She+ Geeks Out Podcast

In our latest episode, we interview Erin Loos Cutraro, the founder and CEO of She Should Run, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging women to run for office - it’s so needed! Did you know that women still hold less than 30% of all elected offices across the federal, state, and local level, and the numbers are even lower when looking at women from underrepresented communities? Black women comprise less than 6% of officeholders in Congress, statewide elective executive offices, and state legislatures; only 7.9% of all women state legislators identify as Latina; and, roughly 0.23 percent of U.S elected officials identify as LGBTQIA+. Women are still less likely than men to have thought about running for office or to express interest in running for office in the future. Women are less likely to have opted into leadership roles from a young age. In fact, few of us– less than 2%– grow up with the dream to run for office one day. There’s lots of work to do!

Before the interview, we chat about the movie American Fiction and how the Black American experience is portrayed in media. 

[00:02:22] Felicia and Rachel discuss the movie American Fiction.

[00:10:50] Interview with Erin.

[00:11:15] Origin story and childhood upbringing.

[00:18:34] Challenges for women candidates.

[00:22:42] Running for office aspirations.

[00:23:46] Women in political roles.

[00:29:35] Nonpartisan space and misconceptions.

[00:33:13] Running for public office journey.

[00:36:17] Women's surge after 2016 election.

[00:41:17] A different political climate.

[00:45:35] Overcoming political exhaustion and paralysis.

[00:49:12] Finding women who aren't looking.

[00:53:12] The importance of diverse opinions.

[00:57:28] Future goals and hopes.

[01:00:49] The opportunity in Gen Z.

Links mentioned:

In this episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, Felicia and Rachel interview two remarkable scientists who were part of the Homeward Bound expedition to Antarctica. Tiffany Vora is the Vice Chair of Digital Biology at Singularity University and a faculty member at EY Tech University. Dr. Judit Jimenez Sainz is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Valencia and University College London. They discuss their passions for mentorship, diversity, and translating cutting-edge science into practical solutions for societal advancement.

[00:01:09] Women in STEM advancement.

[00:04:36] Subverting the white savior trope.

[00:07:59] The power of fictional characters.

[00:12:23] STEM careers and Mars exploration.

[00:15:31] Technology and healthcare advancements.

[00:21:55] Future of cancer research.

[00:24:07] Genetic testing and preventive surgery.

[00:29:01] Space exploration benefits humanity.

[00:32:45] Space community joy.

[00:35:28] Women in STEM and Antarctica.

[00:39:02] Mars simulation in high Canadian Arctic.

[00:42:22] Women in Antarctica community.

[00:46:49] Climate change and advocacy.

[00:49:37] Transforming Doom and Gloom into Action.

[00:56:09] Future plans and goals.

[00:58:39] Future priorities in science.

[01:01:31] Party and dancing passion.

[01:03:50] New podcast merch available.

Links mentioned:

Dr. Michaela Musilova, an accomplished astrobiologist, author, and analog astronaut, joins the She Geeks Out podcast to discuss her mission of making science and climate change accessible to all. She shares insights from her space-related research and leadership roles, including being part of Homeward Bound Excursions empowering women in STEMM. 

[00:00:16] Dr. Michaela Musilova, astrobiologist, author.

[00:06:00] Importance of sharing pronouns.

[00:09:42] Space dreams and inspiration.

[00:13:36] Overcoming obstacles to study abroad.

[00:15:00] Life on other planets.

[00:21:35] Blackmailed out of grant.

[00:23:11] Overcoming challenges and guilt.

[00:26:57] Overcoming financial challenges in Hawaii.

[00:32:31] Passion for astrobiology research.

[00:36:06] Building settlements on Mars.

[00:38:25] Space exploration and balance.

[00:43:36] An impactful expedition experience.

[00:44:29] Female leadership in STEM fields.

[00:48:33] Pursuing Science and Technology

[00:52:18] Creating your own path.

[00:57:50] Geeking out about rocks.

[09:23] Sign up for our mailing list.

Links mentioned: 

Dive into the world of redlining and real estate with Derek Lumpkins and Melony Swasey, hosts of the Black Lining Forum podcast. Discover how they are reshaping narratives by centering black and brown perspectives on owning real estate. Learn about anti-racist practices to combat discriminatory practices like redlining. Also, celebrate Women's History Month and its focus on empowerment and resilience in the face of challenges. 

[00:01:38] Women's History Month.

[00:04:23] Gender evolution and inclusivity.

[00:10:35] Community building and racial understanding.

[00:14:35] Real estate as wealth pathway.

[00:19:38] BIPOC professionals facing housing challenges.

[00:21:38] Buying the Hood.

[00:27:03] Homeownership and wealth building.

[00:30:20] Tangible benefits of owning property.

[00:33:06] Corporations vs. individuals in property ownership.

[00:38:01] Community responsibility in real estate.

[00:41:47] Market Rent Dilemma

[00:45:18] Exploring new menu options.

[00:49:07] Self-care in a capitalistic society.

[00:52:57] Redlining and real estate wealth.

Links Mentioned: