Toxic

Toxic podcast hosted by Amanda Kippert and Jenna Brandl
  • 3.9 (54)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

What happens when toxic masculinity goes unchecked for far too long? Domestic violence journalist and advocate Amanda Kippert along with co-host Jenna Brandl shine a spotlight on the men who have chosen to abuse more than just their male privilege. Through candid and unreserved conversions with survivors, advocates and experts, we're calling out the audacity of men, one abuser at a time. To end domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment and general male bad behavior, it's time we call it as we see it.

  1. Episode 120: The Absolute Audacity of Abusers Even in Prison—Survivor Mae Scott Talks About Her Long, Messy Fight to Be Believed

    1D AGO

    Episode 120: The Absolute Audacity of Abusers Even in Prison—Survivor Mae Scott Talks About Her Long, Messy Fight to Be Believed

    We're back! Sorry for the hiatus, but life threw us some curveballs (we'll tell you about them in this episode). But really, we're here to talk to Mae Scott, survivor and author who so bravely shares her story of what abuse can look like up close: not just fear, but confusion, manipulation and a slow erosion of reality. Then comes the fun part (read: not fun at all)—navigating a legal system that doesn't seem to want to believe or even listen to women.  It's raw, frustrating, and necessary listening about what survivors are really up against—and why believing them matters more than ever. Got a story we should be talking about? Or a guest we need to have on? Tell us everything at ToxicThePodcast.com. You'll also find some sweet merch bound to start conversations.  If you're dealing with an abusive partner, you don't have to navigate it alone. You can connect with a trained advocate through DomesticShelters.org. And if this episode lit a fire under you (rage counts), don't keep it to yourself. Share it. Follow. Leave a review. Help us get these stories in front of more people who need to hear them—and maybe a few who really need to hear them.

    1h 51m

  2. 1D AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie

    Introducing Matthew McConaughey’s Guide to Life from No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie. Follow the show: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie After losing his father and a dark year in Australia, actor Matthew McConaughey walked into the wilderness of his own mind to figure out how to be a man. He did so by writing long letters to himself, taking solo “walkabouts,” and purging the shame, guilt, and embarrassment of his younger years. He tells Blake about his methods (including what worked and what didn't work) and how they brought him both professional and personal success. In this conversation you’ll learn: – How to take a solo trip that will provide life-changing clarity – Why using too many adjectives and adverbs when journaling means you’re lost – Why service and religion is selfish, and why that’s okay – How to teach your kids the great lesson of being bored – Why emotional maturity and critical thinking are crucial in the age of AI – Matthew’s final note to self Enough Foundation's mission is to spread reminders in every form — bracelets, messages, actions, community — until feeling ENOUGH becomes the cultural default. To learn more, visit weareenough.co. Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. While supplies last. Visit http://www.weareenough.co/rules for full terms. More information on Blake’s other projects here:  Morning Water  Morning Water is a daily hydration formula that restores energy, balance, and performance with essential electrolytes, minerals, and nutrients in one simple routine.  To learn more, visit morningwater.co and use code NOMAGICPILL for 25% off your first order. SONIA  Sonia is a conversational AI companion designed for emotional support. Through voice and text, it offers guided wellbeing sessions, including meditations, journaling, personalized recommendations, and practical exercises. To learn more, visit www.soniahealth.com and download it on the App Store. MOOVLAB At MOOVLAB, we bring health and wellness to your workday.  MOOVLAB - the answer to sitting is moving.  To learn more, visit www.moovlab.com Follow Blake on Instagram and stay up to date with Lemonada on Facebook and Instagram. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at lemonadapremium.com. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns you may have. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Blake's Story 1:50 ENOUGH Bracelet 2:18 Matthew's Approach to Identity 3:09 Coins of Prayers & the Icarus in Reverse Poem 05:51 Living with Purpose 06:07 Facing Your Demons Alone 07:56 The Day 12 Breakthrough 09:09 Practical Tips for Solitude & Survival Mode 09:55 Chop Wood, Carry Water 10:57 "I Am Enough" Mantra 12:23 "Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should" 16:09 Simplifying Life 19:27 Morning Water 23:42 Rolling in High School, Then Losing It All in Australia 26:58 Finding Identity Through Disciplines in the Dark 27:29 Does Drama Find Us, or Do We Find It? 28:48 Is "This Too Shall Pass" a Privilege? 32:11 Service, Suffering & Obsessive Self-Centric Thinking 34:40 Is Serving Others Actually Selfish? 38:23 Tom's Shoes & the Identity Crisis Behind It 40:04 Sonia AI 41:32 Moovlab Chair 42:34 Teaching Kids Solitude & Knowing Yourself 44:52 Boredom as a Gift 49:04 AI, Multitasking & What Skills Actually Matter 52:35 The "Enough" Bracelet & Closing Poem 55:45 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. Ep. 119: Breaking News—Woman Asks Question, Man Requests Facial Expression

    FEB 25

    Ep. 119: Breaking News—Woman Asks Question, Man Requests Facial Expression

    After Donald Trump publicly berated Kaitlan Collins of CNN for pressing him about the Jeffrey Epstein files, he used a cheap power move familiar to women worldwide. "Why aren't you smiling?" Because apparently women exist to decorate the room — and keep powerful men comfortable. It's also a great way to deflect questions you don't want to answer. In this episode, we unpack the long history of telling women to "smile" — and why it's one of the most annoying things men can say next to....oh, about anything. We examine how policing women's expressions becomes a way to reassert dominance, derail accountability and minimize a woman's place in a professional seetting.  Because when a woman is told to smile, it's rarely about happiness. It's about control. We want to hear from you. Do you have a story we need to discuss or a guest we should feature? Visit us at ToxicThePodcast.com and share your story. We're sorry if we can't reply to every email immediately, but we we are trying our best to respond to everyone who writes in. Just know that we hear you and you're not alone. If you're experiencing abuse or domestic violence, please consider connecting with a trained advocate near you. You can find one through DomesticShelters.org. Finally, help us spread these important conversations further. Share an episode of Toxic with someone just as pissed off as you that this keeps happening. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform or social media, and if you're willing, leave us a review. Your support helps us amplify these critical stories. Together, we can create change.

    1h 6m
  4. Ep. 118: Dead Women Can't Appeal — Lizzie Weinstein, Family Court and a Death Still in Question

    JAN 28

    Ep. 118: Dead Women Can't Appeal — Lizzie Weinstein, Family Court and a Death Still in Question

    We're starting this episode with Jenna's take from the frontlines in Minneapolis, where she lives, and the horrors she's seen there firsthand in the wake of ICE's terror campaign. Spoiler: It's all bad. But you can do something, no matter where you are. Visit standwithminnesota.com to donate to families impacted and to the tireless volunteers standing guard in the negative temps 24/7.  Next, because we can't let ICE distract us from the fact that women are in peril every day, and most often by their own partners in their own homes, we're telling the story of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Weinstein. Lizzie was a mother, former ER nurse and outspoken critic of the family court system whose life ended under still-unclear circumstances last July. After divorcing her ex-husband, prominent attorney Brian Stryker Weinstein, Lizzie alleged abuse and corruption within a system she said stripped her of her children, her finances and her credibility—while protecting power and wealth. What followed was a series of deeply troubling events involving her being put behind bars, subjected to psychiatric confinement against her will and court orders that raise more questions than answers. This episode traces Lizzie's story through its many confusing and perplexing twists, exploring how family court can be weaponized against survivors—and why the full truth of what happened to her may never be known. We close with an interview with Natalie Blundell, Lizzie's friend, a domestic violence advocate and the founder of WeSpoke.org, who shares her perspective on Lizzie's final years and what her case reveals about systemic failures that continue to impact women across the country. We want to hear from you. Do you have a story we need to discuss or a guest we should feature? Visit us at ToxicThePodcast.com and share your story. We're sorry if we can't reply to every email immediately, but we we are trying our best to respond to everyone who writes in. Just know that we hear you and you're not alone. If you're experiencing abuse or domestic violence, please consider connecting with a trained advocate near you. You can find local advocacy groups and information on all facets of abuse at DomesticShelters.org. Finally, help us spread these important conversations further. Share an episode of Toxic with someone just as pissed off as you that this keeps happening. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform or social media please leave us a review. Your support helps us amplify these critical stories. Together, we can create change.

    1h 59m
  5. Ep. 117: Hallmark, But Make It Cats

    12/24/2025

    Ep. 117: Hallmark, But Make It Cats

    It's one of our favorite episodes of the year where we recap a bad (or is it actually a genius?) holiday movie. This year's pick: Christmas at the Catnip Cafe. Olivia, a marketing exec (OF COURSE SHE IS) is left half a cat cafe in her aunt's will and who owns the other half? A hot vet who loves cats, obviously. Olivia hates cats! And has no time for romance or small towns! But does love to make vegetable tians! Oh my god, WHAT will happen?!  Have a very festive, safe holiday y'all. And men, ask how you can help, FFS.

    1h 14m
  6. Ep. 116: How the Manosphere Turns 'Poor Me' Into 'Hurt Her'

    12/09/2025

    Ep. 116: How the Manosphere Turns 'Poor Me' Into 'Hurt Her'

    We're back! Thanks for your patience. We had life stuff. This week, Jenna and Amanda are strapping on their metaphorical hazmat suits and wading into the darkest corners of the internet: the manosphere. What starts as "dating tips" or "how to be more confident" quickly turns into a pipeline of misogyny, conspiracy thinking victimhood narratives ("men have it the worst!"), and in too many cases, encouragement of real-world violence against women. We're breaking down how this ecosystem has gone fully mainstream, how influencers sell young men a fantasy of power and entitlement—usually wrapped in $999 "mastermind" courses—and why boys searching YouTube for perfectly innocent advice on dating or fitness are now just one algorithmic shove away from some of the most toxic women-hating, pro-grape messaging online. Come for the snark. Stay for the unsettling realization that this stuff is everywhere now. If you want to go even deeper into the manosphere, we can't recommend highly enough Laura Bates' book "Men Who Hate Women: From Incels to Pick-Up Artists, the Truth About Extreme Misogyny and How It Affects Us All." And to jumpstart a fun conversation over morning coffee, get your "Prevent Male Podcasts" coffee mug at our Toxic store here!  We want to hear from you. Do you have a story we need to discuss or a guest we should feature? Visit us at ToxicThePodcast.com and share your story. We're sorry if we can't reply to every email immediately, but we we are trying our best to respond to everyone who writes in. Just know that we hear you and you're not alone. If you're experiencing abuse or domestic violence, please consider connecting with a trained advocate near you. You can find one through DomesticShelters.org. Finally, help us spread these important conversations further. Share an episode of Toxic with someone just as pissed off as you that this keeps happening. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform or social media, and please consider leaving us a [kind] review. Your support helps us amplify these critical stories. Together, we can create change.

    1h 9m
  7. Ep. 115: Abuser Murders Girlfriend After Judge Lets Him Out While Awaiting Trial For Strangling Her

    10/13/2025

    Ep. 115: Abuser Murders Girlfriend After Judge Lets Him Out While Awaiting Trial For Strangling Her

    Sigh. Here we go again. In a case of this-can't-possibly-be-true-oh-my-god-why-is-the-system-so-broken-this-is-why-women-keep-dying, a Tucson, Ariz., judge set free Michael Martinez Duran from a Pima County jail while he was awaiting trial for charges of domestic violence, including strangulation, which we KNOW is one of the deadliest red flags of a future homicide. Due in court Sept. 19, Michael never made it. Instead, he did something most of us could 100 percent predict any abuser who had already been escalting his abuse was going to do when losing power and control—he murdered his girlfriend, a mom and brand-new grandmother, Michelle Gracia, 47, less than two weeks before he was set to be back in court.  In this episode, we discuss the deadly consequences of downplaying an abuser's threats — and the heartbreaking ways victims often disconnect from the reality of their danger, because fully facing it can feel impossible. We are also honored to have Michelle's mother, Linda, talk to Amanda in this traumatic aftermath about her daughter's murder, and how it was absolutely preventable. (Apologies for the sound quality of the phone call.)  Please consider making a donation to Michelle's GoFundMe, if able, to help support her children moving forward. We want to hear from you. Do you have a story we need to discuss or a guest we should feature? Visit us at ToxicThePodcast.com and share your story. We're sorry if we can't reply to every email immediately, but we we are trying our best to respond to everyone who writes in. Just know that we hear you and you're not alone. If you're experiencing abuse or domestic violence, please consider connecting with a trained advocate near you. You can find one through DomesticShelters.org. Finally, help us spread these important conversations further. Share an episode of Toxic with someone just as pissed off as you that this keeps happening. Follow us on your favorite podcast platform or social media, and if you're willing, leave us a review. Your support helps us amplify these critical stories. Together, we can create change.

    51 min
  8. Ep. 114: Hey, Things Haven't Gotten Better. In Fact, They May Have Gotten Worse! Don't Worry, We're Here

    09/18/2025

    Ep. 114: Hey, Things Haven't Gotten Better. In Fact, They May Have Gotten Worse! Don't Worry, We're Here

    This week's installment of "Crappy News You Can't Believe Is Real" kicks off with Republicans in the Senate deciding, "Nah, the American people don't need to know about the Epstein files," as they quietly murdered an amendment that would've forced the public release. The literal worst FBI director of all time, Kash Patel, said there was "no credible evidence" Epstein trafficked minors, because the dozens of survivors who have come forward over the years to say they have been trafficked don't count because we still don't believe women.  Trump then minimized domestic violence as a "little fight with your wife" and the murder of Charlie Kirk stirred up some strong debates about how we need to disagree better, but not about how we need to talk about men's entitlement and their anger issues. Weird how we keep ignoring that elephant.  Let's talk about all of this and then do that thing where we're not sure if we're laughing or crying together.  We want to hear from you. Do you have a story we need to discuss or a guest we should feature? Visit us at ToxicThePodcast.com and share your story. If you're experiencing abuse or domestic violence, please reach out to someone you trust. You can also connect with a trained advocate near you through DomesticShelters.org. Finally, help us keep this conversation going. Share an episode of Toxic on your socials with the hashtag #listentothisyafools. JK, hashtag it whatever you want. Please also follow us on your favorite podcast platform or social media, while free speech is still a thing, and if you're willing, leave us a [good] review. Your support helps us amplify these critical stories. Together, we can create change.

    36 min
See All (122)

3.9
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

What happens when toxic masculinity goes unchecked for far too long? Domestic violence journalist and advocate Amanda Kippert along with co-host Jenna Brandl shine a spotlight on the men who have chosen to abuse more than just their male privilege. Through candid and unreserved conversions with survivors, advocates and experts, we're calling out the audacity of men, one abuser at a time. To end domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment and general male bad behavior, it's time we call it as we see it.

Information

  • Creator
    Toxic podcast hosted by Amanda Kippert and Jenna Brandl
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Toxic

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