Have you ever wondered why women’s stories keep disappearing from history—and what that means for our lives today?
In this episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, I talk with two-time New York Times bestselling author and sociologist Anna Malaika Tubbs about her book Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us and how patriarchy was intentionally designed into the United States’ founding structures to keep power with white elite men through rights like land ownership and voting.
Anna shares how her global, nomadic upbringing shaped her belief that change is possible, and she opens up about personal hardships, including losing her mother at 29 and facing sexism, racism, and ageism in the spotlight as her husband rose in politics. We discuss how American history is a constant tug-of-war between those defending the original social order and those fighting for a real democracy, why Black women have been central to recognizing the system as constructed, why some women still defend patriarchy through proximity to power, and what it looks like to stay spiritually grounded while taking action.
Listen to the episode here
Watch the episode here
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Art of Badassery podcast, where our host, Jenn Cassetta, Chief Badassery Officer, engages in a meaningful discussion with Anna Malaika Tubbs, a two-time New York Times bestselling author and multidisciplinary expert on race, gender, and equity. Through their insightful conversation, they delve into Anna’s unique upbringing, her compelling books, and her fight against the constructs of patriarchy.
Anna’s Multifaceted Background
Anna began her life in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but her parents’ desire for a nomadic lifestyle took her to places around the globe, from Dubai to Estonia. This exposure to diverse cultures developed Anna’s passion for social justice and laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. With impressive academic accomplishments, including a PhD in sociology and a master’s in gender studies from Cambridge, Anna brings a wide lens to the subjects she’s passionate about.
The Power of Positivity
Anna shares how her optimism shapes her worldview. Despite facing challenges like losing her mother and being consistently underestimated, Anna reframes struggles as transformative experiences. Her strong belief in the power of positivity fuels her dedication to contribute to societal progress through her work.
Three Takeaways from This Episode:
Understanding Historical Constructs:
- Anna stresses that American patriarchy was strategically embedded into the nation’s founding, with a concerted effort to maintain a social order that favored white elite men. Recognizing this fact is essential to understanding systemic oppression and working towards authentic equality.
The Role of Women in Progress:
- Anna highlights the crucial role women, particularly black women, have played in challenging and dismantling systems of oppression. Her work illuminates the stories of women whose contributions have been historically erased, urging us to appreciate the profound impact women have had in shaping society.
Envisioning a True Democracy:
- Anna advocates for a true democracy where everyone’s voice is valued and represented. This involves pushing for mandatory voting and ensuring no one’s right to vote is unjustly stripped away. Her vision extends beyond simply dismantling patriarchy; it’s about crafting a society where equity is the norm.
The Journey with Anna’s Books
Anna’s first book, “The Three Mothers: How The Mothers of MLK Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation,” sheds light on the incredible, yet often overlooked, contributions of these mothers. Her second book, “Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us,” delves deeper into how patriarchy has influenced the nation’s history and present, challenging us to rethink and strive for inclusivity in all spheres of life.
Conclusion
Jenn and Anna wrap up their conversation with an exploration of how present-day movements contribute to dismantling long-standing patriarchal systems, offering hope for a future where everyone’s humanity is acknowledged and celebrated. Anna Malaika Tubbs’s insights and efforts encourage us all to be active participants in forging a better world.
Stay Connected
To continue conversations like this or engage with Anna’s work, consider purchasing her books or connecting with her on social media platforms. Her commitment to social justice and equity sets a powerful example for all striving to rewrite our collective history.
Thank You for Being Part of the Change
Thank you for tuning in with an open heart and mind. Together, we can elevate the frequency and vibration of the planet by contributing to progress and encouraging inclusivity. Until next time, stay inspired!
Important Links
- Website – https://annamalaikatubbs.com/
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/annamalaikatubbs
- New Book Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From US
- First Book The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped A Nation
- Subscribe to Jenn’s newsletter so you never miss an episode
- Book Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo
- Burnout to Badass
- The 6 Habits Of High Performance With Jenn Cassetta – Past episode
- Art of Badassery Retreat
- Art of Badassery Newsletter
About Anna Malaika Tubbs
Anna Malaika Tubbs is a 2x New York Times bestselling author and multidisciplinary expert on current and historical understandings of race, gender, and equity. With a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Master’s in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge in addition to a Bachelor’s in Medical Anthropology from Stanford University, Anna translates her academic knowledge into stories that are clear and engaging. Her articles have been published by TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, Newsweek, The Guardian, and others. Her first book, The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of MLK Jr, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation came out in 2021; her second book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us came out in May of 2025. Anna’s storytelling also takes form in her talks, including her TED Talk that has been viewed 2 million times, as well as the scripted and unscripted screen projects she has in development. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their three kids.
Learn more about Anna Malaika Tubbs at https://annamalaikatubbs.com/.
