Nancy Pelosi gets her caucus in line to advance a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint, opening the door to passing the infrastructure and John Lewis Voting Advancement Act. Then Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Kiran Deol and Dana Schwartz to discuss the traditions that COVID has spelled the beginning of the end for, and the traditions we want to hold onto. Plus, we meet Alyssa’s newest family member in Sanity Corner! Show Notes: Sanity Corner: Erin: Alyssa’s new cat Kiran: Making game...
Aug 26, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Jen Statsky stops by to talk about her Emmy nominated HBO show Hacks and joins the panel along with Grace Parra Janney to discuss the line between lived experiences and art. Then Paid Leave for All Director Dawn Huckelbridge stops by to talk about the infrastructure bill and the urgent need for universal paid leave now. Then Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the surge in Afghanistan foreign policy experts in the media, Governor Greg Abbott’s colossal failure handling COVID in Texas and t...
Aug 19, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Andrew Cuomo resigns, Governor Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis are destroying their states, and schools are daring to follow the silence. Then Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Michaela Watkins and Emmy nominated writer Akilah Green to discuss the phenomenon of the “ladder puller”, the woman who doesn’t hold her hand out for others. Then finally, in true Jeopardy fashion we’re asking: who is Mike Richards? Show Notes: Lucille Ball’s podcast “Let’s Talk to Lucy” https://www.npr.org/202...
Aug 12, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Amanda Knox opens up about writing her Medium post in response to the movie Stillwater , reclaiming her narrative and the power of vulnerability. Plus, Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Andrew Cuomo, predict his resignation to the date (news witches!), toast Cori Bush for her work in extending the eviction moratorium and roast Krysten Sinema for refusing to change her vacation plans for the infrastructure bill vote. Then, Rheeqrheeq Chainey and Kiran Deol join to discuss the Bennifer reu...
Aug 05, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss Simone Biles' choice to sit out the rest of the Olympics and the clout chasers trying to use her to get attention, and break down the chaos and pain swirling around the January 6th commission. Plus, Erin sits down with Senator Tammy Duckworth to talk about her newest bill that would give parents paid leave following a pregnancy loss. Next: Megan Gailey and comedian Nori Reed join for a cathartic conversation about the pandemic and give those ch...
Jul 29, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Astro and Theoretical Physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein about how racism and sexism has set science back, answers our space questions and breaks down the gravitational dynamics happening on the Bachelorette. Plus in news: Erin and Alyssa discuss Bezos’ phallic shaped journey to space, the raging opioid epidemic, and the child tax credit. Next, Julissa Arce and Kim Kelly join to discuss the state of the service industry and the growing cust...
Jul 22, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the Texas abortion bill that pits neighbors against each other, Governor Abbott’s threat to arrest Texas Democrats who’ve fled the special session on voting rights and the Democrat budget reconciliation compromise. Joe Manchin, you’re doing great sweetie! Then, Megan Gailey and Dana Schwartz join to discuss the 20th anniversary of Legally Blonde, its cultural impact and when ‘playing dumb’ can be weaponized and when it can be harmful. Then, why...
Jul 15, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the imminent doom of climate change and the frustrating burden put on consumers rather than the giant corporate polluters. Then Tien Tran and Julissa Arce stop by to talk about the controversy-riddled Olympics, the IOC’s outdated rules and how we can still support our favorite athletes despite it all. And finally, we’re obviously talking about Trump’s social media site getting hacked in I Feel Petty. For a closed-captioned version of this episo...
Jul 08, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the Senate’s agonizing infrastructure negotiations process and the importance of maintaining the care economy portion of the bill intact and reflect on the tragedy in Surfside, Florida. Next, Michaela Watkins and Francesca Fiorentini join to discuss Britney Spears’ testimony in court, and the 2000’s era that perpetuated a culture of complicity. Finally, why don’t colonoscopy shakes taste like milkshakes and other gripes in I Feel Petty. For a c...
Jul 01, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about the recent Supreme Court decisions and disappointing vaccination rate among the youth. Then, Erin talks to her hometown Senator Tammy Baldwin about the importance of the Equality Act and that Kamala Harris Senate dinner party. Next: the OG LA crew assemble to celebrate 150 episodes, reflect on the past three years and dispense advice to our listeners. Finally, who is the living embodiment of Paddington? Find out in Sanity Corner. Show Notes:...
Jun 24, 2021•2 hr 34 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Rep. Gwen Moore of Wisconsin to discuss the Senate’s recent establishment of Juneteenth as a National holiday, the best ways to celebrate, and what the fuck is up with Ron Johnson. In news: Erin and Alyssa discuss the Republicans' raging culture war against teaching critical race theory in schools, the Biden and Putin Summit and our impending climate disasters. Next: Tien Tran and Shaniqua McClendon stop by to discuss cause marketing and ...
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco are joined by Texas State Representative Nicole Collier to discuss what’s going on in Texas, from new voting restrictions to a bill banning most abortions to how to hold out hope in a red state. In news, Erin and Alyssa break down all the legislation that could be passed if Joe Manchin wasn’t so horny for our old institutions. Then Megan Gailey and Kiran Deol stop by to talk about the rise and fall of the girlboss. And: who are the two weird old dudes ...
Jun 10, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss how to mentally prepare for a very frustrating month in the US Senate, and the GOP’s not-so-subtle attempt to rewrite history. Then Grace Parra and Tien Tran join to discuss Naomi Osaka’s decision to step back from the French Open and tennis and the importance of putting your mental health first. Finally, which Mare of Easttown resident deserves their own spinoff, find out in Fight Club. Show Notes: NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness htt...
Jun 03, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Cora’s founder and Chief Branding Officer Molly Hayward about how to unfuck the feminine care industry, period poverty and why having your period is actually pretty metal. Plus, Erin and Alyssa discuss the dumb sword fight in the Senate over the Jan 6th commission and infrastructure, and the disturbing lack of education among Republicans. Then Megan Gailey and Julissa Arce stop by to talk about the Florida High School photoshopping girl's bodies in yearb...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Ilyse Hogue, President of NARAL Pro Choice America about the Supreme Court’s decision to hear an abortion case that threatens the future of Roe. Plus, Erin and Alyssa discuss the state of the House Republican caucus, Susan Collins’ concerning fundraising methods, and Letitia James’ criminal investigation into the Trump Organization. Then Grace Parra and Michaela Watkins join for a nostalgia filled conversation about high school prom, rites of p...
May 20, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Senator Mazie Hirono about her recent legislative victories, child care as infrastructure, and her new memoir Heart of Fire. Plus, Erin and Alyssa get into the Liz Cheney of it all, and the NRA is handed another blow. Then, Kiran Deol and Priyanka Aribindi join to break down their relationship to drama in relationships, politics and culture. Finally, Sanity Corner! Show Notes: Heart of Fire: An Immigrant Daughter’s Story by Mazie Hirono https:/...
May 13, 2021•2 hr 37 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco celebrate Trump’s ban from Facebook, discuss Liz Cheney and what we’re calling anarchy in the GOP, share their reactions to that scary New York Times story saying we’ll never reach herd immunity, and honor the teachers in their lives. Plus, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joins to discuss sexual assault in the military and why opposition to her bill to improve the system is melting away. Then, writers and comedians Lindy West and Kara Klenk stop by to talk ...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the upcoming Biden Joint Session address not to be confused with the State of the Union Address, breakdown the administration’s American Family Plan, get into the ratfuck NY Post story about Kamala Harris and casually wish Rudy Giuliani ill. Plus, Sophie Ackoff co-executive director of the National Young Farmers Coalition stops by to discuss the importance of the farming industry and how we can foster a new generation of young diverse farmers. ...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the three guilty verdicts in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Green New Deal and DC statehood. Plus Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, joins to discuss the uptick in gun violence headlines, the inner corruptions of the NRA and how to stay engaged with gun reform activism. Then, Megan Gailey and Tien Tran join to talk about the care economy as an essential part of American infrastructure, and what happens to a whole ass economy when ca...
Apr 22, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine halt, the increased health risks that anyone with uteruses face, the GOP’s missing empathy bone, and the brave men, women and children testifying in the Derek Chauvin trial. Plus, we follow up with labor journalist Kim Kelly about the Alabama Amazon union vote in a new segment called “Wait, What Happened?”. Then Rheeqrheeq Chainey and very special guest Michelle Buteau join to discuss what it means to be in the ...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco sit down with Hillary Clinton to talk about living history, NCAA women getting their due, media criticism, and her newest title: podcast host. Plus: Erin and Alyssa talk about the state of abortion and the newest republican attacks on trans youth, Kiran Deol and Shaniqua McClendon join to talk about Matt Gaetz-gate and the cycle of frat boy culture in powerful circles, and one host has a lot of thoughts about the return of Elliot Stabler to Law and Ord...
Apr 08, 2021•2 hr 32 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Executive Director of the New Georgia Project Nsé Ufot about her battle to preserve voting rights in her state and what motivates her to keep fighting. Then, we break down the flurry of Republican bills attacking trans youth and discuss the Washington Post temporarily barring journalist Felicia Somnez from reporting on sexual assault. Then Megan Gailey and Michaela Watkins join to discuss what summer is shaping up to look like and get petty abo...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk to Senator Amy Klobuchar about legislating in a time of obstructionism, what’s up with her and her friend Secretary Pete, and Minnesota sports. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood stops by to discuss the Health Care Affordability Act and Illinois’ hidden gems. Then Julissa Arce and MSNBC host and author Alicia Menendez join the panel to discuss the likability trap. And, after a tough two weeks, Sanity Corner. In word press please bold/underline! Show N...
Mar 25, 2021•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco toast Deb Haaland, our new Secretary of the Interior, chat with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried about Governor Ron DeSantis’ blatant corruption, and talk to Ambassador Samantha Power about serving in the Obama administration and the time she went into labor during an argument with the President. Then Tien Tran and Grace Parra join to discuss the rise of anti-Asian American hate crimes, global violence against women...
Mar 18, 2021•2 hr 38 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the newest COVID relief bill, plus a special guest roast of Senator Krysten Sinema from your friend Rheeqrheeq Chainey. Then Teen Vogue labor journalist Kim Kelly joins to discuss the Amazon unionization vote in Alabama and the history of women leading the labor movement. Then Kiran Deol and fellow podcaster Alison Rosen (Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend) join to break down Oprah’s interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Then Erin be...
Mar 11, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the recent accusations against Governor Cuomo, then kick off Women’s History Month by featuring two amazing women running for Governor of Virginia: State Senator Jennifer McClellan and Jennifer Carroll Foy. Then Priyanka Aribindi and Michaela Watkins join to discuss our money diaries and how the pandemic has impacted our relationship with money. Finally, Alyssa has a qualms with varying brightness on car headlights in I Feel Petty. Show Notes: ...
Mar 04, 2021•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco toast Deb Haaland’s strength as the presumptive next head of the Department of the Interior, and roast Ted Cruz’s performance as most clueless bitch in Texas. Then, Board Certified OB/GYN and Women’s Health Advocate Dr. Heather Irobunda stops by to discuss implicit bias and racism in the medical field and how she’s using Tik Tok to “empower vagina owners.” Next, Rheeqrheeq Chainey and Julissa Arce join to discuss the frustrations and trauma of navigati...
Feb 25, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco talk about what needs to happen before schools can safely reopen. Then, Rep. Gwen Moore returns to discuss Black History Month and state legislatures’ aggressive attempts to make it harder to vote. Then, it’s a double Hysteria birthday, when Megan Gailey joins to discuss the importance of reaching out to our elderly neighbors during a time that’s been especially hard on them. Then: Kellyanne! Again!?!? Show Notes: Make friends with some elderly neighbo...
Feb 18, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco discuss the first day of the second impeachment of former social media influencer Donald Trump. Then Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro stops by with some legislative hope! We discuss her two news bills that tackle medical and family leave, and the expansion of child tax credit. Next, Akilah Hughes and Tien Tran join to discuss the new Britney Spears doc, media mistreatment of starlets in the Y2K era, and what Valentine’s day means in the pandemic. Plus, the c...
Feb 11, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week Erin Ryan and Alyssa Mastromonaco break down the newest COVID relief bill, Marjorie Taylor Green’s nonsense, and inaugurate a new segment: Storytime With Alyssa. Then, Kiran Deol and Dana Schwartz join to discuss AOC’s heartbreaking instagram live documenting her story and trauma from the Capitol attack. Plus, Emily in Paris and more bad award nominees in Fight Club. RAINN 800-656-HOPE https://www.rainn.org/
Feb 04, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
