MissPerceived
Audiocrafty
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 10, 2025 • 50min
The Mental Load: “How Can Tech Help Parents?’” (w/ Avni Patel Thompson & Verity Tuck)
In this episode, Leah and Haley chat with Avni Patel Thompson, founder of Milo & Verity Tuck and co-founder of Goldee AI, about how technology can help lighten the mental load of parents. Avni and Verity share how AI and language modeling are streamlining day-to-day tasks, easing the mental burden, and letting parents breathe a little easier. Tune in for real-life stories and practical insights on using tech to help share the load and make parenting a little bit easier!"Download the Milo and Goldee apps to help lighten the load. Find Goldee on Instagram @goldee.ai or visit www.goldee.ai. Connect with Milo on Instagram @join_milo or head to www.joinmilo.com. Use the code "Missperceived25" to start using Milo 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.
Apr 3, 2025 • 53min
The Mental Load: How Do we Create Space to Let Women Shine? (w/ Eve Rodsky)
Join Eve Rodsky, author and founder of the Fair Play movement, as she explores the often-invisible mental load that women carry. She discusses how cognitive labor affects mental health and shares eye-opening concepts like the 'both trap' where perceptions of shared tasks obscure reality. Eve unveils how asking simple questions can reveal the disparities in household responsibilities. With practical advice on boundaries and communication, she aims to foster more equitable partnerships and redefine fairness at home.
Apr 1, 2025 • 22min
Does Being a Parent Make You a Bad Employee?
In this episode, we challenge the misconception that being a parent makes you a bad employee. We dive into how taking time out for caregiving can be career enhancing, how parenting skills are highly transferable to the workplace, and why these skills are crucial for the future of work. Plus, we introduce the Parenting Work Skills Certificate—our team’s initiative to highlight the value of parenting in professional settings. Tune in to discover how the experience of being a parent can enhance your professional journey!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.
Mar 27, 2025 • 49min
The Mental Load: "Where Are We Now?" (w/ Haley Swenson)
Haley Swenson, a policy researcher at New America’s Better Life Lab, explores the broad concept of mental load beyond everyday chores, emphasizing its ties to politics and community well-being. She discusses how financial strain exacerbates this load and the role of structural support in achieving equality at home. Haley shares innovative experiments like laundry parties and Kitchen Buddies to ease these burdens. As AI emerges, she highlights the need for collaborative solutions to lighten the cognitive weight we all carry.
Mar 25, 2025 • 17min
Should You Freeze Your Eggs?
In this episode, we dive into the sociology of egg freezing—who it’s for, how it’s marketed, and what it really offers. We unpack the classed experience of this costly procedure, from its strategic targeting of high-income, unmarried women to its role in the ‘economy of hope.’ Join Leah as she examines the intersection of assistive reproductive technology, gendered marketing, and the complexities of medically assisted fertility and risk management. 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.
Mar 18, 2025 • 24min
How the Death of a Parent Impacts Family Dynamics
This week, join Leah as she delves into how sibling dynamics shift after a parent's passing, from unresolved childhood rivalries to the burden of caregiving and inheritance. When a parent dies, family relationships can change in unexpected ways. What sparks tension—or strengthens bonds—between brothers and sisters in grief? And how do gender roles influence the way sons and daughters navigate loss?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.
Mar 11, 2025 • 13min
Is Life More Expensive When You're Single?
In this week's episode, Leah discusses the economics of being single. Ever noticed how flying solo can cost more? We dive into the ‘single tax’ - from paying for utilities to groceries alone - to explore economies of scale, the power of shared resources, and why going it alone often comes with a higher price tag. 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.
Mar 6, 2025 • 25min
Is International Women's Day Nonsense?
Join us this week as we talk all things International Women's Day! In this episode, Leah takes us through the history of IWD—from its radical socialist roots to its modern-day celebrations—and asks whether we’ve lost sight of its purpose. More than just a day for hashtags and brunches, IWD should be a call to action. Join us as we unpack what this day really means and why the fight for gender equality is far from over.Follow Leah: @prof.leahruppanner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 4, 2025 • 18min
Are Girls Actually Bad at Math(s)?
Why do people still believe the myth that girls aren’t good at maths? In this episode, join Leah as she breaks down the gender stereotypes that hold women back in STEM, unpack the so-called “leaky pipeline,” and talk about what we really wants our daughters and younger generations to know about their educational potential. Because talent isn’t gendered—so why are opportunities?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.
Feb 25, 2025 • 21min
Is Menopause Still a Workplace Taboo?
Menopause is a natural transition in life, but should you talk about it at work? In this episode, Leah dives into the latest research on menopause in the workplace, your reproductive rights, and the policies (or lack thereof) supporting women through this stage. How do symptoms impact your career? And what does this mean for your identity at work? Tune in for expert insights on navigating menopause on the job.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.
