E16 Tradwives: Feminist Freedom or Step Backward?

E18 Female Genital Mutilation - A Global Pandemic

This episode explores the deeply rooted and complex issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), its cultural origins, health consequences, and the ongoing efforts to eradicate it. Hosted by Zabrina, Kori, and Jen, the discussion aims to educate and inspire action against this human rights violation.   Show Notes Takeaways: - Definitions and classifications of FGM - Global prevalence and cultural origins - Health risks and long-term consequences - Survivor stories and emotional impact - Efforts to educate, prevent, and provide support   Chapters: 00:00 A Shocking Story: The Rat Incident 00:16 Understanding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 02:58 Understanding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 04:55 Cultural Context and Prevalence of FGM 05:37 Types and Classifications of FGM 08:07 Health Risks and Complications of FGM 11:32 Historical Origins and Social Drivers of FGM 15:15 Societal Pressures and Personal Stories 18:59 Healthcare Challenges and Education on FGM 22:23 Advocacy and Changing Cultural Practices 25:27 The Role of Women in Cultural Practices 28:38 Modernization and Medicalization of FGM 31:36 Consequences of FGM on Women's Health 34:00 Cultural Norms and Male Perspectives 38:55 Cultural Identity and the Impact of Immigration 42:04 Understanding the Impact of FGM 45:02 Generational Trauma and Community Change 47:58 Education and Advocacy for Women's Rights 50:50 Confronting Harmful Practices with Compassion   References: BMJ Global Health. (2020). FGM and maternal health outcomes.  Nature. (2023). Global burden estimates related to female genital mutilation.  BBC Africa. (n.d.). FGM: For the love of Fatmata [Video]. YouTube.  AS/IS. (n.d.). How I survived female genital mutilation [Video]. YouTube. SWPictures. (n.d.). The cutting tradition [Video]. YouTube. FGM: Denouncing The Cut [Video]. (n.d.). YouTube.  FGM: A Scourge That Persists In Gambia, But Mentalities Are Slowly Changing [Video]. (n.d.). YouTube.  Hibo’s Story [Video]. (n.d.). YouTube.  Hussein, L. (n.d.). FGM Survivor: Leyla Hussein’s Story [Video]. YouTube. Hussein, L. (n.d.). Cruel cut [Video]. YouTube.  The Girl Who Said No to FGM [Video]. (n.d.). YouTube.  The Unknown Pandemic: Female Genital Mutilation/cutting [Video]. (n.d.). YouTube.  World Health Organization. (2023). Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). https://www.who.int UNICEF. (2023). Female genital mutilation: A global concern. https://www.unicef.org UNFPA. (2022). Female genital mutilation dashboard. https://www.unfpa.org    Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.  Email : mofcrones@gmail.com [mofcrones@gmail.com]   Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com [http://www.dinnissendesign.com] for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.

E17 Smile Sweetie the Story of Resting B Face

In this engaging episode our hosts explore the societal perceptions of women's facial expressions, especially Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and how these perceptions impact women's experiences in healthcare, professional settings, and social interactions. It delves into cultural differences, gender stereotypes, racial biases, and the importance of self-advocacy.   Show Notes Takeaways: - The science behind facial expressions and social cues - Cultural differences in interpreting resting face - Gender bias and societal expectations around women and men - The impact of resting face on women's professional and personal lives - Unconscious biases and their influence on perception Societal perceptions of women's facial expressions - Impact of RBF on women's healthcare experiences - Cultural differences in expressing emotions - Racial and gender biases in social and medical contexts - Strategies for self-advocacy and authenticity   Chapters: 00:01 Introduction to Murder of Crones Podcast 00:49 Exploring RBF 05:28 Personal Experiences with RBF 11:00 Cultural Perspectives on Facial Expressions 14:04 The Burden of Smiling 16:18 RBF: A Double Standard 18:47 Cultural Expectations and Gender Norms 20:39 Unconscious Bias and Social Perception 29:16 The Impact of RBF on Professional Life 35:59 Navigating Health and Communication Challenges 36:49 The Impact of RBF on Women's Health 39:45 Systematic Dismissal of Women's Pain 44:13 Advocating for Women's Health in Medical Settings 47:03 Intersectionality in Healthcare Disparities 53:01 Understanding Neurodiversity and Gender Bias 54:25 Understanding Neurodivergence in Women 55:54 Cultural Perspectives on Facial Expressions 01:00:46 The Impact of RBF Across Cultures 01:05:27 Breaking Gender Norms and Embracing Authenticity 01:08:28 The Social Media Landscape and Its Effects 01:11:16 Concluding Thoughts on Performance and Identity   References: B, Nikki. “The "Bitch” Penalty: Why Assertive Women Pay the Price in Industry.” Linked In, 5 March 2026, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bitch-penalty-why-assertive-women-pay-price-industry-nikki-bens-vzvqc/. Carpenter, Kalyn. “Getting real about women's health - Fatal delays and the misdiagnosis epidemic.” Curious Health, 7 March 2024, https://curioushealth.io/getting-real-about-womens-health-fatal-delays-and-the-misdiagnosis-epidemic/. Accessed 5 April 2026. Christopher, Watkins D., et al. “Social Transmission of Leadership Preference: Knowledge of Group Membership and Partisan Media Reporting Moderates Perceptions of Leadership Ability From Facial Cues to Competence and Dominance.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, no. 2996, 2020. National Library of Medicine, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6971406/. Cooke, Martin, and Tasha Shields. “Anti-Indigenous racism in Canadian healthcare: a scoping review of the literature.” International Journal for Quality in Health Care, vol. 36, no. 3, 2024. Oxford Academic, https://academic.oup.com/intqhc/article/36/3/mzae089/7749614?login=false. Grossman, Samantha. “The Insidious Sexism of 'Resting Bitch Face.'” This Week, 10 January 2019, https://theweek.com/articles/815496/insidious-sexism-resting-bitch-face. Harris Dr., Felecia C. “The Resting "Bitch" Face: Exploring The Intersection of African American Women, Race, Class, Sexuality. Gender and Reality TV.” University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2016. Digital Commons, https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/sewsa/2016/fullschedule/5/. Khazan, Olga. “Why Some Cultures Frown on Smiling.” The Atlantic, 27 May 2016, https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/05/culture-and-smiling/483827/. Mehrotra, Palasha Krishna. “The Unsmiling Indian.” Man's World, https://www.mansworldindia.com/lifestyle/the-unsmiling-indian. R, Rathi. “Resting Bitch Face: Why Are Only Women Accused Of Having It?” Feminism in India, 1 August 2017, https://feminisminindia.com/2017/08/01/resting-bitch-face-women/. Salamon, Maureen. “The dangerous dismissal of women's pain.” Harvard Women's Health Watch, 2025. Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/the-dangerous-dismissal-of-womens-pain. “The Science Behind an Expressive Face and Its Signals.” Science Insights, 25 November 2025, https://scienceinsights.org/the-science-behind-an-expressive-face-and-its-signals/. Strinic, Andrea, et al. “Multiple-group membership: warmth and competence perceptions in the workplace.” Journal of Business and Psychology, vol. 36, 2020, pp. 903-920. Springer Nature Link, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10869-020-09713-4.   Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.  Email : mofcrones@gmail.com [mofcrones@gmail.com]   Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com [http://www.dinnissendesign.com] for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.

E16 Tradwives: Feminist Freedom or Step Backward?

What happens when traditional gender roles meet modern feminism? In this episode of Murder of Crones, Kori, Jen, and Zab unpack the rise of the Tradwife movement—looking beyond the aesthetic to question power, choice, and control. Is it genuine empowerment, or a return to limiting roles shaped by religion and politics? Are Tradwives anti-feminist… or feminism in action? Listen in and decide.   Show Notes Takeaways: * The traditional wife model: roles, aesthetics, and cultural significance * Power dynamics and submission within Tradwife relationships * The ideological underpinnings: religion, politics, and white nationalism * Social media's role in glamorizing and monetizing Tradwife culture * Feminism’s perspective: choice, autonomy, and societal implications * The intersection of Tradwives with conservative policies and social agendas * The economic realities and risks for women adopting this lifestyle * Critique of hustle culture and capitalism within the Tradwife aesthetic * Future challenges: legislation, social acceptance, and diversity of choice Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: the rise and cultural aesthetic of Tradwives 02:00 - Social media's influence on Tradwife culture 03:13 - Initial reactions: admiration, confusion, alarm 03:38 - Tradwives as a step backward for feminism 04:01 - Wealth and visibility in Tradwife portrayals 05:03 - Traditional model: roles, submission, and gender dynamics 06:49 - Visual aesthetics and curated femininity 07:46 - Morphed and adapted social media presence 08:38 - Gender differences and role delineation 09:04 - Trust and decision-making in Tradwife relationships 10:11 - The importance of partnership vs hierarchy 11:00 - Vulnerabilities: losing skills, economic insecurity 12:06 - Historical context: 1950s family ideals 13:16 - Religious and conservative political influences 14:37 - Social media promotion and the glamorization of domestic skills 16:12 - Economic autonomy and potential risks for women 17:18 - The appeal amid burnout and social chaos 18:29 - Declining marriage rates and social trends 19:25 - The racial and nationalist undertones of procreation drives 21:17 - Impact on children and religious influences on gender roles 22:39 - Religious and conservative currents in the Tradwife movement 25:41 - The intersection with politics, legislation, and social policy 28:49 - Submission, obedience, and power structures in relationships 36:32 - The branding and monetization of Tradwife influencers 44:51 - Social media as a marketing platform and industry for Tradwives 55:21 - The dangerous undercurrents: white nationalism, religious fundamentalism 60:27 - Feminism and choice: navigating autonomy vs societal pressures 62:41 - The importance of political engagement and education 64:29 - The role of legislation and the need for social vigilance 66:01 - The importance of critical thinking and empathy in education 66:39 - Closing thoughts and acknowledgments   This episode provides a nuanced perspective on a controversial social phenomenon—balancing respect for individual choice with a critique of underlying societal and political currents. Whether you see the Tradwife lifestyle as empowerment or regression, understanding its complexities is essential.   Reference:                                                                                                                           Bilezikian, G. (1985). Beyond sex roles: What the Bible says about a woman’s place in church and family. Baker Academic. Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge. Hochschild, A. R., & Machung, A. (2012). The second shift: Working families and the revolution at home (Revised ed.). Penguin Books. (Original work published 1989) Nock, S. L. (1998). Marriage in men’s lives. Oxford University Press. Pateman, C. (1988). The sexual contract. Stanford University Press. Perel, E. (2006). Mating in captivity: Unlocking erotic intelligence. HarperCollins. Rubin, G. (1975). The traffic in women: Notes on the “political economy” of sex. In R. Reiter (Ed.), Toward an anthropology of women (pp. 157–210). Monthly Review Press. Schwartz, P. (1994). Peer marriage: How love between equals really works. Free Press. Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.  Email : mofcrones@gmail.com [mofcrones@gmail.com] Special Thanks to www.dinnissindesign.com [http://www.dinnissendesign.com] for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.

E15 Sex Myths, Part 2

Welcome back for part 2 of Sex Myths. In this episode, we explore common myths about sex and desire in long-term relationships, aiming to shed light on the realities that often go unspoken. Our conversations unravel misconceptions that can hinder intimacy, offering insight and encouragement for enduring love lives.   Show Notes  Takeaways: * The myth that love naturally sustains desire over time * How desire evolves with age and changes in life circumstances * The impact of societal expectations and myths about aging and sexuality * The role of emotional safety, distance, and separation in maintaining desire * The influence of societal norms, porn, and cultural stories on expectations * The significance of communication and honesty about intimacy * The effects of parenthood and life transitions on sexuality * Challenging the idea that sexual frequency equals health * The importance of individual external lives and separate interests * How myths about sexual performance and aging can create unnecessary stress Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to the myths surrounding long-term sex and desire    02:17 - Why silence and shame impact ongoing intimacy                          04:46 - The myth that desire fades as love endures                                        10:05 - How opening relationships doesn't necessarily restore desire      13:54 - The historical and cultural context of sexuality in different eras        17:28 - Impact of societal beliefs about spontaneous desire                          22:19 - The challenge of keeping the spark alive and the myth of eternal passion                                                                                                                  26:40 - The effectiveness of date nights and creating space for eroticism  29:47 - Differentiating closeness and desire, and the importance of healthy separation                                                                                                35:10 - How desire fluctuates with life phases and age                                    43:06 - Common misconceptions that low desire signals relationship failure                                                                                                                    47:30 - The influence of porn, fantasy, and societal narratives on expectations                                                                                                      50:01 - The myth that aging ends eroticism and desire Note: For a more comprehensive understanding, we recommend reading Esther Perel’s work, which guides much of our discussion today. The episode emphasizes that desire and intimacy in long-term relationships are dynamic, and myths only serve to create unnecessary pressure. Honest communication, ongoing self-awareness, and redefining societal narratives are key to sustaining a healthy, passionate love life as the years go by. References Basson, R. (2001). Using a different model for female sexual response to address women’s problematic low sexual desire. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 27(5), 395–403. https://doi.org/10.1080/009262301753148637 [https://doi.org/10.1080/009262301753148637] Baumeister, R. F., Catanese, K. R., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Is there a gender difference in strength of sex drive? Personality and Social Psychology Review, 5(3), 242–273. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0503_5 [https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0503_5] Bogaert, A. F. (2004). Asexuality: Prevalence and associated factors. The Journal of Sex Research, 41(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490409552235 [https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490409552235] Hamilton, L. D., & Meston, C. M. (2013). Chronic stress and sexual function in women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(7), 1349–1359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-0044-0 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-0044-0] Leitenberg, H., & Henning, K. (1995). Sexual fantasy. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 469–496. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.469 [https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.469] Lindau, S. T., Schumm, L. P., Laumann, E. O., Levinson, W., O’Muircheartaigh, C. A., & Waite, L. J. (2007). A study of sexuality and health among older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(8), 762–774. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa067423 [https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa067423] Muise, A., Schimmack, U., & Impett, E. A. (2016). Sexual frequency predicts greater well-being. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 7(4), 295–302. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550615616462 [https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550615616462] Perel, E. (2006). Mating in captivity: Unlocking erotic intelligence. HarperCollins.   Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.  Email : mofcrones@gmail.com [mofcrones@gmail.com]   Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com [http://www.dinnissendesign.com] for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.

E14 Sex Myths, Part 1

Join our hosts as Zabrina leads Kori and Jen in part one of this compelling conversation around Sexual Myths. Discover how myths shape our understanding of desire, intimacy, and aging in long-term relationships. Listen along as we explore cultural narratives, scientific insights, and personal experiences that challenge common assumptions about sexuality at every life stage.   Show Notes Key Topics: * The myth that love automatically sustains desire and how desire evolves over time * How societal and cultural views on aging impact sexuality for women and men * The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire and its implications * Why frequency of sex does not equate to relationship health * How to navigate changes in desire during major life transitions like parenthood and menopause * The role of fantasy, distance, and novelty in maintaining eroticism * The importance of open communication and challenging societal myths around aging, sex, and desirability Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to myths about long-term sexuality and desire 02:06 - How desire shifts with age and life changes 03:10 - The myth of maintaining desire through constant effort 05:15 - Scientific insights: spontaneous vs. responsive desire 08:22 - The truth about frequency and relationship satisfaction 12:42 - Myths about aging and the stereotypes of sexuality in older adults 15:15 - Cultural narratives and media representation of older sexuality 20:05 - How societal ageism impacts women's and men's desire 24:00 - The importance of communication and seeking help early 29:00 - Embracing change in desire and redefining intimacy 33:00 - Parenthood, children, and their effects on sexual intimacy 41:41 - Challenging the idea that aging ends eroticism 45:28 - The significance of intentionality and creating space for desire 50:34 - Moving beyond myths: embracing evolving sexuality at every age  References:                                                                                                                         Basson, R. (2001). Using a different model for female sexual response to address women’s problematic low sexual desire. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 27(5), 395–403. https://doi.org/10.1080/009262301753148637 [https://doi.org/10.1080/009262301753148637] Baumeister, R. F., Catanese, K. R., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Is there a gender difference in strength of sex drive? Personality and Social Psychology Review, 5(3), 242–273. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0503_5 [https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327957PSPR0503_5] Bogaert, A. F. (2004). Asexuality: Prevalence and associated factors. The Journal of Sex Research, 41(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490409552235 [https://doi.org/10.1080/00224490409552235] Hamilton, L. D., & Meston, C. M. (2013). Chronic stress and sexual function in women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(7), 1349–1359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-0044-0 [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-0044-0] Leitenberg, H., & Henning, K. (1995). Sexual fantasy. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 469–496. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.469 [https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.117.3.469] Lindau, S. T., Schumm, L. P., Laumann, E. O., Levinson, W., O’Muircheartaigh, C. A., & Waite, L. J. (2007). A study of sexuality and health among older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(8), 762–774. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa067423 [https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa067423] Muise, A., Schimmack, U., & Impett, E. A. (2016). Sexual frequency predicts greater well-being. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 7(4), 295–302. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550615616462 [https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550615616462] Perel, E. (2006). Mating in captivity: Unlocking erotic intelligence. HarperCollins.   Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.  Email : mofcrones@gmail.com [mofcrones@gmail.com]   Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com [http://www.dinnissendesign.com] for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.