Parenting Girls in a Patriarchy

In this episode, I have a fascinating discussion with psychologist Dr. Dahlia Topolosky about how to raise a healthy girl in a patriarchy. We discuss the influences of gender norms, stereotypes, and how to be an active and present parent. Dr. Topolosky talks about nature vs. nurture and what aspects of a healthy development parents can play a critical role in. Whether you have a daughter or a son, or no children at all, you will find this an enlightening listen.

RECUT: Patriarchy, Parenting, & Boys

This recut of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1 includes additional discussion about the issue of raising boys in a patriarchy. We discuss ways to help boy children understand structural preferences for boys and men, versus girls and women. Children have a natural tendency to identify what they perceive is "fair" and what is "unfair," and how this could be used as a way to start a discussion about gender stereotypes and equality.

Not Just Baby Blues: Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a serious health consequence to being a new mother. It is actually a lot more common than you might think. You probably know someone who has suffered from it, most likely quietly. And why? Why did it happen, and why would you not have known about it?

So in this episode we discuss postpartum depression. It’s not baby blues. It’s not just a little bit of hormones and it will pass. It’s not – you’re just too tired and you need to take some “you” time. It’s depression. Serious depression. 

Are Little Girls Getting Too Sexy?

The American Psychological Association, or APA has released a report which warns of the dangers of the sexualization of girls in media. They concluded that virtually every form of media which they studied provides significant evidence of the sexualization of women, and many specifically target children and adolescents.

In this episode I have a conversation with Professor Sarah Murnen about the sexualization of girls, and unpack the potential impact of this phenomenon on the individual girl, girls in general, and on society and how we view girls and women.