What's Normal?

About What's Normal?

Welcome to What’s Normal, the podcast where we flip the script on what society deems 'normal' and dive headfirst into the raw, messy, and beautifully complicated realities of being human. Hosted by Tashaya Bacote, this show is your safe space for real talk about life, relationships, identity, mental health, and all the unspoken truths we’re too afraid to admit. From dismantling toxic norms to exploring the intricacies of self-love and embracing our authentic selves, What’s Normal challenges the status quo with thought-provoking conversations, personal stories, and a healthy dose of wit. So, whether you’re questioning what 'normal' means or just looking for a community that gets it, this podcast is for you. Join us weekly as we unpack life’s complexities, one candid conversation at a time. Because maybe, just maybe, what’s ‘normal’ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Publisher

Tashaya Bacote

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Oct 2021

Latest episode

6 Jan 2025

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Jan 2025

   Sexuality and Stigma: Why Misogyny Fears Women’s Freedom

   In this episode, we dive headfirst into the cultural and systemic issue of misogyny and how it specifically targets women who are open about their sexuality. From the historical roots of slut-shaming to the damaging double standards that persist today, we explore how society polices women’s bodies and choices. We also discuss the personal and societal cost of these toxic norms, why empowerment through sexual liberation matters, and what we can do to break free from these outdated constraints. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink their own biases and take action toward change. Takeaways: Misogyny is deeply ingrained but not immutable. Recognizing it is the first step toward change. Slut-shaming is a reflection of societal insecurities, not personal failings. Women’s sexuality is not a threat to morality or decency—only to the systems that rely on controlling women. Empowerment looks different for everyone. Embracing your sexuality could mean exploring, setting boundaries, or simply living your truth without fear of judgment. Sexual liberation benefits all of us. Societies that embrace open, judgment-free conversations about sexuality experience lower rates of violence and stronger interpersonal relationships. It’s not enough to just talk about misogyny—we need to act. Here’s how you can make a difference today: Educate yourself. Dive into resources like books, podcasts, and articles that explore misogyny, slut-shaming, and sexual liberation. Speak up. When you hear someone slut-shaming or perpetuating double standards, challenge it—whether online or in person. Celebrate women’s autonomy. Support the women in your life who are unapologetically themselves. Encourage, don’t criticize. Join the conversation. Share this episode with your friends, and let us know your thoughts! Post on social media, tag us, and let’s keep this dialogue going. Until next time, remember: Women’s sexuality isn’t a threat—it’s a form of power. And power, my friends, is something no one can take away from you.

2. 

   17 Apr 2023

   Self Love: The Ultimate Act of Rebellion

   When was the last time you showed yourself the kind of love you give so freely to others? In a world that profits from our insecurities, choosing self-love is nothing short of a revolutionary act—and in this episode, we’re breaking it all down. Self-love isn’t just about bubble baths and feel-good mantras (though we’re all for that too). It’s about setting boundaries, embracing your worth, and rewriting the inner narrative that tells you you’re not enough. Here’s what we’re diving into: ✨ What self-love really means (hint: it’s not selfish!) ✨ How to silence the inner critic and stop seeking external validation ✨ Practical tips to prioritize your needs and protect your energy ✨ Why self-love is the foundation for healthier relationships and a happier life Through heartfelt stories, relatable insights, and a sprinkle of humor, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace yourself fully—flaws, quirks, and all. If you’ve been putting yourself last or struggling to feel “worthy,” this episode is your permission slip to start showing up for YOU. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join us for more empowering and transformational conversations this season. Your self-love journey starts now. Let’s rewrite the story—together.

3. 

   12 Sept 2022

   Self-Sabotage: Breaking Free from Your Own Worst Enemy

   Why do we stand in the way of our own success? Why do we set goals, dream big, and then—without warning—pull the rug out from under ourselves? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the messy, frustrating, and all-too-common phenomenon of self-sabotage. Whether it’s procrastination, perfectionism, or that little voice in your head whispering “you’re not good enough,” self-sabotage can hold us back from living the lives we truly want. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s what we’re uncovering: ✨ The psychology behind self-sabotage and where it stems from ✨ Common habits and behaviors that could be sabotaging your progress ✨ How fear of failure (and even fear of success) plays a role ✨ Practical tools to break free and start showing up for yourself Through raw insights, relatable stories, and a touch of humor, this episode is your guide to identifying self-sabotaging patterns and replacing them with habits that uplift and empower you. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or like you’re working against yourself, this conversation will help you turn things around. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more honest, empowering, and transformational conversations this season. Let’s take a closer look at what’s holding you back—and learn how to get out of your own way.

4. 

   5 Sept 2022

   Rape Culture: Breaking the Silence, Challenging the Norms

   In this powerful and unfiltered episode, we tackle the pervasive issue of rape culture—how it’s woven into our everyday lives, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways it shows up, and what we can do to challenge it. Rape culture isn’t just about individual acts—it’s about the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that normalize or excuse violence, harassment, and inequality. But the good news? Change begins with awareness, conversation, and action. Here’s what we’re unpacking in this episode: ✨ What rape culture is and how it manifests in society ✨ The role of media, language, and everyday interactions in perpetuating harmful norms ✨ How we can shift the narrative and call out problematic behaviors ✨ The importance of consent, education, and advocacy in dismantling rape culture With compassion, clarity, and a commitment to fostering change, we’re shedding light on a difficult yet crucial topic. Whether you’re looking to educate yourself, challenge harmful stereotypes, or become a more active ally, this episode offers insights and actionable steps to move forward. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more raw, real, and thought-provoking conversations this season. Together, we can confront these issues, amplify marginalized voices, and create a culture of respect and accountability. It starts now.

5. 

   29 Aug 2022

   Overstepping: When Boundaries Are Crossed and Lines Are Blurred

   In this episode, we’re diving into the art of boundaries—or more accurately, what happens when they’re ignored, crossed, or completely trampled. Whether it’s that friend who “borrows” too much of your time, a coworker who overshares a little too much, or even your own tendency to push limits, overstepping is a boundary issue we all encounter. But how do we recognize it, address it, and make sure we’re not the ones doing it? Here’s what you can expect: ✨ Signs someone is overstepping your boundaries (and how to spot it early) ✨ Why it’s so hard to say “no” (and why it’s one of the most empowering words you’ll ever use) ✨ How to confront boundary-pushers without feeling guilty ✨ Self-reflection: Are YOU unintentionally crossing the line? Through real-life examples, thoughtful insights, and a sprinkle of humor, we’re unpacking why boundaries are essential and how to enforce them with confidence and clarity. If you’ve ever felt drained, frustrated, or unsure about where you stand in relationships, this episode is your guide to reclaiming your personal space and peace of mind. 🎙️ Don’t forget to hit like, drop a comment, and subscribe to join us for more raw and real conversations this season. Let’s talk about protecting your energy, saying “no” with love, and building healthier connections—starting now.

6. 

   25 Apr 2022

   Fawning: When People-Pleasing Becomes Survival

   We’re kicking off Season 2 with a deep dive into a topic many of us can relate to but rarely discuss: fawning. You’ve heard of fight, flight, and freeze, but what about fawning? This often-overlooked trauma response is all about people-pleasing as a means of self-preservation. But where does it come from, and how can it impact our relationships, mental health, and sense of self? In this episode, we uncover: ✨ What fawning is and how it shows up in our daily lives ✨ The connection between fawning and trauma ✨ Why being “too nice” might be harming you more than helping you ✨ Practical steps to break free from people-pleasing patterns With wit, compassion, and a few hard truths, we’re shedding light on this survival strategy and giving you the tools to reclaim your voice and boundaries. If you’ve ever felt like you say “yes” to everything (even when you want to scream “no”), this episode is for you. 🎙️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for the rest of Season 2! Let’s talk about healing, boundaries, and finding your true self—starting now.

7. 

   17 Jan 2022

   Trauma

   Let's discuss trauma and how society treats victims of trauma and how to cope.

8. 

   10 Jan 2022

   Toxicity

   Let's discuss toxic relationships and what to do if you find yourself in one.

9. 

   5 Jan 2022

   Religious Views

   Let's discuss different points of view in religion and why you shouldn't feel forced to believe in something you don't agree with.

10. 

    28 Dec 2021

    Conformity

    Let's discuss following societal norms and why it's ok to be different.

11. 

    20 Dec 2021

    Grief

    Let's discuss how to deal with grief and how to cope in a society that is unaccepting of your loss.

12. 

    14 Dec 2021

    Gender Bias

    Let's discuss gender bias and what society thinks is normal

13. 

    6 Dec 2021

    Anxiety

    Let's discuss anxiety and how to navigate life while coping with it

14. 

    30 Nov 2021

    Self-Care

    Let's discuss why self-care is important and some tips to follow to avoid burnout.

15. 

    22 Nov 2021

    Gaslighting

    Let's discuss gaslighting and why you should be aware of this behavior

16. 

    15 Nov 2021

    Boundaries

    We are going to discuss setting healthy boundaries in life to protect your mental health.

17. 

    8 Nov 2021

    Placating

    Let's discuss placating and why this behavior can have negative effects.

18. 

    1 Nov 2021

    Entitlement

    Let's discuss family entitlement and why you deserve to live your life in peace.

19. 

    25 Oct 2021

    Intro

    I'm going to cover a few things we will be discussing throughout this series and why I started this podcast.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32