We Should Talk About That

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I’m a little late to highlight rare disease month.  Technically, the month of February traditionally is Rare Disease awareness month with Rare Disease Day falling on February 28th.  But, sadly, as is happening with so many awareness months and days in the US, the FDA/NIH planned 2 day meeting focused on Rare Disease Day on 2/27 and 2/28 was cancelled this year.  So, I guess I’m not too late aft...

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The broken rung: a phenomenon even more pervasive than the glass ceiling in holding women back from career success. 

Women around the world do extremely well when it comes to their education. They graduate at higher rates than men do and have higher average GPAs. But then a strange thing happens: Upon entering the workforce, they immediately lose their advantage. When the first promoti...

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I like talking about uncomfortable things.  It's why I have this podcast-so that I have a space to be able to explore topics that might make some people feel uncomfortable, but are typically things we should be talking about more often.  Today is no different.

Today I want to talk about death.  This isn't the first time I've covered this topic.  In fact, WAY back in 2020-even befo...

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Is talking about the environment controversial?  Nope.  

And yet.....why does the worry wort inside my head always stop and ask "Uh oh-will this be seen as political"?  Luckily,  I have the fearless Debbie Levin as my guest today to quiet that pesky worry wort and lead me in a fantastic conversation about  sustainability and improving the environment.  For more than twenty years Debbie...

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Time to do an update on how things are going in the Department of Education now that we are 623 days into the Trump administration.  Wait, no…..I’m being told it has actually been 27 days.  I’m sorry.

So when I last spoke about the Dept of Education, it was November 18th and I was reacting to the release of then President elect Trump’s 10 point education plan.

I did an overview on the history of ...

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I am overwhelmed.  There is so much information coming out each day that it becomes difficult to figure out what I should pay attention to -and I think that is the point.  Flood the zone so no one thing can catch too much attention and so many many issues just flow right past us without notice.  

That's why I have been really trying to use discernment on the places I count on to get my info...

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What does it mean to be a "good" mother?  And who determines those measures?  
Nancy Reddy joins me for a conversation about motherhood.  Her new book, "The Good Mother Myth: Unlearning Our Bad Ideas About How to Be a Good Mom" is part memoir, part research based, and ALL thought provoking.  
-What are the four major myths that contribute to an impossible standard fo...

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January 20th, 2025
Today I want to talk about Martin Luther King Jr.  About the day that commemorates one of the most important civil rights leader of our country.
How did this day come to be?  You might be surprised to hear the long road it took to have this day become a federal holiday.
And it is also a National Day of Service.  So, what does that mean, and how do I find ways to b...

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Welcome to 2025, the year of the snake.  Hmmm...that's interesting.
So, what's in for 2025?
Well, Donald Trump, for one.  And, mouth tape! 
What's out?
I think it's safe to say that feminism is looking very out for 2025.  And I'm worried that Millennials are becoming as invisible as Boomers and X'ers.
Join me and my favorite...

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Jessica Kidwell and her guest, Liz Minnella, explore the importance of engaging in grassroots activism and the challenges of identity politics, particularly among white women voters. They discuss the creation of Chicago Women for Harris, the dynamics of political engagement, and the need for authenticity in messaging. The conversation highlights the necessity for Democrats to adopt a more aggre...

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I said "wow" so much in this episode, and I even edited A LOT out. 
But talking with Sarah Beran and Brooks Bell about their separate journeys with colon cancer - both diagnosed when they were under 40(!) - left me almost speechless.

Today, they’re survivors who have dedicated their lives to making sure others have access to early, life-saving colonoscopies. Brooks, a te...

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Happy Thanksgiving WeSTAT!
I hope wherever you will be celebrating, you find the time to notice all the many things and people to be grateful for-that's certainly my goal this week.

It's no secret that I have an ongoing struggle with fear and anxiety. For me, anxiety acts as an active response to fear but I'm learning that gratitude is a healthier alternative.  

Suppo...

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"Oh no, is she STILL talking about politics?"
Yes.  Yes I am.
Listen, I think it's super important to be informed on what may are may not happen as one administration transitions to the next.
I love our little democratic republic and think of democracy as a verb rather than a noun.  Something that needs to be actively worked on and done, rather than just accepting it ...

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Jessica Kidwell opens up about her emotions following the recent election results. She candidly shares her journey from avoiding conflict and embracing both-sideism to finding her voice and standing firm in her beliefs. She also addresses the "fuck your feelings" crowd and emphasizes the importance of allowing people to feel every emotion without judgment.

Jessica also talks about main...

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With the stress of the U.S. election looming, Jessica welcomes S.E. Cupp, a TV commentator and mental health advocate, to discuss the impact of the political climate on our mental well-being. S.E.'s new podcast "Off the Cup with S.E. Cupp," offers her insights on life beyond politics and the importance of addressing mental health.

Whether you're deeply engaged in po...

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The fall season is upon us, which seems to bring with it the onset of comfort food cravings. But what does comfort food mean to you? For Jessica, it's cheesy baked pasta dishes, but there's often guilt attached to these indulgences. Enter Mary Beth Albright, an award-winning journalist and author of "Eat and Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being." Mary Beth challe...

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In this WeSTAT bonus episode, Jessica Kidwell reconnects with Justin Jones-Fosu to explore the complex world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With over 20 years of experience, Justin shares his insights on how DEI has evolved from a corporate buzzword to a contentious topic, and whether there is hope for its future. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how to make DEI a ...

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"I can vehemently disagree with your ideology and yet still passionately pursue your humanity." - Justin Jones-Fosu 

As we approach a pivotal presidential election, the air is thick with divisive rhetoric. Join Jessica Kidwell in a timely conversation with Justin Jones-Fosu, an international speaker, social entrepreneur, and author of "I Respectfully Disagree: How to Hav...

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The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause is the first documentary film that addresses the marginalized or ignored health crisis faced by millions of women as they go through menopause.  It premiers on PBS October 17th, 2024.

Join Jessica and her guest this week, Denise Pines, as they delve into the complexity of women's health, the lack of research, and the societal change...