MissPerceived

Leah unpacks the deeply ingrained social rules around emotion and gender. Why are women expected to smile constantly at school, at work, even on planes? What does it cost them when they do, or don’t? Why are men discouraged from expressing sadness but given a free pass to anger? Drawing from new research and decades of gender studies, Leah explores how cultural norms shape when and where women and men are permitted to show their feelings and why violating those norms can impact everything from workplace authority to family dynamics.Follow Leah: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The internet’s explosive reaction to Sydney Sweeney’s headline-grabbing American Eagle jeans ad set social media alight and reignited debates about “pretty privilege” and the supposed “genetic lottery.” As critics dissect the campaign’s tagline—“Sydney Sweeney has great jeans”—for its double entendre and uncomfortable brush with eugenics rhetoric, we ask: What happens when beauty standards meet the politics of who counts as ‘desirable’? We explore how conventions of attractiveness continue to drive hiring, career advancement, and salary in 2025, with new data showing significant workplace bias, and how these standards intersect with issues of race and exclusion. Is the celebration of “good genes” a harmless compliment or a window into social hierarchies and the historic discrimination that persist in modern institutions?Follow Leah: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Misperceived, Leah sits down with Ellie Angell, a trans woman who shares her raw, personal journey toward living as her true self. Diving into gender identity, Ellie discusses the emotional realities of transitioning—gains, losses, and the courage it takes to confront deeply rooted misperceptions. Through heartfelt conversation, Leah and Ellie expose the impact of societal myths on the trans community and challenge listeners to rethink what it means to truly be authentic.Follow Leah: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of MissPerceived, Professor Leah Ner tackles the fraught label of “women’s work”—and what really happens when men step into these traditionally gendered roles. Leah pulls apart the stubborn myths about who should do what in our homes, communities, and institutions, drawing on her decades of research and candid conversations.You’ll hear:• How the phrase “women’s work” shapes our assumptions about care, trust, and responsibility—even when men are just as involved.• Why men who take on domestic, emotional, or supportive roles often face stigma, skepticism, or even suspicion.• The hidden harms of closing off these roles to men, including what’s overlooked, undervalued, or outright ignored—sometimes with heartbreaking consequences.• What it really takes to untangle deeply held beliefs and build a culture where everyone’s contributions are recognized, no matter their gender.Follow Leah: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are men really wired to desire more sex, or have we just been taught to think so? In this episode, Leah dives into the age-old question: do men have higher sex drives? Join us as we unpack the science behind libido, explore how hormones, culture, and social norms shape our desires, and challenge the stereotypes that keep this conversation stuck in the bedroom.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcastFollow Leah: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.