Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown

1 Creator

Join feminist coaches Taina Brown and Becky Mollenkamp for casual (and often deep) conversations about business, current events, politics, pop culture, and more. We’re not perfect activists or allies! These are our real-time, messy feminist perspectives on the world around us. This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions like: • Why is feminism important today? • What is intersectional feminism? • Can capitalism be ethical? • What does liberation mean? • Equity vs. equality — what's the difference and why does it matter? • What does a Trump victory mean for my life? • What is mutual aid? • How do we engage in collective action? • Can I find safety in community? • What's a feminist approach to ... ? • What's the feminist perspective on ...?

#20 in the Top 100 feminism All time chart

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Top 10 Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Finding Liberation in Business: How Core Values Guide Ethical Choices

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

10/28/24 • 55 min

In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into the complexities of values alignment in business. They discuss how to navigate ethical decision-making when faced with murky opportunities, using the Chief networking group as a focal point. Becky and Taina explore the nuances of white feminism, power dynamics, and how to stay true to core values in spaces that may not be fully aligned with one's beliefs. They also delve into the meaning of true allyship, rejecting performative activism, and how scarcity mindset affects business decisions. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of finding liberation through business choices that honor personal values and discuss strategies for balancing personal beliefs with professional opportunities.

Discussed in this episode:

Navigating values alignment in business decisions
Critiquing white feminism and the “girl boss” mentality
Ethical considerations around the Chief networking group
Power dynamics in feminist spaces
The importance of rejecting corporate feminism
How to be a genuine ally and avoid performative allyship
The dangers of scarcity mindset in business
Finding liberation through values-based decisions
Clarifying personal core values and their role in business and life
Examples of values-aligned decision-making in everyday actions

Resources mentioned:

Anti-racism educator Ashani Mufuko: https://ashanimfuko.com/
Blair Imani’s Smarter in Seconds series: https://www.blairimani.com/
Taina Brown’s free group coaching sessions on getting to the root of your values and manifesting your dream life (October 30th, November 6th, November 8th, November 17th)

2 Listeners

From Ghosting to Growing: The Messy Side of Adult Friendships

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

08/26/24 • 45 min

In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive into the complex world of adult friendships. From navigating the awkwardness of making new friends to understanding the dynamics of friendship breakups, they explore the challenges that come with forming and maintaining relationships as adults. Drawing on personal experiences, they discuss the unique hurdles introverts face, the impact of societal expectations on how we view friendships, and the importance of community in resisting toxic individualism. Whether you’re struggling to connect with others or reevaluating the friendships you already have, this episode offers insightful perspectives and practical advice for fostering meaningful connections in a messy world.

Key Takeaways:

Friendship Dynamics: Adult friendships often differ from the extroverted, always-on relationships depicted in popular culture. Introverted friendships, in particular, may involve less frequent communication but can be just as deep and meaningful.
Navigating Breakups: Whether through ghosting or gradual drifting apart, friendship breakups are a common experience in adulthood. Understanding that not all friendships are meant to last can help us release the shame associated with these breakups.
Intentional Connections: Building and maintaining friendships as adults requires intentionality. Sometimes, it’s about being daring enough to reach out, even if it feels awkward. Small gestures, like sending memes or checking in, can go a long way in sustaining connections.
Community and Liberation: Friendships play a vital role in creating a sense of belonging and resisting toxic individualism. By fostering strong, supportive communities, we can collectively push back against oppressive systems and create spaces for mutual care and growth.
Grace and Self-Compassion: Both Becky and Taina emphasize the importance of giving ourselves and others grace when it comes to friendship. We’re all flawed, and that’s okay. What matters is the effort we put into understanding and supporting one another.

Resources Mentioned:

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Messy Liberation on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations and valuable content.

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Messy Conversations on Parenting and Social Justice (plus, an 8-Year-Old’s Take)

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

09/16/24 • 53 min

In this special episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp’s eight-year-old son, Gus, makes his podcast debut! Gus joins Becky and co-host Taina Brown to discuss what it’s like being a young person in today’s world. Gus shares his thoughts on racism, LGBTQ+ rights, guns, and even a few of his business ideas. Later, Becky and Taina debrief on the experience of parenting through an intersectional feminist lens, navigating patriarchy’s impact on kids, and the complexity of raising children in a world steeped in societal expectations.

Key Discussion Points:

Racism & Social Justice: Gus tackles racism and LGBTQ+ rights, expressing his wish for a world where people stop discriminating against others based on appearance.
Parenting in a Patriarchal Society: Becky and Taina reflect on how patriarchy impacts young boys early in life, influencing how they express feelings and relate to peers. They discuss the challenges of raising a child in an intersectional feminist household while the world still reinforces harmful societal norms. Becky shares her philosophy of intuitive parenting, trusting her instincts over traditional parenting models.
Business & Creativity: Gus shares his entrepreneurial endeavors, including his summer juice stand where he sells watermelon juice and baked goods.
Patriarchy & Parenting: Becky and Taina get into a deep discussion about how patriarchy shapes childhood, especially for boys. They explore the pressure boys face to "man up" and how this starts as early as kindergarten.
Balancing Activism and Everyday Life: Becky and Taina share strategies for raising feminist kids, including focusing on empathy, respect, and care..

Resource Mentioned: Why Does Patriarchy Persist? by Carol Gilligan and Naomi Snider

Tune in next week for more insightful discussions on life, business, and social justice with Becky and Taina!

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Problematic Faves (art vs. artist), Billionaire Ethics, and Navigating White Feminism

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

09/09/24 • 55 min

In this episode of Messy Liberation, hosts Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive headfirst into the murky waters of problematic favorites. From Kamala Harris' centrist policies to Taylor Swift's status as a billionaire, they explore how these public figures—who were once celebrated—raise ethical questions.

Key Discussion Points:

Problematic Faves: Kamala Harris is at the center of the conversation, with the hosts dissecting her stance on Palestine, centrist politics, and identity politics.
No Ethical Billionaires: The controversial statement that "there are no ethical billionaires" is applied to Taylor Swift, as Becky questions how billionaires accumulate wealth and its impact on climate change.
Separating Art from the Artist: Should we continue to celebrate the work of problematic figures like Michael Jackson and JK Rowling? Becky and Taina tackle the complexities of enjoying art from problematic creators and wrestle with the concept of ethical consumption.
White Feminism: The hosts don't hold back on critiquing peak white feminism, particularly when it shows up as support for high-profile figures like Kamala Harris.
Celebrity Hall Passes & Gender Politics: Things get lighthearted as they reveal their celebrity hall passes, while also discussing the ethics of white celebrities adopting Black children, shining a light on deeper issues of race and privilege.

Resources mentioned:

Be sure to tune in for a candid, sometimes messy, discussion on billionaire ethics, white liberalism, identity politics, and how we navigate the complicated relationships we have with our favorite celebrities.

Join the Conversation: Who are your problematic faves? Connect with us on social media or email us—we want to hear your thoughts!

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Aging and Self-Worth: Tyra Banks, Body Image, and Redefining Beauty

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

10/21/24 • 56 min

In this episode, Becky and Taina dive into a thought-provoking conversation about aging, beauty standards, and the lasting impacts of media on body image. They reflect on the recent Victoria's Secret fashion show featuring Tyra Banks and unpack the mixed messages around body positivity, age inclusivity, and harmful beauty stereotypes. The discussion highlights the complex journey of self-acceptance and empowerment as women age, while critiquing how media and brands often fail to reflect true diversity. With a feminist lens, they tackle the role of diet culture, the contradictions of beauty ideals, and the experience of finding freedom in aging.

Whether you're navigating the pressures of aging gracefully, rejecting the outdated rules of beauty, or simply trying to find your own place in the world, this episode offers a candid exploration of these important topics.

Discussed in this episode:

Tyra Banks' return to the runway and the Victoria's Secret fashion show controversy
The lasting harm caused by America's Next Top Model and its critique of body image in media
The disconnect between body positivity movement messaging and actual inclusive beauty standards
Struggles with self-acceptance and dealing with body changes as we age
The journey of aging gracefully and embracing it as a form of empowerment
How diet culture and harmful beauty stereotypes have shaped perceptions of beauty and aging
The feminist critique of how media often forces women into narrow beauty categories
Reflections on aging and self-worth and the power of redefining beauty
A deep dive into the idea of embracing middle age and finding freedom outside of societal expectations

Resources mentioned:

Dacy Gillespie’s "Unflattering" Substack: https://dacygillespie.substack.com/p/from-the-vault
Charlotte Palermino (@CharlotteParler on TikTok), skincare expert: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlotteparler
The Chronicon Community: https://www.thechroniconcommunity.com/
“Face: One Square Foot of Skin” by Justine Bateman: https://amzn.to/3BN5pWN

Make sure to subscribe to Messy Liberation on YouTube so you can join us on November 6th for a live post-election discussion!

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Community, Catastrophe, and Coping: An Unfiltered Talk/Therapy Session 🤣

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

08/19/24 • 46 min

In this raw and honest episode of Messy Liberation, Becky and Taina dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster that can be triggered by a simple email. Becky opens up about how one small rejection can lead to a spiral of catastrophic thinking, touching on themes of abandonment, core wounds, and the difficulty of separating personal feelings from business realities.

Together, they explore how these deep-seated emotions impact their approach to business, relationships, and self-care. Taina shares her own struggles with similar issues, providing a supportive space for reflection and discussion. The conversation also delves into the importance of community, feeling your feelings, and how to manage and tend to your emotional wounds.

But it’s not all heavy. The episode takes a lighter turn as Taina shares a story about her problematic neighbor and the challenges of navigating relationships in a new home. Becky offers some no-nonsense advice on how to handle these tricky situations, all while staying true to yourself.

What we discussed:

The impact of seemingly small triggers on mental health and well-being.
The concept of catastrophic thinking and how it can derail your day.
Exploring core wounds, especially related to abandonment, and their influence on business and personal life.
The importance of feeling your feelings and treating emotions as valuable data points.
The role of community in processing and navigating emotional challenges.
The complexity of homeownership, including navigating relationships with neighbors.

We want to hear from you! How do you navigate relationships with your neighbors? Do you have any weird or funny neighbor stories to share? Send us your stories and questions at [email protected] or tag us on social media. We’d also love to know how you manage triggers and emotional spirals in your own life or business. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Join Us: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on new episodes and join our growing community of listeners.

Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, and sometimes the messiest conversations are the most liberating. Until next time, stay messy!

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Chappell Roan, Body Empowerment, and the Fight Against Diet Culture

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

09/02/24 • 48 min

Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into the complex and often challenging journey of body liberation, body neutrality, and body positivity. They discuss their personal experiences with body image, health struggles, and how society's ever-changing beauty standards impact our relationships with our bodies. From the challenges of dealing with chronic illness like fibromyalgia and perimenopause to the liberating power of embracing body neutrality, this conversation is a candid exploration of what it means to live in a body that doesn’t always conform to societal expectations.

The episode also highlights the importance of trauma work in reconnecting with our bodies and finding true liberation. The hosts discuss the influence of pop culture, specifically Chappell Roan’s music, on the conversation around women’s pleasure and empowerment. They emphasize the significance of self-advocacy and staying true to oneself, whether in the pursuit of health or in the face of diet culture.

Key Discussion Points:

Body Liberation vs. Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality: The hosts explore the nuances between these concepts and share their personal journeys toward body acceptance.
Trauma and the Body: How trauma can disconnect us from our bodies and the importance of trauma work in the journey toward body liberation.
The Impact of Chronic Illness: Taina’s experience with fibromyalgia and Becky’s with perimenopause, and how these conditions have influenced their relationships with their bodies.
The Influence of Society’s Beauty Standards: How changing beauty trends and diet culture can affect self-perception and the pursuit of body neutrality.
Lizzo, Chappell Roan and Women’s Empowerment: The role of pop culture, specifically Chappell Roan’s music, in challenging societal norms and promoting women’s pleasure and body empowerment.
Self-Advocacy and Perseverance: The importance of advocating for your own needs, both in health and in the broader context of living authentically.

Resources Mentioned:

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

Collective Resistance and Community Building in Times of Crisis

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

11/18/24 • 52 min

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive into strategies for building resilience, creating community, and thriving amidst social and political upheaval. They discuss creative resistance tactics, managing privilege in allyship, and ways to support mutual aid efforts at local and national levels. From anti-capitalist holiday shopping to the power of small, purposeful actions, this conversation is packed with ideas for meaningful change. Becky and Taina also explore how we can set boundaries with media and social media for mental health and make values-aligned decisions for the holidays.

Discussed in This Episode

Practical ways to participate in mutual aid and community support
Creative resistance strategies and preparing for social activism
The impact of reducing news and social media consumption
Leaving Meta and transitioning to BlueSky for more intentional engagement
Anti-capitalist approaches to holiday spending and gift-giving
Ways to support marginalized communities through direct action
Managing privilege in social justice work and creating safe community spaces
Using Signal and encrypted apps for secure organizing and resource sharing
Insights from My Grandmother’s Hands on somatic healing and conflict management
Reflections on Patricia Hill Collins' Matrix of Domination

Resources Mentioned

Decolonizing Thanksgiving: Ethical Celebrations and Indigenous Rights

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

11/25/24 • 41 min

In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Becky and Taina tackle the complexities of Thanksgiving—a holiday deeply rooted in colonialism and one that many now see as a day of mourning for Indigenous peoples. From exploring the history of the Land Back movement to dissecting the capitalist takeover of the holiday season, this episode is full of reflections, insights, and actionable ideas for listeners who want to align their celebrations with their values. Becky and Taina discuss ways to decolonize Thanksgiving traditions, support Indigenous rights, and rethink consumerist habits like Black Friday shopping. They also share personal anecdotes and commitments for making this time of year more meaningful.

Discussed in This Episode

The history and myths of Thanksgiving
The Land Back movement and its implications
Why Thanksgiving is a day of mourning for Indigenous peoples
Decolonizing Thanksgiving celebrations with small but meaningful actions
Ethical considerations around Black Friday and consumerism
How capitalism shapes Thanksgiving traditions
Practical ways to support Indigenous businesses and organizations
Intersectional feminism and its connection to Indigenous rights
Teaching kids about the true history of Thanksgiving
Small steps listeners can take to honor Indigenous communities

Resources Mentioned

From Olympics to Elections: How Power and Racism Shape Our World

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

08/12/24 • 54 min

From Olympics to Elections: How Power and Racism Shape Our World

In this episode of Messy Liberation, co-hosts Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive into the controversies surrounding the 2024 Olympics, including the Imane Khelif controversy and the drama between Mykayla Skinner and Simone Biles. The discussion explores the intersections of race, gender, and media framing, highlighting how power dynamics and systemic biases continue to play out in sports and beyond. The conversation then shifts to politics, touching on the recent U.S. election developments and the troubling influence of AIPAC on progressive candidates like Cori Bush. The episode ends on a lighter note with a discussion on reclaiming personal joy through fiction reading.

Key Takeaways:

Imane Khelif Controversy: The Algerian boxer was falsely accused of being trans by high-profile figures, leading to a dangerous smear campaign. The hosts discuss the lack of accountability for those who spread harmful misinformation, especially when it puts lives at risk.
Mykayla Skinner vs. Simone Biles: Skinner’s comments about the U.S. women’s gymnastics team being “lazy” sparked backlash, particularly given the team’s diversity. The hosts dissect the racial undertones and media framing that turned Skinner into a “victim” while expecting Biles to be the “better person.”
Media’s Role in Perpetuating Bias: The discussion highlights how media outlets often frame stories in ways that reinforce systemic racism and sexism, particularly in how they cover controversies involving women of color.
2024 U.S. Election and AIPAC: Becky shares her frustration over the influence of AIPAC in ousting progressive candidates like Cori Bush. The conversation touches on the broader implications of foreign influence in U.S. elections and the ongoing challenges of maintaining truly representative democracy.
Reclaiming Joy Through Fiction: Both hosts share their recent journey back into fiction reading as a way to reclaim personal joy amidst the heavy work of activism and social justice.

This episode is a deep dive into the messy realities of liberation, from sports and politics to the importance of self-care in the face of systemic oppression.

Resources mentioned:

LEARN MORE:

Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

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FAQ

How many episodes does Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture have?

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture currently has 54 episodes available.

What topics does Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture cover?

The podcast is about News, Society & Culture, Feminism, News Commentary and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture?

The episode title 'Finding Liberation in Business: How Core Values Guide Ethical Choices' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture?

The average episode length on Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture is 46 minutes.

How often are episodes of Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture released?

Episodes of Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture?

The first episode of Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture was released on Jul 1, 2024.

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Comments

Becky Mollenkamp

@beckymollenkamp

Oct 29

I'm so excited to share more episodes because I love having these conversations with Taina!

1 Like

Susan Boles

@thesusanboles

Jul 9

I'm loving these convos - can't wait for more episodes!