Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

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

• Native-Land.ca
• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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

• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
• My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
• Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
• Bluesky
• Signal

In this episode, Becky and Taina discuss the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding artificial intelligence. Reflecting on the impact of AI on content creation and business, they dig into the unsettling future AI could bring if unchecked. From Google's Notebook LM to ChatGPT, they explore the role of ethics, climate change, and mindful usage in navigating AI’s complex landscape.

Discussed in This Episode:

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• Google's Notebook LM and its potential applications
• The ethics of AI in podcasting and content creation
• The environmental impact of AI, including water consumption
• AI's potential biases and limitations
• AI’s influence on social media and attention economy
• The need for mindful and intentional tech usage
• Personal and community-driven approaches to using AI responsibly

Resources Mentioned:

• Sophia Noble's Algorithms of Oppression: https://amzn.to/40xGvVu
• Google Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google/
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/

In this special post-election episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive into the emotional impact of the recent election, exploring how communities can heal and find resilience amidst political trauma. Joined by pleasure activist Goddess Erica, the episode includes a powerful grounding meditation for self-care and stress relief. This practice is designed to center the mind, reconnect with purpose, and empower listeners as they navigate the emotional challenges of the current political climate. Becky and Taina also discuss the importance of white allyship, accountability, and intersectional feminism in the wake of voting outcomes, highlighting the need for unity, reflection, and action.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Emotional impact of post-election trauma on communities
• The complexities of racism, misogyny, and white allyship in politics
• Guided meditation led by Goddess Erica for grounding and stress relief
• Intersectional feminism as a foundation for mindful activism
• Navigating accountability within white allyship
• Personal reflections on post-election stress, resilience, and the path forward
• The importance of voting and community support in social justice movements
• Exploring the Deepa Iyer Social Change Map and roles in activism

Resources Mentioned:

• Goddess Erica’s Website and Instagram
• Building Movement Project Social Change Ecosystem Map
• Building Movement Project Post-Election Toolkit
• Manifest Your Dream Life free group coaching experience signup: Nov 9 and Nov 17
• Practicing New Worlds by Andrea J. Ritchie

In this thought-provoking episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into the nuances of ethical porn and sex work, exploring how intersecting issues of capitalism, shame, and the male gaze impact these industries. With a feminist perspective, they question whether ethical consumption of porn is possible within our current capitalist systems and discuss how platforms like OnlyFans have introduced new avenues for female empowerment and agency. Together, Becky and Taina examine the limitations of traditional porn, its portrayal of women, and how the female gaze could reshape the landscape for consumers and creators alike. Tune in for an open, no-holds-barred conversation on reclaiming pleasure, challenging shame, and finding ethical paths forward in sex work and porn.

Discussed in this Episode

• Ethical porn: What it is and why it matters
• The role of the female gaze in reshaping porn and sex work
• Feminist perspectives on sex work, empowerment, and agency
• How platforms like OnlyFans challenge traditional power dynamics
• Navigating shame and sexuality, especially around consumption of porn
• Ethical consumption under capitalism and its implications for sex work
• Audre Lorde’s Uses of the Erotic and Adrienne Maree Brown’s Pleasure Activism
• Intersectional feminism in sex work and why representation matters

Resources Mentioned

• “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde
• “Pleasure Activism” by adrienne maree brown
• Dipsea audio stories

Email us at [email protected] to share your thoughts about ethical sex work!

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)

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!

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

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and guest Taina Brown dive into the complexities of relationships, discussing everything from managing conflict to the dynamics between queer and heteronormative couples. Becky opens up about the ongoing, light-hearted "conflict" she has with her husband about sleeping in separate bedrooms, especially now that perimenopause has made her even more sensitive to comfort during sleep. Taina shares her own experiences in the LGBTQ+ community, shedding light on the challenges of navigating toxic masculinity in same-sex relationships and the harmful stereotypes queer couples face. The conversation also delves into attachment styles, managing differences in introvert-extrovert partnerships, and how political identity shapes both queer and straight relationships. Throughout the episode, Becky and Taina challenge the traditional norms surrounding relationships, especially the unrealistic portrayal of "perfect" relationships on social media. Whether you're curious about the dynamics of same-sex relationships or how to improve communication and conflict resolution in your own marriage, this episode has something for everyone.

Discussed in this episode:

• Separate bedrooms for couples: Is it a sign of trouble or a practical solution?
• How social media can create unrealistic expectations in relationships
• Queer relationships vs heteronormative relationships: Myths and realities
• Dynamics in same-sex relationships and how they compare to straight couples
• Conflict avoidance in relationships and how to deal with it healthily
• The realities of sleeping in separate beds and maintaining intimacy
• Parenting style conflicts: Navigating different approaches in co-parenting
• Conflict resolution in marriage: Why fighting can lead to growth
• Toxic masculinity in queer relationships and its impact on LGBTQ+ partnerships
• Toxic relationships in the LGBTQ community and how to avoid them
• The pros and cons of separate vacations for couples
• Attachment styles in relationships and how they shape conflict
• Managing differences in relationships, especially between introverts and extroverts
• Parenting challenges and how they affect relationship dynamics
• Living with an extroverted partner as a deep introvert
• The importance of honoring each person’s individuality in a partnership
• The political identity of queerness and how it shapes relationships
• Debunking common myths about same-sex relationships
• How to handle conflict in marriage without fearing the end

Resource mentioned:

• I've Had It podcast

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

In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky, Taina, and guest Dee Frayne dive deep into the complexities behind white women's voting patterns, particularly the significant number who have supported Donald Trump. The conversation explores the role of patriarchy, internalized misogyny, and white supremacy in shaping these decisions, while also examining whether centering white women as 'the problem' is productive or counterproductive.

The discussion emphasizes the systemic nature of these issues, as well as the emotional labor involved in trying to change deeply embedded voting behaviors. With an honest and messy conversation, the hosts consider whether it's worth calling out or calling in fellow white women, and how those conversations should unfold in a way that invites real change, without placing undue burden on those harmed by these voting behaviors.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Why white women vote for Trump and the role of patriarchy
• The problem of internalized misogyny and white supremacy in voting patterns
• The tension between calling out versus calling in white women
• Voting against one's own interests and the prioritization of whiteness
• How fear and safety influence conservative voting behaviors
• The failures of centrist Democratic policies in appealing to conservative white women
• The importance of radical policies like universal childcare and healthcare in appealing to white women voters
• Challenges in building solidarity between white women and women of color
• The role of systemic issues like the Electoral College in perpetuating these dynamics

Resources Mentioned:

• They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers
• White Feminism by Koa Beck
• The Social Change Ecosystem Framework by Deepa Iyer
• Working Families Party
• Socialist Party Presidential Ticket
• The White Woman Whisperer on TikTok
  
  

Connect with Dee Frayne: Website | Instagram

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

Take a moment to learn about Empowered & Embodied, another show in the Feminist Podcasters Collective. If you love Messy Liberation, you'll probably love this awesome show, too. (And, Becky Mollenkamp will be a guest on Empowered & Embodied soon.) Listen on this pod app or on YouTube.