Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky and Taina dive into the VP debate aftermath, tackling the key moments that had them cheering, cringing, and downright furious. They break down JD Vance’s slippery rhetoric on abortion, illegal immigration, and school shootings, while giving a shoutout to Tim Walz’s quieter, but solid points on gun control and housing. They also critique Margaret Brennan’s skillful moderation and the frustrating limitations on fact-checking. The conversation goes deep into the dangerous narratives around reproductive freedom, American imperialism, and racism that dominated the debate stage. Tune in for a brutally honest analysis and some hard truths about the state of U.S. politics.

Discussed in this episode:

• VP debate highlights and key moments
• JD Vance’s contradictory abortion stance and political manipulation
• Illegal immigration and its scapegoating in U.S. politics
• School shootings and gun control: How both sides approached the issue
• The Project 2025 pregnancy registry and its implications for reproductive rights
• The role of racism and American imperialism in the debate
• Margaret Brennan’s moderation and media bias in political debates
• Tim Walz’s understated but effective points on housing and gun reform

Resources mentioned:

• Impact.org for fact-checks on political debates
• The Majority Report podcast
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgWt-QcPYMo
  
  

We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

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

In this important episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown discuss the devastating case of Marcellus Williams, a Black man executed in Missouri despite strong evidence of his innocence. They explore the racial inequities embedded in the U.S. legal system, focusing on the death penalty, the prison industrial complex, and the connection between modern-day incarceration and the legacy of slavery. This conversation touches on state-sanctioned violence, the systemic oppression of Black and brown bodies, and the urgent need for change in how justice is delivered in America.

Discussed in this episode:

• Wrongful executions and racial injustice: The case of Marcellus Williams serves as a tragic example of how the death penalty disproportionately impacts Black men in the U.S.
• State-sanctioned violence and the death penalty: A look at how executions perpetuate racial injustice, including the recent case of Khalil Owens, and why the legal system continues to fail marginalized communities.
• The prison industrial complex and systemic racism: How the U.S. prison system, particularly privatized prisons, profits from incarcerating people of color, creating a modern form of slavery through prison labor exploitation.
• Connection between slavery and modern prisons: Examining the historical roots of the prison system in slavery and eugenics, and how these legacies shape racial disparities in incarceration and executions today.
• Abolishing the death penalty: Why the movement to end capital punishment is essential for dismantling systemic racism, and how activists are pushing for change in the legal system.

Resources mentioned:

• The Innocence Project
• Death Penalty Information Center
• “Capital Punishment and the Legacies of Slavery and Lynching in the United States”
• “The end of the abolition era: Democrats quietly drop their opposition to the death penalty” from Salon Magazine
• “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
• “13th” by Ava DuVernay on Netflix

If this episode sparked new thoughts or questions, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

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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.

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

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into what it means to begin and sustain the journey of liberation. This rich conversation covers topics such as intersectional feminism, transformative justice, Afrofuturism, and fat liberation. Becky and Taina discuss the complexities of dismantling harmful systems like capitalism and patriarchy, while exploring how to foster liberated relationships both personally and professionally. The episode touches on the importance of community care, radical self-care, and how these efforts contribute to building a more just world.

Discussed in this Episode:

1. Liberation as a Messy Process: Liberation isn’t linear or perfect. Becky and Taina explore the messiness of unlearning oppressive systems like patriarchy and capitalism while embracing the complexity and emotional labor involved in growth.
2. Intersectionality and Power Structures: The episode delves into how intersectional feminism, based on Kimberlé Crenshaw’s work, helps unpack the layers of oppression that people experience due to overlapping identities such as race, gender, and body size.
3. Community and Relationships in Justice Work: Building liberated relationships through community care is central to dismantling harmful structures. The hosts discuss how transformative justice and intentional relationships are key to personal and collective liberation.
4. Reimagining the Future through Afrofuturism and Fat Liberation: The conversation highlights Afrofuturism as a tool for imagining just futures and fat liberation as a framework for deconstructing body oppression. Both are powerful ways to reclaim agency and envision worlds where all people can thrive.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Emergent Strategy" by adrienne maree brown
• “How We Show Up” by Mia Birdsong
• “All About Love” by bell hooks
• “The Will to Change” by bell hooks
• “Feminism is for Everybody” by bell hooks
• “You Belong” by Sebenie Selassie
• “White Feminism” by Koa Beck
• “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler
• Mapping the Margins by Kimberlé Crenshaw
• “The Urgency of Intersectionality,” Kimberlé Crenshaw’s TED Talk

This episode is packed with reflections, frameworks, and actionable insights for those at various stages of their liberation journey. Whether you are new to intersectional feminism or deep in the work of transformative justice, this conversation will provide you with both theoretical grounding and practical tools to keep pushing forward.

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 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:

1. Racism & Social Justice: Gus tackles racism and LGBTQ+ rights, expressing his wish for a world where people stop discriminating against others based on appearance. 
2. 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.
3. Business & Creativity: Gus shares his entrepreneurial endeavors, including his summer juice stand where he sells watermelon juice and baked goods.
4. 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.
5. 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!

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 special bonus episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown get messy while unpacking last night’s presidential debate. With raw honesty, humor, and some well-placed zingers, they break down Kamala Harris’ debate performance, Donald Trump’s unraveling, and what it all means for the upcoming election. While Kamala wiped the floor with her opponent, the hosts also explore their mixed feelings about her and the Democratic Party’s moderate stance. Expect sharp critiques, political insight, and a whole lot of shade thrown at mediocrity and narcissism in politics.

Key Discussion Points:

• Kamala’s Debate Dominance: Becky and Taina both agree—Kamala Harris owned the stage. From shaking Trump’s hand to dismantling his weak talking points, Kamala’s experience as a litigator shined. They reflect on how refreshing (and long overdue) it was to have a woman discussing abortion rights in a presidential debate.
• Abortion, Immigration, and… Eating Pets? Becky and Taina laugh, cringe, and rage at Trump’s bizarre claims, including the racist dog whistle about immigrants "eating cats and dogs." They dissect how Trump’s platform continues to rely on xenophobia, fear, and nonsense, while Kamala stays (mostly) on policy.
• Narcissism and the ‘Unraveling’: The hosts discuss the classic narcissist behavior Trump displayed, from interrupting Kamala to unraveling after she cleverly baited him about his crowd sizes. Becky explains why Trump’s inability to control his outbursts was the beginning of the end for him in the debate.
• Journalism Fails (Again): Both Becky and Taina express their frustration with the debate's moderators and media for not holding Trump accountable enough—especially when his mic wasn't muted, despite the rules.
• Progressive Disappointment: Becky and Taina dive into their complicated feelings about Kamala Harris. They respect her as a candidate but struggle with the Democratic Party’s pandering to moderates and Zionists. They discuss the need for a viable third party that represents true progressive values, beyond the capitalist and centrist agenda of the Democrats.
• Taylor Swift’s ‘Brave’ Endorsement? Becky and Taina call out Taylor Swift for her delayed endorsement of Kamala Harris and her contradictory friendship with Brittany Mahomes, a Trump supporter. They challenge the idea that Swift’s endorsement was brave, pointing out the stark choices in this election and why complicity isn't an option.

Resources Mentioned:

• Harris 2024 shirt at smashingpatriarchy.com
• Impact on 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

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:

• The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
• Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  
  

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!

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

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:

• Becky’s “The Bad Influencer” newsletter
• Dacy Gillespie of mindful closet’s “Unflattering” newsletter
• The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

• Friendship IRL with Alex Alexander
• Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

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 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

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.”
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

• "White Tears, Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color" by Ruby Hamad
• "White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind" by Koa Beck
• "My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies" by Resmaa Menakem
• "Weyward" by Emilia Hart
• "The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic" by Breanne Randall
• "Red Island House" by Andrea Lee
• "Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams
• "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry
• "Funny Story" by Emily Henry
• "One to Watch" by Kate Stayman-London
• "Survival of the Thickest" on Netflix

LEARN MORE:

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