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UnF*ck Your Brain: Feminist Self-Help for Everyone
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UnF*ck Your Brain: Feminist Self-Help for Everyone

Author: Kara Loewentheil

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UnF*ck Your Brain: Feminist Self-Help for Everyone breaks down the centuries of sexist socialization that causes us to struggle with self-doubt, burnout, and anxiety.

Hosted by Master Feminist Coach Kara Loewentheil, J.D., founder of The School of New Feminist Thought and author of Take Back Your Brain (Penguin 2024), each episode teaches you how to turn down the noise of societal expectations, turn up the volume on what YOU really want in life, and change your thinking to make sure you go get it.

This podcast is an essential resource for anyone eager to embrace a life free from limiting beliefs and societal constraints.

If you ever find yourself asking questions like…

*Why am I so anxious about stuff that isn’t a big deal?
*How can I stop overthinking everything?
*Am I selfish for wanting my life to look different?
*Will I ever feel comfortable in my body?
*Am I a bad parent?
*How can I ask for more money at work?
*Can I stop people-pleasing?
*How can my partner and I communicate better?

… then you won’t want to miss an episode.

Visit schoolofnewfeministthought.com to learn more about The School of New Feminist Thought and more.
457 Episodes
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Are you unknowingly sabotaging your time management? As women, we’re trained to take on responsibility for everything—other people’s feelings, outcomes we can’t control, and tasks that were never ours to begin with. The result? Exhaustion, overwhelm, and decisions that don’t serve us.In this episode, I’m sharing how over-responsibility snuck into my own plans for 2025 and what I did to get back on track. I’ll walk you through the self-coaching process I used to uncover and shift the sneaky thought patterns holding me back—like feeling responsible for other people’s feelings or thinking I don’t deserve to fully use my privileges. If you’re ready to ditch the overwork cycle and start reclaiming your time, this episode is for you!Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/378
Take Back Your Brain!

Take Back Your Brain!

2025-01-2202:101

IT'S HERE! My new book "Take Back Your Brain: How a Sexist Society Gets in Your Head... and How to Get it Out" is officially available as an audiobook and hardcover wherever books and audiobooks are sold!
Do you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Like you’re responsible for everyone and everything around you? Society has trained women to believe our worth depends on managing everyone else’s thoughts, feelings, and happiness. But this over-responsibility? It’s a dream stealer, an energy drainer, and a massive life suck.In this Greatest Hits episode, I’m diving into how over-responsibility shows up in our lives and why it keeps us stuck. From obsessing over appearances to taking on outcomes we can’t control, this constant brain spin has us chasing impossible standards instead of living the lives we want. Tune in to uncover how over-responsibility is holding you back—and learn what it takes to finally let it go and reclaim your energy for your dreams.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/377
Ever felt anxious about negotiating a raise, bonus, or promotion? Worried about being labeled “difficult” or facing backlash for advocating for yourself? You’re not alone—research shows that women face unique challenges in workplace negotiations, thanks to deeply ingrained gender dynamics.This week, I’m joined by Kathryn Valentine, a negotiation expert who turned her own experience of facing backlash into a career teaching women how to advocate effectively. Tune in to hear Kathryn break down the roots of the gender negotiation gap and share practical strategies to help you negotiate with confidence—and get what you deserve—without fearing the fallout.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/376
The two biggest obstacles to creating lasting change? Getting started and not quitting when things go off the rails. We all know we should just try again if we fail, but let’s be honest—that’s a lot easier said than done when you don’t understand what’s really going on in your brain.Tune in this week to learn what happens in your brain when you fail and why failure is a non-negotiable part of the growth process. I’ll show you how to take the sting out of shame, guilt, and anxiety so you can use every misstep as a stepping stone to the results you want.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/375
Do you ever try to shop your way out of a bad feeling, only to regret it later? What’s really driving those impulse purchases, and how is the way society talks about women’s spending warping your relationship with money? (Hint: it’s eerily similar to how diet culture messes with your relationship with food.)This week, I’m joined by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni, experts in helping people feel good about their finances no matter their income. They’re sharing insights from their upcoming book, Buy What You Love Without Going Broke, which is all about spending in a way that actually aligns with your values—and ditching the guilt and shame around money decisions. You'll learn how to spend with confidence and make decisions that feel as good later as they do in the moment.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/374
Do you feel like new habits just don’t stick? Like no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to get it “right” from the start? Here’s the thing: you’ve probably been taught that perfect consistency is the only way to make habits work—but that’s total BS. What if the real key is actually embracing inconsistency?In this episode, I’m flipping the script on conventional habit advice. I’ll show you why perfectionism is sabotaging your progress and how letting go of the need to get it “perfect” can actually help you build habits that stick. Tune in to learn practical strategies for embracing imperfection, ditching all-or-nothing thinking, and making real, sustainable progress—no matter how messy it looks along the way.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/373
Tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February? The problem isn’t you—it’s the patriarchy. In this episode, I teach you how to “patriarchy-proof” your resolutions so they reflect your values, not the ones you’ve been trained to prioritize.We’ll dig into how social conditioning shapes your goals without you even realizing it—and why breaking free from those patterns is the key to creating lasting change. If you’re stuck repeating the same resolutions year after year, this is the shift you need.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/372
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about how much better your life would be if you lived in a country with more progressive policies? Universal healthcare, affordable childcare, endless vacation days—it sounds like paradise, right? I know I’ve been there. But is the grass really greener, or is this just another sneaky way our brains trick us into thinking the solution is somewhere “out there”? In this episode, I’ll show you why fantasizing about a “better” life elsewhere might actually be holding you back—and how you can start rewiring your brain to create change wherever you are, no passport required.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/371
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a disagreement that feels like it’s going nowhere, just looping around the same points? Maybe it’s because deep down, you believe the only way to "resolve" it is if the other person totally agrees with you—or you have to surrender and agree with them. Sound familiar?Tune in as I break down a game-changing reframe for navigating conflict. You’ll get practical tools for spotting your own thought patterns, speaking your truth without needing validation, and finding peace—yes, even if the other person still doesn’t see it your way. Because here’s the truth: resolution doesn’t mean agreement, and it’s time we all start living like it.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/370
Who you choose to tie the knot with is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Even though marriage has evolved a lot over time, it is still an economic institution that women regularly lose their financial independence to. So, whether you're single or partnered, how can you prevent this from happening? To answer this question, I'm joined by tax attorney, wealth expert, and author of her new book, "All the Presidents' Money", Megan Gorman. Megan shares how to have those important money conversations with your partner early on and her advice for creating a monthly money ritual with your significant other to stay on the same page. She also explains why women often give away our financial power in relationships - and how we can take it back.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/369
Are you catastrophizing about current events and feeling paralyzed by fear and uncertainty? It’s easy to get caught up in the echo chamber of social media and the news, leaving you feeling disempowered and overwhelmed. But what if you could learn to hold belief in the world you want to see, even when the evidence isn’t there yet?In this bonus episode, I explore some of the common thought errors that arise during challenging times. From the idea that we have to be freaking out to prove we care, to the belief that self-coaching isn’t relevant to larger societal issues, these thought patterns can keep you stuck and unable to take meaningful action. I offer shifts that I have seen to be helpful for both myself and my students in cultivating the mental fortitude we need to keep showing up for the world we believe in.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/election-mindset-shifts/
Have you ever avoided dealing with a problem, hoping it would just go away on its own? I know I have -- and I have a WILD story to share with you about what happens when we do this.Join me this week to understand why problem avoidance is so tempting but so counterproductive. You’ll learn how the consequences of problem avoidance can play out in your life, and most importantly, practical strategies for facing your problems with courage and resilience.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/368
Given the events in the United States this week, many of us have brains that are running wild. You might be feeling scared, angry, disappointed, and a whole slew of other emotions. You're not alone-- and this bonus episode is here to help. Join me to hear why catastrophizing isn’t useful or accurate (even if it seems like everyone else is doing it), my own experience of anxiety and fear the last time we had the same results in 2016, and my top 5 tips for what you can do right now to keep yourself grounded and your head clear. Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/bonus-calm-brain/
Do you ever feel like the more successful you become ... the worse you feel? Jerry Colonna, a venture-capital-guy-turned-Buddhist-executive-coach, found himself in that exact position - until he decided to do the hard work of confronting himself.In this episode, we discuss how practicing radical self-inquiry with compassion is essential for anyone who wants to lead - whether they're leading a company, a family, or just their own life. You'll learn why resolving conflicts mindfully is a critical skill -- as is embracing the messiness of being human.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/367
How often do you feel like you’re concealing the “real” you? Do you struggle with being your authentic self, especially in challenging environments? “Authenticity” has become a very popular buzzword -- but what does it really mean? This week, I’m joined by Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary and author of the book, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble". Deesha shares her incredible journey from going to community college at 29-years-old to working up the ranks in the Obama White House, and the challenges she faced along the way in staying true to herself. We discuss how to navigate being your authentic self in difficult environments - especially if you hold one or more marginalized identities - and the true costs and benefits of standing out.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/366
Are you having a tough time figuring out whether therapy or coaching is right for you? Both have their own benefits, but it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is the right fit. And let's be real - people are always trying to compare them and say one is better than the other (trust me, I've got thoughts on this). There's a lot to unpack here, and I'm diving into it all in this episode!This week, I break down the debate of therapy versus coaching and how these practices can actually work together to support your personal growth journey. I guide you through some essential questions to consider when deciding between therapy, coaching, or a mix of both. Plus, I reveal the one crucial factor to keep in mind when making your decision. So grab your headphones and let's dive in!Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here:
I'm sure there are plenty of you who saw the word "strategy" in this episode's title and thought, “I’m not a strategic thinker, so this won’t apply to me.” And I don't blame you -- social conditioning teaches women that we’re either workhorses, nice, or lucky, and that being strategic is beyond our capabilities. Well, today's conversation is here to challenge that conditioning.You've probably heard of Seth Godin - entrepreneur, marketing genius, and bestselling author. He joins me for this bonus episode to explore how you can use strategy to overcome the indoctrination systems that keep us oppressed. You’ll learn why you ARE a strategic thinker, and you’ll see all the areas of your life where you could choose to think more strategically with a long-term perspective, instead of looking for short-term comfort.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/seth-godin-bonus
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I’ve got to get my shit together?" -- even if your life is... pretty together, given the circumstances? Even if you're the most productive woman on the planet, that nagging thought can still creep up—and it’s actually not about how organized or efficient you are. It's just a sign you've fallen into what I call the Efficiency Trap.This week, we uncover the real reasons behind the Efficiency Trap and how to redefine productivity in a way that aligns with your goals, priorities, and values. Let's break free from the endless to-do lists and find a path to productivity that truly matters.Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/364
How do the messages you received as a child impact the way you parent your own kids? What if we could raise the next generation to be more empowered, resilient, and free from limiting gender stereotypes? To explore these questions, I’m joined by clinical psychologist and author of the new book, Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World, Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD.As an expert in feminist parenting, Dr. Finkelstein is here to illuminate how even the most well-intentioned and progressive of us unconsciously transmit harmful messages. Jo-Ann and I explore the importance of both validating girls’ experiences, and opening parents’ eyes to the ways we unintentionally shut down our daughters. Whether you're a parent or not, you do not want to miss this conversation!Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://schoolofnewfeministthought.com/363
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Comments (104)

Betty

you are amazing❤❤

Sep 6th
Reply

Andi-Roo Libecap

Every episode of this show teaches me something about myself. Kara blows me away with her no-nonsense insights. Cannot recommend more highly — definitely give this one a listen!

Aug 22nd
Reply

Michele S

this isn't a podcast episode, it's a ten minute ad for her book where she reads from a script

May 25th
Reply

so so

too much ads

Apr 13th
Reply

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Jan 13th
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Jan 12th
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Jan 11th
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Amanda Joy

love this ep! thank youuu 🙏🏼

Nov 10th
Reply

Maribel Castaneda

THANK U !! 🙌

Jul 8th
Reply

Hadi Lotfi

💯

Jul 7th
Reply

Amber Weekley

I totally needed this 💕💕

Apr 2nd
Reply

Tobin Prowant

I listen to these 2 women for more than 10 minute. And I have absolutely no idea what the h*** they're talking about!!! Their idiotic use of buzzwords was insane!!!!

Mar 29th
Reply

Maxine

POWERFUL. SO POWERFUL 🖤

Mar 3rd
Reply

Maxine

I would love for you to do a podcast about feeling safe! defo need to talk more about this 🖤👌🏾🙏🏾 love your work. I will work with you one day soon. I'm on the waitlist x

Mar 1st
Reply

Amber Weekley

I love The Clutch & this podcast!! tysm!😍

Feb 22nd
Reply

Maxine

very good. I will say having a solid foundation in yourself - having the good self- esteem and confidence and knowing your value and belief in yourself is really the key to being brave enough to handle rejection and not making it about you. 🖤

Feb 13th
Reply

Maxine

you were talking right at me!!! EVERYTHIGN 🖤🖤🖤🖤

Feb 8th
Reply

Maxine

this. THIS was all the things. so much made sense to me. this was so helpful 🖤

Feb 8th
Reply

mozhgan

thanks for your perfect podcast😉I will use this instructions from now on but I couldn’t reach your website so if you are seeing this please send me that worksheet ❣️

Jan 14th
Reply

Sweet Creature

Great!

Jan 5th
Reply