For our Season 3 finale, Brittany had no choice but to call up Thee group chat–The Machetes, an unshakeable sisterhood of women who bonded during COVID and haven’t let go. This week Brittany sits down with five of them–community organizer LaTosha Brown, broadcast journalist Cari Champion, co-host of The View Sunny Hostin, sports journalist Jemele Hill, and TheReidOut host Joy Ann Reid for conversation about community, sisterhood, and of course—where they got their name. Listen in…and hold on tig...
Feb 06, 2025•48 min•Ep. 110
It’s been 10 days since the inauguration—10 days full of executive orders, immigration crackdowns, dismantled DEI initiatives and general panic. This shock and overwhelm is intentional, but if we’re going to make it through the next four years…we can’t traffic in hopelessness. This week, Brittany speaks with activist Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, to talk about collective action, whether we’ll ever get gun reform, and how to build the “womansphere.” Plus: Brittany brings you this ...
Jan 30, 2025•34 min•Ep. 109
How do you make sense of a day that both honored Martin Luther King, Jr. and ushered in a president determined to demolish progress at warp speed? Brittany calls up two people equipped to do it: group chat members Dr. David J. Johns and Dr. Brittney Cooper. Together, they trace the origin of white obsession with “meritocracy,” the price the country has paid for the success of Barack Obama, the fact that more information does not equal more knowledge, and how we’ll survive this moment the way we ...
Jan 23, 2025•45 min•Ep. 108
Cori Bush is just one week out of Congress—so who better to tell us exactly what to expect over these next four years? In this episode, Brittany sits down with the activist and former legislator for an “exit interview” like no other: all about what her Republican colleagues really told her behind the scenes, why she still thinks public service is worth it, and what the new “radical Cori” will do next. Plus: a special report from environmentalist Leah Thomas on evacuating her LA home. Please cons...
Jan 16, 2025•40 min•Ep. 107
What do the election results and mass violence have in common? Among other things: men—angry American men whose path to radicalization seems to be moving faster and faster. Why is it happening? What can we do about it, both in our politics and in our own lives? And whose responsibility actually is it to fix all this? In this episode, Brittany speaks with journalists Anand Giridharadas and Liz Plank about the manosphere, who profits from it, and what should take its place. Plus: Brittany breaks d...
Jan 09, 2025•46 min•Ep. 106
Happy New Year! To ring in 2025, Brittany calls up the group chat—Dr. David J. Johns and Dr. Brittney Cooper—to hear their resolutions (crafting, joy, and a little “intentional silence,” among other things). Then, she sits down with Rev. Neichelle Guidry, director of the Sisters Chapel at Spelman College. No matter what faith you practice, this is a conversation to tune into, about radical politics, the roar of conservative evangelical values, and the power of quiet conversations. Stay UNDISTRAC...
Jan 02, 2025•38 min•Ep. 105
Donald Trump has made his cabinet nominations, and many have something in common: allegations of sexual misconduct. Has disrespect toward women somehow become an actual job qualification ? To make sense of the moment, Brittany sits down with Natasha Stoynoff, who says Donald Trump assaulted her when she was a reporter for People, and Eliza Cooney, who claims that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. groped her when she was a part-time nanny for his family. They talk about what every Senator weighing in on thes...
Dec 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 104
We all have mamas! And some of us are mamas. So why are onscreen mamas so often so…plastic? This week, Brittany invites actor and comedian Ilana Glazer over to talk about how they’re pushing back on binary ideas of motherhood in their own work. Together they get into Glazer’s forthcoming Hulu stand-up special “Human Magic,” their own parenting joys, and why onscreen fathers are always Homer Simpson or Tony Soprano. Plus: Brittany brings you this week’s UNtrending news on everything from the Blac...
Dec 12, 2024•37 min•Ep. 103
Everyone’s got an opinion about the media…and almost everyone has a complaint. But why, exactly? And what does the fractured nature of what we read and listen to cost us? This week, Brittany sits down with Semafor’s Max Tani, who breaks down how trust in the media has unraveled, what gender and race have to do with it, and the reason people are still fixating on why Kamala Harris didn’t go on Joe Rogan. Plus, this week’s UNtrending news: health benefits for sex workers! Follow Brittany on Instag...
Dec 05, 2024•37 min•Ep. 102
UNDISTRACTED celebrates its 100th episode! Brittany is joined by Alicia Garza, the activist and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Organization, to reflect on the past four years, the state of our movements, and to discuss how we can chart a path forward. Plus: Brittany talks about post-election news, including the state of Ohio’s Haitian migrant community, victories for the Working Families Party. And: a new report on school segregation, and a glimmer of hope in the Washington Spirit soccer t...
Nov 21, 2024•40 min•Ep. 101
Who saw last week’s election results coming? Among others, this week’s guests—and they have a lot to say. As we approach the 100th episode of UNDISTRACTED, Brittany checks in with legendary abortion-rights activist Cecile Richards, who was our very first guest, about her new project Abortion in America, and what’s ahead for all our rights. Then, Brittany speaks with journalist Paola Ramos about the far-right shift of some Latino voters— and the future of multiracial coalitions. Follow Brittany o...
Nov 14, 2024•44 min•Ep. 100
Just 36 hours after Americans elected Donald Trump — again — Brittany sat down with the people she most wanted to process this with: group chat regulars Dr. Brittney Cooper and Dr. David J. Johns. This is a conversation of righteous rage, deep disappointment, and total honesty. Follow Brittany on Instagram, Threads & Tik Tok @MsPackyetti Follow The Meteor on Instagram @themeteor and X @themeteor . Follow Wonder Media Network on Instagram @wmn.media , X @wmnmedia , and Facebook ....
Nov 08, 2024•37 min•Ep. 99
As co-host of The View, Sunny Hostin spends her time working with and speaking to a bipartisan audience. So how’s that going? With a week to go before the election, Brittany and Sunny talk about dividing lines, political surprises, and Sunny’s epic clapbacks on behalf of Puerto Rico and the people she cares about. Plus: Brittany decodes this week’s UNtrending News—and not all of it’s about the election! Follow Brittany on Instagram, Threads & Tik Tok @MsPackyetti Follow The Meteor on Instagr...
Oct 31, 2024•39 min•Ep. 98
Two years ago, Kaitlyn Joshua was desperately trying to obtain abortion care in Louisiana, which had enacted a severe ban after Dobbs . Today, she’s telling her story to anyone who will listen, in an effort to help turn the election. She took a pit stop to hang with Brittany and talk about her fight for reproductive justice in the South and the challenges women of color face in healthcare. And she knows: This is so much bigger than Roe. Plus: Brittany brings you this week’s UNtrending news. Foll...
Oct 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 97
With new accusations against Diddy dominating the headlines, Brittany sits down with Drew Dixon—who has shared her own powerful story of surviving abuse in the music industry. Together they get into the emotional toll of speaking out, the specific pushback Black women survivors face, and how Drew stopped living in “the fetal position” and reclaimed her life. It’s an inspiring vision of a brighter future for hip-hop and for our lives. Plus, Brittany covers this week’s UNtrending news. National Se...
Oct 17, 2024•49 min•Ep. 96
Everybody watches women’s sports…it’s true! Brittany talks to iconic sports broadcaster and host of "The Making of a Rivalry" Cari Champion about what all these new eyes mean for the athletes, and the league. Plus: a new report on the mental health toll of anti-trans policies, the October 7 anniversary of the war in Gaza, and the Country Music Awards Beyoncé snub. Follow Brittany on Instagram, Threads & Tik Tok @MsPackyetti Follow The Meteor on Instagram @themeteor and X @themeteor . Follow ...
Oct 10, 2024•43 min•Ep. 95
We’ve got company! This week Brittany is joined by the group chat to cover the week’s UNtrending news. Dr. Brittney Cooper and Dr. David Johns help us break down Hurricane Helene’s real impact…the latest on college free-speech moves…and the voter suppression tactics afoot in swing states. It’s a conversation full of our favorite cocktail: hard truths and hopeful solutions. NBJC Voting ToolKit North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Follow Brittany on Instagram, Threads & Ti...
Oct 03, 2024•42 min•Ep. 94
On this week’s episode, Brittany sits down with Maurice Mitchell, national director of the Working Families Party, and Georgia State Rep. Ruwa Romman, who wrote a speech we never got to hear at the DNC. Maurice talks strategy, Ruwa gets us inspired, and they answer that pressing question: What do you say to folks who still want to vote third party? Plus, Brittany brings you this week’s UNtrending news. Follow Brittany on Instagram, Threads & Tik Tok @MsPackyetti Follow The Meteor on Instagra...
Sep 26, 2024•49 min•Ep. 93
As Kamala Harris became the first Black and South Asian woman to receive a major party nomination for the presidency, Brittany sat down with Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Dr. Brittney Cooper at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. They unpack the highs and lows of this political moment, plus talk about what it means to be a Black woman in power. This episode of Undistracted was recorded live at “The Power Lounge” during the 2024 Democratic National Convention, hosted by Emerge and The Meteo...
Sep 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 92
It’s our first episode back! And Brittany knew who she wanted to talk to: Ava DuVernay, the visionary director who excels in “big-sister wisdom.” They get into everything about the state of the world now, from the DNC (cookout energy!)...to the way DuVernay’s most recent film, Origin, reframes the world…to why DuVernay wishes Democrats would get “a little bit more bare-knuckle.” Plus, Brittany brings you the latest UNtrending news. This episode is brought to you in partnership with PEN America. ...
Sep 12, 2024•43 min•Ep. 91
It’s a brand new season of UNDISTRACTED, starting September 12th! Join host Brittany Packnett Cunningham as she tackles and makes sense of the news of the week—the bits you heard about, the bits you didn’t , and what we’re going to do about all of it. A lot has happened since we were last together, so make yourself comfortable; Brittany’s got some extra special guests stopping by. Listen in, and let us know who you want to hear from! Follow Brittany on Instagram, Threads & Tik Tok @MsPackyet...
Sep 06, 2024•3 min
One year ago this week, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade—a momentous decision that has enabled 14 states to outlaw abortion so far. Host Brittany Packnett Cunningham knew exactly who she wanted to talk to about that, and in this special episode, she sits down with Vice President Kamala Harris to talk about the chaos, the confusion, and what the White House should be doing to help patients and providers now. They get into all of it: what the VP thinks of the “extremist so-called leaders” ...
Jun 21, 2023•29 min•Ep. 90
It’s been five years exactly since millions of people, most of them women, stepped forward to say #MeToo. What have we learned since then? In our season finale, host Brittany Packnett Cunningham sits down with Tarana Burke, the woman who started the movement back in 2006, along with playwright/attorney Mary Kathryn Nagle, and organizer/attorney Monica Ramirez. Their conversation is a reflection on our post-#MeToo world—and what we actually owe survivors. But first, as always, your UNtrending new...
Oct 20, 2022•49 min•Ep. 84
The floods, the hurricanes, the wildfires…if you feel like you’re living through a climate apocalypse, you’re not wrong. But it’s not all hellfire, says marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson—there are signs of progress if you know where to look. In this episode, the “climate futurist” sits down with host Brittany Packnett Cunningham to give our planet a report card from the point of view of science, policy and climate action. The results? Not what we expected. But first, this week’s UNtre...
Oct 13, 2022•38 min•Ep. 83
Congresswoman Cori Bush doesn’t have the usual political resume: no Ivy League alma mater, no law degree, no generational wealth––but she’s an organizer, a mother, a pastor and a survivor, and she’s brought all those pieces of herself with her to Washington. Host Brittany Packnett Cunningham sits down with Rep. Bush to talk about her brand-new memoir, her harrowing journey to the Capitol, and what it’s really like to survive in politics as a Black woman. But first, this week’s UNtrending news. N...
Oct 06, 2022•32 min•Ep. 82
What do Stranger Things, social media and sexual violence all have in common? They all figure into Derecka Purnell’s brilliant world philosophy about abolition—the effort to move beyond police, and the violence too often associated with them. In this episode, host Brittany Packnett Cunningham sits down with her friend, the writer and professor, to hear more. This is a conversation about scaling big ideas down to day-to-day practice. But first, this week’s UNtrending News. For more information on...
Sep 29, 2022•42 min•Ep. 81
The funeral is over. The pomp has died down. But the conversations—not just around the monarchy, but around the legacy of imperialism—continue around the world. So host Brittany Packnett Cunningham sits down with three women with different perspectives on the empire: writer Luvvie Ajayi Jones, professor and scholar Caroline Elkins, and the Meteor’s Shannon Melero. Together they get into what the queen represented, what people still don’t understand about colonialism, and their own families and e...
Sep 22, 2022•51 min•Ep. 80
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! And Julissa Natzely Arce Raya has complicated feelings. The author of You Sound Like a White Girl sits down with host Brittany Packnett Cunningham to talk about why some stories get told so much more than others—and what that costs us. You’ll hear about rebel cheerleaders, solidarity between activists, the pressure to assimilate, and what Julissa learned from her journey through Wall Street. Plus, of course, this week’s UNtrending news. To learn more about listener ...
Sep 15, 2022•45 min•Ep. 79
It’s all about the young folk this week: We’ve got Gen Z protestors disrupting anti-abortion galas…a student reporter holding colleges to task…and clever TikTokers lobbying for debt relief. And that’s just in the first ten minutes! Then, host Brittany Packnett Cunningham talks to school librarian Jennisen Lucas and author George M. Johnson about the new wave of book banning, who’s really behind it, and the lifelong damage it does– to students, and to all of us. Note: Read Talia’s Kantor Lieber's...
Sep 01, 2022•43 min•Ep. 78
COVID taught us a lot of lessons—or did it? With MPV (aka monkeypox) here in its wake, host Brittany Packnett Cunningham sits down with Dr. Monica Gandhi and Dr. David Johns to talk about what we’re getting wrong, the rise of homophobic disinformation, and why it’s still so hard for us to care for our neighbors. But first, this week’s UNtrending news. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
Aug 25, 2022•46 min•Ep. 77
