The Bird Degree
Let Your Curiosity Take Flight!
The educational wing of Toil and Trouble Media, we specialize in unearthing the histories and lessons the system tried to bury. From deep-dives into our podcast catalog to sharp institutional analysis, we provide the context they didn't want you to have.
Join us on our website and free Substack to dig up the truth.
Jenuinely Jennifer
Writer, Researcher and Word Ninja Jennifer Beck has many notable qualities.
A filter is not one of them.
Between her travels and many adventures, she often finds herself in the most unforgettable situations with the most curious characters.
Instead of keeping them to herself, she shares every head-scratching moment with you.
And you’ll never believe where the story takes her.
Read Jenuinely Jennifer now!
Erin the Engineer
It’s not easy being the smart kid.
The poor kid.
And the kid that didn’t fit in.
Erin Iris has been all of those things.
But as she grew, she began to accept herself for the powerful soul she is. And the experience meant everything.
Read Erin the Engineer now!
De-Mystifying Mistie
Mental health, human behavior, and the systems we navigate every day can feel incredibly complex-shrouded in clinical jargon, pop-psychology trends, and societal expectations that tell us to shrink rather than grow. But healing shouldn’t be a mystery, and you shouldn’t have to go it alone.
De-mystifying Mistie is dedicated to stripping away the noise from the real, unfiltered truths of the human experience.
Hosted by Mistie (a licensed therapist, unshakeable optimist, lifelong book lover, and serious caffeine enthusiast) this column is a space where deep clinical insight meets real-world resilience. Mistie has spent years balancing the beautiful chaos of family, fighting through institutional systems to claim her own path, and learning firsthand what it takes to stand your ground and advocate for the vulnerable.
Whether she is dissecting the psychological depths of a favorite book, breaking down complex relationship dynamics, or offering practical, evidence-based coping mechanisms for everyday life, Mistie brings a brilliant analytical mind and a fierce, compassionate heart to every topic.
So, grab your favorite mug, open your mind, and let’s pull back the curtain on mental wellness with honest perspectives, sharp advocacy, and a fresh perspective, one book and brew at a time.