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

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren and Michelle dive into an honest and thought-provoking conversation about community building, trust, and what it truly means to create safe spaces for connection. They explore how inclusivity, gratitude, and kindness shape meaningful relationships, both within communities and in everyday life.

The discussion examines the complexities of modern activism, the role of spirituality in personal and collective growth, and why gathering—intentionally and authentically—matters more than ever. Through personal stories and reflective dialogue, Lauren and Michelle unpack how difficult conversations can strengthen trust when approached with care and openness.

This episode also addresses the emotional weight of navigating societal challenges, including gun violence, and how these realities impact community dynamics. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the power of showing up for one another and fostering spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

What We're Talking About...

• Community building is essential for emotional well-being, resilience, and meaningful connection.
• Trust in community and activist spaces must be earned through consistency, accountability, and care.
• Inclusivity is foundational to creating strong, supportive communities where people feel seen and valued.
• Intentional gatherings help foster deeper relationships and authentic human connection.
• Joy and gratitude are conscious practices that can ground us during challenging times.
• Creating safe spaces allows for honest dialogue, vulnerability, and authentic conversations.
• Remaining aware of societal issues—without becoming desensitized—is critical to collective growth.
• Finding joy while holding grief is an important part of healing and community care.
• The influence of profit and capitalism can undermine genuine community building when it outweighs human needs.
• In difficult moments, seeking out helpers and acts of kindness can restore hope and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:48 Exploring Spirituality and Community

06:54 Building Trust and Relationships

09:53 Creating Community Through Gatherings

12:43 The Importance of Connection

14:40 Facilitating Community Engagement

17:36 The Power of Shared Experiences

20:42 Embracing Authenticity in Community

23:33 Cultural References and Humor

23:49 The Impact of Media on Public Perception

24:42 Tupac's Legacy and Cultural Influence

26:32 Navigating Personal Connections and Community

28:35 Creating Safe Spaces in Social Gatherings

31:40 The Importance of Intentionality in Relationships

33:32 Addressing Mean Girl Behavior and Boundaries

36:42 Finding Joy Amidst Grief

38:43 Community Support and the Helpers

41:37 Confronting Gun Violence and Its Impact

45:31 Messages of Kindness and Bravery

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter dive into the real, unfiltered complexities of modern community building. They unpack what it means to show up as an advocate, navigate grassroots networks, and find your unique niche in a constantly evolving cultural landscape. Michelle and Lauren discuss the importance of supportive female relationships, the pressures and pitfalls of influencer culture, and why authenticity and healthy boundaries matter now more than ever. This conversation highlights how women can create meaningful connections, lead with kindness, and cultivate communities that truly uplift and empower.

What We're Talking About...

• Grassroots networks play a powerful role in shaping effective community response.
• Navigating complex family dynamics is challenging but essential for personal clarity and growth.
• Advocacy requires accountability, responsibility, and a commitment to showing up authentically.
• Discovering your niche within advocacy work can be a difficult but meaningful process.
• Supportive, values-aligned communities are key to collective and individual growth.
• Authentic, educational content creation builds deeper trust and long-term engagement.
• Strong, healthy relationships between women are not only possible but vital.
• Clear personal boundaries help protect mental well-being and prevent burnout.
• Influencer culture often prioritizes visibility over authenticity, impacting how communities form.
• Kindness, connection, and genuine relationship-building remain at the heart of thriving communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Reflections

03:37 Grassroots Rapid Response Networks

06:48 Navigating Responsibilities in Advocacy

09:46 The Role of Content Creators in Activism

12:41 Personal Growth and Political Engagement

15:46 Building Community and Supportive Relationships

18:33 Challenges of Female Collaboration

21:51 Setting Boundaries and Personal Standards

27:08 The Impact of Harmful Statements

27:45 Critique of Content Theft

29:33 The Ethics of Idea Ownership

30:34 Plagiarism in Influencer Culture

32:41 Consumerism and Authenticity in Content Creation

33:37 The Human Connection in Luxury

37:24 The Importance of Kindness and Respect

42:47 Setting Boundaries and Raising Standards

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter open up about the realities of winter travel anxiety, sharing personal stories and practical tips for managing a fear of flying. They explore the meaning and magic of holiday traditions—from advent calendars to Santa—and discuss how consumerism shapes the season. Michelle and Lauren also break down the political and cultural themes showing up in recent films and examine the growing challenge of navigating misinformation in today’s media landscape.

The conversation underscores the power of community, the value of staying engaged, and the importance of celebrating small wins—especially for creators building content in a fast-paced world. This episode offers a grounded, relatable look at finding balance during the holidays, both personally and socially.

What We're Talking About...

• The value of community support and meaningful connection in modern parenting.
• Effective coping strategies for managing winter travel anxiety and fear of flying.
• How advent calendars help build memorable, intentional holiday traditions.
• The challenges parents face when navigating the Santa myth with kids.
• The ways holiday consumerism can overshadow authenticity and family meaning.
• How current movies reflect political and cultural themes shaping society.
• The growing impact of misinformation on public perception and everyday decision-making.
• Why sustainable content creation should prioritize authenticity over vanity metrics.
• The struggle for positive content to gain visibility compared to controversial topics.
• The importance of celebrating small wins to support personal growth and strengthen community.

Chapters

00:00 Winter Weather and Travel Woes

03:49 Navigating Fear of Flying

06:34 Advent Calendar Traditions

09:34 The Santa Dilemma

12:40 Political Undertones in Movies

18:39 Misinformation and Propaganda

22:55 Community Engagement and Activism

24:02 Consumerism and Black Friday Experiences

25:48 American Culture: Violence and Consumerism

27:48 Movies and Their Societal Reflections

30:48 Political Themes in Entertainment

32:40 Media Consumption and Its Impact

34:43 Finding Balance in a Chaotic World

39:47 Content Creation and Authenticity

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren and Michelle dive into a wide-ranging, candid conversation about modern motherhood and the pressures women face. They explore spiritual cleansing practices, health and vaccination choices, and the emotional load of preparing for the holidays. The hosts also unpack the realities of balancing career decisions with parenting, society’s unrealistic expectations for mothers, and the growing hypocrisy they see throughout today’s political landscape. Through personal stories and honest reflections, BURNT offers a grounded look at navigating life, family, and societal challenges with clarity and intention.

What We're Talking About...

• Daily cleansing and spiritual practices can support emotional clarity and overall well-being.
• Conversations around health and vaccinations reveal the broader societal impacts of medical decision-making.
• Thanksgiving offers an opportunity for meaningful family connection, reflection, and traditions centered around food and gratitude.
• Motherhood presents unique challenges, particularly when balancing identity, purpose, and career choices.
• Societal expectations continue to pressure women into traditional gender roles, shaping how mothers navigate modern life.
• Political hypocrisy can influence cultural norms, public trust, and how families engage with current events.
• Personal growth often emerges through introspection and learning from past experiences.
• Travel and exploration play an important role in self-discovery and broadening one’s worldview.
• Strong relationships require intentional effort, communication, and emotional understanding.
• Life moves in phases, and embracing change is essential for resilience and personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Cleansing Energy and Spiritual Practices

03:47 Health and Wellness Reflections

06:32 Thanksgiving Preparations and Family Traditions

09:42 Food Favorites and Culinary Creativity

12:57 Community Support and Food Security

15:37 Parenting Perspectives and Societal Expectations

25:45 The Reality of Motherhood and Career Choices

29:52 Challenges of Balancing Work and Family Life

33:35 The Impact of Societal Expectations on Women

37:17 Hypocrisy in Political Discourse

39:45 Reflections on Change and Accountability

44:30 Parenting Lessons and Repairing Relationships

50:01 The Importance of Sentimental Traditions

55:40 Advice for Young Adults: Travel and Live Together

*** TW: This episode discusses experiences of sexual assault as well as the Epstein Files. ***

In this powerful episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter dive into the urgent conversation around sexual assault, survivor stories, and societal accountability. They unpack the revelations from the Epstein files, explore the role of the media in raising awareness, and emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting survivors. The discussion sheds light on the challenges faced by survivors, the cultural need for justice, and the ongoing fight for accountability in cases of sexual violence.

Listeners will gain insight into how sharing survivor experiences can drive change, why public awareness matters, and what steps society must take to confront these systemic issues.

What We're Talking About...

• Trigger warnings are important for preparing audiences when discussing sensitive topics such as sexual assault
• Survivors often struggle with PTSD and the harmful impact of societal narratives
• Accountability in sexual assault includes not only perpetrators but also those who enable a culture of silence
• The Epstein files reveal political connections that complicate justice and accountability
• Survivor stories are essential for healing, awareness, and cultural understanding
• Medical professionals can also be perpetrators, and accountability in these cases is often lacking
• Family dynamics during holidays can be especially challenging for survivors
• Empathy is necessary to understand and support survivor experiences
• Media plays a critical role in shaping public perception and raising awareness about sexual violence
• Motivation and hope are vital for survivors and advocates working toward justice and reform

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Trauma and Current Events

04:38 The Impact of Rape Culture

07:29 Religious Hypocrisy and Accountability

10:28 The Interconnectedness of Power and Abuse

13:41 Survivor Stories and the Quest for Justice

25:45 The Long Shadow of Trauma

29:06 Navigating Family Dynamics and Personal Trauma

34:00 Maternal Health Disparities and Racial Inequities

38:15 The Power of Sharing Stories and Building Empathy

44:24 Accountability and the Systemic Issues of Abuse

51:13 Finding Empowerment Through Voice and Community

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren Lehman Carter and Michelle Glogovac dive into the intersection of politics, community, and authenticity. They unpack the latest political events, from voting rights and healthcare access to the ongoing fight for women’s representation in leadership.

Lauren and Michelle explore how social media shapes political narratives, the pressure to appear “authentic” online, and the often unseen labor of political staffers and organizers. With honesty and humor, they reflect on identity, creative expression, and the power of community support in creating meaningful change.

Whether you’re politically active or just trying to make sense of it all, this conversation will leave you thinking about how we can all stay engaged—and keep the fire burning.

What We're Talking About...

• Community support fuels real change. Building strong local networks is key to addressing social and political issues that affect us all.
• Political accountability builds trust. Transparent leadership and honest communication strengthen democracy and public confidence.
• Women in politics are redefining representation. From leadership to fashion, they’re showing how identity and self-expression can coexist with power and purpose.
• Authenticity on social media is complicated. The hosts unpack what it really means to be “real” in an influencer-driven culture.
• Creativity belongs in politics. Artistic expression and political engagement can inspire empathy, activism, and new perspectives.
• Communities step up in crisis. Everyday people are organizing, donating, and supporting one another when it matters most.
• Political engagement matters. Staying informed and active in your community is one of the most powerful ways to create impact.
• Positive reinforcement creates progress. Encouraging the good—both online and in politics—can shift culture toward accountability and kindness.
• Social media isn’t always reality. The performative side of influencer culture can mask the real challenges behind the screen.
• Behind every movement are the staffers. Recognizing the hard work of political aides and organizers helps us understand how change truly happens.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Events

03:00 Voting Rights and Postal System

09:00 Political Pardons and Reactions

15:00 Community Support and Healthcare

21:00 Political Dynamics and Personal Reflections

27:00 Cultural Commentary and Influencers

33:00 Economic Realities and Personal Finances

39:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren and Michelle dive into a candid conversation about activism, personal experiences, and navigating today’s political climate. They explore community responses to ICE enforcement, highlight the importance of curiosity and open dialogue in political discussions, and discuss the urgent need for structural change in government systems. The episode also touches on finding joy during the holidays and the power of mutual support in times of crisis. Tune in for thought-provoking insights and real-world perspectives on activism, community engagement, and social justice.

What We're Talking About...

• Activism is for everyone, no matter your experience level.
• Community response is essential in times of crisis.
• Whistle strategies help protect vulnerable communities through rapid action.
• Curiosity can bridge political divides and foster understanding.
• Healthcare remains a pressing issue affecting countless families.
• Food drives and mutual aid strengthen communities during the holidays.
• Political motivations often overshadow humanitarian needs.
• Acknowledging harm is necessary to advocate for meaningful change.
• Joy and activism can coexist within
• the same community.
• Engaging in political discussions with kindness leads to more productive dialogue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

03:37 Activism and Community Response to ICE

06:55 Whistle Strategy and Rapid Response Training

09:35 Chicago's Unique Culture and Community Spirit

12:43 Conversations with Politicians in DC

15:39 Healthcare and Political Impasse

18:43 Food Insecurity and Government Response

21:57 Political Motivations and Humanitarian Crisis

24:52 Burnout and Activism

27:50 Curiosity as a Tool for Understanding

30:56 Embracing Diversity and Community Building

34:57 Katherine Hepburn and Personal Identity

35:45 Political Dynamics and Personal Relationships

36:54 Identity Changes and Political Expediency

38:49 Conspiracy Theories and Political Manipulation

40:35 Government Spending and Public Welfare

44:44 Election Prop 50 and Voter Rights

50:41 Celebrating Joy Amidst Chaos