Episode Summary

In this thought-provoking episode of The Premise, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome award-winning author, educator, and cultural critic Susan Osborn to discuss her groundbreaking book, She's Such a Liar: Incest, Knowledge and Power—A Manifesto. Drawing on decades of research, Osborn explores how language, institutions, and cultural narratives have historically silenced survivors of incest while protecting systems of power.

The conversation examines the importance of naming difficult realities, the role of history in shaping public understanding, and why language itself can determine what society chooses to acknowledge—or ignore. Susan also shares surprising historical research, personal experiences from academia, and her hopes for creating meaningful cultural change through education and dialogue.

In This Episode

• Why Susan Osborn intentionally uses the word "incest" instead of euphemisms.
• The origins of the book title She's Such a Liar and how credibility is often weaponized against women.
• The relationship between patriarchy, knowledge, and institutional power.
• Historical examples of how medical, legal, and cultural institutions dismissed reports of incest.
• The story of Sigmund Freud's reversal of his early research on childhood sexual abuse.
• Why language shapes public awareness—and what happens when there are no words to describe a perpetrator.
• Humor as a tool for discussing difficult subjects.
• Susan's experiences being discouraged from researching incest during graduate school.
• Women's rights, historical progress, and recurring cultural backlash.
• How naming social problems is often the first step toward addressing them.
• The historical medical response to childhood gonorrhea epidemics and what it revealed about institutional denial.
• Susan's next research project on the historical construction of female shame.

What if working harder isn't the answer?

Award-winning science writer Elizabeth Svoboda joins The Premise to discuss her new book, The Art of Pacing: A Guide to Balancing Short-Term Demands with Long-Term Thriving. Together, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson explore America's hustle culture, why traditional time management often fails, and how learning to manage your energy—not just your schedule—can help you avoid burnout and build a more sustainable, fulfilling life.

Drawing from science, elite athletics, psychology, and personal experience, Elizabeth shares practical strategies for recognizing burnout, aligning your work with your natural energy rhythms, and giving yourself permission to rest without guilt.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, healthcare worker, executive, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you thrive for the long haul.

In This Episode

• Why America's "always-on" work culture is pushing so many people toward burnout
• The difference between time management and energy management
• What elite athletes can teach us about sustainable performance
• Why rigid productivity systems often backfire
• Recognizing the warning signs of burnout before it's too late
• How heart rate variability (HRV) can help you monitor stress and recovery
• The science behind resonant breathing and calming your nervous system
• Why taking longer breaks actually improves productivity
• Breaking the cycle of deadline-driven work and chronic procrastination
• The importance of building rest into your life—not earning it
• Lessons the U.S. can learn from France's approach to work-life balance
• How pacing creates more creativity, resilience, and long-term success

Key Takeaways

• Productivity isn't about doing more—it's about managing your energy wisely.
• Burnout doesn't happen overnight, and recovery often takes longer than we realize.
• Your most important work should happen when your energy is naturally highest.
• Rest is not laziness—it's an essential part of high performance.
• Sustainable success comes from pacing yourself, not constantly pushing harder.

Episode Summary

This week, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome bestselling author, editor, and publishing veteran Christine Pride to discuss her solo debut novel, All the Men I've Loved Again. Christine shares the real-life inspiration behind the story, her journey from editor to author, the power of lifelong friendships, and what it means to trust yourself—in love, writing, and life.

The conversation explores second-chance romance, coming-of-age experiences that continue well into adulthood, the realities of publishing, and why writers need both resilience and community. Christine also offers valuable advice for aspiring authors and shares insights into her collaborative work with co-author Jo Piazza.

Whether you're a reader, writer, or hopeless romantic, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart.

In This Episode:

• The inspiration behind All the Men I've Loved Again
• Why Christine was compelled to turn a personal experience into fiction
• Creating Cora: writing a character searching for love, identity, and belonging
• The importance of friendship as a central love story
• How childhood experiences shape self-confidence and relationships
• Writing authentic coming-of-age stories across multiple decades
• The nostalgia of the 1990s and pre-social media relationships
• Co-writing bestselling novels with Jo Piazza
• The differences between collaborative writing and solo authorship
• What editors really want from aspiring writers
• The value of trusted readers, critique partners, and developmental feedback
• Why writers must learn to trust their instincts
• Publishing myths, realities, and industry misconceptions
• Christine's coaching, retreats, and resources for writers