Welcome back, dear listeners, to Season 4 of "A Season of Me Stories"! Can you believe it? We've been together in the podcast world for a whole year now, and I couldn't be more thrilled to dive into another season of conversations about the different seasons of life. To kick off this season, our first episode is titled "Barbie, Preachers, & John Wayne - Things We Talked about this Summer".

Now, you might be thinking that I'm a little late to the game by discussing the Barbie movie. But trust me, this movie was a big deal this summer and sparked countless conversations. What started as a simple idea for a podcast episode soon grew into something more significant. As I watched the movie with my family, I found myself captivated by the themes it explored, particularly the relationships between men and women, as well as the society we've built.

In one pivotal moment, the movie's creator has a conversation with Barbie, giving her the choice to either remain in the plastic world or become fully human. This scene hit me hard as a mother of four daughters, making me reflect on the hopes and dreams I have for them in a world that continues to evolve. It reminded me of the autonomy we possess, and the responsibility to shape the future we pass on to future generations.

Throughout the Barbie movie, numerous aspects of femininity, masculinity, and our societal realities are delved into. An article by Amy Peeler, titled "Neither Barbie Nor Ken," brilliantly emphasizes that neither Barbie nor Ken should overshadow others or diminish the importance of partnership. The goal should be finding ways to live as equals, acknowledging the existing inequalities and striving for a balanced society.

As I contemplated the movie's message, I couldn't help but recall Kristen Kobes Du Mez's book, "Jesus and John Wayne," which discusses the corruption of Western culture on our faith and the elevation of toxic masculinity. This reminded me of the importance of maintaining true Christian values of love, compassion, and inclusivity, rather than succumbing to harmful patriarchal ideologies.

Join me as we explore these thought-provoking topics and dive into how our history and culture have shaped our identities and relationships. While I may not have all the answers, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have these conversations and explore the intersection of faith, feminism, and societal progress.

So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's embark on this exciting journey together in Season 4 of "A Season of Me Stories"!

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