Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one—it’s also about losing a sense of security, hope, or the future we envisioned. In this episode, we explore collective grief, political trauma, and how to navigate grief in uncertain times. Whether you're dealing with election grief, managing stress and burnout, or struggling with systemic trauma, we share practical strategies for self-care during political turmoil, coping with overwhelming news, and finding comfort when the world feels heavy.

We’ll also discuss how grief manifests in the body, somatic healing techniques, and the surprising connection between burnout and grief. If you’ve been wondering how to survive grief in tough times and keep going despite everything, this episode is for you.

Discussed in this episode:

• Processing political and social grief and why it’s more than just about death
• How political changes impact mental health and everyday life
• The relationship between burnout and grief (and how to manage both)
• How to navigate grief in difficult times without shutting down
• Self-care strategies for dealing with election grief and political overwhelm
• Somatic healing and grief: How our bodies hold onto stress and trauma
• How to find comfort during uncertain times and create safe spaces for healing

Resources mentioned:

• “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
• SmashingPatriarchy.com - feminist merch
• Taskmaster on BBC
• Follow Becky on BlueSky
• Follow Taina on BlueSky
• Taina’s post about the Lunar New Year

In this episode of Messy Liberation, hosts Taina Brown and Becky Mollenkamp welcome guest Marina Daldalian, a software product manager, health coach, and passionate advocate for fat liberation and mutual aid. Marina shares her journey into mutual aid, including how it intersects with fat liberation, and explores the power of direct giving over traditional charity models. The conversation delves into how systemic inequities in capitalism and healthcare impact marginalized communities, the principles of Health at Every Size, and the importance of ethical health coaching. Marina also reflects on COVID realism, its connection to disability, and her approach to community care that centers values of equity, mutual aid, and intersectional feminism.

Marina's Website

Discussed in This Episode:

• What mutual aid is and why it matters
• The intersection of fat liberation and mutual aid
• Direct giving vs. charitable donations: What's the difference?
• How mutual aid circles work and amplify impact
• The challenges and rewards of setting boundaries in mutual aid
• Health at Every Size and its principles
• Ethical health coaching and navigating systemic barriers to health
• COVID realism and its connection to chronic illness and disability
• How systemic oppression shapes access to healthcare
• Choosing belief, compassion, and community care

Resources Mentioned:

• Marina DalDalian
• Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH)
• Angel Austin of Sacred Space for Fat Bodies
• Episode 27 of Messy Liberation: "Beyond Charity"
• You Need a Budget (YNAB)
• Marquisele (Mikey) Mercedes
• Lindo Bacon Accountability controversy

Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown discuss what’s bringing them joy amidst the chaos of 2025. The duo explores topics ranging from the emotional weight of MLK Day coinciding with the inauguration of a second Trump presidency to personal tools for finding balance, like Becky’s “sexy-ass spreadsheet.” They also dive into the cultural phenomenon surrounding Red Note, the platform rising from TikTok's potential ban, and their favorite media that brings light to dark times. This episode offers equal parts levity, resilience, and actionable inspiration to navigate a complex world.

Discussed in This Episode

• MLK Day Reflections: The emotional complexities of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during a politically charged inauguration.
• Protecting Peace: Balancing self-care and civic engagement during tumultuous times.
• Red Note vs. TikTok Ban: The political and cultural implications of shifting platforms, including the risks and ironies involved.
• Finding Joy: Becky’s 100-rejections challenge and how her spreadsheet is helping her stay organized and motivated.
• TV and Media Highlights: Shows that brought joy, including Shrinking, Ghosts, and Survival of the Thickest, contrasted with critiques of shows written by men about women.
• Book Recommendations: Becky’s delight with Frozen River by Ariel Lawton, a surprising find focusing on women’s resilience and justice.
• Joyful Acts of Service: Stories of grassroots aid efforts, like replacing wedding dresses for brides impacted by California fires.
• Upcoming Guests: A sneak peek at the podcast’s first guest, Marina, discussing mutual aid and health equity.

Resources Mentioned

• ”Frozen River” by Ariel Lawton
• “Miss Benson's Beetle” by Rachel Joyce
• Shrinking (Apple TV)
• Ghosts (CBS)
• Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
• Kelly Mosser’s initiative to replace wedding dresses for fire victims
• Email Becky and Taina at [email protected]
  
  
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In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into current events and societal issues that intersect with politics, education, and media literacy. Starting with Trump’s shocking comments about taking over Greenland, they explore the deeper implications of colonialism, geopolitics, and the myths surrounding the American Dream. They also tackle the growing distrust in mainstream media, the controversy over Meta dropping fact-checking, and how critical media literacy is vital for the next generation.

Through their discussion, Becky and Taina share insights into why Denmark is consistently rated one of the happiest countries in the world and what the U.S. could learn from its policies. From Canada’s hypothetical 51st state status to TikTok’s role in modern journalism, this episode offers a mix of humor, hard truths, and actionable advice for navigating today’s media landscape.

Discussed in This Episode

• Trump’s Greenland comments and their colonial undertones
• Why Greenland and Canada are geopolitically strategic
• The legacy of colonialism and its modern manifestations
• Why Denmark is happier than the U.S. (hint: universal healthcare and equality!)
• Socialism vs capitalism: A global perspective
• The myths of the American Dream and how they perpetuate inequality
• Meta’s decision to drop fact-checking: Opportunity or disaster?
• Media conglomerates and their impact on democracy
• TikTok’s role in journalism and citizen journalism explained
• Why critical thinking and media literacy need to be taught in schools
• The flaws in the U.S. education system and how it impacts future generations
• Freedom of speech and the fourth estate: Why the media matters

Resources Mentioned

• National Association for Media Literacy Education
• Under the Desk News on Tiktok
• 1984 by George Orwell
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• To book a coffee chat with Becky or Taina, email [email protected]

Becky and Taina dive into the reality that everything is political. From the "boy mom" TikTok trend to the everyday choices we make as parents and consumers, they unpack the systemic forces that shape our lives and decisions. Together, they explore how privilege influences parenting, the ethics behind makeup and toys, and why small, intentional changes can create ripples of systemic change. This conversation challenges listeners to see the political implications of even the most mundane decisions and take actionable steps toward building a more equitable world.

Discussed in This Episode

• What "everything is political" really means
• The "boy mom" TikTok trend and normalized violence in toys
• White privilege and its influence on parenting decisions
• How systemic racism shapes the way children of different races are raised
• Gender norms in parenting and the erasure of non-binary identities
• Ethical consumerism and the politics of makeup and toys
• The challenges of parenting within systemic oppression
• Strategies for raising socially conscious kids
• Small, daily political choices that contribute to systemic change
• The intersection of parenting and politics and its impact on society

Resource Mentioned

• Cheekbone Beauty

In this episode, Becky and Taina reflect on the challenges and lessons of 2024, offering insights into resilience, community, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of learning from failure, navigating systemic issues, and embracing joy and self-care amidst chaos. Whether you're looking for practical business lessons, inspiration for 2025, or simply some thoughtful conversation, this episode has something for you.

Discussed in This Episode

• Resilience in hard times and overcoming anxiety in challenging years
• Lessons from 2024: personal, business, and community insights
• The value of interdependence and community support during a crisis
• Joyful living in 2025 and setting intentional goals
• Navigating a “shit show” year with grace and strength
• Prioritizing self-care in chaos and cultivating belief in oneself
• Moving toward collective liberation and rejecting toxic capitalism

Resources Mentioned

• Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol
• Erica Courdae on interdependence
• “Rethinking Social Media: Balancing the Attention Economy with Entrepreneurial Success” episode of Messy Liberation

In this episode, Becky and Taina dive into the world of children’s movies and TV shows that offer more than just fluff. From revisiting nostalgic favorites to exploring newer releases, they discuss how these stories tackle complex themes like grief, emotions, family dynamics, and representation. Whether you're looking for media to watch with your kids or hoping to heal your inner child, this conversation is packed with insights into the deeper layers of children's programming and its impact on adults and kids alike.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Avatar: The Last Airbender: Exploring its complex storytelling, themes of war, and whitewashing controversies.
• Where the Wild Things Are: A heartfelt movie review and its emotional resonance, especially for those dealing with grief or feelings of being misunderstood.
• Inside Out and Inside Out 2: Teaching kids (and adults) about emotional intelligence and understanding anxiety.
• Turning Red: Celebrating mother-daughter relationships and a refreshing absence of romantic subplots in animated films.
• Moana: Themes of female empowerment, righteous rage, and reclaiming personal identity.
• Soul: Pixar’s unique take on addressing grief and the meaning of life in a kid-friendly way.
• A Little Princess: A nostalgic favorite with an analysis of its themes of loss, resilience, and family.
• Magic School Bus: Making science fun and accessible for kids through immersive storytelling.
• The importance of diverse representation in children's media and the cultural impact of better storytelling.
• How children’s media can aid in healing the inner child in adults.

Resources Mentioned:

• “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
• “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• Feelings Wheel

Call to Action:
What’s your favorite children’s movie or show that tackles big themes? Did we miss one of your go-to recommendations? Email us at [email protected].

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In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into the complexities of the US healthcare system, sharing their personal experiences with chronic illness, denied insurance claims, and the frustrations of navigating healthcare in America. They also discuss the Luigi Mangione case and its implications for healthcare reform and inequality. With honesty and wit, Becky and Taina explore what it means to fight for health equity while balancing the personal and political challenges of living with disability.

From sharing practical tips like refusing unnecessary weigh-ins at the doctor to reflecting on the intersectionality of healthcare access, this hodgepodge episode is as informative as it is engaging. Tune in to hear how they bring their unique perspectives to a conversation that impacts us all.

Discussed in This Episode

• The struggles of living with chronic illness in the US healthcare system
• Why you can and should refuse unnecessary weigh-ins at the doctor
• Luigi Mangione, the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting, and healthcare reform politics
• Intersectionality and disability: The shared vulnerabilities we all face
• The impact of denied insurance claims and inaccessible care
• Chronic pain experiences and the emotional toll of healthcare discrimination
• The importance of reclaiming agency in healthcare and firing bad providers
• What may come next for Messy Liberation in 2025

Resources Mentioned

• “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder
• Feminist Instagram account by Blair Imani
• BRB Crying podcast
• Pod Save America podcast
• You Made it Weird podcast
• Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers podcast
• Lonely Island and Seth Meyers podcast

In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dig deep into the complicated and often problematic world of philanthropy and charitable giving. From the systemic failures that make nonprofits necessary to the capitalist underpinnings of modern-day charity, this conversation unpacks why "giving back" often does more to maintain inequities than address them. Becky and Taina also explore alternative approaches like wealth redistribution and mutual aid, offering actionable insights for listeners who want to create real social impact.

Discussed in This Episode

• The problematic roots of charitable giving and white saviorism
• Nonprofit sector challenges, including financial transparency and CEO pay disparity
• Philanthropy’s role in perpetuating systemic inequality
• Wealth redistribution vs. traditional charity models
• The power of mutual aid and direct giving as alternatives
• The role of privilege in charitable giving and wealth redistribution
• The impact of nonprofits on marginalized communities
• Shifting from scarcity thinking to abundance thinking
• How the philanthropic sector mirrors capitalist structures
• Moving toward liberatory approaches to community care

Resources Mentioned

• Charity Navigator
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Trans Justice MO
  
  

In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown discuss the complexities of balancing business growth and personal well-being in the digital age. They dive into strategies for embracing digital minimalism, reflecting on how social media impacts mental health, energy, and productivity. Becky shares her journey toward reducing her digital footprint, including her move to BlueSky and creating a nine-grid on Instagram, while Taina reflects on her relationship with social platforms. This candid conversation is filled with practical insights, personal anecdotes, and recommendations for anyone seeking to rethink their digital presence.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Becky's digital detox journey
• What is a nine-grid on Instagram?
• Exploring BlueSky as a Twitter alternative
• The emotional and energy costs of social media
• Practical steps to audit your digital presence
• Hallmark holiday movies as escapism
• Balancing entrepreneurship and visibility without social media
• How social media shapes parasocial relationships
• Digital minimalism for business owners

Resources Mentioned:

• ”Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport
• ”Stolen Focus” by Johan Hari
• Off the Grid podcast
• Alexandra Franzen
• Chatbooks photo book printing
• Kelly Mosser’s content capsule webinar
  
  

This episode is a thoughtful reflection on how to embrace digital minimalism and build a healthier relationship with technology, whether you’re a business owner or a social media user.