Mama Bear Dares

On Episode 21 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down and do something they've never done before on the podcast...say goodbye for now. After over five years of podcasting, the sister-cohosts are putting away their mics with both great sadness (because endings are hard), but also great joy and excitement (because new beginnings are beautiful!). Listen in as they dig into what the Mama Bear Dares / Perfectors podcast community has meant to them, the changing "podscape," and life's next steps. This goodbye is one filled with deep gratitude and great confidence that those who have listened over the years will continue to be love-spreaders, peace-makers, truth-tellers, justice-seekers and perfectors of what is right and good for all! 

On Episode 20 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with Sarah Audelo, the executive director of The Alliance of Youth Organizing, a nationwide network of organizations building political power of young people and the premier youth vote vehicle in the United States. The women speak enthusiastically about the hope and energy of Generation Z and the ways in which we all can develop talent in our youth and empower and support them as they spend their energy on the ground. If you’re looking for a hopeful and joyful conversation, this is the episode for you! For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors website.  

On Episode 19 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk about the importance of nuance in examining headlines. They zero in on the perceived “labor shortage” and look at the issue with a nod to nuance, encouraging listeners to apply this lens to everything they consume. The truth is always complicated and, as Perfectors, the co-hosts encourage listeners to keep a nuanced view of the lives we live. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors' website.

On Episode 18 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with Laura Packard, a health care activist and political commentator. She is the founder of Health Care Voices, a non-profit grassroots organization for adults with serious medical conditions and the Executive Director of Get America Covered, a group that promotes increased health coverage. For Laura, her work is personal. As she was fighting her own battle with cancer, she was also fighting her own U.S. Senator and President to keep her health insurance. She shares her wisdom, her knowledge, and her advocacy in a fantastic interview that will inspire listeners and give them a better understanding of medical coverage in America. For complete Show Notes, visit the Perfectors website.

On Episode 17 of the Perfector’s Podcast, Tesi sits down with Australian author Megan Goldin to discuss her fantastic book The Night Swim and life as a writer during quarantine. Megan brings a fascinating perspective as the women discuss the state of journalism and the state of democracy across the globe during this time of pandemic. They dive into topics that Megan’s book bring up, such as the treatment of sexual assault victims in the justice system, the #MeToo movement, the power of perspective, and the power of fiction to explore complex systems of power. Check out complete Show Notes on our website.

On Episode 16 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie discuss the phenomenon of “Cancel Culture” … what it is, why it’s a hot topic, and what it means for people hoping to engage their voice in social and racial justice. It’s a candid conversation with examples of missteps and subsequent apologies, as well as a bit of guidance of how to live and love within “cancel culture” 2021. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfector's website.

On Episode 15 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with Michelle Nunn, president and CEO of CARE USA, a community-based nonprofit working around the world to improve basic education, increase access to quality healthcare, and expand economic opportunity for all. The women talk about the importance of international aid and humanitarian development, the challenges and joys of defeating poverty and achieving justice, and the endeavor of encouraging hope, dignity, and security for all. Also discussed is what it takes to be a great leader and collaborator. The conversation is informative and motivating. Listen in!

On Episode 14 of The Perfectors Podcast, in light of the continued shootings of Black men at the hands of the police, Tesi and Leslie breakdown the news of the week. As the nation hangs on for the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the dealth of George Floyd, the women discuss the power of empathy, the role of white women in a world where Black men call out for their mothers at the brink of death, and the movement to “defund the police." For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors website.

On Episode 13 of The Perfector’s Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, the executive director of NAMLE, a media literacy education association working to help people of all ages across the globe access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication available to them. The women talk about WHY media literacy is crucial to a functioning society and HOW to develop the skills we need to be a responsible consumer (and creator) of the media that surrounds us. It’s a fascinating and timely conversation about responsibility, empathy, and meaning. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfector's website.

On Episode 12 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie lament American gun culture. The women go to back to basics with facts and vocabulary surrounding guns, dispel common myths and misconceptions, equip listeners with concise arguments, and bring up tangible steps for listeners to deal with the state we find ourselves...again. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors at www.theperfectors.com.

On Episode 11 of the Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with author, designer, and Perfector of Overcoming, Stephanie Thornton Plymale. The women talk about her incredible childhood and her outstanding memoir, American Daughter. The interview features Stephanie’s experiences within various systems within the US as she explores the past she overcame and the life she has made for herself. It’s a great conversation about a unique childhood, a riveting book, and a phenomenal perfector who survived a tumultuous upbringing and managed to find beauty in the darkest places. LINKS: Find out more about The Perfectors Buy the book, American Daughter Follow Stephanie on Instagram

On this episode of The Perfectors, Tesi and Leslie take a look at the filibuster and break it down for listeners by taking a peek at its history and analyzing its impact on American life over the years. The women also celebrate their favorite six points of the American Rescue Plan and speak (with stars in their eyes) of their love of functional government and their high hopes for the future. For Show Notes and more of The Perfectors, visit our website.

On Episode 9 of The Perfectors podcast, Tesi sits down with Nedra Glover Tawwab, author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, to talk about her story, her book, and her powerful and important message. Nedra is a perfector at making therapy available to as many people as possible, because having better relationships shouldn't be something afforded to just the privileged. She’s challenging, relatable, and comforting and will delight listeners through her generous advice and brilliant perspective. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors website.

On this episode of The Perfectors, Tesi and Leslie take a look at the complex issue of immigration and break it down for listeners by looking back through its long and complicated history. This breakdown episode invites listeners to dive in, wrestle, and learn with the co-hosts in hopes of uncovering the inaccuracies of some of the history we’ve been taught and trying to make sense of today through the lens of where we’ve been. After discussing President Biden’s proposal for immigration reform, the co-hosts end the episode by sharing a few pandemic pleasures and encouraging their community of perfectors to keep learning about the world in order to better by it. For complete Show Notes, visit the Perfectors website.

On today’s Perfector’s podcast, Tesi sits down with Kitty O’Meara who is a retired teacher, chaplain, and author of the much-celebrated prose poem And the People Stayed Home. Kitty’s viral poem is now a beautifully illustrated children’s book that contains important and much-needed wisdom for us all. Listeners will learn from Kitty’s words and experiences, and will hear her plea to closely examine our individuals lives during this season in search of meaning, purpose, more love, and compassion.

On today’s breakdown, Leslie and Tesi dive into learning about the massive protests happening in India. Since late last year, farmers and farmworkers in Delhi have been in the streets protesting three farm bills that threaten their livelihood and way of life. Because of the interconnectedness of our global community and because over 250 million people are protesting, the Perfectors co-hosts felt they needed to understand the protests, the government’s response, and the human rights at stake.

On Episode 6 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with Janet Hill, the Chief Operating Officer and Public Information Officer of the Rock Island County Health Department in Illinois. Janet offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at her work as a public health official during a global health crisis. The women talk about the effort to administer vaccines as quickly and fairly as possible, the drumbeat of the pandemic, and the fragility and importance of public health services  in America.

On Episode 4 of The Perfectors, Tesi sits down with Ceci Hall of Humanity Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to continuing the movement inspired by Andrew Yang’s 2020 Presidential Campaign and to making its core ideas a reality, including universal basic income, and HUMAN-centered capitalism. The women talk about the finer points of universal basic income and direct cash relief, and how money needs to get directly to people, not corporations. Ultimately the conversation encourages listeners to be an active part of our democracy.

On today's episode of The Perfectors Podcast, Leslie and Tesi continue reveling in their joy over the inauguration of the 46th president. Discussion ranges from reactions to the ceremony itself to President Biden's speech to the first days of the Biden-Harris administration. The co-hosts end the episode by answering listener questions. The Breakdown: When major events happen—or when we want to take some time to connect with our listeners—we release a breakdown episode that covers everything from current events to what we’re reading.

Recorded under the Mama Bear Dares name, Leslie and Tesi have the honor of sitting down with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest grassroots movement in America fighting for public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. The women talk about the moral imperative to DO SOMETHING to help the vulnerable among us and encourage listeners with a message of empowerment: You are more powerful than you realize, the world needs you, and it’s time to step up.

Just days after the shocking insurrection and riot at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., Representative Houlahan spoke with Tesi about the unbelieveable events of January 6, 2021. The two women acknowledge the work that needs to be done to heal our country, as well as the trajectory of Chrissy’s life that led her to run for office in Pennsylvania. Learn more on The Perfectors website. (The Perfectors Podcast was formerly the Mama Bear Dares Podcast.)

We believe the world needs people who are determined to see love, compassion and justice win. We interview the perfectors doing just that. Welcome to the pod! (This podcast was formerly the Mama Bear Dares Podcast.)

On Episode 300(!) of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down and reflect on all things 2020. They promise no wisdom or advice, but rather engage in a discussion of highs, lows, and meandering middles. The laugh and cry (literally) and do what we all need to do when the moment offers itself: Sit down to discuss this big, brutiful life with a friend. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 299 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk through the run-off election in Georgia happening on January 5th. They discuss its importance and take a deep dive into the (bad) behavior exhibited by leadership and conspiracy theorists that has been highlighted in the run up to this special election. The lament the damaging language, the threats being made, and the lack of recourse on display. Finally, they talk through the ways that we can help to safeguard our society from normalizing such antics. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 298 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Katie Fitzgerald from Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provides food and services to people all across the country. As VP and COO of the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, Katie explains the elevated need that so many Americans are facing due to COVID-19 and how her hunger relief organization is working towards a food-secure future for ALL. She provides incredible insight into the issue of food security and hunger in our country and what we can do to help. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode of 297 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with Cori Pembleton, the founder of The Flag is For All of Us. Cori, a woman with no history of activism but with huge talent and a critical perspective, felt that the American flag had been co-opted by people who in her view did not represent the America she loves. She believes this shift (whether subconscious or conscious) matters to our democracy and thus began a movement to educate and inspire. Listeners will be fascinated by her journey and will perhaps even feel encouraged to think about their own relationship with flag and all it symbolizes. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 296 of the Mama Bear Dares website, Tesi and Leslie sit down with professional ultra-runner, sports nutritionist, and climate activist Dr. Stephanie Howe. The women discuss the idea that when you live your life outdoors like Stephanie does, you witness the effects of climate change firsthand. It’s this observation that has led Dr. Howe to engage with climate change advocacy, in particular with the brands she partners with as well as the organization Protect Our Winters. Listeners will appreciate her knowledge, experiences, and how she creates a sense of urgency in the climate change conversation. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 295 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Leslie and Tesi discuss the ins and outs of Thanksgiving 2020 and the importance of representation. For the latter, they lean on what they learn in their conversation with the brilliant NY Times bestselling illustrator Holly Hatam. Holly talks about the importance of diversity in children’s books and her dedication to leaving no off the page. With a focus on gratitude, the women encourage listeners to acknowledge and celebrate the unique experience and history of all people. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 294 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie revisit their conversation with Lauren Ornelas, the founder of the Food Empowerment Project, an organization that seeks to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices. The women discuss farm worker rights, veganism, chocolate slavery, the lack of access to healthy foods, and how we can all make more informed choices that can ultimately prevent injustice against animals, people, and the environment. Now, more than ever, is a great time to learn about the importance of—and treatment of—farm and factory workers in America and Lauren is a phenomenal resource and impressive activist. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.  

On Episode 293 of the Mama Bear Dare Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Renee Jain, the founder of child-psychology start-up GoZen! and co-author of SUPERPOWERED: Transform Anxiety into Courage, Confidence, and Resilience. As a recognized pioneer in the fields of technology and social and emotional learning, Renee and the sister-co-hosts discuss the emotional health of ALL of us (kids and adults alike) living through the year 2020. In this generous interview, Renee offers insight, skills, and HOPE for not just recognizing and managing our emotions, but using them for good. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website.

On Episode 292 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk about the November 3rd election one last time. They discuss the emotional toll of the last four years of living in the US under the Trump administration, take another look at voter suppression and the nuts and bolts of an election in pandemic times, and try to answer the inevitable: Where do we go from here? It’s a shorter, lighter Mama Bear podcast than typical … because no one has the energy for heavy things right now. Listen, laugh, and cross all the fingers and toes. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 291 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Alexis Adarolo and Zelnnetta Clark to talk about how their desire to help the Black community amidst Covid-19 went from a viral GoFundMe that raised over $200,000(!) to a nonprofit, Rebuild the Block, that works to redistribute wealth and knowledge to the Black community. The women share their passion, their knowledge, and their journey of giving grants and wide support to minority-owned businesses. Visit the Mama Bear Dares website for complete Show Notes.

On Episode 290 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, in light of the fast-approaching election, Tesi and Leslie re-visit their talk about voting rights and voter suppression. Deeply rooted in research and in honor of the passion, work, and incredible life of Congressman John Lewis, the women recall the history of suffrage and voter suppression in the United States and the ways in which we can advocate so that ALL people can exercise this constitutional right. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 289 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie re-visit a conversation they had with Shaniqua McClendon, Political Director for Crooked Media and brilliant Mama Bear. Shaniqua shares her experience as an intern in the Obama administration and as former staff for Senator Kay Hagan and Representative Alma Adams. Not only does she take listeners behind the scenes on Capitol Hill, but she talks about HOPE spurred on by the 2018 midterms and the difference between power for the sake of power versus power for the sake of progress. Finally, the women celebrate Shaniqua’s incredible work on Vote Save America and the road to the White House that will take us through November. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 288 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi sits down with legal activist Carey Degenaro, the litigation lead at the Colorado Covid-19 Eviction Defense Project, an important non-profit that responds to urgent questions about housing, homelessness, and community recovery during the COVID-19 health pandemic. Tesi and Carey talk about who has been impacted by this crisis, how people like Carey can help those that need guidance navigating this increasingly challenging situation, and the potential impact of an emerging housing crisis prompted by the pandemic. Click here for complete Show Notes.

On Episode 287 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Leslie sits down with at-home expert Myquillyn Smith to talk about how we can be happier at home during a time in our life that the world requires us to be there more. The women discuss tips and tricks for making your home work for you, as well as the philosophy of physical space and hospitality. Ultimately, this episode is about beauty and the importance of working to find it in every aspect of life. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 286, Leslie and Tesi talk about the ongoing and widespread manipulation of Facebook and it’s role in proliferating real-life violence and real-life implications on elections across the globe. The research is alarming and the power and consequences that result from the influence of Facebook is undeniable. The women sift through research and land with great concern on a necessary conversation about how we might respond to the online behemoth’s impact on our lives and our democracy. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 285 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi have the privilege of sitting down with Rosemary Ketchum, a former community organizer in Wheeling, West Virginia, and now, the state’s first out transgender elected official. Rosemary talks about her election, the importance of voting (she won her seat by 15 votes!), and busting down doors to get a seat at the table. She’s also the associate director of the city’s local drop-in center for the National Alliance for Mental Illness. A fierce advocate for the marginalized, Rosemary’s story is wonderful, her wisdom is never-ending, and the conversation is full of energy and passion. For completete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website. 

On Episode 284 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi spend their time together talking about a massive subject: the school-to-prison pipeline. (Note: This episode was previously released in March 2020.) They use their mama bear impulse to try to understand why students of color, students with learning disabilities, or students with histories of poverty, abuse, or neglect are often isolated, punished, and “pushed out.” Much like their episode entitled “The Privilege Pipeline,” the women share stories of their own experience as parents in the public schools and sift through the research regarding the systems in place. The episode is informative as well as thought-provoking. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 283 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi talk to Leah Plunkett, a digital privacy expert, mom, advocate, author, and faculty associate at the Youth & Media team at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. The women discuss Leah’s book (Sharenting: Why We Should THINK Before We Talk About Our Kids Online) and how we can keep kids safe in a world that’s digital in nature. The conversation ranges from digital baby monitors to social media to your kids’ school lunch account to virtual learning, and explores how laws in the United States have led to an “over-sharenting” problem that ultimately undermines our children—and, ultimately, how adults can make choices that restore the privacy and freedom that our kids deserve. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 282 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi discuss how Covid-19 is impacting women, in particular women who are juggling home and workplace responsibilities. As the virus exposes the shortcomings of society, the co-hosts focus on gender equality, the already-existing gender pay gap, the “second shift,” and the mental lode and honor the pain and inconvenience so many women are experiencing right now. They dig into research (new and emerging) that point to the ways in which women are feeling much of the brunt of caregiving and speak with Pam Harris, a mom and professional wading through a new reality.

On Episode 281 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Shaniqua McClendon, Political Director for Crooked Media and brilliant Mama Bear. Shaniqua shares her experience as an intern in the Obama administration and as former staff for Senator Kay Hagan and Representative Alma Adams. Not only does she take listeners behind the scenes on Capitol Hill, but she talks about HOPE spurred on by the 2018 midterms and the difference between power for the sake of power versus power for the sake of progress. Finally, the women celebrate Shaniqua’s incredible work on Vote Save America and the road to the White House that will take us through November. Check out complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares website!

On Episode 280 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with Elena Hung, co-founder and director of Little Lobbyists, an incredible organization that seeks to protect and expand the rights of children who have complex medical needs and disabilities through advocacy, education, and outreach. Elena shares her journey of working WITH and on BEHALF of families with medically complex kids, about the power of story to change hearts and minds AND policy. She and her fellow advocates refuse to accept the policies and legislation being advanced by the current administration and Congress and seek to educate legislators by showing up in-person with their children (and their ventilators, oxygen tanks, feeding tubes, wheelchairs, and more!) so that everyone can see first-hand who is impacted by laws and programs like the ACA, Medicaid, ADA, and IDEA. Visit the Mama Bear Dares website for details.

On Episode 279 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with the creative force behind VOTE LIKE A MOTHER, Sara Berliner. Sara is working to rally parents and all people of conscience to get politically engaged and believes that parenthood can be a powerful lens for politics. The women discuss current events, the 2020 election, and the ways we can work to make a world that’s more just and equitable for all. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 278 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk about voting rights and voter suppression. Deeply rooted in research and in honor of the passion, work, and incredible life of Congressman John Lewis, the women recall the history of suffrage and voter suppression in the United States and the ways in which we can advocate so that ALL people can exercise this constitutional right. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 277 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie sits down with Rebecca Smith, the founder of Better Life Bags and author of A Better Life: Slowing Down to Get Ahead. They discuss the power and possibility of social entrepreneurism, living counter to a culture that values hustle and the bottom line, being true to ourselves, and the many ways in which we can show up for one another in solidarity and love. It’s an upbeat conversation about care, compassion, and using the ways we can use our talents and gifts for a better life for all. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 276 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with Kaitlin Koga, Chief of Staff of The Bail Project, a phenomenal organization that aims to prevent incarceration and the combat racial and economic disparities in the bail system. It’s a fascinating conversation about America’s cash-bail and it’s part in our country’s system of mass incarceration and racial inequality. The women discuss the criminalization of poverty, and policing…both it’s problems and the potential of a different approach. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 275 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Tori Taylor, fierce Mama Bear and co-executive director of the incredible grassroots organization Swing Left. Swing Left helps volunteers find the most impactful ways to use their time, talent, and treasure to make sure this country progresses forward…without leaving anyone behind. They helped Democrats win the house in 2018 and they’ve got their sights set on not just the presidential race in 2020, but many other local races as well. The three women talk about the depths of gerrymandering, how to make change happen during a pandemic, and the real, tangible ways that each of us can get involved. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode of 274 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi & Leslie take some time to celebrate the recent Supreme Court rulings on LGBTQ+ rights and protections and the DACA decision. They explore the incredible work of Dr. Shermariah Arki and her eye-opening definitions of common terms used often in public education. The women discuss the importance of learning, unlearning, and re-learning, the need for anti-racist public education, and what Mama Bears can do to move the needle. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website.

On Episode 273 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Judy Heumann, a disability rights activist who was chosen as one of the 100 women who defined the last century and was featured in the recent documentary Crip Camp. Forty years ago, Judy helped lead a groundbreaking protest called the Section 504 sit-in, in which disabled-rights activists occupied a federal building for almost a month, demanding greater accessibility for all. Judy has led an incredible life of activism bringing tangible change to our country. On this episode of the pod, Judy generously shares her incredible stories of advocacy, her wisdom, and her hope. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website.

On Episode 272 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with Maya Millett, the extraordinary woman behind Race Women. The three women talk about history, about reverence and anger, and about the ways in which we are indebted to the strong women who came before us. Maya is an incredibly talented storyteller who insists on using her talents and experience to broaden our collective conversation and ultimately make change. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.