Books With Your Besties: Episode on Lauren McCluskey and the Bigger Questions Around Why Women Aren't Listened To
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Hosts: Emily and Ashley
Podcast Description:
Plug in, ignore real life for a bit and chat with your unhinged yet lovable besties Emily and Ashley. You get to hear about how life is going for us - filter free as besties. You’ll also hear what we are reading and our unfiltered thoughts on the book.
1. Introduction to Domestic Thrillers
In this episode, Emily and Ashley dive into one of their favorite genres: domestic thrillers. They explain that domestic thrillers revolve around events within the home, often focusing on family dynamics and problematic marital relationships. Ashley sets the stage by asking, “What are some examples of domestic thrillers that you have loved?” (00:03).
2. Favorite Domestic Thrillers Discussed
Emily and Ashley share their top picks in the genre, highlighting titles that resonate with them personally. Emily introduces The New House by Tess Dimson, emphasizing its focus on relationships without giving away spoilers (00:45). Ashley adds Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris as another favorite, followed by the crowd-pleasing Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, which both hosts agree is a must-read (01:26).
They also touch upon the works of Freedom McFadden, particularly The Housemaid, noting how the first book left a lasting impression due to its impactful twist (01:43). Additionally, they discuss Verity by Colleen Hoover, recognizing its controversial yet entertaining take on the genre (02:38).
3. Portrayal of Women in Domestic Thrillers
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the portrayal of female characters in domestic thrillers. Emily raises a critical point: “Even when women are trying... to write a strong female protagonist, women often come off as dumb and damsels in distress” (03:56). Ashley echoes this frustration, particularly with Freedom McFadden’s books, and recalls their conversation with Heather Gudenkopf about the novel Not a Sound where the protagonist avoids stereotypical portrayals (04:23).
They explore societal conditioning that pressures women to prioritize politeness over their instincts, leading to scenarios where women may deny their desires to seek safety or assert themselves (05:06). This discussion is further enriched by sharing a personal anecdote from Emily about a friend’s uncomfortable experience with unwanted physical contact, highlighting the internal conflict women face between being polite and protecting themselves (05:27).
4. Linking Domestic Thrillers to Real-Life Domestic Violence
Transitioning from fiction to reality, the hosts delve into the themes of domestic abuse and violence that are prevalent in domestic thrillers. They emphasize that these narratives often mirror real-life issues women face, such as abusive relationships and the challenges in escaping them (07:00).
5. Case Study: Lauren McCluskey
A pivotal part of the episode is dedicated to the tragic case of Lauren McCluskey, a student from Utah who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend after repeatedly seeking help from campus and local police without receiving adequate protection (15:49).
Emily provides an overview of Lauren’s attempts to secure help:
- Lauren met Melvin at a bar and soon realized he was not who he claimed to be.
- She reached out to campus security and local police multiple times, expressing her fear and the threat Melvin posed (17:27).
- Despite her efforts, the system failed to protect her, leading to her murder and Melvin’s subsequent suicide (17:27).
Ashley expresses her anger and frustration over the systemic failures that led to Lauren’s death, highlighting issues like jurisdictional hurdles and inadequate responses from law enforcement (18:11).
6. Case Study: Wendy Maldonado
The hosts then discuss the harrowing case of Wendy Maldonado from Southern Oregon in 2005. Wendy endured severe abuse from her husband, Aaron, and ultimately killed him in a desperate act to protect herself and her sons (20:00).
Key points from Wendy’s story include:
- Aaron's prolonged abuse and threats against Wendy and her children.
- The lack of effective law enforcement intervention despite multiple 911 calls (20:00).
- Wendy and her son Randy’s decision to kill Aaron to escape the violence, resulting in their imprisonment despite the dire circumstances (25:20).
Ashley reflects on the heartbreaking reality that even when women take decisive action to protect themselves, the legal system often fails to recognize the imminent threats they face (25:20).
7. Statistics and Discussion on Domestic Violence
Emily and Ashley present alarming statistics to underscore the severity of domestic violence:
- Nearly three women are killed by an intimate partner every day in the U.S. (12:22).
- Women of color, particularly Black and Indigenous women, face higher rates of homicide by intimate partners (14:29).
- Globally, 140 women and girls are killed daily by an intimate partner or family member (26:45).
These statistics highlight the pervasive misogyny and systemic issues that exacerbate violence against women (27:21).
8. Societal Conditioning and Barriers to Help
The conversation shifts to societal norms that discourage women from seeking help. Emily shares insights from studies showing that many women experience worsened mental health following interactions with police after reporting abuse (28:22).
Ashley and Emily discuss the various barriers women face, including:
- Fear of not being believed or having their evidence dismissed.
- Concerns about the repercussions of involving law enforcement, such as their abuser facing arrest.
- Financial dependencies and the risk of homelessness.
- Emotional bonds and love for their abusers, making it difficult to leave (29:25).
9. Closing Thoughts and Resources
In their concluding remarks, Emily and Ashley emphasize the importance of understanding the complexities of domestic violence and the failures of support systems. They advocate for:
- Greater empathy and less judgment from society.
- Improved training and responsiveness from law enforcement.
- Resources and support systems that genuinely aid victims in escaping abusive situations.
They encourage listeners to educate themselves by engaging with podcasts like True Crime’s episode on Lauren McCluskey and documentaries such as HBO’s Every Day of My Life about Wendy Maldonado. Additionally, they mention supporting the Lauren McCluskey Foundation as a way to contribute to the cause (33:30).
Notable Quotes:
- Emily: “Even when women are trying... to write a strong female protagonist, women often come off as dumb and damsels in distress.” (03:56)
- Ashley: “Juries will nullify in these cases... that is the right of a jury.” (24:50)
- Emily: “I have to tell you. I tossed up an Instagram post today... what if I don't come back?” (32:23)
- Ashley: “Every single woman has to think about [her safety] because we would choose the bear over a man...” (32:23)
Resources Mentioned:
- True Crime Podcast: Episode on Lauren McCluskey
- Documentary: Every Day of My Life about Wendy Maldonado (available on Apple TV)
- Books:
- The New House by Tess Dimson
- Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- The Housemaid by Freedom McFadden
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
- Foundation: Lauren McCluskey Foundation
Final Thoughts:
Emily and Ashley conclude the episode with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the strength and resilience of women, urging listeners to support victims and advocate for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies. They reinforce the importance of male allies in recognizing and addressing the real fears and dangers women face daily.
For more content and resources, find Emily and Ashley on Patreon at the Creepy Book Club.
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Emily and Ashley's discussion on domestic thrillers, the flawed portrayal of women within the genre, and the harrowing real-life implications of domestic violence. It highlights key moments, provides insightful quotes, and offers resources for further exploration, making it valuable for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.