Fearless, Empowering Women in Work and Life

Fearless: Masculinity and allyship

Alex Kretzinger, the executive director of the Des Moines YMCA Camp, joined the Fearless podcast to talk about all things masculinity and allyship. We explored issues today’s boys are facing, how masculinity norms are affecting both men and women, and what we can do to grow allyship.

Fearless: ‘Mompreneur’ - In conversation with Julie Martin

Julie Martin launched enerj Balls in Bettendorf after making healthy and convenient snacks for her family that she thought others might like. We talked with her about being a mom and a business owner, and how those two areas of her life coexist.

Fearless: Nasty or nice - When and how women negotiate

When women negotiate they’re often labeled, perhaps called too direct or too soft. How can women gain confidence in negotiating, and what can be done to overcome stereotypes that create barriers for women during negotiation? In this episode of the Fearless podcast, co-hosts LaDrina Wilson and Macey Shofroth talk about negotiation with Cristy Tackett-Hunt, general counsel of Perfusion Solution Inc., and Beth Livingston, the Sheets associate professor of industrial relations at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business.

Fearless: Challenges and choices - A look at child care in Iowa

Three-quarters of parents with children under 6 work outside of the home in Iowa, making child care a significant need for Iowa parents. But affordability and lack of access causes significant barriers for many families. In this episode of the Fearless podcast, co-hosts Emily Wood and LaDrina Wilson talk with Iowa Women’s Foundation interim CEO Claudia Schabel and former executive director of Postville Childcare Services Kristy Turner about systemic solutions to the child care crisis. Then, host Macey Shofroth talks with Natalie Mahoney and Anna Squier about their real-life experiences navigating their families’ child care decisions.

Fearless: (Her)Story - Women Making History Now

All too often, we reflect on history with a look in the rearview mirror. On this episode of Fearless, we take a look at the history being made right in front of us. We spoke with Ella Schmit, a senior at the University of Iowa and a member of the women’s wrestling team, and her experience advocating for the growth of women’s wrestling in Iowa.