The Tote and Pears Podcast

One in five women in the United States has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape, and a large number of these assaults happen on college campuses. With more companies creating “fun” and “flexible” work environments designed around happy hours and free alcohol, college rape survivors oftentimes find themselves hiding in plain sight.

In our latest episode of The Tote + Pears Podcast, we’re discussing these issues with the woman who coined the term “Date Rape,” herself, Mary P. Koss, Ph.D. from the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health. Professor Koss and Amber sit down to talk about Amber’s own experiences as a rape survivor, the impact sexual assault and harassment have on women, and what this perspective can offer business leaders, campaigns and policy-makers as we head back to school and work. 

[Trigger warning on this episode as we talk through tough topics like sexual assault, rape, and harassment. Listeners take care.]

Music by: Podington Bear and A.A. Aalto

On this episode of The Tote + Pears Podcast, Amber chats with Susan Ryan, Senior Director at The Green House Project, about nursing homes, the concerns many have with putting a loved one in a facility and what it was like for families across the country who had to say goodbye remotely. 

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

In this episode of The Tote + Pears Podcast, the co-founders of Tote + Pears, Amber and Kai-Saun Anderson, discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, the impact of personal biases and what brands can (and should) be doing as a response.

1st song Podington Bear - Soft Drive

2nd song Podington Bear - Colocate

In part II of our series about women's political influence and power, we are exploring the other side of the aisle, Republican women, with Lisa Song Sutton, a former beauty queen and successful entrepreneur, now running for Congress as a Republican.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

On this episode of The Tote + Pears Podcast, we’re discussing women’s political presence and power; from the female voters who influenced the 2016 presidential race, to the rise of a new women’s movement and the issues facing women today with American blogger, writer, and CEO and founder of the digital agency, Do Big Things, Cheryl Contee. 

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson
Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

On this episode, Amber sits down with Jess Weiss, Strategy Manager at Google and Co-founder of Trix Magazine, to explore the psychology behind popular terms like #girlboss, and the layers of culture and identity that characterize the next generation of female leaders.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

Tote + Pears: www.toteandpears.com

In the U.S., many people do not recognize the diverse and varied experiences of Latinx women — from stereotypes, colorism and a blended American identity to the cultural traditions and unique indigenous/diasporic histories each Latinx woman navigates.

On this episode, Amber sits down with journalist and founder of the popular site, Ain’t I Latina, Janel Martinez to talk about the facts, highlight the experiences and explore how the layers of Latinx heritage and culture shape their identity.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

Being American and Latina can feel like living between worlds — growing up with one cultural heritage in the home and another you must learn to navigate once you leave your doorstep.

Amber sits down with Melissa Rodríguez, founder of Social Media Relations, a social media and digital advertising agency based in Los Angeles, California that helps businesses connect more meaningfully with the dominant Latina market. Melissa reflects on her experiences, views and values as a second-generation Latina, growing up in the U.S. 

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

In households with school-aged kids, September marks a new beginning. Long summer days begin to fade, routines change and many parents transition into preparation mode, focusing on the needs of their children as they enter a new stage. Businesses and brands capitalize on the back-to-school season with bright campaigns featuring must-have shopping items. Social media fills with images of freshly dressed kids on their way out the door, and moms (humorously) celebrating.

However, just beyond the shiny veneer are women from all walks of life, connected by the bittersweet moment of sending their kids off into the world — some for the first time. A survey from Kiddie Academy, an educational childcare center, found that 63% of family members report that moms have the hardest time with the first day of school.

On this episode, Amber explored the emotional landscape of mothers during this time of change with mom and educational researcher, Ashley May. The two discussed transitioning from being the only or primary caretaker to entrusting others with their kids; the desire to instill a sense of cultural and social belonging, the feelings of both loss and pride that can be hard to place; and the evolving definition of the role of Mom.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

ADHD is commonly associated with children and men yet over 6 million women in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD and it’s estimated that 4 million more live undiagnosed. On this episode, Amber speaks with disability advocate, Margaux Joffe to discuss the unique challenges facing women with ADHD.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson
Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

While many parents focus on juggling work, family and many other personal obligations, some women spend all of their energy praying for another day of life. In this episode, Monique Fritz shares her story of caring for her son, Cameron, who was born with sickle cell anemia.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Drive and Rope Swing and Aitua - Wings II Animato

It’s a fact: diverse teams build more profitable products. During this episode, Amber chats with Willie Henry, Sr. Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager at Facebook, to discuss the value of diverse teams, the point of diversity and inclusion programs and why companies (large and small) need to make it a priority.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson
Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver and Rope Swing

Amber sits down with Jan Tate, a psychotherapist with a dual background in clinical sexology and clinical social work who specializes in providing support for people who identify beyond the gender binary. On Ep 15, Jan and Amber discuss the challenges and experiences of non-binary/gender non-conforming individuals.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Colocate & Rope Swing

A few months ago, Amber met Shelby and the two began talking about what life is like through a non-binary lens. Amber was so moved by her story that she invited Shelby to join her on The Tote + Pears Podcast. Listen in as the two continue their conversation about life through a non-binary lens.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Colocate & Rope Swing

When Dr. Kimberly A. Scott asked her teenage daughter how school was going, she didn’t expect to hear: “I’d be fine as long as I render myself invisible.” Her daughter’s words served as a stark reminder of the challenges women of color face in spaces that were not designed for them. In this episode, Amber sits down with Dr. Scott to discuss the erasure of women of color in public spaces and what she’s doing to fix it.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Colocate

Podington Bear - Rope Swing

When it comes to caring for aging parents, women — daughters — are twice as likely to take on the responsibility (physical, stress and financial) than sons. In this episode, Amber sits down with the Executive Director of Family Caregiver Alliance, Kathleen Kelly, to talk about the role and life of a female caregiver.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson
Music by: Podington Bear, Soft Driver and Aitua, Wings II Animato 

For the woman who will never have a tidy, peaceful life — there is still happiness — as long as she asks herself the right questions. On this episode, professor and author, Marie Myung-Ok Lee,  redefines what it means to “have it all.”

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver

After the premature birth of her son, Amber struggled to come to terms with the aftermath of her time in the NICU. She turned to books to help and stumbled across Labor Day: True Birth Stories by Today's Best Women Writers. Within the pages, Amber found solace –– a community of women who shared their childbirth experiences with candor and heart. Sarah A. Strickley stood out. In her essay, “Live from the NICU,” Amber found a story intimately tied to her own. On this episode of The Tote + Pears podcast, Amber speaks with Sarah about the moving story that inspired the piece.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson
Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver
Photo: Wai Siew

On this episode of The T+P Podcast, Amber sits down with Jen Heazlewood, Creative Director and Head of Experience Design at R/GA London, about eliminating unconscious biases in our products, services and designs.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson

Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver

On this episode of the T+P Podcast, Amber sits down with Elisa Camahort Page, co-founder and former COO of BlogHer, a national women’s media brand, for a conversation about women consumers: our values, power and influence.

Produced by: Kai-Saun Anderson
Music by: Podington Bear - Soft Driver