Episode 174: The Changing Self is the Living Self with Rumaisa Rahman Khawaja 0
On Episode 175, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Rumaisa Rahman Kahwaja and talk about her life's journey of learning and exploration. Rumaisa constant posture is love and compassion and the sisters love and appreciate the stories she shares about her journey to self acceptance and power. Rumaisa shares how she was mothered by a mother with mental illness, but has used that part of her story to become an phenomenal mother to her own daughter. Rumaisa grew up Muslim in Lincoln, Nebraska, and shares how she shared that part of herself while living in New York and working in fashion during 9/11. Rumaisa embodies an incredible spirit and she shares her insight and wisdom on the podcast, inspiring listeners to constant growth, acceptance, and re-invention. Virginia Wolf fans will recognize Ru immediately. She's "a self that goes on changing is a self that goes on living." For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares podcast website.
Episode 173: The High Cost of Poverty 0
On Episode 173, Tesi and Leslie discuss the high cost of being poor in America. According to the US Census Bureau, 37 million people are living in poverty in America. Because of this huge number and because of the complexities and myths surrounding America's poor, the two women dig into the research surrounding generational poverty, the small money-saving conveniences that many of us take for granted, energy inequity, the systemic underbelly of economic oppression, and the reasons why we should care. The conversation concludes with action steps and a dare encouraging listeners to pick up a small stone in their local community that will ultimately move mountains in our country and world. View complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares website.
Episode 172: The Fragility of Power with Rachel Held Evans 0
On Episode 172 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi sits down with the thinker, writer, and modern-day prophet Rachel Held Evans to talk about the faith, justice, and a Mama Bear's response to the world we live in. The two dive into Rachel's new book, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again, as they wade through a new answer to age-old questions like: How do you love your neighbor when you vehemently disagree with their beliefs? How do you overcome personal insecurities and be an advocate for truth and justice? What can we learn from the bible about satire, resistance, peace, and cultural disruption? Ultimately, the conversation challenges listeners to think about how faith and culture drives their perspective and how their response can bend toward justice, liberation, and love. Find complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares podcast website.
Episode 171: JOY as an Act of RESISTANCE 0
On Episode 171, Leslie and Tesi discuss embracing and embodying JOY as an act of resistance. They discuss the long history of joy in the face of oppression and encourage listeners to take active steps toward eradicating any guilt associated with experiencing joy amid suffering. After discussing a bit of psychology in cultivating joy, they share personal mantras that encourage joy, and lean on the wisdom of those who have come before us, including Audre Lorde who said "caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." The conversation concludes with the sharing of simple joys and a dare to make space for JOY as a profound nod to resistance, justice, and peace. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.
Episode 170: Let's Dish with Allison Schaaf 0
On Episode 170 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi dish with Allison Schaaf, an Austin-based chef who shares wisdom on meal prep and planning, turning a passion into a business, and how to maintain a healthy life balance. Listen in as Leslie reveals her version of a "hot sandwich" and Tesi loses her mind over the mention of a honey mustard glaze. The conversation is light, fun, and full of useful tips and worthwhile wisdom. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.