What would you do if you weren’t afraid of failing? Dr. Sonora Jha., essayist, novelist, and professor of journalism at Seattle University, is the embodiment of this very question. From forsaking math and sciences growing up in Mumbai, to entering the male-dominiated field of journalism, to writing the memoir “How to Raise a Feminist Son'' and the novel “The Laughter” (which is told from a white male perspective), today’s guest has consistently defied societal expectations. True to her life story, Dr. Jha doesn't mince words. She fearlessly dives into charged topics like 'patriarchy,' 'white supremacy,' and 'the male gaze,' revealing how these forces influence both societal norms and our personal choices. Prepare for a fascinating, honest and insightful conversation that touches on love, feminism, identity, how we tell our own stories, and so much more, including:How discovering the freedom to fail allowed Dr. Jha to explore her passion for storytellingThe challenges of working in a male-dominated fieldThe harsh truths about the 'having it all' mythExploring the crossroads of white supremacy and colonization and their impact on education, culture, and our personal choicesDr. Jha’s journey writing from the white male perspective in "The Laughter" and how it became a vehicle for truth and self-expression as a brown womanThe revelation that we're all unreliable narrators in our life stories and the complexities of human perception and storytellingThe challenges of being a woman of color in a relationship with a conservative white man, exploring the intricate dance of love and politicsRediscovering the beauty in the institution of marriage and choosing love over fear in our daily lives and relationshipsOUR GUEST: Sonora Jha, PhD, is a renowned essayist, novelist, and journalism professor at Seattle University. She's the author of 'How to Raise a Feminist Son,' 'Foreign,' and 'The Laughter.' Sonora's op-eds and essays have graced publications like the New York Times and The Establishment. With an extensive background in journalism, she's taught writing at prestigious institutions like Hugo House and Hedgebrook Writers’ Retreat and serves on the boards of Hedgebrook Writers’ Retreat, Artist Trust, and Hugo House.Want more Dr. Jha? Find her and her books online at https://www.sonorajha.com/ and follow her on:Instagram: @sonorajha1Facebook: @sonorajha Twitter: @ProfSonoraJha Want more Hotter Than Ever? Find us online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com and sign up for our mailing list! Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090728330453 Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode! We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review on Apple Podcasts!Mentioned in this episode:Broad CollectiveLearn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com. Apply to join Broad Collective at https://broad-collective-co.mn.co/landing