*** 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

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter reflect on their weekend experiences and dive into the impact of recent protests and the shifting political landscape. Through an honest and insightful discussion, they unpack themes of privilege, responsibility, and community activism, exploring what it means to stay engaged in times of division.

Michelle and Lauren share personal reflections on the role of women in activism, the emotional weight of political conversations, and the importance of empathy in fostering understanding across differing viewpoints. Together, they highlight the power of connection, hope, and resilience as essential tools for building unity and progress.

What We're Talking About...

• Community engagement is the foundation of meaningful activism.
• Protests reflect shifting societal attitudes and the growing demand for change.
• Privilege carries a responsibility to use one’s voice and take action.
• Productive political discourse depends on empathy, understanding, and listening.
• Women are leading essential conversations and shaping modern activism.
• Unity and collaboration strengthen every movement for justice.
• The emotional impact of political engagement is real — self-care matters.
• Navigating complex political ideologies requires openness and nuance.
• Challenging the status quo is key to driving lasting social change.
• Hope and resilience keep activism alive through difficult times.

Chapters

00:00 Weekend Reflections and Current Events

03:00 Protests and Community Engagement

06:02 The Impact of Politics on Daily Life

08:54 Privilege and Responsibility in Activism

12:12 Navigating Conversations About Politics

15:00 The Role of Politicians and Media

17:55 Understanding Political Ideologies

21:06 The Nuances of Political Discourse

23:48 The Importance of Unity in Activism

26:59 The Role of Women in Political Conversations

30:04 The Challenges of Political Engagement

32:57 Finding Common Ground in Politics

35:53 The Emotional Toll of Political Discourse

39:00 The Future of Political Activism

42:07 Hope and Resilience in Activism

44:49 Closing Thoughts on Community and Change

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter sit down for a powerful conversation about political engagement, media literacy, and the impact of government shutdowns on everyday Americans. Together, they unpack how propaganda and political messaging shape public perception and why critical thinking is essential in today’s divided media landscape.

The discussion delves into the intersections of faith, empathy, and social justice, highlighting the courage it takes to admit when we’re wrong and the importance of community support in politically tense times. Michelle and Lauren remind listeners to seek out the helpers — to stay informed, stay kind, and stay active in the ongoing fight for justice, understanding, and human connection.

What We're Talking About...

• Political engagement is essential to sustaining a healthy democracy.
• The government shutdown has a major impact on federal employees and working families.
• Propaganda and misinformation are increasingly used to shift political blame and divide voters.
• Practicing critical thinking helps cut through biased media narratives.
• True faith aligns with empathy, justice, and service to others.
• Admitting mistakes shows maturity, growth, and a willingness to learn.
• Community support provides strength during times of political tension and uncertainty.
• Fear and polarization often prevent empathy — but awareness can break that cycle.
• The influence of political propaganda is more visible and dangerous than ever.
• In difficult times, finding hope, helpers, and human connection keeps us moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Work for Democracy

02:58 Government Shutdown and Political Accountability

05:55 Propaganda and Political Messaging

08:46 Critical Thinking and Questioning Information

11:46 Fear, Power, and Community

14:39 Christianity, Empathy, and Human Rights

17:51 Violence and Tensions in Society

20:55 The Importance of Grace and Understanding

23:54 Combatting Propaganda and Staying Engaged

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren and Michelle get real about beauty routines, self-care, and motherhood in a world that often demands perfection. They share honest reflections on body image, confidence, and the pressure to “have it all”, while tackling how misinformation and social media shape modern womanhood. With humor, heart, and plenty of relatable moments, this episode dives into the everyday realities of being a woman today—and why open, authentic conversations with our children matter more than ever.

What We're Talking About...

• Self-care rituals play a powerful role in boosting confidence and emotional well-being.
• Makeup and beauty routines can transform how we feel and see ourselves.
• Having open conversations with children about culture and society builds awareness and empathy.
• In a world full of misinformation, parents have a vital role in helping kids navigate truth from noise.
• Many women struggle with personal insecurities—and sharing those experiences builds connection.
• Finding joy in small beauty moments can be both grounding and empowering.
• It’s okay to embrace comfort and indulgence—especially during stressful times.
• Understanding why people act the way they do creates compassion and perspective.
• Cultural commentary helps us make sense of today’s complex world.
• Humor and honesty make even serious conversations more human and relatable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beauty and Self-Care

03:45 Makeup and Personal Expression

06:44 Hair Care Journey and Tips

10:43 Navigating Body Image and Self-Perception

16:40 Embracing Autonomy in Self-Care

20:06 Navigating Criticism and Self-Image

21:15 The Influence of Role Models

23:22 Education Paths and Career Choices

25:14 The Podcasting Landscape

26:08 Conversations on Societal Shifts

30:09 Understanding Motivations Behind Actions

34:08 The Importance of Open Dialogue with Kids

37:10 Misinformation in the Age of AI

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter dive into the intersections of faith, social media, and relationships in today’s polarized world. They unpack the absurdity of the rapture phenomenon, examine how personal beliefs influence friendships and family dynamics, and critique the ways social media platforms amplify extremist voices. Through a candid and thought-provoking conversation, Michelle and Lauren highlight the importance of empathy, understanding, and protecting marginalized communities in an age of division.

What We're Talking About...

• Why the rapture phenomenon is sensationalized across social media platforms
• Personal reflections on life, mortality, and how we’d spend our final days
• The hidden cost of the pressure to “save others” and its impact on personal faith
• Recognizing that judgment and division exist on all sides of ideological debates
• Strategies for navigating relationships when beliefs and values clash
• The dangers of social media echo chambers and the amplification of extremism
• Drawing historical parallels to understand today’s political climate
• Why empathy and understanding are essential in difficult conversations
• How personal growth often emerges from challenging discussions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:53 The Rapture and Social Media Reactions

05:52 Personal Reflections on End of the World

08:49 The Extremism in Beliefs

12:26 Personal Experiences with Religion

16:16 Judgment and Relationships

21:17 Navigating Intolerance and Hate

26:19 Political Extremism and Social Media

31:45 Historical Comparisons and Current Events

35:49 Engagement with Dissenting Opinions

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren Lehman Carter and Michelle Glogovac dive into a powerful conversation about the realities of online harassment, the dangers of doxxing, and the widespread effects of hate speech. They unpack the role of empathy in activism, the importance of staying authentic in advocacy, and the challenges of building genuine connections in a deeply divided society. Together, they reflect on political violence, share strategies for fostering safe and supportive communities, and remind us of the joy and resilience that can still be found in moments of chaos.

What We're Talking About...

• Why authenticity is essential in advocacy and connection
• The dangers of doxxing and its severe consequences
• How empathy is often misunderstood or villainized in activism
• The importance of community gatherings for healing and change
• The role of safe spaces in fostering dialogue and resilience
• Reflections on political violence and public safety
• Why personal stories matter in pushing for kindness and change
• How to find joy and resilience even during chaos

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Emotional Authenticity

03:39 Understanding Doxxing and Its Implications

06:53 The Impact of Hate Speech and Online Threats

09:42 The Role of Empathy in Advocacy

12:56 The Challenge of Political Violence and Public Safety

15:39 Finding Joy Amidst Chaos

18:34 The Importance of Community and Connection

21:41 Reflections on Personal Safety and Advocacy

24:49 The Need for Open Dialogue and Understanding

27:43 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations

30:51 The Shift in Perception of Goodness

33:49 The Power of In-Person Gatherings

36:47 Embracing Joy and Humor in Difficult Times