Babe Cave

Book banning isn't new—it's a 2,000-year-old playbook designed to control what people know and think. From Emperor Qin Shi Huang burning books in ancient China to 16,000 documented book bans in American schools since 2020, the pattern is always the same: those in power fear ideas that challenge their narrative. In this deep-dive episode, Amanda Polick traces the history of censorship from ancient Rome to the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden from the Library of Congress, revealing how book banning has always been about control, never protection. In this conversation, you'll discover: How the Catholic Church banned books for 400+ years Why Robin Hood was considered communist propaganda in the 1950s How 11 people filed 100 book challenges across different school districts targeting specific communities Why libraries and librarians are being criminalized for doing their jobs Concrete actions you can take to protect democracy through literacy and library support Perfect for: Educators, parents, library advocates, demo

After 1955 days, Babe Cave is back with bold conversations about writing, publishing, and creative authenticity. Host Amanda Polick returns from her journey as a cookbook and food memoir coach with a powerful message: nothing you create is ever really gone, and sometimes stepping away is exactly what you need to come back stronger. This comeback episode explores the messy truth about creative pivots, the danger of playing small, and why authentic boldness matters more than ever in the writing world. In this conversation, you'll discover: Why "failed" creative projects might just be waiting for the right moment How to stop being "plain yogurt boring" and show up authentically The real reason most conversations about writing and publishing feel stuffy and elitist Perfect for: Writers, creatives, podcasters, and anyone who's ever stepped away from a project and wondered if they should come back to it. Show notes: https://www.amandapolick.com/blog/welcome-back-episode Instagram: @amandapolick 

After 3 Seasons of conversations about the in-between things of life, Babe Cave is riding off into the sunset. In this final episode, Amanda Polick reflects on the journey that brought her and you here and shares her own next steps. Welcome to The Pivot Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

We spend a lot of time thinking about goals and end products and very little time on small wins — like acknowledging that a tiny shift might make the process work better. This week, Amanda shares words of encouragement for the ones who need to linger in the moment a little longer. Welcome to The Recognition Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

What do a train car full of strangers, a murder in a locked room and a tragic kidnapping all have in common? They're the central players of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. Join me and my friend Jennifer as we share our unpopular opinions about this classic murder mystery. Don't kill the messenger, and welcome to The Babe Cave Book Club May 2020 Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

Sometimes, something sounds really good, but it's just not the right time for you to do it. Or an opportunity could present itself that's just not your vibe. We'll all been there. But what do you do when the person on the other side of the opportunity is CONVINCED that this thing is for you? How do you handle the guilt of saying no, while not violating your own desires? Some of it's easy, and some of it, not so much. Welcome to The Not For Me Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

In world of followers, likes and the ever-growing "need" to show everyone what you're doing and who you're with, it can leave you wondering if you're living your life or someone else's. This week, Amanda breaks down her decision to go dark on social media for the last 8 months, why she wanted to get back to her younger internet-free self, and how less consuming has led to more creating. Welcome to The Off Line Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

Ever told yourself that something would be easier if you did it yourself? SAME. But when we try and do all the things, we risk burnout and end up isolating ourselves from those around us. It can be hard to step away and let someone else do something for us, but sometimes, that's exactly what we need so we can do more of what we're meant to do. Welcome to The Delegation Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

This month's book club meeting kicks off with fellow writer and friend of the show, Crystal Marie McDaniels. We're digging into Toni Morrison's Sula and how we were intimidated by re-reading this legend, the unrelenting power of friendship between the two protagonists and the ending I completely missed. Welcome to The Babe Cave Book Club April 2020 Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

The words we say to ourselves are powerful. And sometimes, those words are in direct opposition to what we really want in our lives. This week, Amanda walks through how readjusting a few words can shift your entire perspective, why the people around you magnify your best and worst thoughts and how to implement a new mindset practice. Welcome to The Limiting Beliefs Episode. https://www.amandapolick.com

As the global pandemic of COVID-19 continues, the lines have been drawn between those who are staying at home and those who choose not to. In this bonus episode, Amanda dives into the reasons she's staying at home, why this is about so much more than your freedom and how to shift your focus on what's most important. Welcome to The Stay At Home Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

It can be frustrating enough trying to explain to someone WHY you're an artist or creator without having to map out how you pay the bills. Diving into one of her least favorite conversations with people, Amanda shares the response that has kept her a little more sane, why she's drawn to cities of artists and how to manage your own expectations when it comes to making money with your work. Welcome to The But How Do You Make Money Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

Running to-do lists. Constant over-do notifications. Weeks old emails that are plaguing you in the middle of the night. Invitations that you're too afraid to RSVP no to. We're consistently in a state of choosing what tasks are more important than others, but you can feel guilty just telling someone or something, "Not right now." But if you're not keeping the main the main thing, everyone and everything else will ground you down. This week, Amanda digs into the true meaning of a most important goal, the one tool that's changed how she balances an ever-growing schedule and the expectations that come with it. Welcome to The Priorities Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

Continuing the March Book Club discussion of Jane Austen's final and unfinished manuscript, Sanditon, and PBS' series based on the book. Sasha A. Ali returns to the show to break down Season 1 with Amanda, how the ending had them both SHOOK, and the case for more male nudity. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com 

Being creative can be tiring, especially when you feel so compelled to share your talent with the world. It's a fine line between love and hate with your passion, but it doesn't have to completely overpower your entire life. This week, Amanda explores the pressures of making work people love, how to juggle the expectations of others and what you can do NOW to reduce the chaos in your head and heart. Welcome to The Creative Overwhelm Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

In the first fiction selection for the Babe Cave Book Club, we're taking a look at the final and unfinished manuscript of Jane Austen, Sanditon. In this week's episode, Amanda shares the connection between Virginia Woolf and Jane Austen, how you know the work of the legendary British writer even if you haven't read her books and the one thing you need to understand any book. Welcome to The Babe Cave Book Club March 2020. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

It really sucks to feel judged by people, right? Feelings of low self-worth and not belonging can creep up, leaving us with a pit in our stomachs and constantly worrying if we're doing the "right" things. Turns out, that most of the time, our judgements are just things that we think of ourselves — or our worst fears for ourselves. So fun. (Sike) Welcome to The Judgement Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

Ever hurt your own feelings when nothing has even happened? SAME. Unanswered messages or being left off of a guest list can throw us into a complete state of panic that no one likes us — bringing back that fear monster from when we were in middle school. While it's easy to jump to worst case scenarios, the next right step might just be two steps back to see the situation for what it really is. Welcome to The Insecurity Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

In the search for our own inspiration — whether personally or professionally —, it's easy to forget that we don't have to wait for it to strike. So often, we believe that the intangibles of life are ones that just happen to us, but sometimes, the good things happen when you go after them. In case you missed it the first time around: Welcome to The Inspiration Episode. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com

Continuing the conversation from The Babe Cave Book Club February 2020 Episode, Jaclyn spills why it's important for women to talk about money openly, how she started before she was ready with a $15,000 business investment, why you DESERVE to be paid for the work you do, and a simple way for you to shift your money mindset TODAY. Welcome to The Babe Cave Book Club February 2020 Bonus Episode: Money Mindset with Jaclyn DiGregorio. >>> https://www.amandapolick.com