
Today on The Short Stacks we’re joined by author, academic, and podcast host (Hear to Slay) Tressie McMillan Cottom. Her latest book Thick: And Other Essays is on The National Book Award Longlist for nonfiction, and is the center of our conversation. Cottom explains the power in centering the experiences of Black women, and we get into the nitty gritty of writing snacks and beverages.
There are no spoilers on this episode.
LISTEN NOW
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodcastOne | Google | Android
Everything we talk about on today’s episode can be found below in the show notes. If you’d like to support your local independent bookstore, you can shop through IndieBound.

- Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom
- National Book Award 2019 Nonfiction Longlist
- The New York Times
- Lower Ed by Tressie McMillan Cottom
- Kiese Laymon
- The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
- The New Press
- Erma Bombeck
- Dave Zirin
- Welcome to the Terrordome by Dave Zirin
- Dave Zirin on Twitter
- Rebecca Traister
- Rebecca Solnit
- Long Division by Kiese Laymon
- Heavy by Kiese Laymon
- How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones
- Hear to Slay (Luminary)
- Roxane Gay
- Gabrielle Union
- “03: The Hustle” (Hear to Slay)
- Toni Morrison
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Connect with Tressie: Twitter | Instagram | Hear to Slay Podcast | Hear to Slay Instagram
Connect with The Stacks: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |Apple Podcasts |The Stacks on PodcastOne | Goodreads | Patreon
Support The Stacks
To contribute to The Stacks, join The Stacks Pack, and get exclusive perks, check out our Patreon page. We are beyond grateful for anything you’re able to give to support the production of this show. If you prefer to do a one time contribution go to paypal.me/thestackspod.
Audible– to get your FREE audiobook download and FREE 30 day trial go to audibletrial.com/thestacks.
The Stacks received Thick from the publisher. For more information click here.
The Stacks participates in affiliate programs. We receive a small commission when products are purchased through links on this website, and this comes at no cost to you. Shopping through these links helps support the show, but does not effect opinions on books and products. For more information click here.