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Leah unpacks the deeply ingrained social rules around emotion and gender. Why are women expected to smile constantly at school, at work, even on planes? What does it cost them when they do, or don’t? Why are men discouraged from expressing sadness but given a free pass to anger? Drawing from new research and decades of gender studies, Leah explores how cultural norms shape when and where women and men are permitted to show their feelings and why violating those norms can impact everything from workplace authority to family dynamics.
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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The internet’s explosive reaction to Sydney Sweeney’s headline-grabbing American Eagle jeans ad set social media alight and reignited debates about “pretty privilege” and the supposed “genetic lottery.” As critics dissect the campaign’s tagline—“Sydney Sweeney has great jeans”—for its double entendre and uncomfortable brush with eugenics rhetoric, we ask: What happens when beauty standards meet the politics of who counts as ‘desirable’? We explore how conventions of attractiveness continue to drive hiring, career advancement, and salary in 2025, with new data showing significant workplace bias, and how these standards intersect with issues of race and exclusion. Is the celebration of “good genes” a harmless compliment or a window into social hierarchies and the historic discrimination that persist in modern institutions?
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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In this powerful episode of Misperceived, Leah sits down with Ellie Angell, a trans woman who shares her raw, personal journey toward living as her true self. Diving into gender identity, Ellie discusses the emotional realities of transitioning—gains, losses, and the courage it takes to confront deeply rooted misperceptions. Through heartfelt conversation, Leah and Ellie expose the impact of societal myths on the trans community and challenge listeners to rethink what it means to truly be authentic.
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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In this episode of MissPerceived, Professor Leah Ner tackles the fraught label of “women’s work”—and what really happens when men step into these traditionally gendered roles. Leah pulls apart the stubborn myths about who should do what in our homes, communities, and institutions, drawing on her decades of research and candid conversations.
You’ll hear:
• How the phrase “women’s work” shapes our assumptions about care, trust, and responsibility—even when men are just as involved.
• Why men who take on domestic, emotional, or supportive roles often face stigma, skepticism, or even suspicion.
• The hidden harms of closing off these roles to men, including what’s overlooked, undervalued, or outright ignored—sometimes with heartbreaking consequences.
• What it really takes to untangle deeply held beliefs and build a culture where everyone’s contributions are recognized, no matter their gender.
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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Leah dives into the social construct of breastfeeding and the overwhelming guilt often placed on mothers. Drawing from research and lived experiences, Leh explores how cultural expectations, medical advice, and shifting family structures have created an impossible standard for mothers—one that demands exclusive breastfeeding as proof of being a “good” parent.
Leah challenges the narrative that mothers must navigate these pressures alone, highlighting the historical context of communal caregiving and the modern isolation of the nuclear family. She discusses the emotional toll of breastfeeding distress, the pain of inauthenticity, and the disproportionate impact on women from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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Ever wonder why you're freezing in your office while your male coworkers seem perfectly comfortable?
Turns out, the temperature war isn’t just personal—it’s deeply gendered.
In this episode, Professor Leah puts her sociology and gender equity expertise to work: breaking down the science, history, and sexist assumptions behind workplace temperature settings. From menopause and pregnancy - to outdated 1970s standards based on men in business suits, Leah explores how the "ideal office climate" has been built to suit male bodies—leaving women literally out in the cold.
Learn how this invisible bias affects women’s health, confidence, and productivity
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What’s behind the trending TikTok “tradwife” and 1950s housewife nostalgia? Leah unpacks the myths and realities of traditional homemaking—examining why so many yearn for a past that was far from idyllic for most women. Discover the historical roots of domesticity, the limited rights and resources women actually had, and why today’s push for “going back” ignores the progress we’ve made for gender equity. Leah explores the risks of romanticizing the past, the importance of choice, and how societal constraints still shape women’s decisions today. Whether you’re curious about gender roles, feminism, or just want to understand the viral “tradwife” trend, this episode is your essential guide to separating fact from fantasy.
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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Is it really a red flag if a man is still living with his parents in his late twenties or early thirties? In this episode of MissPerceived, sociologist Leah Ruppanner breaks down the latest research on young men who stay at home longer, exploring what it means for their employment prospects, mental health, and relationships. Drawing on a major new study, Leah reveals why a short stint at home can actually boost a man’s career… or maybe not. She unpacks the social and economic factors driving this trend, the cultural differences around leaving the nest, and what it all means for dating today.
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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In this episode of MissPerceived, Leah welcomes author Courtney Lund O’Neil to discuss her book, Postmortem: What Survives the John Wayne Gacy Murders. The conversation explores the often-overlooked stories of those living in the shadow of infamous crimes, focusing on the intergenerational impact of trauma, the mental load carried by mothers, and the power of storytelling to reclaim narratives from perpetrators. They address the importance of honoring victims’ humanity, breaking gender stereotypes—especially around raising boys—and the unique ways women process and are drawn to true crime.
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Are men really wired to desire more sex, or have we just been taught to think so? In this episode, Leah dives into the age-old question: do men have higher sex drives? Join us as we unpack the science behind libido, explore how hormones, culture, and social norms shape our desires, and challenge the stereotypes that keep this conversation stuck in the bedroom.
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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Is the workday really over when you leave the office, or does your boss live in your pocket? Join Leah as she explores the growing movement to reclaim life outside of work through the right to disconnect. From late-night emails to weekend pings, we unpack how work culture has blurred the boundaries between on and off—and what it means to reclaim your time in an always-on world.
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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Why do razors, deodorants, and even a haircut cost more for women? In this episode, Leah unpacks the so-called pink tax - what it means, where it shows up, and how it quietly shapes our spending. From personal care products to pricing tricks, find out why being a woman can come with a higher price tag (and yes, it's often pink).
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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From fierce debates in the '70s to today’s OnlyFans era, feminist views on pornography have shifted dramatically. In this episode, Leah traces the complex history of feminist discourse on porn - exploring battles over empowerment vs. exploitation, the rise of feminist porn, and the growing influence of social media and AI on how we create and consume erotic content. What does the future of porn look like in an increasingly digital, decentralised world, and where do feminist values fit in?
Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is salary transparency the key to closing the pay gap? In this episode, we explore whether we should know each other’s salaries, especially among women. Could sharing pay help us understand our worth and spark important conversations about raises? Or is it too much of a social taboo? Listen now for a thought-provoking discussion on pay transparency and its potential impact!
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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Ever caught yourself searching for your keys… again? In this episode, Leah explores the truth behind pregnancy brain fog, cognitive changes after childbirth, and how your menstrual cycle might affect your mind. Did you experience brain fog during these times, or is it all just in our heads? Listen now to find out!
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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Is being in a long-distance relationship a recipe for heartbreak or could it be the secret to lasting love? In this episode, Leah unpacks the realities of loving from afar. From immigration to job deployments, we explore why couples live apart, whether distance actually harms relationship quality, and what the research says about staying connected across the miles. Spoiler: it's not all bad.
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Haley Swenson (Better Life Lab, New America Foundation) takes over the mic to interview Leah on the invisible weight of the mental load and her upcoming book Drained. How is the mental load talked about in academia versus everyday life? What does the data reveal—and what are we still missing? They unpack why language matters, how gender shapes the conversation, and what real solutions might look like.
You can find Haley’s work at the New America Foundation through their website https://www.newamerica.org/, or their instagram @newamericaorg.
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This week, Leah tacks a question sent in by one of our listeners that’s been making the rounds on TikTok and Insta reels: Do mothers who have babies later in life actually live longer? It’s a viral claim that’s got people talking—but what does the research really say? We dig into the science behind fertility timing and maternal longevity, explore the biological theories, and ask whether social and economic factors are playing a bigger role than we think.
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What does the mental load look like for women with intersectional identities, especially migrant mothers from Southeast Asia? In this episode, Leah and Haley are joined by Mira Gunawansa to dive into her groundbreaking PhD research exploring how the mental load manifests for women of colour and how their unique experiences—navigating visas, cultural assimilation, familial expectations, and racism—are often overlooked in current literature. How are the solutions for these women different and how can we better account for this in the research? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on how intersectionality shapes the mental load and how we can rethink support for diverse groups of women.
You can find Haley’s work at the New America Foundation through their website https://www.newamerica.org/, or their instagram @newamericaorg.
Connect with Mira Gunawansa through instagram @mgunawansa, and to read her most recent article on the Mental Load of Christmas you can visit the UniMelb website - https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/maybe-just-think-about-whos-carrying-the-mental-load-at-Christmas.
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Do parents secretly prefer their daughters over their sons? In this episode, Leah unpacks the complexities of parental favouritism: Is it about gender, birth order, or a child’s personality? And what happens when kids perceive they’re treated differently from their siblings? We explore how these dynamics shape identity, self-esteem, and family relationships.
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.
