In this thought-provoking episode, Kristin and Laura ask why women’s joy so often gets dismissed as “basic.” From Taylor Swift fandoms to fantasy novels, they unpack the deep psychological roots of how gendered taste is constructed—and why we feel guilty for what we love.

They dive into:
• Why "guilty pleasures" are a feminist issue
• The Enlightenment origins of the gender binary
• How cultural legitimacy is shaped by patriarchy
• The impact of internalized misogyny on hobbies and identity
• Personal stories of navigating shame, taste, and authenticity

This episode is a celebration of reclaiming joy, challenging cultural scripts, and asking: what if liking what we like was radical?

In this episode, we delve into the themes of Netflix's limited series 'Adolescence' from our perspectives as psychologists who often work with boys and young men in sports. We discuss the psychological implications of incel culture and the manosphere, the societal pressures faced by young men, and explore broader cultural narratives surrounding masculinity and relationships. We touch on the impact of parental influence on adolescent behavior, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of masculinity. The conversation also touches on the importance of recognizing positive aspects of masculinity and the need for a shift in how society views and supports both men and women. Throughout, we emphasise shifting the burden of societal change from women.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod

In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding women's sports. We explore the historical barriers that have hindered women's participation in sports and the ongoing challenges in achieving equity and visibility for women's sports, emphasising how sports are often a tool of patriarchy in preventing women's progress. We end by reflecting on the importance of questioning assumptions and exploring the nuances of women's rights in sports and beyond.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod

In this episode, we try to ground the ongoing backlash against women's rights in its historical context. After some chaotic 'small talk', we explore the cyclical nature of women's rights movements and the ongoing struggles against patriarchal systems, as well as the mental health implications of societal expectations placed on women. We end by reflecting on the current state of feminism and the need for continued advocacy and awareness.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod

After a solid conversation about food and fascism, we delve into the topic of motivation, exploring intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how these concepts relate to well-being. We explore the intricacies of motivation, focusing on the three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness and how these needs influence personal growth, the importance of accountability and support, and the impact of societal structures on individual well-being. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of fostering environments that meet these needs and the role of effective communication in achieving this. We also reflect on the challenges posed by societal constructs that can hinder the fulfillment of these basic needs, ultimately advocating for a more supportive and understanding approach in various contexts.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod

Summary

In this episode, we engage with out first two (legendary) guests, Dr. Amy Whitehead and Jenny Coe, to explore their most recent two books and their expertise in sport, sport coaching, and DEI/EDI initiatives in sport. We delve into identity, self-understanding, and the role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports, and Amy and Jen's experiences and insights on how personal values and backgrounds influence coaching practices and the significance of creating a supportive environment for reflection. We explore the complexities of sport performance, focusing on the myths that surround it. We also touch on the disconnect between academia and practice, the role of social media in shaping perceptions, emphasising the importance of critical thinking and the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age. We explore the challenges faced by women in sports, the importance of representation and diversity, and the need for awareness and allyship in creating change. The discussion also touches on personal experiences, the process of writing the book, and the significance of sharing stories to inspire future generations.

Socials/Links: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod

Myths of Sport Performance: https://www.sequoia-books.com/catalog/sport/

In this festive episode, we celebrate our 10th episode with a holiday party. We discuss the significance of New Year's resolutions and goal setting, reflecting on personal growth and motivation. The conversation is light-hearted yet insightful, exploring the chaos of the holidays while delving into the deeper meanings behind setting goals for the new year. In this conversation, we explore the complexities of goal setting, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's motivations and the sacrifices involved in achieving goals. We discuss the differences between outcome-based and process-based goals, the significance of flexibility, and the SMART framework for effective process-based goal setting. The conversation also touches on the value of open goals and the necessity of self-acceptance in the journey towards personal development.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod

In this episode, we delve into neurodiverse experiences of burnout, building on last episode's discussion about burnout in general. Taking a neuro-affirmative approach, we specifically explore ADHD and autistic burnout, discussing how these neurodiversities can intersect and the unique challenges faced by individuals living in a neurotypical world. We highlights the importance of understanding these experiences to foster better support and awareness. We explore the nuances of sensory overload, the importance of self-care, and practical strategies for managing nerodivergent burnout. The discussion emphasizes the need for personal boundaries, the significance of rest, and the value of prioritization techniques tailored for neurodivergent experiences. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of seeking support and understanding one's own neurodivergent traits.

Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod