Fresh Take: Leah Ruppanner on "DRAINED" and What the 'Mental Load' Really Means

Are women really better at all the things we do? Or are we just used to doing more?

Amy talks with sociologist and author Leah Ruppanner, author of the new book DRAINED, about her definition of the "mental load" and why so many women feel constantly overwhelmed.

Leah defines the mental load as much more than keeping track of tasks. It’s deeply emotional work tied to caring for others, anticipating needs, and managing relationships.

In this interview Leah breaks down the different types of mental load, from organizing daily life to providing emotional support, maintaining relationships, creating special moments for families, and supporting everyone else’s goals. While many partners contribute in visible ways, much of this broader, invisible work still falls to women.

Leah also shares a practical framework for evaluating your mental load: understanding where your energy is going, who you’re carrying, and what you can delegate, drop, or rebalance. When reducing the load isn’t possible, rest and recovery become essential. Think of yourself as the family MVP.

This episode is a reminder that the mental load is real, complex, and worth examining—and that making it visible is the first step toward meaningful change.

Here's where you can find Leah:

• @prof.leahruppanner on Instagram, TikTok
• The Miss Perceived Podcast
• https://www.leahruppanner.com
• Buy DRAINED: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593850909

What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.

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