Hacking the Patriarchy

Raven O'Neal

Hacking the Patriarchy, hosted by Raven O’Neal, is the essential how-to podcast for breaking barriers. Each week, Raven delivers bold, candid conversations on gender equity, social justice, and personal empowerment, offering actionable strategies for professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. With diverse voices and expert insights, this podcast helps listeners navigate systemic obstacles, challenge patriarchal norms, and drive meaningful personal, professional, and societal impact. Tune in weekly for practical tools and inspiration to hack our way to a better future for all.

  1. Ep. 056 - Unlocking the Power of Storytelling with Renee Frojo

    10/08/2025

    Ep. 056 - Unlocking the Power of Storytelling with Renee Frojo

    In this conversation, Raven O'Neal and Renee Frojo explore the multifaceted nature of storytelling, emphasizing its importance in personal and professional contexts. They discuss how storytelling can create meaning in our lives, the evolution of storytelling mediums, and the significance of authenticity. The dialogue also touches on gender dynamics in storytelling, the emotional connections that stories foster, and practical tips for effective storytelling. Renee shares insights on documenting experiences and combating inauthentic narratives in the digital age, culminating in actionable storytelling hacks for listeners. KEY TAKEAWAYS Storytelling is essential for finding meaning in life.Everyone is a storyteller, whether they realize it or not.Authenticity is crucial in storytelling for connection.Emotional resonance is key to effective storytelling.Documenting experiences helps in crafting better stories.The beginning and ending of a story are critical for retention.Noticing everyday moments can inspire storytelling.Gender dynamics can influence storytelling approaches.Combating inauthentic narratives requires genuine storytelling.Asking the right questions can enhance storytelling. DISCUSSION TIMELINE 04:15 Understanding Authenticity and Identity in Storytelling07:10 The Evolution of Storytelling Across Mediums09:40 Personal Stories: Connecting Through Shared Experiences12:39 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Storytelling15:36 The Role of Risk in Authentic Storytelling18:35 Curiosity as a Tool for Storytelling21:31 Practicing the Art of Noticing24:23 Creating Meaningful Stories from Everyday Life32:08 Advice for Overcoming Barriers34:47 The Power of Storytelling37:26 Combating Inauthenticity in Storytelling40:56 Storytelling Hacks for Impact CONNECT WITH RENEE Renee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-lynn-frojo/ Renee's Website: https://www.reneelynnfrojo.com/ Renee's Storytelling Course: https://www.reneelynnfrojo.com/storytelling-course Renee's Newsletter Sign Up: https://agoodreputation.online/

    47 min
  2. Ep. 055 - Reclaiming Power Thru Boudoir with Liz Hansen

    10/01/2025

    Ep. 055 - Reclaiming Power Thru Boudoir with Liz Hansen

    In this conversation, Raven O'Neal and Liz Hansen, owner and photographer at Chicago Boudoir, explore the world of boudoir photography, discussing its empowering aspects, societal perceptions, and the journey women take to embrace their bodies. Liz shares her personal journey into boudoir photography, the challenges women face regarding body image, and how boudoir can serve as a celebration of life and self-acceptance. They delve into the history of boudoir photography, the business side of running a studio, and the importance of personalizing the experience for each client. The discussion also touches on redefining beauty standards and the significance of documenting women's journeys through various life stages. KEY TAKEAWAYS Boudoir photography creates a safe space for women.Empowerment is a key aspect of boudoir photography.Societal norms often challenge women's self-expression.The Maiden, Mother, and Crone archetype reflects women's life stages.Women come to the boudoir for various personal reasons.Boudoir photography has historical roots dating back to early art.The pandemic increased interest in boudoir photography.Personalization is crucial in the boudoir experience.Editing choices in boudoir photography are client-driven.Running a photography business involves multiple roles beyond shooting. DISCUSSION TIMELINE 04:00 Empowerment Through Boudoir07:42 Challenging Societal Norms11:18 The Maiden, Mother, Crone Archetype13:12 Reasons Women Choose Boudoir15:51 The Evolution of Boudoir Photography20:29 The Business of Boudoir Photography25:09 The Art of Photography and Self-Expression26:38 Empowering Women Through Photography30:46 Challenging Societal Norms34:48 Conversations with Men: Perspectives on Boudoir37:49 Life Beyond Boudoir Photography39:54 Practical Hacks for Self-Photography CONNECT WITH LIZ Website: www.chicagoboudoir.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/chicagoboudoir VIP Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/VIPChicago  Instagram: www.instagram.com/chicago.boudoir/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@chicagoboudoir LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/liz-hansen-9aab35173/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChicagoBoudoirPhotography TEDx talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9bkhCXpmIE

    46 min
  3. Ep. 054 - A Look at "Sun Shining on Morning Snow" with Ingrid Hu Dahl

    09/24/2025

    Ep. 054 - A Look at "Sun Shining on Morning Snow" with Ingrid Hu Dahl

    In this engaging conversation, Ingrid Hu Dahl discusses her book "Sun Shining on Morning Snow," exploring themes of identity, mother-daughter relationships, and the writing process. Ingrid emphasizes the importance of community, belonging, and the impact of life choices on personal growth. The discussion also delves into intersectionality, the challenges of navigating the patriarchy, and the significance of listening and connecting with others. Ingrid shares her hopes for the book to resonate with a diverse audience, particularly mixed-race and queer women, while also appealing to a broader readership. KEY TAKEAWAYS Writing a book doesn't have to be a solo experience.Mother-daughter relationships can be challenging yet transformative.Identity and cultural reflections are central to personal growth.Community and belonging are vital for navigating life's challenges.Life choices significantly impact our paths and relationships.The book aims to connect with mixed-race and queer women.Listening deeply is crucial for understanding and connection.Empowerment involves bringing other women into spaces and amplifying their voices.Navigating the patriarchy requires awareness and advocacy.Personal stories can inspire and resonate across diverse audiences. DISCUSSION TIMELINE 00:00 Introduction to "Sun Shining on Morning Snow"02:23 The Writing Process and Collaboration06:29 Mother-Daughter Relationships and Personal Growth11:00 Identity and Community in a Multiracial Context13:49 Life's Pivotal Moments and Choices18:13 Nostalgia and Target Audience of the Book24:31 Future Projects and Themes of Identity26:18 The Evolution of Interracial Relationships27:29 Intersectionality and Identity in Leadership29:53 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership32:09 Navigating Personal Narratives and Life Choices34:14 The Importance of Vulnerability in Memoir Writing35:39 The Journey from Corporate to Author42:41 Hacking the Patriarchy: Practical Strategies CONNECT WITH INGRID Sun Shining on Morning Snow Website: www.sunshiningonmorningsnow.com Ingrid's Website: www.ingridhudahl.com Ingrid on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ingridhudahl Ingrid on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ingridhudahl Sun Shining on Morning Snow Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunshiningonmorningsnow

    51 min
  4. Ep. 052 - The Reality of Reality TV with Andy Dehnart

    08/27/2025

    Ep. 052 - The Reality of Reality TV with Andy Dehnart

    In today's conversation, Raven O'Neal sits down with writer, TV critic, editor of Reality Blurred, and president of the Television Critics Association, Andy Dehnart, to explore the evolution of reality TV, its impact on society, and the complexities of representation and authenticity within the genre. They discuss the historical context of reality TV, the biases present in production, and the importance of diversity both in front of and behind the camera. The conversation also delves into media literacy, the role of capitalism in content creation, and practical tips for navigating reality TV as both producers and consumers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Andy Dehnart has over 25 years of experience in reality TV.Reality TV offers a voyeuristic view into lives different from our own.Diversity in casting and production is crucial for authentic representationReality TV often reinforces patriarchal norms via editing & storytelling.Media literacy is essential for consumers.Authenticity is key for content creators in the digital age.Capitalism influences the content we see and how it's produced.Producers often face ethical dilemmas due to economic pressures.Viewers should consider how they would respond to characters as friends.Creating diverse content can help challenge existing narratives. DISCUSSION TIMELINE 00:00 The Journey into Reality TV04:54 Diversity and Bias in Reality TV11:47 Media Literacy and Consumer Awareness20:59 Authenticity in Content Creation26:11 Emulating Pop Culture and Identity Formation27:35 The Role of Accountability in Pop Culture30:09 Capitalism's Influence on Media Consumption32:17 Navigating Algorithms and Content Creation35:07 The Dark Side of Social Media38:49 Reality TV and Gender Dynamics43:28 Practical Hacks for Content Creation and Consumption CONNECT WITH ANDY Andy's Website: www.andydehnart.com Reality Blurred Website: www.realityblurred.com

    50 min
  5. Ep. 051 - Building Equitable Workplaces with Cerys Goodall

    08/20/2025

    Ep. 051 - Building Equitable Workplaces with Cerys Goodall

    This week, founder and strategist of The Goods, Cerys Goodall joins us to share her incredible career transition from Public Relations to the C-suite. We dive deep into the systemic challenges that hinder women's progress, from the emotional load of "office housework" to the career penalties associated with parenting.Cerys argues that mentorship isn't enough; women need active sponsors who will advocate for them. She provides a masterclass in practical empowerment, emphasizing the critical need to negotiate salaries, demand pay transparency, and unapologetically take up space. This conversation is an essential listen for anyone interested in leadership, building inclusive cultures, and the future of women in tech. KEY TAKEAWAYS Women can redefine tech roles beyond traditional supporting positions.Sponsorship and connections drive women's career growth.Fear and emotional burden hinder women's leadership.Parent-friendly policies are essential.Pay transparency promotes equity.Encourage salary discussions and negotiation.Boundaries prevent burnout.Address workplace privilege disparities.DISCUSSION TIMELINE 04:35 Redefining Roles: Women in Leadership09:05 Overcoming Fear: The Emotional Load of Leadership12:10 The Power of Sponsorship and Connection15:35 Navigating Identity and Privilege in the Workplace21:24 The Impact of Parenting on Career Progression25:43 Creating Supportive Work Environments31:05 Negotiating Pay and Transparency in the Workplace37:55 Setting Boundaries: The Hot Potato Analogy51:41 Hacks for Success: Empowering Women in Tech CONNECT WITH CERYS Cerys on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cerysg00dall/ The Goods Website: www.thegoods.io Email Cerys: cerys@thegoods.io

    56 min
  6. Special Episode: A Look Back at Our Most Loved Episode with Kari Ginsburg

    07/30/2025

    Special Episode: A Look Back at Our Most Loved Episode with Kari Ginsburg

    This was supposed to be our 50th episode celebration... but life had other plans. So, we're re-releasing our most popular episode ever: a powerful conversation with badass coach Kari Ginsburg . Kari just dropped her book, "Hey Glitterbomb!: A No-BS Guide to Being Too Much, Taking Up Space, and Loving The Legacy You Create," and this episode hits even harder now. We talk about coaching, politics, community, and what it really means to take up space and lead with purpose. Let’s dive back in. In this conversation, host Raven O'Neal and guest Kari Ginsburg discuss the intersection of coaching, politics, and community building. Kari emphasizes the importance of supporting women in navigating political landscapes, especially during times of instability. The dialogue explores how individuals can find focus in their activism, the significance of creating safe and accountable community spaces, and practical strategies for personal growth and political engagement. Kari shares insights on knowing when to walk away from unproductive environments and the power of language in shaping our experiences and decisions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Coaching is a privilege that supports personal growthWomen deserve to be seen, heard, and cherishedFinding focus in activism is crucial to avoid burnoutCommunities can be curated to foster safety and supportAccountability is essential in community spacesRecognizing when to leave a community is important for self-careLanguage shapes our experiences; watch for 'should' statementsBuilding your own community can be empoweringEngagement in politics requires collective effortSelf-care is foundational to effective activism DISCUSSION TIMELINE 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Politics06:34 Navigating Instability in Politics09:28 The Importance of Community12:37 Building and Curating Communities15:34 Creating Safe Spaces and Accountability28:17 The Role of Leadership in Community30:14 The Consequences of Inaction32:27 Knowing When to Walk Away39:50 Evaluating Internal vs. External Excuses44:46 Practical Hacks for Empowerment CONNECT WITH KARI Get her book! www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hey-glitterbomb-kari-ginsburg Uproar Coaching: ⁠www.uproarcoaching.com⁠ Take the "I Want" Challenge: ⁠www.uproarcoaching.com/iwant⁠ Subscribe to Kari's Newsletter, Ricochet: ⁠www.uproarcoaching.com/ricochet-weekly-email⁠ Kari's LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/kari-ginsburg⁠ Kari's Instagram: www.instagram.com/kariginsburg Uproar Coaching Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/uproar_coaching

    53 min
  7. Ep. 049 - Exploring “Space to Exhale” with Lisa Hurley

    07/23/2025

    Ep. 049 - Exploring “Space to Exhale” with Lisa Hurley

    Raven O'Neal sits down with Lisa Hurley to discuss her book "Space to Exhale," delving into its distinctive structure, creative process, and the powerful themes of mindfulness and self-care woven throughout. They explore the book’s intended audience, the significance of cultural context, and the intersectional experiences of Black women. Lisa highlights the importance of openness among all readers, including men, and shares her vision for the book’s impact on personal growth and the practice of intentional self-care.KEY TAKEAWAYS The book is structured to feel like an inhale and exhale.Each chapter can be read independently, like a buffet.The writing process was intentional and aimed at delivering peace.Lisa wanted to ensure the book was timely and relevant.The book addresses the experiences of Black women in the workplace.Intersectionality is a key theme throughout the book.Self-care is essential for everyone, regardless of gender.Lisa hopes the book inspires men to engage in self-care.The book includes various cultural references and practices.Readers are encouraged to revisit the book and its exercises.DISCUSSION TIMELINE 00:00 Introduction to "Space to Exhale"03:14 The Structure of the Book05:45 The Writing Process and Timeliness09:40 The Target Audience and Reception13:45 Deliberate Design and Flow20:01 Spiritual and Cultural Influences22:26 Working While Black and Career Building23:15 The Emotional Impact of Workplace Culture23:55 Activism and Scholarship in Writing25:13 Experiences of Black Women in the Workplace26:47 Juxtaposition of Work Environments29:42 Understanding Intersectionality33:13 Challenging Stereotypes and Narratives33:46 Inviting Men into the Conversation38:46 Practical Hacks for Self-Care CONNECT WITH LISA Lisa's Website: www.spacetoexhalebook.com Lisa's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iamlisahurley Lisa's Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelisahurley Lisa on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelisahurley Lisa on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thelisahurley Space to Exhale YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SpaceToExhale All Lisa's other links: https://linktr.ee/lisahurley

    52 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Hacking the Patriarchy, hosted by Raven O’Neal, is the essential how-to podcast for breaking barriers. Each week, Raven delivers bold, candid conversations on gender equity, social justice, and personal empowerment, offering actionable strategies for professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. With diverse voices and expert insights, this podcast helps listeners navigate systemic obstacles, challenge patriarchal norms, and drive meaningful personal, professional, and societal impact. Tune in weekly for practical tools and inspiration to hack our way to a better future for all.