Laverne Cox: Stop Taking Crumbs from Men [VIDEO]

In the latest captivating episode of "Aware & Aggravated," host Leo Skepi dives into the intricate web of personal and social dynamics that challenge our understanding of relationships and self-identity. With empathetic guidance, Leo sheds light on sensitive issues ranging from dealing with discriminative in-laws to navigating the complexities of bisexuality within a heterosexual relationship. He offers actionable strategies for those entangled in the familial prejudice, delves into the mysterious allure of unrequited love, and unveils the ethics of juggling multiple romantic partners, with the aim of helping listeners navigate these treacherous waters with greater confidence and clarity.

Leo's profound reflections on personal development take center stage as he candidly shares his journey towards self-improvement, advocating for self-compassion and emotional intelligence as tools to transcend past regrets and reshape one's identity. While discussing these deep topics, Leo also celebrates professional milestones such as his successful tour and the overwhelming community support, adding a layer of triumph to the narrative. Beyond the philosophical, Leo punctuates the episode with thoughtful endorsements that align with his lifestyle, giving an approving nod to Babbel for language learning and HelloFresh for simplified culinary endeavors, illustrating a mindful approach to consumerism that resonates with his listeners. Join Leo as he fosters a space for growth, reflection, and communal wisdom on "Aware & Aggravated."

In How to Be an Antiracist, author Ibram X. Kendi takes readers through his journey to become an antiracist—a person who believes that all racial groups are equal and supports policies that reduce inequity. Antiracists acknowledge that there are differences between races, but these differences aren’t responsible for inequities—policies are.

Kendi, like many of us, grew up in a racist society and internalized many of its ideas. As a result, despite being Black, he was racist himself throughout much of his life. In How to Be an Antiracist, he describes how he changed his thoughts and actions to become antiracist, and how you can do the same. Our commentary explores how racism became so deeply ingrained in our culture and why it’s so hard for us to let go of our racist ideas on an individual level. We’ll also suggest some specific ways you can implement Kendi’s ideas and start taking antiracist action.

In Come As You Are, author Emily Nagoski uses scientific research and her years of experience as a sex educator to change the negative way that women talk, think, and feel about their sexuality due to years of misinformation and harmful cultural messaging surrounding sex. Arguing that a scientific perspective on sexuality can free women from unrealistic standards and help them to appreciate their individual experiences, Nagoski considers sexuality from every biological angle while dispelling cultural misconceptions along the way.

In this guide, we’ll follow Nagoski’s exploration of topics ranging from basic anatomy and the mechanics of sexual response to individual experiences of arousal, desire, and orgasm. As we discuss each of these concepts, we’ll compare Nagoski’s arguments to those of other experts in her field, discuss additional research on human sexuality, and add historical and cultural context to her ideas.

This episode of Fly on the Wall paints an enthralling portrait of Leslie Jones, as she shares the twists and turns of her journey to comedy fame with hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade. Journey with Jones from her early career decisions, through the pressure-cooker environment of Saturday Night Live, to her notable role in "Ghostbusters", facing societal backlash and online vitriol but always holding firm. She also illuminates the complexities faced by female comedians in the industry and outlines some promising projects on the horizon.

In the episode, Jones, Carvey, and Spade delve into the evolution and commercialization of comedy in the digital age. They discuss the intricacies of stand-up comedy, the debate between shock comedy and traditional stand-up, as well as the challenges of crafting innovative comedic material for diverse audiences. Alongside these industry insights, Jones’s narrative is one of resilience and defiance in the face of industry prejudice and stereotypes. This episode is a masterclass in persistence and recognizing your worth.

The podcast “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus” welcomes Fran Lebowitz, known for her distinct humor and unapologetic honesty. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the various facets of her life, from aging experiences, navigating through the COVID pandemic, to her unique professional journey. Fran's insights, sprinkled with witty remarks and confessions about her life choices such as quitting alcohol at 19 or her love for New York, bring an authentic and relatable depth to the dialogue.

As the podcast deepens, the conversation evolves to question societal norms and personal beliefs. Fran opens up about her struggles with traditional gender expectations, simultaneously discussing her personal space and viewpoints on forgiveness, providing an intriguing look into her world-view. A special feature of the episode includes discussion on menopause, wherein Julia promotes the acceptance of this natural process, and introduces Womaness, a brand aimed at revolutionizing women’s understanding of menopause. Lastly, relationships and their impact on Fran’s life are explored, reminding listeners of the importance of friendships and the wisdom gained from these connections.

If you suffer from persistent anxiety, depression, or illness, you might be playing out trauma from your family’s past. In this case, the question to ask is not “What’s wrong with me?” but “Where did this come from?”

In It Didn’t Start With You, Mark Wolynn says the source of your suffering may lie hidden in your unconscious, where traumas from your past—and your family’s past—are stopping you from being truly happy and free. Wolynn shares the latest research to reveal how traumas get passed biologically from one generation to the next. He also describes how you can uncover and resolve deeply-rooted trauma by applying his unique therapeutic approach. By doing so, he says, you can reprogram your body, stop suffering, and start living a life you love.

In this guide, we’ll examine research that expands upon Wolynn’s claims. We’ll also consider viewpoints that challenge some of his arguments, such as the importance of reconciling with our parents and the limited effectiveness of talk therapy in treating trauma.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis examines the spiritual and social decline of the Appalachian white working class through the life story of its author, JD Vance. Growing up in a post-industrial Ohio town, Vance encountered the symptoms of community and familial dysfunction—drug and alcohol abuse, unstable marriages, lack of education, and evasion of hard work—that underscore the failing values of the culture from which he came.

Although Vance eventually escapes the poverty and dysfunction of his roots, attending college and Yale Law School, he finds that even economic mobility can never permanently erase the social markers of his hillbilly upbringing.

What’s the secret to a long-lasting, loving relationship? Therapist and self-help author David Richo says the secret is mindful loving—a compassionate, realistic approach to love based on the Buddhist practice of mindfulness. In How to Be an Adult in Relationships, Richo explains how mindful loving can improve your emotional health, your relationships, and the world you live in.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the foundations of mindful loving, how to overcome the emotional wounds that hold you back from loving yourself and others mindfully, and how to use it to build a successful, healthy relationship…and eventually, a better world. We’ll supplement Richo’s ideas with actionable advice from other relationship experts, and we’ll dive more deeply into some of the spiritual and psychological concepts underlying Richo’s arguments.

If the only alcohol addiction recovery program you’ve ever heard of is Alcoholics Anonymous, if you think drinking is normal and even healthy, and if you think alcoholism is a disease suffered by an unfortunate few, long-term recovering alcoholic Holly Whitaker is here to set the record straight. In Quit Like a Woman, Whitaker contends that we as a society see alcohol, addiction, and recovery all wrong—that is, exclusively through a masculine, patriarchal lens. This means we misunderstand what addiction is, what causes it, and how to treat it, especially for women.

Whitaker offers an alternative take on alcohol addiction. She explains how alcohol is always bad for you and how alcohol companies perpetuate the belief that you should be able to enjoy alcohol in moderation. She also offers a glimpse into her own journey to sobriety and presents a feminine, holistic approach to recovery. We’ll supplement Whitaker’s ideas with further research into addiction and alcohol marketing and tips to help you implement her advice.

Join the PBD Podcast for a candid discussion featuring a roster of insightful speakers including Patrick Bet-David, Ana Kasparian, Thomas Ellsworth, and Adam Sosnick, as they delve into a range of pressing political and societal topics. Ana Kasparian, a journalist known for her work with The Young Turks, shares her media journey and stands on authentic reporting. She acknowledges past errors, revealing the nuanced challenges faced by media professionals in today's politically charged environment. The dialogue extends to Kasparian's pointed observations on Donald Trump's presidency and the policy directions under Biden, including scrutinizing the role of biases in the coverage of both administrations.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the nuances of identity, communication, and ethical responsibilities with topics such as inclusive language, medical transitions for transgender youths, and support systems for LGBTQ+ adolescents. As the episode progresses, the examination of power dynamics broadens to discuss corporate influence in politics, with Kasparian critiquing the actions of companies like Pacific Gas and Electric amidst California's wildfire crises. The podcast doesn't shy away from sensitive subjects, touching on the pharmaceutical industry’s role in mental health, perspectives on gun violence, and the importance of diverse viewpoints in media to bridge societal divisions. Concluding on an international note, the speakers explore military power, the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and immigration challenges, creating a compelling tapestry of global and domestic issues.

In the riveting PBD Podcast episode, Patrick Bet-David along with guests Erin Friday, Oli London, Luka Hein, and Tom Ellsworth embark on an explorative conversation about the rarely discussed and challenging experiences surrounding gender de-transitioning. Amidst an era where gender identity and transitioning are front and center, this episode courageously lifts the veil on the darker, less spoken about realities of de-transitioning, analyzing its complex social, medical, and political facets. By giving a platform to personal stories and scrutinizing the societal pressures that play a role in these deeply personal journeys, the PBD Podcast ushers in a necessary dialogue with bravery and openness.

Through heartfelt narratives and critical discourse, the speakers, including a parent advocate and individuals who share their own intimate encounters with identity, navigate the murky waters of a society and healthcare industry intertwined with commercial interests. The episode challenges the listener to consider the ethical implications for minors, the questionable oversight within medical procedures, and the significance of community support. Ultimately, the PBD Podcast does not shy away from the controversy or censorship that often surrounds these conversations but instead propels them into the mainstream. This is a call to listen, understand, and support those whose voices and experiences are often cast aside, suggesting resources and fostering much-needed awareness and advocacy.