White Picket Fence

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Introducing White Picket Fence, a podcast about the fractured politics of white women. Host Julie Kohler unpacks how white womanhood in America has been constructed, how it's evolved, and how it affects our politics. Join us to explore how white women have fallen short and how we need to step up and own our political stake in advancing justice.

Wonder Media Network


    • Jan 30, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 34 EPISODES
    • 4 SEASONS

    4 from 289 ratings Listeners of White Picket Fence that love the show mention: white women, white woman, latin, 1 star reviews, white people, accountable, privilege, racism, trump, race, american, political, good podcast, happen, truth, need, perspective, think, better, informative.


    Ivy Insights

    The White Picket Fence podcast is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of the history of racism and oppression perpetrated by white women in America. As a white woman myself, I found it to be an essential listen that challenged my understanding of race relations and prompted important self-reflection. The podcast delves deep into the historical context and cultural influences that have shaped white women's role in perpetuating systemic racism, shedding light on the ways in which privilege has shielded many from acknowledging their own complicity.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to provide historical context and perspective. The host, Julie Kohler, does an excellent job of presenting well-researched information and expert interviews that give listeners a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The episodes are informative, engaging, and thought-provoking, offering valuable insights into how historical race relations have contributed to our current political climate.

    Furthermore, The White Picket Fence podcast serves as an important platform for voices that have long been marginalized or silenced. By centering the experiences and perspectives of African American women, it amplifies their stories and gives them the recognition they deserve. This representation adds depth and authenticity to the discussions surrounding racism in America.

    While there is much to praise about this podcast, one potential criticism is that it primarily focuses on the experiences of white women in relation to racism. Although this is an important lens through which to examine systemic oppression, it would also be beneficial to include more diverse perspectives from other racial and ethnic groups. Latin American women, for example, could provide valuable insights into their unique experiences as immigrants or as individuals born in America.

    In conclusion, The White Picket Fence podcast is a compelling and necessary resource for anyone seeking to understand the role of white women in perpetuating racism in America. Its well-researched content challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths while providing a platform for underrepresented voices. This podcast encourages crucial conversations surrounding race and privilege, and it serves as a call to action for white women to educate themselves and actively combat systemic racism.



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    Latest episodes from White Picket Fence

    BONUS: Words to Win By: Protecting Our Freedoms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 41:45


    Today, we're bringing you another podcast from Wonder Media Network that we think you'll love: Words to Win By. Hosted by renowned communications researcher and campaign advisor Anat Shenker-Osorio, this season unpacks real-world narrative shifts that led to real-world victories, from Brazil to Ireland to here in the United States. In the 2022 Midterms, Americans defied polling, pundits and precedent to stave off the predicted Republican “Red Wave” takeover. Despite significant challenges, Democrats were able to hold the Senate, minimize House losses, and flip or retain key battleground state legislatures and governorships. In the first episode of the latest season, we delve into why conventional wisdom about politics doesn't just miss the mark, but actively impedes what we must do to prevail against right-wing efforts to seize and hold power. Hear about the research, ad making, organizing and strategy that helped deliver key Democratic victories by reminding us of the collective power we have to decide our own future. Learn more about the show at WordsToWinBy-Pod.comFollow Anat on TwitterFollow Wonder Media NetworkWebsiteInstagramTwitterSubscribe to Michael Podhorzer's substack Weekend ReadingKeep up with Way to Win's work on their website

    Beyond Maternalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 35:43


    Organizing around motherhood works. It can activate women politically by helping them tap into a powerful identity. But maternal activism can also have some unintended consequences that don't advance justice. So in the final episode of the season, we're asking this season's guests: should the left still be playing into maternalist politics? Or can we evolve beyond it — to a kind of politics that focuses on values, not a fixed identity, and makes space for all caregivers?This season's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.White Picket Fence is supported by Planned Parenthood. For more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.

    Shared Fate

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 28:34


    Much of the motherhood activism that is lifted up in our politics portrays women in a certain way: as uniquely moral, even apolitical, actors who were compelled to take action because they fear for their children's safety. It's a myth that's highly racially coded and obscures the realities of motherhood. The truth? Motherhood is political. Moms are political. And when we start acknowledging that and centering the most marginalized moms in our activism —  their needs and experiences — we end up building better policies for all of us.This season's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.White Picket Fence is supported by Planned Parenthood. For more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN. 

    The Spark

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 31:59


    The political identity of "mother" is not owned by the right. There's also a rich history of mothers working to advance progressive change. Yet the framing of much of this activism—a mother spurred to action when awakened to a threat to her child's safety—remains grounded in an image of motherhood that is riddled with race and class privilege. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, began her activism journey as a stay-at-home suburban mom of five who felt compelled to fight for common-sense gun violence prevention in the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting. But when Shannon met Rep. Lucy McBath, then a mother grieving the loss of her son, Jordan, to gun violence, something shifted. The more Moms Demand Action expanded their focus and passed the microphone to Black women who had been working on the issue for years, the more powerful Moms Demand Action became. This season's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.White Picket Fence is supported by Planned Parenthood. For more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.

    Tradwife, Tradlife

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 34:12


    In the summer of 2022, Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, flew to Texas to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Onstage, his tirades against immigration, gender studies, and LGBTQ rights were met with roars of approval. Orban has made it his mission to codify traditional family values into law—and dismantle democracy in the process. American conservatives are taking note. And paving the way for these extremist policies is a group of social media "momfluencers" touting the glory of traditional family life. Are Moms for Liberty and #tradwives the harbingers of a backslide when it comes to women's rights...and American democracy? This season's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.White Picket Fence is supported by Planned Parenthood. For more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.

    The Mothers of Conservatism

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 33:57


    Moms for Liberty didn't appear out of thin air. They're building on a long history of white, conservative women who, for decades, have used their motherhood as a tool for political credibility. And it all started in 1960s California, where thousands of middle-class moms transformed into suburban warriors and helped build the modern-day conservative movement.This season's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.White Picket Fence is supported by Planned Parenthood. For more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.

    Mama Bears

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2023 33:31


    In the fall of 2020, a group of mothers gathered around a kitchen table. They were concerned that public school administrators were making decisions about their children's health and education that overstepped their bounds. It felt like they were losing control over their kids. So they decided to band together and fight for their parental rights. Pretty compelling, right? It's hard to argue with moms. The GOP knows that. And that's why they've weaponized our reverence for motherhood by propping up Moms for Liberty — the “grassroots” organization that's leading the charge in the culture wars in American public schools.This season's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.White Picket Fence is supported by Planned Parenthood. For more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org or call 1-800-230-PLAN.

    Season 4 Coming Soon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 2:11


    The image of mothers — particularly white suburban mothers — has always carried a lot of weight in American politics. But why? This season, we're exploring the political potency of motherhood. We'll investigate how right-wing groups like Moms for Liberty are making headlines by calling for classroom restrictions on discussions of race, gender, and sexuality. Their agenda is harmful, but their methods have proven effective. And we're investigating how progressive moms can harness the power of motherhood for justice — and the risks that come with it.This season's cover art features a photograph by Jonathan Wilkins.

    BONUS: The Accidental Activist (Busy Philipps)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 45:52


    Listen to The Accidental Activist wherever you get your podcasts. In this episode, Isha is joined by actress Busy Philipps. Busy got her start starring in the beloved teen dramas “Freaks and Geeks” and “Dawson's Creek,” but she does a lot more than acting these days. In addition to growing her online following, Busy's been a huge leader in the fight against abortion restrictions. Isha and Busy discuss her decision to publicly and proudly share her personal abortion experience and how she's continuing to advocate for equal access to reproductive healthcare. Busy also opens up about how she balances a packed schedule with parenting two children — and how she's helping to get more working moms elected to public office through the organization Vote Mama. Learn more about Vote Mama:  Vote MamaCheck out Busy's weekly podcast: Busy Philipps is Doing Her BestFollow Isha Sesay on Twitter and Instagram. Follow Wonder Media NetworkWebsiteInstagramTwitter

    BONUS: Introducing Teaching Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 35:16


    In 1961, Norma and Mel Gabler were a quiet couple living in Longview, Texas. One day, they noticed some factual errors in one of their sons' textbooks. What began as a small complaint morphed into a multi-decade crusade to shape what children of Texas ​​— and therefore the country — read in their textbooks. In an election year with raging debates around education, this audio documentary charts how Texas dictated American education over the last sixty years and examines how the fight over our childrens' classroom has only intensified today.WMN on Twitter: @wmnmedia Grace Lynch on Twitter: @gracelynch08

    BONUS: Ordinary Equality — Hanging On to a Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 27:34


    Well, here we are. We're on the other side of what we've been talking about for years. Roe v. Wade has been struck down, and for the first time in our lifetime, abortion is no longer protected.In our first episode, Kate and Jamia talk to folks who've been living, and working, and surviving, in a state where abortion access has been under fire for years, even before Roe fell -- Kentucky. To learn more about the Kentucky Health Justice Network, click here.  Our sponsor, ActBlue, has tools to help you support local reproductive justice groups or abortion funds by either donating directly or creating your own fundraising form. These forms can be shared far and wide with your own personal networks, and allows for quick and easy donation asks that go directly to your groups of choice.Take action today. Click HERE to find and support reproductive justice groups at every level.

    BONUS: Ordinary Equality — The End of Roe v. Wade

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2022 31:47


    Given the Supreme Court leak, we're bringing you a bonus episode from the show Ordinary Equality. Executive Producer Jenny Kaplan sat down with OE Hosts Kate Kelly and Jamia Wilson to talk about what comes next in a post-Roe v. Wade world.

    Universal Pre-K and the Path Ahead with Rep. Manning

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 39:59


    Although the Build Back Better Act could not deliver on all the care economy issues, there is still reason for hope. With a bipartisan oriented strategy, some of these issues can still get through the House and the Senate  – universal pre-k being one of those. On our final episode of the series, Jenny and Julie are joined by Representative Kathy Manning to discuss the importance of universal pre-k and what the future holds for care infrastructure.

    The Cost of Child Care with Rep. Clark

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 47:17


    The American child care system is full of contradiction. For individual families, care costs keep rising. But many caregivers are barely paid a living wage. The Build Back Better Act would have been the first federal intervention in this sector in fifty years. Without it, this broken cycle continues. On today's crossover episode with Women belong in the House, Jenny and Julie are joined by Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark to discuss the precarious state of our care economy.

    Paid Leave with Rep. Underwood

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 39:35


    The need to take family or medical leave touches every American. Yet, despite overwhelming popularity, the U.S. stands alone as the only industrialized nation without paid leave. In this crossover episode, Jenny and Julie are joined by Representative Lauren Underwood to unpack why America continues to lag behind and the ongoing political fight around this crucial issue. 

    The Child Tax Credit with Rep. DeLauro

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 34:17


    In this new season of Women belong in the House x White Picket Fence, we're examining America's caregiving crisis. In our first episode, Jenny and Julie explore the child tax credit with one of its longtime supporters -- Rep. Rosa DeLauro.

    Coming Soon: WPF x Women belong in the House

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 0:58


    White Picket Fence is continuing our conversation around the caregiving crisis, this time, with the help of another WMN show: Women belong in the House. Catch Julie on new episodes of Women belong in the House discussing the critical caregiving policies that we still hope could pass in Congress. Check out Women belong in the House

    Finding A New Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 34:05


    So many things came together that could  have made this moment different. The ascendance of a new progressive economics. A more intersectional gender justice movement. Greater numbers of women political leaders. Multi-racial organizing that is centering women of color and making caregiving a central political issue. But once again, a handful of politicians have prioritized personal success over the well-being of the many.In our final episode of the season, we're honoring the work that brought the U.S. closer to public investments in caregiving than at any point in history. And talking about the cultural work that still needs to be done, for tangible changes to take root. 

    When "Career Feminism" Won

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 25:40


    When it comes to the failure of the 1971 Comprehensive Childcare Development Act, it's easy to point a finger at conservatives. But that's not the whole story. This week, join host Julie as she dives into the battle between care feminism and career feminism, and how the winner of that match up has impacted women's right advocacy for the last 50 years. If this season's topic resonates with you, we want to hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 212-655-5048 with your questions, ideas, experiences, and get a chance to be featured on the show. Check out our website, www.wondermedianetwork.com/white-picket-fence, for more information.

    Bonus: Ordinary Equality, Roe v. Wade

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 44:01


    Although we're in the middle of a season talking about the caregiving crisis, we wanted to take a second to acknowledge what's happening at the Supreme Court right now. It's very possible Roe v. Wade could be overturned within the year. There is a strong connection between these assaults on women's rights and the caregiving crisis–both are byproducts of a conservative movement that has built considerable political power over the last half-century. In light of this, we're bringing you an episode of Ordinary Equality, another show from Wonder Media Network, that examines the landmark case–how it came to be, what exactly it established, and where it's vulnerable to legal attacks.

    The Rise of Neoliberalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 32:32


    This week, Julie dives deep into the economic ideology that arose alongside social conservatism and prevented public investments in care. We'll break down what “neoliberalism” is and what the rise of it has meant for family life -- how the mix of low taxes, deregulation, and privatization has made family life more economically precarious for the vast majority of Americans. If this season's topic resonates with you, we want to hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 212-655-5048 with your questions, ideas, experiences, and get a chance to be featured on the show. Check out our website, www.wondermedianetwork.com/white-picket-fence, for more information.

    What Could Have Been

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 25:31


    How did the U.S. become a society that treats caregiving as a private family responsibility rather than a public good?In this episode, Julie explores the longstanding and continued role racism has played in preventing investments in public goods that would benefit everyone, including caregiving. We'll also do a deep dive into the 1970s when the U.S. nearly invested in universal childcare -- and how fear was deployed to block it. If this season's topic resonates with you, we want to hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 212-655-5048 with your questions, ideas, experiences, and get a chance to be featured on the show. Check out our website, www.wondermedianetwork.com/white-picket-fence, for more information.

    The Nuclear Family Myth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 25:10


    This week, host Julie Kohler travels back to the mid-20th century to examine the creation of the “traditional” nuclear family — a myth only made possible through the exploitation of Black women's domestic labor — and how the family values and nostalgia of this era continue to exist in today's debate over “caring economy” policies.If this season's topic resonates with you, we want to hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 212-655-5048 with your questions, ideas, experiences, and get a chance to be featured on the show. Check out our website, www.wondermedianetwork.com/white-picket-fence, for more information.

    The Breaking Point

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2021 22:44


    In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic became a global health crisis. But from it bore a whole set of complementary crises: an economic crisis and a caregiving crisis.The pandemic erased more than 30 years of gains in women's labor force participation, while simultaneously leaving women to shoulder the majority of the family responsibilities. But the conditions for these crises existed long before COVID-19 hit American shores. How exactly did we get here?

    Prologue

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 6:37


    Welcome to season 2 of White Picket Fence. We're investigating the caregiving crisis that has left millions of Americans —including our host Julie Kohler, a single mom — on the verge of cracking. Raising kids is challenging enough. Why does it have to be this hard?If this season's topic resonates with you, we want to hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 212-655-5048 with your questions, ideas, experiences, and get a chance to be featured on the show. Check out our website, www.wondermedianetwork.com/white-picket-fence, for more information.

    Season 2 coming soon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2021 1:19


    In two weeks, we're launching a new season of White Picket Fence. This season, we're diving into the childcare crisis. In the meantime, we want to hear from you! Leave us a voicemail at 212-655-5048 with your questions, ideas, experiences, and get a chance to be featured on the show. Check out our website, www.wondermedianetwork.com/white-picket-fence, for more information. Season 2 coming on Nov 1.

    Bonus: Introducing Gravity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 3:16


    Introducing WMN's newest original podcast, Gravity, a show about what becomes possible when we look at hardships differently, hosted by Dr. Lucy Kalanithi. Join us to explore transformations around loneliness, the myth of the ideal nuclear family, climate crisis, and more. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    gravity lucy kalanithi
    The Work Ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 34:26


    To join a multiracial movement for women's equity, check out Supermajority.To join an online community working to bring women together and take action, check out Pantsuit Nation x Supermajority, GALvanize USA, or "Suburban Housewives" Against Trump. White Picket Fence is a Wonder Media Network production. Follow Wonder Media Network:WebsiteInstagramTwitter

    A Multiracial Democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 31:59


    White Picket Fence is a Wonder Media Network production. To join a multiracial movement for women's equity, check out Supermajority.To join a community working to bring women together and take action, check out Pantsuit Nation x Supermajority, National Domestic Workers Alliance, or ISAIAH/Faith in Minnesota.  To learn more about the ongoing fight for gender justice, check out the National Women's Law Center. Follow Wonder Media Network:WebsiteInstagramTwitter

    The Awakening

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2020 28:50


    White Picket Fence is a Wonder Media Network production. To join an online community working to bring women together and take action, check out Pantsuit Nation x Supermajority, GALvanize USA, or Red, Wine and Blue. Read up on the organizing movements sweeping across middle America, and the history of women's anger. Follow Wonder Media Network:WebsiteInstagramTwitter

    Moral Majority

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 28:27


    White Picket Fence is a Wonder Media Network production. To join a multiracial movement for women's equity, check out Supermajority.To join an online community working to bring women together and take action, check out Pantsuit Nation x Supermajority, GALvanize USA, or "Suburban Housewives" Against Trump. Follow Wonder Media Network:WebsiteInstagramTwitter

    American Dream

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2020 29:50


    White Picket Fence is a Wonder Media Network production. To join a multiracial movement for women's equity, check out Supermajority.To join an online community working to bring women together and take action, check out Pantsuit Nation x Supermajority, GALvanize USA, or "Suburban Housewives" Against Trump. Follow Wonder Media Network:WebsiteInstagramTwitter

    Legacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 30:42


    To join a multiracial movement for women's equity, check out Supermajority.To join an online community working to bring women together and take action, check out Pantsuit Nation x Supermajority, GALvanize USA, or "Suburban Housewives" Against Trump. Throughout the series, we'll make more resources available to listeners. Stay tuned for more.White Picket Fence is a Wonder Media Network production. Follow Wonder Media Network:WebsiteInstagramTwitter

    Prologue

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 7:52


    First and foremost, stepping up requires voting. Visit www.whenweallvote.org/wmn to check your voter registration and make a plan to cast your ballot.To join a multiracial movement for women's equity, check out Supermajority.To join an online community working to bring women together and take action, check out Pantsuit Nation x Supermajority, GALvanize USA, or "Suburban Housewives" Against Trump. Throughout the series, we'll make more resources available to listeners. Stay tuned for more.White Picket Fence is a Wonder Media Network production. Follow Wonder Media Network:WebsiteInstagramTwitter

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