Best Feminist Analysis Podcasts (2025)

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Tim McGraw: Deep Diving the Single That Launched Taylor Swift 40:00

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8h ago40:00

40:00

"That's a lie." In this deep dive episode, we dissect "Tim McGraw" line by line, exploring how a teenage Taylor Swift crafted a deceptively complex narrative about young love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet nature of memory. From Chevy trucks and Georgia stars to little black dresses and faded blue jeans, we unpack the country iconography and exam…

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Mermaids, Part 1: The Indifferent Deep 23:12

3d ago23:12

23:12

Send me a text message! A Scottish lord hears a woman drowning in his loch. Every instinct tells him to dive in and save her. But his servant grabs his arm: "My lord, that's no woman." This is the mermaid most of human history has feared – not Disney's lovestruck princess, but something far more alien and dangerous. What's truly wild is how univers…

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TS12 'The Life of a Showgirl' Album Breakdown: Taylor Swift Podcast Appearance, Album Track Analysis & Literary Connections 52:58

6d ago52:58

52:58

“And baby, that’s show business for you!❤️‍🔥” Taylor Swift just announced TS12, "The Life of a Showgirl," on the New Heights Podcast, releasing October 3rd! Join us for an emergency bonus episode as we break down the album announcement, analyze the track list through our literary lens, and discuss what this new era means for Taylor's artistic evolu…

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E97: Cruel Summer: Line-by-line through Taylor Swift’s summer anthem 44:56

7d ago44:56

44:56

"I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?" This week, we're diving deep into Taylor's ultimate summer anthem and Eras Tour favorite: "Cruel Summer" (Lover 2019). We unpack whether this song is about a problematic love interest or the speaker's own internal struggle with anxious attachment and self-imposed drama. The track brilliantly …

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E96: Cruel Summer, August, hits different: Taylor Swift Summer Songs Breakdown 40:00

14d ago40:00

40:00

"Freedom felt like summer then on the coast." What happens when we explore Taylor Swift's music through the lens of summer? In this episode, we explore how summer functions both as a setting and a symbol in Taylor's songwriting. From the cruel intensity of forbidden love to nostalgic August romances and the catastrophic blues of heartbreak, we expl…

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Naomi Klein: The Rise of End-of-the-World Fascism and Resistance from the Global South 29:36

15d ago29:36

29:36

At the 2025 Panamerican Congress in Mexico City, held August 1st to 3rd, hosted by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her Morena Parliamentary Group, Canadian journalist Naomi Klein gave remarks at the Esperanza Iris theatre. The author of 'The Shock Doctrine,' 'No Logo,' and most recently the memoir 'Doppelganger,' presented remarks to delega…

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Canada’s Tax Haven Dilemma with Jared Walker 19:54

21d ago19:54

19:54

At this time last year in late July 2024, Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad announced that G20 finance leaders were poised to endorse a joint declaration on international tax cooperation that would hopefully help to clamp down on so-called “tax havens” by encouraging G20 countries to standardize taxes on billionaires. Since then, Canada, a…

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Happee Birthdae Harry: Swiftie Potterheads Unite 45:41

21d ago45:41

45:41

July 31st is Harry Potter’s birthday, so why not celebrate with a repeat of our favorite Harry Potter Holiday Special episode!? This week, let your inner Swifties and Potterhead unite as we discuss the crossovers between Harry Potter and Taylor Swift’s lyrics. Jenn imagines “Look What You Made Me Do” as Snape’s song to Voldermort. Jodi makes the ca…

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How to Stop Using the Master’s Tools: A Convo with Cher Hale 57:59

22d ago57:59

57:59

What does it really mean to dismantle systems of oppression? In this episode of Assigned Reading, Becky is joined by writer and publicist Cher to unpack Audre Lorde’s iconic 1979 speech “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House.” They explore tokenism, parenting under patriarchy, the trap of girlboss feminism, and how discomfort i…

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Mastermind in the Museum: Taylor Swift & Women Who Paint 42:49

28d ago42:49

42:49

“You set up a paint set in the kitchen and you’re talking to me” What happens when we view Taylor Swift’s music through the lens of other female artists, particularly painters? In this Summer favorite repeat, we explore the work of three iconic women in art and connect their paintings to Taylor Swift’s songs. From the intimacy of motherhood in Mary…

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Carney's Cuts with Angella MacEwen 28:10

29d ago28:10

28:10

Angella MacEwen explains what is at stake with Carney’s chosen course of “cuts, cuts, and more cuts.” Mark Carney’s new liberal government is making it loud and clear that they’re switching things up on economic policy. Following record high public service growth under his predecessor, Carney’s recent call for massive cuts to public services have s…

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Relinquishing the Patriarchy: Talking adrienne maree brown with Sandhya Sudhakar 54:24

29d ago54:24

54:24

Becky Mollenkamp and Sandhya Sudhakar dive into adrienne maree brown’s blog post "Relinquishing the Patriarchy." This rich, layered discussion covers gender roles, emotional labor, discomfort, and how patriarchy harms us all. From parenting to dating, personal identity to privilege, they explore how internalized systems shape us—and what it really …

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E95: Is "Don't Blame Me" Taylor's Most Unhinged Love Song? (Deep Dive) 53:09

1M ago53:09

53:09

"Don't blame me, love made me crazy. If it doesn't, you ain't doing it right." This week, we're deep diving into "Don't Blame Me" from the reputation album. We explore the song's gospel influences, religious imagery, and transformation themes as we analyze Taylor's most unhinged declaration of love. From poison ivy to daisies, from halos to falling…

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Feminist Porn Critique: Unpacking Andrea Dworkin’s Legacy with Goddess Erica 1:00:51

1M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

This week, Becky and Goddess Erica discuss Andrea Dworkin’s 1988 essay on pornography and power. They explore ethical porn, sex education reform, and the intersection of pleasure, patriarchy, and AI. A bold, vulnerable conversation about dismantling shame and building new systems for healing and desire. This week’s text: ✍️ “Pornography: Men Posses…

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E94: Frankenstein - When Taylor Swift Meets Gothic Literature and Scientific Ambition 39:43

1M ago39:43

39:43

“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me.” In this episode, we're diving into one of literature's most enduring classics: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From Victor's scientific ambition to the creature's desperate search for companionship, we explore how Taylor's lyrics illuminate the Gothic themes of isolation, creation, and the consequences of p…

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What It Means to Do the Work: Feminism Beyond the Hashtags (with Kim Romain) 53:05

1M ago53:05

53:05

In this episode of Assigned Reading, Becky and Kim unpack Barbara Love’s essay on developing a liberatory consciousness. Using the framework of the “4 A’s”—Awareness, Analysis, Action, and Accountability—they reflect on the deeply personal work of moving from complicity to liberation. This episode explores queer identity, internalized oppression, w…

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Selling the Tradwife Dream (and So Many Supplements) with Jo Piazza 45:26

1M ago45:26

45:26

Bestselling author Jo Piazza (Under the Influence) and Cristen don their milkmaid dresses to talk tradwives, elusive tradhusbands and the hustle. From homeschooling curriculum to MAHA-approved supplements, tradwife influencers are serving up a fantasy of submission—and becoming breadwinners while they’re at it. Jo unpacks why it's so lucrative, the…

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Activists Make History: Mobilizing a Movement with Sandy Hudson 49:04

1M ago49:04

49:04

Peggy Nash sits down with Sandy Hudson to talk about the roots of Black Lives Matter – Toronto, and her new book Defund. In this episode of Activists Make History, Peggy Nash sits down with Sandy Hudson—organizer, author, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter – Toronto. Reflecting on the movement’s grassroots foundations, Hudson shows the value of C…

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All Too Well (10 Minute Version) - Three Literary Lenses on Taylor's Epic Masterpiece 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

"It was rare, I was there, I remember it." As part of our summer vacation series, we're re-airing one of our most requested episodes! This was the song we'd wanted to analyze since day one: "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)." This isn't just any song analysis—it's a literary deep dive worthy of Taylor's most devastating masterpiece. We're each brin…

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The Truth About Aging and Gender Roles (with Ana Xavier) 58:08

2M ago58:08

58:08

Aging, feminism, and power collide in this juicy conversation. Becky and podcast producer Ana Xavier discuss Susan Sontag’s The Double Standard of Aging and how it still resonates decades later. From gray hair and menopause to child-free choices and decentering men, this feminist talk gets real about the aging double standard and what it means to o…

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E93: I Forgot That You Existed 46:13

2M ago46:13

46:13

“It isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference.” A little petty, a little philosophical, and exactly the right kind of opener for Lover. In this Deep Dive, we look at “I Forgot That You Existed,” a deceptively breezy track that becomes more interesting the longer you sit with it. We unpack the tonal misreadings this song often gets, the powe…

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Understanding Kimberle Crenshaw’s Landmark Essay on Intersectionality (with Tori Williams Douglass) 55:19

2M ago55:19

55:19

What happens when the law can't see you? This episode dives into Kimberle Crenshaw’s landmark 1989 essay on intersectionality, exploring how courts systematically erase Black women. Becky and Tori break down Crenshaw’s trapdoor metaphor, legal analysis, and the continuing relevance of intersectional feminism today. This week’s text ✍️ “Demarginaliz…

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Class & Climate: Colombia’s Just Transition with Lala Peñaranda and Matt Kirkegaard 45:10

2M ago45:10

45:10

Colombian oil workers and la Unión Sindical Obrera (USO) are leading the charge for a just transition. Here's what Canada can learn from their worker-led climate plan. Lala Peñaranda of Trade Unions for Energy Democracy Matt Kirkegaard of Progressive International present the Colombian Oilworkers' Plan — a bold strategy for a worker-led public path…

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E92: Revenge Narratives in Taylor Swift's Songwriting 41:53

2M ago41:53

41:53

"I haven't decided yet, but I'mgonnagetyouback." From ancient Greek epics to Mean Girls, revenge has evolved dramatically in literature, and Taylor Swift's discography is no exception. This week on AP Taylor Swift, we explore how Taylor serves revenge with a smile, examining the sweet saccharine fantasy of "Speak Now," the cutting indifference of "…

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Trans Anger and Feminist Solidarity with Taina Brown 58:04

2M ago58:04

58:04

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into Sylvia Rivera’s 2001 speech, "Bitch on Wheels." They unpack Rivera’s righteous rage, explore the erasure of trans voices in LGBTQ history, and reflect on the importance of solidarity and intersectionality in the fight for liberation. This raw speech from a legendary activist is just a…

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The Women of “Dracula”, Part 2: Patriarchy Bites 39:36

2M ago39:36

39:36

Send me a text message! This isn't just a vampire story; it's a chilling exposé of Victorian anxieties. In part two of our series on the women of “Dracula”, the Paranormal Pajama Party podcast plunges deeper into Bram Stoker's classic, exploring how it grapples with female power, intellectual authority, and the fragile state of masculinity. We spen…

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Class & Climate: Winds of Change with Alex Connolly 23:24

2M ago23:24

23:24

The fight for better workplace conditions doesn’t stop at renewable energy. Workers in renewable energy need union representation, collective bargaining and a voice in their workplace for the energy transition to benefit all Canadians. Alex Connolly, a renewable energy worker in Nova Scotia, compares the workplace conditions from his time in the oi…

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“I Can Go Anywhere I Want, Just Not Home” — Taylor Swift & the Pain of “my tears ricochet” 56:39

2M ago56:39

56:39

“I can go anywhere I want, just not home” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we take on “my tears ricochet,” the gut-wrenching Track 5 from “Folklore”. From its funeral imagery to what it means for a tear to “ricochet,” we explore themes of grief, regret, and power dynamics. Whether this song is about romantic heartbreak, a friendship gone sour, or even…

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We Should All Be Feminists: A Deep Dive with Faith Clarke 57:04

2M ago57:04

57:04

In this powerful conversation, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke unpack Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s iconic essay *We Should All Be Feminists*. They explore how feminism intersects with race, colonization, shame, and identity. Faith shares deep insights from a Black Caribbean lens, and the two reflect on how culture is created—and can be disrupted. T…

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Neoliberalism's Failure and What the Left Must Do 1:36:11

2M ago1:36:11

1:36:11

2025 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecturer Grace Blakeley sits down with Luke Savage in Toronto, Canada, for a conversation on the failures of neoliberal capitalism, the age of individualism it has produced, and what the left must do if it is to win the working-class. Blakeley and Savage examine how the far-right have taken advantage of the gaps and inequit…

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Class & Climate: The Sustainability Class with Vijay Kolinjivadi and Aaron Vansintjan 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

Does the so-called green consumption of the “sustainability class” really work to help save us from climate catastrophe? Without challenging capitalism, can everyone afford the cost of living, reduce emissions, and achieve climate justice? Aaron Vansintjan and Vijay Kolinjivadi are the authors of The Sustainability Class, published by The New Press…

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Greek Mythology and Taylor Swift: Exploring connections between Greek Mythology and Taylor's Lyrics 47:23

3M ago47:23

47:23

“Fatefully, I tried to pick my battles 'til the battle picked me” This week, we're resisting our episode on Greek Mythology, where we dive into the timeless influence of Greek mythology in Taylor Swift's music by exploring connections between Taylor's songs and classic Greek myths. Jodi finds links between Demeter and Persephone’s sorrow in The Hym…

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Love as Liberation: Unpacking bell hooks (with Heather Vickery) 55:07

3M ago55:07

55:07

✍️ This week’s essay: “Love as the Practice of Freedom” by bell hooks 🎙 This week’s guest: Heather Vickery is a coach, speaker, podcast host, and joy-bringer. Her work centers around intentional living, courageous leadership, and aligning action with values. Heather brings radical honesty and warmth to everything she does—even when it’s tough love.…

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Genuine Democracy in an Age of Hyper-Individualism with Grace Blakeley 37:01

3M ago37:01

37:01

The 2025 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture was delivered by Grace Blakeley, illustrating why neoliberal capitalism has overruled democracy and why we must organize to take back democratic power for the working-class. The 2025 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture was held on Tuesday, May 20th in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Arts. A…

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The Women of “Dracula”, Part 1: Lucy Westenra and Victorian fear of female desire 32:36

3M ago32:36

32:36

Send me a text message! Think you know “Dracula”? Think again. In this first part of our two-part deep dive into the world's most famous vampire novel, we're sinking our teeth into the real monsters of the story – and spoiler alert, it's not the Count. Join Steph as she explores how “Dracula” reflects Victorian society's collective panic over the “…

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Episode 42: The Illusion of American Generosity 1:04:58

3M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Nico and Shane are once again joined by Shannon Braswell. They review an article published in The American Conservative entitled, "The Illusion of American Generosity". In this review they discuss the recent history and possible future of the American Empire. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-illusion-of-american-generosity/…

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Bonus: And Then It Was Bought By Her: Taylor Swift Owns Her Masters 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

“The best things that have ever been mine… finally actually are.” It’s Taylor Independence Day! In this special bonus episode, we, your hosts of AP Taylor Swift, discuss the (surprisingly emotional) breaking news of Taylor Swift's acquisition of her original masters. We share our first reactions and the significance of this moment in Taylor's caree…

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Public Education at the Tipping Point 45:47

3M ago45:47

45:47

Hear from frontline educators at the 2025 Progress Summit on what’s driving the crisis and how we can defend democracy by fighting for strong, inclusive, and well-funded schools. Canada’s public education system is in crisis mode. From chronic underfunding and privatization to attacks on teachers and burnout—these aren’t isolated issues. Across the…

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Episode 41: Thoughts on the New Pope, Catholic Social Teaching (Socialism & Family), & Pope Leo XIII 1:31:47

3M ago1:31:47

1:31:47

Nico and Shane are joined by Shannon Braswell to share their opinions about the newly enthroned Robert Provost (Pope Leo XIV). The New Pope stated that he was inspired to take the name Leo after Pope Leo XIII (reigned from 1878 to 1903), the founder of Catholic Social Teaching. The guys look at Pope Leo XIII's encyclical Rerum Novarum, that establi…

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E91: Everything You Lose Is a Step You Take: A Deep Dive into “You’re On Your Own, Kid” 45:31

3M ago45:31

45:31

“You've got no reason to be afraid.” This week, we’re going line by line through a fan favorite, “You're On Your Own Kid” (Midnights 2023). Join us as we explore the title's significance and the evolution of the speaker's perspective throughout the song, touching on themes of agency, personal growth, and the role of seasons and senses in the narrat…

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Intersectional Feminism vs. Girlboss Feminism: Chatting about Lindy West with Paige Worthy 58:49

3M ago58:49

58:49

This week’s text: ✍️ “What No One Else Will Tell You About Feminism” by Lindy West This week’s guest: Paige Worthy (she/her) is a writer, editor, and brand messaging strategist for progressive entrepreneurs. Known for her spicy takes, thoughtful wordcraft, and zero tolerance for misogynist bullshit, Paige shows up in business and life as a truth-te…

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Episode 40: Feminism's Origins, Evolution of Religion in America, and the Fall of Man 3:05:57

3M ago3:05:57

3:05:57

Nico and Shane are joined by Shannon Braswell to discuss the founding of Feminism (Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin). The conversation ends up broadly discussing the Evolution of Religion in America (Mainly Protestantism's stages of development), Unitarianism, the Fall of Adam and Eve from the Garden, Christian Gender Roles, all interwoven wi…

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Episode 39: Analysis of the Trade War: China Versus the United States: Food, Energy, & Economies 1:01:34

3M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Nico and Shane analyze the tariff situation between the United States and China. They break things down in terms of Food, Energy, Manufacturing Capacity, and each country's ability to sustain itself.

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E90: The Art of Taylor Swift’s Storytelling: Narratology Explained 44:57

3M ago44:57

44:57

“Once the flight had flown…” Taylor Swift is a master storyteller, but how does she tell those stories? In this week’s Show & Tell episode, we’re talking all about Narratology. We break down the structure behind the storytelling, unpacking flashbacks, fast forwards, stream of consciousness, and first-person limited narration through three brilliant…

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Objectification Begins With Words: Reading Robin Wall Kimmerer with Nancy Harris 47:54

3M ago47:54

47:54

This week’s text: ✍️ “Speaking of Nature” by Robin Wall Kimmerer This week’s guest: Nancy Harris (she/her) is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and facilitator supporting leaders and organizations committed to equity, people-centered work, and transformational change. She’s the founder of Restart Consulting, host of The Intersection podcast, and…

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E89: Deep Dive - Florida!!! From “The Tortured Poets Department” 50:37

3M ago50:37

50:37

“You can beat the heat, if you beat the charges too.” Is Florida!!! the wildest track on The Tortured Poets Department? In this chaotic, heartfelt, and unfiltered episode, we break down Taylor Swift’s "Florida!!!" line by line—from the millennial whiplash of “my friends all smell like weed or little babies” to hurricane metaphors, fugitive fantasie…

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Gender War Games Pt. 4: White Womanhood Activated with Material Girls 45:08

3M ago45:08

45:08

When womanhood is reduced to a capitalist identity, who gets erased—and who gets empowered to do the erasing? In the final episode of Gender War Games, host Cristen Conger joins Material Girls co-hosts Hannah McGregor and Marcelle Kosman to unpack how white womanhood is activated—politically, culturally, algorithmically—to reinforce systems of powe…

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Unpacking Compulsory Heterosexuality: Exploring Adrienne Rich's essay with Lindsay Johnson 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

This week’s text: ✍️ “Compulsary Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence” by Adrienne Rich This week’s guest: Lindsay Johnson, aka The Radical Connector, is a sales & visibility coach for misfit entrepreneurs building their businesses to the beat of their own drums and radical enough to believe they can change the world! Lindsay’s superpower is getti…

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Joy Is Revolutionary: A Conversation on Zadie Smith’s Essay with Jordan Maney 56:44

3M ago56:44

56:44

This week’s text: ✍️ “Joy” by Zadie Smith (New York Review of Books) This week's guest: Jordan Maney is the Radical Joy Coach™ helping Black, brown, and queer folks recover their softness, reclaim their joy, and rest without guilt. She’s a writer, speaker, and coach whose work centers joy as a liberatory, ancestral practice. Jordan’s presence is su…

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Abolition Can Mend Democracy: Discussing Angela Davis’ essay with Amelia Hruby 57:32

3M ago57:32

57:32

This week’s text: ✍️ “Abolition Can Mend Our Democracy” by Angela Y. Davis (Inquest) This week’s guest: Amelia Hruby is a feminist writer, podcaster, and producer with a PhD in philosophy. She’s the founder of Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs and creatives, and host of Off the Grid, a podcast about leaving social media wit…