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

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter dive into the intersections of faith, social media, and relationships in today’s polarized world. They unpack the absurdity of the rapture phenomenon, examine how personal beliefs influence friendships and family dynamics, and critique the ways social media platforms amplify extremist voices. Through a candid and thought-provoking conversation, Michelle and Lauren highlight the importance of empathy, understanding, and protecting marginalized communities in an age of division.

What We're Talking About...

• Why the rapture phenomenon is sensationalized across social media platforms
• Personal reflections on life, mortality, and how we’d spend our final days
• The hidden cost of the pressure to “save others” and its impact on personal faith
• Recognizing that judgment and division exist on all sides of ideological debates
• Strategies for navigating relationships when beliefs and values clash
• The dangers of social media echo chambers and the amplification of extremism
• Drawing historical parallels to understand today’s political climate
• Why empathy and understanding are essential in difficult conversations
• How personal growth often emerges from challenging discussions

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:53 The Rapture and Social Media Reactions

05:52 Personal Reflections on End of the World

08:49 The Extremism in Beliefs

12:26 Personal Experiences with Religion

16:16 Judgment and Relationships

21:17 Navigating Intolerance and Hate

26:19 Political Extremism and Social Media

31:45 Historical Comparisons and Current Events

35:49 Engagement with Dissenting Opinions

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Lauren Lehman Carter and Michelle Glogovac dive into a powerful conversation about the realities of online harassment, the dangers of doxxing, and the widespread effects of hate speech. They unpack the role of empathy in activism, the importance of staying authentic in advocacy, and the challenges of building genuine connections in a deeply divided society. Together, they reflect on political violence, share strategies for fostering safe and supportive communities, and remind us of the joy and resilience that can still be found in moments of chaos.

What We're Talking About...

• Why authenticity is essential in advocacy and connection
• The dangers of doxxing and its severe consequences
• How empathy is often misunderstood or villainized in activism
• The importance of community gatherings for healing and change
• The role of safe spaces in fostering dialogue and resilience
• Reflections on political violence and public safety
• Why personal stories matter in pushing for kindness and change
• How to find joy and resilience even during chaos

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Emotional Authenticity

03:39 Understanding Doxxing and Its Implications

06:53 The Impact of Hate Speech and Online Threats

09:42 The Role of Empathy in Advocacy

12:56 The Challenge of Political Violence and Public Safety

15:39 Finding Joy Amidst Chaos

18:34 The Importance of Community and Connection

21:41 Reflections on Personal Safety and Advocacy

24:49 The Need for Open Dialogue and Understanding

27:43 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations

30:51 The Shift in Perception of Goodness

33:49 The Power of In-Person Gatherings

36:47 Embracing Joy and Humor in Difficult Times

In this episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter open up in a raw and unfiltered conversation about the intersection of motherhood, activism, and political awareness. They share the challenges of balancing parenting with social justice work, the emotional toll of political events, and the responsibility of using privilege to advocate for change.

Lauren and Michelle also dive into the complexities of relationships within activism, the urgent need to reclaim the meaning of “pro-life”, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Honest, heartfelt, and unapologetic, this conversation calls for reflection and action.

What We're Talking About...

• Activism is intertwined with motherhood for many women.
• Finding balance between personal life and activism is challenging.
• Political awareness can be emotionally taxing.
• Using privilege to advocate for marginalized communities is essential.
• Women are stepping into their power in new ways.
• Relationships can be impacted by differing political views.
• Regret over inaction can motivate future activism.
• Reclaiming the term 'pro-life' is necessary for broader social justice.
• Freedom should mean freedom from oppression, not freedom to oppress.
• Listening to others' stories is crucial for understanding and empathy.

Chapters

00:00 Pride in Place: A Chicago Vibe

03:40 Balancing Motherhood and Activism

06:28 Confronting Ignorance: The Weight of Awareness

09:41 Regrets of Inaction: A Call to Courage

12:46 Using Privilege for Good

15:30 Navigating Relationships and Activism

18:33 The Cost of Speaking Out

22:57 Navigating Political Shifts in Relationships

24:42 The Good Girl Conditioning and Its Impact

27:23 Women Leading the Charge

28:45 The Importance of Listening to Stories

30:41 Confronting Dehumanization and Aggression

32:47 The Complexity of Pro-Life Arguments

34:50 Shame and Judgment in Society

37:52 Reclaiming Freedom and Pro-Life

42:46 Burning It Down for Change

In the very first episode of BURNT, hosts Michelle Glogovac and Lauren Lehman Carter dive deep into today’s most pressing challenges. Together, they explore the realities of burnout, societal expectations, and the crucial role of authentic communication in modern life.

This powerful conversation unpacks the mental health toll of navigating public discourse, the impact of technology on daily living, and the urgent need for community resources to support children. Michelle and Lauren also discuss wealth disparities and the societal pressures that drive performance-based living, offering insights and inspiration for building a more compassionate and sustainable future.

What We're Talking About...

• Burning things can be a metaphor for releasing negativity.
• Public discourse can be risky but necessary for change.
• Perfectionism can hinder vulnerability and authentic communication.
• Modeling good communication is essential for future generations.
• Children today face different challenges than previous generations.
• Technology impacts our mental health and awareness of societal issues.
• Societal grief and trauma need to be addressed collectively.
• Performance pressure affects both adults and children.
• Wealth disparities are a significant issue in society.
• Community resources are vital for supporting those in need.

Chapters

00:00 Burning Down the Norms

03:00 Navigating Burnout and Public Discourse

06:04 The Weight of Perfectionism and Vulnerability

08:57 Modeling Communication for Future Generations

12:01 Creating Safe Spaces for Children

15:04 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health

17:58 Addressing Societal Grief and Trauma

20:57 The Burden of Performance in Today's World

24:13 Understanding Wealth Disparities

27:03 The Importance of Community Resources

29:59 A Call to for Change

BURNT is what happens when the world feels too heavy, the bullshit too loud, and the fire inside too strong to ignore.

Some days, we’re burnt out.

Other days, we want to burn it all down.

Hosted by Lauren Lehman Carter and Michelle L. Glogovac, BURNT is an unscripted, unfiltered space where we show up raw, honest, and ready to tackle the hard stuff—together. From deep conversations with friends to spontaneous vent sessions, we're here to explore what it means to live, speak up, and try to be good humans in a world that often makes that feel impossible.

No scripts. No filters. No pretending it’s all fine.

Just two women, some fire, and a lot of truth.

www.burntpodcast.com