Eleanor Roosevelt

04/16/24 • 21 min

Listen to the remarkable life and legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt, a true trailblazer of the 20th century. From her early challenges and insecurities to her groundbreaking activism and leadership as First Lady of the United States, Eleanor's impact on women and mothers continues to resonate today. Susie explores Eleanor's role as a champion for social justice, civil rights, and human rights, highlighting her efforts to create positive change and empower marginalized communities. Despite facing personal struggles, Eleanor's dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to equality serve as an inspiration for women and mothers everywhere.

Topics:

Eleanor Roosevelt's early life and influences
Her groundbreaking activism and leadership as First Lady
Advocacy for social justice, civil rights, and women's empowerment
Legacy and impact on women and mothers
Challenges and complexities of her role as a wife and mother

Resources:

Topics:

Eleanor Roosevelt's early life and influences
Her groundbreaking activism and leadership as First Lady
Advocacy for social justice, civil rights, and women's empowerment
Legacy and impact on women and mothers
Challenges and complexities of her role as a wife and mother

Resources:

Previous Episode

Wine Mom Culture: Alcohol, Patriarchy, and Motherhood

Why does wine and motherhood seem ubiquitous these days? In this thought-provoking episode, Susie dives into the complex intersection of alcohol, the patriarchy, and motherhood. Drawing on historical perspectives, societal norms, and personal anecdotes, she explores the evolution of women's relationship with alcohol, the rise of "mommy wine culture," and the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on maternal well-being. Through discussions on Holly Whitaker's insights and personal reflections, Susie challenges traditional notions of alcoholism and offers empowering perspectives on reevaluating one's relationship with alcohol. Ultimately, she advocates for reframing societal norms and prioritizing the holistic health of women and mothers.

Topics:

Historical role of women in brewing and alcohol consumption
Societal shifts leading to the stigmatization of female drinking
Women's participation in the temperance movement and prohibition
Rise of "mommy wine culture" and its impact on modern motherhood
Examination of alcohol marketing targeted at women as a form of feminist rebellion
Insights from Holly Whitaker's perspective on alcoholism and sobriety in the book Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed With Alcohol
Personal anecdotes and reflections on Susie's journey with alcohol
Strategies for examining and potentially altering one's relationship with alcohol

Resources:

Organizations for people who want to quit drinking:

Next Episode

Matricentric Feminism

Matricentric feminism, which is a huge theme of the Rebel Mothers podcast, centers on the experiences, perspectives, and voices of mothers within the broader feminist movement. In this episode, Susie discusses the definition of matricentric feminism, its importance in academia, public policy, and motherhood, as well as its pioneers and contemporary scholars.

Topics:

Definition of matricentric feminism
Importance in academia, public policy, and motherhood
Lineage and pioneers of the movement: Adrienne Rich, Sara Ruddick, bell hooks, Riane Eisler, Silvia Federici, Andrea O’Reilly
Challenges faced by mothers under patriarchy
Exploration of motherhood within feminist discourse
The intersection of race, class, and motherhood
Critique of traditional notions of motherhood
Advocacy for policy changes and workplace accommodations
Redefining success and fulfillment for women
Questioning and challenging biological essentialism
Creating inclusive and empowering approaches to motherhood studies

Resources:

All of these books, and more, are available on my Bookshop*