In this installment of Out Think Media History, I have an inspiring talk with Author Kristin Bair on the mental load of motherhood and where Menopause sits in This Moment in Media History. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Author's Journey 00:03:00 The Mental Load of Mothers 00:06:00 Technology and Societal Expectations 00:09:00 Women's Friendships and Support Systems 00:12:00 Cultural Conversations on Menopause 00:15:00 Adoption and Family Dynamics Kristin Bair’s fourth novel, Clementine Crane Prefers Not To, was published by Alcove Press on October 14, 2025. Kristin writes fiercely (and humorously) about women—those navigating the demands of family, ambition, and identity while confronting the patriarchal structures that hold them back. Her third novel, Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything, was named a Best New Book by People magazine. She is also the author of The Art of Floating and Thirsty, as well as numerous essays about China, bears, adoption, off-the-plot expats, and more. Her work has appeared in The Gettysburg Review, The Baltimore Review, The Manifest-Station, Flying: Journal of Writing and Environment, The Christian Science Monitor, Poets & Writers Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and other publications. A graduate of Indiana University, Kristin holds an MFA in fiction writing from Columbia College Chicago and has a proven track record of helping writers find their voices and shape their strongest material. She teaches annually at the Yale Writers’ Workshop and has taught in colleges and universities in New England and Chicago. Additionally, Kristin is a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences at conferences and literary events across the United States and China. Known for her dynamic presence and ability to inspire, she empowers writers of all levels to craft their own compelling stories. She is an Associate Fiction Editor for Pangyrus, a literary magazine based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A native Pittsburgher, Kristin now lives north of Boston with her husband and two kiddos. F ollow her on TikTok and Instagram: @kbairokeeffe. Amazon: amazon.com/clementine-crane-prefers-not-no... Bookshop.org: bookshop.org/p/books/clementine-crane-pref... Barnes & Noble: barnesandnoble.com/w/clementine-crane-pref...