Midlife Divorce: The (Real) Costs, Gender Myths, and What to Never Give Up
Let’s get brutally honest about what really happens when you split up after 40. Professor Leah dives into the latest divorce research (with a little side-eye at bad advice and bad exes). Whether you’re thinking of leaving or just hanging on by a thread, you’ll get clear-eyed advice about dividing up homes and pensions, what happens when “the kids are grown,” and why being practical (and maybe a little ruthless) matters. Expect global stories, a few laughs, and plenty of “don’t be scared, be prepared” truth bombs. This episode is for anyone staring down a midlife divorce and wanting the inside scoop on protecting your heart and your future security.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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19:09
Stop Saying These 5 Phrases at Work If You Want a Promotion
Professor Leah breaks down five everyday phrases women use—“I’m sorry for unloading,” “I don’t want to step on toes,” “I’m not that smart,” “I’m not sure, but…,” and “I’m so sorry for…”—and exposes the gender myths that fuel them, from needing to be liked to staying small and humble even when right. Together we’ll learn why taking up space, speaking with conviction, and sharing imperfect ideas drive innovation, reduce self-doubt, and build more equitable workplaces and relationships. You’ll get practical language shifts to help you own your expertise, stop over-apologizing, and lead with confidence. Perfect for women in leadership, early-career professionals, and allies committed to gender equity, future of work conversations, and culture change.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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21:03
Remote Work Burnout?
Discover the realities behind the work-life balance choices facing women. Leah tackles myths about workplace flexibility, exploring why so many women are leaving traditional jobs for the gig economy and digital platform work. This episode unpacks the promises—and pitfalls of becoming your own boss, including the realities of algorithm-driven “digital bosses,” blurred personal boundaries, and the relentless mental load many face at home. If you’ve ever wondered whether freelancing or platform work truly delivers more autonomy, flexibility, and family time, this episode offers research-backed answers and practical insights.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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23:09
Why Women Tune Out Politics: The Hidden Cost of Mental Overload
Dive into the mental load crisis as Profrssor Leah uncovers how motherhood leads to burnout and impacts women’s political engagement. This episode explores why overburdened mothers are tuning out of politics, the persistent gender gap in civic participation, and the unique ways mothers channel energy into causes like gun violence prevention. Discover the real story behind domestic cognitive labor, the consequences for democracy, and why amplifying mothers’ voices could change our communities for the better. Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Better Multitaskers: Women, Men, or Just a Myth?
In this episode, we unpack one of the most enduring cultural beliefs: that women are inherently better multitaskers than men. Drawing on research, cognitive science, and the history of gender roles, we examine whether this assumption is rooted in real performance differences or if it’s a product of societal expectations and labor divisions. How much of “multitasking ability” is biological, and how much is the result of women being socialized (and often expected) to juggle domestic, professional, and emotional responsibilities simultaneously? We also discuss what this debate reveals about the value we place on different types of work, and whether the very concept of multitasking undermines our understanding of productivity and fairness in modern life.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Leah Ruppanner is a no-nonsense Sociologist from the University of Melbourne on a mission to dispel society’s biggest and most divisive gender myths. In MissPerceived, Leah will tackle pervasive questions and draw upon decades of academic research and evidence to debunk the gender myths that benefit no one - showing that women aren’t better than men at seeing mess or multitasking, and that men aren’t bumbling caregivers who can’t change a diaper or find the keys. MissPerceived will show how as a society we use these myths to explain gender inequality and maintain the status quo. Leah doesn’t shy away from tough topics and touches on all those messy conversations about life including sex, relationships, work, parenting, and self-help. MissPerceived showcases how we got here, where we need to go next, and how to get there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.