To The Contrary

We discuss the history of black women who have run for the highest office in the land, from fringe candidates like Charlene Mitchell from the Communist Party, to leading figures from major parties like VP Kamala Harris.

Post-Debate Analysis: We compare and contrast the performances of the two leading candidates for president. Who convinced the American people? The Home Stretch: We take a look at GOTV efforts and the "ground game" of each campaign. PANEL: Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Carrie Sheffield, Linda Chavez, Siobhan "Sam" Bennett

We speak with Mariko Hirose, the Chief Program Officer at Americans United, about Christian Nationalism. What do plans such as Project 2025 have in store for the wall that divides religion and government in the United States?

What is "Girlboss Feminism" and what are its consequences? We speak with Samhita Mukhopadhyay, the former executive editor of Teen Vogue and the author of the new book The Myth of Making It.

What is Project 2025? Progressives warn that it will destroy democracy in America as we know it, although conservatives say such fears are overblown and the plan would be beneficial. We speak with Aisha Woodward from Protect Democracy, an organization that claims to have crafted an antidote against Project 2025.

Who is Kamala Harris? We speak with three experts about the life, career, and political views of the presumptive Democratic nominee. PANEL: Rina Shah, Kelli Goff, Dr. Sharon Austin

The United Methodist Church has undergone through important changes in the last few years due to disagreements over LGBT issues. To The Contrary speaks with experts, church leaders, and day-to-day churchgoers about the split in this special documentary episode. #christianity #LGBTQ #religion #socialissues #gayrights

Republican National Convention: Did Trump do enough to soften his image? Biden Called to Drop Out: Democrats are divided whether to continue with the president or seek another option. PANEL: Erin Matson, Inez Stepman, Brittany Martinez, Keli Goff

Abortion & Politics: How will the recent US Supreme Court rulings affect the elections this year? Religious Charter Schools: The separation of church and state vs. school choice. PANEL: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ginny Gentles, Ann Stone, Lara Brown

The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of the FDA's handling of the abortion medication mifepristone. The pill will be widely available, including through the US mail. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that the plaintiffs lacked standing for this case. PANEL: Debra Carnahan, Fmr. Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-NY), Jessica Washington, Tiana Lowe Doescher.

Join us in this exclusive interview with Erin Loos Cutraro, the CEO and founder of She Should Run, as we delve into the transformative world of women in politics.

Pro-Palestine Protestors: What is the role of women in the anti-Israel protests on many campuses? Kamala Harris Campaigning: The vice-president is in swing states on her "Economic Opportunity Tour." PANEL: Linda Chavez, Jessica Washington, Debra Carnahan, Ginny Gentles

We speak with New York Times Reporter Katie Rogers about her new book "American Woman." The book takes an in-depth look at the history of the role from Hillary Clinton, to Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and finally, Jill Biden.

Harvey Weinstein Conviction Overturned: The disgraced Hollywood mogul's conviction in NY is overturned, pending a new trial. Abortion Laws: The latest from Arizona and the Supreme Court. PANEL: Debra Carnahan, Tiana Lowe Doescher, Ameshia Cross, Ann Stone

Jade Sasser, a University of California associate professor, shares her research how the increasing concerns about the environment are affecting people's decision to have children in her latest book, “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future.”

Homelessness in America: We speak with outgoing HUD Sec. Marcia Fudge about her work in helping those who are unhoused. Fudge announced her retirement on March 16 after three years in the position. She had previously served in the US House of Representatives for 13 years and was chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Supreme Court & Abortion: The SCOTUS hears arguments relating to mifepristone, a medication abortion. Biden vs. Trump: Has Biden rebounded in the polls thanks to a strategy of speaking about healthcare and women's issues? PANEL: Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Erin Matson, Carrie Sheffield, Tiana Lowe.

Abortion & Birth Control: The state of reproductive rights as the election draws closer. Homelessness: Outgoing HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge talks to us about this pressing issue. PANEL: Rina Shah, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Sam Bennett, Fmr. Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-NY)

Frozen Embryos: A new Alabama Court decision makes embryos legally the same as children. Ukrainian Women: How the Ukrainian military relies on female fighters. PANEL: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Carrie Sheffield, Erin Matson

Gender Divide: The significant political divide that's happening between the sexes. Immigration & Souzzi: Why a Democratic victory in New York could be Joe Biden's blueprint. PANEL: Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Sam Bennett, Hadley Heath Manning, Linda Chavez

In this special encore episode originally from 2017, Bonnie Erbé sits down with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) to chronicle her life and achievements, from the civil rights movement, to the "Good Girls Revolt" Newsweek case, to the EEOC, to Congress. "Purrple Cat - Warm Horizon" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) license Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/bkc-warm

For Black History Month, we speak with Barbara Savage, a professor and author of “Merze Tate: The Global Odyssey of a Black Woman Scholar.” It tells the real life story of the groundbreaking black female scholar Merze Tate.

Nikki Haley's Chances: Where does her campaign go from here? DEI Backlash: Should DEI programs continue in companies and schools? PANEL: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Fmr. Rep. Nan Haywoth, Erin Matson, Rina Shah.

Dr. Bella DePaulo, social psychologist and lifelong single woman, discusses her book titled "Single at Heart: The Power, Freedom, and Heart-Filling Joy of Single Life" in which her research challenges the stereotypes associated with single life, arguing being single can be a joyful, meaningful, fulfilling, psychologically rich, and authentic life.

Pope & Surrogacy: The pope comes out strongly against surrogacy. Abortion Politics: What will the shifting state of abortion rights mean for the elections this year? PANEL: Debra Carnahan, Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, Carrie Sheffield, Tiana Lowe Doescher, Keli Goff

This week on To The Contrary, we speak with Julia Allison, one of the first online influencers. She tells us how she innovated this profession, and what she thinks of online influencers today.

Hamas Attack: Examining the horrific use of rape as a weapon of war. Nikki Haley & Women in the GOP: Haley is at the center of the last debate, moderated by three women. Liz Cheney vows to defeat Donald Trump. PANEL: Linda Chavez, Carrie Lukas, Jessica Washington, Lara Brown, Ph.D.

Nikki Haley's Rise: Can a woman of color win in the GOP primary? Remote Work Dilemma: Working from home can be a blessing for many women, but will it hurt their advancement? PANEL: Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Fmr. Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-NY), Erin Matson, Rina Shah

Bonnie Erbé interviews Maryam Keshavarz, the director of the new film, The Persian Version. The semi-autobiographical movie follows the story of an Iranian-American woman straddling both cultures' equal yet disparate influences. It won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival.

Violence Against Women: The SCOTUS takes up a case involving firearms as new legislation is proposed regarding violence against women. Girls & Gangs: Why some women and girls are joining gangs, and what can be done about it. PANEL: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Hadley Heath Manning, Lori Jump, Tiana Lowe Doescher

Taylor Swift: Conservatives go after the singer after she encourages her followers to register to vote. Male Contraception: Progress is being made in a contraceptive for men to use to prevent accidental pregnancy. PANEL: Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, Carrie Sheffield, Kira Davis

Dr. Katalin Karikó, 2023 Nobel Prize winner, and Carol Mimura, Ph.D., Bayh-Dole Coalition honoree, discuss the future of mRNA technology and cancer immunotherapy.

Pope Francis new synod discusses issues that could affect the future of Catholicism. Some of the issues on the table include the role of women, blessing same-sex unions, LGBT inclusivity, and priest celibacy. PANEL: Ann Stone, Keli Goff, Carrie Scheffield, Debra Carnahan

Diversity in Rock: Rolling Stone co-founder says women and minorities lack the "articulation" to be featured in his book. Period Poverty: Many girls in America miss school due to lack of hygienic products. PANEL: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rina Shah, Erin Matson, Hadley Heath Manning

Two women are being honored with the American Innovators Award by the bipartisan Bayh-Dole Coalition. Dr. Katalin Karikó helped helped develop the mRNA platform behind the COVID-19 vaccine and Dr. Carol Mimura helped the research that led to a revolutionary cancer therapy.

We speak to Delaware State Sen. Sarah McBride about why she's running for Congress and why she thinks President Biden deserves a second term. The highest ranking openly transgender elected official in US history, McBride talks to us about LGBT rights, abortion, the economy, and a host of other issues.

Abortion & GOP: How important will abortion be in 2024? Women in Combat: Are women in the military facing discrimination and harassment even after nearly a decade of service? Panel: Fmr. Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-NY), Kira Davis, Jessica Washington, Siobhan “Sam” Bennett

Harris in the Spotlight: Kamala Harris takes a more prominent role in President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. Alcohol & Women: A new study reveals alcohol-related deaths surging faster in women than men.

This week on To The Contrary we discuss the ongoing challenges women's soccer faces as the FIFA Women's world Cup continues. We speak to Assistant Professor Treisha Hylton about why pay equity remains a challenge in so many aspects of the sport.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) talks to host Bonnie Erbé about her experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and why reproductive rights are so important. We discuss the current state of the pro-choice movement after the Dobbs decision took away the right to an abortion nationally.

In her new book titled "Grandmothering While Black," sociologist Dr. LaShawnDa Pittman delves into the complex lives of Black grandmothers, as they navigate the unique challenges of raising their grandchildren, a phenomenon she calls, "skipped generation" households.

This week we speak to Brooke Kroeger, a journalist, professor, and author who wrote Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism.

Affirmative Action: The US Supreme Court rules on the use of race as a factor in college admissions. Catholic Church Changes Proposed: Vatican document sets agenda for discussing women deacons and LGBTQ+ integration. PANEL: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, Tiana Lowe Doescher, and Linda Chavez

We look closer at religion in America and its relationship with politics. We investigate why many politicians still actively seek the support of the religious right, despite fewer Americans believing in God or attending church. PANEL: Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) and commentary writer for the Washington Examiner, Tiana Lowe Doescher.

Oscar award winning actor and women's right activist Patricia Arquette talks "High Desert," A.I. in Hollywood, the #MeToo movement, and acting alongside her daughter.

Religion in Public Life: More Americans are switching religions or leaving them altogether. Abortion & Welfare: Are Republican states going to package extended welfare with abortion restrictions? PANEL: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ann Stone, Rina Shah, Erin Matson

This week we speak with the president of the National Women's Law Center, Fatima Goss Graves about abortion, specifically the medication mifepristone, and birth control. How have recent court rulings changed the landscape for women's reproductive rights?

Calls for Dianne Feinstein to Resign: Are they fair or based on sexism or ageism? Division of Labor: Women still do more housework and caregiving even when they are primary breadwinners. PANEL: Keli Goff, Rina Shah, Debra Carnahan, Carrie Sheffield

Who will care for kinless seniors? We speak with Dr. Deborah Carr, a sociologist and researcher at Boston University about "kinlessness," which refers to older adults who have no spouse or children.

DEI Programs & Censorship: Republicans target college Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. Transgender Rights: A backlash against transgender people after a deadly shooting. PANEL: Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), Carrie Sheffield, Erin Matson, Tiana Lowe

We speak to two religious leaders about recent debates regarding inclusivity and gender in the Christian faith. Rev. Andrew McGowan and Rev. Linda Calkins