The Cost of Extremism

The federal minimum wage right now is $7.25. For someone working full-time, that translates to $15,060 per year, just $20 over the national poverty line.The US minimum wage has been hotly debated since its beginning, so this week, we're taking a closer look at its history, exactly who is making it, and dispelling some misinformation.In 2023, almost a million hourly workers in the United States made minimum wage or less. And contrary to popular belief, they're not all teenagers — many are moms earning half of their family's total income. They're working jobs you might expect, like retail and food service, but also jobs you might not have expected, like home healthcare workers. And here's something important to know: the minimum wage doesn't automatically increase with inflation. It has to be intentionally raised by Congress, something that hasn't happened since 2009. Think about how much prices have gone up since then! It doesn't have to be this way. If we look at other countries around the world, or even America a few decades ago, we can see that wealth inequality has never been this bad. It's not a fact of life; it's not a necessary evil to have a good economy. It can change if we all talk to our friends and neighbors… and vote accordingly.

Kids today have a lot to worry about. Getting through adolescence was hard enough in generations past, but these days, kids have more anxieties than ever. And who can blame them? There were 83 school shootings in 2024 and gun violence is now the number one cause of death for kids.In 2023, 40% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and that increases to 53% when you just ask girls. And if you ask LGBTQ kids, that number goes all the way up to 65%. Even sadder, suicide has become the second-leading cause of death for kids between 10 and 14.There's a lot of concern about kids' phone use, especially social media, and that certainly plays a role. But some experts believe that just two things are primarily to blame for most mental health crises: poverty and violence. And of course the Trump administration has been making both of those issues worse, catering to the NRA and cutting programs that support working families. He closed the White House Office for Gun Violence Prevention and, just last month, approved the sale of “forced reset triggers” that allow normal guns to fire like machine guns.Trump also cut $1 billion in funding for student mental health services. Yes, one billion dollars taken away from helping kids with their mental health.There's no lack of internet opinions about parenting, and when it comes to things like social media, you know your own kids best. But we know how to improve outcomes for kids across the country: funding for mental health services, better gun safety laws, assistance for families who need help with food or housing, and protection for kids who live with domestic abuse. The Trump administration has been moving us backwards on every one of these issues and it's on us to speak up for kids.

Few issues polarize this country like abortion. Most Americans believe these intensely personal decisions should be made by families and doctors, not politicians. But even those who call themselves “pro-life” usually believe some exceptions should be made — in the case of rape, when it's a matter of saving the mother's life, or when doctors determine the fetus has no chance of survival.But we've seen time and time again that “exceptions” don't work.Right now, in Georgia, a tragedy is playing out before our eyes. A young woman named Adriana Smith suffered multiple blood clots in February and was declared brain dead, but because she was 9 weeks pregnant at the time, the hospital is keeping her hooked up to machines until doctors believe her fetus can survive on its own.It's important to know that Adriana isn't in a coma or even a vegetative state — legally and medically, she's dead. Her body is being kept alive by more machines and medicines than you can imagine, all because of Georgia's 6-week abortion ban. Imagine being Adriana's mother. Watching your daughter's body hooked up to all those machines, kept in this horrible middle space between life and death, not for days or weeks but for months. In interviews, she's called it “torture.” And her family was never given a choice.If Adriana, or Amanda Zurawski, or a ten-year-old rape victim aren't exceptions to abortion laws, who is? And why should politicians get to decide? We can't change the Dobbs decision, but we can push for an end to state abortion bans. We've already seen it work, like a 2023 constitutional amendment in Ohio. It isn't easy, but we owe it to Adriana, Amanda, and all of the women whose stories have yet to be written.

You may have seen headlines recently about extremists going after no-fault divorce. “Yeah, okay, I've seen those stories,” your friends might say, “but… why would they do that?” The answer, of course, is simple: it's about controlling women.Critics of no-fault divorce, like JD Vance, claim that it's bad for couples and especially bad for kids. But the data just doesn't bear that out. The really important thing to know is that no-fault divorce protects women. There was a 15% decrease in female suicides in states that passed no-fault divorce laws and a 30% decrease in domestic violence. Each one of those statistics is a real story — and you can hear some of them in this week's episode.A few years ago, an end to no-fault divorce seemed unlikely. But after the end of Roe v Wade, of course this is the next legal right to land on the chopping block. So far, bills to overturn no-fault divorce have been unsuccessful, even in states where they've been proposed like Texas and Oklahoma. But extremists aren't going to stop their attack on women and it's up to us to keep talking about it.

Donald Trump promised to be “tough” on immigration on the campaign trail, vowing to “launch the largest deportation program of criminals in American history.”“Criminals,” he said. So why is ICE detaining children? And why do half of the adults held in ICE detention facilities have no criminal record?In New York, a mom and her three kids—including a third grader—were arrested by ICE and shipped off to a facility in Texas. In Louisiana, ICE deported a four-year-old with cancer to Honduras, despite the child being a US citizen. Across America, families live in fear of separation, even those who are following the legal pathways and completing all of their required paperwork and check-ins.And if that wasn't bad enough, the conditions in ICE detention facilities is atrocious: crowded cells, freezing concrete floors, water from the toilet, and constant dehumanizing treatment from guards. All of this for people with no criminal record and, again, actual children. Is this really the America we want?This Okay, But Why is upsetting, but we can't turn away. Trump's ICE quotas and for-profit prison companies are creating a hell on earth for some of our most vulnerable people and we have to speak out.

When James Baldwin went on the Dick Cavett Show in 1969, he was asked a very loaded question: why aren't Black people more optimistic? Jim Crow laws had been outlawed, Black people were becoming mayors and successful businesspeople… so why was he still talking about race?Obviously racism didn't “end” with the Civil War, or the Civil Rights Act, or Obama's election. In fact, Donald Trump has spurred a resurgence — there's been a nearly 50% increase in white supremacy groups just in the past few years. And yet he's waging a war on Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs, Critical Race Theory, and the very notion that racism still exists.But racism – and anti-Blackness in particular – is still a powerful force. It's built into the very structure of the country. It shows up in politics, medicine, sports, education, and even eBay.In this week's episode of Okay But Why, we explore the history of anti-Blackness in America, how it manifests to this day, and what we can do about it. If you want to learn more, there are so many books, films, and podcasts out there! Check out Code Switch, The 1619 Project, Stamped From The Beginning, The Black Friend, White Tears/Brown Scars, Hood Feminism, or the upcoming The Race Track: How The Myth of Equal Opportunity Defeats Racial Justice.

Last year, extreme weather cost us hundreds of American lives and hundreds of billions of dollars. So… why is the Trump Administration defunding the Weather Service?The Weather Service is part of NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We need NOAA to help us predict storms and warn people when they need to evacuate. The data is used by airports to make sure planes can fly safely, by farmers to know when to plant their crops, by fishing companies to know when it's safe to send boats out on the water, and by construction companies to plan the best time to pour concrete and calculate the right risks of wildfires or flooding. And individual Americans rely on their weather apps and local meteorologists to tell them when it's safe to go out for a hike or what to pack for an upcoming vacation. The weather app on your phone isn't magical - it relies on weather data provided by NOAA.Climate and weather may be complicated, but the reason why Trump is cutting NOAA is very simple: it's in Project 2025.What Project 2025 wants to do is make NOAA a private, for-profit service. But some things are a public good - like schools, parks, and information. Who benefits when climate and weather information is suddenly paywalled? The millionaires and billionaires who run the companies that now own that information.If we want to survive and thrive over the next few generations, we need access to the best information about our atmosphere and oceans. Weather isn't a partisan issue and we should keep it that way.

Right now, most of us are feeling stress and anxiety. On top of everything else in our lives, the political chaos seems too much to bear. A 2024 survey from the American Psychological Association found that over 70% of adults consider the country's future a significant source of stress — and even though we're only four months into 2025, if our group chats are any indication, we're struggling now more than ever.At the same time, there's an epidemic of loneliness. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an official advisory about loneliness in 2023… turns out, it's not just bad for our mood, it's bad for our physical health too. People who are disconnected and lonely are twice as likely to die as people who have strong communities.The good news is, community connection can help with both of these problems! Not only do social bonds make us healthier and happier, political action is far more effective when done as a group. We all have different strengths and perspectives, and our friends can fill in the gaps when we need a break. In these chaotic and stressful times, community is more important than ever. It isn't just good for our hearts and minds, it's good for democracy. When women with shared values get together, there's no stopping us.

Social security is an American institution. After decades of working hard, we expect to retire with a well-earned safety net to help us with our monthly expenses. Trump and Elon Musk claim that Social Security is rife with corruption and fraud. Musk told podcaster Joe Rogan that it's “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” But whenever unbiased, nonpartisan groups study the numbers, they find very little fraud. Instead, they find millions of people who rely on those payments for their very survival. (And, it should be noted, exactly zero 150-year-olds receiving benefits.)So... why is Social Security at risk? This episode breaks down the facts and corrects the disinformation about the agency, who's receiving payments, and what's really happening.

When Trump was running for office last year, he promised to “lower prices on day one.” So… why are eggs still so expensive? And why are other groceries still so expensive too?Sure, bird flu is one factor - but it's actually having less of an impact than you've been told. A lot of other factors are at play too, from tariffs to corporate profits to immigration policies that target our agricultural workers. Just this week, Trump announced a new round of tariffs in what he's ironically calling “liberation day.”All of this would be bad enough, but in the meantime, Republicans are cutting funding and programs that help struggling families put food on the table. The USDA has stopped $500 million in deliveries to food banks and slashed a billion dollars from programs that helped schools purchase fresh local food. And SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) is likely to experience major cuts too.You can't find a more “kitchen table issue” than what families can afford to put on their literal kitchen tables. Extremists want us to think the economy is too complicated to understand, but it's actually quite simple: we need leaders who prioritize families over profits. Access to food is a basic human right and we need them to treat it that way.

With breaking news and shocking headlines still happening on a weekly basis, sometimes it's hard to believe that  the current war in Ukraine has been going on for more than three years. You may have heard a neighbor or family member asking… why should the United States be involved at all? With so many problems here at home, why should we care about a war on the other side of the world?Well, there's two different ways to answer that question: the humanitarian crisis, and our national security. In this episode, we dive into both. Trump still says he's committed to ending the war. But will he end it in a way that's good for Ukraine and democracy? Or will he end it in a way that's good for Vladimir Putin... and himself? This war is already tragically close to home for kids in Ukraine, and it could be other kids across the world – including ours – that feel it next.So the next time you hear someone ask why the United States should care about this war, you can share this episode and tell them exactly why we should support Ukraine.

Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy. But Donald Trump and his new Secretary of Education Linda McMahon haven't exactly made it a secret that they want to shut down the Department of Education. Phrases like “parental choice” and “school choice” might make this sound good for families, but in reality, it leaves far too many kids behind.Before we had a Department of Ed, students who weren't white, were disabled, or living in poverty had little access to a good education. Some, like Native American children sent to abusive “Indian schools,” were actively harmed or even died. But since its founding in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, the department has made sure that every kid has an equal opportunity to learn.That's what the Department of Education does. It doesn't write curriculum for teachers or choose books for librarians - it just makes sure that every child has access to a great public education.We know that Trump and McMahon are breaking things they don't understand. So it's up to us to make sure that we do — and that we share that knowledge with everyone we know.

In this first episode of our limited series "Okay, But Why?", we're taking a deep dive into voting rights.We all want free and fair elections where everyone who's legally able to vote can make their voice heard. But every time the experts study voter fraud, they find almost zero evidence that undocumented immigrants or anyone else is voting illegally. So then… why are there so many new voting laws out there?Today, we're examining the history of voting rights and taking a closer look at why politicians are trying so hard to keep some Americans from voting.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.

So far on our miniseries The American Fabric, we've learned more about immigrants and why they come to this country. We've busted myths and decried disinformation. And we've heard immigrants tell their stories in their own words.Today, on the final episode, we're talking about why this year's election is so important. We have the opportunity to choose leaders who understand that immigrants are a cornerstone of this country and want to find humane bipartisan solutions. Leaders who don't demonize vulnerable people for their own political gain. The outcome in November is crucial.The federal government hasn't passed meaningful immigration reform since 1986. On today's episode, we hear more from Congresswoman Delia Ramirez as well as our own Suburban Women Problem co-host Rep. Jasmine Clark about how Republicans are choosing their own political power over policies that would actually help people. Balancing America's national security and humanitarian needs is far from simple, but extremists like Trump and JD Vance aren't interested in solving problems. They want us to be a nation of hate. Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and all of the incredible leaders on the state and local level want to lead us back to our ideals. We're a nation of immigrants. A nation of hope and opportunity. So it's up to us now. We have to talk to everyone we know and make sure they understand what's on the line. Let's make sure that on election day, hope and freedom triumph.Thanks for listening to The American Fabric.To learn more about our guests:Lt. Colonel (retired) Alexander VindmanCongresswoman Delia RamirezDr. Andrea Bonior, psychologist and professorDr. Sara Sadhwani, professor of politics and immigrationDr. Nancy MacLean, political historian and authorFor a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Extremists have always used disinformation and fear-mongering to further their cause. But their rhetoric about immigration has stooped to new lows in recent months.Some of the lies are so outrageous it might be tempting to laugh. Haitian immigrants, for example, are not eating their neighbors' pets in Springfield Ohio. And 107% of American jobs have not been taken by “illegal aliens,” as Trump claimed. (107 percent? How would that even work?)But the misinformation is no laughing matter. It's having real effects on people around the country. In Springfield, for example, schools have been closing because of bomb threats. Every time the rhetoric goes up, violence goes up with it.Then there's misinformation that feels less absurd but is still absolutely incorrect. The idea that immigrants commit more crimes than native-born Americans, for example, is widely believed by many despite every statistic and research study proving the exact opposite. And economists have shown that immigrants aren't “stealing jobs.” Again, the opposite is true: immigration strengthens our economy and creates jobs for both native-born Americans and immigrants.On today's episode of The American Fabric, we're busting myths and tackling the fear-mongering head on.Don't miss our last episode tomorrow!Learn more about our guests:Lt. Colonel (retired) Alexander VindmanCongresswoman Delia RamirezDr. Andrea Bonior, psychologist and professorDr. Sara Sadhwani, professor of politics and immigrationSonal Jain, owner of Chamak Dhamak in Akron OH

Despite all the extremist disinformation, suburban women aren't afraid of immigrants. They're our friends, our neighbors, our spouses. They're us. Immigration isn't a story about fear… it's a story about love.And no one knows this better than our own Suburban Women Problem co-host Rachel Vindman. Her husband Alex came here as a refugee from the Soviet Union when he was only 4 years old. Alex says his immigration story has a lot to do with his patriotism and optimism about The United States. It even made it into the speech he made while testifying in Donald Trump's 2019 impeachment case. "Because this is America," he said. "And here right matters."This week, we have a special 3-episode miniseries to share with you called The American Fabric. It's hosted by Rachel and features conversations with Alex and other immigrants along with a historian, a political science professor, a psychologist, a Congresswoman, and more. We'll have new episodes on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week.The way we think and talk about immigration in the next month and a half could determine the future of American democracy. We're so pleased to share this special series with you and hope it helps you talk about immigration with the folks in your life.Stay tuned for Episode 2 tomorrow!To learn more about our guests:Lt. Colonel (retired) Alexander VindmanCongresswoman Delia RamirezDr. Sara Sadhwani, professor of politics and immigrationSonal Jain, owner of Chamak Dhamak in Akron OHFor a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue.You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media!Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

In the final episode of Sacred Politics, we delve into the intersection of religion and social activism. From advocating for human rights to championing environmental stewardship, we uncover how religious groups and individuals have leveraged their faith to fuel positive change.Shane Claiborne: http://www.shaneclaiborne.com/https://www.instagram.com/shane.claiborne/?hl=enRed Letter Christians: https://redletterchristians.org/https://www.instagram.com/redletterxians/?hl=enRev Karla: https://revkarla.com/https://www.instagram.com/revkarla/https://www.tiktok.com/@revkarla?lang=enFor a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

In episode 2 of Sacred Politics, we discuss the trajectory of Christian Nationalism and its looming impact on the nation's future. From the halls of Congress to grassroots movements, we examine how this ideological force is poised to influence the political agenda in the years to come with the implementation of Project 2025.Jess McIntosh: https://x.com/jess_mc?lang=enhttps://www.jessmcintosh.org/ Jemar Tisby: https://jemartisby.com/ https://www.instagram.com/JemarTisby/ The Spirit of Justice: https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Justice-Stories-Faith-Resistance/dp/031014485X Talia Lavin: https://www.instagram.com/taliainteralia/?hl=en Wild Faith: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/talia-lavin/wild-faith/9780306829192/Culture Warlords: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/talia-lavin/culture-warlords/9781549127830/?lens=hachette-books For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

In our limited podcast series, Sacred Politics, we reveal the dangers of Christian Nationalism in American politics amidst the 2024 election season. Through narrative storytelling and expert interviews, we uncover Christian Nationalism's role in shaping elections, legislation, and public discourse, while also exploring how faith-inspired activism can drive positive change.In episode one, we look through American history to uncover the profound influence of Christian Nationalism. From pivotal moments like its role in electing Donald Trump to its impact on the pro-life movement, this episode delves into the intricate relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Through expert analysis and historical insights, we discuss how Christian Nationalism has shaped policies and cultural attitudes, influencing debates on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and education. Katherine Stewart: https://kristindumez.com/ April Ajoy: https://www.instagram.com/aprilajoy/?hl=en Star-Spangled Jesus: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/april-ajoy/star-spangled-jesus/9781546006688/?lens=worthy Kristin Du Mez: https://katherinestewart.me/ You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

As Season 2 of The Cost of Extremism draws to a close, we're excited to bring you a final bonus episode. Today, we're joined by @JoJoFromJerz for an in-depth conversation about three stories that are particularly relevant today.First, we have author Seyward Darby from episode 5, The Crunchy Mom to Alt-Right Pipeline. During our interview about white women's role in the alt-right supremacy movement, Seyward discussed the historical portrayal of white women as martyrs. From literature to popular media, the image of the sacrificial white woman has been perpetuated through countless depictions, all in an attempt to recruit more followers into their white supremacy organizations.Then we have Cherisse Scott, the founder and CEO of Sister Reach, a non-profit that supports the reproductive autonomy of their community through the framework of Reproductive Justice. In episode 1, Crisis Pregnancy Centers: An Anti-Abortion Healthcare Crisis, Cherisse highlighted the different ways Sister Reach has worked to meet people where they are in their advocacy work. Finally, we have Nic Stone from episode 2, The Growing Movement to Ban Books. As the New York Times Bestselling author of Dear Martin and other young adult books, Nic theorizes that the push to limit access to specific books originates from a fundamental lack of appreciation for reading among those advocating for bans.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Crunchy moms and trad wife online content may seem innocent, but when you take a closer look, you start to see evidence of white-power ideology and conservative radicalization. So what happens when you go so far left that you end up alt-right?In this episode of The Cost of Extremism, we'll take a deep dive into the crunchy mom to alt-right pipeline, its ties to extremism, and the role social media plays in the radicalization of women.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

On college campuses across the country, Turning Point USA is radicalizing a new generation of conservative extremists in an attempt to mobilize young Republican voters and build an alt-right movement backed by billionaire donors and political insiders. These alt-right extremists are wrapped in a neat package, presented as polished frat boys wearing chinos and boat shoes, making them digestible for a wider audience and more dangerous than ever.In this episode of The Cost of Extremism, we'll examine why this radicalization occurs, the impact Turning Point USA has on American politics, and how we can end this movement before it's too late.For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Across the country, conservatives are looking to overhaul K-12 public education with right-wing curriculums that contain misleading and inaccurate claims about slavery, racism, immigration, and LGBTQ+ history. In this episode of The Cost of Extremism, we'll take a deep dive into the impact these curriculums have on public education, the harm they inflict on our children, and where they could be heading next. For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

In recent years, book banning has become an organized movement backed by right-wing organizations, politicians, and conservative donors. Under the guise of ‘parental rights,' books centering on LGBTQ+ characters and people of color are being disproportionately targeted, putting both our democracy and free speech at risk.In this episode of ‘The Cost of Extremism,' we'll take a deep dive into the leading forces behind these book bans, the impact they have on our kids, and what we can do to protect our freedom to read. Resources:https://pen.org/issue/book-bans/https://diversebooks.org/https://www.beckyalbertalli.com/http://www.nicstone.info/For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Crisis pregnancy centers present themselves as genuine healthcare facilities; however, their main goal is to discourage individuals from accessing certain healthcare options like abortion and contraceptives. These centers, a well-supported arm of the global anti-abortion movement, are rapidly expanding by using deceptive tactics, medical disinformation, and public funding. Currently, crisis pregnancy centers outnumber abortion clinics by an average of 3-to-1.In this episode of 'The Cost of Extremism,' we delve into the crisis pregnancy center industry and its pivotal role in the anti-abortion movement.TW: This podcast episode discusses crisis pregnancy centers, which may contain sensitive topics related to reproductive health, abortion, miscarriages, sexual assault, and misinformation tactics.Resources:https://www.sisterreach-tn.org/https://teafund.org/For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Extremists across the country are attacking our freedoms, and kids and families are paying the price. In this limited series, Jill Jonassen takes a deep dive into the issues facing our country and the women tirelessly fighting back in their communities. Join us as we tackle topics ranging from anti-abortion clinics and book bans to American exceptionalism in our schools and the crunchy mom to alt-right pipeline. Tune in for this season of The Cost of Extremism, starting February 28th.

As season 1 of The Cost of Extremism comes to a close, we have one last bonus episode for you. We're here with @JoJoFromJerz for a deep-dive into three stories that we think are especially important to hear right now. First, we have Mia Tretta from episode one, ‘The Impact of Active Shooter Drills.' In her episode, Mia told her story of surviving a school shooting and the death of her best friend, Dominic Blackwell. But what's often untold in these stories is the medical impact these events have on victim's lives. There isn't a quick fix to being shot and in some cases, physical healing can take years. Eli Erlick and Alejandra Carraballo from episode two,  ‘Anti-Trans Bills are Harming LGBTQ+ Youth,' explain the impact that anti-trans legislation has had not only on gender affirming care for youth, but adults as well. And Monica Walker from episode four,  ‘The School Board Culture War,' discusses the banning of teaching accurate American history and the danger that comes from ignoring our past. Resources: https://redwine.blue/thecost/For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Across the country, new right-leaning PACs are pouring money into school board races, aiming to flip control of who governs schools in favor of self-proclaimed ‘parents rights' advocates.For significantly less than what it would cost them to influence a seat in the House or Senate, these PACs are pouring funds into local school board races and as a result, changing education on a national scale. Their aim? Gain control of more school systems and push back on what is taught about race, sex, gender, and history. Resources: https://redwine.blue/thecost/https://schoolboardpartners.orghttps://www.schoolboardschool.orgFor a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

A flood of state-level efforts to restrict transgender rights are being fueled by many of the Christian and conservative groups that led the charge against Roe v. Wade. The political debate is escalating at a dangerous rate, putting the physical and mental health of trans youth at risk.Resources: https://redwine.blue/thecost/https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/https://elierlick.comhttps://transstudent.orghttps://linktr.ee/Jaidonna19?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6a78e2df-d327-4364-9734-8ab69cefb795https://www.threads.net/@esqueer_For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

During our second episode, we take a look at the long history of school voucher programs and the state's hidden agenda to increase religious education and further segregate our school system. At a time when public education is already underfunded, we can't afford programs that allow wealthy families to use public funds for private and religious education. In this episode, we look at the cost of these programs and the true motives behind them. Resources: https://redwine.blue/thecost/https://www.haveyouheardpodcast.com/about-ushttp://saveourschoolsnc.org/https://heartlandpod.com/dirt-road-democrat-1https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/advocacy-bites/id1587913600For a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

School safety is a multi-billion dollar industry that we've created instead of passing gun safety legislation and politicians are continuing to ignore this national crisis. In interviews with Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Mia Tretta, Madeline Johnson, and Ashbey Beasley, this episode takes a deep dive into the impact of active shooter drills and how we can fight back in our own communities. Learn more: https://redwine.blue/thecost/https://momsdemandaction.orghttps://www.nofuturewithouttoday.orgFor a transcript of this episode, please email theswppod@redwine.blue. You can learn more about us at www.redwine.blue or follow us on social media! Twitter: @TheSWPpod and @RedWineBlueUSAInstagram: @RedWineBlueUSAFacebook: @RedWineBlueUSAYouTube: @RedWineBlueUSA

Extremists across the country are attacking our freedoms, and kids and families are paying the price.In this limited series, Jill Jonassen takes a deep dive into the issues facing our country and the women tirelessly fighting back in their communities. Coming August 2nd. Listen & follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.