On The Issues With Michele Goodwin

Happy Juneteenth! In this episode, we commemorate Juneteenth with a special focus on Henrietta Lacks, and an exclusive interview with her grandson Alfred Lacks Carter, Jr.  From the polio vaccine to IVF and COVID-19 vaccines, we owe so many of our medical developments from the past 50 years to one woman—a woman whose cells were taken and used without her permission, let alone compensation. In this riveting episode, Lacks Carter shares an intimate family portrait of his grandmother, turning pain into purpose.    Joining us in this Juneteenth commemoration is a very special guest: Alfred Lacks Carter, Jr.: Alfred Lacks Carter, Jr. is the grandson of Henrietta Lacks and the son of her second daughter Deborah Lacks. Alfred is the Founder and President of the Henrietta Lacks House of Healing, a non-profit dedicated to providing transitional housing for men in order to combat homelessness and recidivism as well as re-entry into the community after recent release. He also serves as Senior Advisor to the Lacks family-led HELA100: Henrietta Lacks Initiative, and as a World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Cervical Cancer Elimination.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

In this emergency episode, we're ringing the alarm bells: We just learned that in the state of Georgia, a woman named Adriana Smith who was declared brain-dead in February, is being forcibly kept on a ventilator due to the state's strict abortion ban, against her family's wishes. It's been over 90 days. Her mother, April Newkirk has said, “It's torture for me."Dr. Michele Goodwin breaks down Adriana Smith's case, and the cases of other women who, like Smith, have been disrespected and desecrated in death thanks to abortion bans and pregnancy exclusion laws. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Over the past few years, many of us have noticed some (bad) vibes coming from the Supreme Court: sketchy decisions on a number of fronts, from presidential immunity to abortion, agency authority, and more. Today, we take a look at those vibes with one of our favorite guests: Professor Leah Litman, who is the author of the new book Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes. Professor Litman joins us to talk about the Court's “Ken-surrection,” what another Trump term means for the Court, and her fabulous new book. Joining us is our very special guest: Leah Litman: Leah Litman is a professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School, where she teaches and writes on constitutional law, federal post-conviction review and federal sentencing. She is the co-founder of “Women Also Know Law”—a searchable database of women and nonbinary people who have academic appointments in law—and is one of the co-hosts and creators of the popular Strict Scrutiny podcast, which focuses on the Supreme Court.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Despite persistent obstacles—from intergenerational pay inequity and earning just 63.7 cents for every dollar made by a white guy for the same work, to constant surveillance and doubt—Black women consistently excel in their chosen fields and rise to leadership positions. In this episode, we're joined by powerful Black women in leadership to discuss the glass ceilings, glass cliffs, pink ghettos, and other obstacles they've faced—and the strategies they've used to triumph against the odds.Joining me to discuss these crucial issues are our very special guests: Verna Williams: Verna Williams is the CEO of Equal Justice Works. In her role as CEO, Verna has continued to advance the mission of Equal Justice Works to create opportunities for leaders to transform their passion for equal justice into a lifelong commitment to public service. Verna previously served as the dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and founded and co-directed the Judge Nathaniel Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice at the University of Cincinnati. She was also the vice president and director of educational opportunities at the National Women's Law Center, where she focused on gender disparity in education.Lynell Cadray: Lynell Cadray is University Ombuds and Senior Adviser to the President at Emory University. Since arriving at Emory in 1994, Cadray has served in numerous roles, including vice provost of equity and inclusion; associate dean of enrollment and student services and chief diversity officer at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing; and dean of admission and financial aid and chief diversity officer at Emory University School of Law. Dr. Rachel Westerfield: Dr. Rachel Westerfield is the Director of Solution Design at Slack. Dr. Westerfield's Professional Services team is responsible for driving digital growth and large-scale, enterprise-wide transformation for Slack's most complex and strategic customers across industries on a global scale. Before joining Slack in 2019, she was a Strategy and Business Process Transformation leader at Accenture and a Management Consultant in Organizational Leadership and Development at Nestle Purina.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Welcome to The Magazine, our mini-pod, which gives a peek into Ms. magazine's forthcoming and current issues. In this episode, take a glimpse inside our Spring 2025 issue—which delves into the story behind anti-abortion extremists' successful attempt to shut down a Beverly Hills clinic. Get the Spring issue here!Featuring: Kathy Spillar is the Executive Director and a founder of the Feminist Majority Foundation, a national organization working for women's equality, empowerment and non-violence. She has been a driving force in executing the organizations' diverse programs securing women's rights both domestically and globally since its inception in 1987. She is also the Executive Editor of Ms. where she oversees editorial content and the Ms. in the Classroom program, and the editor and contributor to 50 Years of Ms: The Best of the Pathfinding Magazine that Ignited a Revolution.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

This week, we're joined by Yamani Hernandez, the chief executive officer of the Groundswell Fund, to discuss the importance of grassroots organizing and reproductive justice in this moment. Ms. has joined forces with Groundswell Fund and Groundswell Action Fund to create a special Gender & Democracy site dedicated to the work of Groundswell partners to highlight their efforts to champion inclusive democracy. You'll hear their reflections and learn about the accomplishments of grassroots and local leaders, women of color, Indigenous women, and trans and gender-expansive people whose organizing and work is supported by Groundswell.Joining us to discuss these issues is our very special guest: Yamani Hernandez is the chief executive officer of the Groundswell Fund. She has been working in the nonprofit space since she was 16 years old and doing that at the neighborhood level, city level, national and international levels. This has led her to the Groundwell Fund, which has funded nearly 200 million dollars for grassroots, organizing for reproductive and gender justice led by women and gender expansive people of color.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

As we reckon with an administration hostile to equal rights, feminists will continue to fight. To help keep hope, we must remember and celebrate recent wins. One of those wins is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which took effect on June 27, 2023. This is a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination and ensures workplace accommodations related to pregnancy for workers. But is the PWFA safe, or will it be threatened by the Trump Administration's crusade against reproductive rights and justice?Joining us to discuss the history and significance of the PWFA is our very special guest, Dina Bakst: Dina Bakst is the co-founder and former co-president of A Better Balance, a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization that uses the power of the law to advance justice for workers. Bakst was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for the Economy for A Better Balance's successful work advancing work-family justice in 2021, and the first-ever Visionary Women Award for Women's Economic Empowerment in 2022.  In 2020, she was named one of “16 People and Groups Fighting For a More Equal America” by Time Magazine. Prior to co-founding A Better Balance, Dina was an attorney with the NOW Legal Defense & Education Fund (now Legal Momentum) where she pursued litigation and policy advocacy on a wide range of women's rights issues.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Michele Goodwin reflects on Trump v. United States.  As Americans adjust to the myriad executive orders, firings of government employees, the gutting of  the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), plane crashes, threats to dismantle the Department of Education, and so much more under the Trump Administration, what can be learned about the Supreme Court's case granting Donald Trump absolute immunity?  Who will be the check on the Trump administration?Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

As part of our Black History Month Rewind at Ms. Studios, we're revisiting some of our favorite past episodes. In our final Rewind, we're revisiting an episode we recorded in 2021, celebrating Juneteenth with Fritz and Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. In this joyous episode, host Michele Goodwin is joined by music icon Anita Pointer of the three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B group the Pointer Sisters and her brother Fritz Pointer, acclaimed professor and historian and former music manager. They celebrate Juneteenth and unpack their award-winning memoir, Fairytale: The Pointer Sisters' Family Story.Fritz and Anita Pointer discuss coming of age in the civil rights movement; emphasize the importance of tenacity and learning the hard way; and break down what it was like for their family to finally break through and land award after award—all by doing it their own way. As an added bonus, expect to be serenaded by Anita Pointer!Joining us for this episode are two very special guests:Anita Pointer, founding member of the legendary music group the Pointer Sisters. Anita and her sisters found fame in 1973, when the Anita-led “Yes We Can Can” became a hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #11. Their breakthrough resulted in multiple hits and Grammy Awards, including for Best Performance by a Duo or Group and even Best Country Duo or Group. In 1974, Anita's writing talents helped the group make music history with “Fairytale,” which became a hit on the country music charts—leading the Pointer Sisters to become the first Black female group to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Their hit-making magic kept audiences singing and dancing through the 1980s and '90s and became part of the 2008 Obama campaign playlist.  In 1994, Anita and her sisters received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Anita continues to write, record and perform, maintaining an international touring schedule as a member of the Pointer Sisters.Professor Fritz Pointer is one of the older brothers of June, Bonnie, Anita and Ruth—also known as the Pointer Sisters. His latest book, Fairytale: The Pointer Sisters' Family Story, is a memoir of their life co-authored with his sister, Anita Pointer. No one else knows the family, community, political or social history out of which the Pointer Sisters came as thoroughly and deeply as he does. He managed the group prior to becoming a professor specializing in African and African American history. Pointer has 30 years of experience teaching composition, African and African American humanities, and history in higher education. He has authored two books and several scholarly articles in his area of African literature.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

As part of our Black History Month Rewind at Ms. Studios, we're revisiting some of our favorite past episodes. Today, we're revisiting an episode exploring racism and police brutality, featuring a cast of all-star guests. In this episode, we confront the question at the center of Derek Chauvin's trial: Who killed George Floyd? Our guests unpack that question as an issue central to police and societal violence. Examining who killed George Floyd means taking stock of legacies of racism in the Twin Cities, including redlining, school segregation, policies that undermine equality, and disparate rates of policing and mass incarceration.As attention has turned to the horrors of the old South, has racism of the new North been overlooked? And at what cost to Black lives? Have liberal allies made a difference or exacerbated harms in the Twin Cities?We also explore the trauma associated with George Floyd's death and other officer-involved killings. Experts on our show explain how racism produce physical and psychological health harms.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

As part of our Black History Month Rewind at Ms. Studios, we're revisiting some of our favorite past episodes. First up, we're taking a look of voting rights and voter suppression, revisiting an episode recorded ahead of the 2020 presidential election. At the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, voting activist and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer described the violent injustice she and others had endured while living under the South's Jim Crow rules and fighting for the right to vote: “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!”Over 50 years later, ahead of the 2020 election, we see record early voting across the country. Even so, serious efforts aimed at voter suppression persist, including curbing access to mail-in voting and shutting down polling locations.So, what are the biggest threats to voting rights today? How is voter suppression showing up in the 2020 election? What can we do to ensure that our elections remain free and fair?Joining us to discuss these issues are some very special guests:Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the National Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Clarke leads one of the nation's most important national civil rights organizations in the pursuit of equal justice for all. She is the author of Barack Obama and African American Empowerment: The Rise of Black America's New Leadership.Judge Glenda Hatchett, who served as senior attorney at Delta Airlines before becoming the chief presiding judge of Fulton County Georgia Juvenile Court in Atlanta.  Her law firm, the Hatchett Firm, represented Philando Castille's estate in the wake of his tragic death. She presides over the two-time Emmy-nominated courtroom series, Judge Hatchett, now in its 16th season. Most recently, she has returned to TV in her new television court series, The Verdict with Judge Hatchett.Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson, executive director of the Highlander Research and Education Center—and the first Black woman to hold that title.  She is an active participant on the governance council of the Southern Movement Assembly, and an organizer with Concerned Citizens for Justice. She has served on the National Council of the Student Environmental Action Coalition.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Welcome to The Magazine, our mini-pod, which gives a peek into Ms. magazine's forthcoming and current issues.  In this episode, listeners hear about the Spring 2025 issue—which delves into the feminist resistance to the second Trump administration—as it hits newsstands.  Support the show

We begin 2025 on 'On the Issues' with special guest Dr. Anthony Fauci. In this episode we discuss some of the most important issues currently confronting the health of our nation and the world—from vaccine skepticism, COVID denialism, and health misinformation and disinformation to the rising tide of violence aimed at medical providers. Dr. Fauci joins us to express his hope for the future, offer insights on the pushback against vaccines, and speak candidly about how his life changed after being in the public spotlight at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the toll it took on him and his family.Joining us to discuss these issues is our very special guest:Dr. Anthony Fauci: Dr. Anthony Fauci served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) from 1984-2022. He also served as Chief Medical Advisor to the President in the Biden administration from 2020-2022.  He is currently a Distinguished University Professor in the School of Medicine at Georgetown University, where he also holds an additional appointment in the university's McCourt School of Public Policy. He is also the author of On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

In this episode, we continue to assess and reckon with the 2024 election results.  How did abortion rights prevail, while anti-abortion lawmakers were elected in the very same states? What will a Trump administration mean for women's rights, federal courts, agencies and throughout government?  Are there any safeguards left as a check or restraint on abuse of office?  And, what silver linings can we find among the election results? Helping us to sort out these questions and set the record straight are our very special guests, Moira Donegan: Moira Donegan is a feminist writer and opinion columnist with the Guardian U.S., as well as a writer in residence for the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University.Fatima Goss Graves: Fatima Goss Graves is president of the National Women's Law Center Action Fund, and a co-founder of the TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Election administration continues to be one of the most compelling, challenging, and increasingly dangerous jobs at the federal, state, and local levels. A recent survey by the Brennan Center revealed that over a third of election officials have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse just for doing their jobs.In the face of these fundamental challenges to our democracy and an environment that has increasingly been characterized by political polarization, how can we protect our elections and support our election officials?To discuss these important issues, we're joined by three special guests:Natalie Adona: Natalia Adona is the county clerk, recorder-elect, and the former assistant clerk-recorder and registrar of voters for Nevada County, California. Tonya Wichman: Tonya Wichman is the Director of the Defiance County Board of Elections, in Defiance, Ohio, and a certified elections and registration administrator.Gabriella Cázares-Kelly: Gabriella Cázares-Kelly is the county recorder in Pima County, Arizona, where she made history in 2020 as the first Native American to be elected to a countywide seat.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

This week, we're continuing our coverage of the lead-up to November's elections by looking at an institution that has become increasingly contentious over the past four years: the U.S. Supreme Court. The specter of the Court has loomed over these elections like never before—from former President Trump repeatedly taking credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and thanking the Justices he appointed for doing so, to the next president's role in reshaping the Court. What role is the Court playing in this election cycle and how will this election cycle influence the next four years of Supreme Court rulings?Helping us to sort through these questions and set the record straight is our very special guest, Skye Perryman: Skye L. Perryman is President and CEO of Democracy Forward, a nonpartisan, national legal organization that promotes democracy and progress through litigation, regulatory engagement, policy education, and research. She previously served as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

In the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee, the role that women are playing in this election is clearer than ever. Now under two weeks out from election day, we're aware that so much is at stake for the entire nation, and for women in particular. This week, as we continue our coverage of the lead-up to the November elections, we're exploring the role of women and gender in this election. What are we seeing in terms of the gender gap? How will abortion policies impact the outcome of the presidential election? And how are media narratives addressing all of these issues, and influencing voters? Joining us to discuss these pressing issues is our very special guest: Fatima Goss Graves. Fatima Goss Graves is president and CEO of the National Women's Law Center, president of the National Women's Law Center Action Fund, and a co-founder of the TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

This week, we're bringing back a very good friend of ‘On the Issues' to talk about a topic that will profoundly influence the outcome of this fall's elections: voter suppression. As voters head to the polls, officials and activists on the ground in states like Georgia are sounding the alarm about rules and voting restrictions that could significantly impact peoples' ability to vote. What are the biggest threats to voting rights today? How will voter suppression impact the outcome of the 2024 November elections, from down-ballot races to the presidential contest—and how can we fight back against it, before election day gets here?Helping us to sort out these questions and set the record straight is our very special guest, Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis is a professor of law and political science with Georgia State University. His research examines the relationship between social change and the law, focusing on the relationship between American political history and the development of law over time.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

In this episode, we dive into a topic that's more relevant than ever this election season: masculinity. White men are mobilizing to support Kamala Harris and we unpack why.  Polls are showing a growing gender gap, this election season—with women favoring Harris, while men favor Trump—but is the polling accurate? If so, what can we learn from this? How have the election's gender politics changed, in the wake of Vice President Kamala Harris running for president? How does Trump continue to influence American masculinities years after leaving political office—and how will masculinity influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election?Helping us to sort out these questions and set the record straight is our very special guest, Jackson Katz: Jackson Katz, Ph.D., is a regular Ms. contributor and creator of the 2020 documentary The Man Card: White Male Identity Politics from Nixon to Trump, which was just rereleased in a newly revised and updated version. He is also a member of the Young Men Research Initiative working group and founder of Men for Democracy.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

On this week's episode, we're thinking about the return to school and Congress with Michigan Rep. Hilary Scholten. As we return to both, many things are top of mind: issues like gun safety, policies that benefit mothers and families, and much more are all things that matter at home, in schools, and in Congress. These are also major issues this election season. How can we ensure that our children and families aren't just safe—but can thrive?Helping us to sort out these questions and set the record straight is our very special guest,Rep. Hilary Scholten: Congresswoman Hillary J. Scholten serves Michigan's Third Congressional District. She began her career as a social worker, working with people affected by issues of housing and homelessness, and she is the first woman and mother ever to represent Michigan's Third District in Congress.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Every year on On the Issues, we bring you a Supreme Court term in review with a live studio audience. This year, for the first time we're bringing you one from Washington, DC—we're going to discuss the most important rulings of the 2023-2024 term, unpacking issues from abortion rights to presidential immunity—while we prepare for what's coming next as the Supreme Court begins its new term this week.Joining us to discuss the term are some very special guests:Mark Joseph Stern: Mark Joseph Stern is a senior writer at Slate.Moira Donegan: Moira Donegan is a U.S. columnist at The Guardian.Jamelle Bouie: Jamelle Bouie is an opinion columnist at The New York Times.Madiba Dennie: Madiba Dennie is deputy editor and senior contributor of Balls and Strikes.Chris Geidner: Chris Geidner is the founder of the Law Dork Substack and an MSNBC columnist. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

In this episode, we unpack the chaos of the Trump years.  Breaking news took on  new meaning during Donald Trump's term in the White House—one that was quite different from prior presidential administrations.  A ban on Muslims from entering the United States, known as the “Muslim Ban” quickly went into effect after his inauguration.  The world saw the United States lock children in cages at the border and defend its policy to deny those children soap and toothpaste.  The Trump years set in motion the end of Roe v. Wade, the dismantling of agency authority, the elimination of important environmental protections, and chaos regarding the pandemic. There was also the rise in domestic terrorist groups—white nationalist supremacist groups grew 55% during his term.  After the now convicted former president's defeat in the 2020 presidential election, the “Stop The Steal” campaign took off—leading to more than sixty lawsuits challenging election results and the January 6th insurrection. Notably, he appointed more federal judges than any other president save George Washington—including three to the U.S. Supreme Court.  To unpack the Trump era, the civil and criminal lawsuits, and much more, Dr. Michele Goodwin is joined by very special guests: Webby Award winning #SistersInLaw podcasters Jill Wine Banks and Kimberly Atkins Stohr.   -Jill Wine-Banks served as one of the Watergate prosecutors, and is the author of The Watergate Girl. She was first female general counsel in the U.S. Army and first female Executive Director of the American Bar Association. She is also an MSNBC legal analyst. -Kimberly Atkins Stohr is a senior opinion writer at The Boston Globe and a regular contributor to MSNBC. She served as the first Washington, D.C.-based news correspondent for WBUR and as the Boston Herald's Washington bureau chief. Support the Show.

In this episode, we continue our series: The Trump Indictments.  On May 30, 2024, Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts by a New York jury.  In this episode we unpack the criminal charges that Donald Trump engaged in illegal business, electoral, and campaign activities. This week, we're rejoined by Moira Donegan to discuss why the New York trial was about more than about “hush money" and how the case marks the first time a former president has stood trial for criminal prosecution and been convicted .Joining us to discuss this is our very special guest:Moira Donegan. Moira Donegan is a feminist writer and current opinion columnist with the Guardian U.S., as well as a current writer in residence for the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University. Support the Show.

In this episode, taped in front of a live audience at Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C., a panel of health and legal experts unpack what's happening around the world—from Gaza, to Afghanistan and beyond. How can governments and NGOs best act to preserve health, enforce legal norms, and protect humanity in times of conflict, and what can we learn from the doctors and human rights advocates who have been on the ground in these situations?Joining me to discuss these issues is a panel of very special guests:Lawrence Gostin: Larry Gostin is co-director of the O'Neill institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown, and the director of the World Health Organization's Collaborating Center on National and Global Health.Dr. Houssam al-Nahhas: Houssam al-Nahhas is a Middle East and North Africa researcher at Physicians for Human Rights, leading the organization's work on documenting attacks on healthcare, and a Syrian physician.Dr. Sima Samar: Sima Samar is a doctor, activist and human right defender. She is currently a visiting scholar with Fletcher School at Tufts University.Karen Joy Greenberg: Karen Greenberg is the Director of the Center on National Security at Fordham Law School.Saman Zia-Zarifi: Sam Zarifi is the Executive Director of Physicians for Human Rights. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the Show.

In this episode,  we're joined by the indomitable Lizz Winstead with a live studio in Washington,  D.C.  She bares all as we talk about the new documentary featuring her and Abortion Access Front (AAF), No One Asked You.  From her childhood to her own abortion story,  she tells it all, including what led her to found AAF. In a time when the news is increasingly dire—especially with regard to reproductive health care—do comedians have a role in sharing the news? Winstead, who forever changed the way people get their news when she co-created The Daily Show, knows better than anyone that the answer to this question is a resounding yes.Joining me to discuss these vital topics is a very special guest:Lizz Winstead is the co-creator and head writer of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, as well as the founder and chief creative officer of Abortion Access Front.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

The fight to enshrine gender equality in the U.S. Constitution is more urgent than ever. The Equal Rights Amendment could prove pivotal in securing not just the promise of equal protections in the eyes of the law, but by providing crucial protections when it comes to reproductive rights in the wake of Roe's overturn. Nobody knows this better than Susan Frietsche—who recently secured an incredible victory for women in the state of Pennsylvania in terms of then power of the Equal Rights Amendment as it relates to reproductive freedom. In this episode, we delve into how Susan's work sets an important precedent for protecting women's rights—and how it relates to the fight to secure the federal ERA in the Constitution. This episode is a part of the latest installment of Ms. Magazine's Women and Democracy platform, "The ERA Is Essential to Democracy."Joining us to discuss these crucial topics is a very special guest:Susan Frietsche is the co-executive director of the Women's Law Project, for which she founded the Western Pennsylvania office in 2002. She provides direct representation for the 17 freestanding abortion facilities in Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the Women's Law Project she was the Deputy Director of the Pennsylvania ACLU.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

This week, we're continuing our series, “The Trump Indictments,” which unpacks the litigation and criminal charges levied at former president Donald Trump. In this episode, Dr. Goodwin brings us up to speed on the Supreme Court's decision to reinstate the former President on the Colorado ballot. Professor Anthony Michael Kreis also returns to discuss what's been happening in Washington, D.C. and what comes next in at least one of Trump's trials. Joining us to discuss these crucial issues is our very special returning guest:Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis. Anthony Michael Kreis is a professor of law and political science with Georgia State University. His research examines the relationship between social change and the law, focusing on the relationship between American political history and the development of law over time.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

This week, we're continuing our series unpacking the litigation and criminal charges levied at former president Donald Trump: The Trump Indictments. In this episode, Dr. Goodwin is joined by Professor Anthony Michael Kreis as they discuss the status of the Georgia criminal prosecution against Trump and the allegations facing Fulton County DA Fani Willis.   Joining us to discuss these crucial issues is our very special returning guest:Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis. Anthony Michael Kreis is a professor of law and political science with Georgia State University. His research examines the relationship between social change and the law, focusing on the relationship between American political history and the development of law over time.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

In this special episode, Dr. Goodwin is on the road, broadcasting from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  She's joined by Dutch physician and reproductive rights activist and pioneer, Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, founder of Women on Waves—an organization that took to the seas to provide women abortions and reproductive healthcare.  They unpack victories and the horrors—including Dr. Gomperts' boat being seized, chained, and crew being held by gunpoint.  They also unpack what comes next for abortion, including self-managed abortion and telehealth.Joining us for this episode is very special guest:Dr. Rebecca Gomperts. Dr. Gomperts is a Dutch physician and an activist for reproductive health, rights, and justice. She is the founder of Women on Waves, a Dutch organization that brings reproductive health services, and particularly non-surgical abortion services and education, to women in countries with restrictive abortion laws.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Support the show

Report after report has shown that sexual harassment and assault are pervasive throughout the U.S. armed forces: at least 15.7 percent of military personnel and veterans reported military sexual trauma, a number that is likely smaller than the actual total due to shame and fear around reporting. What's more, perpetrators are rarely if ever held accountable: according to a recent ProPublica investigation, more than half of the 900 soldiers who were allowed to leave the Army in the past decade rather than go to trial were accused of violent crimes.But in the face of a culture that silences and disenfranchises women and survivors, some women are speaking out—and demanding change. One of them is our very special guest, Melissa McCafferty: Melissa McCafferty is a former Lieutenant with the United States Coast Guard, where she served for 12 years. After being sexually assaulted while in the Coast Guard Academy, she has since become an advocate for military sexual assault victims, including testifying in front of Congress earlier this year. She recently received her JD from Georgetown University Law Center, and serves as a Young Lawyer Representative at the American Bar Association Section of Antitrust Law. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

In this episode, we continue our Collateral Damage series—where we're thinking about women during wartime, and the unique price they pay. As various wars and conflicts continue to mount around the world, from Ukraine to Gaza, to Sudan and beyond, we're wondering: where are the women at the negotiating table? The number of women and girls living in conflict-affected countries continues to mount, reaching 614 million people in 2022—a 50-percent increase from 2017. What do governments and NGOs need to do to make sure that women's needs do not fall through the cracks?Joining us for this episode is a very special guest:Dr. Yael Braudo-Bahat: Dr. Yael Braudo-Bahat is the co-director of Women Wage Peace, an Israel-based organization with the goal of empowering women from diverse communities to build trust across divides, leading in turn to a unified demand for diplomatic negotiation, with full representation of women, to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

This episode marks the first in a new On the Issues series: “Collateral Damage.” In these episodes, we probe where news typically falls off, and its neglect of the impact of war on women. The crises of sexual violence they face, which is a deliberate tactic in war. We examine maternal and reproductive health, the role of women in peacekeeping, and so much more. In this episode, we start with health and why it's sacred and must be protected even in war, delving into issues of bioethics and health care during conflict. In times of war, who protects the patients, the mothers, the babies?  Are there bridges too far that shouldn't be crossed, even in war? Joining us to discuss these crucial matters is a very special guest:Larry Gostin: Professor Larry Gostin co-directs the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law and is a  university professor and the Founding O'Neill Chair in Global Health Law at Georgetown University. He is also the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

People are mobilizing for labor rights—with major strikes taking place across industries from entertainment to healthcare and more. In this episode, we're talking about why it's important to fight for women workers—looking at the past, examining the present, and putting a focus on the future.  We examine what's at stake, including childcare, equal pay, and more.Joining us to discuss these important issues is a very special guest:Rep. Rosa DeLauro has represented Connecticut's 3rd congressional district since 1991. She previously served as the first Executive Director of EMILY's List, Executive Director of Countdown '87, the national campaign that successfully stopped U.S. military aid to the Nicaraguan Contras; and as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

On this week's episode, we're continuing our series unpacking the litigation and criminal charges that have been levied at former president Donald Trump: The Trump Indictments. But these indictments don't just include former president Donald Trump—they also include co-conspirators. Who are they—and what do their cases mean for the case against Trump as a whole?Joining us to discuss these issues is our very special returning guest—who's had a front-row seat to the entire controversy:Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis: Anthony Michael Kreis is a professor of law and political science with Georgia State University. His research examines the relationship between social change and the law, focusing on the relationship between American political history and the development of law over time.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

Fifty years ago, hip-hop emerged from a party in the rec room of a Bronx building—and a new sound was born--one with roots in African music, but with its own vibe and messaging.  Since its first iterations, women have played significant roles in the creation and evolution of hip-hop: as rappers, DJs, producers, breakdancers, graffiti artists, scholars, journalists and more.   Women have been key innovators and rebels in hip-hop, creating new sounds, pushing back against marginalization, and speaking up when others try to push them down.Michele Goodwin and her two guests break down the past, present and future of hip-hop, and the crucial role of women in this timeline. Michele is joined by: Drew Dixon: a producer, writer, activist, entrepreneur and former A&R executive, who spearheaded the recording of iconic songs like “American Boy” (Estelle f. Kanye West), “My Love Is Your Love” (Whitney Houston), “Maria Maria” (Carlos Santana), “I'll Be There For You” (Method Man f. Mary J. Blige) and many more. In January of 2020, Dixon appeared as the main subject of On the Record, a documentary released in May of 2020 on HBO Max that documents Dixon's decision to come forward in the #MeToo movement as a survivor of sexual harassment and assault in the music industry. Dixon is also featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary, Ladies First, and is set to appear on a special plenary on women and hip-hop at this year's annual National Women's Studies Association Conference, co-sponsored by Ms. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Business School, Dixon lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her two teenagers. Janell Hobson: a contributing editor at Ms., Hobson spearheaded iconic the Ms. series "Turning 50: Looking Back at the Women in Hip-Hop" and "Tubman 200” in honor of what would have been Harriet Tubman's 200th birthday. Hobson is a professor of women's, gender and sexuality studies at the University at Albany and the author of When God Lost Her Tongue: Historical Consciousness and the Black Feminist Imagination. (This episode is part of “Turning 50,” which recognizes the women who shaped hip-hop through articles in print and online, a public syllabus highlighting women and hip-hop, Spotify playlists, and digital conversations with “hip-hop feminists” in music, journalism and academics.)Support the show

On this week's episode, we're continuing our series unpacking the litigation and criminal charges that have been levied at former president Donald Trump: The Trump Indictments. Earlier this month, Trump was indicted once again—this time, on 13 charges related to his role in interfering with the 2020 election results in Georgia. The case marks the former president's fourth indictment, and over 90 charges of criminal activity. He turned himself in to authorities in Fulton County, Georgia on Thursday, August 24. Prior to the release of the Georgia indictments, we spoke with professor Anthony Michael Kreis about why the case matters—and what it means for the rest of the cases currently being leveled against the former president. Joining us to discuss this important issue is a very special guest: Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis: Anthony Michael Kreis is a professor of law and political science with Georgia State University. His research examines the relationship between social change and the law, focusing on the relationship between American political history and the development of law over time. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

In this episode, we continue our series: The Trump Indictments, unpacking the civil and criminal charges alleging that the former president Donald Trump engaged in illegal activities. In early June 2023, for the second time in two months, Trump was indicted—this time on 37 felony counts for allegedly mishandling sensitive, classified government materials and obstruction of justice. What does this most recent indictment mean for Trump, the 2024 elections, and the future of American democracy as a whole?Joining us to discuss this important issue is our very special, returning guest: Leah Litman. Leah Litman is a professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School, where she teaches and writes on constitutional law, federal post-conviction review, and federal sentencing. She is the co-founder of Women Also Know Law—a searchable database of women and non-binary people who have academic appointments in law—and is one of the co-hosts and creators of the popular “Strict Scrutiny” podcast, which focuses on the Supreme Court.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

In this episode, we're celebrating and recognizing Juneteenth.  However, in 2023, Juneteenth marks the continued struggle toward racial justice and constitutional equality.  From voter suppression to book bans that target Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ authors—this Juneteenth offers much to think about. In the face of these bans, and as we celebrate Juneteenth, it's more important than ever to remember our American history—because these bans aren't just attacks on critical race theory or women's studies. They're attacks on democracy and the First Amendment itself.Joining us for this episode is a very special guest: Ann Beard Grundy. She is a civil rights activist and the daughter of Reverend Beard, born while her father was the pastor of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama which was bombed on Sunday, September 15 1963 in a white supremacist attack that took the lives of four girls: Edie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carol Robertson and Denise McNair. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

On today's episode, we're unpacking something that's become increasingly—and distressingly—mainstream in the wake of the Trump presidency: political violence. This kind of violence overwhelmingly impacts women, particularly women of color. There was an unprecedented spike of threats of political violence in 2020–according to the Brennan Center, one third of poll workers surveyed said that they felt unsafe and 79 percent wanted government-provided security. This troubling trend has  continued, from the January 6 attack, to the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and so much more. Ideas that were once fringe have made their way into the mainstream. In the face of these very real and dangerous threats, how can we support women and minority candidates—not just through their candidacies, but throughout their tenures in office and beyond? Helping us to sort out these questions and set the record straight is a very special guest:Rep. Leslie Herod. Colorado state Representative Leslie Herod was elected in 2016 and received the highest number of votes of any candidate running in a contested election. She is the first LGBTQ African American in the General Assembly. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs the Colorado Black Democratic Legislative Caucus. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

This week, we're launching a special new series following the litigation and criminal charges that have been levied at the former president Donald Trump: The Trump Indictments. Last week, a New York jury ruled that columnist E. Jean Carroll was sexually assaulted and defamed by the former president, and awarded her five million dollars in damages.This case is also far from the only litigation faced by the former president—Trump is also the subject of several ongoing investigations, including one case dealing with his 2016 hush-money scheme for which he was indicted last month, a federal investigation into his role in the January 6 insurrection, and more. This week, we dive into the Carroll verdict, and its implications for the larger case against former president Trump.Joining us to kick off our series on The Trump Indictments is a very special guest: Moira Donegan. Moira Donegan is a feminist writer and current opinion columnist with the Guardian U.S.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

Society's systematic patterns of inequality targeting women demonstrate something far more harmful than just discrimination or the patriarchy at work. Instead, the myriad ways in which women's personhood, civil liberties, bodily autonomy, and political participation are suppressed suggests misogyny at work. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Julie Suk, featuring a discussion of her urgent, new book, After Misogyny: How the Law Fails Women and What To Do About It. Dr. Suk shares why turning a lens on misogyny helps us to better understand the social, political, and legal challenges of these times.Joining us to discuss these crucial issues is a very special guest:Doctor Julie Suk. Dr. Suk is a Professor of Law at Fordham University School of Law, whose work focuses on researching equality at the intersections of law, history, sociology, and politics in the United States and globally. She is also the author of the recently published book After Misogyny: How the Law Fails Women and What to Do About It, which delves into the systemic misogyny that's embedded in the law and what we need to do in order to transcend it; as well as her previous book, We the Women: The Unstoppable Mothers of the Equal Rights Amendment. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

This Women's History Month, we're wondering: What will it take to achieve a society that prioritizes—and achieves—true equality? Our answers to those questions are the Majority Rules: a series of rules, created by Supermajority, intended to guide us to our ultimate goal of gender equality.Today, we're diving into Rule #5, “Our government represents us.” During the 2022 midterm elections, women voters across the U.S. made their voices heard, demanding access to safe reproductive healthcare. And yet, state legislatures—which purport to represent the people—continue to attack reproductive rights, proposing increasingly restrictive bans on abortion, with collateral consequences for reproductive healthcare more generally. In the face of these challenges, how can we work towards a government that truly represents us—and protects us? Joining us to discuss these crucial issues is a very special guest:Rep. Katie Porter. Rep. Porter is a politician, lawyer, and law professor who currently represents the 47th Congressional District in Orange County, California, serving in the United States House of Representatives since 2019. Rep. Porter is widely known for steadfast dedication to keeping our economy strong, stable and globally competitive by mitigating corporate greed, boosting competition and investing in family friendly policies while inviting and encouraging individuals to join congressional conversations. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

Looking back on Women's History Month, we're wondering: What will it take to achieve a society that prioritizes—and achieves—true equality? Our answers to those questions are the Majority Rules: a series of rules, created by Supermajority, intended to guide us to our ultimate goal of gender equality.Today, we're diving into Rule #4, “Our families are supported.” The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many of the existing gaps in our care infrastructure, uncovering the millions of Americans who tragically fall through the cracks. In this moment, we're faced with a number of questions—how can we ensure that our systems that are set up to help and support people? Specifically, how can we make sure they address the pressing needs of families, women who engage in caregiving, and individuals that come from communities where they are struggling to survive, let alone thrive?Joining us to unpack these issues is a very special guest:Dr. Aisha Nyandoro. Dr. Nyandoro is the CEO of Springboard to Opportunities, and director of Magnolia Mother's Trust, a guaranteed income program which this year will give $1,000 per month for 12 months to 100 families headed by Black women living in federally subsidized housing. Dr. Nyandoro has more than a decade of experience developing, implementing and evaluating programs that are aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with limited resources, and has worked with various organizations and in various capacities as an academic evaluator, philanthropist, and nonprofit executive. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

This Women's History Month, we're wondering: What will it take to achieve a society that prioritizes—and achieves—true equality? Our answers to those questions are the Majority Rules: a series of rules, created by Supermajority, intended to guide us to our ultimate goal of gender equality.Today, we're diving into Rule #3, “Our work is valued.” In a world that systemically erases and devalues the work of women, and that of women of color in particular, how can we ensure that our work is valued—especially care work, domestic work and other forms of work that often go unrecognized and are rendered invisible?  Joining us to answer these questions is a very special guest:Ai-jen Poo. Ai-jen Poo is an American labor leader, president of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and a co-founder of Supermajority. She's also the author of The Age of Dignity: Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America.  Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

This Women's History Month, we're wondering: What will it take to achieve a society that prioritizes—and achieves—true equality? Our answers to those questions are the Majority Rules: a series of rules, created by Supermajority, intended to guide us to our ultimate goal of gender equality.Today, we're diving into Rule #2, “Our bodies are respected.” In the wake of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, it seems like our rights to our very own bodies are increasingly under attack. In South Carolina, lawmakers are calling for the execution of women who would have abortions. In Texas, five women are suing the state, individuals who wanted to carry pregnancies to term but their lives became at risk and their doctors were unable to help them fearing criminal punishments and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. In one of their cases, the woman was not helped in managing her miscarriage until she was septic and near death.Given these various challenges and attacks on reproductive freedom, are our bodies respected? And how can we fight to obtain that respect, in this uniquely dangerous moment?Joining us for this episode is a very special guest:Loretta Ross. Loretta Ross is an activist, educator, author and co-founder of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, as well as the co-creator of the theory of reproductive justice. Ross has traveled the world at the invitation of leaders and activists to speak about reproductive justice, and in 2022 she was the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship “genius grant." She is currently an Associate Professor for the Study of Women and Gender at Smith College.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

This Women's History Month, we're wondering: What will it take to achieve a society that prioritizes—and achieves—true equality? Our answers to those questions are the Majority Rules: a series of rules, created by Supermajority, intended to guide us to our ultimate goal of gender equality.  Today, we're diving into Rule #1, "Our lives are safe.” Our country continues to deny safety to women, and especially women of color. From physical to mental and emotional harm, women are consistently the target of violence, causing many to fear for their safety. So, we're asking: how can we create a better world, a world where all are safe? Joining us to answer this vital question is a very special guest:Shannon Watts. Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the nation. In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook mass shooting, Shannon, a former stay-at-home mom as she describes herself, started a Facebook group fighting for the establishment of public safety measures that protect people from gun violence. From there Shannon founded Moms Demand Action, an organization that now has a chapter in every U.S. state, and 10 million supporters. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

In this episode, we're thinking about the many ways in which girls and women in the U.S. are denied, passed over, and even cheated of opportunities they have earned.  We note that it happens at school, college, graduate school, the work environment, and even in government.  Being denied can be humiliating, embarrassing, and stressful.  But, women can and do fight back—often by overachieving. How do we move ahead in light of social, political and other forces that hold women, girls, and those of other marginalized backgrounds back?Joining us to discuss these issues is a very special guest who tells her own story about being denied.Professor Tracey Meares is the Walton Hale Hamilton professor and a founding director of the Justice collaboratory at Yale Law School, and a former professor at the University of Chicago Law School. She is a nationally recognized expert on policing in urban communities.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the showSupport the show

In the wake of a year that's been plagued with book bans, book burnings, and right-wing censorship of all kinds, we're wondering: why is our American history being banned? Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' recent attempts to ban an Advanced Placement course in African American studies have us thinking about American fragility, and the drastic consequences of this censorship. Not to mention, what does this mean for our constitutional rights—matters like free speech, and the First Amendment? When the government infringes on our fundamental constitutional rights, how can we fight back?Joining me to discuss these important issues, is a very special guest (one who himself has been blacklisted!):Professor Roderick Ferguson is the William Robertson Coe Professor of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Yale University, where he is also a professor of American Studies. He is the award-winning author of One-Dimensional Queer; We Demand: The University and Student Protests; The Reorder of Things: The University and Its Pedagogies of Minority Difference; and Aberrations in Black: Toward a Queer of Color Critique.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

In this episode, we remember and celebrate the life of Anita Pointer, founder of The Pointer Sisters. Anita died of cancer on Saturday, Jan. 1, at home in Beverly Hills, Calif. She was 74.Her writing and singing talents helped propel the group to stardom. But Anita was also a writer, producer, business mogul and feminist activist—a proud supporter of women's rights and committed to advancing racial justice and civil rights. Throughout her career, she blazed a trail for women artists, particularly Black women artists, on stage and behind the scenes. Anita Pointer changed the game both on and off the stage through her involvement in the civil rights and Black Power movements in the Bay Area in the '60s.In honor of her passing and support of her family, we're re-releasing this special episode with Anita and her brother Fritz Pointer, acclaimed professor and historian and former music manager, which we taped last summer. The two joined us to celebrate Juneteenth and unpack their award-winning memoir, Fairytale: The Pointer Sisters' Family Story. In it, the Pointer siblings discuss coming of age during the civil rights movement; emphasize the importance of tenacity and learning the hard way; and break down what it was like for their family to finally break through and land award after award—all by doing it their own way. As an added bonus, expect to be serenaded by Anita Pointer!Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

On today's show, we're talking about the Janes. Before Roe v. Wade, if you were in need of an abortion in Chicago, there was a number you could call, run by young women who called themselves Jane. They'd provide abortions to women who had nowhere else to turn. It was started by Heather Booth when she was 19 years old.  We're joined by Booth, to discuss the history of the Jane Collective and the connections between our pre-Roe past and post-Roe future. Where do we go from here? Joining us to discuss these vital issues is our special guest:Heather Booth: Heather Booth is a feminist organizer and political strategist. She started the JANE collective in Chicago in the 1960s when she was just 19, to help provide abortions prior to Roe v. Wade. Since then she has gone on to become a political strategist for progressive issue and electoral campaigns, working with the DNC, NAACP, and more. Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show

Iran is currently experiencing its largest civil rights movement since the 1979 revolution. This uprising, sparked by the killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini—who died after being detained by the Iranian morality police for being improperly veiled—is proving to be a critical turning point for Iranian women. Since the protests began in September, at least 16,000 have been detained, and hundreds have been killed—including at least 380 protestors and at least 58 children, some as young as eight. Helping us to unpack these important issues are two very special guests: Dr. Yalda Hamidi is Assistant Professor of Gender and Women's Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She identifies as a feminist pedagogue, mentor, and storyteller. Yalda's research provides a more comprehensive picture of transnational feminism for diasporic communities and explores intersectional identities and feminisms in Iranian women's writing in the diaspora and inside Iran. Dr. Parmis Khatibi is a leading expert on mental health and wellness services.  She is a clinical specialist at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center as well as a Clinical Adjunct Professor for the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy and USC School of Pharmacy. She provides mental health and clinical care to the most vulnerable community members suffering from addiction. She is  engaged in solving some of the most pressing issues of our global economy and has served as Chairwoman for the World Affairs Council of Orange County, California.Check out this episode's landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at ontheissues@msmagazine.com. Support the show