Culture Changers with Allison Hare

Allison Hare

Culture Changers is where we pour gasoline on fiery topics like power, politics, religion, and relationships (thoughtfully) and find a better way through. I've interviewed people like Seth Godin, Mariel Hemingway, and Jesse Itzler among other notable world-changers. And of course, we are talking cults, trad wives, microtrends, money, faith, and what it actually means to be human right now. Listen, it's time to get up and do something. We've got a world to change!

  1. Healing from Religious Trauma, Silence Culture, and Modern Politics with Tia Levings

    1D AGO

    Healing from Religious Trauma, Silence Culture, and Modern Politics with Tia Levings

    Learn what healing looks like after 40 years of identity collapse in Christian patriarchy. Tia Levings is a New York Times bestselling author, featured in Amazon's "Shiny Happy People," who escaped Christian fundamentalism, recovered from religious trauma, and now decodes why patriarchal family structures mirror the theocratic policies taking shape in American government right now. In this episode, Tia walks us through: The mechanics of silence culture and why it protects abusers How to identify when you're in a high-control group (it's rarely obvious) Why women brought into patriarchal power structures become scapegoats What healing actually looks like (not spiritual bypassing, not "I'm grateful it happened") The healing modalities that work for complex PTSD after religious trauma How modern politics is the scaled-up version of the family systems she lived in This is a warm, grounded conversation about one of the most urgent cultural issues we're not talking about clearly enough. Books mentioned: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy (https://amzn.to/4tTCvug) I Belong to Me: A Survivor's Guide to Recovery and Hope After Religious Trauma — released May 5, 2026 (https://amzn.to/4epEiCy) Find Tia: Website: https://tialevings.com/ Substack: https://tialevings.substack.com/ Social: @TiaLevingsWriter Viral first appearance on Culture Changers Podcast "What Christian Patriarchy Doesn't Want You To Know" - https://youtu.be/aU6CcgskrUE Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/tCeYbmwcnXA Ready for your own megaphone for change - the podcast that grows? Schedule a free clarity call with me here: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    1h 4m
  2. Has biohacking made us lonely? with Chris Schembra

    APR 30

    Has biohacking made us lonely? with Chris Schembra

    Have we biohacked our way to loneliness? We've over-optimized every aspect of our lives—Oura rings, trackers, endless connections on social media. We're fitter, more quantified, more tracked than ever. Yet we're the loneliest society that has ever existed. Suicide rates have never been higher. Somewhere along the way, we lost touch with each other and maybe even ourselves. Chris Schembra makes the case that true fulfillment doesn't lie in adding more optimization. It lies in adding friction back. In this conversation, we break down why convenience is the enemy of connection, what earned intimacy actually requires, and how the serenity prayer—tattooed on Chris's arm from early sobriety—reveals the wisdom we're desperately seeking. What You'll Learn: Why "biohacking" and optimization have backfired on human connection The difference between weak ties (what social platforms designed for) and deep relationships (what we actually need) What "earned intimacy" means and why it requires inconvenience and repeatability The League of Gentlemen: how a village of 100 friends grew from three people having breakfast together Why we're outsourcing our emotions to chatbots instead of sitting in our own thoughts The serenity prayer as a practical life design tool—not spiritual advice The discernment crisis: why judgment and taste are the most valuable skills of tomorrow How to reclaim your life from algorithms and convenience Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/8xxiRxRR24E Resources & Links: Chris Schembra on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/chrisschembra Reach out: chris@chrisschembra.com 7:47 Gratitude Experience: https://747club.org EP79of CC: A new twist on gratitude: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0V49SVlsXGMmcH8Af2aGnO?si=3f708350572a4b01 EP101: BDSM and the Boardroom: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cBTAzKRV27qa3wSOwpsQV?si=be9222f7e2104674 EP157: Ketamine psychedelic therapy: Chris Schembra's story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0V49SVlsXGMmcH8Af2aGnO?si=3f708350572a4b01 Key Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro: Have we biohacked our way to loneliness? 00:41 — Mother Teresa on the poverty of the soul 02:23 — Allison pushes back on the framing 03:40 — The distinction between "too easy" and "too optimized" 04:09 — Why tech companies call us "users" 05:56 — The convenience trap: clicking vs. calling 06:51 — Outsourcing emotions to chatbots and streaming services 54:26 — Building true intimacy vs. collecting weak ties 55:27 — The Strength of Weak Ties study and social media's backfire 56:25 — The breakfast story: how a village of 100 friends was born 58:26 — Walking through seasons of life together 59:13 — The League of Gentlemen and being held when you show up messy 01:01:14 — The serenity prayer tattoo and the three pillars 01:03:40 — Wisdom to know the difference: the discernment crisis 01:04:40 — The beauty of inconvenient choices and earned connection Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    1h 12m
  3. White Women Villains: Brené, Mel & the Wellness Grifter Blame Game

    APR 23

    White Women Villains: Brené, Mel & the Wellness Grifter Blame Game

    We celebrate female empowerment while simultaneously destroying women who actually achieve it. This episode unpacks why we pile on female leaders—from Brené Brown to Mel Robbins to Gwyneth Paltrow—in ways we never do for men. Not to defend these women although some deserve critique. It's about understanding the line between legitimate critique and character assassination, and asking what happens when we redirect that energy toward systemic change instead of moral policing. Where is the line where you go from beloved to canceled? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro: The White Women Villain Pattern 2:18 We're at an Inflection Point 4:42 The Brené Brown Takedown (Threads, Reddit, Appropriation Claims) 7:04 Appropriating Black Feminist Theory 9:23 The Mendoza Line: Where Does Deserving Cancellation Begin? 12:45 Why Thought Leaders Stay Silent (Fear of Judgment) 15:20 The Grifter Accusation (Mel Robbins, Gwyneth, Reese) 18:00 Cult Leaders, Wellness Culture & False Profits 21:30 The Poet Cassie & Mel Robbins' Poem 25:15 Accountability vs. Character Assassination 28:40 The Over-Optimization Backlash 31:00 We're All Learning (Both/And Complexity) 34:20 Toxicity & Beloved-by-Millions Syndrome 37:15 It's Envy and Gender, Not Ethics 40:30 I Want to See People Win 43:00 Don't Die with Your Song Unsung 45:15 Systemic Change Happens in Community 48:30 These Women Are Mirrors, Not Heroes or Villains 51:32 We Can't Dismantle Patriarchy by Policing Women 53:55 Little Drops of Water Matter 56:14 Your Message Needs to Be Heard Be sure to share this one. Subscribe/follow/leave a review. Do all the things. It means the world to me. Prefer to watch on YouTube? Voila! https://youtu.be/9qKRgKekea4 Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    58 min
  4. Psychology Behind Political Polarization w/ Dr. Jay Van Bavel

    APR 16

    Psychology Behind Political Polarization w/ Dr. Jay Van Bavel

    You can watch two people look at the same video of the Minneapolis shooting and come to completely opposite conclusions about what happened. Why? Because their brains — literally — were looking at different parts of the screen. That's selective perception. And once Dr. Jay Van Bavel explained it to me, I couldn't stop seeing it everywhere. In my feed. In my family. In myself. Jay is one of the top 1% of researchers in the world — not my words, that's Clarivate — and a professor of psychology and neuroscience at NYU. His research has been cited by the US Supreme Court, the Senate, and the World Health Organization. And in this conversation, he did not let me off the hook. Neither will you. We went deep on why our brains are not built for social media, how AI is becoming a full-time confirmation bias machine, what's actually happening to democracy right now, and — I promise there's a reason to keep listening — one genuinely hopeful hack backed by hard data that can lower your polarization by 25%. In this episode, you'll learn: Why two people can watch the exact same video and reach opposite conclusions — and it's not about intelligence or bad faith How AI chatbots are 50% more sycophantic than actual humans — and what that's doing to your relationships and your politics What the research actually says about Trump's approval drop and the role of "apolitical" influencers in shifting minds The one social media move backed by a clinical study that can reduce your polarization by 25% in a single month — and keep it lower for a full year Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/-upTCa6s7oc Resources & Links Mentioned: Dr. Jay Van Bavel's Substack: The Power of Us NYU Center for Conflict and Cooperation: nyu.edu The Power of Us (book) by Jay Van Bavel & Dominic Packer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    54 min
  5. Magic Mushrooms, Body Trauma, and the Message I Couldn't Ignore

    APR 2

    Magic Mushrooms, Body Trauma, and the Message I Couldn't Ignore

    How can we be so self-aware and so clueless about ourselves at the same time? Have you ever wondered why so many high-achieving, self-aware people still struggle to actually feel seen and healed? In this episode of Culture Changers, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my fifth ceremonial psilocybin-assisted therapy journey to crack open the messy, nonlinear world of emotional healing, trauma recovery, and the radical power of self-discovery. I ditch the filters (you know me) and share what magic mushrooms (psilocybin) revealed to me about my own deeply held fears, body trauma, perimenopause mood swings, and that gnawing sense of never being “enough”, even after years in therapy and spiritual hustle. I get real about the pitfalls and promise of the psychedelic healing landscape, from shady, bougie retreat centers to the truly ethical practitioners at Entheo Temple, plus why safety and integrity matter more than ever in this wild west of plant medicine. Whether you’re psilocybin-curious, passionate about trauma healing, or just looking for a brutally honest conversation about what it means to be fully seen, this episode is for you. We’ll dig into everything including: microdosing, EMDR, healing community, body image, and I’ll share how embracing vulnerability (with a side of irreverence) can help you break open, reconnect, and rise the hell up. Healing isn’t linear, but with the right questions, support, and a little mushroom magic, real progress is possible. I cover: How healing isn’t linear or predictable Psychedelic-assisted therapy experiences Importance of ethical practitioners/facilitators Self-awareness and emotional vulnerability Being seen vs. hiding oneself Personal trauma and body acceptance Building supportive community for growth Timestamps: 00:00 Reflecting on healing and self-awareness 04:53 Preparing for guided ceremonies 07:16 Exploring psilocybin's healing benefits 12:21 Reflecting on a bad business experience 13:26 Attending an ethical healing retreat 16:28 Heroic doses and emotional healing 22:01 Realizing personal relationship patterns 24:51 Attending a small group ceremony 27:29 A mushroom ceremony experience 31:21 Reflecting on a healing session 32:49 Relaxing in nature with reflection 36:01 Struggling with body image 41:24 Closing thoughts and next steps 43:09 Supporting the show and staying connected Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/AmpeTTXQzVs —--------------------------------------------------------- To Learn More About Entheo Temple: Website: https://www.entheotemple.org  My Psychedelic Docu-Series: First Time Ever: EP150: My psychedelic journey inward: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zWPpOEQchQ7g9azKJ3bcO?si=b57e2a0e7c214835 EP154: LIFE Update: Psychedelic Aftermath, 12-hour walk: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zy86Rj0a1C2ojq4ZZiClk?si=a64d3dd8c55e498b 2nd journey: EP168: Psychedelics Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wQTCTc4kSlqYZFicWy2ni?si=78af6ff3c4aa474b 3rd journey: Psychedelics, brutal solo hike, and overcoming fear and doubt: https://open.spotify.com/episode/15L2tjPE0Cvx3YMQQ8fiop?si=fe13431a55914b44 4th Journey: Psychedelics Uncovered My Hidden Shadow: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06QFKj1Ak2mQuPw10UBD1i?si=e3cc9bc30d0e4f07 To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    44 min
  6. Are women getting TOO skinny (again)?

    MAR 26

    Are women getting TOO skinny (again)?

    What is really happening to women’s bodies in pop culture right now?  Today I’m tackle the challenging, layered, and sometimes contradictory truth about Hollywood’s obsession with ultra-thin bodies, the rise and risks of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, and the relentless cycle of shame, judgment, and pressure being placed on women, by the media, by society, and by ourselves. I break down how award season 2026 brought shocking displays of celebrities: Demi Moore, Kelly Osbourne, Ariana Grande, Nicole Kidman, Rachel Zoe, and more! Showing off bodies so gaunt they sparked a firestorm of discussion (and concern) about what’s being normalized, and why. Drawing on my own deeply personal stories, I connect the dots from generational pressures, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and orthorexia, to today’s seismic shift: weight loss drugs making “ideal” bodies attainable (and dangerously easy). We get real about the systemic roots: patriarchy, internalized misogyny, Christian nationalism, and the culture of restriction, while asking how we might live more authentically. If you’re curious about celebrity body standards, weight loss drug culture, body positivity, or women’s mental health, this episode gives you stats, real talk, and action steps. This episode is not about body shaming; it’s about changing the cultural conversation. Join me and let’s get honest, empowered, and maybe a little pissed off, in all the right ways. I cover: Extreme celebrity weight loss and body ideals Eating disorders—prevalence, misconceptions, statistics Generational body image beliefs and family dynamics GLP-1 weight loss drugs—societal impact My own body dysmorphia and disordered eating experiences Patriarchal systems, politics, and body standards Shame, judgment, and policing women's bodies Timestamps: 00:00 Wasting Away: Women's Bodies Now 03:22 Body Trends and GLP-1 Shift 08:21 Mother's Advice on Independence 13:07 Unrealistic Motherhood Aspirations 17:44 Struggling in My 40s 19:46 Prioritize Nourishment Over Obligation 24:29 Society, Dysmorphia, and GLP-1s 27:28 Body Politics and Societal Standards 35:03 GLP-1: Benefits and Risks 42:11 Body Image and Health Choices Rather watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/cLuFQCv-Wnk —--------------------------------------------------------- To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    46 min
  7. Stop Posting Into the Void: A CNN Producer's Blueprint for Actually Being Heard with Jamie Maglietta

    MAR 19

    Stop Posting Into the Void: A CNN Producer's Blueprint for Actually Being Heard with Jamie Maglietta

    Do you feel like the news cycle is a dumpster fire and you’re just trying to figure out where your voice belongs? In this week’s episode of Culture Changers, I sit down with Jamie Maglietta, veteran news producer (CNN, BET, Fox News… yeah, she’s the real deal) and founder of OnCamReady, who’s spent her career inside the media machine helping thought leaders and pros transform their expertise into stand-out content. If you’re a thought leader, business owner, creator, or anyone desperately wondering: Should I be on YouTube? TikTok? LinkedIn? Or just take a nap?, this is pure gold. Jamie unpacks the exact strategies newsrooms use to break through chaos, how to build relatable, trustworthy content in a post-cable world, and why YouTube has overtaken every other platform for in-home viewing (spoiler: it’s not just for Gen Z anymore). We get real about showing up authentically on social media, using your story as a force for good, even when the world feels completely off the rails, and the savvy top media professionals use to avoid burnout and grow visibility. Jamie reveals tactical advice on platform selection, content pillars, and why new media is less about perfection and more about connection. Ready to stop being the best-kept secret in your industry and finally own your lane in this shifting digital landscape? Your audience is waiting, and this episode gives you the truth on how to show up, get seen, and be a culture changer. We talk about: Navigating overwhelming news cycles and anxiety Authenticity and empathy in media content Choosing the right platforms for visibility Creating relatable, focused thought leadership New media’s shift from networks to personalities Strategic use of YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn Avoiding burnout and fostering community Timestamps: 00:00 News, YouTube, and Making Impact 04:40 Empathy Wins in Breaking News 07:38 Calm Leadership in Breaking News 09:23 Dip to Black and Reframe 13:19 Mindful Social Media Presence 17:32 New Media vs Traditional Media 23:56 Streaming Shift: YouTube Dominates 31:52 Crafting Effective Short-Form Content 38:05 Power of Long-Form Content 44:47 New Platform for Thought Leaders Prefer to watch on YouTube? https://youtu.be/kNewgrYs6qc —--------------------------------------------------------- To Connect With Jamie: Website: https://www.oncamready.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamie_maglietta/ Jamie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oncamready Substack: https://substack.com/@oncamready?utm_source=global-search Jamie's Visibility Program: https://www.oncamready.com/media-diagnostic To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    52 min
  8. Is The Pitt The Show America Needs Right Now?

    MAR 12

    Is The Pitt The Show America Needs Right Now?

    Feeling overwhelmed by nonstop headlines, collective anxiety, and the wild world of pop culture? In this episode of Culture Changers, I dive into the phenomenon that is The Pitt the cult-favorite HBO medical drama that’s suddenly become the most patriotic show on TV (according to a New York Times opinion piece by Frank Bruni). If you’re obsessed with medical dramas, hosPittal lore, or just want to know why everyone’s talking about nepo baby actors, aging double standards (ahem, Noah Wyle), or the enigma of Nurse Dana’s accent, you’re in the right place. I break down what sets The Pitt apart, including its gritty, real-time storytelling, behind-the-scenes accuracy with real ER consultants, and its wild Reddit fandom. We’ll talk about the show’s reflection of America’s collective grief, the burnout crisis in healthcare, and why this gritty drama mirrors our chaotic news cycles and cultural divisions better than anything else on TV. I gleefully dissect the fan theories, messier character arcs (is Santos a sociopath or just the ultimate survivor?), and the secret sauce behind why this show is unmissable for culture critics and pop culture junkies alike. No guest today. Just you, me, snarky hot takes, and a big reminder that the stories we obsess over are way deeper than just water cooler gossip.  I talk about: Collective grief reflected in medical dramas Assumptions and embracing human complexity Empathy vs. lack of empathy in healthcare Pop culture's impact on real-world behaviors Nuance in political and social identity Trauma and resilience in modern society Fan culture and community through entertainment Timestamps: 00:00 The Pitt: Season Two Insights 03:31 Realism and Reflection in Drama 07:09 Navigating Grief and Uncertainty 11:51 Dr. Mel: America’s favorite Doc 15:59 Light, Funny, and Profound 18:06 The Halo Effect and Trust 21:50 Santos: Polarizing, Resilient, Badass 26:04 Tragedy, Judgment, and Understanding 31:37 The Pitt: Resilience in Crisis 32:49 Resilience, Joy, and Perspectives 38:26 Togetherness and Finding Your Voice —--------------------------------------------------------- Links and Mentions: Watch HBO's The Pitt: https://play.hbomax.com/show/e6e7bad9-d48d-4434-b334-7c651ffc4bdf Frank Bruni's Opinion Piece in the NYT on the Pitt: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/23/opinion/pitt-america-tv.html Prestige TV's Podcast Episode Breakdown of the Pitt: https://youtu.be/8sB0lR0nKYk?si=nywnnbKi6CfNPk3N To Connect With Me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare/ Website: https://allisonhare.com Book a free podcast clarity call with Allison: https://allisonhare.com/freecall Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff. Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!Sign up for the free weekly emailAllisonHare.comFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording todayReb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.Feedback and Contact:: allison@allisonhare.com

    43 min
4.9
out of 5
104 Ratings

About

Culture Changers is where we pour gasoline on fiery topics like power, politics, religion, and relationships (thoughtfully) and find a better way through. I've interviewed people like Seth Godin, Mariel Hemingway, and Jesse Itzler among other notable world-changers. And of course, we are talking cults, trad wives, microtrends, money, faith, and what it actually means to be human right now. Listen, it's time to get up and do something. We've got a world to change!

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