Michelle Cottle, you’re starting to sound really annoying — laughing at inappropriate times, piping up while your co-hosts are talking, repeatedly sophomorically referring to these respected men as “guys.” THESE ARE SERIOUS TIMES. Stop desperately trying to lighten the mood. We women need to get better at expressing ourselves such that we’re taken seriously. I’ve noticed generally women on podcasts (hosts or guests) often seem almost afraid of simply speaking forthrightly, relying on nervous laughter to not make too big of a wave. Conversely, men on podcasts generally seem to have no problem simply stating their opinion or facts. A sad statement (still!) of our sexist society — but until women learn how to unabashedly take more rein, they’ll never achieve the level of seriousness they deserve.
