Hysteria

The new American pope is here, Trump is fast-tracking white South African refugees, the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial has begun, and Erin and Alyssa are here to break it down. They also do a deep dive into wellness influencer Casey Means, who might just be the next U.S. surgeon general. They wrap up with a conversation about Karoline Leavitt's super mom status and Adidas' new down syndrome accessible shoe program.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.“She Was Tearful About It”: The Nuances of Casey Means's Medical Exit and Antiestablishment Origins (Vanity Fair 5/9)Casey Means: influencer, RFK Jr favorite – and Trump's pick for surgeon general (The Guardian 5/11)How a post #MeToo law opened the floodgates for allegations against Sean 'Diddy' Combs (NPR 5/7)The trial of Sean Combs: What you need to know (NPR 5/12) Quakers march against Trump's crackdown on immigrants, carrying on a long tradition (LA Times 5/11)Episcopal Church says it won't help resettle white South Africans granted refugee status in US (AP News 5/12)Pope Leo XIV calls for Gaza ceasefire in first Sunday message (Al Jazeera 5/11)Pope calls for journalists to be released from prison (BBC 5/12)

Erin and Alyssa are together IN PERSON to discuss the latest news from the Texas bill that would mandate wastewater testing for mifepristone, to how Janet Mills' resistance to funding cuts paid off, to a preview of the papal conclave. Then Parker Molloy, author of The Present Age newsletter, joins for a conversation about the problems with the mainstream media's coverage of the Trump administration's attacks on transgender youth. Finally, in Sani-Petty they discuss podcasts that are keeping them sane.  The Debt GalaAssigned MediaErin in the Morning 'We won': Maine Gov. Mills celebrates state's legal settlement with USDA over funding freeze (WMTW 5/2)NIH cancels participation in Safe to Sleep campaign that decreased infant deaths (Stat  4/30)Former Vice President Pence defends Constitution after getting Profile in Courage Award (AP 5/5)Bizarre Texas Bill Wants to Test the Water for Birth Control, Abortion Pills (Jezebel 4/23)Major News Outlets Can't Bring Themselves to Call Conversion Therapy What It Is (The Present Age 5/5)Who are the main contenders to be the next pope? (Al Jazeera 5/5)Vatican to deactivate mobile phone signal ahead of secret meeting to elect new pope (CNN 5/6)

Erin and Alyssa unpack how the suspension of the de minimis exemption will affect our shopping habits, Trump's exploitation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and conservative women's media desire to “make America hot again.” Then the Pitt's Katherine LaNasa, aka Nurse Dana, joins to talk about the making of America's favorite TV show and where she drew inspiration from for her kick ass character. They finish up with a very petty examination of Bill Belichick's age-gap relationship.Trump is ending this tariff loophole for low-cost packages. Here's what that could mean for consumers (PBS 4/24)Trump's Tariffs Prompt Wave of Lawsuits as States and Businesses Fight Back (NYT 4/27)The Women Who Want to Make America Hot Again (Glamour 4/25)Now comes the ‘womanosphere': the anti-feminist media telling women to be thin, fertile and Republican (Guardian 4/24)

Donald Trump has waged a war on children, and activist and founder of Moms First, Reshma Saujani, joins to discuss how the administration's policies harm mothers. Erin and Alyssa also cover Pete Hegseth's leaky group chats, RFK Jr.'s plans to create a registry of autistic Americans, and the future of the Take It Down Act. They wrap it up in the sanity corner with praise for Jack Shlossberg's TikTok and uplifting news from the Professional Women's Hockey League. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.What to Know About Pope Francis' Death (NYT 4/21)Elon Musk says he's taking a step back from DOGE after Tesla "blowback" (AXIOS 4/22)Trump backed a bill on nonconsensual intimate images — but he fired its enforcers (The 19th* 4/17)Exclusive: The White House is looking to replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary (NPR 4/21)Internal budget document reveals extent of Trump's proposed health cuts (WaPo 4/16)Kennedy Claimed Autism ‘Destroys' Lives. Autistic People Disagree. (NYT 4/18)White House Assesses Ways to Persuade Women to Have More Children (NYT 4/21)Larry David: My Dinner With Adolf (NYT 4/21)  

RFK Jr. is gutting the CDC, Elon Musk has a breeding fetish, Speaker Mike Johnson does not want new mothers to vote in Congress, and Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are here to break it down. They also dive into how Trump's tariffs are impacting the luxury goods economy and whether anyone wants to buy a Louis Vuitton bag made in Texas. They wrap up in the Sanity Corner with some petty commentary about Cheryl Hines and JD Vance.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.The Tactics Elon Musk Uses to Manage His ‘Legion' of Babies—and Their Mothers (WSJ 4/15)Rep. Pettersen says it was 'difficult' decision to bring infant son to House floor to fight for proxy voting (ABC 4/2)CDC's cruise ship inspectors laid off amid bad year for outbreaks (CBS News 4/10)HHS taps anti-vaccine activist to look at debunked links between autism and vaccines, sources say (NBC NEWS 3/26)'A pretty stark moment for us,' Milwaukee health officials denied federal assistance in ongoing lead crisis (ABC Wisn 4/14)

Samantha Bee joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to discuss the latest on Trump's tariffs, I.C.E. 's partnership with the I.R.S., and Laura Loomer in the Oval Office. They also have an honest conversation about their journey through menopause, which is a struggle for everybody, even Oprah. Then Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett joins for some real talk about D.O.G.E., the stock market, and Elon Musk.  For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Listen to Samantha Bee's How To Survive Menopause special hereI.R.S. Agrees to Share Migrants' Tax Information With ICE (NYT 4/8)Between tariffs and survival, American business owners are doing alarming math (NPR 4/7)Trump Family's Cash Registers Ring as Financial Meltdown Plays Out (NYT 4/5)White House advisers have kept Laura Loomer at bay for months. Then, Trump invited her in (CNN 4/5)‘I screamed and the world listened': how astronaut Amanda Nguyen survived rape to fight for other victims (The Guardian 3/5)

Samantha Bee joins Hysteria to talk reproductive health funding, special elections, and the White House Correspondents' Dinner. They don't feel bad for criticizing Kristi Noem's outfits, and they do feel a little bad that Elise Stefanik lost her cabinet position. Sam also gets in touch with her Canadian roots and gives the inside perspective on how America's craziness is affecting our neighbors to the North. Then comedian Kiran Deol chats with Alyssa about some more hopeful, uplifting news stories. They wrap up with a Sanity Corner discussion of Shen Yun and figure skating.Watch Kiran Deol's special starting April 9th - https://www.comedydynamics.com/catalog/kiran-deol-joysuck/Alysa Liu figure skating (Instagram)Shen Yun: The Dark Side of a Dance Troupe (NYT 4/2)Canadians Know Americans. They Don't Want to Be One. (NYT 3/22)Comic Amber Ruffin cut from White House correspondents' event after angering Trump team (AP 3/31)Inside Trump's shock decision to pull the plug on Elise Stefanik's nomination (NBC News 3/28)Taxpayers had to foot Kristi Noem's huge travel bill last year, new data shows (Independent 3/30)Human rights groups rebuke Kristi Noem's visit to El Salvador prison: ‘political theater' (The Guardian 3/27)Usha Vance Greenland Plans Changed After People Refused to Meet Her: Report (Newsweek 3/28)Newly Approved Tartan Design Memorializes Those Persecuted Under Scotland's Witchcraft Act (The Wild Hunt 2/19)

Monica Lewinsky and Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow join for a very special episode of Hysteria. Mallory and Alyssa discuss Trump's systematic dismantling of the Department of Education, Lisa Murkowski's scathing read of the Republican Party, and their media diets. Then Monica shares behind-the-scenes stories from her new podcast and what reclaiming means to her. They wrap up with a petty rant about Usha Vance and a wholesome story of community coming together.USDA cancels $500M in food deliveries, leaving food banks scrambling (WaPo 3/24)Greenland's leader says US officials' visit is ‘highly aggressive.' Trump says it's ‘friendliness, not provocation' (CNN 3/24)GOP Senator Slams Republicans for Being “Afraid” of Elon Musk (The New Republic 3/19) Trump demands Maine governor apologize — or the state will face consequences (Politico 3/22) ‘A dark day' for American children: Trump issues order to kill the Department of Education (The 19th 3/20)

Alyssa Mastromonaco and guest host Errin Haines (The 19* News) dive into federal budget cuts, criminal abortion charges in Texas, and egg trafficking at the border. Then, Megan Gailey joins for a March Madness panel to discuss Juju Watkins, Paige Bueckers, and their predictions for the NCAA Basketball tournament. They also chat about The White Lotus, the fall of Forever 21, and daylight savings time.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Trump signs GOP's 6-month government funding bill passed by Congress (PBS 3/15)Texas midwife arrested for allegedly providing abortions amid state's near-total ban (The Gaurdian 3/17)Border Patrol Has Seized More Eggs Than Fentanyl So Far This Year (Newsweek 3/17)Forever 21 is bankrupt, again. This time actually could be forever (NPR 3/17)Teenagers Say Girls Are Equal to Boys in School, or Are Ahead (NYT 3/13)'Beyond the Gates' makes and reflects Black history at a critical time on screen and off (NBC 2/25)A 14-Year-Old Just Became the Youngest Player in NWSL History (Sports Illustrated 3/16)

America is in retrograde, and Errin Haines of The 19th* News and Alyssa Mastromonaco are here to talk about it. They discuss the latest on the dismantling of the Department of Education, Kamala Harris's next political move, and the consequences of resistance under Trump. Then, internationally recognized leader in reproductive health and board-certified gynecologist Dr. Karen Tang joins to talk about perimenopause and hormone replacement therapy and answer listener questions. They wrap up with their honest review of Meghan Markle's new Netflix show and their other current TV favorites.Menopause practitioner database Breonna Taylor's mother remembers (The 19th 3/12)Democrats unveil bill to reinstate veterans fired in Trump workforce cuts (The Hill 3/10)USDA pauses funding to University of Maine after Trump clash with governor (The Hill 3/11)D.C.'s Black Lives Matter mural will be erased. Look back at the iconic street painting (NPR 3/8)‘She is evil': Amy Coney Barrett under attack by right wing after USAid ruling (The Guardian 3/8)Tony Hinchcliffe, comedian who sparked controversy at Trump rally, lands Netflix deal (CNN 3/10)Kamala Harris sets a deadline for her next move (Politico 3/7)Education Department prepares to lay off roughly half its staff (NBC 3/11)

Betches co-founder Sami Sage joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to dig into Trump's Joint Address to Congress. They discuss his speech's glaring hypocrisy, the exploitation of his guests' trauma, and the democratic response. They also chat about the Resistance Rangers standing up for national parks, the wrath J.D. Vance faced on his ski trip to Vermont, and their love for Kate Hudson in her new show Running Point. Then, Alyssa interviews Elisa Lane, a farmer from Maryland impacted by Trump's erratic funding freezes. Support Elisa: https://www.twobootsfarm.com/Trump's 'State of the Union' address: Where lawmakers, guests and everyone else will sit (USA Today 3/3)Warning That Trump Will ‘Make You Pay,' Slotkin Gives Democratic Response (NYT 3/5)Thousands Gather at National Parks Across U.S. to Protest Job Cuts (NYT 3/1)Sugarbush's 'Snow Reporter' Critiqued Vance as He Visited (Seven Day 3/3)USDA releases $20 million in frozen funds to honor farmer contracts (Farm Futures 2/21)

The House passed a GOP budget framework, Elon Musk attended the first White House Cabinet meeting, and Alyssa Mastromonaco and guest host Akilah Hughes have a LOT of opinions. They also discuss the trickle-down effect of Trump's executive orders on a state level, the Republican obsession with transgender athletes in the NCAA, and the modern resistance at town halls across the country. Luckily, Jane Fonda's SAG Awards speech and a heartwarming story about The Metropolitan Museum of Art are keeping them sane.The Singular Charm of Parker Posey (NYT 2/24)Musk to join Trump's first White House Cabinet meeting (The Hill 2/25)Texas wants the NCAA to start ‘sex-screening' its student athletes (The 19th 2/21)Missouri Bill Would Create Registry of Pregnant Women "At Risk" of Having An Abortion (Abortion, Everyday 2/18)GOP lawmakers seek to remove rape, incest exemption from West Virginia's near total abortion ban (West Virginia Watch 2/21)At Testy Town Halls, Republicans Take Heat for Trump's Bold Moves (WSJ 2/21)What to Know About Janet Mills, the Maine Governor Who Told Trump, ‘See You in Court' (NYT 2/22)He's a Security Guard at the Met. Now His Work Is Showing There. (NYT 1/8)

Betches co-founder Sami Sage joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to discuss the MAGA madness from RFK Jr.'s anti-SSRI crusade to the DOGE-fueled staffing purges. Then they have a sani-petty extravaganza with Suzanne Lambert, aka liberal Regina George, and senior producer Caroline Reston. They feel petty about the Elon Musk Ashley St. Clair baby drama and White Lotus theme music, but Jack Shlossberg's social media return is keeping them sane!For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.RFK Jr. Goes After Widely Used Antidepressants, Claiming They Could Be A Threat To Americans (Vanity Fair 2/15)Social Security head resigns over DOGE data push (AXIOS 2/18)Food Head at FDA Resigns, Citing Numerous Job Cuts (Bloomberg 2/18)Howard University Makes History as First HBCU to Achieve Top Research Status (Diverse Education 2/13)‘We'll never run out of avocado toast': Danes launch petition to buy California (SF Chronicle 2/11)"It Sounds Like It Could Be A Bit": Rob Lowe Shares New Update On St. Elmo's Fire 2 (Screen Rant 2/8)‘Goonies 2 is officially in the Works With Steven Spielberg Producing (Variety 2/14)

Alyssa Mastromonaco is joined by Errin Haines from The 19th to discuss Trump's (obvious) failed promise to protect women, Nancy Mace's insanity on the house floor, DOGE's attacks on the Department of Education, and the gutting of The Kennedy Center's board. They also are feeling petty af about Bridget Jones's Diary, but at least Martha Stewart's revival is keeping them sane.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Military freezes sexual assault prevention training after Trump executive order on DEI (LA Times 2/7) Federal Office on Violence Against Women removes funding opportunities from website (The 19th 2/7)Laverne Cox Gives Powerful Speech Against Trump Agenda at SCAD TVfest: ‘They Are Committed to Eradicating Trans People from Public Life' (Variety 2/7)Nancy Mace makes House speech accusing ex-fiancé, others of raping women (WaPo 2/11)Musk Team Announces Millions in Cuts to Education Dept. Amid Legal Pushback (NYT 2/11)The 19th Explains: Can Trump eliminate the Department of Education? (The 19th* 2/6)Trump Names Loyalist Interim Leader of Kennedy Center as He Strengthens His Grip (NYT 2/10)Martha Stewart's First Book Finds New Fans (NYT 2/4)

Errin Haines from the 19th News joins Hysteria to analyze the latest news from Washington, including Trump's DEI panic, the status of Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr.'s senate confirmations, and Elon Musk's sticky fingerprints. They also give a reproductive healthcare update discussing anti-abortion advocates' attempt to use environmental policy to their advantage, New York's shield laws being put to the test, and the eerie foreshadowing for the future of HIPAA laws. They also balance out the horrors by sharing their love for Jalen Hurts, Beyonce, Bob Weir, and Debbie Allen.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts Says Women ‘Lack the Respect They Deserve' (People 3/21)Exclusive: Musk aides lock workers out of OPM computer systems (Reuters 2/2)Breaking: Trump is Scrubbing HIPAA Info off HHS Website (Abortion Everyday 1/3)‘Using the devil's own tools against them': Abortion opponents turn to environmental laws (Politico 1/30)New York Doctor Indicted in Louisiana for Sending Abortion Pills There (NYT 1/31)Third Black Hawk crew member involved in deadly crash near DC airport identified (NPR 2/1)

Trump has been in office for less than two weeks, and he has already frozen (and unfrozen) essential federal funds, packed his executive orders with anti-abortion B.S., tried to push government employees out of their jobs with “buyouts,” and Erin and Alyssa are here to talk about it. They also talk about RFK Jr.'s hot mess Senate confirmation hearings, the future of NIH gender-related research, and a potential alternative to mifepristone. Then author and activist Julissa Arce joins to discuss Trump's immigration policy, ICE raids, and the nuances of the undocumented experience. Resources discussed in the episode:The Border ChronicleFair Immigration Reform MovementJD SupraTrump Reinstates Longstanding Republican Anti-Abortion Policy (NYT 1/24)Trump reaffirms support for anti-abortion movement at the March for Life (The 19th 1/24)New Research Finds Potential Alternative to Abortion Pill Mifepristone (NYT 1/23)Trump's ban on funds to ‘promote gender ideology' could threaten hundreds of NIH research projects (Science 1/24)Mass arrests in nationwide US immigration crackdown (BBC 1/27)

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins Hysteria to talk about the future of the Equal Rights Amendment under Trump, her goals for her role as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and honor the memory of Cecile Richards. Erin and Alyssa also review Trump's executive orders from his first days in office and question if any of them will actually improve the economy (spoiler alert: they won't).Tracking Trump's executive orders: What he's signed so far (Axios 1/21)What Trump supporters believe and expect (Pew 11/13)Biden Proclaims That The Equal Rights Amendment Is The Law Of The Land—But What Does That Mean? (Vanity Fair 1/18)

Comedian Michaela Watkins joins Hysteria to discuss the impacts of the LA fires one week after they began and how the community has shown up to provide relief. Erin and Alyssa also recap the insanity of the Pete Hegseth confirmation hearings and Zuckerberg sucking up to Joe Rogan.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Support California wildfire relief efforts with a donation to Vote Save America & Crooked Ideas Action Fund: votesaveamerica.com/relief Hegseth's views on women in combat, infidelity and more — in his own words (AP News 1/14)Trump Supporters Go All In for Pete Hegseth With Money and Coordination (NYT 1/13)Zuckerberg Says Most Companies Need More ‘Masculine Energy' (Bloomberg 1/10)A Los Angeles Teen Started a Recovery Fund for Wildfire Victims. Now It's a Movement (Time 1/12)

Erin and Alyssa break down the legal saga unfolding between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over the misconduct that happened on the set of It Ends With Us and the smear campaign that followed. They also discuss a historic breakthrough in the fight against medical debt, Meta's twisted new hate speech policies, and how Democrats should deal with conservative BS in 2025. ‘We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine (NY Times 12/21)A Timeline of Blake Lively's Legal Dispute With Justin Baldoni (Vogue 1/2)Gillibrand to head Senate Democrats' campaign arm (The Hill 1/6)Medical debt will be erased from credit reports for all Americans under new federal rule (The 19th 12/7)For Harris, an Awkward Election Task: Certifying the Vote She Lost (NYT 1/6)Facebook lifts restrictions on calling women ‘property' and transgender people ‘freaks' (The Independent 1/7)

The Hysteria team is off this week, but we're excited to bring you an episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. In this episode, Stacey talks to Kate Nazemi, a local education activist and parent, and Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, about the future of public education during a second Trump Administration. They break down Project 2025's education policy prescriptions, the threats to the Department of Education, and what changes a President can and cannot make. Then, they discuss how to best get involved at the local level to make change in your community – from attending local school board meetings, to writing to your local representatives.If you liked this episode, subscribe to Assembly Required wherever you get your podcasts: crooked.com/assemblyrequired

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco say goodbye and good riddance to 2024 with help from guest panelists Akilah Hughes and Kara Klenk. They reflect on the parts of the year that kept them sane, from the Paris Olympics to the Kendrick-Drake beef. Then, they talk about holiday traditions and read out listener submissions about odd and wholesome ways to celebrate. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Supreme Court to hear challenge to banning TikTok in U.S. (Washington Post 12/18)In reversal, key House panel votes to release Matt Gaetz ethics report (CNN 12/18)The House has its committee chairs. Here's what the selection means (Punch Bowl News 12/13)Gillibrand Presses Biden to Amend the Constitution to Enshrine Sex Equality (NYT 12/13)Texas' abortion pill lawsuit against New York doctor marks new challenge to interstate telemedicine (Politico 12/14)Postpartum depression is costing the United States billions. Can cities help? (The 19th 12/9)

After the media storm (and internet thirsting) surrounding the UHC CEO shooting suspect, Erin and Alyssa make sense of the cultural response online and what this says about the rage Americans feel toward the for-profit healthcare industry, and whether we're entering a new era of class solidarity… or of fame-hungry copycats. Then they discuss the rise of the Manosphere and whether the men of America are okay (spoiler alert: they're not). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. What We Know About the Killing of the UnitedHealthcare C.E.O. Brian Thompson (NYT 12/9)A Year Before CEO Shooting, Lawsuit Alleged UHC Used AI to Deny Coverage (Newsweek 12/5)Emboldened ‘manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election (AP 11/30)

It's no secret that we are angry about Trump's win, but who and what are we angry at? Editor at Large of the 19th News, Errin Haines, joins Erin and Alyssa to discuss how racism and misogyny led to Trump's win. They also check in on how democratic governors are bracing for Trump's impact, and the latest news on disgraced Secretary of Defense pick Pete Hegseth. Finally, they feel petty about the new Bridget Jones Diary, but The Later Daters on Netflix keeps them sane.Dems' new Trump resistance strategy: Playing nice (Politico 11/15)Tesla Excluded From EV Buyer Credits in California Proposal (Bloomberg 11/25)Who Needs Congress When You Have Cameo? (NYT 11/25)A Running List of the Allegations Against Pete Hegseth (Mother Jones 12/2)

Erin and Alyssa are joined by producer Caroline Reston to answer your questions from the Thanksgiving mailbag. They dish on holiday recipes, strategies for navigating politics at the dinner table, and who they would cast in a hypothetical Hysteria movie.To have your questions answered in a future Hysteria Mailbag, join us on Discord: https://crooked.com/friends For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

While Trump is busy casting his cabinet and staff picks with former reality stars, Fox News hosts, sex pests, and even some of America's Worst Women, Alyssa and Erin are here to keep you posted. They discuss the rights and wrongs of the women Trump picked and question who will even make it to the inauguration. Then they ponder the question on a lot of our minds right now: is it time to buy a gun? Finally, they discuss the ways to prepare mentally and physically for a second Trump presidency without descending into doomsday prepping madness.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Trump names former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence (NPR 11/13)Rancher, Politician, Trump Ally: Who Is Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Pick? (NYT 11/13)5 things you need to know about Susie Wiles (Politico 11/8)Trump names Karoline Leavitt as youngest ever White House press secretary (AP 11/15)Meet the billionaires leading Trump's transition team (Politico 11/07)What to know about the Matt Gaetz allegations (BBC 11/18)Should women be allowed to fight on the front lines? Trump's defense pick reignites the debate (AP 11/18)Duckworth on Hegseth speaking out against women in combat: ‘Where do you think I lost my legs?' (The Hill 11/14)The USPS will honor Betty White with her own stamp in 2025 (NPR 11/17)Buying a Gun Won't Save You (Jezebel 11/15)

This week, Erin and Alyssa assembled a super-panel with award-winning journalist Errin Haines, activist and author Julissa Arce, and comedian Megan Gailey. They chat about how things are settling post-election, from what it would really take for a woman to become president to the misguided logic of people who split their vote on abortion. Then, they sound off on a listener's question about whether to unfriend Trump supporters. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. What will it take for a woman to be president? (The 19th 11/6)5 takeaways from the 2024 exit polls (The Hill 11/08)2024 Key States Exit Poll (NBC 11/9)Abortion ballot initiatives could have helped Harris win, instead Trump overperformed (ABC 11/9)

After a night of very little sleep and a heartbreaking Harris loss, Erin and Alyssa come together to talk it through. They give down-ballot updates for Congress, state-level races, education, and abortion measures. Then they get into their feelings and try to navigate where this leaves us and a path forward.  For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Stacey Abrams joins Hysteria to talk about Georgia voters, the final days of the Harris Campaign, and what she'll be watching for on election day. Then Erin and Alyssa dish on Harris' final remarks, Trump on Joe Rogan, and where the hell Usha Vance has been during the campaign. Stick around to the end to hear a clip of Alyssa's interview with Speaker Pelosi.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Listen to the Hysteria Election Day PlaylistGet involved at fairfight.com/lfgvMichelle Obama says she's a 'little angry' at the hesitation to vote for Harris (NPR 10/26)What Is Usha Vance Thinking? (The Cut 10/28)In three-hour Rogan interview, Trump reveals 'biggest mistake' (BBC 10/26)Harris will not appear on Joe Rogan podcast, her campaign says (Reuters 10/24)Melania Trump makes rare campaign appearance at New York City rally (The Hill 10/27)

MSNBC's Joy Reid joins Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco for the pre-election final stretch. They break down Ron DeSantis' latest voter intimidation schemes, new data illustrating the consequences of Dobb's decisions, and Trump's never-ending mission to antagonize the Exonerated Central Park 5. The ladies are feeling petty about WNBA referees and JD Vance's marriage, but luckily, Barack Obama on the campaign trail is keeping them sane.Florida official says DeSantis's office ordered him to threaten TV stations over abortion ads (The Hill 10/21)Infant mortality in the U.S. worsened after Supreme Court limited abortion access (LA Times 10/21)Exonerated Central Park Five sue Trump for defamation over debate remarks (Washington Post 10/21)Giuliani assets will transfer to Georgia election workers he defamed (WaPo 10/22)

Are the 2024 election results written in the stars? Not quite, but Chani Nicholas joins to share what we have in store for the rest of the year from an astrological perspective. Then, a round of applause for Kamala Harris, who is nailing her media strategy and leaving no stone unturned. Meanwhile, Trump is barely functioning and abandoning his base in the desert. Finally, in Sanity Corner, Alyssa is loving Fresh Air, and Erin is feeling petty about climate change's impact on seasonal fashion.  For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Harris brings a bit of Trump into her rally to try to show him as ‘unhinged' (NPR 10/14)Harris Says She Would Form Bipartisan Council of Advisers (NYT 10/11)‘Absolute chaos' as Trump supporters ‘left stranded' after Coachella rally hit by assassination scare (Independent 10/14)Trump sways and bops to music for 39 minutes in bizarre town hall episode (Washington Post 10/14)Sheehy's plan for education includes throwing Department of Ed ‘in the trash' (Daily Montanan 10/14)ICYMI: Eric Hovde Unveils Hovde Plan: Cuts to Social Security, Medicare & Veterans' Benefits (Wisdems 10/9)

OG feminist blogger Jessica Valenti joins Erin Ryan to cover the latest abortion across the country, from Ron DeSantis' fascist abuse of government resources to fight Florida's 4th Amendment to the dueling abortion ballot measures in Nebraska. Then, an interview with trailblazing abortion provider Dr. Warren Hern about his legacy and the future of reproductive care. Finally, a conversation with Senator Laphonza Butler about her historic term representing California in the Senate and her friendship with Vice President Harris.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Support disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Helene and Milton  votesaveamerica.com/reliefHelp elect climate champions votesaveamerica.com/climate/Nebraska Supreme Court allows competing abortion measures on November ballot (NBC 9/13)DeSantis administration threatens local TV station for airing abortion rights campaign ads (The Independent 10/7)DeSantis says state investigating abortion ‘petitions on behalf of dead people' (Miami Herald 9/9)Husband-of-the-Year Alert: Melania Trump Says the Ex-President “Lets Her Believe” in Abortion Rights (as He Decimates Them for Others) (Vanity Fair 10/7)Don't Fall for Melania's Misdirection (Abortion, Everyday 10/4)Nebraska Supreme Court allows competing abortion measures on November ballot (NBC 9/13)

The vice presidential candidates faced off on Tuesday night, and Erin and Alyssa have thoughts about Vance's abortion nonsense and Walz's better-than-anticipated performance. Then Erin takes us on the final segment of our Get In Losers We Are Going Voting tour to meet some incredible ladies running down the ballot. And this week, we are feeling petty that the rats of NYC got free birth control before we did.Support disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Helene votesaveamerica.com/heleneHelp elect climate champions votesaveamerica.com/climate/Vance and Walz face off in civil and policy-focused VP debate (CNN)Walz highlights Harris improvements on climate change while slamming Trump (CNN)IVF will be covered by insurance for many Californians after Newsom signs bill (LA Times)​​Judge strikes down Georgia ban on abortions, allowing them to resume beyond 6 weeks into pregnancy (AP)

Erin and Alyssa go “back to school” to discuss voucher fuckery and other education issues on the ballot at a state level. Then, activist and host of Crooked's This Land podcast, Rebecca Nagle joins to share about her new book, By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land. Finally, Sani-Petty (Chappell Roan's refusal to endorse a candidate and not letting Mark Robinson's staffer get away with this).  Show NotesHelp Clear Teacher's Wishlists: https://www.getyourteachon.com/clearthelistRebecca Nagle: By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native LandTrump says if he wins, women would ‘no longer be thinking about abortion' (LA Times 9/21)Gretchen Whitmer calls Trump ‘deranged' after comments on abortion (The Guardian 9/22)How the Republican War on Women Extends to Voting Rights (The New Republic 9/23)Nebraska Voters To Decide On Veto Referendum For Education Scholarship Program‌ (Zenger News 9/17)Private Schools, Public Money: School Leaders Are Pushing Parents to Exploit Voucher Programs (Pro Publica 1/31)School Vouchers Were Supposed to Save Taxpayer Money. Instead They Blew a Massive Hole in Arizona's Budget. (January 7/16)Meet Michele Morrow, the Mark Robinson-Endorsed GOP Nominee for North Carolina State Superintendent Who Wants to Put Bible Studies in Public Schools (American Bridge 8/13)Governor Newsom signs legislation to limit the use of smartphones during school hours (gov.ca.gov 9/23)Governor Healey, Attorney General Campbell Issue Guidance on Addressing Hate and Bias in K-12 Schools (mass.gov 9/19)

Trump and Vance campaign language reflects Andrew Tate's misogynistic word vomit; Republican Senators blocked The Right to IVF Act; and more in news. Then, Sani-Petty (Diddy is absolutely disgusting, and dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince is terribly missed). Finally, we talk to some incredible candidates that need our votes this fall: Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan, Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon, and Rep. Diamond Staton Williams of North Carolina. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.votesaveamerica.com/voteKristen McDonald RivetAndrea SalinasDiamond Staton-WilliamsTwitter/X: He-Man Woman Hater's ClubThe Trump Campaign's Rhetoric About Women Sounds a Lot Like Andrew Tate's (Wired 8/28)The latest: J.D. Vance Admits He's Telling Racist Lies for Attention (TNR 9/16/24)Watch: Trump Goes on Truly Incoherent Rant When Asked About Childcare (TNR 9/5/24)Trump told nephew to let his disabled son die, then move to Florida, book says (The Guardian)Senate Republicans Block I.V.F. Protection Bill a Second Time, Breaking With Trump (NYT  9/17)Nebraska Supreme Court allows competing abortion measures on November ballot (NBC 9/13)Louisiana governor signs bill classifying abortion pills as controlled substances into law (ABC 5/24)

Vice President Kamala Harris debated senile angry man Donald Trump, and Akilah Hughes joins to dish all about it. Then, Akilah tells us all about her new podcast, Rebel Spirit — required listening if you went to a school with a racist mascot. Finally, Sani-Petty (the WNBA needs kids clothes!). Show NotesAkilah Hughes: Instagram, Twitter, Rebel Spirit podcastTrump repeats the false claim that Democrats support abortion 'after birth' in debate (NPR 9/10)Harris presses a more forceful case against Trump than Biden did on abortion, economy and democracy (AP 9/10)5 key takeaways from the first Harris-Trump presidential debate (NBC 9/10)Taylor Swift endorsement (Instagram)Trump will say anything about abortion to get elected (The Hill Op-Ed 9/8)Vance says Trump would veto a national abortion ban (NBC 8/24)

Josie Duffy Rice of What A Day joins while Alyssa takes vacation! The Harris-Walz numbers make us cautiously optimistic, JD Vance is scared of childless teachers (...?), and Nancy Pelosi is a political chess master. Then, Megan Gailey and Kara Klenk join to discuss “sharenting,” and the ethics of parents posting their kids on social media. Finally, Sani-Petty (Trump needs glasses, and the U.S. Open and the Paralympics can cure our post-Olympics depression).  For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show NotesJosie Duffy Rice, What A DayKara Klenk: thatsmesseduplive.comMegan Gailey: Sports Bitches Harris' momentum continues as she ties with Trump in these swing states (NPR 8/26)Kamala Harris sets fundraising record with $540m after DNC (Aljazeera 8/26) “I Just Want Women To Have More Choices”: Senator JD Vance, Who Has Likened Abortion To Murder (Vanity Fair 8/25)J.D. Vance Blames Staff for Disastrous Doughnut-Shop Visit (Intelligencer 8/28)Trump campaign staff had altercation with official at Arlington National Cemetery (NPR 8/27)Is Ben Affleck Hanging Out With a Kennedy? (The Cut)How a New Law Could Change the World of Child Influencers (Rolling Stone 7/5/24)Parenting influencers speak out as new law designed to protect kids featured on social media goes into effect (GMA 7/3/24)“If you dance, your problems go away” (TikTok) A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men (NYT 2/25/24)Lavish dorm rooms – like the one belonging to Kansas City Chiefs heiress at SMU – becomes big business for designers (WFAA 8/28)The Really Long Good-bye: Helicopter Parents in the College Years (BU)

In news: Trump's counterprogramming to the Democratic National Convention is a bust, and abortion's rebrand to “reproductive freedom” is genius. Then, Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Julissa Arce join to discuss the party that is the DNC, from Chicago and the couch. Finally, Sani-Petty (JK Rowling has finally shut up, and white women can't read the room sometimes).For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesSen. Mallory McMorrow: Twitter, InstagramJulissa Arce: Twitter, Instagram  Trumpworld's DNC counter-programming plans revealed (Independent 8/19)House GOP investigators accuse Biden of ‘impeachable conduct' in long-awaited report (Politico 8/19)The Democratic Party Is Now the Real “Freedom” Caucus (The New Republic 8/19)How Kamala Harris Took ‘Freedom' Back from the GOP (Time 8/17)Live DNC Updates: AP News, NBC NewsFrom a 'wake' to 'Mardi Gras': With Harris, the Democratic convention is a hot ticket (NBC 8/8)The Sound of Silence? J.K. Rowling Has Not Tweeted in 12 Blissful Days (them 8/19)

Erin Ryan is BACK from maternity leave! She and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about American Dad Tim Walz, creep JD Vance (and his drag history), and how Trump's relevance is getting drowned out by Democrats' joy. Then, Lt. Gov. of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan joins to discuss midwestern vibes, her longtime political relationship with the new Democratic VP pick, and how she just might become the first indigenous woman to be an American state governor. Finally, Sani-Petty: Julia Child and Love Island USA are saving our souls these days.  For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show NotesLt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan: Twitter, InstagramTim Walz, Doug Emhoff, and the Nice Men of the Left - An election defined by two very different kinds of guys. (Intelligencer, by Rebecca Traister)The Meme-ification of Tim Walz - The Internet's dad du jour is proof of America's longing for a cheerful, competent, moral–and fun–kind of manliness. (Esquire, by our very own EGR)Joy Ride: Upbeat Dems Are Spreading Optimism to a Divided (and Newly Delighted) Nation (Vanity Fair 8/9)Biden Made Trump Bigger. Harris Makes Him Smaller. (NYT Op-Ed, by Ezra Klein 8/11)Vance looks to turn tables on Walz: He's the one being ‘weird' (CNN 8/12)Republicans who think ‘Tampon Tim' is an insult are actually Walz's best publicists (The Guardian 8/10)‘Policy attack dog' or ‘creepy'? Vance's plane incident with Harris adds to his weird factor (The Independent 8/8)Report: Trump calls Harris a "bitch" (Axios 8/10)Team USA has women to thank for more than half of its Olympic medals (NPR 8/12)Paris 2024 Paralympics - Latest News, Schedules & Results (Olympics) This Classic Julia Child Show Is Available to Stream for the Very First Time (Food & Wine) The French Chef with Julia Child (PBS)

Samantha Bee is back to co-host with Alyssa one last time! They discuss Tim Walz joining the Harris 2024 campaign, Usha Vance's response to her husband JD's “childless cat lady” comment, and more in news. Then, in Sani-Petty, Sam and Alyssa ponder RFK Jr.'s dead bear in Central Park (the brain worm is real). Finally, Alyssa interviews epic down-the-ballot candidates — Anna Thomas (of PA), Sarah Henry (of FL), Eva Burch (of AZ), and Dallas Harris (of NV) — about the stakes of their local races. Next week: Erin's back!For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Show NotesAnna Thomas - Pennsylvania Sarah Henry - Florida Eva Burch - Arizona Dallas Harris - Nevada Get involved: votesaveamerica.com/2024Samantha Bee: podcast, SubstackGov. Tim Walz Signature AccomplishmentsThe best 'big dad energy' jokes about Gov. Tim Walz: List (FOX9) 'Kamala caved': Trump and his allies cast the Walz pick as liberal overload (NBC)Donald Trump Claims Tim Walz Will 'Unleash HELL ON EARTH' (HuffPost)Fun Alyssa story from 2008: Behind the Scenes of the Vice-Presidential Selection Process (NYT)Usha Vance tries to defend her husband's 'childless cat ladies' comment (NPR)Doug Emhoff, Husband of Kamala Harris, Acknowledges Long-Ago Affair (NYT)Womens Sports and the Olympics: The 19th, Yahoo! Sports, TheSkimm, pommel horse king STEVEJD called Simone Biles “weak” for leaving the Tokyo Olympics (TikTok)RFK Jr. admits to dumping a dead bear in Central Park, solving a decade-old mystery (NPR)

Katie Couric joins Alyssa Mastromonaco for a chat about Kamala Harris fundraising (featuring white people on Zoom calls), the Veepstakes, and calling MAGA Republicans like JD Vance “weird.” Then, Katie and Alyssa answer YOUR questions, covering romance, the idea of interviewing Melania Trump, and everything in between.  Show NotesKatie Couric (Twitter/X, Instagram) + her podcast, Next Question + her newsletter, Wake Up CallFrancine Pascal, creator of beloved ‘Sweet Valley High' books, dies at 92 (CNN)If Kamala Harris Is a D.E.I. Candidate, So Is JD Vance (NYT Op-Ed)Vance continues to feel the scratch of "childless cat ladies" (Axios)Democrats Embrace ‘Weird' Messaging on Trump (NYT)Kamala Harris allies deploy new Trump attack line: he is ‘just plain weird' (The Guardian)Melania Trump to tell her story in memoir scheduled for this fall (The Guardian)The Age of Grievance by Frank BruniWho Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House by Alyssa MastromonacoGoing There by Katie Couric 

Katie Couric co-hosts with Alyssa Mastromonaco, diving into Biden dropping out of the race, Kamala Harris, potential VP picks, and misogynistic political media. Then, for some levity: Sani-Petty (Celine Dion! The Olympics!). Finally, Evan Kleinman of KCRW joins to talk about summer foods — fruit pies, preserves, cocktails — and cookbook favorites.  Show NotesKatie Couric (Twitter/X, Instagram) + her podcast, Next QuestionEvan Kleinman (Good Food on KCRW, Instagram)Harris speaks at White House; Democrats see $90 million fundraising blitz (CNBC 7/22)Kamala Harris takes over war chest as Biden campaign becomes Harris for President (Politico 7/21)LIVE UPDATES: Many Elected Democrats Quickly Endorsed Kamala Harris. See Who Did. (NYT 7/22)Who has endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 Democratic nomination, and who hasn't yet? (CBS 7/22)The Democrats who could be Kamala Harris' running mate (NBC 7/22)What to Know About the 2024 Democratic National Convention (WSJ 7/22)Democrats promise an ‘orderly process' to replace Biden. Harris is favored, but questions remain (AP 7/22)Democratic Delegates See Harris as the Strongest Candidate Against Trump (NYT 7/23)Everyone hosting 2024 Paris Olympics coverage this summer: Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Fallon, Snoop Dogg, more (EW 3/20)In Lieu of Flowers by Nancy Howard CobbKayak Morning by Roger RosenblattThe Auberge of the Flowering Hearth  Zaatari: Culinary Traditions of the World's Largest Syrian Refugee Camp