In this powerful conversation, Faith Clarke sits down with Alesia Galati—podcast host, business owner, wife, and mother—to explore how discomfort shows up in our bodies and impacts how we navigate relationships and power dynamics. Alesia shares her journey from growing up in a single-parent home affected by addiction, through 10 years in a cult disguised as a women's program, to building multiple successful podcasts and a full-service podcast management agency.

What We Discussed:

• How women's bodies teach distress tolerance through periods and other physical experiences
• The complicated relationship with "push through" messaging after cult trauma
• Moving from knee-jerk reactions to slowing down in moments of discomfort
• How childhood experiences shape our automatic responses to conflict
• The importance of mitigation versus avoidance strategies
• Parenting in the age of AI and teaching kids to sit with questions
• Book recommendations for understanding different perspectives on discomfort
• The power of sitting with someone through their coping mechanisms

Featured book: They Wouldn't Dare by Deanna Gray: https://amzn.to/4tdVVJc

Ready to connect with other feminist founders navigating these conversations? Join us in the Feminist Podcasters Collective at feministpodcasterscollective.com

Consent isn’t a checkbox—it’s a relationship.

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke dig into the messy, nuanced reality of consent. Moving far beyond the simplistic “yes means yes” framework, they explore how power dynamics, discomfort, and unspoken pressure shape whether consent is actually present.

From workplaces to relationships to leadership, they challenge the idea that words alone determine consent—and make the case for deeper awareness, ongoing check-ins, and paying attention to what’s not being said.

This is a conversation about power, humanity, and what it really takes to create environments where people can genuinely choose.
 

In This Episode, We Cover:

•  The difference between performative consent and real consent 
•  Why “they said yes” is often not the full story 
•  How power dynamics distort people’s ability to consent 
•  The role of nonverbal communication (and why words aren’t enough) 
•  Why leaders have a responsibility to pay closer attention 
•  Consent as an ongoing, relational process—not a one-time agreement 
•  How discomfort prevents both giving and receiving real consent 
•  The problem with forcing vulnerability in workplace culture 
•  Why “use your words” can be an oversimplification 
•  Real-life examples of honoring consent—even when it costs something

🎤 JOIN US IN THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

Let’s clear something up right away: discomfort and conflict are not the same thing.

But most of us treat them like they are, and that misunderstanding is costing us. In our relationships, in our leadership, and in the kind of world we say we want to build.

In this first episode of our discomfort series, I’m joined by Faith Clarke to break down what discomfort actually is (hint: it lives in your body), what conflict actually is (hint: it lives between people), and why so many of us are doing everything we can to avoid both.

We talk about:

•  Why your brain is so quick to label discomfort as danger 
•  How power and identity shape your relationship to conflict 
•  The stories you tell yourself that escalate everything 
•  And why learning to stay with discomfort might be one of the most important leadership skills you can build 

If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation, over-accommodated to keep the peace, or spiraled over something small—this one’s for you.

🔑 What We Cover in This Episode:

•  The difference between discomfort (internal) and conflict (relational) 
•  Why discomfort is often a somatic, body-based experience 
•  How conflict arises from competing stories—not just feelings 
•  The role of power, privilege, and identity in how we handle conflict 
•  Why many of us were conditioned to believe conflict is “bad” 
•  Fight, flight, freeze, fawn—and what they look like in real life 
•  The importance of threat assessment (is this actually dangerous?) 
•  How meaning-making turns small discomfort into full-blown spirals 
•  Why avoiding discomfort makes everything more expensive (emotionally, mentally, physically) 
•  The possibility of healthy conflict as a tool for growth and co-creation 

🎤 JOIN US IN THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

Becky and Faith kick off their discomfort series with something deceptively small: a middle-of-the-night argument about an open window. What starts as a relatable story about being woken up at 3am becomes a real-time breakdown of how discomfort turns into conflict — and what we can do about it.

They dig into the stories we tell ourselves when we feel disrespected, why anger is actually energy looking for justice, and how our nervous system state determines what choices are even available to us in heated moments. Plus: why the low-stakes conflicts are exactly where we should be building our conflict navigation muscles — so we're ready when the stakes are actually high.

In this episode:
• How a single moment of discomfort becomes a full conflict narrative
• What your body is trying to tell you before you do something you'll regret
• The difference between the stimulus and the story
• Why choosing your response is a form of agency, even at 3am
• How small conflicts are training ground for the big ones
• Using conflict as a tool to actually improve your relationships

🎤 JOIN US IN THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE: http://feministpodcastcollective.com/

This short conversation kicks off a new Feminist Founders mini-series on discomfort.

Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke start by unpacking a question many of us struggle to answer clearly: What’s the difference between discomfort and conflict?

They explore how discomfort often shows up first as a somatic signal in the body—tight shoulders, a knot in your stomach, a sense that something isn’t right. Conflict, on the other hand, tends to emerge when our stories about a situation collide with someone else’s.

The conversation moves into how identity, power, and lived experience shape our relationship to both discomfort and conflict. Becky reflects on how whiteness and privilege can create an expectation that comfort should always be restored quickly. Faith shares how marginalized identities often require learning to navigate discomfort without the luxury of avoiding it.

Together they discuss:

• The difference between internal discomfort and interpersonal conflict
• How meaning-making can escalate discomfort into conflict
• The role of power, identity, and cultural conditioning
• Fight, flight, freeze, fawn—and the possibility of facing discomfort instead
• Why learning to sit with discomfort is essential for building something new

This episode lays the groundwork for the rest of the series, where Becky and Faith will share stories and tools for navigating discomfort more skillfully in leadership, business, and social change work.

🎤 JOIN US IN THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

👉 Capacity for Conflict workshop on March 11, 2026: https://feministfounders.co/workshop/

What does it actually look like to live your values — not in theory, but in the middle of a messy, real-life situation?

In this conversation, Becky and Faith unpack a recent experience that brought questions of mutual aid, identity, power, and discomfort to the surface. After an unexpected financial crisis, their community rallied to offer support — and what followed was a deeply honest exploration of what it means to ask for help, receive care, and navigate the complicated feelings that come with both.

Together, they reflect on the emotional and relational layers that surfaced: fears about perception, internalized narratives around self-sufficiency, the tension between gratitude and vulnerability, and the ways discomfort can be a doorway to growth rather than something to avoid.

They also introduce a framework for understanding conflict and discomfort through three key relationships — with ourselves, with others and power, and with the problem itself — offering listeners practical ways to approach hard moments with more curiosity and compassion.

If you’ve ever struggled to ask for support, worried about how you’re perceived, or wondered how to live your values when things get complicated, this episode offers both resonance and reflection.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why discomfort isn’t a problem to solve — it’s information
• The emotional realities of mutual aid and community support
• How identity and stereotype threat can shape our responses to crisis
• What it means to receive help without shame
• Navigating fears of judgment, performativity, or “getting it wrong”
• The difference between charity and collective care
• How power dynamics show up in everyday situations
• Practicing liberatory values in imperfect, real-time ways
• A framework for working with conflict through relationship awareness
• Moving from judgment to curiosity when discomfort arises

🎤 JOIN US IN THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

What does it actually look like to design a business that supports your capacity — instead of constantly stretching it?

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Tracie Root, founder of the Gather Community, to explore the tension so many entrepreneurs feel between showing up for clients and creating space for themselves.

They talk about what happens when a business grows out of community and starts to feel more transactional, how hustle culture conditioning shows up even when we intellectually reject it, and why rebuilding capacity is an ongoing process — not a quick fix.

Together they explore:

• The difference between doing and being in leadership
• Designing systems that reduce burnout
• Why asking for help can feel exhausting
• The emotional weight of keeping promises to clients
• Boundaries, spaciousness, and redefining responsibility
• How community businesses evolve over time
• Practical ways to create breathing room without breaking commitments

Tracie shares how her goal for the year is to feel more expansive — and what that means in real terms, from looking at her calendar differently to rethinking how support shows up in her business.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that sustainable leadership isn’t about doing less — it’s about designing differently.

If you’re a founder who wants to build a business rooted in care, integrity, and capacity, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

🎤 JOIN US IN THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

🔥 Meet Tracie Root – Your Guide to Living Boldly! 🔥
https://www.tracieroot.com/

Some people wait for life to happen. Tracie Root makes life happen.

After a devastating loss turned her world upside down, Tracie didn’t just rebuild—she reinvented herself. She faced financial crisis, single parenthood, and uncertainty head-on, choosing bold action over fear. What emerged was a woman on a mission—to help others step into their power, take charge of their future, and create success on their terms.

For over thirteen years, Tracie has inspired and coached women entrepreneurs nationwide, guiding them to break through barriers and build structured, sustainable, and thriving businesses. As the visionary force behind The Gather Community, she transformed in-person events into a powerful nationwide movement, connecting ambitious women who are ready to go all in.

Whether she’s lighting up the stage as a speaker, leading game-changing masterminds, or championing women to take BOLD, decisive action, Tracie’s energy is contagious.

When she’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find her soaking up the Santa Cruz sunshine with her husband and their four-legged sidekick.

💡 Are you ready to think bigger, dream bolder, and take action? Then Tracie Root is the woman you need to meet!

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke sit down with Angela Johnson, a trauma-informed marketing strategist and educator, for an honest conversation about capacity, mental health, and what it really looks like to divest from hustle culture without blowing up your livelihood.

Angela reflects on nearly two decades in business, the weight of self-blame when income fluctuates, and the slow, deliberate work of deconditioning from capitalist and patriarchal “shoulds.” Together, they explore parts work, neurodivergence, dopamine-seeking brains, and how founders can redesign their businesses around compassion, curiosity, creativity, and connection — not constant optimization.

This is a conversation about letting go, staying human, and choosing systems that support your nervous system instead of punishing it.

What we talk about
• Why burnout isn’t a productivity problem — it’s a systems problem
• How self-blame quietly becomes the default business model
• Divesting from hustle culture without abandoning financial reality
• Parts work, internalized “manager” voices, and listening to your true self
• Neurodivergence, dopamine, and why consistency can feel impossible
• Why fewer metrics — and different ones — can lead to more peace
• Building capacity without treating rest like a reward
• Redesigning your business around mental health, not endurance
• Letting go of social media and returning to relationship-based marketing
• Why “doing less” can actually make your business more sustainable

ABOUT ANGELA JOHNSON
Angela Johnson is known for helping rebel entrepreneurs turn their genius into a signature body of work and amplify their thought leadership using her simple one-page marketing plan. She has taught over 3,000 business owners how to stop chasing the algorithm and fitting into one-size-fits-all formulas by crafting a compelling message without using pain points or big promises.

With a Master of Professional Communication, her IRB-approved research on how trauma impacts small-business owners is an anchor of her work. Her trauma-informed approach is the antidote for equity-centered businesses that are dedicated to leading with their values in a world where honoring humanity is a radical act of resistance.

Angela has shared stages with thought leaders including Elizabeth Gilbert, Lynn Twist, and Lisa Nichols. Beyond her work as an adjunct professor and entrepreneur, she is happiest when she is creating anything with her hands, from painting, embroidery, and pottery to gardening. Angela lives on the stolen land of the Goshute Nation in Utah, with her partner of over 20 years, where together they spoil their rescue dog, who is the queen of the house.

Connect with Angela at www.angelamjohnson.com.

🎤 WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE. JOIN US! http://feministpodcastcollective.com/

Check out the Season 10 trailer for Here’s What I Learned with Jacki Hayes, a fellow member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

This season is built around real experiments. Jacki isn’t just talking about ideas. She’s inviting coaches and service providers to assign her an actual experiment from their area of expertise. She runs it in her business, then they come back together to break down what worked, what didn’t, and what the results actually show.

If you like practical insight, honest reflection, and learning from real-world tests instead of polished theories, this season is worth a listen.

Find the show wherever you listen to podcasts or visit https://www.jackihayes.co/podcast

Our friend Nicole just dropped the trailer for her new podcast Just Rest — and we're SOOO excited!

We’re both part of the Feminist Podcast Collective, and watching this show come to life has been such a joy. Just Rest is for people who care deeply, work hard, and are tired of being told burnout is just the price of caring.

This podcast is all about rest as resistance, sustainable change, and staying human in a grind-obsessed world. It’s thoughtful, grounded, and deeply compassionate — the kind of show that feels like a long exhale.

Give the trailer a listen, then rate & review if it resonates. It makes a huge difference for indie, values-driven podcasts.

🎧 https://justrest.buzzsprout.com

What happens when feminist founders stop trying to outrun burnout—and start redesigning work around care, capacity, and real life?

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke are joined by Meg Buzzi and Sarah Durlacher, co-founders of Fixchr, a boutique consulting firm that helps organizations navigate change through behavior, engagement, and collective practice.

Together, they unpack what abundance actually means when you’re juggling caregiving, leadership, partnership, and survival inside systems that were never built for human needs. This is a conversation about decolonizing time, rebuilding capacity after burnout, refusing urgency culture, and reimagining work that flows—rather than drains.

If you’re a founder who feels stretched thin, caught between care work and paid work, or craving a more spacious way to lead, this episode will feel like an exhale.

In This Episode, We Talk About:
• Why abundance isn’t just about money—it’s also about time, restoration, and choice
• How caregiving (especially for elders) reshapes leadership capacity
• What it means to decolonize time and stop moralizing productivity
• Moving from crisis-driven work to preventative, sustainable change
• The tension between billable work and long-term investments in community and ideas
• Why founders often become the last people to receive the care they offer others
• Designing businesses that can bend without breaking when life happens

Meg Buzzi and Sarah Durlacher are the co-founders of Fixchr, a boutique consulting organization that supports organizations, teams, and leaders through periods of transition and change. Their work focuses on behavior change, engagement, and helping groups move together—without defaulting to urgency, extraction, or burnout. https://www.fixchr.com/

About Feminist Founders
Feminist Founders is a podcast and community for business owners who want to challenge capitalist norms and build human-first, equity-aligned businesses. Hosted by Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke, the show blends real conversations, feminist analysis, and practical reflection for founders who refuse to hustle themselves into the ground.

👉 Learn more and join the community at feministfounders.co

🎤 JOIN US IN THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE: http://feministpodcastcollective.com/

🎟️ Join Us December 18th for the Planning Sprint

If Amanda’s story hit home — if you also feel buried under tiny tasks, unclear on the big picture, and craving time to breathe, think, and reset — come join Faith and me for a 90-minute Planning Sprint on Dec. 18th.

This is not productivity theater.
This is support.
This is resourcing.
This is creating space for actual clarity so you can end the year grounded instead of gasping.

$199 • No sales page • Register here:
👉 https://beckymollenkamp.as.me/planning

______________

This week we sat down with Feminist Founders member Amanda Laird, a growth marketing strategist and creator of Slow & Steady, a feminist business practice rooted in integrity, intentionality, and the belief that women and creative entrepreneurs deserve to thrive without burning themselves to the ground.

Amanda helps solo creative entrepreneurs rethink their relationship with marketing and growth, and she does it through a holistic, feminist lens—one she developed through 20+ years in communications, deep study with Jennifer Armbrust (Sister), and a background in holistic nutrition that taught her to look at root causes, not symptoms.

But today’s conversation wasn’t just about her clients. It was also about Amanda’s own edges—the place where so many of us find ourselves:
the overwhelm of being a one-woman show, the longing for a slower pace, the guilt of resting before we “earn” it, and the capitalist potholes we keep falling into even when we know better.

Faith and I walked with Amanda through what it means to rebuild capacity, tap into community, hear the voice she keeps locked in the closet (her words!), and reorient her work away from exhaustion and back toward restoration, creativity, and support.

Spoiler: the answer involved a tiny sketchbook, a five-minute daily practice, and reclaiming the truth that we don’t build feminist businesses by doing it all alone.

It’s tender, it’s real, and it’s a masterclass in taking your own medicine as a feminist leader.

In This Episode We Discuss:
• Amanda’s core value of integrity and how it anchors her work
• Why “slow and steady” is both a philosophy and an aspiration
• How the feminine economy (Jennifer Armbrust) shapes her business
• The honest truth of being overwhelmed by tiny tasks and big dreams
• The eldest-daughter conditioning that tells us we must do it all
• Why capacity and organization aren’t the real issue
• How shame shows up around asking for or paying for support
• The myth that we must “earn” rest
• The voice in the closet: the wisdom of community, reciprocity & tapping into our network
• Rebuilding leadership from restoration, not exhaustion
• Help, harm, and why individualism keeps us stuck
• A practical (and compassionate) plan for moving forward:
• A “not right now” list
• A five-minute daily sketchbook practice
• Anchoring back into alignment-before-action
Turning toward community instead of isolation

🎤 WE'RE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke reflect on The Weight We Carry — a focus group conversation about invisible labor and how it shows up in our personal and professional lives.

They share insights and takeaways from the powerful session, where participants told stories, named the unseen work they carry, and began exploring ways to release it. What emerged was both deeply personal and profoundly collective — a recognition that the exhaustion so many of us feel isn’t personal failure, it’s systemic.

Discussed in this conversation:
• How storytelling reveals the collective wisdom we already hold
• Why invisible labor is both embodied and systemic
• What it means to refuse to participate in your own sacrifice
• How trust, accountability, and community intersect in the work of release
• Why simple “one-two-three” solutions don’t work — and what does
• How shame, guilt, and perfectionism keep us in patterns of overwork
• The power of community in reprogramming the conditioning that makes us overfunction
• What medicine looks like when it’s rooted in collective care and belonging

Becky and Faith also share details about their upcoming small-group program—Releasing the Weight—a community container designed to help you identify, name, and release the invisible labor weighing you down — just in time for the holidays.

✨ Join the group experience: feministfounders.co/group

📰 Subscribe on Substack: feministfounders.substack.com

Business owners can contribute to the white paper

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

This week looks a little different. Becky’s out sick, so we’re sharing a powerful conversation from Assigned Reading where Becky and Faith dive into Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s essay and TED Talk We Should All Be Feminists.

It’s a wide-ranging and deeply personal discussion about feminism across cultures, the intersections of race and gender, and how we carry both the weight of oppression and the responsibility of shaping culture ourselves.

👉 Don’t miss our upcoming free event, The Weight We Carry on invisible labor, happening October 9, 2025. Sign up here: https://evt.to/eoieheisw

Discussed in this episode:
• How Adichie’s centering of Nigerian culture resonates with Afro-Caribbean experiences
• Why feminism often defaults to “white feminism” in the U.S.—and the harm in that invisibility
• Chimamanda’s 2017 comments on trans women, her clarification, and what it says about growth and accountability
• How women are held to perfectionist standards under white supremacy
• The challenge (and necessity) of contextualizing feminism through race, culture, and personal story
• Why “people shape culture” is both a call to action and a permission slip
• Owning our own stories of privilege and oppression—and how whiteness itself can be a prison
• Shame as one of the sharpest tools of oppression and how it maintains systems of power
• The many ways activism can look: rest, storytelling, parenting, teaching, healing, and beyond

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

In this solo episode of Feminist Founders, Faith Clarke reflects on the invisible labor women carry, the stories that connect us, and the power of collective truth-telling. Drawing from Desmond Tutu’s teaching on Ubuntu—“a person is a person through other persons”—Faith invites listeners to consider how our common humanity can be honored through deep listening, shared storytelling, and co-creation of solutions.

Faith shares her background in qualitative research, her belief that human stories are data, and how the Feminist Founders community is engaging in collective storytelling to explore invisible labor. This episode is both a personal reflection and an invitation: to join a larger conversation, contribute your story, and help co-create liberatory solutions for founders and communities.

💡 Discussed in this episode:

• The wisdom of Ubuntu and how it calls us into shared humanity
• Why listening to stories is a spiritual practice
• How invisible labor impacts women’s health and lives
• The limitations of traditional research methods and the power of lived experience
• Why collective truth-telling is essential for creating solutions
• The Feminist Founders initiative to document and share a white paper on invisible labor

🎤 Proud members of the Feminist Podcasters Collective

What happens when you step away from everything you’ve built—not just for a week off, but for months of deep rest and reflection?

In this episode of Feminist Founders summer series on women’s invisible labor, Becky talks with Mai-kee Tsang, who took a two-month sabbatical after seven years of running her business. What started as a response to grief became a radical reimagining of work, worth, and identity.

Together, they explore:

• How grief and pet loss led Mai-kee to create space for healing
• Why sabbaticals are not just breaks, but tools for reclaiming agency and rest
• The “ego death” of stepping away from business identity and embracing the messy middle
• The guilt and fear many entrepreneurs feel when stepping back or walking away
• How invisible labor shapes women’s relationship to work and rest
• The importance of redefining success beyond productivity and business ownership
• Why giving yourself permission to “just be” is a feminist act

Mai-kee reminds us that walking away doesn’t erase the value of what you’ve built. It can be a form of liberation, a chance to listen to yourself again, and to reimagine what’s possible when you’re no longer defined by your work.

Mai-kee Tsang is a writer, mentor, and former Sustainable Visibility® strategist. After seven years of entrepreneurship, she took a sabbatical to grieve, heal, and reconnect with her identity outside of work. Today, she continues to hold space for community through her email letters, Cup of Catch-ups, and experiments in simply being. Sign up for Mai-kee’s email list

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

Host Faith Clarke sits down with burnout recovery specialist and relationship coach Jay Asooli to dig into what we often call “invisible labor”—and why Jay insists it’s more accurate to say invisibilized labor. Together, they explore the emotional, cognitive, and care work that keeps households, workplaces, and communities running—work that’s hidden in plain sight, disproportionately carried by women, non-men, and marginalized people.

Jay shares deeply personal reflections on being a family caregiver, the countless jobs rolled into that role, and how the systems around us deliberately minimize and erase this labor. She names the many categories of relational labor—repair initiation, resistance moderation, stress regulation, social hosting, educational labor—and how these patterns play out in both families and workplaces.

This is not just about naming the problem. Faith and Jay talk about how protest, grief, and awareness are radical acts of resistance, and how community care and co-creation are essential for building new ways of living and working.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted from carrying too much, unseen, or guilty for “not doing enough,” this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone—and that your labor deserves to be recognized, valued, and shared.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Why Jay calls it invisibilized labor instead of invisible labor
• How systemic oppression allocates and imposes unpaid care and emotional work
• The parallels between caregiving at home and “extra” labor in the workplace
• The hidden categories of relationship labor—from repair initiation to resistance moderation
• The role of protest, grief, and truth-telling in reclaiming our lives
• How community, curiosity, and co-created care can shift the weight

Connect with Jay Asooli: 

Website | Instagram

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

What happens when you’re raising young children and caring for aging parents—or even siblings with disabilities—at the same time? That’s the reality for millions of Gen Xers and millennials in the “sandwich generation.”

In this episode of Feminist Founders, part of our summer series on invisible labor, Becky talks with Anna De La Cruz, a social impact consultant, writer, and caregiver based in Seattle. Anna is the voice behind GenXandwich on Substack, where she writes candidly about navigating multi-generational caregiving while raising three kids and caring for her brother with Down syndrome.

Discussed in this episode:

• What it means to be “sandwiched” between kids, parents, and other loved ones who need care.
• Why women—especially women of color—carry the bulk of unpaid and underpaid care work, and how sexism and pay disparities reinforce that reality.
• How capitalism has failed caregivers, creating a system where care is unaffordable for families but still undervalued and underpaid for workers.
• The emotional toll of invisible labor, from guilt to burnout, and how naming it helps us fight for systemic change.
• The importance of collective care, community, and policy solutions—not just “self-care”—to support caregivers.
• Reimagining how we talk about death and aging as part of creating healthier, more honest conversations about caregiving.

Anna reminds us that making invisible labor visible isn’t just about validation—it’s about shifting culture and demanding policies that actually support people.

🎉 Read Anna’s writing at GenXandwich on Substack: https://substack.com/@genxandwich

🎤PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky sits down with health and wellness coach Balu Belz to dig into the hidden weight mothers carry—at home, in business, and in society. Part of our summer series on women’s invisible labor, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the cultural conditionizng that leaves mothers unsupported, undervalued, and exhausted.

Balu shares her journey from a challenging fertility process through early motherhood, and how those experiences shaped her mission to support moms in ways that honor their individual needs and identities. Together, Becky and Balu tackle everything from the myth of “it takes a village,” to the systemic failures of maternal healthcare, to why asking for help often feels like a radical act.

This is a conversation about making the invisible visible—naming the unseen labor women perform every day, and insisting that mothers deserve support, care, and recognition. Whether you’re a parent or not, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why this labor matters, how it’s tied to broader systems of inequity, and what it looks like to push back.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Balu’s path into health and wellness coaching after her own fertility and birthing experiences
• Why invisible labor is often unnamed—and how simply naming it can be transformative
• The staggering statistics about maternal support gaps: one-third of women feeling unsupported by providers during pregnancy, and one-fifth experiencing perinatal mood or anxiety disorders with less than half receiving care
• The realities of self-employment, parental leave, and running a business while mothering
• The truth about “it takes a village” and why moms actually need systemic and structural support, not platitudes
• The exploitation baked into childcare—parents overpaying, workers underpaid, and women (especially women of color) bearing the brunt
• How the pressure to “do it all” fuels shame and silence, and why giving ourselves permission to seek support matters
• What becomes possible when we make invisible labor visible

Resources mentioned:

• Connect with Balu Belz on LinkedIn
• Past episodes mentioned:
  • Toi Smith: Loving Single Black Mothers
  • Motherful: Building Villages for Single Moms

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

In this solo episode, Faith Clarke breaks down the invisible labor so many of us carry—especially women with marginalized identities—and how it shapes our leadership, health, and humanity. From the exhausting calculations we make to stay safe, to the unspoken emotional labor of managing other people’s comfort, Faith exposes the quiet toll this labor takes on our bodies and businesses.

She offers clear, actionable practices for naming, tracking, and shifting these patterns—both within ourselves and our organizations. This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to soften the blow, hold the bag, or clean up the mess… and for those of us building feminist businesses that promise to do better.

Discussed in this episode:

• The invisible labor required by people with marginalized identities to simply exist in and navigate the world
• Why women often "hold the bag" in group dynamics—and how that connects to patriarchy, power, and perceived belonging
• The unspoken calculations women make to avoid seeming “difficult” or “aggressive” at work
• How safety, identity, and marginalization intersect in workplace dynamics
• The emotional labor of navigating men’s feelings and the constant threat of backlash when setting boundaries
• The “man vs. bear” thought experiment and what it reveals about how women assess risk in everyday interactions
• Ongoing systemic violence like Canada’s “birth alert” policy and how Indigenous women are criminalized during childbirth
• How Black women’s emotions are policed and misinterpreted as aggression
• The physical, emotional, and mental health toll of invisible labor—especially on women ages 25–55
• The compounding effects of time poverty, caregiving demands, and self-neglect on women’s health
• The trap of drawing boundaries but still being asked to "soften the blow" for those with power
• Four practices to begin addressing invisible labor in your life and business.

Resources Mentioned:

• “Man vs. Bear” essay
• Canada’s “birth alert” policy
• Jay Asooli

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCAST COLLECTIVE

Grief isn’t just about death — it’s the emotional response to any kind of loss, from big life changes to daily disappointments. And for women, especially, grief often goes unseen and unspoken.

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky talks with Nikki the Death Doula about the heavy (and invisible) labor women carry when it comes to grief. Together, they unpack how we’re conditioned to take on everyone else’s pain, hide our own, and minimize the everyday losses that still weigh on us.

Nikki shares her experience as a death doula, what she’s learned about unrecognized grief, and the simple practices that can help us process it — including her mantra: name it to tame it. They also explore how cultural silence around miscarriage, caregiving, and “small” griefs leaves us isolated, and how community and validation can open the door to healing.

Connect with Nikki Smith:

• Website: https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com
• Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula: https://www.nikkithedeathdoula.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-smith-26203b38/

Discussed in this episode:

• What grief really is (and why it’s not just about death)
• The “invisible labor” of carrying everyone else’s grief
• How women are socialized to silence or downplay their own pain
• The compounding effect of unprocessed grief
• Miscarriage, caregiving, and other under‑acknowledged losses
• “Name it to tame it”: a simple practice to process daily grief
• Comparative suffering (aka the grief Olympics) and why it harms us
• The healing power of validation and community

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE: http://feministpodcastcollective.com/

In this solo episode of Feminist Founders’ summer series on women’s invisible labor, Becky shares a deeply personal practice she’s relied on for years: quarterly solo hotel retreats.

Recorded across two days in real time, Becky opens up about why she prioritizes this ritual, the family grief and financial stress that made this one especially necessary, and how these retreats help her reset from the relentless invisible labor of parenting, partnership, and work.

From perimenopause symptoms to parenting burnout, from the quiet joy of lowering a thermostat to 60 degrees to the relief of binge-watching shows alone in peace, this episode is an intimate reminder that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s survival.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• Why Becky takes solo hotel retreats every quarter (and why two nights are non‑negotiable)
• The invisible labor women carry in parenting, marriage, and caregiving
• The guilt that arises when prioritizing your own needs — and how to work through it
• How grief, perimenopause, and financial strain compound emotional labor
• Small ways to carve out restorative space, even if a hotel isn’t possible
• Why granting yourself permission to rest can be revolutionary

Resources & Links
• Join the Messy Liberation Coaches Circle
• Heather Vickery's episode on retreats

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE

What happens when a solo business owner hits the wall—and actually stops? In this candid conversation, Becky Mollenkamp talks with copywriter and branding expert Paige Worthy about her two-month sabbatical, why she took it, and what she learned about labor, self-worth, and the sneaky grip of capitalist productivity culture.

Paige opens up about the emotional toll of juggling clients, living in a world on fire, and the myth that stepping away is a luxury or a failure. From the privilege that made her time off possible to the inner voices that almost stopped her, she shares a raw and honest look at what real rest looks like (hint: it's not always pretty or peaceful).

Whether you’re a burned-out entrepreneur, a therapist who needs their own therapist, or someone dreaming of hitting pause but unsure how to give yourself permission, this episode is your invitation to imagine something different.

Paige Worthy (she/her) is a writer, editor, and brand messaging strategist for progressive entrepreneurs. Known for her spicy takes, thoughtful wordcraft, and zero tolerance for misogynist bullshit, Paige shows up in business and life as a truth-teller and cat-loving rage queen. She’s currently on sabbatical—joyfully making pottery, resisting capitalist productivity, and embracing rest as rebellion.

 🌐 paigeworthy.com

Discussed in this episode:

• Why Paige took a two-month sabbatical—and what finally pushed her to it
• The privilege and emotional labor baked into taking time off
• Capitalist conditioning and the pressure to make rest "productive"
• How it felt to step away from multiple clients—and why she didn’t lose them
• The myth of constant urgency in client work
• Learning to treat work as part of life—not the center of it
• Reentering work with clarity and choosing a “hell yes” client
• Letting go of hustle culture, scarcity thinking, and shame
• What labor really means in a system that doesn’t support being human
• The value of reclaiming time, even if it’s just a weekend alone

Resource mentioned:

• Burnout coach Nicole Havelka

🎤 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCASTERS COLLECTIVE 🎤

Dr. Giavanni Washington joins Faith Clarke for a raw and powerful conversation about the invisible labor women perform—especially Black women, immigrant daughters, eldest daughters, and overachievers—and the cost of sacrificing ourselves in the name of love, family, and professionalism. Giavanni unpacks her personal reckoning with worthiness, the structures that normalize our overwork, and the generational pattern-breaking required to reclaim joy and liberation.

Together, they explore how systems of white supremacy and patriarchy have conditioned us to be complicit in our own exhaustion—and what it takes to step out of those systems. From motherhood to work, partnership to family caregiving, this episode is a must-listen for anyone rethinking what it means to show up without self-abandonment.

Discussed in this episode:

• Giavanni’s journey from overachieving to awakening
• What it means to “stop participating in your own sacrifice”
• Invisible labor in families, especially for eldest daughters
• How patriarchal structures hide in modern partnerships
• The spiritual toll of being the family fixer
• Reorganizing life around joy and rest—not guilt and obligation
• How language and frameworks (like “invisible labor”) can set us free
• Why burnout isn’t about better systems, but better values

Resources Mentioned:

• The Overachievers Oracle podcast with Giavanni Washington
• Black Goddess Within: Giavanni’s spiritual liberation practice

🎤 Proud members of the Feminist Podcast Collective

In this raw and resonant conversation, transformation coach Heather Vickery joins Becky to talk about burnout, invisible labor, and why choosing yourself is a radical act of resistance. They unpack the emotional and physical toll of carrying the weight of the world—especially for women and non-binary folks socialized to perform and produce. Heather shares how retreats (from solo hotel stays to facilitated group gatherings) can serve as powerful tools for reconnection, rest, and radical reclamation.

She breaks down the science behind healing modalities like NLP and Human Design, and why well-resourced women are dangerous to the systems that aim to keep us small. If you've ever struggled to give yourself permission to rest, this episode will remind you why your liberation matters—and how rest isn’t just self-care, it’s strategy.

Heather Vickery’s website: vickeryandco.com
Costa Rica Retreat (Jan 21–26, 2026): https://vickeryandco.com/costa-rica

📝 Discussed in this Episode

• Why invisible labor leads to burnout—and why that’s by design
• The myth of the “good girl” and how it traps women in unsustainable patterns
• Heather’s journey from conformity to radical self-trust
• How retreats help disrupt autopilot and create space for healing
• The power of NLP, Human Design, and somatic tools for personal transformation
• Why resourced women are a threat to patriarchal, capitalist systems
• The difference between a vacation and a retreat
• Tips for deciding what kind of retreat you need based on your season of life
• The importance of investing in yourself without guilt
• How retreating helps you return more whole, grounded, and effective

💪 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCAST COLLECTIVE: http://feministpodcastcollective.com/

In this powerful solo episode of Feminist Founders, Faith Clarke shares a deeply personal reflection on what it means to carry invisible labor as a woman, especially as a solo parent, a nonprofit consultant, and a woman of color navigating systemic inequity. From her lived experience of parenting through hypervigilance to her professional insights into underfunded organizations and the cost of over-functioning, Faith names what so often goes unnamed—and offers a call to reimagine leadership and community care.

She examines the praise women receive for being the ones who “carry it all” and challenges us to question why we accept that role in the first place. She doesn’t just talk about asking for help—she explores what it would take to build systems of collective leadership and shared responsibility.

This is an unfiltered, heart-led exploration of burnout, vigilance, scarcity, and liberation. If you’ve ever felt like Atlas with the world on your shoulders, this episode is your permission slip to set it down.

Discussed in this episode:

• The hidden costs of hypervigilance, especially in parenting and solo caregiving
• How race, gender, and nonprofit hierarchies intersect to under-resource women
• The emotional toll of being the go-to person (the “Luisa” of your world)
• Why naming invisible labor is a radical act
• How we begin moving from lone heroism to collective leadership

💪 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCAST COLLECTIVE: http://feministpodcastcollective.com/

In this candid conversation, burnout coach Nicole Havelka joins Becky Mollenkamp to explore the systemic roots of burnout, especially for women, mothers, and caregivers. They discuss why rest is more than sleep, how women’s invisible labor adds up, and why the “just get a new job” advice is bullshit in a culture designed to drain us dry. Nicole brings a trauma-informed, embodied approach to healing burnout—one that doesn’t start with productivity hacks but with reclaiming your nervous system, your spaciousness, and your humanity. This episode is part of our special Feminist Founders summer series focused on women’s labor.

Nicole Havelka's Website | Newsletter

💬 Discussed in This Episode

• What burnout really is (and why it’s more than just being tired)
• How gendered expectations and invisible labor feed chronic overwhelm
• The critical role of embodiment and nervous system work in healing
• Why capitalist and white supremacist systems depend on our burnout
• The illusion of spaciousness and what it means to actually rest
• How meditation doesn’t have to look like sitting still and saying "om"
• The power of giving yourself permission to not volunteer at the damn PTO
• How to plan your schedule to not be a human version of a doctor's waiting room
• Why moms get guilted and dads don’t—and what that says about our systems

📚 Resources Mentioned

• "Burnout" by Emily & Amelia Nagoski
• "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
• "Sacred Rest" by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
• "Essentialism" by Greg McKeown
• "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey
• The Nap Ministry on Instagram

🎧 This show is part of the Feminist Podcast Collective, a community of progressive creators reclaiming media through storytelling and solidarity.

In this candid conversation, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke kick off their summer series exploring women’s labor—visible, invisible, paid, unpaid, emotional, and generational. They dive into what’s been stirring beneath the surface: the overwhelm of trying to do it all, the cultural myths of "having it all," and the shame and guilt baked into simply needing rest.

Faith opens up about her reflections on the Paris Paloma song and her own poetry as a way to name what’s often unspoken. Becky shares the seasonal stress of parenting, running a business, and feeling like she’s always supposed to keep pushing. Together, they name the collective weight women carry and offer an alternative path rooted in pleasure, community, and ease.

This episode kicks off a looser, more spacious summer format—one that resists perfectionism and honors capacity. Expect solo musings, guest conversations, and whatever else feels good, all orbiting the theme of labor and liberation.

Discussed in this episode:

• Why emotional labor is real—and disproportionately carried by women
• How systems reinforce impossible expectations, especially for mothers
• Faith’s reflection on being “the Black woman holding up the Earth”
• Becky’s struggle with summer parenting vs productivity
• The guilt/shame spiral of rest and how to rebel against it
• Why letting systems break is sometimes the most powerful choice
• How joy, rest, and pleasure are radical strategies for change
• What to expect in this summer series shift
• Paris Paloma’s song “Labour”

🎧 PROUD MEMBERS OF THE FEMINIST PODCAST COLLECTIVE 🎧

What does it really take to build a business rooted in your values—without burning out, selling out, or sacrificing your sanity?

Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke introduce a new 6-month group container designed for feminist entrepreneurs who are done with toxic business culture and ready to lead in a way that feels nourishing, not extractive.

We unpack:

• Why traditional masterminds and coaching programs don’t work for liberatory leaders
• What makes this group different (hint: no formulas, no gurus, no performance required)
• Who this is really for—and why you're not "too much" or "not enough"
• What you'll leave with: self-trust, spaciousness, and a community that gets it

This episode is full of real talk about building a values-aligned, human-first business in a world that’s obsessed with productivity, hustle, and hierarchy.

If you’re wondering how to run your business differently—but aren’t sure where to begin—this episode will feel like a warm, radical permission slip.

📝 Apply for the group program here: https://feministfounders.co/group

📩 Got questions? Email us at feministfounder@gmail.com

🌈 Subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter: https://feministfounders.substack.com

In the final episode of this five-part series on the Feminist Founders framework, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke explore what happens after the strategy sessions are over. This conversation is about the often-overlooked work of integration—how to actually live your values in the everyday reality of your business.

They share personal stories, client examples, and real-world tools to show how feminist business values like transparency, consent, curiosity, and co-regulation can show up in your systems, your leadership, and even your Zoom meetings.

Listen in to learn:

• What changes on Day 2, after you’ve reimagined your business
• Why discomfort is a sign you’re doing the work, not failing
• How to practice your values in meetings (yes, even as a solopreneur)
• The role of leadership in modeling accountability and co-regulation
• What to do when team members resist your evolving culture
• How to create rhythms for revisiting and refining your business framework

Spoiler: The real magic isn't in the vision—it’s in the practice. And the practice will be messy.

🎧 Plus, get a sneak peek of the supportive container Becky and Faith are building to help founders like you do this work with structure and community.

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke dive deep into what might be the most critical (and most avoided) part of feminist entrepreneurship: conflict and disruption.

This conversation will help you reframe discomfort not as failure—but as proof that you’re doing something different. Becky and Faith explore why conflict is inevitable in values-aligned businesses, how to meet it with compassion, and why traditional conflict-avoidance strategies (hello, white lady niceness) just don’t cut it anymore.

Together, they discuss:

• The internal stories we tell ourselves in moments of discomfort
• Why systems of oppression make conflict feel dangerous—especially for white women
• How to regulate your nervous system during hard conversations
• Navigating conflict as a leader without falling into supremacist, hierarchical patterns
• Why harm repair should be a documented system in your business
• Tools like “oops/ouch” and “bug/wish” to build a conflict-embracing culture

Disruption deserves its own seat at the feminist business framework table—because this is where real change begins.

🎧 Next week’s episode wraps the series with how to implement all five parts of the Feminist Founders framework. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it! 

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke break down what it really means to build systems in your business that align with your feminist, anti-capitalist, and anti-supremacist values. From automation overwhelm to resisting empire-thinking in tech tools, they unpack why most systems weren’t built for you—and how to challenge that by designing your own.

They explore:

• What systems actually are (spoiler: it's not just software!)
• Why most business tools are inherently rooted in patriarchal, capitalist values
• How to map systems from vision to implementation while centering care
• The difference between cobbled-together and bespoke
• What it means to decolonize your systems
• How to co-create processes that prioritize relationships over rigid efficiency

If you’ve ever felt like your business systems were “a mess” or wondered why nothing out there fits what you’re trying to build—you’re not broken. You’re trying to do things differently. This episode is your permission slip to keep doing just that.

🎧 Listen in, and then subscribe for next week’s episode on navigating conflict in values-aligned businesses.

🎙️ In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke dive into the third pillar of their business framework: Culture.

What does it mean to build a culture rooted in equity and care—especially when you’re not in the room? Whether you have a team or work solo, culture emerges. The question is: Are you shaping it intentionally or letting systems of urgency, hierarchy, and supremacy do it for you?

Becky and Faith explore how to move from aspirational values to embodied cultural practices, how to build habits that reflect your beliefs, and how to address the difficult truth that your actions reveal what you truly value (even if you wish they didn’t).

💡 If you’re ready to design a trust-filled business that reflects your values, this episode offers both philosophical insight and practical starting points.

🎙️ In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke take on the second pillar in their 5-part framework for running a justice-focused business: Leadership.

Leadership isn’t just about having a team or managing others—it’s about how you lead yourself. In this conversation, they explore why self-accountability is crucial, how internalized hustle culture shows up even when we “know better,” and what it really means to invite clients, collaborators, and contractors into your vision.

They also unpack what vulnerability in leadership looks like, how to avoid replicating hierarchical systems, and why building community is essential to sustaining value-aligned leadership.

💡 Don’t just consume the ideas—live them. Get support inside the Feminist Founders community: https://feministfounders.substack.com/

🎙️ This week on Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp and Faith Clarke take a deep dive into the first pillar of their feminist business framework: Vision.

You’ll learn why starting with a clear, values-aligned vision is essential for building a business that supports justice, equity, and liberation. Becky and Faith walk through how to clarify your feminist priorities, define your desired impact, and identify one small but powerful practice you can use to align your business more fully with your values.

They also unpack what it looks like to navigate disruption, honor imperfection, and use your privilege responsibly—all while building a business that feels nourishing to your whole self.

💡 Subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter to keep doing this work in community: https://feministfounders.substack.com/

🎙️ In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp is joined by her new partner, Faith Clarke, to unveil the 5-part framework they developed to help liberation-minded entrepreneurs grow businesses rooted in justice.

You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of how this evolved, why each component—Vision, Leadership, Culture, Systems, and Disruption—is essential, and how naming your own “medicine” can radically transform your impact.

If you're tired of one-size-fits-all frameworks rooted in hustle culture and hierarchy, this is the model you’ve been waiting for. Whether you're a solo founder or leading a small team, this episode lays the foundation for building an anti-capitalist, people-first business.

Want more on this? Subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter to get behind-the-scenes insights and updates: https://feministfounders.substack.com/

Becky Mollenkamp is an intersectional feminist - unapologetically and never uses blame or shame as tools, AND white feminism is not ok. She is an accountability coach for high performing business owners. Becky shares incredible insight around how feminism is a trigger for more people than just men and what that means, what we can do, and how to improve by small degrees each day. She hosts a new podcast called "Feminist Founders" that are disrupting the way feminism is perceived and feared - to create how we will continue making change for the future.

Follow Women Making Moves by clicking subscribe/follow or rate on your favorite platform and follow along on Instagram and follow Unlock the Magic or visit https://unlockthemagic.org

This special sneak peek episode offers a glimpse of what’s coming to Feminist Founders in 2025 as Faith Clarke officially joins Becky Mollenkamp as a partner. Together, they share their honest, behind-the-scenes thoughts about their new partnership, how they’re building this business collaboratively, and the real-time challenges and insights at the intersection of business and feminism.

In this episode, Becky and Faith dig deep into:

• How violence—against ourselves and others—shows up in subtle ways in our businesses, often rooted in fear and conditioning.
• The importance of unmasking, being witnessed, and doing this work in community rather than alone.
• How capitalist norms and power identities can perpetuate harm in our workspaces, even when we’re trying to challenge them.
• What it looks like to tend to ourselves and each other as we strive to build businesses that prioritize safety, love, and collective wisdom.

This is just the beginning of many conversations like this. Starting in 2025, paid subscribers will get access to monthly private podcast episodes where Becky and Faith share real-time reflections, tough questions, and behind-the-scenes details about their partnership and business journey.

What’s coming for paid members in 2025:

• Monthly private podcast episodes like this one, diving into the challenges, insights, and messy realities of running a values-driven business.
• Monthly live events for community members to connect, explore these topics together, and create safe, supportive spaces for growth and transformation.
• Founding members also get a monthly mention (company name and website) in our newsletter with 3k+ readers.

If you want to be part of these conversations, now’s the time to upgrade your membership before the end of the year. Rates will increase in 2025 as this partnership officially gets underway, so lock in your access now!

UPGRADE NOW AT: https://feministfounders.substack.com/

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Amelia Hruby, feminist philosopher, podcaster, and founder of Softer Sounds, to discuss the radical act of leaving social media and building values-aligned businesses. Amelia shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, how she created a feminist podcast studio, and the intentionality behind slowing down and prioritizing a human-first approach to work. Together, they dive into the challenges of resisting hustle culture, the ethics of using platforms like Substack, and the power of cultivating community outside of algorithm-driven spaces. Whether you're contemplating leaving social media or seeking inspiration for running a feminist business, this episode is full of practical insights and heartfelt wisdom.

Amelia Hruby (she/her) is a writer, educator and podcaster with a PhD in philosophy. She is the founder of Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs and creatives. And she’s the host of Off the Grid, a podcast about leaving social media without losing all your clients.

Amelia’s Website | Softer Sounds | Off the Grid | Book

Discussed in This Episode:

• What it means to run a feminist podcast studio
• The challenges and fears of leaving social media as a business owner
• Practical alternatives to social media marketing
• How intentionality can disrupt hustle culture and create space for alignment
• The design and philosophy behind Softer Sounds and Off the Grid
• Why intersectional feminism is at the heart of ethical business practices
• Strategies for visibility without social media
• Balancing creativity, community, and profitability as a service provider

Resources Mentioned:

• Amelia’s dissertation
• “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” by Shoshana Zuboff
• Worthwhile Paper
• Feminist Business School from Sister.is
• “50 Feminist Mantras” by Amelia Hruby
• Designer Kening Zhu
• adrienne maree brown’s Loving Corrections
• Black and Pink PenPals
• Amelia’s Arena boards (from bonus conversation for newsletter subscribers)

If you’ve been grappling with how to align your business with your values or wondering whether leaving social media could work for you, this episode is a must-listen!

In this insightful episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp talks with brand scientist N. Chloé Nwangwu about the unique challenges of building brand visibility for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Chloe brings her rich background in conflict mediation and international politics to her work in visibility engineering, helping brands influence behavior while honoring their identities and values. She and Becky dive into the concept of visibility as a complex, non-neutral force shaped by societal biases and systemic barriers. Together, they unpack key concepts like the ambition penalty, reciprocity gap, and validation paradox, exploring how these invisible forces affect women, people of color, and other under-recognized groups in the branding space. Chloe shares her methodology for creating an “ecosystem of influence” and her unique approach to visibility engineering that helps brands stand out authentically, despite systemic hurdles. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs committed to building brands that reflect their true values and vision for a more inclusive world.

N. Chloé Nwangwu (she/her) is the director of NobiWorks, a brand visibility consultancy rooted in behavioral science. She unabashedly believes brands and visibility strategies not built with power dynamics and biases in mind should consider disappearing from this plane of existence. NobiWorks equips underrecognized brands with visibility strategies and systems scientifically formulated to help them neutralize visibility biases while commanding — and keeping— attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Everything you do to be better seen, heard and understood should work. Full stop. And it is her personal mission to make that so.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Discussed in This Episode:

• Chloé’s journey from international conflict mediation to brand strategy and visibility engineering
• The difference between branding and visibility for underrepresented communities vs. mainstream branding
• Visibility biases and the “racial attention deficit” that affect marginalized groups in branding and beyond
• The invisibility tax and ambition penalty, and how these concepts reveal hidden barriers for under-recognized brands
• Cognitive biases in branding and how they create visibility challenges
• The importance of creating an “ecosystem of influence” for sustained brand impact
• Visibility engineering as a strategy for making brands “impossible to ignore”
• Practical steps to structure branding around social impact, inclusivity, and ethical visibility

Resources Mentioned:

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk: We Should All Be Feminists
• About Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s anti-trans rhetoric
• Change by Damon Centola
• Freedom Dreams in Philanthropy
• Resources from Nobiworks

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Caleb Thomas, a male boudoir photographer, about his journey into empowerment photography and how he uses his work to challenge societal norms. Caleb shares how his boudoir photography, focused on body diversity, self-love, and reclaiming body agency, creates inclusive spaces for plus-size women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. They also explore his experiences navigating power imbalances as a cishet male photographer, his TikTok success, and the challenges of social media censorship, as well as his advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights.

Caleb Thomas (he/him) is a boudoir photographer based in Bend, Oregon, specializing in empowering, creative boudoir sessions that help folks (particularly women) reclaim their agency, identity, and sensuality. Before being a full time photographer (as well as the de facto stay at home parent of his 5 year old) he worked in tourism marketing, manufacturing marketing, and, most interestingly, (considering his current line of work) was the Media Director for a Megachurch for 5 years. After deconstructing his faith over the course of a decade, Caleb left the church. Caleb lives in Bend, Oregon with his Pastry Chef wife, their 5 year old kiddo, as well as their pup & cat. 

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Discussed in this episode:

• Empowerment photography and the transformative impact of boudoir experiences: Caleb shares how boudoir photography empowers clients by helping them reclaim agency over their bodies, fostering self-love, and providing an experience that celebrates authenticity and confidence.
• The intersection of feminism and male boudoir photography: Caleb discusses navigating power dynamics as a male boudoir photographer and how his feminist approach centers clients’ comfort, challenging traditional gender norms.
• Body positivity and creating inclusive spaces for plus-size and LGBTQ clients: Caleb explains his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for clients of all body types and identities, helping them embrace and celebrate their bodies through photography.
• Caleb’s personal journey of evangelical deconstruction and how it influences his work: Caleb reflects on leaving behind his conservative religious upbringing and how that journey has shaped his feminist values and approach to photography.
• The challenges of growing a photography business on TikTok and battling social media censorship: Caleb shares how his TikTok success grew his business but also how social media platforms censor his empowering content while allowing more exploitative material to thrive.
• Advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights and supporting the Bend Pride Coalition: Caleb highlights his work with the Bend Pride Coalition, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in conservative areas and advocating for safer, more inclusive spaces.

Resources Mentioned:

• Babe City Boudoir
• “Ending the Pursuit of Perfection” TED Talk by Iskra Lawrence
• Bend Pride Coalition

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Zia Dione about her unique journey through feminism and how her views evolved into womanism. Zia shares her thoughts on the differences between Feminism vs. Womanism, exploring the importance of intersectionality in business and how her personal experiences shaped her passion for creating a cooperative business model. They dive deep into Zia’s mission to disrupt traditional publishing with her self-publishing cooperative, "Trunk of My Car," which offers a community-based and ethical alternative to platforms like Amazon KDP. Zia also explains how the multi-stakeholder cooperative structure can create a fairer system for authors, editors, designers, and readers, while reflecting her commitment to Black feminism and feminist entrepreneurship.

Zia Dione (she/her) is an emerging writer focused on healing intergenerational trauma & building/supporting solidarity & sustainable economies. Zia is certified in permaculture design, has a law degree from the University of Baltimore & is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at Pacific University. Yes, she chose a new name.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in This Episode:

• The distinction between Feminism vs. Womanism and how intersectional feminism plays a role in Zia’s vision
• Zia's personal and professional journey that led her to develop a self-publishing cooperative as an alternative to Amazon KDP
• How a multi-stakeholder cooperative empowers authors, readers, and workers alike in cooperative publishing
• The impact of Black feminism on Zia’s approach to feminist entrepreneurship
• The challenges and benefits of creating a community-based business model in a highly individualistic world
• Ethical business models that focus on fairness, sustainability, and collective growth
• Why it's important to seek alternatives to Amazon self-publishing and what makes Trunk of My Car stand out

Resources Mentioned:

• “Collective Courage” by Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard
  
  

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In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Ola Akimowo, the visionary behind the Free Black Women’s Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They discuss Ola’s journey of creating a grassroots, community-driven space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women and Black non-binary writers through literature, art, and mutual aid initiatives. From the library's unique book swap system to its role as a Black feminist archive and community care space, Ola shares how this social art project fosters activism and intergenerational connections while fighting gentrification. Together, they explore the importance of Black feminism, intersectionality, and the powerful stories that shape this transformative library.

Olaronke Akinmowo (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, writer,  librarian and cultural worker. She is also the Creator and Director of  The Free Black Women’s Library, a literary hub, community care space and social art project located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This grassroots space features over 5000 books written by Black women and Black non-binary folks, a free store, a period pantry, a backyard garden, a reading club and a wide range of free public programs, mutual aid initiatives and creative workshops. The library offers people of all ages, races and genders a space to read, write, work, rest, dream and connect. She is also a proud mom, union member, set decorator, busy body, book fairy, plant fiend, and dance machine. She grows and thrives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The founding of the Free Black Women’s Library and its growth from 100 to over 6,000 books
• How the library serves as a social art project, community care space, and Black feminist archive
• The role of Black feminist literature and authors like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Jesmyn Ward
• Ola’s journey from street protests to library activism and her experience with gentrification in Brooklyn
• The library’s book swap system, mutual aid programs, and community organizing efforts
• The challenges of crowdfunding and maintaining the library as a grassroots space
• The significance of intersectional feminism and Black queer representation in literature

Resources Mentioned:

• GiveButter Crowdfunding Campaign for the Free Black Women’s Library
• “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward
• “All About Love” by bell hooks
• “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler
• Free Black Women’s Library merch
• Patreon link to support Ola directly
• PO Address for Free Black Women's Library: 

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp speaks with Caroline J. Sumlin, author of We’ll All Be Free, about the deep connections between trauma, systemic oppression, and self-worth. Caroline shares her personal journey as a Black woman navigating imposter syndrome, unworthiness, and societal conditioning. The conversation explores how white supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchal trauma affect self-worth, particularly for women and marginalized communities. Caroline highlights the importance of holistic healing and personal liberation, emphasizing that worthiness is inherent and healing is a lifelong journey. Tune in for an empowering discussion on reclaiming self-worth, healing from societal and personal trauma, and navigating motherhood, race, and feminism.

Caroline J. Sumlin (she/her) is a writer, speaker, and educator with a passion for helping all people reclaim their self-worth and their humanity. A former foster child turned adoptee, Caroline brings awareness, healing, and liberation to the topics of toxic white supremacy culture, systemic injustice, mental health, faith reconstruction, and bold, purposeful living to her growing audience. Prior to writing full-time, Caroline served as a special education teacher in the DC area for five years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Howard University. Caroline resides with her husband and two daughters in Northern Virginia.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this episode:

• How unworthiness and imposter syndrome affect women and marginalized communities
• The role of white supremacy and capitalism in shaping our self-worth
• Caroline’s journey as a Black woman overcoming imposter syndrome and personal trauma
• The connection between societal conditioning, trauma, and personal liberation
• How motherhood and self-worth intersect, and the challenges for working mothers
• The importance of holistic healing and systemic change in overcoming unworthiness
• Intersectional feminism and the impact of race on self-worth
• The importance of healing from societal trauma and reclaiming worthiness

Resources mentioned:

• We’ll All Be Free by Caroline J. Sumlin
• Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
• Music is Unity

Erica Courdae joins Becky Mollenkamp for an eye-opening conversation on collective healing, interdependence, and the intersections of feminism. They dive into the difference between equity and equality, explore the power of shadow work for personal and collective liberation, and unpack the toxic culture of hyper-independence in society and business. Erica shares her journey from the beauty industry into coaching and DEI work, highlighting the importance of values-based leadership and the need to foster truly interdependent communities. Together, they challenge mainstream narratives, discuss the ongoing challenges of practicing imperfect allyship, and explore how individuals can cultivate intuition and connection as part of their leadership.

Erica Courdae Coté (she/her) is committed to shifting focus, power, and resources to support individual healing to foster a thriving community collective. She takes action through being an author coach, mentor, speaker, and 25+ year beauty industry veteran. Erica believes imperfect action is necessary as a pivotal part of evolution and growth. In 2018, Erica co-founded the Pause on the Play Podcast, which also expanded to include a consultancy. She has provided training for established businesses such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Martha Beck Incorporated, and Paul Mitchell School.  Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The difference between equity and equality and why equity matters more in feminism
• Why interdependence is the future of sustainable communities and businesses
• The journey from hyper-independence to interdependence in life and work
• How shadow work can lead to personal and collective healing
• Feminism and intersectionality: why the personal is always political
• Erica’s transition from the beauty industry to DEI work and coaching
• The importance of values-based business and leadership
• Understanding intuition and its role in effective leadership
• The significance of collective action in social change

Resources Mentioned:

• “Who Are You? A Shadow Work Journal for Self-Exploration” by Erica Courdae: https://amzn.to/3ZOgkcW
• Pause on the Play: https://pauseontheplay.com/
• Erica’s free course: Shadow Work for Collective Healing: https://www.ericacourdae.com/shadowworkcourse
• From Implicit to Explicit workshop from Pause on the Play: https://pauseontheplay.com/explicit
• “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: https://amzn.to/4dvVxha
• Backyard Basecamp: https://backyardbasecamp.org/

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Sean Adams, founder of Drowned in Sound and music industry expert, to discuss the complexities of feminism in the music industry. They explore the challenges for female musicians, the barriers to equality in music, and how allyship plays a crucial role in creating ethical and empowering spaces. Sean shares his insights on toxic masculinity in music, the importance of safe spaces for women in live music, and what it means to promote an inclusive, values-driven business model in the music world. This conversation dives deep into how the music industry can better support marginalized artists, combat sexism and misogyny, and work towards equality in every facet of the industry.

Sean Adams (he/him) founded the music community and music publication Drowned in Sound in 2000. It grew to be a record label that launched the careers of artists such as Kaiser Chiefs and Bat for Lashes, as well as pioneering with an award-winning podcast back in 2005, developing groundbreaking playlist features, and launched spin-off websites like The Quietus. Alongside running the media organization, Sean has also managed various musicians including Charlotte Church, Ed Harcourt, and The Anchoress. Outside of music, he’s a member of The Movement Forward political group alongside the likes of Carol Vorderman and was the launch producer for The Trawl podcast hosted by Marina Purkiss & Jemma Forte.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The challenges facing female musicians and the barriers created by gender inequality
• How men can be better allies to women in the music industry
• The pervasive nature of toxic masculinity in music spaces
• Why supporting marginalized artists is crucial for creating equality in music
• Insights into promoting female artists and empowering women in music
• The importance of safe gigs for women and fostering safe spaces in live music settings
• Social responsibility in music and ethical music business practices
• Misogyny in live music and how the feminist music movement is pushing back

Resources Mentioned:

• Safe Gigs for Women
• Drowned in Sound

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Allison Davis to explore how to do sales differently, centering ethics, empathy, and human connection. They discuss how traditional sales techniques, often dominated by white male voices, have perpetuated harmful practices, and how feminist business owners can shift to more values-aligned approaches. From compassionate sales tactics to consent-based selling, this conversation dives deep into how business owners can thrive while staying true to their principles. Whether you're navigating B2B sales strategies, focusing on service-based business growth, or just looking for more ethical sales techniques, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Allison Davis (she/her) is the founder of Sales Done Differently, a consultancy focused on founder-led sales. Drawing from her 20 years of sales experience at companies like National Geographic and Time Out North America, Allison helps her clients leverage their strengths into consistent revenue-generating systems. In the past year alone, Allison’s clients have sold millions of dollars in services to organizations like Charles Schwab, Gartner, Planned Parenthood, Levi’s, Hulu, ACLU and more. 

Website | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• How to build sales strategies for small businesses without sacrificing values
• Ethical sales techniques that foster trust and long-term relationships
• Relationship-based sales as an antidote to high-pressure tactics
• Sales done differently: Approaches that challenge traditional norms
• The importance of a progressive sales approach in today’s market
• Feminist sales strategies that center the buyer’s humanity
• Sales coaching for women in service-based industries
• Why compassionate sales tactics lead to better outcomes
• Consent-based sales and its role in building customer trust
• The intersection of anti-capitalist values and sustainable business growth
• Transformational sales practices that foster authentic connections
• Tips for recovering from sales trauma and mindset coaching for resilience
• How values-based sales can transform your business model
• The role of empathy in sales, particularly in B2B environments
• Organic lead generation and sales without manipulation

Resources mentioned:

• Allison's monthly sales roundtable
• “Snap Selling” by Jill Konrath
• Animal Kind (Hudson, NY)

In this episode of Feminist Founders, host Becky Mollenkamp sits down with financial coach Jacquette M. Timmons to dig into the complex and deeply personal relationship we all have with money. From examining the intersection of feminism and finance to addressing how systemic inequality shapes our financial experiences, Jacquette brings her wealth of experience and insight into the conversation. Together, they break down why focusing only on the math of money isn’t enough, and why understanding the emotional, cultural, and systemic aspects is crucial for true financial empowerment.

This episode is a must-listen for women entrepreneurs who are ready to confront financial trauma, reclaim their money narratives, and build businesses aligned with their values. Becky and Jacquette also discuss how wealth inequality impacts women and marginalized communities and share actionable steps for overcoming money shame and creating a healthier relationship with finances. Whether you’re a business owner struggling with your pricing or someone who’s feeling the weight of systemic financial inequality, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to tackle the human side of money.

For three decades, Jacquette M. Timmons (she/her) has been advancing the culture of financial well-being. Helping people decrease their financial stress and increase their financial health and wealth by getting them to focus on both sides of the money equation - the numbers, along with the psychology and emotions of money. She does this by helping people focus on their relationship with money. Because this relationship influences every swipe, every deposit, every fiscal choice you make. She's the author of, "Financial Intimacy: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Money and Your Mate;" a frequent blogger; creator & trademark holder of "Pricing Made Human®; host of the podcast, "More Than Money," and a staunch advocate for getting people to focus on the human side of money. 

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• Feminism and money: why understanding the intersection of gender, race, and finance is critical
• The importance of money mindset coaching for women entrepreneurs
• Financial trauma recovery and the emotional relationship with money
• How systemic inequality impacts personal finance and wealth-building for marginalized communities
• Breaking money taboos: why talking about money is crucial for empowerment
• Equity vs. equality in finance and how race and wealth inequality are intertwined
• Financial empowerment for women: actionable steps for building financial literacy and confidence
• Overcoming money shame and learning to embrace a healthier relationship with your finances
• The power of money coaching for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while aligning with their values
• Building wealth as a woman entrepreneur and the role of financial wellbeing

Resources mentioned:

• Planned Parenthood

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Erika Lucas, a trailblazing entrepreneur and advocate for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs of color. Erika shares her journey from growing up in a family of bootstrap entrepreneurs in Mexico to navigating traditional corporate environments in the U.S. before breaking free to co-found Stitch Crew and Vest. Erika candidly discusses the systemic barriers for women in business, including challenges in raising venture capital, and how these obstacles disproportionately affect women of color. She also highlights the realities of venture capital inequality, the lack of women in private equity, and the importance of inclusive workspaces for women. Together, they dive into how entrepreneurship for women of color is essential to breaking the cycle of inequality and creating real, lasting change in business. This conversation touches on funding for women-owned businesses, addressing microaggressions in corporate America, and finding non-dilutive funding for startups.

Erika Lucas (she/her) is the Founder of StitchCrew, an organization providing capital and resources to the New Majority entrepreneurs. Erika also founded VEST, a peer network for women professionals and investment fund investing in women-led companies building solutions for the intersection of the Care Economy and Future of Work. Erika is a thought leader, sought-after speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice on Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship. She is on the Board of Arvest Bank, the Diversion Hub and the Oklahoma City County Health Department, as well as a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, Familia VC and Somos VC. Prior to StitchCrew and VEST, Erika was a Partner at a Private Equity firm investing in Aerospace & Defense. Before that she was Global Director at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Website | LinkedIn | Threads | Instagram | TikTok

Discussed in this episode:

• Erika’s journey from traditional employment to entrepreneurship and the systemic challenges women face in both spaces
• The myth of the self-made entrepreneur and its harmful effects on business owners
• Venture capital inequality and why so little funding goes to women and people of color
• The importance of intersectional feminism in business leadership and building diverse investment teams
• How Latina entrepreneurs are thriving, despite systemic barriers
• The role of accelerators like Stitch Crew in supporting women-led startups
• Non-traditional venture capital funding, social impact investing, and solutions for entrepreneur burnout
• How Vest is changing the game for women-led businesses and tackling the care economy

Resources mentioned:

• Stitch Crew
• Vest
• “America’s Trillion Dollar Blindspot,” Erika’s TEDx Talk
• Yoni.Fit
• Diversion Hub

Take a moment to learn about Empowered & Embodied, another show in the Feminist Podcasters Collective. If you love Feminist Founders, you'll probably love this awesome show, too. (And, Becky Mollenkamp will be a guest on Empowered & Embodied soon.) Listen on this pod app or on YouTube.

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Gwenn Nolan, the founder of Mother Compost, about her journey from working in finance to starting a composting business focused on reducing food waste and creating sustainable change. Gwenn shares how her passion for environmentalism and feminism intersect, leading her to create a business that tackles the environmental impact of food waste while also challenging the norms of traditional business models. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a small business that prioritizes both social impact and profitability, as well as the importance of educating communities about the benefits of composting. If you’ve ever wondered about the composting vs landfill debate, how composting helps the environment, or how feminist perspectives can influence business practices, this episode is for you.

Gwenn Nolan (she/her) is the founder of Mother Compost, an organics recycling organization that helps people and businesses transform their food scraps into fertilizer. Mother Compost began operation on the Main Line of Philadelphia in 2018 and now serves over 1,400 residents and over 20 local businesses in the area. Their mission is to make composting easy to encourage more people to join the composting movement. When not driving the truck or operating the business, Gwenn spends time speaking at schools & local organizations to spread the word about the benefits of composting as well as teaching practical composting basics to help home composters. 

Website | Instagram

Discussed in this Episode:

• Gwenn’s transition from finance to starting her own composting business
• The composting business model and how it differs from traditional waste management
• Benefits of composting for both businesses and individuals
• The environmental impact of food waste and why reducing landfill waste through composting is crucial
• How composting vs landfill options stack up in terms of sustainability
• The intersection of feminism and environmentalism in Gwenn's work
• Commercial composting services and their role in reducing food waste in the US
• Sustainable business practices in the composting industry
• How small businesses can tackle the food waste problem at home and in their communities
• Feminist business models and how they shape Gwenn's approach to growth

Resources Mentioned:

• Compost Crew
• Mary Oliver: Selected Poems
• Philabundance
• Sharing Excess

Tune in to learn more about how to reduce food waste at home, the business opportunities in composting, and how feminism and sustainable business practices can go hand-in-hand to create lasting change!

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp chats with astrologer and feminist activist Babs Cheung about the powerful ways astrology can be used by business owners, especially women and non-binary entrepreneurs. They explore the intersection of feminism and astrology and how feminist astrology readings can help entrepreneurs avoid burnout, create sustainable businesses, and align their values with their business decisions. Babs explains the practical applications of astrology planning tools and how understanding your astrological chart can help you plan your business cycles and fiscal quarters.

This episode goes beyond the pop astrology you see in magazines, diving into the difference between pop astrology and real astrology and how astrology can actually be used for personal growth and activism. They also discuss the patriarchy’s role in shaping misconceptions about astrology and why embracing a self-centered approach can be a radical act of feminism.

Babs Cheung (she/her) is an astrologer, award winning writer, feminist thought leader and digital activist. Her forthcoming book details ways in which astrological transits mark an end to patriarchy (and other vehicles of oppression) through acts of activism (that don't cause burnout) tailored to your star sign.  Additionally, she won't shut up about Mercury Retrograde and how it's the best time "to get good at something you suck at [doing]." and is obsessed with teaching clients how to plan their fiscal quarters according to their birth chart. 

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• How astrology can be used for business planning and leadership for entrepreneurs
• The role of feminist astrology in helping women entrepreneurs avoid burnout
• How to plan using astrology tools that align with personal and business cycles
• Understanding the difference between pop astrology and deeper, personalized astrology practices
• Using astrology for activists to align personal values with activism
• The importance of distinguishing between being self-centered vs. selfish in a patriarchal society
• Aligning business planning with astrological transits for maximum impact
• How astrology can provide insight into workplace dynamics and personal growth

Resources mentioned:

• Girly Drinks by Mallory O’Meara
• Social Change Map by Deepa Iyer

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Tanya Geisler to explore the nuances of Imposter Complex, how it differs from Imposter Syndrome, and why understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone looking to overcome feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Tanya introduces the concept of the Trailblazer Complex, which shifts the narrative from self-blame to empowerment, particularly for those navigating spaces not traditionally built for them—such as women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Together, they discuss how intersectional feminism coaching can provide valuable tools to confront perfectionism and imposter feelings, and the importance of claiming your space in leadership roles. This episode offers a refreshing, intersectional perspective on leadership, coaching, and personal development, making it a must-listen for feminist business owners, coaches, and anyone looking to thrive in a world that wasn’t designed with them in mind.

Tanya Geisler (she/her) is a certified Leadership Coach, in-demand international TEDxWomen speaker, and writer who teaches leaders how to combat their Imposter Complex and lead with ICONIC impact so they can achieve their ultimate goals. Her clients include best-selling authors, heads of industries, MPs, public speakers, leaders, movement makers, founders, entrepreneurs and legendary motivators.

Website| LinkedIn | Instagram

Discussed in this episode:

• The differences between Imposter Complex and Imposter Syndrome and why the language we use matters
• How Intersectional Feminism Coaching can help overcome self-doubt and perfectionism
• The concept of Trailblazer Complex and how it reframes imposter syndrome for those leading in spaces that weren’t designed for them
• The role of Imposter Syndrome in women, especially in leadership and business
• Why Feminist Business Coaching is more than just productivity tips—it’s about reclaiming power in a patriarchal world
• How perfectionism and the fear of being "found out" hold us back in business and life
• The ongoing impact of white supremacy in coaching and personal development spaces
• How to embrace imperfection and show up as your full self in leadership and business

Resources mentioned:

• Black Women Thriving report by Every Level Leads
• “Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome” in the Harvard Business Review
• “Why Everyone Feels Like They’re Faking It” in The New Yorker
• “Yes I saw the Article in the New Yorker” by Tanya Geisler

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with personal empowerment coach Amy Green Smith to discuss the pervasive issues of people-pleasing, fear, and assertive communication in both business and personal life. Amy, an expert in emotional intelligence and leadership, breaks down the difference between feeling "not enough" and believing it, and how this impacts our boundaries and vulnerability in the workplace. Together, they tackle the critical conversation about how women, especially those with marginalized identities, can break free from the trauma response of people-pleasing and reclaim their voice.

Amy shares valuable insights into overcoming fear and stepping into assertive communication without crossing the line into aggression. This empowering conversation is full of practical advice for anyone struggling with boundaries in professional relationships, self-worth, and the ever-present challenges of balancing vulnerability and strength in the workplace.

Amy Green Smith (she/her) is a certified and credentialed life coach and hypnotherapist, masterful speaker, and personal empowerment expert. Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-worth. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice”, she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor and has been a featured expert in Inspired Coach Magazine and on Fox 5 San Diego. 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• Self-Worth and Language: Understanding the difference between feeling "not enough" and believing it, and how language shapes our perception of self-worth.
• People-Pleasing and Boundaries: Practical strategies for stopping people-pleasing and setting healthy boundaries in both personal and professional environments.
• Overcoming Fear: Embracing a "fear-optimized" mindset, allowing fear to coexist with action rather than waiting for the fear to disappear.
• Assertive Communication vs. Aggression: How to communicate assertively without being aggressive, and why vulnerability is a powerful tool in the workplace.
• People-Pleasing as a Trauma Response: Exploring the roots of people-pleasing as a trauma response, especially in marginalized identities, and how it often stems from self-preservation.
• Social Media and Mental Health: Discussing the impact of social media on mental health, particularly in contributing to feelings of inadequacy and "not enoughness."
• Emotional Intelligence and Leadership: Cultivating emotional intelligence and leadership skills as a feminist entrepreneur to lead with empathy, assertiveness, and authenticity.

Resources mentioned:

• Bold-Faced Truth podcast
• Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, “Your body language may shape who you are”
• “You Are Your Best Thing” by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown
• Dr. Tee Williams Foundations of Social Justice program
• Speak Up for Yourself Without Being a Dick
• Planned Parenthood
• ActBlue
• “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown

NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable us to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission and to receive bonus content from this episode, sign up for a subscription: https://feministfounders.substack.com/

Feminist coach Taina Brown joins Becky Mollenkamp to share her journey into intersectional feminism, how her experiences as a Black woman shaped her feminist identity, and the distinctions between feminism and womanism. The conversation delves deep into the challenges faced by women of color in the workplace, particularly the impact of microaggressions and the compounded effects of systemic oppression. Taina also offers insightful solutions for combating imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of rest as a form of resistance and the need to dismantle capitalist structures in our pursuit of liberation.

Taina Brown (she/hers) is an elder millennial, Jeopardy enthusiast, and dog mom to doggy influencers. She is a life and career coach for busy and burned out millennials and a DEI educator and facilitator. In her spare time and with the help of her community, she's building a world where people don't feel the need to live busy and burned out lives, laugh in the face of imposter syndrome, and generally stick it to the man. You can find her ranting (sometimes) and raving (mostly) on Instagram and in her email newsletter to her community. 

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Discussion in this episode:

• Intersectional Feminism and Womanism: Taina discusses the roots of her feminist identity, the difference between feminism and womanism, and how Black women have historically been excluded from mainstream feminist movements.
• Matriarchy vs. Patriarchy: A deep dive into the differences between matriarchal and patriarchal systems, and why simply replacing men at the top with women is not the solution to systemic oppression.
• Anti-Capitalist Feminism: Exploring how capitalist structures perpetuate inequality and the importance of creating new systems that prioritize collaboration, rest, and collective care.
• Microaggressions in the Workplace: Taina highlights the daily toll of microaggressions on women of color and the need to address these issues beyond just time management and productivity.
• Imposter Syndrome Solutions: Taina reframes imposter syndrome as a natural response to operating within systems not designed for women of color, and shares strategies for reclaiming power and belonging.
• The Power of Rest as Resistance: Drawing inspiration from the Nat Ministry and Tricia Hersey's work, Taina discusses how rest is a revolutionary act that defies capitalist demands for constant productivity.

Resources Mentioned:

• “Who is Your Mother? The Red Roots of Feminism” by Paula Gunn Allen
• Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
• The Nap Ministry
• Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
• Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown
• Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown
• Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
• Bisan Owda

Bonus Content: For more on Taina Brown's work and her perspective on LGBTQ+ identities within feminism, make sure to subscribe to Becky’s newsletter where exclusive bonus content is available. The link is in the show notes.

NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable us to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission and to receive bonus content from this episode, sign up for a subscription.

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Chelsey Goodan, author of Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls. Chelsey shares her journey in writing the book, her commitment to intersectional feminism, and her work with teenage girls. The conversation delves deep into the challenges and opportunities of raising feminist, empowered young women, as well as the importance of healing our inner teenage selves. Becky and Chelsey explore how these themes apply not just to parenting but also to leadership and women’s empowerment in the workplace.

Chelsey Goodan (she/her) is the author of the USA Today national bestseller, “Underestimated: The Power and Wisdom of Teenage Girls” (Gallery Books), which has been endorsed by Oprah's Book Club, saying: “If you have a teenage girl in your life, you need to read this.” Amazon's Editorial Director chose “Underestimated” as her "Editor's Pick, Best Nonfiction,” featuring it on CBS Mornings, and when Chelsey was on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, they exclaimed: "We couldn't stop talking about your book." 

Website | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn

Discussed in this Episode:

• Underestimated: Becky and Chelsey discuss the inspiration behind Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls, a book that challenges societal stereotypes and advocates for the empowerment of young women.
• Intersectional Feminism: The conversation highlights the importance of intersectional feminism, with Chelsey sharing how her book draws on the work of influential feminist thinkers like bell hooks and Maya Angelou.
• Empowering Teenage Girls: Chelsey offers insights into how we can support and empower teenage girls, encouraging them to embrace their emotions and develop self-trust.
• Feminist Parenting: Becky and Chelsey discuss the challenges of feminist parenting, particularly in creating a safe space for daughters to explore their identities and make independent choices.
• Healing Your Inner Teenager: The episode touches on the importance of healing the wounds from our own teenage years, including overcoming perfectionism, self-doubt, and shame.
• Communication Strategies for Leaders: Chelsey shares how the lessons she’s learned from working with teenage girls can be applied to leadership, particularly in creating psychologically safe environments where team members feel seen, heard, and valued.
• The Role of Social Media: Chelsey addresses the pros and cons of social media for teenage girls, emphasizing the importance of guiding them to use these platforms in empowering ways.

Resources mentioned:

• Underestimated by Chelsey Goodan
• “Why Does Patriarchy Persist” by Carol Gilligan and Naomi Snider
• “Pleasure Activism” by adrienne maree brown
• DemocraShe
• A Call to Men

Subscribe for More: For additional content, including a bonus conversation about Chelsey’s work with A Call to Men, subscribe to the Feminist Founders newsletter on Substack.

In this special summer-break episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Sophia Apostol, host of the Fat Joy podcast and Fat Joy on Substack, to explore the intersections of visibility, body image, and safety in a world that often marginalizes certain bodies. 

This deep and insightful conversation touches on the challenges of being visible in a society that prizes thinness, the journey from body neutrality to fat joy, and the critical importance of psychological safety for business owners and leaders. Sophia shares her own journey towards body liberation and the creation of her impactful work, offering listeners a hopeful and empowering perspective on how to navigate these complex issues.

Resources Mentioned:

• "What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat" by Aubrey Gordon
• "Happy Fat" by Sofie Hagan
• Truity's Enneagram Test
• CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder)
• We Can Do Hard Things podcast

Connect with Sophia Apostol:

• Fat Joy podcast
• Fat Joy on Substack
• Instagram
• Sophia Apostol Coaching 

Support Feminist Founders:

Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable Becky to continue bringing you these important conversations without corporate advertising. To support the mission, visit feministfounderspodcast.com and sign up for a paid subscription. 

Feminist coach Becky Mollenkamp moderates a panel discussion on how to create win-win collaborations for your business with experts Michele Price and Babs Cheung.

Learn more about the Feminist Founders Forums

Feminist coach Becky Mollenkamp moderates a panel discussion on wealth and equity with financial experts Natalie Bullen and Meg Wheeler.

Learn more about the Feminist Founder Forums

Becky Mollenkamp is joined by Erica Courdae and Mai-kee Tsang to discuss hustle culture for Feminist Founders Forum.

Feminist coach Becky Mollenkamp moderates a panel discussion on love in its various forms and how it affects business owners with experts Faith Clarke and Jay Asooli.

Learn about the next Feminist Founders Forum

Just launched! Check out Joy in the Breakthrough, a new podcast by Chicago leaders Connie Lindsey & Anna Valencia (and part of the Feminist Podcasters Collective). This show explores the peaks and valleys of life through cross-generational conversations with diverse leaders who have learned the power of being broken open in order to break through.

A panel discussion about breaking capitalist norms as business owners with Becky Mollenkamp, Andrea Jones, Jordan Maney, and Rachel Formaro.

Learn about the next Feminist Founders Forum

Feminist Founders is on summer break between seasons. But we're not leaving dead air. Please enjoy this episode of Reaching Abundance with Virginia Elder in which Becky Mollenkamp shares how she approaches aligning a podcast marketing strategy with your values.

Mentioned in the intro: "Don't Be Like Sticker Mule" post on Substack

Feminist Founders is on summer break between seasons. But we're not leaving dead air. Please enjoy this episode of Listeners to Leads with Alesia Galati in which Becky Mollenkamp shares how she approaches aligning a podcast marketing strategy with your values.

Please take a listen to this episode of The Mindful Marketing Podcast with Andréa Jones in which Becky Mollenkamp, Kathleen Oh, and Tara McMullin discuss how they are using Substack in their businesses.

Rest coach Jordan Maney recently joined Becky Mollenkamp for a discussion about burnout. Maney’s work specifically addresses the connection between burnout and apathy, particularly for empathetic individuals who care about making a difference.

This powerful conversation emphasizes the need to recognize and value invisible labor, critiques the current solutions offered for burnout, and calls for a more comprehensive approach to recovery.

Becky and Jordan also highlight the societal conditioning that discourages individuals, especially women, from seeking support and setting boundaries., and the need for collective approaches to address burnout.

Key Points:

• Burnout is not solely an individual problem but is influenced by systemic factors.
• Apathy can be a result of burnout, leading individuals to feel overwhelmed and believe that someone else will fix the problems.
• The concept of burnout should extend beyond professional labor and include the recognition of invisible labor.
• Current solutions for burnout, such as self-care and quick fixes, are not comprehensive and fail to address the underlying issues.
• Recovering from burnout takes time and requires a shift in mindset, including letting go of overcommitment.
• Building a collective and seeking support are essential in preventing and recovering from burnout. The societal conditioning discourages individuals, especially women, from seeking support and setting boundaries.
• Shifting from an individualistic to a collective approach is crucial in addressing burnout and creating systemic change.
• Self-care involves self-management and self-advocacy, including setting boundaries and prioritizing one's needs.
• Creating lasting change requires engaging with community and recognizing that individual efforts alone cannot transform systems.
• Healing from burnout is a slow and ongoing process that may require seeking support from professionals who understand the complexities of burnout.

Highlights:

0:00 - Introduction and the Individualistic View of Burnout

2:50 - Invisible Labor and the Need to Value It

5:43 - The Ineffectiveness of Traditional Self-Care Approaches

8:51 - The Time and Effort Required for Burnout Recovery

10:56 - The Challenge of Letting Go and Setting Boundaries

16:25 - The Importance of Collective Support and Community

22:03 - Confronting Identity and Shifting Perspectives

26:35 - Redefining Self-Care as Self-Management and Self-Advocacy

28:32 - The Need for Comprehensive Change and Systemic Solutions

32:31 - The Slow Roast of Burnout Recovery

35:21 - The Role of a Lighthouse in Guiding Burnout Recovery

36:39 - Conclusion and Call to Action

The journey toward liberation is messy AF, and Taina Brown and Becky Mollenkamp are here for it! 💥

Join them for the Messy Liberation, a podcast about current events, politics, pop culture, and business through an intersectional feminist lens. 

Taina and Becky aren’t perfect activists or allies, so don’t expect polished and perfectly formulated conversations with 3-step solutions (that’s toxic capitalist BS anyway). 

📣 Instead, listen in on their real-time, messy thoughts as they make sense of the world around them. If you’re sick of superficial approaches to business and personal challenges, then you’ll love the nuance they bring to every discussion.

Messy Liberation will get you thinking, help you feel less alone in the mess of personal development and systems liberation, and educate and inspire you, no matter where you are on the journey.

If you also want to create a more equitable world, check out Messy Liberation, available wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. 🎧

LEARN MORE:

• Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
• Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS

In this conversation, Mahlena-Rae Johnson joins Becky Mollenkamp to discuss public speaking for introverted CEOs. Mahlena-Rae emphasizes the importance of understanding introversion, and dispels the misconception that introverts are shy. She outlines a three-step process for introverted CEOs to excel in public speaking (relax, relate, and release). She also highlights the need for introverted CEOs to prioritize self-care and recovery after speaking engagements.

Connect with Mahlena on LinkedIn

Key takeaways:

• Introverted CEOs can excel in public speaking by focusing on storytelling and their purpose for speaking.
• Self-care and recovery time are essential for introverted CEOs after speaking engagements.
• Introverted CEOs may face imposter syndrome due to societal expectations of extroverted leadership.
• Event organizers can support introverted speakers by providing accommodations such as private green rooms and assistance with logistics.
• Creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for introverted speakers benefits all participants.

Highlights:

0:00 - Introduction and Background

2:51 - Public Speaking for Introverted CEOs

5:30 - Overcoming Shyness and Managing Vulnerability

8:45 - Dealing with Perfectionism

11:40 - The Importance of Recovery for Introverts

14:47 - Imposter Syndrome and Introverted CEOs

20:50 - Creating Accessible Speaking Environments

23:38 - Providing Support and Guidance for Speaker

SUMMER BREAK: Season 3 of Feminist Founders is coming in September featuring new interviews with more inspiring leaders. During the summer I'm bringing you some special content, starting with this conversation with my friend, feminist life coach Taina Brown. She asked a few months ago if I’d be game for “Ask a Feminist Coach” as a series for Feminist Founders. Of course I said, “hell yes!” So we asked for some questions, and jumped right in to tackle three of the questions. Then we decided we liked it so much that we are going to turn it into something even bigger and better — a brand new podcast called Messy Liberation (coming out in July 2024). Until then, I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation (or the transcript below).

NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ 

In this special episode of Feminist Founders, host Becky Mollenkamp switches roles and is interviewed by her friend and communication strategist, Arden Evenson. Arden dives deep into Becky’s transformative approach to business coaching, including breaking down capitalist, patriarchal structures and building businesses that support your values and the people who work with you.

Becky Mollenkamp (she/they) is a feminist business coach who helps entrepreneurs make the leap from "small business owner" to CEO without acting out of alignment with their values.

Website | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | YouTube | Newsletter

Discussed in this episode:

• How Becky’s business philosophy is outside capitalist norms
• The problem with Corporate America
• Navigating anti-capitalist financials
• Becky’s approach to humane hiring and management
• How Becky talks to clients about marketing and sales
• The importance of hustle-free operations
• The differences between managers and leaders
• A detailed description of Becky's coaching approach
• The importance of aligning business practices with personal values

Resource mentioned:

• Sustainable Business Blueprint

Special Thanks: A big thank you to Arden Evenson for hosting this episode and facilitating an insightful conversation.

Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com

NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/ 

SUMMARY: In this episode, Bianca Jordan, founder of Rebel Immigration, shares her journey from disillusionment with feminism to entrepreneurship. She discusses the impact of the pink pussy hat movement, her unconventional path from an MBA and JD to homelessness, and John Adams' influence on her legal career. Bianca delves into the necessity and tenacity driving her ventures, challenges in the legal industry, and misconceptions about immigration. She highlights racism in the immigration process and offers insights on how business owners can support immigrants. Additionally, she introduces her resources and approach to leadership.

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Bianca Jordan (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Rebel Immigration, a legal education and consulting company that provides marketing and growth strategy to solo attorneys.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Threads

Discussed in this episode:

• How the pink pussy hat movement turned Bianca off to feminism
• Why an MBA and JD ended up unhoused
• John Adams’ role in making Bianca want to be an attorney
• Necessity and tenacity (plus a sprinkle of spite) as drivers for entrepreneurship
• How lawyers responded to Bianca’s virtual law firm pre- and post-COVID
• The role Bianca’s mom played in creating her second business, Rebel Immigration
• The many ways Bianca is challenging legal industry norms
• What made Bianca want to be like Elle Woods
• The many ways that Americans misunderstand immigration
• Racism in the US immigration process
• How business owners can help immigrants
• The low-cost resources available through Brazen Legal University
• Bianca’s newest offer, New Solo Blueprint
• How Bianca approaches leadership of her small team

Resources mentioned:

• “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
• “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
• Girl Scouts of the USA

Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com

NOTE: Feminist Founders is a listener-funded podcast. Your contributions enable me to continue bringing you these important conversations. To support the mission, sign up for a paid Substack subscription at https://feministfounders.substack.com/

SUMMARY: Navruz Avloni, a formidable attorney defending civil rights across California, discusses her path from a childhood in communist Uzbekistan to litigating high-profile cases like Diaz v. Tesla, advocating passionately for victims of workplace discrimination. She shares insights on leaving a partnership to start her own firm, navigating a male-dominated industry with feminist values, and the complex impacts of the #MeToo movement on legal practices. Navruz's story is not only inspiring but also a powerful call to challenge systemic injustices and transform the legal landscape.

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Navruz Avloni (she/her) is a committed attorney and advocate who fights vigorously for important civil rights in courts throughout California. She is recognized for her ability to see the big picture in every case she litigates and for being a tenacious and passionate litigator for victims of sexual assault and wronged employees. She has a proven track record of obtaining favorable results for her clients in race discrimination, disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and whistleblower cases. In her over a decade of litigation experience, Navruz has represented clients in high-profile cases such as Kepnach, et al v. Four Barrel Coffee, Diaz v. Tesla, and Vaughn v. Tesla. 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• Why Navruz is a proud and passionate feminist
• How a childhood spent in communist Uzbekistan played a role in Navruz’s career choice
• Choosing to be a plaintiff’s lawyer vs. a higher-paid corporate defense attorney
• Working up to partner at a firm and then leaving to start her own firm
• How Navruz is bringing her feminist values into a male-dominated industry
• Why the legal industry, often deservedly, gets a bad reputation — and how Navruz is challenging those norms
• How the legal industry often creates burnout (and the tools Navruz employs to avoid it)
• Why the legal system is the center of a feminist future
• Why so few victims of workplace misconduct take their cases to court. 
• How the #MeToo movement did—and didn’t—change workplace lawsuits
• Bad apples vs. bad policies in workplace lawsuits
• How to avoid bad apples (and legal damages from them) in your own business
• Tips for avoiding common mistakes among even well-meaning employers
• The importance of doing your best to fix an employer mistake
• Why Navruz typically won’t represent plaintiffs against small businesses

Resources:

• Patrick Lencioni on healthy workplace cultures
• “Dream Big and Win: Translating passion into purpose and creating a billion-dollar business” by Liz Elting
• Empower Work

Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com

SUMMARY: Nichole Beiner Powell-Newman, an unwavering advocate for intersectional wellness and CEO of Nichole Gabrielle and Co., LLC. shares her transformative journey from law to leadership consulting, and back to blogging. We delve into the challenges of disability in traditional workspaces, visionary steps towards truly inclusive workplaces, and creating liberatory communities. Nichole challenges us to consider how ableism might infiltrate our business practices and invites us to turn our professed values into actionable, everyday guides. Join us for a conversation that redefines community and courage in leadership.

Nichole Alcántara Beiner Powell-Newman (she/her) is an intersectional wellness advocate, speaker and consultant. She seeks equity, belonging and liberation at the crossroads of race, gender, and (dis)ability, through courageous conversations about lived truths, collective healing/care, and through community-centered action. She enjoys creating spaces that allow vulnerable explorations of unbridled joy for those who hold multiple marginalized identities and cultivating communities committed to intersectional belonging.

Nichole serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of Nichole Gabrielle and Co., LLC, a Leadership and Culture Consultancy focused on creating cultures of belonging for people with marginalized identities. Using the skills she's gained from years of facilitation work, legal practice, and her own experiences as a disabled and chronically ill Afro-Latina, Nichole is able to help companies tackle systemic inequities, have hard conversations, and create spaces where people feel safe and confident that they can be their full selves.

When she’s not spending time in community, Nichole enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, Vince, and learning about new foods and places. Lately, you can find her reconnecting with her roots in food anthropology, studying yoga philosophy, or planning out the big, beautiful life she believes we’re all deserving of.

Website | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• Nichole’s exploration of feminism and womanism 
• Why working as a lawyer and have a disability became incompatible for Nichole
• The journey from lawyer to blogger to DEI consultant and back to blogging
• Finding a truly liberatory yoga practice and how it helped Nichole shift her thinking
• Nichole’s vision for inclusive workplaces
• Why return-to-work orders are ableist (and may not be financially wise)
• How ableism may be showing up in your business
• Why it’s liberatory to be in aligned community
• The problem with turning community into an industry
• How to reimagine community through a womanist lens
• Having difficult (and political) conversations as a business thought leader
• Turning values from words on a website into a guide for every choice
• Science fiction as a pathway to reimagining a more liberated world

Resources mentioned:

• “All the Black Girls Are Activists” by Ebony Janice
• Melanin and Moxie
• Spoon Theory
• Susana Barkataki
• “The Power of Sitting in the Mess,” Nichole’s Fearless Fire talk
• Sins Invalid
• “The Myth of Normal” by Gabor Maté
• “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler
• Feminist Book Club

Learn more about accountability coaching with host Becky Mollenkamp at https://beckymollenkamp.com