On this episode of Don’t be a Dick! Ivie and Lindsay discuss navigating the holidays without falling prey to overconsumption. What are the traditions that we value? Where does holiday joy come from? And why is it important that we limit our spending this time of year?

Join them to fall into the magic of the winter holidays, and the nostalgia that goes along with it-- from circling the best Black Friday deals in newspapers, to feeding glitter to Santa’s reindeer.

📘 Get Lindsay’s book Don’t Be a D!ck and listen to her TedX talk at: kinder-hr.com

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Follow Lindsay at

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaykmattes

Facebook: @lindsay.mattes

Tiktok: @hrmama6

Instagram: @mamamattes

Follow Ivie at Tiktok: @dandelionwaiting

Hosted by Lindsay Mattes & Ivie Van Lent

In this lively and unfiltered episode, Lindsay Mattes—author, speaker, and founder of Pioneer HR—and her eldest daughter, Ivie Van Lent—queer activist, leftist, and certified witchy weirdo—dig into the origin and meaning behind their bold podcast title: Don’t Be a D!ck.

Lindsay shares the hilarious moment a harassment prevention training turned unforgettable when she blurted out the phrase that became the heartbeat of her book and now this podcast. The phrase stuck because it’s simple, honest, and instantly recognizable—we all know what being a “d!ck” looks like.

Together, Lindsay and Ivie break down the acronym D.I.C.K.—Dismissive/Defensive, Insensitive/Insecure, Callous/Cruel, and Killjoy/Know-it-all—as a tool for recognizing harmful behavior (including our own). They discuss the three types of “d!cks”—intentional, accidental, and conscientious—and how understanding which one you’re being is the first step toward kinder communication.

This episode explores language, accountability, generational differences, and even the reclaiming of taboo words. From personal stories to laugh-out-loud moments, Lindsay and Ivie show that self-awareness and kindness are powerful antidotes to “d!ck behavior.”

• Why “Don’t Be a D!ck” became the perfect title

• How one training room moment shaped a whole movement

• The D.I.C.K. acronym: a guide to understanding your own behavior

• Intentional vs. accidental vs. conscientious d!cks

• Taking accountability without shame

• Reclaiming language and generational differences in “taboo” words

• A preview of future themes like “nice vs. kind”

A funny, honest, and refreshingly human conversation reminding us all: we’re going to mess up—but we can always choose to be kinder.

📲 Follow Lindsay & Ivie on social for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and future episode drops

Lindsay: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaykmattes Facebook: @lindsay.mattes Tiktok: @hrmama6 Instagram: @mamamattes

Ivie: Tiktok: @dandelionwaiting

Lindsay Mattes and Ivie Van Lent kick off the Don’t Be a D!ck podcast with a candid conversation about kindness, ethics, activism, and navigating a complex world with empathy and humor. From HR dilemmas to feminist roots and political perspectives, this intro episode sets the tone for real, thoughtful, and sometimes weird discussions on how to make better choices without being a d!ck.