You’ve seen Liz Plank before. If you watch the news, you’ve seen her as a correspondent, representative or expert speaking on behalf of women across the nation.
If you don’t watch the news, you’ve seen her on Divided States of Women.
The journalist, producer and political correspondent at Vox is now the host of the new show ‘Divided States of Women’ — a community that aims to disrupt the idea that there is a uni-dimensional female perspective. The series digs into controversial issues that affect every woman in America, uncovering an array of opinions and stories through unfiltered conversations and playful social experiments.
From breaking down new laws to economic facts on tampons, Plank has become our number one source for unfiltered news in a world where women are traditionally ignored or left out.
Words of Women had the chance to ‘get into the mind’ of Liz Plank and her answers are the epitome of, well, Liz Plank…
When was the last time you cried?
Two days ago.
Do you remember your dreams?
Almost always.
What’s your favorite smell?
Waffles.
Describe your mood right now in one word.
Hungry.
Favorite quality in a woman?
Resilience.
Favorite quality in a man?
Self-awareness.
What’s a word your friends would use to describe you?
Loud.
What’s a word your family would use to describe you?
Very loud.
What are you reading right now?
Bell Hooks’ The will to change.
What are you watching right now?
The Bachelor and I will not apologize.
Is there anything you’re really craving at the moment?
Pudding Chômeur. It’s a French-Canadian desert that’s basically a sponge cake bathing in a tub of maple syrup, it’s the best thing in the world.
What is your greatest fear?
Running out of time to do all the things I want to do and tell all the people I love that I love them.
What historical figure do you most identify with?
Audrey Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Empathy, probably.
Favorite motto?
‘Organize the rage’ – Shirley Chisholm
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I think there’s a special place in hell for people who don’t hold doors for others. I mostly just hate to see people miss opportunities to help each other. Give up the seat. Open the door. Help them cross. You’re not that busy.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Fear and how much power it has over me.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
My family.
Favorite work of art or piece of art that moves you?
My sister is my favorite artist and has always moved me with her creations. Most recently, I’ve really gotten into the work of Quil Lemons in his latest Glitter Boy series where he takes photos of black men with glitter on their faces to critique toxic masculinity. Also the Words of Women account is pretty lit 🙂
What is your greatest regret?
Anytime I’ve said no to whipped cream.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be the best, just do your best. That’s what my dad always told me.
One thing you’d tell your 9-year-old self?
Never stop asking your parents to let you audition to become a Barney kid.
If you could live in any film, which would you choose?
That island with no men in Wonder Woman.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Creative brainstorms.
What is your least favorite part of your job?
All the exclamation points I feel like I need to add to any declarative sentence.
What is one thing you want to overcome/conquer?
All the insecurities I’ve been taught to have as a woman. My goal in life is to have the internal monologue of a mediocre white guy.
What do you do to combat stress?
I sign up for weird aerobic workout classes and act real extra.
What do you want to do tomorrow you couldn’t do today?
Clean my bathtub.
What’s your definition of success?
When my mom likes my video. When a teacher says they used a video in class. When an interview subject gets donations, money or opportunities that allow them to make the impact they want in the world.
Watch Liz on Divided States of Women
