The Magic Is Exhausting: Motherhood, Christmas & the Performance of Joy

Righteous Anger & Raising Kids in a Chaotic World

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter dive into the importance of informed parenting, community support, and the ongoing fight for women’s rights. Through candid conversation and personal stories, they unpack current events, discuss how parents can raise socially aware children, and highlight the role of collective action in creating meaningful change. The episode explores why open dialogue, civic engagement, and strong communities are essential in shaping a more equitable future. What We're Talking About... 1. The importance of informed parenting and having age-appropriate conversations with children about difficult topics and current events 2. How community support and small, everyday micro-connections help build resilience and foster meaningful social change 3. The push for legislation to end statutes of limitations for sexual assault and why these laws matter for survivors seeking justice 4. The ways current events and political issues affect children, families, and broader society 5. How sharing personal stories and lived experiences can inspire advocacy, awareness, and collective action for social change Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Women's Month and Community Engagement 02:59 Navigating New Projects and Podcasting Adventures 05:50 The Importance of Age-Appropriate Conversations 09:06 Understanding Current Events and Their Impact on Children 11:49 Parenting in a Complex World 18:04 Building Connections and Finding Hope 22:45 Navigating Righteous Anger and Collective Action 24:12 The Birth of Good Work Advocacy Collective 26:47 Writing from the Moment: A Creative Process 30:08 Grounding in Chaos: Finding Center 32:37 The Weight of Awareness: Speaking Out 35:49 Breaking the Silence: Personal Healing and Advocacy 39:46 Historical Context: Women's Rights and Progress 41:44 The Power of Community and Matriarchy

Power, Trauma & Accountability

In this episode of BURNT, Michelle and Lauren dive into the realities of political activism, grassroots organizing, and the emotional toll of advocacy work. They unpack the complexities of movement infighting, navigating social dynamics within activist spaces, and how burnout can impact long-term engagement. Through candid conversation, they explore the importance of authentic connection, community-building, and values-driven leadership in sustaining meaningful social change. The hosts also highlight the power of personal storytelling as a tool for advocacy, emphasizing how lived experience can inspire action, strengthen movements, and create lasting impact. What We're Talking About... 1. Political activism and movement infighting: navigating community dynamics and internal conflict in social justice spaces 2. Grassroots organizing metaphor: “boats and the river” as a framework for understanding coalition-building and social movements 3. The power of storytelling in advocacy: how personal narratives drive civic engagement and cultural change 4. Vicarious trauma in activism: emotional resilience, burnout prevention, and mental health in organizing 5. The Epstein files and survivor advocacy: accountability, systemic power, and supporting survivors within justice movements Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and Reflections 03:46 Navigating the Political Landscape 06:41 Finding Your Community 09:41 The Importance of Empathy in Activism 12:37 Engaging with Political Figures 15:36 Addressing Social Issues and Advocacy 18:45 Personal Experiences in Activism 21:14 Centering Survivor Voices 25:19 Navigating Vicarious Trauma 27:08 The Power of Personal Stories 28:55 Unveiling Systemic Issues 32:24 The Cycle of Trauma 35:12 Healing Through Advocacy 37:11 Community Support and Growth

If You’re Not Speaking, You’re Choosing

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren Lehman Carter and Michelle Glogovac share a raw, unfiltered conversation about navigating current events, political polarization, and the emotional toll of living through constant crisis. They explore how social media shapes public discourse, the pressure to perform activism online, and why authenticity matters more than optics. Lauren and Michelle reflect on the weight of recent tragedies, the growing divide in political beliefs, and the essential role of empathy in advocacy and allyship. The conversation also addresses the challenges of parenting in an uncertain world, accountability for content creators, and the responsibility to speak out against injustice—even when it’s uncomfortable. Grounded in honesty and hope, this episode of BURNT centers on resilience, community, and the belief that collective action and understanding can lead to meaningful change. What We're Talking About... * Authenticity in conversations builds trust, especially in discussions around politics, grief, and social justice. * Social media shapes public discourse, amplifying both meaningful connection and harmful misinformation. * Empathy is essential for understanding opposing perspectives and navigating political and ideological divides. * Political beliefs can differ widely, even among people with similar backgrounds and lived experiences. * The loss of life in current events has a profound emotional impact, reinforcing the human cost behind headlines. * Parenting in today’s world requires constant adaptation to cultural, political, and societal change. * Content creators have a responsibility to speak out against injustice, even when it risks discomfort or backlash. * Apathy can contribute to systemic harm, making silence a form of complicity. * Hope for the future is rooted in collective action, community care, and sustained advocacy. * Understanding different mindsets fosters empathy, connection, and meaningful dialogue across divides. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Authenticity in Conversations 03:57 The Weight of Current Events on Social Media 06:36 The Responsibility of Influencers and Content Creators 09:57 The Complexity of Political Beliefs and Personal Responsibility 12:45 Empathy and Understanding in a Divided Society 15:39 The Role of Apathy in Social Issues 18:43 The Impact of Violence on Humanity 21:46 Parenting in a Challenging World 24:33 The Science of Goodness and Human Behavior 27:32 Engaging with Bots and Social Media Responsibility 30:40 The Urgency of Speaking Up 33:44 Hope and the Future of Activism

I’ve Lost My Last F*ck: Privilege, Power, and a Country on Fire

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren Lehman Carter and Michelle Glogovac have a candid, unfiltered conversation about the current political and social climate in America. Reflecting on personal experiences, they explore themes of privilege, accountability, and responsibility, both on an individual level and within systems of power. The discussion examines American history, the role of ICE, government accountability, and the obligations of elected officials, while also addressing the emotional weight of parenting during uncertain and troubling times. Through honest dialogue, Lauren and Michelle emphasize the importance of personal healing, truth-telling, and storytelling as tools for connection, resistance, and meaningful change. What We're Talking About... * Recent political and social events have reshaped perspectives on privilege and accountability in America. * White women must confront their proximity to power and the responsibilities that come with it. * American history is often taught through a revisionist lens, obscuring systemic harm and injustice. * Awareness must lead to action when addressing social, political, and human rights issues. * Elected officials are called to move beyond statements and take meaningful, accountable action. * Documenting human rights abuses is essential for transparency, truth, and accountability. * ICE’s expansive federal budget raises serious concerns about priorities, oversight, and impact. * Law enforcement should prioritize protecting and serving communities, not perpetuating violence. * Parenting in today’s political climate requires honest, age-appropriate conversations about justice, safety, and societal realities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Raw Conversations 04:35 Understanding Privilege and Accountability 07:34 Historical Context and Revisionist Narratives 10:35 The Importance of Awareness and Action 13:38 Personal Responsibility and Historical Legacy 16:56 Political Accountability and Activism 19:51 Documenting Human Rights Abuses 22:47 ICE and Community Response 24:44 The Role of Content Creators in Advocacy 26:33 Different Perspectives on Jesus 27:44 Losing Our Last Fucks 29:29 Historical Context of Violence 31:33 Law Enforcement vs. ICE 33:34 The Budget and Power of ICE 35:36 Impact on Families and Children 37:21 Historical Parallels and Current Events 40:39 Privilege and Responsibility 42:53 Navigating Relationships and Politics 46:41 The Importance of Personal Stories 51:18 Hope for the Future

The Magic Is Exhausting: Motherhood, Christmas & the Performance of Joy

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle and Lauren dive into the real pressures of the holiday season. They discuss the stress of Christmas preparations, the weight of holiday traditions, and the high expectations often placed on mothers during the holidays. Sharing personal stories, they explore the importance of empathy, community, and support, and how creating new, meaningful traditions can help reduce holiday stress. The conversation also addresses the hypocrisy in holiday messaging and why supporting each other matters now more than ever. What We're Talking About... * The joy and excitement of children during the holiday season is a cherished experience for families. * Mothers often face pressure to create the perfect Christmas or holiday experience. * Holiday traditions can evolve, and embracing new ones can make celebrations more meaningful. * Traditional gender roles in holiday preparations can be challenged and redefined. * Practicing empathy and fostering community support is essential during the festive season. * Simplifying holiday plans and traditions can help reduce seasonal stress. * The hypocrisy in holiday messaging can create frustration and unrealistic expectations. * Setting boundaries during family gatherings is important for managing stress and mental health. * Support from friends and family is crucial for holiday mental well-being. * Focusing on and celebrating the small moments can lead to a more fulfilling holiday experience. Chapters 00:00 Christmas Reflections and Traditions 13:59 The Pressure of Christmas Preparations 19:09 Cultural Commentary and Inclusion 21:20 Empathy and Understanding in Parenting 23:57 Hypocrisy in Modern Values 26:30 The Role of Community and Events 29:34 The Impact of Public Figures on Family Dynamics 31:19 The Performance of Public Messaging 35:20 The Importance of Authenticity and Support 40:25 Encouraging Open Communication and Support 43:27 Celebrating Community and Connection