Hysteria - podcast cover

Hysteria

Crooked Mediacrooked.com
Political commentator and comedy writer Erin Ryan and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by a bicoastal squad of funny, opinionated women to talk through everything from reproductive rights to romcoms. They break down the political news of the week, plus the topics, trends, and cultural stories that affect women’s lives.

Episodes

A Pretty Penny w. Jennifer McClellan & Jennifer Carroll Foy

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the recent accusations against Governor Cuomo, then kick off Women’s History Month by featuring two amazing women running for Governor of Virginia: State Senator Jennifer McClellan and Jennifer Carroll Foy. Then Priyanka Aribindi and Michaela Watkins join to discuss our money diaries and how the pandemic has impacted our relationship with money. Finally, Alyssa has a qualms with varying brightness on car headlights in I Feel Petty. Show Notes: ...

Mar 04, 20212 hr 30 min

“What’s Up, Doc?” w. Dr. Heather Irobunda

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco toast Deb Haaland’s strength as the presumptive next head of the Department of the Interior, and roast Ted Cruz’s performance as most clueless bitch in Texas. Then, Board Certified OB/GYN and Women’s Health Advocate Dr. Heather Irobunda stops by to discuss implicit bias and racism in the medical field and how she’s using Tik Tok to “empower vagina owners.” Next, Rheeqrheeq Chainey and Julissa Arce join to discuss the frustrations and trauma of navigati...

Feb 25, 20211 hr 29 min

Better With Age w. Rep. Gwen Moore

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about what needs to happen before schools can safely reopen. Then, Rep. Gwen Moore returns to discuss Black History Month and state legislatures’ aggressive attempts to make it harder to vote. Then, it’s a double Hysteria birthday, when Megan Gailey joins to discuss the importance of reaching out to our elderly neighbors during a time that’s been especially hard on them. Then: Kellyanne! Again!?!? Show Notes: Make friends with some elderly neighbo...

Feb 18, 20211 hr 24 min

Pizza Shaped Heart w. Rep. Rosa DeLauro

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the first day of the second impeachment of former social media influencer Donald Trump. Then Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro stops by with some legislative hope! We discuss her two news bills that tackle medical and family leave, and the expansion of child tax credit. Next, Akilah Hughes and Tien Tran join to discuss the new Britney Spears doc, media mistreatment of starlets in the Y2K era, and what Valentine’s day means in the pandemic. Plus, the c...

Feb 11, 20211 hr 20 min

Disarming

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco break down the newest COVID relief bill, Marjorie Taylor Green’s nonsense, and inaugurate a new segment: Storytime With Alyssa. Then, Kiran Deol and Dana Schwartz join to discuss AOC’s heartbreaking instagram live documenting her story and trauma from the Capitol attack. Plus, Emily in Paris and more bad award nominees in Fight Club. RAINN 800-656-HOPE https://www.rainn.org/

Feb 04, 20211 hr 15 min

Stan Down w. Nithya Raman

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the frustrating news that the vaccine rollout may take longer than originally planned, and roast Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ bid to become Governor of Arkansas. Plus, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman joins to discuss how the pandemic has impacted unhoused and housing insecure folks in LA. Then, Michaela Watkins and Tien Tran stop by to discuss the toxic and unproductive nature of “stanning” politicians. Plus, is a 2021 Hysteria recital i...

Jan 28, 20211 hr 24 min

The Sweetest Hello w. Rep. Madeleine Dean

We are officially in a new era! This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Kiran Deol and Julissa Arce to rejoice in the moving and historical Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris...feels good to type that! Then, of course, horny for revenge, the gang each roasts a Trump administration official who they hope will ‘Fuck Off Forever’. Finally, Representative Madeleine Dean stops by to talk about her role as Impeachment Manager, and what to expect from...

Jan 21, 20211 hr 22 min

The Audacity of Dopes w. Rep. Karen Bass, Rep. Pramila Jayapal & S.E. Cupp

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco sit down with Rep. Karen Bass to discuss Wednesdays impeachment vote, and what it means for Trump’s presidential future. Then Rep. Pramila Jayapal stops by to roast her Republican colleagues for turning last week’s insurrection into a superspreader event. Then, Rheeqrheeq Chainey joins in to discuss last week’s coup and the violent, racist morons who deserve no sympathy. Plus, a bonus conversation with SE Cupp about the future of the Republican party. ...

Jan 14, 20211 hr 16 min

Fresh Hell 2021

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco try to manage the overwhelming happiness as they take in the Georgia Senate runoff election results was the original show description...until we had to re-record after all hell broke loose. Then Megan Gailey and Grace Parra join to discuss how the pandemic has changed their relationship with alcohol and dry January. Then finally, is it ok to call your baby, baby? The gang fights it out in Fight Club. Show Notes: Alcoholics Anonymous ( aa.org ) Substanc...

Jan 07, 20211 hr 11 min

Love in a Hopeless Place w. Nsé Ufot

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco toast the glimmers of goodness and roast the rainbow of garbage to come out of this truly trash year. Plus, Nsé Ufot joins Erin to discuss The New Georgia Project and the upcoming Senate Runoff election. Then Dana Schwartz, Naomi Ekperigin and Tien Tran join for a reflection on the year that was, and the silver linings that have sort of emerged? Kind of? Then finally, the gang fights it out, can we actually love Love Actually ?! And why are almost all ...

Dec 24, 20202 hr 35 min

“Dr. Jill, If You’re Nasty” w. Kirsten Gillibrand

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are pleased to tell Bill Barr to fuck all the way off, then they discuss the latest cabinet picks and the delicious Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg rivalry. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins to discuss the latest covid relief bill and her favorite holiday recipes. Then Michaela Watkins and Grace Parra stop by to discuss the Wall Street Journal’s attack on Dr. Jill Biden’s hard earned accomplishments. Finally, why are people whispering happy birthday to Mi...

Dec 17, 20202 hr 33 min

Vax-senioritis w. Judge Lina Hidalgo

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco breakdown President-Elect Joe Biden’s cabinet picks from the goodies to the duds, and Melania Trump crowning First Lady achievement, a White House tennis pavilion. Then, Harris County, Texas Judge Lina Hidalgo joins to discuss how she keeps a clear conscience presiding over her county, and what it’s like to have a Governor attack you. Next, Kiran Deol and guest Kara Klenk join to discuss what happens when lockdown fatigue turns into lockdown rage. Fina...

Dec 10, 20201 hr 23 min

Two Sacks of Trash w. Shaniqua McClendon

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco breakdown the clusterfuck happening in Congress as they scramble to pass a comprehensive covid relief bill. Then Crooked Media’s Political Director Shaniqua McClendon stops by to give us a post-mortem on the Democratic down ballot losses and what we can do to win the two Georgia Senate seats. Next Megan Gailey and Naomi Ekperigin join to discuss the surge in “pro life feminists” and what it all means for progress. And finally in I Feel Petty: how do yo...

Dec 03, 20201 hr 6 min

"Stuff It!"

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined at the virtual Thanksgiving dinner table by Grace Parra, Michaela Watkins and Dana Schwartz to discuss the difficulty of not seeing family this holiday season, the upside of new traditions, and what they’re grateful for. Plus, is Thanksgiving food the worst food of all foods? The crew battle-it-out in Fight Club.

Nov 26, 20201 hr 23 min

Big Loser Energy w. Dr. Celine Gounder

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the Trump administration’s unwillingness to cooperate with a transition of power, and Ivanka Trump’s loose lipped ex-BFF. Then they are joined by President-Elect Biden’s COVID advisory board member Dr. Celine Gounder to discuss the unprecedented spike in COVID numbers, the promising new vaccine results and what this all means. Next, Tien Tran stops by to breakdown what it means to be a big ol’ loser. Finally, in the inaugural segment of Fight C...

Nov 19, 20201 hr 13 min

Out of the Gloating Closet w. Rep. Katie Porter

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Congresswoman Katie Porter to discuss the house’s priorities now that we have a Democratic President-elect. Then Kiran Deol and Rheeqrheeq Chainey stop by to enjoy a sweet 45 minutes out of the Gloating Closet as they reflect on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ historical victory. Then, I feel petty!

Nov 12, 20201 hr 23 min

Clapping & Crying

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Naomi Ekperigin, Megan Gailey and Grace Parra to ask the following questions: What the fuck just happened? Are we happy, are we sad? Can we please stop sucking up to Republicans now? The crew parse out the facts of the election from their feelings as they navigate the latest nail biter election. Then, a much needed Sanity Corner.

Nov 05, 20202 hr 31 min

“I’m Speaking” w. Prof. Melissa Murray & State Rep. Mari Manoogian

This week on Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Professor Melissa Murray to break down Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court and how it will affect upcoming abortion cases. Plus Peggy Noonan is up to no good, but Fake Melania is back, and thank goodness! Then, Michaela Watkins and special guest, Michigan State Rep. Mari Manoogian joins to discuss the art of the clapback and why it’s so satisfying to watch women shut down men who are being assholes. Finally, what’s ke...

Oct 29, 20202 hr 38 min

"Just Win, Baby!" w. Elizabeth Warren, Candace Valenzuela & Caroline Rose Giuliani

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by an all-star lineup of guests. First, Senator Elizabeth Warren joins to discuss her education plans in a fingers crossed post-Trump world and lets us in on Bailey’s Halloween plans. Then, Candace Valenzuela stops by to discuss her race in Texas’ 24th district, and why we need more mothers in Congress. And then, Kiran Deol joins to break down Jeffery Toobin’s zoom faux pas. Finally, Caroline Rose Giuliani guests in I Feel Petty to discuss s...

Oct 22, 20201 hr 21 min

Judging Amy w. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco, decked in sequins, are joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington DC to discuss DC statehood, and her surprising connection to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Plus Erin and Alyssa dive into the Day 2 of the SCOTUS confirmation hearing, and break down the good Amy (Klobuchar) v. bad Amy (Coney Barrett). Then, Rheeqrheeq Chainey and Dana Schwartz stop by to discuss what it means to be a “guy’s girl”. Finally, what the fuck is a business beret?!......

Oct 15, 20201 hr 18 min

Confusions and Regrets w. Stacey Abrams

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Stacey Abrams to discuss her work combating voter suppression and her stint as a romance novelist. Then Grace Parra joins to discuss the COVID-19 infiltration of the White House and, relatedly, if shitty people deserve sympathy when bad things happen to them. Plus, Melania Trump fucking hates Christmas, and we hate that...in I Feel Petty. Show Notes: More on Stacey Abrams and Fair Fight: https://fairfight.com/...

Oct 08, 20201 hr 17 min

ACB, OMG, WTF w. America Ferrera, Julissa Arce & Rep. Gwen Moore

We’re still reeling! This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco react to Tuesday night’s debates and break down Amy Coney Barrett’s extremely un-Ginsburg-y judicial record. Next, Congresswoman Gwen Moore joins to discuss the GOP’s continued efforts to suppress the vote in the midwest. Then, actress and activist America Ferrera and Julissa Arce stop by to discuss She Se Puede and the why politicians should invest in the latinx community all year round. And finally we get petty, because it’s been...

Oct 01, 20201 hr 17 min

Ruth-less w. Susan Rice & Sen. Mazie Hirono

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are fired up! First they chat with BFF of the pod Sen. Mazie Hirono about the Senate fight over Ruth Bader Ginburg’s Supreme Court seat. Then, they’re joined by Alyssa’s ride or die Ambassador Susan Rice to break down how we prioritize and keep fighting when confronted with non-stop chaos. Next, Megan Gailey and Tien Tran join to discuss what RBG’s loss means. Finally, get high and watch an octopus, and other recommendations in Sanity Corner....

Sep 24, 20201 hr 11 min

The Revolution is Not Glam w. Sen. Tammy Duckworth

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Senator Tammy Duckworth about the military’s sexual harassment response program and Trump’s non-stop shit talk of our troops. Then, Erin and Alyssa unpack the disturbing news from ICE detention camps, and check-in on the state of the suburbs. Next, Michaela Watkins and Naomi Ekperigin join to work out our complicated feelings as we approach the apocalypse. Are we ok? Should we be? Finally, who’s got a plan to haunt Trump alumni like a living gh...

Sep 17, 20201 hr 17 min

Ring the Alarm w. Jane Fonda & Annie Leonard

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco tackle the latest GOP attack on abortion rights (cc Ted Cruz). Then Jane Fonda and Executive Director of Greenpeace Annie Leonard join to discuss their Fire Drill Fridays initiative and why climate change is a feminist issue. Plus, how to avoid “jam hand” and other fruit related advice in Sanity Corner.

Sep 10, 20201 hr 6 min

"Teach!" w. Rep. Ayanna Pressley

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Rep. Ayanna Pressley about how joy can propel us to November 3rd and beyond. Plus Erin and Alyssa check in with students, teachers and parents who are grappling with back to school season. Then, Kiran Deol joins to reflect on our favorite teachers and what British slang is wholly unnecessary. Show Notes: Do we have an Alopecia resource? Support Donors Choose teacher projects ....

Sep 03, 20202 hr 32 min

Hope v. Fear w. Sherenté

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Democratic Kansas legislature candidate Aaron Coleman and his history of abusing women. Plus: Don Jr’s oily eyes, and other unsettling sights of the RNC. Then, Rheeqrheeq Chainey and special guest Sherenté Mishitashin Harris ( @ sherente) join to ask the following question: what’s more powerful--hope or fear? Then, we explain what happens when facial injections go wrong in I Feel Petty. Show Notes: Donate to the Milwaukee Freedom Fund, which is...

Aug 27, 20201 hr 17 min

Cardi B. Anthony w. Shaniqua McClendon

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco break down Night 1 and 2 of the Democratic National Convention, from the unexpectedly good, and frustratingly bad. Then, Crooked Media’s Political Director Shaniqua McClendon joins to discuss the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment and what we can do right now to ensure all women—and all citizens!—the right to vote. Plus, Alyssa shares a little string theory in I Feel Petty. The vote. It’s important. It’s powerful. Michelle Obama keeps telling...

Aug 20, 202056 min

Sexism is Boring

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco react to Kamala Harris’ nomination for Vice President, from the historic nature of the ticket to the surprising news that she’s 5’2. Then, Grace Parra and Dana Schwartz join to discuss conspiracy theories, and why believers are such a crucial part to the Republican voting block. Then, why Joan of Arc isn’t a badass in I Feel Petty.

Aug 13, 20201 hr 3 min

Unfollow the Leader w. Rep. Abby Finkenauer

This week Erin Ryan is joined by Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer to discuss her successful push for endometriosis funding and her personal story attached to the cause. In news, Megan Gailey and Naomi Ekperigin talk low standards for the highest office in the land and why colleges opening to students just isn’t very smart. Then, fresh off the Ellen Degeneres news, the crew breaks down why we let some bosses off the hook, but demand accountability from others. Plus, is Baba Yaga the best monster in ...

Aug 06, 20201 hr 7 min