Intersectional Psychology

Aurora Brown, Registered Counsellor
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  • Mental Health
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The podcast that explores psychology’s role in promoting social justice. Because everyone deserves to live with their optimal mental health. Content includes up-to-date peer-reviewed research, interviews with experts and people with lived experience, and a monthly guided mindfulness/relaxation session. Bonus content available weekly on Patreon. We are committed to the Cite Black Women praxis.

  1. 2d ago

    IPCXG0104 Psychological analysis of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E04 "I'm Going on a Date with Josh's Friend!"

    Is the fastest way to get over someone really to get under someone else?  Can a relationship ever be successful if one or both of the people in it feel like one of them is settling for the other?  And when will “bonker balls” be added to the DSM? To answer some of these questions, Aurora Brown is joined by healthy choices, Clinical Psychologist Nazneen Firfirey and Biodiversity and Conservation Biologist – and musical theatre extraordinaire – Lyle Wilson. Together they break down the music and mental health themes in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 1 Episode 4, titled “I’m Going on a Date with Josh’s Friend!”  That’s right, we’re discussing PAP smears with Mom, sex with a stranger, ideal partner preferences, and fear of intimacy. Let's get weird.  More from the guests Nazneen Firfirey: nazfirefly@gmail.com Lyle Wilson on Insta: @lylewilson1 🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Short introduction to the representation of mental health in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E04  00:01:12 Land acknowledgement  00:01:40 Title credits: I'm Not Ready for a Health Relationship!  00:02:20 Guest introductions and their orientation to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CXG)  00:06:09 Recapping the plot of CXG S01E04 "I'm Going on a Date with Josh's Friend!"  00:08:30 "The [kosher] salt in the wound." Rebecca's Mommie Dearest  00:12:45 "Come back to my place and please don't be a murderer." Sex with a Stranger & a date with a friend  00:31:04 "If he's your broken condom, I'm Plan B." Settle for Me  00:45:01 OMG we're heading for middle age: We all love Greg Serrano  00:51:12 To diagnose or befriend [Rebecca]?  01:04:45 "I'M SO CHILL!!!" Josh's application to Aloha Tech  01:11:16 Rating CXG S01E04 on the Fanon Test  01:23:23 "I can hear your face." Exit stage right  01:29:27 End credits  Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  References  Bloom, R., & Schlesinger, A. (2015, November 2). Settle for Me (Reprise). MMXV CBS Studios; Warner Bros. Entertainment.  Bloom, R., Schlesinger, A., & Dolgen, J. (2015, November 3). Settle for Me [Music Video]. YouTube.  Bloom, R., Schlesinger, A., Dolgen, J., & Patel, S. (2015, November 2). Sex with a Stranger [Music Video]. YouTube.  Eastwick, P. W., Finkel, E. J., & Joel, S. (2023). Mate evaluation theory. Psychological Review, 130(1), 211–241. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000360  Eastwick, P. W., Luchies, L. B., Finkel, E. J., & Hunt, L. L. (2014). The predictive validity of ideal partner preferences: A review and meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 140(3), 623–665. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032432  Ehrlich, E. (Writer), & McDonald, S. (Director). (2015, November 2). I'm Going on a Date with Josh's Friend! (Season 1, Episode 4) [TV series episode]. In R. Bloom, A. Bosh McKenna, & M. Webb (Executive Producers), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. MMXV CBS Studios; Warner Bros. Entertainment.  Finkel, E. J. (2025). Romantic relationships. In D. T. Gilbert, S. T. Fiske, E. J. Finkel, & W. B. Mendes (Eds.), The handbook of social psychology (6th ed.). Situational Press. https://doi.org/10.70400/NELF6116  Groves, J. M., & Chan, A. H. (2017). Love in the time of ‘settling’: Forbidden knowledge and modern singles advice. Journal of Sociology, 54(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1440783317721351  Spielmann, S. S., MacDonald, G., Maxwell, J. A., Joel, S., Peragine, D., Muise, A., & Impett, E. A. (2013). Settling for less out of fear of being single. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 105(6), 1049–1073. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034628  “Settling for less out of fear of being single”: Correction to Spielmann et al. (2013). (2018). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 115(5), 804. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000227 See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

    1h 32m

  2. Jun 15

    IPCXG0103 Psychology in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E03 "I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!"

    How is Rebecca ever going to rekindle her romance with Josh, now that Valencia has warned her to stay away from them both?  Will we ever learn more about Rebecca’s childhood and the obvious trauma she’s experienced?  And is this burgeoning relationship between Rebecca and Paula simply a one-way street – or will Rebecca ever do something for Paula?  To answer these questions, Aurora is joined by her definite friends, Student Clinical Psychologists HuiMei Lu and Darryn Williams. On this episode of the We're All So Broken Inside series, they analyse the representation of mental health and psychology in "I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!", Episode 3 of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. So swallow the barf and press play! 🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Short introduction to representation of psychology in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E03 00:01:01 Land acknowledgement 00:01:30 Title credits: I Hope Rebecca Faces Her Real Fears!  00:02:09 Guest introductions and their orientation to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CXG) 00:06:38 Recapping the plot of CXG S01E03 "I Hope Josh Comes to My Party!" 00:09:32 "If you're gonna sweat, can you put down a towel?" The garbage disposal chicken scene. 00:13:48 "You don't understand. This was the worst party of all time." Face Your Fears  00:27:23 "Not even a revolving barbershop pole revolves around barbershop." Intro to Paula's family 00:38:10 "On it, doin' it, crushin' it, bye." We Have Friends 00:44:49 "Baby, you can kiss all your childhood traumas goodbye." Not Just A Boy Band Made Up of 4 Joshes 01:14:48 Rating CXG S01E03 on the Fanon Test 01:27:12 "Party like it's Weekend Tuesday!" In closing 01:29:46 End credits Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  References  Bloom, R. (Writer), Brosh McKenna, A. (Writer), & Davis, T. (Director). (2015, October 26). I Hope Josh Comes to My Party! (Season 1, Episode 3) [TV series episode]. In R. Bloom, A. Bosh McKenna, & M. Webb (Executive Producers), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. MMXV CBS Studios; Warner Bros. Entertainment.  Bloom, R., & Schlesinger, A. (2015, November 1). Not Just A Boy Band Made Up of Four Joshes [Music Video]. YouTube.  Bloom, R., Schlesinger, A., Dolgen, J., & Patel, S. (2015, October 29). Face Your Fears [Music Video]. YouTube.  Bloom, R., Schlesinger, A., & Hitchcock, M. (2015, October 30). I Have Friends [Music Video]. YouTube.  See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

    1h 33m

  3. Jun 1

    IPCXG0102 Psychology in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E02 "Josh's Girlfriend Is Really Cool!"

    Can Rebecca freely admit that she moved to West Covina for Josh, now that Paula has discovered her secret?  What is Paula's damage, that she is encouraging Rebecca to pursue Josh?  What type of codependent relationship will develop between these women?  And speaking of types, what type is Josh's girlfriend?  To answer these questions, Aurora is joined by her "cazh buds" Counselling Psychologist Rekha Kangokar and Student Clinical Psychologist Cailen Jonker. On this episode of the We're All So Broken Inside series, they analyse the representation of mental health and psychology in "Josh's Girlfriend Is Really Cool!", Episode 2 of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. So ready your resting Maggie Smith face and press play! More from the guests Learn about Rekha's practice on her website: https://harmonyunbound.co.za/ Cailen is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cailen-jonker-3683a02b8/ 🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Short introduction to representation of psychology and mental health in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E02 00:01:10 Land acknowledgement 00:01:37 Title credits: Rebecca's Ex-Boyfriend Is Really Manipulative!  00:02:17 Welcome and guest introductions  00:03:33 Content note 00:03:54 Orientation to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CXG) 00:11:26 Recapping the plot of CXG S01E02: "Josh's Girlfriend Is Really Cool!" 00:13:42 "She's so broken inside." The Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season One theme song.  00:18:25 "I'm just watching my ex-boyfriend make out with the hottest girl I've ever seen." The supermarket scene.  00:29:15 "I've never met anyone in my life who lies to themselves as much as you do." The relationship between Rebecca and Paula.  00:36:12 "I'm so much better than you." I'm So Good At Yoga. 00:55:13 "Wanna own you and consume you." Feeling Kinda Naughty.   01:06:27 Rating CXG Season 1, Episode 2, "Josh's Girlfriend is Really Cool!" on the Fanon Test.  01:21:57 "Pursued by a bear." In closing. 01:24:20 End credits Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  References Bloom, R. (Writer), Brosh McKenna, A. (Writer), & Scardino, D. (Director). (2015, October 19). Josh's Girlfriend Is Really Cool! (Season 1, Episode 2) [TV series episode]. In R. Bloom, A. Bosh McKenna, & M. Webb (Executive Producers), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. MMXV CBS Studios; Warner Bros. Entertainment.  Bloom, R. Dolgen, J., & Schlesinger, A. (2015, October 21). Feeling Kinda Naughty [Music Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHoopcEz_IU  Bloom, R., Schlesinger, A., Dolgen, J., Gregor, D., & Wauchope, A. (2015, October 21). I'm So Good At Yoga [Music Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFUk79fBOiQ Schlesinger, A. (2015, October 31). Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 1 Theme Song [Music Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzY3EaJTuJk  See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

    1h 27m

  4. May 18

    IPCXG0101 Psychology & mental health in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E01 "Josh Just Happens to Live Here!"

    Aurora Brown is joined by Registered Counsellor and Student Clinical Psychologist HuiMei "Lulu" Lu and award-winning actor, singer, director, and vocal coach Richard White to kick off We're All So Broken Inside -- a deep dive into the portrayal of mental health and psychology in the CW musical dramedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Together, they unpack the pilot episode, in which Rebecca Bunch quits her high-powered New York law firm and moves across the country to reconnect with a summer camp ex -- a decision that is, on paper, a terrible idea, and yet somehow completely compelling. So weird, right?! The episode closes with the panel's first Fanon Test ratings for the series, scoring Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 1, Episode 1 across all five scales. The verdict? A surprisingly strong opener -- with a few notable caveats.  Connect with Richard on Instagram at @RichardLloydWhite, and check out his LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/richardlloydwhite 🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Short introduction to representation of psychology and mental health in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend S01E01 00:01:18 Land acknowledgement 00:01:47 Title credits: Glitter Just Happened to Explode Inside of Me!  00:02:29 Welcome and guest introductions   00:04:48 Content note 00:05:10 "SO WEIRD, RIGHT?!" Orientation to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CXG) 00:10:58 Recapping the plot of CXG S01E01: "Josh Just Happens to Live Here!" 00:14:45 "In that moment it was like everyone was my mom." Summer camp scenes  00:24:46 "When was the last time you were truly happy?" New York City scenes  00:33:31 "I'm hopelessly, desperately in love with..." West Covina  00:36:40 "This is where I live. Yay for me." Office and Home Base scenes  00:47:07 "Ass blood!" The Sexy Getting Ready Song  01:01:33 "To broken people." The party scenes  01:10:21 Rating CXG S01E01 on the Fanon Test  01:30:25 Conclusion: "This is that time to obey the ticking clock of destiny."   01:36:31 End credits Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  References Bloom, R. (Writer), Brosh McKenna, A. (Writer), & Webb, M. (Director). (2015, October 12). Josh Just Happens to Live Here! (Season 1, Episode 1) [TV series episode]. In R. Bloom, A. Bosh McKenna, & M. Webb (Executive Producers), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. MMXV CBS Studios; Warner Bros. Entertainment.  Bloom, R., Dolgen, J. & Geier, M. (2015, October 6). Sexy Getting Ready Song [Music Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky-BYK-f154 Bloom, R. & Kurtenbach, J. (2015, October 23). West Covina [Music Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92538NJ0lbE   Bloom, R. & Kurtenbach, J. (2015). West Covina Reprise [Song]. On Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Original Television Soundtrack (Season 1 - Volume 1). WaterTower Music.   Brogan, C. (2020). "That's a sexist term!": how Crazy Ex-Girlfriend flips mental illness and misogyny. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7, 396–397. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30160-7 Shine, J. (2020). "I'm on My Own Path": Musical Development of the Musical in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019). Music and the Moving Image, 13(3), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.5406/musimoviimag.13.3.0015  Veilleux, J. (2025). The psychology lessons of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. University of Arkansas. https://tempt.uark.edu/the-psychology-lessons-of-crazy-ex-girlfriend/  See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

    1h 40m

  5. May 4

    IP0607 Is economic empowerment the most important route to gender equality?

    Is economic empowerment really the fastest route to gender equality — or have we reduced liberation to a market strategy?  In this episode of Intersectional Psychology, we unpack one of the biggest debates in gender and development: whether increasing women’s economic participation is enough to dismantle inequality.  From microfinance and entrepreneurship to land ownership, migration, climate change, and unpaid care labour, this episode explores the gap between economic inclusion and actual power. We also explore the limits of neoliberal “empowerment,” the persistence of patriarchal power structures, and why representation without structural change can become little more than optics.  🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. In this week's bonus segment, we connect these ideas to current legal debates, including a landmark case before the Supreme Court of the United States on transgender girls in school sports. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps 00:00:00 Short introduction  00:01:19 Land acknowledgement  00:01:47 Title credits: S06E07 Is economic empowerment the most important route to gender equality?  00:02:20 Welcome and introduction continued  00:03:59 Gender and development: What are we actually talking about?  00:06:25 Neoliberal feminism: When empowerment comes with fine print  00:08:34 Agriculture, migration, and the multiple layers of exclusion  00:10:41 Climate change: Gendered, political, and not accidental  00:12:05 Women's issues… or power relations?  00:14:06 So… is economic empowerment the answer?  00:16:00 Beijing Platform: Progress, but not enough  00:17:05 What still needs to change?  00:21:30 End credits  Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  References  Arun, S., Annim, S., Bose, U., & Arun, T. (2023) ‘Gendered Financial Behaviour in Ghana: A Comparative Study with South Africa’, In J.A. Peprah et al. (eds.), Financial Sector Development in Ghana. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. Chant, S. & Sweetman, C. (2012). Fixing women or fixing the world? 'Smart economics', efficiency approaches, and gender equality in development’, Gender & Development, 20(3), pp. 517-529. Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (2015). Gender and the environment. In Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of gender and development. pp. 151-163. Routledge. Cornwall, A. (2016) ‘Women’s empowerment: What works and why?’, Journal of International Development 28, pp. 342–359. Dineen, K. & Le, Q.V. (2015). The impact of an integrated microcredit program on the empowerment of women and gender equality in rural Vietnam’, The Journal of Developing Areas, 49(1), pp. 23-38. Ellis, A., Manuel, C., & Blackden, C.M. (2006) Gender and Economic Growth in Uganda: Unleashing the Power of Women. Washington: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank. Etale, L. & Simatele, M. (2023) ‘Mapping contradictions within the legal frameworks and cultural norms on women's right to land and agriculture in Western Kenya’, In B.S. Nayak (ed.), Political Economy of Gender and Development in Africa: Mapping Gaps, Conflicts and Representation. pp. 1-19. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. Greed, C. (2015) ‘Gender and urban planning’, In Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of gender and development. pp. 207-216. Abingdon: Routledge. Hill Collins, P. (2000). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. Abingdon: Routledge. Hunting, G. & Hankivsky, O. (2020) ‘Intersectionality in addressing gender and health inequities: Balancing power and equity in a post-pandemic world’, Global Public Health, 15(8), 1209-1221. Kevane, M. (2015). Gender, power, and politics in rural Africa. In Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Gender and Development. pp. 34-47. Abingdon: Routledge. Khan, S.R. & Khan, S.R. (2016) ‘Microcredit in South Asia: Privileging women's perceptions and voices’, Progress in Development Studies, 16(1), 65-80. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1464993415608083 (Accessed 24 September 2024) Kofman, E. & Raghuram, P. (2015) ‘Gendered migrations and global social reproduction’, In Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of gender and development. pp. 218-228. Abingdon: Routledge. Nair, M. (2018) ‘Gendered impacts of climate change’, World Development, 108, pp. 27-38. Nayak, B.S. (2023) 'Introduction: Political economy of gender and development in Africa', in Nayak, B.S. (ed.), Political Economy of Gender and Development in Africa: Mapping Gaps, Conflicts and Representation. pp. 1-19. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. Phiri, A.T., Toure, H.M.A.C., Kipkogei, O., Traore, R., Afokpe, P.M.K., & Lamore, A.A. (2022) ‘A review of gender inclusivity in agriculture and natural resources management under the changing climate in sub-Saharan Africa’, Cogent Social Sciences, 8(1) [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.2024674 (Accessed 24 September 2024) Posel, D. & Casale, D. (2019) 'Gender and the economy in post-apartheid South Africa: Changes and challenges', Agenda, 33(4), pp. 3-10 [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/10130950.2019.1679439 (Accessed 25 September 2024) Rai, S. (2018) ‘Rethinking gender and environmental sustainability’, Global Environmental Politics, 18(2), 67-87. Smith, L. (2018) ‘Decolonizing knowledge: Feminist approaches to development’, Feminist Review, 120(1), 33-49. Soetan, F. & Akanji, B. (2018) 'Conclusion: A centenary of economic development policies -- A gender balance sheet and future strategies', in Soetan, F. & Akanji, B. (eds.) Gender and Development in Nigeria: One Hundred Years of Nationhood. Lanham: Lexington Books. Spring, A. (2015) ‘Women’s roles in urbanization and development’, In Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of gender and development. pp. 175-190. Abingdon: Routledge. Thomas-Hope, E. (2015) ‘Gender and sustainable development in the Caribbean’, In Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of gender and development. pp. 279-290. Abingdon: Routledge. Varley, A. (2015) ‘Gender, housing, and migration’, In Coles, A., Gray, L., & Momsen, J. (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of gender and development. pp. 144-158. Abingdon: Routledge. Yeboah, T., Arhin, A., Kumi, E., & Owusu, L. (2015) 'Empowering and shaping gender relations? Contesting the microfinance–gender empowerment discourse', Development in Practice, 25(6), pp. 895-908 [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/09614524.2015.1064361 (Accessed 24 September 2024) See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

    24 min

  6. Apr 20

    IP0606 Whose bodies belong in sport?

    Why do some athletes get celebrated for their natural advantages — while others are treated as problems to be solved? In this episode, we explore the case of Caster Semenya to unpack how gender, race, and power shape who is allowed to belong in sport. From international regulations on testosterone to media narratives about “fairness,” Semenya’s story reveals how institutions continue to police bodies that don’t fit narrow definitions of womanhood. But this isn’t just about elite sport. From women of colour on the global stage to transgender girls in school athletics, similar arguments about biology and fairness are being used to justify exclusion — often targeting those already marginalised. This episode asks: Who gets to define “fairness” in sport? Why are some bodies scrutinised while others are celebrated? And what are the psychological consequences of being treated as a problem rather than a person? This is a conversation about sport — but also about belonging, identity, and the systems that decide who counts.  🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. In this week's bonus segment, we connect these ideas to current legal debates, including a landmark case before the Supreme Court of the United States on transgender girls in school sports. 📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps | 00:00:00 Short introduction  | 00:00:57 Land acknowledgement | 00:01:25 Title credits: Whose bodies belong in sport?  | 00:01:49 Welcome and introduction continued  | 00:04:18 The single, shallow story  | 00:06:22 Institutionalised gender policing  | 00:09:23 Human rights, not just sports  | 00:11:30 Historical echoes: Sarah Baartman   | 00:13:48 Women's sport and media silence  | 00:16:24 Queer visibility and resistance  | 00:18:12 Representation as power | 00:22:27 End credits Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  References Adichie, C.N. (2009) 'The danger of a single story', TED Global, July [online]. Available at: https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story/transcript (Accessed 7 July 2024) AFP Newswire (2024) 'European rights court to make final decision on Olympic champion Semenya', France 24, 14th May [online]. Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240514-european-rights-court-to-make-final-decision-on-olympic-champion-semenya (Accessed 7 July 2024)  Andrews, G. (2021) 'Queer South African vloggers use YouTube to build communities and challenge social stigma', London School of Economics and Political Science, 10th March [online]. Available at: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/africaatlse/2021/03/10/queer-south-african-vloggers-youtube-build-community-challenge-social-stigma-homophobia/ (Accessed 7 July 2024)  ATAF Editors. (2018) "Semenya storms to Commonwealth and South African 1500m record in Gold Coast", Athletics Africa, 10th April [online]. Available at: https://www.athletics.africa/news/africa/rsa/semenya-storms-to-commonwealth-and-south-african-1500m-record-in-gold-coast-13819 (Accessed 16 November 2024) Athletics South Africa. (2018) "Semenya, Manyonga win Diamond League titles in Zurich", Athletics Africa, 1st September [online]. Available at: https://www.athletics.africa/news/africa/rsa/semenya-manyonga-win-diamond-league-titles-in-zurich-14660 (Accessed 16 November 2024) Baloyi, C. (2024) "How Caster Semenya assisted Glenrose Xaba to break the marathon record", MSN, 11th November [online]. Available at: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/how-caster-semenya-assisted-glenrose-xaba-to-break-the-marathon-record/ar-AA1tSMM1 (16 November 2024) Batelaan, K. & Abdel-Shehid, G. (2020) 'On the Eurocentric nature of sex testing: the case of Caster Semenya', Social Identities, 27(2) [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504630.2020.1816452 (Accessed 7 July 2024) Berman, S. & Taylor, J. (2020) Response to Pape & Pielke's article 'Science, sport, sex, and the case of Caster Semenya', Issues in Science and Technology, XXXVI(2) [online]. Available at: https://issues.org/science-sport-and-sex-pielke-pape-forum/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Boecker, B. (2024) 'Only 15% of sports news focused on women’s sport last year: New research', Women's Agenda, 24th February [online]. Available at: https://womensagenda.com.au/life/sport/only-15-of-sports-news-focused-on-womens-sport-last-year-new-research/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Bradley, J. (2023) '"Crying, dying, marching": How media inaccurately represents queer South Africans, and what can be done to combat this', Medill Reports, 11th April [online]. Available at: https://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/crying-dying-marching-how-media-inaccurately-represents-queer-south-africans-and-what-can-be-done-to-combat-this/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Burnett, C. (2019) 'South African Newspapers’ Constructions of the Caster Semenya Saga through Political Cartoons', South African Review of Sociology, 50(2), pp. 62-84 [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/21528586.2019.1699440 (Accessed 7 July 2024) Byerly, C.M. (2010) 'Opinion: Inferential homophobia and the news discourse on Caster Semenya', Gender & Media Diversity Journal: Gender, Media and Sport, 7, pp. 118–121 [online]. Available at: https://genderlinks.org.za/wp-content/uploads/imported/articles/attachments/10421_inferential_homophobia_and_the_news_discourse_on_caster_semenya.pdf (Accessed 7 July 2024) Carp, S. (2024) 'Paris 2024 sports director promises first gender-equal Olympics but says "more work to be done"', Sports Pro Media, 10th April [online]. Available at: https://www.sportspromedia.com/decision-makers/paris-2024-olympics-gender-parity-equality-male-female-athletes-aurelie-merle/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Collison, C. (2017) 'Queer people fight for fair representation in the media', Mail & Guardian, 6th April [online]. Available at: https://mg.co.za/article/2017-04-06-00-queer-people-fight-for-fair-representation-in-the-media/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Darvin, L. (2023) 'Media Coverage For Women’s Sports Has Nearly Tripled In Five Years, According To New Research', Forbes, 31st October [online]. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lindseyedarvin/2023/10/31/media-coverage-for-womens-sports-has-nearly-tripled-in-five-years-according-to-new-research/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. (2024) 'Government supports Caster Semenya in legal battle, South African Government, 15th May [online]. Available at: https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-supports-caster-semenya-legal-battle (Accessed 7 July 2024) Engelbrecht, L. (2022) “Caster Semenya and wife Violet celebrate 'miracle' baby on third birthday”, News24, 6th July [online]. Available at: https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/celebrities/news/caster-semenya-and-wife-violet-celebrate-miracle-baby-on-third-birthday-20220706-2 (Accessed 11 November 2024)  Exarchos, Y. (2024) 'IOC publishes updated Portrayal Guidelines to help ensure gender-equal, fair and inclusive media coverage of Paris 2024', Olympic Broadcasting Services, 6th June [online]. Available at: https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-publishes-updated-portrayal-guidelines-to-help-ensure-gender-equal-fair-and-inclusive-media-coverage-of-paris-2024 (Accessed 7 July 2024) Foster, C.R. (2020) 'White Fragility & the Ruling Against Caster Semenya', Allure [online]. (September 11, 2020) Available at: https://www.allure.com/story/caster-semenya-ruling-op-ed (Accessed 7 July 2024) Gqola, P.D. (2009) Semenya as the 21st century Sarah Baartmann? Loudrastress: afrikan feminist musings and reflections [online]. Available at: http://pumlagqola.wordpress.com/category/sarah-bartmann/ (Accessed 6 July 2024) Hall, S. (2013) 'The work of representation', in Hall, S., Evans, J., and Nixon, S. (eds.) (2013) Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices, 2nd ed. London: Sage Publications, pp. 1-59. John, E. (2023) "The Race to Be Myself by Caster Semenya review – running for her life", The Guardian, 5th November [online]. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/nov/05/the-race-to-be-myself-by-caster-semenya-review-running-for-her-life (Accessed 11 November 2024) Kelly, D. (2019) 'Testosterone: why defining a "normal" level is hard to do', The Conversation, 16th April [online]. Available at: https://theconversation.com/testosterone-why-defining-a-normal-level-is-hard-to-do-113587 (Accessed 7 July 2024) Khumalo, P. (2023) 'Media representation of queerness is key to the integration of queer identities into society', Daily Maverick, 16th April [online]. Available at: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2023-04-16-media-representation-of-queerness-is-key-to-the-integration-of-queer-identities-into-society/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Mahomed, S. & Dhai, A. (2019) 'Global injustice in sport: The Caster Semenya ordeal – prejudice, discrimination and racial bias', South African Medical Journal, 109(8), pp. 548-551 [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2019.v109i8.14152 (Accessed 7 July 2024) Mambula, A. & Abasiekong, E. (2022) 'Achieving gender equity in sports', Sport and Development, 1st August [online]. Available at: https://www.sportanddev.org/latest/news/achieving-gender-equity-sports (Accessed 7 July 2024) Maphanga, C. (2024) 'Caster Semenya discrimination case gains momentum', SABC News, 9th February [online]. Available at: https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/caster-semenya-discrimination-case-gains-momentum/ (Accessed 7 July 2024) Matlhabe, G. (2024) 'Call for support for Olympic Athlete Caster Semen

    25 min

  7. Apr 6

    IP0605 Divine justice or human control? Religion, gender, and power

    In this episode of Intersectional Psychology, we explore how religion shapes our understanding of justice in South Africa, particularly in relation to gender. From early moral teachings about "right" and "wrong", to the ways religious doctrine influences law, relationships, and social norms, faith plays a far more political role than it often admits. Drawing on personal experience, psychological insight, and feminist and decolonial perspectives, this episode unpacks both the liberatory and harmful roles religion can play. This is not a conversation about whether religion is "good" or "bad". It's about asking a more uncomfortable question: When religion speaks about justice — who is it actually protecting?  🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps | 00:00:00 Short introduction  | 00:01:46 Land acknowledgement  | 00:02:14 Title credits: Gender, power, and the very selective pursuit of justice   | 00:02:39 Welcome and introduction continued  | 00:05:43 How religion influences the pursuit of justice  | 00:07:44 When religion does promote justice (Yes, it happens... Sometimes)  | 00:10:28 Religion as a tool for gender justice  | 00:12:44 When religion undermines justice  | 00:14:11 Doctrine, power, and the body  | 00:17:07 Religion, politics, and the post-apartheid gap  | 00:18:18 Where do we go from here?   | 00:23:02 End credits Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

    26 min

  8. Mar 16

    IP0604 Femicide nation: The psychology of gender-based violence

    Content Note: This episode discusses gender-based violence and femicide. Please take care of yourself while listening.  Gender-based violence is often described as a crisis. But what if it’s also a system? In this episode of Intersectional Psychology, we examine how patriarchal ideology helps produce and sustain gender-based violence in South Africa. From early childhood socialisation to cultural practices, institutional failures, and historical inequalities, violence against women does not emerge in isolation — it grows out of deeply embedded power structures. The episode also examines the profound psychological, social, and economic consequences of domestic violence for survivors, families, and communities. Finally, we explore what research tells us about prevention: why community-driven interventions are often more effective than isolated policy responses, and what it might take to dismantle the systems that allow gender-based violence to persist. Because ending gender-based violence requires more than responding to individual acts of harm. It requires confronting the structures that make that harm possible. 🎁 Support the podcast and get exclusive bonus content at Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. 🌈 If this episode resonates, please share it, rate the show, and send us your thoughts.  📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com. ⏳ Chapter Timestamps | 00:00:00 Short introduction  | 00:01:09 Land acknowledgement | 00:01:37 Title credits: Femicide nation: The psychology of gender-based violence  | 00:02:01 Welcome and introduction continued  | 00:07:02 Patriarchy: Not just an individual problem | 00:09:57 How violence gets normalised early  | 00:12:29 "Boys will be boys" and other dangerous myths  | 00:16:40 Intersectionality: Violence has a history  | 00:19:36 What violence does to people  | 00:21:29 What actually works  | 00:24:21 Dismantling patriarchy is prevention  | 00:27:47 Conclusion  | 00:31:08 End credits Stay connected 🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology or IntersectionalPsychologyPod[@]gmail.com You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/  References Gqola, P.D. (2015) Rape: A SA Nightmare. Johannesburg: MF Books. Gqola, P.D. (2021) Female Fear Factory: Gender and Patriarchy Under Racial Capitalism. Johannesburg: MF Books. Pretorius, L. (2025). South Africa declared gender-based violence a national disaster. But how will frontline workers be kept safe? The Conversation [online]. December 9, 2025. Available at: https://theconversation.com/south-africa-declared-gender-based-violence-a-national-disaster-but-how-will-frontline-workers-be-kept-safe-271323  Ramaphosa, C. (2025). Violence against women is a national disaster that demands national action. South African Government [online]. December 8, 2025. Available at: https://www.gov.za/blog/violence-against-women-national-disaster-demands-national-action  Rasethaba, L. (dir.) (2018) The People vs. Patriarchy. MTV South Africa [online]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAoPFeObqe4 (Accessed 21 July 2024) Uguru, H. (2025). South Africa finally declares GBV a national disaster. The New Humanitarian [online]. December 2, 2025. Available at: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2025/12/02/south-africa-finally-declares-gbv-national-disaster  See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

    34 min
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The podcast that explores psychology’s role in promoting social justice. Because everyone deserves to live with their optimal mental health. Content includes up-to-date peer-reviewed research, interviews with experts and people with lived experience, and a monthly guided mindfulness/relaxation session. Bonus content available weekly on Patreon. We are committed to the Cite Black Women praxis.

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  • Creator
    Aurora Brown, Registered Counsellor
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Intersectional Psychology