Waffles Friends Work

Happy Galentine's Day! Is it a national holiday yet? It should be. In this very special Galentine's Day episode, we take a look back at all of our previous guests and have gathered insights and advice from each of our 66 guests into this one episode. We revisit why so many of our guests felt inspired to be a public servant, what lessons they have learned in their roles, and what advice they have for other women in public service. We hope your Galentine's Day is full of affirmations from the Galentine's in your life (aka, the noble land mermaids and powerful musk-oxens who walk among us)

In "Halloween Surprise" we gush over the house Leslie and Ben are going to move into, forget that Mark Brendanowicz existed, and bemoan the gang's treatment of Jerry after his fart attack (you're welcome, Tom). We also discuss the main event of the episode - Ben and Leslie's iconic proposal at the of the episode. We add U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes, former Teacher of the Year and representative from Connecticut's 5th District, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Cristina Leos, co-founder of Real Talk, a mobile ap that delivers sex education, joins us this week to discuss the episode "Sex Education" (hey, it's almost like we plan this kind of stuff!) She talks about how the idea of creating a mobile ap that delivers comprehensive sex education for teenagers came about, how she and her co-founders used human centered design to shape and refine Real Talk, and what the honest-to-God heck a pineapple could be used for in a sex education talk for seniors. We add U.S. Representative Deb Haaland from New Mexico to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Waffles Friends Work has gone international! Tanya Paz, sustainable transportation consultant and former Chair of Vancouver’s Active Transportation Policy Council, joins us from CANADA to discuss "How a Bill Becomes a Law." We talk about how her work on the Transportation Policy Council has changed how Vancouver residents can use streets, what changes cities can make to improve residents' access and comfort with transportation options, and why this episode speaks so much to her (hint: it has to do with porpoises). We also add U.S. Representative Lucy McBath to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

School Board Member Raaheela Ahmed joins us this week to discuss "Soda Tax." Elected to the Prince George's County Board of Education in 2016, Raaheela talks with us about her experiences running for office, what it's like to be one of six Millennials on the county's school board, and why Leslie's experiences grappling with complex policy issues as a new City Councilor resonated with her. We also add the newly sworn-in U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood, the youngest black woman to ever serve in Congress, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

On our very last Midterm Mondays special minisode, we speak with Meg Carnaroli, founder of Playtime at the Polls. During these last midterm elections, Meg piloted a program in Rhode Island that provided a space at polling places for children to play, learn about elections, and cast their very own practice vote! She tells us how she came up with the idea, worked with her local Board of Canvassers to bring it to fruition, and her plans for expanding the program before the 2020 elections.

On our third Midterm Mondays special minisode, we revisit 4 of our guests who have had some changes since the midterms. We update listeners on what happened to Voters Not Politician's anti-gerrymandering ballot initiative in Michigan, how Sofia Pereira's re-election campaign went on the City Council in Arcata, California, what happened to the "bully" county commissioner that opposed Becky Twamley's reproductive health clinic in Minnesota, and how Professor Michele Dauber's newly formed Enough is Enough Voter Project helped influence some campaigns in California and across the country.

It's one more day until Election Day! Do you have your voting plan? Do your friends? In this episode we revisit an interview with Stephanie Smith, a woman who will be on the ballot tomorrow as the Democratic nominee for the 45th State Legislative District in the Maryland House of Delegates. Listen to what it's like to run for office in this election cycle, and use your voice tomorrow to VOTE!

Happy Midterm Monday! With just two weeks left before the midterms, we wanted to highlight the great work that canvassers do in raising awareness of candidates and local issues by re-airing an episode from our very first season - 1.02 "Canvassing" with the great Akaylah (Jones) Weatherspoon. We also have a few brief highlights of what we have both been up to during our podcast hiatus - as well as an all-important reminder to remember to VOTE. Midterms are coming, people.

For our season opener we have not one but TWO guests! Francesca Menes, the Florida State Coordinator for Local Progress, and Nancy Metayer, Local Progress Member and Supervisor for Broward Soil and Water Conservation District, join us this week to talk about their work in local politics. They give us their insights into why local governments are so integral to our daily lives, how they use collaboration and solidarity with fellow local politicians to move the dial, and we delve into why *exactly* Ron's employee appreciation BBQ fails. And introducing a brand new structure for our Wall of Inspirational Women, we add U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán to our list of inspirational women by sharing 5 meaningful, relevant, and compelling facts about her.

Stephanie Smith, Assistant Director for the City of Baltimore’s Department of Planning, focused on Equity, Engagement, and Communications and recent Democratic nominee for the 45th State Legislative District in the Maryland House of Delegates joins us this week to talk about season 4, episode 22 “Win, Lose, or Draw.” She shares with us what that moment feels like when you vote for yourself, the role of listening in leadership, and how meaningful having a support system like the Parks Department crew can be when campaigning. We add not one but 10,000 women (!) to our Wall of Inspirational Women - the female codebreakers who deciphered vital information during World War II and helped to hasten the end of the war with their perseverance and intelligence.

This week, Kathryn and Emma discuss season 4, episode 21 “Bus Tour,” as Leslie’s campaign takes a detour in this penultimate episode of the season. We talk about Donna’s dramatic display of friendship (not her Benz!), the inscrutable world of Pawnee economics, and Leslie’s touching moment with her campaign opponent. We also add “Shark Lady” Dr. Eugenie Clark, the ichthyologist and conservationist who taught the world that sharks are intelligent, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Co-Founder of Higher Heights, joins us this week to discuss her work building the political power and leadership of Black women and season 4, episode 20, “The Debate”. Kimberly tells us about why social media is so significant in her work, how planning her wedding launched her career in campaign fundraising, and why you REALLY DO need to make sure your debate watch party venue has functioning cable. Inspired by our recent trip to the National Portrait Gallery, we also add attorney, advocate, and former First Lady Michelle Obama to our Wall of Inspirational Women. Learn more about Higher Heights: http://www.higherheightsforamerica.org/

Katrina Johnston-Zimmerman, urban anthropologist and founder and director of THINK.urban, joins us this week to talk about her work as a "professional people watcher." We talk about what it means to be an urban anthropologist, why women-led cities can lead to meaningful change in people's lives, and why Ron and Chris together make great coping buddies (read: meditation and drinking). We also add Jane Jacobs, urbanist, activist, and author, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Jessica Wilkins, Special Events Manager at Gyrl Wonder, writer, blogger, and podcast host, joins us this week for a super fun conversation about her work helping girls discover their passions and learn a healthy self-image. In this episode we see a major theme about the balance between striving for "it all" and self-care and we dig into what that means for us and how Leslie deals with that balance. We also add the eminently inspirational and fashionable Tracee Ellis Ross to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Sonya Mays, President & CEO of Develop Detroit and Treasurer on the Board of Education for the Detroit Public School Community District, joins us this week to discuss her work in improving housing stability and economic activities in Detroit. We discuss how her work as a former advisor to Detroit's Emergency Manager influenced her thinking for Develop Detroit and about her experiences with campaigning for the Board of Education in Detroit. We also add Rebecca Onie, founder of HealthLeads, to our Wall of Inspirational Women for her work in connecting patients in the healthcare system with community resources.

In this episode, we talk about why we find Leslie's attempt to "have it all" so relatable, how important setting boundaries is (especially in a lake house), and we once again see why Tom and Ann are not great couple goals. In our Wall of Inspirational Women segment, we speak with Michele Dauber, Stanford law professor and driving force behind the recent successful campaign to recall Judge Aaron Persky. She discusses why she felt a recall was the best tool in this situation and why turning your anger into an electoral strategy is one of our most effective ways to make change.

Artist and advocate Lara Americo joins us this week to discuss her work in support of gender equality and the interrelatedness of art and advocacy. We also examine why this episode, which introduces us to the sweet, sweet melody of “Catch Your Dreams,” is an episode which has aged really badly (although we disagree about grades). We add Patrisse Cullors, artist, organizer, and co-founder of Black Lives Matter, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

In this Galentine's Day episode, we explore all of the platonic intimacy our Parks and Rec characters exhibit as they navigate Valentine's Day. We discuss how this episode shows the real heart of the show, why Tom makes such a great Greek chorus for Ann's dating adventures, and feel vindicated when April points out just how small the dating pool is in Pawnee. We also add Dr. Maya Angelou, author, poet, and activist, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Christy Holstege, City Councilmember at the City of Palm Springs and civil rights attorney, joins us this week to discuss what its actually like to fundraise for a campaign and convince people to vote for you. We also talk about why she relates so much with Leslie in this episode, and she passes along some advice on how to win elections(outspend them, outsmart them, and outwork them!) We also add Corazon Aquino, reluctant public servant and the first female president of the Philippines, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Get out the vote! Many states have primary elections this week and next, so to celebrate our right to vote we are going back to the archives to hear from guests Mili Gosar, Director of Voter Registration in Houston, and Justine Sarver, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center. If you live in a state with an election coming up, take advantage of the fact that we *still* live in a democracy and exercise your right to vote! As Leslie Knope says, “You know what? America is awesome. It’s so full of hope. And small towns and big cities. And real people and delicious beverages and hot guys.” So let’s make sure Leslie’s vision for America stays true and GOTMFV!

On this episode Kristen Jeffers, creator and host of the Black Urbanist Radio Show and author of A Black Urbanist, joins us to discuss her work as a freelance writer, advocate, and urban planner, as well as her views on the initiative Leslie puts forth in her campaign ad. We also talk about why this episode hit so close to home even (and especially) 6 years after it aired. We add Irena Sendler, Polish social worker and savior to 2500 Jewish children during World War II, to our Wall of Inspirational Women

Vicky Basra, Senior Vice President of the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, joins us this week to discuss the Policy Center's fascinating work in supporting girls impacted by the juvenile justice system. We talk about how the Policy Center uses research, activism, and advocacy to engage their community around supporting girls, why it's so important to "see the girl," and why this episode of goof-ups is such a great example of the value of supportive relationships. We also add Dorothy Height, feminist activist and godmother of the civil rights movement, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Sara Gronkiewicz-Doran, a founding member of Neighbors for Affordable Housing in Jefferson Park, joins us this week to talk about her work in citizen activism and how it compares with Leslie's experiences in this episode. She tells us about the group's formation in the midst of hostile anti-affordable housing protests, what the Parks Committee of Pawnee should have done differently, and why voicing support for a policy is just as important as protesting against. We also add Patricia Roberts Harris, the first African American woman to hold a Cabinet position (and she held 3!)and to be a U.S. ambassador, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Meagan Booth, Assistant Planner with the City of Holladay joins us this week to help us learn more about what it would really take to build the Smallest Park. We discuss the great responsibility city planners have to their community to preserve history and improve the present, all while keeping an eye to the future. She also helps us to appreciate Mark Brandanawicz - turns out, when we were ragging on him for his lackluster involvement in the P&R department, he was probably just really busy with other city work. We add Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, to our Wall of Inspirational Women

Even in Pawnee, students are teaching adults lessons. In this solo episode we see Leslie and Ben fall completely apart while the Model U.N. students model more than global politics, and show the adults how to behave maturely. We enjoy Ron and Tom's interview process and (reluctantly) delve into Chris's love life again. We add Diane Nash, co-founder of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and noted Civil Rights activist, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

We're releasing this week's episode a couple days early this week, and when you take a listen, you'll hear why! Dr. Vilmarie Narloch and Amy Hildebrand from Students for a Sensible Drug Policy at DePaul, join us to discuss their advocacy for a non-binding referendum on cannabis legalization in Cook County, Illinois. We also discuss SSDP's "Just Say Know" peer education curriculum, what it's like to build a chapter almost from the ground up, and the importance of sensible drug policies at the local and federal levels. (And, no, we don't mean "great commercials showing how bad [drug abuse] is".)

On this very special episode, we have not one but TWO guests with us this week! Kelley Butler and Dallas Augustine, steering committee members of the Orange County Needle Exchange Program, join us to talk about their work in breaking down stigmas and connecting people with life-saving resources in Orange County. We discuss why their program, as the first state-certified needle exchange in California, is so special, the obstacles they face because of misinformation about needle exchanges, and how much they identify with Tom and Jean-Ralphio's partnership style. We also add Dr. Mary-Claire King, geneticist and research scientist, to our Wall of Inspirational Women. She revolutionized breast cancer research, figured out that we were 99% genetically identical to chimpanzees, and, oh yeah, is also a crime-fighting superhero.

Sofia Pereira, Mayor of Arcata, California, joins us this week to talk about what it's like to run for mayor, her plans for getting Arcata to zero waste, and how it's a public servant's responsibility to see nuance and embrace complexity. We also add Ai-jen Poo, activist, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and amplifier for the invisible, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

In this solo episode, we get a double treat of seeing the iconic origins of both “Treat Yo’self” and the Pawnee Goddess pledge - have you perfected your womanly roar? We discuss how Leslie represents feminism in this episode, just not in the way you may think, and the poignant performances that Retta and Adam Scott give. Emma uncovers a deep conspiracy theory in this episode, regarding Jerry, Ann, and the plot of Freaky Friday. We also add Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

HAPPY GALENTINE'S DAY from WFW! To celebrate, we're going back in the archives to hear from past guests about the women who have supported them in their public service work... from mentors to officemates to role models. After hearing their stories, remember to pass on the Galentine's love with the Leslie or Ann in your life!

Commissioner Aura Vasquez, member of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power, joins us this week to talk about what it's like to be a member of the Board for the largest publicly owned utility in the country. We discuss her great love for her city, her plans to get Los Angeles completely on renewable energy, and how she works with local government and fellow Angelenos to find paths to this goal that are equitable and effective. We also add Carmen Yulín Cruz, current mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico and tireless advocate for her constituents, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

As the federal budget remains in limbo, we had to ask, “Is there a better way to build a budget?” We talk this week with Shari Davis, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Participatory Budgeting Project, about her work in spreading a community-driven, authentically democratic process for deciding budgets. We learn what participatory budgeting is, why this process results in more equitable and impactful publicly funded projects, and what elements need to be in place in order to successfully implement a participatory budgeting process in local governance.

Kathryn and Emma discuss season 4, episode 2, “Ron and Tammys”. They debate whether Ron’s dramatic change is weakness or simply a case of “revertigo”, scoff at the fictional finances of Entertainment 720, and praise the reliable hilarity of drunk Leslie Knope. Plus, Hope Kwiatkowski, a postgraduate law fellow at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights joins us to discuss her addition to the Wall of Inspirational Women: human rights lawyer and co-founder of Earth Rights International, Katie Redford.

In this season opener, Leslie Knope announces her candidacy for city council and Emily Jackson, producer and host of the podcast She's Running, joins us to share the insight she's learned from her interviews with dozens of women who are currently running for office. We discuss how Leslie's drive is reflected in the women Emily interviews and why Ben and Leslie's relationship dilemma is (metaphorically)a common issue for women who run for office. We also add Stacey Abrams, former House Minority Leader for the Georgia General Assembly and current gubernatorial candidate, to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

Katie Fahey, co-founder and President of Voters Not Politicians, joins us this week to talk about episode 3.16, "Li'l Sebastian", and her efforts to end gerrymandering in Michigan via ballot initiative. We learn about what it takes to start and run an all-volunteer ballot campaign, the challenges they have faced in the past year, and the huge successes they have had. If you’re looking for an inspirational story about a grassroots effort, look no further than the work of Voters Not Politicians! We also add the notorious, indefatigable, and supremely inspirational Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to our Wall of Inspirational Women.

This year we’ve spoken with inspirational public servants across the country, from librarians to state representatives and public health researchers to public defenders. We’ve spoken with women working to increase abortion access and women who are laying the framework to improve gender parity in politics. We learned about the challenges and successes of starting a reproductive clinic in rural Minnesota and of applying for affordable housing in the Bay area. As we reflect on this incredible, full year, we wanted to give back to the women who have shared their stories and their time with us. From now until the end of 2017, WFW will match any donations made to any of the organizations we have highlighted in our episodes, up to $400 total. You can find a list of all of the organizations on our Facebook page, along with a link to their website. Email us or PM us with a receipt of your donation, and we’ll match it! Thanks for your support and happy new year to all our fellow P&R fans!

Ali Taylor, co-founder and President of the Arkansas Abortion Support Network, joins Kathryn and Emma to discuss season 3, episode 15, “The Bubble.” They discuss the different strategies AASN employs in order to reduce barriers to abortion access in Arkansas (no surprise, there are a lot), the three qualities most needed in a clinic escort, and yet again spot evidence of Ron’s soft-hearted, nougaty center. They also add Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

Reality and Sitcom World collide in our discussion of season 3, episode 14, "Road Trip"! What are the political implications of Leslie and Ben's intraoffice romance? What do Ron's tax metaphor and the current tax bill have in common? (Answer: they are both stupid and harm children.) And this episode's "YAY!" moment. Plus, we talk with Rebecca Price, Founder and President/CEO, of Chick History about her addition to our Wall of Inspirational Women, Anne of Cleves.

In this minisode, Kathryn and Emma speak with Emily Stetson, participant in UMass Women into Leadership, Young Women Run, and the National Programs Director at College Democrats of America. They ask her about her experiences going through training for a potential future position as an elected official, what she learned about how to advocate for herself as a candidate, and how her idea of a politician changed because of these trainings. In addition, check out our social media to learn more about the women in Emily’s circle who inspire her!

Kathryn and Emma discuss the episode that started the podcast, season 3, episode 13, “The Fight.” They dig in deep to Leslie and Ann’s friendship, talk about the very unique relationships that can happen when you work with people who share your passion for public service, and consider the very specific moral code that Tom crosses. They also add Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa Mirabal - activists, organizers, and martyrs - to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

Caroline Caselli, founder of Haven Connect, joins Kathryn and Emma to discuss season 3, episode 12 “Eagleton.” They talk about how Caroline is expanding accessibility for affordable housing applications via cutting edge software and emails with niche state committees, how corporate tax credits fund affordable housing units, and they see just what exactly will provoke Leslie to violence (spoiler: it’s insulting JJ’s Diner). They also add Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, Rwandan pediatrician and former Minister of Health of Rwanda, to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

Susheela Nemani-Stanger, Assistant Director of Economic Development at the Urban Redevelopment Authority in Pittsburgh, joins Kathryn and Emma this week to discuss season 3, episode 11, “Jerry’s Painting.” They talk about the details of purposeful economic development in neighborhoods, how to include the tenets of equitable development within these projects, and Kathryn and Emma gush over how much Susheela is the embodiment of Leslie Knope. They also add Dr. Samella Lewis, artist, historian, and curator, to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

Dr. Tiffany Powell-Wiley, scientist physician with the National Institutes of Health, joins Kathryn and Emma to discuss season 3, episode 10, “Soulmates.” They discuss Tiffany’s research into the social determinants for heart disease and obesity, how people’s perceptions of their community safety can affect their health, and why Chris has the right approach to introducing healthier habits in Pawnee. They also add Dr. Sylvia Earle, marine biologist, conservationist, and coolest explorer ever, to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

Mara D’Amico, Program Administrator of the Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Program and Leslie Knope extraordinaire, joins Kathryn and Emma to discuss season 3, episode 9, “Andy and April’s Fancy Party.” They talk about the barriers women face to obtaining contraceptives, what it’s like to be a volunteer counselor for the Crisis Text Line, and why this episode made Kathryn face her two biggest fears. They also add Florynce Kennedy, feminist, civil rights advocate, and flamboyant gadfly, to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

Mental health advocate Molly Miller joins Kathryn and Emma to discuss season 3, episode 8, “Camping.” They discuss how impactful a person’s story can be, why being vulnerable can be a life-saving decision, and why Leslie isn’t always a perfect role model. They also get on their birth control soap box and add attorney and women’s rights activist Sandra Fluke, famous for her testimony in favor of faith-based organizations providing insurance coverage for birth control, to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

In this very special minisode, Kathryn and Emma speak with Assemblymember Yuh-line Niou of the New York State Assembly about constituency engagement. They discuss her strategies for making her office more accessible to all of her constituents, what happens in her office when someone reaches out to her, and why personal stories can be the most effective.

Kristin Hayden, Chief Partnership Officer at IGNITE National, joins Kathryn and Emma to talk about season 3, episode 7, “Harvest Festival.” On this episode they discuss IGNITE’s work in building a network of young women interested in running for office, why putting your foot down and raising your hand are the most significant actions women can take, and why vision is crucial in social entrepreneurship. They also add the indefatigable Dolores Huerta, labor organizer, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and champion of social justice, to their Wall of Inspirational Women.

Katrina Hajagos, founder and artist behind Power in Place, the "art project with a social mission," joins Kathryn and Emma to talk about season 3, episode 6, “Indianapolis.” They discuss their mutual love of highlighting local “Leslie Knopes” through portraits and podcasts and how special places (yes even the Snakehole Lounge) can be so formative in our lives. They also add Anita Hill, the attorney and professor credited by many as a major catalyst for the Year of the Woman, to the Wall of Inspirational Women.

Minnesota state representative Erin Maye Quade joins us to discuss season 3, episode 5 “Media Blitz”. We talk about the benefits and pitfalls of using social media as an elected official, why Erin’s background as a retail employee now benefits her as a public servant, and why this episode marks a turning point, not just for the season, but for the entire series. Plus, Erin demonstrates her powers of persuasion by pitching us to attend next year’s Minnesota State Fair! We also add trailblazing journalist and anti-lynching advocate Ida B. Wells-Barnett to the Wall of Inspirational Women. Content note: Our Wall of Inspirational Women segment describes a lynching. The language we use is not overly graphic or violent, but the description may still be upsetting to listeners.

Kathryn and Emma discuss (and disagree about) season 3, episode 4, “Ron & Tammy: Part Two.” We talk about how much the show has moved away from its ties to “The Office”, why Jerry sometimes deserves to be the butt of the department’s jokes, and debate the merits and conclusion of the Wendy-Ron-Tom love triangle. And, in a WFW first, longtime listener and first time caller Erica Best adds Ellen Malcolm, founder of EMILY’s List, to our Wall of Inspirational Women. Erica talks about what Ellen Malcolm means to her and what she has meant to American politics.