep, trusting friendship is a rare gift. Personal growth often comes from overcoming past struggles. Faith can play a significant role in friendships. Laughter and shared experiences strengthen bonds. It's important to appreciate differences in friendships. Cherished memories create lasting connections. Friendship can be a source of empowerment and healing. Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women)

    30 min
  2. Ep 27 The Journey of a Southern Comedian: Ellen Skrmetti

    05/15/2025

    Ep 27 The Journey of a Southern Comedian: Ellen Skrmetti

    Summary In this episode of Chicken Fried Women, host Melissa Radke welcomes comedian Ellen Skrmetti. They discuss their shared experiences as Southern women, the challenges of motherhood, and the journey into stand-up comedy. Ellen shares her insights on storytelling, the importance of humor in life, and how her faith influences her work. The conversation flows from personal anecdotes to the dynamics of family life, making it relatable and entertaining for listeners. In this engaging conversation, Melissa Radke and Ellen Skrmetti explore the journey of finding one's voice in comedy, the challenges of motherhood, and the importance of faith and perseverance in pursuing dreams. They share personal stories about overcoming stage fright, building a career in comedy, and the impact of their experiences on their families. The discussion highlights the significance of trusting the process and the humor found in parenting, ultimately encouraging women to pursue their passions regardless of life's challenges. Takeaways Melissa expresses excitement about having Ellen on the podcast. Ellen shares her connection to their publisher and her love for her. They discuss the rivalry between Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Ellen talks about her experience with college choices for her daughter. Melissa shares her daughter's commitment to the University of Arkansas. Ellen humorously reflects on her childhood Halloween experiences. They discuss the importance of humor in their lives and careers. Ellen emphasizes the need for women to overcome fear in pursuing their passions. Melissa shares her husband's encouragement for her to try stand-up comedy. Ellen recounts her journey into stand-up and the classes she took. Second City helped Ellen build her confidence in comedy. Taking classes can significantly improve your skills. Ellen's journey into comedy was influenced by her faith. Overcoming stage fright is a common challenge for performers. Children benefit from seeing their parents pursue their dreams. Trusting the process is essential in any career path. Ellen emphasizes the importance of humor in parenting. Women can successfully balance motherhood and career aspirations. Personal stories can resonate deeply with audiences. Ellen's experiences highlight the power of community support.   Check out Ellen Skrmetti in all the places: Ellen's website: https://ellenskrmetti.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justskrmetti TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justskrmetti   Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women)

    39 min
  3. Ep 26 The Impact Laughter and Memories: Melissa Radke, Remi Radke, Annette Lee and Melba White

    05/13/2025

    Ep 26 The Impact Laughter and Memories: Melissa Radke, Remi Radke, Annette Lee and Melba White

    Incredible Bonuses! Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women) Summary  In this engaging conversation, Melissa Radke shares heartfelt stories about reconnecting with an old friend after 32 years, humorous encounters during a trip to Nashville, and the importance of laughter and community in her work as a comedian and speaker. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media, particularly TikTok, on perceptions of safety and reality, as well as reflections on personal growth and purpose in life. Takeaways Shared values and experiences create lasting bonds. Humor can ease tension in unexpected situations. Social media can amplify fears and misconceptions. Laughter is a vital part of community and connection. Public speaking can be a platform for deeper messages. Personal growth often comes from unexpected encounters. The importance of being true to one's purpose. Books can evoke nostalgia and shared memories. Comedy can serve as a vehicle for meaningful conversations.

    33 min
  4. Ep 25 Nashville and New York Adventures: Melissa Radke, Remi Radke, Annette Lee and Melba White

    05/08/2025

    Ep 25 Nashville and New York Adventures: Melissa Radke, Remi Radke, Annette Lee and Melba White

    Incredible Bonuses! Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women) Summary In this lively conversation, Melissa Radke shares humorous and heartfelt stories from her recent travels to Nashville and New York City. From airport mishaps involving luggage and security checks to emotional moments with friends, the discussion captures the essence of travel, friendship, and the unexpected adventures that come with it. The conversation also delves into culinary experiences, showcasing the diverse food culture in New York City and the fun dynamics of family interactions during travel. Takeaways Melissa shares a funny story about her cousin Michelle's luggage mishap at the airport. The group had a great time in Nashville, enjoying local events and food. Melissa had an emotional moment during her trip, highlighting the importance of friendship. Traveling with friends can lead to unexpected adventures and laughter. The conversation touches on the challenges of navigating airports and security checks. Melissa reflects on the joy of exploring new places and trying different foods. Annette discusses their experiences in New York City, including walking and dining. Melissa's sister Mallory is portrayed as a foodie who knows the best spots in NYC. The conversation highlights the fun and chaos of traveling with family. Melissa expresses her mixed feelings about returning to New York City.

    30 min
  5. Ep 24 More Randomness, Family Stories and Memories: Annette Lee and Melba White

    05/01/2025

    Ep 24 More Randomness, Family Stories and Memories: Annette Lee and Melba White

    Incredible Bonuses! Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women) Summary  In this lively conversation, Melissa Radke shares humorous anecdotes and heartfelt stories about family dynamics, life lessons, and nostalgic memories. The discussion flows through various topics, including pop culture references, southern sayings, and the importance of food and comfort in family connections. The humor and warmth of the conversation highlight the unique relationships within the family, showcasing their shared experiences and love for one another. Takeaways Nostalgia plays a significant role in family storytelling. Pop culture references can enhance family interactions. Southern sayings reflect cultural humor and wisdom. Misunderstandings can lead to funny family stories. Food often serves as a comfort and connection in families. Pets are considered part of the family and have their own personalities. Communication styles vary within families, leading to unique interactions. Family gatherings are filled with laughter and shared memories.

    19 min
  6. Ep 23 All Sorts of Randomness: Annette Lee

    04/29/2025

    Ep 23 All Sorts of Randomness: Annette Lee

    Incredible Bonuses! Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women) Summary In this conversation, Melissa Radke engages in a light-hearted and candid discussion with her family, touching on various themes such as health concerns, home decor, family celebrations, and personal anecdotes. The dialogue flows through topics of shingles and health, preparations for spring and family gatherings, home improvements, and the challenges of laundry and appliances. The conversation culminates in reflections on a book launch, showcasing the warmth and humor of family dynamics. Takeaways Family discussions can be humorous yet serious. Spring cleaning and decor can be a fun family activity. Celebrating milestones is important for family bonding. Home improvements often lead to unexpected challenges. Family stories create lasting memories and laughter. Planning vacations requires communication and understanding. Laundry troubles can be a source of family frustration. Appliance discussions reveal generational differences in preferences. Book launches can be a personal and proud moment. Family dynamics are filled with love, humor, and support. Family dynamics often involve humor and light-hearted banter.

    21 min
  7. Ep 22 Cookies and Conversations with Remi Radke

    04/24/2025

    Ep 22 Cookies and Conversations with Remi Radke

    Incredible Bonuses! Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women) Summary In this episode of the Chicken Fried Women podcast, Melissa Radke welcomes her daughter Remi for a light-hearted and fun conversation. They skip traditional storytelling and dive into a casual chat, focusing on reviewing Crumble Cookies inspired by the Kardashians. The episode features humorous anecdotes, including Remi's excitement about singing Hamilton lyrics and a memorable encounter with Leslie Odom Jr. They also discuss the concept of soulmates and reminisce about family moments, all while tasting various cookies. The episode wraps up with reflections on college life and the bond between mother and daughter. Takeaways Friendship and kinship are central themes in their relationship. The podcast format allows for casual and engaging conversations. Crumble Cookies serve as a fun topic for discussion and tasting. Remi's love for musical theater is highlighted through her excitement for Hamilton. Meeting celebrities can create memorable experiences and stories. The idea of soulmates is explored in a light-hearted manner. Humor and laughter are key components of their dynamic. The importance of family traditions and shared experiences is emphasized. Remi shares her thoughts on college life and what to expect. The episode showcases the bond between a mother and daughter. Follow Remi on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/remiradke/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@remiradke)

    28 min
  8. Ep 21 Laughing Through Life: The Launch of Chicken-Fried Women

    04/22/2025

    Ep 21 Laughing Through Life: The Launch of Chicken-Fried Women

    Incredible Bonuses! Have you ordered your copy of Melissa's new book Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and The Women Who Made Us This Way? Order Chicken-Fried Women Today because you do not want to miss out on these amazing bonuses! (https://www.worthypub.com/chicken-fried-women) Summary In this episode of the Chicken Fried Women podcast, host Melissa Radke celebrates the launch of her book, 'Chicken Fried Women.' She shares her hopes for readers to enjoy the book and laugh, rather than focus on deeper themes. Melissa reads a snippet from her book, adding personal anecdotes and humor. She discusses the cultural significance of hair among Southern women, emphasizing its importance in social interactions and personal identity. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to embrace laughter and enjoy the stories shared in her book. Takeaways Melissa Radke celebrates the launch of her book, 'Chicken Fried Women.' She hopes readers will laugh and enjoy the book. The importance of hair in Southern culture is highlighted. Hair can significantly impact social dynamics among women. Melissa shares personal anecdotes related to her family and hair. The podcast emphasizes the joy of storytelling and humor. Readers are encouraged to embrace laughter in their lives. Melissa's unique perspective on women's experiences is shared. The episode blends personal stories with cultural commentary. Listeners are invited to connect with the themes of friendship and kinship.

    23 min
See All (28)

4.9
out of 5
103 Ratings

About

Chicken Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship and the Stories that Made Us this Way. The South is full of two things: stories and storytellers. The Chicken Fried Women podcast brings you both. These are the stories told around kitchen tables, church pews and front porch swings. They are the tales we laughed at growing up and that have been repeated down through time. Welcome to the friendships, the kinships and the stories that made us this way.

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