Becky and Taina dive into the reality that everything is political. From the "boy mom" TikTok trend to the everyday choices we make as parents and consumers, they unpack the systemic forces that shape our lives and decisions. Together, they explore how privilege influences parenting, the ethics behind makeup and toys, and why small, intentional changes can create ripples of systemic change. This conversation challenges listeners to see the political implications of even the most mundane decisions and take actionable steps toward building a more equitable world.

Discussed in This Episode

• What "everything is political" really means
• The "boy mom" TikTok trend and normalized violence in toys
• White privilege and its influence on parenting decisions
• How systemic racism shapes the way children of different races are raised
• Gender norms in parenting and the erasure of non-binary identities
• Ethical consumerism and the politics of makeup and toys
• The challenges of parenting within systemic oppression
• Strategies for raising socially conscious kids
• Small, daily political choices that contribute to systemic change
• The intersection of parenting and politics and its impact on society

Resource Mentioned

• Cheekbone Beauty

In this episode, Becky and Taina reflect on the challenges and lessons of 2024, offering insights into resilience, community, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of learning from failure, navigating systemic issues, and embracing joy and self-care amidst chaos. Whether you're looking for practical business lessons, inspiration for 2025, or simply some thoughtful conversation, this episode has something for you.

Discussed in This Episode

• Resilience in hard times and overcoming anxiety in challenging years
• Lessons from 2024: personal, business, and community insights
• The value of interdependence and community support during a crisis
• Joyful living in 2025 and setting intentional goals
• Navigating a “shit show” year with grace and strength
• Prioritizing self-care in chaos and cultivating belief in oneself
• Moving toward collective liberation and rejecting toxic capitalism

Resources Mentioned

• Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol
• Erica Courdae on interdependence
• “Rethinking Social Media: Balancing the Attention Economy with Entrepreneurial Success” episode of Messy Liberation

In this episode, Becky and Taina dive into the world of children’s movies and TV shows that offer more than just fluff. From revisiting nostalgic favorites to exploring newer releases, they discuss how these stories tackle complex themes like grief, emotions, family dynamics, and representation. Whether you're looking for media to watch with your kids or hoping to heal your inner child, this conversation is packed with insights into the deeper layers of children's programming and its impact on adults and kids alike.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Avatar: The Last Airbender: Exploring its complex storytelling, themes of war, and whitewashing controversies.
• Where the Wild Things Are: A heartfelt movie review and its emotional resonance, especially for those dealing with grief or feelings of being misunderstood.
• Inside Out and Inside Out 2: Teaching kids (and adults) about emotional intelligence and understanding anxiety.
• Turning Red: Celebrating mother-daughter relationships and a refreshing absence of romantic subplots in animated films.
• Moana: Themes of female empowerment, righteous rage, and reclaiming personal identity.
• Soul: Pixar’s unique take on addressing grief and the meaning of life in a kid-friendly way.
• A Little Princess: A nostalgic favorite with an analysis of its themes of loss, resilience, and family.
• Magic School Bus: Making science fun and accessible for kids through immersive storytelling.
• The importance of diverse representation in children's media and the cultural impact of better storytelling.
• How children’s media can aid in healing the inner child in adults.

Resources Mentioned:

• “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
• “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• Feelings Wheel

Call to Action:
What’s your favorite children’s movie or show that tackles big themes? Did we miss one of your go-to recommendations? Email us at MessyLiberation@gmail.com.

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