Working: Alison Bechdel’s Secrets to Superhuman Productivity

This week, host June Thomas talks to cartoonist Alison Bechdel, whose work includes the hugely influential comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For and the bestselling graphic memoir Fun Home. In the interview, Alison talks about her new book, The Secret to Superhuman Strength, which is about her interest in exercise and fitness but also her work ethic as an artist and writer.  After the interview June and co-host Rumaan Alam discuss Alison’s skills as a memoirist and her work-life balance. Then they get some creative advice from Pulitzer-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June asks Alison about the Bechdel Test.  Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices