Motorsports broadcaster Amanda Busick joins Kat to talk about how she went from unpaid internships and waiting tables to becoming one of the most recognizable reporters in racing. She shares the Weston Workman first-win moment, why timing and preparation matter, and how trust with drivers turns interviews into real storytelling.We dig into the Women with Drive Summit in Indianapolis, the rise of women across motorsports, and the tension between popularity and craft in modern media. Amanda walks through a full race week, from research calls to garage conversations to post-race hits, and explains why drivers are absolutely athletes. New to racing? She offers a simple starter guide for finding your series and your favorite drivers.In this episode:Breaking into a male dominated field without connectionsBuilding credibility with drivers and crewsWomen with Drive Summit and growing communityPrep routines for NASCAR and NHRA weekendsDrivers as athletes, fitness and recoveryDrive to Survive, F1 buzz, and how it helps the whole sportPractical advice for young women aiming for on air rolesIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, comment, and share with a friend who loves fast cars and great journalism. Follow Amanda @amandabusick on Instagram.New episodes weekly on Choose the Bear.
Journalist and author Marissa R. Moss (Her Country) joins Kat to dig into the gender and race politics of country music: why country radio still matters in 2025, how the industry keeps women and Black artists off the air, and what it will take to change Nashville’s power structure.
We talk Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Taylor Swift's move from country to Pop, Mickey Guyton’s “Black Like Me,” Maren Morris’s exit from the Nashville machine, the erasure of Black and Latino roots in country, and why the genre keeps pushing its best women to pop, rock, or Americana. Marissa also shares a sneak peek at her new ’90s-rock book and shouts out new women artists you should be playing this week.In this episode:• Country radio’s outsized influence today• The Nashville “family” myth and the boys’-club loop• How women get labeled “too political” for telling the truth• Black roots in country and the ongoing gatekeeping• Southern rock/Americana as a workaround to Music Row• Artists to watch: Carter Faith, Kelsey Waldon, Caitlin Butts, Kaylee Hammack, Jillian Jacqueline, Cam• Marissa’s newsletter: Don’t Rock the Inbox- https://www.dontrocktheinbox.com/• Marissa's big Rolling Stone article- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/inside-country-radios-dark-secret-history-of-sexual-harassment-and-misconduct-253573/If you enjoyed this: rate/review the show, share it with a friend, and tag us so we can repost. Want to share your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
Comedian, writer, and facilitator Amma Marfo joins Kat to talk about her hour-long special Fidget Spinster—a hilarious, thoughtful look at being single by choice, living with anxiety, and building a joyful life that doesn’t orbit dating or marriage. We dig into why women flock to trustworthy celeb crushes (hi, Pedro Pascal), how comedy still sidelines single women’s stories, and practical ways to start scary new things without perfectionism. We also get into Amma’s book Cultivating Creativity, resilience vs. “grit,” first-gen students, and building community as a single adult.
Watch Amma’s special (Fidget Spinster) and follow her work.
If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.
And don't forget, everything you are is more than enough.
Questions? Want to tell your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
Alyssa Carson, astrobiologist, PhD student, and aspiring astronaut, joins Kat Calvin to talk about the real path to space and why Mars is more than a dream.
Alyssa breaks down astrobiology “like you’re five,” shares what astronaut selection actually looks like (hint: astronaut is a destination, not a job), and explains how Moon and Mars missions fuel everyday innovations on Earth. They also dig into Artemis timelines, the boom in private space, and dozens of non-astronaut careers in space, from psychology and human factors to food science and habitat design.
You’ll hear:
How a kid’s fascination with Mars became a serious scientific career
Pilot licenses, scuba, and other training- what helps and what’s just hype
Astrobiology 101: icy moons, methane seas, and the search for microbial life
Why funding the Moon/Mars push pays off on Earth (food, radiation shielding, tech)
Artemis updates and realistic odds for a crewed Mars mission
Space jobs beyond “astronaut” (and why teams beat heroes)
Women who paved Alyssa’s way, and the power of a great dad & support system
Practical advice for big, “impossible” goals at any age
Alyssa's Book: Ready for Liftoff
Watch next: Franchesca Ramsey
If this episode inspired you, please like, share, and subscribe.
And remember, everything you are is more than enough.
Questions? Want to tell your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
Franchesca Ramsey, comedian, actress, writer, and accidental activist, joins Kat Calvin for the Season 2 premiere of Choose the Bear. From her viral hit Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls to her recent Leopards Ate My Face song, Franchesca has spent 20 years turning comedy into a tool for social change.
In this episode, she and Kat talk about:
Why women are so drawn to true crime
The highs and lows of going viral—then vs. now
How comedy and satire help us survive political upheaval
The rise of family vloggers and the dangers of child exploitation online
Why friendships deserve the same priority as romantic relationships
Her joyful podcast Let Me Fix It and the work of sustaining community
Whether you know her from The Nightly Show, her bestselling book Well, That Escalated Quickly, or her unforgettable viral videos, you’ll love hearing Franchesca’s wisdom, wit, and warmth.
Shit White Girls Say to Black Girls
If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.
And don't forget, everything you are is more than enough.
Questions? Want to tell your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode, Kat sits down with Ivelyse Andino, Afro-Latina founder of Radical Health, the first Latina-owned public benefit corp in New York focused on health equity. They talk about what it means to build a healthcare system centered in justice, the power of community conversations, and how Ivelyse’s personal story led her to create a company that’s transforming how people—especially marginalized communities—access care.
From tackling medical mistrust to creating tech that empowers rather than extracts, this conversation is all about reclaiming health, joy, and voice. Tune in for an inspiring look at what it means to build something radical—and deeply human.
Thanks for listening to Season 1 of Choose the Bear. We'll be on a break until Season 2 returns in October!
What happens when outdated laws and stigma collide with your most personal truths? In this powerful episode, activist Robert Suttle shares his story of being prosecuted under Louisiana’s HIV criminalization laws—and how that conviction shaped his experience of dating, intimacy, and identity as a gay Black man in the South. We talk about what it means to build a full life after incarceration, how HIV laws perpetuate injustice, and why living single can be a radical act of freedom.
Follow Robert on Instagram at @suttlevision and learn more about the fight to end HIV criminalization.
Questions? Want to share your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Allie Redhorse Young, writer, organizer, and founder of Protect the Sacred, to talk about navigating single life, identity, and activism as a Navajo woman. We explore the cultural perceptions of being unmarried and childfree in Indigenous communities, the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and how Allie is empowering Native youth through civic engagement and storytelling.
This is an unflinching, deeply personal conversation about honoring your roots while forging your own path.
Allie's Elle article about missing Native women.
Questions or want to share your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In part two of our homebuying series, we’re heading to Knoxville with realtor Aimee Lee Lucas, who shares her inspiring journey from single mom to successful homeowner to helping other women do the same.
We talk about what single women should know before buying a home, how to build a supportive real estate team, and why homeownership is still possible—even in today’s market.
Whether you’re dreaming of your first home or just starting to think about it, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal insight, and the kind of encouragement we all need.
If you've ever wondered whether you can do this on your own, Aimee’s story says: yes, you absolutely can.
Questions or what to share your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this powerful episode, author and advocate Adrienne Spires shares her journey of surviving domestic violence and how she found the strength to leave and rebuild. We discuss why leaving abusive relationships is so difficult, the emotional and systemic barriers survivors face, and how Adrienne transformed her trauma into a life of service to others. Her memoir, Roaring Resilience: Finding Grit in the Lion’s Den, is a testament to courage, healing, and the power of voice. Whether you're a survivor, an advocate, or someone seeking to understand, this conversation is raw, inspiring, and deeply important.
Want to share your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
What does it look like to travel the world as a confident, solo, childfree woman—and build a thriving social media presence while doing it? This week on Choose the Bear, I’m joined by Lauren Urasek, solo travel expert, childfree lifestyle advocate, and social media powerhouse. We dive into the joys (and challenges) of traveling alone, the magic of traveling with other women, and how Lauren built a bold, unapologetic brand that inspires thousands.
Whether you're plotting your first solo adventure or dreaming of turning your lifestyle into a platform, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and actionable tips for embracing your freedom and living life on your own terms.
In this episode, we cover:
How to feel empowered traveling alone as a woman
The best part of traveling with fellow solo women
Navigating friendships and dating as a childfree woman
Growing a social media brand around authenticity
Why choosing the solo path is anything but lonely
Ready to ditch the rulebook and live boldly? Hit play.
Want to share your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
When I was buying my house I watched all of Jordan Nutter's tiktoks at least three times. Her hilarious skits about nightmare homebuyers and great information about how mortgages work and how to get one were a lifesaver. So I was absolutely thrilled when Jordan agreed to be on the pod! We had a great chat about how mortgages work, why buying a house isn't as unrealistic as you think, and those hilarious tiktok skits.
Want to share your story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I talk with historian and bestselling author Tilar J. Mazzeo about one of my long-time heroes: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, better known as The Widow Clicquot.
Tilar’s book, The Widow Clicquot, first introduced me to this visionary 19th-century businesswoman who revolutionized the champagne industry—and changed the way I think about legacy and independence. We dive into Barbe-Nicole’s story, Tilar’s writing journey, and other incredible women from history you may not know (yet!).
I highly recommend The Widow Clicquot for your next book club—it’s the kind of inspiration that makes you want to build your own empire.
💌 Have a question or want to share your single story? Email me at choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I’m joined by writer, director, producer, actor, and writer Delaney Buffett to talk about her incredible new film Adult Best Friends, now streaming on Max.
This is the first movie I’ve seen that truly explores so many of the themes we talk about on this podcast: the evolution of female friendship, giving your friends grace as you grow, and what it means to navigate different life stages while still showing up for one another. We also get into the creative process, solo working life, and yes—Zooming into work from bed.
Grab your girlfriends and stream Adult Best Friends—this one’s made for us.
💌 Have a question or want to share your single story? Email me at choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I talk with Florence Wlodarski, founder of Parallel Social Club—a vibrant new community designed for SINKs (single income, no kids) and DINKs (dual income, no kids).
We chat about how Florence built the social club we’ve all been waiting for, her vision for a more connected solo-living culture, and why intentional community matters now more than ever. Whether you’re single, childfree, or simply seeking meaningful adult connection, this episode will leave you inspired.
💌 Have a question or want to share your single story? Email me at choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I talk with Jeremy Ney—data journalist and creator of American Inequality—about maternal mortality in the United States. We dig into both the encouraging trends and the sobering truths behind maternal health outcomes, especially for women of color.
Jeremy’s research offers a critical look at the systemic inequalities impacting maternal mortality and what can actually be done to address them. This conversation is eye-opening, data-driven, and incredibly important.
Follow up by reading his two must-read articles on maternal mortality at American Inequality, and be sure to subscribe for more powerful reporting.
💌 Have a question or want to share your single story? Email me at choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I’m joined by my dear friend Kenyora Johnson—CEO of End Rape on Campus, fearless advocate, and powerful leader in the fight to end campus sexual assault.
We talk about the realities of sexual violence on college campuses (TW), how universities can better protect students, and how friendship, community, and grace have supported Kenyora through major life transitions.
This conversation is courageous, deeply personal, and full of insight for anyone passionate about justice, healing, and women’s leadership.
💌 Have a question or want to share your single story? Email me at choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I talk with Abby Reyes—activist, climate justice leader, and author of the powerful new memoir Truth Demands: A Memoir of Murder, Oil Wars, and the Rise of Climate Justice.
We explore how Abby transformed personal tragedy into global activism, the devastating impact of climate change and Big Oil on Indigenous communities, and her journey as a woman rising into leadership and purpose. Her story is urgent, emotional, and deeply inspiring.
If you're interested in environmental justice, Indigenous rights, or powerful stories of personal and political transformation, this is a must-listen episode.
💌 Have questions or want to share your single story? Email me at choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I talk with Kathleen Moss—a powerful voice and advocate who shares her breast cancer journey with honesty and heart. Kathleen speaks openly about living with a mastectomy, navigating life after diagnosis, and how she found joy and purpose, including adopting a foster child as a single mother. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and choosing your own path through hardship.
You can follow her writing at A Breast Cancer Diary on Substack: https://abreastcancerdiary.substack.com
Questions? Want to share your single story? choosethebearpod@gmail.com
In this episode of Choose the Bear, I sit down with Shani Silver—one of the original voices redefining single life. Shani is the creator of the legendary podcast A Single Serving, author of the game-changing book A Single Revolution, and writer of two insightful Substacks about solo living and self-worth.
We dive into reframing singlehood, practicing self-forgiveness, and what it means to build a life that’s tailored to being single—not waiting for it to end. It’s a smart, honest, and inspiring conversation that left me with a full page of notes (and a full heart).
Explore more of Shani’s work: https://shanisilver.substack.com
💌 Want to share your story or ask a question? Email me at choosethebearpod@gmail.com