Shows
btchfestAre you really a girl's girl?On our final episode of Season 2 of btchfest, we're unpacking the quiet ways internalized competition, jealousy, and conditional support can sneak into our relationships with other women—even when we think we’re cheering them on.
Being a girl’s girl isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest, checking your biases, and showing up for other women loudly and consistently, even when no one’s watching.
This week we’re asking the hard questions:
Do you clap for her only when it’s convenient?
Do you cheer in public but compete in private?
Do you call it “just being honest” whe...
2025-05-2243 minbtchfestHow can BDSM help women define boundaries and communicate more clearly?What if the taboo world of BDSM held the key to better communication, deeper self-understanding, and stronger boundaries—especially for women? In this episode, Sami and Ami dive into the misunderstood realm of kink to explore how the structure of BDSM—negotiation, safewords, aftercare, and consent—can radically shift how we advocate for ourselves in relationships, work, and even family dynamics.
Plus, they’re joined by a guest who lives this work daily—international BDSM model and educator Ariel Anderssen—who shares how submission is anything but weak, and how embracing kink helped her take control of her body, her voice, an...
2025-05-151h 05btchfestWhy are labels more commonly imposed on women versus men?Why is it that women are constantly labeled—bossy, emotional, crazy ex, diva—while men in the same roles are called leaders, assertive, or passionate? In this episode, Sami and Ami talk roots of gendered labels, from patriarchal traditions to modern media portrayals, and how these reductive terms shape the way women are perceived at work, in relationships, and even in their own minds.
From the “Madonna/Whore” dichotomy to the rise of terms like “girlboss,” we explore how language can box women into impossible binaries and create competition instead of community. We also discuss how social media and cancel culture ampl...
2025-05-0841 minbtchfestWhy is diet culture still such an issue (and how can we break away from it)?Why is diet culture still such a thing? And more importantly—how do we break away from it?
In this week's episode Sami and Ami sit down with Hailey Grandchamp, founder of WOAT – Women of All Terrain – to unpack the toxic roots of diet culture and the insidious ways it still shows up in our lives today. From early Hollywood ideals to the ‘90s supermodel era and today’s #WhatIEatInADay culture, we explore how unrealistic beauty standards have shaped our relationships with food, fitness, and our bodies for generations.
Hailey shares her personal story of recovering from years of re...
2025-05-011h 10btchfestWhy don’t we think leaving is an option?Leaving a toxic relationship isn’t always a moment of clarity—it’s often a slow, painful process clouded by shame, fear, and second-guessing. In this episode, we get very vulnerable and talk about our own experiences, as well as with our guest Nicole, a woman who bravely shares her story of being stuck in a relationship that was quietly damaging her.
Together, we unpack what it’s like to start telling the truth out loud, only to realize that staying feels more embarrassing than leaving. Nicole reflects on the turning point when shame became fuel for accountab...
2025-04-241h 03btchfestWhat does it mean to be a tomboy?What does it mean to be a tomboy in 2025? For decades, the word described girls who shunned pink dresses in favor of scraped knees, tree climbing, sports, and “boyish” interests. But does the label still hold meaning today—or has it become another outdated box to break out of?
In this episode, we dive into the history and cultural legacy of the tomboy: where the term came from, how it shaped generations, and what it says about gender expectations. We unpack media influences, personal childhood memories, and shifting societal norms—with help from a very special guest: Julie, Ami’s mom...
2025-04-1757 minbtchfestWhy is it on women to “fix” the issue of women’s safety?From being told to carry pepper spray to changing their entire routines to avoid danger, women have long been expected to shoulder the responsibility for their own safety — but why?
In this week's episode, Sami and Ami are joined by Leah, a thoughtful and passionate advocate, to unpack why the burden of safety so often falls on women instead of addressing the root causes of harm. Together, they dive into cultural conditioning, victim-blaming, male accountability, institutional failures, and the role the media plays in reinforcing these harmful narratives. They also explore how the stakes are even higher for marginalized women and...
2025-04-1053 minbtchfestWho says you have to have it all figured out?Why do so many women feel like there’s a deadline for figuring life out? Whether it’s marriage, kids, career, or success by 30, there’s a deep-rooted pressure to hit certain milestones “on time.” In this episode, we unpack the origin of that pressure—and ask if it still holds so much power in 2025.
Hosts Sami and Ami sit down with Danielle Mashuda, founder of Keystone Artist Connect and a total powerhouse in the music and events world, to explore the forces that have shaped women’s timelines—from historical gender roles and the myth of the “biological clock” to cultural...
2025-04-031h 09btchfestWhy must we choose between motherhood or career?It’s a lingering Double standard. Men aren’t labeled as “working dads” because it’s assumed that their career remains uninterrupted by parenthood. So…why is this label still applied to mothers?
What happens when a woman stops chasing productivity and starts prioritizing presence? In this week's episode, we dive into the outdated but persistent choice fallacy—the idea that women must choose between career and motherhood—and the emotional labor and mental load that often accompany both. From media narratives like Mr. Mom and I Don’t Know How She Does It, to workplace policies...
2025-03-271h 11btchfestWhy does the pop culture we experience as we grow affect us so much as an adult?The pop culture we experience during our formative years — especially in childhood and adolescence — has such a lasting impact on us as adults because those years are a time of intense emotional and psychological development. There are lots of reasons why it resonates so deeply with us as adults, which is why we're diving into today's question.
We also have an incredible guest joining us! She is a powerhouse in the world of immersive storytelling and themed entertainment—Andy Crocker. Andy is an experience designer, writer, and creative director with a knack for crafting interactive narratives that break the fourth wall a...
2025-03-201h 00btchfestWhat Makes a True Girl's Girl?What defines a "girl's girl"? In this episode, we explore the traits that set her apart: she’s the friend who shows up for you, celebrates your wins, and stands by your side on tough days. A girl’s girl embodies support, kindness, and respect in her relationships with other women. But does this role always mean pure empowerment, or are there hidden expectations and pressures that come along with it?
Would you like to share your feedback on this episode or suggest a question for a future episode? Connect with us on Instagram @btchfestpod or emai...
2024-12-0534 minbtchfestWhy Don't Men Like Funny Women?While plenty of men love a witty woman, there's a curious pattern: some men seem to feel uneasy or even resentful when a woman outshines them in humor. Why is that? Does it boil down to insecurity, gender expectations, or something deeper? Join us as we explore the social and psychological reasons why some men prefer being the funniest person in the room—and why, for some, a funny woman can feel like a challenge.
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome comedian and cultural critic Dana Kaye, who brings her insight into comedy, gender norms, and rela...
2024-11-2152 minbtchfestWhy Do Women Lie To Their Doctor?Have you ever told a little white lie to your doctor about your weight, your symptoms, or how you're truly feeling? If so, you're not alone—and this episode is for you.
Join hosts Ami and Sami as they dive deep into the reasons why many women find themselves withholding information or stretching the truth during medical appointments. Drawing from personal experiences, they share moments when they've been less than honest with their doctors and explore what motivated those choices. Was it fear of judgment, past experiences of not being believed, or simply the pressure to "have it...
2024-11-1450 minbtchfestWhy Does Representation Matter?Ever since we were kids, we’ve been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” But what happens if we can’t see anyone who looks or feels like us doing the thing we dream of? In this episode, we dive into the profound impact of representation in the workforce and the barriers it creates or breaks down. We discuss the mental and social hurdles—from Imposter Syndrome and gender stereotypes to the challenges of creating your own dream job when the path isn’t already paved.
Our conversation explores everything from the influence of...
2024-11-071h 02btchfestLosing the War over the Armrest: Are there unspoken rules you've assumed in your own mind that prevent you from speaking out or moving forward?Have you ever found yourself conceding the armrest in a crowded theater or airplane, not out of generosity but out of habit, driven by a set of unspoken “rules” you’ve created in your mind? In this episode, we dive into these invisible boundaries—those subconscious assumptions and self-imposed constraints that govern our everyday actions. We’ll explore why we keep quiet, why we avoid conflict, and how these silent rules can prevent us from stepping into our full potential. Join us for a conversation about recognizing and redefining these assumptions, so you can stop losing battles you never wanted to...
2024-10-311h 05btchfestPutting on a brave face: Why is no one talking to each other?In this week's episode, we dive into the reasons why so many women feel the pressure to put on a brave face, even when facing difficult challenges. From the fear of being judged to the internalized expectation of handling everything perfectly, we explore the emotional toll of staying silent about big issues. Join us for an honest conversation about vulnerability, strength, and the courage it takes to let others in.
We'll also be joined by Annie Abrahamson, mom of two, and one half of the petal-pushing team over at Bloom Bar. We adore her open, honest nature, a...
2024-10-241h 03btchfestWhy is there such a lack of accountability?In this week's episode, we explore the roots of our struggle with accountability —why we avoid it, where the guilt stems from, and the deep-seated reasons asking for help feels so difficult when we don't know the answers. We'll unpack the social and emotional factors that make owning our mistakes uncomfortable and offer insights on how to build a healthier relationship with seeking support and guidance.
We'll also be joined by Marissa DeCuir, a total boss btch, President and Partner of Books Forward, and possibly the biggest Kesha fan you'll ever come across. She's had a lot of...
2024-10-1755 minbtchfestThe Trauma Response: Why do we have such loyalty to complete strangers?Ever find yourself going above and beyond to please someone that is nowhere near your inner circle? It may be your trauma response at work! Whether from childhood, past relationships or insecurity, Ami and Sami are going to discuss their own experiences and try to break down where all of this comes from.
We'll also be joined by Shaleen DeStefano, a fellow recovering "people-pleaser" who shares some very interesting insight on her own experience, as well as her perspective on how social media contributes to this response.
Would you like to share your fe...
2024-10-1158 minbtchfestWhy do we get caught in relationships that are bad for us?Join Ami and Sami as they openly discuss issues that strongly affect women so we can heal trauma and inspire change, one question at a time.
In this week's episode, we explore our own histories of bad relationships and why it took us far too long to get out. We'll also look into why we, as women, feel the responsibility to have a certain type of relationship, and where our initial assumptions of that definition came from. After talking to so many friends, it seems that so many of us have had at least one ex...
2024-10-0347 minbtchfestCan We Be Rid of the Term "Broken Home"?Join Ami and Sami as they openly discuss issues that strongly affect women so we can heal trauma and inspire change, one question at a time.
In this week's episode, we'll dive into the age-old term "Broken-Home": where it comes from, why is still exists and why we think it's outdated. We'll talk about divorce and separation, expectations of marriage from society and life and dating in the aftermath. This week we're joined by Emily Rathbun, who shares her own experience in her own hilarious, authentic manner. We love a genuine btch.
Wo...
2024-09-2639 min