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

Katie Couric on the Primaries, Trump, and That Palin Interview

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the latest abortion news (the Biden campaign doubles down, and the March for Life happened this past weekend). Then, Katie Couric joins to discuss her interviews with Kamala Harris and Sarah Palin, the state of journalism, becoming a grandma, and all the things making us say WTF. Finally, Sani-Petty (did Greta Gerwig and the Barbie movie get snubbed?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please e...

Jan 25, 20241 hr 25 min

Nikki Haley’s Last Dance

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Nikki Haley and the Iowa Caucus, Trump’s latest E Jean Carroll lawsuit, and the state of anti-trans legislation in news. Then, Megan Gailey and Dana Schwartz join to talk about Ariana Grande, homewreckers and “the other woman,” and the way women are held to higher moral standards than men are. Finally, Sani-Petty (are we reliving John Tucker Must Die ?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please...

Jan 18, 20241 hr 19 min

“Shut Up, Bill Ackman” w. Rep. Anna Eskamani

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the fishy Fani Willis allegations; Claudine Gay, Bill Ackman, and Ivy League plagiarism for me but none for thee; Trump’s immunity claim and impeachment trial nonsense; a court ruling that hospitals don’t need to provide emergency abortions to patients in accordance with federal guidelines; and a bunch of other stupid bullshit in news. Then, Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani joins to discuss reproductive rights in the Sunshine State and how abortion access in t...

Jan 11, 20241 hr 26 min

Bad For America, But Funny

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco invite Julissa Arce, Grace Parra Janney, and Michaela Watkins to review the best and worst parts of 2023 and make predictions for 2024. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Dec 21, 20231 hr 14 min

Hating Dobbs and Loving Nogs w. Evan Kleinman

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover all the news that’s fit to bitch about: abortion legal nonsense in Texas and beyond, and grannies suing against AR-15s and combating Moms for Liberty. Then, Evan Kleinman of KCRW’s Good Food joins to talk holiday foods and recipes. Finally, Sani-Petty (George Santos, get OUTTA here! And, is it internalized misogyny when we yell at the Amtrak digital assistant?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, ...

Dec 14, 202350 min

Mary Had a Choice w. Jamie Manson

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco deep dive into Moms for Liberty — in light of Proud Boy Christian Ziegler being accused of sexual assault by someone with whom he and his wife and Moms for Liberty founder Bridget Ziegler allegedly had WWM threesomes (DRAMA!) — and cover a smattering of other stories (abortion in Texas, a roast of Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a toast to Sandra Day O’Connor, etc.) in news. Then, they interview Jamie Manson of Catholics for Choice about the intersection of reproductive ...

Dec 07, 20231 hr 16 min

Nikki Haley is Not Your Friend w. Sleater-Kinney

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the slew of sex abuse lawsuits coming out of New York, GOP idiocy, and the joys of Rosalynn Carter in news. Then, Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker come on to talk about how their political voices have grown over the course of their music careers and their new album, Little Rope, out January 19, 2024. Next, Naomi Ekperigin and Megan Gailey join to discuss overconsumption in light of the holiday season shopping bonanza. Finally, Sani-P...

Nov 30, 20232 hr 38 min

Direct Flights Only w. Sen. Tina Smith

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco invite Sen. Tina Smith to talk about all things progressive politics in Minnesota. Then, we get the gang back together: Kiran Deol, Kara Klenk, and Dana Schwartz celebrate Thanksgiving — the busiest travel week of the year — by sharing their worst travel stories. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast. Show Notes Sen. Tina Smith In hon...

Nov 23, 20231 hr 24 min

Chrissy Teigen on Abortion, Loss, and Why She’s Not Afraid

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the GOP’s delusional abortion takes in news. Then, you’re in for a treat: Erin interviews Chrissy Teigen and SisterSong’s Monica Simpson about reproductive rights and how they manifest in politics, in healthcare, and at home. The interview followed a roundtable all about abortion, which took place at Chrissy’s house in Los Angeles and featured leaders in the movement: Dr. Jamila Perritt, Kwajelyn Jackson, and Nancy Cárdenas Peña. Finally, some Sani-Pet...

Nov 16, 20231 hr 28 min

Abortion Wins, Republicans Lose w. Allison Yarrow

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco invite What A Day’s Juanita Tolliver to talk about the November 2023 election results, Gov. Youngkin’s malevolent villain teeth, voter suppression in Mississippi, and the latest, fear-inducing presidential polls. Then, Allison Yarrow joins to discuss her new book, Birth Control: The Insidious Power of Men Over Motherhood . Finally, Sani-Petty (what hot goss is coming out of the Barbra Streisand memoir?). Show Notes Mike Johnson: Everything You Didn't Know About ...

Nov 09, 20231 hr 19 min

Virginia is for Democracy Lovers w. Jennifer Carroll Foy

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco gird their loins and take you on a Tour De Election and break down the important candidates and ballot initiatives in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Mississippi. Then, Jennifer Carroll Foy joins to talk about her run for Virginia State Senator and the high stakes legislature election. Plus, Erin investigates the bad veneers plaguing the conservative party in Sani Petty. Show Notes Jennifer Carroll Foy For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here ...

Nov 02, 20231 hr 2 min

Speaker Chaos and Zombie Laws w. Chani Nicholas & Amy Sohn

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco remember all the House members who’ve fought and lost for the Speakership, revel in Trump’s attorneys flipping on him and do another abortion roundup. Then they’re joined by writer Amy Sohn to talk about zombie laws and the Comstock Act. Plus! Astrologer and activist Chani Nicholas stops by to talk about Scorpio season and how we can better understand our political state through the stars. Finally, senior producer Caroline Reston storms in to break down the USWN...

Oct 26, 20231 hr 29 min

Jim Jordan Gets Bodyslammed w. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco invite Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to cover the House Speakership mess and the Equal Rights Amendment in news. Then, Aparna Nancherla joins to talk about moving through the world as an introverted comedian. Finally, Sani Petty: stop growing alfalfa in Arizona, and witches, get it together! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast. Show No...

Oct 19, 202358 min

Anarchy in the GOP w. Rosie Grant

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest news: Sen. Tommy Tuberville doesn’t want the military to have abortion access; the House will soon vote on its new Speaker; RFK Jr. is running as an independent; and Ohio needs your votes. Then, Rosie Grant (@ghostlyarchive) joins to talk about baking recipes printed on gravestones — and eating them in cemeteries! Finally, Sani-Petty (pharmacies are swamped, and a couple lesbians are acting…racist). For a closed-captioned version of this epi...

Oct 12, 20231 hr 11 min

White Guy Makes History w. Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the news with Crooked’s VP of Politics, Shaniqua McClendon, diving into the Kevin McCarthy shutdown and ousting ordeal, Banned Books Week, and the Supreme Court returning to session. Then, California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom came on to discuss the work she does for gender equality and children. Finally, Sani-Petty (shoutout, Laphonza Butler! Katy Perry, what are you doing?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a t...

Oct 05, 20231 hr 14 min

Yes, Virginia, There Is An Election w. Tram Nguyen & Kendra James

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco answer the following questions in this week’s news: Why is business reporting so corporate-centric? Are Alabama’s Congressional district maps still racist? Why do women pay billions more for healthcare compared to men? Then, Tram Nguyen of New Virginia Majority joins to discuss Virginia’s November election and its high stakes for abortion, 2024, and more. Next, Alyssa gets into a back-to-school mood with Crooked’s own Kendra James, author of Admissions: A Memoir...

Sep 28, 20231 hr 21 min

“Join My Commune!” w. Sen. Lindsey Port and Anna Drezen

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the Russell Brand bullshit, the GOP’s obsession with Vice President Harris, and more in news. Minnesota state Senator Lindsey Port then joins to talk about the status of progressivism in her state, from getting people’s records expunged for silly cannabis crimes to starting her state’s Reproductive Freedom Caucus. Next, Anna Drezen (creator of Praise Petey, now on Freeform and Hulu) and Tien Tran talk about the art of the girlboss, loving your job and ...

Sep 21, 20231 hr 28 min

Masterson of None

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco get into John Kennedy’s horny speech at a Senate hearing, the United Auto Workers union, the impending end of federal child care funding from the pandemic and the Virginia legislature race. Then, Michaela Watkins and Megan Gailey join to discuss the Danny Masterson sentencing, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher’s character letters, and the church of Scientology. Plus, Sani Petty! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this ep...

Sep 14, 20231 hr 18 min

Listen Now: Choice Words with Samantha Bee

Today as a special treat, we’re sharing an episode of Choice Words with Samantha Bee from Lemonada featuring our very own Alyssa Mastromonaco! Each week on Choice Words, Samantha Bee sits down with people she admires to examine the biggest choices they’ve made in their lives and the ripple effects those decisions have had. Sam’s made a lot of choices, too. She may have to interview herself about starting this podcast. In the episode you’re about to hear, Alyssa joins Sam Bee to reminisce on a ti...

Sep 07, 202342 min

Recovery in Maui w. Mazie Hirono (from Pod Save America)

Alyssa guest hosts on Pod Save America and speaks with Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono about recovery efforts in Maui, and what we can do to help Hawaiians as they recover and rebuild. Listen to Pod Save America wherever you get your podcasts

Sep 04, 202311 min

The Patriarchy is Coming For You w. Shannon Watts & Zarna Garg

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco give the latest round of abortion news, from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court race, Ohio Issue 1 fuckery, and Michigan’s fight to undo its current abortion regulations. Then Shannon Watts stops by to discuss the latest episodes of violence, and white women’s role in the fight for gun safety. Plus, Julissa Arce and comedian Zarna Garg join to explore how leaving the workforce to provide care impacts your mental health. Finally we get petty about The Idol was cancel...

Aug 31, 20231 hr 19 min

On My Flowers w. Jenni Nuttall

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco use their news witch powers to make predictions about the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate (since we recorded this episode before it happened) before diving into all the places that loathe (Indiana, we’re looking at you) and love (Illinois, thank you for this) abortion in news. Then, University of Oxford professor Jenni Nuttall comes on to talk about her new book Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words — so we OBVIOUSLY asked her ...

Aug 24, 20231 hr 24 min

Dressing Up for Nature w. Alexis Nikole

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest news: racist, sexist, criminal former President Trump got a spicy new indictment from Georgia; menstrual hygiene products are only starting to be tested with blood…now?!; and Hawai'i' needs money. Next, TikTok’s favorite forager Alexis Nikole comes on to talk about her relationship with nature, how her practice has changed over time, and the foods she wants to pick next. Then, Naomi Ekperigin and Tien Tran join to discuss “How America Got Me...

Aug 17, 20231 hr 19 min

Buckeye Around And Find Out w. T.J. Raphael

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate the results of Ohio’s special election — which is fantastic news for the future of reproductive rights in the Buckeye State — in news. Then, journalist TJ Raphael joins to discuss her latest podcast, COVER UP: THE PILL PLOT, a crazy story about smuggling abortion pills into the U.S. in the 90s. Finally, we talk Ron DeSantis’ crumbling presidential campaign, And Just Like That, and the Alabama boat brawl. New episodes drop every Thursday. For a closed-c...

Aug 10, 20231 hr 10 min

Sneak Peek: Mobility, a novel by Lydia Kiesling

A sneak peek of the first book from Crooked Media Reads, Mobility, by Lydia Kiesling. Mobility is a gripping coming-of-age story about navigating a world of corporate greed that's both laugh-out-loud funny and politically incisive. The novel tracks themes of class, power, politics, and desire throughout the life of its compelling main character, Bunny Glenn. Vulture called Bunny Glenn “a complicated heroine for the ages, a striver who values the comforts of her oil-industry job even as she must ...

Aug 04, 202313 min

Wet Hot Arraignment Summer w. Evan Kleiman

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are together, in person, in Los Angeles (!) and mock the latest Trump indictment before diving into news coming from the Midwest, from Ohio’s special election and Wisconsin’s Judge-elect Janet Protasiewicz to backstabbing Rep. Tricia Cotham’s and concerning “prenatal care deserts” in South Dakota. Then, Evan Kleinman of KCRW’s Good Food comes on to talk about her TikTok For You Page, growing up in the LA food scene, and pomegranate molasses. Next, Megan Gailey a...

Aug 03, 20232 hr 32 min

Ladychild

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the possibility of a new Trump indictment, the Carlee Russell case, OBGYNs heading to Texas, and Barbie’s record-breaking opening weekend. Then, Julissa Arce and Naomi Ekperigin join to talk birthdays: getting older, watching parents and babies age, and proving to people that we’re thriving — we promise! — even when we have gray hair. Finally, Sani-Petty (Scott Disick is selling air freshener, and insurance companies are never not the worst). For a closed-...

Jul 27, 20231 hr 21 min

Abortion Provider Barbie

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco rave about the FIFA Women’s World Cup before discussing No Labels, the Long Island Serial Killer, and the latest abortion news in Iowa, Ohio, and beyond. Then, What a Day’s Juanita Tolliver joins to get nostalgic and talk Barbie culture — feminism, race in dolls, body image, the works — in anticipation of the summer’s hottest film. Finally, some Sani-Petty, from Flyana Boss to the inevitable fistfight in the GOP caucus. For a closed-captioned version of this epi...

Jul 20, 20231 hr 13 min

Jonah Hill and Other Wieners w. Jamie Loftus

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover quite the range of news, from important elections in Ohio that will decide the fate of abortion in the state, to the Zuckerberg / Threads versus Musk / Twitter dick-measuring contest. Then, Kara Klenk and special guest Jamie Loftus — who has copious hot dog knowledge thanks to her debut book, Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs — join the panel to talk about Jonah Hill and his “boundaries.” Finally, some Sani-Petty: we love Margot Robbie’s Barbie carpe...

Jul 13, 20231 hr 15 min

Time to Call Amy w. Sen. Amy Klobuchar

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the latest news — SCOTUS decisions are slowly coming in, and democracy shockingly hasn’t disintegrated yet, plus Trump is still an idiot — before interviewing Senator Amy Klobuchar about her new memoir, The Joy of Politics. Then, to close out Pride Month, associate producer Fiona Pestana joins to discuss the rise of anti-trans legislation over the past year. Finally, some Sani-Petty, featuring Vanna White, fireworks, and baristas. For a closed-captioned ve...

Jun 29, 20231 hr 10 min