Show Notes
Today on the podcast Rain is joined by writer and musician, Kathleen Hanna. Their conversation travels from shared memories of being in bands in the 90’s, Kathleen’s thoughts on feminism today, how anger can motivate and harm creativity, the importance of self care and why it’s best to ditch toxic relationships. Kathleen’s memoir REBEL GIRL is out now. We then hear from the incredibly inspiring writer and filmmaker Naz Riahi, who shares what it was like to work with Kathleen on Rebel Girl, how music found her in Iran as a child, what inspires her, and what’s next for her creatively. Tune in to this power hour of conversation at LaunchLeft.com/podcast.
-----------------
LAUNCHLEFT OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.launchleft.com
LAUNCHLEFT PATREON https://www.patreon.com/LaunchLeft
TWITTER https://twitter.com/LaunchLeft
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/launchleft/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/LaunchLeft
---------------------
LaunchLeft Podcast hosted by Rain Phoenix is an intentional space for Art and Activism where famed creatives launch new artists. LaunchLeft is an alliance of left-of-center artists, a curated ecosystem that includes a podcast, label and NFT gallery.
---------------------
IN THIS EPISODE:
[5:25] How much has feminism changed since the 80s? What is the state of feminism today?
[10:54] What is an internal positive belief that has stayed with Kathleen since childhood that she still draws upon?
[12:24] Are all art forms the same or different in the process of creating?
[18:26] Does anger motivate Kathleen when she is writing?
[29:03] What does Kathleen do for self care while on the road?
[37:44] What is Kathleen’s advice for young women?
[41:05] How did music find Kathleen?
[43:20] Kathleen introduces Naz Riahi and explains why she tipped her hat to Naz.
[49:31] Naz joins the show and shares about what it was like working with Kathleen.
[52:52] What about working with Kathleen influenced Naz’s own work or inspired her as a writer?
[56:16] How did music find Naz?
[58:36] What is next for Naz?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[24:47] We’re all creators, we all have the ability. We’re creating every day by being alive, we are creating our reality, we’re creating the future of what we want to be and say and do in the world.
[38:12] If you find yourself in a toxic relationship with someone, whether that be a friend, family or lover, step away. Those toxic people are standing in the way of other people who are waiting for an opportunity to be in your life.
[55:11] Take chances to try new things and allow opportunities into your life, but if you are finding those things take away from your energy to do the things you love, then you know those are not for you.
RESOURCE LINKS:
LaunchLeft Podcast Smart Link
Links for Kathleen Hanna:
Kathleen Hanna's Website
Kathleen Hanna's Instagram
Kathleen Hanna's TikTok
Bikini Kill Website
Bikini Kill Instagram
Bikini Kill Twitter
Bikini Kill Bandcamp
Bikini Kill YouTube
Le Tigre World Instagram
Le Tigre World Facebook
Links for Naz Riahi
Naz Riahi's Website
Naz Riahi's Instagram
BIOGRAPHIES:
Katheleen Hanna:
Kathleen Hanna is a punk singer, artist, and the front-woman of the influential bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. Hanna is a staple in feminist publications, from college curriculums to bestselling books, and a leading voice in the punk feminist movement. She has been named one of the best live performers of our time, earning acclaim from Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR, Interview Magazine, V Magazine, Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, BUST Magazine, NYLON and Los Angeles Times, to name a few.
Naz Riahi:
Naz Riahi (she/her) is a filmmaker, writer and artist. Much of her work explores the spaces, emotions and opportunities and humor of reaching for connection, informed by her experiences as an immigrant from Iran.
She was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film. Her short film Sincerely,
More from LaunchLeft
Musician, photographer and writer Melissa Auf der Maur shares stories from her memoir Even the Good Girls Will Cry and her pro human artistic approach. She explores her analog era artistic process from her touring years before digital media transformed creative culture.
Guest host Rich Tupica sits down for an electrifying John Flansburgh interview, diving headfirst into four decades of They Might Be Giants magic. John shares insider stories about their latest album, The World Is to Dig, the true craft behind pop music songwriting, wild vocal lessons, and why staying curious keeps an indie band thriving.
Music icons Chuck D of Public Enemy and John Densmore of The Doors explore the concept of LaunchLeft and examine how raw creative expression bridges generations. The conversation centers on the intersection of hip hop and poetry, highlighting how rhythms and spoken word art carry powerful cultural histories.
Shepard Fairey hosts cultural icons Chuck D of Public Enemy and John Densmore of The Doors as they discuss their groundbreaking collaboration, DOPE | No Country for Old Men. What happens when different genres collide with a purpose? Their conversation explores activism, artistic responsibility, hip hop and rock history, creative evolution, spoken word, poetry, social change, and the power of music to challenge systems. Together, they reveal how generations of artists can unite to create meaningful work in a time of distraction and division.
Today on LaunchLeft, guest host Rich Tupica chats with Jenny Lee Lindberg for a candid conversation about longevity and creativity, collaboration, and artistic independence. Jenny opens up about balancing music and painting, Warpaint’s evolving future, and finding freedom through visual art. Then, Jenny launches Sierra Swan, who reflects on growing up around music, self-producing her work, and embracing a fearless DIY spirit. Together, they discuss Los Angeles nightlife, artistic authenticity, dance, and why creating without compromise matters more than ever.