MissPerceived

Haley Swenson (Better Life Lab, New America Foundation) takes over the mic to interview Leah on the invisible weight of the mental load and her upcoming book Drained. How is the mental load talked about in academia versus everyday life? What does the data reveal—and what are we still missing? They unpack why language matters, how gender shapes the conversation, and what real solutions might look like. 

This week, Leah tacks a question sent in by one of our listeners that’s been making the rounds on TikTok and Insta reels: Do mothers who have babies later in life actually live longer? It’s a viral claim that’s got people talking—but what does the research really say? We dig into the science behind fertility timing and maternal longevity, explore the biological theories, and ask whether social and economic factors are playing a big...

What does the mental load look like for women with intersectional identities, especially migrant mothers from Southeast Asia? In this episode, Leah and Haley are joined by Mira Gunawansa to dive into her groundbreaking PhD research exploring how the mental load manifests for women of colour and how their unique experiences—navigating visas, cultural assimilation, familial expectations, and racism—are often overlooked in curre...

Do parents secretly prefer their daughters over their sons? In this episode, Leah unpacks the complexities of parental favouritism: Is it about gender, birth order, or a child’s personality? And what happens when kids perceive they’re treated differently from their siblings? We explore how these dynamics shape identity, self-esteem, and family relationships.

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

...

In this episode, Leah and Haley chat with Avni Patel Thompson, founder of Milo & Verity Tuck and co-founder of Goldee AI, about how technology can help lighten the mental load of parents. Avni and Verity share how AI and language modeling are streamlining day-to-day tasks, easing the mental burden, and letting parents breathe a little easier. Tune in for real-life stories and practical insights on using tech to help share the l...

Leah and Haley are joined by Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play, to reframe how we understand the mental load. They explore how men and women conceptualise invisible labour, the systems that uphold these imbalances, and how boundaries and communication can essential to creating more equitable and fair partnerships. Eve shares real-life stories of couples negotiating their mental loads using the Fair Play system—not just as a way to sp...

In this episode, we challenge the misconception that being a parent makes you a bad employee. We dive into how taking time out for caregiving can be career enhancing, how parenting skills are highly transferable to the workplace, and why these skills are crucial for the future of work. Plus, we introduce the Parenting Work Skills Certificate—our team’s initiative to highlight the value of parenting in professional settings. T...

The mental load isn’t just about managing household tasks and mental to-do lists —it’s about carrying the weight of everything happening around us. From the rise of AI to the cost-of-living crisis and threats to democracy, our cognitive and emotional burdens are shifting in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

In this episode, Leah and Haley Swenson from the New America Better Life Lab dive into the meaning of "mental load,&...

In this episode, we dive into the sociology of egg freezing—who it’s for, how it’s marketed, and what it really offers. We unpack the classed experience of this costly procedure, from its strategic targeting of high-income, unmarried women to its role in the ‘economy of hope.’ Join Leah as she examines the intersection of assistive reproductive technology, gendered marketing, and the complexities of medically assisted fertility and...

This week, join Leah as she delves into how sibling dynamics shift after a parent's passing, from unresolved childhood rivalries to the burden of caregiving and inheritance. When a parent dies, family relationships can change in unexpected ways. What sparks tension—or strengthens bonds—between brothers and sisters in grief? And how do gender roles influence the way sons and daughters navigate loss?

Follow Leah Ruppanner at http...

In this week's episode, Leah discusses the economics of being single. Ever noticed how flying solo can cost more? We dive into the ‘single tax’ - from paying for utilities to groceries alone - to explore economies of scale, the power of shared resources, and why going it alone often comes with a higher price tag. 

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://w...

Join us this week as we talk all things International Women's Day! In this episode, Leah takes us through the history of IWD—from its radical socialist roots to its modern-day celebrations—and asks whether we’ve lost sight of its purpose. More than just a day for hashtags and brunches, IWD should be a call to action. Join us as we unpack what this day really means and why the fight for gender equality is far from over.

Why do people still believe the myth that girls aren’t good at maths? In this episode, join Leah as she breaks down the gender stereotypes that hold women back in STEM, unpack the so-called “leaky pipeline,” and talk about what we really wants our daughters and younger generations to know about their educational potential. Because talent isn’t gendered—so why are opportunities?

Follow Leah Rup...

Menopause is a natural transition in life, but should you talk about it at work? In this episode, Leah dives into the latest research on menopause in the workplace, your reproductive rights, and the policies (or lack thereof) supporting women through this stage. How do symptoms impact your career? And what does this mean for your identity at work? Tune in for expert insights on navigating menopause on the job.

Follow Leah Ruppanner ...

Do queer couples break free from traditional gender roles, or do old patterns creep in? In this weeks episode, Leah explores how LGBTQIA+ partners divide housework compared to heterosexual couples. Is the split more equal, or do unseen forces shape who scrubs the dishes and who takes out the trash? Tune in for an academic deep dive into love, labour, and the politics of domestic life!

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram....

Love languages say gifts = love, but should we rethink the way we give? Women often take on the emotional and financial labour of gift-giving—planning, making, and wrapping—while men’s gifts can sometimes feel like a quick fix for deeper issues. And with rising costs, is the pressure to give even sustainable? In this episode, we unpack the gendered side of gift-giving, the financial weight of presents, and whether it’s time t...

In this episode, we break down the science of intelligence—cognitive, emotional, and beyond—to challenge outdated stereotypes. Is intelligence a spectrum? How do we measure it? And why do we still equate IQ with superiority? Tune in as we dismantle the myths, explore the biases, and reveal what intelligence really looks like. Who’s smarter—men or women? Or is that the wrong question entirely?

Follow Leah R...

Can friendships at work boost connection or blur the lines between professional and personal life? In this episode, we dive into why workplace friendships matter, their impact on productivity, and whether they foster belonging or complicate boundaries. Tune in as Leah explores the surprising role of camaraderie in the workplace!

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagra...

In this episode, Leah explores the research on the power of women’s friendships—how they evolve, fade, and transform over time. We delve into why society often undervalues these special bonds in favor of romantic relationships and examine the unique ways friendships sustain and empower women. From moments of shared laughter to unwavering support, discover how these connections help women navigate challenges and celebrate life’s mil...