In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter reflect on their weekend experiences and dive into the impact of recent protests and the shifting political landscape. Through an honest and insightful discussion, they unpack themes of privilege, responsibility, and community activism, exploring what it means to stay engaged in times of division.

Michelle and Lauren share personal reflections on the role of women in activism, the emotional weight of political conversations, and the importance of empathy in fostering understanding across differing viewpoints. Together, they highlight the power of connection, hope, and resilience as essential tools for building unity and progress.

What We're Talking About...

• Community engagement is the foundation of meaningful activism.
• Protests reflect shifting societal attitudes and the growing demand for change.
• Privilege carries a responsibility to use one’s voice and take action.
• Productive political discourse depends on empathy, understanding, and listening.
• Women are leading essential conversations and shaping modern activism.
• Unity and collaboration strengthen every movement for justice.
• The emotional impact of political engagement is real — self-care matters.
• Navigating complex political ideologies requires openness and nuance.
• Challenging the status quo is key to driving lasting social change.
• Hope and resilience keep activism alive through difficult times.

Chapters

00:00 Weekend Reflections and Current Events

03:00 Protests and Community Engagement

06:02 The Impact of Politics on Daily Life

08:54 Privilege and Responsibility in Activism

12:12 Navigating Conversations About Politics

15:00 The Role of Politicians and Media

17:55 Understanding Political Ideologies

21:06 The Nuances of Political Discourse

23:48 The Importance of Unity in Activism

26:59 The Role of Women in Political Conversations

30:04 The Challenges of Political Engagement

32:57 Finding Common Ground in Politics

35:53 The Emotional Toll of Political Discourse

39:00 The Future of Political Activism

42:07 Hope and Resilience in Activism

44:49 Closing Thoughts on Community and Change

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter sit down for a powerful conversation about political engagement, media literacy, and the impact of government shutdowns on everyday Americans. Together, they unpack how propaganda and political messaging shape public perception and why critical thinking is essential in today’s divided media landscape.

The discussion delves into the intersections of faith, empathy, and social justice, highlighting the courage it takes to admit when we’re wrong and the importance of community support in politically tense times. Michelle and Lauren remind listeners to seek out the helpers — to stay informed, stay kind, and stay active in the ongoing fight for justice, understanding, and human connection.

What We're Talking About...

• Political engagement is essential to sustaining a healthy democracy.
• The government shutdown has a major impact on federal employees and working families.
• Propaganda and misinformation are increasingly used to shift political blame and divide voters.
• Practicing critical thinking helps cut through biased media narratives.
• True faith aligns with empathy, justice, and service to others.
• Admitting mistakes shows maturity, growth, and a willingness to learn.
• Community support provides strength during times of political tension and uncertainty.
• Fear and polarization often prevent empathy — but awareness can break that cycle.
• The influence of political propaganda is more visible and dangerous than ever.
• In difficult times, finding hope, helpers, and human connection keeps us moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Work for Democracy

02:58 Government Shutdown and Political Accountability

05:55 Propaganda and Political Messaging

08:46 Critical Thinking and Questioning Information

11:46 Fear, Power, and Community

14:39 Christianity, Empathy, and Human Rights

17:51 Violence and Tensions in Society

20:55 The Importance of Grace and Understanding

23:54 Combatting Propaganda and Staying Engaged

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren and Michelle get real about beauty routines, self-care, and motherhood in a world that often demands perfection. They share honest reflections on body image, confidence, and the pressure to “have it all”, while tackling how misinformation and social media shape modern womanhood. With humor, heart, and plenty of relatable moments, this episode dives into the everyday realities of being a woman today—and why open, authentic conversations with our children matter more than ever.

What We're Talking About...

• Self-care rituals play a powerful role in boosting confidence and emotional well-being.
• Makeup and beauty routines can transform how we feel and see ourselves.
• Having open conversations with children about culture and society builds awareness and empathy.
• In a world full of misinformation, parents have a vital role in helping kids navigate truth from noise.
• Many women struggle with personal insecurities—and sharing those experiences builds connection.
• Finding joy in small beauty moments can be both grounding and empowering.
• It’s okay to embrace comfort and indulgence—especially during stressful times.
• Understanding why people act the way they do creates compassion and perspective.
• Cultural commentary helps us make sense of today’s complex world.
• Humor and honesty make even serious conversations more human and relatable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Beauty and Self-Care

03:45 Makeup and Personal Expression

06:44 Hair Care Journey and Tips

10:43 Navigating Body Image and Self-Perception

16:40 Embracing Autonomy in Self-Care

20:06 Navigating Criticism and Self-Image

21:15 The Influence of Role Models

23:22 Education Paths and Career Choices

25:14 The Podcasting Landscape

26:08 Conversations on Societal Shifts

30:09 Understanding Motivations Behind Actions

34:08 The Importance of Open Dialogue with Kids

37:10 Misinformation in the Age of AI