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

"Sup, Lady-dogs?"

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco breakdown Joe Biden’s VP candidates and the ensuing sexist media coverage of said contenders. Plus, they examine why there’s such an effort to protect extremely non-essential athletes and so little effort to protect extremely essential school and nursing home workers. Then Michaela Watkins joins to answer the question: are we bitches? Lastly, Erin dares question the deliciousness of a Dodger Dog in I Feel Petty.

Jul 30, 20201 hr 19 min

Exceptional Bitches w. Rep. Ilhan Omar

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar to breakdown why men think it’s okay to call a colleague a “fucking bitch”. Then Grace Parra stops by to debate the difference between being special and exceptional. Then what you definitely shouldn’t be telling someone on their period in I Feel Petty.

Jul 23, 20201 hr 12 min

“Take the W” w. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Kelley O’Hara & Haley Rosen

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco chat with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal to get some tips on how to gracefully handle being right all the time. Then USWNT player Kelley O’Hara and Just Women’s Sports founder Haley Rosen stop by to discuss why supporting women’s sports is the next step in total world domination. Then, a check-in on the jam scandal of our time in I Feel Petty. Check out and subscribe to Just Women’s Sports....

Jul 16, 20202 hr 32 min

Courting Disaster

This week, Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco bemoan the two most recent disappointments out of SCOTUS, discuss the tragedy of Vanessa Guillen, and give an update on Ghislane Maxwell’s ongoing journey to hell. Then, Dana Schwartz joins the suss out the song of the summer and the difficulty of standing up for yourself--asking for what you want, and when to speak up about not getting it. Also: the agony of berry picking, the ecstasy of Eurovision, and Alyssa needs a bland show to fall asleep to tha...

Jul 09, 20201 hr 12 min

E-mask-ulated w. Rep. Karen Bass & Alexis McGill Johnson

Hysteria is celebrating 100 episodes! This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Congresswoman Karen Bass to discuss Congress’s fight for police reform, and the on-going fight to ensure the right to vote for all. Plus, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Alexis McGill Johnson stops by to breakdown the Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion. Next, Rheeqrheeq Chainey and Megan Gailey join to ask the important question: why can’t dudes wear their dang mask!? Then, I Feel Petty!...

Jul 02, 20201 hr 25 min

Girded Loins w. Senator Tammy Baldwin

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin to discuss the state’s nasty political landscape and how to rise above and stay positive. Then Michaela Watkins and Kiran Deol stop by to explore and debate the responsibilities bystanders have to stand up to bad behavior at work and in life. Then, I Feel Petty! Show Notes: If you can please donate to our crooked.com/pridefund . All donations to this fund will be split evenly among the following groups:...

Jun 25, 20201 hr 10 min

Momentum!

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss how our government has seemingly given up on the fight against COVID-19 and Ted Cruz’s relentless search for a guy to fight actor Ron Perlman. Then Tien Tran joins to discuss how to process positive changes in light of continued setbacks.Then, Sanity Corner. Transgender Law Center offers legal resources to advance the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming people. Trans Justice Funding Project is a community-led funding initiative that ...

Jun 18, 20201 hr 12 min

History Defeating w. Kimberlé Crenshaw

This week Erin Ryan is joined by the Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum Kimberlé Crenshaw to discuss how we keep Black women’s names in the headlines, Black feminism and why intersectionality matters. Then Alyssa Mastromonaco, Kiran Deol, and Grace Parra stop by to talk about fighting racism in the workforce. Plus: Sanity Corner. Show Notes: To support Kimberlé Crenshaw’s work with the African American Policy Forum: https://aapf.org/support...

Jun 11, 20201 hr 19 min

Beyond the Hashtag

This week Erin Ryan, Alyssa Mastromonaco, Rheeqrheeq Chainey, Julissa Arce, and Shaniqua McClendon discuss the emotional impact of nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism. How do we advocate for police reform in a way that actually helps? What’s the difference between being a real activist and just playing one on instagram? And how can Kpop fans show us the way? And finally: Sanity Corner. If you’re able to donate, here’s how to support people and groups protesting polic...

Jun 04, 20201 hr 3 min

"You Made it Weird"

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco reveal their pandemic crush. Hint: she’s the Prime Minister of New Zealand and her name is Jacinda Ardern. Wait is that how a hint works? Plus Twitter is now (sort of) fact checking the President, so Mark Zuckerberg can f*ck all the way off. Then Tien Tran joins to discuss our weirdest quarantine quirks. Finally, a new segment: I feel petty!

May 28, 20201 hr 1 min

2020 Is Canceled w. Katie Hill

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to former Congresswoman Katie Hill to do a postmortem on a lost congressional seat, and how to get it back. Then, Erin and Alyssa take in the shocking Jane Roe death-bed confession news. And Kiran Deol stops by to talk about planning for the future and why the uncertainty might take a bigger toll on us than we think. Then, Sanity Corner.

May 21, 20201 hr 6 min

Cities In Dust

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the surprising ways COVID-19 could reshape the electoral map, plus TIME correspondent Molly Ball joins to talk about her new book “Pelosi” and the speaker’s unexpected penchant for chocolate ice cream. Then Megan Gailey stops by to breakdown the good advice from the bad advice. Hot tip: don’t wear a bikini to a wake! Then, Sanity Corner.

May 14, 20201 hr 10 min

K-hole

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco comb through Biden’s women fantasy league of VP contenders. Plus, CA-25 Congressional candidate Christy Smith stops by to discuss her campaign, and her priorities if she wins the seat. Then Naomi Ekperigin joins to breakdown the “Karen”. Who is she? And why is she always calling the cops? And as always, Sanity Corner.

May 07, 20201 hr 3 min

Beauty In The After Times

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the Tara Reade allegations against Joe Biden, and try to reconcile handling sexual assault claims when they’re against somebody who is suppsoed to be your guy. Then, Michaela Watkins and Grace Parra join to discuss their new quarantine routines, and challenge America to not give a shit about their roots. Plus, sanity corner!

Apr 30, 20201 hr 13 min

"We ALL Want Haircuts, Karen"

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the string of “reopen America” protests and their shameless ties to the Koch Brothers. Then Ziwe Fumudoh joins to discuss the rule followers, breakers and quarantine shamers. Plus, very special guest, writer Samantha Irby joins us for Sanity Corner and to thank God for Fiona Apple’s sanity-saving new album.

Apr 23, 202058 min

Las Lonely Ladies

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Emergency Physician Esther Choo about the stark reality of working inside a hospital and how she manages watching the daily Trump briefings. Then Dana Schwartz joins to discuss loneliness: how do deal, stay connected and even date! Plus a much needed Sanity Corner.

Apr 16, 20201 hr 8 min

She-Hulks of the Pandemic

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco bid a sad adieu to Bernie Sanders’ campaign for president, then speak with Wisconsin Congressional candidate Tricia Zunker on the democratic fight to reclaim the badger state. Then Rheeqrheeq Chainey joins the group to reflect on their own internalized and maybe not so internalized misogyny. Do we judge women because we have high standards or because we’re the real sexists? Then special guest Alex Wagner (Six Feet Apart) joins us for a Sanity Corner yo...

Apr 09, 20201 hr 12 min

Lean Out

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the staggering number of unemployment claims since COVID-19 hit the US, and protections, or lack thereof, employers are taking to protect their workers. Then Tien Tran joins them to relive some of their best and most traumatizing roommate experiences. Plus, a much needed Sanity Corner.

Apr 03, 202046 min

F*ckery Afoot w. Senator Mazie Hirono

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco go in on GOP fuckery and the Senate’s new COVID-19 aid package with Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono. Then Kiran Deol joins to talk about the economic effects the pandemic has had on regular people— from overworked nurses to underworked entertainers. And! A check in on those quarantine creatives masterpieces they promised themselves they would definitely start. And for dessert: a much needed Sanity Corner!

Mar 26, 20201 hr 16 min

The Good Hysteria

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco react to the political response to COVID-19. Then Megan Gailey joins them to discuss how they’re staying safe, sane and how not to drive your partner mad while we’re all confined in our homes. Then, a little Sanity Corner. Plus, Erin calls Naomi Ekperigin to check-in!

Mar 19, 20201 hr 6 min

Balls & Strikes

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Elizabeth Warren’s exit from the race and Bernie Sanders’ crusade forward. Then Megan Gailey and Hall of Shame hosts Rachel Bonnetta and Rachna Fruchbom join in-studio to tackle (pun intended!) the following questions: How do you reconcile being a sports fan and a feminist? Why is “stick to sports” a ridiculous thing to demand of athletes? Then as always our hills.

Mar 12, 20201 hr 6 min

Enemy Of The Perfect w. Katie Hill

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco wonder if Tuesday was all that Super and try to solve the mystery of the disappearing Elizabeth Warren. Then Grace Parra, Michaela Watkins and very special guest former California congresswoman Katie Hill join in-studio to discuss why Americans demand perfection from our politicians and how to keep moving forward when it feels like you’re in the middle of your worst case scenario. Then, a much needed Sanity Corner.

Mar 05, 20201 hr 23 min

Bye Harvey

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the moderators’ poor performances at Tuesday debate and get to the bottom of what the fuck is going on with Chris Matthews. Then Grace Parra and Kiran Deol join in-studio to parse out their feelings after the Weinstein verdict. Then as always our hills.

Feb 27, 20201 hr 5 min

Hustlers

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco ask the most pressing political question of our lifetime: Why is Michael Bloomberg? Then in a bio-coastal Personal/Political, Alyssa, Ziwe and Rheeqrheeq Chainey join to discuss if “hustle culture” is slowly poisoning our brains? Are we working hard or hardly working? And how does Elizabeth Warren find all that energy to text us so much? Then as always, our hills.

Feb 20, 20201 hr 5 min

There’s Something About Chivalry

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the New Hampshire primary results and implore the media to stop extrapolating national trends from Iowa and New Hampshire! Then Grace Parra, Megan Gailey and Naomi Ekperigin join in-studio to talk about chivalry. Is it dead? And did feminists kill it? Then as always, our Hills.

Feb 13, 20201 hr 16 min

IOWA: I Obviously Want Answers

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco tear through Trump’s lie-ridden State of the Union. Then Grace Parra, Megan Gailey, and Francesca Fiorentini join in-studio to process their emotions, resentments and cautious hopes following the Iowa caucuses. Plus a new segment! And as always our Hills.

Feb 06, 20201 hr 19 min

Fakers and Takers

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco investigate why Mike Pompeo carries around a blank map, and which presidential candidates received the most internet grifter endorsements. Then Rheeqrheeq Chainey, Tien Tran, and Grace Parra join in-studio to discuss the American Dirt controversy and when art is a cultural exchange and when it’s cultural appropriation. Then as always our hills.

Jan 30, 20201 hr 14 min

#NoFilter

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco take on the New York Times’ non presidential endorsements and the new Hillary Clinton documentary. Then, Megan Gailey, Kiran Deol, and Akilah Hughes join in-studio to discuss influencers and whether or not it’s funny or sad when they pose knee-deep in a toxic lake for the likes? Then as always, our hills.

Jan 23, 20201 hr 8 min

Lovely Beef

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about the beef that’s spoiling the week in Democratic primary news. Then, Naomi Ekperigin, Kiran Deol and special guest Laurie Penny discuss the beef between the royal family and those who dare defy it, and our collective beef with the ultra wealthy. Plus as always, our Hills.

Jan 16, 20201 hr 10 min

Little NoMen

This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco take on the new Harvey Weinstein charges out of Los Angeles and the GOP congressmen and women hellbent on repealing Roe v. Wade. Then Michaela Watkins and Megan Gailey join in-studio to discuss why men aren’t going to see films like Little Women and if we should even care. Then, as always our Hills.

Jan 09, 202057 min