Podcasts

We publish a new feminist podcast episode every week. Our hour-long show Popaganda digs deep on movies, books, TV, and media while Backtalk is a snappy conversation between two Bitch editors about the week’s pop culture. Subscribe to the podcasts on iTunes!
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Popaganda: Body Positive Beach Times

The beach is supposed to be a place of relaxation. But, as we all know far too well, it’s also a place of high anxiety. Nothin’ puts body positive feelings to the test quite like slipping into what’s essentially colorful underwear and parading around in the midday sun in front of a bunch of strangers. This episode of Popaganda, “Beach Bodies,” takes listeners from the sandy sun to the woods, to the pool, and back again, all while having conversations about how we feel about our bodies and how to deal with the anxieties people have around having their bodies being on display outside. We talk with Unlikely Hikers creator Jenny Bruso about diversifying outdoor-industry media, hear from model Sawyer DeVuyst about telling visual stories from trans perspectives, and dish on fat-positive fashion with style blogger Jessica Torres. We also share oral histories of a 1930s resort called Dreamland, which catered to African Americans living in the segregated Jim Crow South. 

Backtalk: It’s the End of the World and We Know It

This week, Dahlia and Amy are talking about climate change. Climate science consistently shows we must curb our greenhouse gas emissions ASAP in order to stop the exponential damage to the environment, which will most likely create global climate devastation by 2050. Though we can live more conscientiously, it’s also up to governmental bodies to set policies and regulations that can create larger change. The fight against climate change can feel hopeless, but at least we’re in this together. June is Pride month and in Amy vs. Dahlia, they discuss the worst co-opting of the celebration: Is it the upcoming Straight Pride parade or how brands are unabashedly performing allyship to sell you shit? Text “pride” to 503-855-6485 share your feelings!

Popaganda: Raising Feminist Kids

This episode features guidance on talking to kids about all kinds of complicated issues. Writer and photographer Margaret Jacobsen explains how they speak frankly with their kids about pretty much everything, including their open relationship. Everyone is Gay co-founder Kristin Russo shares ideas for discussing queer identities with kids of all ages. A dozen Popaganda listeners call in with stories of one thing they each do to help raise a future generation of feminists. Oh, and host Sarah Mirk phones her parents.

Backtalk: The Devil Works Hard But Anti-Abortion Politicians Work Harder

This week, Dahlia and Amy discuss the recent passage of the most severe abortion ban in Alabama and what this could mean for Roe v. Wade and abortion access across the country. Anti-abortion politicians continue to argue for the sanctity of life and the personhood of a fetus while ignoring the humanity of the person who would have to carry the fetus to term—even if their pregnancy was a result of rape or incest. The devil works hard, but anti-abortion politicians work harder. And in Amy vs. Dahlia, who are both in the midst of moving across the country, we want to know what you think is the worst part about packing up and moving. Text “moving” to 503-855-6485 share your feelings!

Popaganda: Fear

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself? Give me a break. What about being afraid of murder? Indefinite detention? Stand-up comedy? On this episode, we explore some of the many things that make us afraid. The show begins with a story from filmmaker Assia Boundaoui, who grew up in a mostly Arab American neighborhood that was under FBI surveillance. Then, we have two perspectives on feminism and horror films: Writer Leela Ginelle discusses how films like Funny Games and Panic Room tie into real-life fears of domestic violence and film buff Sara Century looks at the history of queer women in horror (bring on the lesbian vampires!). We end the show with comedian Jenny Yang, who explains how the only way to get beyond your fear of getting onstage is to actually get onstage.   

Backtalk: Meh of Thrones

This week, Dahlia and Amy get into their disappointment over the final season of Game of Thrones. The epic series has given audiences a big cultural moment in the world of dragons, the fight for power, and a slew of women characters to love and hate—but is it doing justice to the story? In Amy vs. Dahlia, we want to know who could have been the best leader of the Seven Kingdoms, dead or alive. Text “thrones” to 503-855-6485 to let us know what you think!

Popaganda: Queering Family Values

“Family values” has been co-opted by right-wing folks. But what the hell! Feminists have strong values, and we have strong families, too. On today’s episode, we’re queering family values. For a lot of queer folks, the traditional concept of family is wrought with complicated feelings—a lot of blood families refuse to accept or celebrate queerness, so LGBTQ people have in many ways redefinied “family” for themselves. I talk with two queer feminist activists about what the word “family” means to them and which “family values” they try to live by and teach.

Backtalk: Student Moans

This week, Dahlia and Amy get upset about student loans. Elizabeth Warren’s campaign recently unveiled a student loan forgiveness plan as part of her platform, finally seriously centering the student debt crisis as something the government should help alleviate. How we talk about the student loan crisis is important because it can shift the focus from student responsibility to how predatory loaning is screwing us all. And we still want to know what you want to see re-booted in Amy vs Dahlia!  Text “reboot” to 503-855-6485 to let us know what you think!

Backtalk: That’s Not Consent. That’s Capitalism.

This week, Dahlia and Amy get into the newest marketing ploy around consent: condoms that require four hands to open. These kinds of throwaway, viral products commodify ideas around sexual violence without actually working to solve a problem (while hoisting the blame for sexual assault away from the perpetrator), and we’re sick of it. And in Amy vs. Dahlia, we argue about what blast-from-the-past TV show needs to make a comeback. Text “reboot” to 503-855-6485 to let us know what you think!

Backtalk: What About “Us”?

This week, Dahlia and Amy dig into Jordan Peele’s latest horror film, “Us.” Lots of spoilers while they talk about how the film fits into genre canons, symbolism, and what can it all mean? And in Amy vs. Dahlia, an argument about the worst of adulting. There are so many terrible things to choose from, but is it paying your bills on time or having to cook yourself? Let us know what you can’t stand about being grown. Text “Adult” to 503-855-6485 to let us know what you think!

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