Episode 39 | Living Rooms are for LIVING
Hey White Women
In this episode, Daniella and Rebecca unpack what happens when white belief in institutional fairness collides with the lived reality of systemic injustice. Daniella reflects on a moment of betrayal in traffic court and how it cracked open her assumptions about justice, privilege, and whiteness. The conversation weaves through topics like the myth of rule-following as protection, the military's blending of cultural vernaculars, and the unique disorientation white women face when systems stop working for them. They also explore how white women’s fear of “doing it wrong”—especially...
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Episode 38 | Growth Is Uncomfortable
Hey White Women
In this powerful conversation, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Rebecca unpack how systems—from the military to corporate culture to parenting ideologies—often rely on cult-like tactics to demand obedience, erase individuality, and sell comfort as a virtue. Together, they examine the roles of love bombing, future faking, and authoritarian control in everyday life, and ask what it means to reclaim personal autonomy after indoctrination. We talk about what happens when you stop waiting for permission, why “just doing what you're told” is a dangerous lesson to teach children, and how...
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Episode 37 | Are Red-Heads Black?
Hey White Women
In this episode of Hey White Women, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Rebecca dive into the layered and surprising discourse around a viral TikTok trend that claimed “all redheads are Black.” What starts as a joke becomes a powerful lens for unpacking themes of othering, cultural belonging, and the danger of conformity in white-dominant spaces. The hosts explore how redheaded individuals are often dehumanized through humor, hypersexualization, and alienation—even as whiteness shields them from systemic racism. This conversation becomes a springboard into deeper critiques of whiteness,...
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Episode 36 | Growth Before Activism
Hey White Women
In this episode, Daniella and Rebecca engage in a deep conversation about the complexities of white supremacy, the importance of listening to Black voices, and the need for white women to confront their own roles in social justice movements. They explore hypothetical scenarios regarding protests, the significance of community, and the dangers of ignoring the perspectives of marginalized groups. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of personal growth and genuine engagement in anti-racism work, while also addressing the cyclical nature of blame and the illusion of safety in activism. ...
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Episode 35 | Colors for Community
Hey White Women
In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella explore the intersections of fashion, identity, and race, discussing how personal expression through clothing can challenge societal norms. They delve into the complexities of navigating whiteness in diverse spaces, the cultural disconnect evident in social interactions, and the significance of color as a form of resistance. The discussion also touches on the importance of critiquing whiteness, understanding cult dynamics through the Byte model, and the value of personal narratives in shaping identity. They emphasize the role of community in fostering...
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Episode 34 | Boom Boom Beige
Hey White Women
In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca explore the complexities of platform building, the evolution of ideas, and the impact of cultural narratives on personal identity. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership, the tenets of white supremacy, and the challenges of navigating capitalism and professionalism. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of shared experiences and the need to reopen historical conversations while addressing the dehumanization inherent in capitalist systems. In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella explore the intersections of capitalism,...
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Episode 33 | Protest or Parade?
Hey White Women
In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca explore the complexities of race, activism, and the impact of online criticism, particularly on black women. They discuss the intersection of political identity and extremism, the role of white women in social movements, and the importance of listening to marginalized voices. The conversation delves into the dynamics of whiteness in society, the power of storytelling, and the journey of self-discovery in the context of anti-racism. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for community support and the role of women in driving social change. In this...
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Episode 32 | "Lickies and Chewies?"
Hey White Women
This conversation delves into the complexities of race, privilege, and activism, particularly focusing on the experiences of black women and the reactions of white women in the context of social justice. The speakers discuss the historical and current realities of systemic oppression, the implications of language, and the importance of listening and learning from marginalized voices. They also explore the nature of groupthink, the illusion of safety, and the responsibilities of individuals in activism. In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca explore the complexities of group dynamics, the...
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Episode 31 | Defensiveness and White Identity
Hey White Women
In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella explore the complexities of race, identity, and the dynamics of power within societal structures. They discuss the defensiveness often exhibited by white women in conversations about race, the impact of language, and the role of white women in perpetuating systems of oppression. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of acknowledgment, healing, and the responsibility that comes with privilege. They also touch on the significance of community and the need for open, honest discussions about race and identity. In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella...
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Episode 30 | Speaking equitably with confidence
Hey White Women
In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca delve into the complexities of cult dynamics, particularly focusing on the Nation of Islam. They explore personal experiences with cults, the intersection of race and cults, and the societal responses to these groups. The discussion highlights the role of white women in these conversations, the importance of listening and learning from diverse experiences, and the manipulative tactics employed by cults. The speakers emphasize that conflict can be a necessary part of understanding and navigating these topics, and they advocate for a more nuanced...
info_outlineThis conversation explores the evolution of reading from a joyful activity to an obligation, the impact of recommended reading lists, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of literature. It delves into the role of education in shaping perspectives, the struggle for authenticity in reading, and the arbitrary nature of degrees and success. The speakers emphasize the importance of self-reflection, the complexities of human relationships, and the journey of deconstruction and awareness in navigating conversations around race and identity. In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca explore the complexities of cultural dynamics, privilege, and the responsibilities that come with them. They discuss the discomfort surrounding difficult topics such as race, identity, and historical injustices, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues. The dialogue highlights the need for active engagement in anti-racist work, the significance of reparations, and the role of white individuals in amplifying marginalized voices. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they encourage listeners to confront their own privileges and take meaningful actions towards equity and justice.
Connect with Rebecca at:
The White Woman Whisperer Website
The White Woman Whisperer Patreon
The White Woman Whisperer TikTok
Connect with Daniella at:
You can read all about that story in my book, Uncultured-- buy signed copies here. https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured
For more info on me:
Patreon: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding
Cult book Clubs (Advanced AND Memoirs) Annual Membership: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding
Get an autographed copy of my book, Uncultured: https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured
Get my book, Uncultured, from Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/4g1Ufw8
Daniella’s Tiktok: https://bit.ly/3V6GK6k / KnittingCultLady
Instagram: https://bit.ly/4ePAOFK / daniellamyoung_
Unamerican video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/YTVideoBook
Secret Practice video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/3ZswGY8
Takeaways
- Reading should be enjoyable, not an obligation.
- Recommended reading lists can perpetuate control.
- The literary canon often excludes diverse voices.
- Education can be used as a tool for oppression.
- Comfort can lead to complacency in understanding issues.
- Degrees do not define a person's worth or capability.
- Self-reflection is essential for personal growth.
- Deconstruction of beliefs can be a painful process.
- Navigating race conversations requires sensitivity and awareness.
- Human relationships are complex and require understanding. Discomfort is often mistaken for danger, but it's essential to sit with it.
- Rhetorical questions can reveal deeper cultural insights and biases.
- The right to comfort often prioritizes the feelings of the privileged over the marginalized.
- Access to information should not be a privilege; it should be a right for all.
- Names and identity are significant; respect for them is crucial in fostering understanding.
- Historical sins, like slavery, require acknowledgment and responsibility from those who benefit from them.
- Reparations should be directed towards those most affected by systemic injustices.
- White privilege can be used to uplift and amplify marginalized voices.
- Engaging in anti-racist work requires active participation and personal accountability.
- Conversations about race should be normalized to foster understanding and growth.
Chapters
00:00 The Evolution of Reading: From Joy to Obligation
03:09 The Impact of Recommended Reading Lists
06:10 Cultural Narratives and Literary Canon
08:50 The Politics of Reading and Education
11:16 The Arbitrary Nature of Degrees and Success
14:15 Comfort, Safety, and Self-Reflection
17:17 The Journey of Personal Growth and Understanding
28:17 Navigating Racial Conversations
30:26 Deconstructing Stereotypes and Assumptions
33:02 The Pain of Deconstruction
36:09 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
38:30 The Role of Comfort in Conversations
41:31 The Complexity of Relationships and Change
44:24 Rhetorical Questions and Comfort
47:35 Discomfort vs. Danger
50:57 The Right to Comfort and Responsibility
58:48 Navigating Name Comfort and Identity
01:03:46 Confronting Historical Injustices
01:08:19 Reparations and Accountability
01:13:47 The Role of White Privilege in Conversations
01:18:51 Empowering Black Voices and Community Support
Produced by Haley Phillips