You Can Call Me, Karen
You Can Call Me Karen is caught in the middle—too young for Gen X, too tired for Gen Z. Hosted by Manni, Steph, and Karen, three sharp-tongued friends raised on dial-up tones and Dawson’s Creek, the show unpacks the pop culture that shaped the ‘90s and early 2000s. With wit and candor, they dissect the contradictions of coming of age in that era, never afraid to channel their inner Karen if it means saying the quiet parts out loud. No advice, just real talk: a bold, funny, side-eye-laced ride through nostalgia, modern womanhood, and the messiness in between.
Episodes
33 episodes
The Alto Syndrome
SummaryIn this episode, we dive into the second season of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, discussing the drama, character development, and societal implications of the show. We reflect on personal experiences, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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1:02:37
GenAI Syndrome
SummaryIn this episode, we discuss the rise of generative AI, its implications for society, and the challenges it presents in education. We explore the potential benefits and risks of AI, including its impact on the job market and...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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56:47
Make America Healthy Again Syndrome
SummaryIn this episode, we discuss the MAHA Movement and its implications on public health, personal wellness, and the influence of misinformation in the wellness culture. We share personal anecdotes, debunk health myths, and exp...
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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1:07:38
Apple of Her Eye Syndrome
SummaryIn this episode, we delve into the cultural phenomenon of Dance Moms, exploring its impact on reality television and the competitive dance world. We discuss the dynamics between the moms and their children, the intense dra...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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1:07:14
Civic Burnout Syndrome
SummaryIn this episode of 'You Can Call Me Karen,' hosts Steph, Manni, and Karen engage in a deep conversation with Sophia Fifner, a civic wellness strategist and advocate for women's rights. They discuss the pressing issues affe...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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57:11
Disney Princess Syndrome
SummaryIn this week's episode, we delve into the impact of Disney on perceptions of femininity and gender roles, exploring the complexities of Disney princesses and their representation in animated films. We discuss our personal c...
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55:05
Mojo Dojo Casa House Syndrome
SummaryIn this episode of 'You Can Call Me Karen,' we kick off with some Karen stories where we realize Steph may be a bigger Karen than Karen, herself! We then delve into the complexities of female leadership in religious and sp...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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1:04:20
The U.S. Mental Health Syndrome
In this episode, we explore the evolution of therapy in the US and its impact on societal perceptions of mental health. We discuss the alarming trends in mental health outcomes, despite increased awareness and treatment options. The conversatio...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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1:00:13
The Hollow Hashtag Syndrome
In this episode, we delve into the concept of performative allyship, exploring its implications and the fine line between genuine activism and superficial gestures. We discuss the impact of social media on activism, particularly during signific...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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1:14:06
The Millennial Middle Child Syndrome
In this episode, we delve into the early cultural moments that shaped millennials, exploring nostalgia for past experiences and the contradictions of growing up during significant societal changes. References for today's episode...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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1:12:10
YCCMK Takes a Course At Spiritual U.
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast. This week we are talking everything Woo! – This is part 2 of our deep dive into spirituality and religion. This week, we welcome special guest Lex Smith, the founder of Spiritu...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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1:05:06
You Can Call Me, Atheist
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast. This episode is part 1 of our 2 part Spirituality and Religion series. This week, we dive into the question: Can I be a spiritual atheist? Join us as we explore the intersect...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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1:02:34
Do Dress Codes Serve a Purpose?
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! In this episode, we explore the topic dress codes, the reasons behind them, and the hidden messages they send. Why do so many dress codes disproportionately affect female students and students of co...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:05:49
Why Can I Forgive This But Not That?
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! This week we dive deep into the concept of justice, exploring the differences between vertical vs. horizontal morality and how these perspectives shape our legal and ethical systems. We trace the...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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59:49
Is Gentle Parenting Going To Save Our Kids?
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of navigating modern parenting trends while being constantly bombarded with advice from parenting "experts." One of the most popular trends today is
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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1:03:06
What happens when we stop being polite and start getting real?
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! In this episode, we dive into our collective obsession with celebrity gossip and reality TV. From iconic moments like Justin and Britney’s breakup to the drama-filled world of The Bachelor ...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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58:12
Is Self-Care a Scam?
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! This week we dive deep into the world of toxic self-care trends, unpacking how the concept of "self-care" has been distorted in recent years. We discuss the rise of the discussion of self-care pract...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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53:11
Cancel Culture Part 2: Do People Ever Really Get Canceled?
In this thought-provoking follow-up episode of You Can Call Me Karen, hosts Steph, Karen, and Manni dive deeper into the complexities of cancel culture. We ask the tough questions: Do people ever truly get canceled? Or do figures like ...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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52:23
Cancel Culture & Corporate Boycotts: Do They Work?
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! In this first episode of our two-part series on cancel culture, we explore the history of boycotts and the growing trend of “canceling” businesses. Is it effective to cancel companies over controver...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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54:39
Algorithms, Headlines, & Control: How the Media Shapes Reality
Welcome to Season 2 of the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! In this episode, we will discuss the question: Is the media the 4th branch of government? In a world where news is often shaped by algorithms and sensational headlines, this episode brea...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:01:53
BONUS EPISODE! Who You Callin Karen?
Meet your hosts on this bonus episode of the YCCMK pod! Go behind the scenes and get a peek into the lives of your girls Karen, Steph, and Manni. We will be back with regularly scheduled episodes next week! As always - a...
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38:28
BONUS EPISODE!! Can We Just Be Friends?
Welcome to the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! This week we are excited to share a bonus episode that continues our discussion of friendship from season 1. In this episode of our podcast, we explore the intriguing question: Is it possible to hav...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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33:12
Season Finale: You can call ME...Karen
Welcome to the season finale of the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! This week, we take a heartfelt look back at the You Can Call Me Karen journey. What began as a group chat where we were having meaningful conversations about politics a...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:01:04
Dance Series Part 3: Thunder Struck, DCC Continued
Welcome to episode 9 of the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! This week we will wrap up our dance series with a continued discussion of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Tune in to hear expert insight from Registered Dietician, owner and foun...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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53:36
Dance Part 2: The Seductive Sweetness of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders
Welcome to episode 8 of the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! This week we will dive into the seductive toxicity surrounding America’s Sweethearts, The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Beneath their flawless appearances lies a deeper conversation abou...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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51:10
Dance Series Pt. 1: Do These Kids Even Know How to Dance Tho?
Welcome to episode 7 of the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! Today we have a question for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Can we see you 1, 2, step? We have noticed a decline of social dance amongst middle and high schoolers so this week we will discuss wha...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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42:09
Swipe Right for Friends: The Quest for a BFF in Adulthood
Welcome to episode 6 of the You Can Call Me Karen Podcast! This is the 3rd and final episode in our Friendship series. This week we dive into the challenges of making new friends as an adult. Loneliness, isolation, social anxiety, and fear of r...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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51:12
Friendship Breakups: Heartache and Healing in Part 2 of Our Friendship Series | You Can Call Me Karen
Welcome to Episode 5 of the You can Call me Karen Podcast! This is part 2 of our 3 part series about friendship. In this episode we will tackle the often-overlooked topic of friendship breakups. We will share personal experiences surrounding th...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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53:32
Defining Friendship in Adulthood: The Power of Lifelong Connections | Ep 4
How do we define friendships in adulthood? What does it mean to label someone a friend as we move through the messiness of life? ?Welcome to Episode 4 of the You can Call me Karen Podcast! This is the first episode of a 3 episode series ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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46:43