WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?

Dawne Hanks
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Stories are the foundation of progress, and for too long, the voices of women and marginalized communities have been ignored or silenced. At WAIT. HOLD UP… WHAT? we’re reclaiming space to share the struggles, triumphs, fears, and joys that shape our lives. Join us as we explore the intersections of identity, equity, and empowerment, offering education, support, and inspiration along the way. Whether it’s breaking barriers, celebrating wins, or tackling the tough stuff, this is a space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and uplifted. We invite you all to join the conversation and help us explore ways to ELIMINATE GIRL HATE.

  1. S2: E18 - Anna Campbell Returns to Discuss her film NORA

    06/03/2025

    S2: E18 - Anna Campbell Returns to Discuss her film NORA

    You know that moment right before you begin something big when you pause, question yourself, and maybe stall for weeks…or years? Yeah. That moment. In our season finale, I sit down once again with Anna Campbell, and we talk about that exact place: the hesitation before the journey. Anna shares what it took to finally start telling her own stories, how long she waited, and what it felt like to finally move. More importantly, what came after. We go deep on: Why hesitation is part of the creative process How gender dynamics in Hollywood shape the roles we see (and don’t see) What safety really means for women and how we pass down protective instincts The nuance of mother-child relationships in storytelling And why inspiration is literally everywhere, even in the algorithm This one’s vulnerable, honest, and the perfect way to close the season. 🎧 Listen in and remind yourself: it’s okay to hesitate. Start anyway.

    1h 8m
  2. S2:E17 - The Power of Media and Storytelling with Anna Campbell Part 1

    05/27/2025

    S2:E17 - The Power of Media and Storytelling with Anna Campbell Part 1

    What happens when someone else’s story helps you understand your own? In this episode, Dawne Hanks sits down with Anna Campbell to explore the emotional, intellectual, and even physical "aha" moments we experience while watching shows, listening to podcasts, or hearing a deeply human narrative unfold through different mediums. Together, they unpack how media and storytelling bypass our defenses, helping us access truths we’ve buried, emotions we’ve silenced, and reflections we didn’t know we needed. Anna shares her insights on why certain stories hit harder, how projection and rejection shape the way we relate to characters, and what it means to see yourself, maybe for the first time, through someone else’s lens. This episode is for anyone who's ever cried over a fictional character or felt a strange kind of healing while watching a scene unfold. It’s about permitting ourselves to connect, to feel, and to grow through stories that aren’t even ours.

    56 min
  3. S2:E16 - Women Are Not Small Men - Navigating Health & Hormones with Allyson Spungin

    05/20/2025

    S2:E16 - Women Are Not Small Men - Navigating Health & Hormones with Allyson Spungin

    If you’re a woman in your 40s or beyond wondering why your body suddenly isn’t responding like it used to — this episode is for you. Host Dawne Hanks sits down with Allyson Spungin to unpack what’s truly happening during the pre and post-menopausal transition. From the science of hormonal shifts (hello, estrogen and progesterone drops) to real talk about body composition changes, emotional curveballs, and why fasting or workouts that once worked suddenly don’t, this episode offers insight, empowerment, and practical ways forward. Allyson shares how she supports women through this season by looking at the whole person not just lab results or symptoms. They discuss the importance of asking the deeper questions: Where are you at? What’s your story? Where do you want to go from here? This conversation is a must-listen if you're ready to stop feeling like your body is betraying you and start learning how to work with it.

    1h 24m
  4. S2:E15 - The Power of Female Friendships with Veronica Roberts

    05/13/2025

    S2:E15 - The Power of Female Friendships with Veronica Roberts

    In this intimate and honest episode, host Dawne Hanks and guest Veronica Roberts dive into the personal lessons learned through female friendships. From quick catch-ups to four-hour dinners filled with laughter and layered truths, the duo reflects on the kind of conversations that change how we see ourselves—and the world. They explore how their closest friendships have taught them about emotional safety, identity, and how to truly show up. Dawne and Veronica get real about how romantic relationships can sometimes pull us away from our female friendships, how age shifts our expectations, and why the desire for authenticity becomes non-negotiable with time. They also unpack the contrast between how women interact in private versus public spaces, and how powerful it can be to maintain a tight-knit, intentional circle. If you've ever learned something life-changing over a glass of wine or walked away from a conversation feeling more whole, this episode is for you. It's a celebration of the people who meet us where we are—and help us grow into who we're meant to be.

    1h 15m
  5. S2:E14 - How Healing impacts the Desire and Requirements for Partnership

    05/06/2025

    S2:E14 - How Healing impacts the Desire and Requirements for Partnership

    In this heartfelt episode, host Dawne Hanks sits down with longtime friend and healthcare operations leader Veronica Roberts for a deeply honest conversation about healing, identity, and learning to trust your gut. Veronica shares how, after her divorce, she struggled with the desire to be wanted; often ignoring her intuition in the pursuit of external validation. Through leadership training and deep self-reflection, she began to unlearn these patterns and reconnect with her inner voice. Now, she’s embracing a life where her worth isn’t determined by attention, beauty, or approval; but by how fully she loves and honors herself. Together, Dawne and Veronica talk about the emotional layers of self-trust, the journey from fantasy to truth, and how real partnerships; starting with the one you have with yourself—are where the healing happens.

    1h 10m
  6. S2:E13 - Taking Up Space with Alyson Spungin

    04/29/2025

    S2:E13 - Taking Up Space with Alyson Spungin

    In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP…WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks is joined by Alyson Spungin for a vulnerable, honest conversation about what it means to truly take up space—and how that looks different for everyone. Together, they unpack the pressure women face around body image, productivity, and performance, especially within the dance community. Alyson shares how her personal experiences with therapy and psychology shaped her understanding of health, healing, and autonomy. She also opens up about her practice of celebrating small wins offline—without social media, without external validation, just presence. Dawne and Alyson both reflect on how we often expect others to “fix” us when all we really need is a safe space to exist. They honor the quiet, supportive men in their lives—like Alyson’s father, who drove hours just to check in during her first year of college, or Dawne’s stepfather, who offered small gestures that made a big impact. These moments model the kind of support that empowers rather than overcomes. This episode isn’t just about movement or mindset. It’s about redefining what health, growth, and support look like on your own terms—and how giving ourselves permission to take up space is a radical act of self-trust.

    1h 14m
  7. S2:E12 - Women & Consumerism with Gina Jacobson

    04/22/2025

    S2:E12 - Women & Consumerism with Gina Jacobson

    In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, we dive into the complex world of consumerism, ethics, and financial empowerment with Dawne and returning guest, Gina Jacobson. Dawne reflects on her growing desire to vote with her wallet — to spend her money in alignment with her values — and how difficult that can be in today’s landscape of corporate consolidation and marketing manipulation. Dawne explores the challenges of trying to avoid companies and brands that don’t have her best interest at heart, and how frustrating it can feel when those same brands dominate the market. The duo gets candid about the emotional weight of wanting to do the “right thing” while navigating convenience, cost, and access. But this isn’t just a critique — it’s a rallying cry. Dawne shares her belief in the power of women as a collective force. When women begin to see their everyday purchases as tools of protest and protection, real change becomes possible. She also challenges us to rethink our definition of wealth: if your household brings in more than $40,000 a year, you’re wealthier than most of the global population. That means your money can make a difference — even when it doesn’t feel like it. This episode is for anyone trying to align their values with their spending — and wondering if it’s even possible. Spoiler alert: it is.

    1h 10m
  8. S2:E11 - Pay Transparency & The Gender Pay Gap

    04/15/2025

    S2:E11 - Pay Transparency & The Gender Pay Gap

    In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Zhou Fang, a journalist with a unique perspective on navigating privilege, gender, and success across two cultures. Zhou’s journey from growing up in a STEM-heavy family in China to transitioning into journalism in the U.S. offers invaluable insights into the complexities of being an immigrant in the workplace. Zhou reflects on how she initially believed in the myth of the American Dream—thinking that working hard and keeping her head down would be enough to "make it." But as she entered the tech and compliance industries, the realities of privilege, networking, and identity began to surface. Zhou shares her experiences of being told to “smile more” in performance reviews and being constantly assumed to be junior due to her age, gender, and immigrant status. At 30, she found herself grappling with how to break through these biases. The conversation also touches on the gender pay gap and why pay transparency is essential for achieving real equity in the workplace. Zhou explains how, without transparency, it’s nearly impossible to assess whether pay is equitable, especially when employees can’t compare their salaries with their peers. This lack of visibility leads to confusion and frustration, making it difficult for anyone to determine if they’re being fairly compensated. Throughout the episode, Zhou emphasizes how the fight for women's financial equality is often slow and invisible. The intersectionality of her immigrant status, gender, and age plays a major role in the challenges she faces. This conversation provides a candid and insightful look into the obstacles women face in industries that undervalue them and underscores the importance of transparency in creating a more equitable future. This episode offers a powerful conversation about navigating the realities of being a woman of color in a biased workplace and the need for real pay transparency. Tune in to hear Zhou’s perspective and why these issues matter now more than ever.

    1h 12m
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5
out of 5
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About

Stories are the foundation of progress, and for too long, the voices of women and marginalized communities have been ignored or silenced. At WAIT. HOLD UP… WHAT? we’re reclaiming space to share the struggles, triumphs, fears, and joys that shape our lives. Join us as we explore the intersections of identity, equity, and empowerment, offering education, support, and inspiration along the way. Whether it’s breaking barriers, celebrating wins, or tackling the tough stuff, this is a space for everyone to feel seen, heard, and uplifted. We invite you all to join the conversation and help us explore ways to ELIMINATE GIRL HATE.

Information

  • Creator
    Dawne Hanks
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Dawne Hanks
  • Show Website
    WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?