Podcast Summary: Barely Famous – Encore: Behind The Thrillers With Freida McFadden
Host: Kail Lowry
Guest: Freida McFadden
Date: December 26, 2025
Episode Overview
In this special encore episode of Barely Famous, host Kail Lowry sits down with bestselling thriller author Freida McFadden. Known for her twisty, accessible thrillers like The Housemaid, Never Lie, and The Coworker, Freida shares insights into her writing process, her journey from self-publishing to mainstream success, and the real-life inspirations behind her books. The conversation is candid, filled with humor, and offers both aspiring writers and fans a peek into the world of one of today’s most popular suspense authors.
Main Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Origin of “The Boyfriend”
- [04:06] Kail gushes about Freida’s new book, The Boyfriend, giving it 5 stars:
"I'm obsessed with this book, first of all."
- [04:32] Freida shares the story was inspired by her mom’s dating adventures in 1980s NYC, old-school newspaper dating ads, and her daughter’s love for angsty singer Melanie Martinez.
2. Pulling Inspiration from Real Life
- [06:21] Freida confirms she weaves personal anecdotes into her fiction—her younger daughter’s bug obsession inspired quirky character details in The Boyfriend.
- [14:46] On bugs in the book (like characters named “Slug” and scenes with ant farms):
"She's very, very, very into bugs... She actually wanted an ant farm... and my husband was supporting this."
—Freida on her daughter’s influence
3. Writing for All Ages
- [07:08] Freida keeps her books relatively clean and accessible:
"I know my parents will read it so that's always in my head... I make sure that they're... something that I'm not embarrassed that anyone in my family will read."
- Kail mentions her 14-year-old son reading Freida’s work, emphasizing the accessible, multi-generational appeal.
4. The Path to Authorship
- [16:05] Freida discusses never envisioning writing as a career and always wanting to be a physician, but writing constantly as a personal hobby.
"It seemed like not a realistic career... it's something where to be successful at it... you have to be very lucky."
- [18:55] Talks about eventually self-publishing, using her blog to build an audience, and the eventual leap to mainstream publishing with The Housemaid.
"Up until The Housemaid was actually my first book that was not self published."
—Freida [18:55]
5. Embracing Growth (and Laughing at Mistakes)
- [20:40] Freida candidly discusses editing her early book Suicide Med, notably removing a plot point involving "a character has an eye on his butt."
"That was weird. I'm sorry."
—Freida, laughing at her own past plot choices - The botched book moment inadvertently became an Amazon bestseller when pulled from shelves due to people clamoring for rare copies.
6. Crafting Suspense & Plot Twists
- [27:26] On inventing plot twists:
"This is like a puzzle in reverse for me... it's not even so much what the twist is, but the red herrings."
- Kind of thinking like a defense attorney—giving the reader a plausible alternate theory increases the impact of the real twist.
7. Balancing Medicine, Writing, and Life
- [29:57] Freida on juggling being a doctor, mom, and now a bestselling author:
"It started to feel like I’m doing two careers, plus I’ve got two kids... I realized I have to make a decision."
- She now writes full-time, but keeps her medical license active, occasionally working weekends and teaching.
8. Writing Methodology: Plotter, not Pantser
- [33:11] Freida meticulously outlines her books, especially the ending and major twists, and seeks her analytical husband’s input for plot holes.
9. Debunking Theories and AI Rumors
- [36:28] Freida addresses online speculation that her books are written by AI:
"It’s almost a compliment... that this seems like the perfection of a machine."
She laughs it off, noting that AI-generated stories lack her trademark darkness and intricacies.
10. Book-to-Screen Adaptations
- [39:49] Exciting news:
- The Housemaid has been picked up by Hidden Pictures/Lions Gate
- The Coworker by Sony (aimed for TV)
- Never Lie by Netflix/21 Laps (Shawn Levy's company)
"Deadpool is making my movie."
—Freida [41:08], on seeing 21 Laps attached
11. Reader Engagement & Feedback
- Kail mentions The Coworker and the "Turtles" theme, leading to a discussion about feedback.
- [43:46] Freida says she initially added even more turtles after beta feedback, quipping,
"My beta reader said: 'More turtles!’"
- Freida values both positive and negative feedback, using it to improve her craft—sometimes, even reading out the worst reviews for laughs in the style of Jimmy Kimmel's "Mean Tweets."
"If you can't laugh at yourself...especially as a writer..."
12. Sequels, Standalones & Satire
- [44:38] On pressure for third books (e.g. The Housemaid is Watching):
"I put in that line...just because it almost took the pressure off of me....I wanted so badly for people to love it."
- Freida discusses her satirical novella (The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie), reading aloud some “mean” reviews for the audience in a dramatic, tongue-in-cheek segment.
13. Advice for Aspiring Writers
- [60:31] Freida’s guidance:
- Just do it: "Don't sit on it...you learn by doing."
- Recommends Save the Cat Writes a Novel for plotting.
- Self-publishing is accessible; growth happens with experience (even if your early book features a “butt eye”).
14. Personal Favorites
- [47:51] Favorites to write: The Boyfriend, The Inmate
- Favorite recent read: Stephen King’s The Institute (audiobook)
“I’ve been binging Stephen King audiobooks...the narrator is so good and I’m just looking forward to anything where I can put in my earphones.”
15. Where to Find Freida
- Facebook Reader Group: “Frida McFans” – the most up-to-date info and giveaways
- Instagram and Facebook: Freida posts regularly, and encourages both support and constructive criticism from her readers.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Collaboration:
“I don't do well with collabs. But, like, thank you.”
—Freida [02:52] -
On Writing as a Physician:
"I always wanted to be a physician. I was that kid, five years old: 'I want to be a doctor.' And then I did it."
—Freida [16:05] -
On Editing Early Work:
"A character has an eye on his butt. So, yeah. Like, you could see why I didn't want that in a book anymore."
—Freida [22:03] -
On AI Writing Rumors:
"If you actually like use chat GPT...like, it would never have something as dark as a murder...They're being very careful to keep it from getting evil."
—Freida [37:08] -
On Plot Twists:
"You give them an alternate theory...if they believe that, they're not going to think you did it. That's kind of what it's like."
—Freida [27:26]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro & Freida’s Background: [01:18]–[04:32]
- Writing “The Boyfriend” & Inspirations: [04:32]–[06:57]
- Books for All Ages & Reading Habits: [07:08]–[09:59]
- Writing Journey & Self-Publishing: [16:05]–[19:02]
- Editing Mishaps & Butt Eye Story: [20:40]–[23:51]
- Crafting Twists & Writing Process: [27:26]–[29:22]
- Balancing Doctor & Writer Life: [29:57]–[32:23]
- Book Adaptations: [39:49]–[41:14]
- Feedback & Turtle Story: [43:46]–[44:36]
- Satirical Novella & Dramatic Reading of Reviews: [51:20]–[54:28]
- Advice for Aspiring Writers: [60:31]–[61:59]
- Recommendations & Closing: [62:08]–[64:23]
Final Word
Barely Famous delivers a fun, insightful, and deeply relatable conversation for readers, writers, and anyone curious about the real person behind contemporary thrillers. Freida McFadden’s candor, humor, and openness to both praise and criticism shine through, making this episode a standout. Whether you’re looking for writing advice, inspiration, or just confirmation that your favorite authors are human, you’ll find plenty here.
Freida’s closing message for fans and new readers alike:
"Have fun. These books are supposed to be a good time. If you're not having fun, then maybe I'm not for you. And that's okay." [59:16]
For more Freida McFadden, check her books (most on Kindle Unlimited), join the “Frida McFans” Facebook group, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and giveaways.