So thrilled to interview Sara Petersen, author of 'Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture' for the podcast. One of the most memorable books I've read in the past year, 'Momfluenced' helps you make sense of your own complicated parasocial relationship with the domestic goddesses we both love, and truthfully, sometimes hate to follow. We cover everything from trad wives, gatekeepers of the 'good mom aesthetic,' the economic and cultural value of momfluencing, those snarky subreddits, and so much more. If you've found yourself second guessing your follow list, this one is for you!
If you like the pod, please consider supporting by sharing with friends and subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. We also love reading reviews, so please rate us 5 stars and write a review on Apple or Spotify. It goes a long way and is much appreciated! For a more dynamic experience, follow us on Instagram @haveyouheardpodcast. So many of our episodes, including this one, are shaped through discussions with listeners.
Helpful references and links / pop culture homework:
Subscribe here to Sara Petersen's amazing substack, 'In Pursuit of Clean Countertops'
Purchase 'Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture'

Today’s pod was meant to focus strictly on the reality reckoning and the aftermath of Vanderpump Rules explosive Scandoval that took over the pop culture zeitgeist a year ago. But, in light of Princess Catherine’s video announcement yesterday sharing the news of her cancer treatment, this podcast became something bigger. We’re going to be looking at not only how media treats women and how we’re complicit in it, but what that says about our own values and expectations on what it means to be a princess, a mistress, a scorned woman, and everything in between.
While the Royal Family aren’t influencers or Reality stars, a case could be made that they were the origins of this type of entertainment. And if that’s the case, we know the best reality tv gives us a winner and a loser, a villain and a hero, followed by a redemption arc that if you pay close attention, tells us about ourselves. So, let’s talk about it.
If you're only here for Scandoval analysis, skip to the 45 minute mark. Fair warning, we have some hot takes!
For a more dynamic experience, follow us on Instagram @haveyouheardpodcast. So many of our episodes, including this one, are shaped through discussions with listeners.
If you like the pod, consider supporting by sharing and subscribing wherever you get your podcasts, and rating us 5 stars/writing a review. It goes a long way and is much appreciated - xo Mahsa
Helpful references and links / pop culture homework:
Inside the Real Housewives Reckoning that's Rocking Bravo (Vanity Fair, Anna Peele)

This is more than just a ghostwritten autobiography, it's Britney's ultimate manifesto of feminist rage.
From the betrayal of having friends and family leverage her fame for their own agenda, to the unforgiving and relentless scrutiny she's faced simply for being human, Britney finally tells us her truth. A stark look at what happens when a teenage dream tries to break free from societal expectations, one thing remains clear; Britney's ultimate revenge is survival. And by the way, we are all complicit.
To enter to win a copy of 'The Woman in Me,' simply rate and write a review of the pod on Apple Podcasts, screenshot, and DM us through Instragram @haveyouheardpodcast. So many of our episodes, including this one, are shaped through discussions with listeners. We also post cool articles and generally love to break down notable cultural moments. Join us!
Please consider rating 5 stars and writing a review on Apple or Spotify, it goes a long way in supporting the podcast and is much appreciated! xo Mahsa
Helpful references and links / pop culture homework:
The True Villain of Britney Spears' Memoir? You (Hayley Maitland, Vogue)