The Breastfeeding Guilt Trap: Unpacking All the Feels
Leah dives into the social construct of breastfeeding and the overwhelming guilt often placed on mothers. Drawing from research and lived experiences, Leh explores how cultural expectations, medical advice, and shifting family structures have created an impossible standard for mothers—one that demands exclusive breastfeeding as proof of being a “good” parent.Leah challenges the narrative that mothers must navigate these pressures alone, highlighting the historical context of communal caregiving and the modern isolation of the nuclear family. She discusses the emotional toll of breastfeeding distress, the pain of inauthenticity, and the disproportionate impact on women from different socioeconomic backgrounds.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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15:55
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15:55
Hot or Cold? Why your office might be freezing you out
Ever wonder why you're freezing in your office while your male coworkers seem perfectly comfortable? Turns out, the temperature war isn’t just personal—it’s deeply gendered.In this episode, Professor Leah puts her sociology and gender equity expertise to work: breaking down the science, history, and sexist assumptions behind workplace temperature settings. From menopause and pregnancy - to outdated 1970s standards based on men in business suits, Leah explores how the "ideal office climate" has been built to suit male bodies—leaving women literally out in the cold.Learn how this invisible bias affects women’s health, confidence, and productivityFollow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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17:06
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17:06
Tradwife Trend vs. Reality
What’s behind the trending TikTok “tradwife” and 1950s housewife nostalgia? Leah unpacks the myths and realities of traditional homemaking—examining why so many yearn for a past that was far from idyllic for most women. Discover the historical roots of domesticity, the limited rights and resources women actually had, and why today’s push for “going back” ignores the progress we’ve made for gender equity. Leah explores the risks of romanticizing the past, the importance of choice, and how societal constraints still shape women’s decisions today. Whether you’re curious about gender roles, feminism, or just want to understand the viral “tradwife” trend, this episode is your essential guide to separating fact from fantasy. Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcastFollow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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21:14
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21:14
Failure to Launch! Should You Date a Man Who Still Lives at Home?
Is it really a red flag if a man is still living with his parents in his late twenties or early thirties? In this episode of MissPerceived, sociologist Leah Ruppanner breaks down the latest research on young men who stay at home longer, exploring what it means for their employment prospects, mental health, and relationships. Drawing on a major new study, Leah reveals why a short stint at home can actually boost a man’s career… or maybe not. She unpacks the social and economic factors driving this trend, the cultural differences around leaving the nest, and what it all means for dating today.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcastFollow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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21:23
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21:23
Unraveling Trauma and True Crime with Courtney Lund O’Neil
In this episode of MissPerceived, Leah welcomes author Courtney Lund O’Neil to discuss her book, Postmortem: What Survives the John Wayne Gacy Murders. The conversation explores the often-overlooked stories of those living in the shadow of infamous crimes, focusing on the intergenerational impact of trauma, the mental load carried by mothers, and the power of storytelling to reclaim narratives from perpetrators. They address the importance of honoring victims’ humanity, breaking gender stereotypes—especially around raising boys—and the unique ways women process and are drawn to true crime.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcastFollow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Leah Ruppanner is a no-nonsense Sociologist from the University of Melbourne on a mission to dispel society’s biggest and most divisive gender myths. In MissPerceived, Leah will tackle pervasive questions and draw upon decades of academic research and evidence to debunk the gender myths that benefit no one - showing that women aren’t better than men at seeing mess or multitasking, and that men aren’t bumbling caregivers who can’t change a diaper or find the keys. MissPerceived will show how as a society we use these myths to explain gender inequality and maintain the status quo. Leah doesn’t shy away from tough topics and touches on all those messy conversations about life including sex, relationships, work, parenting, and self-help. MissPerceived showcases how we got here, where we need to go next, and how to get there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland