Erin and Alyssa break down the legal saga unfolding between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over the misconduct that happened on the set of It Ends With Us and the smear campaign that followed. They also discuss a historic breakthrough in the fight against medical debt, Meta’s twisted new hate speech policies, and how Democrats should deal with conservative BS in 2025. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked....
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min
The Hysteria team is off this week, but we're excited to bring you an episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. In this episode, Stacey talks to Kate Nazemi, a local education activist and parent, and Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, about the future of public education during a second Trump Administration. They break down Project 2025’s education policy prescriptions, the threats to the Department of Education, and what changes a ...
Jan 02, 2025•52 min
Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco say goodbye and good riddance to 2024 with help from guest panelists Akilah Hughes and Kara Klenk. They reflect on the parts of the year that kept them sane, from the Paris Olympics to the Kendrick-Drake beef. Then, they talk about holiday traditions and read out listener submissions about odd and wholesome ways to celebrate. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and in...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min
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. Supreme Court to hear challenge to banning TikTok in U.S. ( Washington Post 12/18 ) In reversal, key House panel votes to release Matt Gaetz ethics report ( CNN 12/18 ) The House has its committee chairs. Here’s what the selection means ( Punch Bowl News 12/13 ) Gillibrand Presses Biden to Amend the Constitution to Enshrine Sex E...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min
After the media storm (and internet thirsting) surrounding the UHC CEO shooting suspect, Erin and Alyssa make sense of the cultural response online and what this says about the rage Americans feel toward the for-profit healthcare industry, and whether we’re entering a new era of class solidarity… or of fame-hungry copycats. Then they discuss the rise of the Manosphere and whether the men of America are okay (spoiler alert: they’re not). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here ...
Dec 12, 2024•55 min
It’s no secret that we are angry about Trump’s win, but who and what are we angry at? Editor at Large of the 19th News, Errin Haines, joins Erin and Alyssa to discuss how racism and misogyny led to Trump’s win. They also check in on how democratic governors are bracing for Trump’s impact, and the latest news on disgraced Secretary of Defense pick Pete Hegseth. Finally, they feel petty about the new Bridget Jones Diary, but The Later Daters on Netflix keeps them sane. For a closed-captioned versi...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Erin and Alyssa are joined by producer Caroline Reston to answer your questions from the Thanksgiving mailbag. They dish on holiday recipes, strategies for navigating politics at the dinner table, and who they would cast in a hypothetical Hysteria movie. To have your questions answered in a future Hysteria Mailbag, join us on Discord: https://crooked.com/friends For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and...
Nov 27, 2024•40 min
While Trump is busy casting his cabinet and staff picks with former reality stars, Fox News hosts, sex pests, and even some of America’s Worst Women, Alyssa and Erin are here to keep you posted. They discuss the rights and wrongs of the women Trump picked and question who will even make it to the inauguration. Then they ponder the question on a lot of our minds right now: is it time to buy a gun? Finally, they discuss the ways to prepare mentally and physically for a second Trump presidency with...
Nov 21, 2024•59 min
This week, Erin and Alyssa assembled a super-panel with award-winning journalist Errin Haines, activist and author Julissa Arce, and comedian Megan Gailey. They chat about how things are settling post-election, from what it would really take for a woman to become president to the misguided logic of people who split their vote on abortion. Then, they sound off on a listener's question about whether to unfriend Trump supporters. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a tr...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 12 min
After a night of very little sleep and a heartbreaking Harris loss, Erin and Alyssa come together to talk it through. They give down-ballot updates for Congress, state-level races, education, and abortion measures. Then they get into their feelings and try to navigate where this leaves us and a path forward. 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....
Nov 07, 2024•53 min
Stacey Abrams joins Hysteria to talk about Georgia voters, the final days of the Harris Campaign, and what she’ll be watching for on election day. Then Erin and Alyssa dish on Harris’ final remarks, Trump on Joe Rogan, and where the hell Usha Vance has been during the campaign. Stick around to the end to hear a clip of Alyssa’s interview with Speaker Pelosi. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and inc...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 26 min
MSNBC’s Joy Reid joins Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco for the pre-election final stretch. They break down Ron DeSantis’ latest voter intimidation schemes, new data illustrating the consequences of Dobb’s decisions, and Trump’s never-ending mission to antagonize the Exonerated Central Park 5. The ladies are feeling petty about WNBA referees and JD Vance’s marriage, but luckily, Barack Obama on the campaign trail is keeping them sane. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here ....
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Are the 2024 election results written in the stars? Not quite, but Chani Nicholas joins to share what we have in store for the rest of the year from an astrological perspective. Then, a round of applause for Kamala Harris, who is nailing her media strategy and leaving no stone unturned. Meanwhile, Trump is barely functioning and abandoning his base in the desert. Finally, in Sanity Corner, Alyssa is loving Fresh Air, and Erin is feeling petty about climate change’s impact on seasonal fashion. Fo...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 10 min
OG feminist blogger Jessica Valenti joins Erin Ryan to cover the latest abortion across the country, from Ron DeSantis’ fascist abuse of government resources to fight Florida’s 4th Amendment to the dueling abortion ballot measures in Nebraska. Then, an interview with trailblazing abortion provider Dr. Warren Hern about his legacy and the future of reproductive care. Finally, a conversation with Senator Laphonza Butler about her historic term representing California in the Senate and her friendsh...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 19 min
The vice presidential candidates faced off on Tuesday night, and Erin and Alyssa have thoughts about Vance’s abortion nonsense and Walz’s better-than-anticipated performance. Then Erin takes us on the final segment of our Get In Losers We Are Going Voting tour to meet some incredible ladies running down the ballot. And this week, we are feeling petty that the rats of NYC got free birth control before we did. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this ep...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Erin and Alyssa go “back to school” to discuss voucher fuckery and other education issues on the ballot at a state level. Then, activist and host of Crooked’s This Land podcast, Rebecca Nagle joins to share about her new book, By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land. Finally, Sani-Petty (Chappell Roan’s refusal to endorse a candidate and not letting Mark Robinson’s staffer get away with this). For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a ...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Trump and Vance campaign language reflects Andrew Tate’s misogynistic word vomit; Republican Senators blocked The Right to IVF Act; and more in news. Then, Sani-Petty (Diddy is absolutely disgusting, and dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince is terribly missed). Finally, we talk to some incredible candidates that need our votes this fall: Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan, Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon, and Rep. Diamond Staton Williams of North Carolina. For a closed-captioned version of this e...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min
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, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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, 2024•1 hr 10 min
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, 2024•1 hr 6 min
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, 2024•59 min
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, 2024•1 hr 10 min
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, 2024•1 hr 11 min
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, 2024•1 hr 17 min
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, 2024•1 hr 5 min
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, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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, 2024•49 min
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, 2024•58 min
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, 2024•1 hr 4 min
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, 2024•51 min
