What IFF?

CofC Women's and Gender Studies Program
  • 3.7 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

At What IFF, we are dedicated to sparking discussion about making change in our campus community and beyond by centering intersectional feminist thought and uplifting members of our community who are actively moving toward justice, and inspiring those of us who want to learn more. 

  1. JAN 26

    S4, Ep 1: The Ethics of Discomfort: Christina García on Ecofeminism, Friendship, and Creative "Sorcery" 

    This episode of What IFF? we had a conversation with the new director of WGS, Dr. Christina García (she/her). We explore how feminist and queer theory can reshape the way we think about bodies, environments, community, and even creativity itself. In addition, Dr. García discusses her leadership approach, which centers on listening, learning, and supporting a program rooted in collaborative feminist practice.

    50 min

  2. 06/10/2025

    S3, Ep 5: Third spaces and intersectional communities

    This episode of What IFF? We had a conversation with Dr. Naomi Simmons (she/her) and WGS major Mo Spragins (she/they) about the importance of third spaces and how they foster community on our campus and in the world we live in. We also discuss third spaces in relation to hustle culture, self and community care, and more. Support the CofC Pride Center at https://give.cofc.edu/pride-center

    52 min

  3. 04/10/2025

    S3, Ep 4: Accessibility, Accommodations, and Belonging in Education

    In this episode of What IFF?, we are exploring conversations about disability, accessibility, and accommodations in academic spaces with Bilal N. (he/him) and Dr. John Thomas III (he/him). Bilal will provide a student point of view regarding hustle culture, campus neurodiversity, individualism, and the ableist standards that people are held to within institutions. Dr. Thomas speaks about the importance of balance in a busy life, and ways that he implements accommodations in his classes as a professor. Additionally, he provides insight about his encounters with accessibility from other institutions and other life experiences. *UDL: “Universal Design for Learning;” learn more here. For campus resources, visit charleston.edu/accessibility.

    1h 9m

  4. 12/19/2024

    S3, Ep 3: Transgender Healthcare and Contraceptive Care

    In this episode of WHAT IFF? we are joined by Kit Fischer, a dedicated advocate for transgender health, to shed light on the critical gaps in reproductive healthcare for trans individuals. Together, we delve into common misconceptions, such as the mistaken belief that trans men cannot get pregnant while on testosterone, and how these myths impact access to essential contraceptive care.  Kit shares his personal experiences and expertise, offering valuable insights into navigating healthcare as a trans person, including how to advocate for yourself in medical settings. We discuss practical resources like inclusive healthcare resources, support networks, and educational tools for both patients and providers to bridge gaps in understanding and improve outcomes. This episode also explores actionable strategies for healthcare providers to create affirming environments, from using inclusive language to recognizing the diverse needs of trans patients. With a focus on dismantling stigma and empowering individuals, we envision a future where reproductive healthcare is accessible, compassionate, and affirming for all. Join us for an essential conversation that challenges misconceptions, amplifies trans voices, and offers a roadmap for building more inclusive systems of care. Resources Mentioned in Episode “Standards of Care 8 | WPATH,” n.d. https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/.

    15 min

  5. 04/26/2024

    S3, Ep 2: Charleston, Rurality, and Feminist Activism with Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch

    In this episode of WHAT IFF? we discuss rurality and feminism with Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and guest host Aaliya Wiggs, a College of Charleston 1967 Scholar.  Dr. Jones-Branch is the Dean of the graduate school at Arkansas University, a College of Charleston alum, a professor of history, a scholar of rural, agricultural, African American, and women’s history– and she was born and raised here in Charleston. In our discussion, we talk about Dr. Jones-Branch’s experience growing up in Adams Run, SC, concern regarding urbanization, black feminist activism, and the importance of rural communities. We highlight intersections between classism, racism, and sexism as we discuss how rurality has been greatly overlooked for its community connection and cultural significance. Check out Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch’s book: Better Living By Their Own Bootstraps: Black Women’s Activism in Rural Arkansas Thank you to Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and Aaliya Wiggs for making this episode possible!

    23 min

  6. 03/15/2024

    S3, Ep 1: The History of Chronic Pain, the Wandering Womb, and Hysteria with Dr. Sandy Slater

    We are kicking off this season of WHAT IFF? by sitting down with Dr. Sandra Slater, a professor at the College of Charleston who received her PhD in history at the University of Kentucky after receiving a graduate certificate in gender and women's history.  In our hilarious, vibrant, and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Slater, we learn about the history of marginalized bodies, medicalized racism, and the mosaic of chronic pain experiences through an intersectional lens. Dr. Slater illustrates how narratives of the "wandering womb" dominated medical discourse and uterine fascination held sway, and how these norms connect cis-womens bodies to the broader canvas of history. We highlight how pain has always been gendered by digging into the roots of the term hysteria. In present day clinical encounters, we discuss how gender expression impacts how patients are treated, sharing first hand accounts from ciswomen from the podcast, The Sick Gaze. Further Resources Two great books that explain some of these issues are: - Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn - Pain and Prejudice by Gabrielle Jackson Films - Aftershock - a film that demonstrates the dangers for black pregnant people in our medical birthing systems - https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com/ - The CDC Hear Her Campaign - https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/index.html Thank you to Dr. Slater, Alyssa Nickles, Sarah Klotzbach, and Diane Carroll for making this episode possible! Hosts: Emily Currey and Molly Dickerson Production: Molly Dickerson

    32 min

  7. 10/20/2023

    S2, Ep 4: Diaspora, Conflict Bodies, and the Power of Art with Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, Dr. Kameelah Martin, Dr. Robert Sapp, and Cady Walker

    In this episode of What IFF? we record a panel titled Diaspora, Conflict Bodies, and The Power of Art as part of the Land, Body, History series that explores vectors of knowledge from global Black feminist perspectives. Featured are Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, Director of Africana Studies, Dean’s Professor of Culture and Social Justice, and Professor of Africana Studies and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Northeastern University, Dr. Kameelah Martin, Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of African American Studies and English at CofC, Dr. Robert Sapp,  Associate Professor of French Studies at CofC, and Cady Walker, CofC alumni of Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies. Music by Crypt of Insomnia Episode Resources: A Long Walk HomeTri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.When the Land Meets the Body** To view all works cited, please visit the transcript page.

    59 min

  8. 04/30/2023

    S2, Ep 3: Queering Trauma Recovery with Katie Mai and Lyn Maples

    In this episode of What IFF?  we are joined by two trauma-informed experts to break down the misconceptions about sexual assault, trauma recovery, and patterns of serial perpetration. Katie Mai, LMSW, is a therapist with the Sexual Assault Services program at MUSC. Lyn Maples is an outreach coordinator and victim advocate with Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. Together, we analyze data on victimization to better understand what’s happening in our culture. Then, we use that knowledge to create supportive practices for survivor healing and improve educational tools to change social attitudes about gender-based violence. To speak with a victim advocate, call the Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. 24-hour hotline at 843-745-0144 or the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Music by Clean Mind Sounds Episode Resources: CofC Counseling CenterCofC S.C.O.P.E.CofC Students 4 SupportMUSC Sexual Assault ServicesPlanned Parenthood Generation ActionTri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.The Trevor Project** To view all works cited, please visit the transcript page.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

At What IFF, we are dedicated to sparking discussion about making change in our campus community and beyond by centering intersectional feminist thought and uplifting members of our community who are actively moving toward justice, and inspiring those of us who want to learn more. 

Information

  • Creator
    CofC Women's and Gender Studies Program
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 What IFF?
  • Show Website
    What IFF?