In this episode of MissPerceived, Leah welcomes author Courtney Lund O’Neill to discuss her book, Postmortem: What Survives the John Wayne Gacy Murders. The conversation explores the often-overlooked stories of those living in the shadow of infamous crimes, focusing on the intergenerational impact of trauma, the mental load carried by mothers, and the power of storytelling to reclaim narratives from perpetrators. They address the importance of honoring victims’ humanity, breaking gender stereotypes—especially around raising boys—and the unique ways women process and are drawn to true crime.

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are men really wired to desire more sex, or have we just been taught to think so? In this episode, Leah dives into the age-old question: do men have higher sex drives? Join us as we unpack the science behind libido, explore how hormones, culture, and social norms shape our desires, and challenge the stereotypes that keep this conversation stuck in the bedroom.

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the workday really over when you leave the office, or does your boss live in your pocket? Join Leah as she explores the growing movement to reclaim life outside of work through the right to disconnect. From late-night emails to weekend pings, we unpack how work culture has blurred the boundaries between on and off—and what it means to reclaim your time in an always-on world.

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do razors, deodorants, and even a haircut cost more for women? In this episode, Leah unpacks the so-called pink tax - what it means, where it shows up, and how it quietly shapes our spending. From personal care products to pricing tricks, find out why being a woman can come with a higher price tag (and yes, it's often pink).

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From fierce debates in the '70s to today’s OnlyFans era, feminist views on pornography have shifted dramatically. In this episode, Leah traces the complex history of feminist discourse on porn - exploring battles over empowerment vs. exploitation, the rise of feminist porn, and the growing influence of social media and AI on how we create and consume erotic content. What does the future of porn look like in an increasingly digital, decentralised world, and where do feminist values fit in?

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is salary transparency the key to closing the pay gap? In this episode, we explore whether we should know each other’s salaries, especially among women. Could sharing pay help us understand our worth and spark important conversations about raises? Or is it too much of a social taboo? Listen now for a thought-provoking discussion on pay transparency and its potential impact!

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever caught yourself searching for your keys… again? In this episode, Leah explores the truth behind pregnancy brain fog, cognitive changes after childbirth, and how your menstrual cycle might affect your mind. Did you experience brain fog during these times, or is it all just in our heads? Listen now to find out!

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is being in a long-distance relationship a recipe for heartbreak or could it be the secret to lasting love? In this episode, Leah unpacks the realities of loving from afar. From immigration to job deployments, we explore why couples live apart, whether distance actually harms relationship quality, and what the research says about staying connected across the miles. Spoiler: it's not all bad.

Follow Leah Ruppanner at https://www.instagram.com/prof.leah/

Follow the MissPerceived Podcast on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/missperceivedpodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.