Ep. 201: White Women and The Work Ahead

EQ: How can white women move beyond a history of dependence on systems of power—both politically and socially—to take real accountability, build solidarity, and take meaningful action in a time of institutional failure and democratic backsliding?

The original inspiration for this episode came from Bluesky “White women are so used to being rescued by white men that now that you need to be rescued FROM white men, you are looking for a new hero. There are about 100 million white women in the US, and only about 22 million black women. Everyone needs you to grow up and be your own heroes.”

In this episode, we’re breaking down the ways white women have historically positioned themselves in social movements, from taking up leadership roles to center their own voices to walking away once their specific needs are met. We discuss “two types of white women”-- the well meaning liberals and the right leaning trad wife types, specifically where these venn diagrams overlap (aka, fighting the patriarchy). We’re also digging into the uncomfortable reality of performative activism, weaponized tears, and the idea that being “found out” is worse than not doing enough in the first place. We also explore the contradictions of the social contract in today’s political climate and why we tend to process politics through a personal lens rather than a systemic one. This conversation is about power, privilege, and what it actually takes to stay in the work—even when it’s messy, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when the curated perception of being a “good ally” isn’t enough.

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Ep. 151: Sliding into Fascism One Bill At a Time

EQ: In what ways is the US political landscape a foreshadowing  of fascism?

In today’s episode Hope and Megan discuss how the political climate feels like a slide into fascism. In particular, they center the conversation using Tim Snyder’s 20 Lessons from the 20th Century. By framing it this way, they also encourage listeners to find ways to fight this slide.

Snyder’s 20 principles are listed below:

1. Do not obey in advance.

2. Defend institutions.

3. Beware the one-party state.

4. Take responsibility for the face of the world. 

5. Remember professional ethics. 

6. Be wary of paramilitaries.

7. Be reflective if you must be armed.

8. Stand out.

9. Be kind to our language.

10. Believe in truth. 

11. Investigate.

12. Make eye contact and small talk.

13. Practice corporeal politics.

14. Establish a private life.

15. Contribute to good causes. 

16. Learn from peers in other countries.

17. Listen for dangerous words.

18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.

19. Be a patriot. 

20. Be as courageous as you can. 

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