

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

Feb 18, 2025 • 25min
Do Queer Couples Share Housework More Equally?
Do queer couples break free from traditional gender roles, or do old patterns creep in? In this weeks episode, Leah explores how LGBTQIA+ partners divide housework compared to heterosexual couples. Is the split more equal, or do unseen forces shape who scrubs the dishes and who takes out the trash? Tune in for an academic deep dive into love, labour, and the politics of domestic life!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 11, 2025 • 21min
Gift-Giving: A Timeless Love Language or An Outdated Burden?
Love languages say gifts = love, but should we rethink the way we give? Women often take on the emotional and financial labour of gift-giving—planning, making, and wrapping—while men’s gifts can sometimes feel like a quick fix for deeper issues. And with rising costs, is the pressure to give even sustainable? In this episode, we unpack the gendered side of gift-giving, the financial weight of presents, and whether it’s time to break free from the expectation that love = stuff. Tune in as Leah discusses the politics of presents!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 4, 2025 • 30min
Are Men Smarter than Women?
In this episode, we break down the science of intelligence—cognitive, emotional, and beyond—to challenge outdated stereotypes. Is intelligence a spectrum? How do we measure it? And why do we still equate IQ with superiority? Tune in as we dismantle the myths, explore the biases, and reveal what intelligence really looks like. Who’s smarter—men or women? Or is that the wrong question entirely?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.

Jan 28, 2025 • 21min
Are Workplace Friendships a Problem?
Can friendships at work boost connection or blur the lines between professional and personal life? In this episode, we dive into why workplace friendships matter, their impact on productivity, and whether they foster belonging or complicate boundaries. Tune in as Leah explores the surprising role of camaraderie in the workplace!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.

Jan 21, 2025 • 24min
Are Women’s Friendships Fragile or Fierce?
In this episode, Leah explores the research on the power of women’s friendships—how they evolve, fade, and transform over time. We delve into why society often undervalues these special bonds in favor of romantic relationships and examine the unique ways friendships sustain and empower women. From moments of shared laughter to unwavering support, discover how these connections help women navigate challenges and celebrate life’s milestones.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.

Jan 14, 2025 • 31min
Do Women Gossip More than Men?
Do women really gossip more than men, or is that just another stereotype? In this episode, we unpack the loaded word “gossip” and explore its surprising role in strengthening social bonds. Why are women often judged harshly for it, while men seem to get a free pass? And is it even gossip—or just sharing information that matters? Join us for a thought-provoking chat on the power, perception, and potential of a little juicy conversation.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.

Jan 7, 2025 • 15min
Who's the CEO of Your Family?
"Who keeps the family ties from unravelling? From buying gifts to organising holiday dinners, kinkeeping often falls on mothers, stepmothers, aunts, and oldest sisters. But why is it mostly women? In this episode, we dive into the unsung labour of kinkeeping, explore the roles women play in holding families together, and uncover what the research reveals about this invisible work."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.

Dec 31, 2024 • 17min
Are New Year's Resolutions BS?
Happy New Year! Join Leah for our first podcast of 2025, where we'll be diving into why resolutions often fail, the difference between bold goals and bite-sized ones, and the strategies that actually work to make your goals stick all year long. If you’re ready to ditch the guilt and set yourself up for success, this episode is for you!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.

Dec 17, 2024 • 16min
Can Women Thrive in Tomorrows Workplace?
As workplaces evolve, what does the future hold for women? In this episode, we dive into how women are positioned in the changing job market, the skills they’ll need to thrive, and whether the future of work is truly equitable. From automation to AI, we unpack the trends shaping women’s careers. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode about the challenges, opportunities, and road ahead for women at work.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.

Dec 10, 2024 • 19min
Is the “Mom flu” real?
Is the "Mom flu" a real thing—or just another parenting myth? This episode unpacks the infamous “Mom flu” and explore how it stacks up against science. Plus, the facts about why mums might actually get sick more often, exploring the link between caregiving, stress, and immune systems.Tune in for a fun and insightful look at sickness, gender, and the invisible load of caregiving!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.


