The Perfectors

Latest Episodes:

Episode 263: #OscarsSoWhite with April Reign Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 263 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with activist April Reign, the woman who propelled her hashtag "OscarsSoWhite" into a powerful movement challenging the lack of representation of marginalized communities in Hollywood … and beyond. The women discuss April's work, beginning with a seemingly innocent and witty tweet back in 2015, using your influence and skill to fight for permanent systemic change, and why the posture of learning and how it's essential to being a better advocate or ally.

Episode 262: Hope in the Time of Corona (A Mama Bear Mini with a Special Interview with Matt Thraxton) Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 262 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi takes listeners into the future, so to speak, with a special interview with Matt Thraxton, a friend who has lived through the worst of Covid-19 in Shanghai, China. He tells listeners what it was like for him to experience weeks in lockdown in China AND gives us hope that life can (and will) go back to some sort of normal. His observations are fascinating and his advice about living through this pandemic is honest and optimistic. After the interview, the sisters talk amongst themselves about where to find HOPE and offer practical steps for the Mama Bear who is eager to help. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 262: Hope in the Time of Corona (A Mama Bear Mini with a special interview with Matt Thraxton) Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

Episode 261: The Bold World with Jodie Patterson Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 261 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi sits down with Jodie Patterson, whose philanthropic work has been recognized by Hillary Clinton, Family Circle, the UN, and the Human Rights Campaign, among others, and whose beautifully written memoir, The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation, puts on full display the passion and heart that drives her remarkable work. Jodie's is a powerful message about identity, equality, community, and the unbridled love of a Mama Bear. Jodie shares her story of coming to understand and fight on behalf of her transgender child. This conversation is about legacy, what it means to be a queer family, what it looks like to raise the kids in front of you (not the ones you imagined having), and finally, about how all of us can harness and release our unlimited potential. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website.

Episode 260: Mama Bear & the Global Health Pandemic Mar 23, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 260 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie discuss the global health pandemic, the power of the mama bear spirit, and the importance of community and nurturing mental health during this time. The episode aims to bring cultural observation, personal response, and a bit of hope and inspiration to the Mama Bear community. Stay safe and stay home, Mama Bears! For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 259: Stop Cursing the News & Run for Local Office! w/ Adrienne Martini Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 259 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi have a conversation with Adrienne Martini, who holds a District 12 seat on the Otsego (New York) County Board and is the author of the book SOMEBODY'S GOTTA DO IT: Why Cursing at the News Won't Save the Nation, but Your Name on a Local Ballot Can. The conversation with Adrienne is informative and inspiring…and so much fun. The women talk about the Covid-19 and the importance of local government response, about Adrienne's run for office, and about how, as a middle-aged, cisgender, white woman, Adrienne focuses her privilege and her Mama Bear agency on policy and winning a seat in local government. The conversation is poignant, fun, and filled with hope and joy! Check out complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 258: Human Trafficking with Rebecca Bender Mar 09, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 258 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with the remarkable Rebecca Bender, a survivor of human trafficking and advocate for those still bound by this modern-day slave practice. Rebecca shares her incredible story of being coerced into prostitution, abused and controlled by her trafficker, and her eventual escape after nearly six years of terror. Today, Rebecca trains others on the topics of human trafficking and leadership and serves on the United States National Advisory Committee, Dept of Justice Human Trafficking Advisory Council. The conversation ranges from the realities of trafficking in the U.S. in 2020, grace and hope, the church's role in loving people, and the legislation surrounding this crucial issue. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 257: The School-to-Prison Pipeline Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 257 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi spend their time together talking about a massive subject: the school-to-prison pipeline. They use their mama bear impulse to try to understand why students of color, students with learning disabilities, or students with histories of poverty, abuse, or neglect are often isolated, punished, and "pushed out." Much like their episode entitled "The Privilege Pipeline," the women share stories of their own experience as parents in the public schools and sift through the research regarding the systems in place. The episode is informative as well as thought-provoking. For links to research and complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 256: Lead with Love with Monroe Alise Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 256 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Monroe Alise to discuss the massive issue of homelessness in the United States. Monroe is a passionate advocate of the homeless through her work with the National Coalition for the Homeless and shares her hard-won wisdom with listeners. She shares her incredible story of resilience and her struggle with mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness throughout the course of her life as a black, trans woman and has incredible wisdom and experiences to offer listeners. The conversation is from-the-heart as well as informative and inspiring. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

Episode 255: Lean Hard on Your Gal Pal Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

On Episode 255 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie grab their mics in celebration of female friendship. As the season of love and GALentines comes to a close, this episode is a fight song for checking in, staying in touch, and loving each other in a sometimes-chaotic world. They talk about politics, misogeny, the Iowa caucus, parenting, health and healthcare, dancing with the universe, and more. At its heart, this episode is about talking to one another and encouraging others to do the same, because sometimes, in the midst of it all, you really just need to laugh (and maybe cry a little bit, too) with your gal pals. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

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