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

Kamala Harris Dog Walks the Donald w. Akilah Hughes

Vice President Kamala Harris debated senile angry man Donald Trump, and Akilah Hughes joins to dish all about it. Then, Akilah tells us all about her new podcast, Rebel Spirit — required listening if you went to a school with a racist mascot. Finally, Sani-Petty (the WNBA needs kids clothes!). Show Notes Akilah Hughes: Instagram , Twitter , Rebel Spirit podcast Trump repeats the false claim that Democrats support abortion 'after birth' in debate ( NPR 9/10 ) Harris presses a more forceful case a...

Sep 12, 20241 hr 1 min

The Trump Slump w. Josie Duffy Rice

Josie Duffy Rice of What A Day joins while Alyssa takes vacation! The Harris-Walz numbers make us cautiously optimistic, JD Vance is scared of childless teachers (...?), and Nancy Pelosi is a political chess master. Then, Megan Gailey and Kara Klenk join to discuss “sharenting,” and the ethics of parents posting their kids on social media. Finally, Sani-Petty (Trump needs glasses, and the U.S. Open and the Paralympics can cure our post-Olympics depression). For a closed-captioned version of this...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 10 min

Michelle Obama and Other DNC Joys w. Sen. Mallory McMorrow

In news: Trump’s counterprogramming to the Democratic National Convention is a bust, and abortion’s rebrand to “reproductive freedom” is genius. Then, Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow and Julissa Arce join to discuss the party that is the DNC, from Chicago and the couch. Finally, Sani-Petty (JK Rowling has finally shut up, and white women can’t read the room sometimes). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.c...

Aug 22, 20241 hr 6 min

The Tim Walz Vibe Shift w. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan

Erin Ryan is BACK from maternity leave! She and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about American Dad Tim Walz, creep JD Vance (and his drag history), and how Trump’s relevance is getting drowned out by Democrats’ joy. Then, Lt. Gov. of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan joins to discuss midwestern vibes, her longtime political relationship with the new Democratic VP pick, and how she just might become the first indigenous woman to be an American state governor. Finally, Sani-Petty: Julia Child and Love Island USA ...

Aug 15, 202459 min

Samantha Bee on Tim Walz Deliciousness

Samantha Bee is back to co-host with Alyssa one last time! They discuss Tim Walz joining the Harris 2024 campaign, Usha Vance’s response to her husband JD’s “childless cat lady” comment, and more in news. Then, in Sani-Petty, Sam and Alyssa ponder RFK Jr.’s dead bear in Central Park (the brain worm is real). Finally, Alyssa interviews epic down-the-ballot candidates — Anna Thomas (of PA), Sarah Henry (of FL), Eva Burch (of AZ), and Dallas Harris (of NV) — about the stakes of their local races. N...

Aug 08, 20241 hr 10 min

Katie Couric on Weird Republicans and Team USA

Katie Couric joins Alyssa Mastromonaco for a chat about Kamala Harris fundraising (featuring white people on Zoom calls), the Veepstakes, and calling MAGA Republicans like JD Vance “weird.” Then, Katie and Alyssa answer YOUR questions, covering romance, the idea of interviewing Melania Trump, and everything in between. Show Notes Katie Couric ( Twitter/X , Instagram ) + her podcast, Next Question + her newsletter, Wake Up Call Francine Pascal, creator of beloved ‘Sweet Valley High’ books, dies a...

Aug 01, 20241 hr 11 min

Katie Couric on Kamala Harris, Childfree Cat Ladies & Summer’s Bounty w. Evan Kleiman

Katie Couric co-hosts with Alyssa Mastromonaco, diving into Biden dropping out of the race, Kamala Harris, potential VP picks, and misogynistic political media. Then, for some levity: Sani-Petty (Celine Dion! The Olympics!). Finally, Evan Kleiman of KCRW joins to talk about summer foods — fruit pies, preserves, cocktails — and cookbook favorites. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the nam...

Jul 25, 20241 hr 17 min

S.E. Cupp on the RNC, Conservatives and Hilaria Baldwin

S. E. Cupp (CNN contributor, Jeopardy winner) joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to discuss MAGA world’s latest: the mess of the Republican National Convention, Trump picking JD Vance as his VP, and the Pennsylvania assassination attempt. Then, they cool off with Sani-Petty. Finally, Alyssa interviews four fantastic state-level candidates — Mai Xiong of Michigan, Anna Payne of Pennsylvania, Sue Altman of New Jersey, and Averie Bishop of Texas — who offer us a glimmer of hope, talking about their campaign...

Jul 18, 20241 hr 5 min

Respect VP Kamala Harris w. Errin Haines & Dr. Karen Tang

Errin Haines of The 19th is back, co-hosting with Alyssa and diving into the recent media coverage of Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump trying to walk back his support of Project 2025 in news. Then, Dr. Karen Tang joins to discuss her book It's Not Hysteria: Everything You Need to Know About Your Reproductive Health (but Were Never Told) — which we OBVIOUSLY had to cover on the pod. Finally, Sani-Petty (Essence Fest and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are everything). For a closed-captioned...

Jul 11, 20241 hr 3 min

Turning Debate Anxiety Into Action w. Tre’vell Anderson

Tre’vell Anderson of Crooked’s What A Day podcast co-hosts with Alyssa Mastromonaco this week! They dive into the 2nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned, the first Trump v. Biden presidential debate, and the status of the Supreme Court’s rulings in news. Then, Hysteria producer Fiona Pestana joins to discuss the current state of anti-trans legislation — and what we can do about it. Finally, we’re feeling very sane in Sani-Petty. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here...

Jun 27, 202449 min

Our Dystopian Project 2025 Future w. Errin Haines & Deesha Dyer

Errin Haines, editor-at-large for The 19th, joins Alyssa to talk the latest abortion news, the horrors of a possible second Trump presidency, some hope for those with medical debt, and more. Then, Deesha Dyer talks about her new book Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble . To close, Errin and Alyssa get Petty. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the pod...

Jun 20, 202458 min

Trump’s Vice Presidential Roulette w. Samantha Bee

Samantha Bee joins Alyssa Mastromonaco to break down Trump’s Vice Presidential candidates, the latest in abortion news, the Supreme Court financial disclosures and Alex Jones liquidating his assets from Infowars. Plus Alyssa and Sam answer listener questions! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show Notes: History.com : Can the President and Vice President Be From ...

Jun 13, 20241 hr 4 min

Feckless Republican Behavior w. Samantha Bee

Samantha Bee joins Alyssa to guest host while Erin is out on maternity leave! They dish about Trump’s guilty verdict, Republican buffoonery, and the latest abortion news ahead of the 2-year anniversary of Roe being overturned. Then, Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan discusses working for the CIA, Congresspeople who aren’t “in it for the right reasons,” and her 2024 Senate race. Finally, Sani-Petty (what is Pride Month without Dolly Parton?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click he...

Jun 06, 202451 min

Bleach Blonde Bad-Built Butch Body™️

Trump doesn’t know what to do about birth control, we love Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Clapback Collection, Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker gives a sexist commencement speech — and Eddie Vedder is having none of it — and more in news. Then, former Teen Mom producer Kenda Greenwood Moran joins for a retrospective interview on the MTV show. Finally, Sani-Petty. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com ...

May 23, 20241 hr 6 min

Nikki Glaser on Tom Brady’s Roast, Being Childfree and Taylor Swift

Melania Trump might have coined “locker room talk,” Missouri Republicans want to keep child marriage legal, Bumble introduces AI, and more in news. Then, Nikki Glaser joins to talk about her new comedy special Someday You’ll Die , roasting Tom Brady, and, well, death. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show Notes Nikki Glaser : Someday You'll Die ( HBO ) CW: Death...

May 16, 202459 min

Eye of the Stormy w. Lauren Simmons

Happy 300th episode! Lauren Simmons (Texas State House candidate for District 146) joins to talk about what inspired her to run, her fight for a world-class public education for every Texas child and fighting anti-trans legislation in her state. Then, Michaela Watkins, Kiran Deol and Megan Gailey stop by to reflect on 300 episodes of Hysteria. Plus Shaniqua Mcclendon (Vote Save America) drops in to share VSA’s new initiative Organize of Else votesaveamerica.com/2024 . For a closed-captioned vers...

May 09, 20242 hr 34 min

Kristi Noem Is In The Doghouse w. Rep. Lorena Austin

Gov. Kristi Noem shot her dog — and might have shot her chance of being Trump’s running mate; Florida’s six-week abortion ban is now in effect; gender-affirming care is ruled constitutional; and more in news. Then, Rep. Lorena Austin joins to talk about abortion and how Arizonans can protect reproductive healthcare in November. Finally, Sani-Petty (how do you feel about polygamy?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcr...

May 02, 20241 hr 4 min

SCOTUS To Decide Whether States Can Force Women To Suffer w. Rep. Jasmine Crockett

California helps Arizonans seeking abortion and local trans kids; SCOTUS hears arguments on emergency abortions; and The Biden administration makes some healthcare moves (patients’ right to privacy, nursing home staffing) in news. Then, Rep. Jasmine Crockett talks Texas B.S. and her cheeky on-the-record comment about Viagra. Next, Kara Klenk joins to discuss how people often don’t understand when a woman is joking. Finally, a very passionate Sani-Petty (boy moms, please…). For a closed-captioned...

Apr 25, 20242 hr 34 min

Lie To Your Anti-Abortion Boss

A misogynistic tragedy in Australia, “abortion trafficking” and “coercion” bills in Republican-dominated states, North Carolina’s importance in 2024, and more in news. Plus, Sani-Petty (Nike Olympics uniforms make no sense, and Meghan Markle, leave the fruit jams to the experts!). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show Notes votesaveamerica.com Reeling From Mass ...

Apr 18, 20241 hr 5 min

Arizona Steals Trump’s Abortion Thunder

Arizona’s Supreme Court bans abortion, and Trump wants to leave reproductive healthcare up to the states, in news. Then, Tien Tran joins to talk about the NCAA women’s basketball championships and the rise in popularity of women’s sports. Finally, Sani-Petty (Jason Sudeikis, get out of here!). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Show Notes Donate used eclipse glass...

Apr 11, 20241 hr 13 min

Florida Abortion Rights in Retrograde w. Rep. Barbara Lee

Florida’s Supreme Court enacted a six-week abortion ban — but there’s a chance to protect reproductive rights in the Sunshine State in November; the NCAA women’s basketball championships are RIVETING; and, Dr. Heather Irobunda joins to discuss an announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding consent for “sensitive” procedures like pelvis and prostate exams. Then, Rep. Barbara Lee comes on to talk about her history of fighting for progressive policy, 2024 voter turnout, ...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 8 min

Mifepristone: Pro Life’s Pill to Die On

SCOTUS hears arguments for the abortion pill (mifepristone) case; TikTok is spreading misinformation about birth control; and more in news. Then, Dana Schwartz joins to discuss: are we assholes for speculating about Kate Middleton before she revealed her cancer diagnosis? Finally, Sani-Petty (lab results emails are STRESSFUL, and a Zoomer gave Erin a box of mayonnaise). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked...

Mar 28, 20241 hr 15 min

From Crunchy Mom to Anti-Vax w. Brandy Zadrozny

From Minnesota to Olivia Rodrigo’s concerts, Plan B is putting people in a tizzy; Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV proved to us that child acting shouldn’t be a thing; and more in news. Then, Brandy Zadrozny discusses anti-vaccine king RFK Jr. and the moms to alt-right misinformation pipeline. Finally, Sani-Petty (dirt makes the world go ‘round). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include t...

Mar 21, 20241 hr 17 min

Meet Me In the Middleton w. Milly Tamarez & Alise Morales

Women’s History Month continues with Equal Pay Day; Republicans compromise IVF and birth control access; LGBTQ+ hate crimes go up in schools as anti-trans laws continue to pass in places like Florida; and more in news. Then, Milly Tamarez and Alise Morales of Go Touch Grass (and formerly, The Betches Sup) join to talk about Kate Middleton, Sen. Katie Britt, and other stories taking the internet by storm. Finally, Sani-Petty (we love wildflowers and hate trucks!). For a closed-captioned version o...

Mar 14, 20241 hr 27 min

SOTU Couture w. Robin Givhan

Super Tuesday showed that the primaries aren’t going so super, Nikki Haley and Krysten Sinema drop out in their own special ways, the abortion pill becomes available at some CVS and Walgreens locations, and more in news. Then, Robin Givhan of the Washington Post joins to talk about the State of the Union and iconic political fashion statements of the past. Finally, Sani-Petty (where is Kate Middleton?). Show Notes Our episode on the Comstock Act: “Speaker Chaos and Zombie Laws” w. Chani Nicholas...

Mar 07, 20241 hr 14 min

GOP’s Frantic IVF Gaslighting w. Taylor Lorenz, Errin Haines & Princess Hairston

Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz joins to talk about her viral interview with Libs of Tik Tok. Then 19th news Journalist Errin Haines and filmmaker/activist Princess Hariston join to talk about their new documentary The 19th’s Breaking The News . Plus, Erin and Alyssa get into the Republican response to Alabama’s IVF law, Jill Biden’s new federal initiative, Olivia Rodrigo’s new reproductive health fund and more. Finally, a Love is Blind take down in SaniPetty. For a closed-captioned ver...

Feb 29, 20241 hr 28 min

Alabama Endangers IVF For Everyone w. Rep. Judy Chu

Republicans in Alabama, Kansas, and Florida attempt more anti-abortion workarounds by redefining “personhood;” ProPublica shows how Tennessee makes motherhood a nightmare; Nikki Haley stays on the campaign trail; dating app developers make Tinder addictive; and more in news. Then, Rep. Judy Chu from California talks about the Lunar New Year (we love dragons!), gun safety, and a new bill aimed at helping caregivers. Finally, June Diane Raphael dishes about Sister Wives, acting, and more. For a cl...

Feb 22, 20242 hr 32 min

The Artist to Influencer Pipeline

Fani Willis and Donald Trump might meet up in an Atlanta hearing; Joe Biden’s on TikTok; Republicans sincerely threaten a national abortion ban; Texas, Ohio, and Missouri deal with reproductive healthcare BS; and more in news. Then, Bess Kalb and Kiran Deol join to discuss being an artist promoting their work on social media (inspired by an article in Vox by Rebecca Jennings). Finally, Sani-Petty (Mark Meadows and…long boogers?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a...

Feb 15, 20241 hr 14 min

How Castration Might Save Your Life w. Cat Bohannon

Abortion laws cause birth rates to rise in Texas, the mother of a school shooter is charged, King Charles has cancer, and more in news. Then, Cat Bohannon joins to discuss evolution from a more female perspective, including but not limited to: corkscrew vaginas, castration, and blood sucking demon fetuses. Finally, Sani-Petty (The Brothers Sun, Law and Order, and…boogers-induced Alzheimer’s?). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please e...

Feb 08, 20242 hr 31 min

Taylor Swift Derangement Syndrome w. Anna Louie Sussman

Taylor Swift and Sunday’s Kansas City Chiefs win make Republicans stir in fear of a potential Biden endorsement; Trump must pay writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million after another legal proceeding; Texas AG Ken Paxton’s deposition was delayed; an update from Crooked's VP of Politics, Shaniqua McClendon; and more in news. Then, journalist Anna Louie Sussman joins to talk about the ideological divide between young men and women based on a circulating graph from the Financial Times. Finally, Sani-Pe...

Feb 01, 20241 hr 22 min