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

Salmon Alito w. Monica Potts

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the latest: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito doesn’t understand what the big deal is about accepting a free luxury vacation from a billionaire megadonor and not reporting it, SCOTUS is finishing up their session, and self-described misogynist and incel influencer Andrew Tate gets indicted. Then, Monica Potts joins to discuss her new book about women in rural America, The Forgotten Girls. Next, Grace Parra-Janney and Dana Schwartz join to discuss weddings...

Jun 22, 20231 hr 9 min

“I’m Going to Marry That Baby” w. Jill Gutowitz

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate Donny Trump’s birthday by covering his second indictment and mocking the ugly bathroom where he hid classified federal documents. Plus, why is everyone at the Young Women’s Leadership Conference full of…old and irrelevant conservative women gaslighting people into having babies? Then, Tien Tran and Jill Gutowitz come on to talk age-gap relationships: when it makes sense, when it’s actively desirable, and when it’s simply nasty. Finally, bad drivers and...

Jun 15, 20231 hr 4 min

Wife of the Party w. Rep. Becca Balint

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest union news and GOP nonsense — Nikki Haley and Harlan Crow, what are you doing? Then, Rep. Becca Balint joins to talk about fighting for queer rights in Congress and singing Springsteen during karaoke. Next, Juanita Toliver, host of Crooked’s What A Day podcast, and Shaniqua McClendon, Crooked’s VP of Politics, join to talk about political spouses: the good ones, the bad ones, and the…forgettable ones. Finally, some Sani-Petty (should we have...

Jun 08, 20231 hr 19 min

With Pearls, You Can Do Anything w. Samantha Bee & Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest news: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was bipartisanly impeached; Minnesota gets paid family and medical leave — and legalized weed; and Waystar-Royco merged with GoJo (we love you forever, Succession). Samantha Bee then comes on to discuss women in late night, stealing cars, and her new podcast, Choice Words. Next, we invite Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein and Halle Kiefer to talk about possibly the best reality dating show: The Ultimatum: Q...

Jun 01, 20232 hr 42 min

"Quite Bad, Innit?" w. Coco Khan

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Pod Save the U.K.’s Coco Khan to answer the question: which country is more of a dumpster fire, the U.S. or the U.K.? In the U.S. corner: E. Jean Carroll vs. Trump (again); the LA Dodgers inviting, disinviting, and reinviting drag queen nuns to Pride Night; and more GOP boys entering the 2024 race. In the U.K. corner: misogyny king Andrew Tate, a politically conservative downward spiral, and very expensive childcare. Finally, to recover from this t...

May 25, 20231 hr

Culture War Zone w. Jena Friedman

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate their 250th episode (!!!) by answering some listener questions peppered throughout the show! In news, we cover the abortion showdown in North Carolina, Philadelphia one step closer to electing its first female mayor — after electing 99 male mayors prior — and a new menopause drug. Then, Jena Friedman and Megan Gailey join to talk all things culture war, from Bill Cosby to “wokeism” to the latest Succession election episode that made everyone lose sleep...

May 18, 20231 hr 25 min

E. Jean Carroll, American Hero

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover a whole lot of creepy men — Trump is guilty in the E. Jean Carroll case! Republicans want to rid of no fault divorce! Texas Rep. Bryan Slaton and the grooming that is coming from inside the house! — and the importance of mammograms. Then, Crooked’s VP of Politics Shaniqua McClendon joins to talk about second chances, inspired by the article du jour: the New York Times profile of Elizabeth Holmes. Finally, in A Wildly Positive Final Segment, they celebrate ...

May 11, 20231 hr 10 min

All-American Rejects w. Karina Longworth

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the WGA Writers Strike — location of the wittiest picket signs — and the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial against habitual defamer President Donald Trump. Karina Longworth of You Must Remember This then joins to discuss her podcast and how she digs into the history of film, from Charles Manson to Fatal Attraction. Next, Kara Klenk and Michaela Watkins come on to talk about rejection in its many forms: romantic, academic, professional, platonic...the li...

May 04, 20231 hr 13 min

Exit Interviews with Hideous Men w. Rep. Lauren Necochea

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the recent departures of media men — Don Lemon, Tucker Carlson, Nate Silver, oh my! — and Elon Musk’s weird Twitter behavior before Representative Lauren Necochea of Idaho joins to discuss garbage abortion legislation, its impact on her family, and the current state of bodily autonomy in the U.S. Then, Jennifer Romolini of Crooked’s new podcast, Stiffed, and Megan Gailey come on to talk about p0rn, the female gaze, and the sexualization of men. Finally, ...

Apr 27, 20231 hr 11 min

Better Call Gerri w. J. Smith-Cameron

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the deflated balloon that was the Fox Dominion lawsuit, Meatball Ron (hate his evil 6-week abortion ban, love his hater donors), and the future of mifepristone in news. Then, THE J. Smith Cameron — aka, Gerri from Succession — comes on to discuss the Shakespearean nature of S4E3 (iykyk), being a “sex symbol,” and seeing fans in public. Next, Shaniqua McClendon and Tien Tran join to talk vibes: the good ones, the bad ones, the disruptive ones, the all-consu...

Apr 20, 20231 hr 15 min

"Don’t Therapize Me!" w. Senator Mazie Hirono

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the week’s news — which, à la Succession, is very Shit Show at the Fuck Factory — covering the Tennessee Three saga, Kid Rock shooting cases of beer because Bud Light likes Dylan Mulvaney, and Dianne Feinstein being MIA. Senator Mazie Hirono then joins to talk about Judge Kacsmaryk’s mifepristone decision and how that’s impacting abortion rights in our nation going forward. Next, Amanda Nguyen and Kiran Deol come on to talk gaslighting, boundary settin...

Apr 13, 20231 hr 8 min

The Clown at the Party

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate Janet Protasiewicz’s (and abortion’s) win in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, bag on dumbass Donny Trump’s arraignment mess, and ponder Boy Meets World’s Ben Savage’s Congressional run in news. Then, Tien Tran and Dana Schwartz join to talk parties: how to host, what to bring as a guest, and why asking “WHAT IS WHITE PRIVILEGE?” at a dinner party makes things…weird! Finally, some Sani-Petty (shoutout, Angel Reese and Bruce Springsteen! Boo, travel...

Apr 06, 20231 hr 5 min

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Slippery Slope w. Zakiya Thomas

This week, Erin Ryan co-hosts with Grace Parra Janney! In News, they cover another gun violence tragedy at a school in Nashville, proving yet again that we need gun safety to save our kids, not bullshit like book bans. Then, Zakiya Thomas, President and CEO of the ERA Coalition / Fund for Women’s Equality, comes on to talk about the 100 year fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Next, Julissa Arce and Kara Klenk join to talk everything Gwyneth Paltrow, from her skiing trial drama to her we...

Mar 30, 20231 hr 13 min

Beat the Bans w. Jodi Picoult

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the most important news — Hysteria’s Petty Brew Coffee just launched! — before getting into state-level abortion garbage (Idaho, Wyoming, what are you doing?) and patiently waiting for more Trump indictment news. Then, bestselling author Jodi Picoult joins for an interview on the latest book bans in schools nationwide, targeting her books for…really no good reason. Then, Michaela Watkins and Megan Gailey come on to talk about the controversial topic du jou...

Mar 23, 20231 hr 22 min

Fellas, Is It Woke to Bank? w. Parker Molloy

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco start off by discussing the Texas abortion pill hearing, where Judge Kacsmaryk wants so badly to ban mifepristone…get a life, dude. Then, Parker Molloy comes on to talk about anti-trans legislation, the coverage of it in the media, and finding hope in outspoken trans kids. Next, Hysteria fave Akilah Hughes joins Kiran Deol in the panel to discuss the various definitions of “woke.” To finish things off, some praise (shoutout, Alyssa’s jam!) and complaints (people...

Mar 16, 20231 hr 4 min

Six Week Bans Are Stupid w. Jessica Valenti

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into the latest reproductive rights news across the states with an EXPERT on this beat: Jessica Valenti, writer of Abortion, Every Day. Then, Amanda Nguyen and Tien Tran join to talk about sidekicks — oftentimes the forgotten heroes of stories! Finally, a little Sanity (good eggs), a little Petty (Ozempic is crazy, and Republicans know it) in Sani-Petty. Show Notes Abortion, Every Day (Jessica Valenti's Substack) Ramen Eggs recipe For a closed-captioned ver...

Mar 09, 20231 hr 8 min

Bernie Sanders: Grumpy Icon w. Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco start off with an AEAAA (Ask Erin & Alyssa Anything), answering listener questions about everything from environmental policy and running for office to harmonizing during carpool karaoke with the Indigo Girls. Then, Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is BACK as a special panelist with Megan Gailey to discuss the green flags in others that indicate that they might be a good person — and the difference between those flags online vs. IRL. Finally, a little Sanity (embrac...

Mar 02, 20231 hr 11 min

Don Lemon knows a Woman

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover some lighter news — Don Lemon being an idiot, Jimmy Carter being a legend, governors supporting abortion, Wisconsin election wins — before Julissa Arce and Kara Klenk join to discuss how to deal with the world being terrible. Then, the crew dives into their moments of Sanity (featuring good television on Peacock) and Petty (trying to get answers about your own health can be so annoying sometimes). Show Notes Alyssa's tips for what to do when the world is i...

Feb 23, 20231 hr 21 min

Pro-Choice, Anti-Choosing w. Khefri Riley

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco cover the lows (the train derailment in Ohio, losing abortion pill access) and highs (Gov. Gretchen Whitmer fighting for stronger gun laws in Michigan, Dianne Feinstein’s not running for re-election) of news before interviewing LA-based doula and co-founder of Frontline Doulas Khefri Riley about the beautiful world of birth work. Then, Tien Tran and Kiran Deol join to talk about decision fatigue, and we can’t decide who had better takes! Finally, a little Sani-P...

Feb 16, 20231 hr 20 min

Sex & The SOTU w. Dr. Heather Irobunda

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss some normal news (Biden’s State of the Union speech, the ratification of the ERA) and some gross, weird news (pro-life old man corporations, using brain dead women as…surrogates?). Then, Dr. Heather Irobunda and Megan Gailey join for one of the least horny conversations about the state of horniness vs. the state of beauty. Finally, a little Sani, a little Petty. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode...

Feb 09, 20231 hr 15 min

Women on Top w. Camille Friend

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dip their toes into a lot of news topics: South Korea’s birth strike, NYPD’s inability to offer justice to victims of sexual assault, Plan B vending machines, and bad cleaning products. Then, freshly Oscar-nominated ( Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ) hair expert Camille Friend joins to talk about her design process, working in the entertainment industry, and sharing her skills as an educator in her craft. Next, Julissa Arce and Dana Schwartz come on to discuss a...

Feb 02, 20231 hr 21 min

The Roe Less Traveled w. Rep. Grace Meng

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco commemorate what would have been 50 years of Roe v. Wade by discussing what abortion rights look like in the first year of its absence. Rep. Grace Meng then comes on to talk about the massacre in Monterey Park and its impact on Lunar New Year celebrations nationwide. Next, Grace Parra-Janney and Amanda Nguyen join Erin and Alyssa in wondering: are we annoying, and is that a bad thing? Finally, a little Sani-Petty. Show Notes Monterey Park Lunar New Year Victims ...

Jan 26, 202359 min

Cooking with Gas

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco start with all things news, from gas stoves and TikTok to Andrew Tate’s disgusting incel MLM (TW: rape) and the Idaho Murders (TW: murder). Then, Michaela Watkins and Kara Klenk join to answer the question: when should we give brutally honest advice to friends, and when should we hold our tongues and just be supportive? Finally, a little Sani-Petty — great if you’ve got a sweet tooth! Show Notes National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support For a cl...

Jan 19, 20231 hr 3 min

Introducing Radiolingo: “That’s Amoré”

We say love is love is love is love. And that’s true! But it’s also รัก if you’re Thai. Yêu và quý if you’re Vietnamese. And a lot of hard work no matter where you’re from. In this episode of Radiolingo, the sweet sticky mess that is romance. Listen to and follow RADIOLINGO for free, wherever you get your podcasts About the Show: Radiolingo investigates all the ways language shapes our world and how our world shapes language. Hosted by Ahmed Ali Akbar, an audio journalist and James Beard Award-w...

Jan 17, 202324 min

Burning Down the House w. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco dive into news, highlighting the nurses strike in NYC and two of their favorite Katies (Porter and Hobbs). Next, Rep. Pramila Jayapal joins to discuss the saga of electing Kevin McCarthy, what Democrats need to do to prepare for 2024, and her current book recommendations. Then, Kiran Deol and Megan Gailey come on to talk about Prince Harry’s memoir, family estrangement, and loudly airing your family’s dirty laundry. Finally, a little Sani-Petty, covering everyth...

Jan 12, 20231 hr 12 min

Nepo Baby One More Time

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco ring in 2023 with GOP chaos (Kevin McCarthy taking L’s in the House speaker vote, Matt Gaetz being funny for the first time in his life), great new California legislation coming into play (including more abortion protections and no new fur coats), and Idaho murder updates. Then, Tien Tran and Dana Schwartz join to discuss, according to Vulture, 2022’s favorite buzzword: nepo baby. Finally, in Sani-Petty, period talk, wholesome TV, and Movies. Show Notes Bash ask...

Jan 05, 20231 hr 9 min

Holiday Happy Hour w. Sen. Gillibrand, Hirono & Klobuchar

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco put on their coziest beanies and review this Year in Chaos, remembering everything from JLO changing her last name to the January 6th hearings and the raid in Mar-a-Lago. Then, Senators Amy Klobuchar, Mazie Hirono, and Kirsten Gillibrand join to talk about their favorite festive traditions, holiday recipes, and whether or not they’ll be drinking some ‘nog (spoiler: the answer is yes, and it WILL be boozy). Happy Holidays! Show Notes Senator Amy Klobuchar Senator...

Dec 22, 20221 hr 7 min

Burnt Out on Murder w. Jena Friedman

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are army crawling towards 2023 with the help of White Lotus, a hopeful reformation of the Electoral Count Act, and the schadenfreude of watching a crypto bro fly too close to the sun. Then, Jena Friedman and Megan Gailey join to talk true crime, from copaganda to genuine ACAB content. Finally, we close it out with a Sani-Petty — but with all Sani, no Petty, because we’re treating ourselves during this year-end chaos! Show Notes True Crime Story: Indefensible Not...

Dec 15, 202257 min

Bay Area Wrapper w. Rep. Jackie Speier

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Rep. Jackie Speier about her iconic political career ahead of her upcoming retirement from Congress (which, she assures, does NOT mean she won’t be booked and busy). In News, Erin and Alyssa cover everything from the Georgia runoff results (yay, Warnock!) to the Good Morning America host cheating scandal. Then, Julissa Arce and Dana Schwartz join to dive into getting the “ick.” Finally, a little Sanity Corner, a little I Feel Petty. Show Notes Walker del...

Dec 08, 20221 hr 8 min

Chief of Vibes w. Megan Rapinoe

Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco sit down with U.S. Women’s National Team soccer star and activist Megan Rapinoe to talk about the Qatar World Cup, pay equity and transparency, being a woman in soccer, and her and her fiancé Sue Bird’s shoe collections. Then, in News: Erin and Alyssa talk January 6th updates (summary: Find Out Season continues), rail workers’ labor rights, and recent Balenciaga scandals. Finally, Megan Rapinoe joins the ranting in I Feel Petty. Show Notes Soccer star Megan Rapi...

Dec 01, 202255 min