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 MissPer...
In this episode, we challenge the misconception that being a parent makes you a bad employee. We dive into how taking time out for caregiving can be career enhancing, how parenting skills are highly transferable to the workplace, and why these skills are crucial for the future of work. Plus, we introduce the Parenting Work Skills Certificate—our team’s initiative to highlight the value of parenting in professional settings. Tune in to discover how the experience of being a parent can enhance your professional journey!Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast
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22:19
The Mental Load: "Where Are We Now?" (w/ Haley Swenson)
The mental load isn’t just about managing household tasks and mental to-do lists —it’s about carrying the weight of everything happening around us. From the rise of AI to the cost-of-living crisis and threats to democracy, our cognitive and emotional burdens are shifting in ways we’re only beginning to understand.In this episode, Leah and Haley Swenson from the New America Better Life Lab dive into the meaning of "mental load," who carries it, and whose responsibility it is—individuals, families, organizations, or governments. We also explore how partners share (or don’t share) the load and what solutions exist for a more balanced future.Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast
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49:15
Should You Freeze Your Eggs?
In this episode, we dive into the sociology of egg freezing—who it’s for, how it’s marketed, and what it really offers. We unpack the classed experience of this costly procedure, from its strategic targeting of high-income, unmarried women to its role in the ‘economy of hope.’ Join Leah as she examines the intersection of assistive reproductive technology, gendered marketing, and the complexities of medically assisted fertility and risk management. Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast
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16:39
How the Death of a Parent Impacts Family Dynamics
This week, join Leah as she delves into how sibling dynamics shift after a parent's passing, from unresolved childhood rivalries to the burden of caregiving and inheritance. When a parent dies, family relationships can change in unexpected ways. What sparks tension—or strengthens bonds—between brothers and sisters in grief? And how do gender roles influence the way sons and daughters navigate loss?Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast
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23:55
Is Life More Expensive When You're Single?
In this week's episode, Leah discusses the economics of being single. Ever noticed how flying solo can cost more? We dive into the ‘single tax’ - from paying for utilities to groceries alone - to explore economies of scale, the power of shared resources, and why going it alone often comes with a higher price tag. Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast
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.
Australia