Episode 1: The Small and the Mighty – with author Sharon McMahon
keep doing the next needed thing…
This Week’s Episode
Welcome to Breaking Down Patriarchy!
During Season One of this podcast, we read historical texts and laid the groundwork for understanding Patriarchal systems and how they’ve functioned in Western Civilization, mostly focused on Europe and the United States.
During Season Two, we featured dozens of unique voices from contributors – sharing essays, personal stories, poetry, and more – each discussing aspects of Patriarchy that they’re experiencing in their lives today.
During Season Three and Season Four, we read books on global gender studies and discussed them with guests who had read – or, in many cases written – the book being discussed.
Now, in Season Five, Breaking Down Patriarchy is getting active, speaking with experts and authors to help us identify the places we can create change in our world and offering practical ways for our community of listeners to help dismantle oppressive structures.
Patriarchy impacts all people, regardless of gender, all over the world. This unjust construct (defined by the dictionary as “a system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it”) has caused inestimable harm throughout the centuries… and yet we learn almost nothing about it in school. Deconstructing patriarchy in our minds, our relationships, and our communities benefits everyone.
We envision a world in which all human beings are able to flourish and to reach their unique potential. We strive to include as many voices as possible, and our work is intersectional and inclusive. We are also firmly committed to the well-being of boys and men, and we enthusiastically and gratefully enlist the help of our non-female allies in creating an egalitarian world where everyone can thrive.
Such an incredible resource
Ian E McAllister
“My wife turned me onto this podcast and I’m so thankful to you, Amy, for putting this together. It is so helpful to gain perspective on the scope of both patriarchy and the extent to which people have been pushing against it throughout history. So easy to assume that the movements are more recent, but to learn how the wheel has been reinvented so many times throughout history is both eye-opening and infuriating. As a white man it is so helpful to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of these systems so that I can pursue conversations with my peers from a more grounded position. Your work is so necessary and so much appreciated. Thank you!”
I have learned so much!
JasBeaw
“Amy does an awesome job of explaining everything for anyone at any level of knowledge about feminism and the system that is patriarchy. She is also so compassionate about different viewpoints and levels of understanding. I have learned so much and I’m always so engaged. I’m going to listen to all the episodes a second time and maybe even take notes. I never opted to take a women’s studies course in college, and this is filling that hole in my life! For free!!”
The podcast I can’t stop talking about
Aubrey Chaves
“I love every single thing about this podcast. It’s something I’ve needed so deeply for such a long time. Trying to figure out what to read as I come to terms with the ways patriarchy has influenced who I am, has felt like drinking from a firehose. It’s been such a gift to have a guide! I love Amy’s tone and energy, I’m consistently impressed with the way she holds both the ability to acknowledge things gone wrong, and a powerful energy around claiming her own authority and moving in that power. It’s such a gift to see that modeled. And I loving having such an extensive reading list to take these conversation even deeper!!”
Thoughtful and eye-opening
josie729
“I’ve always considered myself a feminist, and yet I don’t think I’ve read any of the books discussed so far. So I’m really loving this introduction to so many important works. I appreciate the passion and excitement that Amy and her reading partners bring to the subject. They often weave their own life experiences into the topic at hand—a refreshing change from a typical academic discussion, and yet the conversations are deep and thought-provoking. Keep ‘em coming, please!”
A History Master Class
shengdnhybsa
“This podcast is filled to the BRIM with important historical information. I feel smarter after listening to it, as well as empowered (occasionally depressed too, but in a good way—how can you hear about the subjugation of women and not get a little depressed?). Finally I can have historical evidence on hand for feminist conversations, and even more fuel for removing patriarchy from my own mind.
Thank you, Amy, for this free master class on history and feminism.”
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