I dunno if this week’s episode is a dystopian nightmare or just a realist thriller.

Naomi Krtizer, multi-award winning author of sci-fi and horror, join me for a conversation about her new novella, Obstetrix. It follows the struggles of doctor, kidnapped by a cult to work as their in-house OBGYN. What follows is a balance between personal survival and the obligation to the women in her care.

Naomi and I talk about the state of healthcare and reproductive rights in America, which is never not a serious conversation. But we try to lighten the mood with some chat about the respite of reading (and re-reading), and the working definition of cults.

Enjoy.

Other books mentioned:

“Monster” (2020), by Naomi Kritzer
American War (2017), Omar El Akkad
The Midnight Shift (2025), by Cheon Seon-Ran
Nestlings (2023), by Nat Cassidy
The God of Endings (2023), by Jacqueline Holland

Support Talking Scared on Patreon

Check out the Talking Scared Merch line – at VoidMerch

Come talk books on Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram, or email direct to talkingscaredpod@gmail.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices