Breaking Down Patriarchy podcast

1:00:53

Amy “levels up” her video game knowledge with Game Developer Ashley Ruhl , who teaches us about feminism in gaming, Gamergate, women wastelanders, 'pink games', and how all of us can help support gender equity and representation in this massively popular pastime. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Ashley Ruhl is a Narrative Director, Narrative Designer, Cinematic Designer, and Writer exclusively in games. Over the past 13 years she has focused on a multi-prong approach of character-driven narrative, eye-catching cinematics, and intuitive game design. She was the first woman at Telltale to hold the titles of Episodic Director and Assistant Episodic Director, credited for Episode 3 and Episode 1 of "Tales from the Borderlands" respectively, and was selected for Forbes "30 under 30" list in video games in 2016. Ruhl focuses on cinematic delivery and strong emotional agency in game narrative, creating memorable moments that encourage players to be authors of their own stories.…

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Patriarchy on the Autism Spectrum - with author & illustrator Rebecca Burgess 46:36

9 days ago46:36

46:36

Amy is joined by author & illustrator Rebecca Burgess to discuss their graphic novel, Speak Up! , and explore the impacts of patriarchy on the neurodivergent community. Rebecca shares their personal stories of growing up with autism, discusses the importance of representation, and shares invaluable advice for parents and peers of autistic children. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Rebecca Burgess a freelance illustrator currently living in Bristol. Their favorite things are nature, history, comics, psychology, and cuddling their girlfriend. Burgess is most well known for their various long and short comics that explore and explain autism. Their comics are also known for showing big feelings and loveable characters that people can connect to on a personal level. They have both written and illustrated several award winning YA and children’s books/comics, including Speak Up! and How to be Ace.…

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The Queens of Hip-Hop - with author Kathy Iandoli 47:29

16 days ago47:29

47:29

Amy is joined by author Kathy Iandoli to discuss her book, God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop, exploring the incredible history of female pioneers in hip-hop history from old school crews like The Mercedes Ladies to contemporary superstars like Lil' Kim. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Kathy Iandoli is a critically acclaimed journalist, author, podcaster, media coach, and documentarian. She has nearly 25 years experience working in the music industry—from media, to publicity, radio, and artist management. Her first book, God Save The Queens: The Essential History of Women In Hip-Hop was named an NPR Best Book Of the Year. She is the author of the biography Baby Girl: Better Known As Aaliyah , as well as the co-author of rapper, Lil’ Kim’s memoir, The Queen Bee . Kathy has written about music and gender for two decades, with bylines in VIBE, The Source , XXL, Village Voice, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, BUST, Teen Vogue, PAPER, Playboy, i-D, Cosmopolitan, Maxim, The Guardian, VICE, and many others. Kathy was a professor-in-residence of Music Business at NYU for 7 years as well as an alum of Steinhardt's Music Business Graduate Program and has served as a pundit (television, radio, and panels) for discussions on hip-hop and gender.…

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The Basement Talks - with filmmaker Sarah Perkins 49:07

23 days ago49:07

49:07

Amy is joined by filmmaker Sarah Perkins to discuss her documentary, The Basement Talks , hearing a powerful and pertinent story about women coming together in the wake of violence, recognizing the humanity in our political rivals, and what we talk about when we talk about abortion. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Sarah Perkins is a filmmaker and PhD student at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, though she currently resides in rural southeast Idaho with her family. Together with her husband, she is the co-director of The Basement Talks . Previously, she worked as production manager on American Tragedy , which won Best Documentary at the Boston Film Festival and as the editor for the Herbe Nassour story. In her graduate work, she studies 20th-century literature and theology around the question of theodicy.…

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Year of Polygamy - with podcaster Lindsay Hansen Park 1:18:19

30 days ago1:18:19

1:18:19

Amy is joined by Lindsay Hansen Park of Year of Polygamy and The Sunstone History Podcast to shine a light on the painful history of Mormon polygamy, communities who still practice it, and the best ways to uplift and empower plural wives. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Lindsay Hansen Park is a women’s rights activist, a feminist writer, and an advocate against gender violence. She was recently the cultural and historical consultant for Hulu’s limited series, Under the Banner of Heaven and is currently heavily involved in the Mormon Feminist movement. Lindsay is the Executive Director for the Sunstone Education Foundation and the founder of the Year of Polygamy podcast. She wrote for six years at FeministMormonHousewives.org about women’s issues and now podcasts for the Sunstone Mormon History podcast. Her work has been referenced by the Los Angeles Times , New York Times , the Wall Street Journal , NPR, Quartz Magazine , and many other Utah publications . She and her family live in Utah where she raises three beautiful kiddos, gardens, and rages against the machine.…

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Unwell Women - with author Dr. Elinor Cleghorn 1:04:09

5 weeks ago1:04:09

1:04:09

Amy returns to a book from Season One - Unwell Women - now joined by the author Dr. Elinor Cleghorn ! This conversation unpacks the history of women's healthcare, looks at medical myths and women's pain, and explores the patriarchal shadow which still looms over our health outcomes. Listen to the original episode about Unwell Women here . Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Dr Elinor Cleghorn has a background in feminist visual culture and history, and her critical writing has been published in several academic journals including Screen. After receiving her PhD in in 2012, Elinor spent three years as a post-doctoral researcher at the Ruskin School, University of Oxford, working on an interdisciplinary medical humanities project. She has given talks and lectures at the British Film Institute, where she has been a regular contributor to their education programme, Tate Modern, and ICA London, and she has appeared on the BBC Radio 4 discussion show The Forum. In 2017, she was shortlisted for the Fitzcarraldo Editions essay prize. She now works as a freelance writer and researcher. Her non-fiction debut, Unwell Women , was published in June 2021. She is currently working on her next book on intersectional feminist history of women and mother-led knowledge around reproduction, pregnancy, birth and mothering.…

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Egalitarian Education - with Ben Blair 49:00

6 weeks ago49:00

49:00

Amy is joined by educator Ben Blair of Newlane University to discuss actionable steps towards building a more egalitarian education system, how new technologies can expand learning opportunities across the globe, and why we should question the popularity of time-based assessments, student competition, adversarial teachers and more. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Ben Blair holds a PhD in Philosophy and Education from Columbia University. He is a co-founder and President of Newlane University. Started in 2017, Newlane is an online university with a mission to make quality liberal arts higher education accessible to anyone on earth by breaking down barriers of cost, schedule, and geography. Ben and his wife Gabrielle have six children. After six years in Oakland, CA they now live in Normandy, France.…

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White Feminism - with author Koa Beck 1:10:44

7 weeks ago1:10:44

1:10:44

Amy is joined by author Koa Beck to discuss her book, White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind . This conversation defines white feminism, explains why it can't overcome patriarchy, and offers practical alternatives for white feminists to change tactics and make more meaningful change. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Koa Beck is the author of White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind . Previously, she was the editor-in-chief of Jezebel, the executive editor of Vogue.com, and the senior features editor at MarieClaire.com. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic , The New York Observer , The Guardian , and Esquire , among others. For her reporting prowess, she has been interviewed by the BBC and has appeared on many panels about gender and identity at the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Historical Society, and Columbia Journalism School to name a few. She lives in Los Angeles.…

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Everyday Activism - with influencer Rosie Card 1:02:55

8 weeks ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Amy is joined by influencer Rosie Card for a riveting conversation about her career as a businesswoman, Temple clothes and contradictions, and the LDS Church's untapped potential for radical change. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Rosemary Card is an entrepreneur, author and passionate advocate for women’s rights, inclusion and nuanced cultural conversations. She is the founder of Q.Noor and Card Wear and author of “Model Mormon” and “House of Light.” She firmly believes in the power of education and open conversation to bridge divides and promote understanding. She lives in Salt Lake with her husband, 2-year-old son, and two dogs.…

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The Lion's Den - with author Iris Mwanza 48:16

9 weeks ago48:16

48:16

Amy is joined by lawyer and author, Iris Mwanza , to discuss her novel - The Lion's Den - plus the status of patriarchy in Zambia, worldwide, and the critical role that books play in shaping public attitudes. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Iris Mwanza is a Zambian-American author and gender equality advocate. Born and raised in Zambia, early exposure to inequality has been a driving force in her life - from becoming a lawyer, writing a Ph.D. dissertation on women and children’s rights, a career fighting for gender equality, and now a thriller with gender equality as its heart. Iris has spent an inordinate amount of time studying and has law degrees from Cornell University and the University of Zambia, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Her day job is Deputy Director of the Women in Leadership team in the Gender Equality Division of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and her night job is to write. Her debut novel The Lions’ Den took nine years of nights and weekends to finish.…

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Confronting Hot Topics - with activist Mr. Jones X 51:37

10 weeks ago51:37

51:37

Amy is joined by activist, advocate, and influencer Mr. Jones X to strategize around hot topics and confrontations, including DEI, Critical Race Theory, and bringing men into our movement for a more just future. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Mr. Jones X is a well-known activist, political commentator, and courageous debater. His mastery of intersectionality and the importance of advocating from the bottom up distinguish him from the average content creator. These abilities have earned him numerous speaking engagements, invitations to panel discussions, and national attention for his debates. Jones is also an entrepreneur with TUFF (Transformative Uprising for Freedom), a socially conscious clothing company, in which his products are manufactured by a local minority women-owned business and the designs allow customers to wear their protest.…

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Loving Corrections - with author adrienne maree brown 1:02:51

11 weeks ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Amy is joined by adrienne maree brown to discuss her latest book, Loving Corrections, and learn about improving our accountability practices, plus what it takes to live in right relationship with the friends and family with whom we most disagree. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy adrienne maree brown (she/they) is growing a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work, adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination and Loving Correction as ideas and practices for transformation. adrienne is the NYT-bestselling author/editor of several published texts, a ritual singer-songwriter, co-generator of the Lineages of Change Tarot Deck , and co-creator/host of How to Survive the End of the World podcast with Autumn Brown. adrienne’s latest book Loving Corrections is now available from AK Press.…

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Patriarchy in the Beauty Industry - with Dr. Lexie Kite 52:27

12 weeks ago52:27

52:27

Amy is joined by Dr. Lexie Kite to revisit her book, More Than A Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament, exploring the ways women and girls are looked at, predatory practices of the beauty industry, plus how to escape the sea of objectification and come home to your whole self. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Dr. Lexie Kite is co-author of the book More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament and co-director of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined, along with her twin sister Dr. Lindsay Kite. They both received PhDs from the University of Utah in the study of female body image and have become leading experts in body image resilience and media literacy. Authors of numerous studies and books have cited Lindsay and Lexie’s original research and they have been featured in a variety of national media outlets, including The New York Times , CNBC, the Boston Globe , Slate, Shape , Glamour , Teen Vogue , and more. Lindsay and Lexie help girls and women recognize and reject the harmful effects of objectification in their lives through their significant social media reach, online Body Image Resilience course and facilitator program for dieticians and therapists, their popular book (More Than a Body), and regular speaking engagements for thousands of people of all ages. Lexie lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.…

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Feminist Wellness - with Beatriz Albina 1:00:15

13 weeks ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Amy is joined by Beatriz Albina , NP, MPH and host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast to discuss the wear and tear of patriarchy on our nervous systems plus practical strategies for overcoming "good-girl training" and restoring our dysregulated bodies. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Beatriz Victoria Albina (she/her) is a Master Certified Somatic Life Coach, UCSF-trained Family Nurse Practitioner and Breathwork Meditation Guide. She helps humans socialized as women realize that they are their own best healers by reconnecting with their bodies and minds so they can break free from, codependency, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, and reclaim their joy. She is the of the Feminist Wellness Podcast, is trained in Somatic Experiencing, holds a master's degree in public health from Boston University and a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Oberlin College. Beatriz has been working in health & wellness for rover 20 years and lives on occupied Munsee Lenape territory in New York. beatrizalbina.com/bdp…

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Misogyny in the Alt Right - with journalist Elle Reeve 1:05:13

14 weeks ago1:05:13

1:05:13

Amy is joined by journalist Elle Reeve to discuss her book, Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics. This conversation establishes the histories and intersections of incels, the alt right, and white supremacy movements, plus these subcultures' plans to strip away women's rights and what we can actually do about it. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Elle Reeve is a CNN correspondent whose work has won numerous awards, including the Emmy, the Peabody, and more. Her writing has appeared in VICE, The New Republic, New York magazine, Elle, The Atlantic , and The Daily Beast . She lives in New York.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Housework Gap - with Paige Connell 47:02

15 weeks ago47:02

47:02

Amy is joined by advocate and influencer Paige Connell (@sheisapaigeturner) to discuss the slew of household work which women still disproportionally manage for our families, the mental load of motherhood, plus ways we can change the culture and make this invisible labor visible. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Paige Connell , a working mom of four, shares her insights about motherhood and careers, the mental load, and relationships. She's a fierce advocate for affordable childcare and paid leave, she’s been featured in Scary Mommy, The Today Show, and more!…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Small and the Mighty - with author Sharon McMahon 55:25

16 weeks ago55:25

55:25

In our first episode of Season Five, Amy is joined by Sharon McMahon to discuss her book, The Small and the Mighty, honoring the histories of overlooked but world-changing women in America's history and discussing how we can all gain wisdom and take heart from their bold examples. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy Sharon McMahon is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, educator, and host of the chart-topping podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting . McMahon became known as "America’s Government Teacher" during the 2020 election for her viral efforts to combat political misinformation. Her knack for breaking down complex topics with clarity, humor, and a steadfast commitment to facts has attracted a community of one and a half million followers—affectionately called the “Governerds.” McMahon's newsletter, The Preamble , is one of the largest publications on Substack, providing historical context and non-partisan insights to help readers navigate today’s political landscape. Her debut book, The Small and the Mighty , has been celebrated as one of the year’s top reads by Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Goodreads, highlighting the unsung heroes who shaped America. Beyond education, Sharon McMahon has led philanthropic initiatives that have raised over $11 million to address critical needs, from medical debt relief to disaster recovery. She inspires audiences with a message of hope: history shows us that even small actions can create powerful change.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Season Five: Introduction 7:19

16 weeks ago7:19

7:19

Welcome to Season Five of Breaking Down Patriarchy . This season we'll be talking with incredible guests who will give you all kinds of ideas of things you can do right now to deconstruct patriarchy in your own life and to make a positive difference in your community. Donate to Breaking Down Patriarchy…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Fierce Self-Compassion - with Dr. Kristin Neff 44:50

19 weeks ago44:50

44:50

In this updated episode, originally aired in Season Two, Amy is joined by Dr. Kristin Neff to discuss the generative power of anger, the danger of rote gender roles, and the radical power of self-compassion. Kristin Neff (she/her) received her doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley, and is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. During Kristin’s last year of graduate school she became interested in Buddhism and has been practicing meditation in the Insight Meditation tradition ever since. While doing her post-doctoral work she decided to conduct research on self-compassion – a central construct in Buddhist psychology and one that had not yet been examined empirically. Kristin is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, creating a scale to measure the construct almost 20 years ago. She has been recognized as one of the world’s most influential research psychologists. In addition to writing numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic, she is author of the book Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, and her latest Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power and Thrive. In conjunction with her colleague Dr. Chris Germer, she has developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, which is taught by thousands of teachers worldwide. They co-authored The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals. She is also co-founder of the nonprofit Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Ejaculate Responsibly - with Ben Blair 41:22

20 weeks ago41:22

41:22

Amy is joined by Ben Blair to discuss Gabrielle Blair's Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think About Abortion , plus contraception, sex education, and how to get to the roots of unwanted pregnancy.

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Parenting Beyond Power - with author Jen Lumanlan 1:03:03

21 weeks ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Amy is joined by Jen Lumanlan to discuss her book, Parenting Beyond Power: How to Use Connection and Collaboration to Transform Your Family and the World , exploring the ways power-over parenting teaches patriarchy to the next generation, plus needs-based alternatives and practice scenarios to help listeners put these anti-patriarchal parenting approaches into use. Jen Lumanlan , M.S., M.Ed., (she/her) obtained Bachelor’s degrees (Forestry, English) from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master’s in Environmental Management from Yale University and enjoyed a career in sustainability consulting before having her daughter, when she realized she was in for her toughest challenge yet. She went back to school for a Master’s in psychology focused on child development and another in education to understand how to raise her child, and launched a podcast, Your Parenting Mojo , to share what she was learning with others.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Birth Smarter - with doula Ashley Brichter 1:03:24

22 weeks ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Amy is joined by Ashley Brichter of Birthsmarter to discuss her journey into doula work, the witch hunt against midwifery, and how through education and advocacy we can create better birth stories for ourselves and our children. Ashley Brichter is an educator, birth worker, consultant, and entrepreneur. She is a champion for maternal health and for systemic reforms to improve the lives of families by rebalancing division of labor at home and funding parental leave, universal healthcare, and early childhood education. She founded Birthsmarter in 2019, which provides unbiased, inclusive, and award-winning practical wisdom and guidance to the next generation of families. Ashley is a proud Bi-Co graduate and currently lives in Salty Lake City with her husband and two kids. She a Certified Fair Play Facilitator, a Tory Burch Fellow, and she sits on the board of ProNatal Fitness.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Patriarchal Aspects of Trauma - with author Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald 59:26

23 weeks ago59:26

59:26

Amy is joined by Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald to discuss her book, Unbroken , exploring the ways we talk (or don't talk) about trauma, the wear and tear of patriarchy on our nervous systems, plus exercises for responding to trauma, grounding, and empowering ourselves. MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD, is a research professor and life coach who specializes in the psychology of trauma, stress, and resilience. She has been researching, lecturing, and publishing on neuroscience, psychology, and the lived experience of trauma and stress for over a decade. She's passionate about destigmatizing trauma, stress, and mental health issues in general, as well as reframing our understanding of trauma in order to better understand and treat it. After receiving her master's degree at The New School, where she researched traumatic loss and mourning, she went on to complete her PhD at Boston University. She has published several research articles and book chapters, as well as three books on trauma. Her most recent book came out in March 2023 with Sounds True Publishing and is called Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong, and Other Things You Need to Know to Take Back Your Life .…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Divorce in a Patriarchal Culture - with Kristy Carter 1:07:18

24 weeks ago1:07:18

1:07:18

Amy is joined by friend Kristy Carter to discuss how the institution of divorce always has and continues to fail women, placing divorcees and their children at risk. Kristy bravely shares her personal story of re-starting life in a society which continues to treat women like children.

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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We Are the Stars - with author Dr. Sarah Hernandez 55:10

25 weeks ago55:10

55:10

Amy is joined by Dr. Sarah Hernandez to discuss her book, We Are the Stars: Colonizing and Decolonizing the Oceti Sakowin Literary Tradition exploring the devastating affects of missionary mistranslations and the ongoing effort to reclaim sacred stories in the Oceti Sakowin tradition. Sarah Hernandez (Sicangu Lakota) is an assistant professor of Native American literature and the director of the Institute for American Indian Research at the University of New Mexico. She is the literature and legacy officer for the Oak Lake Writers Society, an Oceti Sakowin-led nonprofit for Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota writers. Under Sarah’s leadership, the Society launched #NativeReads: Great Books from Indigenous Communities , a national reading campaign that increases knowledge and awareness of the Oceti Sakowin literary tradition. She has also published articles in the Wicazo Sa Review, Studies in American Indian Literature, English Language Notes, and Great Plains Quarterly. Sarah's book, We Are the Stars: Colonizing and Decolonizing the Oceti Sakowin Literary Tradition, was published February 2023 by the University of Arizona Press in the U.S. and the University of Regina Press in Canada.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Life and Legacy of Zitkala-Ša - with Dr. Julianne Newmark 1:01:23

26 weeks ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Amy is joined by Dr. Julianne Newmark to discuss the book Red Bird, Red Power: The Life and Legacyof Zitkala-Ša by Tad Lewandowski and dive deep into the story of author, activist, and artist Zitkala-Ša. Dr. Julianne Newmark is the Director of Technical & Professional Communication and Assistant Chair for Core Writing at the University of New Mexico. As a researcher, she focuses on usability/UX/UCD and TPC pedagogy. She also teaches, conducts research, and publishes in Indigenous Studies, particularly concerning early-20th-century Native activist writers’ rhetorically impactful bureaucratic writing, particularly in Bureau of Indian Affairs contexts. In recent years, she has received multiple grants to fund archival research for this project, including grants from CCCC/NCTE and the American Philosophical Society. Her second monograph is provisionally titled "Reports of Agency: Retrieving Indigenous Professional Communication in Dawes Era Indian Bureau Documents.” Her 2015 book The Pluralist Imagination from East to West in American Literature was published by University of Nebraska Press. She is Editor-in-Chief of Xchanges , a Writing Studies ejournal.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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I Grew Up on Cheyenne Land 1:06:46

27 weeks ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Amy uses Dr. Henrietta Mann's book, Cheyenne Arapaho Education , to explore the history of the Cheyenne (Tsitsistas) people of the Great Plains, investigating historical gender roles, the devastating effects of white supremacy and colonialism, and the shameful history of American Indian Boarding Schools.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Life and Lessons of Kamala Harris - with author Hitha Palepu 57:46

28 weeks ago57:46

57:46

Amy is joined by Hitha Palepu to discuss her book, We're Speaking: The Life Lesson of Kamala Harris, and learn more about Vice President Harris's history, the breadth and depth of her experience, and the mold-breaking significance of her current presidential campaign. Hitha Palepu is a woman of multitudes: a feminist, a lifelong politics enthusiast, a daughter of immigrants, and a mother raising feminist sons. These multitudes spill into her multi-hyphenated career as an entrepreneur, investor, writer, and speaker. Hitha’s passion for the news and politics is captured in #5SmartReads, a Webby honored social series that shares five must-read articles every day to keep our community informed without being overwhelmed. Hitha's longtime blog, Hitha on the Go, established her as an authority on lifestyle topics and gave way to her book and collaborations with leading brands such as Headspace, Google, and Northwestern Mutual. Her book How to Pack was published by Clarkson Potter in 2017, and her book We're Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris was published in 2021. As CEO of Roshan Pharmaceuticals, Hitha oversees financing, partnerships, and strategy for the company. Hitha also puts her money where her values are through early-stage investing. A partner in Adama Ventures, which is her family office, she has invested in innovative companies primarily founded by women and focused on women. She is a sought-after speaker on politics and the news, investing, entrepreneurship, work-life juggle, and motherhood.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Dismantling Patriarchy to Protect Our Planet - with environmentalist Osprey Orielle Lake 54:28

29 weeks ago54:28

54:28

Amy is joined by Osprey Orielle Lake , author of The Story is in Our Bones: How Worldviews and Climate Justice Can Remake a World in Crisis , to confront the damage that patriarchy and endless economic growth have caused to our planet, discuss the realities of climate disaster, and talk about the ways we can still save our living world. Osprey Orielle Lake is the founder and executive director of the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network, or WECAN. She works internationally with grassroots, BIPOC, and Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and diverse coalitions to build climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition to a decentralized, democratized, clean energy future. She sits on the executive committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and on the steering committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Osprey's writing about climate justice, relationships with nature, women in leadership, and other topics has been featured in The Guardian, Earth Island Journal, The Ecologist, Ms. Magazine, and many other publications. She's the author of the award winning books Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature and The Story is in Our Bones: How Worldviews and Climate Justice Can Remake a World in Crisis.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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50 Years of Mormon Feminism - with Heather Sundahl & Katie Ludlow Rich 1:06:06

30 weeks ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Amy is joined by Heather Sundahl & Katie Ludlow Rich of the Exponent II to discuss their book 50 Years of Exponent II, explore the history of this essential publication, and celebrate the history and future of Mormon feminism. Heather Sundahl believes in the power of stories. In the pursuit of this, she has volunteered with Exponent II for twenty-eight years. As a writer and editor, Heather works to amplify the voices of marginalized folks and has collected the oral histories of Batswana, South African, Native American, and queer Mormon women. She received an MA in English from BYU in 1994 and an MA in Marriage & Family Therapy from UVU in 2023. Heather currently works at a residential treatment center where she helps her teenage clients find narratives that promote growth and healing. She lives in Orem, Utah. Katie Ludlow Rich is a writer and independent scholar of Mormon women's history. Her work focuses on centering women's voices and their agentive decisions even when functioning within a patriarchal tradition. She has a bachelor's in history and a master's in English, both from Brigham Young University. Her writing has appeared in Exponent II, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, The Journal of Mormon History, and The Salt Lake Tribune . She lives in Saratoga Springs, Utah.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Vagina Monologues - with author V 54:12

31 weeks ago54:12

54:12

Amy is joined by V , author of The Vagina Monologues , to discuss her revolutionary writing, the power of apologies, and the urgent need for all of us to take action against late-stage psychotic patriarchy. V (formerly Eve Ensler) is the Tony award-winning playwright, activist, performer, and author of the Obie award-winning theatrical phenomenon The Vagina Monologues , which has been published in over 48 languages, performed in over 140 countries, and heralded by The New York Times as one of the "best American plays" of the past 25 years.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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How to be an Anti-Patriarchist - with guest Levi Murray 59:36

32 weeks ago59:36

59:36

Amy is joined by Levi Murray to explore the damage which patriarchy causes to men, how systems of oppression cultivate emotional immaturity and psychopathy, and discuss the ways we can heal the harms of patriarchy and become more fully ourselves. Levi Murray is a native of New Mexico and has been living in Colorado for almost 20 years. Murray works as the community health dentist, practicing in Southern Colorado. He and his wife Barbara have four kids. His hobbies include running and engaging int he work of preaching anti-patriarchal theology, a work he says feels like a necessary part of becoming more fully human.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Power of Art & Apology - with artist J. Kirk Richards 53:53

33 weeks ago53:53

53:53

Amy is joined by artist J. Kirk Richards to discuss challenging themes in his artwork, responses from the LDS Church and community, and how an artistic vision can push our culture to become more equitable, inclusive, and loving. J. Kirk Richards is a contemporary artist whose work engages with themes of antiquity, religion, spirituality, equality, and love. His work asks questions about the modern application and implementation of religion relating to historical narratives and mythologies. His work often prioritizes the poetry of religious text over dogma or historical accuracy. Stylistically it often bridges or walks a tightrope between classical and abstract expression. In 2020, Richards founded a mixed-use art space, including studio rentals, a gallery that hosts monthly themed exhibits by living professional and semi-professionals, and a continued education art academy.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Girl Child and Her Long Walk to Freedom - with Emily Nielsen Jones & Kazi Mghendi 1:05:08

34 weeks ago1:05:08

1:05:08

Amy is joined by Emily Nielsen Jones & Kazi Mghendi to discuss their project -- The Girl Child and Her Long Walk to Freedom -- a faith-based organization seeking to spread awareness, share resources, and organize women and allies to push back against global patriarchy. Emily Nielsen Jones is a donor-activist engaged in promoting human equality, justice, and peace around the world. She is particularly passionate and engaged in the nexus of faith, gender, and development and working to mobilize our faith traditions to more fully and unambiguously embrace gender equality. In her role at the Imago Dei Fund, Emily has helped the foundation to adopt a “gender-lens” in its grantmaking with a particular focus on partnering with inspired female change agents, locally and around the world, to build bridges of peace and create a world where girls and women can thrive and achieve their full human potential. Emily brings a contemplative posture to both faith and philanthropy and is passionate about supporting the inner lives of change agents to lead with love and be their best selves in the challenging work they do. Emily is actively engaged in the women-led philanthropy movement, and is the author of numerous articles. She is the recipient of the Christians for Biblical Equality 2013 Micah Award and was named a 2014 Women’s eNews “21 Leaders of the 21st Century” honoree. Emily has served on various boards including the Boston Women’s Fund, Women Thrive, New England International Donor Network, Girl Rising, Union Theological Seminary, Nomi Network Campaign Leaders Council, and Sojourners Founders’ Circle. Emily has a BA in Government from Dartmouth College and a Master’s in Educational Policy from Boston University. She is a trained Spiritual Director through both the Selah Spiritual Direction Certificate Program and the Still Harbor Spiritual Direction Practicum. Kazi Mghendi is passionate about leadership development at all levels and uses her experience and expertise to identify and support community-led solutions to ending injustices caused by poverty and inequalities. With over 12 years of experience in humanitarian, leadership training, social development, community development, and financial inclusion, she leverages her expertise to solve some of the world’s challenging and complex issues, including improving education standards in rural communities in Kenya. Kazi joins The Girl Child & Her Long Walk to Freedom team as a Project Manager to support the project and its mission to liberate our societies from patriarchal beliefs, values, and cultures that have seen girls and women as lesser humans in society for generations. Her focus and passion is in international development, leadership coaching, fundraising, partnerships/relationship management, project/program management, systems design, and strategic thinking to solve community challenges. Kazi founded Elimu Fanaka, a non-profit organization impacting public primary schools in rural underserved communities in Kenya through improving access to quality education and using systems change to create sustainable communities. She previously worked at Acumen, managing their East Africa Fellows Program and Academy, at Ongoza Institute as Stakeholder Engagement Manager, and at Adaptive Change Advisors as a Project Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Development with a concentration in Integrated Community Development from Daystar University and a Master’s in International Relations – Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs at the United States International University.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Women in Comedy - with comedian Natalie Madsen 41:49

35 weeks ago41:49

41:49

Amy is joined by comedian Natalie Madsen to discuss her career as a woman in comedy, following her from her first stand-up set to the release of her new movie, Go West , exploring gender dynamics and the changing political landscape along the way. Natalie Madsen is an actor, writer, producer, and director. She is best known for her eight years on the sketch comedy show Studio C , where she was an original cast member and writer. She has since co-founded JK! Studios, a creative house and production company that produces TV shows, web series, and feature films. She has three children, one husband, and a slightly concerning caffeine addiction.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Reclaiming Eve: Female Archetypes in the Bible - with author Monette Chilson 51:53

36 weeks ago51:53

51:53

Amy is joined by author Monette Chilson to discuss the biblical figures of Sophia, Lilith, and Eve, unpacking these figures as female archetypes and learning how we can reclaim them. Monette Chilson founded WomanSpirit Reclamation to support women in navigating their awakening from patriarchal indoctrination through online courses and community. She's written and spoken about the divine feminine for the past decade, authoring Sophia Rising: Awakening Your Sacred Wisdom Through Yoga , and My Name Is Lilith . Chilson also edited Original Resistance: Reclaiming Lilith, Reclaiming Ourselves , and developed its companion curriculum. Additional Resources WomanSpirit Reclamation The Girl Child & Her Long Walk to Freedom Sophia Rising: Awakening Your Sacred Wisdom Through Yoga , by Monette Chilson Original Resistance: Reclaiming Lilith, Reclaiming Ourselves: A Girl God Anthology, edited by Monette Chilson, Trista Hendren and Pat Daly, My Name is Lilith, by Monette Chilson, Illustrated by Arna Baartz Eve, Our Mythic Mother: Exposing the Lies of Patriarchy, by Patricia Lynn Reilly…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Egalitarianism in Children's Lit - with librarian Casey O'Leary 1:13:30

37 weeks ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Amy is joined by school librarian, Casey O'Leary , to confront the alarming increase of book bans and challenges in recent years, exploring where these challenges are coming from, why parents are concerned, and how librarians and authors are pushing back again censorship. Casey O'Leary is a K-12 school media specialist in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has a bachelor of science in elementary education and a master of library science, both from Indiana University. O'Leary served as a public children's librarian and manager for 10 years prior to moving into school librarianship. She is active in the American Library Association and recently served on the Children's Literature Legacy Award Committee and is also a reviewer for School Library Journal.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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It's My Pleasure - with sex coach Danielle Savory 57:11

38 weeks ago57:11

57:11

Amy is joined by sex coach and podcaster Danielle Savory to explore our potential for pleasure, practices for overcoming guilt, and how women can rewire our beliefs and become more present in our magical bodies. Danielle Savory is a master-certified coach, podcast host, and expert in the fields of neuropsychology, mindfulness, sexual pleasure, and intimacy. As the host of the popular podcast, It's My Pleasure, Savory has explored a wide range of topics related to sexuality, relationships, and personal growth, empowering women to embrace their sexuality and prioritize their pleasure. She has over 10 years of experience coaching hundreds of women with her proven process of increasing desire and expanding orgasmic capacity.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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In Pursuit of Knowledge - with author Dr. Kabria Baumgartner 58:51

39 weeks ago58:51

58:51

Amy is joined by Dr. Kabria Baumgartner to discuss her book, In Pursuit of Knowledge : Black Women and Educational Activism in Antebellum America , and explore the triumphs and struggles of young Black women seeking an education in pre-Civil War America. Dr. Kabria Baumgartner is a historian of the 19th-century United States, specializing in the history of education, African American women's and gender history, and New England studies. She's the author of In Pursuit of Knowledge: Black Women and Educational Activism in Antebellum America , which tells the story of Black girls and women who fought for their educational right in the 19th-century United States. Her book has won four prizes, including the prestigious 2021 American Educational Research Association's Outstanding Book Award.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Breaking Taboos in Tunisia and Beyond - with Myriam Ben Farhat 55:31

40 weeks ago55:31

55:31

Amy is joined by Myriam Ben Farhat to discuss her experience of patriarchy and gender roles in Tunisia, Spain, and the United States across her careers in law, art, and beyond. Myriam Ben Farhat is an entrepreneur, originally from Tunisia. She has two master's degrees, one in financial and public law, and one in contemporary art. She also studied professional coaching and got her certification from the International Federation of Coaching. In 2020, Ben Farhat joined the Play Magnus Group to become chief people and culture officer. When the company was acquired in December 2022 by Chess.com, she became Head of L&D and DEI, and currently leads the "Chess is for everyone" initiative.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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The Safe Child Project - with Alex Peterson & Bronwen Pugh 1:30:52

41 weeks ago1:30:52

1:30:52

Amy is joined by sisters Alex Peterson and Bronwen Pugh who share the alarming data surrounding child sexual abuse before telling their own staggering story of survival and offering hope in the form of The Safe Child Project, a new initiative helping to spread awareness and to keep children safe. Alex Peterson serves on the board of Prevent Child Abuse Utah and is the Director of Strategic Development & Impact for The Policy Project . Formerly, Alex worked for a United States Congressman before serving as the National Director of Donor Relations and personal aide to Ann Romney during Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign. Alex graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with honors, followed by an M.Ed. Policy from Harvard University. Alex and her husband Ben reside in Utah with their four children. Bronwen Pugh lives in Marin County, CA with her husband and 3 spunky daughters. Her happy place is in nature with her family. She loves to sail, surf, paddle board, bike, rock climb, and ski/snowboard. Prior to raising her children, Bronwen received her JD from UCLA Law and worked for the ACLU. She is currently Operations Lead for Conduit Tech, a climate-focused software startup.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Women & Girls in Utah - with Dr. Susan Madsen 50:20

42 weeks ago50:20

50:20

Amy is joined by Dr. Susan Madsen to discuss the current gender inequality experienced by girls and women in Utah, what we can do to create change, and why we need A Bolder Way Forward. Dr. Susan R. Madsen is the Karen Haight Huntsman endowed professor of leadership in the John M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. She's also the founding director of the Utah Women in Leadership Project and is leading a statewide social change movement titled A Bolder Way Forward. Professor Madsen and her team have written extensive resources on women's leadership and they host many events each year to support the mission of their work. Susan is also a well-known global scholar, authoring or editing nine books and publishing hundreds of articles, chapters, and reports. Her research has been featured in the U.S. News & World Report, The Atlantic , The New York Times , The Washington Post , and she is a regular contributor to Forbes . She's a well-known speaker in local, national, and international settings, and she's presented at Argentina's Parliament Palace, the House of Commons in England, Lithuania's Presidential Palace, the Costa Rica Parliament, and NGO sessions at the United Nations. She and her husband, Greg, are the proud parents of four adult children and six grandchildren.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

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Move by Move - with Grandmaster Maurice Ashley 1:03:49

43 weeks ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Amy is joined by FIDE Grandmaster, Maurice Ashley , to discuss his incredible journey from not making his high school chess team to becoming the world's first Black Grandmaster, plus how patriarchy manifests in the world of competitive chess, and valuable life-lessons we can all take from this remarkable game. Maurice Ashley is an American chess player, author, and commentator. In 1999, he earned the FIDE title of Grandmaster, making him the first Black person to do so. Ashley is well known as a commentator for high profile chess events. He also spent many years teaching chess and is the author of Chess for Success , Move by Move , and a children's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Chess .…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

1
Radical Harmonies - with Dr. Dee Mosbacher & Dr. Boden Sandstrom 1:01:04

44 weeks ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Amy is joined by Dr. Dee Mosbacher and Dr. Boden Sandstrom to discuss their documentary, Radical Harmonies , exploring the history of the women's music movement, Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, and how countless lesbian lives were transformed through lyrics and song. Dee Mosbacher, M.D. Ph.D ., is a psychiatrist and an Academy Award nominated documentary filmmaker. Dr. Mosbacher has been an activist for women's health since the early 1970's. She has directed and/or produced a total of nine documentaries on homophobia, including Out for a Change, Addressing Homophobia in Women's Sports, All God's Children, De Colores, and No Secret Anymore: The Times of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon . Dee and her spouts, who is also a psychiatrist, Dr. Nanette Gartrell, worked to eliminated homophobia in the DSM. Dr. Mosbacher is the founder and president of Woman Vision, a nonprofit organizations whose mission is to promote social justice through the production of educational films and video. Boden Sandstrom, Ph.D. , was the winner of the American Musicology Society Philip Brett Award. She was a leading sound engineer on the women's music circuit, and in 1975 she founded Woman Sound with singer Casse Culver. She toured with many performers, including Chris Williamson and Lily Tomlin, and did sound for the major women's music festivals and concerts at the time. She has a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology, an M.S. in Audio Technology, and an M.L.S. in Library Science. Before retiring, Dr. Sandstrom was a lecturer and technical coordinator in the School of Music at the University of Maryland.…

Breaking Down Patriarchy

1
I'm Feeling Queer Today - with Alex Masse & Frankie Gunn 58:42

45 weeks ago58:42