You thought pyramid schemes were a '90s thing? Think again.

In this eye-opening Part 2, we unpack how cults, MLMs, and shady "boss babe" pitches are still thriving—and why women are in the bullseye. From sneaky social media tactics to the dark psychology of "community," we pull back the curtain on the red flags you need to spot.

Spoiler: it’s not just about leggings, essential oils and protein powder.

Get ready for the real tea on empowerment, manipulation, and how to protect yourself (and your group chat).

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

This election isn’t just about party lines—it’s about your rights.

From reproductive justice to gender-based violence, healthcare to childcare, we’re breaking down what’s at stake for women, girls, and gender-diverse folks in Canada’s 2025 federal election.

We’re talking global ripple effects (hi, Trump), local policy gaps, and why silence on gender equity is never neutral. No jargon, no fluff—just real talk with a feminist lens on every platform.

Tune in, get informed, and vote like the future depends on it… because it does.

With special guest Joan Pratchler, MLA, NPD, Regina Rochdale.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

**And to be clear: RaiseHER Co and this podcast are non-partisan.

We’re not here to tell you who to vote for. We’re here to tell you what’s at stake. And when it comes to supporting women—some parties are clearly leading, and some are barely showing up.

That doesn’t mean we’re endorsing anyone. It means we’re paying attention. To what’s funded. What’s prioritized. What’s protected. And what’s conveniently left out. And parties are making announcements every day about their platforms, so we are sharing information as we know it on the day the podcast was recorded (April 15, 2025). That may change over the next days/weeks.

Why does Hollywood have three separate biopics about Steve Jobs but not one about the women who invented WiFi, GPS, or even Monopoly?

In this episode of The Scaries, we’re unpacking the erasure of women in history—why their contributions were overlooked, how their achievements were often credited to men (hello, Matilda Effect), and why we still have to fight for representation today.

We’re bringing the receipts, the rage, and the feminist history textbooks to rewrite the narrative. Plus, we pitch three epic biopics that Hollywood needs to make ASAP.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

WE'RE BAAAAAACK!!!!

Welcome to the dark, twisted world of cults, where manipulation is sold as salvation, and women, in particular, pay the price. In this week’s episode of The Scaries, we investigate why women have historically been drawn into cults—only to find themselves trapped in cycles of coercion, control, and, in some cases, outright abuse. Spoiler alert: this isn’t just a thing of the past.

From The Manson Family and Jonestown to the rise of “Trad Wives” and influencer-led digital cults, the tactics remain the same, just with a modern, Instagram-friendly twist. Why are women particularly vulnerable? And how can we spot the warning signs before it’s too late?

Tune in for the dark truth, some well-earned side-eye, and the tools to fight back. Because real empowerment never comes at the cost of your autonomy.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Ah, the 90s. A time of butterfly clips, chokers, and iconic girl bands that shaped our preteen karaoke dreams. Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, TLC, Britney, Christina—they weren’t just artists; they were cultural forces who told us we could “have it all.” But what does “having it all” actually mean when you’re constantly told to be confident, independent—and, oh, don’t forget, sexy?

Let’s talk about it: 90s girl bands didn’t just serve up bops; they handed us a complicated cocktail of empowerment and impossible expectations. While they sang about girl power and independence, their image was shaped by an industry that leaned heavily on hypersexualization. Britney in a schoolgirl outfit, anyone?

These were the formative years for millennials, and the messages we soaked up during sleepovers and school dances left a mark. Studies show that exposure to sexualized media during our teen years leads to increased body dissatisfaction and anxiety. Women who idolized these pop stars were more likely to internalize harmful beauty standards. It’s no wonder imposter syndrome is practically a millennial birthright.

The stats back it up:

• 68% of female performers in 90s music videos were portrayed in sexually suggestive ways.
• Over 60% of songs by female artists contained sexualized themes, compared to just 30% for men.
• Eating disorders doubled among teenage girls in the 90s, with media-driven ideals playing a key role.

And while these bands gave us the confidence to dream big, the industry reinforced that to succeed, you also had to fit a certain mould—thin, attractive, perfect.

Fast forward to today, and the script has evolved... somewhat. We’ve got body positivity warriors like Lizzo and artists like Billie Eilish openly rejecting unrealistic standards. But the tension between empowerment and sexualization hasn’t gone away; it’s just moved to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Social media lets artists control their narratives, but it also puts them under constant scrutiny from fans and trolls alike. Double-edged sword much?

So, where do we go from here? How do we untangle empowerment from the need to be desirable? The 90s girl bands gave us the anthem to dream big. Now, it’s up to us to rewrite the script for the next generation—one where being strong, independent, and unapologetically yourself doesn’t come with a side of impossible beauty standards.

Because if we’ve learned one thing, it’s this: real girl power is about owning who you are, no strings attached.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

This week, we’re spotlighting the crazy-but-true realities for women journalists—spoiler: it’s not all glitz and glamour. From online harassment to the ever-present glass ceiling, the barriers are real, but so is the bravery of women breaking them down.

You’ve seen the stories: Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly calling out harassment, Maria Ressa fighting online abuse, and Lisa LaFlamme facing ageism for simply going grey. And they’re not alone. With courage and solidarity, women in media are stepping up to address sexism, discrimination, and harassment. This week, we had the pleasure of talking to Sabeen Ahmad, a weather and community anchor with CTV and in-game host for the SK Roughriders. Right here in our hometown, Sabeen’s working to reshape this industry—bold, unapologetic, and not backing down.

The Stark Reality

Despite recent strides, the numbers speak loud and clear: women are still underrepresented in media. Globally, they make up only 37% of reporters, with just 29% of quotes in Canadian news coming from women sources. Not to mention, women in senior management positions are nearly nonexistent in comparison. Sure, some newsrooms are making progress—BBC’s 50:50 Project is a win, aiming to balance their gender representation—but we’re still far from real equality.

And it’s not just about representation. The everyday sexism women face in media is relentless. Women are expected to follow ridiculous standards that often have nothing to do with their skills and everything to do with how they look or act. Worse yet, 27% of women believe they’ve missed out on opportunities simply because of their gender. And in the age of social media? It’s brutal. Women journalists are subject to smear campaigns, threats, and harassment at rates that dwarf those faced by men. The goal? Silence. But if there’s one thing these trolls don’t understand, it’s that these women aren’t going anywhere.

Real action starts with us. Together, we can create a media landscape that doesn’t just allow women to have a voice but amplifies it.

Thanks for joining us on this wild ride of stats, stories, and inspiration. Let’s make the world less scary for the women who bring us the news. Stay tuned, Scaries Fam, because this fight is just getting started.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Please note that RaiseHER Co. is a non-partisan organization, and this is not an endorsement for any political party or candidate. You know what we care about and where we stand!

Like our neighbours down south, we’re also gearing up for provincial, municipal, and school board elections in our city. So, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the unique challenges women face in politics. And who better to talk with than Regina’s first-ever female mayor, Sandra Masters?! She shares her experiences and insights as a woman in politics, and her story reminds us of what’s possible when women break barriers and pave the way for others.

Ready for some stats? Brace yourselves: women hold only 27% of national parliament seats and about 35.5% of local governments globally. Only 27 countries worldwide are led by women—out of nearly 200. At this rate, we won’t see gender parity in global politics for another 39 years. Let that sink in.

Zooming in on Canada, women make up just over 30% of the federal parliament, with a recent push to balance gender in the cabinet since 2016. However, in Saskatchewan, only about 28% of provincial representatives are women, with just six women holding cabinet roles. It’s not much better on the municipal level. While Regina elected our first female mayor, Sandra Masters, our neighbours in Saskatoon have yet to follow suit.

Why Is Women’s Underrepresentation Still So Common?

The barriers are deeply systemic. Women face limited access to funding, fewer support networks, and the extra challenge of balancing family and career expectations. And once they’re in office? Women politicians experience disproportionate online harassment, often sexualized or violent in nature.

Online abuse isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a major deterrent. Canada’s global ranking in gender parity for politics has dropped, and increasing online toxicity is part of the reason. Women of colour and those with other intersecting identities are hit hardest, with disinformation campaigns and hate aimed directly at them. This is real and frightening—just ask MP Iqra Khalid, who received over 90,000 hate messages after condemning Islamophobia in 2017.

What We Can Do to Turn the Tide

It’s high time we stood up for women in politics and demanded better. Listen to the full episode to hear what we need to make it happen!

When we empower women to lead, we don’t just make politics fairer—we build a future where all voices are valued.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

Halloween is creeping up, and in true Scaries fashion, we’re here to talk about one of our favourite holidays. Seriously, what’s Halloween without some good scaries? But today, we’re going beyond candy and costumes—we’re digging into how this spooky season has shaped women’s lives throughout history. It’s a little spooky, a little empowering, and, yes, a bit sassy. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, and let’s get into it!

Halloween, as we know it today, traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated it on October 31st, marking the shift between the harvest season and the long, dark winter. During Samhain, people believed the boundary between the living and the dead was weakest—cue the ghosts and fairies roaming among us.

But here’s where things get weird: at some point, costumes for women morphed into hyper-sexualized versions of...well, everything. Sexy nurse, sexy cat, sexy sandwich. Seriously, who decided Halloween = minimal fabric for women? Let’s not start on the cringe-worthy offensive costumes we see each year. (No, blackface is NEVER okay.)

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Now, if we talk about Halloween, we have to talk about witches. But why are witches always depicted as evil hags who cast curses and terrorize villages? Turns out, the fear of witches goes way back. Once upon a time, these so-called “witches” were actually healers and wise women—the OG community helpers. But as Christianity spread, their wisdom got labelled as “evil” or “Satanic.”

And here’s the kicker: today, Wicca and other Pagan religions, which center on feminism, nature, and spiritual autonomy, are thriving. More people now practice Paganism in the U.S. than belong to the Presbyterian church. Talk about a plot twist!

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Let’s make Halloween not just a celebration of spooky fun but also a celebration of feminine power and independence. After all, witches weren’t villains—they were healers, leaders, and wise women. This year, maybe we’ll all channel a little witchy energy. (Green face paint optional.)

And whether you’re DIY-ing your costume or channelling your inner goddess, remember: you don’t have to be “cute” to have a good time. And if anyone says otherwise, just give them your best witchy glare.

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

As we reflect on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (October 4), it's crucial to face the uncomfortable truth: our country still has a long way to go. These days aren’t just dates on a calendar—they are calls to action for all of us to wake up and realize the systemic harm Indigenous communities continue to endure.

Canada’s residential school legacy didn’t just cause trauma in the past; its impact still ripples through generations today. Imagine growing up in a world where your language, culture, and very identity were stripped from you as a child, and that was somehow considered “normal.” For far too many Indigenous families, this wasn’t just their past—it’s their present. We often think of these horrors as relics of history, but the reality is that Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, especially, are still disproportionately victimized by violence, abuse, and systemic neglect.

We’re talking genocide here. Still. In 2024.

But amidst the frustration, we had the honour of speaking with Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation and an incredible Indigenous leader and advocate for truth and reconciliation. His calm wisdom and clear passion for making meaningful progress were exactly the reminders we needed to stay focused on the work ahead.

Cadmus shared with us his insights on why the implementation of the Calls to Action and Calls to Justice has been so slow and what concrete steps we can take to ensure these aren’t just words on paper. He spoke about the vital need for Indigenous voices to be at the forefront of decision-making processes because, as we were reminded, "Nothing for us, without us." He also shed light on the responsibility that media, influencers, and everyday citizens have in creating awareness and demanding accountability from those in power.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but even small steps lead to progress. As Jody Wilson-Raybould reminds us in her book, True Reconciliation, it’s on each of us to keep the momentum going. Educate. Advocate. Build relationships with Indigenous communities. Reconciliation isn’t a checkbox—it’s an ongoing, lifelong journey.

We owe it to the generations of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who came before us—and the ones still fighting today—to make reconciliation more than just a word. Let’s make it an action.

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Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco. For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.

WE'RE BAAACCCCCCKKKKKKK!!!!

It’s back-to-school season, and whether you’re a student or a parent, this time of year brings excitement—and sometimes dread. In our season 2 premiere of The Scaries, we dive deep into the complexities of returning to school, focusing on the unique challenges that girls face today. The school environment can be a place of growth and learning, but it also comes with its share of struggles—from bullying and isolation to the very real threat of violence. And while we’ve seen improvements in inclusive education, mental health supports, and Indigenous teachings, there’s still a long way to go.

We get real about the pressures girls face, not only from academic expectations but also from societal stereotypes and the ever-growing influence of social media. From a lack of confidence to rising rates of mental health challenges and gender-based violence, girls today are navigating a school system that wasn’t designed with them in mind. But here’s the thing—we’re not here to just discuss the scary stats. We want to empower our listeners to take action.

In this episode, we challenge ourselves and our community to rethink how to support students—especially girls. What can we do as leaders, parents, and educators to create environments where girls not only survive but thrive? Whether it's advocating for more resources in schools, addressing gender stereotypes, or simply supporting the mental health of the young women in our lives, we all have a role to play.

Join us as we discuss the real-life challenges girls face in school today and explore how to create safer, more supportive learning environments!

Follow us on Instagram @raiseherco and @scaries.podcast and on TikTok @raiseherco For those eager to dive deeper, visit www.raiseherco.com/the-scaries/ for all the resources.