Rebel Mothers Susie Fishleder

Today we explore the complexities of raising boys in a patriarchal society, diving deep into the origins of patriarchy, debunking common myths, and discussing its impact on both men and women.

Topics: 
Introduction to patriarchyDefinition and historical context of patriarchy Evolution of patriarchal beliefs and their societal impactArguments against patriarchyHow patriarchy hurts men and boysStrategies for raising boys in a patriarchy
Resources:
The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality by Angela Saini Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia SeranoFor the Love of Men: From Toxic to a More Mindful Masculinity by Liz Plank
Note: Susie will be taking a summer break after this episode, but stay tuned for updates on her new project and more discussions on Rebel Mothers! To receive email updates, join her newsletter.

Matricentric feminism, which is a huge theme of the Rebel Mothers podcast, centers on the experiences, perspectives, and voices of mothers within the broader feminist movement. In this episode, Susie discusses the definition of matricentric feminism, its importance in academia, public policy, and motherhood, as well as its pioneers and contemporary scholars.

Topics: 
Definition of matricentric feminismImportance in academia, public policy, and motherhoodLineage and pioneers of the movement: Adrienne Rich, Sara Ruddick, bell hooks, Riane Eisler, Silvia Federici, Andrea O’ReillyChallenges faced by mothers under patriarchyExploration of motherhood within feminist discourseThe intersection of race, class, and motherhoodCritique of traditional notions of motherhoodAdvocacy for policy changes and workplace accommodationsRedefining success and fulfillment for womenQuestioning and challenging biological essentialismCreating inclusive and empowering approaches to motherhood studies
Resources:
All of these books, and more, are available on my Bookshop* 
"Matricentric Feminism: Theory, Activism, and Practice" by Andrea O’Reilly"Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution" by Adrienne Rich"Maternal Thinking: Toward a Politics of Peace" by Sara Ruddick"Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center" by bell hooks"The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future,” by Riane Eisler"Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive Accumulation" by Silvia FedericiKey facts about moms in the U.S. for Mother’s Day Modern Parenthood | Pew Research CenterHow Parenting Today Is Different, and Harder - The New York Times*Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

Listen to the remarkable life and legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt, a true trailblazer of the 20th century. From her early challenges and insecurities to her groundbreaking activism and leadership as First Lady of the United States, Eleanor's impact on women and mothers continues to resonate today. Susie explores Eleanor's role as a champion for social justice, civil rights, and human rights, highlighting her efforts to create positive change and empower marginalized communities. Despite facing personal struggles, Eleanor's dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to equality serve as an inspiration for women and mothers everywhere.

Topics: 
Eleanor Roosevelt's early life and influencesHer groundbreaking activism and leadership as First LadyAdvocacy for social justice, civil rights, and women's empowermentLegacy and impact on women and mothersChallenges and complexities of her role as a wife and mother
Resources:
The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt by Eleanor Roosevelt No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II by Doris Kearns Goodwinhttps://web.archive.org/web/20130322023854/http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1011.htmlThe Sad Truth About Franklin And Eleanor Roosevelt's MarriageEleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)Eleanor Roosevelt's Unprecedented Activism—From Inside the White House | HISTORYIt's Up to the Women: Eleanor Roosevelt, Women’s Politics, and Human Rights Franklin & Eleanor's Children | Grateful American Foundation

Why does wine and motherhood seem ubiquitous these days? In this thought-provoking episode, Susie dives into the complex intersection of alcohol, the patriarchy, and motherhood. Drawing on historical perspectives, societal norms, and personal anecdotes, she explores the evolution of women's relationship with alcohol, the rise of "mommy wine culture," and the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on maternal well-being. Through discussions on Holly Whitaker's insights and personal reflections, Susie challenges traditional notions of alcoholism and offers empowering perspectives on reevaluating one's relationship with alcohol. Ultimately, she advocates for reframing societal norms and prioritizing the holistic health of women and mothers.

Topics: 
Historical role of women in brewing and alcohol consumptionSocietal shifts leading to the stigmatization of female drinkingWomen's participation in the temperance movement and prohibitionRise of "mommy wine culture" and its impact on modern motherhoodExamination of alcohol marketing targeted at women as a form of feminist rebellionInsights from Holly Whitaker's perspective on alcoholism and sobriety in the book Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed With AlcoholPersonal anecdotes and reflections on Susie's journey with alcoholStrategies for examining and potentially altering one's relationship with alcoholResources:
Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed With Alcohol by HOLLY WHITAKERAlcoholic beverages industry in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts | StatistaExcessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Women's Health | CDC Women and AlcoholMeme Girls: The Wine Mom Phenomenon Speaks VolumesWomen Led the Temperance Charge – Prohibition: An Interactive HistoryWhat’s Behind the Growth in Alcohol Consumption? - The New York TimesOrganizations for people who want to quit drinking:
Sober MommiesAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)SMART RecoveryWomen for Sobriety (WFS) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Susie replays a 2023 workshop called "The Motherhood Revolution." Learn more at https://www.susiefishleder.com/events 
Topics include:
Establishing the difference between mothering and motherhood and the cultural systems that affect bothRecognizing how the act of mothering is a path to self-actualization and empowerment…a practice that not only nourishes the mother, but elevates the entire familyUnderstanding the difference between dominator and partnership family models…and how to move from one to the other

Let’s explore the historical and contemporary economic systems and their impact on motherhood! Starting with an overview of capitalism, socialism, and communism, Susie exposes the inherent flaws in these systems and proposes alternative paradigms like the gift economy and the sharing economy. Through an exploration of different economic models, she highlights the challenges and opportunities for mothers in various economic systems and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human flourishing and caregiving in economic discourse.

Topics: 
Overview of capitalism, socialism, and communismImpact of traditional economic systems on motherhoodIntroduction to alternative economic paradigms: the gift economy and the sharing economyBenefits and challenges of alternative economic systems for mothersReimagining economics through the lens of human flourishing and caregivingHistorical context of economic theories and their implications for gender and race equalityCritique of mainstream economic models and their failure to prioritize caregiving and human developmentResources:
Rebel Mothers Episode 6 Invisible Labor: The Mental LoadThe Wealth of Nations by Adam SmithReal Wealth of Nations by Riane EislerThe Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State by Friedrich Engles