On Episode 21 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down and do something they've never done before on the podcast...say goodbye for now. After over five years of podcasting, the sister-cohosts are putting away their mics with both great sadness (because endings are hard), but also great joy and excitement (because new beginnings are beautiful!). Listen in as they dig into what the Mama Bear Dares / Perfectors podcast community has meant to them, the changing "podscape," and life's next steps. This goodbye is one filled with deep gratitude and great confidence that those who have list ..read more

On Episode 20 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with Sarah Audelo, the executive director of The Alliance of Youth Organizing, a nationwide network of organizations building political power of young people and the premier youth vote vehicle in the United States. The women speak enthusiastically about the hope and energy of Generation Z and the ways in which we all can develop talent in our youth and empower and support them as they spend their energy on the ground. If you’re looking for a hopeful and joyful conversation, this is the episode for you! For complete Show Notes, visit The P ..read more

On Episode 19 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk about the importance of nuance in examining headlines. They zero in on the perceived “labor shortage” and look at the issue with a nod to nuance, encouraging listeners to apply this lens to everything they consume. The truth is always complicated and, as Perfectors, the co-hosts encourage listeners to keep a nuanced view of the lives we live. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors' website ..read more

On Episode 18 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with Laura Packard, a health care activist and political commentator. She is the founder of Health Care Voices, a non-profit grassroots organization for adults with serious medical conditions and the Executive Director of Get America Covered, a group that promotes increased health coverage. For Laura, her work is personal. As she was fighting her own battle with cancer, she was also fighting her own U.S. Senator and President to keep her health insurance. She shares her wisdom, her knowledge, and her advocacy in a fantastic interview that ..read more

On Episode 17 of the Perfector’s Podcast, Tesi sits down with Australian author Megan Goldin to discuss her fantastic book The Night Swim and life as a writer during quarantine. Megan brings a fascinating perspective as the women discuss the state of journalism and the state of democracy across the globe during this time of pandemic. They dive into topics that Megan’s book bring up, such as the treatment of sexual assault victims in the justice system, the #MeToo movement, the power of perspective, and the power of fiction to explore complex systems of power. Check out complete Show Notes on o ..read more

On Episode 16 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie discuss the phenomenon of “Cancel Culture” … what it is, why it’s a hot topic, and what it means for people hoping to engage their voice in social and racial justice. It’s a candid conversation with examples of missteps and subsequent apologies, as well as a bit of guidance of how to live and love within “cancel culture” 2021. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfector's website ..read more

On Episode 15 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi sits down with Michelle Nunn, president and CEO of CARE USA, a community-based nonprofit working around the world to improve basic education, increase access to quality healthcare, and expand economic opportunity for all. The women talk about the importance of international aid and humanitarian development, the challenges and joys of defeating poverty and achieving justice, and the endeavor of encouraging hope, dignity, and security for all. Also discussed is what it takes to be a great leader and collaborator. The conversation is informative and m ..read more

On Episode 14 of The Perfectors Podcast, in light of the continued shootings of Black men at the hands of the police, Tesi and Leslie breakdown the news of the week. As the nation hangs on for the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the dealth of George Floyd, the women discuss the power of empathy, the role of white women in a world where Black men call out for their mothers at the brink of death, and the movement to “defund the police." For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors website ..read more

On Episode 13 of The Perfector’s Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, the executive director of NAMLE, a media literacy education association working to help people of all ages across the globe access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication available to them. The women talk about WHY media literacy is crucial to a functioning society and HOW to develop the skills we need to be a responsible consumer (and creator) of the media that surrounds us. It’s a fascinating and timely conversation about responsibility, empathy, and meaning. For compl ..read more

On Episode 12 of The Perfectors Podcast, Tesi and Leslie lament American gun culture. The women go to back to basics with facts and vocabulary surrounding guns, dispel common myths and misconceptions, equip listeners with concise arguments, and bring up tangible steps for listeners to deal with the state we find ourselves...again. For complete Show Notes, visit The Perfectors at www.theperfectors.com ..read more