Brave, Not Perfect with Reshma Saujani

Reshma makes a big announcement about the podcast and her future with Girls Who Code before jumping into a powerful interview with Marisa  Renee Lee about grief. They discuss how privilege plays into who is given space to grieve, letting go of trying to grieve the "right" way,  and how to find joy and love while in the midst of grieving.

Reshma sits down with Dee Poku (CEO and founder of the WIE Suite) and Eve Rodsky (author of the NYTimes Bestseller Fair Play) to discuss the need for a Marshall Plan for Moms and why they're calling on the Biden administration to create a task force to address the economic crisis moms are facing during the COVID-19 crises.

Reshma sits down with Michelle Poler,  author of Hello Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You're  Meant to Be. They discuss how Michelle went from being scared of  everything to doing 100 things that scared her, generational fear, what  bravery actually means, and why we should start thinking about what's  the best that can happen instead of what's the worst.

Girls Who Code recently partnered with the If/Then Initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies to break the internet and show the world what the web would look like if it weren't for the contributions of women. In today's episode, Reshma sits down with Nicole Small, founder of the If/Then Initiative and CEO of Lyda Hill Philanthropies, to discuss this important campaign and how Nicole learned to be brave, not perfect.

Reshma sits down with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel investments and a powerful leader in the financial sector. The two discuss the importance of teaching financial literacy to young people, the myth of meritocracy and how difficult situations can build resilience.

Reshma sits down with activist and actor Yara Shahidi, who stars in series Black-ish and Grown-ish, to discuss the importance of civic engagement, being open to challenging your understanding of the world, and why taking care of yourself is vital for having the strength to change the world.

Soledad O’Brien joins Reshma for a dynamic conversation about asking for  the things you need, navigating fraught workplace dynamics, and how to  bounce back after a disappointing setback.

It would be harder to be brave without the pioneers who came before and created more space for us to thrive. Reshma sits down with one such pioneer, Dr. Robbie Melton, to learn about her work with Apple to bring more coding and creativity resources to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, her passion for empowering young people to shape their world, and the barriers she faced as a Black woman in her career.

It's hard to let go of perfection at this time where it often feels  like we have little control over our lives, but being kind to yourself  is even more important during these difficult times. This week, Reshma  sits down with Melinda Gates of the Gates Foundation for a conversation  about being brave during a pandemic, diversity in tech, and standing up for increased access to birth control.

It's time to let go of shame and put yourself first. In this episode, Reshma sits down with actor and activist Jameela Jamil for a conversation about the movement against shame, setting boundaries to protect yourself, and the power of sharing your story with the world. 

Content Notice: In this episode Jameela mentions recovering from an eating disorder and attempting suicide. For support, you can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helping at (800) 931-2237 Monday-Thursday from 11AM to 9PM ET, and Friday from 11AM to 5PM ET. You can also text the crisis text line at 24/7 at 741-741.

Reshma has an honest conversation about brave and innovative leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic with Dr. Tarika Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of Girls Who Code. How does the organization support girls during the crisis? Why is virtual learning far from an ideal solution? How is the organization showing bravery and adapting in this crisis? Plus, Reshma talks to GWC alumni KaYesu Machayo about running a Girls Who Code College Loop—a club for college girls interested in computer science.

On this week’s episode, Reshma sits down with comedian Cameron Esposito to talk bravery and relationships. They confront staying true to who you are, where embarrassment really comes from, and the challenges of marginalized relationships.

Are you ready to get brave about your fitness and health? Reshma gets real with Jessamyn Stanley, a body-positivity advocate and yoga teacher.  They discuss yoga, cultural appropriation, why body positivity isn't  enough, and overcoming shame about their bodies.

This week, Reshma gets personal about her struggles with fertility and the sisterhood she found through surrogacy. She has a moving conversation with Amber, the woman who gave birth to her newborn baby. The two discuss how their lives have changed, misconceptions about surrogacy and their journey together. 

Reshma is currently fighting to legalize gestational surrogacy in New York, a priority Governor Andrew Cuomo shares. If you live in New York, she would be extremely grateful if you emailed your state representative to support the Child-Parent Security Act. If you're on social media, Reshma would also appreciate if you showed support on social media with the hashtag #LoveMakesAFamilyNY.

Ready to brave up your parenting? Reshma sits down with Shannon Watts, a mother of five and founder of Moms Demand Action, for a conversation about the challenges of being a good parent while you're busy fighting for positive change in the world—and how to overcome them. Shannon, who's been called the NRA's worst nightmare, shares why letting go of perfect is so important to making the biggest possible impact, her secret to getting the most relaxing bubble bath, and what the latest research says about how shooter drills are affecting kids across the country.

As women, we're taught to get everything lined up perfectly before we reach for that big dream or take the next step. But sometimes, just going for it is the secret to success. It's time to let go of what's holding you back and just start. Reshma reveals her big dream she's been scared to admit even to herself and takes one small step towards it. Plus, she's got a bravery challenge for you. You can tell Reshma your Brave, Not Perfect story or ask her a question by calling 347-76-BRAVE. Plus, you can follow her on twitter and instagram @ReshmaSaujani.

Do you worry about sounding dumb so you avoid asking questions or speaking up in meetings? Do you write down what you want to say, or go over and over it in your head? This week Reshma explores how that starts when we're young girls and keeps us from taking up space when we grow up. Plus, she gives you a bravery challenge so you can start to speak up for yourself in those moments that's really matter. You can tell Reshma your Brave, Not Perfect story or ask her a question by calling 347-76-BRAVE. Plus, you can follow her on twitter and instagram @ReshmaSaujani.

Guests: Dr. Joy Bradford, host of the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast, talks to Reshma about unique obstacles women of color face when it comes to bravery and perfection. Yamani Hernandez, Executive Director of the National Network of Abortion Funds, get personal and discusses standing up for yourself in those moments that really matter and how the medical establishment is gaslighting women.

As women, we're missing out on a lot of fun. If we're bad at something, it can suck all the joy out of it. This week, Reshma explores how to break away from that perfection mindset. Her journey for joy takes her to an unexpected place where she has to face one of her fears. Plus, she's got a bravery challenge for you. You can tell Reshma your Brave, Not Perfect story or ask her a question by calling 347-76-BRAVE. Plus, you can follow her on twitter and instagram @ReshmaSaujani.

Does the idea of putting together furniture or changing a flat tire overwhelm you? Reshma explores the way young girls are discouraged from working through challenges and sitting with frustration—and how that impacts us later in life. Plus, we learn a surprising secret about the founder of Girls Who Code, who gives you a challenge to strengthen your bravery muscle. You can leave a voicemail for Reshma with your Brave, Not Perfect story or a question at 347-76-BRAVE. Plus, you can follow her on twitter and instagram @ReshmaSaujani.

Guests: Psychologist Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance & MacArthur genius grant winner, gives Reshma valuable advice for her bravery challenge and gives thoughtful insight about how we should all use our grit. Patrice Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic, talks to Reshma about her journey from being an "auto air head" to opening her own car repair shop focused on empowering women to get comfortable fixing their vehicles.

Let’s work that bravery muscle—literally! Reshma explores the ways we’ve been teaching young girls to be fearful and gives you a bravery challenge to help you unlearn those messages. Plus, she takes on a physical challenge that’s haunted her since childhood. You can leave a voicemail for Reshma at 347-76-BRAVE. Plus, you can follow her on twitter and instagram @ReshmaSaujani. 

Guests: Madame Gandhi, a feminist musician who joins Reshma for a conversation about free bleeding, boxing and how she started dreaming bigger. Caroline Paul, who's exceptionally adventurous and wrote the New York Times bestselling book The Gutsy Girl: Escapades for Your Life of Epic Adventure.