Messy Conversations on Parenting and Social Justice (plus, an 8-Year-Old’s Take)

Messy Liberation

In this special episode of Messy Liberation, Becky Mollenkamp’s eight-year-old son, Gus, makes his podcast debut! Gus joins Becky and co-host Taina Brown to discuss what it’s like being a young person in today’s world. Gus shares his thoughts on racism, LGBTQ+ rights, guns, and even a few of his business ideas. Later, Becky and Taina debrief on the experience of parenting through an intersectional feminist lens, navigating patriarchy’s impact on kids, and the complexity of raising children in a world steeped in societal expectations.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Racism & Social Justice: Gus tackles racism and LGBTQ+ rights, expressing his wish for a world where people stop discriminating against others based on appearance.
2. Parenting in a Patriarchal Society: Becky and Taina reflect on how patriarchy impacts young boys early in life, influencing how they express feelings and relate to peers. They discuss the challenges of raising a child in an intersectional feminist household while the world still reinforces harmful societal norms. Becky shares her philosophy of intuitive parenting, trusting her instincts over traditional parenting models.
3. Business & Creativity: Gus shares his entrepreneurial endeavors, including his summer juice stand where he sells watermelon juice and baked goods.
4. Patriarchy & Parenting: Becky and Taina get into a deep discussion about how patriarchy shapes childhood, especially for boys. They explore the pressure boys face to "man up" and how this starts as early as kindergarten.
5. Balancing Activism and Everyday Life: Becky and Taina share strategies for raising feminist kids, including focusing on empathy, respect, and care..

Resource Mentioned: Why Does Patriarchy Persist? by Carol Gilligan and Naomi Snider

Tune in next week for more insightful discussions on life, business, and social justice with Becky and Taina!

Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Messy Liberation on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful conversations and valuable content.

LEARN MORE:

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