Broad World, The Podcast

Bless those gals who burned their bras in the 1960's women's movement, making way for us to have a seat at the table — but did that actually just put more  on our plates? As we slowly shift towards true gender equality, there's a lot of conversation around emotional labour and domestic duties still being imbalanced in heterosexual relationships.

My guest, Jen Rainnie, is a single mother, athlete, business owner, friend, and traveller who has found her footing in the big question: can women really have it all?  We're talking about what that means to her, how to find your recipe for balance, when to speak up and when to let things slide, and how to create a life you really love.

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Consensual non-monogamy is still taboo and can bring up feelings of fear, jealousy, and insecurity for many people. However, with infidelity being one of the top reasons for divorce, I'm curious about the data around how a polyamorous lifestyle can actually bring many couples together in truth and connection.
 
I sat down with Dr. Nichole Fairbrother, Ph.D., a registered psychologist and head of the UBC Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab to explore the topic of ethical non-monogamy.

In this episode, she answers all of my burning questions: 

• What exactly is ethical non-monogamy?
• Are we, as humans, wired for monogamy?
• How does a couple navigate these unconventional waters?
• How does jealousy play into the dynamic, if at all? 
• ... and more!

Let me tell you, this conversation was a huge eye-opener for me. While I know monogamy is ultimately my jam, speaking with Dr. Fairbrother gave me a whole new point of view. Ultimately, we’re all wired for connection in our own way.

TW: Domestic violence, war, pregnancy loss.

Resilience isn't something we are born with, it's something we cultivate. Elly Seddon joins me today to talk about some of the hardships that have helped her become the successful lawyer, wife, and mother that she is today. Hardships including living in a refugee camp, surviving domestic abuse, and challenges and loss in her fertility journey.

We'll also discuss how her experience with domestic violence and her knowledge of the legal system have inspired her makeup/jewelry line Bulletproof Cosmetics. Partial proceeds fund the Bulletproof Foundation which helps survivors navigate the legal system to find the help they need to get out of unhealthy, dangerous situations.

Have a listen, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend!

You can check out Bulletproof Cosmetics on Instagram, check out their website, or learn more about the Bulletproof Foundation.

Keep in touch @broad_world or visit Broad World, the blog.

Women's health has historically taken a backseat to general medical studies. Pelvic floor therapy is often an afterthought with child birth, and other than that completely ignored. Kate von Schellwitz, MPT and pelvic floor therapist, sits down to talk about the importance of understanding, maintaining, and rehabilitating your pelvic floor whether you're an expectant mother, postpartum, or planning to remain child free.

Kate's IG: @physio.kate
Kate's website: gravidaphysio.com

Clinical counsellor, Kaitlin Stephens, takes us on a journey to understand the impact of body dysmorphia and the toxic image culture that has permeated society for years. Through education, awareness, and self-love, we uncover the transformation towards something greater than body positivity. Discover how early experiences shape our perceptions, as we seek to empower women to embrace the vessels that carry us through the world, challenge harmful stereotypes, and foster a healthier relationship with their bodies.

Episode highlights:

1. Body Image in Media and Society: Delve into the powerful influence of media on body image, especially concerning children. Uncover the impact that adult attitudes toward nutrition and weight can have on shaping body perceptions in younger generations.
2. The Art of Checking In: Explore the significance of making people feel seen and heard through meaningful check-ins. 
3. The Power of Validation: Embrace the transformative power of validation in empowering others. Adopt a curious lens to understand the meaning individuals attribute to their bodies and their identities

Find Kaitlin here: https://www.kaitlinstephens.com/

As a woman, it’s pretty important to me that there’s a huge orgasm gap between men and women. Why is that, and how can women get theirs? I sat down with Gigi Engle, an award-winning author and certified sex educator, to unpack this. 

Gigi isn’t a stranger to ruffling some feathers — her blunt and honest articles on sexuality have gone viral and started valuable online conversations, even getting groups to chime in who normally wouldn’t. Our conversation definitely took on that unapologetic tone as we covered how we can empower women to take charge of their own pleasure, and close that gap. 

Have a listen, leave a review and share this episode with a friend!

Learn more about Gigi on her website and keep up with her on Instagram. Gigi’s book All the F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love and Life is out now — grab your copy.

Keep in touch: @broad_world or visit the Broad World blog.

In the last decade, cannabis has made a big impact as legalization becomes more widespread across the globe. In my hometown of Vancouver, cannabis has always been part of the culture, but I haven’t exactly participated to the fullest extent. Besides a few experimental edibles and drops of CBD oil at the end of an especially stressful day, my knowledge of cannabis is very general — let’s be real, I’m more of a wine gal! 

That’s why I sat down with Zia and Tam, better known as the Stolbie Sisters, to discuss the cannabis space from a new perspective. Zia and Tam are  trailblazers in the emerging cannabis and psychedelics industries, working in media, event production, philanthropy, consulting and more. Together, we covered the stigma of cannabis use, how we can create an almost craft beer experience around it, and how all of this influences the institutions already in place. 

Have a listen, leave a review and share this episode with a friend!

To keep up with the Stolbie Sisters, follow them on Instagram and check out their website.

Keep in touch: @broad_world or visit the Broad World blog.

And I’m your host, Stef Vassos.

In season one, I’ll be digging into a myriad of topics that affect women, alongside experts and everyday women who are living these experiences.

• The orgasm gap and women's sexuality
• The influence of social media on teen girls
• Women in cannabis
• Body image issues and how to conquer them
•  and more!

Broad World started as a blog in 2012 when I was 20-something, living abroad, and traveling to more than 50 countries. Everywhere I went, I was meeting dynamic, accomplished women who were masters in their fields — sisters from the middle east shattering clothing norms with their fashion line, a Wall Streeter who forfeited security to become a pastry chef — making an impact and diving into the unknown while conquering their fears. Broad World: the Blog became a conduit for those stories worth sharing.

The Podcast aims to inspire and broaden perspectives. I hope you like it.

Follow us on Instagram @broad_world, and make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don't miss an episode.

It's a Broad World out there — let's discover it together!