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Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown discuss what’s bringing them joy amidst the chaos of 2025. The duo explores topics ranging from the emotional weight of MLK Day coinciding with the inauguration of a second Trump presidency to personal tools for finding balance, like Becky’s “sexy-ass spreadsheet.” They also dive into the cultural phenomenon surrounding Red Note, the platform rising from TikTok's potential ban, and their favorite media that brings light to dark times. This episode offers equal parts levity, resilience, and actionable inspiration to navigate a complex world.

Discussed in This Episode

• MLK Day Reflections: The emotional complexities of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during a politically charged inauguration.
• Protecting Peace: Balancing self-care and civic engagement during tumultuous times.
• Red Note vs. TikTok Ban: The political and cultural implications of shifting platforms, including the risks and ironies involved.
• Finding Joy: Becky’s 100-rejections challenge and how her spreadsheet is helping her stay organized and motivated.
• TV and Media Highlights: Shows that brought joy, including Shrinking, Ghosts, and Survival of the Thickest, contrasted with critiques of shows written by men about women.
• Book Recommendations: Becky’s delight with Frozen River by Ariel Lawton, a surprising find focusing on women’s resilience and justice.
• Joyful Acts of Service: Stories of grassroots aid efforts, like replacing wedding dresses for brides impacted by California fires.
• Upcoming Guests: A sneak peek at the podcast’s first guest, Marina, discussing mutual aid and health equity.

Resources Mentioned

• ”Frozen River” by Ariel Lawton
• “Miss Benson's Beetle” by Rachel Joyce
• Shrinking (Apple TV)
• Ghosts (CBS)
• Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
• Kelly Mosser’s initiative to replace wedding dresses for fire victims
• Email Becky and Taina at messyliberation@gmail.com
  
  
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In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into current events and societal issues that intersect with politics, education, and media literacy. Starting with Trump’s shocking comments about taking over Greenland, they explore the deeper implications of colonialism, geopolitics, and the myths surrounding the American Dream. They also tackle the growing distrust in mainstream media, the controversy over Meta dropping fact-checking, and how critical media literacy is vital for the next generation.

Through their discussion, Becky and Taina share insights into why Denmark is consistently rated one of the happiest countries in the world and what the U.S. could learn from its policies. From Canada’s hypothetical 51st state status to TikTok’s role in modern journalism, this episode offers a mix of humor, hard truths, and actionable advice for navigating today’s media landscape.

Discussed in This Episode

• Trump’s Greenland comments and their colonial undertones
• Why Greenland and Canada are geopolitically strategic
• The legacy of colonialism and its modern manifestations
• Why Denmark is happier than the U.S. (hint: universal healthcare and equality!)
• Socialism vs capitalism: A global perspective
• The myths of the American Dream and how they perpetuate inequality
• Meta’s decision to drop fact-checking: Opportunity or disaster?
• Media conglomerates and their impact on democracy
• TikTok’s role in journalism and citizen journalism explained
• Why critical thinking and media literacy need to be taught in schools
• The flaws in the U.S. education system and how it impacts future generations
• Freedom of speech and the fourth estate: Why the media matters

Resources Mentioned

• National Association for Media Literacy Education
• Under the Desk News on Tiktok
• 1984 by George Orwell
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• To book a coffee chat with Becky or Taina, email messyliberation@gmail.com

Becky and Taina dive into the reality that everything is political. From the "boy mom" TikTok trend to the everyday choices we make as parents and consumers, they unpack the systemic forces that shape our lives and decisions. Together, they explore how privilege influences parenting, the ethics behind makeup and toys, and why small, intentional changes can create ripples of systemic change. This conversation challenges listeners to see the political implications of even the most mundane decisions and take actionable steps toward building a more equitable world.

Discussed in This Episode

• What "everything is political" really means
• The "boy mom" TikTok trend and normalized violence in toys
• White privilege and its influence on parenting decisions
• How systemic racism shapes the way children of different races are raised
• Gender norms in parenting and the erasure of non-binary identities
• Ethical consumerism and the politics of makeup and toys
• The challenges of parenting within systemic oppression
• Strategies for raising socially conscious kids
• Small, daily political choices that contribute to systemic change
• The intersection of parenting and politics and its impact on society

Resource Mentioned

• Cheekbone Beauty