Paula Scanlan, former University of Pennsylvania swimmer and team member with transgender athlete Lia Thomas, sits down with Bridget to discuss her experience on the team, her decision to speak up about the controversial issue, and ultimately testifying before Congress. She and Bridget talk about how the university tried to silence the athletes, being unable to express discomfort or feelings of unfairness, being told that they are the ones with the problem, waiting for the adults in the room to step in, and making the difficult decision to speak up even when she knew the backlash she'd face would be brutal. They cover the pressure of group think, why all of this coming on the heels of Covid made it so much worse, teaching young women not to trust themselves, why this issue should not be a political one, the worry of being fired for her viewpoints, hearing from a lot of young women who are scared, how Paula's sexual assault red pilled her, and her work to enact policy change with the Independent Women's Forum.
Bridget Phetasy admires grit and authenticity. On Walk-Ins Welcome, she talks about the beautiful failures and frightening successes of her own life and the lives of her guests. She doesn’t conduct interviews—she has conversations. Conversations with real people about the real struggle and will remind you that we can laugh in pain and cry in joy but there’s no greater mistake than hiding from it all. By embracing it all, and celebrating it with the stories she’ll bring listeners, she believes that our lowest moments can be the building blocks for our eventual fulfillment.
The High Cost of Speaking Up For Women - Paula Scanlan