Pregnancy, Politics and Public Perception: The Double Standards Women Face in Politics

Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Lisa Vedernikova Khanna for a compelling conversation about politics, identity, motherhood, and what it’s like running for office while pregnant. Lisa shares her journey from growing up in Russia to building a life in the United States, eventually stepping into the political arena and discovering firsthand how difficult it can be to balance public expectations, personal ambition, and family life all at once.Adam and Lisa dive into her campaign experience, including the reactions she received while running for office during pregnancy and the unique challenges women—especially mothers—often face in politics. Lisa opens up about navigating stereotypes, managing public perception, and why pregnancy unexpectedly became one of the biggest talking points of her campaign. Together, they explore the broader cultural expectations placed on women in leadership and how those expectations shape the way candidates are viewed by voters and the media.The conversation also explores Lisa’s perspective as an immigrant from Russia and how her background shaped the way she views politics, opportunity, and civic engagement in America. Adam and Lisa discuss the emotional complexity of adapting to a new culture while still holding onto parts of your identity, as well as the importance of having more nuanced, human conversations around politics instead of reducing people to labels or headlines.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to run for office as a woman, how motherhood impacts political careers, or how cultural identity shapes the way we engage with politics and community, this episode offers an honest and thought-provoking perspective on leadership, resilience, and authenticity.Learn more about Lisa Vedernikova Khanna here.Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions.Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dcOther ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast:Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcastCredits:Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce