But Why? Real talk on messy minds, and messier systems
Welcome to But Why? — real talk on messy minds and messier systems. Hosted by two psychologists, Kristin and Laura, we dive deep into the psychology of human experience: from mental health and identity to power, culture, and the systems that shape our lives. Expect thoughtful conversations, critical questions, and honest reflections on how people—and the world—really work. No self-help platitudes. No easy answers. Just meaningful, accessible dialogue for curious minds. Topics we explore: • Psychology and mental health • Identity, feminism, and culture • Neurodivergence and lived experience • Systemic power and social change New episodes every week. Subscribe to join the conversation. ...
But Why Is Joy "Basic" for Women? | Gendered Taste, Cultural Shame & Internalized Misogyny
In this thought-provoking episode, Kristin and Laura ask why women’s joy so often gets dismissed as “basic.” From Taylor Swift fandoms to fantasy novels, they unpack the deep psychological roots of how gendered taste is constructed—and why we feel guilty for what we love.
They dive into:
• Why "guilty pleasures" are a feminist issue
• The Enlightenment origins of the gender binary
• How cultural legitimacy is shaped by patriarchy
• The impact of internalized misogyny on hobbies and identity
• Personal stories of navigating shame, taste, and authenticity
This episode is a celeb...
Netflix's Adolescence: A Psychological Perspective
In this episode, we delve into the themes of Netflix's limited series 'Adolescence' from our perspectives as psychologists who often work with boys and young men in sports. We discuss the psychological implications of incel culture and the manosphere, the societal pressures faced by young men, and explore broader cultural narratives surrounding masculinity and relationships. We touch on the impact of parental influence on adolescent behavior, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of masculinity. The conversation also touches on the importance of recognizing positive aspects of masculinity and the need for a shift in how society...
Women's Sports: Breaking Barriers
In this episode, we delve into the complexities surrounding women's sports. We explore the historical barriers that have hindered women's participation in sports and the ongoing challenges in achieving equity and visibility for women's sports, emphasising how sports are often a tool of patriarchy in preventing women's progress. We end by reflecting on the importance of questioning assumptions and exploring the nuances of women's rights in sports and beyond.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod
Women's History: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
In this episode, we try to ground the ongoing backlash against women's rights in its historical context. After some chaotic 'small talk', we explore the cyclical nature of women's rights movements and the ongoing struggles against patriarchal systems, as well as the mental health implications of societal expectations placed on women. We end by reflecting on the current state of feminism and the need for continued advocacy and awareness.
Socials: https://linktr.ee/butwhy.pod
Unlocking the Secrets of Motivation
After a solid conversation about food and fascism, we delve into the topic of motivation, exploring intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how these concepts relate to well-being. We explore the intricacies of motivation, focusing on the three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness and how these needs influence personal growth, the importance of accountability and support, and the impact of societal structures on individual well-being. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of fostering environments that meet these needs and the role of effective communication in achieving this. We also reflect on the challenges posed by societal constructs that can...
Unpacking Myths of Performance and Women's Stories in Sport
Summary
In this episode, we engage with out first two (legendary) guests, Dr. Amy Whitehead and Jenny Coe, to explore their most recent two books and their expertise in sport, sport coaching, and DEI/EDI initiatives in sport. We delve into identity, self-understanding, and the role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in sports, and Amy and Jen's experiences and insights on how personal values and backgrounds influence coaching practices and the significance of creating a supportive environment for reflection. We explore the complexities of sport performance, focusing on the myths that surround it. We also touch on...
From Chaos to Clarity: New Year's Resolutions
In this festive episode, we celebrate our 10th episode with a holiday party. We discuss the significance of New Year's resolutions and goal setting, reflecting on personal growth and motivation. The conversation is light-hearted yet insightful, exploring the chaos of the holidays while delving into the deeper meanings behind setting goals for the new year. In this conversation, we explore the complexities of goal setting, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's motivations and the sacrifices involved in achieving goals. We discuss the differences between outcome-based and process-based goals, the significance of flexibility, and the SMART framework for effective process-based...
Burnout and Neurodiversity
In this episode, we delve into neurodiverse experiences of burnout, building on last episode's discussion about burnout in general. Taking a neuro-affirmative approach, we specifically explore ADHD and autistic burnout, discussing how these neurodiversities can intersect and the unique challenges faced by individuals living in a neurotypical world. We highlights the importance of understanding these experiences to foster better support and awareness. We explore the nuances of sensory overload, the importance of self-care, and practical strategies for managing nerodivergent burnout. The discussion emphasizes the need for personal boundaries, the significance of rest, and the value of prioritization techniques tailored...
Burnout in the Modern World
In this episode, we delve into the topic of burnout. We discuss how burnout manifests physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, and highlight the significant impact of workplace dynamics and societal pressures on mental health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout as a serious condition that requires attention and care, rather than dismissing it as mere stress. Throughout the conversation, the importance of self-awareness and reflection in managing burnout is emphasized. We provide some practical strategies for managing burnout, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed. The episode concludes with a reflection on the...
How Environment Shapes Human Behaviour
In this episode, we explore the socio-ecological model, a framework for understanding how various layers of influence shape human behavior and well-being. We chat about the relevance of this model in real-world scenarios and how it is a useful framework to understand the interconnectedness of personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal factors. We discuss the broader implications of various dynamics on individual well-being and the importance of self-awareness in addressing personal biases. The conversation also touches on the role of policy and community support in fostering a more inclusive environment. Ultimately, we emphasize the significance of finding personal meaning and...
Demystifying Mental Health
In this episode we delve into the complexities of mental health, particularly in the context of current societal challenges. We discuss the impact of online discourse on mental health, differentiate between mental health and mental illness, and explore the building blocks of well-being that contribute to mental health. We conversation emphasizes the importance of fostering well-being, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by societal pressures and personal experiences. We chat through some practical ways to foster well-being and the significance of self-acceptance and personal growth in achieving psychological resilience. Finally, we emphasize the need for intentional living, celebrating small...
Psychological Safety
In this episode, we delve into the concept of psychological safety and explore the importance of inclusivity, personal experiences of psychological safety, and the implications of these concepts in organizational culture and high-risk jobs such as medicine. The conversation emphasizes the need for environments where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment or repercussions. We explore psychological safety's critical role in fostering an inclusive and effective work environment through the various dimensions of psychological safety, including inclusion safety, learner safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety and discussing how these elements contribute to personal...
But Why Do Witches Still Haunt Us? | How Misogyny & Media Keep the Witch Alive
In Part 2 of our Halloween series, we move from broomsticks to boardrooms — exploring how the witch trials never truly ended. Kristin and Laura dive into how the image of the witch morphed into modern misogyny, media tropes, and political smear campaigns.
From Sabrina the Teenage Witch to Hillary Clinton, we unpack:
• How "witch" became a slur for powerful women
• Why women still fear being seen
• The cultural obsession with female purity, professionalism, and performance
• How capitalism co-opted the witch for wellness trends
• Personal stories of unmasking, self-censorship, and “too muc...
But Why Are Women Still Being Burned at the Stake? | Witch Hunts, Patriarchy & Historical Misogyny
TW: This episode contains mentions/discussions around difficult topics such as death, sexual assault, and assault more broadly.
Why were witches really hunted — and why does it still matter today? In this Halloween special of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, psychologists Kristin and Laura explore the history of witch trials through a feminist and socio-political lens.
From medieval alewives to modern workplace misogyny, this episode digs into how “witch” became code for “woman who won’t comply.” You'll hear about:
• The real economic and political motives behind witch hunts
•...
But Why Is Sexism Still a Thing? | Ambivalent Sexism and Gender Roles
TW: This episode discusses potentially distressing topics such as sexism and related topics (e.g., harassment or assault)
Why does sexism still feel so damn relentless in 2024? In this episode of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, psychologists Kristin and Laura unpack ambivalent sexism — the sneaky blend of benevolent and hostile sexism that keeps gender roles tightly in place. With vulnerability, rage, humour, and research, they explore how we internalize misogyny, the emotional labour of calling it out, and why being “too much” is still punishable.
They also tak...
Identity and Sense of Self
In the very first episode of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, meet Kristin and Laura — two psychologists, academics, and friends — as they dig into why they’ve created this podcast and what you can expect from future episodes. With honest reflections, some healthy sarcasm, and a dash of academic insight, this episode explores themes like authenticity, identity, and finding space for real conversations in a performative world. ️✨ Whether you're into psychology, feminism, or just love a smart, honest chat — this is your intro to the human (and sometimes hilarious) experience.
