The Mean Show with Kristen Philipkoski

Mikelann Valterra is a financial psychologist and author who helps women transform their relationship with money to create a life they love.Her strong background in emotional intelligence, paired with her practical money strategies help her clients  design their life and feel in control of the money, while escaping financial stress and anxiety.In this episode we talk about how to get control of your money so you think about your finances less,  the importance of having hobby that brings you joy (hers is Argentine tango), and so much more. Links: Mikelann ValterraFree ebook on how to stop stressing about moneyOn FacebookInstagramTwitter LinkedInPinterestYouTubeSupport the show

I was surprised by this interview so many times: Dry farming with no electricity—what?Founding said farm at 16, and sticking with it for 23 years? Colon cancer diagnosis at 37, and beating the odds with a full recovery, thank heavens. Oh, and gray hair at 18!Jennifer Lee Segale is a professional botanist and founder of Wildflower Farms, an organic landscape design and consulting company specializing in coastal plantings, edible gardens, habitat restoration and unique plant sourcing. She has a rich background in farming and plant propagation, and her design and consulting services focus on plant and soil care.The farm's no-till, dry-farmed medicinal herbs also supply Segale's skincare and wellness brand Garden Apothecary, with two storefronts in Half Moon Bay, CA. "Garden Apothecary is really set apart from other brands by our growing of ingredients and making everything in-house," she says. "We really try to come from the plant's perspective, with gentle growing techniques and minimal harvesting—thus being able to offer unique and sustainable products, with a lot of integrity behind them."Jenn lives by the beach with her husband, two step-children, piles of books and her two sweet dogs, Sorrel and Oolong.Links: Wildflower FarmsGarden ApothecaryWildflower Farms on InstagramGarden Apothecary on InstagramAmerican Cancer Society—Colorectal CancerWhat is Colorectal Cancer—CDCUCSF Colon CancerUCSF Mission BayGarden Apothecary herb teasHalf Moon HoneyGarden Apothecary Higher Ground facial serum Support the show

Dr. Louann Brizendine completed her degree in neurobiology at UC Berkeley, graduated from Yale School of Medicine and did her internship and residency at Harvard Medical School. In this episode we talk about her new book The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond. She also wrote the New York Times best seller The Female Brain and its follow-up, The Male Brain, which continues to be read around the world.This episode is filled with so much great information, enjoy and please review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!Watch the interview YouTubeDr. Louann BrizendineThe Upgrade bookDr. Brizendine on InstagramFacebookTwitterThe Female BrainThe Male BrainThe Women's Health InitiativeI Feel Bad About My NeckSupport the show

Erin Hupp has been creating beautiful ceramics for more than 20 years. But it wasn't until she was knee-deep in a successful career in law that she made ceramics her main gig. After earning her law degree, the San Francisco-based artist practiced land-use and child-welfare law. But the call of her art was always at the back of her mind, and after giving birth to her third child, she decided to make an enormous change: she would pursue her art, but not just as a hobby—as a full time business.  Her focused approach—she marks every ceramics-related task on the family calendar—has paid off. Erin is now a professional artist known for her texturally-rich tableware. She partners with restaurants and interior designers to create site-specific pieces, all by hand on her potter's wheel. You'll find her work at restaurants including Hilda and Jesse, Californios, Nightbird, Sorrel and Pasta Bar. Listen to our conversation to find out how she made the seemingly unlikely transition from lawyer to potter a very successful one. Links: Erin Hupp CeramicsErin on InstagramAdvokidsCaliforniosHilda and JesseWindy ChienBlink by Malcolm GladwellNoz NozawaErin Hupp + Hilda and Jesse article at ForbesThe Upgrade by Louann BrizendineThe Female Brain by Louann BrizendineVideo and audio editing by Sofija Jovanov.Support the show

If you're navigating midlife and think it's time to give up rocking (or trying to rock) a smokey eye look, this episode with disabuse you of that thought (also see Carine Roitfeld.)I met makeup artist Brigette Caille through the #silversisters network on Instagram, and quickly invited her onto the show to get her valuable tips on easy makeup when you're 50-ish. And I'm so glad I did because I finally know how to create a smokey eye look in less than 5 minutes! To be honest I never really had the confidence to try a smokey eye before. In fact I'm so intimidated by eye makeup in general that I had resigned myself to using only mascara. I just didn't feel I had the time or energy to experiment, especially when I was sure it would end in me washing my face and going back to the mascara-only look. If you feel the same way, I promise you'll change your mind after checking out Brigette's tips. Please let me know if you try it, I'd love to hear how it goes, good or bad!Links:Brigette CailleBrigette Caille on InstagramSupplies that could come in handy for creating a smokey eye: 1. Eye crayonNYX Jumbo Eye Pencil, $5.50Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Pencil, $29Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener, $24Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color, $292. Fluffy blending brushe.l.f. Mint Melt eyeshadow brush set, $6.50Laura Mercier Finishing Ponytail Brush, $32Makeup by Mario EF1 Makeup Brush, $22Fenty Beauty by Rhianna Tapered Blending Brush, $243. Small blending brush (or us a Q-tip)e.l.f. Mint Melt eyeshadow brush set, $6.50Laura Mercier Smudge Brush, $26Sephora Collection Makeup Match Smudge Eyeshadow Brush, $84. Eyelash CurlerSephora Collection eyelash curler, $14Laura Mercier Artist eyelash curler, $22Lash Star Stardust lash curler, $245. MascaraSupport the show

The fact that spellcheck still doesn't know how to spell perimenopause kind of says it all. A wide-ranging lack of knowledge and utter confusion (even among gynecologists) around perimenopause, menopause and women's health during this transitional time of life are why today's guests, Gwendolyn Floyd (CEO) and Julie Kucinski (CMO)—along with founding partners Judy Greer (yes from Arrested Development!) and Corey Scholibo—founded Wile Women. Wile Women makes products to support women's health after 40ish. Using plant medicine supported by clinical studies, the brand demystifies and embraces hormonal health. Products support and regulate the big three: estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol, with tinctures, supplements and drinks. Instead of using single ingredients to tackle symptoms, the brand says: "Wile looks at women and formulations holistically, because that's how our bodies and nature really work."That's why, for example, their Drinking Your Feelings, Un-Anger, and Tranq Drank, products contain a blend of ingredients that work together to combat unwanted symptoms. In this episode, we discuss the flawed Women's Health Initiative study of 2002, which, incredibly, 20 years later is still scaring us away from hormone treatments. We also discuss naturopathy, medical gaslighting and so much more. I learned so much from these two during our conversation and I hope you will too!Wile has also offered a generous 20% discount to Mean Mag readers! Use code MEAN20 for 20% off your entire order. Links: Wile WomenGwendolyn FloydJulie KucinskiJudy GreerSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Introducing: Brad King, the first man on The Mean Show podcast!I talk in my recorded intro a lot about Brad being supportive of women, which is obviously awesome. He gave female authors a platform when Covid descended upon us all and no one could do book tours.  Really awesome.But what I neglect to mention in the intro is his support of BIPOC communities. His self-awareness and introspection about his status and role as a white man in America is inspiring and all too rare. Not that he would ever say any of that. Brad and I worked together long ago at Wired—in the intro I say early 2000s but I think it was actually the late '90s if you can believe that. We talk about writing, therapy, Ted Lasso, and so much more. LINKS:Brad KingThe Downtown Writers Jam podcastKP on the Downtown Writers Jam podcastVendettas: Clay County WarThe 'Lost Tribe' of AppalachiaThis episode is sponsored by Hydronique Hydration, a new wellness brand crated by a  healthcare worker to help hydrate and ease the frequent headaches experienced by him and his fellow frontline workers due to dehydration during the pandemic as a result of aggressive PPE, overwork and burnout. Check it out on Amazon!Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Today's episode features Nina Lorez Collins, chief creative officer for Revel, an events and community platform for women over 40. She's also the founder of The Woolfer, which Revel acquired earlier this year. In 2015 she started a closed Facebook group called What Would Virginia Woolf Do?, which eventually became The Woolfer. That led to a book with the same name, plus the subtitle: As I Attempt to Age Without Apology. As we discuss in the podcast, the idea of aging without apology resonates for me because as I  get older, I feel like I should be sorry for getting old—like I'm letting people down somehow. But things are changing: Revel was founded (with VC funding)  by two women in their thirties who saw the value in women in our 40s and 50s. Nina is a graduate of Barnard college and has a master's degree from Columbia narrative medicine. She has a long professional background in book publishing both as a literary scout and an agent. She serves as a trustee of the Brooklyn Public Library, and board member of the publishing house Spiegel and Grau. Nina also manages the literary estate of her late mother, the filmmaker and writer Kathleen Collins. Links: Kathleen CollinsNina Lorez CollinsNina Lorez Collins on InstagramRevelRevel on InstagramThe Woolfer on FacebookWhat Would Virginia Woolf Do? And Other Questions I Ask Myself As I Try To Age Without ApologyWomanessKindraNo. 6BeklinaWeight WatchersThe Fuck It DietTabuSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Karen Randall helps women at midlife explore the questions that not many on Instagram are talking about. As we look at our changing faces in the mirror, many of us ask: What's next for me? What path do I take when it feels like my best years are behind me? I have so many ideas, how do I pick the right one when time feels so short? While it's wonderful that we're seeing more midlife women on social media, and that we're all encouraging each other to embrace our age with empowering mantras, (Own it! Do you! Don't give an F what anyone thinks!), for many of us, it's so much easier said than done. In this episode, Karen discusses how you can explore those questions to actually get to that chill-AF-about-aging state of mind. It was really fun digging into all of this with Karen, I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!Find out more about Karen's work at her website! Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This is a super-long one, but I just could not bring myself to make it shorter because I loved every minute of this conversation.To make it easier to navigate, I have broken it down for you below. Listen to it beginning to end (which, you know, I totally recommend because it's good), or pick and choose the topics that interest you most.I highly recommend not missing the Vivienne Westwood section, as well as the yoga and trends parts, oh, and the part about what Andrea loves about this phase of our lives. And if you'd like to watch the video, please click here.Please let me know what you think! Video and editing by Sofija Jovanov. Jump to Key Topics3:22: Girl in Transition + Timbuk2 9:30 A designer's business sense and entrepreneurship 16:44 Chicago origins (she wasn't always a fashion girl) 26:10 First fashion gig with the legendary Vivienne Westwood (and how she got it with a the craziest resume) 32:57 Being open and spontaneous and also a responsible adult 35:42 AGING and being an overgrown teenager and planning to live until 139 and dating younger men 46:45 Mentee and mentorship over the years 51:46 YOGA 1:00:33 TRENDS! Loved and hated 1:09:09 “Genderless fashion is the NOW of fashion” 1:16:28 What she loves about this phase of our lives (don't miss this one!) Key quotes“I”ve never moved for a job.”“Genderless fashion is the now of fashion.”“Sometimes I look like a grown up woman, sometimes I look like a teenager, sometimes I look like a hight school skater boy.”"The time has gone by when only certain people are allowed to have certain experiences.”LinksAs Timbuk2 turns 30, its female executives are building a lifestyle powerhouseAnti-aging ads are out Podcast with Wini Linguvic my yoga instructorThe Spring/Summer 1993 Vivienne Westwood show with the last-minute dyed dress as the finalePharrell on the cover of Vanity Fair, November 2019Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Giną Nowicki, a marketing and communications specialist who lived most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area, up and moved her family to Europe smack dab in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you probably recall, just as we all thought things were getting better earlier this year, they actually got worse. But the lure of an amazing life experience and to live in a beautiful French town was undeniable, so Gina's family decided to go for it anyway. It was not easy, but they have no regrets. Their 9-year-old is going to school and learning French, and Gina and her husband are figuring out the work thing—the remote employment movement was very good timing.If you've ever dreamed of living abroad but maybe thought you were too old or that having kids made it impossible, you won't want to miss this one! Links: Gina in FranceCrossroads Trading CompanySupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Margo Krasne rebooted her life at the age of 50. A dyed in the wool New Yorker, she worked as an actress, an ad gal, a sculptor and started over again at 50 as a communications coach. She is the author of Say It With Confidence, I Was There All Along: A Memoir and What Would I Do Without You.Now 83, Margo has a perspective on career, midlife, owning your age, living alone, friendship and so much more that we rarely get to hear in today's youth-obsessed culture. During the pandemic lockdown, she became so convinced she would be felled by Covid-19 that she filled a bag with her medical history, meds, and extra masks for the EMTs who would cart her away. She "hung it by my door almost as an amulet."But her 2020 turned out to be better than she could have imagined. Listen to hear her story!Margo's books: Say It With ConfidenceI Was There All Along: A Memoir What Would I Do Without YouMargo's essay at Mean MagazineSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Debbie Mink  is on a lifelong quest to integrate her creative life with the need in San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the world, to have two-income family. She started out as a ceramicist, has been a go go dancer  (in the podcast I incorrectly say she was a burlesque dancer, apologies!),  performs spoken word, and is a curly hair advocate. She has a new online course called How to UnF*ck yourself and co-hosts her own podcast called Talking Smack! Also don't miss the fun song she wrote, Bangs or Botox. Keep an ear out for it in the podcast. Last but not least she created an amazing Pussy Quilt out of Blue Bottle coffee bags in response to the 2016 election! You can get a peek at that if you check out the video version (our first ever!) or the podcast!LINKS:Check out this episode on YouTube!Debbie MinkDebbie Mink on InstagramTalking Smack podcastUnF*ck Yourself digital courseSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

In this episode you'll meet Claire Gill, founder of The National Menopause Foundation. After more than 20 years in marketing and public relations for both nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies, Claire founded the organization in September 2019 (can you believe it didn't exist until then??).Her goal is to help women thrive at every stage of their lives with access to information and networks that help make menopause a positive, inspiring and empowering time in every woman's life. When Claire, who is also CEO of the National Osteoporosis Foundation,  realized there was no national nonprofit dedicated solely to women's journey to and through menopause, so she set out to create one. The National Menopause Foundation is working to create a positive change in how people perceive, understand and experience menopause through education, peer-to-peer support, activism, and research.Check out the foundation's website, The Positive Pause podcast, The Hot Flash newsletter, and its online community,  The Menopause Metamorphosis for tons of great info that will make you feel less alone and be more informed on your menopause journey. Links: The National Menopause FoundationFacebook TwitterInstagramGennev

Welcome to episode 32! This week we speak with Barbara Hannah Grufferman, 60-something ultra-marathoner, menopause expert, and award-winning author. Grufferman has written two books focusing on positive aging: Love Your Age: The Small Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier Life and The Best of Everything After 50: The Expert's Guide to Style, Sex, Health, Money and More. She speaks all over he country—well, she did before the pandemic, but that hasn't stopped her from bringing her pro-age insight to audiences around the world virtually. Grufferman also publishes a newsletter called  The Menopause Cheatsheet, which educates women about that all-too-mysterious time of life. She is also a wealth of knowledge on  over-50 on health, fitness, beauty, fashion, style, relationships and more. In the podcast, we discuss the AARP's evolving cool factor,  how running is not actually bad for your joints, easy ways to avoid osteoporosis and lots more. Links:Barbara Hannah GruffermanThe Menopause CheatsheetBHG on InstagramLove Your Age: The Small Step Solution to a Better, Longer, Happier LifeThe Best of Everything After 50: The Expert's Guide to Style, Sex, Health, Money and MoreAARPWhat I Talk About When I Talk About RunningMotherhood LaterSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

It's episode 31! This week we speak to Stephanie O'Dell, founder of Celebrate the Gray, a full service agency for and about the 50-plus woman. Celebrate the Gray works to connect brands with her agency's more than 40 models, bringing to the forefront real faces and authentic stories of what she calls "aging with power."  Women are living longer, healthier lives, and advertising and messaging doesn't reflect that.  After speaking with 1,000 of women over 50, she is  working to update the age diversity of models that advertisers use. "Women can't be what they don't see!"If you're starting to see more women with gray hair in fashion shows and in advertisements, you can thank Stephanie. Links:Celebrate the GrayCelebrate the Gray on InstagramStephanie O'Dell on FacebookRevelAthletaKicocoJoani Johnson for FentyDebra DarlingSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This week we feature Robin Gorman Newman, who founded an organization called Motherhood Later… Than Sooner. It's a group that she started in Manhattan for women who became mothers later in life. I had been looking for something like it for a long time and I was so excited to find Motherhood Later. It has chapters all over the world from the U.S. to Nigeria and beyond.Little did I know this is just one of the many creative hats Robin wears. She is a Tony Award nominated Broadway producer for Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. She was Associate Producer of Motherhood Out Loud, and is a co-producer on forthcoming musicals earmarked for Broadway. Robin authored the books How to Meet a Mensch in New York and How to Marry a Mensch, serving as inspiration for a musical she and her producing partner are developing. She's been seen on CNN and The Today Show, and has appeared as an author/Love Coach at Off-Broadway shows. Robin founded LoveCoach.com and works as a Love Coach for singles helping them lead more successful social lives. When she became a mom in her early 40s, Robin launched Motherhood Later to help support other women on the same path. Her organization, as seen in Time, USA Today and beyond, now has in-person chapters worldwide and hosts an ongoing Zoom for later moms across the globe to connect. She is also a Co-Host of 3 WOMEN PRESENT, a new Zoom discussion series she and two other "later moms" launched to have conversations with inspiring game changer authors  and experts who resonate with women over 40.We talk about the pros and cons of becoming a mother later in life, being mistaken for grandmas, our paths to becoming later-life moms and lots more. Relevant Links:Motherhood LaterMotherhood Later on FacebookMotherhood Later on TwitterLove CoachRobin on TwitterLinkedIn Email Robin at robin@motherhoodlater.comSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This week's episode features not one but three guests on the podcast. As luck would have it, the three founders of Mightly, an affordable, sustainable kids' clothing brand, are all Gen X women.Tierra Forte is the CEO, Barrie Brouse is the Creative Director and Anya Emerson is the COO. We had a really fun conversation and one thing that really stood out for me was their description of what it's really like to make clothing that's Fair Trade Certified, and how that gets complicated during a pandemic. But it turns out the requirements involved with running a Fair Trade business actually protected Mightly's factory workers during the Covid and at the same time helped them both stay in business. We also talk about the Gen X advantage when it comes to sheltering in place, what it's like working on a 100% female executive team, and—despite the pandemic—how crying at work happens less often for all of us these days. Links:MightlyMightly on Instagram  Mightly on Facebook  COO Anya Emerson CEO Tierra ForteCreative Director Barrie Brouse Fair Trade Certification  Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This week, we welcome back to The Mean show a previous guest, my beloved yoga instructor, Wini Linguvic, founder of The Elevate Practice. I wanted to invite her back because, well, she's amazing. Also, even though we are hopefully in the homestretch of this pandemic, we still likely have at least a few more months of doing mostly everything, including exercising, at home, and Wini knows how to make that work. Quickly after the world began shutting down last March, Wini launched her online membership website, which you should definitely check out. You are fortunate that wherever you may be, you can access The Elevate Practice. It's not like any other exercise membership site you'll encounter for many reasons. Wini teaches with a clear curriculum in mind. She's extremely thoughtful, always with the goal of making your body and mind feel and function better not just while you're in class but long after you walk out of the studio.  But the number one takeaway at this moment in time is something that Wini talks about a lot in the podcast: we can't expect exercise, or anything else for that matter, to be something it's not. It can't be during a pandemic. And let's look for the opportunity in that. Let's not try to force it to be what it was like before, because it's not. She has a lot to say about how we can make a yoga practice really work during these extremely unusual times.She also talks about what makes a great teacher, how yoga can be caught rather than taught, the plusses of being 55 and so much more. Just don't ask her about fourth grade math. Links:The Elevate PracticeFollow Wini on InstagramSign up for Wini's newsletterCheck out Wini's livestream classesBecome an Elevate Practice memberSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Our guest this week, Gina Pell, was the inspiration for everything happening here at Mean. She came up with the concept of Perennials, and when I read her article Meet the Perennials, I knew I had an audience. The idea that a demographic can be about more than the year you were born struck a chord. Perennials are ever-blooming people of all ages who continue to push up against their growing edge, always relevant, and not defined by their generation. Mean has shifted since then to focus mostly on women at mid-age, but Pell is as inspiring as ever.  She's been a tech entrepreneur since the 90s when she founded Splendora, which was eventually acquired by Joyus. She's currently Content Chief of The What, a vibrant community as well as an email newsletter that provides five eclectic, curious things you should know about every week including  books, health tips, life, style, travel, and tech.Listen in on our conversation to learn how she's weathering the pandemic, what inspired the concept of Perennials, how women can get Jack Nicholson sexy, and lots more. Sign up for The What newsletterMeet the PerennialsThe venture capitalists making a bet on aging consumersThe Keep Going On SongWatch Miss Americana on NetflixNext DraftSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This week's episode is an interview with author Alisson Wood, who recently published her memoir, Being Lolita. Alisson is a bit younger than most of my guests, but her story is relevant for pretty much every generation.The memoir describes  how as a lonely and vulnerable high school senior, Alisson was groomed and seduced by her English teacher, which lead to an abusive relationship. Mr. North gives Alisson a copy of Lolita to read, telling her it is a beautiful story about love,  but it eventually becomes clear that neither the novel nor their real life story are about love at all. The beauty is that Alisson has taken back her story and written a moving memoir that shines a bright light on our shifting perceptions of consent, vulnerability, and power, as does our conversation. I hope you enjoy!Relevant links: Alisson WoodBeing LolitaAlisson on InstagramAlisson on Twitter

This week we have an interview with author and professor Jennifer Worley, who recently published a memoir called Neon Girls: A Stripper's Education in Protest and Power.It's intriguing anytime you get a peek into a somewhat private, secretive world. But this isn't just any stripper or any strip club. We're talking about the Lusty Lady in the grunge-era ‘90s where there was a small but important revolution happening. The Lusty Lady was known as sort of a feminists' strip club. They allowed things like piercings and tattoos, while other clubs didn't allow such things. They encouraged a range of body types, not just the blond bombshell archetype. There also were no lap dances, which as you'll read in the book really differentiated the Lusty Lady from other clubs in terms of the vibe of the place as well as the relationships between the dancers.Despite its plusses, it turned out there were also some inequities and, alarmingly, hidden cameras discovered at the Lusty Lady. When management didn't address their concerns, Jennifer and a cohort of her fellow strippers to start a union. And they didn't stop there, they went on to buy out the whole club and became the first worker-owned strip club. They were basically a stripper co-op and the story of how they did it is fascinating.Both highly personal and searingly political, Neon Girls: A Stripper's Education in Protest and Power is a thinking woman's exploration of sex work, labor, and collective power. It's also a page-turner! I honestly could not put it down.Jennifer went on to become an English professor, and she continued her labor-activism continued later in life as President of the faculty union at City College San Francisco.I loved this conversation with Jennifer and I hope you do too!As always, if you would like to be on the show, or know someone who would be great, please hit me up!Relevant links:Jenny WorleyNeon Girls: A Stripper's Education in Protest and PowerCity College San FranciscoSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This week's episode is a conversation with Bay Area designer J'Amy Tarr, and it may be the most fun I've had to date recording an episode, despite some major technical difficulties. Thanks to my wonderful editor Sofija in Serbia you'd never know we had major connection problems. But trust me, we did. I think I had J'Amy on the line for nearly two hours but she did not complain—and hopefully she had as much fun chatting as I did.J'Amy and I haven't met in person, but I felt like we were old friends from the moment we starting talking.She designs specifically jackets and she learned earlier than most designers that being really focused is the future of fashion—especially now that the pandemic has changed everything about what women want to buy and how they buy it.Besides fashion, we talk about middle age, gen X and how she has gotten completely off social media! Can you believe it? Can you even imagine the liberation? Sigh, I want to be like her when I grow up.She also has a great voice and vibe! Oh, and if you're wondering about the spelling of her name, it's a combination of Jeanne and Amy. Jeanne was her paternal grandmother and James was her maternal grandfather. She was named Jeanne Amy at birth, but was called J'Amy unless she was in trouble (her mom had a friend named Jamie and loved the name). She officially changed Jeanne Amy to J'Amy in her 20s after realizing she had ended up with various accounts under different names. "When I couldn't get Southwest Airlines to combine mileage from both accounts under one name and that was the last straw!"Relevant Links:J'Amy TarrJ'Amy Tarr blogBiased Cuts podcastJoy Is Now podcastAudio editing by Sofija Jovanov Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

I'm very excited to welcome to the podcast Lisa Anderson Shaffer, who is the definition of multi talented. We met years ago at her booth at West Coast Craft where she was selling her gorgeous handmade woven necklaces. I remember we had a connection and chatted for a while—I was impressed by her work and she was down to earth and super friendly. So it's no surprise that our worlds are still entwined (I was on her podcast Biased Cuts recently!) many years later.But when we first met I naively thought her jewelry business, Zelma Rose, was her main gig. What I didn't know was that she is also a psychotherapist who has worked with AIDS patients and teens in crisis, that she would go on to publish her book and photography project These Three Things as well as launch TWO podcasts. Oh and she's also an activist, check out the post she wrote for Mean Magazine about how to get started if you're finally fed up with the state of affairs in our country and really how could you not be?Anyway, the really cool thing about this episode is that Lisa spells out how all of these seemingly disparate interests and activities fit together seamlessly—much like one of her woven necklaces. See what I did there yes it was intended!Related Links:Lisa Anderson ShafferZelma RoseThese Three ThingsJoy is Now podcastBiased Cuts podcastSo you want to be an activistWest Coast CraftLisa on Instagram  Zelma Rose on Instagram  Biased Cuts on Instagram  Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

In this very special episode, and a Mean Show first, we have two guests this week. When I first conceived of this podcast, my idea was to bring together women from different generations who were in the same field. I imagined, for example, a Gloria Steinem and Emma Gonzalez together discussing feminism, or a baby boomer stem cell researcher with a millennial one, you get the idea. But that turned out to be easier said than done so I decided to focus on midlife women. But as luck would have it, a pair of women came into my life who fulfill my multi-generational vision. This power duo is Roz Kaur and Anhad Bhullar, the team behind a new sustainable fashion brand called House of Hindee. Roz is based in California and Anhad is in India, and Roz is Anhad's aunt. Roz is also a stylist for Anthropologie, and she one of the most stylish 50-something women I've ever seen in my life (serously you guys check out her Instagram.)I love this conversation so much; Anhad talks about trying to appeal to the TikTok set with a product that takes 8 months create.Roz talks about the unique challenges that come with our relationship to fashion and style as we dive into middle age. Her incredible confidence and energy really comes through in this audio—I felt so inspired after we talked.They both discuss their partnership, and how their different perspectives deepen their relationship and the value of their business. I hope you enjoy!Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Twenty years ago, I wrote about biotechnology at Wired, and for several of my years there, I sat directly across from an incredible woman named Elisa Batista, who I'm so excited to tell you is my guest on today's episode.This episode is a kind of reunion between old friends as well as an exclusive interview where Elisa, who is currently an activist and writer, shares for the first time details about her life with and divorce from a public figure.  Elisa was married for nearly 20 years to Markos Moulitsas, who was and still is a bit of a celebrity, especially if you're into politics. He founded a progressive blog network called Daily Kos, and I remember Elisa and Markos as this young power couple, all of us at Wired gatherings and Markos surprising everyone with his incredible piano playing. I remember seeing him on television, talking about progressive politics and ideas, and my husband and I were very proud to call them friends.Behind the scenes, a very traditional domestic life was unfolding. As you'll hear in this exclusive interview, the couple's politics may have been progressive, but Elisa still changed all the diapers and cooked all the meals. The gender roles reflected those of both of their Latino families' for generations—except for the fact that Elisa was also establishing her own career while raising their two children.And then, after 21 years together, they split up, and in this episode, Elisa tells the story of what happened for the first time.Now that she's in her 40s and single, she's ready to focus on herself. As a matter of fact, she recently wrote a book about activism. You'll also hear about Elisa's important work on DACA during the Obama administration, her current work for Ultraviolet, how thinking  Breonna Taylor's mother keeps her up at night, and lots more. Relevant Links:UltravioletMoms RisingElisa on TwitterElisa on InstagramDaily KosSB NationE.J. Dionne Jr. of the Washington PostEzra Klein, co-founder of VoxJennifer WeinerRonnie Citron-Fink

I hope this week's podcast provides some much-needed hope and optimism. They seem to be in short supply these days, but my guest, Esuantsiwa Jane Goldsmith, who recently published her first book The Space Between Black and White (a mixed-race memoir), has a refreshing, optimistic take on current events that definitely lifted my mood. She makes me want to spread around some of that optimism state side—either that or move to South London where she lives.As you'll hear in the conversation, this interview also hits home for me personally. Being adopted, I've obsessed about my identity throughout my life. Who am I, really? And am I who I am because of my environment or because of my mysterious DNA? Esuantsiwa wondered some of the same things. But for her, the questions were constantly front and center as a biracial kid who grew up in a white family in a white neighborhood where the visual impact of her brown skin and curly hair attracted constant, unwelcome questions from bystanders. "Who are you?" they asked, constantly. So, “Who am I” was a question she asked herself multiple times every day of her life.One thing she eventually discovers about herself is that she's a princess! It's every adopted person's dream come true (or maybe that's just me). But there's much more to her story—she writes that self-discovery is a lifelong journey, and hers makes for a wonderful memoir that I thoroughly enjoyed."Being Mixed-Race is often misunderstood, trivialized or rejected," Goldsmith said. "I want to shed new light and depth on this issue through personal experience, across different countries, contexts and generations. Being Mixed-Race is about challenge, inclusion, social and political justice, equality, diversity and finding commonalities between us as well as delighting in difference. We are a growing community in the UK, sharing a valid, exciting and unique identity in it's own right. My story is a human story: every human being can metaphorically find themselves in the space 'in between.'"I actually listened to the book and I recommend doing that if you happen to be going on a daily walk or something else where you have an opportunity to listen. Her voice is lovely, which you can also experience in the podcast. I hope you enjoy!CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!!!Relevant Links:Esuantsiwa Jane GoldsmithThe Space Between Black and WhiteTwitterLinkedinFacebookInstagramAnona Development Consultancy 

This episode features a truly incredible woman: Taylor Jay, who has an eponymous collection of beautifully-designed, sustainable women's clothing. She's based in Oakland, California, and her designs are elevated, refined but relaxed, comfortable but chic."Urban" is not a word you would use to describe her clothing. There are no logo hoodies, no graphic t-shirts. But Taylor repeatedly came up against buyers who rejected her clothing because they said it was too urban. She quickly figured out that was code for a balck fashion designer who uses black and brown models.Racism isn't the only adversity Taylor has faced. She suffered sexual abuse as a child and was only 14 when she gave birth to her daughter. But with the help of family and friends, she raised a beautiful girl who is now in her 20s and her business partner, and they've opened a flagship store in Oakland.The timing wasn't great—the shop opened just in time to be closed by the pandemic and will remain closed for the summer. But in the meantime they're leaning into online sales, and have curated a work-from-home collection that will be just as relevant if we ever start working in offices again.Taylor has built a brand that allows women to look and feel amazing throughout their journey in life, regardless of their size, color, or shape. In our conversation, Taylor shares her experience with racism in the fashion industry, how she has pivoted to stay afloat during the pandemic, suddenly going from a size 2 to a 12, sleeping in her shop post-divorce, and so much more.RELEVANT LINKS: Taylor Jay CollectionTaylor Jay on InstagramWhen Sexual Assault Leads to Pregnancy: Taylor Jay's Powerful StoryBlack Lives MatterRAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)Black in Fashion Council Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Editor's note: In the introduction to this episode, I talk about my approach to getting more BIPOC women's voices on Mean. I hope you'll have a listen.This week's guest embodies everything I love about interviewing women in their fifties. Christine Marie Mason, founder of intimate wellness company Rosebud Woman, is also a mother, yogi, author and a veteran startup entrepreneur. She has sold six companies over the course of her career. And she's far from finished.A few years ago, after opening a yoga center in Hawaii, she could have easily kicked back and ridden her fifties into the sunset. Instead, she got the itch to launch another company.Mason is passionate about helping women understand that intimate wellness isn't just about the physical body. It's about changing our personal and cultural stories about life in a female body, then liberating and transforming those stories. She wants to create more joy and less suffering by valuing the perfection of women's natural bodies.She explains in our interview how her entire life and career has culminated in creating products to help do just that. Rosebud Woman makes plant-based intimate skincare products to honor, soothe, refresh, and arouse.Our conversation is wide ranging—we talk about everything from the experience of flying during the pandemic to having three kids under 3 at the age of 24 (while she was in business school, no less) to growing Rosebud women to a million dollars in sales in a year's time.I really hope you enjoy this episode!Relevant links:Rosebud Woman on Facebook Rosebud Woman on InstagramRosebud Woman on PinterestChristine Marie Mason on Instagram

This week I interview Tamar Miller, founder of luxury shoe brand Bells & Becks. Tamar's experience in the retail space is impressive, to put it mildly. She's been head of merchandising at Old Navy online, head of merchandising at Banana Republic online, director of merchandising for women's shoes at Piperlime, and earlier in her career she was a buyer at Macy's and Pottery Barn.Her education is equally stellar: she graduated from UC Berkeley and Harvard business school. And at a time when she had reached what some might call the pinnacle of her career, she decided to jump off the corporate ladder and become an entrepreneur.When we recorded our interview, we were in the earlier stages of the coronavirus pandemic, and you can probably hear in our voices that we were both a little shellshocked. Tamar had returned from Italy, of all places, just weeks before, so you don't want to miss that story.We also discuss how becoming an entrepreneur when you are approaching 50 might be unconventional but it also might be optimal. Tamar goes into some detail about her decision-making around slowly but steadily growing her shoe brand, and how bootstrapping the business has served her well, especially in the time of coronavirus. She also shares some gems about her experience with Facebook advertising and her thoughts on the pros and cons of a brick and mortar shop.It's a really meaty conversation that I think you'll get a lot out of, especially if you happen to be an entrepreneur.Plus, the shoes are so cute!And as always, we also touch on the personal perks of getting older. I really enjoyed this conversation with Tamar and I learned so much. I hope you will to!Audio editing by Sofija JovanovRelevant Links: Bells & BecksBells & Becks sample saleBells & Becks on InstagramBells & Becks on FacebookBells & Becks International Women's Day survey data on shopping habits/desires of 40+ women

On the show this week, we're talking bout something near and dear to my heart: menopause. Sexy, I know!O.K. maybe it's not exactly sexy, but I'm trying. Historically, the topics of perimenopause and menopause make everyone squirm with discomfort and are basically taboo, which has led to much unnecessary confusion and shame when it comes to what it all means and what treatments are available and safe to relieve hot flashes, insomnia and other symptoms.So I'm very excited for this interview with Dr. Leslie Meserve, founder of CurieMD, which offers digital medicine for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Meserve is a certified specialist through the North American Menopause Society, and has 20 years experience as a primary care physician focused on wellness and prevention.That NAMS certification is less widespread than it should be. Among other disturbing statistics, Dr. Meserve let's us know that while there are 36 million women experiencing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms right now, there are only about 3,000 certified menopause practitioners in the U.S. Another study found that three-quarters of OB-GYN residents had limited to no knowledge of menopause. I mean, WTF. So thank heavens for Curie MD and Dr. Meserve, who is working hard to get the truth out there about the treatments available for menopausal women, including hormone replacement therapy which has been much vilified over the past 20 years. But Dr. Meserve shares that besides helping with hot flashes and sleep, HRT actually has shown in studies to have many long term benefits including lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and osteoporosis, just to name a few. I hope you'll have a listen, and if you enjoy it, please review The Mean Show on Apple Podcasts (scroll down under "Ratings and Reviews" to find "write a review."Relevant Links:Dr. Leslie MeserveCurieMDCurieMD on InstagramNorth American Menopause Society"Free Period" was actually coined by Christine Marie Mason, who will  the subject of an upcoming podcast! Stay tuned!Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

I know every week I say I'm super excited about the podcast, and I promise you it's always true. But this week is extra special because I finally convinced one of my best friends, Jen Sullivan Brych, to join me on the show.I've been wanting to have Jen on partly because she's smart and funny as hell. She's is an award-winning author whose work has appeared in Fourteen Hills, The Los Angeles Times, Wired, The Rumpus, and sparkle+blink. She was a finalist for 

This week we have a very special podcast for you with Kim Mitchell, Banana Republic's art director and all-around lovely person. I met Kim about a decade ago when we both had fashion blogs (she still publishes hers!) when often ran into each other at events in San Francisco.We spoke from our respective quarantines, she in San Francisco in her studio apartment and me at home with the family in Pacifica. Kim told me how she worked her way up the ranks to land her dream job, as well as some of he challenges she has navigated. Not only is she one of the few black women to hold her position, but a few years ago she also suffered the tragic loss of her husband of seven years.Kim is also one of the friendliest and kindest people I've met in the fashion industry (or anywhere). She's one of those people who always greets you with a smile, is easy to laugh with, and who you can tell is attentively listening when you're talking, which is such a rare and wonderful trait in a human being. So I'm really excited for you all to get to know her better!Relevant Links:Academy of Art UniversityBanana RepublicJ'Adore CoutureNational Alliance on Mental IllnessLove over AddictionAl AnonAl Anon SFShatterproofSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This week on the podcast we feature multiple Emmy-award-winning T.V. personality Lizzie Bermudez. You've heard from her on the podcast before, but this is the first time we actually focus on HER and her career.We discuss how she got her start, how she rose to prominence, the ageism and sexism she experienced along the way, and how she's surviving at home with her two young girls.  I always love talking with Lizzie, but I especially love this interview because we discuss some intimate details about her struggles and successes. It also made me very excited to see what she'll do next! Keep an eye on this woman, she is poised to do amazing things. Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Our interview for you this week is with Leigh Rawdon the co-founder and CEO of Tea Collection, which is a very cute but not too cute kids clothing brand. I love it because it's girly enough for my glitter-loving 7-year-old, but it doesn't have pictures of princesses covering everything. Rawdon founded the company 18 years ago after raising just a small amount of capital and has stayed at the helm all these years.Tea Collection is now a multimillion-dollar children's brand that along with providing kids with stylish clothing, spreads knowledge about various cultures and gives back economically. Twice a year, Leigh and her team explore a new region of the world and transform their discoveries into high-quality, modern and sustainably-sourced kids clothing.Through a partnership with The Global Fund for Children, Leigh has donated more than $500,000 to local, grassroots organizations. Under her leadership, Tea Collection has been recognized in Inc. Magazine's “Inc 500” list of America's 500 fastest growing private companies, as well the San Francisco Business Times' list of largest women-owned companies in the Bay Area.Leigh grew up in a suburb of Memphis, earned a BA in English from Davidson College and went on to graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School. Later she taught entrepreneurship as a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business before launching Tea Collection.She is hunkered down in Oakland, California in her new home office, and she gave us an honest peek at what's happening at Tea Collection during the coronavirus pandemic. We also talk about the magic of dance classes, and the best things about getting older, and lots more. We hope you enjoy!Relevant links:Tea CollectionGlobal Fund for ChildrenDance Fit Fusion with Andre ColeVolt dance class with Kristarae FloresRhythm and Motion

For this week's podcast I interview author Jennifer Louden, whose most recent book, "Why Bother," will be published on April 21. Louden was one of the earliest self-care authors who published her first book, "The Woman's Comfort Book" in 1992. She has since publshed eight books.But the one coming out next week, "Why Bother," she says, is the culmination of her life's work.It took Louden 11 years to solidify the concept and finally write "Why Bother." So to say that it's a bummer that she's publishing it—self-publishing it, by the way—during the coronavirus pandemic is the understatement of the year.But in our conversation, she tells me she's letting go of her plans to promote the book. Most of them won't happen. That's not to say she hasn't had some good cries, but she says she's at peace with releasing a book in the time of coronavirus, and finding creative ways (like doing lots of podcasts) to get the word out. I have a feeling the lack of a book tour will not prevent "Why Bother" from being successful. The book is extremely engaging, practical, real, and kind.It's also a brave book for several reasons. For one, it's personal. She tells the story of her own struggle with depression and wondering why she should bother. For a long time, she was a self-help guru who was not taking her own good advice.She also tells the story of how she and her husband almost didn't get married becasuse of her fear and uncertainty around intimacy. And she shares the story of her experience of being on Oprah, which had me so on edge I almost couldn't take it.Louden's writing about how to feel satisfied with life—or at least the direction it's heading—really resonated with me. If you've ever had that "Why Bother" feeling—like you're too old, not smart enough, not good enough, what's the point?… it's a must read. Even if you haven't had precisely that feeling, the book is helpful for anyone who wants to connect with their desire and make moves toward getting what you want.Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

This week I speak with Debra Szidon, the multi-talented founder of a super-chic line of luxury handbags, The Cass Clutch. She also has an interior design business called Cocoon Home.In the podcast, she talks about being pulled in two directions by her disparate ventures, and how moving her family away from the S.F. Bay Area to Lake Tahoe gave her focus. We also discuss vintage cars, being a Jersey girl, turning 50, and how 9/11 contributed to shuttering her storefront back in 2001—and how the mood feels similar to today's coronavirus pandemic. Stay tuned for next week when I interview Bells & Becks founder Tamar Miller, who gave up a high-powered executive position at Gap to launch her own shoe brand.Relevant links:The Cass ClutchCocoon HomeBike PrettyMy Cass Clutch modeling gigAudio editing by Sofija JovanovSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

I'm so excited to introduce you to Andy Schine. We met in Wini Linguvic's yoga class in our home town of Pacifica, California about a year ago, and I could tell right away that I liked Andy and hoped we'd become friends. Truth be told that's partly why I lured her to my home (before social distancing was fully in place) to do this interview.Not only does she have the best curly hair and a cool girl vibe that's also somehow super friendly, she also swims in the Pacific Ocean. Every chance she can. Without a wetsuit. In a bikini! I shiver just thinking about it.Swimming in the ocean is a scary thing to do. But how she feels afterwards, Andy explains, makes it more than worth the fear and discomfort, which after years and years she still experiences every time she stands on the beach and ponders stepping in the water. She also talks about some other scary things she's done, including home birth, leaving a secure job as a teacher to break out on her own as a kids' writing coach, or a really hard yoga class. I hope you enjoy the podcast!!Relevant links: Wini Linguvic's online yogaShe uses Rescue Balm on her hair before swimmingLeisa Askew of Luxaskin is her aesthetician (look for online booking coming soon if you're in the SF area)Wini Linguvic podcastAngelina Rennell of Beklina podcastAudio editing by Sofija JovanovSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Emmy award winning journalist Lizzie Bermudez was kind enough to join me for another conversation about being 50-something. This time we discussed gray hair. There's a movement on social media where women are finding support around ditching the dye, and it's wonderful to witness. But Lizzie and I aren't quite ready to go there—we remain fans fo these brave ladies who are paving the way for the rest of us.Hair is super personal and complicated and fraught. For me, it's become a security blanket that I hide behind a little too often. And everyone knows women are judged by their appearance 1000% more than men are, so going gray and presenting as what many will immediately label "old lady" ain't easy.In this episode we talk about what holds us back from going completely gray, from our own insecurities to our fear about what it would mean for work and how our families will react. Also below check out some of the resources and groups we mention in the talk. I hope you enjoy!Nikol Johnson Beauty ReinventedGrombreAlso check out this post at Mean Magazine featuring some beautiful silver sister...and this one if you're impatient and want to go gray in a day...as well as this podcast with Angelina Rennel in which she talks about her thought process before going gray. Audio editing by Sofija Jovanov

Angelina Rennell has been running her online fashion boutique, Beklina, since 2006. Back then, there wasn't much competition, but soon the internet was flooded with online fashion sellers. In our conversation, Rennell shares that wasn't a problem for her, thanks to a background in art, a passion for eco-consciousness, a unique aesthetic point-of-view, and unwavering hustle. Oh, and also thanks to her amazing clogs, which have developed a cult-like following. Beklina has sustained a steady growth over its nearly 15 years in existence, which we all know is decades in internet years. As a woman in her late 40s, she also discusses her decision to let her hair go gray, and how it feels to be out in the world as a silver-haired woman.  Audio editing by Emma BurlingameSupport the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Mean Magazine founder Kristen Philipkoski and San Francisco media maven Lizzie Bermudez team up to discuss the realities of being 50 vis-a-vis JLO's Super Bowl performance. On the one hand, it was empowering and inspiring to see a 50-year-old woman (along with a 40-something woman) enthrall a stadium packed with football fans. On the other hand, when we look in the mirror, we can't help but notice some differences between us and JLO. Together it makes for some conflicted feelings. We discuss them all. Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

The idea for Sophie James Wine was a seed planted on Sophie and James Gray's first date, even though they didn't realize it. That night as James discussed his dream of owning a ranch, moving to the boonies, and creating an off-the-grid community, Sophie fell in love with the idea and him, too.Little did they know that nearly a decade later, Sophie would have made an extreme career switch from scientist to co-founder (with James) of a wine company and club with a miles-long waiting list—oh, and that they'd also be married with two children.Quitting a promising career in science and turning down a coveted job at Stanford may have sounded insane at the time, but as you'll discover in the podcast, the risk was most definitely worth it.The path was not easy and definitely not straightforward, but Sophie's grateful that she followed advice she'd recently heard and couldn't stop thinking about: that to accomplish extraordinary things requires extraordinary risk.Sophie James Wine on InstagramLundberg DesignShelter Co.SouvlaLord StanleyKendra SmootMarigold FlowersProp 71Listen below, and please send feedback or interview suggestions to kp@meanmagazine.com!Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

In this episode, master ceramacist Linda Fahey, who owns Yonder Shop in San Francisco, talks about the many ups and downs she has lived through as an entrepreneur in San Francisco, from her driftwood spoons going viral, to collaborating with Anthropologie, to having her work ripped off, to surviving a fire at her new shop in San Francisco. A year after the fire, Linda talks about the clear-headedness and freedom that came with turning 50. Oh, and don't miss her take on the art of the three-minute conversation.  Also, here are some of the artists Linda mentions:Linea CartaStudio Choo Torryne Choate of BirchCoup d'EtatMarie McCarthy podcastBland WorkshopIf you're in the Bay Area visit the shop in person! The Yonder Shop is located at 701 11th Ave (at Cabrillo), San Francisco, CA, 94118. Also please send feedback or interview suggestions to kp@meanmagazine.com!

This interview with Wini Linguvic of The Elevate Practice was the first Mean podcast I recorded, but somehow it ended up being published third. What can I say, I'm known to be out-of-order on occasion. In any case, it's a great interview. Wini is extremely knowledgeable, well-spoken, and fascinating to listen to.Wini's yoga class is not like any other I've been to in the more than 20 years I've been taking classes. Her level of empathy for her students is apparent after your first class. Her skill, not only when it comes to yoga but also (and even more importantly) teaching, is unparalleled. She always has a notebook in hand—she's not winging it. Everything in her class is purposeful. And her sense of humor keeps you coming back again and again. That's also what makes my conversation with her so fun. And we don't just talk about yoga. We also cover motivation, time management for parents, and the truth and lies of social media. I hope you enjoy!P.S. Thank you to Emma Burlingame for her editing! Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)

Anna Alexia Basile is not yet 30, but she has achieved professional success as a San Francisco-based photographer, art director and stylist beyond her years, constantly traveling for fashion and commercial projects to locales from Marfa to Morocco. If you're in the Bay Area, you've likely seen her photos on billboards all over SF, including a BART station takeover last year.Listen to our conversation to hear how her unique upbringing, suffering a painful loss at the tender age of 16, and her go-with-the-flow attitude have sent Basile's trajectory in ever-changing, ever-more-exciting directions.Further reading and relevant links:Check out the installation Basile created for Pia, The Store.She mentions Jessica Lanyadoo as an inspiration, read more if you're unfamiliar (as I was!).Nkechi Njaka is Basile's best friend and partner in art and meditation projects.Katie Hintz Zambrano is the former Refinery 29 editor who long ago told Basile she'd make a great photographer.Painted Bird is her favorite SF vintage store that's sadly closed, but you can still shop its Instagram.P.S. Thank you to Miles Carter and Emma Burlingame for editing!

Marie McCarthy started out as a biomedical engineering major at Northwestern University, with thoughts of becoming a doctor one day. But then she took an art history elective and she knew she had a problem.The creative world was calling, but she didn't want her parents to think she couldn't hack it in her science major, so she double majored. And that's a pretty good example of how Marie has lived her life to date. In fact, she's still kind of double majoring, running not just one but two completely disparate small businesses: Fiat Lux, a jewelry store in San Francisco's Mission district, and Rose Gold's, a tattoo and piercing shop in Haight-Ashbury.She has created a life for herself that's unlike anyone else's I've ever met. She's equally creative and intellectual. And she's a confident, savvy business owner from whom we can all learn a thing or two.P.S. Thank you to Miles Carter for editing!Support the show (https://patreon.com/meanmagazine)