MissPerceived

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...

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—...

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.i...

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 insight...

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 Fai...

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 parentin...

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  div...

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...

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...

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 MissP...

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...

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 menopaus...

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...

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 pres...

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?  Fo...

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...

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...

Do women really gossip more than men, or is that just another stereotype? In this episode, we unpack the loaded word “gossip” and explore its surprising role in strengthening social bonds. Why are women often judged harshly for it, while men seem to get a free pass? And is it even gossip—or just sharing information that matters? Join us for a thought-provoking chat on the power, perception, and po...

"Who keeps the family ties from unravelling? From buying gifts to organising holiday dinners, kinkeeping often falls on mothers, stepmothers, aunts, and oldest sisters. But why is it mostly women? In this episode, we dive into the unsung labour of kinkeeping, explore the roles women play in holding families together, and uncover what the research reveals about this invisible work." Follow...

Happy New Year! Join Leah for our first podcast of 2025, where we'll be diving into why resolutions often fail, the difference between bold goals and bite-sized ones, and the strategies that actually work to make your goals stick all year long. If you’re ready to ditch the guilt and set yourself up for success, this episode is for you! Follow Leah Ruppanner at  https://www.instagram.com/prof.l...

As workplaces evolve, what does the future hold for women? In this episode, we dive into how women are positioned in the changing job market, the skills they’ll need to thrive, and whether the future of work is truly equitable. From automation to AI, we unpack the trends shaping women’s careers. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode about the challenges, opportunities, and road ahead for women...

Is the "Mom flu" a real thing—or just another parenting myth? This episode unpacks the infamous “Mom flu” and explore how it stacks up against science. Plus, the facts about why mums might actually get sick more often, exploring the link between caregiving, stress, and immune systems. Tune in for a fun and insightful look at sickness, gender, and the invisible load of caregiving! Follow Le...

Are women really better at handling pain, or is it more complicated than that? In this episode, join Leah as she dives into the fascinating world of pain thresholds, exploring the biological and social factors that shape how men and women experience pain. From hormones to social conditioning, discover what research reveals about gendered perceptions of pain—and why it matters.  Follow Leah Ruppann...

Join us for a special live recording of  MissPerceived , where Leah explores the complexities of the mental load and examines whether the invisible burdens of daily life contribute to burnout. Join us as we engage with our live audience through interactive polls and thought-provoking questions to investigate how this experience varies among different groups, including women, parents, and caregiver...