Podcast Summary: The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast – Episode 557: Balancing Pregnancy, Motherhood and Work | Riley Gains

In Episode 557 of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson interviews Riley Gaines, a distinguished activist and former NCAA All-American swimmer. This comprehensive discussion delves into Riley's journey from athletic excellence to influential activism, her recent life changes, and her strategies for balancing motherhood with her demanding work.

1. Personal Milestones and Life Changes

Announcement of Pregnancy

The episode begins with Riley Gaines sharing joyous news about her pregnancy:

• [00:35] Riley Gaines: "We actually just announced we are expecting a little baby girl."

Dr. Peterson congratulates her and explores the implications of this significant life event on her busy schedule.

Embracing Motherhood

Riley expresses her anticipation and preparedness for motherhood:

• [04:27] Riley Gaines: "I have been blessed to have the capacity to do so and there was no issues or problems or fertility issues. It just feels so right, so natural."

She emphasizes that motherhood aligns with her familial values and personal purpose, rejecting the notion that it would disrupt her life negatively.

2. Transition from Dentistry to Activism

Educational Aspirations

Initially, Riley was on a clear path toward a career in dentistry, backed by impressive academic achievements and scholarships:

• [19:19] Riley Gaines: "...had plans to not be doing what I am doing now... I was set to be in dental school... I couldn't imagine the alternative."

Catalyst for Change

A pivotal moment occurred during a national swimming championship, where Riley faced direct adversity:

• [23:33] Riley Gaines: "After that national championships... my husband proposed to me. I knew... he was the person for me."

This personal upheaval prompted her to reevaluate her career prospects in favor of activism. Encouraged by the dental school admissions office, she chose to prioritize her impactful work over dentistry:

• [22:23] Riley Gaines: "She said... 'you will have far more impact fighting that fight than you will ever have being a dentist.'"

3. Activism and Legislative Impact

Focus on Women's Sports Fairness

Riley has been a formidable advocate against the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports, spearheading legislative changes in 28 states:

• [38:49] Riley Gaines: "There are 28 states now that have passed some sort of fairness and women's sports bill, ultimately preventing men's participation in women's sports and vice versa."

Strategic Legislative Efforts

Her activism encompasses drafting legislation, educating lawmakers, and testifying before state legislatures:

• [32:11] Riley Gaines: "Traveling all over the nation to help draft legislation, to speak with lawmakers, teach them how to talk about these issues, to testify."

Defining Gender in Legislation

Riley emphasizes the importance of legally defining gender terms to uphold fairness in sports and other areas:

• [78:39] Riley Gaines: "Defining words like man, woman, girl, boy... they use these words, sex and gender identity interchangeably, although they mean different things entirely."

4. Overcoming Challenges and Opposition

Facing Criticism

Riley confronts labels like "grifter" from detractors but counters these accusations by highlighting her genuine ethical stance:

• [40:01] Riley Gaines: "The support in comparison to the hatred is tenfold... keeping that perspective as well."

Psychological Insights

Dr. Peterson provides psychological context, suggesting that opposition stems from malicious envy rather than genuine fairness concerns:

• [26:13] Dr. Peterson: "The claims... are actually being made by people who... despise merit."

Resilience Through Faith and Family

Riley attributes her resilience to her faith and the support of her family, which fortifies her against negativity:

• [77:26] Riley Gaines: "Knowing that it's a little girl, it only reinforces the necessity and the urgency... full steam ahead."

5. Balancing Motherhood and Activism

Planning for Parenthood

Riley outlines her strategy to manage her activism alongside her impending motherhood, leveraging her supportive husband and family proximity:

• [82:57] Riley Gaines: "She’s due in September, so already have things on the book end of October... I'm ready to go."

Maintaining Momentum

Despite the upcoming changes, Riley is determined to continue her activism unabated:

• [78:39] Riley Gaines: "Full steam ahead. That's how I view it."

6. Future Plans and Continued Advocacy

Expansion of Legislative Efforts

Looking ahead, Riley aims to influence gender definitions and further legislative reforms in more states:

• [84:01] Riley Gaines: "There are 16 states that have passed what we have dubbed as the Women's Bill of Rights... lots of work to do there."

Engaging Younger Generations

Riley is also extending her outreach to high schools, recognizing the importance of influencing impressionable youth:

• [35:35] Riley Gaines: "Just... I realized the other side, they don't have an age to which they're not willing to talk to... speaking the truth to all ages."

Podcasting and Media Presence

To amplify her message, Riley has launched her own podcast, Gains for Girls, featuring influential figures and everyday people impacted by these issues:

• [85:02] Riley Gaines: "I have a podcast with Outkick. It's called Gains for Girls... it's fantastic."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Riley Gaines [04:27]: "I have been blessed to have the capacity to do so and there was no issues or problems or fertility issues. It just feels so right, so natural."

• Riley Gaines [22:23]: "You will have far more impact fighting that fight than you will ever have being a dentist."

• Dr. Jordan Peterson [26:13]: "The claims... are actually being made by people who... despise merit."

• Riley Gaines [40:01]: "The support in comparison to the hatred is tenfold... keeping that perspective as well."

• Riley Gaines [78:39]: "Full steam ahead. That's how I view it."

• Riley Gaines [85:02]: "I have a podcast with Outkick. It's called Gains for Girls... it's fantastic."

Conclusion

This episode offers a deep dive into Riley Gaines' unwavering commitment to advocating for fairness in women's sports amidst personal and societal challenges. Her journey exemplifies the balancing act between personal milestones and public activism, underscored by a profound sense of duty and ethical conviction. As she prepares to welcome her daughter, Riley remains steadfast in her mission, illustrating how personal and professional lives can intersect to drive meaningful societal change.